Church Signs

Almost anywhere you go, you will probably pass a church sign. Most churches have them set up in front to advertise their church and give church information. The sayings on the signs are as varied as the churches that post them. Sometimes they make you laugh, and sometimes they make you think.

Palo Cedro Community Church has the greatest sayings on their church sign. They change it every week, so I look forward to Monday mornings when I take Lyle to school. When I read this week's, I just said, "WOW!!"


We certainly have an unknown future right now! This is a scary time here in our country and around the world. While looking at an unknown and uncertain future, our emotional responses are usually fear and doubt. But, God is in control! God is good (all the time)! He is all-knowing! He's been faithful in the past, and He will always be faithful! AMEN??

Yummy in my Tummy

Yesterday, while shopping at Walmart, I got a "something salty" attack. So, I bought these:

Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper Kettle Cooked Chips are YUMMY!!! BUY SOME SOON!!! Let me share a little advice with you (yes, I consider myself an expert since I ate the whole package in two days).

Eat them and store them in private. That way you don't have to share them with anyone. :0)

If you feel guilty eating the whole bag, just stare at this part of the package:

Do not, I repeat DO NOT read the Nutrition Information on the back of the package. It will lead to serious depression, guilty feelings, and regret. We don't want that.

Run, don't walk, to Walmart and buy yourself some of these!! You won't be sorry!!

A Little Taste of Heaven

Mr. Kenneth L. Trostle

October 18, 1918 - December 30, 2009

This last week, I experienced a little taste of what Heaven will be like. As I looked around at the graveside service for Mr. Trostle on Friday, I was amazed at the strange “mix” of people there. In losing someone, hard feelings and differences were set aside, and people came together for just one day to share grief and say good-bye.

As Christians, we often spend our time attacking one another. It’s time to set aside our differences to focus on the part of Christianity that matters – sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s time to put aside those matters that divide us and come together as one. As someone once said, “Let’s put aside our differences to make a difference”!

We are all children of God. Someday in Heaven, we will stand together, regardless of our differences, and worship our Father and Lord Jesus Christ. I long for that day!

Who's This Stranger In My House?

Who is this?

Oh, it's Lyle with all of his hair cut off!

We're Home!

We missed Hilary and Lyle soooo much, but we are very thankful for the opportunity that they had to spend some time with Uncle Wesley in the beautiful city of San Francisco. He spoiled them rotten!! Here's some pictures:

Lots of rides on Bart (my brother's main source of transportation):

Shopping and fun in Chinatown:

Eating, eating, and more eating out...Chinese food, Italian food, Hawaiian food, Indian food, donuts, and of course dinner at the famous Mel's Drive-In in the city:

Touring the Ferry Building to see the beautiful Christmas decorations:

Ice Skating for the first time ever (lots of bruises, blisters, but having a blast):

Going to the movies:

Shopping and checking out the beautiful Christmas decorations at Union Square:

They also watched movies at home and visited my brother's work to help him "undecorate" from Christmas!

Thank you to my brother for showing the kids a wonderful time. A special thank you for remembering to take lots and lots of pictures for me!! I love you bunches, Wesley!!!

Baring My Soul and A Prayer...

New Years is supposed to be a new beginning and a time to start again. It is an opportunity to reflect on our life and feel renewed hope for the future. But, in all honesty, New Years is my least favorite holiday. I become very melancholy this time of year.

The last few days I have spent a lot of time reflecting on 2009. I tend to expect a lot from myself, so I'm rarely satisfied with my accomplishments even though my efforts are strong. I just want to be an excellent woman, wife, mother, daughter, and friend. At this time of the year, especially, I feel disappointed and feel like I’ve never done enough. I always have regrets of things I didn’t do, people I didn’t keep in contact with, etc.

During the days leading up to New Years, I make lists in my head (and sometimes on paper) of things I’m going to do or ways I’m going to change (New Year’s resolutions). Most of the time I set my sights too high, and I find myself throwing in the towel when the New Year is only a few weeks old. By expecting too much, I set myself up to fail. Then I feel guilty!

Looking to 2010, I feel apprehensive about the future -- Who will die this year?, What medical issues will we have this year?, and the list goes on and on in my head. It’s all fresh and new and exciting, but I’m just not feeling it.

This morning I remembered that Sunday at church we sang, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim.
In the light of His glory and grace.

Lord,
I’m turning my eyes to You.
Forgive me for my shortcomings of 2009.
I trust You for 2010, knowing that You have always been faithful!!

And...

Bless all my blogger friends and family!! May 2010 be a great year for them!

Amen!

Jesus Will Still Be There

In the midst of the wonderful Christmas season I shared with my family and friends, my thoughts and prayers were never too far away from some people who were going through some difficult times during this season. I guess that's one of the reasons I realized I have soooo much to be thankful for in spite of all my "little problems".

This morning as I was praying for these people, the song, Jesus Will Still Be There, by Point of Grace came to my mind. Take a moment and listen to the video. I know you will be blessed.

So, this blog is dedicated to those that are heavy on my heart today:

• My dear friend, Sylvia, who has a rare lung disease. She recently spent a week in the hospital in San Francisco. The cost of her medicine is outrageous, and she is fighting with the insurance over it. Also the medicine has terrible side effects. My heart also goes out to her husband, Sam, and their son, Ben.
• Linda Trostle and her kids as Mr. Trostle only has a few more days on this earth.
• The Walpole Family that attend our church. Dave is losing his battle with cancer and now has hospice. My heart aches for Donna, and their three teenage sons Colby, Ryan, and Spencer.
• My sister-in-law, Betsy, who is very, very lonely and has many struggles and heartaches in her life.

What an encouragement to know that Jesus Will Still Be There today...tomorrow...the next day...and all the days after!