"Happy Birthday!" to the Love of my Life !

"I Love You"

I love you on days when we're so busy we barely have a chance

to say much more than "Good Morning" or "Good Night",

And I love you on those rare occasions when we get to 'run away' from it all,

---even if it's just for an hour or two.

I love you when we share ordinary things like grocery shopping,

or watching a video (just me & you) ....and even on days when we only connect by phone.

I love you when I wake in the middle of the night and know you are there next to me,

---and on all the mornings of our marriage when I start my day thinking

'how very blessed I am to be able to share my life with you!'

I Love You Today....and Always!

"My Beloved is....the chiefest among ten thousand."  ---Song of Solomon 5:10

                                                 Tapestry                                                                                                                                                                       "True love knits two people together until the threads of one life are intertwined with the threads of the other and that Love is a golden thread that when woven throughout our days makes our life a beautiful tapestry for all to see. May our love continue to grow and always be a pleasant blend of all that is wonderful and good!"

"Happy Birthday!" to another lovely daughter, JoVonne Janae who has turned the mature age of 17 yrs old today! Seems the yrs fly away so fast and it's hard to believe my baby girl will be thru' her teens in a few short yrs.

  Here she is holding baby Nikki

My three Jo's.......

All three wear contacts/glassess, and all three wore braces...part of the time 'together'

(woops! she informed me this morn [Mon.] that she never wore braces and that her mother

must be getting old! ) [in her early teens she thought she needed  them n I guess I had in mind she

actually did. Maybe it was because JoNell wore hers for 4 years instead of the normal 2.]

They are 8 yrs. apart in age and JoVonne is now the tallest at 5' 4.5" She was my smallest

baby, weighing 8# 6 oz. 21" long. She's very quiet and shy so you don't always know what

she's thinking, but she's been our 'straight A' student all thru her school years, and still is in

her High School. She can do a whole book and may have to ask me only once or twice for

help on something. I love her and I am proud, or rather 'pleased as punch' to have her for one of my daughters.

"Home should be a retreat to which a son or daughter can return in triumph or defeat, in victory or disgrace, and know they will still be loved."

Today Is a Special Day for Two Special People !

"Happy Birthday" to my lovely daughter JoLynn Joy (angelgurl83) and also to nephew Tom!!

To those of you who were wondering about Tom's progress and why I quit giving updates on him...well I fell ill with a nasty sinus/bronchial flu bug (the first I've had in 2 yrs!) and I've been sick enough to not care what my xanga says but it's going better in spite of one of my friends telling me yesterday that I sound like I'm about ready to pass away:))

Anyways, here's a shout out to Mr. Tom Kropf who hit the big 21 today!!

To those of you who aren't subscribed to his Care Page....the last one (Jan. 10th) says:

"We had a meeting w/Tom's doctors and therapists this morning. They are happy w/ his proress. They say it is faster than average. And they are thinking we will probably be able to fly him to Boise, Idaho Wednesday or Thursday of next week for rehab closer home."

Pray especially that traveling and getting settled in a new place will go well for them.

"The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless His people with peace."

A quick update on Tom for those of you who are praying and wondering....as of yest. pm this is what they had on the CarePage:

"Tom sat in a chair for a long time this morning. They moved him out of ICU to the Neuro/Ortho Unit today. So we are now on 8th floor and have a beautiful view of Lake Superior from his room. He is no longer on IVs. He was in a very deep sleep for most of the afternoon. His room is for two patients, but they are keeping the one bed free so we can take turns staying with him at night."

(This CarePage is updated on Tom's progress every evening by Tom's oldest sister, Sharmen)

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!!"

Thanks For Praying!

God is faithful, today is a week since Tom's accident and as of yest. (Mon) the following paragraph is what Sharmen posted on the hospital's web-site. If anyone would like a link to the care page, e-mail me at cjk55@juno.com

This morning they took Tom's oxygen tube and feeding tube out. He has been quite alert all day. His eyes are open a lot of the time. He also talked a few times today! It is pretty garbled, but we were able to understand a little. The first thing he said that was understandable was when the nurse asked him what his name is and he said "Tom". He continues to use his left side more.

Tom has been showing little signs of improvement here n there since Thur.(like squeezing his Mother's hand, wiggling his toes....n then again no response for sev days.) But sounds like he's made a big improvemet in the last two days as he was still not breathing on his own Sat., and Sun morn. they said, "still no change."

God is faithful, continue praying that Tom will be totally healed according to His Will.

May God Bless you all today as you start another year. May we all strive to be more dedicated, to grow in grace, and to become more like our Savior who is our Perfect Example....He may return for us this year!

" Never face a day until you have prayed. To walk with God, we must make it a practice to talk with God...so let prayer be our portion, our passion, our pastime, and our practice. Keep praying, and be thankful that God's answers are wiser than our own."

Please Pray!

Please pray for my husband's nephew, TOM  KROPF who was critically injured in a snow-mobile accident Christmas morning. He's from Montana, but had gone to Pelkie, MI to spend Christmas with his sister n bro-in-law, Krista & Tim Yoder.

No one saw the accident happen, but apparently he rolled his snow-mobile and since it had rained, the snow was rather icy instead of powdery. The results are he suffered severe head injuries, (in spite of his helmet) broken ribs and collapsed lung/s.

At present he is still not breathing on his own, has some bleeding on the brain, brain swelling...plus the brain was jarred loose at some point, and last but not least, he is in a coma.

The Dr. said he is cautiously optimistic, and yet Tom's condition not only remains life-threatening, but also life-changing. Only God knows the future. Please pray for Tom, that God's will may be accomplished in his life, and also pray for his family that they can feel God's presence and peace surround them during this very stressful time.

Tom attended Bethel Bible School in '05 n '06 and stayed w/us for the 3 wk term in '05 along w/Krista (we were still living in MO at that time) I hope I can find some pictures and post them with this.

Last evening as my husband was giving us an up-date of Tom after a ph. call from one of his sisters, I was staring off into nothingness as I was thinking about all this over-whelming news and feeling so sad about it all. Suddenly my eyes refocused and this is what I was looking at and what I needed for the moment:

Prayer

I know not by what methods rare

But this I know, God answers prayer.

I know that He has given His Word,

Which tells me prayer is always heard

And will be answered, soon or late,

And so I pray and calmly wait.

I know not if the blessing sought

Will come in just the way I thought,

But leave my prayers with Him alone,

Whose will is wiser than my own,

Assured that He will grant my quest

Or send some answer far more blessed.

(this was in a Christmas card from a business [mail order company] and it was laying here open on the table n somehow I hadn't seen the inside message until the moment I needed it. God wants us to have faith in His plan for each of our lives...even tho' we may not understand His ways.

The thought that helped me the most to cope with our son's accident and death was:

"Even though God may not always be understood, He can always be Trusted, and He does all things well...As for God, His way is perfect...and He maketh my way perfect."  11 Sam. 22:31,32b; Psa. 18:30,32b

"But I trusted in Thee, O Lord: Thou art my God. My times are in Thy Hand."  Psa. 31:14,15a

 (Tom & Krista)

When Tom was a baby, Krista who is 2 yrs older, would call him "Tommy Tucka" and when Tommy was 2, he'd call Krista "Honey" (for her real name.) Before he was 3 he wanted to take his turn "reading" in family devotions, and it was always the same sentence: "God lub de little boy."  Around 3 1/2 one of his aunts asked him if he's going to fly to MO, and he said, "Of course! Truly I am. I'm a Christian." (I can't remember whether they flew or drove when they came as children, but he really did fly 14-15 yrs later when he came for Bible School.)

Yes, God still luvs that little boy who is now grown up and will be 21 in a couple wks. God sees his broken body and He cares about this situation. God's mercy is new every morning and He is gracious and full of compassion.

Holiday Greetings!

It's good to be back home in Colorado again! We were gone most of the month of November, traveling approx. 6000 miles. On Oct. 31 we left for Oregon for my nephew Bryan & Amy's wedd. We had a great time with family and friends and enjoyed it all inspite of the weepy, chilly, OR weather.

We arrived home again the following Tue. welcomed by clear blue, blue skies, bright, warm n cozy sunshine w/temp in the 50's -60's. Lovely!! We enjoyed that for a little over a wk. then we were on our way to KY and MO to visit family and friends as well as take care of the business and get some much needed cleaning etc. done at the house back at the farm. Was wonderful to be with Colin & JoLynn again! We spent 3 days n nights at their lovely little place while we were in KY, n then 2 days later they came to MO for a long Thanksgiving wkend and stayed with us as well.

Don't they have the cutest little house? (It's deeper than wide and even has a nice upstairs)

"Do I favor my sisters too?"

My look-alike twinsies......but they're 5 years apart. 

Notice the heart shaped hug in this pose

We were gone about 2 1/2 wks, coming home Sun. pm. Feels so good be back and am anxious to see our church family again. Talked with sev. on the phone and it puts warm, fuzzy feelings around your heart when you feel they missed you and say "welcome home!"

 (Random Courting Pics)

(I knew it was coming because of a previous phone call, but the call to Mom soon after it happened, ...."we're getting married!" and all the giggles, the joy and the stars even in her voice....told it all!)

We are happy for them and wish them God's blessings as they look forward to joining hearts n hands and a lifetime together.

It was wonderful and with great relief to hear the tires crunch on the gravel as they arrived home last night after flying from Portland to Denver (with a lay-over in Pheonix) and then the 4 1/2 hr drive home. They were starved and exhausted, but those issues were remedied as well.

"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy." ---- Job 8:2

Teenagers --  An Epidemic

Most teenagers are a metamorphosis caught in the middle, like a worm transforming into a moth. They have lost the legs of youth, but haven't yet gained the wings of adulthood.

They are confused, and may ask, "Who Am I?" The unspoken answer: "You are the worst half of a leftover kid, and the useless half of an undone adult."

Teenagers don't make sense, or cents, but cost us dollars. They eat ravenously and sleep like it's an incurable disease. If you are willing to believe them, they are experts on everything, and seem to be the only one in the family with any deep sensitive feelings. They think they are capable of straightening out the world, but often can't get up early enough to present their ideas to the board. There's times you have to handle them as carefully as a newborn, and yet give them the respect of a co-worker. Finally, all they want is to be independent, make their own decisions, be their own persons, manage their own time, but spend your money.

Now, are we supposed to call this amusing?....Be aware, alot of us have 'been there, done that'.....and because it's a disease we've all had, be thankful you can only catch it ONCE!

True training is soul training in love, peace, creativity, grace, kindness, understanding, and then self-discipline, obedience, and responsibility. 

I am very thankful for my teenagers and love them only as a Mother can, with an unconditional love, even when the going gets rough, and they encounter the bumps, the frustrations, the many problems that come up, and can't seem to find their way....may God give us (and all) parents the wisdom and grace to give our teenagers the needed counsel and guidance that will direct them in the 'path of righteousness.' 

"Keep out of your teenager's life anything that will keep Christ out of his/her heart" 

"I LOVE YA BUNCHES!!"

(This picture was taken in Sweet Home, Oregon on May 12, 2000 at my youngest bro. wedding....he was born on Dad and Mom's 25th Wedd. Anniversary!)

Today is my Dad's Birthday. If he were still living here on earth, he would have turned 78. Dad passed away 6 yrs ago on April 26, 2001 at the age of 71 yrs. 7 mo. and 1 da. (Isn't that ironic?) We still miss him greatly and only those who have lost parents know how often you long to ask advice, tell them how much you love and appreciate them, and know the longing to go to Heaven and be with them again. I'm very thankful I still have my dear Mother! My parents just had their 50th wedd. Anniversary 4 days before Dad passed away. I wish I'd have a picture of the beautiful quilt we gave them...maybe I can get a picture of it sometime when we go back to MO.

The following is a poem I composed as a Loving Tribute in Memory of Dad & Grandpa on Fathers' Day the follwing year.

G od has called you Dad, from earth to Heaven  

L ife on earth is not the same                                                                                                                           

E ach long day we miss you sorely                                                                                                                   

N ow did I hear you call my name?

R esting in peace you're free from care

I ndeed we are glad you suffer no more,                                                                                                       

C alm and serene your eyes closed in death...                                                                                                

H ow wondrous to wake on Heaven's bright shore!                                                                                  

A lthough we are healing, we still cry sad tears                                                                                        

R esigned we submit to the Father above,                                                                                                

D elighting, committing, and trusting in God

H e gives us what's best, we dwell in His love.                                                                                              

O ften we wonder what you are doing....                                                                                                          

S o happy you sing with the pure and the blessed,                                                                                          

T here with our Savior and all of our loved ones                                                                                              

E ternally you're safe in that haven of rest.                                                                                                  

T hank-you for teaching us right from wrong, and                                                                                              

L iving our life for the Lord so true,                                                                                                               

E ach day we do strive to obey His commands                                                                                          

R ejoicing, we're thankful for a Dad like you!

(Reminiscing)

Several days before your passing                                                                                        

You often tried to talk and sing....                                                                                                                

We could tell you saw the Angels                                                                                                                

Oh, what joy those memories bring!

One day when weak and unresponsive                                                                                                        

You suddenly opened your eyes so bright,                                                                                                         

Then reaching up you clasped to "something"                                                                                               

Was it Jesus' hand you held so tight?

We told you your life would soon be ending                                                                                               

And the Angels would take you away,                                                                                                            

You nodded and pointed toward Heaven                                                                                                  

"The doors of Heaven are open" you'd say.

We too long for Heaven and it's glories                                                                                                    

Then when Jesus shall come for His own,                                                                                                   

Forever we'll praise our Redeeemer                                                                                                                  

As we gather around His great Throne!

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also, that love His appearing."  ~ II Tim. 4:7-8

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Why are computers sooo annoying....or do I just not know how.....whenever I write a song or poem, each line thinks they have to be double spaced or they will be miss-matched across the page and it looks like greek and doesn't make much sense. (???) Is there some way to have each stanza together before double spacing?

Hello Peoples,

I wanted to up-date yest. beings it was 9-11, but I was gone all day and till I got home I was much too tired. I was very aware of the fact that it was Tuesday 9.11 but what really jolted my senses was when I got in the Excursion I noticed the last 4 digits of the odometer showed 891.1 After being at the quilting all day, I hurried home to pick up my hubby to take him over to his truck, and as I parked in our drive-way I checked the odometer again (as I wanted to see how far we lived from Brian & Michelles) and was jolted once more to see 911.8 again. The numbers were just rearranged. Do you call that a crazy coincidence or something phenomenal? 

Yest. was the 8th anniversary of the deaths of 2 young men (in a plane crash) who were once 2 of my students in by gone days. Their families are in our thot's and prayers on this day especially. We also think of the many who lost loved ones in the terrorist plane crashes as well. (Have any of you watched the movie [or documentary re-run] "Flight 93" (I think that's the name of it).....I seen only part of it, but it will make you cry) that's the plane that crashed in PA. May God bless every hurting heart with special healing today....and always!

The following song is a favorite of mine...it's on the cd "Ground Zero" sung by : Shining Through                   

(I hope I have all the words correct...wasn't positive on sev.)

                          Ground Zero

"They call it Ground Zero - the heart of it all                                                                                            

Just a pile of rubble - once a building tall, 

Searching through the smoke and dust-looking for some life                                                                          

They put their own lives at risk to try and save a loss. 

Now you may be wondering how Ground Zero applies to you                                                                        

Just take a look around you at what people are going through;                                                                      

Their lives a pile of rubble, their hearts lie in ruin                                                                                        

Ground Zero of their lives need a rescuer like you.

Oh, Lord help me to see...                                                                                                                                 

This man in Ground Zero is someone just like me                                                                                       

Buried in the rubble and the cares of his life;                                                                                                   

Oh, I could be the one that leads him to Christ.

When He sends you to Ground Zero - God will go with you                                                                            

He knows just what its like 'cause His Son went through it too;                                                                  

He hung upon the cross, rose from the tomb                                                                                                    

He pulled mankind from the rubble, saved us from eternal doom.

Oh, Lord help me to see...                                                                                                                              

This man in Ground Zero is someone just like me                                                                                           

Buried in the rubble and the cares of his life;                                                                                                   

Oh, I could be the one that leads him to Christ.                                                                                               

Oh, you could be the one that leads him to Christ."

This afternoon we nearly went from frantic to panic when we recieved the disturbing news that our good friend Rick Good was in a bad cycle accident...going down over a cliff...and no news for sev. hours if he's ok or not. (It was more like a 30' embankment) He was on a road trip to Yellowstone with his son Ed, son-in-law Marv and friend Phil. Thankfully they weren't way off somewhere, but in closer proximity to Grand Junction where they flew him to the hospital, which is our biggest hospital around here. 

Thank God for answered prayers on his behalf and that he escaped serious injuries. He does have a concussion, fractured collar bone, fractured ribs, cuts, scrapes n bruises. May God's healing Touch be there for him!

Rick's wife is a first cousin to my bro.-in-law Joe Petersheim who passed away 3 yrs ago this Fri. Sept. 14th due to complications from a fall on his head that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. He lived 25 days after the accident. Pray for Kathryn and the family...especially during this anniversary time. Kathryn will also become Grandma any day now....after Scott's little one arrives...that will be exciting!

"For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways, they shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone."  Psa. 91:11-12

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ps.2  Can someone please give me advice on my sites....anything I type when I'm actually editing a new post will look normal and be placed where I put it; as soon as I put it to my private site it will be nearly 2 ft wide....wider than the screen. When it goes to my public post, it's also in dissaray all over, but at least contained inside the border. Then I have to spend hrs rearranging till it looks normal. I did go into 'Look & Feel' and put it on only 40% of the screen...and yes I saved it...but it still stubbornly goes back to w i d e screen and scattered hither n yon and all my sentences look sort've greekish. HELP !!