Butterflyhouse

2011 Hightlights, My year in pictures

2012-01-03T21:52:00.000-06:00

God's faithfulness, obvious in my life this year.

Christmas at my house

Christmas crafts at Sunday school

A big box of sweets

Total blessings!!

Hans turned 7, we had a party at the grove where they were supposed to be thrashing, but it didn't quit turn out that way. So we played "What I like about..." so and so, were each kid has to say what he likes about the others, and came home for the cake.

I did not get permission to blog this, but it is just too dazzling and fun not to show, they were awesome. We sang some Tyrolean songs and presented some similarities from there that we still practice or are slowly changing.

Tried some pots this year and...well...I still need some practice. That's the pond.

Our most colorful plant so far.

I took my boys fishing quit a bit this year down by the run-off creek.

Ok, I've always been a little boy crazy, so I guess I'll just stay that way.

Little treasures all over.

Rain or shine...he loves the out doors.

Look what Sharon made for our anniversary. Beautiful!! I wonder how she knows I love cereal deserts.

The round one is me!

June is romance month...Fathers day, his birthday, I have fun coming up with something new every year to commemorate.

You'll never guess what those guys did with the shishkas, HAD A SWORD FIGHT! Just too many fruits to resist getting creative with the night lunch.

The brown eyes in our family are still dominating

The water fun lives on!

You gotta have what daddy has, hay! you even look like him.

A gift from Hans to brighten and heal us. Healing plant got a surprise from Hans one day, we wanted to find out if the water we through off has fertiliser in it. It doesn't, or it has too much, because the poor plant withered.

Hope he will be a fisher of man some day.

School out trip.

Got decorated at Fairholm Sports day.

Sorry, not a highlight!! Just saying goodbye was great!

Finishing touches on grandma's Christmas gift, the tool shed, made with love by Rod and me.

Cake on the theme of the boy and party

Birthday party for Judas

Meeting my wonderful sister- in law

Skiing with my beloved

carved soap with my boys

Mom came for a week and we made mitts for her grandchildren.

Crush on bees

2011-09-12T17:06:00.002-06:00

2011-09-03T20:47:00.004-06:00

Our pond in early spring, just after adding all the plants. I love the attractions it is to birds, especially the yellow ones who come daily to drink and bathe. We built a special low water level area where they can easily get to the water.

70 things about 6 year old Hans Bear Kleinsasser

2011-06-14T14:29:00.006-06:00

Hans has a good imagination

His motivation comes from inside of him verses outside forces, like conscience, creativity, and imagination.

Hans has chocolate brown eyes.

Hans is a little on the moody side sometimes.

Hans is big for his age.

Hans still tells fibs.

Hans broke 3 track and field records at the Fairholme sports day this year.

Hans is never boared.

Hans loves to draw.

He can loose himself in exploring God's wonderful world.

Hans is creative.

Hans is a cuddelbug.

He loves to fish.

Hans is artistic.

He is the baby of the family and loves it.

Hans is affectionate.

Hans has beautiful teeth.

Hans has his second and third toes grown together just like his mom and grandma.

Hans gets growing pains.

He looks more like his mom then his dad.

Hans and his brother get along very well.

Hans is physically strong.

Hans has quite a few friends.

He doesn't like to be corrected, but you can suggest things to him.

Hans is handsome.

Hans' favorite animal is a lion.

Hans can be dramatic.

He can spend time on his own.

Hans is growing up too fast.

Hans is smart.

Hans has brown skin.

His favorite colors are yellow and blue.

Hans snitches stuff from the pantry all the time.

Hans is full of mischief.

Hans has brown hair.

Hans is very athletic.

Hans has big strong hands.

He gets shy in a hurry.

Hans is working on his lisp with a teacher and is doing excellent.

Hans has two sir names, Baer and Kleinsasser.

Hans was in the newspaper.

Hans has a good friend named Luke.

Hans' best friend is his brother Judas.

Hans is 60 pounds.

Hans loves animals.

Hans constantly has the house littered with papers full of his drawings.

Hans loves little insects and all kinds of squishy, slimy creatures.

Hans loves dress-up, acting, and playing pretend.

Hans is 50 1/2 inches tall.

Hans is getting pretty close to being able to swim and loves the water.

Hans has a great papa who loves to play ball with him.

Hans loves to go fishing.

Hans enjoys to learn things on his own.

Hans is learning to read.

Hans loves junk food.

Hans likes being the center of attention.

Hans is named after the forefathers of his Hutterite History, like Hans Krahl, and Hans Myer, just to name a few.

Hans is named Baer to commemorate his Mennonite Heritage.

Hans has 2 grandmas and grandpas alive and well, and a great grandmother and a great grandfather still living to date.

Hans hasn't learned to clean up after himself.

Hans tends to the negative.

Hans' face lights up when he smiles.

Hans loves fruits.

Hans needs a lot of affirmation.

Hans knows that he is being trained for a purpose just as King David was as a boy.

Hans has been trapping mice and rats this summer.

Hans will stand up for himself.

Hans is quick tempered.

Hans is learning to through out bad words like "hate."

Hans knows what a conscience is and can respond to it fairly well.

Happy Easter

2011-04-25T21:33:00.006-06:00

I make a point to read the story of Jesus on the cross in the picture bible for my boys every Easter, and this year it was mainly for Hans because Judas is getting quite fermilure with it. So just to keep it interesting, I did some flash backs into the old testament to illiterate how much it shadowed the events of the cross. I was quite surprised by how many times I had to flip back

Abraham took his son up a hill to be sacrificed, supposedly the very same hill God sacrificed Jesus.

The children of Israel smeared their doorposts with blood so the angel of death would pass them by, today our hearts are marked by the blood of the Lamb and the evil one does not touch us.

The children of Israel were delivered from bondage to Pharaoh as we are delivered from the power of Satan.

King David prophesied that they would cast lots for Jesus' robe.

The golden snake erected on the cross in the wilderness by Moses for all who needed healing was also a picture of Christ bearing our sin so we can be well.

Year 2010 Highlights

2011-02-20T17:14:00.041-06:00

I have to say that blogging this makes me so greatfull that it's hard not to weep for joy. We put up a new fence at the Grove and planted the gardens of 2010 and didn't take a picture of them. HA HA

Getting that wight stuff before Christmas and helping out with customs at the concert.

Cuddling with the kiddie.

Lost both of our Rabbits this year.

Hans' Birthday where we played Fox and Goose and nobody destroyed our tracks with a lawn mower this time, so it turned out great. We also had Jared and Mary's boys here for a long weekend and Branden (Lakeside)spent a lot of his summer here with our boys too.

Harvesting Ester's for charity.

Canning with Sharon, now that's one year I could do over again.

We had our little nefew over for a week while his mom was cooking, it was a pleasure, brother Dan's son.

Collecting butterflies and being inspired by them all over again every year.

Doing "Little Arrowes" with a sweet group of young girls at Carry's hulba, and joining Becks and Lowesa at their hulba. Also getting to witness Debra and James' wedding!!

Judas turned 8 and we unsuccessfully played fox and goose.

My brother, his wife, and girls came down from Alberta.

Melissa came in the spring and took some of the most beautiful kiddie pics you can find.

Boys swimming in Daddy's home made pool.

Spending some time at the Mendel sister's house, mega fun!!

Biking to Elm Creek with my friend Dora for an ice cream.

Creating.

Reconnecting with my friend Carmen, was awesome!

Cakes forever!!

Watching someone you love fade away.

Watching a man and his dog bond.

New baby at Melinda's house, being in the Essenschool for her and having mom over.

Rodney had surgery on his shoulder and recovered nicely.

Judas winning 1st in his age group at the poetry fest in Backer.

Having art classes at school with the wonderful K to 2 group.

Creating my first sculpture in the ice, and watching the kids and Daddy making one too

Having Debra over for a week, and loving it.

Having Dora over and having a fire at -30 at Butterfly Grove. Did you know that was possible?

Having Melissa over for a few weeks, and having a girls party with friends.
Being surprised by a wonderful new dog named Lyla.

Parental Highs

2011-01-02T19:11:00.003-06:00

Our first parental high came in March last year and I'd love to share it with you as a belated Christmas gift. We found Judas at the computer "writing a song," he said. It turned out to be more of a poem and you have to get on his level to figure out what it says, but it is lovely. He is 8, and I'm all pumped that he cares enough about his subject to write about it.

i love you o god

you rain a bov us like horts

you kame as a baby in aminjr

you are ssso hole and so pawf

we are youer on hole shep

just wosh os and we shal ba as witht as sno

you mad my and avre thing and

avre thing that wos and is no more

il tri my bast to o ba you you mad the stors

and the planots and the havons and the rth

we love you

He asked me a few months ago if he will still go to heaven if he has broken one of the ten commandments, and of course I took the opportunity to explain about grace and how we become acceptable to God though Jesus. I can't say that I got it all right, or explained it perfectly, but that was one of my greatest highlights of being a parent so far.

Just found out I can load up a clip, but can't add a pic. FUNNY!

Meet Cappo

2010-11-29T19:26:00.008-06:00

If there is anything that is unlike Rodney it is having a cat in the house. He brought one home to catch mice in the barn and thought the kids would enjoy it for as long as it was a novelty, (about two weeks) so since it is potty trained we've kept it here at the house longer then was intended. BIG mistake!! We are all getting very attached to him and enjoy his playfulness and curiosity.

He gives me good company during the day when I'm working alone in the sewing room, and the boys just love how he awakens them every morning, Rodney gets a big kick out of playing with him. What do we do?? We have been attacked by a fur ball from outer space and he is taking over our hearts!!

For My Six Year Old

2010-11-03T19:23:00.011-06:00

Hans had his bithday wish of a cake with Spiderman on it and I got the challenge. So here it is.

We played the fox and goose game again and it turned out much better than the last time we did; no lawn mowers.

You might see that I have put up a new page (above) for the latest cakes because I have not learned how to update the cake page. I'm all done with the mommies for this year and may do the girls next year.

Canning

2010-09-23T21:27:00.012-06:00

Joni found smily face at work.

Just finished my 3rd canning year here in Wingham and it was a blast!!! My partner was wonderful!! Sharon is never out of ideas and is a full spring of knowledge. Her mother and my mother-law gave us tremendous, very much appreciated, tips and advice. It was a pleasure working with you ladies!!!! Hope we can do it again sometime.

We tried a few new things like pickles from a newspaper clipping and homemade relish. We also had some left over corn cobbs so we cut them into one inch peaces and popped them into jars as well for the kiddies. Our last job was making dash and it turned out wonderful, the bits where real tiny and almost salt-like.

NO !!

2010-08-29T18:40:00.001-06:00

Our Sweet Puppy is no more and there is no nice way of saying what happened so I won't say it. We really miss her a lot. She was beautiful!!

Nelda

2010-08-14T17:25:00.009-06:00

My name is from a relitive in Ontario who I've met only once, and it means “of the Elder tree.”

If you know anything about an Elder tree you might know how it tends to grow unruly unless it is pruned often. I have two of them on my lawn and I know that to be true. That would describe me quite well, and I do have to work very hard at the little goodness I have. The church helps keep me in ship-shape so that I can bear any kind of fruits at all.

The fruits of an an Elder tree are called Elderberries and they are suposed to make wonderfuly sweet jam. They are a bright red (my used to be favorite color) round and remind me of blood drops. So all this makes me think that the blood of Jesus Christ was not shed in vain for my sake, I need it to be covered. Not that I will sin carelessly or purposely but that is my hope and my salvation.

Goodbey Toffee

2010-08-02T16:46:00.011-06:00

We lost our friend a few weeks ago to the instincts of our dog Lyla. He was a good rabbit and we loved him. The kids buried him in the bushes that he loved to play in.

Eight year old Grace wrote a cute poem for him that I'd like to share with you.

Toffee love

Step by step

Memory by memory

Love is falling apart.

-Grace Kleinsasser

Best Yet

2010-07-20T21:00:00.003-06:00

Carrie's farewell cake marks the passing of a much anticipated wedding, and it was lovely.

This is by far the most beautiful cake I have ever been involved in; Sharon and I made it. I wouldn't change a thing on it.

2010-07-05T21:40:00.005-06:00

Judas' 8Th birthday cake, we played a fox and goose hide and seek game with the kids. It didn't quite turn out, when the geese made their trail with shavings, the path was destroyed by the lawnmower that was making it's rounds that evening. My group spend an hour in the back a potato truck in a shed. No bad bugs, but a lot of the smaller kids needed to go every 5 min, but it turned out to be fun anyway. Judas is just taking the responsibility of mowing some lawns, he is doing good!!

Krista's birthday cake was a fun experience, it was my first with fondant. It would be a little nicer with a paler purple, but that's not bad for a first.

How's this for the most grossed out person on the colony? Funny that her girls were fighting over who gets the spider in the end.

2010-06-30T18:19:00.002-06:00

Bugs

Here I am with sky and trees

Wondering in the singing breeze

I stand amazed at the huge sun

And marvel at the larger ones

But looking down just at my feet

The smallest miracles I meet

A tiny flower of pure white

A purple Harebell delicate

A fly as glittery as a princes fairy

Glistens as it caches rays

A worm bejeweled and crowned

A dandelion's perfect round

I've never seen an emerald green

But this beautiful bug is all I need

That one day!!

2010-06-26T10:42:00.007-06:00

That one day in June when I feel so alone and forgotten was here again. It is on that day that I end up going for a walk and looking for the larva of the butterfly on the milkweed in the ditches around the colony. It seems to happen every year, I'll be bathing in fears and doubts and I'll get such a boost from the many interesting bugs and little animals that God made. Last year on that day I wrote a poem about them.

It makes me wonder why my mouth ever stops singing and why my hands aren't always lifted in praise. It must be the beautiful delicate decorations on every bug I see that helps me understand that if God took the time to make this complex design on the tiniest of crawlers, how much more will He look out for me.

The other day I found a tan little bug with a perfect microscopic heart on it's back, plus a beautiful black and white spider. Today I got a glimpse of a hot pink creature and found another with real Indian artwork on it. It just amazed me. I think that the mountains and stars are so incredible, but what a wonderful world lies at my feet.

My used to be favorite color,

I think I've gone from red and black and am gravitating more to yellow and lilac. Anyway it sure looks that way when I'm planting my garden or watching a sunset.

Found it!!

2010-06-20T21:45:00.002-06:00

Another lazy picture blog

2010-06-04T21:07:00.011-06:00

This was one of my very first attempt at sculpturing after being inspired by Dora. I need a little practice on the mouth area yet.

Couldn't find the picture of the mermaid, she is in the back of the castle.

Gotta try that in cake sometime.

My little Hans' "Shtatuer of Liberty"

Had fun out there!!

My wide Mommy, I like her like that!

Did you know that Rod can sculpture too? They made a skidoo

Judas put his jacket and gloves on his smiley face man.

Spring/Easter Decorations

2010-05-12T18:15:00.010-06:00

Here is the art we did on the school windows before Easter with the kindergarten and Grade ones. I got to do the black outline and they did the coloring with tempera paint.

They have been greatly loved already but make a nice glow in the window as the light shines in during the day, and also from the outside at night.

Cakes from April

2010-05-02T14:52:00.004-06:00

For My sweet Mother-in-law who loves flowers.

For our one and only Clara who turned 60.

For our dear J. Susan

more light

2010-04-30T10:13:00.001-06:00

snowman cake

2010-04-30T09:55:00.002-06:00

glove cake

2010-04-30T09:49:00.001-06:00

Cakes

2010-04-22T15:01:00.016-06:00

Made for Dora my gift, 09

Made for little nephew in 09

Hans turned 5 in Sep.09, looooves lions.

Was good to look at, but to eat....?? that is a birdie on a roll cake.
Made for Wilma's b-day.

My expectant sis in Dec. 09

Obviously!!! 08

My first one ever was made for Rod in 06

Always wanted to make a train one. For me in a very sloppy fashion.

A side view, April 09

Made for Rod when we got the rabbits on his b-day 09

My 09 highlights

2010-04-01T22:03:00.013-06:00

We fed this guy for a few weeks on sugar water to help him make it through his twilight days. Hans found him somewhere and even gave him a name that I've forgotten.

This is not me...it's just a picture of me.

Picnic in June 09

Watched my pond grow a variety of water plants.

Our new pets, Polly and Toffee, in May 09

Took my pet to work as a hair peace, got a lot of friendly smiles!

Meet and got to know Dora a bit, AND had her over a few times.

Had a wiener at the Delta Beach with the family, it was wonderful!!

Our other water adventures were at Splash Island in Portage and the Island at Crystal Springs.

I did some sculpturing in the sand.

Our Swing

Four new love birds that we hand fed.

I Found My Spiritual Weapons!!

2010-03-31T15:03:00.006-06:00

Repentance

Forgiveness

Gratefulness

Worship

Blessing Others

Loving Others

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

2010-01-24T22:01:00.005-06:00

Bread for my body

Food is made up of 6 parts:

minerals
vitamins
water
fat
protein
sugar

My body chooses what it needs to eat by a process called 'Biological Feedback' that gives me a sense of what I should eat. It is then broken down into tiny molecules by the digestive system and enters the liver to get lined up into whatever my body happens to call for at the time. Once whatever I eat is in it's smallest form or unit it can convert or line up to make any necessary element. If I eat fat my body can take it and break it down to make sugar if that's what it needs at the time.

Bread for my soul

I'm unsure of the parts of our soul because it is so elusive:

Personality
Emotions
Will
Attitude
Self-image

God's word feeds my soul, it works in me to create fruits of Christ-likeness. His word has given me identity, helps adjust my personality and attitudes. It has promised to work in me the will to accomplish God's purposes, but I need a little wisdom yet on how it effects my feelings. I know God get's angry and he is a jealous God, and of course he loves and hates.

Bread for My spirit

Little is known about the spirit:

Invisible
Eternal

From God's word we know that Jesus is the bread of life, everyday my spirit needs this bread to cover my sin and shame. By faith I accept the broken body of Christ to give me eternal life. Whenever I eat bread I am to remember the sweetest of it all.

I am resolved

2010-01-08T17:01:00.007-06:00

I will exercise everyday

I will exercise everyday

I will exercise everyday

I will exercise everyday

I will exercise everyday

I have kept it so far even when it was below -30 out with Rodney's snowsuit. I get a little fresh air, exercise, sunshine, plus some quiet for my soul.

Christmas projects? You want Christmas projects!!

2009-12-19T17:26:00.014-06:00

Started these Christmas/concert cloths numerous weeks ago, and the boys looked good in them. They were very excited at concert time, as it was Hans' first one. He spoke very clearly and Judas was proud to be in every play.

Seeing this brings me to tears of thanksgiving at the Wonderful Artist who has touched up my window pain after I tried to touch up mine for Him below. It makes me think of His humility coming into the world as a baby. It is about 2 inches wide and I compared it to my huge, flashy, colorful one that I spent a few hours on. His is small, simple, and delicate...but oh my! Take a closer look and see the detail and the sparkle that the sun works into it, and it's like a miracle. The same thing happens when we examine his coming to earth more fully, it's a miracle. This story is the most incredible one I have ever heard and I never tire of hearing it, the virgin birth, angels, wise men, prophet, priest and all. It is simply wonderful!!

Just for Me

From rich to poor

From being The Helper to being helpless

From King to peasant

From honor to humility

From royal robes to nakedness

From glory to wretchedness

From peace to turmoil

From strength to weakness

From ruler to servant

From righteousness to sinner

Just for me

-Nelda Baer

This is one of my projects, these gloves are gifts for my sons and little nephews and nieces. They are studded with diamonds and the inside is cammo for the boys. The leather is imitation, but I had a great time making them.

These are also gifts for the families that I love. We also made these type of sides for the lanterns that we made for our Christmas craft project. It would have a candle burning inside it to make it glow, where as these glow from the sunlight.

This is my front window this year, it turned out a bit on the pale side...but we are enjoying it nun the less. It says "Arise and shine for your light has come." Is. 60

Merry Christmas Friends and God bless you all!!

For Katie, Wingham

2009-11-24T21:47:00.005-06:00

Heavenly Joy

You could only see her when the weather was good

And then, just like the sun, she would come out to light up our world.

Bright, happy, full of jolly chit-chat

You could always count on her to let you know that she loved you

By her kind gestures...

a pat on the shoulder...

a touch of her soft old hand...

a whisper in your ear...

a comment or two of her memories.

She left behind some tearful folks

Who long to see her again

But somehow it's easier to let her go

When we picture her enjoying her heavenly rest

From the way she lived her life,

We know that her joy will go on,

Become greater and more full.

-Nelda Baer

Butterfly Grove 09

2009-10-17T22:41:00.016-06:00

I'll never forget stopping at the entrance of Butterfly Grove this year soon after my Birthday in April. Rodney had put up the swing in my absence and I just stood there breathing in the invitation to fellowship that an empty park bench always gives me. I was there with my sister Melissa and I feasted my eyes and heart, reveling in its beauty.

Rod and I have this thing about me being a month older then he is. I always tease him that I'm boss until he catches up with me, so I have the pants on from April to June and have the privilege of having my requests granted for a while. This year I asked him to please have the swing ready for my birthday, and it was so.

I have the sweetest memories of that place to count thanks to Rodney and his kindness. The first of them being the time when the three apple trees at the center of the grove began blooming in the spring. I remember sitting there listening to the oodles of bees buzzing in the bright sunlight. Then a week later watching as the petals fell much like snowflakes softly to the ground.

Those few weeks that Melissa was here, also in the spring, she got me all interested in the many kinds of birds she found back there. Chickadees, Song Sparrows, Red Wings, just to name a few of the more common ones. We would sit with the binoculars and chat.

After the garden was full of plants, generously given to me by Susie the gardener and her daughter, there were the night sights. June brings the most beautiful lightning bug show you could possibly wish for. Rodney and I would sit on the swing and watch them come and go on moonlit nights.

Having the pleasure to bring Dora back there was one of the highlights of the year as well. We both brought an instrument along and let that music lift us. We climbed the huge old oak tree with it's reaching branches, and caught up on the last 15 years.

Now being fall, there is something very special to me there that I haven't ever seen before - a squirrel. He scurries and scampers to grab some of the apples that are covering the ground right under the swing. You sit there and hear a "plop" ever so often as the apples fall, but the squirrel has the tree branches loaded with half eaten ones. He chirps and fusses and seems busy as anyone at harvest time, it is a delight to watch.

I'm also very pleased that the Winghammers have taken a shine to the place. There is always someone there and it has been suggested that we should have a guest book to sign there, or find and way for people to book it. This is music to my ears as that is what it is intended for.

I FOUND DORA!!!

2009-08-03T22:01:00.013-06:00

Look who I found! A great person I met in the east when I was there in about 1993 for 6 weeks. Dora Alexander is someone I never forgot and have been asking about ever sense then. We got in contact through the McAdam family in Crystal Spring and had a short visit there about a month ago.

It was wonderful to see her again, and getting to know more about her is a pleasure. We are communicating and she has awakened that artistic part of me again, that seems to have died sense I was hospitalized 5 years ago. She helped me see that being an artist isn't just turning out a painting ever so often, but a way to live. Getting every bit of juice out of every sweet moment that we live on earth.

Doesn't she just sparkle?? This is one beautiful woman and I'm so glad that we could get in touch. She sent me a butterfly all the way from South Amarica, it is just too beautiful!!
Sorry about the no show pictures. Need new batteries.

Delishious Dirt

2009-07-03T12:55:00.010-06:00

Judas' Birthday was a few weeks ago and I made a big fuss about dirt, that was the theme of the party anyway. We had a muddy tug of war in the water filled sandbox and his side won. There was a prise for the most warms found and the best mud sculpture. We were almost rained out but it came down just after presents were opened and the food was consumed. Lucky. We had planned to have a sleepover and a swim with the boys after the party, but had to postpone that for the day after when things dried out.

I made a delicious dirt desert and put a worm on every cupcake and topped it off with ice tea (muddy water) with gummy worms crawling at the bottom. It was great fun!!

JBK is growing into a fairly responsible young man, he is very helpful and kind hearted, just like his Papa. He is mastering his reading skills at 7 and has a good handle on his math as well. The kids are taking some more swimming lessons at Southport and I call him 'The Fish' to boost his confidence.

There is one thing that I'm struggling to teach him as he is smack dab in the "Me" stage and that is being good or doing good not just because someone is watching or praising him. I'm working on having him doing his best just because God sees everything we do. It's not as simple to a 7 year old as it sounds, but I can see the progress in his taking some of the responsibility of caring for himself and others when no one is around.

He listens to an endless array of stories that build his character and I sure knot his responses to some traets like honesty and caring even when he is the center of his world for now.

I was pondering yesterday as I watched my sons giggling and eating their night lunch out on the porch in their PJ's that if this was the only blessing I ever had, being the mother of two beautiful boys, it would be all I'd ever need to know happiness.

Last season pics

2009-05-29T19:32:00.012-06:00

Not Cronologic

Boys in winter

New additions to family

Bench at park that Rod made for my birthday.

Had very special friends over for my birthday, they brought me bright tulips and carnations. It was my aunt Lana and her two beautiful daughters, Sonya and Debra.

Slapped a cake together for B-day.

These are my two treasures.
Thanks Deb for the pic

Boys at my house got me some flowers for Mothers Day.

Elisha play at the school.

Sonya this is for you, who helped make the alter.

Happy with it??

Look what I found!

2009-05-10T14:45:00.010-06:00

WWOOOWW!! Ask God for a little wisdom and He just pores it on you. You have to read this if the past post spoke to you in any way. It is a quiz as to how humble we are in our relationships. My friend and cousen Selma always talked about brokenness and I never really know that it was just another word for humility. Here is the link.

Pride or Humility

2009-05-01T02:26:00.004-06:00

My faults humility
I’ve been exploring the difference between real and faults humility. Since Jesus was washing feet with a towel and basin at the last supper, I’ve been asking about what it really means in that light. Here are some of my ideas, and I sure wish that you would add or take away according to your wisdom.
Pride

The inability to take a complement

Constant need to mention good deeds, even when no one asks

Rejecting help, service, or gifts

Putting myself down

Criticizing others to try to make myself look better

Ranking jobs

Doing good to be seen by others

Real humility

Realizing my desperate need for God

Being obedient and able to be led

Realizing my own weakness

Giving others the chance to fail

My Vows

2009-03-29T21:24:00.004-06:00

Today is the day we consider the vows we made when we were baptized. Rod and I reread them this morning in preparation for the meal of remembrance. Here they are:

Before the prayer:

1. Do you recognize the teachings of Jesus, which have been laid before you, to be the truth and the true foundation of blessedness?
2. Do you believe in and agree with the twelve points of the Christian faith, and will you diligently witness to them?
3. Do you desire the intercession of the church so that God may forgive and remit the sins you have committed either knowingly or in ignorance?
4. Do you desire to yield, to give, and to sacrifice yourself to God the Lord in the covenant of Christian baptism?

After the prayer, each one is asked the following six questions while kneeling:

1. Have you now understood enough of the Word of the Lord to recognize it as the way to eternal life?
2. Are you sorry with all your heart for the sins you have committed against God, either knowingly or in ignorance? And do you henceforth want to fear God and never willfully sin against Him anymore, but rather die than willfully do anything against Him?
3. Do you believe that God, through Christ and the intercession of His people , has forgiven and remitted your sins?
4. Do you desire to accept brotherly admonition and discipline and also to use it toward others when necessary?
5. Do you desire to give and sacrifice yourself to the Lord in Heaven with body and soul and all that you have, and to yield yourself in obedience to Christ and His Church?
6. Do you desire to make a covenant with God and with all His people and to be baptized on confession of your faith?

Now that Easter is upon us we like to check ourselves and see that we are still keeping them. The hardest one for me besides keeping the faith is to use brotherly admonition. When I use it, my own house has to be clean, and I always have to keep my motives pure and humble. That's not easy, but it does serve to bring us closer to each other and to God.

There are no excuses to use before God because He sees into my heart and knows my deepest secret thoughts. It appears that if I don't keep my vows then I am a lier and Gods word says that the devil is the father of all who lie. This pretty much sobers us up at this time of year.

Sign

2009-03-28T20:32:00.007-06:00

I finally finished my sign, it is carved into the wood. I've never tried carving before and it was an exciting venture.
The paint is acrylic and I hope it weathers well as it it is going outside. It has a few coats of varnish.
It's funny how I have trouble knowing when to stop paining, tossing the question "When is it good enough?????"

Blessed

2009-03-22T19:46:00.003-06:00

Last week Rodney came in from work and joined me in the sewing room and asked me this question: "Nelda, Do you like it here?"

Well, first thing my fingers came up and I started counting.

#1 I have a wonderful husband who I can’t seem to get enough of.
#2 I have two lovely children, healthy, full of fun, and intelligent.
#3 I have more clothes then I can store.
#4 I have enough food to keep me slightly overweight.
#5 I have a huge house that I can barely maintain.
#6 I have a pretty healthy body and mind.
#7 My children still have grandparents on both sides of the family.
#8 I have some beautiful friends who refresh my spirit.
#9 I have the opportunity to spoil my kids with gifts if I so choose.
#10 The bank doesn’t own any of my possessions.

… I ran out of fingers, and those are only physical blessings. I would have to be ungrateful not to like it here. Counting my blessings can be a never ending task. It would be sinful if I had a case.

More important are always the spiritual blessings. So let me employ my toes for the job.

#1 I have God’s love, forgiveness and the promise of heaven.
#2 I have knowledge of the way.
#3 I have freedom to practice, preach, and learn God’s word.
#4 I have almost daily prayer meetings with the church.
#5 I have a preacher who teaches not only what I want to hear, but also walks before me as a good example.
#6 I have a voice that can be used to praise God with.
#7 I have a body of believers to help me should I fall into sin or get sick.
#8 I have the opportunity for good works and deeds that help the poor and blind.
#9 I have Gods spirit living in me the moment I was reborn.
#10 I have Jesus’ example of how to live and give my all.

Two Years

2009-02-22T21:26:00.006-06:00

Second blog Birthday today

Reevaluating

It is my second blog birthday and I have a few things that I have to ask myself. I have some fears too.

I fear giving impressions that are not reality.

I fear standing up for or speaking about principles that I don’t always live up to.

Do I become a hypocrite as soon as I verbalize virtues what I don’t quite measure up to? Am I better off never talking about them? Should I chuck my blog because there is the opportunity to show only some things and not others?

There are the times when this blog challenges me to attain what I profess and there are times when I can see my mistakes and how I am growing and learning from them.

I do have many struggles that I couldn't begin to share, but once they have been fought through I know I own a gold mine. This I am not afraid to write about.

I kept this quote from Dr. Laura’s book Ten Commandments that I found interesting. It was from the chapter on bearing false witness.

“The reality is that one can believe and live by standards…but imperfectly. That is not hypocrisy, that is the reality of the limitations of all human beings to attaining divinity.”
-Dr. Laura Schlessinger

“Under the new rules, you can be called a hypocrite for upholding old standards of virtue that you don’t exemplify perfectly; but you can’t be called a hypocrite for sinking into utter moral squalor, as long as you profess to believe there is nothing wrong with it. So the defender of traditional morality is kept constantly on the defensive, since only he can be accused of hypocrisy…and you may look hypocritical when you’re only human.”
-Joseph Sobran

Anyway is it not something I am about to take lightly as it concerns me. It comes up frequently in Ernie’s sermons and it always makes my ears pop up. As Jesus said it is much better to go silently then to say you will go and not go.

Two new additions to our little family

2009-02-10T13:11:00.002-06:00

Our Lovebirds finally hatched a couple of eggs and out pop the two ugliest things you have ever seen. The kids loved it and we all got plenty excited. They were cute at first but now they're all full of pins with a eagle's beak. It is a bit too dark for a picture in their coconut nest....otherwise, I have learned to love them quite a bit.

Job 12

2009-01-23T17:00:00.022-06:00

Cickadee by Joni Walder

Ask the Creators

My troubled soul prayed to The Lord,

"What shall I do?"
God said “Ask the creators and the earth,
And they will tell you.”

So I asked the whistling chickadee
and he replied,
“Let your voice be heard, even in the cold
singing praises to God.”

Next I quipped the majestic tree

“Stand tall like me.
Don’t be afraid to be all you are,
and let the whole world see.”

The fence warned softly“Guard fast, my friend
what’s been given you to keep.
Guard fast, until the end."

The stone said “stand firm,
and don’t be moved. "Stay pure and undefiled,"
came from the snow.

A gentle gust caressed by cheek just then,
And the tall grasses advised, “Be flexible to the wind and will of the spirit,
For the spirit is like the wind."

If I hadn't turned my head just then
I would have missed the quail, He whispered "Keep silent for the footprints show,
Just how you walked to all.”

A tiny evergreen joined in
with a hearty, “Stay green
in summer's sun and heat, in freezing cold, stay green."

Gooood News!!!

2008-12-21T20:06:00.005-06:00

I won first place in the local Newspaper's yearly Christmas Story Contest. The story will follow and I'd like to take the opportunity to wish all my faithful readers a blessed Christmas season and a happy new year.

The story has bits and peaces of me all over it and some of it is very true too, but not all of it.

Sorry that I haven't been keeping up this blog to those who have been faithfully checking it out. Let me hear from you if you're enjoying it. I'll tell you, it is very encouraging. I 've had to go to the school to blog at all, and to check my mail and that is not too frequent. So thanks all, love you.

I'd also like to decorate this page with some art I did in my window this season. It's meant to look like stained glass but it's actually water color. The black part of it is tempera and didn't hold very well as you can see the one is slightly loved already by my two wonderful boys. They did light up though, like the real thing, when the sun shines through.

Being Mary
Becky had grown up in a Hutterite colony and had gone to a one room school all of her 16 years.

She was a cheerful and outgoing girl with a ready smile. She was a good actor, and one could always count on her to participate in the school’s yearly Christmas pageant.

Becky never had the chance to play the part of Mary though she had secretly longed to for many years.
It seemed that part was always reserved for someone with a button cute nose and delicate features, plus a dainty figure and Becky had neither. She had fairly large bones and her face was oval shaped.
She loved playing dress up though and would play the part to her heart’s content in front of her mirror at home in her room.

By the time she finished her grade nine education and left school to join the work force of the adults, she knew every word of We Three Kings and the narration of Luke 2 verse 1 to 20 completely by heart. She had played shepherd and angle to the best of her ability, but never Mary.

She had a strong clear voice that could carry whatever was to be said or sung all the way to the back of the room without a microphone. It was her voice that made her a welcome addition to the young people’s choir who met for practice once a week.

Each year at Christmas time the young people would make an appointment to sing carols at a nearby old folks home.

This was Becky’s first year, and having the freedom and imagination to contribute whatever she wished, she knew exactly what she wanted to do.

She was going as Mary!

She had no problem recruiting a Joseph from among her young and handsome companions so off they went in royal blue and purple.

She stood proudly with Joseph holding her doll in swaddling cloths and reading the words to Oh Beautiful Star of Bethlehem off of her neighbor’s book.

The doll had been a Christmas gift from her mom a few years before as one last doll gift before she would be too old to play with them.

She loved it, for it had dark skin, black hair and a bright yellow dress, unlike any other doll she had ever owned.

Becky sang happily when she caught a movement from the corner of her eye. A few glances in that direction produced the knowledge that one of the elderly ladies was beckoning for baby Jesus.

Without hesitation Becky weaved through the wheelchairs of the audience and laid her doll into the worn eager arms. The old lady’s smile was brilliant as she cradled the baby doll to her heart, and Becky was sure that she heard the angels sing along when she rejoined the choir.

After sharing songs, cards, cookies and friendship, Becky just didn’t have the heart to ask for her doll back. She said goodnight to the old lady and left for the van with that warm feeling tugging at her heart.

It was mixed with the sadness of having lost something dear. Becky could still see those wrinkled old eyes behind the glasses lighting up the room, and knew that she must have done the same.

That night, as she lay in bed, Becky thought of the real Mary of long ago, how she had had to give up her own precious baby Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of the world. How her heart must have been braking to see Him suffer.

Becky wiped a tear from her eye as she thought that maybe the old lady in the home had never had the chance to play the part of Mary either.

Here We Are

2008-11-04T21:42:00.014-06:00

I was acting like a model and strutting my stuff, having fun with my photographer. He really knows how to keep me relaxed and at ease. We were flirting like crazy, and trying to act professional, hence the brilliant smile. Here I am in overkill again.

-34 years old

-5'5 tall

-blue eyes

-birthday, Apr. 17

-married in 1999

-about 60 cook weeks left till retirement at 45

There you have my good side, my bad side, and how they look all together. That's meant not only in the physical sense. I do have an ugly side as anyone living with me will tell you, but I guess we all do.

Oh.. By the way... Rodney took these photos of me.

Keeping On

2008-10-28T19:27:00.010-06:00

I’ve been keeping up my exercise program for about 14 weeks now and it feels pretty good. I noticed all summer long that I had more strength and stamina at our normal garden work. I started alternating jogging with weight training.

I think the garden below gave me the very first incentive to begin, it was pretty hard laboring in the hot sun at times, but I got in touch with that strong and determined side of myself again. With a little encouragement from Carebear, I began reading “Body for Life.” I got some very important tips and learned about regrouping and keeping at it even when things change. Just get active! That’s not so heard.
It is quit catching as Rodney has joined me, and my sons just love to imitate us. My bubble burst a bit when Hans punctured my exercise ball with a dart, but the only time I’m not up to par is in a cook week, when everything gets thrown out of whack.

Happy B-day Hans Sep.29

2008-10-12T18:47:00.010-06:00

Hans has turned four, and is still big for his age. It seems like he has been older for a while, but there is still enough of baby in him to satisfy his mom. It seems that I don’t have another baby to baby so I baby him. Well, the cheeks are so tweekable, and he still has dimples in his hands; add to that a lisp and you have one cute guy.

I’m really reconciled to the fact that he is much like me, sometimes I think that he is the boy version of me. It helps me understand him better and it makes it easier to give him what he needs.

I usually write something for my boys every birthday that they will someday want to look back at. I’ve already told them of my heart’s desire. It’s for them is to accept Jesus as their savior someday.

Hans loves to be challenged; he will do some things only because we say he can’t do them, to prove that he can.
“I bet Hans can’t put off his PJs all by himself.”
“Close your eyes, Mom.”
“Hans needs help from someone.” Comes the muffled taunt.
“You can look now.” He pops up wearing only a big smile.
“Is daddy hiding somewhere near? You must have had someone to help you.” Says mom giving him a big hug.

"Thtanley says girls shouldn't touch boyth."

"Oh Honey, But I'm your mommy."

He needs a lot of attention, and loves to cuddle and be with people. He is a little tease and will relentlessly bug whomever he wants the attention from.

He will let you know when he is not happy by sticking out his lower lip; better known as a pout. But he soon forgets it though, and the smile returns just as quickly as the frown came.

He is a happy child and loves stories. He listens to Victor for hours and has told me the one about “Ricky Ticky Tabby” completely by heart. He also enjoys bible stories, but not of bad people like Jezebel. His English is very good for his age, and we can talk a lot of it.

We try daily to teach him about God, and let him know that his family is really pleased and complete with him in it.

Where did my summer go?

2008-10-07T19:29:00.012-06:00

June, July, August...gone.

What did I do all summer? Did I accomplish anything?

I spent quite a few of Hans' nap times sweating it out behind the turkey barn in the old homestead building a garden and a swing. I have some other plans yet, but need some supplies. I was inspired to make it from a story called The Man who Planted Trees, but poor Nel can't remain anonymous. The story just thrilled me.

This is the dream version of it before I made the real thing. I was going to celebrate doing and trying things anyway even though you are going to make mistakes, but it turned out even better then it did in reality. Here, you can judge for yourself, it was made in the paint program.

Here is the real thing..

I was there the other day and the swing has already broken down but the flowers are just getting nicer and sweeter. The Alisum have finally bloomed and are giving off a musical cent.

It was meant, at first, for butterflies, because I have named it 'Butterfly grove,' but there weren't any this year. I wanted to have them eat there in the garden and have planted some Milkweed for them as well, so they could grow there, eat, reproduce, and hang out.

I also planted some raspberries, just for anyone who goes there, I can just see Mel and her best friend being chased out of there by the mosquitoes. ;)

2008-09-30T19:45:00.002-06:00

Lost My Internet connection, blog on hold because of the second law of thermodynamics. See you, thanks for coming!! oxox Nel

Would You Shelf This?

2008-09-14T15:31:00.010-06:00

Sometimes I get inspired to write stuff, and I let it sit in my drawer. I wonder if it's not better off out there somewhere where folks can read it. Maybe it can bless, challenge, or even encourage someone today. I do challenge myself a lot and am fairly hard on myself at times, but this goes well with the semons we've been having lately about knowing christians by their fruits.

Dear Christian,

How can you say you love Me, when you speak an unkind word to the troubled soul in your argument?
How can you say it, when you walk right by her with your nose in the air?

How can you say you love Me, when you take the credit for all the gifts I’ve given you?
How can you say it, when I’ve lent you your heartbeat, strength, and talents, and you think you did it all yourself?

How can you say you love Me, when you won’t give the poor man some cash, a coat, warm mitts, not even a prayer?
How can you say it, when you turn in disgust, and spend all you have to seek your own happiness?

How can you say you love Me, when you don’t take the time for the widowed old lady giving comfort and hope with a touch or a smile?
How can you say it, when you’re wishing her story of long ago would soon be done?

How can you say you love Me, when you won’t share the good news with the broken heart who’s crying a river?
How can you say it, when I’ve promised to give you the words that you don’t speak?

How can you say you love Me, when the children that surround you are not blessed?
How can you say it, when they beg your attention and you send them away?

How can you say you love Me, when you have nothing to show to anyone watching?
How can you say it, when they don’t see Me in you?

Bird Story

2008-08-23T18:28:00.015-06:00

We have four noisy Lovebirds in our family now, and it didn't take long till one was out the door.

The kids played around with the cage, and left the door open. I closed it soon after but thought one sweetheart may be in it's little house nest.

I was wrong, it flew out to freedom the second Rodney entered the house. It stayed in a tree on our front lawn for a bit, and later flew off farther away with Rodney and I watching every move.

The first thing we did was make a long net to try catching it, but of course it didn't work. So we put the cage outside so that the pair could communicate, and thay did, but it was getting dark.

It flew around quite a bit, but in the end we decided to just leave the cage on the porch overnight and see what happens.

In the morning at about 6:00 Rodney goes out to have a look and there in the little maple tree as close to the cage as possible was our naughty bird! Now how will we get it inside?? Rodney held out the bird house, but there was no reaction, so he tried it with the cage, and low and behold the birdie jumps on.

He slowly, ever so slowly, started moving towards the house. With the patience of Job, and both of us holding our breath, he made it inside the door and I slammed it behind him. The frightened bird dashed into the kitchen as we celebrated in relief.

THE END

I can bearly bare it!!!

2008-08-12T17:52:00.005-06:00

We had a lovely time at the Baer reunion on Saturday (was my maiden name). I got to see all my cousins, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers, in laws, outlaws and much more.

But, I lost all my pictures.

BOOHOOOO!!!

Anyone have any to send??

Now I'm pictureless and you can have a taste of it too in this blog.

Inside, Outside, Upside, Downside.

2008-08-03T15:33:00.005-06:00

Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

I’ve been wondering how much it shows from our outward life what is inside our hearts. If I tend to keep a messy room or house does it mean that I don’t keep my body that clean either, or my spirit? social life? soul? mind? heart?

My choices of where I spend my time are probably a good hint. Will I choose to keep the outside of my house clean and the lawn and gardens trimmed just to put up a good front to anyone walking by while the inside of my house is a dump? Can I honestly say that I will rather do something for someone else before I’ll take the time to sew the latest clothes just to make sure that I keep up appearances?

I find that a smile can paint a face while there is much resentment inside the heart. We can hang on to a hurt or insult rather than forgive and forget and yet be the friendliest person around. I can be the first one to show up at church, work and meals, but also the first to criticize, point a finger, and find fault. We can say ‘thank you very much’ when complaints and ingratitude are coming out of our ears.

If there is any indication in the way I keep house, there are rooms upstairs that no one ever sees and they are quite dusty. No guest goes there and no one will ever know. Are there also such places in my heart? Are there unkempt places that I should be paying more attention to? Like thoughts and relationships?

What about all the things that need doing around me? There are jobs that pile up so that I’m not sure where to start some days. Well, there is also an overwhelming amount of invisible places that need improvement and balance. Being a good parent, wife, cook, keeping a good attitude, learning God’s word and living by it is so much to keep up. Brushing teeth, combing hair and being neatly dressed is a breeze compared to the tremendous task of keeping a guard over one’s own heart.

The one thing that I always have to watch for is finding the faults of others and being blind to my own. Whenever I do it, and I do, there is no doubt that I will find the very same things in me to whatever degree; all I have to do is look. “Oh, my situation is different.” Note the sarcasm, please! The only reason God gives us insight into someone else’s faults is so that we can pray for them.

We are the Children of Israel

2008-07-23T13:03:00.003-06:00

We can claim our heritage because we are his spiritual children, not of the flesh.

We have been set free from slavery to sin by the miracles of God.

We have passed through the waters of baptism to be reborn as a nation with Jesus Christ as our King.

Ours is the manna, God’s word that satisfies our hunger.

We come to Jesus Christ and rest; keeping the sign of the Sabbath.

God’s Ten Commandments are carved on the tablets our hearts.

Our bodies are the temple where the Holy Spirit dwells; in which we pray and worship, and go about our Father’s business.

By faith we look to the lifted up cross to find healing from the venom of the serpent.

Though fire and desert may try us, we will accept God’s discipline and learn to depend and trust in Him to supply our every need.

We live under God’s protection; shielded from the heat of the day and the darkness by night.

Our garment of righteousness will not grow old, and the gospel of peace on our feet will not ware out.

Ours is the New Jerusalem; ours is the Promised Land.

The insiration for writing this is from this link. It's the end times delution link that didn't work a few blogs ago.

No Butterflies

2008-07-21T21:12:00.015-06:00

I think this is all I have this year of butterflies, it seems like it's not their year. I'll have to be happy with the memories we made because I've only seen two big ones so far, and I've checked dozens of milkweed plants for any sign of the worms. I sure miss them.

Here is the clip I've been wanting to blog for over a year now, it was supposed to be part of the born again blog from last year. Thanks to Joni, WH, <3<3<3> here it is condensed. Enjoy!!

2008-07-17T21:54:00.003-06:00

Anyone who enjoys creation science will love this sight. Seminars, talks, debates... all here

Melissa and Debra these are for you....

2008-07-04T17:05:00.004-06:00

...Thinking of you!!!

Green and Growing

2008-06-29T21:39:00.007-06:00

Our lively pond has brought a number of wild things to my house....

I couldn't get the boy's frogs to stay, but they were nice while they did. We are delighted to see a Goldfinch or Robin taking a dip and the Goldfish can mostly be seen in the evening.

Here are a couple of weeds that just keep on growing and need much attention because they tend to become unruly in no time. I'm saying that because they wouldn't stop clowning around enough so I could take this picture so I said I was taking the flowers the get them to settle down and stop making faces.

Big Biker Boy

2008-06-22T18:51:00.006-06:00

Off come the training wheels. Hans has learned to bike at the age of 3 and will only be 4 in September. He needed just one push from his dad and he was off like he has always been biking. Rodney only had to teach him how to get started and jump on by himself; now he is all over the colony having a jolly old time. He even wants to ride Judas’ bike now. I found out at the health and wellness fair that he is bigger than 100% of the children his age. It’s a small wonder then that he’s such a pro biker.
I’ve got some clips and will try one more time to post them…

The mother of a 6 yaer old??

2008-06-22T15:24:00.008-06:00

Little Judas had his 6th birthday yesterday and we had a little lunch party with sister Melinda’s family. I spent all morning baking friendship bread and his cake, plus there were plans for family supper, so I didn’t feel up to having a normal party in the evening with games and all. That was just enough kitchen time for me.

This is for my wonderful little sport. Not only does he attend all baseball games but he participates even when his runs aren’t being counted. He doesn’t leave pouting or stops trying. I just have to give him credit for that. But wait, there’s more, today his parents talked in front of him about taking him along to Sunnyside where grandma and his dad went to finish off her buns for the new mother, (we have a new baby boy on the colony) but it turned out that there was no more room in the van. He was a little disappointed but was a real good sport about that too.

Me: “Isn’t your daddy wonderful, Judas?”

Judas: “Yes and I love him”

Me: “How much do you love him?”

Judas: “Oh, all the way up to heaven.”

Me: “Well, you only love him as much as you obey him.”

Judas: “I love Him third best of all.”

Me: “Hay, who do you love more.” (A little hopeful)

Judas: “First I love God, then the angels, then dad.”

Well, there you go, right next to the angels, our papa.

I also found a sweet little card on the porch from my little boy a few days ago. He is getting to be quite the artist. It’s him and me hugging, I keep telling him that I’ll be hugging him till he’s a grandpa, he better be ready. So far I can kiss him anytime I want, as long as no one is around. I dig the hearts, ah?

Wingham School has started teaching their kids to swim at Southport with some Fairholme girls as teachers. I went along last week to have a peek and found it very interesting; got a few tips myself. Judas is doing fairly well from what I can see and has always done pretty good in the water.

Judas you have no idea what a pleasure it is to be your mom, you are so much like your pa that you delight me more every day. You are a blessing and I love you very much.

For My Papa

2008-06-22T14:47:00.005-06:00

Things He Taught Me:
Dad taught me his ‘plat deuch’ or Pennsylvanian Dutch language he spoke as a boy. He joined the colony at age 11 with his father and passed a few sentences on to me.

He also taught me how to drive at about age 10. Airport was the one place in the world where you where scared to see a pickup truck coming towards you with no driver. When it came close though, you could see a tiny little head pop out just over the steering. That’s how young we learned to drive on the farm barely reaching the paddles. I still remember the first curve I ever made or almost didn’t make. I turned the steering way too far and almost hit the ditch. Dad was so cool, he just grabbed it with one hand and said “Whoa, not so far” with no fuss at all. He is still a very good teacher, patient and lets you find things out on your own. I remember watching a young women learning to drive with her dad and he was being very helpful, in fact, so helpful that she was in tears and stopped in the middle of the city to ask him to please let her do the driving.

Things He did for me:
Dad took us to the Delta beach on the hot summer evenings about 15 miles off the colony, we would cool off and play in the water for a good two hours and then leave in the van refreshed.

He fixed my bike’s flat tire quite a few times in the evenings. I would follow close behind and watch his every move and soon I thought that I could do it on my own. So I went ahead and tried, everything worked out fine taking it off and patching the tube but I just couldn’t get it back onto the tire. I think I made several more holes forcing it on with a striate screwdriver.

Special Memories:
One night we had a flat on the old van on the cement road about a mile from home. I was very young, maybe about 5 or so and of course I was afraid of the dark. When dad was done having a look, he decided that we would have to walk home. Well, I couldn’t see a thing, it was darker than black. Dad held my hand all the way home and I remember how safe I felt knowing that the hand that was holding mine could be trusted and would watch over me.

Things He Said:
My dad would always say: “Too many chiefs, and not enough Indians.” He is still one of the best Indians I know of, humbly doing his part for the whole.

Audrey, Our Gift

2008-06-09T10:20:00.007-06:00

Something quite significant happened in our little family this week. We had to let our wonderful babysitter go. We celebrated her 15th birthday on the 4th of June, and of course, that's when you join the adult work force on the colony. She will now be working, eating, worshiping, and socializing with the adults.
She has been a part of our family since she was 9 years old, taking care of Judas soon after he was born and then later Hans. She came every day to feed the boys at suppertime and looked after them during Sunday and evening church services, plus trips and different colony jobs like gardening, canning, butchering, and cook and back weeks. Sometimes I simply don't know what I'd have done without her.
Her mother (Margret) 'gave' her to me when they still had a child under the age of 5 at their home. In my eyes it was a pretty big sacrifice since they would have needed her as well. I have always been thankful for it and can only hope that if I ever have the chance to be as generous that I won't forget.
It's a bit sad to see her go because I really miss her but I'm a little proud too. Just because I've had the privilege to see her grow lovely and beautiful as a flower and now that she's unfolded before me I get to enjoy the fragrance she spreads all around her. It's just too lovely!!
Here are a few paragraphs from the letter of thanks I sent along with her gift. All she ever needed to do was look after my boys, but she did so much more. There will never be another like her.

You can take a lot of the credit for how quick our boys learned to throw, catch, kick, bat, and skate because you always played with them instead of just sitting around. You've helped them be good sports in baseball, soccer, volley and floor hockey and I'm sure that's not the only reason you will be greatly missed.
You have no idea how much we appreciate all the time you spent cleaning the living room, kitchen, bookshelf and much more. It never went unnoticed especially in a cook and bake week when it was neglected from all angles. That dear is not half the story, but we can't remember asking you to do those things once. You did it all without being told and without complaining, never once did you roll your eyes, clinch a fist, or give any sarcastic comments. Your dedication has been a great blessing to us.

We also want to thank you for the fact that we were always able to trust you in our house, not only did you never snoop or invade out privacy but there were always other kids here that you kept honest and respectful and made sure that nothing was damaged. It is no small quality to be dependable and trustworthy, so thank you that we could leave you in charge without worrying about a thing.
The greatest treasure of all, Audrey, is that you have always been a good example to our boys and your influence is something we hope they will never forget. You never let them get away with doing things that were wrong and that says a lot about the person you are. It shows us how hard you try to keep your own heart pure and leaves footprints behind you that are well worth following.

If it weren't for Audrey

If it weren't for Audrey we wouldn't know how to bat or through a ball as well as we do.
If it weren't for Audrey our mom would be on drugs for stress.
If it weren't for Audrey we wouldn't be half the good sports that we are.
If it weren't for Audrey we would have missed a lot of fun.
If it weren't for Audrey we wouldn't know a lot of good games.
If it weren't for Audrey we wouldn't know how to pray.
If it weren't for Audrey we would have missed some good, hearty, laughs.
If it weren't for Audrey we wouldn't have a friend for life.

Pray for our Church

2008-05-26T21:00:00.009-06:00

Please people, pray for the church while she is in a time of need!! We think that there is nothing we can do, but there is...

#1 Pray, and pray again that our leaders have the wisdom and the insight to make good decisions.

#2 Don't criticise anyone.

#3 If you talk about it , make sure what you say is the truth and check out your story by asking the people concerned.

#4 Trust the Lord and have a little faith in each other.

Inspiration

2008-05-26T11:59:00.002-06:00

From our colony and more!!!

2008-05-23T18:02:00.010-06:00

Rodney took his little Hans with him to Winnipeg for a day and I was able to spend it in the sewing room. Finished off a few shirts for Hans and dug three holes with rocks in them around our Evergreen, or is it our Everbrown? Now the water is getting to the roots; this is his last chance. My face is all leathery from the sunshine it's been getting.

Spent the day washing the mud off my floor that we have been dragging in all week from working in our garden; my knees are on fire. Rodney has designed a pond for our garden and it really looks good. If it had been up to me I would have kept it really small and simple, but he had some bigger ideas and now I'm glad he did.

I've been dragging in every bog and water plant that I can get my fingers on in the last week, and have planted a few and am planning some more. We will put in our goldfish in as well. I'm on the lookout for a water lilly at a good price. I'm just too cheep to got one at the Canadian Tire. They look so big and healthy, it makes me green at $16.99.

The luckiest mom in the word just got an arm load of flowers from her sun...that Sunflower!!

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-18T10:19:00.007-06:00

Dear Mom,

This year I thought I'd just write you a note of thanks instead of flowers, a card, or a phone call.

Can you remember when I came to your room as a little girl and asked for forgiveness for all the candy I took from the pantry? Wow, I could tell how pleased and delighted you were, you gave me a big hug and a wet kiss. I guess I wanted to make a new start and stealing bothered my conscience.

I also recall how you told me I was your favourite child when I asked. I always said that if my child will have to ask that then I'm not saying "I love you" enough. Well, my son did ask me one day and I retold him the stories of Joseph and his brothers and Jacob and Esau how they began to hate each other when favoritism was shown to one party. I said that our family would not be like that and that God has given me two wonderful boy gifts that I love very much. Now I know the truth but you lovingly said just the right thing that I needed to hear, and I went away totally satisfied.

There is one thing that I treasure even above the love you gave and the good conscience you taught. Thank you Mom, for teaching me to give my heart to God, for passing on to me the faith of Abraham, Isaak, and Jacob. This will keep me long after you are gone, and If I can do this for my own children I would die a satisfied woman.

Much love Nelda

Song 79, Gesangbuch

2008-05-13T11:34:00.012-06:00

Today it rained!!

Yesterday we finished seeding

Today it rained!!

Yesterday we prayed for a mild shower

Today it rained!!

Yesterday we asked for a heavenly blessing

Today it rained!!

Yesterday the land was thirsty

Today it rained!!

Yesterday my heart was dry as sand

Today it rained!!

Let the gifts of the Holy Spirit

From the heavens pour over me

Like a mighty stream come flowing

Soaking my heart through and through.

Out go my little boys, one with the rain coat and boots, and his "berrella", plus a persistent cough and cold, and the other to collect worms that I only find the day after in a pail in the farthest coner of the living room hidden behind the chair.

The Blood

2008-05-02T21:39:00.007-06:00

One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her heart. She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and prostitution, but, the change in her was evident.

As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children. It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor's son.

There relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans. This is when the problems began. You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son. The church began to argue and fight about the matter.

So they decided to have a meeting. As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand. The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past. As she began to cry the pastor's son stood to speak. He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife to be.

He began to speak and his statement was this: 'My fiancée’s past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or not? 'The whole church began to realized that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against our brothers and sisters. Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it cannot cleanse us completely. If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of trouble.

What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! End of case!!!! 'Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee, He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. 'Psalm 55:23

My instructions were to pick people that I wanted God to bless and I picked you. This prayer is powerful and prayer is one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost, but a lot of rewards, let's continue to pray for one another.

Here is the prayer: 'Father, I ask you to bless my friends, relatives and email buddies reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask you to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubt, release a renewed confidence through your grace. In Jesus' precious name. Amen

So look around you .. Whom are you not forgiving? “ For each day we pray, “Forgive us our trespasses AS we forgive those who trespass against us. Yes, it can even be yourself . Are YOU holding on to memory’s of passed mistakes you’ve made or times when you’ve been misused or ignored . Can you forgive yourself a wrong or unthoughtful moment. Something you did and your life changed forever and is still making you unhappy. Are you being hard on yourself because you don’t have the talents or ambitions others seem to have. Let go! Be no longer dismayed but have a new life in Him.

Warning to All

2008-04-28T13:41:00.009-06:00

Friends, loved ones, and all who read this blog, and care for the Left Behind series. Please take the time to listen to this. Its the biblical view on the last day and shows that the seven years of tribulation after the rapture is just a theory that the devil uses to lull us all to sleep and make us think that we will still have a chance for heaven even if we miss the rapture.

The Bible is quite clear in Matthew about the last day and warns us not to let ourselves be deceived. It will not be a silent day either. Have you ever heard the blasting sound that a trumpet makes? It also says that we will see the Lord in the air. The seven years following are not even mentioned in the Good Book!!! Please listen.

I have to admit that I've been drawn to the idea because we did listen to a much older vergan of Left Behind many long years ago.

Things I Love

2008-04-13T12:02:00.025-06:00

Spring...

...new life, am reminded of the song...

Lord in my heart bring back the spring time

Take away the cold and dark of sin

Oh, fill me now please Holy Spirit

May I warm and tender be again.

Fall... colors.

...my friend Carmen Hathaway made the angel and it always makes me smile remembering her. It has found an interesting place and name, the tree behind it matches it's colors perfectly in the fall so I call it my fallen angel.

Wheels...

...they remind me that God is the center of everything, or the hub. We the members of His body are the spokes and love (the rim) is what holds everything together and helps us go places.

Rain...

...tears from heaven watering the earth with life.

Fences...

...our life is pretty fenced in, keeping us together, safer and protecting a bit from the predator of our souls.

Fog...

...it is so romantic. You know how our faults kind of loose their edge, fade, and are not the focus when we love and are loved.

Sunshine...

...Jesus is the light for our path, the Holy Spirit warms our hearts, and God gives the strength for our growth. Together the three are one like the trenity.

Trees...

...My apple tree will always make me think of the fruits of the spirit and the more there are of them the more the branches bend to the will of the Father. An evergreen stays green and growing even in extreme whether. I also love a weeping willow because it humbly hangs it's branches to the earth.

Flowers...

...being made perfect by God.

Empty park bench...

... an invitation for fellowship.

Rainbows...

...God's promises

Gardens...

... no matter how much sweat and tears I put into making my garden beautiful, pulling weeds, moving stuff around, and tending to make it beautiful, God just puts me to shame with the beauty of wild flowers and grasses in some ditch. He coordinates colors perfectly, just randomly delighting and decorating. This is meant in the physical sense as well as in the spiritual; just one inspiration off of a poem, and one day I'll write it.

My little and big family...
...how can I describe how thankful I am to be a part of something so huge and awesome.

Butterflies...

...follow the link.

Lately

2008-04-12T13:32:00.013-06:00

I've been home for a week and really enjoyed it; made some cassettes but not enough to start selling any, just fill orders. It was wonderful to see my sisters and brothers again and my dear friends, parents, uncles and cousins. I guess it took me a while to get my head back straight.

I was glad to be able to take both boys with me because it was during the spring break. Judas had a jolly time with his double cousin and best friend Elliot; he also made a new friend that I'm all tickled about. Victor and Glenda's Dale, it looks like that family is a keeper. Some of my dearest friends are in it. :)

I have been collecting some fun quotes from little Hans.

"Self-control is to drive an airplane." That little brain goes from the fruits of the spirit to remote control.

"I want to go outside for some "new fresh." That means fresh air. He's got a pretty good handle on the English language and is much farther ahead than Judas was at this age. I guess he is exposed to it a little more.

Guess what "Lampootion" is??? It's lotion, still love making him smell like a baby, but I realize lately that I can just barely hold him anymore. He's growing so big.

I have such a struggle with my sons with guns. No matter how many good words I give them there is not a toy they cannot make to perform like a gun. "Guns are for killing, boys." "God made all these things, and you want to kill them, what if we destroyed the things you make?" Might as well talk to the wall.

I'm also not sure that I should be teaching my sons to turn the other cheek, of course it is the way of Jesus and I should be against violence, but what if they come in contact with one who is careless about how he treats others. Should they not even be defending themselves?? OK, wise old mothers speak up. LETS HERE FROM YOU! I guess we need not try to find a way out of obeying God's word because we think that our situation is unique, but I would like to know what and how mothers teach.

One thing that kind of bugs me is that some of our folks don't even know how rude and impolite whispering in public is or other manners like it. In community especially it sticks out because it makes the other person feel excluded and is hurtful. I wish our mothers would put more emphases on teaching their kids what we call "vilt manear."

He Arose

2008-03-28T22:31:00.005-06:00

I was in this room, it smelled of death.
It was so dark and there was a heap of every imaginably unclean thing.
There was pride, envy, bitterness, hate and many more vices.
I was so afraid, picking through the pile on my knees looking for I don’t know what.
There was a gentle tap on my shoulder and I looked up into the face of Jesus.
He said to me “Come my child, come with Me, I rose from the dead and since you are a member of my body, this is no place for you.”
He took my hand and led me out, and we entered a room with blinding brilliant light.
There I saw the throne of God, and blessings piled up high;
gifts to delight, and jewels rich and rare in His word.
I could feel the love embrace me as I stood looking at the cross.
It wasn’t very long at all until I sinned again,
then I in fear fled from that room ashamed of a broken dream.
I hurried back to that other door but found it locked and barred.
Beside me appeared Jesus with the keys and a question on His lips.
“Do you want to go back in here?” He asked in a solemn way.
“No, never ever, but what shall I do….where should I go…?”
He smiled right then and said to me, I’ll always cherish it.
“You have a choice, my dear, as I did long ago.

I arose from death and darkness into the loving light.
Come rise with me, and inter in, I’ll show you what to do.”
Again He took my hand and led me to the light.
It was to the cross He guided me and humbly I knelt down.
Repenting, grateful, trusting, and hopeful I told it all to Him.
I found the peace from fighting it and His forgiveness too.
No power on this earth but His can move this great big mountain.
I’ll never leave this room again, it’s here I’ll work and play;
I’ll search and sing and laugh and pray and live abundantly.

The Heavens Declare the Glory of God

2008-03-25T11:45:00.009-06:00

This adventure started with a dream that I thought was so sweet that I told it to Rodney the next day. I was standing outside my brother’s house in Crystal Springs and looked up at the heavens and saw the stars. They were just glorious; it seemed like they were 3-dimensional and very near. It was a clear night and there were billions of them. I raised my hands and opened my mouth to praise. That’s when I felt myself raising, and realizing it, came back down and thought that I shouldn't have lost faith or fear like Peter did when he walked on water. As I began to marvel at the night sky my body again rose upward in a state of pure adoration to God for such beauty, and when I awoke.

Sometime later I learned that God had Himself named each star (Ps.147:4) leaving the animals for Adam, and that they were put there for signs, seasons, days and years. (Gen.1:14) They were divinely designed to tell a story that I have not read in Josephus undeniably resembling the gospel. I learned that somewhere up there was the whole gospel story and that it was the bible of Adam, Noah, Abraham and others, because they really didn’t have one then. I learned that the signs of the zodiac have been perverted in our day and are being misused by the devil to tell people's future. He is always out to destroy the work of God.

Let me explain just one of the brightest constellations I have had the privilege of studying. Orion is the great warrior and holds a club and the head if His enemy victoriously in his hands.

Orion’s ancient name means “Coming as light,” who came as light?? “I am the light of the world”
The star on His right shoulder is Betelgeuse, and means “the coming of the branch.” Jesus said that every branch that does not bear fruit will be cut off and that He is the vine and we are the branches.
Bellatrix is on the left shoulder and means “coming quickly” or “swiftly destroying”
Rigel is the star on the leg poised over the head of the enemy and means “the foot that crushes” do you remember the very first prophecy given to Adam and Eve that Jesus would come? “It (the serpent) will bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (Gen.3:15)
So we have the star on his right leg called Saiph and means “bruised.”
There is also an interesting star on his belt that means “the wounded one” called Alnitak.
The belt is also made of three equally bright stars that have been called “The Three Kings,” and to me that sounds a lot like the trinity.

It was so incredibly interesting that I’ve been researching them in a sky atlas. The only thing I knew before was not to look for stars on a cloudy night…well, no, really…I knew where the big dipper is, and that’s about all.

Another interesting thing is that my grandma had all the birth dates of her children recorded in her bible along with the signs of the zodiac that they were born under. We always called her a little superstitious, but maybe she knew a thing or two more than I do today. In one of the few memories that I have of her she is sitting in a chair with her nose in the bible, and you could not distract her. (I know because I tried)

You know how the teachings of evolution have made us think that people back then were not as smart as we are now? You know how we are supposed to have evolved from monkeys? Always getting more advanced, intelligent, technical, and back then people were simple, living in caves and the like. I am beginning to see that the opposite is true. People were a lot smarter a few thousand years ago. Want proof?

Take a look at the pyramids and other immense structures and try figuring out what CAT you would use to move a trailer sized rock.

Solomon was the wisest man that ever lived.

I’d like to know how much knowledge I could get if I lived to be over 200 years old.

We are using a mere 10% of our brain today. Anything less and we would stop breathing.

Many iron, copper, clay, and gold artifacts have been found, meaning they had the tools to make items out of such.

There are even some paintings that depict energy sources much like our electricity today.

There must be something behind what I’m learning otherwise the magi would have had no idea that the Christ child had been born. They were led by a WHAT? A STAR? Yes, a star.

Good Friday All

2008-03-21T20:30:00.005-06:00

I got a bunch of beautiful Daffodils from my Father-in-law this week. He still frequents the cancer wards at times and enjoys sharing them with us. They really brightened up the kitchen together with all that sunshine we've been having.

I was sitting and considering the flowers, how they don't spin of sew but are more beautiful than Solomon in all his glory. I was impressed to think that my Father in heaven will also clothe me, but is He not able to clothe me with more than just shirts, socks, and skirts? He is also able to clothe me with righteousness, first and foremost, also with wisdom, good deeds, pure thoughts, and patience. I just have to trust Him to do it. Nor do I have to spin, sew, toil, or labour, for this righteousness; it is a gift.

Thought for the day

2008-03-13T21:40:00.008-06:00

There is only one thing better than holding a child to your heart
-holding your own child to your heart.

There is only one thing better than being a good example
-seeing someone following your good example.

There's only one thing better than being victorious over temptation
-that's thanking God for the victory.

-Nelda Baer

The Void

2008-03-06T01:08:00.006-06:00

I was walking through the kitchen the other day and opened the fridge and asked myself what I wanted. We had just had snack, and there was no way that I could possibly be hungry. So I figured out that I was starving my soul, I had not fed it that day. So I sat down with the word and started to read and was I ever satisfied. I read the part that made a lot of Jesus' disciples turn back from following him, when He said that He was the bread of life and that if we feed on Him we will never hunger or thirst. Now that I think of it , it fit so well with my looking for food. I have learned a lot of this from Gwen Shamberlin's book, The Weigh Down Workshop.

Here is a poem I'd like to share, I think I wrote it a few years back. Also try this link from a sight I enjoy that happens to be on the subject. Dr. Grant has a new message/clip on it every month that has to do with his book Emotionally Free.

The Void

Empty vessel with no bottom
Need to fill to satisfy
Hungry, striving, longing, starving
Earthly things can’t gratify

Only One can quench this craving
Jesus Christ The Lord and God
You cannot contain His blessings
Overflowing joy and love

-Nelda Baer

Jane Austen Eat Your Heart Out

2008-03-05T23:38:00.005-06:00

God is so romantic

He brings me flowers every day
He sings to me in wind and waves
Gives me diamonds in the night sky
And at my feet in snowflakes bright
He always finds a special way
To tell me all He wants to say.
God is so romantic

He calls me with the kindest voice
Gives me a brand new name of choice
He always wants me in His care
Looks out for me no matter where
He gives me company when I’m alone
And whispers that I am His own
God is so romantic

He paints me pictures morn and night
Gave me a mansion that’s just right
He cares though I am gray and old
And warms me when my heart is cold
He has all riches in His name
And everyone speaks of His fame
God is so romantic

He leads me with a steady hand
He is a shelter from the bad
Whenever I faint, fail, or fall
He’s by my side to help me up
For my pain His arms open wide
He holds me when I need to cry
God is so romantic

He is mighty, brave, and strong,
Commands an army of His own
He feeds me with the living bread
And gives me life when all is dead
He bids me drink right from His well
And saves my soul from darkest hell
God is so romantic

*Sigh*

And what have I to give to Him
Oh nothing, nothing but my sin

-Nelda Baer

Love it! Love it! Love it!

2008-03-05T14:15:00.011-06:00

Here is my challenge of the week. It is so easy to say "be humble, be like Jesus, be loving, die to self," but what does it mean in my day to day walk, in my relationships, in my heart and house? This is one for my fridge.

DYING TO SELF

When you are forgotten or neglected or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting or hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ-that is dying to self.

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded or your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart or even to defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving silence-that is dying to self.

When you lovingly, patiently bear any disorder and irregularity, any unpunctuality or any annoyance- when you come face to face with waste, folly,extravagance, spiritual insensibility-and endure it as Jesus endured it-that is dying to self.

When you are content with any food, any offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, any solitude, any interruption by the will of God-that is dying to self.

When you never refer to your self in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendation, when you can truly love to go unknown-that is dying to self.

When you can see your brother or sister have his or her needs met and can honestly rejoice in spirit and can feel no envy nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and in more desperate circumstances- that is dying to self.

When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly summit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart- that is dying to self.

by Bill Briton

One Snowflake

2008-03-02T11:57:00.013-06:00

One snowflake

-Nelda Baer

I walk in the snow
Into the sun
Waves and waves of diamonds gleam
They glitter like sparks
As the sun catches them

Each one for a moment
I stop, they beam

If it were God walking here
And I, a small snowflake
I’d shine just for Him
Reflecting the light
Of His only Son.
My life will be gone
In one fleeing second
So I’ll brighten the spot
Where I came to rest.

B-day

2008-02-22T22:58:00.008-06:00

Today is my 1st blog birthday. A whole year in blog land and what am I ahead for it? I’ve “met” some wonderful, fun, faithful, people like the carebear family who have shown me that you can have an abundance of fun while you are bearing the burden of the day, also the Reimer family who are fighting cancer. I’ve learned a lot more about computing. Keeping in touch with Diane and taking a peak into Barbra’s blog has been encouraging too. MH thanks for being so brave, wink, wink. Your comments are much appreciated.

I have been seriously considering why I do it and here are all the reasons.

Why do I do it?

I’ve always had diaries, and somehow they were not really full of news, but more about the struggles of my heart. I have always found that writing things down helps me to see them more clearly, figure things out, and find what is really important to me, because life does get very complicated sometimes.
I love writing, poems, telling stories, and reading, and how do you become better at it? Practice!
This blog has been dedicated to God and His work so I can only hope that he can find a use for it. If I could just encourage or help one soul or bring them closer to God by telling them of my trials, it would all be worth it, and people do tell me that they are encouraged.

It is also a way to stay in touch with some of my dear friends who never comment. So I don’t have to write what I’m doing 17 times.
I have a need to express and create that I have to satisfy, it’s almost like therapy.

I have grown so much from the interaction with people. I have been able to challenge myself in many arias. Thanks to all my readers for listening . oxoxox

King

2008-02-22T22:41:00.005-06:00

Be it e-mail, chat, or blogging, we are not free from our responsibility of admonishing our brothers in Christ. - Melinda Kleinsasser

My sister said I could quote her on that and here it is, I had a talk with her and we explored why our church frowns on public affection. One of the reasons is to be considerate to the unmarried among us, you would not want to wave food in front of a hungry person or to be a stumbling block to someone who is working hard to keep their thoughts pure, and so we do not flaunt our marriages or boyfriends. Unlike Hollywood we are responsible for each other.

In that case I will have to thank Anonymous and can only believe that it was meant well. To have someone admonish you means simply that you are cared for, and that that person has made himself uncomfortable to save you further shame and humiliation, or whatever the consequence of your situation.

There is another reason, and I have been studying this passage lately. The place in the bible where it talks about those who are married should be as though they were not, and it goes on to say that those who morn should be as if they didn’t and the same for those who rejoice or sell. Its main point seems to be that we should let Jesus be our #1, our all, our first priority. So…..will you look at who is the king of Butterflyhouse. We serve a jealous God and He longs for us to set our affection on the things that are above not the things of the earth. So I hereby dethrone Rodney and crown the Lord God of Israel, KING OVER ALL.

Hotrod

2008-02-14T14:24:00.017-06:00

Happy Valentine’s Day Sweetheart!

Life

2008-02-12T19:28:00.001-06:00

Visiting We went to Fairholme for a visit last week to see Jen and Derek, we had a lovely time. Their kids sure are growing fast and ever sweeter. Emily is 5 now and feels quite proud.

We were also at the old folk’s home with the kids singing for the aged. It was a pleasure to do once more and we met some nice folks.

In the snow We had a little boys dream party in the snow the other day, we built a couple of snow forts and had a blast, really, we tried blasting each other with snowballs and hitting each other’s fort. We had to be down for a minute if we got hit so we had a wonderful time pretending.

Rodney has been out a few times with his dog sledding with a sled attached to Taiga. She gives the kids rides and they love it. We may be keeping one of his pups but Rodney is not sure yet. There she is with the pick of the litter.

The children all had a lovely time sliding down on Rodgers Hill today, this was a first for Judas and he was so excited. It was a “Two more sleeps to the big day” kind of thing. There is a cable that pulls them back up so he is all tiered out and will have an early night tonight.

V- Day We are planning a Valentine’s Day party with the Sunnyside ladies. We will have a silent auction at their colony if the Lord is willing. You know what my honey will be doing? Babysitting! How romantic!

Nothing

2008-02-07T14:45:00.000-06:00

Just look at what the Lord has made of nothing. This picture is from our trip to Alberta a few years ago.

I went for a walk yesterday and I ended up listening to the wind blowing through the pine trees at the back of the colony. I just love that sound, it will always remind me of the Holy Spirit because of what it says about Him being like the wind. You can hear Him whistling, but you don't know where He is going or where He came from. So is everyone born of the Spirit.

So there I was in the shelter of the trees and down floats a peace of nothing off them. I caught it in my gloved hand to examine it's nothingness and let it fall to the earth because after all, it was nothing, just a peace of nothing.

Yet someday it may be used to furtilize new life.

What did God use to make man? Dust! He can make much out of nothing. He breathed the breath of life into them and they became living beings.

May the spirit do so to me, breath new life into my soul so that I can become a living sacrifice to the Lord. I want to give more than just my earthly possessions, but my whole life, time, talents, gifts, intelligence, strength and will. But I must confess I have been trying to give this of my own strength. I too must come before Him with nothing and fall to the earth.

This is where I may be used to bring forth new life, for I serve a God who can make something out of nothing. I must trust and follow Him even if I don't know where He is going or where He has come from.

At war

2008-02-03T20:05:00.000-06:00

From the moment I was born till my death I will have to struggle. A soldier in arms has no value until he is tested. If I am not tested, I dare say that I am off the narrow road, either to the right (self-righteous) or the left (living in sin), because that is the only way that the devil will leave me alone.

That was the message at church today and out pops the question, am I intimidating to the devil?

Does he tremble when he sees me on my knees because my prayer of faith will move mountains, or does he scoff at my useless, empty, faithless, reciting?

Does he rally his forces whenever I plan my next move to build up God’s kingdom, or is he relaxing, assured that he can hold his ground and I will do little damage to his strongholds?

Has he got me beat with discouragement and self pity, or am I an encouragement to the many soles who are struggling along beside me?

Is my worship a time for him to disappear because he just can’t stand me being in the presents of God getting guidance, encouragement, and strength for the battle, or has he got me employed worshiping other gods like food, possessions, money, hobbies, church and community responsibilities to tie up my time, energy, and thoughts?

Is he delighted when I hold a clean house, sewing, blogging and other things above spending time with my children, husband, and family, or does he want to give up when I have my priorities straight and am able to take enough time so that there is no lack?

Does he get a bad taste in his mouths when I’m talking to my friends about God and His wonderful ways, or is he happily sitting by listening as we discuss dresses, shoes, couples and news?

Is he impressed because my love is only shown out of duty or must he find another new trick in his big book to try to keep it from flowing freely from God through my willing heart out to all?

How does he react when I return good for evil? Has he got me feeling self-righteous and better than my neighbor or am I merely doing it out of love for my fellowman, knowing that God loves the next person just as much as I am loved?

Today the question was asked: am I afraid to die, or have I been dead for a long time?

Create in me a clean heart Oh God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presents oh Lord. Restore unto me the joy of my salvation, and take not you’re Holy Spirit from me.

What will I say when He asks me why He should let me into His heavenly home?.......

….I have done nothing to deserve it; it was the work of Jesus Christ who died and did it all for me.

Here I am again, back before the One who examines my heart and sees all I do. There is no use pretending, He sees right through me and I cannot hide anything from Him. Far, far from the goal, I will not give up the fight, I have only started.

Me and my big mouth

2008-01-28T14:41:00.000-06:00

I’m convinced that if I could just keep my mouth shut my sins would be down to half. “If any man offends not in word’s the same is a perfect man also able to bridle his whole body.”

To be honest, I have been punished by the Good Shepherd who is always ready to guide His sheep. “He who the Lord loves, He chastens.” I just know that I have been given more grace.

I’ve been reading the CSE blog of Kent Hovand in jail and he is still strengthening my faith even from there. Click here to get a load of his message on how good pressure is for a Christian. You’ve just got to read it!

Of course I know that no one is perfect so I will forgive myself, learn from it, take the warning, and move on, but it’s interesting how sometimes it is also wrong not to speak up. It’s one of the three things that never come back to you once they are gone, words, time, and opportunity.

Anyway, I will not be satisfied just to know the truth. I am determined to improve and stick to the old rule, “If it isn’t nice, don’t say it.”

Pollyanna

2008-01-20T18:26:00.000-06:00

I have recently been challenged not only to give thanks for the wonderful blessings in my life but also for the things I like the least; the things I complain about and detest because we are to give thanks in all circumstances. So let me play Pollyanna here and try to find the good in them. Every situation is supposed to have the potential for good.

· Cooking, there is not a mother in the city or head cook who would not think she had it made if she only had to cook one week of eight. I should also be thankful that I am healthy and able.

· Winter, that’s easy enough, the beauty of it, the rest, the chance to miss summer.

· My weaknesses and extreme feeler tendencies. God’s strength and the ability to feel for others.

Sometimes life stinks, what if there is really nothing good to be found, do I still have to be thankful? Yes? Why? Because…

· God is great
· God is good

· God is merciful, faithful, mighty and all powerful, eternal, wonderful, God IS, and that is the only source of joy and thanksgiving that I can cling to when thing don’t make sense. His ways are not mine and His thoughts much higher and past finding out. Glory to Him.

Snowflakes

2008-01-01T15:18:00.000-06:00

We are more likely to be kept out of heaven for our lack of faith than for any of our most grievous sins. -Rev. Ernie Waldner.

This truth has resonated to the depth of my soul in the last week of worship. What will God sacrificing His Son profit me if I don’t really believe it, and why do I have such a hang up with my sin?

I was out walking in the sparkling snow a day ago and it was coming down slowly in lushes, soft, flakes. There was no wind and the stillness became soothing and calming. It was as if the Lord was saying to me again, “Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” This is how pure and beautiful I have made the saints, this is you washed with My blood.

It was as dazzling and as comforting as the weather it’s self. I’m so amazed and filled with wonder at how God creates moments like this. His love is simply unfathomable.

Happy New Year!! May we ever grow closer to God and have more love to share.

Mary

2007-12-25T20:03:00.000-06:00

I finally got the Christmas spirit when I heard the wonderful news that my good friend Mary (Greenachers) had a baby boy named Hans on Christmas Eve. I am overjoyed and got so excited that I sang Mary's song:

“ My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant...For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name.

And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty.

He has helped His servant Israel, In remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and to his seed forever.”

She will have her very own nativity sene this year!

A very Merry Christmas to all, filled with family and fun, peace on earth, and goodwill.

Five New Additions to Family

2007-12-23T21:19:00.000-06:00

If you are looking to own a dog write to rodneyklein@excite.com

100%

2007-12-20T14:13:00.000-06:00

I’ve been busy helping out with the school Christmas concert on the 20th and we are making progress. The children are improving and fairly well behaved. I totally lost my cool on Friday; I guess my stress tolerance level is quite low. I don’t know how our teachers, James and Stanley can do it; I definitely appreciate them more today.

I’ve always loved drama and I enjoy lending a hand. I’ve had to learn how to make a person look old with makeup, and the experience has been great. My house has been in ‘just keep it looking nice’ mode for a week, and I know that I have to be where there is a need, use the talents that I have, and give it my all, even if the next person doesn’t.

I do wonder why I should though.

…Is it because I want to be a good example?

…want to impress a person or group of people?

…be thought well of?

…show off?

…want praise?

…want the good feeling I get from it?

…imitate someone?

...or just because I enjoy it?

...All the wrong reasons.

Ananias and Sephira gave a lot, but then tried to deceive God and the disciples into thinking it was their all. Their punishment is what I want to avoid. So why should I do good deeds? Why should I give whatever I choose to give? I did promise at my baptism to give 100%...and I must have done that out of love and gratefulness for what I have been given on the cross. Is this still my main motivation for what I do? Is it love that pushes me on to give more?

Nobody can ask for more than what I give, if I want to give 20% it will be accepted, if I want to give 50% so be it. If I want to give 150% and bleed out my last drop, that is between me and God.

Can I give more? I know that some things, like cooking, (don’t get me started on that) demand my all and it may not be my cup of tea, special gift, or something that I can accomplish. Do I still have to give my all? What if my all is just shorter than the next person’s? Can I just say that I’m doing my personal best? What is my personal best? Whatever God lies on my heart?

He is the one who made us all with our unique qualities, talents, gifts. He will know what to ask for. He did ask that we do all we do out of love, and went so far as to say that if there is no love, we shouldn't bother.

Well, no wonder my soul searching always brings me back to this one theme: Love your neighbor as yourself. If I’m going to be understanding and even a bit lenient with myself I should be cutting my brother some slack to.

In other news: I’ve almost finished my second cassette; it’s got only bible stories on it. I just didn’t get inspired to do any others. I’m planning to have it ready to be sold after Christmas.

Judas has been bringing home some words from school to learn and knows them so well that we can’t even trick him anymore. He needs to be read to 5 min. a day and that is a pleasure. He has already got one pizza ticket.

2007-12-20T13:23:00.000-06:00

No can do!! Maybe a post can only handle one clip at a time. I'll try adding it to this one....
What is going on??? Can't do it!!!

P.S.

2007-12-18T19:49:00.000-06:00

Hello, can anyone tell me why my pictures are being replaced with a box with a red x in it?
And you may want to have a look at my Born Again blog one more time because I finally found the clip of a worm turning into a cocoon.

Moments

2007-12-09T20:41:00.000-06:00

This is also for my Uncle Mike who just went to be with the Lord last week. He sure was somebodies angel and I'm glad I was on earth with him, I look forwards to seeing him glorified.
In honor of women's history month and in memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer.
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
(Written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn! With my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's'; more 'I'm sorry's.' But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it.. live it and never give it back.

STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what, instead; let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us. Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with, and what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, and emotionally. I hope you have a blessed day .

The Upside Down Kingdom

2007-11-26T15:20:00.000-06:00

This was fun to write, it seems that if man places great value on things, God does not. They are kind of ironic, or the opposite of what you would expect, and I’m sure there are many more, so if you have any to add, please feel free to comment.

The weaker we are the stronger the Lord is in us.

We lose our life to gain it.

The poor become rich in Christ.

There is no resolving to do as we will but the giving in to do His will.

The servant is the greatest.

The scares bring healing.

Getting on our knees accomplishes much more than standing proud.

The simple are made wise.

What we do for others matters more than what we do for ourselves.

His burden is light and His yolk is easy.

He came to bring the sinner to repentance, not the righteous.

The first shall be last and the last first.

The humble shall be exulted.

A child leads the way to the King.

A Warrior

2007-11-20T15:07:00.000-06:00

I will learn to fight!!

I will use the shield and sword!!

I will knock, and it shall be opened to me!

I will ask, and it shall be given me!

I will seek, and I will find!

I will seek first the kingdom, and all these things shall be given unto me!!

I will not give up just because I don’t always live up to my own standards!!

After much prayer and pain, once I became silent and really listened, the Spirit convinces and convicts me.
He was sharpening His ax ready to chop off the large unsightly weed that I have allowed to grow in my heart.

“No” I begged, “There is a root under there; if you just cut off the weed, as soon as there is a new season it will spring up again and grow stronger yet. Bring shovels, uproot the whole blasted thing. I need a makeover, transform the whole landscape.”

So we go back and dig, what is under there? Back to Crystal Springs, back to Airport, back to my childhood. What made this weed grow and take root so deeply? What is feeding it?

It has found much nourishment from the past; the water of life has given it drink. Life has not been perfect from the time Adam and Eve disobeyed God. They were, in fact, the very first dysfunctional family; remember Cain and Able?

I cannot change the way things happened in the past, but I can change my reaction to them. So out comes the root.

“Wait, are you sure I won’t need this for something? Not even to keep me humble? Things are going to look a little different around here.”

It’s about time to get rid of it, there is plenty more work we must do. Leave the past and forget the things that are behind and reach forward for the things that are ahead.

So we covered up the gaping hole; spread the soil evenly over it, and planted some flowers. Today’s flowers and buried the past.

Now watch, Satan has many seeds lying in the ground just waiting for food. If one happens to spring up, tare it out while it is yet small lest I come again and find your garden in ruins. “For though we live in the world, we do not do battle as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish arguments and every pretention that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Maybe now that I have considered the beam in my own eye, I will see more clearly to help my brother with his tiny little speck. Hypocrite is a very humbling word.

The Sword

2007-11-16T16:19:00.000-06:00

I am just learning to use the sword of the spirit, the word of God so that I can deal with the lies the devil is constantly pounding into my head.

I have long been wearing the helmet of salvation and the breastplate of righteousness given me at my spiritual birth. I have even been walking in the sandals of the gospel of peace and have accepted the girdle of truth. Maybe not perfectly, and I know I need to learn to use this armor to fight, but I have found another weapon...

...the sword...

When the devil reminds me of my past sin and wants to make me doubt that I have been forgiven, I can tell him what God said “Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”

When he tells me I’m worthless, I remember that “I am crucified with Christ, therefore I no longer live, but Jesus Christ now lives in me.”

When I am tempted to go after the things of this world, I hear the Lord say, “The world is passing away and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” 1 John 2: 16-18

When I want justice done and am not treated fairly, I hear: “He shall lead His flock like a shepherd; he shall gather the lambs in His arms and carry them in His bosom and shall gently lead those that are with young.

When I want revenge… "Vengeance is mine says the Lord, I will repay.”

I have a big problem with worry: it is a sin like all the rest: “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have its own worries, sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

This without doubting is my most powerful instrument for the battle. Could I give my head for it as our for-fathers have? I would love to have their faith, or that of Moses or Joseph and David.

Yet again He calls my name, “Nelda, you need only the faith of a child.”

Calvary Love

2007-11-11T14:23:00.000-06:00

Talk about a challenge Dianna, today at church I was severally challenged to not only love with my lips and with words but with deeds and in truth. We had the Love chapter, Cor. 13.

Many years ago in Airport I found this in the garbage behind our new house. I was just doing some Friday cleaning and I sat down on our porch to read it. I was moved to tears because of how far off I was from knowing anything about Calvary love. It helped change me and the direction that I wanted my relationships to go. I read it often because it always keeps me reminded of where and what real love in action is.

Calvary Love

If I am perturbed by reproach and misunderstanding, if I cannot commit the matter and go in peace and silence remembering Gethsemane and the cross,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I hold onto a choices of any kind just because they are my choices: if I give room for private likes and dislikes,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I am soft on myself and slid comfortably into the vice of self-pity and self-sympathy; if I do not by the grace of God practice fortitude,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I cannot in honest happiness take the second place (or the twentieth): if I cannot take the first place without making a fuss about my unworthiness,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I take offence easily, if I am content to continue in cool unfriendliness, though friendship is possible,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If a sudden disturbance can cause me to speak an impatient, unloving word,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
(For a cup brimful of sweet water cannot spill one drop of bitter water however suddenly jolted.)
If the care of a person or a community be entrusted to me, and I consent to subject it to weakening influences because the voice of the world..my immediate Christian world…fills my ears,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If monotony tries me and I cannot stand drudgery; if stupid people fret me and little ruffles set me on edge; if I make much of the trifles of life,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If interruptions annoy me and private cares make me impatient; if I sadden the souls about me because I myself am sad,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If souls can suffer alongside me and I hardly know it, because the spirit of discernment is not in me,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I become entangled in matters of the world; if things or places or people, hold me back from obedience to my Lord,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If my interest in the work of others is cool; if I think on terms of my own special work; if the burdens of others are not my burdens too, and their joy mine,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I wonder why suffering is allowed, and press for prayer that it may be removed; if I cannot be trusted with any disappointment, and cannot go in peace under any suffering,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.

Sisters

2007-11-07T15:37:00.000-06:00

So how do you tell from a skeleton if it’s a man or woman? The woman’s jaw is slightly more warn.

The wedding was strangely uninspiring, I guess because I missed the sermon and was more involved in the fun part of the entertainment. You know with all the kitchen work you get kind of busy, and there’s not so much social time either. It was a pleasure seeing the Acadia women again and working with them, but I never was a Martha. I can play her part, but not quite with all my heart though ‘Ich mus mich zwingen’ so that I don’t fall too hard on the lazy side. In truth I would rather sit with Mary and have my sole and spirit fed.

My friend Sonya stayed after the wedding for almost a week to give me a hand at making a much needed bed. It turned out awesome with my mother-in-law teaching us how. Sonya has a real eye for color so she designed a jean rug to complement it. We had a wonderful time jabbing over many a cup of strong coffee. Melissa is also here for a week at Melinda’s to help out with her sewing so we are celebrating sister month (whenever that is) in a real personal way.

I watched My Secret Garden over again for the third time in my life, and I think I finally got it (minus the whitchcraft, always spoils a good movie). When we get to know each other and relate, we can get a glimpse of the other person’s inner beauty. We can walk in their secret garden and discover the beautiful flowers that grow there. We can share or scatter seeds and even help with the weeding.