I returned home Sunday evening from Colorado. We had a wonderful time at council and enjoyed everyone so very much.
I had cervical neck surgery Wed. 10/27. The surgeon said the first disk was in pretty bad shape, but the second one was totally destroyed and if they hadn't done the surgery I would most certainly had a crisis.
I am healing at home now and am thankful for all your prayers as God's healing hand has certainly been upon me. The love shown me by all of God's dear ones has really helped me through this very rough time and I am very thankful!
I must wear a brace for 4-6 weeks and not move my head. I find this to be quite a challenge. I sleep (try to) in the lazy boy chair in our living room. I have some trouble swallowing yet and find it easier sitting rather then laying.
Please continue to pray for full recovery and for patience on the part of my family as it is quite a load for them to handle my chores along with their workload.
Love to you in Christ.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
I learned a lesson this week I thought I would share with you about patience. As I had written before I had lost my patience after having camped in a very frigid van for 2 nights. Being stiff and sore I was quite testy with Bruce. I felt a mix of anger and hurt. Even after all we had gotten to see and all the fun we had it only took a bit of discomfort for me to feel unloved. It reminds me of the Hebrews as they came out of Egypt and were shown so much by the Almighty.
We took a very interesting trip on a train to Pikes Peak, but I still was feeling grouchy inside. We had looked at the gift shop at the base of the mountain and I set my heart on a set of manufactured opal earrings. I pulled Bruce inside to see this great find, but he was unconvinced of their $14 value and told me we could probably find them cheaper at Wal-Mart. I was so disappointed and it just added to my self pity as I thought all sorts of hurtful things. Human nature can be an ugly thing.
We made it to the top of the summit and I asked for some money to buy some world famous donuts they advertised. Bruce gave me more then I needed, so I searched for a deal in the jewelery dept. there in the gift shop on top of the peak, I found a bracelet that I liked for $2.99 and walked away feeling a little smug.
I confessed to him I had bought it, I can't keep anything from him or else I just feel guilty. He didn't react in anyway, it hardly fazed him. I tried to give him the change and he insisted on me keeping it.
Later we walked the streets of a quaint shopping area. My anger and hurt had left me by this time and I was simply enjoying the walk and looking in windows.
After seeing many wonderful bracelets and after buying gifts for our children I saw a most beautiful bracelet, a real blue opal and amethyst studded bracelet. But the price tag was way more then I could ask of Bruce and I had learned by this point not to set my heart on anything. But, to my surprise, he very happily bought it for me, without my begging or coercing. He was overjoyed to do it and it seemed to bring him great joy.
How much more the Lord's blessings upon us. His call upon us to patiently endure hardship, sometimes causes us to feel distant, unloved and rejected. Bruce obviously loves me more then anyone on earth. Christ loves us much more. How often are we willing to settle for much less then what He plans to bless us with. Do we run ahead trying to do things on our own?
Isaiah 40:31 KJ But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.
We took a very interesting trip on a train to Pikes Peak, but I still was feeling grouchy inside. We had looked at the gift shop at the base of the mountain and I set my heart on a set of manufactured opal earrings. I pulled Bruce inside to see this great find, but he was unconvinced of their $14 value and told me we could probably find them cheaper at Wal-Mart. I was so disappointed and it just added to my self pity as I thought all sorts of hurtful things. Human nature can be an ugly thing.
We made it to the top of the summit and I asked for some money to buy some world famous donuts they advertised. Bruce gave me more then I needed, so I searched for a deal in the jewelery dept. there in the gift shop on top of the peak, I found a bracelet that I liked for $2.99 and walked away feeling a little smug.
I confessed to him I had bought it, I can't keep anything from him or else I just feel guilty. He didn't react in anyway, it hardly fazed him. I tried to give him the change and he insisted on me keeping it.
Later we walked the streets of a quaint shopping area. My anger and hurt had left me by this time and I was simply enjoying the walk and looking in windows.
After seeing many wonderful bracelets and after buying gifts for our children I saw a most beautiful bracelet, a real blue opal and amethyst studded bracelet. But the price tag was way more then I could ask of Bruce and I had learned by this point not to set my heart on anything. But, to my surprise, he very happily bought it for me, without my begging or coercing. He was overjoyed to do it and it seemed to bring him great joy.
How much more the Lord's blessings upon us. His call upon us to patiently endure hardship, sometimes causes us to feel distant, unloved and rejected. Bruce obviously loves me more then anyone on earth. Christ loves us much more. How often are we willing to settle for much less then what He plans to bless us with. Do we run ahead trying to do things on our own?
Isaiah 40:31 KJ But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Traveled and camped Wednesday through Friday in the mountains. Bruce fished most of both days on the Platte and the Arkansas Rivers. He caught a number of brown trout, but we did not keep any.
Camping was a little rough, although the spots we camped in were beautiful. Wednesday we camped by a lake and the sunset was beyond what words can describe or photos capture. The one evening I had just boiled some eggs. To our surprise a very large red fox smelled them and came into our camp and right up on to the picnic table while we sat only feet away at the camp fire. He was beautiful but he started to come right over to us. We both became frightened and Bruce scared him from our camp, where we could watch him at a safer distance.
I must admit to having lost a little of my patience by Friday morning. I had a small fever over night ( Bruce could tell by touching me) and I was chilled the entire night and slept very little. Bruce said the temperatures both nights were in the 20's. My neck and back had become increasingly stiff from riding and sleeping in the cramped van bed. So we decided to do something different and went on a train ride up to Pikes Peak. Afterwards we walked and shopped the streets of Manitou Springs, a quaint tourist town.
We are not planning to camp anymore this trip and are staying at a hotel with a pool and hot tub. Sleeping is much better and I am feeling much better!
We visited the Colorado Springs Church of God today and really enjoyed the service and the warm people. We stayed till after 5PM and are now taking in some rest.
Camping was a little rough, although the spots we camped in were beautiful. Wednesday we camped by a lake and the sunset was beyond what words can describe or photos capture. The one evening I had just boiled some eggs. To our surprise a very large red fox smelled them and came into our camp and right up on to the picnic table while we sat only feet away at the camp fire. He was beautiful but he started to come right over to us. We both became frightened and Bruce scared him from our camp, where we could watch him at a safer distance.
I must admit to having lost a little of my patience by Friday morning. I had a small fever over night ( Bruce could tell by touching me) and I was chilled the entire night and slept very little. Bruce said the temperatures both nights were in the 20's. My neck and back had become increasingly stiff from riding and sleeping in the cramped van bed. So we decided to do something different and went on a train ride up to Pikes Peak. Afterwards we walked and shopped the streets of Manitou Springs, a quaint tourist town.
We are not planning to camp anymore this trip and are staying at a hotel with a pool and hot tub. Sleeping is much better and I am feeling much better!
We visited the Colorado Springs Church of God today and really enjoyed the service and the warm people. We stayed till after 5PM and are now taking in some rest.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Yesterday (Oct. 11th) we searched out the chalk formations called Castle Rock in Kansas, yes, still in Kansas. We had to drive on some very rough roads, gouged and rutted out by rain. One time I was sure we were on a 45 degree angle, I had to sit behind Bruce to help keep us from tipping. But we saw some awesome architect by God's hand!
We visited Cheyenne Bottoms, a lake and wetlands where many migrating birds take a rest. We saw many pelicans, cranes and red winged black birds.
We did finally arrive at Scott Lake and camped, it was not as creepy as I had remembered. The green blue lake sits between rocky bluffs that turned amber, then scarlet and purple as the sun set behind us. Just a beautiful pallet of colors painted by the Eternals hand!
The wind stilled as we headed into evening and Bruce built a warming fire and we sat again, gazing at the night sky and this small part of the universe we call home.
Today we entered Colorado after visiting a historical park where a horrible slaughter of Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians took place in 1864. The day before we had also visited another site where the Cheyenne were ambushed and we walked in the cave where the Indian women and children hid to escape the blood shed.
It certainly is sad that the promises made to the Indians were not always kept. Although some Indians slaughtered their share of pioneers and ranchers, the government treated them all as if they were savage and evil.
A lot of food for thought as we travel and take in natural and human history!
We visited Cheyenne Bottoms, a lake and wetlands where many migrating birds take a rest. We saw many pelicans, cranes and red winged black birds.
We did finally arrive at Scott Lake and camped, it was not as creepy as I had remembered. The green blue lake sits between rocky bluffs that turned amber, then scarlet and purple as the sun set behind us. Just a beautiful pallet of colors painted by the Eternals hand!
The wind stilled as we headed into evening and Bruce built a warming fire and we sat again, gazing at the night sky and this small part of the universe we call home.
Today we entered Colorado after visiting a historical park where a horrible slaughter of Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians took place in 1864. The day before we had also visited another site where the Cheyenne were ambushed and we walked in the cave where the Indian women and children hid to escape the blood shed.
It certainly is sad that the promises made to the Indians were not always kept. Although some Indians slaughtered their share of pioneers and ranchers, the government treated them all as if they were savage and evil.
A lot of food for thought as we travel and take in natural and human history!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
We left PA Thursday about noon, and really drove hard till Sabbath.
We stayed Friday evening just east of Kansas City and really relaxed. We took some time for reading and study and then headed for the National Grasslands. We walked through the amber rolling grassy hills and then took in a bus tour with a ranger who really knew a lot about the prairie. He showed us many different plants. One plant was a gum weed, you rub the sticky sap of this aromatic plant into your hands as a balm. We saw wild bison, small bird nests built into the grass and learned about prairie life, history and about how they have returned this prairie area back to it's original state.
We then camped at a remote lake in the prairie. It was primitive but beautiful. The night sky was so awesome I cried. One could easily see the milky way, Jupiter and numerous satellites trailing across the sky.
Today we traveled slowly west only covering about 150 miles. We stopped outside of Great Bend, KS at Pawnee Rock, a historical out cropping. Many traveling the Santa Fe Trail stopped at this rocky bluff to take in the view and carved their names into the rock. Bruce enjoyed this historical land mark, but I was really hurting from so much riding. So we stopped early to rest and recover.
Tomorrow we hope to head west again, we hope to make it to Scott State Park and Lake to camp tomorrow. I remember this area to be a bit creepy. But Bruce is adventurous and determined.
I hope you are enjoying the beautiful fall weather too!
We stayed Friday evening just east of Kansas City and really relaxed. We took some time for reading and study and then headed for the National Grasslands. We walked through the amber rolling grassy hills and then took in a bus tour with a ranger who really knew a lot about the prairie. He showed us many different plants. One plant was a gum weed, you rub the sticky sap of this aromatic plant into your hands as a balm. We saw wild bison, small bird nests built into the grass and learned about prairie life, history and about how they have returned this prairie area back to it's original state.
We then camped at a remote lake in the prairie. It was primitive but beautiful. The night sky was so awesome I cried. One could easily see the milky way, Jupiter and numerous satellites trailing across the sky.
Today we traveled slowly west only covering about 150 miles. We stopped outside of Great Bend, KS at Pawnee Rock, a historical out cropping. Many traveling the Santa Fe Trail stopped at this rocky bluff to take in the view and carved their names into the rock. Bruce enjoyed this historical land mark, but I was really hurting from so much riding. So we stopped early to rest and recover.
Tomorrow we hope to head west again, we hope to make it to Scott State Park and Lake to camp tomorrow. I remember this area to be a bit creepy. But Bruce is adventurous and determined.
I hope you are enjoying the beautiful fall weather too!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Celebration 2010
The Celebration week started Wed. evening with a meet and greet. I had picked up Martha earlier that day, she accompanied me to physical therapy, earlier we stopped for a nice breakfast at Cracker Barrel and a craft shop in Spry.
Thursday services began at 1:30 with Joe Kirkpatrick giving a message about grace. Many enjoyed an evening out to a local restaurant and good fellowship was had by all and at Bob and Beverly's home in their beautiful spacious garden like yard later.
Friday evening we had a service by candle light and sang songs and read scripture from Rev. 1:5-8. It shows the history, presence and future of Christ our Savoir and King. Martha was able to lead with me and the congregation sang with all their hearts, it was a very moving service!
Sabbath morning we were able to sleep in a little as the worship service did not start until 3pm, with bible study before that at 1:30pm. Mike Joseph shared a visual, hands on, lesson with the children about God's holy kingdom. Bruce gave the message about our temporal bodies and how we can look forward to the day when our permanent perfect bodies live with Christ eternally. We spent the rest of the day fellowshipping and sharing a meal of soup and subs.
Sunday we met at the church to hear a very stirring message from Calvin Burrell on loving one another. We then enjoyed a picnic, at a near by lake, and much more fellowship.
Monday we joined early(7AM) for a trip to Washington DC. We rode the Metro subway into DC, and arrived in the mall area where we split up to see the various museums. We took in an IMAX of the ocean only to have many tired ones take a $7 nap. We met to return to the metro at 7-7:30pm, a very tired group. Dinner was at 9pm at a Cracker Barrel (ready to close). We arrive home around midnight exhausted.
Wayne Hrenyk had Bruce and I take him to Gettysburg, wed. morning and then we showed him around Harrisburg. We shared dinner with about ten others at Olive Garden and then returned for services at 7pm. Wayne spoke with a heavy heart about our need to reach our loved ones who still resist Christ. He seemed to struggle to reach us but as he had us break up into groups later and pray, it was evident he had certainly hit a chord in our hearts as we implored the Lord for help in reaching the unsaved. Even the children, which I had the pleasure to pray with, were excited about praying for those they know who are not believers.
Thurday we closed out the celebration time with a sermon from Robert Wertz. Bob's sermon built on Wayne's plea to reach our loved one for Christ as he shared his heavy heart over the loved ones he had recently lost who did not know the Lord. He took us to scriptures which beautifully show the awesome throne of God and then he said, " Now don't keep this to your self, share it!"
We then joined together for a meal, as we recounted the weeks messages and happenings and we left with both joy( for what we had shared) and sadness(as we wished it were not over) and we went our own ways to live what we had learned.
Thursday services began at 1:30 with Joe Kirkpatrick giving a message about grace. Many enjoyed an evening out to a local restaurant and good fellowship was had by all and at Bob and Beverly's home in their beautiful spacious garden like yard later.
Friday evening we had a service by candle light and sang songs and read scripture from Rev. 1:5-8. It shows the history, presence and future of Christ our Savoir and King. Martha was able to lead with me and the congregation sang with all their hearts, it was a very moving service!
Sabbath morning we were able to sleep in a little as the worship service did not start until 3pm, with bible study before that at 1:30pm. Mike Joseph shared a visual, hands on, lesson with the children about God's holy kingdom. Bruce gave the message about our temporal bodies and how we can look forward to the day when our permanent perfect bodies live with Christ eternally. We spent the rest of the day fellowshipping and sharing a meal of soup and subs.
Sunday we met at the church to hear a very stirring message from Calvin Burrell on loving one another. We then enjoyed a picnic, at a near by lake, and much more fellowship.
Monday we joined early(7AM) for a trip to Washington DC. We rode the Metro subway into DC, and arrived in the mall area where we split up to see the various museums. We took in an IMAX of the ocean only to have many tired ones take a $7 nap. We met to return to the metro at 7-7:30pm, a very tired group. Dinner was at 9pm at a Cracker Barrel (ready to close). We arrive home around midnight exhausted.
Wayne Hrenyk had Bruce and I take him to Gettysburg, wed. morning and then we showed him around Harrisburg. We shared dinner with about ten others at Olive Garden and then returned for services at 7pm. Wayne spoke with a heavy heart about our need to reach our loved ones who still resist Christ. He seemed to struggle to reach us but as he had us break up into groups later and pray, it was evident he had certainly hit a chord in our hearts as we implored the Lord for help in reaching the unsaved. Even the children, which I had the pleasure to pray with, were excited about praying for those they know who are not believers.
Thurday we closed out the celebration time with a sermon from Robert Wertz. Bob's sermon built on Wayne's plea to reach our loved one for Christ as he shared his heavy heart over the loved ones he had recently lost who did not know the Lord. He took us to scriptures which beautifully show the awesome throne of God and then he said, " Now don't keep this to your self, share it!"
We then joined together for a meal, as we recounted the weeks messages and happenings and we left with both joy( for what we had shared) and sadness(as we wished it were not over) and we went our own ways to live what we had learned.
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