Where in the world are we?

With this blog I hope to communicate where we are and the opportunities we have had in traveling across America and around the world.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

The Blessings of 2012!

I'm so blessed...

First of all, whoever reads this post is a true blessing to me; regardless if I 'know' you or we are 'just' acquaintences. I regard  you as a blessing. Second, I want to thank every one of you for being part of my life and the many blessings you have given to me or the blessing you are to me. Third, my husband, Bill, a true friend and companion. Together...a blessing. (And as the post will say...'we' are blessed.)

Each week we interact with the most amazing people, be it the pastoral staff at a church, the church people, our wonderful children & families, or our extended family. All of you have been such a blessing. I'm not trying to sound overly dramatic, but to me, right now...I'm so thankful for each one of you.

The first part of the year we were working very hard on our cottage in Florida that we purchased in 2011. Many of our neighbors at Pleasant Grove helped us a lot to prepare the cottage before we arrived and while we were working on it helped in many ways. A blessing...

Throughout the year we were blessed to meet different people and make new friends. From North Dakota to Illinois, Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin (and places yet to come). A blessing...

Our trip to the Philippines this year. It was so perfectly arranged by our missionary friends (Dave & Debbie Johnson). ALL the details and events came together in perfect harmony. A blessing...

And to our families; we want you to know how special you are to us and that each one of you are a blessing to us. We love your smiles and laughter, your jokes and conversations; your tears and heartaches; the times you ask for help and the times you can do it on your own. It's all part of being a family and we are so glad you are 'ours'. You make us smile! A blessing...

And to our Father; to the One who truly blesses. He loves, guides, leads, and forgives. A blessing...


Thursday, December 20, 2012

Predictions and Preparation!

Today in Wisconsin we are experiencing something that hasn't happened in almost 300 days. A huge snowstorm, blizzard, whiteout, full on winter storm! It has been predicted for the last 3 days.

Some of us have been anticipating the 'whiteness' of it all. As I type, the snow is falling. Many of us love the idea of a white Christmas; nostalgia I suppose, but also it does make the brown landscape look very pretty.

The trees are filled with boughs of white snow, the kids are making snowmen, sledding or whatever kids do outside. Maybe some parents are taking the day off to be with kids because schools called a 'snow day'...making cookies, catching up on homework (um, yeah), reading, some shopping if they can get out. Or if you don't like the snow you may be grumbling a bit. Having to clean the snow off your car, having to go to work, finding a sitter for the kids, sliding off the road, shoveling the sidewalk, etc.

My main point today though is the prediction of it all. In our scientific world, the people who report weather have told us since Tuesday that this area of the U.S. would get a terrific, winter storm. I think their predictions are amazing. How can they know these things will really occur several days in advance. Like in recent months they predicted the hurricanes, other types of storms, even warnings for tornado's; it's truly an amazing world. We can know these things ahead of time and prepare thanks to the weather reporters.

Preparation is the key when these events are predicted. Yesterday I went shopping knowing that today I would not leave my home. Getting needed items for a dinner, gifts, whatever; I knew it had to be done yesterday...at least for me. I don't like driving in the snowy conditions. So, I prepared; starting Tuesday I knew that Wednesday would be errand day.

Preparation for storms of this type include making sure you have needed items in the house. When the news reports a hurricane or other type of stormy weather is approaching people are seen getting bottled water, generators, food products, baby items, making sure the elderly are okay; things like that. It is really common sense to be prepared. Even having an emergency kit in the car or one for the house. Preparation is the key to surviving the predicted events. I had time to be ready...time to know, in advance.

And yet, some times we can not be prepared for the events that happen in our life. It has been said all it takes is one phone call, letter, or visit and our lives may change forever. The preparation for such an event is having our faith in the One who can help us through. He knows and He is always ready to help.

In preparation for this holiday season with family and friends let's all take time to express our appreciation and love. Be prepared for lots of hugs and kisses; and I predict you will have a great holiday.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

An update...finally!!!

Since my last post we have been to the Philippines (and of course returned), been to several different states, and have been working hard at home.

Our missions trip to the Philippines was amazing. We were with our missionary friends Joanne Oftedahl and Dave & Debbie Johnson. We truly appreciate our friends and the opportunity to minister together with them.

The ministry included traveling to several different islands by airplane and boat; on land by car, by taxi (as in a motorcycle with a side car) and by a little walking. The weather was amazing: hot, humid, sunny, wonderful, some rain, some storms, even effects of a typhoon! Of course the scenery is always beautiful and the people are truly beautiful!

All of our ministry included teaching seminars during the day, services in the evening, and ministry on Sunday's at the local church. We met so many wonderful and amazing ministry couples that are putting their heart and soul into all they do; from building churches, running after school programs, feeding programs, maintaining church properties, running businesses to help fund their church, and etc. They are really resourceful and very appreciative of our visits. And we appreciate all the work they are doing.

Our missionary friends are working very hard, too, for the Kingdom. We want to extend a big thank  you to them for their hard work in arranging our trip, and how smoothly it all worked out. We had true adventures, and wonderful times of relaxation.

Now that we are in the month of December we want to extend to all of you a Merry Christmas and a happy, blessed New Year. We appreciate each one of you!

He IS the reason for the season!