Oh my, what a week is next week going to be! I am going to be at camp, being a mother/counselor/friend to 9 girls between the ages of 13/14. I am looking forward to it but I am nervous. I am used to working with city girls. This will be different. These are churched girls, so it should be easier, right? Ummm, I don't know about that. It's going to be a challenge to not treat them like I do the city girls. I can only pray that God will give me the words to speak that would help them on their Christian journey. And, maybe not all of them are saved yet so I need to hear the Spirit on that so I can help to lead them that way. I have never been to this camp before so I hope it's not complicated to find my way around. It's very embarrassing how directionally challenged I am so I hope I don't make a dummy out of myself in front of the girls. When you think about me, please pray that I can be all God wants me to be and that He uses me for His kingdom while I'm there. He's gotta help or I'm going to flop everything. I'm not sure why I bit off such a huge chunk but I will remember that His strength is made perfect in my weakness.
Yesterday was a pleasant day off. In the morning I went shopping to Flo-Ann and Ken's Joys with Merci and Johann. I got a few things for camp and Merci got a few things and Johann found a pocketknife he liked and I bought some birthday gifts. I stopped in at Rhonda for awhile to see the parrot they are keeping temporarily. It says alot of things but it did not talk much while I was there. It mimicked Joash's gurgling water noise, it mimicked Stephen's sneeze, it said, "Can you say that" and I think that's about all. But it has a long list of vocabulary, the bird is smart! It even says some dutch words. I wish my parakeets could talk like that. I just do not want such a huge bird because the mess it makes is much bigger than a parakeets and they have strong beaks, I'm afraid it could hurt me:( So I'll stick to my sweet little parakeets! These that I have now do not talk like my Sunshine did but I spent more time with her so that is probably the problem. I really should talk to them alot more.
I went to Weaver's Store then and got a bunch of camp devotions, etc. together when I got home. Sharon and I hung out together for a relaxing time in the evening. I talked to my brother for awhile too, which is unusual because we hardly ever talk on phone!
Well, breakfast is calling me and I must sweep the floors before I leave for work..
Guess I won't write again til I get back from camp and I should have LOTS to say then!!!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Family Fun
Well, why didn't I hear any comments on my last blog? I challenge you readers, let me know what you think!!!! Am I crazy to wonder those things about war? I felt foolish for writing them for others to see and now that everyone is so deathy silent, I feel even worse!!! Speak up, all you'all!!!!!! Don't make me stop writing my personal ideas! I want to hear if I'm off my rocker or what others think. You all know my email! Speak, for your friend will listen!
Well, the reason I did not write on Saturday or Sunday is because I was at the cabin with my family, my boss's cabin, that is! There is no wi-fi there of course. Oh, but we had a blast! I reserved it for my family, my grandparents, and my dad's two brothers. So often the two sisters do things with my grandparents and this time I thought it's nice to do the brothers. We got there Friday night. It had rained a little and wasn't as warm as would have been nice but the boys swam anyway. We were up pretty late, like around midnight. Saturday morning was gorgeous. Alot of the crew went to the Haiti benefit auction since it was so near and the rest of us swam while they were gone. I had fun sewing my new brown dress, started and finished while there! Fun! It was great to be away from home and not see the work and therefore not feel obligated to do anything. I went through some forward emails that I got weeks ago and had not time to go through. I sifted through gobs of other emails and trashed alot. My computer feels less cluttered. Ever know your computer has feelings? Don't ask me how I know, I might freak somebody out! Oh, and Sunday was great with lots of relaxing and more swimming. I went to a concert in the evening but I did not enjoy the concert. At least I enjoyed the fellowship. Ever since I've gone for voice lessons I am much pickier and don't like as big a range of people's voices anymore. On the other hand, I like others I never liked before so maybe it all balances out! I guess you could say my taste in voices has changed.
Today I had the day off and I had a delicious morning of just getting things done around the house and shopping. I had lunch at a park with a friend and her children. I babysat part of the afternoon. I have church tonight, have to leave in 10 minutes and I'm not even dressed yet..........HELP! Oh, and I made salad, corn on the cob, Zuchinni quicke from a friend, and peanut butter cup bars all for dinner. Oh, I feel so full but it was healthy, well, most of it! And I took a 30 minute brisk walk today! Goodness, if I don't go now I won't be ready for church in time! HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP!
Well, the reason I did not write on Saturday or Sunday is because I was at the cabin with my family, my boss's cabin, that is! There is no wi-fi there of course. Oh, but we had a blast! I reserved it for my family, my grandparents, and my dad's two brothers. So often the two sisters do things with my grandparents and this time I thought it's nice to do the brothers. We got there Friday night. It had rained a little and wasn't as warm as would have been nice but the boys swam anyway. We were up pretty late, like around midnight. Saturday morning was gorgeous. Alot of the crew went to the Haiti benefit auction since it was so near and the rest of us swam while they were gone. I had fun sewing my new brown dress, started and finished while there! Fun! It was great to be away from home and not see the work and therefore not feel obligated to do anything. I went through some forward emails that I got weeks ago and had not time to go through. I sifted through gobs of other emails and trashed alot. My computer feels less cluttered. Ever know your computer has feelings? Don't ask me how I know, I might freak somebody out! Oh, and Sunday was great with lots of relaxing and more swimming. I went to a concert in the evening but I did not enjoy the concert. At least I enjoyed the fellowship. Ever since I've gone for voice lessons I am much pickier and don't like as big a range of people's voices anymore. On the other hand, I like others I never liked before so maybe it all balances out! I guess you could say my taste in voices has changed.
Today I had the day off and I had a delicious morning of just getting things done around the house and shopping. I had lunch at a park with a friend and her children. I babysat part of the afternoon. I have church tonight, have to leave in 10 minutes and I'm not even dressed yet..........HELP! Oh, and I made salad, corn on the cob, Zuchinni quicke from a friend, and peanut butter cup bars all for dinner. Oh, I feel so full but it was healthy, well, most of it! And I took a 30 minute brisk walk today! Goodness, if I don't go now I won't be ready for church in time! HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP!
Monday, July 13, 2009
War and What do you Believe?
Here is a question that has plagued me for some time. Let's talk about Christians who go to war, first. Why do you go to war when the Bible says to "turn the other cheek, do good to those who spitefully use you and persecute you". It even says, "if a man ask you to go one mile carrying something for him, do two, and heap coals of fire on your enemies and pray for them." Another thing it says is to love your neighbor as yourself. How can you be obeying all of this when you participate in war? One of the 10 commandments is to not kill. Also the 11th commandment that you love one another. Killing is not loving!
Now on the other side, this is for non-resistant Christians. In Bible times even though all the above verses are spoken, still God endorsed war. In fact, He actually asked the Israelites to go to war and to kill certain peoples. He purposely gave them victory different times. Why? If it's not right to kill, if you are to love your neighbor as yourself, then why did He have his people kill others? Where would America be today if no one had fought for our freedom? Would their be freedom? If everyone would just sit back like the nonresistand Mennonites, wouldn't we all just be killed or taken captive and made into servants? Why don't you stand up for what's right with the law? Why don't you fight abortion, why don't you fight the gay rights, why don't you fight for anything? Is it actually God's will for His people to sit back and just pray for the right things to come to pass without any action on your part?
I'm just confused about war right now. I wish someone had some opinions or could in some way educate me more. I don't like when I am neutral on an issue such as this. And neutral is what I am, because I don't know what to believe. All my life I've been taught the nonresistant Mennonite stance on war. Yet, I have questioned it for years, and it's just building up. I need answers. I am not one of those who is willing to just do/believe certain things without knowing why and without having to be totally convinced. I want to know why I do the things I do. I want to know why I believe what I believe. The Bible says to always have an answer for every man. How can you do that when you don't even know what you believe or if you are neutral? That's my point, you can't. Somebody help me out!!!!
Now that I got that puked out of me, I can think about something else for the moment. Oh, by the way, this was a scary subject for me to let others read so I trust that the people who have my blog will be wise enough to not talk about my ramblings to other people. The reason that I only give my blog to certain people is because I only trust certain people with what I write in this thing, so please don't defeat that purpose by broadcasting my ramblings to anyone else. Oh, what an uproar this one would cause if it were to be read by the wrong person! Oy, please no! You who are reading this and are not Mennonites might not understand what I mean, but just trust me when I say Mennonites tend to be judgmental on their own people. Anyone with strange ideas is not exactly looked up to and my question about war would certainly be a cause for their alarm! That's why it's not easy for me to ask people questions. They usually ask others and soon EVERYONE knows that Dawn was doubting ______ and she must be unstable, etc., etc., etc.!!!!!! I only ask questions of people I fully trust.
Oh, that's right, I was going to talk about something else now. Sorry! Well, this week looks pretty full. Wednesday on my day off, I plan to spend most of it in Lebanon County. In the morning I want to visit Darlene Eberly. I have not been to her place at all this year yet. She is an hour's drive away but I guess that's not a good excuse, considering how close we were as friends at one time. So I will visit her for the morning. Then I will go over to my Aunt Karen and probably shop or swim in their pool. Last I will stop in at Doris and I was planning to stay for the evening but then I had this thought that that is my only evening that I don't have something planned and this is my week to mow. So I guess I will have to come home and mow instead of visit.
Then this weekend I will be at Wolfrock, my boss's vacation house. My grandparents and cousins and Dad's two other brothers will be there. Oh, I'm taking Sharon F because otherwise I'd get bored.
Last night I was at a hot dog roast and before we ate we went hiking. It was a peaceful evening. I gave a friend the computer she ordered through Dad and she was excited to finally have her own. Her brother didn't really like when she used his and he moved out recently so she was without one for sure then!
Well, I think that's going to have to be the end of this post because it's time to eat breakfast and go to work!
Now on the other side, this is for non-resistant Christians. In Bible times even though all the above verses are spoken, still God endorsed war. In fact, He actually asked the Israelites to go to war and to kill certain peoples. He purposely gave them victory different times. Why? If it's not right to kill, if you are to love your neighbor as yourself, then why did He have his people kill others? Where would America be today if no one had fought for our freedom? Would their be freedom? If everyone would just sit back like the nonresistand Mennonites, wouldn't we all just be killed or taken captive and made into servants? Why don't you stand up for what's right with the law? Why don't you fight abortion, why don't you fight the gay rights, why don't you fight for anything? Is it actually God's will for His people to sit back and just pray for the right things to come to pass without any action on your part?
I'm just confused about war right now. I wish someone had some opinions or could in some way educate me more. I don't like when I am neutral on an issue such as this. And neutral is what I am, because I don't know what to believe. All my life I've been taught the nonresistant Mennonite stance on war. Yet, I have questioned it for years, and it's just building up. I need answers. I am not one of those who is willing to just do/believe certain things without knowing why and without having to be totally convinced. I want to know why I do the things I do. I want to know why I believe what I believe. The Bible says to always have an answer for every man. How can you do that when you don't even know what you believe or if you are neutral? That's my point, you can't. Somebody help me out!!!!
Now that I got that puked out of me, I can think about something else for the moment. Oh, by the way, this was a scary subject for me to let others read so I trust that the people who have my blog will be wise enough to not talk about my ramblings to other people. The reason that I only give my blog to certain people is because I only trust certain people with what I write in this thing, so please don't defeat that purpose by broadcasting my ramblings to anyone else. Oh, what an uproar this one would cause if it were to be read by the wrong person! Oy, please no! You who are reading this and are not Mennonites might not understand what I mean, but just trust me when I say Mennonites tend to be judgmental on their own people. Anyone with strange ideas is not exactly looked up to and my question about war would certainly be a cause for their alarm! That's why it's not easy for me to ask people questions. They usually ask others and soon EVERYONE knows that Dawn was doubting ______ and she must be unstable, etc., etc., etc.!!!!!! I only ask questions of people I fully trust.
Oh, that's right, I was going to talk about something else now. Sorry! Well, this week looks pretty full. Wednesday on my day off, I plan to spend most of it in Lebanon County. In the morning I want to visit Darlene Eberly. I have not been to her place at all this year yet. She is an hour's drive away but I guess that's not a good excuse, considering how close we were as friends at one time. So I will visit her for the morning. Then I will go over to my Aunt Karen and probably shop or swim in their pool. Last I will stop in at Doris and I was planning to stay for the evening but then I had this thought that that is my only evening that I don't have something planned and this is my week to mow. So I guess I will have to come home and mow instead of visit.
Then this weekend I will be at Wolfrock, my boss's vacation house. My grandparents and cousins and Dad's two other brothers will be there. Oh, I'm taking Sharon F because otherwise I'd get bored.
Last night I was at a hot dog roast and before we ate we went hiking. It was a peaceful evening. I gave a friend the computer she ordered through Dad and she was excited to finally have her own. Her brother didn't really like when she used his and he moved out recently so she was without one for sure then!
Well, I think that's going to have to be the end of this post because it's time to eat breakfast and go to work!
Monday, July 6, 2009
July 4th
I hope you all had an excellent holiday! I had to work July 4th:( I don't get off on holidays so it was kind of annoying. We were not busy and I was so bored I was silly. My cousin Karena was with me all week so she was at work too and she was bored as could be. We had a good Friday but I guess everyone was doing anything BUT shopping at King's. After working we went to my Grandma Weaver for the celebration. It's an annual thing, she always has us for a cookout. I had a good time. I was glad my cousin Angie was there. She has only 3 more weeks to go if her baby arrives on schedule. Angie goes to the same church I do and she talks. I have another cousin that does not talk much. She sits there and smiles pretty. I thought it was going to be maybe only her there and I was dreading it but then Angie did come.
After that, I went to see some fireworks at the Lititz Park. I met Michelle and we walked the railroad tracks til we had a good view. It was a Mennonite hangout. The fireworks were good but I would have been just as happy to have a little more light so I could see what all aquaintances of mine might be there. I was no more than sitting down when my phone rang and it was Karena's brothers. They live in Berks county but came all the way to Lititz to watch. I thought it was funny that Karena got to see them! So she sat with them then. I was glad she did because Michelle had a heavy heart and Karena would not have had any fun sitting with us. I thought the fireworks weren't too bad.......but now since I saw Sunday's display, I changed my mind!
Sunday I was back to my regular church. I really liked the Grace church I was at two Sundays out of June but there's something that feels really good when you go back to the church you're a part of. It feels like home, oh, so good. The pastor was going to preach but he had a......I forget what it's called but something like a mini stroke on Thursday so he chose not to preach this Sunday. He was there though. Duane preached instead and I always get fed from him sermons. He preached on bearing one another's burdens.....and showed how the Bible is interesting in that if you were trying to be a pain you could try to say it contradicts itself. It says not to take thought what you are going to eat or drink but to just trust the Lord. In other verses it talks about going to the ant and working like her and how only those who work shall eat!!!!!! What's up with that???? And how...shoot I forget the passage.....but it says to bear one another's burdens and like 3 verses later it says that each shall bear his own burden!!!!!! Excuse me???????????? LOL! He was explaining how it's kinda like moderation in all things..........and when you bear someone's burdens you are not making it go away, they are still bearing it themselves, only you're helping them to get through it!!!!
Ah, Sunday afternoon and evening were so lovely I don't even feel like writing about it because that would take away from the loveliness! Karena, Jeremy, and I went to Long's Park with the Brills. Got there around 3pm and we picked our spot and then walked around. They had a wonderful concert there. They had an army band there. They had some dancing. We ate a picnic lunch and just had a good time visiting. Oh, the cannons were awesome! Loud, but awesome! I wonder why I never went to Long's Park before. It was so neat and the best part is that it was all free! The fireworks were MUUUUUUUUUUUUCH better than Lititz park. And they played music, like march stuff the whole time the fireworks were going off. Totally cool! Jeremy and Yitzhak were off by themselves alot and I was a bit annoyed that Jeremy did not tell us what they were doing so we wouldn't worry but it was alright, they came by the time the fireworks were almost over. There's something special about sharing something fun with friends. I would not have had near the fun if I wasn't with some of my most precious friends.
And, today is a lovely day. I get to have off. It is so rare I get to sleep in on a Monday morning. Never mind the fact that I have to go to work 5 solid days in a row. Yuck! I'll worry about that then, not gonna let it ruin my day off! It was fun having Karena at my house. She did an excellent job at work and I'll miss her. She helped me clean my house. On Wednesday I took her over to the Hursts and we went swimming to some folks down the road. We ate pizza and hung out til bedtime. Ah, that's the life!
This week I am going to church Wednesday night. They have a music topic that night. I will eat anything up like a starved puppydog when it comes to music. I cannot ever get enough teaching on music. Thursday I sing with Steve's at the home. So my two nights are packed for this week.
Well, I think that is enough of jabber for now.
After that, I went to see some fireworks at the Lititz Park. I met Michelle and we walked the railroad tracks til we had a good view. It was a Mennonite hangout. The fireworks were good but I would have been just as happy to have a little more light so I could see what all aquaintances of mine might be there. I was no more than sitting down when my phone rang and it was Karena's brothers. They live in Berks county but came all the way to Lititz to watch. I thought it was funny that Karena got to see them! So she sat with them then. I was glad she did because Michelle had a heavy heart and Karena would not have had any fun sitting with us. I thought the fireworks weren't too bad.......but now since I saw Sunday's display, I changed my mind!
Sunday I was back to my regular church. I really liked the Grace church I was at two Sundays out of June but there's something that feels really good when you go back to the church you're a part of. It feels like home, oh, so good. The pastor was going to preach but he had a......I forget what it's called but something like a mini stroke on Thursday so he chose not to preach this Sunday. He was there though. Duane preached instead and I always get fed from him sermons. He preached on bearing one another's burdens.....and showed how the Bible is interesting in that if you were trying to be a pain you could try to say it contradicts itself. It says not to take thought what you are going to eat or drink but to just trust the Lord. In other verses it talks about going to the ant and working like her and how only those who work shall eat!!!!!! What's up with that???? And how...shoot I forget the passage.....but it says to bear one another's burdens and like 3 verses later it says that each shall bear his own burden!!!!!! Excuse me???????????? LOL! He was explaining how it's kinda like moderation in all things..........and when you bear someone's burdens you are not making it go away, they are still bearing it themselves, only you're helping them to get through it!!!!
Ah, Sunday afternoon and evening were so lovely I don't even feel like writing about it because that would take away from the loveliness! Karena, Jeremy, and I went to Long's Park with the Brills. Got there around 3pm and we picked our spot and then walked around. They had a wonderful concert there. They had an army band there. They had some dancing. We ate a picnic lunch and just had a good time visiting. Oh, the cannons were awesome! Loud, but awesome! I wonder why I never went to Long's Park before. It was so neat and the best part is that it was all free! The fireworks were MUUUUUUUUUUUUCH better than Lititz park. And they played music, like march stuff the whole time the fireworks were going off. Totally cool! Jeremy and Yitzhak were off by themselves alot and I was a bit annoyed that Jeremy did not tell us what they were doing so we wouldn't worry but it was alright, they came by the time the fireworks were almost over. There's something special about sharing something fun with friends. I would not have had near the fun if I wasn't with some of my most precious friends.
And, today is a lovely day. I get to have off. It is so rare I get to sleep in on a Monday morning. Never mind the fact that I have to go to work 5 solid days in a row. Yuck! I'll worry about that then, not gonna let it ruin my day off! It was fun having Karena at my house. She did an excellent job at work and I'll miss her. She helped me clean my house. On Wednesday I took her over to the Hursts and we went swimming to some folks down the road. We ate pizza and hung out til bedtime. Ah, that's the life!
This week I am going to church Wednesday night. They have a music topic that night. I will eat anything up like a starved puppydog when it comes to music. I cannot ever get enough teaching on music. Thursday I sing with Steve's at the home. So my two nights are packed for this week.
Well, I think that is enough of jabber for now.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Hershey Time, and NYC
Well, to be quick and sum everything up......Wednesday was my day with Stephen and Joash. I took them to Hershey, using up some Hospitality Day coupons. We went to Hershey Chocolate World. How I lOOOOOOOOOOOVE that place! I hope there is chocolate up in heaven, or something very similar!!!! We did the new Chocolate tasting experience thing. That was great, I got to eat............you guessed it, chocolate! The boys loved it too. The only disgusting thing was that they only allow 2 hours of free parking. I guess it's fair on their part, they could charge us for all parking. However, it's mean when you know you might go just 15 or so minutes over that! So the whole time I had to try to mete out our time and get everything all done. The tour doesn't take long but then there's the factory hands on tour and the chocolate tasting thing and then the boys had a tiny bit of money to spend in the gift shop. And, I had to shop in the chocolate part of the store for some gifts and some for myself of course:) So that was stressful, knowing it would be cut close. They charge $10 for anything over 2 hours:( And, when I saw we have to be at the car in 5 minutes, I got lost. I'm serious, don't laugh, it happened to me last year when I took Rachel too:( Why is it that when you really NEED to be somewhere at a certain time, everything wants to go wrong:( GRRRRRRRR! So I took off in the area I thought was right, only to come to a dead end. Then I tried another way and that was wrong. Stephen was trying to help me and I don't know what he thought of this dumb directionally challenged friend of his:( But on our way out I found out that Joash had been holding his free piece of chocolate in his hand the whole time and had it all melted and popped open and all over his shirt and some on his shoes. I could have cried. I did not have time to wipe it off and yet I didn't want that chocolate in my car. So I threw the chocolate in the trash and away we ran towards the car. Joash was almost crying, he said he did not want to run but I said we have to. I was not willing to pay $10 for being 2 minutes overtime. So I made it a minute early, praise the Lord. Then I stopped as soon as I could pull off the road and wiped the chocolate off of Joash as best as I could. It was not a good job though, it was already dried into his shirt. We went for lunch at a Wendy's next and I tried to wash it off with water in the restroom and it would not come off. So the poor guy had a big chocolate spot on his shirt the rest of the day. What a pathetically miserable mom I'd make:(
Before we went to the chocolate world, we went to the Hershey Auto Museum. That was great. They loved the old cars. I'm not a big fan of them but the tickets were free and boys like em so it was fun seeing them have fun. Probably the highlight for them and me was at the one cycle there was dressup clothes to pose with. We spent a bit of time there.
The third place we went was the Hershey Rose Gardens. I can NEVER get tired of seeing and smelling roses. I just think heaven is going to have gobs of roses and new colors and with our senses that are so much beyond what we have now......just imagine how it's gonna be! Can't wait! Stephen loved the place, he begged to take pictures with my camera and he didn't do too badly! It was just tiresome a little because he'd beg to take one everytime he'd see me taking one but we had to keep stepping and he didn't grasp that concept very well. I gotta give him a break, he's only a child! Joash got tired of the flowers soon after we were there:( Once when I was taking pics of Stephen, Joash said, "I just don't know why you don't like me". When I asked him why he said I was taking alot of pics of Stephen and not of him! Right before that Stephen had dropped a handful of pennies and I had told them to wait to pick them up til I took the pic. They had been in a perfect pose. Joash did not listen and started picking them up anyway. I said it pretty forcefully and in a no nonsense tone again that he must stand up and let me take the pic first. He ignored me and kept picking up the pennies. I was very frustrated, I can't stand outright disobedience but I left it go. However, I think he knew I was pretty stressed out at that moment and maybe that was part of the reason he thought I don't like him! Children can be very sensitive so I must be careful! After that, I was careful and went out of my way to include him and make him laugh. So, that was my Wednesday.
Saturday the Heart to Heart Tues. night shelter group went to NYC to hand out cds and tracts. There was only 5 guys and 2 girls. Sharon F went with me. She is not part of our mission but I had not other girl so she went with me. I had a blast. It's sad that not more of the group came along. Out of maybe 10 or 11 girls, I was the only one. It is extremely hard to plan something in the summer. Everyone is so busy, it's almost impossible to get them suited. I was expecting alot from the Lord an I had such a wonderful time. My big prayer was that the joy we have in Jesus would shine on our faces so they could see we have something to live for. That prayer was answered, what a confirmation, it make me so happy. One woman that I gave a cd said I look like an angel straight from heaven. She kept saying she can see the peace on my face and the joy of having been with Jesus on my face. She was saved and she asked for another cd to give to a friend. Sharon was nearby so she came over since I had no more and she gave her two more. The lady said so many people are Christians but the joy is not reflected on their faces because they are not Christians the whole way and have sin in their life they do not want to give up. She said I look like I never sinned. I assured her rapidly that I have been forgiven of MUCH, she has no idea! So that was indeed my confirmation from the Lord that God was reflecting His presence off of his daughter! I was so blessed to see some of the people reading the literature. Some grab it as they walk by and you don't know if they will even read it. But others I saw reading and it really blessed my heart. When we first started on our way to NY the talk was "What are we going to do?" I thought our goal was to hand out tracts. I would have been happy to do that for a few hours. The others thought we could do entertaining things and kind of weave that in with it. I was glad we did it the way I originally thought. I was pumped about handing out stuff and did not want distractions. After we did that, we went to a fabric shop where we found some nice pieces. And, I would write more but it's time to eat breakfast and go to work so............adios til next time!
Before we went to the chocolate world, we went to the Hershey Auto Museum. That was great. They loved the old cars. I'm not a big fan of them but the tickets were free and boys like em so it was fun seeing them have fun. Probably the highlight for them and me was at the one cycle there was dressup clothes to pose with. We spent a bit of time there.
The third place we went was the Hershey Rose Gardens. I can NEVER get tired of seeing and smelling roses. I just think heaven is going to have gobs of roses and new colors and with our senses that are so much beyond what we have now......just imagine how it's gonna be! Can't wait! Stephen loved the place, he begged to take pictures with my camera and he didn't do too badly! It was just tiresome a little because he'd beg to take one everytime he'd see me taking one but we had to keep stepping and he didn't grasp that concept very well. I gotta give him a break, he's only a child! Joash got tired of the flowers soon after we were there:( Once when I was taking pics of Stephen, Joash said, "I just don't know why you don't like me". When I asked him why he said I was taking alot of pics of Stephen and not of him! Right before that Stephen had dropped a handful of pennies and I had told them to wait to pick them up til I took the pic. They had been in a perfect pose. Joash did not listen and started picking them up anyway. I said it pretty forcefully and in a no nonsense tone again that he must stand up and let me take the pic first. He ignored me and kept picking up the pennies. I was very frustrated, I can't stand outright disobedience but I left it go. However, I think he knew I was pretty stressed out at that moment and maybe that was part of the reason he thought I don't like him! Children can be very sensitive so I must be careful! After that, I was careful and went out of my way to include him and make him laugh. So, that was my Wednesday.
Saturday the Heart to Heart Tues. night shelter group went to NYC to hand out cds and tracts. There was only 5 guys and 2 girls. Sharon F went with me. She is not part of our mission but I had not other girl so she went with me. I had a blast. It's sad that not more of the group came along. Out of maybe 10 or 11 girls, I was the only one. It is extremely hard to plan something in the summer. Everyone is so busy, it's almost impossible to get them suited. I was expecting alot from the Lord an I had such a wonderful time. My big prayer was that the joy we have in Jesus would shine on our faces so they could see we have something to live for. That prayer was answered, what a confirmation, it make me so happy. One woman that I gave a cd said I look like an angel straight from heaven. She kept saying she can see the peace on my face and the joy of having been with Jesus on my face. She was saved and she asked for another cd to give to a friend. Sharon was nearby so she came over since I had no more and she gave her two more. The lady said so many people are Christians but the joy is not reflected on their faces because they are not Christians the whole way and have sin in their life they do not want to give up. She said I look like I never sinned. I assured her rapidly that I have been forgiven of MUCH, she has no idea! So that was indeed my confirmation from the Lord that God was reflecting His presence off of his daughter! I was so blessed to see some of the people reading the literature. Some grab it as they walk by and you don't know if they will even read it. But others I saw reading and it really blessed my heart. When we first started on our way to NY the talk was "What are we going to do?" I thought our goal was to hand out tracts. I would have been happy to do that for a few hours. The others thought we could do entertaining things and kind of weave that in with it. I was glad we did it the way I originally thought. I was pumped about handing out stuff and did not want distractions. After we did that, we went to a fabric shop where we found some nice pieces. And, I would write more but it's time to eat breakfast and go to work so............adios til next time!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Busy Week, Wonderful Fun
Oh, goodness, this week was crazy busy! Sunday night was when Bible school started. I made it 4 out of the 5 nights. I could not make it Tuesday because the shelter picnic was. If it had been a normal Tues. night, I would have canceled out and went to Bible school. Every night that I went, I picked up Rhonda's children. They loved it. Rachel really liked her teacher. They all did, but Rachel is like me, every little thing counts for something and her teacher went out of her way to make her feel special. on Thurs. was the last night of Bible school and they had an icecream machine and snack there. The kids got alot of loot too! I was surprised at all the stuff! They were delighted of course!
Wednesday I made jelly with my mom and Merci. We had a high old time! The jelly didn't get as thick as it should have but it's alright. Still tastes good! Merci and I shopped for some fabric. Merci is going to help me sew a dress. There's a ruffle pattern that I would like to do and am not sure how to do it. I am afraid of botching up a good piece of fabric and if I sew the dress and it doesn't look right, I won't wear it and then it's all that money and time down the drain. Two heads are much better than one. Merci used to sew a lot of clothes so she's going to help me figure this ruffle stuff out! I guess the little girl in me is coming out! I do so love ruffles and lace and pretty things! One thing I have to start believing is that dark colors are okay on me. I wear pastel colors and some brights in the summer and then dark colors in the winter. I don't like many dark colors on me but I will wear them for winter. I've been told that dark colors make me look thinner! I didn't want to believe that but now Merci is telling me the same thing. So I'll have to look into wearing darker colors and smaller prints. I usually picked out big prints. I have to revamp my brain! Oh, what we do to look thinner:):)
Friday night I was supposed to go to my grandma's house for family night. I was planning to but I got a call at work from my aunt. She said Karena never saw my house (that's my cousin) and they were coming down to Lancaster to a sale and she would love to hang out at my house while her husband was at the sale. So, that's what we did, hang out at my house. My grandma was not impressed but I had just seen her last week so I didn't feel too bad. I had fun with my aunt and cousin. We watched a movie and had a good time talking.
Saturday was the highlight of the whole week for me. I had Steve Hursts and the Brills over for mountain pies. I was planning that we have them at my house. Then the landlord told us we may not do open fires, she does not want the liability. Sigh! So I got the pavillion at my neighbors by the creek. All morning it rained :( Then in the afternoon it rained and the sun shone at intervals. It was crazy how much it switched back and forth! I kept not knowing whether I'd be making pizzas or if we could have the mountain pies. So finally I gave up and said we'll do pizzas with all the stuff everyone was bringing. Then the sun came out so bright I did end up going over and having the mountain pies there. We also did home made strawberry icecream. This was the first time the Hursts and Brills had really met. Two different cultures but it looked like everyone got along well. Todd got out the fiddle and Merci the guitar and we sang and had a good old fashioned sing! Emily got cold so we hurried over to my house and sang some more. I did not know my piano is out of tune.........what is wrong with my hearing that I can't pick that up? GRRR! But now that I know, I hope I can get it tuned. However, if I remember from last time, it cost me $70/$80 to have it done and if I move next year it will have to be done again:( It costs alot to live:( I never did have it tuned after it got moved so I guess it's my fault. Every time you move a piano you can pretty much guarantee it's going to need a tuning. The different climate can even put it out of whack! But I got out the keyboard and Johann played that. Waaaaaaaaaaaay too soon it was time for them to take their sleepy kids home. Sniffle, sob! I wish good times would not fly by so fast. That's one of the things I will love when I'm in heaven. I will be able to see my favorite people EVERY day and not ever have to say goodbye. I don't even like saying "goodby" here on earth, because it's actually never "goodbye" for the Christian but rather "see you later". The location might change but not the fact that we'll see eachother later! Sometimes I get a little down after looking so forward to something and then it's all gone. I had maybe 5 minutes of that and then I decided not to let it get me down this time. There's more good times like this, Lord willing!
This morning I was at Mom & Dad's church for Father's Day and then to them for lunch. Now I'm supposed to be in bed sleeping.........speaking of which I'm going to do right now!
Wednesday I made jelly with my mom and Merci. We had a high old time! The jelly didn't get as thick as it should have but it's alright. Still tastes good! Merci and I shopped for some fabric. Merci is going to help me sew a dress. There's a ruffle pattern that I would like to do and am not sure how to do it. I am afraid of botching up a good piece of fabric and if I sew the dress and it doesn't look right, I won't wear it and then it's all that money and time down the drain. Two heads are much better than one. Merci used to sew a lot of clothes so she's going to help me figure this ruffle stuff out! I guess the little girl in me is coming out! I do so love ruffles and lace and pretty things! One thing I have to start believing is that dark colors are okay on me. I wear pastel colors and some brights in the summer and then dark colors in the winter. I don't like many dark colors on me but I will wear them for winter. I've been told that dark colors make me look thinner! I didn't want to believe that but now Merci is telling me the same thing. So I'll have to look into wearing darker colors and smaller prints. I usually picked out big prints. I have to revamp my brain! Oh, what we do to look thinner:):)
Friday night I was supposed to go to my grandma's house for family night. I was planning to but I got a call at work from my aunt. She said Karena never saw my house (that's my cousin) and they were coming down to Lancaster to a sale and she would love to hang out at my house while her husband was at the sale. So, that's what we did, hang out at my house. My grandma was not impressed but I had just seen her last week so I didn't feel too bad. I had fun with my aunt and cousin. We watched a movie and had a good time talking.
Saturday was the highlight of the whole week for me. I had Steve Hursts and the Brills over for mountain pies. I was planning that we have them at my house. Then the landlord told us we may not do open fires, she does not want the liability. Sigh! So I got the pavillion at my neighbors by the creek. All morning it rained :( Then in the afternoon it rained and the sun shone at intervals. It was crazy how much it switched back and forth! I kept not knowing whether I'd be making pizzas or if we could have the mountain pies. So finally I gave up and said we'll do pizzas with all the stuff everyone was bringing. Then the sun came out so bright I did end up going over and having the mountain pies there. We also did home made strawberry icecream. This was the first time the Hursts and Brills had really met. Two different cultures but it looked like everyone got along well. Todd got out the fiddle and Merci the guitar and we sang and had a good old fashioned sing! Emily got cold so we hurried over to my house and sang some more. I did not know my piano is out of tune.........what is wrong with my hearing that I can't pick that up? GRRR! But now that I know, I hope I can get it tuned. However, if I remember from last time, it cost me $70/$80 to have it done and if I move next year it will have to be done again:( It costs alot to live:( I never did have it tuned after it got moved so I guess it's my fault. Every time you move a piano you can pretty much guarantee it's going to need a tuning. The different climate can even put it out of whack! But I got out the keyboard and Johann played that. Waaaaaaaaaaaay too soon it was time for them to take their sleepy kids home. Sniffle, sob! I wish good times would not fly by so fast. That's one of the things I will love when I'm in heaven. I will be able to see my favorite people EVERY day and not ever have to say goodbye. I don't even like saying "goodby" here on earth, because it's actually never "goodbye" for the Christian but rather "see you later". The location might change but not the fact that we'll see eachother later! Sometimes I get a little down after looking so forward to something and then it's all gone. I had maybe 5 minutes of that and then I decided not to let it get me down this time. There's more good times like this, Lord willing!
This morning I was at Mom & Dad's church for Father's Day and then to them for lunch. Now I'm supposed to be in bed sleeping.........speaking of which I'm going to do right now!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
The Incredible Unknown
I believe as long as there's life, there will be adventure. If it's not drama, then it's some other adventure happening. Oh, well, it makes for an exciting life. At least my life's not boring. I wonder how big a chance there is that someone could get ahold of my blog that I had not given the address to. There are so often things that I want to write but I'm scared to. I'm scared that just what if a certain person got ahold of it somehow, stumbled across it and the stuff I'd want to write in here would surely get me in trouble if a certain wrong person found out! GRRR! I sure don't understand how someone could get it without me giving it to them but it's possible.:(:(
Well, I think all of you who read this though, know of the big decision I needed to make that would affect my life quite drastically. Well, I decided the Lord likes to teach me flexibility, because when I finally made the choice and it was going to happen in Sept., I soon got a call that it would not happen til April of next year. Sigh, fine then, God, if you want to bounce me around like that, I'll deal with it!!!!Understand, I'll deal with it!!!!!!!! Okay, so I was hugely disappointed but I got over it. I came to the place where I don't even care anymore. Whatever happens, happens! So, guess what, now it might happen in Nov. of this year! I'm excited again, but maybe I shouldn't be. Who knows, God might change it again on me!
But now another big unkown thing that I can just come out and say no matter who reads it....... I will have to move the end of this year. We love this house dearly and it hurts to think of leaving so soon. This house was perfect and so much good happened since I live here. If I was to design a house, this would have been about what it looked like. All the work of moving, it was NOT my definition of fun! And all the holes I put in the walls that I will have to patch up........yuck! Not cool! But, the reason we are going to leave is that it is taking up almost every penny we earn. That's not cool when you know nothing is going into savings. It's all being used up:( So we need to find a cheaper place. So sad. I love this location and being so close to Mom and Dad and the transition wasn't as hard since I still live in my own hometown. I don't want to leave. I hope and pray that my next house is near this one. I love this area so much. So close to the highway and Goodwill and Kmart are only 7 min. away, the Library is 8 min. and Walmart is 10. This place was really just too good to be true. However, I am finding out that you can get nice places for a bit less. So, that would help save money! We need to do something. But hopefully I can just enjoy the here and now and not worry or let it ruin my days here in the meantime.
So, those are major things to me. This week is a busy week. I had Bible school tonight and for the next 4 nights. I picked up Rhonda and Steve's children. They loved it! Poor Joash is only 4 and he is a little shy and when we got to church it was 3 minutes before starting time. I wanted to be there sooner but you know the story, it always gets later........so I thought they would sit with me but right away they were to sit with their age on a certain bench. So each was on a different bench. Well, when they were dismissing them, Joash pulled at Rachel to get her to come and then he tried to get Stephen to come. He didn't understand that different ages get dismissed to different rooms, etc. They finally got him to his room and he enjoyed it. Just watching them have fun was enough for me to make it worthwhile. Their faces lit up at some of the songs. They are all bubbly now and excited for the next 4 nights.
I had to go without Sharon. She was not feeling well and I missed her but I made it! This morning I was at a different church. It was a neat church. The people were very friendly and I really enjoyed the worship. My friends were there to lead worship and I knew most of the songs. I took my brother and one of his friends.
Goodness, I am so tired I can barely stay awake. I think I'd better go to bed so I can be awake for work tomorrow and Bible school.
Well, I think all of you who read this though, know of the big decision I needed to make that would affect my life quite drastically. Well, I decided the Lord likes to teach me flexibility, because when I finally made the choice and it was going to happen in Sept., I soon got a call that it would not happen til April of next year. Sigh, fine then, God, if you want to bounce me around like that, I'll deal with it!!!!Understand, I'll deal with it!!!!!!!! Okay, so I was hugely disappointed but I got over it. I came to the place where I don't even care anymore. Whatever happens, happens! So, guess what, now it might happen in Nov. of this year! I'm excited again, but maybe I shouldn't be. Who knows, God might change it again on me!
But now another big unkown thing that I can just come out and say no matter who reads it....... I will have to move the end of this year. We love this house dearly and it hurts to think of leaving so soon. This house was perfect and so much good happened since I live here. If I was to design a house, this would have been about what it looked like. All the work of moving, it was NOT my definition of fun! And all the holes I put in the walls that I will have to patch up........yuck! Not cool! But, the reason we are going to leave is that it is taking up almost every penny we earn. That's not cool when you know nothing is going into savings. It's all being used up:( So we need to find a cheaper place. So sad. I love this location and being so close to Mom and Dad and the transition wasn't as hard since I still live in my own hometown. I don't want to leave. I hope and pray that my next house is near this one. I love this area so much. So close to the highway and Goodwill and Kmart are only 7 min. away, the Library is 8 min. and Walmart is 10. This place was really just too good to be true. However, I am finding out that you can get nice places for a bit less. So, that would help save money! We need to do something. But hopefully I can just enjoy the here and now and not worry or let it ruin my days here in the meantime.
So, those are major things to me. This week is a busy week. I had Bible school tonight and for the next 4 nights. I picked up Rhonda and Steve's children. They loved it! Poor Joash is only 4 and he is a little shy and when we got to church it was 3 minutes before starting time. I wanted to be there sooner but you know the story, it always gets later........so I thought they would sit with me but right away they were to sit with their age on a certain bench. So each was on a different bench. Well, when they were dismissing them, Joash pulled at Rachel to get her to come and then he tried to get Stephen to come. He didn't understand that different ages get dismissed to different rooms, etc. They finally got him to his room and he enjoyed it. Just watching them have fun was enough for me to make it worthwhile. Their faces lit up at some of the songs. They are all bubbly now and excited for the next 4 nights.
I had to go without Sharon. She was not feeling well and I missed her but I made it! This morning I was at a different church. It was a neat church. The people were very friendly and I really enjoyed the worship. My friends were there to lead worship and I knew most of the songs. I took my brother and one of his friends.
Goodness, I am so tired I can barely stay awake. I think I'd better go to bed so I can be awake for work tomorrow and Bible school.
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