Raindrops keep falling...

I was sitting at the computer this afternoon and heard a faint tapping at the window, only to look up and see raindrops hitting the pane. Who would think that on January 31 in North Dakota it would be raining! Actually, it has been in the high 30's , low 40's most of the week. One only wonders what February has in store.

Empty Nest

Empty Nest

Be Still

This week when reading my devotions, one of the verses was from Exodus 14:13-"Do not be afraid. Be still, and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you." Of course this was spoken when the Isrealites were caught between the Red Sea and Pharoh's army coming after them. But God didn't tell them to arm themselves for battle, He said "Be still" and watch what the Lord will do for you. For some reason that verse really spoke to me and has been on my mind all week. I just think it is the greatest promise. All He asks is that we don't worry, be still and watch what He will do for us! You know growing up I remember hearing the proverb, "God helps those who help themselves". So for most of my life I felt that we have to at least do our share before we can expect God to help us out. But come to find out that proverb was spoken by Benjamin Franklin and isn't even in the Bible. In Psalm 46:10 He also tells us to "Be still and know that I am God". I remember one winter day I was walking along the river and the snow was crunching beneath my feet and I was thinking how quiet the woods were and then I stopped and stood still. And all of a sudden the woods didn't seem so quiet. I heard chickadees whistling, nuthatches making their little throaty noises and an occasional "peep" of a downy woodpecker. That verse came to mind as I stood there enjoying all the sounds of the forest. All would have gone unnoticed if I hadn't stood still. So often in life we're so busy making a living we don't take time to live the life God has for us. I hope that each one of you will take time this week and "be still" and see what blessings God has in store for you.

The joys of childhood

I just returned from spending a couple hours over at my nephew's home visiting with my brothers, Brian and Warren, and Jeanie, Marcie, Janna and of course Brandon and Kristine. But of course the star of the show was Cole, my great-nephew! As I was watching him with wonder as he is just learning to walk. He never tires of taking a few steps and then sitting down and takes off crawling. He is so fun to watch as he is constantly exploring everything! I was trying to remember how it was when my children were growing up and if I enjoyed them as much. I know I missed out on a lot while I was working but it does bring back memories. I can't wait until we have more little ones around. They are so much fun. It was great seeing everyone else too. Family is the greatest!! I just wish we got together more often.

A dream come true

Sorry about all this mess with the pictures. I guess I still need to learn a few things.




We have now been home from Hawaii for 2 days and I'm finally getting around to telling you all about the great time we had. I don't know where to start. Actually, looking out the plane window as we are flying is one of my favorite things because it looks like such a perfect world from the air. In the flatland there are perfect squares cut out by roads and the winding rivers are so neat looking. But flying over the mountains was amazing! I was so glad it was a clear day so I could see flying over the Rocky mountains in Montana. When we got closer to Hawaii and you could see through the clouds and see the ocean but when you looked across there was clouds but they looked like icebergs peeking out of the ocean. It was really neat! But Hawaii was everything you've ever seen in pictures. Every tree, bush, vine had flowers on it. Totally awesome! On Kauai we went on a boat up the Waimea River to the Fern Grotto and they had entertainment, a family played guitar and ukelele and sang and the girls did a hula to the songs. They even taught us a hula. They chickens all over the island of Kauai running wild because after the hurricane in 1992 no one bother to round up the chickens so they just were left out in the wild and now are just like any other wild bird. On Hawaii we went to Volcanoes Nat. Park. Our bus driver was really great and talked alot about the island. We had some side trips to the Thurston Lava tube, an orchid garden and the Mauna Loa Macadamia nut factory. It was a full day. Maui was by far my favorite island. It is so beautiful everywhere you look. We rented a Mustang convertible both days we were there. The first day we drove up the Hana Highway which is very narrow and curvy but the waterfalls are great! It was worth it. The next day we just hung out on the beach and I went swimming(actually floating ) in the ocean. It was such a beautiful day that day. The cruise was wonderful and the food was just as great as you always hear it is. We were not much for the late night activities. I was always ready for bed at 9pm. One night we did go to a show called "Sea Legs Cirque". It was fantastic! There was singing, dancing, gymnastics, circus type acts and the costumes were amazing. Unfortunately no photography was allowed to didn't get any pics. At the end of the show 2 of the cruise staff came out and sang a song about being a family and then all the cruise staff came out and sang along. It was kind of a final thank you. But it had me crying. Our final day on Oahu we spent hanging out on Waikiki Beach and got in a free hula show which was really fun. And no I didn't go snorkeling but we did go on a glass bottom boat and got to see lots of fish, and I didn't get brave enough to go surfing either and we didn't go to a luau but we did get to see hula dancers other times for free so we saved ourselves some money. But it was definately a place I would love to go to again. It just makes me in awe of what an amazing creator God we serve. And the beauty He has put on this earth for our enjoyment. I can't wait to see what heaven is like if this is just a taste of what's to come!! PS: I need help getting these pictures to go where I want them too!

Am I only dreaming...

I can't believe that tomorrow morning I will be on my way to Hawaii!!! I cry when I think about it and get butterflies in my stomach. Have you ever wanted something for so long and then when it finally happens you can't really believe that it's happening! Well, that is how I feel, like when I wake up I'll find it was just a dream. I hope I can take some great pictures and share them with all of you.
I really intended on blogging in the new year and offer some profound New Year's wisdom but there was just never any time to sit down at the computer and here it is the 5th of January already! I hope everyone had a safe and fun-filled holiday, I know I did! If you read Jeremy's blog you have already heard about our New Year's party. The weather cooperated so we got to shoot off my birthday fireworks and they were beautiful! It was so great to have family and friends to celebrate with and getting to talk to Angela was a super surprise :) I am so glad that I got Jeremy Dance Revolution for Christmas, I really love doing it. It's the most fun exercise I've done in years.
I feel so undeserving of all the blessings that God has heaped on me and keeps filling my cup to overflowing. I pray that all of you will feel God's presence in your life everyday and will abide in His arms of love. God is so good!