Rain

We had some rain today. Need I say more???

Tim Rumsey

I have been informed by Mr. Rumsey himself that he is currently commissioning a new piece of music for us. I asked him if he would consider writing a song for us based on Habakkuk 3:15-19. He responded by saying yes and he is hoping to have it done by the end of Jan. I am so excited. I have long wanted these verses put to music and Rumsey will do an amazing job with them. He said he will be arranging for not more than 10 voices but probably not more than 8 and he may leave it at 4. We are paying him a nice fee but I feel it will be well worth it.

Animals

Several weeks ago I was getting cows in to milk early in the morning. When I walked past the pit I was surprised to see this white thing walking around on top of the manure. I thought it was a cat. So I directed my flashlight in the direction of this being and discovered it wasn't a cat it was an Albino Skunk. It was actually quite pretty. Skunks spend a decent amount of time walking across the top of the manure and picking out the grain.

Finished

We finished hauling ash about lunch time yesterday. We are now finished with all our fall field work. What a relief. Now we will begin doing other things. Shop work and other such things. The vet comes this morning and I am unsure what the rest of the day will hold.

Sunday School

I don't know if I mentioned this fact or not. For this quarter we have been doing a study on nonresistance and are using CLP's study guide which was put together by John Coblentz and Jim Goering. I will say I was somewhat skeptical when we started but we have had some very good discussions in the adult mens class. Yesterday we got to talking about being sued. When is it right to defend yourself? Is it right? Is it one of those deals where you say If they can live with it I can live without it? Is their a time for confrontation?

Water Play

The boys were playing with the water hose the other day. The thing that struck me with this picture was how brown the grass is. I knew/know we are dry but it still kinda shocked me...

Today's Activites

I finished planting last evening at 6:30. Very good feeling. I must give a loud shout out to Lowell for his unending devotion to the 4-150 White tractor seat this week. We would never have gotten done if he hadn't helped us out. Today I am going to take Aleya out for breakfast for her birthday. This is long overdue but needs to be done. I think we will be taking some dead trees back to Lowe's and Wal-Mart in exchange for one that is living.
Fall has finally arrived in all it's glory. We were having summer weather until Thursday. Low temperature was 50 and the high was 84. Yesterday we had a low of 44 and a high of 70. Tonight I think we are headed down toward our first frost. I am looking forward to crisp fall mornings.

30 left

I have 30 acres left to plant today. I will be glad when this is over. I have a sore throat and a stuffy head from all the dust. We are suppose to be singing this Sunday afternoon. Not a good combination....

Special Spot

I have this tendency to put things in a special place. Things like tools or parts. I do this so I know where it is the next time I need it. For example, the bearing that went out on the disk. I had some faint recollection of having some disk parts but I couldn't remember where they were so I assumed I had used them. I found some bearings at Phillips Equipment that would work but were $146 a piece. Yesterday morning we were looking for a spacer to space the disks on the shaft and I found my disk parts. I had put them in a special place. I found two bearings, a bearing housing, two bearings that were locked up, some spacers, and some bolts. The bearings I found I paid $14 for so my $146 bearing will be returned. Last night a shaft broke on the disk so Sonny will weld that this morning and hopefully we will finish disking today.
Back to the special spot, do you put things in special place and then can't remember where that special place is?

More Dust

We covered close to fifty acres yesterday. A bearing went out on the disk about 5:00 and we were unable to purchase a replacement. I think I have found one that will get us going. Hopefully we will cover another fifty acres or more today....
So far we have planted 67 acres of Rye. We have 50 acres of Triticale and Peas and 55 acres of Wheat left to go.

Dusty Job

We began disking today. I was surprised how well the ground worked up. Pretty decent for not raining in the last two months. I planted 25 acres of rye this afternoon. I finished up the last field about 7:30. I noticed when the sun went out of sight that the breeze disappeared. This meant the dust just hung low to the ground. I tend to plant back and forth and I was eating dust big time. Then once it was pretty much dark and I was about falling off the tractor seat to see where I had driven last a touch of breeze came along and swept the dust away. Dust is a nasty thing. One thing dust has going for it is its ability to make it look like someone is working hard....

60th Anniversary

Last evening we had a Yoder gathering back at the pond. The pond is located on Granddaddies, Ernest & Lovina's, property. We were celebrating 60 years of commitment. Grandaddy has been and still is a man that has no enemies. He has this way of making people feel very worthwhile. Grandmamma is full of energy and enjoys her family. When I was up spreading manure for Delvin, she climbed into the truck and rode with me for a load. I don't know another 80 year old lady who would do that. I am very blessed to know these people. Only it is more than knowing them. They are part of me, they are my heritage. They are part of who I am. I want God to work in my heart so when I have been married 60 years people will see the love and commitment in our marriage that I see in theirs.

Do Women Do This?

Wednesday evening Daddy wondered if the men wanted to go out for breakfast Saturday morning. The men he is referring to are my Uncle James, Uncle Bob, Grandpa, Jon Alan, and Ben. Uncle Vance was invited but they went back to Harrisonburg last evening. My question is this: Do women go out for breakfast? If not, what do they go out for, tea? By the way, guys, what is so special about breakfast? I would much rather go out for breakfast then for supper/dinner. I wonder why that is? Is it just a man thing?

50th Anniversary

This Sunday is our annual hymn sing. Every year for the last fifty years on the first Sunday in October we have a Mennonite home coming. Because of this monumental occasion relatives of mine are flocking in. Tonight we have a Zehr reunion. Haven't seen these people for quite some time so it should be fun...

Ash Boy

This morning we spread the hot pile of ashes. It had gotten so hot the ashes had turned to powder and were very dusty. Sonny was running the loader and got very dirty...

Hot Ash

Yesterday evening I was informed that one of our fields was on fire and the fire department had been summoned. I hastened my body out to the field and discovered some small flames licking at the corn stubble. I also discovered a very white pile of ash. They are suppose to put water on the stuff when they load the trailer. I don't know if they didn't put enough on the load or what happened. The pile is extremely hot. It is also close to the woods, like 30' close. Now I am wrestling with a decision. IT is unsafe to leave and it is unsafe to spread. If I could get my manure truck full of water and have it sitting out there I would feel better but I don't have a good way to do that. Also, due to lack of rain we are under a no burn law. The field is going to burn so how much trouble will I be in with the forestry people. I am going to call them this morning and see what they say about my problem.

Retreat Notes

For those of you who care too know what I said on Sunday morning, here it is. I didn't say everything I have here but this was the gist of it.

Finding A Balance Between Musical Excellence and Worship
Introduction: I am somewhat surprised where this topic has lead me the conclusion I have drawn. This conclusion is this: there is no balance between musical excellence and worship. If you weren’t listening you are now… I have decided not to talk about different musical styles. I am going to focus more on God’s gifts to people and what we do with those gifts. Regardless of their attachment or involvement with music. Some people are more gifted in music than others. I am the weak link in VOP’s chain. I don’t have the best ear. I am very poor at rhythm. So I work harder. People tend to work harder at things they enjoy. People who don’t work hard at music because it doesn’t interest them is ok. (I will say people who do not work hard at music because they are lazy is not ok.) However, they should try to understand it is ok for someone else to work hard at music.
Questions =
1. What is music? Where does the word come from?
2. What is worship?
3. What does the Bible say about worship?
4. How are you led in worship? Does nature lead you in worship? The stars, flowers, butterflies, thunderstorms, God’s creation?
5. What is the purpose of worship?
6. Is excellence wrong? Is it a sin?
7. What does the Bible say about excellence?
8. Is it possible to combine music, excellence, and worship?

What is music? Where does the word come from?
The word Music is taken from the word Muse. Basically the word Muse is referring to people who are deep in thought and are humming.
As persons do when idle, or alone and steadily occupied.
Psalms 111 1-3
I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation. The works of the Lord are great, Studied by all who have pleasure in them. His work is honorable and glorious, And His righteousness endures forever.
Music, then, should draw people into contemplation of the Creator. Music is also a result of our thoughts. Songs tend to come to mind when we are doing things we don’t have to concentrate on. Like driving tractor or milking cows.
What is Worship
First a definition of worship. I went to our trusty friend Mr. Webster . Mr. Webster tried to write a version of the Bible because he felt a high percentage of people could not understand King James’s version. I heard a fellow talking about Webster’s first edition of the dictionary and how he used scripture in his definitions so I now have in my possession a Webster’s first edition dictionary. In this edition he says worship is, and I quote
Paying divine honors to the supreme being, reverence or homage paid to him in religious exercises consisting in adoration, confession, prayer, thanksgiving and the like.
Worship also = to adore; to pay divine honor to; reverence with supreme respect and veneration.

What does the Bible say about worship?
Psalm 29;2
Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
Psalm 95; 6
Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
Exodus 14:31-15:1
Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had done in Egypt; so the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and His servant Moses. Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the Lord, and spoke, saying:
This song was a result of their salvation or being saved from the Egyptians. They worshiped. They gave the Lord the glory due unto His name. If you read the song of Moses you will notice they realize God’s amazing power. However, they had a short memory. God tells them later in
Exodus 34;14 (This is the reference Webster used after his definition of worship.)
(for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God,)
We know the Israelite’s forgot God’s power and His ability to keep them and preserve them. We know they worshiped the Golden Calf. How did they forget who the Father is when the Father was dropping manna from the sky, spilling water from the rock, leading them with fire and a cloud of smoke. We are commanded to worship no other God as well. It is easy to worship idols. Excellence can become an idol. Musical excellence can become an idol. Musical excellence is a tool which can be used for God’s glory. A tool to be used to draw people to the Father.
How are you led in worship?
What does worship mean to you?
Is worship a reaction a result of something?
Does nature lead you in worship? The stars, flowers, butterflies, thunderstorms, God’s creation? How does music lead you in worship? Does the excellence of music have effect your ability to worship? What is the purpose of worship?
What did God say about His creation?
Genesis 1:31
The God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

Is excellence wrong? Is it a sin?
Excellence = Mr. Webster again….
Any valuable quality. Any thing highly laudable, or virtuous, in persons or valuable esteemed, in things. Purity of heart , uprightness of mind, sincerity, virtue, piety, are excellencies of character. Strength and beauty are excellencies of body. Having a knowledge of an art is an excellence of the artisan. Whatever contributes to exalt man or render him esteemed and happy or to bless society is in him an excellence. Coupling the excellencies of character with a desire to bless society should make excellence in music okay. Excellence in music should increase our ability to bless society.
God is a God of excellence
Psalm 36;7
O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth!
Isaiah 13; 5
Sing to the Lord, for he has done excellent things; This is known in all the earth.
Can we say whatever God does is excellent? Is this an accurate statement?
What does the Bible say about excellence?
Is music a spiritual gift?
Is it possible to combine Music, Excellence, and Worship
Yes, it is. God expects us, commands us to do our best.
I Cor. 14:12
Even so you , since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
Eph. 5:19
19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Is it safe to say someone who is not doing their best is sinning? To give God less than our best is not pleasing to Him. God doesn’t like laziness. A few verses from Proverbs.
Proverbs 15:19
The way of the Lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the upright is a highway.
Proverbs18:9
He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.
Mathew 25:26-30
“But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Would we do something on the job half way? Would we only work at our marriage or relationships with half of our heart? Marriages that are only half as good as they could be because people aren’t willing to work at it? Would it be acceptable if pastors were only half ready to preach on Sunday morning? Music is often not held to the same standard as speaking. I have felt at times that VOP has been criticized for worship of excellence. For example, if I told you I had 20 hours of preparation in this topic you may be very impressed. On the flip side if I told you that we (VOP) spent the same amount of time rehearsing for 40 min. program, some of you would think much differently. Some feelings I have gotten in the past hint at these kinds of thought patterns: hmm they are trying to be to good, they must think to much of themselves. They are trying to be too professional. They are worshiping excellence. It really doesn’t matter what you sound like. God doesn’t care what you sound like. Make a joyful noise…
My point is this: Those of us who are married, if we are honest. Would have to admit that our marriages at times are NOT what they could be, for some people the marriage may never be what it should be because people are not willing to work at it. Not willing to admit or take responsibility for mistakes. Our relationships with our children, church people, etc. are not what they should be. Our Sunday school teachers don’t study enough for Sunday school class. Oh well it doesn’t matter… What does God do with this? Does God accept a lazy or poorly done gift? What do you think? I think not. Paul tells us in
Col. 3: 16 -25
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. 18 Wives submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands love your wives and not be bitter toward them. 20 Children obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. 21Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. 22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye service, as men pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance ; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 but he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.

I have heard many groups sing and I have never heard one that was so good I couldn’t worship. The way a program is presented has affected my ability to worship. Finding a balance between entertainment and worship would make for a very controversial topic. If VOP is not concerned about improving or trying to improve , I'm not sure we're living up to God's expectations. VOP members feel the music’s ability to draw you to the Father is greatly affected by our singing ability and how well we know the music.
The goal of music should be to lead people in worship. Draw people to the Father.
The better we do at singing, rhythm and notes, will enhance your ability to worship. Interpretation of the songs has less to do with musical ability and more to do with life experiences. Feeling or interpreting the song. What is the message of the song ? This should be sung loud this should be sung softly with a lot of energy and emotion. These things are affected by our life experiences. How does this song speak to my heart? How does it relate to me and what I am experiencing today?
We want to hide behind the music by excelling at it. We want to be able to bless people with our gifts for God’s glory.
I want to encourage each of us to work at perfecting or excelling at the gifts God has given us. The purpose of this should be to call other people to worship or to move your self to worship. Excellence will look to different to different people based on personality and background. Lets not condemn each other for their levels of perfection or excellence.
I am of the opinion excellence is God’s call to His children in ALL they do unless it becomes what you worship. God has given me gifts. What I do with these gift’s is my gift to God. These gift’s should not be taken lightly. I need to do my best…

Lawsuits

If you remember, I rear ended a fellow the end of June. Nothing serious. The driver of the other vehicle drove his car away. No blood no broken bones. Nothing more than a racing heart. Saturday we received to pieces of mail. One was certified and the other was priority. Both contained nice simple letter from a lawyer stating we were to get our insurance people to contact them immediately. This caused me some alarm. Had they never payed for the damages? So I call them and ask them what is going on. Well, you are being sued! Oh, well this is a nice kettle of fish. I don't know how much they are suing for. I do know they are suing for bodily damage that didn't happen and I also know the driver is in a bankruptcy situation and his banged up car is the only thing he has in his name. So put two and two together and you get a million dollars I guess.... The insurance company is handling all of this and they will have to pay if it goes through. I think it is ridiculous. I could have been a real pain in the neck when it happened and told the cop that the other stopped to fast and made up a big story.... Maybe I could sue him for suing me.... I wonder if that has ever happened..... It's a funny world we live in...

Quartet Retreat

It is over and we all survived. We had a very good weekend although it was very small. One other quartet was present then there were 7-8 guys there who are interested in music and wanted to learn. The mass choir sang 7 songs under Rich Denlinger's direction. He is very good and I enjoyed singing under him. The workshops all went well. Jon Alan had to take Kelvin Good's workshop because Kelvin couldn't make it. Something totally out of his control occurred. My session? It went really well. Glory be to the Father...

The Big Four

Yesterday Aleya reached the four year old milestone. We also disposed of her Binky. Much to old in our opinion... She woke up this morning and said I didn't sleep any last night! We know that isn't true but I am sure she feels that way.
We feel so very blessed to have her in our family and we thank God for his wisdom and planning in placing her in our home.

Bearskin Lake

Sonny and his family spent 4 years at Bearskin Lake in the mid to late 80's (I think). Anyway. a lady died and they felt they should go to the funeral. So they left Sunday morning at 7 and arrived at Sioux Lookout around noon on Monday. They were surprised to find a charter flight to take them out to Bearskin Lake. This flight was paid for by the natives at Bearskin Lake. They had Sonny & Ruth were coming and this was how they responded. My first thought was this: The native people have a lot of respect for Sonny. Why else would they do this. Their flight back to Sioux was paid for as well. Amazing. I am pleased they could go and I am pleased he is my pastor...

Quartet Retreat

I have just finished my topic notes. I have sent it to my editors, again. I feel fairly good about it. I need to familiarize myself with my notes. I have been told the response for the weekend is still rather weak. So, if you need something to do this weekend come and join us. Here is a schedule
QUARTET ENHANCEMENT WEEKEND
Sharon Mennonite Bible Institute
Led by Voice of Praise, Gladys, VA
September 29 - 30, 2007

Saturday, September 29 8:00 a.m. Registration/Get Acquainted
9:00 Mass male Choir Practice - Rich Denlinger
10:30 Brunch
11:30 Workshop - Foundations of a Quartet
1:00 p.m. Break
1:15 Workshop - Balancing Music Ministry With Life
2:45 Break
3:00 Mass Male Choir Practice
4:30 Supper
5:30 Mass Male Choir Practice
6:30 Break
7:00 Quartet Analysis - Each quartet will present a selection for critique
Sunday, September 30 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. Serve-yourself Breakfast
10:00 Singing and Devotions
10:30 Finding a Balance Between Musical Excellence and Worship - Glen Zehr
12:00 p.m. Lunch
2:00 Mass Male Chorus & Quartet Program - One or two selections by each quartet and several by the mass chorus

Workshops
Foundations of a Quartet - Dave Gingerich
Music selection, practice tips, and program etiquette

Balancing Music Ministry with Life - Kelvin Good
Finding a balance between the ministry of your quartet and family, church and work. How much time are you able to take off from work?" How does your wife deal with the children or life while you are not present? How do you balance your ability to teach Sunday School or participate in church activities when you need to spend some of that time preparing for programs and singing?

Quartet Weekend Registration Form
Name ___________________________________________________________

Phone _______________________

Address__________________________________________________________________

No. Attending ______

City _______________________________ State ________ Zip _________

Email ____________________________

Please indicate the number for each meal: Sat. Sat. Sun. Sun.
_____ Brunch _____ Supper _____ Breakfast _____ Lunch

Accommodations:
_____ I/We will have camper, motor home, etc.
_____ I//we desire lodging at SMBI (limited availability)
_____ I/We will make our own motel reservations

Motel Listings: Some of these motels may give discounted rates if you mention your involvement with SMBI.
Best Western Plaza Motor Lodge, Breezewood (814) 735-4352
Gateway Restaurant & Motel, Breezewood (814) 735-4011
Ramada Inn, Breezewood (814) 735-4005
Econo Lodge, Breezewood (814) 735-4341
Heritage Inn, Breezewood (814) 735-2200
Quality Inn/Breeze Manor, Breezewood (814) 735-4311
Please return this form to SMBI, 7304 Lincoln Hwy., Harrisonville, PA 17228. If you have any questions please call 717-485-4341.

Farmer Boy (II)

Here Kyle is gleaning wisdom from Sonny on proper dalf feeding technique. Actually, he is wondering how many cows he and Sonny had milked before Jon Alan showed up.

Farmer Boy

Kyle was in his glory. He loved helping milk. He slipped and fell while scraping with a hand scraper. I asked him if it made him mad and he said Yes!

Yard Sale

Had another yard sale today. This one was the busiest one we have had. It was a lovely day. However, by the time we were cleaning up it was very hot. We arrived at the yard sale premises with 30 some odd boxes and returned home with 10-11 so we moved a lot of stuff...

Exhaustion

My, oh my. It has been a very tiring week. I have slept like the dead every night. I wake up tired at 4 in the morning. I wake up tired from my nap. I am wore out in the evening. I told Sonny I didn't realize spreading ash would be so tiring. He said the W9 would wear any body out. The thing is a beast to drive. I would say we had a very good week. Covered close to 100 acres. Maybe that is why I am so tired.

Mote Removed

When I got up from my nap this morning Sierra went dashing off to the kitchen. She returned with a cloth diaper. On this diaper was a big speck of dirt. My wife took this diaper and wiped the dirt off of the lid. I am amazed at how quickly the eye heals. Tonight the redness is almost gone and it isn't swollen....

Mote In The Eye

Sierra and Kyle were tree climbing the other evening. Sierra was watching Kyle get down out of the tree and some bark dust got lodged in her eye. We were sure she had scratched the eye really bad and this was the cause of her very red eye. This evening we did a little more investigating and found a nice size piece of dirt lodged under her upper lid. We couldn't get it out so we will be taking her to the eye DR tomorrow. I am sure this will be a grand experience and will rank up their with the trips to the dentist...

Practice

We had our first practice tonight using the sound system and singing with a performance track. For those of you who don't know a performance track when a group sings with themselves. Anyway, it was great fun and I look forward to using it in our services. We will be able to sing songs that have up to 10 parts and we will have all the parts. It will be great. This means we will be able to sing some of Rumsey's stuff.

Fly Ash

We began spreading fly ash today. Truck worked really well. Tomorrow the vet comes so we have herd check in the morning. Hopefully Sonny will be able to keep the ash rig rolling. Lots to do yet this fall....

Weekend Activities

We just returned home from SMBI. Cliff graciously rent us the basement of his house for the weekend. Rachel's family was their. We met to swap children around. We had some of Rod's while Grandma had some of ours and Rod's. We now have all of our children and one of Rod's while Grandma has none. We had a really good weekend. Fri. evening or night we, the parents and aunt, stayed up till 1:30 talking. This was the last time I will see Rod and Christa before they leave for Mexico on Oct. the 4th or so.
Prayers for everyone would be appreciated.

Poll

I have a poll question for you in regards to VOP. We have been discussing for the last several years whether or not we should release a double CD set. This set would include the first two albums the group ever recorded. Quiet Understanding and Send The Light. So, my poll question is this. Would you be interested in having these albums available on CD?

Wal-Mart Parking

We stopped at Wal-Mart this evening. While we were loading up to leave I heard this horn begin to blow. It blew and blew and blew and blew and blew. We started the van and began to leave. I still heard the horn blowing, blowing and blowing. We turned down a lane to go to the exit and passed the vehicle with the blowing horn. It is still blowing and blowing and blowing. As we pass I notice their are two vehicles wanting the same spot. Apparently they arrived at the same time from two different directions. The lady driving the car had her foot on the steering wheel holding the horn. I couldn't believe it....
Must have had a bad day....

Quote

My wife was telling me about her adventures today. She was taking Sierra and Kassie to music class and a bug was on Jackson's car eat. This made Jackson very nervous and he starts to wail. Sierra was sure it was a bee and was going to sting him so she started screaming. After her scream Kassie decided to join the act. After they were done screaming and relaxed Sierra told Kassie I am sorry I screamed but I was Truly scared. Kassie responded I just thought he was going to die!

Heat

I don't know if I can remember a sept. that has been dominated by such heat. Today it was 96 degrees at 5:30 in the evening. I have been told the temperatures are suppose to be dropping by the middle of the week with highs topping off around 70. This would be much more better.

Pre-Quartet Retreat Jitters

Some of you are aware that we, VOP, are in charge of the quartet retreat at SMBI the last weekend of Sept. It has suddenly dawned upon me that I need to finish my talk here soon. When I think about this talk a knot begins to form in my stomach. I was told that not very many people have signed up for the retreat. In some ways this makes me glad and in other ways it doesn't. Glad because maybe I won't be so nervous. Sad because people don't want to come or something. Anyway, I may post my talk notes at a later date.

Sanctity Of Life

What does this mean to you? When you read the words, Sanctity Of Life, what do you think of?

Beavers

Sunday morning the girls and I walked to church. When we arrived at the bridge we noticed a beaver dam in the river. This evening we went for a truck ride and I stopped on top of the bridge to show all the people the dam. It was obvious the beavers had been at work. Their were more corn stalks from the neighboring field and many more sticks. Beavers are interesting creatures and maybe one day I will be stealthy enough to watch them work.

Lost & Found

Yesterday afternoon a heifer calved. I put her in the barn where the milking cows are housed and then went out to the pasture to get the milking cows in so I could start milking the cows. I glanced around trying to find the heifer but I never saw her. I assumed she was in the holding pen where I couldn't see her. Much to my dismay I discovered this was an inaccurate assumption. She was no where to be seen. I looked everywhere I could think of. Out in the pasture, in the manure pit, and back in the pre-fresh group but to no avail. I had given up and decided she would show up sometime in the near future looking for her calf. Sonny, however, went and looked at the one place I hadn't and their she was. We have two manure pits. From the upper pit to the lower pit their is a 10-15 foot drop. Well, she had slid down the 10-15 foot bank and was in the lower pit where I couldn't see her. She was unhurt and was placed back in the milking herd.

Laborless Day

Today I did very little. I milked this morning. I dried off 10 cows which made milking take much longer than normal. I then slept till 10:30 or so before sitting around and reading. I enjoyed my day.

Southern Gospel

I found a southern gospel station the other day, JOY FM 106.6. I am not a big southern gospel fan but I did enjoy listening to the songs for a little while. Something did catch my attention and I found it very fascinating. Someone was doing a show and they were interviewing someone. (I can't remember his name.) He is a pianist and is blind. He was born blind. He made the statement that he can listen to a song one time and then play it. He said that sometimes he will need to listen to it twice to get the more intricate things. This man plays on Bill Gaither's homecoming concerts as well as for another group. Can anyone tell me his name? I would like to do a little Internet research and see some more information on this gentleman. God has given him an incredible gift of memory.

Finished

Well, we finished the sorry corn. Trench is covered. We are done. I feel good. I feel great. From my head to my feet. Okay that is enough....

Ear Plugs

I used to never wear ear plugs. In the last five years I have been trying to stuff them in my ears whenever I would be sitting on the tractor for hours at a time, like chopping. For my birthday this year my wife bought me one of those headset kind of ear plugs. They are so nice. It is so much quieter then the ear plugs. Plus now I can listen to the radio which helps pass the time... Yesterday I started chopping about 8:30 and quit about 6:00. This is so sad... In that amount of time I covered about 40 acres and had maybe 10 loads to show for it. It may have been closer to 15.
Back to the ear plugs. I have had lots of trouble with my ears in the past. The last thing I need or want to do is ruin what I have left. I have enough trouble singing and hearing certain pitches now so I intend to not make it worse...

Another Milestone

I have reached another milestone. This past Sat. I increased in age by one. It is something. I am amazed how old I feel at times. Poor memory, no stamina, can't take the heat, weary, creaky bones, sore muscles. Why is this? I thought people in their mid 30's were suppose to be in the prime of life? The struggle to survive, pay the bills, love your family, relate to the church in a positive way, be a good boss, relate to extended family. How is this suppose to all work without producing a sever depression? Funny, I don't feel depressed at the moment and depression isn't one of things I struggle with daily. Their are times when I wonder if this is really the way it should be. The world we live in has made it easy to be anywhere in the world with ease (somewhat). It is easy to be very busy... Having said all of that I was thinking this morning I can't think of another occupation I would rather have then dairy farming. Sounds crazy I know.... What a rambling post...

Mechanical Difficulties

We have begun chopping again. We are cutting some really sorry stuff. So far we are getting a load every 2 acres or something. Makes me wonder if it is really worth doing. Anyway, I digress, yesterday I noticed smoke coming from the chopper. This, obviously, means something is rubbing something else and it shouldn't be doing this thing. So I found the offending bearing and pumped a bunch of grease into it deepest parts. Today, it started smoking again, it must have needed the nicotine. This time we discovered a few other problems. This bearing is on the main shaft that is rotating the knives. We noticed some of the knives had been rubbing on something and we naturally assumed it was the sheer-bar. So I got down on one knee and peered through the debris and discovered the knives were a long way from the sheer-bar. This lead to the 2x4 wobble test. We placed the 2x4 in a strategic prying spot and were able to determine that the shaft was moving up down and every which way. This confirmed our worst fears. The bearing was shot, BANG!!! So we tore it apart and were happy nothing else got tore apart before we tore it apart. (Do you know what I mean?) I called my trusty John Deere dealer and discovered they didn't have the part in stock. It is suppose to be their by 8:00 in the morning. Time will tell... Just so you know, I spent four hours today fighting with a dump wagon flat....

Luck

In my last post I wondered if I should use the word luck. We use it so casually or something. Is their such a thing as luck??? Maybe it depends on what you are referring to. If you are playing the lottery or something you would be lucky to win I guess... What is your take on luck? Do you take luck?

Home Again

Made it home roughly 30 min. ago. IT is so great to come home and know you were missed and loved... Tomorrow it is back to the grind of daily life. Wish me luck...

The Wedding

What a beautiful wedding. Here are some facts. The bridal party consisted of Dave's children and their spouses. Roy Ulrich read scripture for the processional. I really liked this. I thought it was very unique. The recessional was a congregational song which Dave started, I think. This is also the first Mennonite wedding I have attended where clapping occurred after the couple was announced. Maybe this is common in other Mennonite circles but I was unfamiliar with it. It did feel like the appropriate thing to do. I was impressed with several things.
1. The children made a statement to Dave and Alice in the ceremony of their commitment to them.
2. Alice's desire to allow Roz's memory to live.
3. Dave's firm resolve to make this marriage a success. This is what impressed me the most and here is why. Most people who get married are very young and glib and don't know what they are getting into. Dave understands because he has been married, (For those of you who don't know the facts: Dave's first wife passed away 2 years ago.) he knows some of the struggles. However, he will be facing new challenges as he leads his family. May God give him wisdom...

Travels

After much struggle with vehicles and such we left the greater Lynchburg area around 3:30 yesterday afternoon. Our arrival at the Faith Builder complex occurred about 1:30 AM. We, VOP, will be going to the church to rehearse here in a few minuets. Dave Gingerich's wedding is suppose to begin at 1:00 this afternoon. We will be singing around 8 songs. Kelvin Good (former member) will be helping on two of the songs. Dave knows millions of people and I am somewhat surprised to be singing at his wedding.
We will be leaving tomorrow for Shippingsburg, PA and the New Hope Mennonite church.

Quote Part II

In response to Aleya's question I wanted to tell her Jesus does have toys and I am one of them. He does whatever, whenever. He can play with my life. I didn't tell her that. In fact, I DON'T believe that. However their are times I have my doubts and wonder....
Do you?

Quotes

Aleya wonders
Does Jesus have toys?

Family Devotions

What do you do for family devotions? How do you have family devotions that will interest 2,4,and6 year old children?

Amazed

About two weeks ago we were handed a check from our Deacon for $14,000. An anonymous person wanted to help pay our adoption expenses. Quite frankly, I am still speechless. How do you thank someone for such a gift?

More Stuff

First, Sonny got sick and was unable to fly until this morning. They will be gone until wed. evening. VOP participated in a wedding today in Harrisonburg. Eric Heatwhole married Ruth Showalter. Very lovely, simple wedding.
Next week will find us involved in another wedding in Guys Mills PA. Dave Gingerich is getting married. The wedding is on Fri afternoon so we will be leaving Thursday afternoon sometime. We will then be doing a weekend tour. Stopping at New Hope Mennonite in Shippingsburg PA Sat. evening. We will be in Harrisungburg Sunday morning at Morning View Mennonite. Sunday evening we will be at Rivermont Presbyterian.

Stuff

Sonny and Ruth are on their way to the airport in Greensboro NC. They are flying to LA to visit some friends. They will be gone till the middle of next week. Sonny threw up this morning but as far as I know they are still leaving today. So I got chores this afternoon and then practice tonight for a wedding we are singing at on Sat. in Harrisonburg. It is 91 degrees outside and is suppose to top off at 99. Man that is to hot...

Book Two

You probably are not aware of this fact so I will fill you in. Rachel's mother has published another book. This is book two in the Cozy Homespun Series. I was privileged to be an editor which to some of you will come as a major shock. You know how well I write and how terrible my english is.
So if you are interested in a book for your children that talks about the life of three little girls let us know.

Sierra

You know, it is hard to post when some one is reading what you are posting as you are posting. Sierra is sitting here waiting to play Phase 10. So she is constantly quizzing me on what I am going to post on. I respond to her in truth and tell her I really have no idea. She wonders if I am going to write about something funny that happened today. I inform her I am not sure if anything that happened today was funny. So I guess you are reading something that is really boring and has no eternal value. Or does it?

Jayden

Jayden noticed us big people propping up our feet when we were sitting around the fire. This was his reaction. He thought he was cool...

Men

Kyle enjoyed the manly discussions...
Or not...

Again

Don't know what they are doing here except for paying in the dirt. I think the stones were their dolls.

Girls

These girls were really something... Here Lyssa is the kitty and Leya is petting her...
They played and played and played. No fusses for them. Well their was one but that is it....

Days 5/6

First thing yesterday morning we put the chopper back together. After which we managed to cut about 4 loads before it all flew apart again. So we worked on it again and fixed it more better. This time it stayed together. Unfortunately it took quite a bit of time and we didn't get started cutting till 12:00. About 2:00 the high pressure hydraulic line running from the hydraulic oil pump to the steering column started leaking. This caused another 30 min. delay. The around five the wheel bearings went kaput in the chopper axle we had already replaced. I think it ruined the axle. Anyway, we took the other axle off of the other rusty chopper to replace the axle that had already been replaced. We then ran steady till dark (9:00).
We have two loads left to cut. I am planning on heading to the field here in a few minuets to cut them. Later on today we are leaving for Friendship Village in Bedford, PA to camp with my wife's people. I am looking forward to this. The family is in quite an uproar. Rod's are trying to get things down before leaving for Mexico and Dad and Mom are trying to sell their house so they can move to Heralds Of Hope. It has been a very active summer and a busy fall is in the making

Day 4

Ugh....
It was so hot today. 104 degrees is smoking hot....
We had a decent day until two this afternoon when the left front wagon tire blew.
Then, about four the right front tire blew. (They were both shot and needed to be blown...)
Then about five one of the wobble arms on the chopper came apart. The wobble arm is attached to the knife that cuts the corn off of the stalk. I can't think of a better way to say it right now so if you are really confused I am sorry....
If we have a really good day tomorrow we should finish the grave yard field. (It is located beside a cemetery)

Day 3

This picture was taken around 5:30 after an axle broke on the chopper. We had another axle on an old weary version of this machine sitting in a rusty heap. Off of this relic we robbed the needed part. We did very well today in all aspects except looks. The trench is full and will be covered in the morning. I have thirty more acres to run over before I leave on a short camping expedition with my wife's family. My wife informed after taking this picture that I was not overly photogenic. In fact, I think her actual words were, You are not photogenic. Oh well, what can I say? Some people have the luxury of sitting in an air conditioned office all day. Others have the incredible luxury of sitting in an air conditioned tractor cab all day. Unfortunately, I have neither of these. Of course, I don't think sitting in an office is a very great way to spend the day.

Day 2

Another day is in the books. We managed to cut another 20 loads today in spite of ourselves. Didn't get to the field till 11:30. Those minor breakdowns turn into time consuming things. But we may have had a real catastrophe if we hadn't noticed the one problem. We were real close to going to the field when Sonny noticed that our dump wagon tongue was very close to breaking off. So, we decided that should be fixed before it went careening off into the bushes. If we have a good day tomorrow we could come very close to filling the bunker. Time will tell. Tomorrow is suppose to have a heat index of about 110. Lots of water will be consumed I am sure... Well, I am very weary so I guess I shall go lay my head on my pillow...

Day 1

We cut 22 loads today and covered 15 acres. As you can tell the corn isn't very good. The adjuster was out this morning and estimated 60 acres at 25 bushels. ANother 30 at 22 and my late corn, 90 acres, at 4.4 bushels to the acre. Really sorry stuff that is crying to be put out of it's misery. We had a few normal break downs today. Flat tire and the tail gate fell off the truck. Considering we didn't get to the field till 10:30 and then had the break downs we did I feel good about the day. Their are a few things to fix in the morning before we hit it again.

The Time Has Come

Due to our dry and hot weather trend we are planning to start chopping tomorrow. Truck is ready. Chopper has a few bearing we need to squeeze some grease into. 4520 has new oil filters and oil. Dump wagon has been patched (again). The 4150 White (trench packing apparatus) has had no attention but it should be in fine shape. Should change the oil in it this fall. We will start in the fields around the barn before moving to the more distant locations. Will be a very busy week of which I will keep you posted.

A Guy Thing?

Okay men here is a question for you. When you hit your thumb or fingers with a hammer what do you do with your hand? Where do you put it? My initial response is to stick it in my arm pit> Yeah, I know that sounds gross but it is the typical reaction. I also know I am not the only gentlemen who does this. My question, though, revolves around why the arm pit? Why is that so comforting? I don't know if I have ever seen a man holding his hand in his hand after smashing it with a hammer. Have you? I doubt it. I bet you seem him with his hand in his arm pit while doing some sort of rain dance and yelling epithets at the hammer. In fact, he may even through the hammer....
Still, I wonder why? My wife says women would never do such a thing. And she is probably right. Then again I have never seen a woman smash her thumb with a hammer...

Crop Ins.

In the past crop ins. has been a rather painless expierence. Aside from the fact your crop is bad. We would leave several rows of corn maybe 50-100 feet long. When the adjuster was able to make it out he would adjust your yield based on these strips. The last several years the ins. company has been getting more and more painful to work with and this year they are really being brutal. First, I got a letter stating I needed to inform them two weeks before I start harvesting or they were not going to pay me if I had a loss. Second, I was told I would need to leave 8 rows of corn in the field. Third, I would have to be authrized to start cutting even if the adjuster cannot make it out to inspect the crop. He would have to mail me a form to sign.
On point number one. I don't know two weeks before it is time to cut. A lot can change in two weeks. No rain, 90 degree temperatures, dry wind. This type of weather will dry a crop down in week. Waiting on them would put the hurting on forage quality.
Point # 2. Leaving eight rows of corn is amazing. That could be several loads of silage. Sure I could go back and get it but who knows when the adjuster will get here to look at it. It would be a pathetic loss...
Number 3 is just a plain headache....
I am beginging to wonder if crop ins. is more trouble then it is worth....

eBay (Again)

So what have you purchased on eBay? I just found a really good buy on a few hydraulic fittings. Of course I have also bought sheet music, CDs, tools, books, etc. I know some folks have bought vehicles on eBay. This always seemed a little risky to me. Have any of you sold a vehicle on eBay? If so, how did it go? Did you make more than you expected?

eBay

How many of you have sold, bought, bid and lost on eBay?

Dump Truck

I traded a PTO unit to a neighbor for an old International 2 ton dump truck. They had an extremely hard time keeping it running. The engine was shot, it sounded like it had a serious case of pneumonia. The valves were really wheezy and you never knew you would get where your were going or not. It also has air brakes on it but the only brake that worked was the right rear which could be the cause of some rather interesting road experiences. After we got it home Sonny suggested we change the engine. So, we did.
About 12 years ago the farm had purchased a school bus. We took the body off the bus and put a silage wagon box on it. The brakes on the bus went kaput so we parked it in the tall grass where it has been rusting in peace for the last 8 years or so. We scrubbed on the points a little, put a battery in it and cranked it up. It ran like a charm so we pulled the engine and transmission out of the bus and placed them gently in the truck. We had the truck running today and I think it will be fine. I will be going to get some brake parts in the morning and we should be ready to use it when we cut silage next week.

Pricing

Here is an interesting question, for me anyway. We have been selling tapes for $8 and Cd's for $12. On our most recent tour we noticed tapes were not selling so we slashed our price to $5. (If you are interested in tapes we will sell them to you at this price...) We did not slash our CD price. Here is the question. Is $12 to much for a CD or is it not enough? What price do you think we should have on our Cd's?

Airy Mont Farm Facts

I thought I would fill you in on some month of July farm facts.
Fact 1
I am guessing here but I think we may have finally got an inch and a half of rain.
Fact 2
We have had 20 (another guess) cows/heifers calve in the month of July.
Fact 3
Based on fact 2 this means we are feeding 20 calves.
Fact 4
I am not sure how factual this post is if it is all based on guess work...

People

I was able to renew some acquaintnaces on our most recent tour. Some people I met knew me because of this blog others I knew because of their blogs.
Rob Miller or the The Rob Log and his wife drove two hours up to Lancaster to hear us. Then Mr. Iced Tea Forever Iced Tea Forever drove from northern IN to Plain City OH. This was at least a four hour trip. In Georgia I met some blog readers. A fellow farmer who told me he was also a poor mechanic. I spent the night at Nevin Strites

4 GUYS & A LADY

To my surprise an old friend of mine, Lavern Martin, showed up. Lavern was in my bridal party years ago. We were great friends and it was good to see him again. Thanks to you all for showing up. I am sure I am forgetting someone but such is life with a memory like mine...

Teasing

What do you do when your children continually tease one another. The teasing is very innocent but somehow it seems unkind. Maybe your children don't have this problem...

I Want An Apple

Aleya went with me to my trusty NAPA auto parts store in Altavista. Before we stopped for parts we stopped to get off road diesel fuel at the Altavista Mini-Mart. Aleya informed me she wanted some skittles. After we were in the store she wanted m&ms. However, when she saw the apples she decided she wanted an apple. She is probably the only child I have who would pick an apple over candy...

Rain

It rained! The late corn was very short and not too far from tasseling. Hopefully this will give it a reason to grow. Will also help the ears on the early corn fill on out. The vet is coming today and we have a huge herd check. 16 fresh cows plus open cows and preg. checks. We will be checking between 30-40 cows.

Acclimating

I think I am slowly reaclimating myself to my real world. A world full of cows, chores, calves, mechanics, lack of rain, and family. We got no rain while I was gone so my late corn looks pathetic. Early corn is making an ear and one good rain would finish it off very nicely. (We shall see...) This morning I took our trusty bus up to Automotive Concepts, Randy Martin, who will be selling it for VOP. We are hoping to get the thing sold in the next week or so. This afternoon I worked in the shop some after I wandered around taking in all the sights and sounds of my little dairy. Not sure what I will be doing tomorrow only time will tell.
By the way, if you are interested in seeing pictures from tour you can use the VOP link on the side bar and then use the Photo Album tab to navigate to lots of pictures....

Final Lap

I will be leaving here in roughly 25 minutes for South Boston. Our final stop is at First Baptist in the South Boston metropolitan area. I would say we had a very sucessful tour...
On another note of interest, my wife and the children are traveling as I type. They will be home when I return to the premises. Tomorrow will be spent wrapping up some left over tour items and trying to reaquaint myself with the daily grind of dairy farming.

Three To Go

Tonight I should be back in my own bed. We will be driving on home after our program in Hillsville. Needless to say I am looking forward to it. Last evening I expierenced an interesting dilemma. I was going to change clothes after we arrived at our hosts and discovered I had Paul's suitcase.
As I mentioned in my last post we were going to be singing at AiG on Thursday morning. I have never been treated so well, like royalty. We sang for the staff at a short chapel service after which Mark Looy gave us a guided tour of the offices. This was very interesting. After the tour we had the planatarium to our selves for the show. We then toured the museum and were given some dvd's and books. They allowed us to tour the museum for free also. If you have never been to this place you really need to go. It is well worth it. If you do go you need to figure on spending a full day. It was a very unique expierence and was the highlight of the trip.

Half Way

I am currently sitting at Aden Miller's computer in Hartville OH. We are, as you know, heading for Plain City in a few hours. Last night went well. My wife and her family came down to hear us. My parents traveled over from Guys Mills. Dave's family also traveled over from the Guys Mills area. I would say tour is going well. I will only say that the bus is never big enough...
Tommorow morning we will be singing at a chapel service for the Anwers in Gensis staff. Will be a long day starting at 5:30 or so and ending in Athens TN that evening.
Till next time...

First Program

Well, we had a full day of practice, laughs, and a service. Went well allthough their were quite a few rough spots. I felt the presence of the Father which is the goal and the reason we do this. Thanks for praying...

Loose Ends

I think they are everywhere. As tour director I feel very much at my wits end... Tommorrow we leave for Cumberland VA. A full day of practice and a program. Oh yes, The album arrived on my door step tonight so we will have them available on tour. Whew....

Poll

How many of you will be coming to hear us at some point on our tour?

Colored Folks

My mother sent this to me via email today.

This was written by a black gentleman in Texas

And is so funny. What a great sense of humor

And creativity!!!




When I was born, I was black,
When I grew up, I was BLACK ,
When I went in the sun, I stayed BLACK ,
When I got cold, I was BLACK ,
When I was scared, I was BLACK ,
When I was sick, I was BLACK ,
And when I die, I'll still be BLACK .
NOW, You "white" folks....
When you're born, you're PINK ,
When you grow-up, you're WHITE ,
When you go in the sun, you get RED ,
When you're cold, you turn BLUE ,
When you're scared, you're YELLOW ,
When you get sick, you're GREEN ,
When you bruise, you turn PURPLE ,
And when you die, you look GRAY .
So who y'all callin'
C O L O R E D folks?

This Week

Monday through Wednesday I need to finish all my tour stuff. This includes when we need to leave each morning. How to get where we are going and things of that nature. I have the lofty term Tour Director. What this means is that I put together a plan we never follow....
I also need to help Sonny get an engine pulled and transferred to a dump truck. More on this later.
Rachel is leaving Thursday morning for OH and I am leaving Thursday morning for Cumberland VA. We are planning on spending the day their at Oak Grove Mennonite practicing and then singing that evening. We leave Friday morning for Lancaster and the tour will be officaly under way. For information on where we will be please visit our website (see side bar and click on the Voice Of Praise link).

Rod & Christa

Well, it appears my wife's sister, Christa, and her family will be moving to Mexico. Their house has been sold and they need to be out by the middle of August. They will spend some time in orientation before they actually move down in Sept. or Oct. I am not sure which. They will be living near Choix and will be helping with church planting as well as working with the children at the orphanage. Your prayers would be coveted.

Manure Pump

I don't remember but I think I mentioned this in an earlier post. It was probably two months ago now. At the time I had purchased a manure pump at an auction for $250. Well, the last ten days we have been working on this pump. We are nearing completion. I need to manufacture some hydraulic lines and then it will be finished. The pump was 21 feet long when I bought it and now it is close to 40 feet long. We took a hitch off of an old 3960 chopper and I then spliced it onto the existing hitch. The actual hitch that connects to the tractor was very wore out, kinda like me, so I discarded it. I then went out into the bushes and found an old corn planter that had burned. I cut this tounge off and took it back to the shop. I discovered that this new toungue would slide inside of the chopper hitch. (These hitches were tubes... Is any of this making sense???) I then welded this to the chopper hitch which was welded to the manure pump hitch. We had rebuild and patch a few other things as well. I must say I am feeling very good about what we have accomplished. I will gladly post a picture of this new and improved piece of equipment if someone wants to see it. I may post it even if you don't want to see it but I think I am now beginging to ramble andstuffsoIthinkitistimetostoppppp

Ahh, Rain

This afternoon around 4:00 we had the most beautiful storm. I would say it rained roughly three-fourths of an inch. The corn was soaking it in. Rain is a good thing...

Quartet Retreat

You may remember a rather grumpy post concerning my lack of ability to find men willing or able to take on some responsibilities at the SMBI Quartet Retreat the last weekend in Sept. I am happy to report that the speakers for the weekend have finally been finalized. However, my happiness began to wane and falter when I discovered my name on the list.
Rich Denlinger Mass Choir Conductor
Dave Gingerich Quartet Development
Kelvin Good Balancing Music Ministry with Work, Church, and Family
Glen Zehr Balancing Musical Excellence and Worship

Potty Training

Ah yes, the joy of a life time. This little post is in response to a comment on a previous post in which the author wondered if we were potty training yet. The answer is no. I don't know if it is emphatically no but it is no none the less. We, my wife mainly because I am not a woman, believe that our children sit and sit and sit on the potty without doing anything. Then when they are old enough to know what is going on they are tired of sitting. We are a little more laid back, waiting for the child to be good and ready before starting. How do we know this you may ask. That is a good question. When the child starts running off into some corner to take care of his or her business then it is time to at least try things out. If they still can't figure out what they are supposed to do in this little potty, we simply put it away. A couple months later we get it back out and hopefully then they are ready.
What is your plan of action???

Humility

This morning just before SS ended we touched on humility. This got my mind rolling a little and I have some questions. What is humility? I wonder if we think humility is a feeling of worthlessness. We don't know how to react to praise. So, instead of accepting compliments we tend to talk about what our problems are. Doesn't true humility accept praise graciously? I guess true humility doesn't allow praise to become the god of life.

The Odds

Monday their was a 20% chance of rain and it rained an inch! Friday the chance of rain was whopping 70% and we got nothing. Whats up with that?

Wrecks

How many wrecks have you been involved in that were a direct result of your inattention or the result of doing something totally irresponsible

Jackson

Well, we now have two two year olds in the house. Amazing how time has flown. In one sense it feels like yesterday we were down in FL getting the little fellows and in another sense it seems like years ago.

Rats

Last night, on our date night no less, I rear ended some fellow. I was busy gawking out the window and wasn't paying attention. Our van wasn't messed up at all but it did mess up the other guys rear bumper and knocked his muffler loose. I was going to get him to get some estimates and I would call my insurance company and take care of it without calling the cops but no he was on the phone quick as a wink and wouldn't even talk to me. I told the policeman what happened and that it was my fault. He thanked me for my honesty and then charged me with driving to close. Oh well, their went my good driving record where wrecks are concerned. 17 years without an accident isn't so bad....

Rain

Last night we got rain!!!! How sweet it was.... I am guessing we got around an inch. This is the first rain of any significance we have gotten for almost three weeks. Needless to say I am relieved.

VOP

Yesterday morning we sang at Flat Creek Baptist in Lynchburg. Ben had to make an unexpected trip to DE so we were a trio. We only sang three songs so it didn't crimp us to much. Then last evening we sang at a very old Methodist church in Evington. I know it was old because the stained glass windows had been dedicated to different people. Their names were engraved on the windows. Most of those people were born in the 1800's Some of them in the early 1800's. Very interesting I would have enjoyed hearing some history.
On a more serious note, the reason for Ben's trip to DE is very serious. One of his nieces had a brain tumor. For updates on this situation click

MLMILLER & FAM

Kittens

One of these cuddly kittens has passed into kitty heaven. Buttercup left us and Cup Cake joined her sibling Daisy. At this point I can't tell them apart but the girls seem to have it figured out...