WE ARE SO GLAD, BUT IT STILL IS TRYING TO HANG AROUND
Monday, April 14, 2014 about mid afternoon the Sky's started spitting snow and just kept it up. By dark the trees were holding limbs of snow, the lawns had snow in their hair and on the north side of houses and other structures where shade kept the ground from thawing the snowflakes just kept laying out there grinning at any passers by. Today is Wednesday, April 16. The sun is out and shinning bright, but the wind is chill.
Our brother Paul left yesterday with wife, Cindy and son, Stanley, for their by annual oversight of the Mission in Honduras. They certainly will need our prayers.
Tonight at the Red Brick Church will be the closing night of this years Awana program. I think the average attendance of children has been about 115 through the twenty-six weeks. There must be between 35 and 50 adult and teen workers faithfully giving their time every week to assist in this very valuable investment in young lives. It is an awesome, well run program. They have collected financial support for missionaries in Africa, during the year. Our kids have enjoyed camaraderie in learning about missions, the experience of car building for the Pine Wood Derby and the scripture memory classes have been well worth it to us. There were a few Wednesday nights during winter when the meetings were canceled.
Speaking of winter cold and snow, reminds of several in the past. In the 1940's in southwest Oklahoma we had a snow that filled the roads and covered the fences. When the snow froze cattle could walk right on over the fence and not know they had achieved such a feat. That might have been the time we were snowed in for three weeks. When milk, eggs, and cream must be sold and groceries bought and brought home with the proceeds the men of our neighborhood brought their stuff to our place. Daddy had our Ferguson tractor gassed up and hitched to the sled. All home produce was tied down. They started to drive out of our yard, but the front wheels of the tractor couldn't break through the frozen snow. One of the men who carried a lot of weight climbed onto the tractor hood and the wheels broke through. All were bundled for the eight miles ride to town. It was dark by the time they returned.
We moved to an old farm house in the middle of a 160 acre farm off Penn Corner Road in November 1976. Our mail came out of Oregon, Ogle County in north central, Illinois. We were ten miles southwest of town, school, Church and work. The phone would have come from Dixon to the south and all our phone calls would have been long distance into Oregon. So we didn't have a phone. I was working in a new subdivision building houses. Early in December a deep snow storm shut down a lot of outdoor employment. We lived there for five years, until our high school children needed to be nearer town, because of their after school activities and work. The worst snows and low temperatures came in those first three winters: 1976-77, 1977-78 and 1978-79. The longest we were snowed in was six days. When the plows opened the roads, we followed them out. The snow drift on our road was about 15 feet high, up to the phone lines.
Those were good years, difficult in many ways but meaningful, joyful and filled with lots of fun and laughter. We raised chickens, turkeys, ducks, rabbits and goats. After our boys properly, or improperly, trained the little bandy rooster to chase them. The more they chased him the more he chased them. Finally he was mean and made sneak attacks every chance he got. The land lords didn't want dogs on the farm. "They might chase away the deer." Nathaniel raised a family of cats. Jeremy hatched a clutch of duck in a cardboard box with a light bulb. The girls helped in the garden canning produce and helping with the wash. When the spring chickens were ready to butcher, it was a family affair. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson came with their long years of experience of picking off feathers, butchering chickens and canning them in the pressure cooker.
The first year Paul, an older farmer friend brought two trailer loads of corn cobs to burn in the fire place. There were plenty of dead, fallen trees for the boys and me to cut for the winters wood supply
in the nest years. The years keep coming and we keep watching the beauty and shoveling piles and piles of snow. A life of simplicity is a life of joy.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Monday, March 24, 2014
GOOD MORNING WORLD
Our Readers Today Are From: USA, Indonesia, Brazil, China, Czech Republic and Germany
It's good to be back. Thanks: A Really Special Thanks to Our Very Good Friend, Jim Campbell, who helped get this "blessed" computer back on line again. As you walk along the roads of life, you're never sure just who it is you may meet next. Two of those have been Jim and his wife Sharrel. Thanks Guys, you really are special. Some day I ought to tell about ALL the folks I've met. O what Blessings!!!
A Lady I've met is Dr. Helen Roseveare. She was speaker one week at Wesley Biblical Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi several years ago. In those years they had an annual Week called "Holiness Lectures". Dr. Roseveare has written several books about her life, work and experiences in the Belgian Congo. I want to introduce you to her book: "A Two-Part Autobiography -- Give Me This Mountain and He Gave Us a Valley". Give Me This Mountain was published in 1966. He Gave Us a Valley was published in 1976. The USA publisher is: WEC International, P.O. Box 1707, Fort Washington, PA 19034-8707. There is no ISBN number in my copy of the Two-Part Autobiography.
As a result of warring rebellion in the country in 1964 she, with others, was in five months of captivity. After release she went home to England for recuperation. In March of 1966 she returned to the Congo. They made the entrance to Africa from the east side. It was a 1,500 mile drive from the east coast to the stopping place at the Mission. Driving from sea level going west over mountains, their path rose to an elevation of 9,000 feet before they began the descent toward mission, home and hospital in the Congo.
When she arrived her thirty-nine pieces of luggage were there, but no paperwork to claim it. But then after five days, an American boy came with all the papers for her to claim her luggage, but also the van and all its contents including meds, drugs and equipment for the new hospital.
Her life story is long and very worth the reading. I have read some of her books and located the titles of others. Below are some titles that would be enjoyable for the reader.
Though the Lion Roar
Enough
Digging Ditches
Living Faith
What's in the Parcel?
Living Holiness
Living Sacrifice
Living Fellowship
On His Majesty's Service
Enjoy the ride.
It's good to be back. Thanks: A Really Special Thanks to Our Very Good Friend, Jim Campbell, who helped get this "blessed" computer back on line again. As you walk along the roads of life, you're never sure just who it is you may meet next. Two of those have been Jim and his wife Sharrel. Thanks Guys, you really are special. Some day I ought to tell about ALL the folks I've met. O what Blessings!!!
A Lady I've met is Dr. Helen Roseveare. She was speaker one week at Wesley Biblical Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi several years ago. In those years they had an annual Week called "Holiness Lectures". Dr. Roseveare has written several books about her life, work and experiences in the Belgian Congo. I want to introduce you to her book: "A Two-Part Autobiography -- Give Me This Mountain and He Gave Us a Valley". Give Me This Mountain was published in 1966. He Gave Us a Valley was published in 1976. The USA publisher is: WEC International, P.O. Box 1707, Fort Washington, PA 19034-8707. There is no ISBN number in my copy of the Two-Part Autobiography.
As a result of warring rebellion in the country in 1964 she, with others, was in five months of captivity. After release she went home to England for recuperation. In March of 1966 she returned to the Congo. They made the entrance to Africa from the east side. It was a 1,500 mile drive from the east coast to the stopping place at the Mission. Driving from sea level going west over mountains, their path rose to an elevation of 9,000 feet before they began the descent toward mission, home and hospital in the Congo.
When she arrived her thirty-nine pieces of luggage were there, but no paperwork to claim it. But then after five days, an American boy came with all the papers for her to claim her luggage, but also the van and all its contents including meds, drugs and equipment for the new hospital.
Her life story is long and very worth the reading. I have read some of her books and located the titles of others. Below are some titles that would be enjoyable for the reader.
Though the Lion Roar
Enough
Digging Ditches
Living Faith
What's in the Parcel?
Living Holiness
Living Sacrifice
Living Fellowship
On His Majesty's Service
Enjoy the ride.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
A CHRISTMAS VACATION
We Mostly All Went to Jeremy's House Over the River and Down the Interstate
Friday after school, Carlene came. We were ready and waiting. We all loaded in and headed out on Highway 64. At I-39 we turned south. In Normal, IL we stopped at Avanty's for gandolas Then on we went through Bloomington, to Champain where we turned south to Effingham and down I-57 to where I-24 begins. After a few miles we went over the River. That is the Ohio River into Paduca, KY. and the interstate was still I-24 till we turned east on 68 / 80 and followed it to Jeremy's house in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. It was 1:00 am. Nathaniel had arrived there from Jackson, Mississippi about 9:00pm. That was the beginning of a lot of fun and great reunion.
We were all glad to see Nathaniel. It had been a long time. Jeremy had a lot on his plate, preparing for us, as well as his work at the Church where he directs music and choirs. We tried to not be a burden, but help if we could. Of course he was eager to introduce his biking friends. We went to the bike shop. The kids, Elizza, Sebastian and Leo were excited to know all about the things they were seeing. He explained about wheels, tires, and airodynamics.
The City is building a new walking, running, biking path. Leo and Sebastian went walking with Jeremy for a couple hours. Sunday morning I went with Jeremy to the first service. The Girls, Kids and Nathaniel met us for the 11:00 am service. Assistant pastor, Keith and family came a time or two for great fellowship and table games. They invited us for a Sunday meal. Nathaniel needed to leave Monday morning. We were "allowed" to stay longer because of Christmas break, so we did.
Hopkinsville Mayor, Mr. Dan Kemp, one day took our kids on a tour of City Hall and gave them a great understand of what City Government is about. He's a fine man and we really apprecitated his kindness.
Our kids brought their pine blocks. Our Church at home was preparing for their Awana Club Pine Wood Durby soon after the new year. So we got them cut out and painted. Several men at the Church in Illinois helped with weights and all the techology involved. It was a wonderful evening, the night all the boys and girls brought their cars. Parents, Grand Parents, siblings and a multitude of other relatives and friends attended. That was a gathering of lots of fun and fellowship.
We were able to stay in Kentucky long enough for a warm day to appear in the calender and we made our run for home. It was a good thing. After that day we didn't have any more warm ones until a day or two ago. Now March 8, we are beginning to see warmer days, like 35 to 47 degrees. This afternoon is a bright day with beautiful sunshine. My next stop will be with Jeremy where Joanna and the Kids will give a ride back home again.
It has been reported that we have had 75 inches of snow this year, so far. That is the third largest in recorded history. But we are now having above freezing temps. So the snow is starting to melt. Most folks have been tired of this very long and so cold winter. We look forward to spring. The maple trees often are running sap by mid February. It has only been above freezing after the second week in March. So now we are having days with the sap flowing. The Park District in Oregon, IL. has been sponsoring syrup making for a couple years. It's exciting to see what the production will be this year.
Friday after school, Carlene came. We were ready and waiting. We all loaded in and headed out on Highway 64. At I-39 we turned south. In Normal, IL we stopped at Avanty's for gandolas Then on we went through Bloomington, to Champain where we turned south to Effingham and down I-57 to where I-24 begins. After a few miles we went over the River. That is the Ohio River into Paduca, KY. and the interstate was still I-24 till we turned east on 68 / 80 and followed it to Jeremy's house in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. It was 1:00 am. Nathaniel had arrived there from Jackson, Mississippi about 9:00pm. That was the beginning of a lot of fun and great reunion.
We were all glad to see Nathaniel. It had been a long time. Jeremy had a lot on his plate, preparing for us, as well as his work at the Church where he directs music and choirs. We tried to not be a burden, but help if we could. Of course he was eager to introduce his biking friends. We went to the bike shop. The kids, Elizza, Sebastian and Leo were excited to know all about the things they were seeing. He explained about wheels, tires, and airodynamics.
Hopkinsville Mayor, Mr. Dan Kemp, one day took our kids on a tour of City Hall and gave them a great understand of what City Government is about. He's a fine man and we really apprecitated his kindness.
Our kids brought their pine blocks. Our Church at home was preparing for their Awana Club Pine Wood Durby soon after the new year. So we got them cut out and painted. Several men at the Church in Illinois helped with weights and all the techology involved. It was a wonderful evening, the night all the boys and girls brought their cars. Parents, Grand Parents, siblings and a multitude of other relatives and friends attended. That was a gathering of lots of fun and fellowship.
We were able to stay in Kentucky long enough for a warm day to appear in the calender and we made our run for home. It was a good thing. After that day we didn't have any more warm ones until a day or two ago. Now March 8, we are beginning to see warmer days, like 35 to 47 degrees. This afternoon is a bright day with beautiful sunshine. My next stop will be with Jeremy where Joanna and the Kids will give a ride back home again.
It has been reported that we have had 75 inches of snow this year, so far. That is the third largest in recorded history. But we are now having above freezing temps. So the snow is starting to melt. Most folks have been tired of this very long and so cold winter. We look forward to spring. The maple trees often are running sap by mid February. It has only been above freezing after the second week in March. So now we are having days with the sap flowing. The Park District in Oregon, IL. has been sponsoring syrup making for a couple years. It's exciting to see what the production will be this year.
Friday, January 3, 2014
THE OLD FOLKS AT HOME
Looking Back and Remembering
I suppose, other than Mother and Daddy, the first family I remember were grandparents. Mother Shumaker and Granny were there when I came. At least that's what I was told. Papa (we pronounced it: Pawpaw) and Grand Daddy (we didn't add the: Shumaker) couldn't have been very far away, probably at home or at Church. It was a Sunday. It was Christmas Day. O yes, Dr. Crow was there, of course, at the house where we lived! [Probably, Dr. Crow was doctor for almost all families in the southwest quarter of Jackson County, Oklahoma. He had moved into Oklahoma Territory before statehood.]
All the Easley's (Great Grandma and Great Grandpa with their nine or ten children, most grown) moved to Oklahoma Territory in 1900. Papa was thirteen years old and had Uncle Ross and Aunt Pearl younger than he was. They had come there from Texas. Uncle Will, the eldest, was married to Aunt Annie, Granny's sister. I don't know if any others were married when they came. By the time I came, all but those last three had moved out of the state. Uncle Ross and Aunt Ethel lived across the road from us. I remember Aunt Pearl and Uncle Everett Davis. They moved to Washington State in 1941.
There were some of Daddy's cousins still living in the area. Moody Easley was Uncle Zeb and Aunt Massey's son. He and his wife, Helen with her son, Lyle lived a couple miles up the road. Helen was with us in the pasture the day the rattlesnake bit Donnie. Uncle Ross moved about three miles away and Elmer Easley, their son, moved there with his wife Blanche and their children, Billy Albert and Ramona. Elmer moved his family to Arkansas where they had more children. I never knew them. Uncle Virgil Easley, Papa's brother, lived across the road from Papa when his six children were growing up. He later became a preacher. Uncle Virgil's eldest was Orpha, married to Clell Mitchell. They lived in Eldorado. Clell was the car mechanic at Charlie Clonte's Chevy Garage. They had two children older than me, Eula Mae and Rayford. Papa's oldest sister was Aunt Almeda. She was married to a man named Brock. Of all their children, I only knew Ina Brock and her husband, Tommy Braker. The others lived in the area, some around Eldorado and others up around Mangum, Oklahoma.
Mother had aunts and cousins living in the area when we were growing up. There were none in Oklahoma from Grand Daddy Shumaker's very large family. But Mother Shumaker was the eldest of five sisters and a younger brother. Aunt Alta and Uncle Jess Walker lived at Altus. They had five girls and a son. We visited there pretty often, until they all moved to Texas or somewhere else. Aunt Lou and Uncle Lloyd Walker lived up the road from us about three miles. They had Melrose, Mayburn and Senior. Melrose lived in northern Oklahoma. We didn't see her very often. Mayburn and Vennie lived in Altus. Senior and Phylis are still farming and live in Eldorado. He's growing close to ninety. His mother, Aunt Lou was Mother Shumaker youngest sister. She lived to be a few months past 100 years old. Uncles Jess and Lloyd were brothers of several siblings in the Walker family. Uncle Eudell Walker, son of Roy and Amy Walker, grew up a half mile up the road from my Shumaker Grand Parents and married our Aunt Bonnie Shumaker. Charlie Walker's older son, Garvin was married to Uncle Will and Aunt Annie's youngest daughter, Lois.
Granny's eldest brother, Uncle Frank Luker and Aunt Luetta had several children. Cousin Alfred was the only one of them who ever moved out of Texas. He farmed cotton a few miles south of Eldorado. After they retired, he and Myra moved into town. Once in a while, I'd drop over to their place for a short visit. They lived a block or two west of the school.
It's a great thing to have kin folks. When you get to having so many and them scattered all over, it's a tough job to keep up with 'em. Now we're descendants of all those already gone. Be safe, keep well, love one another and do good. Have a great new year.
I suppose, other than Mother and Daddy, the first family I remember were grandparents. Mother Shumaker and Granny were there when I came. At least that's what I was told. Papa (we pronounced it: Pawpaw) and Grand Daddy (we didn't add the: Shumaker) couldn't have been very far away, probably at home or at Church. It was a Sunday. It was Christmas Day. O yes, Dr. Crow was there, of course, at the house where we lived! [Probably, Dr. Crow was doctor for almost all families in the southwest quarter of Jackson County, Oklahoma. He had moved into Oklahoma Territory before statehood.]
All the Easley's (Great Grandma and Great Grandpa with their nine or ten children, most grown) moved to Oklahoma Territory in 1900. Papa was thirteen years old and had Uncle Ross and Aunt Pearl younger than he was. They had come there from Texas. Uncle Will, the eldest, was married to Aunt Annie, Granny's sister. I don't know if any others were married when they came. By the time I came, all but those last three had moved out of the state. Uncle Ross and Aunt Ethel lived across the road from us. I remember Aunt Pearl and Uncle Everett Davis. They moved to Washington State in 1941.
There were some of Daddy's cousins still living in the area. Moody Easley was Uncle Zeb and Aunt Massey's son. He and his wife, Helen with her son, Lyle lived a couple miles up the road. Helen was with us in the pasture the day the rattlesnake bit Donnie. Uncle Ross moved about three miles away and Elmer Easley, their son, moved there with his wife Blanche and their children, Billy Albert and Ramona. Elmer moved his family to Arkansas where they had more children. I never knew them. Uncle Virgil Easley, Papa's brother, lived across the road from Papa when his six children were growing up. He later became a preacher. Uncle Virgil's eldest was Orpha, married to Clell Mitchell. They lived in Eldorado. Clell was the car mechanic at Charlie Clonte's Chevy Garage. They had two children older than me, Eula Mae and Rayford. Papa's oldest sister was Aunt Almeda. She was married to a man named Brock. Of all their children, I only knew Ina Brock and her husband, Tommy Braker. The others lived in the area, some around Eldorado and others up around Mangum, Oklahoma.
Mother had aunts and cousins living in the area when we were growing up. There were none in Oklahoma from Grand Daddy Shumaker's very large family. But Mother Shumaker was the eldest of five sisters and a younger brother. Aunt Alta and Uncle Jess Walker lived at Altus. They had five girls and a son. We visited there pretty often, until they all moved to Texas or somewhere else. Aunt Lou and Uncle Lloyd Walker lived up the road from us about three miles. They had Melrose, Mayburn and Senior. Melrose lived in northern Oklahoma. We didn't see her very often. Mayburn and Vennie lived in Altus. Senior and Phylis are still farming and live in Eldorado. He's growing close to ninety. His mother, Aunt Lou was Mother Shumaker youngest sister. She lived to be a few months past 100 years old. Uncles Jess and Lloyd were brothers of several siblings in the Walker family. Uncle Eudell Walker, son of Roy and Amy Walker, grew up a half mile up the road from my Shumaker Grand Parents and married our Aunt Bonnie Shumaker. Charlie Walker's older son, Garvin was married to Uncle Will and Aunt Annie's youngest daughter, Lois.
Granny's eldest brother, Uncle Frank Luker and Aunt Luetta had several children. Cousin Alfred was the only one of them who ever moved out of Texas. He farmed cotton a few miles south of Eldorado. After they retired, he and Myra moved into town. Once in a while, I'd drop over to their place for a short visit. They lived a block or two west of the school.
It's a great thing to have kin folks. When you get to having so many and them scattered all over, it's a tough job to keep up with 'em. Now we're descendants of all those already gone. Be safe, keep well, love one another and do good. Have a great new year.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
CHRISTMAS EVE IN HOPKINSVILLE, KENTUCKY
We Attended Four Christmas Eve Services
It was Christmas Eve, December 24, 2013, Main Street, Hopkinsville, Kentucky. At 2:30 pm. we walked from the Church down the street about a block and a half to the Coffee House. Several people, old and young, had gathered as they might on any day of the week. Assistant Pastor Keith was there to bring a message and serve Communion. Michael, worship leader from the New Spirits, contemporary service of the UMC, up the street on Main played guitar acompenyed by a man on the keyboard. There were probably thirty-five people present. Pastor's wife and two sons came. Jeremy, Sebastian and I were there. Keith gave a very good message and with a helper served communion. Beautiful art work hung on the walls and foods were availabe in the back room. The three of us took the brisk, cold walk up the block and a half to the United Methodist Church.
Back in the Church we followed Jeremy to help where needed in preparation for the 5:00 pm. service. After some small changes of chairs and music stands in the choir, we went down to the choir's practice room. Choir members began to come in for their brief rehearsal. About half the number of a Sunday morning, 11:00 am. service were needed. Even without the organ, the music was beautiful, as always. Pastor Paige invited children to come forward to sit near her on the steps of the platform for a story from her "Christmas Stocking" the Love, Joy, Peace and Hope of the Christmas candles, then she gave a pertenant message. The alms boxes had been put out for financial donations to the Church's food pantry. As the folks came forward for Communion, they could place their offerings. Pastor Keith had asked me to be his helper. I held the bread and he the grape juice. There were six stations for that meeting. Five-hundred were in attendance.
A simple buffet supper had been prepared for Church workers and helpers waiting for the 8:00 pm. service to began. The New Spirits Church service is set up always in the gym. On Sunday mornings they have an attendance of about 150 people. Michael led the singing with his guitar and a lady played the piano. For the Christmas Eve Communion Service there were eighty-seven folks. Again Pastor Paige opened her Christmas Stocking for the children, then she preached.
The three Christmas Communion Services in the Church that evening were each about an hour in length. At the 11:00 pm. meeting one-hundred-fifty gathered. Music was provided by three men on guitars and Carlene's violin. Pastor Paige told her Stocking story and Pastor Keith gave his sermon. In each service after Communion, the congregation circled the pews with unlit candles. The Pastors lit their candles from the Christmas Candle, then lit one on each side and the back of the sanctuary. Those lit to left and right, so the light rapidly filled all the room. During the lighting we all sang "Silent Night" to the gorgeous sounds of the violin.
It was a wonderful day and night. Sebastian (age nine) had asked to go with Jeremy and me to all four of the services. Not once did he complain about anything, for any reason. Joanna and Carlene came with Elizza and Leo to the last service. We were all back to Jeremy's soon after the last meeting was over. He and I sat at the dining table talking until near 2:00 am. When I could hardly keep my eyes open, we knew it was time hit the hay.
The meaning of it all was well worth the time and energy expended. To celebrate the coming of God in human form, as Jesus Christ, for the sole purpose of pouring out His blood, forgiving mankind of our sin and leading us as wandering sheep by the Holy Spirit to a holy life with God is joy unthinkable and full of glory. God bless you one and all.
It was Christmas Eve, December 24, 2013, Main Street, Hopkinsville, Kentucky. At 2:30 pm. we walked from the Church down the street about a block and a half to the Coffee House. Several people, old and young, had gathered as they might on any day of the week. Assistant Pastor Keith was there to bring a message and serve Communion. Michael, worship leader from the New Spirits, contemporary service of the UMC, up the street on Main played guitar acompenyed by a man on the keyboard. There were probably thirty-five people present. Pastor's wife and two sons came. Jeremy, Sebastian and I were there. Keith gave a very good message and with a helper served communion. Beautiful art work hung on the walls and foods were availabe in the back room. The three of us took the brisk, cold walk up the block and a half to the United Methodist Church.
Back in the Church we followed Jeremy to help where needed in preparation for the 5:00 pm. service. After some small changes of chairs and music stands in the choir, we went down to the choir's practice room. Choir members began to come in for their brief rehearsal. About half the number of a Sunday morning, 11:00 am. service were needed. Even without the organ, the music was beautiful, as always. Pastor Paige invited children to come forward to sit near her on the steps of the platform for a story from her "Christmas Stocking" the Love, Joy, Peace and Hope of the Christmas candles, then she gave a pertenant message. The alms boxes had been put out for financial donations to the Church's food pantry. As the folks came forward for Communion, they could place their offerings. Pastor Keith had asked me to be his helper. I held the bread and he the grape juice. There were six stations for that meeting. Five-hundred were in attendance.
A simple buffet supper had been prepared for Church workers and helpers waiting for the 8:00 pm. service to began. The New Spirits Church service is set up always in the gym. On Sunday mornings they have an attendance of about 150 people. Michael led the singing with his guitar and a lady played the piano. For the Christmas Eve Communion Service there were eighty-seven folks. Again Pastor Paige opened her Christmas Stocking for the children, then she preached.
The three Christmas Communion Services in the Church that evening were each about an hour in length. At the 11:00 pm. meeting one-hundred-fifty gathered. Music was provided by three men on guitars and Carlene's violin. Pastor Paige told her Stocking story and Pastor Keith gave his sermon. In each service after Communion, the congregation circled the pews with unlit candles. The Pastors lit their candles from the Christmas Candle, then lit one on each side and the back of the sanctuary. Those lit to left and right, so the light rapidly filled all the room. During the lighting we all sang "Silent Night" to the gorgeous sounds of the violin.
It was a wonderful day and night. Sebastian (age nine) had asked to go with Jeremy and me to all four of the services. Not once did he complain about anything, for any reason. Joanna and Carlene came with Elizza and Leo to the last service. We were all back to Jeremy's soon after the last meeting was over. He and I sat at the dining table talking until near 2:00 am. When I could hardly keep my eyes open, we knew it was time hit the hay.
The meaning of it all was well worth the time and energy expended. To celebrate the coming of God in human form, as Jesus Christ, for the sole purpose of pouring out His blood, forgiving mankind of our sin and leading us as wandering sheep by the Holy Spirit to a holy life with God is joy unthinkable and full of glory. God bless you one and all.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
O THE JOYS OF CHRISTMAS
Tuesday, December 16, 2013
A Hope and Prayer to You and Yours: Merry Christmas
At our place snow is slowly getting deeper in the yard. A few times the temperature has gone underground. The Kids oogle longingly at their gifts.
Your beautiful cards are piling up faster than I can answer them. We think of each of you more often than there are days in a month, and the years keep rushing by.
Our Kids are all healthy and well. We praise the Lord! Carlene still teaches orchestra in Iowa and has joined an orchestra that performs once most months of the year. Nathaniel is on the down hill slide toward completing Seminary. Jeremy continues directing choirs in Kentucky. Lydia and Gabriel are filling the Italian and German night skies with the sounds of music. Gaia and Carys practice their math tables in three languages.
Joanna still translates many things heard, for those who cannot hear. Tarah keeps in touch from across the Wisconsin border. Elizza, Sebastian and Leo are learning as fast as they can. They always outrun me from the porch to the park. Winter has slowed us up a little.
If it were possible, I'd love to go from house to house of family and friends: making hot buttered cornbread or shortbread apple pies, sipping coffee or tea and chatting the hours away. Prayer meetings for the awful needs of our sick, tired world would be a plus.
Keep well and safe.
Go about doing good.
And may the God of peace and everlasting lovingkindness
Keep you close thhrough all the coming year.
Love and Prayers,
Carlton Easley
BE YE THANKFUL
November 28, 2013, Thanks Giving Day Was Just Great
Carlene had come. Joanna and the Kids, Elizza, Sebastian and Leo, were there with me . Mrozek's, of long standing came, only their girls didn't, but Johanna and Fred. Susan and her son, John, were our new guests. For my part, it was a great day of fellowship and thankfulness. Joanna and Carlene put out a great meal: Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, corn, Lilly's fabulous cranberry salad, Johanna's delicious - leafy green salad. Joanna and Carlene brought out the pumpkin and pecan pies!!! Mrozek's provided the sparkling cider. One great round of applause to you all, a hearty thanks to the attending folks and hearts overflowing in gratitude to the great Almighty God for His blessings of health, protection and bountiful provision over all the years.
The shortest Psalm 117:1-2 declares: "Praise the Lord, all nations; Laud Him, all peoples!
For His lovingkindness is great toward us,
And the truth of the Lord is everlasting.
Praise the Lord!"
Now We're in Kentucky for the Christmas Holidays: We Left Friday after School 12-20-2013
Jeremy invited us all to come. Carlene drove over and we rode down with her. Nathaniel made the eight hour trip up from Mississippi. Sunday morning Nathaniel and I attended the first service at UMC with Jeremy. He'd asked Carlene to play violin with another lady and a lady on cello. The choir was at the top of their game. Alan has played that organ 27 years and as usual, was superlative. The solos and duet added to the beauty. Jeremy is an excellent conductor. Pastor Paige gave a stirring message about God who came as a Baby. The second service was the same, but with many more people and we had brought the boys along for that one. Elizza was ill. Joanna stayed with her. The sanctuary was beautifully decorated.
We had a remarkable lunch. Pastor Keith's family were gone. Jeremy invited him to come. Later we opened presents with Nathaniel because he's leaving before Christmas. We played several table games until bedtime. Leftovers kept showing up from time to time.
It's Monday morning. Nathaniel has gone. Jeremy went to the Church for his usual responsibilities. Joanna and Elizza did some early shopping. Joanna and Leo have now gone to the Church for his piano lesson. Sebastian is hoping for a borrowed cello so he can have his lesson. I am so grateful for Jeremy's lap top so I can send out this wee report.
God bless and keep you all. Our deacon called early Sunday morning to say because of the eight inch snow fall, there would be no Church services at the Red Brick Church where we normally attend. He was unaware that we had gone south and escaped the big snow fall. All too soon we will need to repeat the trip. But this time going north into the snow again.
The ones we're missing at this time of year are Tarah still farther north and Lydia, Gabriel, Gaia and Carys in their home across the sea.
Carlene had come. Joanna and the Kids, Elizza, Sebastian and Leo, were there with me . Mrozek's, of long standing came, only their girls didn't, but Johanna and Fred. Susan and her son, John, were our new guests. For my part, it was a great day of fellowship and thankfulness. Joanna and Carlene put out a great meal: Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, corn, Lilly's fabulous cranberry salad, Johanna's delicious - leafy green salad. Joanna and Carlene brought out the pumpkin and pecan pies!!! Mrozek's provided the sparkling cider. One great round of applause to you all, a hearty thanks to the attending folks and hearts overflowing in gratitude to the great Almighty God for His blessings of health, protection and bountiful provision over all the years.
The shortest Psalm 117:1-2 declares: "Praise the Lord, all nations; Laud Him, all peoples!
For His lovingkindness is great toward us,
And the truth of the Lord is everlasting.
Praise the Lord!"
Now We're in Kentucky for the Christmas Holidays: We Left Friday after School 12-20-2013
Jeremy invited us all to come. Carlene drove over and we rode down with her. Nathaniel made the eight hour trip up from Mississippi. Sunday morning Nathaniel and I attended the first service at UMC with Jeremy. He'd asked Carlene to play violin with another lady and a lady on cello. The choir was at the top of their game. Alan has played that organ 27 years and as usual, was superlative. The solos and duet added to the beauty. Jeremy is an excellent conductor. Pastor Paige gave a stirring message about God who came as a Baby. The second service was the same, but with many more people and we had brought the boys along for that one. Elizza was ill. Joanna stayed with her. The sanctuary was beautifully decorated.
We had a remarkable lunch. Pastor Keith's family were gone. Jeremy invited him to come. Later we opened presents with Nathaniel because he's leaving before Christmas. We played several table games until bedtime. Leftovers kept showing up from time to time.
It's Monday morning. Nathaniel has gone. Jeremy went to the Church for his usual responsibilities. Joanna and Elizza did some early shopping. Joanna and Leo have now gone to the Church for his piano lesson. Sebastian is hoping for a borrowed cello so he can have his lesson. I am so grateful for Jeremy's lap top so I can send out this wee report.
God bless and keep you all. Our deacon called early Sunday morning to say because of the eight inch snow fall, there would be no Church services at the Red Brick Church where we normally attend. He was unaware that we had gone south and escaped the big snow fall. All too soon we will need to repeat the trip. But this time going north into the snow again.
The ones we're missing at this time of year are Tarah still farther north and Lydia, Gabriel, Gaia and Carys in their home across the sea.
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