24 May 2004
Rain, More Rain and FLOODS
I thought Friday night would be good to cuddle on the couch and listen to the rain and thunder while watching the sky light up with lightning. Things didn't quite work out that way. It did storm alright. But our evening included watching the weather on TV, preparing to go the the basement because of the tornado and then finally going to bed. We got 4.5 inches Friday night. We live up on the hill so the most damage we saw was some erosion going into the pasture. The pond is full though and the overflow pipe ran full the last two days. Town, which sits nestled along the Turkey River, is close to flooding. Mom and Ralph who moved here in the last few months now have lake front property. All the bottom land fields are flooded. Dikes didn't hold - the water broke over the top and has been rushing in. Lots of debris coming down the river. Gilbertson Park, on the East end of Elgin is completely flooded. All you can see is the tops of playground equipment and the picnic shelters.
Elkader, where I lived before I met Ryan, and where I continue to work is flooded. The Turkey River flood stage is 12.0' and I think its currently around 18.0' The basements of all the buildings along the River are flooded. This is a 1 in 500 year storm meaning we should only see a storm like this every 500 years. This area of NE Iowa saw similar storms in 1999 that wiped out several communities. Well, five years later, its happening again. Littleport, Elkport and Garber were all wiped out five years ago. Today, the only difference is the # of houses that were wiped out. When this last happened, most of the communities moved to higher ground. Some stayed and now they are trying to salvage their things once more.
From a conservation standpoint (since thats the field of work I'm in), fields are flooded, terraces have washed out and pond dikes didn't hold. As I drove to work this morning you can see trash and residues all in the fences where the water was rushing through and more than 3 feet deep. It will be an interesting few days/weeks as this gets all cleaned up. Hopefully it won't take long until roads are open again and travel can continue down some of the main roads around here.
In the meantime, today Ryan and I celebrate our 1 year anniversary. Our plans aren't going to quite work out with the weather. He planned on taking me fishing since I haven't been in so long. But since you can't tell the difference between the creeks and the fields and since they're forecasting more storms tonight, we'll have to appreciate other things. So a big yipee to a God who has sustained us and our relationship throughout the past year.
I thought Friday night would be good to cuddle on the couch and listen to the rain and thunder while watching the sky light up with lightning. Things didn't quite work out that way. It did storm alright. But our evening included watching the weather on TV, preparing to go the the basement because of the tornado and then finally going to bed. We got 4.5 inches Friday night. We live up on the hill so the most damage we saw was some erosion going into the pasture. The pond is full though and the overflow pipe ran full the last two days. Town, which sits nestled along the Turkey River, is close to flooding. Mom and Ralph who moved here in the last few months now have lake front property. All the bottom land fields are flooded. Dikes didn't hold - the water broke over the top and has been rushing in. Lots of debris coming down the river. Gilbertson Park, on the East end of Elgin is completely flooded. All you can see is the tops of playground equipment and the picnic shelters.
Elkader, where I lived before I met Ryan, and where I continue to work is flooded. The Turkey River flood stage is 12.0' and I think its currently around 18.0' The basements of all the buildings along the River are flooded. This is a 1 in 500 year storm meaning we should only see a storm like this every 500 years. This area of NE Iowa saw similar storms in 1999 that wiped out several communities. Well, five years later, its happening again. Littleport, Elkport and Garber were all wiped out five years ago. Today, the only difference is the # of houses that were wiped out. When this last happened, most of the communities moved to higher ground. Some stayed and now they are trying to salvage their things once more.
From a conservation standpoint (since thats the field of work I'm in), fields are flooded, terraces have washed out and pond dikes didn't hold. As I drove to work this morning you can see trash and residues all in the fences where the water was rushing through and more than 3 feet deep. It will be an interesting few days/weeks as this gets all cleaned up. Hopefully it won't take long until roads are open again and travel can continue down some of the main roads around here.
In the meantime, today Ryan and I celebrate our 1 year anniversary. Our plans aren't going to quite work out with the weather. He planned on taking me fishing since I haven't been in so long. But since you can't tell the difference between the creeks and the fields and since they're forecasting more storms tonight, we'll have to appreciate other things. So a big yipee to a God who has sustained us and our relationship throughout the past year.
21 May 2004
TGIF!
Friday has come. I've been waiting all week for this day. It's just been too much drama lately. Our mower decided not to start anymore so I borrowed mom's. Let me just say that 2 evenings of mowing and I'm still not finished. My body aches to prove how much work it is to use a regular mower instead of a rider mower.
My desk at work has just been piling up. The first 2 days of the week were kinda slow. But the last two days have been non-stop. For every one thing I get accomplished, 2 or 3 things get added to my desk. This morning I had to pick my formal trainings for the next year. Without any national courses, I came up with 16 training days. That's 3 weeks of work that I'll miss. That doesn't include regular training that the state puts on during the year up in my area. I'm learning to be a District Conservationist and PRAY that I don't get asked to move away if that's God's will for me.
Monday is DJ's birthday. Haven't purchased him a formal gift yet. Got any ideas. I do have several things for him though. I emailed him yesterday with the following message: Happy Birthday (a few days early bub). I have a gift for you, you just have to come get her. Young female. Great looking. Name is Promise. Come get her ASAP :) His other present I'll just have to send him a picture of. It's ditch weed. Yeah, years ago Iowa road ditches grew ditch weed to make rope in support of the war. Its quite a sight if you've not ever seen it growing massively before. I remember the first time I saw it when I was in Ames. Anyway, its growing out in our pasture and I haven't the chance yet to cut it down. Thought I'd take a picture of it for DJ to see, not for him to harvest for anyone!
That's about the excitement here. It's been storming here all day. A tornado just hit the ground aobut 90-100 miles west of here. That's exciting when you're not able to get into a basement and there could be a tornado rolling your direction. I love danger but not that much. The thunder, lightning and rain on the roof should make for a good night to cuddle on the couch and do nothing. I'm off...
Friday has come. I've been waiting all week for this day. It's just been too much drama lately. Our mower decided not to start anymore so I borrowed mom's. Let me just say that 2 evenings of mowing and I'm still not finished. My body aches to prove how much work it is to use a regular mower instead of a rider mower.
My desk at work has just been piling up. The first 2 days of the week were kinda slow. But the last two days have been non-stop. For every one thing I get accomplished, 2 or 3 things get added to my desk. This morning I had to pick my formal trainings for the next year. Without any national courses, I came up with 16 training days. That's 3 weeks of work that I'll miss. That doesn't include regular training that the state puts on during the year up in my area. I'm learning to be a District Conservationist and PRAY that I don't get asked to move away if that's God's will for me.
Monday is DJ's birthday. Haven't purchased him a formal gift yet. Got any ideas. I do have several things for him though. I emailed him yesterday with the following message: Happy Birthday (a few days early bub). I have a gift for you, you just have to come get her. Young female. Great looking. Name is Promise. Come get her ASAP :) His other present I'll just have to send him a picture of. It's ditch weed. Yeah, years ago Iowa road ditches grew ditch weed to make rope in support of the war. Its quite a sight if you've not ever seen it growing massively before. I remember the first time I saw it when I was in Ames. Anyway, its growing out in our pasture and I haven't the chance yet to cut it down. Thought I'd take a picture of it for DJ to see, not for him to harvest for anyone!
That's about the excitement here. It's been storming here all day. A tornado just hit the ground aobut 90-100 miles west of here. That's exciting when you're not able to get into a basement and there could be a tornado rolling your direction. I love danger but not that much. The thunder, lightning and rain on the roof should make for a good night to cuddle on the couch and do nothing. I'm off...
20 May 2004
Muy Importante!
My good friend Jayne is having surgery today at 3:15. She broke her elbow last week and surgery is today. They may have to replace her elbow socket. She's scared to death of needles so you can imagine how apprehensive she is about this surgery. Please lift her up in prayer for the surgery and over the next few weeks as she recovers. Muchas gracias!
My good friend Jayne is having surgery today at 3:15. She broke her elbow last week and surgery is today. They may have to replace her elbow socket. She's scared to death of needles so you can imagine how apprehensive she is about this surgery. Please lift her up in prayer for the surgery and over the next few weeks as she recovers. Muchas gracias!
19 May 2004
Christian One-Liners
"Don't let your worries get the best of you, remember, Moses started out as a basket case"
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited - until you try to sit in their pews.
Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers
The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.
Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.
Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.
Peace starts with a smile.
We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges
Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them.
Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
God grades on the cross, not the curve.
God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!"
He who angers you, controls you!
If God is your co-pilot - swap seats!
Prayer: Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!
The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
We don't change the message, the message changes us.
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.
"Don't let your worries get the best of you, remember, Moses started out as a basket case"
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited - until you try to sit in their pews.
Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers
The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.
Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.
Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.
If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.
Peace starts with a smile.
We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges
Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them.
Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
God grades on the cross, not the curve.
God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!"
He who angers you, controls you!
If God is your co-pilot - swap seats!
Prayer: Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!
The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
We don't change the message, the message changes us.
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.
18 May 2004
Much needed prayer:
1. Audra's blood platelet levels need to increase so she can get her chemo treatment.
2. Gale Bamford is doing better but tries to do too much. Still a serious condition (I think).
3. Amy's Grandpa was recently diagnosed with cancer. He doesn't know the Lord. Pray that through this, Grandpa might open his heart to the Holy Spirit.
4. Me, because my body aches (especially my back and neck).
5. Those friends who are getting married this summer (anna/hal, Shane/Michelle, dragonfly's sister, and many more). Pray that they continue to build their lives on the Rock of Christ.
6. Those friends who've recently decided to follow Christ into ministry. Ryan & Renessa who will be working with Athletes in Action. Carrie Moore who will be with STINT.
1. Audra's blood platelet levels need to increase so she can get her chemo treatment.
2. Gale Bamford is doing better but tries to do too much. Still a serious condition (I think).
3. Amy's Grandpa was recently diagnosed with cancer. He doesn't know the Lord. Pray that through this, Grandpa might open his heart to the Holy Spirit.
4. Me, because my body aches (especially my back and neck).
5. Those friends who are getting married this summer (anna/hal, Shane/Michelle, dragonfly's sister, and many more). Pray that they continue to build their lives on the Rock of Christ.
6. Those friends who've recently decided to follow Christ into ministry. Ryan & Renessa who will be working with Athletes in Action. Carrie Moore who will be with STINT.
13 May 2004
1. What time is it? 7:40am
2. Nicknames: Tammy and Tam and Tammy Sue cover how most refer to me.
3. Birth Parents' names? Daniel Leon and Constance Sue
4. Number of candles that appeared on your last birthday cake? 24
5. Favorite animal: I don’t know that I have a favorite but I do like seeing baby calves. They’re so cute!
6. Tattoo? NO, you can’t erase them.
7. How much do you love your job or jobs? My 8-5 job is interesting. I work for the government. It’s great serving other people and I do that daily. What an opportunity to be a light in a dark world! My other full time job is more of a priority than working for NRCS. Being a wife is such a joy, I love it. Not always easy but definitely worth every second.
8. Birthplace? Fresno CA
9. Favorite vacation spot you have been to? I love camping and its so difficult to pick a favorite. One great time was camping with some friends and we took the horses along. Had a great time sitting around the camp fire and riding horses through the timber. A fun story from that trip is when Eddie (one of the “adults”) threatened to get back at me for pushing him over in the dirt. As soon as Eddie made his threat, Brian (a Cowboy buddy my age) spoke up and let me know that he would have Eddie roped before he could get to my tent. What fun! I have lots of fun stories and good memories to share about my travels.
10. Ever been to Africa? Ryan and I hope to go there sometime this next year. We’ll see where God leads us.
11. Stolen any traffic signs? Seems like I have a memory of picking one up out of the side of the road on Sierra Street in Kingsburg. Nicole Baker and I had been out rollerblading and saw it. So we planned to wait till dark and then go back and get it. A little daring since it was in a well lit and very busy road right off the freeway. I can’t remember if we ever got it or not. I know that I don’t have the sign if we did.
12. Ever been in a car accident? PTL, not as many as my friend Kristin Machado. But of course, I have to share the story with you all. I was on my way to this formal dinner party for work. All dressed up in my evening gown and headed down the road in Clovis. I was at a stoplight turning left. The guy behind me just didn’t stop in time and bumped my car. Of course he didn’t have insurance. But he barely hit me and did no damage so it wasn’t a big deal. Another time, leaving a funeral, I was backing out of a parking spot and trying to help my grandma put on her seatbelt. I backed into a big light pole and scuffed my bumper. Does that count for an accident?
13. Croutons or Bacon bits? Neither, I like olives
14. 2-door or 4-door car? 4 door cheap Cavalier. It gets me from point A to B and it gets decent gas mileage, which is a good thing when gas is way up right now.
14b. (I thought I’d add a question) What does gas cost right now? Well, I live in the rural Midwest and its generally less than most places. $1.93 yesterday (5/12/04).
15. Coffee? Cofee is bad in my book. It stains your teeth, stunts your growth and goes right through my system. No thanks. Once in a while, Ryan and I will have a Starbucks Caramel Frap when we’re in Cedar Rapids.
16. Salad Dressing? A mixture of Zest Italian and Ranch. I think it’s the same as creamy Italian but I like to mix the two on my salads. I also like Ranch on my pizza and like to mix ranch and BBQ for fries and ranch and salsa on chips. Umm, good.
17. Favorite dessert? Fresh fruit. Definitely not chocolate!
18. Favorite Number? 4
19. Favorite movie? I LOVED Ace Ventura from junior high and most of high school. These days I think its stupid and really like the Band of Brothers series. I also really like girly movies though.
20. Favorite color? Red and blue – go bulldogs!
21. Favorite Holiday? I’d have to say Christmas. I love seeing others open gifts. And, it was when Ryan proposed to me.
22. Favorite Foods? Mexican food and yay, I can go to a great place just 12 miles from my house (which is rare and unheard of around here).
23. Favorite days of the week? Thursday means that I made it through Wed night with JV kids. And Fridays are always a plus. Pretty much any day that I don’t have to work is good.
24. Favorite TV Show(s)? JAG, Navy NCIS and CSI. All acronyms, they must be government related :)
25. Most recently read book/magazine? Handy Man magazine is great even for us ladies. I’m also reading a good book called Power of a Praying Wife
26. Perfume/Cologne? Oh yeah. For every day use, I have several items from Victoria’s Secret. Sundays or something special, I use Obsession.
28. When was your last hospital stay? Oh, last July when my horse about killed me. That’s another fun story that I’ll save for another time.
29. How many times did you fail your driver's test? I barely passed the first time.
30. Where do you see yourself in 10 Years? I’m not sure where God will lead us in the next 10 years. I would like to have visited several countries doing short term mission work. I would assume we’ll have 1 or 2 kids for grammy and papa to spoil. I’m counting on God for my future.
31. What do you do when you are bored? I haven’t been bored for quite a long time! I probably just stuff my face when I’m bored.
32. Furthermost place you sent this message? It’s the WORLD WIDE web.
33. Who will respond the fastest? Cori
34. Least likely to respond? Everyone, you all are slackers and never make comments on my web page!
35. Last Vacation? If you don’t count my trip to Cali to visit friends and family, I last went to South Dakota and saw Mt. Rushmore.
36. Next Vacation? Our 1 year anniversary. We’ve talked about several options. We want to go camping. We also have plans to use our free night stay at the Marriott, see a play and eat a fancy meal.
37. Last concert? Jennifer Knapp and a bunch of others in Visalia right after I graduated college.
38. First thing you would buy with a million dollars? Pay off the house, build a garage and purchase the ground around us that is up for sale.
39. What time is it now? 1253 but I haven’t been at my desk most of the time
2. Nicknames: Tammy and Tam and Tammy Sue cover how most refer to me.
3. Birth Parents' names? Daniel Leon and Constance Sue
4. Number of candles that appeared on your last birthday cake? 24
5. Favorite animal: I don’t know that I have a favorite but I do like seeing baby calves. They’re so cute!
6. Tattoo? NO, you can’t erase them.
7. How much do you love your job or jobs? My 8-5 job is interesting. I work for the government. It’s great serving other people and I do that daily. What an opportunity to be a light in a dark world! My other full time job is more of a priority than working for NRCS. Being a wife is such a joy, I love it. Not always easy but definitely worth every second.
8. Birthplace? Fresno CA
9. Favorite vacation spot you have been to? I love camping and its so difficult to pick a favorite. One great time was camping with some friends and we took the horses along. Had a great time sitting around the camp fire and riding horses through the timber. A fun story from that trip is when Eddie (one of the “adults”) threatened to get back at me for pushing him over in the dirt. As soon as Eddie made his threat, Brian (a Cowboy buddy my age) spoke up and let me know that he would have Eddie roped before he could get to my tent. What fun! I have lots of fun stories and good memories to share about my travels.
10. Ever been to Africa? Ryan and I hope to go there sometime this next year. We’ll see where God leads us.
11. Stolen any traffic signs? Seems like I have a memory of picking one up out of the side of the road on Sierra Street in Kingsburg. Nicole Baker and I had been out rollerblading and saw it. So we planned to wait till dark and then go back and get it. A little daring since it was in a well lit and very busy road right off the freeway. I can’t remember if we ever got it or not. I know that I don’t have the sign if we did.
12. Ever been in a car accident? PTL, not as many as my friend Kristin Machado. But of course, I have to share the story with you all. I was on my way to this formal dinner party for work. All dressed up in my evening gown and headed down the road in Clovis. I was at a stoplight turning left. The guy behind me just didn’t stop in time and bumped my car. Of course he didn’t have insurance. But he barely hit me and did no damage so it wasn’t a big deal. Another time, leaving a funeral, I was backing out of a parking spot and trying to help my grandma put on her seatbelt. I backed into a big light pole and scuffed my bumper. Does that count for an accident?
13. Croutons or Bacon bits? Neither, I like olives
14. 2-door or 4-door car? 4 door cheap Cavalier. It gets me from point A to B and it gets decent gas mileage, which is a good thing when gas is way up right now.
14b. (I thought I’d add a question) What does gas cost right now? Well, I live in the rural Midwest and its generally less than most places. $1.93 yesterday (5/12/04).
15. Coffee? Cofee is bad in my book. It stains your teeth, stunts your growth and goes right through my system. No thanks. Once in a while, Ryan and I will have a Starbucks Caramel Frap when we’re in Cedar Rapids.
16. Salad Dressing? A mixture of Zest Italian and Ranch. I think it’s the same as creamy Italian but I like to mix the two on my salads. I also like Ranch on my pizza and like to mix ranch and BBQ for fries and ranch and salsa on chips. Umm, good.
17. Favorite dessert? Fresh fruit. Definitely not chocolate!
18. Favorite Number? 4
19. Favorite movie? I LOVED Ace Ventura from junior high and most of high school. These days I think its stupid and really like the Band of Brothers series. I also really like girly movies though.
20. Favorite color? Red and blue – go bulldogs!
21. Favorite Holiday? I’d have to say Christmas. I love seeing others open gifts. And, it was when Ryan proposed to me.
22. Favorite Foods? Mexican food and yay, I can go to a great place just 12 miles from my house (which is rare and unheard of around here).
23. Favorite days of the week? Thursday means that I made it through Wed night with JV kids. And Fridays are always a plus. Pretty much any day that I don’t have to work is good.
24. Favorite TV Show(s)? JAG, Navy NCIS and CSI. All acronyms, they must be government related :)
25. Most recently read book/magazine? Handy Man magazine is great even for us ladies. I’m also reading a good book called Power of a Praying Wife
26. Perfume/Cologne? Oh yeah. For every day use, I have several items from Victoria’s Secret. Sundays or something special, I use Obsession.
28. When was your last hospital stay? Oh, last July when my horse about killed me. That’s another fun story that I’ll save for another time.
29. How many times did you fail your driver's test? I barely passed the first time.
30. Where do you see yourself in 10 Years? I’m not sure where God will lead us in the next 10 years. I would like to have visited several countries doing short term mission work. I would assume we’ll have 1 or 2 kids for grammy and papa to spoil. I’m counting on God for my future.
31. What do you do when you are bored? I haven’t been bored for quite a long time! I probably just stuff my face when I’m bored.
32. Furthermost place you sent this message? It’s the WORLD WIDE web.
33. Who will respond the fastest? Cori
34. Least likely to respond? Everyone, you all are slackers and never make comments on my web page!
35. Last Vacation? If you don’t count my trip to Cali to visit friends and family, I last went to South Dakota and saw Mt. Rushmore.
36. Next Vacation? Our 1 year anniversary. We’ve talked about several options. We want to go camping. We also have plans to use our free night stay at the Marriott, see a play and eat a fancy meal.
37. Last concert? Jennifer Knapp and a bunch of others in Visalia right after I graduated college.
38. First thing you would buy with a million dollars? Pay off the house, build a garage and purchase the ground around us that is up for sale.
39. What time is it now? 1253 but I haven’t been at my desk most of the time
07 May 2004
Life is busy for us all, I'm sure. It's FRIDAY again and I'm so happy because I thought it was Monday when I woke up this morning! The basics of my last week is that Dad was here and we had a great time hanging out with him. Got to take him to work one day, travel to a cute little town in Illinois one day and just spend some time sharing him with Ryan, Mom and Ralph. I'm so thankful that he spent the time and money to come see us. Praise God that we can do such things!
30 April 2004
Amen, its finally FRIDAY! There are two great reasons for this particular Friday: one is that Ryan is not on call this weekend (woohoo!) and the other is that Dad is coming Saturday and staying 6 days (woohoo again!).
Work has been crazy busy. I could have stayed there all night last night. Fortunately I had a tanning appointment that I had to leave for. I was tempted to go back to the office afterwards but decided to go home instead and see my honey. While he was grilling dinner, he sat and had a cigar. I finally got to bring plants outside, yah! Ryan was such a good sport and watered plants as I carried them out. We had a good time. He left for bible study and I cleaned the sitting room and downstairs bath. Still lots to clean before company comes.
Work has been crazy busy. I could have stayed there all night last night. Fortunately I had a tanning appointment that I had to leave for. I was tempted to go back to the office afterwards but decided to go home instead and see my honey. While he was grilling dinner, he sat and had a cigar. I finally got to bring plants outside, yah! Ryan was such a good sport and watered plants as I carried them out. We had a good time. He left for bible study and I cleaned the sitting room and downstairs bath. Still lots to clean before company comes.
26 April 2004
Let me introduce you to my precious little friend, Audra Koelewyn. She's the 2nd daughter of Kevin (my high school ag teacher) and Cathy Koelewyn. She's three, maybe four by now and as cute as a button.
Audra was diagnosed with a Pilocytic Astrocytoma brain tumor in the earlier part of 2003. It has been quite the experience for them this last year. In the midst of this trial, they have grown in their relationship with God. Not only that, but the family has a contagious faith which is so encouraging. Well, our dear Audra had surgery last year and has been going through the chemo process since. Praise the Lord, the tumor is shrinking and dying. Although she has a tumor in her brain stem, she functions "normally" which amazes the doctors. This is solely the grace of the Lord and the prayers of his children. God tells us to make our request known to Him. Well, my request is that Audra can continue to be a testimony of faith. And when she gets done with this chapter in her life that she continues to walk with the Lord in an intimate relationship. In Luke (I looked it up, here's the link), there is a story of 10 lepers who get healed. All go on their way except one who comes back to thank God. May Audra be that one. May her life be full of praise as she comes to the feet of the One who healed her.
A week from today (May 3rd), Audra will be having another MRI. Please be in prayer and petition for Audra as she goes through another test. Pray for the family as they entrust their little girl into the Hands of The Ultimate Healer.
Click here for a photo of Audra
23 April 2004
This morning I was reading Soul Journey online and I thought it was important enough to share. Check it out here. Ya know, we as believers are afraid to share our sins and failures with others. We should help keep our brothers and sisters accountable and instead we judge them. No wonder we have a hard time being vulnerable with friends and family! And for those of our dear friends who aren't walking with the Lord, I struggle with judging them rather than loving them as God would have me do. Its a fine line I know, but its so easy to be hypocritical of someone else's wrongs. And then there are those in leadership or in the public view that we think are perfect. We expect them to be perfect. And when they make a mistake and fall into sin, we practically crucify them. You think The Passion of Christ was brutal, consider how you treat others, the things you think about them and what goes through your mind. Are you any different than the soldiers who pounded the nails? Am I? No, I do that daily in my own heart. And God knows my heart so I'm not hiding anything from Him!
So, consider a few things today...
~ be transparent and vulnerable to others. Be HONEST.
~ Put down the hammer, quit crucifying others.
So, consider a few things today...
~ be transparent and vulnerable to others. Be HONEST.
~ Put down the hammer, quit crucifying others.
20 April 2004
Just wanted to share a picture of my honey with you! Click here
*** Thanks to Cori, I know that you can't see my pictures. So, it will just have to be a link instead. Thanks Calvert!
*** Thanks to Cori, I know that you can't see my pictures. So, it will just have to be a link instead. Thanks Calvert!
16 April 2004
Dang, I just read Cori's new blog. How fun hers seems, check it out at http://badbadmissy.blogspot.com/ Reading Cori's reminds me of how neglected mine has been. I've been waiting to get some new pictures on my computer and do all at the same time. Unfortunately I didn't quite get it done this morning when I was working on it. As for the other 10 days or so, I've been hanging out with Kaleb, my 3 year old nephew. He was staying with mom and ralph for awhile. Good times. Lots going on with him, with Ryan and our home. Its always drama to some extent. Yeah, the other day my horse got out and was down at the neighbors. Promise was standing in their flower beds staring at the window because she could see herself in the reflection. She seemed to think it was another horse. So they call Ryan and bless his heart, he leaves work to go deal with her. But she wasn't gonna let him near her (she knows he hates her). After an hour she was back in the pasture, the fence was fixed and I had one upset husband. His words to me when he called were: "you have one month to get her off the property before I shoot her in the head!" Yeah, a bit much I thought. I coulda cried. Ryan then called back later and apologized - he's wonderful like that. He was just angry and embarrassed.
That's really been the extent of it at home. Ryan will be gone this weekend for Men's Retreat. They'll have fun playing with guns and being guys together. I'll be at a wedding and baby shower. Other than that, I'm gonna hang out with mom and do some shopping.
Work has been busy, I can't keep up. Plus I took on some extra duties as the Regional Rep. for a national organization. I spent 3 hours on that this AM. Lots to do initially. Apparently my predecessor didn't do jack! So, it's been fun.
Oh, and I've really missed the valley lately. I miss my friends and the spring blossoms and all the other cool stuff. Such is life though.
That's really been the extent of it at home. Ryan will be gone this weekend for Men's Retreat. They'll have fun playing with guns and being guys together. I'll be at a wedding and baby shower. Other than that, I'm gonna hang out with mom and do some shopping.
Work has been busy, I can't keep up. Plus I took on some extra duties as the Regional Rep. for a national organization. I spent 3 hours on that this AM. Lots to do initially. Apparently my predecessor didn't do jack! So, it's been fun.
Oh, and I've really missed the valley lately. I miss my friends and the spring blossoms and all the other cool stuff. Such is life though.
30 March 2004
PRAY
~ For Brad, Jen, Kaleb and Ryann. Especially Jen as she copes with Kaleb and his behavior issues.
~ Audra's brain tumor
~ For unity within Alpha Delta Chi at Fresno State. And for the upcoming national convention they will be hosting.
~ Continual compatibility between Sarah and her new heart.
~ That my brother will allow the God of Jews and the Gentiles to have Lordship of his life.
~ Spiritual growth as individuals and as a couple. Ryan and I really want to be a good example of God's love.
~ The Women of Faith conference. That I will go out on a limb and invite some women that work for NRCS.
~ For my friend, CM, who's earnestly trying to eat healthy and shed some extra weight. That God will reward her diligence.
~ For my friend, Laura. Her husband of 12 years has caused major heartache and has recently asked her for a divorce. Pray for Laura as she deals with her emotions and for her 3 children who have lost their father. Pray that she feels the comfort of the Lord and that she can understand that God has a greater purpose for her.
~ Our missionary friends: Denise in Ethiopia with Christian Vet missions, Alisha @ Cal Poly Pomona with Campus Crusade, Ashley in Central CA with Young Life, Claudia with Mercy Ships as she works in community development with the poor, the Redferns as they work all over with JARON, the Mitchums and the Vet Net team in Mongolia.
~ Mom and Ralph's move to Iowa. For them to immerse themselves in "the sticks" and for those back home who miss them dearly.
~ There is so much more on my heart to be praying for. These things came to mind first though.
~ For Brad, Jen, Kaleb and Ryann. Especially Jen as she copes with Kaleb and his behavior issues.
~ Audra's brain tumor
~ For unity within Alpha Delta Chi at Fresno State. And for the upcoming national convention they will be hosting.
~ Continual compatibility between Sarah and her new heart.
~ That my brother will allow the God of Jews and the Gentiles to have Lordship of his life.
~ Spiritual growth as individuals and as a couple. Ryan and I really want to be a good example of God's love.
~ The Women of Faith conference. That I will go out on a limb and invite some women that work for NRCS.
~ For my friend, CM, who's earnestly trying to eat healthy and shed some extra weight. That God will reward her diligence.
~ For my friend, Laura. Her husband of 12 years has caused major heartache and has recently asked her for a divorce. Pray for Laura as she deals with her emotions and for her 3 children who have lost their father. Pray that she feels the comfort of the Lord and that she can understand that God has a greater purpose for her.
~ Our missionary friends: Denise in Ethiopia with Christian Vet missions, Alisha @ Cal Poly Pomona with Campus Crusade, Ashley in Central CA with Young Life, Claudia with Mercy Ships as she works in community development with the poor, the Redferns as they work all over with JARON, the Mitchums and the Vet Net team in Mongolia.
~ Mom and Ralph's move to Iowa. For them to immerse themselves in "the sticks" and for those back home who miss them dearly.
~ There is so much more on my heart to be praying for. These things came to mind first though.
24 March 2004
Springtime, longer days and a longer list of things to do.
Office work seems to be slowing enough for me to catch my breath and perhaps even catch up on things. At the same time, field work will be picking up about now. It was so much easier to stay late and finish things up but I find that hard to do now that I’m married. Today I was out in the field for the first time in ages. It was so nice to walk around, lay a contour line and get away from the desk. I’m sure my legs will disagree later tonight when they get sore. Well spring is finally here and I’m loving the warm weather. Up in the 50’s today with a light breeze, it’s so nice. I’ve really been enjoying work and the people at my office lately. Being involved with things on the state and national level has made work even more interesting. I was recently chosen as the Midwest regional representative within the Hispanic NRCS employee program. I look forward to serving in that capacity and attending the training conference this summer in Sacramento CA.
Besides work, so much is happening at home. Mom and Ralph arrived Monday night and I’m excited to have them here. I’ve been trying to recruit people to Iowa for quite some time and mom and Ralph made a wise decision! My hope and prayer is that Ryan and I can adjust to having some family local. That he doesn’t feel neglected or left out - that I remember to focus on him.
Friday was Ryan’s birthday. We went to dinner and then watched the HS boys basketball championships. His school won and it was fun for him to recognize the players who were itty bitty last time he saw them. Saturday, our friend Jill drove up to celebrate Ryan’s birthday with us. We had a good time of eating, chatting about old times and playing a domino game called Mexican Train. Other than that, we’ve worked a little cleaning in the basement and Ryan is working to set up shop down there. He has quite a collection of tools now to play with. The newest includes a nice shop vac that he bought with his birthday money.
Besides that, other excitement includes our female cat, Wicket, who recently has a fetish with toilet paper and Kleenex. She’ll attack the Kleenex box and tear that all up. This morning Ryan found his toilet paper all torn up. Both cats usually go to the basement or stay in our bedroom throughout the night. This morning was a good reminder of why. We recently got our taxes back from the lawyer. He made a minor error by forgetting the charitable givings line item in there. That affected our return by almost double. Good thing Ryan caught it. We plan to pay off our bed with our return and hope to have enough left over to replace our stove. Other news is that we still have Promise. And since it has warmed up I’ve been so tempted to ride her. She’s such a pretty horse and looks great out in my pasture but the plan is to sell her. We’ll see what happens!
Okay so that’s enough of my thoughts for now. Gotta go
Office work seems to be slowing enough for me to catch my breath and perhaps even catch up on things. At the same time, field work will be picking up about now. It was so much easier to stay late and finish things up but I find that hard to do now that I’m married. Today I was out in the field for the first time in ages. It was so nice to walk around, lay a contour line and get away from the desk. I’m sure my legs will disagree later tonight when they get sore. Well spring is finally here and I’m loving the warm weather. Up in the 50’s today with a light breeze, it’s so nice. I’ve really been enjoying work and the people at my office lately. Being involved with things on the state and national level has made work even more interesting. I was recently chosen as the Midwest regional representative within the Hispanic NRCS employee program. I look forward to serving in that capacity and attending the training conference this summer in Sacramento CA.
Besides work, so much is happening at home. Mom and Ralph arrived Monday night and I’m excited to have them here. I’ve been trying to recruit people to Iowa for quite some time and mom and Ralph made a wise decision! My hope and prayer is that Ryan and I can adjust to having some family local. That he doesn’t feel neglected or left out - that I remember to focus on him.
Friday was Ryan’s birthday. We went to dinner and then watched the HS boys basketball championships. His school won and it was fun for him to recognize the players who were itty bitty last time he saw them. Saturday, our friend Jill drove up to celebrate Ryan’s birthday with us. We had a good time of eating, chatting about old times and playing a domino game called Mexican Train. Other than that, we’ve worked a little cleaning in the basement and Ryan is working to set up shop down there. He has quite a collection of tools now to play with. The newest includes a nice shop vac that he bought with his birthday money.
Besides that, other excitement includes our female cat, Wicket, who recently has a fetish with toilet paper and Kleenex. She’ll attack the Kleenex box and tear that all up. This morning Ryan found his toilet paper all torn up. Both cats usually go to the basement or stay in our bedroom throughout the night. This morning was a good reminder of why. We recently got our taxes back from the lawyer. He made a minor error by forgetting the charitable givings line item in there. That affected our return by almost double. Good thing Ryan caught it. We plan to pay off our bed with our return and hope to have enough left over to replace our stove. Other news is that we still have Promise. And since it has warmed up I’ve been so tempted to ride her. She’s such a pretty horse and looks great out in my pasture but the plan is to sell her. We’ll see what happens!
Okay so that’s enough of my thoughts for now. Gotta go
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