Cill's new ride in Arizona ..... she even has a radio in this!
Thanks for the pictures Sam!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Good Friday
Lest we forget what Good Friday is all about ....
As many were astonished at you– his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind.(Isaiah 52:14 ESV)
Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned–every one–to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:1-6 ESV)
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.(Isaiah 53:7-9 ESV)
Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.(Isaiah 53:10-12 ESV)
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Wonderful Cross
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain, I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride.
See from His head, His hands, His feet
Sorrow and love mingled down
Did ever such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Oh the wonderful cross,
Oh the wonderful cross!
All who gather here by grace
Draw near and bless Your Name.
Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing, so devine
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
Oh the wonderful cross,
Oh the wonderful cross!
Bids me come and die and find
That I may truly live.
Oh the wonderful cross,
Oh the wonderful cross!
All who gather here by grace
Draw near and bless Your Name.
Life so amazing, so devine
Demands my soul, my life, my all
And the beauty and the shame
In the glory of His Name
Oh, the wonderful cross!
Oh the wonderful cross,
Oh the wonderful cross,
Bids me come and die and find
That I may truly live.
Oh the wonderful cross,
Oh the wonderful cross!
All who gather here by grace
Draw near and bless Your Name.
written bychris tomlin, jd walt, jesse reeves
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Hi Family!
May this find you all well. I'm beginning to do research on our families and would very much like to have your input.
I need your names ... first, middle, last .... maiden names & married names for ladies ...
Also need your children's names & birthdates; your spouse's name & birthday
I need your parents & grandparents names ... as far back as you can go with information.
Also, if you have them, birthdates, date of death if applicable; places of birth & death.
Please help me with this. You can email me at
cmoore2659@wowway.com & leave your information.
Thank you!
Any questions? Email me!
May this find you all well. I'm beginning to do research on our families and would very much like to have your input.
I need your names ... first, middle, last .... maiden names & married names for ladies ...
Also need your children's names & birthdates; your spouse's name & birthday
I need your parents & grandparents names ... as far back as you can go with information.
Also, if you have them, birthdates, date of death if applicable; places of birth & death.
Please help me with this. You can email me at
cmoore2659@wowway.com & leave your information.
Thank you!
Any questions? Email me!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Through the eyes of a child
A child was asked to write a book report on the entire Bible.
This is amazing and brought tears of laughter to my eyes.
I wonder how often we take for granted that children understand what we are teaching???
Through the eyes of a child:
The Children's Bible in a Nutshell
In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one, but I think He must be a lot older than that.
Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did.
Then God made the world.
He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet.
Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one badapple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden.....Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.
Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.
Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except forMethuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.
One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.
After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.
Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.
God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff.
Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.
One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.
After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot.. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.
After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore.
There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.
After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')
During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Democrats.
Jesus also had twelve opossums.
The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.
Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount.
But the Democrats and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.
Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.
This is amazing and brought tears of laughter to my eyes.
I wonder how often we take for granted that children understand what we are teaching???
Through the eyes of a child:
The Children's Bible in a Nutshell
In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one, but I think He must be a lot older than that.
Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did.
Then God made the world.
He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet.
Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one badapple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden.....Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.
Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.
Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except forMethuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.
One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.
After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.
Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.
God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff.
Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.
One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.
After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot.. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.
After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore.
There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.
After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')
During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Democrats.
Jesus also had twelve opossums.
The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.
Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount.
But the Democrats and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.
Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Cill & Sam Photos, 2009-2010
Photos from Cill & Sam
A beautiful Arizona sunset...
"The Jail Tree"
Aunt Leona & some new friends
Leona Elliott Mitchell, 2010, at Cill & Sam's home
Cill, Aunt Leone & Lynn, 2010
Aunt Leona in the front yard of Cill & Sam's home
Aunt Leona & Lynn
Cill, Aunt Leona & Lynn, 2010
Sam, Cill & Aunt Leona, 2010
Cill & Shirl, Christmas, 2009
Monday, January 25, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
A DEA officer stops at a ranch in Texas, and talks with an old rancher. He tells the rancher, "I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs." The rancher says, "Okay, but don't go in that field over there," as he points out the location.
The DEA officer verbally explodes saying, " Mister, I have the authority of the Federal Government with me." Reaching into his rear pants pocket, he removes his badge and proudly displays it to the rancher. "See this badge? This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish . . . . On any land. No questions asked or answers given. Have I made myself clear? Do you understand?"
The rancher nods politely, apologizes, and goes about his chores.
A short time later, the old rancher hears loud screams and sees the DEA officer running for his life chased by the rancher's big Santa Gertrudis bull . . . . . .
The DEA officer verbally explodes saying, " Mister, I have the authority of the Federal Government with me." Reaching into his rear pants pocket, he removes his badge and proudly displays it to the rancher. "See this badge? This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish . . . . On any land. No questions asked or answers given. Have I made myself clear? Do you understand?"
The rancher nods politely, apologizes, and goes about his chores.
A short time later, the old rancher hears loud screams and sees the DEA officer running for his life chased by the rancher's big Santa Gertrudis bull . . . . . .
With every step the bull is gaining ground on the officer, and it seems likely that he'll get gored before he reaches safety. The officer is clearly terrified. The rancher throws down his tools, runs to the fence and yells at the top of his lungs . . . . .
"Your badge. Show him your BADGE!"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Your badge. Show him your BADGE!"
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Sunday, January 17, 2010
Cill Mitchell Antonini
I recently received these photos from Cill.
She & her husband Sam are now living in Arizona.
This is how Christmas decorating is done in Arizona....
And this is one way to get around ...
Cill at the golf course ... in December
The golf course
The courtyard at their home
Meet Sidney Antonini
and Shelby
Cill & Shirl
Cill & Sam in their front yard ... in Winter!
Cill & Sam in front of one of their orange trees
Cill & I met a long time ago ... at Little Ida Church where our parents were members. It's been a blessing to be in touch with her again ... to receive her emails & photos.
I love you Cill!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Just suppose ....
You died in an accident on your way home two weeks from today. In a matter of seconds you understood what the accident had done and you then found yourself standing on the outside of heaven's gates.
A man on the inside looks at you and asks this question:
"Who are you and why should I let you in?"
What would your answer be?
Your answer matters.
You died in an accident on your way home two weeks from today. In a matter of seconds you understood what the accident had done and you then found yourself standing on the outside of heaven's gates.
A man on the inside looks at you and asks this question:
"Who are you and why should I let you in?"
What would your answer be?
Your answer matters.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Poems by Vickie Kendrick
I will never forget you Mom
Mother you are so far away,
but I can still feel you.
The essence of your being
is in everything I say and do.
The nearness of your spirit
takes my breath away.
I feel you in my heart
as I go throughout my day.
When I close my eyes,
I get such a feeling of bliss.
I can see your gentle face
and still feel the love of your caress.
You tiptoe across my mind
in the gentlest ways.
You're in the softness of a rose
and the warm wind on my face.
You're the sunbeams from heaven
shining brightly in my soul.
The sweetness of all serenity
that fills my heart with gold.
You're always inside my mind,
even though we are far apart.
I can feel you with me always
tugging gently at my heart.
There is the sweetest devotion,
There is the sweetest devotion,
I know you loved me too.
We'll be together in spirit
and I'll be forever loving you.
by Vickie Elliott Kendrick
by Vickie Elliott Kendrick
Poems by Vickie Kendrick
For my mother
Sitting on a porch swing on this beautiful day,
Sitting on a porch swing on this beautiful day,
My mother then began to tell,
Of all the things she had done well.
She spoke of the true love she had obtained,
She said it was sweeter than a spring rain,
Her love for him lasted many years,
In his passing she has shed many tears.
She told of her children and what they meant,
With them the joy she has spent.
Her love was free for them to share,
We knew she was always there,
Advice she gave was for free,
Wanting the best for us to be,
Honesty and respect for others was a must,
In all her children she placed her trust,
To love everybody and then we would know,
The family circle of love we have seen grow.
by Vickie Elliott Kendrick
Poems by Vickie Kendrick
A Place in Time – for Mom
She brought a smile to those she had touched,
For in her heart she loved us so much,
So often her laughter a thought and a wish,
Remember, that day she gave her first kiss.
Remember, that day she gave her first kiss.
A place on the cheek- a pinch and a hug,
A slap on the bum- for good measure, please come.
A slap on the bum- for good measure, please come.
A place to remember- to Mom’s house we go,
A place full of love of this would be told.
A place full of love of this would be told.
She talked until morning of days that had past,
No sleep for my eyes I pray I could last.
Remember the child, remember the time,
A day yes a thought that memory of mine.
No sleep for my eyes I pray I could last.
Remember the child, remember the time,
A day yes a thought that memory of mine.
A place in the hearts of those that would love-
My mother’s love was a gift from above:
My mother’s love was a gift from above:
Sweet Lord please remember my one thoughtful wish,
To always hold dear those hugs and her kiss.
To always hold dear those hugs and her kiss.
by Vickie Elliott Kendrick
Monday, January 4, 2010
Subrina Riddle Caudill
In Memory of Subrina Riddle Caudill
Subrina Caudill, 90, of Premium passed away Sunday, January 3, 2010 at her residence.Subrina was the daughter of the late Lou and Mattie Riddle. She was the widow of Delzie Caudill.
Surviving are 8 children: Lorene (Bill) Butski and Vernon (Rose) Caudill all of Michigan, Katherine (Enos) Amburgey of Indiana, James Verl Caudill, Imogene (Joe) Smith, Brenda Sue McGlamery, Glenda Dale New, Terry Lynn (Sherri) Caudill all of Whitesburg; 18 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild.
Visitation: 6:00 P.M. Tuesday at the Letcher Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Whitaker Cemetery at Premium, Kentucky.
Funeral: 11:00 o'clock Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at the Letcher Funeral Home Chapel with Dock Frazier officiating.
(Obituary taken from Letcher Funeral Home, Whitesburg, KY)
Our thoughts & prayers go out to the family. Subrina was the youngest daughter of Lourenza Riddle & Martha Jane Pratt Riddle. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to
Leave the examination room and said,
'Doctor, I am afraid to die.
Tell me what lies on the other side.'
Very quietly, the doctor said, 'I don't know.'
'You don't know? You're, a Christian man,
And don't know what's on the other side?'
And don't know what's on the other side?'
The doctor was holding the handle of the door;
On the other side came a sound of scratching and whining,
And as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room
And leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.
On the other side came a sound of scratching and whining,
And as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room
And leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.
Turning to the patient, the doctor said,
'Did you notice my dog?
He's never been in this room before.
He didn't know what was inside.
He knew nothing except that his master was here,
And when the door opened, he sprang in without fear.
I know little of what is on the other side of death,
But I do know one thing...
'Did you notice my dog?
He's never been in this room before.
He didn't know what was inside.
He knew nothing except that his master was here,
And when the door opened, he sprang in without fear.
I know little of what is on the other side of death,
But I do know one thing...
I know my Master is there and that is enough..'
Thursday, December 31, 2009
This comes from Bobby ....
New years eve 2009...........laundry is going and the furniture is shined.
snow on the ground, motor city chill in the air.................
people up here whining about winter.....I don't really care.
Michigan unemployment still rising......auto makers going down hill.....
Americans keep buying foreign products..........and they all will as well.
Obama our president and Pelosi speaker of the house......................
what in the dickens are they really about.
Micheal Jackson, Heath Ledger, Ted Kennedy and Farrah Fawcett I will miss most.........
Lets all put on our little White glove tell them fair well and finally give them a toast.
Global warming, Al Gore and green energy and yet Gas still on the rise................
Corn and bio-fuel will save America they say is just another lie.
Crime is up all over , but yet less cops on the street............
Thank god for CCW'S.....just in case one day they decide they would really like us to meet.
Right wing, left wing, liberals and democrats on the air.............
thank you Bill OReilly, and Hannity for showing them how much we still care.
Hln, Cnn, Msnbc and Fox news all report whats up in far off lands.............
But why don't we all just support the military and bomb Iraq and Afghanistan.
Quantomino bay and now sent to Illinois and New York.............
Just line them up on a wall and call in a hillbilly like Sargent York.
I hope this doesn't upset some of you but if it does I still don't understand......
then when terror hits your backyard like 911, maybe a soldier can help you take a stand.
2010 is tomorrow, hope good health and cheer to you all.................
I still don't see where our life issues will go away and gas prices will just fall.
Thank god for our family in 2010, children, biscuits, gravy, eggs and sweet tea too.......................
don't forget the cornbread made with buttermilk, pork chops and some onion and fried potatoes will do.
Enjoy the grip of your snow shovel this season and hope your snow blower starts the first time around...........
or for me watching and listening to Lukas plow ours with his four-wheeler is such a lovely sound.
May your hair stop thinning, weight and looks are in check and hope your aches and pains of getting older is much less.................
and then May 2010 still be your very best.
Amen and pass the peanut butter Fudge!
New years eve 2009...........laundry is going and the furniture is shined.
snow on the ground, motor city chill in the air.................
people up here whining about winter.....I don't really care.
Michigan unemployment still rising......auto makers going down hill.....
Americans keep buying foreign products..........and they all will as well.
Obama our president and Pelosi speaker of the house......................
what in the dickens are they really about.
Micheal Jackson, Heath Ledger, Ted Kennedy and Farrah Fawcett I will miss most.........
Lets all put on our little White glove tell them fair well and finally give them a toast.
Global warming, Al Gore and green energy and yet Gas still on the rise................
Corn and bio-fuel will save America they say is just another lie.
Crime is up all over , but yet less cops on the street............
Thank god for CCW'S.....just in case one day they decide they would really like us to meet.
Right wing, left wing, liberals and democrats on the air.............
thank you Bill OReilly, and Hannity for showing them how much we still care.
Hln, Cnn, Msnbc and Fox news all report whats up in far off lands.............
But why don't we all just support the military and bomb Iraq and Afghanistan.
Quantomino bay and now sent to Illinois and New York.............
Just line them up on a wall and call in a hillbilly like Sargent York.
I hope this doesn't upset some of you but if it does I still don't understand......
then when terror hits your backyard like 911, maybe a soldier can help you take a stand.
2010 is tomorrow, hope good health and cheer to you all.................
I still don't see where our life issues will go away and gas prices will just fall.
Thank god for our family in 2010, children, biscuits, gravy, eggs and sweet tea too.......................
don't forget the cornbread made with buttermilk, pork chops and some onion and fried potatoes will do.
Enjoy the grip of your snow shovel this season and hope your snow blower starts the first time around...........
or for me watching and listening to Lukas plow ours with his four-wheeler is such a lovely sound.
May your hair stop thinning, weight and looks are in check and hope your aches and pains of getting older is much less.................
and then May 2010 still be your very best.
Amen and pass the peanut butter Fudge!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Mary did you know that your baby boy
will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy
will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy
has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered,
will soon deliver you.
Mary did you know that your baby boy
will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy
will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy
has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby,
you have kissed the face of God.
The blind will see, the deaf will hear
and the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak,
the praises of the Lamb.
Mary did you know that your baby boy
is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy
will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy
is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding
is the great I Am.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Christmas Letter from Linda Riddle Jent
From Linda Riddle Jent:
Dec. 12, 2009Dear Family & Friends,
Here I sit this Christmas season doing something I said I would not do this year ... Write a Christmas letter and send cards. I also said we were going to 'cut back' on gifts (which I have). Yet I still find myself trying to make sure everyone has that special something. I love Christmas, I guess I take that after my Mom, but so many other do too. I love to decorate, look at the tree while sitting quietly in our living room, and yes, wishing for snow. While thinking about a lot of things this past year, I found myself facing things and circumstances I never thought I would actually face or have to deal with. Loved ones that are gone or very sick. Another is my not being able to do with the grand kids things that I would love to do. To have them sit on my lap, to run and play like they want me to.
The past 3 years I have been dealing with chronic back pain. I have seen several doctors, had many different treatments and injections, all leading to surgery this Fall. Only to find out the surgery did not fix the problem. So I am back to seeing other doctors, praying that they can help me with this.
God has used this to show me that I cannot do or fix it all. He has shown me that I must rely on Him even more than I have in the past. he has always been there for me and my family, seen us through a lot, and yet I still find myself trying to 'make everything okay'. Not being able to do a lot physically, He has sent me some help in the way of a beautiful Amish family whom we met last year. The daughters have been helping me with the housework. I am so grateful that God sent them to us. They are a blessing.
Christmas 2008 was here on the farm. Working on the loft for almost 6 months, getting everything ready for 'old-fashioned, homemade Christmas'. We had Santa & also a sleigh ride ... the food was delicious .. but the thing that I loved the most was when my Mom, 79 years young, sat and read to our family the Christmas story from the book of Luke. How I pray that special moment will remain in the hearts of our sons, their wives and their children. Thanks Mom & Pat for all your love, help and support.
Crit is still working, on the road and in the air a lot; we are so thankful that God has blessed us with this job. Tanner & Haylee are in 1st grade, Logan in pre-school, Zoey being cared for by a beautiful young lady from our church. How I miss not having her. Kristie is working part-time; Jamie is still fighting fires. Kerri is teaching 5th grade, Jeremy working his job and going to school full-time to follow in the footsteps of his brother.
Our daughter-in-law Kristie, her father Greg, has gone through so much the past 6 years. This year he lost both legs, but God spared him his life. He has touched this man in a way that only Greg can tell. I am so very thankful that God has kept Greg & his family close to him through all this. Part of him may be missing physically, but he is with his family, alive this Christmas and for that we are thankful. We cannot wait to see him standing, walking & doing some of the things he loved to do.
Crit lost a sister to cancer ... one whom he stayed with while we were dating. She was a special lady and friend to many. I know she will be sadly missed by her family this Christmas.
One of my dearest friends, Lynne, was diagnosed with stage 3 colon-rectal cancer, the cancer spreading to other areas. I cannot begin to tell you how bad this has been for Lynne, but God has so many 'angels' looking down on her and has carried so many prayers up to heaven on her behalf. She could not believe the out-pouring of cards, letters & emails that people have sent her. The prayers have worked. Lynne went for her PET scan the week of Thanksgiving and praise the Lord!, she shows no signs of cancer. She will be on a treatment plan consisting of oral chemo for the rest of her life, but the doctors told her to 'keep praying because prayer has worked". I love you Lynne (aka Erline) and miss you so much.
Our daughter-in-law Kerri, her mother, Aline, has been going through a lot of health issues also. Having had a kidney removed previously from cancer, the doctors thought it may have returned. Going through a lot of tests, our prayers were again answered ... no cancer! She had her gall bladder removed on Thanksgiving and was able to come for a visit this week.
Our neighbor and friend, Mira, caring for her mother for the last year or so, taking her to dialysis 3 times a week, spending lots of restless nites caring for her. Losing her this Summer took its toll, but God was good also. The 'calm & peace' that was in Mira's voice the night she called to tell us "Mom has gone home", as hard as it was to hear those words, God gave Mira Peace.
My sister Pat, having major surgery late this Summer, but she went in knowing that God had given her Peace and all would be okay and it was.
I am sure there are others that I am forgetting, but God knows who you are. God knows my heart also. The prayers that are embedded deeply there, praying for them to be answered in His way, not perhaps, mine.
We are so blessed to be able to watch our grand-children run, play and fish here on the farm. Pretty soon they will be tagging along behind their Dads, going after the big buck! To see how much they enjoy here, the simple things ... a walk down the '2-trac', lots of rides on Papaw's tractor, looking for rocks, casting a line in the pond. Feeding & caring for their chickens. I still choke up when it is time for them to leave.
Getting back to the 'no cards this year'. While driving our grandson Tanner & grand-daughter Zoey home a couple of weeks ago, we were noticing all the pretty lights and decorations in our home town of Coldwater. They have Santa standing very tall on the main corner of town, but on the other side lay the 'baby Jesus'. We are still able to display a nativity, giving us the real meaning of Christmas.
Tanner spoke up and asked me "Mamaw, what do you want for Christmas this year?" I thought a moment before answering and then I replied, "Peace ... I would love to have Peace". He replied "you can't get that for Christmas" .... and I said "Maybe I can". He asked me how and I said "I pray for Peace and God hears our prayers, so I pray He answers this one". He then said, "For real, what would you like to get...maybe some new pajamas, would you like some new pajamas?" (He has seen me in a lot of them lately). I told him that would be great and Zoey added "Yeah, some new jammies Mamaw". The innocence of being a child. Young enough to still believe, young enough not to know all the wrong in the world, hearts feeling some pain of their own.
So here I sit, knowing I still have presents to put the last little touches on, yet thinking of that little conversation a few weeks back, and wishing for Peace. So much is going on in our world. Soldiers leaving to fight a war, away from their loved ones, to protect ours this Christmas Day. Loved ones, even in our family, losing their jobs after working and giving for over 20 years. We hear that things won't get much better, yet I still hope and I pray for Peace. Praying that God would have mercy on our country once again and see us through another day, another year. To restore America back to its roots and yes, give us Peace. Perhaps this isn't the most traditional letter for Christmas, yet it is something I truly wanted to share.
To thank God for all He has done, is still doing and will continue to do. Thanking Him for sending us His Son .. JESUS, the real meaning of Christmas. For sending us, over 2 thousand years ago, PEACE. I cannot imagine how Mary must have felt on that night, giving birth to her son in a stable. Yet the story is so tender to my heart. What did she feel, knowing she was looking into the eyes of our Savior? Thinking of those that came from afar and yes, bringing Him gifts. The night so dark, yet the stars shined so bright, the brightest One lying in a manger. How I wish for such peace, not just on earth, but in the deepest part of our hearts. I wish for, as Amy Grant sings, "A Silent Night, a Holy Night", a little peace right here.
So Tanner, I guess I can say, God has already given me my gift. It didn't cost anyone anything, except Christ Himself. Now I need to accept it deep within my heart...knowing that He has my life in His hands. Things may not be going so well for a lot of us ... but we truly need to realize and be thankful for what God has done ...giving us His Son to love us, to care for us and die for us. To be ever so thankful that we can be with those that we love, that they are healthy and hopefully happy.
So from our hearts to your home .... we wish you Peace. Peace on Earth & Goodwill to you all. Wishing that the things that need to be fixed can be fixed. Wishing that the doors of employment would be opened for those in need, wishing health for those that are sick and hurting. Wishing "Hope" for the hopeless and to everyone, again, I wish you Peace.
May God reveal the meaning of this Christmas Day deep within your hearts ... we love you all.
Merry Christmas and May God continue to bless you.
Love,
Linda & Crit
Here I sit this Christmas season doing something I said I would not do this year ... Write a Christmas letter and send cards. I also said we were going to 'cut back' on gifts (which I have). Yet I still find myself trying to make sure everyone has that special something. I love Christmas, I guess I take that after my Mom, but so many other do too. I love to decorate, look at the tree while sitting quietly in our living room, and yes, wishing for snow. While thinking about a lot of things this past year, I found myself facing things and circumstances I never thought I would actually face or have to deal with. Loved ones that are gone or very sick. Another is my not being able to do with the grand kids things that I would love to do. To have them sit on my lap, to run and play like they want me to.
The past 3 years I have been dealing with chronic back pain. I have seen several doctors, had many different treatments and injections, all leading to surgery this Fall. Only to find out the surgery did not fix the problem. So I am back to seeing other doctors, praying that they can help me with this.
God has used this to show me that I cannot do or fix it all. He has shown me that I must rely on Him even more than I have in the past. he has always been there for me and my family, seen us through a lot, and yet I still find myself trying to 'make everything okay'. Not being able to do a lot physically, He has sent me some help in the way of a beautiful Amish family whom we met last year. The daughters have been helping me with the housework. I am so grateful that God sent them to us. They are a blessing.
Christmas 2008 was here on the farm. Working on the loft for almost 6 months, getting everything ready for 'old-fashioned, homemade Christmas'. We had Santa & also a sleigh ride ... the food was delicious .. but the thing that I loved the most was when my Mom, 79 years young, sat and read to our family the Christmas story from the book of Luke. How I pray that special moment will remain in the hearts of our sons, their wives and their children. Thanks Mom & Pat for all your love, help and support.
Crit is still working, on the road and in the air a lot; we are so thankful that God has blessed us with this job. Tanner & Haylee are in 1st grade, Logan in pre-school, Zoey being cared for by a beautiful young lady from our church. How I miss not having her. Kristie is working part-time; Jamie is still fighting fires. Kerri is teaching 5th grade, Jeremy working his job and going to school full-time to follow in the footsteps of his brother.
Our daughter-in-law Kristie, her father Greg, has gone through so much the past 6 years. This year he lost both legs, but God spared him his life. He has touched this man in a way that only Greg can tell. I am so very thankful that God has kept Greg & his family close to him through all this. Part of him may be missing physically, but he is with his family, alive this Christmas and for that we are thankful. We cannot wait to see him standing, walking & doing some of the things he loved to do.
Crit lost a sister to cancer ... one whom he stayed with while we were dating. She was a special lady and friend to many. I know she will be sadly missed by her family this Christmas.
One of my dearest friends, Lynne, was diagnosed with stage 3 colon-rectal cancer, the cancer spreading to other areas. I cannot begin to tell you how bad this has been for Lynne, but God has so many 'angels' looking down on her and has carried so many prayers up to heaven on her behalf. She could not believe the out-pouring of cards, letters & emails that people have sent her. The prayers have worked. Lynne went for her PET scan the week of Thanksgiving and praise the Lord!, she shows no signs of cancer. She will be on a treatment plan consisting of oral chemo for the rest of her life, but the doctors told her to 'keep praying because prayer has worked". I love you Lynne (aka Erline) and miss you so much.
Our daughter-in-law Kerri, her mother, Aline, has been going through a lot of health issues also. Having had a kidney removed previously from cancer, the doctors thought it may have returned. Going through a lot of tests, our prayers were again answered ... no cancer! She had her gall bladder removed on Thanksgiving and was able to come for a visit this week.
Our neighbor and friend, Mira, caring for her mother for the last year or so, taking her to dialysis 3 times a week, spending lots of restless nites caring for her. Losing her this Summer took its toll, but God was good also. The 'calm & peace' that was in Mira's voice the night she called to tell us "Mom has gone home", as hard as it was to hear those words, God gave Mira Peace.
My sister Pat, having major surgery late this Summer, but she went in knowing that God had given her Peace and all would be okay and it was.
I am sure there are others that I am forgetting, but God knows who you are. God knows my heart also. The prayers that are embedded deeply there, praying for them to be answered in His way, not perhaps, mine.
We are so blessed to be able to watch our grand-children run, play and fish here on the farm. Pretty soon they will be tagging along behind their Dads, going after the big buck! To see how much they enjoy here, the simple things ... a walk down the '2-trac', lots of rides on Papaw's tractor, looking for rocks, casting a line in the pond. Feeding & caring for their chickens. I still choke up when it is time for them to leave.
Getting back to the 'no cards this year'. While driving our grandson Tanner & grand-daughter Zoey home a couple of weeks ago, we were noticing all the pretty lights and decorations in our home town of Coldwater. They have Santa standing very tall on the main corner of town, but on the other side lay the 'baby Jesus'. We are still able to display a nativity, giving us the real meaning of Christmas.
Tanner spoke up and asked me "Mamaw, what do you want for Christmas this year?" I thought a moment before answering and then I replied, "Peace ... I would love to have Peace". He replied "you can't get that for Christmas" .... and I said "Maybe I can". He asked me how and I said "I pray for Peace and God hears our prayers, so I pray He answers this one". He then said, "For real, what would you like to get...maybe some new pajamas, would you like some new pajamas?" (He has seen me in a lot of them lately). I told him that would be great and Zoey added "Yeah, some new jammies Mamaw". The innocence of being a child. Young enough to still believe, young enough not to know all the wrong in the world, hearts feeling some pain of their own.
So here I sit, knowing I still have presents to put the last little touches on, yet thinking of that little conversation a few weeks back, and wishing for Peace. So much is going on in our world. Soldiers leaving to fight a war, away from their loved ones, to protect ours this Christmas Day. Loved ones, even in our family, losing their jobs after working and giving for over 20 years. We hear that things won't get much better, yet I still hope and I pray for Peace. Praying that God would have mercy on our country once again and see us through another day, another year. To restore America back to its roots and yes, give us Peace. Perhaps this isn't the most traditional letter for Christmas, yet it is something I truly wanted to share.
To thank God for all He has done, is still doing and will continue to do. Thanking Him for sending us His Son .. JESUS, the real meaning of Christmas. For sending us, over 2 thousand years ago, PEACE. I cannot imagine how Mary must have felt on that night, giving birth to her son in a stable. Yet the story is so tender to my heart. What did she feel, knowing she was looking into the eyes of our Savior? Thinking of those that came from afar and yes, bringing Him gifts. The night so dark, yet the stars shined so bright, the brightest One lying in a manger. How I wish for such peace, not just on earth, but in the deepest part of our hearts. I wish for, as Amy Grant sings, "A Silent Night, a Holy Night", a little peace right here.
So Tanner, I guess I can say, God has already given me my gift. It didn't cost anyone anything, except Christ Himself. Now I need to accept it deep within my heart...knowing that He has my life in His hands. Things may not be going so well for a lot of us ... but we truly need to realize and be thankful for what God has done ...giving us His Son to love us, to care for us and die for us. To be ever so thankful that we can be with those that we love, that they are healthy and hopefully happy.
So from our hearts to your home .... we wish you Peace. Peace on Earth & Goodwill to you all. Wishing that the things that need to be fixed can be fixed. Wishing that the doors of employment would be opened for those in need, wishing health for those that are sick and hurting. Wishing "Hope" for the hopeless and to everyone, again, I wish you Peace.
May God reveal the meaning of this Christmas Day deep within your hearts ... we love you all.
Merry Christmas and May God continue to bless you.
Love,
Linda & Crit
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