Home is Big Sky Country

This Weekend I ......

2011-01-24T12:00:00.005-07:00

It's nice to take a few moments to recall exactly what I did this past weekend. Thanks to my blogging friend, Karen, for hosting this meme....

1.. Scraped ice from curb side while watching my grandson's delight in running through snow-melt puddles on the sidewalk.

2. Got reacquained with Bianca and Bernard in Disney's DVD of The Rescuers.

3. Was glad that my grandson became acquainted with other pint-size people in our church nursery...as I was enjoying my time in our worship service ;)

4. Enjoyed shopping for cards, books, DVDs and flowers for friends and family.

5. Finally cooked on my new stove --- eggs and an omelette for meals other than breakfast.

6. Received a lovely card of comfort -- and gift -- from a classmate and thoughtful friend.

7. Enjoyed another computer-free weekend.

8. Explained the what, why and how of my beautiful, 4-blossom amaryllis plant to my grandson.

9. PBS - Downton Abbey.

10. Shared an Elisabeth Elliot quote in church during our time of praise and prayer -- as a testimony of God's love during our times of grief and suffering.

My grandson Trask with cousin, Joe at Christmas.

Life as we know it

2011-01-06T12:43:00.003-07:00

Life as we now know it changed dramatically early in December 2010. My dear son, Kirk, was killed in a car accident as he was traveling from work to his home -- across the "Rims". This photo was taken at a friend's wedding in August, 2010. Kirk is joined here by his cousin, Bekah.

The outpouring of generosity and comfort to our family has been amazing....and my daughter and I have been able to lift our heads and enjoy peace, even while we grieve this heavy loss for our family.

Here is Kirk's obituary, which appeared in our local newspaper. It really states best who he was, and those people important in his life, as well as his pursuits and passions.

Summer Container Gardening

2010-09-02T15:22:00.008-06:00

While the ongoing "Boulevard Transformation Monster Project" is being worked on....I just have to have some beauty and inspiration to help me on with said project. I have two half barrel planters for the back yard. The first is on the south side of the garage, where, next planting season I hope to have a raised bed...since it gets the best full day sunlight.

The second oak barrel is on the west side of the garage, and is part of a 2-3 foot strip border of some flowers (but mostly weeds)! I have reclaimed about half of the area with rock and bark for the time being.

In the front yard, I filled the "tomato" container with a variety of lovelies -- this has been the lushest container, settled in a partially shaded area of the maple tree.

Other containers in the front yard are similar in mix of flowers (petunia, dusty miller, purple and peach verbena, white geranium...

...and, finally, my strawberry planter filled with moss roses and a green plant on top that replaced a short-lived gerbera daisy.

Along the east side of my property is a chain link fence, that I plan to beautify over time ;) This calla lily is being temporarily housed near the fence due to its all-day sunny situation.

My talented and handsome nephew

2010-08-31T12:15:00.002-06:00

Better late than never....here is my nephew, Luke, entertaining the family this past Christmas (trouble posting video here ;)

A summer visit

2010-08-13T12:14:00.008-06:00

We were blessed to have a visit from my nephew and his family from Colorado this summer. His son is such a cutie! He's playing with toys that were around circa early 1970s

....as is his older sister - enjoying a fudgsickle ;)

Mom, Dad and a Great Aunt and Uncle enjoy the backyard gathering.

...and a blue-bonneted Montana cousin to the Colorado cuties with another Great Aunt...

Spring Gardening

2010-08-12T11:42:00.005-06:00

Here are some photos of my spring container gardening -- lettuce, spinach and cilantro.

Our Montana spring was cold and wet. I relied on starting seeds indoors..when the indoor temps were barely warm enough to germinate. The other first seedlings in the peat pots are broccoli, daisies, and basil. I found out later, as I didn't mark them well as they germinated ;0

I caught the lilacs that grow near my back door....the heighth of my blue spruce tree on the east side of the house...and early leaves on the maple tree to the south in the front yard -- The Honda FIT at the curb was my Cash for Clunkers score from July 2009 -- LOVE it!

Newly inspired...

2009-11-04T12:25:00.002-07:00

Well, it took a few blog posts like Karen's to get me back to writing.

So, what has kept me away for so long...you may ask? One of the main draws has been Facebook...it's easy "like" button or quick comment -- who has time to think a matter through, and then construct a note or story?

Lest you think FB is an addiction....I have also been spending this fall enjoying daily, outdoor exercise -- and am enjoying the health and fitness aspects that walking, raking leaves or biking brings.

I've also been doing many landlady duties/calls regarding repairs and improvements...meeting new neighbors....serving friends who are moving in or moving out of new homes...fun Saturday coffee time with family...

This past summer brough several weddings and vacation travel -- a new car that I am thoroughly enjoying via the Cash for Clunkers program ---

and updates/connections from friends, family and coworkers who have travelled to or lived in Uganda, Tanzania, Malaysia, Phillipines, Bangladesh for a season or time...

This is what we do....

2009-06-01T11:41:00.003-06:00

I couldn't pass on this great news article that features the ministry I work with. I love the clear way that it is written, and the information it provides will hopefully prompt many more people in conflict to take this avenue....

(hat tip: our ministry president ;)

Let's Hear It For C-Span

2009-02-25T11:03:00.007-07:00

Last evening, I began watching the lead-in for the President's address to Congress -- on CBS. Yes, that would be lovely Katie Couric in the news chair.

Less than an hour before her coverage of the President's speech, on the CBS Nighly News, Katie's questions for David Axelrod and House Minority Leader John Boehner began grating on my nerves, but I wanted to hear each of their responses to her (poor) questions. The bad taste in my mouth was beginning to form...

I am still searching for her actual comments during the lead-in to the speech, but suffice it to say she made one-too-many nasty/caustic comments, and I chose to bail from the CBS coverage...so I had no idea that Katie continued with her weird comments and behavior after I changed channels.

"In the CBS introductory coverage of President Obama's first address to Congress, Katie Couric poked fun at Vice President and white male Joe Biden. "Nice to see a little diversity, with an African-American President, a female Speaker of the House, and there's the white guy," she said." (HT: Huffington Post)

Maybe this can be chalked up to my after-work mood, or the fact that I'd love to watch ABC coverage, only that station is fuzzy and hard on the eyes.

But, once more, I tuned into the wonderful C-Span network, where I could take in all the wonderful sights and sounds, minus the annoying commentators -- and actually use my own mind to determine what was happening in the Capitol that evening. I'll admit that immediately after the speech, I opted to watch my newest Netflix pick over Governor Jindal's response to the speech.

I'm sure CBS will not miss this one Montanan's absence during the evening news (oh, if only I could count on many more Harry Smith or Russ Mitchell nights); and I will miss Steve Hartman's Assignment America stories, but I'm definitely not watching Ms. Couric in the future.

BTW, Katie was not the only commentator to make a spectacle of themself - Chris Matthews also scored high in that category ;)

Book Meme

2009-02-17T13:01:00.002-07:00

So, dear Anne, of Palm Tree Pundit fame....voracious reader that she is, challenged her blogging friends to complete the books they've read, and would like to read.

Apparently, my best reading was done throughout my school days, according to this list...although if films or plays were included, my bold list would be much longer ;)

There are several of my unread books that I may get to one of these days...but who wants that stress -- what with the six or so I'm travelling through now

1) Look at the list and bold those you have read (films don't count).
2) Italicize those you intend to read.
3) Tag somebody if you like (Rebel that I am, I'm not going to do that. If you play along, leave a comment so I can check out your list.)

1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling (I just have no interest in these.)
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6 The Bible
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8 1984 - George Orwell
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
12 Tess of the D'Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19 The Time Traveller's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald (Will read this soon in Omnibus III)
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
34 Emma - Jane Austen
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38 Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48 The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding50 Atonement - Ian McEwan
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52 Dune - Frank Herbert
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68 Bridget Jones's Diary - Helen Fielding
69 Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75 Ulysses - James Joyce
76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal - Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80 Possession - AS Byatt
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87 Charlotte's Web - EB White
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
98 Hamlet – Shakespeare
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo

...There are also more than a few here that are unknown to me...so I may have to google them -- then check out my local library (or a close friend's :) as I have at least a year's moratorium on any new books.

Inauguration Parade

2009-01-21T13:28:00.004-07:00

Thanks to C-Span, I was able to watch portions of the Inauguration festivities yesterday while I worked. I had printed out a list of the parade entrants, so I was able to watch those I was most interested in -- like the representatives from the Crow Tribe, who live near my home in Montana. Obama had visited their tribe during his campaign, and was adopted into the tribe with the name "One who helps people throughout the land." The picture above shows the group practicing for the parade -- note the snow and the not-Washington DC-background...

Although separated from the Crow representatives, our Montana delegation (Senators Baucus and Tester; Representative Rehberg; and Governor Schweitzer also rode horseback and carried our state flag.

I especially enjoyed the Obama's smiles and waves to the delegation, as they appeared before the viewing stand about halfway through a l-o-n-g parade. Here is a link to that portion of the parade...

Welcome 2009!!!

2009-01-06T12:45:00.004-07:00

Well, my blogging hiatus is officially over. I have enjoyed seeing others take a break from their blogs over the Thanksgiving and Christmas season -- to know that I'm not alone. Saying that, I really enjoy those friends who regularly blog and look forward to what they share. My muse was defitinitely quiet for awhile ;)

This time has been contemplative and prayerful for me. My blog may reflect some of those 'aha' moments for just a time, or may be a lasting change for my life.

One example of this thought, is that I've felt that my blog writing follows my photographs, so there must be an event or I must take photos before I write. It has felt great to release that order -- saying the first of many good 'nays' to routine things.

Another example, is, although I live a pretty simple life by today's standard, I've noticed that I no longer cope with even regular stress well lately -- and have found continuing peace and contentment important to maintain - again saying 'nay' to invitations to events, people's requests for help, etc....it became clearer that I am more of a 'people pleaser' than I admitted to myself or others, which always puts additional pressure to perform.

One blogger friend says that for the past two years, she has begun the new year with a word or phrase - e.g. 'God is faithful' her first year, and 'purposeful' for this year; and then, to be mindful of those terms and their life impact throughout her year.

So, for 2009, my hope is that I will 'Wait upon God's grace'....through the years I have learned a lot about the blessings of obedience to 'wait', but I would like to be able to be mindful of those instances or happenings, and then to rejoice -- even through the waiting time...Thanks, Karen! You are an inspiration to me.

Simple Woman's Daybook - November 17th

2008-11-17T10:54:00.004-07:00

Please visit Peggy's (The original Simple Woman) blog and leave a comment if you'd like...I'm sure she would appreciate it.

For this day......

Outside My Window......an eerie, white-gray fog resting over the valley, giving the illusion of quiet and closeness.

I am thinking......that the Lord continuously surprises me by answered prayers for our families' temporal needs -- and I'm pleased that after many years I can still be surprised -- hopefully that means I don't take His goodness for granted all the time...

I am thankful for.... a specific answered prayer for a new tenant -- someone I've known for years, and that this new home will be a blessing for him, and bring peace to his extended family...and for the current tenant's weekend cleaning of the apartment - whew!! I did not want to have to take that on over the Thanksgiving holiday :)

From the kitchen... Bertoli for guests this evening, orange rolls, an iced, butter cake for dessert that I made on Saturday....

I am wearing... Red shirt with khaki pants, tan sweater -- just the right outfit for a cold Monday.

I am creating...budding friendships with co-workers and visitors at our ministry...

I am reading... How People Change by Paul Tripp and Tim Lane.

I am hoping... to make sense of a co-worker's bank reconciliation spreadsheet this week, and complete at least a month or two before training part deux on Friday....and to be productive in getting this year's records ready for the auditors :)

I am hearing... keyboard tapping, CPU humming, -- another nice, quiet Monday morning...

Around the house... A few stacks of books calling my name to complete reading them...the never-ending organization and culling of memorabilia and paper stuff...

One of my favorite things... Seeing the learning growth of a special young boy named Ryan, and watching the world through his eyes this past Saturday - having his help with the bird feeder and leaf collection....

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Making reservations for our annual Christmas ladies brunch -- a state football playoff game on Saturday for my alma mater Rams...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:Friends from a mission in Uganda - during a recent visit to our church and the U.S. - helping us sing a praise song in Karamajong: “Aiokini ayoŋ akisyon ke Ekapolon ŋikaru ka ŋikaru
[I will sing of the mercies of the Lord, forever,]
Aiokini, aiokini
[I will sing, I will sing]
Aiokini ayoŋ akisyon ke Ekapolon ŋikaru ka ŋikaru
[I will sing of the mercies of the Lord, forever]
Aiokini ayoŋ akisyon ke Ekapolon
[I will sing of the mercies of the Lord.]”

Simple Woman's Daybook - November 10th

2008-11-10T11:34:00.003-07:00

Please visit Peggy's (The original Simple Woman) blog and leave a comment if you'd like...I'm sure she would appreciate it.

For this day......

Outside My Window... rain-filled clouds in the east - with a hopeful tinge of blue sky in the west, wet pavement and streets from this morning's rain.

I am thinking......that I will need the Lord's strength and wisdom this week to accomplish all my tasks -- that 'crunch time' awareness when my plate is already full...

I am thankful for.... a tasty Sunday lunch and visit with my niece, Anna...

From the kitchen... More homegrown tomatoes, Gala apples, red grapes, Bertoli Chicken Parmiagiana leftovers....

I am wearing... Black and white striped shirt, black pants and shoes - and white sweater....

I am creating... ... a rental agreement :)

I am reading... Radical Womanhood by Carolyn McCulley.

I am hoping... to be faithful in all the details at work and at home....

I am hearing... keyboard tapping, CPU humming, -- a nice, quiet morning...

Around the house... Clean, clean, clean because I've been showing my apartment for those interested in my duplex apartment...New furnace!!!!!

One of my favorite things... Sunday's sermon by Pastor Jason on Galatians 4....

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Continuing to do all the fun landlady things to get my duplex rented by December 1st -- emailing some motherly advice for an upcoming baby shower...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:Janice and Danielle - the first place winners in a recent office competition....

Simple Woman's Daybook - November 3rd

2008-11-03T13:30:00.004-07:00

For this day......

Outside My Window... a beautiful blue, and sunny Montana sky.

I am thinking... that the time change and I are friends; only two days into it, but I'm rising earlier and getting a jump on my work...

I am thankful for.... a friend who wants to help me clean and organize our church's food pantry...

From the kitchen... More homegrown tomatoes, Gala apples, red grapes, the remainder of the Harvest bundt cake from Saturday, teriyaki chicken.

I am wearing... Magenta blouse, black pants and shoes (I think this is a repeat from a past Monday post -- how funny!!!)

I am creating... less piles of paper on my desk -- or maybe they're just getting rearranged...

I am reading... Running Scared (Fear, Worry, and the God of rest) by Edward T. Welch...

I am hoping... to mow and rake the lawn this afternoon, as I should be able to leave work earlier than dusk....

I am hearing... conversations, keyboard tapping, CPU humming, and whatever slight ringing is affecting my ears today :)

Around the house... Piano sheet music that is sorted and ready for one or more new homes...

One of my favorite things... An audio clip of my grandson's voice on my cell phone - taken while he was standing on their living room chair and looking out the window. I swear he says grandma....

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Furnace installers on Thursday - WOO HOO!!! Doing all the fun landlady things to get my duplex rented by December 1st -- looking forward to my next Netflix arriving tomorrow -- it may be my choice over election returns :)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:David's youngest brother, Will, actually won my Harvest Cake, during Friday evening's Cake Walk, but it was too heavy for him to carry :)

John Wayne's Delight

2008-10-28T13:10:00.003-06:00

So, a recent blog post here, mentioned me enjoying "John Wayne's Delight," and I received a comment regarding the recipe's title. I know that I asked the same question of the lady who brought it to a friend's baby shower (over 20 years ago...)so my secondhand knowledge may be faulty here...

What I recall, is that this book had recently been published. The book was on stereotypes of masculinity...and John Wayne epitomized masculinity in many people's minds. At this point, I'll leave it to the reader to either follow that train of thought, or provide their own knowledge or conjecture on why this quiche has this name:)

Anyway, I loved this quiche from the first time I tasted it, and it has been enjoyed by family and friends for the past 20+ years.

Did I mention it is very easy to make? Here is the recipe if you are interested:

John Wayne's Delight

2 (4 oz.) cans chopped green chilies (I prefer mild ones)
1 lb. grated cheddar cheese*
1 lb. grated Monterey Jack cheese*
4 eggs, separated
1 Tablespoon flour
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 diced tomatoes

(* this last time, I used a bagged mixture of grated colby and M Jack cheeses)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In large bowl mix grated cheese and chilies together, put in a buttered 9x13 inch pan. Separate eggs. Mix yolks, evaporated milk, flour, salt and pepper. Beat egg whites until peaks form. Fold into yolk mixture. Put over cheese mixture, and fold egg mixture into cheese. Bake 30 minutes. Put diced tomatoes on top and bake another 30 minutes.TAAAA DAHHHHH!!!! Especially for you, Karen :)

Simple Woman's Daybook - October 27th

2008-10-27T23:02:00.004-06:00

Outside My Window... It is dark -- I think this is the latest I've ever posted this meme.

I am thinking... How beautiful the autumn season is -- changing colors, cooler temps...

I am thankful for.... Family reconciliation -- or, at least, the seeds of such --

From the kitchen... More Dirty dishes....an empty bottle of wine -- leftovers to be used for tomorrow's lunch...

I am wearing... My blue Denver pullover with pajama bottoms...a real fashion statement.

I am creating... frienships and fellowships that last...

I am reading... More of When Women and Mountains Meet: Adverntures in the White Mountains by Julie Boardman, and marveling at bold and courageous women of the past.

I am hoping... to find a tenant by December 1st.

I am hearing... intermittent traffic outside my home -- and the hum of the CPU inside -- general, late-night house creaks.

Around the house... The quiet before the storm ????

One of my favorite things... Raking my maple autumn leaves -- the second of many times until the city comes to clear them away :)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: ...A friend is in town -- hopefully some visiting with him...One last mowing, as we have several days in the 60s... Reformation Party at church on Friday -- look forward to introducing a new friend to that tradition -- finishing one or more of the books I've been reading...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:My grandfather, Theodore and his cousin, Casper circa 1910....

Simple Woman's Daybook - October 20th

2008-10-20T12:40:00.004-06:00

Outside My Window... Cloudy sky -- with the morning fog or haze finally lifting over the valley.

I am thinking... How blessed I am to be in generally good physical health -- lately there have been many stories of cancer, brain and spine trauma that I have been praying for...

I am thankful for.... The generosity of the body of Christ in times of need...

From the kitchen... Dirty dishes....homemade food depleted over the weekend -- leftover pizza :)

I am wearing... Brown pants, blue blouse and tan sweater -- nylon knee highs with black shoes...

I am creating... a notebook of my photo CDs....

I am reading... Snippets of Red State Rebels, edited by Joshua Frank and Jeffrey St. Clair...

I am hoping... to receive an estimate for my tenant's furnace problem this week....

I am hearing... the voices of my accounting cohorts -- keyboard tapping...

Around the house... Trask's toys in the kitchen -- ongoing culling of stuff -- quiet and calm...

One of my favorite things... Driving to and from church with special lady friends from church..

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Meeting with the heating installer tomorrow -- also a bridal shower that evening - Wednesday ladies' brown bag lunch with a peacemaking friend from Kenya... Yark clean up from last week's snowstorm -- raking maple leaves :)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:Yes, he does have that look in his eye :)

Please visit Peggy's (The original Simple Woman) blog and leave a comment if you'd like...I'm sure she would appreciate it.

Simple Woman's Daybook - October 13th

2008-10-13T11:23:00.003-06:00

Please visit Peggy's (The original Simple Woman) blog and leave a comment if you'd like...I'm sure she would appreciate it.

Outside My Window... Snow! Lots and lots of snow...drooping maple tree branches -- cloudy sky -- windy weather.

I am thinking... that this was the largest snowfall for an October weekend in recent history...

I am thankful for.... Gas heat, warm wool socks, Netflix selections....HBO's John Adams (part one) and lots of Good Earth tea -- link sausage and bagels - and an SUV with 4 wheel drive....

From the kitchen... John Wayne's Delight tonight with fresh tomatoes and white wine...

I am wearing... Black pants, raspberry-magenta blouse and white sweater -- blue wool socks with black shoes...

I am creating...very little lately I'm sorry to admit :)

I am reading... Still enjoying slices of Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer...

I am hoping... and praying that my tenant's furnace problem can be solved this week....

I am hearing... the voices from a downstairs office -- keyboard tapping...

Around the house... Housekeeping took a back seat this past weekend to snow removal and the furnace problem...so things are in disarray :)

One of my favorite things... Friends on furlough from Uganda -- sharing stories, introducing us to another family at the medical mission -- along with a wonderful church potluck....

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Working on details and help for the furnace problem -- anyone notice a theme here???

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:Sunday morning snowfall - BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

Simple Woman's Daybook - October 6th

2008-10-06T09:56:00.005-06:00

(I have been very remiss in linking to Peggy's (The original Simple Woman) blog each week.... Please visit, and leave a comment if you'd like...I'm sure she would appreciate it.

Outside My Window... Maple leaves with a rusted edge - telling me they are ready to change from emerald to gold.

I am thinking... that parenting adult children takes wisdom, grace, patience, mercy and love --- from God.

I am thankful for.... Salvation, the Word, new babies in the church, health, my home, and my family and friends....

From the kitchen... Clean and light, but needing some paint and patch-up work...

I am wearing... Capri Jeans, blue top and white sweater

I am creating...a set of piano selections to play for friends, neighbors, or just myself...

I am reading... A River Runs Through It, and other stories by Norman Maclean.

I am hoping... my daughter finds some suitable work this week, that still allows her time with her son at home...

I am hearing... the hum of the CPU, file cabinets closing and a dear friend's voice on the phone...

Around the house... Several projects that need completion, like cross stitch and photo or scrapbook album..

One of my favorite things... More Table Fellowship with new friends following yesterday's worship.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Preparing a meal for a family from my church --- having lunch with a special friend -- on Sunday, hearing about the Ugandan mission work and meeting a new missionary family.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:Sunset over the Anaconda smokestack...

I took a walk today...

2008-10-04T16:15:00.002-06:00

I love taking walks in early fall.

Crunching leaves can be very stress-relieving...
I got to greet several walkers along the way on a day that would otherwise be pretty silent :)
I heard the referee whistles, the applause and cheers of the fans, and marveled at the high school soccer competition at Daylis stadium.
I saw a 60s style Volkswagen bus that was painted with all the right slogans of that time...
I drank in the smells and colors of fall foliage, and was thankful to see many unmowed lawns like my own.
Many homes are gearing up for the Halloween holiday by decorating -- some inviting -- some, not so much...

All that in about 30 minutes -- and a mile radius -- but enough to give me a better perspective on my Saturday.

Well said, Carrie Jean!

2008-09-30T15:19:00.002-06:00

A few posts back, I alluded to the ministry I work with, and offered a link to the first part of Ken Sande's talk on Thursday at the annual conference in Orlando --

Well, my friend and former co-laborer, Carrie Jean has given her reaction and response to her time at this year's conference in a recent blog post. It usually takes a few days to get this kind of perspective, after attending a conference - it really is unique in its effect.Tomorrow, I look forward to our weekly staff gathering, when each person is given the opportunity to express a story or experience from the conference, that made an impact on their life. I know from my own past experiences that this time will be sweet -- and lifted up as praise to our Lord, for His goodness and grace.

Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-09-29T09:16:00.004-06:00

Outside My Window... a panoramic view of our city; local businesses at the forefront - sandstone rimrocks at the northern edge;

I am thinking... that life is good because God is good;

I am thankful for.... over 600 attendees at our ministry's annual conference; and for safe return of several co-laborers - it was getting pretty quiet here.

From the kitchen... a half bottle of Riesling - Dad's fresh tomatos - clean window valance - swept floor - available countertop....

I am wearing... white top with striped capris and tennis shoes.

I am creating...a wonderful group of friends on Facebook.

I am reading... A Blossom in the Desert by Miriam Huffman Rockness

I am hoping... to listen to and watch the teaching from the conference, with other friends and neighbors.

I am hearing... laughter and conversations

Around the house... A more uncluttered look to my bedroom as a result of a major assault on Saturday;

One of my favorite things... Table Fellowship with gal friends following Sunday worship.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: To enjoy autumn in the great outdoors; time to meet and get to know pastors and leaders from our regional presbytery; celebrate a sweet sister's 37th wedding anniversary.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:

A fishing stream near Missoula, Montana

Our finest hour...

2008-09-28T17:54:00.002-06:00

So, this year I was on the "home team" for Peacemaker Ministries - which means that I, along with a core few (Jon, Becca and Jo) held down the fort for the Billings office, while the majority served the guests at our annual conference in Orlando, Florida.

I have been able to attend the last five conferences, and each of these begins with a keynote address from our President, Ken Sande. A friend has linked the video for the first part of his Thursday evening address - I encourage you to watch this segment and follow up with the next segments when they are offered.

Before leaving work on Friday, my co-laborer related a story from the conference that he had heard. A woman who was intent on a divorce from her husband prior to Ken's talk - was later intent on contacting a judge on Monday to reverse that option.

I'm always amazed at how the Spirit works in people's hearts as they hear the Word preached - and how that work has an amazing impact on not only their lives, but is a testimony for others' struggles as well. I'm also thankful for her change in perspective....

Friday Links

2008-09-26T09:18:00.002-06:00

One of the blogs I frequently visit is ConnorWatch - which provides daily updates of Connor's recovery from a diving accident this summer.

A while ago, his family began going through the alphabet - and on a daily basis, assign an attribute of God for that day's letter. They then invite their readers and commenters to add other attributes using the day's letter.

So, yesterday's letter was "V." Now, the newest change for Connor is his ability to use a computer, even though he shows little movement response yet below his chin -

Here is what Connor was able to put into the computer for a "V" attribute of God.

V is for Victor. Jesus defeated Satan at the cross, and because of that we don't have to be afraid of him anymore. The Bible says that "greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world", and James 4:7 says to resist the devil and he will flee. So because Jesus is our Victor, He gives us power - power over the world, power over our sin, power over our enemy.

Thank you for giving up your precious time to pray and to check up on me.

Love, Connor"

Once again, I know Connor and his family would covet your prayers...

Teacher time

2008-09-22T15:37:00.002-06:00

So, a commenter begat a favorite, and my visit to that favorite today begat a jump to this blog...

Whether you are a teacher (Rachel, Anne, Tara...) a poet or literature bug (Melodee, Amanda, Molly, Hannah...) - I hope this inspires and encourages you today.

Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-09-22T08:40:00.004-06:00

Outside My Window... Storm clouds a gatherin' with patches of blue

I am thinking...that parenting is the hardest job in the world...and requires much love and support from others.

I am thankful for.... the blessings our country provides; the first day of fall.

From the kitchen... Fresh tomatoes from dad's garden - and pears from the Farmer's Market.

I am wearing...khaki capris, green top with bead design and tan sweater

I am creating...a hospitable home for friends, family, and neighbors.

I am reading... Singing through the Night by Anneke Companjen.

I am hoping...my daughter may create a homey atmosphere in Helena.

I am hearing...computer keyboard tapping - very quiet this Monday morning.

Around the house...quiet, peaceful after my daughter and grandson's visit last week.

One of my favorite things... is getting to know the families in our church. Yesterday I was blessed with the company of Brook, Ian and Cameron.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: so many areas to organize and clean; my bedroom area is a priority for this week. Yard and lawn cleanup.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:Misty and Trask at Tot Land in Big Timber, Montana.

U of M campus highlights

2008-09-17T14:25:00.003-06:00

I first enjoyed the University of Montana campus, as a freshman in the early 1970s. This was my freshman dorm, Corbin Hall,
an all girl's dorm - with dorm mothers, evening curfew, and restricted male visitors. We enjoyed Star Trek each evening after supper in front of the dorm lobby television and held candle ceremonies to celebrate any and all engagements -- I even remember the traditional song was "Tell Me Why" sung in beautiful harmony for the couple- here are the lyrics:

Tell me why the stars do shine.
Tell me why the ivy twines.
Tell me why the sky's so blue,
And I will tell you just why I love you.

Because God made the stars to shine.
Because God made the ivy twine.
Because God made the sky so blue.
Because God made you, that's why I love you!

Continuing my walking tour, I came to Main Hall, which rests beneath Mount Sentinel or "the M". Third floor housed the office of Information Services (centered beneath the clock), where I worked each week for 15 hours allowed by the work study program. I have many great memories of the wonderful staff I worked with that first year of college, including my older sister, who was completing college as I was beginning. Just behind Main Hall is the University Center (UC) Commons, which has been expanded much since my days at U of M. I marveled not only at the beautiful plants, ...but the variety of places to eat -- totally unknown in my day :)

Jay Rummel, a singer-songwriter, and artist, painted a spectacular mural located on the second floor of the UC Commons, entitled "Five Valleys Trilogy." The mural depicts, in amazing detail and psychedelic style, many legendary people and events of western Montana, and specifically, Missoula and Hellgate Canyon history Eddie's Club, featured in this portion of the mural, was a downtown hangout where students rubbed elbows with local characters...while this portion portrayed Chief Joseph, who surrenderd, along with many from the Nez Pearce tribe, to the infantry at Fort Missoula in the 1870s.

Finally, I admit confusion on just how many new buildings have been added to the campus. Here is the newest one being built - for the Education Department. I liked the view of the hills, between the levelsMy son phoned as I returned to my car; we made lunch plans at the Old Post downtown, as Sunday continued on...

Did you miss me?

2008-09-17T13:37:00.006-06:00

So, I have been away from computer, email, internet for about four days, and can't say that I missed being away (no withdrawal problems, here :).

DRIVING
My first day of travel was to Missoula, where I would spend the weekend - with a Sunday evening worship service being the main intent for the trip.

I set out after work in my rented, blue Subaru Forester -- a smooth ride with the necessary rpm to cross several mountain passes that evening.

By Big Timber (80 miles), I was able to gaze on the Crazies, but needed to get back on the road to reach Missoula at a decent hour. Since radio signals wax and wane after a mere 40 or so miles, I relied on a variety of eclectic music to help my energy and provide contemplative background to the wonderful Montana scenery; still prairie at this location -- and then, a glimpse of the Yellowstone River

Driving between Bozeman and Butte, I was sampling photos of the setting sun amidst the clouds...
while going over Homestake Pass, I tried to capture the rock formations (elevation 6356 ft)
More to come....

Love those Links

2008-09-09T15:30:00.002-06:00

I'm sure you all have your favorite links -- and have many ways to organize and/or find those sites.

Here are a few that I browse during my week:

The BBC News Online - their Day in Pictures is one of those sites. The photographs may be of a current event - usually featuring an international array of people and places - and are high quality photographs.

I have no idea how I hopped to Frugal Dad; but there he was one day. His site offers hope and information for our finances,and that is a worthy cause in our country today. He speaks as "one who has been there" in making financial mistakes in his life. I admit to reading his blog to keep me on track in my budgeting and saving, etc. - affirm what I already know, and remind me of where I have been...

...and as with Pray for Ian on my sidebar -- Connor is another young man trying to overcome the physical obstacles following an accident. I'm sure Ian, Connor and their families would appreciate your prayers and support. Later this month will be 2 years since Ian's car accident - going through the early, intense days in ICU, later in a rehab center, and continuing his recovery at home; Connor's diving accident happened earlier this summer, and he is currently in a rehab facility.

So, whether it be a fresh perspective from my seat here in Montana with BBC -- or a thankful heart for my physical or financial "health," these are welcome sites.

Simple Woman's Daybook - September 8th

2008-09-08T13:21:00.007-06:00

Ahhhh...another week, another Monday, another daybook meme:

Outside My Window... blue sky, with wispy, white and smoke-colored clouds; green maple leaves dancing in the breeze.

I am thinking... that I miss my daughter, but am also glad for her...

I am thankful for.... a wonderful job and co-laborers who care...

From the kitchen...something by Bertoli tonight; same ingredients for muffins and biscotti are waiting to be whisked and folded..

I am wearing.....casual as usual -- even walking shoes

I am creating... a flexible and fun travel scenario for the weekend

I am reading ... "A Light In The Window," by Jan Karon

I am hoping... to complete many details and tasks today.

I am hearing... the whir of the computer, the printer spitting out page after page...

Around the house... the piano is happy after being exercised more diligently; recent rains mean grass needs to be mowed; marigolds could be repotted or actually added to a flower bed. Garage door added before the snows begin?

One of my favorite things... is to have friends over to visit and to share a meal - blessings upon blessings; cozy warm now that we're reaching overnight 40s.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Travel to western Montana; worship with friends who have begun a church plant that I support; Visit with my daughter and grandson; Enjoy hiking in the beautiful end-of-summer outdoors

Here is a picture thought I am sharing:

Adam and Boaz with "the wedding frog."
Please check out the original Simple Woman here

Soul Satisfying Sunday

2008-09-07T22:20:00.003-06:00

* Galatians small group in Sunday School
* Knowing God is sovereign over a-l-l things
* Holding baby Ethan
* Sharing wedding reception photos
* Manicotti, fellowship and ice cream
* Man From Snowy River music
* A bit of John Denver memory
* Rain...rain...rain
* God's grace in Jody's life
* Practicing music on my grandmother's piano

A great cause

2008-09-06T11:07:00.002-06:00

Ruthie, at Nature Knitter, is auctioning off a beautiful hat she just completed. Those benefitted by her, and the purchaser's generosity, are children from an orphanage in the Ukraine (an area close to my heart - both family and missional-wise)

Thank you, Ruthie, for using your talent to help others.

More Netflix

2008-09-05T19:02:00.000-06:00

It was w-a-y back in June when I last posted about a Netflix movie selection that I had enjoyed.
So, this time, I simply copied off my rental history for anyone in need of a movie idea - that is "usually" quite good (I rated 95% of these three stars or more :)
-if you know Netflix, as you select a movie or tv series you're interested in knowing more about, this appears
Average of raters like you: 3.0 stars
Average of 157,427 ratings: 3.6 stars
Sometimes I shake them up, but they seem to know me well....

Some of my selections have been movie referrals from trusted family and friends; a lot are from Netflix suggestions, based on movies I've already rented, and a very few from movie trailers.
I like to mix some (limited) television series in, as they are both nostalgic and easy to watch - because the first few seasons are "usually" the best, one or two discs are all I select.

My plan is almost the cheapest per month - the one-at-a-time choice, because I find more than two movies per week to be too many.

So, here they are - enjoy any or all of them...

The Inn of the Sixth Happiness, 1958

The Second Chance, 2006

Once, 2006

7th Heaven: Season 1: Disc 1, 1996

The Best of Match Game: Disc 1, 1973

House of Cards Trilogy I: House of Cards, 1990

Sense and Sensibility, 1981

Children of Men, 2006

Hot Fuzz, 2007

Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights, 1992

Where Angels Fear to Tread, 1991

The Remains of the Day, 1993

Breach, 2007

Spartan, 2004

A Mighty Heart, 2007

Fierce Creatures, 1997

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 1999

J.R. and Molly's Day - The Music and Dancers

2008-09-04T01:17:00.001-06:00

Tim announced that the dance floor was open to the married couplesNancy and Ernie headed to the dance floor...and the floor filled quicklyFannie and Bill are great dancers...and Susan and Rich always enjoy a few turnsThe band switched tunes, and the younger set joined inJill and Frank could follow the country beat...as could Emma and JeffA great opportunity for Rebekah to show Sy what she knows...as her parents, Marilyn and Christian do their own thingKerri was successful in getting her son, Adam, out on the dance floor...but Stephanie could not budge Jared to do the sameAnother mother and son -- Ben is getting with it...but the music may be a bit loud for Donna...I know that was the opinion of these brothers :)The band kept the dancers moving throughout the evening...
and thrilled the youngest set by letting them play alongAnd what wedding dance would be complete without the Conga....

My Gold Card

2008-09-02T19:53:00.000-06:00

Anne, of Palm Tree Pundit fame, was nice enough to pass on this blogging Gold Card. Thank you! -- and this card won't hurt my slowly climbing credit score either :)

Here are my loyal, blogging friends, who encourage me often -- and that I pass the baton on to -- simply follow these meme rules:

1. Only 5 people allowed.
2. 4 have to be dedicated followers of your blog
3. one has to be someone new or recently new to your blog and live in another part of the world.
4. you must link back to whoever gave you the award.

I hereby pass this award along to:

Beth - her blog shows a passion and love of family, the mountains, nature and wild life, and the state of Maine in general. I discovered her blog by jumping from another blog, as is my custom, and have her on my blog list to the right. I love that our states are both northern US states, but far apart in the east-west direction. She inspires me both in her thoughtful writing and blog comments, and in her care for her family (and blog friend) relationships. My goal is to explore our own nearby Beartooth Mountains or other Montana locales, so that I can share some pictures (and the accomplishments) with her.

Amanda, is a Christian sister, and a kindred spirit in friendships and fellowship, reading and writing, cooking and eating. She has more than one blog - in her other blog, she posts pictures and journal entries, from her mission time and relationships in Uganda - among the Karamajong people (which, I hope, identifies her as someone from another part of the world). I'm so pleased that she has followed through with her writing talent, and still hope to hear of a completed and published novel in the future :)

Trixie's blog allows me a free trip to Alaska any time I want, to explore the region, enjoy the wildlife, and get to know her amazing family and blog friends. Trixie loves birds, and cares for their feeding needs, even when the snow is deep, and her life is busy.

Julie and I have been co-laborers for the Lord until very recently. She is, indeed, a hidden treasure,who will take many years to "mine" in friendship and fellowship. We also share a passionate love for our families, and especially enjoy the role of aunt. Julie will, no doubt, continue to be an important support and help to her hubby, Steve, as they minister together, and extend the Lord's kingdom.

And then there is Tara, my newcomer to the blog -- but someone I've known for the past 9 years or so. Tara is a gifted and loving lady -- in her career and ministry, her parenting, her home in general - especially organization -- and her fellowship and teaching in our local church. Our early Friday morning ladies group, began with the idea of reading through Tara and Judy's book, Peacemaking Women, and remains one of the best books we've studied, in my humble opinion ;)

So, friends, now it's your turn. I hope you will enjoy both the exercise and the promotion of blogging. I also encourage any lurkers to comment occasionally - you may be included in a new meme....

Adam & Hannah's Wedding Reception

2008-09-02T15:50:00.000-06:00

These three girls are a little older as we speak - I'm sorry for the delay in posting the wedding reception photos. Theresa, Sophia and Grace are good friends, and blessed me as they posed so nicely before the ceremony.

This wedding was undoubtedly Noah Boll's first...

The wedding reception was held at The Depot, a wonderfully refurbished passenger train station. Note the wood dance floor, which is larger than the usual postage stamp size offered at most receptions. When it gets too warm inside, or you want a break from the music, there is a platform outside for visiting and enjoying the night air.

I had the opportunity to take a four generation picture that evening, which included my father, brother, nephew and grand-nephew

The father and bride dancing
...and the cutting of the cake...

Family traveled from Pennsylvania, the Denver area, St. Louis, Idaho, and areas of Montana,to celebrate with Adam and Hannah
...and dancing was enjoyed by the very young and those who seldom dance...
And once the music stopped, we relocated to a local tavern for more music and fun. Here are the "guy" cousins at the end of a l-o-n-g day

J. R. and Molly' wedding reception -- in stages :)

2008-09-02T13:54:00.000-06:00

The great thing about being on the "outer circle" of a wedding celebration, is the chance to snap lots of pictures. The wedding we attended on Sunday, August 31st had lots of people and photo opportunities. Unfortunately, my camera was in my car during the wedding itself, so I had to wait for the reception that followed.

I'll start with the "candid" pictures of the bride and groom. After all,it was their day...B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L wedding cake made by friend, Chris -- and a replica of J.R.'s car for the groom's cake....the first dance as husband and wife
...they each had their turn playing with the bandPeter and Angus playing a prank on Molly - and no, the candles were not real...I hope it wasn't the food...Molly with special friends, Melodee and Susan
Last minute words from mom...and encouragement for a bride-to-be -- before taking off for a short getaway in a "sweet ride"J.R's dad described the getaway vehicle like this:"I believe that it was a ’32 Ford pickup with a 400 cubic inch Chevy motor. Lots of power, not much weight, sort of like Molly."

Next up: Friends and family danced the night away....

The Simple Woman's Daybook - September 2nd

2008-09-01T11:25:00.001-06:00

For today --- this Labor Day 2008

Outside My Window... A heartening, green grass in my front yard from yesterday and today’s rains

I am thinking...what a joy three-day weekends are

I am thankful for...a variety of wonderful snapshots at last evening’s wedding

From the kitchen... a few ingredients that will have to wait for another day

I am wearing... a blue sweater and sweats for the 48 degree Montana weather

I am creating...this blog post…and relationships as I comment on other blogs

I am going...to stay inside today and enjoy the quiet, following a very social and loud night of music and fellowship

I am reading...The Grace and Truth Paradox by Randy Alcorn

I am hoping...to plant new bulbs and relocate others sometime this week, for next spring's show in my front and side yards.

I am hearing...the slow traffic noise of a holiday

Around the house...wonderfully quiet – with a comfy couch and comforter for nap and reading times

One of my favorite things...serving my friend’s family at yesterday’s wedding

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: downloading wedding pictures – wishing a beloved sister a happy birthday; a visit with a good friend, who is home before being deployed

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...
....earlier this summer -- introducing Trask to a new toy

Please visit Peggy's site -- she's such an inspiration.

Living Room Re-do (Part 3)

2008-08-25T22:05:00.000-06:00

I'm finally getting to enjoy the fruits of my labors -- and I really do like the colors,
and atmosphere,

and the dramatic change that has taken place over the last three months.

My previous posts will show the part 1 and part 2 of my first home project, so you can make the comparison. I know I will be switching plants and photos around somewhat in the future, but otherwise, there's not much room to change the larger pieces. I tried to keep to a small budget, by re-using pictures, and candle holders, and the oval area rug; but enjoyed finding a few new, but inexpensive accents as well.

The hallway is still not completed -- I at least got the cupboard doors off this past Saturday, and the bottom trim touched up. I'm thinking of painting the drawers and doors, as I have tired of their stain color (it's possible it is original for this home :)

Simple Woman's Daybook - August 25th

2008-08-25T19:41:00.001-06:00

So, I found this site (and challenge?) last week, and decided to take on the weekly post. Why? Even though I think of myself as introspective, I don't think I allow enough time to think and observe about my life and surroundings.

I also am always looking for ways to keep up with regular posting. I still have my niece's wedding reception pictures and stories to add, as well as a picture taking session with my daughter and grandson earlier this month.

Anyway, here are my thoughts for this Monday (evening :))
Monday, August 25, 2008
Outside My Window... Gray and white clouds against a blue Montana sky
I am thinking...i’m tired of hot weather. We set another record today
I am thankful for...God’s amazing and abundant grace in my life.
From the kitchen...fresh cucumber salad and leftover chinese
I am wearing... shorts and a striped polo shirt
I am creating...a new picture file…
I am reading... a walk with Jane Austen by Lori Smith
I am hoping...for cooler weather tomorrow
I am hearing...the hum of my neighbor’s air conditioner
Around the house... my living room makeover is almost complete – woo hoo!!
One of my favorite things...The U.S. Open – 40 year anniversary memories :)
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Perry and Karen’s lunch with staff to tell us about their work in the Middle East.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing:

We be blessed!!!

The Wedding

2008-08-14T08:49:00.000-06:00

Monday was a long-awaited day of worship and celebration, as my niece (beautiful bride!) began a new season in her life.

The ceremony was wonderfully intimate, as my niece has been an important part of our church for most of her life. She knows the pastor well, and all of his delivery was very personal, which was touching. I'm thankful for the Lord providing such a caring shepherd - his happiness is evident in the final moments of the service.

The groom's grandfather blessed the couple by reading from Scripture.

After making the initial exit down the aisle, the husband and wife then returned to greet each of their guests as they left the sanctuary.

I always enjoy the spirited singing by the congregation and the song choices reflect a lot about the participants. Their first song choice was "How Great Thou Art," and I observed two male family members near me, wiping away a tear, which once again reminded me that the Lord is working in each moment of worship.

There were many family and church members in attendance, as well as friends and former coworkers, verbally affirming their care for the couple during the ceremony (at the couple's request), as well as by their joy.

More celebration, feasting and fun to follow in my next post...

Saturday morning coffee

2008-08-13T14:02:00.000-06:00

This past Saturday, our family enjoyed a coffee at my older sister's home. The occasion was a pre-function gathering for my niece's wedding.

Things I love about the coffee times:

3-5 conversations happening at once

A chance to share the most recent family pictures

A chance to share "new" news, with the greatest amount of family present

A chance to honor my father and mother, as they enjoy the gatherings more
than anyone else :)

So, the mother of the bride requested a picture of her daughter with her two older cousins (aka the "Three Musketeers")
This next picture shows the activity of the last 10 years - the addition of three spouses and another very cute, little cousin.

Another picture with the bride's siblings and sibling spouse did not turn out :( -- and another cousin left before the picture taking session.

Lights out

2008-08-05T14:33:00.000-06:00

Friday night, about 9:30 pm, the lights went out in my home - okay, the lights, tv, computer and FANS went out on the day we reached 100 degrees.

So, earlier in the week, I had opened and enjoyed my shipment of candles from these good folks - they really became good folks because they allowed me to light the important rooms in my home, as, before their shipment, I would have had only two pillar candles. It is especially funny to me that the candles were purchased mainly for their color and decorative appeal for my living room makeover
-- and their greatest value ended up being their usefulness (and what they have been intended for over time - LIGHT)

Anyway, I wholeheartedly support this company, and got to prove in one night, how excellent their tapers and floating candles performed.

It also allowed me the memory of how I used to enjoy the "lights out" time with my children; as it allowed us to play a game, or tell stories, anything outside of our electric or electronic world ... and find the flashlight and candles.

A Family Affair

2008-08-04T10:42:00.000-06:00

Even though I don't usually have a summer agenda, I do usually know of certain key events which will take place in that 3 month span. Saying that, each summer seems to also provide at least one "surprise" event to my non-agenda.

This summer, it was a Karls family gathering, in honor of the patriarch of the Karls clan - that would be Franklin, who will be turning 90 years young this October. Because many of the Montana family would not be able to attend the California celebration in October, it was decided to have a separate gathering while Franklin was visiting Montana in August.

So, Saturday afternoon found at least 50 people arriving at his niece Marian, and her husband Pat's home. Franklin knew of the gathering, but was surprised to see additional cousins and even classmates and neighbors from his boyhood days in Stillwater County, Montana.

This banner showed individual and family photos, including the Karls homestead home, in the upper right corner.

Franklin, (in the Karls King hat) with Don Karls (a nephew) and his daughter, Kathy Karls. Kathy is the oldest - and Don the youngest, of the grandchildren of Casper Karls (Franklin's father.)

John Maxwell, Franklin's classmate, and his son, Mike Maxwell.

My mom and Ted Schuman, a neighbor and friend of both the Karls and Lutgen families.

Franklin with his nephew, Joe Karls. Some of Joe's six grandchildren were at the birthday party - and Franklin's comments showed an amazing knowledge of each generation.

...and talent abounds. One of Franklin's nieces sang a song with humorous and touching lyrics that fit Franklin's life, to the melody of "Forever Young."

I was pleased to accompany my own parents, John and Cecelia, pictured here with Franklin.

What a fitting honor to an attentive and generous uncle, who, following his own brothers' passing, has cared for this clan with love.

Going up?

2008-07-28T16:02:00.001-06:00

Maybe water retention is real after all? Again, not a great week for me in portion control or exercise (it's been in the 90s)unless you count changing the sprinkler and painting the trim.

Today's scale read 233.8.

Take me out to the ball game

2008-07-21T10:35:00.000-06:00

One of the local printing companies that our ministry does business with, was generous in providing our staff and families with a BBQ and tickets for the Saturday evening Mustangs game.

I'm always ready for some summer goodies, and was looking forward to checking out the new and improved baseball park (Dehler Park.) The food didn't disappoint -- but the seating for the game was not ideal. We were located near left field, so home plate was a stretch for watching, especially with people continually popping up and down for whatever reasons.

I was able to catch some pictures of the players as they warmed up and visited before the game.

I lasted three innings before packing it in (tired from yard and house work) -- it was a beautiful evening however, and I look forward to getting to know more about our local minor league players.

...Not so enthused this week

2008-07-21T10:05:00.000-06:00

So, I was not thrilled by this week's weight gain...but not surprised either, as I ate out several times, and really didn't say "no" to much. Fitness wise, I feel better, have more energy and am getting toned, so I guess that's the positive.

Will try to kick back in to good portion control and general moderation this week, and look forward to the numbers going down.

The number is 231.8 - up 2 pounds - yuck!
The rest of my stats:

Start weight 6/30: 232.8
Weigh in 7/7: 232.6
Weigh in 7/14: 229.8
Current weight 7/21: 231.8

Woo Hoo!!!!

2008-07-14T11:03:00.000-06:00

So, this was today's weigh-in result. Still working on the portion control - finding it hard to limit my summer ice cream... and wasn't able to exercise as much this weekend due to illness.

Start weight 6/30: 232.8
Weigh in 7/7: 232.6
Current weight 7/14: 229.8

Summertime is beautiful here in Montana, with sunny weather in the 80s and low 90s and little or no humidity. I'm still working to revive my lawns - the front one is looking better, the side lawn has problems, and the back lawn is really needy of TLC. Tonight is mowing time, and hopefully the grass seed in the back will begin to germinate and grow.

Memories

2008-07-09T11:38:00.000-06:00

In my previous post, I mentioned taking my grandson, Trask, to a nearby park this past Saturday. This park used to have a wading pool - and when my daughter (and Trask's mom) was a toddler, I brought her to the pool. I will add that picture after I scan it into my computer, as a comparison to the pictures that follow. This idea of comparing my child and grandchild's ages and experiences in pictures, is a true delight.

Fast forward to this summer, and the wading pool has been replaced by a water/splash park. Here are some pictures of Trask enjoying the water and watching the other children:

Last summer, I took Trask to this same park --- he was only a few months old, not even crawling yet...and now look at him. I was skirting the outside of the water area just to catch these few shots - he is definitely in the "on the go" mode.

Weekly weigh in

2008-07-08T17:11:00.000-06:00

Well, it could have been worse, following birthday lunches, dinners, the 4th of July and vacation. My help came from more outdoor exercise -- yard work, a walk to the park on Saturday with Trask, as well as household chores.

Start weight 6/30: 232.8
Current weight 7/7: 232.6

Birthday surprises

2008-07-02T12:16:00.000-06:00

How neat to walk into work today -- and find an email birthday greeting from friends in Arizona ---

and lovely flowers from two friends at work (Kris is pictured with me; Janice was away from her desk :(

Happy Birthday, Kirk!!!

2008-07-01T15:18:00.001-06:00

Kirk showing off his "new-to-him" car to Grandpa, uncle Gene, and sister, Misty.

Since we share a birthday, I've stated many times that he is my best birthday present ever. He usually counters with, "I can't imagine that the labor was the "best" part of it..."

Actually, the labor was minimal, and began during a birthday BBQ we were hosting for several family members visiting us in Oregon that summer. Following the BBQ, Mom stayed up with me visiting until we needed to go to the hospital -- and Kirk was born less than an hour after we arrived.

Kirk has been a wonderful son - even in his more rebellious teen years, he rarely was disrespectful, and always supportive and caring. He is a hard worker, a good and loyal friend, a Christian servant in our local church -- he is skilled in culinary and brewing, enjoys golf with his buddies, and is happy to be at any and all family gatherings.

We're hoping to celebrate with a birthday dinner on Wednesday -- a shared meal on our birthday has become a welcome tradition.

A New Goal

2008-06-30T13:10:00.000-06:00

Well, I wasn't looking for this on a Monday morning, but Carlos has a challenge that is timely for me (overweight and underfit and not happy with either of those two things.) My goal is get under the 200 pound mark by Christmas 2008, which should be doable with portion control and exercise (read DISCIPLINE!!!)

Choked up

2008-06-27T14:31:00.000-06:00

Well, that was a surprise for a Friday. A friend's blog had this linked story. I knew previously that this church's mission trip to Mexico was derailed due to violence in the area - and then was re-railed (is that a word?) to help aid Katrina victims.

Over two years later, the pain, trial and struggle continues for those victims. I especially was touched by this part of Ted's story:

"My big “God Moment” came when I was walking out of the back room and walked through the living room where Mrs. Palermo was talking to a friend on her cordless phone. Loud and unashamed she said, “Here he is! That man from Washington who brought kids from Washington State and Oregon. He’s the man who told me that God wanted him to come here to help us.”

Isn't that great??
And, here is the second part that touched me...

>"I’ve come to understand that at least one of the reasons we are here is hope and to let people here who are struggling to recover from a massive disaster that they are not forgotten, by us, by God.

As we considered what it meant not to be Mexico, we began to ask the question:
Is it harder to have nothing and get something great
or
to have had everything, lose it and try to recover it.

It is good that we are here."

May the Lord continue his blessings on this mission and the people.

Heart & Sole Run 2008

2008-06-27T11:05:00.001-06:00

June 14th marked my first ever attendance at our local Heart and Sole Run. My friend, Nanc and I chose the 2 mile walk option; other friends Keri and Carol opted for the 5 mile walk.

Following the exercise portion, we chose to brunch in Nanc's beautiful back yard.

This hosta is the beautiful result of our spring rains.

...and this shows some alternate color to the neighbor hosta

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2008-06-12T10:29:00.001-06:00

This is one of my favorite pictures of my mom - she is seated on the left with her cousin, Gloria. This is also the only picture I have of my great grandmother, Elizabeth Karls Lutgen (second from the left in the back row.) The picture was taken in Laurel, Montana -- probably in the mid to late 1940s.

Mom is an amazing lady - and we have plans tonight for a celebration dinner with most of our family. UPDATE: 16 of us enjoyed a great dinner at the Montana Rib and Chop House that Thursday evening. Here is Mom enjoying her birthday dessert (ice cream was all she had room for, after their homestyle, chicken fried steak dinner)

My nephew and his girlfriend were able to join us for the celebration.

This was also our Father's Day celebration. Here is dad, my brother, and sweet niece.

...and, finally, my nephew and his brother in law deciding their dinner choices.

What the weather looks like here

2008-06-11T12:41:00.000-06:00

I took these pictures earlier this week from my Explorer -- strange, you may think. Not so if you have been living in drought stricken Montana for the past 7-10 years. We have had an unheard of 2-3 week spell of daily rain.

This June morning I awoke to temperatures in the 30s...if you look to the southwest, the mountain range has huge amounts of snow- a few years ago during mid-to-end of June, there was no snow to be seen on the same mountain range. And western areas of Montana had snow just yesterday (near Glacier Park.)

Except for a few disgruntled early tourists, hikers, campers,fishermen, or anyone trying to plan an outdoor event or game, we are very grateful for the Lord opening His hand to allow the showers to fall on us. We have a very short amount of time for a green spring before the heat and the brown reappear, so cut us some slack as we enjoy all that green.

Staff Retreat 2008

2008-06-10T09:25:00.000-06:00

Last month's annual staff retreat held a new experience. Our staff divided into six teams, and each team was given a book of directions to accomplish our Peacemaker Amazing Race (think scavenger hunt type activities.) Kudos to Molly and our other directors for planning this fun.

Here is a link to the ministry blog, and Molly's pictures of one of our activities. I was on Ken's team (his text is the last one,) and I recall that the texting was done in the vehicle on the way to one of our stops.

One of those stops was Chuck E Cheese, where we each played the mole game, taking a picture of our score (alas, mine was not the highest...) An offsite coworker in our International Division commented that he couldn't remember the last time he had played the mole game.

Another stop was for each team to have our picture taken on someone's couch...we chose the home of a co-worker, that was on the way to another stop...

UPDATE: Here is the staff photo that was taken after the Peacemaking Race at our annual retreat - note the different team colors: Olive team completed the race in the least amount of time...and the orange team completed it in the most time. My "periwinkel" team was third (or fourth), as I recall.

Saturday with Trask

2008-06-09T09:22:00.001-06:00

My Saturday "painting day" got derailed when I was needed to do my grandma thing. I was glad that I got two rooms cleaned well enough to allow me time to play with Trask, and also allow him some space inside to toddle around -- he is on the go a lot these days. What these pictures don't show is the tumble he took when he stood up on the chair, leaning on one chair arm a bit too much :)

When the sun peeked through the clouds for a short time, and the weather warmed around midday, we headed outside -- first for a few photos, then Trask's usual race to the corner of our block (a busy street that I am already training him to be cautious about...)

...and then back inside for some refreshment and time for me to rest.

People Magazine article

2008-06-09T09:01:00.000-06:00

For those of my younger audience, here is a short history of People Magazine from Wikipedia -

People was co-founded by Dick Durrell[4] as a spin-off from the "People" page in Time magazine. Its first managing editor, Richard Stolley, characterized the magazine as "getting back to the people who are causing the news and who are caught up in it, or deserve to be in it. Our focus is on people, not issues."[5]
It debuted in 1974, with a March 4 issue featuring actress Mia Farrow, then starring in the movie The Great Gatsby, on the cover. That issue also featured stories on Gloria Vanderbilt, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, and the wives of U.S. Vietnam veterans who are Missing In Action.[1] The magazine was, apart from its cover, printed in black-and-white

While living in Missoula in early 1974, I would eagerly drive to a local bookstore, for the weekly People Magazine (you could not yet get it at the supermarket check- out aisle.) While I was interested in the celebrity factor at that time, I am a biography junkie, and People's features on the famous, like Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (famous, but not glam or star persona) and "ordinary" people (like the military wives mentioned above,) were what drew me back week after week for a number of years.

As the magazine became the celebrity mag it is today, I stopped purchasing it -- finding it both a waste of my time and money.

Well, yesterday I bought my first People Magazine in years. The reason was that the magazine featured a local family (one I personally know,) in an article in the June 16th magazine. I know the family involved said "no" to the opportunity when they were first contacted by the People reporter, but later agreed to the story -- and the reporter did a good job, with only a few errors. I encourage you to read the article online or pick up that week's copy.

"

The young lady in the People story is featured in my earlier blog post about this year's graduates. It has been over a year since we enjoyed a day of piano playing, baking, and fellowship with another young lady. Here is a picture from that day.

As I flipped through the rest of the magazine, I was amazed at a recurring theme --- pregnancy!!! I'm so thankful so many women are choosing life again, and showing motherhood in a positive way (instead of an inconvenience) for our culture. This was not the norm for the last 20 years, or so - what a refreshing and hopeful change.

UPDATE: Here is a link to a blog post on the People article by Fred, including a picture :)

Love's Abiding Joy

2008-06-06T12:57:00.000-06:00
Okay, so I love a collection of books or movies that follow the same characters. This collection features two of my favorite themes - the Christian family life and homesteading.

Years ago, I remember my niece reading the novels of Janette Oke. So, when this movie series, based on her books came out, beginning with Love Comes Softly, it appealed to me. If I am honest, one of the appeals was the actress, Katherine Heigl, in the role of Marty. In fact, throughout the series of movies, I have recognized many well known actors and actresses in various roles. The series is directed by Michael Landon, Jr., and if you were a fan of his father's acting and directing career, you may see a similarity in their styles.

So, with the aid of my friend Netflix, last evening I enjoyed the fourth movie in the series, and was not disappointed. Since homesteading is the theme, you know that hardship and tragedy are going to be a part of that life. However, this movie deals honestly with the grief of an unexpected death, and what that unique struggle looks like in the Christian family portrayed. I don't want to give too much detail away here, but do want to encourage this for a video night. Of course, the story in this movie will be more complete if you have watched the previous three:

Love Comes Softly,
Love's Enduring Promise
Love's Long Journey

What movies can you commend for my Netlix queue?

DDay Observance

2008-06-06T12:38:00.000-06:00
Thank you to Melodee for the reminder of today's importance in history. If you look around on her blog, you will find the recurrent theme of stories and pictures about this time and place. Her writing and passion for this era and people is evident, and far surpasses any meager attempt on my part.

I found this picture (which comes from the Coast Guard/National Archive collection. It shows men praying aboard a vessel bound for Normandy on June 6th. I'm thankful for their opportunity to pray before this huge event in their lives, and would like to believe that, whether these men were survivors or among the lost, they may have had that opportunity for salvation, that our Lord brings.

What I have been doing - Part 2

2008-06-05T08:49:00.001-06:00

I promised color in a previous post.....and here it is! What a difference! The pictures actually show a lighter, almost yellow color, rather than the actual "Vintage Gold."

Tonight, I hope to get the piano moved toward the "almost done" east wall, so that I can add primer and paint to the final walls. Hopefully, by next week, my living room will be once again "livable." More pictures will be coming when other accents and decorations are added - it really is a small space :)

So, what spring project have you taken on lately?

Graduation Tradition

2008-06-04T22:53:00.001-06:00
We have a spring tradition in the church I have attended for the past 24 years. The tradition began around the time my children graduated about 10 years ago, and begins on a Saturday morning in May, with a graduation breakfast.

Each graduate invites family, friends and church members who have been important in their lives - especially in their spiritual growth. In most cases, they can find many within the groups mentioned. There usually is a slide show photo presentation, with music, of a progression of different ages for each graduate. Great breakfast food prepared and served by people from the church comes next.

What follows is my favorite part of the celebration. Each graduate's father or parent comes forward and talks about their son or daughter, including stories and different people's impact on their child's life. No two introductions are the same - just as each graduate or parent is not alike; but certain patterns begin to appear - church life and activities; education; and personal experiences (more than one parent mentioned that their child was a "surprise".) There are many tears and trembling voices as they talk about their children. The parents are allowed, I think, an extreme gift - to be allowed to pause and reflect on the gift their children have been in their lives.

After each parent introduces their son or daughter, the graduate then talks also about the people and events that have impacted their life, which may be different from the parent's perspective; they talk about their future plans, and ask for prayer for both physical and spiritual areas for their future.

I have been blessed to know one of the young men in this picture since his birth - in fact he shares a birthday with my daughter.

I was blessed to first get to know one of the young ladies when I served at a youth winter retreat near Bozeman. I was a driver for several girls that year, and we shared the fun of singing and listening to a variety of music on our trip.

I have worked for the past two years with another young lady in this picture, and shared an interest in piano, food, and fellowship with her.

I have enjoyed the creative and avant garde nature of another young man. We had the same piano teacher for a few years.

I worked in the church nursery several times with another of the young ladies. I've watched her grow into an intelligent and thoughtful person, who, I believe, is going to storm the world.

I have watched the director of our youth, also in the picture, since he was a local high school student himself; through his military schooling, marriage, fatherhood, and several relocations - most recently back here in Montana to serve in our local church.

What an amazing work of the Lord is the local church -- and what an amazing blessing to serve and be a part of the local body.

What I Have Been Doing - Part 1

2008-06-03T09:31:00.000-06:00
Prepping - definition: scraping, sanding, cleaning, more scraping, more sanding, more cleaning. I have found little patience or perseverance in this home improvement area. It's too bad that my 1947 home is the poster home for prepping, however....so just suck it up and get on with it.

These are my before pictures. I've lived here for 4+ years with WHITE WALLS (they were actually great for the first years I lived here; so light and bright compared to my 3+ years with wood panelling at my previous home.

Two very important aids in prepping - a wonderful brother who has the skill and time to mud and tape cracks; the second, a wonderful friend who lends their electric sander (the O-N-L-Y way to go) Primer was added to some of the walls before these pictures were taken. I especially like the "distressed" look on the window, don't you?

The first color has been added - WOO HOO!!!! I needed to complete one wall in order to move the piano to its new permanent position. Pictures with color soon to follow.
I went shopping for window treatments when I picked up the paint last evening; then went running from the store AGH!!!!!! Maybe I'll opt for new outlet and light switch coverings first; yeah, start slow and no one will get hurt.

Happy Birthday to You

2008-05-28T19:14:00.000-06:00

My sister's birthday falls on Thursday this year. I scanned a special photo from my album - I was amazed once again at what a cutie she was (and is :))

This sister has been a great blessing in my life. Here are just a few snapshots:

She practiced and played the organ in our church after school. I recall many days of enjoying the music she played before we headed home. I also was an active listener at her weekly piano lessons.

We were roommates at one time, after moving away from home, and went through several experiences at that time...but my most memorable was my attack of appendicitis, and her nursing care during my recovery - not an easy time.

Learning that I was to be an aunt --- on my wedding day. My sister was one of our passengers on an extended road trip honeymoon following the wedding ;) We were also together when she went into labor with that beautiful baby girl I learned about on my wedding day.

Perhaps the most poignant time we shared, was sitting next to each other in church, and listening to my son give his testimony. Her tears that day during his testimony moved me, because I was once again reminded of how much the Lord's saving work in our lives moves her.
...and here are two of the latest - last Labor Day - a fun time with all the sisters, and her second "beautiful baby girl's" wedding day.

2008-05-28T12:02:00.000-06:00
The month of May brings two special events to my mind. One was my high school graduation in 1970 - I believe May 10th(?)

The second event occurred about a week prior to that graduation - it was the SEARCH, a high school religious retreat. Here is a picture of the students (mostly/all seniors)from three local high schools, and the adult leaders who were in attendance -
.

When my older sister came home after attending her weekend SEARCH a few years earlier, I noticed a change in her, and I knew that it had to have been something that happened at the retreat. At least in my circle of family and friends, it was unheard of to share all the details of what happens during that retreat, so it remained a tantalizing mystery to me.

Although I still am not willing to share what details make up that weekend time, a special memory is the quiet, prayer and meditation time spent in the school chapel...in front of the cross.
“The cross which is the object of faith, is also, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the cause of it. Sit down and watch the dying Saviour till faith springs up spontaneously in your heart. There is no place like Calvary for creating confidence. The air of that sacred hill brings health to trembling faith.”- C. H. Spurgeon, All of Grace

Now, back to the picture....as I was looking at it again awhile ago, I wondered, by looking at people's faces and remembering the events of the weekend, if any/some/all of these attendees, were impacted in their faith life -- and, if so, if that transformed the years between then and now.

Something In The Water???

2008-05-27T14:05:00.000-06:00
"God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform...."

As I marvel at how the Lord draws two people from different backgrounds, regions, life experiences, I give Him praise for just such a work.

Adam and Hannah (about to be) Porcella

Jay R. and Molly (about to be) Friesen

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Catching Up

2008-05-27T12:55:00.000-06:00
My apologies for anyone who still visits this place --- expecting to see an update:)

Here is just a little of "what I've been up to" for the past two months ---

THE BOY WHOSE NAME IS TRASK

Crawling at Easter

Experiencing what 6'4" will be like with Uncle Kirk

Favorite place at Grandma's

Keeping Trask happy ---- and more teeth on the way

A Mother's Challenge

2008-03-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

I loved this post by Justin Buzzard I can't say that I had a similar experience with my son at that tender age -

but I can share a great highlight for any mom, when my son gave the following testimony a few years ago:

Discipline comes to all of us in life. Usually we cringe at the thought. As children when we do something wrong and our parents find out, fear comes to us, knowing discipline is coming. Church discipline seems even worse then, doesn't it? When you think of the wonderful worship and fellowship you have with your brothers and sisters in the church, you don't usually include church discipline but I believe it should be a part of each church's foundation.

In my life discipline has been key to the man I am now. As a youth I was taught the principles of the Bible. Without a father around I had to learn a lot of things for myself. I was very blessed to have men in my church who would include me in different activities and who became father figures to me. Being around these godly men strengthened me in my drive to grow in my faith. When I was 13 I became a communicant member of our church, not knowing what a blessing this is.

As a teenager I began to stray from the church. Around the time I was 16 I began to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Pretty soon it took hold of my life and my faith became nonexistent. Right away the elders of the church noticed a change and began to meet with me. I thought they were telling me how to live my life and judging me when in reality they were expressing their concern and providing wise counsel. After that I got a job where I could work on Sundays so I wouldn't have to go to church. I was controlled by my drug and alcohol abuse and it became an idol. I cut off almost all contact with everyone in the church but my own family. Eventually there was a meeting where the church decided to review my membership. I was invited to speak on my behalf as to why I should not be removed. I saw this as a way out and ignored it. In 2000 I received a letter from the church telling me I was removed from membership.

For the next couple of years my lifestyle continued until I had a run-in with the police. I was arrested for DUI. I completely ignored the consequences. I never paid the fines or went through the treatment. On Christmas night of 2001, I was arrested again. The police looked at my record and noticed there was a warrant for my arrest and that ended up equaling a month and a half in the county jail. During that month and a half, I began to think clearly for the first time in years.

Without the influence of drugs and alcohol on me, I began to think where my life was headed. I met with my mother and asked here if I could move back in with her and she told me there needed to be a change first. It wasn't just about quitting my abuse but more about attending church and seeing where my relationship with God was. I began to read from a bible that was in my cell. I was convicted by Psalm 30:9 and I realized how I had been wasting me life.

The first Sunday after I was released from jail I went to church for the first time in more than five years. It was the total opposite of how I had thought the church was viewing me. Instead of their judgment I felt a wonderful welcome from many of the families I had known so well. In the following weeks and months, I even began to enjoy being in a church. Each week I met with our pastor and we discussed things I was thinking and any questions I had.

I knew I needed to share my story with the whole church. When I started to write out my confession my pastor gave me a Peacemaker Brochure and suggested I frame my story around the Seven A's of Confession. On June 9, 2002 I was set to give my confession. The funny thing about that Sunday is that we had an intern who was giving his first sermon the same day. I got to the church early and there he was, pacing nervously. I felt a little more at ease that I wasn't the only one who was nervous. I stood up at the pulpit and confessed my sins to the congregation, trying to hold back tears.

The reaction was nothing I expected. I heard "Amen" after "Amen" and the whole congregation applauded. As I stood there I saw how God's forgiveness is expressed through his people and church. The tears were just waiting to get out. I remember the first person that came up to me after the service - he shook me hand, gave me a big hug and said, "Welcome home, Kirk." For the first time in years I cried. These weren't tears of sadness but of joy.

With everything I have experienced, I believe discipline is a vital part in each church. Discipline is usually seen as a bad thing, but I consider it a blessing. The fact that members of my church loved me enough to discipline me and show me that the life I was leading was disobeying God made me eventually see a need for repentance. Without repentance there can be no reconciliation, and through discipline a person sees the need for repentance. If I ever stray away again, I am thankful I have a church that loves me enough to correct me.
Kirk Thornburg Billings, MT

Kirk with his nephew, Trask, at a church softball game - Summer, 2007

Blogs I Visit

2008-01-30T17:27:00.000-07:00
I recently attempted to categorize the blogs I read. One of those categories is "Personal/Family." Molly's blog is one blog I check daily, and she fails to disappoint. I really like the way her posts link a life application to Christian teaching. I also enjoy the personal snapshots that show her loves of family and friends, travel, and her dogs.
There are several others I read regularly, in this same category, that you can link to from my page.
I also have a category called simply "Montana." I appreciate Ed's journalistic take on local and state news; it's timely, and provides some interesting discussion. Another blog has amazing Montana pictures.
And a third category I call "Nature/Birding." Julie Z's blog has it all - birding pictures & identification, paintings, birding events, rock music and the famous suet recipe for Zick Dough. I discovered Mary from Julie Z's blog comments, and followed the weather forecast for the Charlotte, North Carolina, prior to our Peacemaker Conference held there in September 2007.
Finally, I have a category called "Ministry/Christian Faith." I found several that cover medical trauma; the most inspiring is Ian and the Murphy family. The blog I've read for the longest time in this category is Carolyn M. She's also timely, encouraging, and provides great links to other blogs and good books.

Starting over again

2008-01-30T15:29:00.000-07:00
Recently, I was able to research blogging for our Emerging Technology Committee at work. As I was reading through the variety of blogs out there, I was inspired to try the process again for myself - mostly as a journal to share ideas, stories, pictures of interest to friends and families. It may morph into more later, but I want to keep it simple.

Welcome to my world! Here are some recent photos taken around Christmas:

I love this picture, and am so thankful my oldest sister suggested it. It shows 10 of the total 15 grandchildren, 1 grandson's spouse, and two out of the total three great-grandchildren seated with my parents.

My daughter and grandson - front and back pictures showing one of his Christmas sleepers.