Saturday, December 15, 2012
The End of Civilization as We Know It
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Bell-Ringing
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Peter Pan
Having just returned from the second and final performance of Peter Pan, full of Cherry Berry goodness, I'm reflecting on the impressiveness of two directors handling 74 children in grades 1-12, plus acting the parts of Mr. & Mrs. Darling, Hook and Tiger Lil. They seem to enjoy it also! Andrew and Philip performed well; they said a lot of kids forgot lines, but we only noticed a few. Another week of daily trips to town has ended, and both boys hope to participate in Tom Sawyer this spring.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Thanksgiving Thanks
1. About 15 Sunday School kids showed up for the Thanksgiving Eve service.
2. We had as many choir members as Sunday School kids.
3. The kids were fairly focused during our rehearsal.
4. The choir was so patient while singing "All You Works of God" 8 or 10 times so the kids could master their parts.
5. The church service was well attended with the families of the kids.
6. The accompaniment CD worked well and the sound balance was good.
7. The Coats family arrived in time to join in on the singing.
8. Communion at the service.
9. Delicious pies afterwards.
10. The visiting dogs settled down OK.
11. David and Callie were here for three whole (and parts of two more) days.
12. We made it through the cold windy part of the Turkey Leg 5K.
13. We enjoyed the last part and Mary and I had a great conversation.
14. Pete finally won his age category in a race this year.
15. We won the Largest Family Group award, with 12 members running or walking, compared to 7 in the next largest group.
16. The award was gourmet snack boxes.
17. Mary's sweet potato dish and broccoli slaw.
18. Jody Brown's pies.
19. Seeing the Browns and the Coats, especially Cara and Elisabeth home from college.
20. Traditional Thanksgiving food.
21. Make-ahead cream cheese mashed potatoes. Yummmmm!
22. Cousin love.
23. Family sharing time in the evening.
24. Rahila shared about her school fund-raising for Heifer International and collected $63 on the spot.
25. Browns brought me a poinsettia.
26. We adults had a really excellent discussion about life, not always agreeing, but agreeing on the main things.
27. Hugs.
28. We got a 40" TV with an amazing HD picture and watched "Brave."
29. Delicious Applebee's food and stimulating conversation with David and Callie.
30. Even if I didn't have all these other things to be thankful for, I would still be thankful for Jesus Christ and His love for me. He will never leave me or forsake me, and if everything else passes away, He will remain.
Thanks Lord! Amen.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Historical Fascination
Over 2000 years ago, the first Emperor of China united all the Warring States under his control and pursued his interest in immortality. He commissioned the clay craftsmen of his kingdom - by force when necessary - to produce 8000 soldiers. These craftsmen were not artists, and in fact Chinese art up to that time was very abstract, geometric and stylized. But Emperor Qin wanted the soldiers, who were buried with him so they could guard him in his afterlife, to look realistic. The craftsmen succeeded in guiding their crews to construct figures, probably a little larger than life size, which astounded our group with their authenticity. Apparently, analysis has revealed that each figure has a different face, though eight basic facial types are represented (and are still operative in China today). There were about ten warriors and horses in the exhibit, all reconstructed since no figure was found intact. Ironically, peasants who rebelled against Qin's son looted the pits for the weapons each warrior carried, and broke them in the process.
At the History Center, we learned about the First Minnesota regiment, also the first regiment enlisted in the Union Army after the firing on Ft. Sumter, because Governor Ramsey was in Washington, DC when he heard about the South's secession and immediately volunteered Minnesota citizens. The teacher of the class sparked quite a bit of participation from the students, although she couldn't get Andrew to raise his hand, and delivered an interesting video, audio and hands-on presentation. Of the 1000 men who signed up to fire a few shots and teach the Rebels a lesson, 286 were killed and 609 wounded in battle.
The leaders of the War noted the First Minnesota's bravery in its very first engagement; unlike many other regiments, it stood its ground during the Battle of Bull Run. During the Battle of Gettysburg, Major General Hancock ordered the regiment to go up against 5:1 odds and hold a spot which had been vacated by three fleeing Union regiments. Suffering an 83% casualty rate, still the highest in any encounter by any US troops, the soldiers managed to hang on to the position, and the 47 survivors returned to the Major General with their flag intact. This was a crucial turning point in the battle, which was a crucial turning point in the war.
I love all this stuff. Every detail fascinates me, and I could have spent many hours listening to and reading the information these historians displayed. It's one of the top benefits of homeschooling for me.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Perspective
Shelley was in town all week helping her sister, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about a month ago. She slept here last night as all the relatives descended upon Lori's house for the bridal shower tomorrow honoring Jamie, Lori's daughter, who moved her wedding date from next April to this December so she can be sure her mom will be there. Their church and work communities have rallied around them and are doing a lot of the leg work for the wedding. Jamie confessed to Aunt Shelley, "When I was getting married in April, I had so many requirements. This had to be done my way and that had to be perfect. Now none of that seems to matter; I just want Mom to be well enough to enjoy my wedding." It's all a matter of perspective.
Only two days remain for Mitt Romney or President Obama to convince enough indecisive voters to propel him into office. I tend to follow politics and obsess about my concerns, so I took a break from the scene this fall and refused to watch, read or listen to political ads or commentary. I wish I could state that this cured me of my excessive interest, but I'm pretty sure that on Election Day (and for days thereafter) I'll be glued to the computer, trying to figure out what went right and wrong. However, if a member of my family died or became severely ill or injured, I wouldn't care a bit about the elections except as a distraction from things of true importance. It's all a matter of perspective.
Lord, grant us a truer perspective on life and Your kingdom. Amen.
Monday, October 29, 2012
No Escape
After college, I toured with a Christian singing and drama group called The Agape Players. During our summer training in Lake Wales, FL, we learned that our individual tour groups would be "like a family," riding a bus together for several hours each day. I perceived a problem with that, because these were independent, fundamentalist, separatist Baptists - Billy Graham was too liberal for them. The two-week seminar on the evils of "so-called Christian rock music" failed to convince me, but the co-founder of the organization assured me that she trusted me not to spread my false beliefs, so I proceeded with the program, reading Romans 14 multiple times each day ("let him who eats not despise the one who doesn't").
Once our tour group started up the East Coast, my frustrations grew. After our nightly stay in host homes, we had thirty minutes of quiet time, then gathered for reflection. Often one of the tour members would share, "My family seemed like a great Christian family, but then I saw" an Amy Grant album, a can of beer, or something else which would have disqualified my own family in his or her eyes. The effort of biting my tongue became too much for my young mind, and I began to devise means of escaping. I didn't think they would let me leave, so I plotted how I could sneak away and find my way to an airport, where my parents would have a ticket waiting. My free time (thankfully, there wasn't much) was consumed with these thoughts and fears.
Finally, I called home to get my parents to buy this airplane ticket. Mom informed me that Dad wasn't home, so I poured out the story to her. Though sympathetic, she knew Dad would have to make a decision like that; I would have to call again the next night and she would make sure he was there. After hearing the whole mess, Dad cleared his throat and said, "Well, Kari, you made a one-year commitment to Agape. I don't think you should quit." I hung up in despair and a couple of weeks later, we went through the same routine. The second time I hung up, I knew there was no way my father was ever going to let me quit. Interestingly enough, six weeks later, as we pulled into Florida for our Christmas break, I realized that I was happy. I hadn't made a conscious decision to make the best of it, but apparently when I gave up the possibility of leaving, my mindset changed and I was able to brush off our disagreements and appreciate the many fine qualities of my fellow Players. We keep in touch with five of them to this day.
Monday, October 22, 2012
You Never Know
This weekend we celebrated Dad Stadem's 85th birthday in Sioux Falls with 4 of the 5 children, 14 of the 18 grandchildren, a niece and a great-nephew with their families. His joy, and all of ours, overflowed as he watched an Augustana football game, received compliments and reminiscences, feasted on several hotdishes and a Norwegian birthday cake, listened to "Happy Birthday!" sung by his congregation, sipped coffee and munched on quick breads during coffee hour, and heard "God Didn't Give Me Much" sung by his family in the second worship service. (That song isn't what the title implies!)
Why does one see all his children's children, and one see none? We don't know; it's in God's hands. But I want to hug those I love, live each day to the fullest, and "grow in faith, love and obedience to the will of God," because you never know how many days are left.
Monday, October 15, 2012
A Hoppin' Day at Svea
Callie played a fifteen-minute harp prelude, which enabled everyone to enter a worshipful attitude (except me - I had to keep preparing for the various events). Pete led worship because Pastor Mary's grandpa died. He had the kids do a skit for the sermon - he was the governor hiring a chief of staff to represent him; David, Callie, Daniel, Andrew & Philip all arrogantly informed him of their superior qualifictions; Hannah, played by Sarah, humbly suggested that she would do her best because she believed in his cause - and was hired. They improvised and provoked lots of laughter. Then Pete wrapped it up by encouraging us all to trust God when we are brought low. Good stories. Jake gave a Temple Talk to tell us that we're in great financial condition.
Zach Sowers, on his 18th birthday, sang "Who Am I?" which fit in perfectly - he volunteered to sing it a couple of weeks ago, knowing nothing of the theme. Thanks Lord! After worship, we held a mini-recital. Nina Thompson, granddaughter of Jan & Ed, played two pieces on the piano; Jordan sang "Danza, Danza" in Italian; Zach sang a piece and accompanied himself on electric guitar; Callie played a very fun and jazzy song called "Great Day" on the harp.
When all this was over, the Luther League families enjoyed a potluck and set some dates for future events. We arrived home, Pete took a nap and packed up bikes, and Philip, Pete and I met the Sowers, Chambers and Johnsons at the high school for a bike ride to Spicer. I had good visits with Patti, Dianne, Darla and Dean. Ethan Johnson sped the entire distance on roller blades!
We parted from the Svea folk, watched the Vikings lose and had pizza at my folks', and Skyped with Michelle and Saul from 8:30-10. What a day! Praise the Lord!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
I'm a Tea Diva!
I bought two boxes at each of two different stores, thinking maybe quality control had missed a whole batch. Every mug brought the same disappointment. A friend didn't notice any difference and enjoyed her mug, which puzzled me. But when Pete tried it, he agreed, "There's definitely something different." I limped through my days, dreading each sip but continuing to drink tea out of habit and a belief in the importance of getting water into my system.
At the church, I used a bag which had been in my purse. The tea was good! Later that day, at my parents' house, another bag from the purse produced the same result. I thought perhaps it was the water, since the farm had switched wells about the time this whole ordeal began. So I brought a bag from home and used the church water to brew a new mug, hoping against hope that this would solve the problem. It didn't.
Finally I called Good Earth's number and spoke with a young man who blithely vowed that they changed their recipe about a year ago, and the boxes with 18 tea bags had "artificial flavors" as an ingredient, while the boxes with 25 bags had the old recipe of "natural flavors" as an ingredient. His unrepentant manner irritated me and I pressed him a little, hoping for at least an apology or a coupon, but he just continued to assure me that I needed to find the boxes with 25 bags.
Pete and I searched the stores of Willmar over the next few days, finding no boxes with 25 bags of Good Earth tea. Sure enough, all the boxes we found had "artificial flavors" listed as the third ingredient. I found 25-bag boxes online at the Good Earth site and ordered a bunch, afraid to expect the best but wanting to continue to drink tea. They arrived within a few days, with "natural flavors" listed as the third ingredient. I fearfully poured the water over the bag in the mug, waited ten minutes, gingerly tasted it, and - smiled in delight! The delicious taste of Good Earth original tea filled my mouth.
I'm not sure what to make of all this. Certainly it's a symptom of a massively wealthy culture. But I'm very grateful to once again drink mug after mug of delicious sweet and spicy tea throughout my day.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Funeral Thoughts
Linda had many woman friends, including my mother before her death (Linda played piano for many of Mom's singing gigs), and she designated eight women as her pallbearers. She also asked that I "jazz it up" on the piano as I accompanied the congregation on "Precious Lord, Take my Hand." I did my best, and a few of the women appreciated the effort and thought it was enough. Our former pastor gave a beautiful tribute to Linda's wisdom, and our current pastor a meaningful sermon on God's grace. Our kids helped in the kitchen for over an hour and a half while I visited with old friends who had come to support the family; one was Gordy Chalmers and his wife, Claudia (Matt's sister), with whom I toured France on the high school trip.
Camy, Linda's oldest daughter, is almost my age, and, living close, has had to be the strong one- working six days a week in her shop, caring for Linda's animals, helping her own children as usual. She assured me that she has found time to cry and grieve; I pray she can feel God's arms around her, because as a divorced woman, she cries alone for the most part. She has started teaching Sunday School, which will bring her out to Svea weekly so we can stay connected.
I pray and trust that the Lord is continuing to work out His purposes in and through Linda's death.
Monday, September 24, 2012
A Pleasant Party
After Daniel helped a bunch of young kids with bean bag tossing, myriads of boys played soccer (younger) and football (older), and girls found things to do all over the farm in little groups. What a great location and environment! Myron, the caller, started the dance a little after 7. We enjoyed almost two hours of line dances, circle dances and square dances. All ages could keep up. I hope the connections made during the pleasant party will help people feel more comfortable attending the exciting events planned for this year by WASH.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Learning Curves
Today I chatted with Michelle on the phone, and we agreed that she is in the same boat. She's supposed to give "participation" and "behavior" points to use for grading in addition to academic work. However, she's so busy thinking about how to teach the class that she can't notice who's participating. Though she certainly notices who's misbehaving, she struggles to think of methods of discipline while concentrating on presenting the lesson and speaking Spanish. She confessed, "I'm not used to doing something I"m not that good at." And it has been a long time since she had to work hard at something. She loves a challenge, though, and will rise to this one.
Learning curves aren't fun, but they're important. When we persevere through the curve, we gain knowledge and skill, but more importantly, the character quality of perseverance.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Vive la Difference!
Similarities:
1. Both are strong Christ-centered couples and it showed in their weddings.
2. Both had communion services.
3. Both used vows from older books.
3. Both are about 22 years of age.
4. Both had their families' full blessing.
5. Both brides wore hand-sewn ivory gowns.
6. Both weddings inspired confidence that the marriages will last.
But the differences were even more striking and made each ceremony unique and enjoyable:
1. David & Callie wed outside at 7:30pm, with seven attendants each including her three sisters and his four brothers, plus cousins and friends. Their reception was in a barn across the yard. Emily & Mattias wed in a church at 11am, with their combined three sisters and three brothers as attendants. Their reception was in a school auditorium a couple of miles away.
2. Callie's aunt Margo made her form-fitting dress with a lace overlay and a 40's-looking short veil. Emily made her own dress of satin with a long train. Emily also had a Sandquist family heirloom tiara holding her long veil.
3. David & Callie along with their attendants and parents served communion with homemade (by me!) bread to the guests at four stations. Emily & Mattias received communion along with their guests in the midst of a full liturgical worship service. The whole wedding party sat down during most of the service.
4. David & Callie's families sang a special arrangement of "Be Thou My Vision" commissioned for their wedding, and a soloist sang a song Callie wrote. During the Iowa worship service, the congregation sang three hymns and the wedding service was just a part of the overall service.
5. Pastor Grandpa Stadem said, "You may kiss the bride" at the end of the service, and David enthusiastically complied. Mattias kissed Emily (for the first time) only after leaving the church.
6. The dance at the North Dakota wedding was typical, with DJs playing the Chicken Dance, the Hokey Pokey, oldies and new rock songs. The Sandquists hired a caller to teach us Celtic circle dances and the Virginia Reel.
7. David & Callie are musical performers and sang "Lucky" at their reception. Emily & Mattias are cerebral; the story is told that when they first met Mattias spent two hours lecturing on biochemistry - and Emily wanted more!
Our Lord Jesus brought two unique couples together and they celebrated His love for them in unique ways. Neither wedding glorified God "more" than the other; neither reception was "better." Both couples vowed to love and to cherish "until death do us part," so neither marriage will last "longer" than the other. No comparisons are needed; praise God and "vive la difference"!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
A Wonderful Wedding Weekend
On Thursday we drove up to Northwood, checked in to the Northwood Inn (highly recommended for a clean, comfortable room), and made our way to "Newberg" (the New Berg home, out in the country, as opposed to the old Berg home in town) for a delicious meal of soft shell tacos with vegetables fresh out of the garden. After visiting a while with Callie, her parents, two sisters, a brother-in-law and two nieces, we all changed into our swim suits and enjoyed the indoor pool. Our boys especially liked swinging on the rope attached to the ceiling before splashing into the cool water.
Friday morning we relaxed before heading out to the house again. Pete took the twins golfing; I helped Laurie with the reception seating chart while Philip played in the pool. We discovered that Michelle had missed her flight, but Andrew's flight would be right on time (Grandma & Grandpa Norling brought Andrew up in the little airplane because he had his first football game Thursday night). After I picked up the three at the little Northwood airport, we all got dressed at the motel and went out to the Draxton Farm for the rehearsal. First I led a rehearsal of "Be Thou My Vision," arranged by Callie's friend Emily and sung by the Berg and Stadem families. Plenty of people needed parts played, but it sounded fairly good by the time we finished. During the actual wedding rehearsal, I was distracted by texts about Michelle's situation and trying to make sure the groom's dinner would be served. The final word from Michelle was that she would fly in to Grand Forks at 4:40 pm Saturday. Britta and Aanna would pick her up and they would arrive at the farm by 7. Yikes!
On Saturday we relaxed at the motel before realizing that the groomsmen were supposed to get to the farm earlier than we thought. Photos took a long time, however - from 1:30 until 5:45 or so. The wind blew all afternoon at about 25 mph; that took the edge off the heat, but left the boutonnieres wilted. Fortunately, the ladies had fashioned extra boutonnieres so the groomsmen wore new ones for the wedding. Michelle arrived at about 6:40 and we took a family picture, then had some private time in the dining room of the Draxton house where everyone affirmed David and we prayed for him. The Bergs did the same in another room.
During the wedding, our rendition of "Be Thou My Vision" surpassed the practices. Maren Jacobsen sang a song Callie had written - a surprise to her. We served communion from four stations - bride & groom, best man & matron of honor, both sets of parents. Quite a few guests canceled at the last minute, so the crowd may have shrunk to about 300. (ha!) Afterwards, Callie & David rode around in a horse-drawn carriage while the ushers brought the chairs to the barn and I put a couple more pictures from today on the slide show. While we all ate delicious apple or rhubarb pie, a live band played several numbers, the attendants proposed toasts, David & Callie sang "Lucky," and we played the PowerPoint slide show. Then the dancing began.
I haven't seen crowds like that on a dance floor for a wedding reception. Of course the Stadem crew was well-represented. The Norling cousins boogied out there. Many Berg and Augie connections cut a rug as well. Groups of guests danced more or less wildly until midnight, when the DJs finished (David & Callie left half an hour before). We helped clean up for an hour or so and fell into our comfortable motel beds at 1:45 am. They're married!
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Marketing Mania
What has struck me most, however, is that if I didn't hear or read about these things, I would have no regrets. I didn't dream about the Pirate Ship display or the Sommerfest concert or the best-selling book or the laptop before I saw the advertisements. The lack of any or all of them does not impoverish my life. God didn't create me so that I could experience all the fun, happiness or luxury America offers. He created me to live in loving relationship with Him and with others. Sometimes fun experiences can contribute to building loving relationships, but they certainly aren't necessary. Last night we ate supper and visited with friends while we made 150 hamburger patties for an event at church. This virtually free evening, not advertised in any marketing ploy, built our relationships with these friends as much as any expensive event could have done.
What's the solution? I don't know. But I am looking with a more jaundiced eye at the flyers, emails and pop-ups that pop up.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Rearranging (Again)
Andrew started making, with Pete's help, a new shoe shelf, much smaller and less bulky. Our laundry system has changed also; we used to sort the clothes from the dryer into personalized laundry baskets, from which each person would fold his own clothes while we watched a movie or TV show. Now, however, we're rarely all home at once, and I find it relaxing to fold the clothes myself while watching something. I removed the laundry baskets from their shelves and replaced them with the blue plastic hole-y boxes that formerly contained the shoes. The four boxes will be catch-alls, one for each remaining kid.
And so begins another chapter in the never-ending saga of reorganization as the seasons of family life change yet again. :)
Saturday, August 11, 2012
All Things Work Together
Last night one of our children made a little speech telling us that our advice had been followed in a certain area. (Usually I'm quite specific but this involves others so I won't mention any details.) I cried happy tears, because I've felt discouraged recently - first, that the kids aren't listening to the Lord and second, that they aren't listening to their dad. So God answered both those fears in a single incident, plus granted that child a great experience in trusting Him.
Romans 8:28 assures us that "all things work together for those who love God and are called according to his purpose." I saw the truth of that this week.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Batter Up!
Attending and chauffeuring shouldn't cause a problem, but I try to catch up on so many household areas during the summer that going to a ball game every night feels like a chore instead of a privilege. Cooking has fallen by the wayside, for supper anyway; we've eaten in Willmar (before or after games) far more than usual. Reorganizing cupboards and systems, purging photo collections, catching up on albums, working on 4-H projects, keeping the kids productive, preparing books to sell, practicing for an August program and tying up loose ends on the spring school work join the usual daily or weekly chores of cooking, cleaning, yard work, money management, exercise, weightlifting, laundry, church activities and ball games to make the summer feel like an exhausting whirl instead of a relaxing vacation.
On the positive side, lots of opportunities for discussions on sportsmanship and excellence have arisen. The importance of practice and the difference between "illegal" and "unethical" has been demonstrated. Everyone has made their share of blunders and bloopers, and hopefully learned a little more humility. And Svea still has the best fans!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
His Needle Does Not Move
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Busy by Choice
I do believe, however, that if I were able to say to someone, "I'm very relaxed; I only have one thing to do today," I would also receive nods, smiles and admiration - along with "HOW did you DO that?" I may be able to achieve this in the summer, so that's my new goal - to reach a day with only one thing to do. For that to happen, I have to finish:
1) History and speech from the spring
2) Reorganization of a number of areas in the house (getting rid of stuff!)
3) Culling and sorting of pictures and videos, and catching up on albums with the kids
4) Wedding preparation
5) County Fair projects completed
6) Program for Prinsburg prepared
7) And I'll have to be caught up on laundry, meal preparation and house cleaning
Sounds daunting, but I believe the Lord would smile if I could focus an entire day on my identity in Him rather than my identity as a "doer."
Monday, July 9, 2012
Warm Weekend
Jeremy & Susan Beebout, Lydia, Elyza and Abigail arrived on Friday for the noon meal and stayed through Saturday breakfast. They shared stories of how the Lord is providing for their work and their family in Niger, and the children enjoyed playing with the kitten and our big kids. The Willmar swimming pool provided relief from the heat, at the same time the north wind brought cooler air.
On Saturday morning, several Svea ladies hosted a bridal shower at the church for Callie. The generosity and warm welcome impressed her. She got some cool stuff too! On Sunday morning, Grandma Dee played an arrangement of "This is My Father's World" on the oboe for our special music - beautifully done! Grandpa treated us to brunch at the Oaks after church - more delicious food. After naps at home, we swam and went tubing at Scott's with succulent bratwurst and angel food cake for supper. The swimming pool water feels like a child's bath water, contributing to our Warm Weekend. Thanks everyone!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Coast to Coast to Prairie
Our family vacation to California thrilled us all, from Disney
and Hollywood
to the Golden Gate Bridge
and the redwoods, thanks to the hospitality of Pete's cousins, Chloe & Gary Koslowsky and Russ & Ria Schaefer. We also enjoyed riding the train again
and relaxed for a few days at Dana Point. Pete, Kari, Sarah, Andrew & Philip formed the crew - much smaller than our usual nine-person contingent. We didn't get any stares or questions like, "Are they all yours??" At the end of that trip we spent a short time in the frigid waters of the Pacific at Laguna Beach.
Kari, Joel, Daniel and Sarah flew to Orlando with thirteen others from Svea for a volunteer week with Give Kids the World in Kissimmee, a resort for families of children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. They work with dozens of wish-granting organizations to provide these families with a week of pure happiness. Corporations donate money and goods, while volunteers man 1500 shifts per week, cleaning, serving, helping, feeding, playing with and interacting with the children and their families. Our group provided 153 shifts during the five days we worked, driving 20-30 minutes (each way) twice a day for 3-4 hour periods.
On our off day, we surfed, swam and body-boarded at Cocoa Beach, where the air was almost 100 degrees and the water of the Atlantic was warm enough to spend hours.
Last weekend the Stadem family gathered in Bryant for the bi-annual reunion, with 81 present. We were able to use the rebuilt (though unfinished) barn, which amazed everyone who entered. The efforts of Leroy Stadem, Steve Stadem and Bernie Iserman, along with donated labor, time and money by dozens of relatives, have really paid off in a usable and beautiful meeting space.
Now we're ready to be home for a while. Almost caught up!
Monday, June 4, 2012
We’re All Lawbreakers Now
Friday, May 25, 2012
Ask and you shall receive...
On Thursday, Pete and I had to sing for a funeral and when we got there, Jon Barber informed us that the sound system wasn't working. He and Pete tried several things while I played the prelude, and right before the funeral started Pete prayed with Jon and then sat down and informed me, "The system isn't working - do we need to do anything different?" But when Pastor Mary started speaking, lo and behold - it worked! Afterwards Pete asked Jon, "What did you do?" "Nothing - I just turned it off and back on and this time it worked! Must have been your prayer." Must have been.
Thursday night was the first church softball games, and we prayed for a good spirit of encouragement and a good attitude. I don't know what happened over at the Gold team (I wasn't there because I was driving Sarah back from her Rocori victory so she could play with the Bronze team), but we (Bronze) had a great crowd, great spirit and a great game with a victory. Everybody had a good hit or two and a good defensive play or two. Jerry was quite pleased, and the rest of us were thrilled. Thank You, Lord, for answering prayer and for reminding us that You like to be asked.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Learning New Skills
Monday, April 30, 2012
God's Constant Care
Professionals painted the sanctuary last week, so most stuff had been moved - my music to the third floor. I thought the key might have been placed there somehow, but when I investigated I couldn't find it. Back in the sanctuary, Ron asked, "Where's the organ key? I came on Friday to practice but couldn't find the key." The organ key is on the same ring as the office key; I told Ron about my dilemma, looked around the organ some more, and went back up to the third floor - without success. I called the pastor, who promised to come over with the office key and let me in to look for an extra organ key.
Meanwhile, the youth were still waiting in the vehicles. I was thinking furiously; what should I do? I couldn't leave the church until the organ key was found; there was no way anyone else would be able to find an extra key, though I didn't know if I would be able to find one, either. Should I send the youth on to set up and trust that they could start without me if necessary? I went outside, stepped around indecisively a few times, then went to the window of our van and told Daniel, "My organ key is missing." He turned to the back seat and said, "Zach, where did you put the organ key?"
I thought he was joking - what would Zach know about it? - but Zach replied, "I put it in the box." The two of them had been practicing the day before, and the key was hidden in the bottom of the box. I found it, Ron started practicing, and we made it to the nursing home in plenty of time.
Though I didn't consciously or formally pray, God was watching over the whole situation. If I hadn't looked for the office key, if Ron had been ten minutes later, OR if I hadn't mentioned the situation to Daniel, Ron would have been playing the piano or I would have missed the nursing home service. But the Lord orchestrated everything so that the lost was found. Praise Him!
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Gospel Truth
1. Jesus will never leave me or forsake me.
2. Jesus' grace is sufficient for me.
3. God gives generously and without reproach.
4. Being is more important than doing.
5. Time with the Lord is as essential as food or sleep.
6. I can take the blame for things that aren't my fault.
Here are four things I've been affirming (things that are true in the heavenly kingdom, but which I haven't seen worked out in my life on earth yet):
1. Because Jesus Christ is living in me, I confidently observe the Lord's working in the lives of each of my kids.
2. Because Jesus Christ is living in me, I cheerfully arrange my schedules and actions according to Pete's direction. (I've seen real progress in this one)
3. Because Jesus Christ is living in me, I gladly speak about Him often, praising and thanking Him out loud and praying with the children before and after any significant event.
4. Because Jesus Christ is living in me, and I have been bought with a price, I glorify God in my body by keeping it in great shape.
The seventh truth will have something to do with joy. I frown a lot - at home anyway. I expect a lot out of the kids and when they disappoint, I frown. I realize also that I think God frowns at me a lot. I know that He could expect a lot more out of me than I deliver, so I think He's frowning. And I think that's the way to relate to my children. I have a feeling this is incorrect. Lord grant me to know the truth and know You (the Truth) and live accordingly.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Health Care
This will cost us our $5500 deductible for last year and this year; it will cost our insurance company a lot more. But think of the results - a healed arm, a healed eye, a removed appendix with very little "down time," and (Lord willing) a healed shoulder. A hundred years ago Daniel would probably have a crooked arm; Pete would have a blind spot and maybe lose his sight completely in that eye; Sarah could have died when her appendix ruptured; and I would have a painful shoulder for who-knows-how-long.
We complain a lot about the high and rising cost of health care. But consider what we get! If we choose to do all this stuff to make our lives longer, healthier or pain-free, shouldn't we expect to pay for it? Remember the tragic story of the woman who had spent her life savings on doctors trying to heal her hemorrhaging? Turned out not to be a tragic story, because Jesus healed her for free. But the pathos of the initial introduction is not because she spent her life savings but because it didn't work. If she had spent her life savings and gotten well, it would have been worth it to her.
I don't know when we'll (as a nation) run out of money to spend on health care. I don't know if it's right for us to have treatments for retinal bleeding and frozen shoulders when children across the globe die for lack of a simple antibiotic. But I do know that I'm not going to complain about the money aspect of health care, because it's worth every penny.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
An Unexpected Appendectomy
Dad Norling called just after I woke up, and wondered how everything was. When I called Pete, he said Sarah was walking around and would be home that day. Dr. Maland performed the surgery laparoscopically, so she has only three fingernail-size incisions.
After Sunday School Opening Exercises, I prepared the praise team stage and recruited Julie Gatewood to substitute for Sarah as a singer. While playing the prelude, I looked up and saw Pete enter our pew! He'd brought Sarah home and she felt good, so he came on to worship.
Praise God for great medical care. We shouldn't be surprised if we have to pay a good portion of our incomes, considering the almost endless list of procedures that improve our lives and health.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Me and My Stuff
I have decided to quit looking at the catalogs that come in the mail, whether for clothing, books or fun little gadgets. If I need something, perhaps I'll use the catalog as a possible source, but otherwise, the temptation to buy something just because it's fun or cute needs to be eliminated.
Question: If the Body of Christ followed John Wesley's advice - "Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can" - would the problems of poverty in the world be solved?
Some politicians and governmental officials desire to tax the rich more so the poor can have more. The appeal of this approach for Christian voters and politicians lies in God's grace, and His concern for the poor. We feel the government - of the people, for the people and by the people - should follow these Christian principles. The problem, though, is that God gives his grace voluntarily, and He gives only what is His to give - whether through His Body or any other way. The government, however, can only have something to give to one person if it takes it from another - by force. That creates resentment, feelings of superiority and inferiority, and ingratitude.
I'm selling a bunch of books, primarily to remove them from the shelves and the house. I was planning to use the money to pay for the Kindle I bought, but now I think I'll give the money away. May Your Body, O Christ, do Your will and serve others.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Failure or Fruitful?
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Procrastination Pays
Monday, March 12, 2012
Bustin' Our Buttons
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Honor your Father and Mother
(by Pete)
John (not his real name) called me last night and asked if the men were meeting in the morning. They weren’t, but I had wondered about going to the church every Friday even if no one else was there. So he brought muffins this morning, and we chatted, then read the Daily Text, Mark 4:22. That led to the Masterbuilders Bible with its questions, which led to discussion about family stuff. John is having issues with Mike, who won't listen to him. His grandpa started him in a pickleball league and it has been as many as three nights a week playing pickleball. “That’s too many.”
"John Jr. is home from college and I tell him to clean his gun from last fall. He doesn’t do it so I hide his shirt and tell him he can get it back when he cleans his gun. The gun still isn’t cleaned. Mike was told to feed the dog when he feeds his rabbit and he doesn’t do it."
We talked about honor and I turned to Exodus 20:12: “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” If only our children would trust that this commandment is for flawed and broken parents as well as good ones. We need to emphasize the promise attached, I told John. We looked at Malachi and reviewed how our hearts need to be turned to our children or there will be a curse. John has tried to get his children to join him hunting and fishing. . .
We talked about the mustard seed size and marveled that the little thing can even germinate. Yet we are to plant the seed and trust that God does the growth. In our prayers we asked God to help us turn our hearts to our children and for our children to see the blessing in the commandment and for the seed to grow without our anger or manipulation to help it along. Apparently John's wife sided with John Jr. and told John to give back the shirt, but John prevailed. We also prayed that our wives would respect us and that we would love our wives.
I shared my own family struggles. And ours are good, strong, stable families! Lord have mercy.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
You Never Know
A shirttail relative is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday after about six weeks of battling some colon problem. He's been in and out of the hospital; for the last week he has had no food OR WATER, with no results. Says he, "I'd kill for a piece of pizza!" The doctor's best hope is for a temporary colostomy, I assume as opposed to a permanent one; what they will see when they open him up is unknown. Again, what will be the outcome?
On the other end of the surprise spectrum is one of our missionary couples. They have been trying to conceive for years, and she had a surgery to fix something in the fall. They decided to wait until March and then pursue adoption. They've known she was pregnant for a few weeks, and she was spotting and cramping so they were sure she was miscarrying - again. But at their recent appointment, the heartbeat was strong and the baby is perfectly healthy! Praise God! But once again, what will be the outcome?
You never know what will happen tomorrow to change your life, for better or worse. All we can do is walk with God today and trust Him for tomorrow, because He's the only one who knows.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Providential Miscommunication
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Keeping the Faith
We are praying for unity with Michelle and Saul regarding whether they are being called by God to pursue a relationship leading to marriage. Pete feels strongly that the whole thing began wrongly and doesn't feel good about it continuing unless there are major signs of repentance. No one wants a wedding with hard feelings, or even uneasy feelings, and no one wants Michelle and Saul to abandon what they feel called to do unless they have faith that God is in the abandoning. Since we went to Puebla in August, we have been praying for unity - and we don't seem to be any closer. I get quite discouraged about the prospects, but then I remember what CS Lewis wrote about the devil's delight in getting us to give in to temptation just before he would have to quit tempting us. If we can keep the faith, I believe we will see the power of the Lord. Jesus said, "Father, may they be one as we are one, that the world may know You sent me." May we receive the gift of faith!