Ronna calls

Ronna called today, we weren't home but I called hr back as soon as I could.  We talked for quite a while and this is what I learned from the conversation.  Here phone number is 413-883-0905  She was at Samantha's apartment and would be there tonight.  So if you would like to contact her, this is what I know.

Her four youngest children are in foster care and have been for almost 2 year.  They are trying to adopt them out saying that they are not Native American.  She said that to be a member that had to have been born in North Dakota.  They changed the law, so that you have to have so much Indian blood.  She has sen the enrollment papers back to North Dakota.  She aid that she is going to court in February.

The four children in foster care are:

Brandon is 13, he is with a single father.  She has seen him at a meeting and I think she felt o.k. about him.

Jennifer is 11, and Angelina is 6 they are with a Puerto Rican family.

Rebecca is 4, she is with a white family.  She doesn’t see her often(even at the visits)  She said she is sick a lot and is quite thin.

She said it would be 2 years in March since I think they have been in foster care, and I don’t think there is much of anything she can do without the tribes help.

Brian is 18.  He is with Samantha and dropped out of school.  She said he is depressed.

Steven is 21 and in jail for 1 years.  He will be out in February.  He has a drug problem and is in a rehab program.

Samantha is 23.  Her first child Nathan is 6 he is with the father and they haven’t seen him since his birthday.  Her second child, Isaiah is 5 years old, third son Jadon is 3 years old and fourth is George is 3 months old.  She lives with a Puerto Rican, George.  He works for Big Y, which is a grocery store.  He is the father of the last three.  She says they are getting married this coming year.  She is going to a community college there, in liberal arts program.  

Ronna is living in a homeless shelter in Springfield.  It is 2 hours for her to get to Chicopee by bus.  She takes care of the children when George is working and Samantha is in school.

If she had children she would have a better chance at housing, they must wait years for housing.

Her address is:

Ronna Neidlinger

% Samantha Neidlinger

40 Abby St. 2-R

Chicopee, MA 01013

December 2011

The year is about over.  what do we feel about it.  did we set any goals at the beginning of the year?  Have we succeeded in what we set as goals?  What are our thoughts for the coming year?  I read this poem and would like to share it with you:

                The New Year!

The New Year like a book lies before me;

On its cover two words, “My Life,” I see.

I open  the covers and look between 

Each page is empty, no words can be seen.

For I am a writer. I hold the pen

That’ll fill these pages to be read by men.

Just what kind of book will my book be--

My life written there for others to see.

Each day a page written, one by one.

                                Author unknown

Father, I pray that you would help each of us to take seriously our relationship with you.  That we would value the choices we make, that we would seek your direction and guidance in each part of our lives.  Thank you Father for hearing and answering us.  In Jesus Name. Amen

November 2011

Thank you to each of you for the part you had in making Thanksgiving a special time.  It was good to see each of you.  We are home and back to the everyday activities.  

For whatever you are facing this devotion is helpful:

Yours For A Song


Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor
 of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks
to the Lord, for his love endures forever." As they began to sing and praise, the
Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading
Judah, and they were defeated. --II Chronicles 20:21-23

People facing fear have often resorted to song. But for God's people, it's not any
old song. When King Jehoshaphat was confronted by a great force of allied armies,
he had his people fast, pray, and then he assembled the troops... placing the choir
out in front of the army! As they marched, the singers lifted up praise to the beauty
of God's holiness. And as they sang and praised the Lord, the opposition was thrown
into confusion.

Songs and hymns of praise clear the air like nothing else. If you're in any kind
 of spiritual conflict, the best defense is to sing. It's a way of resisting the
 devil. Singing is also the best offense. Songs of praise will confuse the enemy
 and send the devil's hoards hightailing. Amy Carmichael, missionary to India, wrote:
"I truly believe Satan cannot endure the power of song and so slips out of the room...when
there is a hymn of praise. Prayer rises more easily, more spontaneously, after one
has let those wings, words and music, carry one out of oneself into that upper air."

Victory over the enemy can be yours for a song! Sing a hymn or a worship chorus
as you march into your day or wrap up your evening. And if you can't sing, read
one of David's praise psalms out loud. To begin and end the day with God's praise
will do much to chase away dark thoughts, and open the door to peace.

Lord, you are worthy of endless praise. Help me to make room in my thoughts for
the songs that declare your greatness and love before both men and angels.

Sunday, October 23

Yesterday, I worked on getting the houses clean,  and ready for any other people who need a place to stay.  I don't know if I wrote but we got a sofa to put in the Neidlinger house, I haven't gone to get it,  The store is selling out and we didn't pay much for it.  After dinner I went over to Frank and Dorothy's  Sandy Weaver was with them, she stayed most of the afternoon and we had a good visit together with Dorothy.  Frank didn't wake up until after I got there, he was really thirsty, eventually did eat something and of course had a bunch of pills.  Brenda was there briefly in the late afternoon, and I felt I should go so they could be alone, but as I drove down the road I met Carla, so I came back.  She wanted me to help her get him cleaned up and change the sheets.  After Brenda left we started that task, but we couldn't manage it and didn't know what to do, so she called Carly who is a CNA and she came to help  She bathed him and we got him dressed and the sheets changed.  She had brought her friends Bobbi and Marta with her, they waited in the kitchen and then came in the living room and sang for them,  It was 9 by then and they were still singing but I felt that I needed to go home. 

I feel like Joni is on the same page as we are.... 

Therefore...
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature
God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself
nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And
being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death
- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave
 him the name that is above every name. --Philippians 2:5-9

Notice the "therefore" in today's reading. Jesus was on a journey of humility -
he was God, but he made himself nothing. He was a servant, but he was utterly obedient,
even unto death. And not only an average death, but death on the cross. At each
level, Jesus humbles himself more. And the point? "Your attitude should be the same
as that of Christ Jesus." You may be a "somebody," but God would have you make yourself
a "nobody" in the world's eyes. But does it end there?

No! Therefore God exalted Jesus... and God will exalt you to be a co-heir with Christ.
"We are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings
in order that we may also share in his glory" (Romans 8:17). It's like a math formula
or an inverse proportion. The more we humble ourselves, the more God will raise
us up not to just any old high place, but as a co-heir seated alongside our Savior.
Astounding! We suffer with Christ - that we may share in Christ's highest glory.
 Believers who face the greatest conflict yet hold onto God with all their hearts
- these are the ones who have the greatest confidence in sharing Christ's glory.

In what way can you humble yourself today? Is an apology owed to a friend or a family
member? Is there an elderly person in your apartment unit you can help with a chore?
Volunteer as a teacher's aid in the special needs class at church?

I humble myself today in the sight of you, oh Lord.

Sunday October 23

Saturday 22, 2011

I haven't been writing very much, these have been really busy days.  Between school, cleaning church, selling ads at Cando, and spending time with Frank and Dorothy that is about it.  We have such good memories of last week, I have taken the pictures you posted and put them into the guest book.  I would like to see the photos John had put together at Hampden, I started looking at them and got side tracked and didn't get back.

I didn't have school Thursday and Friday, Thursday i was at home and spent time outside cleaning, but Friday I sat with Dorothy.  Frank is not very good and we feel that someone should be with her.

These thoughts from Joni say a lot to us today:

Future Memories

'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you
and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' --Jeremiah 29:11

I love a good memory. The older I get, the more I enjoy them. Talking about favorite
vacation spots, childhood jaunts, and my dear mother who has long since gone to
heaven. My sweetest memories are those that inspire hope. I recall what it was like
to peel an orange, pluck a guitar, hold a cold glass of Coke, and feel my fingers
tap the cool, ivory keys of a piano. Why do memories like these inspire hope? They
remind me that one day I will have new hands. Fingers that work, feel, touch, pluck
and pick, scrub and dig. I can't wait to reach for the glorified hand of Ken in
heaven. It'll happen! Today's verse promises it.

My best memories give shape to that hopeful future. Your memories - especially if
you've lost a loved one, or your health, or your ability to think clearly - should
inspire hope in you, too. For as wonderful as the world was when all those special
remembrances occurred, as wonderful as it was when my hands worked, these things
 are only foreshadowings of more delightful, pleasurable experiences to come. Jesus
is the one who makes our future bright. Jesus assures us that our best memories
will one day blossom into a more joyous reality than we ever imagined. He is our
 hope. First Timothy 1:1 speaks of "... our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which
is our hope" (KJV). In Titus 2:13, he is called our "Blessed Hope."

What are the memories of things you've lost? How might those memories inspire hope
in you today? How might these remembrances draw you closer to Jesus, the God of
all hope? Grab hold of today's verse and so many other scriptures that promise the
world. Oh, not this world, but the world to come!

Lord of hope, thank you for the promise of hope and a future.

this week October 3rd

  This week I went to Cando on Thursdy after dinner,  I went to Matt and Mavis house.  You probably remember that I had a cousin Lois out in Washington, she passed away this year.  I think she was about 95 or near that.  This is her son, Leroy with his friend Rosemary.  His mom wasn't married when she had him and she never wanted him to have any thing to do with his father's family.  So in recent years he has met his family and made a relationship with them.  While we were there Matt's sister Rose came over and had coffee with us.  It was a good time together.  Later at the end of our visit. Their granddaughter Lacey came to get them and take them to Minot.  Friday they were going to the Doctor.  It is Matt that is having a problem.  

September 24

Again, I wait and write once a week.  It is a really great school year.  I have a generous group of students to focus on.  three in 7th grade, that I am trying to get up to speed so they can manage themselves and not be frustrated.  It took a while to realize that several just weren't getting everything done.  I have a jr student who is really struggling, it was a difficult week for him, but hopefully we are getting him into a much more manageable plan.  then I have a new student,  he is special, a very loving child who some place along the way wasn't taught basic math facts, and has other special needs.  I am there for him when ever he needs help.  I have days when I feel like a mother hen with her chicks.  It is o.k.

There seem to be other activities, I ate with Edna Simon one day, saw pic of her family as they came to see her in August, visit with Gladys, we had pizza together, also saw Matt and Mavis, etc. 

Here are some good thoughts, because I feel somewhat like this, I know that I need to clean out my house and get rid of things not needed and certainly you won't want.  Also I have sensed this week several areas where God is saying let go you are done with that and I want to be free to be all that he wants so he is doing it.......

Mrs. Sherman's Treasures


Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy,
and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. --Matthew 6:19-21

I first met my friends Randy and Charlotte through Young Life when they served on
the local committee. They prayed for hundreds of young people in the Baltimore area
who came to Christ.

Many years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Sherman sold their beautiful Maryland farm and moved
into a retirement community. They took as many photos, furniture, and mementoes
as they could squeeze in their apartment. After about eleven years, Randy began
a long struggle with chronic pneumonia; unfortunately, it meant a second move into
a much smaller assisted living unit.

It was nowhere near as spacious as their other apartment and Charlotte found herself
"getting rid of lots of stuff," as she put it. My heart broke to think of her selling
their furniture and giving away family treasures. When I asked her over the phone
how she was able to manage it, she said with a smile, "All these earthly treasures
will disappear one day anyway; I know my real treasure is in heaven." I couldn't
 see her, but I could picture the twinkle in her blue eyes. What an inspiration!



Americans are experts at accumulating "stuff." Earthly things can sink anchors deep
in our hearts; we feel we could never live without that new exercise equipment,
that second car, or the Chico's charge card. What are the possessions you treasure
in life? Let Charlotte Sherman inspire you today. Find ways you can downsize...
it's the sure way to upgrade devotion to Christ in your heart.

Lord Jesus, may the way I deal with stuff in my life reflect how you and you alone
are my treasure.

this week

I haven't been writing every day, but so much is happening so I will try to recap the week.  We are thankful for the harvest progress.  They have combined all that was swathed and ready, the standing grain wasn't ready and it ended up misting later in the day.

It is a good year at school.  Our high school is small but we know we are going to be able to help some students succeed just be cause of the small numbers.  Friday I had so many students with me that I felt like a hen with her chicks.  We have some students that we are just feeling our way as to what they know and how to help them.  Pray for me that I have wisdom as I start helping a student with Math.

After school I have been doing some errands,  I had met a gal voer by Leeds, I went to visit her and saw that she was buying jars to can, I told her I had a lot that I could share, so the next night after school, I washed and boxed them for her, she came and got them Thursday evening.  I also went to see Hannah andersons mom with a dvd about the Rance girls brain injury, I know it was a help for her.  That was a busy day because I then drove to Starkweather school for another post office meeting.  This time the Devils Lake post master was the speaker and there were people from a number of towns.  and you realize that some of our roads are under construction so we have to take a roundabout way to get where we are going.

We have started Bible Study so that is the day I clean the church.  I try to see Frank and dorothy atleast once a week.  He was not doing good on Friday.

Saturday, Aliyah came and spent some time learning to sew.  She learns fast, and it was a good day, she likes to talk.  I know she likes cats, so I took her to see Franks cat.  At the end of the day she made some cards with stamps.

Her and Jerry were with us at for dinner and supper.  He did some cleaning out in the house across the road.

A family from Michigan has bought the bank building.  He works in the west with the oil and wants to find a place for his family.  I question how he will be able to get all of them into that house.  I think you guys remember visiting with Grant and Lucille there.

Today is another day and this is what I read, it is good:

There's Always a Way

For Christ's love compels us.... --II Corinthians 5:14

Glenda Heisley and her family are Mennonites who tend a small farm in the pasturelands
of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The Heisleys have a herd of goats and cows, besides
their modest fields of corn. Glenda loves to sing, and she's a member of her church's
choir. Shortly after the terrorist attacks of 2001, she and her choir friends wondered,
How can we help the people of New York City? Our denomination has already sent medical
supplies, but what can our church do?

They asked God to show them how a few farmers from the cornfields might encourage
the city folk of New York. God gave them a wonderful idea. Early one Friday morning,
Glenda and her church friends boarded a bus for New York. They took with them a
stack of CDs, recordings they had done of all their favorite old hymns.

When they arrived, their bus stopped at a subway station, and they disembarked.
They looked quite a sight in their simple farming clothes-including traditional
white caps for the women and straw hats for the men. Standing near the station,
they took a deep breath... and began to sing. In rich, deep, four-part harmony,
they sang "Rock of Ages," and "Dwelling in Beulah Land." Suddenly the stockbrokers
rushing by slowed their pace. Students exiting the subway to run to class at Columbia
University, paused. Shoppers hesitated. All turned their heads as they walked by,
catching lovely strains of hymns from what must have seemed to them like another
 planet. As they sang, they held out the free CDs. Gifts of love, straight from
the heart, in the name of Jesus.

There is always a way-a creative, sincere way-to share the love of Christ. For these
Mennonites, it started with prayer, asking God for direction and fresh ideas. And
that's a good place for you to start today, too.

Use me, Holy Spirit-who I am and where I am-to show people an
alternative to a shallow, empty life without God.

another blog....

Yesterday was Franks birthday, Walter and Joan Scott were over for a while in the afternoon, we came and at lunch with them and then went on to Devils Lake for Rudy Lommen's family service.

more guests

Here we are with our second guests.  Arnold and eline are from Holland.  He is a historian doing research about the cold war and the  missile site on our land.  He had read Julie's blog and contacted her, and we have been communicating with him and made arrangements for him to come on Sunday.  After a tour of the site, we took them to Nekoma to see that site.  In the town fo Nekoma we saw a mail box with the name of the person that I associate with their site.  so we stopped and I went to his house, so he invited them to come the next day for a tour of that site. They stayed over night with us.  It was a fun time.  He has already visited the missile sites in Russia and showed us photos of those.  He hasn't visited Cooperstown but has been to a site in South Dakota.

Our guests

We have had company and wanted to share photos of them with you.  This is a photo of Lidia with her son, Ethan and her father.  We met her when Storers were our pastor and through the years have kept in touch with her.  She and her family came from Romania, her father doesn't speak real clear English.  Sometimes Lidia has to translate for him.  Her son is precious and he really loves Jesus.  They came to our home  one evening.

June18, 2011

It has been a week since I sent a note to you.  It was a good week at camp, lots of children and counselors to feed.  Good help and with that good fellowship.  Yesterday it was about 5 when I got home.  We had had a lot of rain at camp, it was just plain a soggy spongy mess.  I had a camper, so I took him home to Cando and clean up the church so it is ready when we come back there in two weeks.  Made my usual stops and came home.  it wasn't wet here so the men were in the field so I mowed lawn, it did rain in the evening.

VERSE:
  I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for
man to direct his steps.
   -- Jeremiah 10:23
  

THOUGHT:
  While we may have goals and a sense of mission about our lives,
our lives are not really ours to plan. Every day must be greeted as
a gift from God. Every goal must ultimately be pursued to his
glory. Every true sense of direction is a gift to us from our
Father's Word or his Spirit.

PRAYER:
  Wise and loving Father, lead me by your Holy Spirit. Fill me
with your holy wisdom. Guide me into a more complete understanding
of your will for my life. Please give me the wisdom to live each
day with character and holy grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

June 12, 2011

I haven't had much contact with any of you for about 10 days.  I was at camp til Friday and came home and spent the weekend here.  Now it is time to get ready for church and bck to camp.  we are having a good time, good staff and helpers, it was a small camp but god's presence was real and I believe that lives were touched.  That is why we are there.

A Way to Wholeness


I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

--John 10:10

I remember when Ken and I welcomed twenty-six of his high school students for a
Graduation Day barbeque.  A sunny day... the aroma of burgers sizzling on the grill...
the sounds of kids laughing and throwing Frisbees.  It was a great time to connect
with these young people.

I asked one girl, "So... what does the summer hold for you?"  She responded, "I
want to work on becoming more whole, more fulfilled, more myself."  She thinks it
will all come together when she finds a boyfriend.  She said, "I just know there's
somebody out there who matches the other side of me, someone who is my perfect complement."
 I stifled a giggle, and then replied, "A lot of us are seeking that.  We're looking
for that person or that situation in life which will make us feel complete."  I
then proceeded to gently explain what really does make us complete:  God.

Life isn't going to get completely fixed.  We're never going to experience wholeness
this side of eternity.  Someone once said, "In worshiping God we realize we were
 never created to be whole.  What we were created to enjoy is fellowship with God,
who alone is whole and complete.  Nowhere in the Bible are we told that God wants
to give us wholeness.  What God wants to give us is himself."

This is good news for each of those students who left our barbeque, many of them
 thinking seriously about the insights Ken and I shared.  This is also good news
 for you, if, today, you are struggling with feeling incomplete in your marriage
 or restless with where you live. And it is great news if you are looking for something
beyond romance or riches, aching to be whole and complete.  There is an answer,
and there is a complement that makes us whole. His name is Jesus.

Father, help me to fill those aching, empty places in my soul with more and more
 of you.

  I felt that those were thoughts that we might be able to connect with today.

You can reach me at:  701-658-7548  or 701-674-3211  I don't have a phone in the kitchen, but they will get me.

June 1, 2011

Yesterday was a good day to be at home, we at in the cafe at noon, it was a small crowd,  We took naps in the afternoon, and I just did some small things to get ready for camp.  I like to get things put away before that time.  I don't know if I will have a contact with any of you while I am at camp.

These are thought by a different gal

Sometimes, in various seasons of life, the Lord will give me a scripture which I can place as a banner over my life for a precise time. Perhaps it is one of comfort, encouragement, loving rebuke, or a promise. I hold dear each of these verses and I can look back and remember how the Lord specifically ministered to me in an exceptionally intimate way through His Word.

Galatians 6:9 has been one of those verses. “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

I have to admit that in many things in life that would be considered “good,” I have quit. For example, sewing. I love to sew. I can sew a total of three things: aprons, stockings, and pillows. But, if you were to look in my sewing box, you would find several unfinished projects. I tend to stop trying at the first glitch that comes along: thread breakage, cutting wrong size patterns, crooked hemlines, puckered seams, slightly crooked topstitching.

Yes, this analogy has minimal value and significance in the grand scheme of life, but what about those things the Lord is calling us to be faithful in which do matter? Things that are not easy to be diligent in. Things that seem to have no silver lining or happy ending. Maybe it is obedience to God in a certain area of our lives: praying for a loved one, praying for restoration with a loved one, waiting on a spouse or job, or maybe just being diligent while we are waiting for a change in any circumstance.

There are several biblical examples of those who did not give up in doing what God had called them to do and the Lord blessed them for it: Hannah pleaded with the Lord for a son and endured much opposition, yet remained faithful and gave birth to Samuel by the grace of God. Jacob waited for Rachel, in the Book of Genesis, for 14 years so that he could reap the harvest of being married to the woman God had in store for him. The Apostle Paul said, “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV).

I can think of others who gave up; they grew weary of doing good and missed out on the harvest that was coming: Sampson was robbed of His incredible strength because he gave in to the obstacle of temptation. The Rich Young Ruler in the Gospels had a desire to do right, but when the stakes were high he gave up and lost heart.

Oftentimes it can be hard to continue to do the right thing when we are being hard pressed or challenged in it. But in God’s timing, we too will reap a harvest if we do not grow weary in doing good!

Father, show us today what you desire for us to do irregardless of how difficult life might seem to us.  In Jesus Name. Amen

May 31, 2011

Yesterday we were home, I was getting the cemetery photos on this site and then I made pages with instructions as to where they are located and put them in the genealogy books of our family.  In the afternoon we had coffee with the other seniors.

VERSE:
  Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you.
Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
   -- Hebrews 13:7
    
THOUGHT:
  What makes a great Christian leader? The Holy Spirit emphasizes
three things in this passage: 1) they teach others the word of God;
2) they live as great examples for others; and 3) they have
observable faith. God puts each of us in positions of influence
with our children, our friends, our work acquaintances, and our
neighbors. What kind of spiritual leadership are we showing them?

PRAYER:
  God of all grace and Father of all compassion, please help me to
be a better Christian leader to the people you have put in my
sphere of influence. Empower me to have a life worth imitating. In
Jesus' name I ask this. Amen.

Last stop on the cemetery visit

Grandpa and Grandma Neidlinger are buried near the west entrance of the Storlie Cemetery.  that is where you are to bury us, too.

Then we looked at some of the other graves of family.

Edward and Grace Neidlinger lived on a farm South East of where we live,  Kathleen was a daughter of theirs.  They also had Rosamond and Bill.

This is the head stone for Edward and Grace.  I didn't take photos of Bill and Millie's stones, they are near by.

This is the marker for my grandpa and step grandma.  

This is the stone for my grandmother, Mary Goldsbury O'Brien.  It is hidden by a lilac bush.

This is the stone for a baby which would have been an aunt or uncle to me.  I always thought the baby was buried in the tree's on the farm.

So this ends our Cemetery trip.

More Cemetery photos

We went from Devils Lake on to Fordville.   Grandpa Basky is buried in the cemetery at Fordville, there isn't really a sign out by the road.  We come into Fordville from the west and go over a bridge, we look to the south and past a big brown square house you will see the arch of the cemetery and you drive down by  the house to the cemetery.

His grave is located near the west side of the cemetery.

This is the foot stone.

  Then there is the head stone,

This is the head stone from Grandpa Blasky and in front of it is a new marker that says perpetual care, I am not sure what that means, we saw it by another stone, too.  Grandpa Blasky is buried here because he was on the outs with the Catholic church and they wouldn't bury him in their cemetery.

Then we drove to Conway, I am not sure if I could get there by myself, I don't know the area very well,   We drove out of town to the east by the Potulny farm and angled north, the cemetery is on the right side of the road in the country.  Grandma Blasky and his first wife(the grandma for Jack's cousins, Ione, Arlene and Bev) are buried beside each other in the south section of the cemetery.

Do you remember how she was staying with us that winter when Grandpa and grandma were away, and how she feel in our house, broke her hip and was hospitalized after that?

This is his first wifes stone, but it was difficult to read so I took another photo up close.

Her name was Josephine. There were several other graves that we looked at at this cemetery

This is Jack's great grandpa Michael Blasky's marker, it was difficult to read.

     

 

This is Anton Gorecki marker, he would have been Grandma Lucy's Father.

 Lloyd and Evangeline Cost were relatives  that we did see, they were related to Potulny's.

That was the end of our Fordville Cemetery experience

More Cemetery visit at Devils Lake.

After Starkweather we drove to Devils Lake Cemetery,  when you go through the gate with the arch, the first of the graves are to your right near the utility house.

  This would be Rena Aanstad's family.  Lauren was raised by Uncle Ira Neidlinger

This is the head stone for Clarence and Catherine Strong.  She was Grandpa Oscars sister, and he was Grandma Lennie's Brother,  I used to take Janet and Julie with me to visit Caddie while you older children were at piano lessons.  She was a really neat lady.  She would have me thread needles(because she couldn't see to do that) and stick them into her curtain so she could sew during the week.

This is the foot stone for Clarence

Aunt Caddies foot stone.

                                                                                                                                 

Mary was the one who came here with her sons to homestead.  She brought her sons and daughters from Indiana.  She lived SW of us on land that Adrian later owned.

Laura Alice is the oldest child of Jonathan and Mary

                                                            Neidlinger

Mary Bragg is one of Mary Alice daughters.

This is Jack's grandpa's grave.  He and Lennie lived right west of where we live.

Lennie is Jack's Grandma, she was a Strong, sister of Caddie Neidlinger Strongs husband.  We had a hard time finding their graves.  They are in the next section to the north of Rose Neidlinger Taylors grave.  They have a place between their markers where there could be flowers.

Rose was Lew Neidlingers oldest child.  She lived in North Dakota, and it is her relatives that we have met, they came and hunted here in 2010  Her grave is by itself, about three sections to the north of other graves, and in the corner by the road.

This is the head stone for Oscar and Lennie Neidlinger

This was the end of our visit at the Devils Lake Cemetery.

Memorial Day trip

We did a rerun of a trip some years ago when we took some of you to the cemeteries
 where your family are buried.  The markers in this blog are of my mom's family and they are buried in the cemetery at Starkweather  Charles and Ida Cissner, are my grandparents.

These are Mavis parents:

                                                                                     

This is my parents, they are buried to the back of the lot occupied by the above:

Mom's gravestone is the only one which is getting moss on it in this cemetery.

Mavis

 made this marker to remember one of Uncle Hoyt's baby's.

May 27, 2011

Yesterday was my birthday, it was a good day, I decided to stay at home and do things here.  I sat and read through some history and organized some information, then spent some time outside.  It was a beautiful day.  I was able to burn some trees, etc. plant some flowers.  Jack worked til about 11 p.m. and it is good that he did because today it is really wet.

Body Building


"From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament,
 grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."

-Ephesians 4:16

His name was Tom. He was a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic in a big bulky wheelchair
who sat next to me in occupational therapy. I can't say I was of much help to him.
I was disgruntled and despondent, angry that I had to clench a pencil between my
 teeth in order to learn how to write.

Tom was different. Although he was more physically limited, his attitude was anything
but handicapped. His bright outlook on life and cheery disposition about mouth-writing
humbled me. There was no way I could keep feeling sorry for myself, especially when
I saw how skilled Tom was with that pencil.

Observing Tom was just the push I needed during those early days of adjusting to
 my wheelchair. If he could handle it, I decided I could, too. Looking back, I thank
God for the victories Tom gained. His perseverance was the best thing he could do
to help me, a fellow patient. And I have scores of mouth-painted renderings to prove
it.

Although Tom died shortly after we left the hospital, he gave new meaning to words
such as inspiration, encouragement, edification, and building up the body.

One of the best things we can do for our brothers and sisters in Christ is to gain
victory in our trials. We affect one another spiritually by what we are and do individually.
And because there is an intimate link between us as believers, your failures affect
others, while your victories inspire and encourage them. You may not feel one with
the Christians around you, but you are one.

Help me to remember that my perseverance and joy will profoundly influence the lives
of others who observe me today. Help me to be a "Tom."

May 26, 2011

Yesterday was a day here at home, dad and I did a lot of lawn mowing, and alter in the day I took some flowers over to Frank and Dorothy and planted them in a planter.  I set out somethings for decorating amongst our flowers, when things get bigger I will try to take a photo for you to see.  I was inspired by Robyn Thompson when i was at their house....

I have been thinking about this song:

Change my heart, O God

make it ever true;

Change my heart, O God,

may I be like you.

You are the Potter, I am the clay;

Mold me and make me,

this is what I pray

Change my heart O god,

make it ever true;

Change my heart, O god may I be like YOu.

Last night Julie and I talked for a bit, she was telling about helping someone clean out their basement before the impending flooding in Bismarck.  We talked about all the things they we have that we really don't need,  the clutter in our house, I guess that inspired me to think about the clutter in our lives..  What is keeping us from being close to God?  What thoughts keep us from thinking about him,  from listening to him.   I am in awe of his goodness, his patience and his grace.  But what I am doing for my part?  Some mornings I get up and play some of these favorite choruses, this is one of them.

Super thoughts from Joni:

The Right Way to Run

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please
 ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up."

-Romans 15:1-2

My husband, Ken, serves as a track-and-field coordinator for Special Olympics. There
is always band music, colorful banners, and flags everywhere. Scattered across the
infield are teams of mentally handicapped young people.

A few years ago at the games, Ken blew his whistle to signal the contestants for
 the 50-yard dash. A Down's syndrome girl with thick glasses and a short, stocky
 boy in baggy shorts were the first to line up. There was a moment of stillness,
 then a "bang" from the starting gun. Off they sprinted - six contestants bobbing
and weaving down the track.

Suddenly the boy in baggy shorts began running toward his friends in the infield.
Ken blew his whistle to direct him back to the track, but it was no use. At that
 point, the Down's syndrome girl, who was just a few yards from the finish line,
 turned around, ran toward him, and gave him a big hug. Together they got back on
the track and completed the race arm-in-arm, long after the rest of the contestants
had crossed the finish line.

We must run the race not to please ourselves, but to please the Lord. That often
 means taking time to stop and put our arms around a weaker friend who needs to
get back on track.

Have you watched a fellow believer get spiritually confused, and yet you've kept
 on going? Jesus doesn't seems as preoccupied with "winning" as we do. The important
thing is how we run the race. And we are called to run it, bearing with the failings
of those who are weak.

Lord, may I run the race to please you ... and to help others.

May 24, 2011

Yesterday I was at home and got a pile of things ready for the mail.  ate in Hampden and then drove to Devils lake, Maxine Frank's husband passed away and his funeral was in the afternoon, it was a time to do some other errands,too.

I don't know if I have used this devotion, but it seems appropriate...

There seem to be people in my life who have made poor choices, not in my family but around me in the community and they are really hurting and can't seem to get away/out of these choices......

VERSE:   If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?    -- 1 John 3:17 THOUGHT:   I love the Bible because it is so gritty with the realities of real life. In the previous verse, John told these churches that they should be willing to lay down their lives for each other. That's pretty good in theory, especially when you don't think it will ever be necessary. But this verse makes the application of that principle an every day reality: If there is somebody in your church in need, then be moved to help them -- that's what laying down your life is all about! PRAYER:   Use me, holy and righteous Father, to be your hands and heart in helping those around me. Give me the generosity and the patience it takes to be a blessing to those in need who are a part of my church family, and also those who have not yet come to know Jesus as Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen

remember when you were a lot younger Alicia

This is a note that Grandpa found in a book he is reading, It brings back a lot of memories from when alicia and Brenna stayed with us that year.  Grandma

May 24, 2011

Yesterday was a "full" day but it was o.k.  I went to school and finished annual, it is sent, now it is up to the secretary to send a check with the order and they will do the rest.  Several of the staff were there and we had conversations.  Poor Jen was in tears, she was having to take one of her pets to Minot to have it put to sleep, I had not seen her like that.  Then on the Cando to clean the church, and then over to Wolford to visit my friend that I see every spring and fall.  Soon after I got home Dorothy called and asked if we would come over for soup,  Chuck and family were there and it was a good time together.

The world is a mess but Jesus is the answer and we wait expectantly for his return.......

VERSE:
  In faithfulness he [God] will bring forth justice; he will not
falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In
his law the islands will put their hope.
   -- Isaiah 42:3-4
      

THOUGHT:
  God will not falter! In a world where justice so seldom
prevails, God is our only real assurance that justice will
ultimately triumph. The hope for all lands and all peoples is for
Jesus to return and bring with him God's truth and justice.
Maranatha, come O Lord!

PRAYER:
  Righteous and merciful Father, I am sick of the corruption in
our world and the injustice done to good, but powerless, people.
Please send Jesus back soon and bring with him the righteous and
just rule of your Kingdom. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

May 23, 2011

It has been a busy weekend, I don't remember when I last wrote.  There was graduation at Starkweather on Saturday,  Dad came, too.  We drove separately because I needed to visit more places than he wanted to go.  We both went to Katie Loehrs party and then I took a couple of ladies with me to several other places.  Dad also went to Carlys house.  Yesterday, Sunday was a repeat.  After church and Sunday school we headed to Minnewaukan for Miriah's and then to their house, and on to Cando for their open houses.  I came home and took a nap.  It has been raining a lot here, very cloudy today, once I can go outside I am going to pull weeds.

VERSE:
  Boldly and without hindrance he [Paul] preached the kingdom of
God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
   -- Acts 28:31
    

THOUGHT:
  So often, we give excuses why we can't do evangelism. Throughout
his life, Paul shows us how lame our excuses really are! He is
under house arrest and having to support himself, yet he still
manages to get the Gospel out to the lost!

PRAYER:
  Loving and Almighty God, forgive my excuses and my fear. Please
make me bold to share your saving truth in the Gospel. May all who
know me also come to know more about Jesus through me! In his
precious name I pray. Amen.

May 21, 2011

Well this is the day some says the world is coming to the end,  but we are here does that say something  Be ready!! We know the time...

Dad and I got up really early and left for my appointment at Crookston, afterwards we came back and did a few errands and stopped to see Alicia and Jacqui and came home, there was a good a part of the day left so we were able to do some things here, I had gotten garden seeds so I got those planted,  It was a good day.  Today it is wet, so not so nice for graduation.

VERSE:
  Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver
us and forgive our sins for your name's sake.
   -- Psalm 79:9
    

THOUGHT:
  I am sure at times that God gets disgusted with our behavior and
our lack of seeking after him. I'm sure there are moments when he
acts to bless us only because we are his people and we wear his
name. But when we cry out, confessing our sins and shortcomings, he
is still our Savior. Even when we are not what we should be, God
can act out of compassion and preserve the glory of his name.

PRAYER:
  Holy and righteous God, our Savior and Abba Father, please
forgive us for our sins, rebellion, failures, and duplicity.
Deliver us, not just from the consequences of our sin, but also
from the mediocrity that permeates our commitment to you. Set fire
to your holy zeal in us to seek your glory and the glory of your
name. You alone, O God, are our Savior! In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.

May 19, 2011

Today we wrap up this year of school and   with it go a lot of emotions.   We have worked with these young people for 12-13 years and now they face the real world.....  I stopped to see Frank and Dorothy, Frank was not looking very good.  We had prayed specifically about needs in their lives and when we got there I saw they working on those area, so it was encouraging.  when I sat down with Frank and we had a stimulation conversation than  he seemed better....

No Place for Fear   So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" —Matthew 14:29–30 Peter was willing to put it all on the line. He and the other disciples had been straining against the waves and wind all night long when Jesus appeared to them, walking on the water. Wanting to prove his courage to Jesus, he made an amazing statement: "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water" (Matthew 14:28). These were rough seas, and Peter was willing to literally step onto them because He was looking at Jesus. That gave him confidence and courage. It went well for awhile until Peter started to sink. And why did he sink? Because he took his eyes off Jesus and put them on other things. The Bible tells us, "When he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid" (verse 30). Circumstances can be frightening. When your boss calls you in and tells you the company has to downsize and they are letting you go, when the doctor calls you with the test results that are not good, when you open that letter from an attorney that says you are being sued, it can scare you. It can devastate you. And it can cause you to take your eyes off Jesus. Where fear reigns, faith is driven away. But where faith reigns, fear has no place. Faith and fear don't mix. As you bring in faith, fear will walk out the back door. But if you invite fear as a resident in your life, then you will drive faith away. Peter had faith. He had his eyes on Jesus. He was doing the impossible. But then he started to sink, because he took his eyes off Jesus. In his case, he looked at the wind. In our case, it might be something else. But when we forget God, we will start to sink.

May 18, 2011

The countdown is getting closer, the anticipation is there, and we are making pages for the annual.  Yesterday a party for the three teachers who are leaving, then after wards at home, a nap and supper and outside to mow and clean in flower bed.  it was a beautiful evening.

VERSE:
  Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of
my lips.
   -- Psalm 141:3
      http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Psalm+141:3

THOUGHT:
  How important is our speech? Jesus said it revealed what was
going on in our hearts. Proverbs repeatedly tells us that our words
can wound or heal. The apostle Paul tells us to speak only what
will benefit those who hear us. In light of these Scriptures, this
prayer of David is very appropriate. Only God can help us tame the
tongue and use its power to bless. Let's invite him into our world
of speech and ask him to take control of it as he does our hearts!

PRAYER:
  Most holy and righteous Father, I don't want my language to ever
betray you or wound your children. Please help me redeem my speech
and use it to glorify you, bless your children, and speak of
salvation to those who do not know your Son. In the name of Jesus I
pray. Amen.

May 17, 2011

So today is Norwegian Day, I remember that years ago we use to have a parade in Hampden and Jacqui and Sheila would ride horse in the parade.  Times have changed.....

It is a busy time at school,  my focus is on annual stuff,  everyone is trying to finish up and really not much is being done.  We could just as soon goo home.  I cleaned church and came home, we spent time outside, it was a beautiful  day

  If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need
but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?
   -- 1 John 3:17
   

THOUGHT:
  I love the Bible because it is so gritty with the realities of
real life. In the previous verse, John told these churches that
they should be willing to lay down their lives for each other.
That's pretty good in theory, especially when you don't think it
will ever be necessary. But this verse makes the application of
that principle an every day reality: If there is somebody in your
church in need, then be moved to help them -- that's what laying
down your life is all about!

PRAYER:
  Use me, holy and righteous Father, to be your hands and heart in
helping those around me. Give me the generosity and the patience it
takes to be a blessing to those in need who are a part of my church
family, and also those who have not yet come to know Jesus as Lord.
In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.