You Are Sixteen...

On the nineteenth my phenomenal brother (we'll refer to him as "Fetche-Boy") turned sixteen.

In the Jewish culture, it's traditional for a boy to have his Bar Mitzvah, or "coming of age," at thirteen. However, I've asked my dad that we have some form of Bar Mitzvah for my brother this year.

Why? Well, this year, my brother has really come into "his own."

God created, deep down, underneath the tenderness and compassion and deep love for life, a mighty warrior, a lion of a man, a rock and a faithful friend.

Before October (or more specifically, before the house-fire and my aunt passed away) Fetche Boy was just that, a boy. A young person becoming a young man. I can't say "he was a child," in good conscious, because he's always carried a lot of weight on his young, yet strong and broad, shoulders. But he dreamed child-like dreams (with potential, please don't get me wrong), and lacked the solid stability that a god-fearing young man provides for others. He was not yet the buffer between the ladies in his life and the world.

Since the fire, however, much has been required of him, and he has fulfilled, above and beyond, what the world ever expects of their boys.

My brother surprises even me!

Two days ago, my dad and brother were hauling furniture and heavy objects from the trailer to the front yard; from the front yard to the basement, or the front porch.

My brother, my "little" brother, has begun a mans-work. He put in a ten-hour-work day, and never complained. Yes, he got tired. Yes, his body ached, yes he became irritable, but even a fully-grown man becomes irritable and tired after using every muscle in his body to help care for their family, protecting the ladies of the house by carrying the heaviest objects and giving them less physically strenuous things to do.

I certainly don't believe that heavy lifting is solely "man's work." I believe that Adam was given Eve to help him, and Eve was given Adam to help her. They worked together, helpers, help-meets, care takers for one another; they were put together to watch each others' backs...

Me and my bro!

We've got each others' backs!

We have always done a lot of talking together. But this year, our conversations have become deeper. We ask each other for advice, confide in each other, protect each others confidence, ask for support from one another, seek perspective from the other. If we need to be frustrated, there is enough trust and grace for each other that we know we can vent without a problem (just be sure to communicate that that's all your doing :). If we need to be sad, this is perfectly acceptable! When we need someone to say, "look, Jack, get your act together..." well... we do that too... we don't always accept it graciously, when it's offered... or given without being offered ;) but there is a bridge between us, a connection, a friendship, a relationship.

My brother, Fetche "Boy," is becoming Young-Fetche-Man.

He still absolutely loves spending as much time as he can wandering the great outdoors, discovering God's beauty and mysteries; pondering life in all it's magnificence, and day-dreaming about becoming Alexander the Great. He still nearly-breaks, at times, but our Lord created my brother to have a strong spirit, one that "never gives up! Never surrenders!"

I could go on and on and on, for quite some time, talking about all the joy and blessings I find in being my brother, Fetche-Boy's, sister... But it's enough for me to say to him, "I love you. I respect you. You're my best friend! Thanks for being there!!" And then making him a PB&J.

Gotta love a guy like that! ;)

Love ya, bro!

I Want to Be Like Mommy When I Grow Up!

Yesterday was my mothers' birthday. She is forty-eight, and I don't think would be ashamed to tell you (as she posted in her blog http://www.goldengrasses.blogspot.com/)

In honor of her I have written this small piece.

Mothers are an absolute necessity to every child's life

As a baby, the little girl turns to her mother for that tender, nurturing and gentle love that mothers offer: a soft, snuggly blanket, my mother and her sweet, sweet singing voice.
Mommy holds her toddlers little hand, as they take their first step, smiling with pride: that's her baby girl who's walking!

When babe grows to child, one will find that she needs her mommy to, not only, kiss a wound and then gently and caringly wrap it up in a band-aid, but also to answer life changing questions:

"Who is God? How does one build a relationship with Him?

Why is it important to pray the sinners prayer? How do you pray it?

Will you pray with me?"

Mommy is someone to look up to because she's... well... a mommy! And there is no greater teacher and care-taker, helper and counselor on earth than your mommy!!
So the little girl pretends she is her mommy:

Bringing two Barbies together (Ken and Barbie, herself)

they argue...

Barbie: "Ken! I told you I wanted you to mow the lawn!!"

Ken: "Now, Barbie, don't fuss. It's OK. I was playing with the baby while you were working,

and am now going to mow the long. Just child out a little, I'm taking care of it. :)"

They hug and make up...

Barbie: "Okay, dear..."

Ken: "I love you, darling..."

They work together:

Barbie: "Should we fix the car, today, dear?"

Ken: "Of course! You need to go grocery shopping!"

Then the little one takes a baby-doll in her arms, wraps it in a blanket, "just so," and feeds it with a bottle... "Mommy, it's crying! It WANTS you!!!"

or...

"Mommy, how do I wrap a baby in it's blanket!"

After reaching about eleven, it becomes apparent to the little girl that she is doomed to motherhood. She's addicted to Biddy Babies, would honestly just like to collect every single one of 'em, and pretend she's a busy mother who has adopted a slough of children.

The spiritual journey that the girl started when she prayed with that vassal of the Lord, her mother, has begun to deepen, take root, sink into levels of her life that she didn't even know existed.

Purity before the Lord being one of them. So she asks her mom what God expects of her as a young lady, how she can walk that out, and pursue it.

By twelve, there have been a few conversations where the little girl asks her mother about experience with boys, how one interacts with them, and how to remain platonic friends with them.

These discussions sometimes take a turn to that of purity, holiness and righteousness before God. How one is to remain and cultivate purity: becoming more pure in Christ; guarding your heart and those of your brothers, and encouraging her daughter to always feel free to, and then pushing her to discuss these things with her father.

During this time, mom notices the love for art that's harbored in the girls' heart, and encourages the girl. Although mom won't she her herself, the girl gets her daddy to show her mom's art-work to her. As soon as she is able to look at the beautiful masterpieces her mother created, from gorgeously designed and painted pots, to colorful and life-giving paintings, the girl is let into a whole new world that was formerly unknown to her, about her mother; and mom becomes that much more of a hero to the child.

Transitioning from little-girl-hood into young-womanhood, mother is more needed than ever. Her wisdom, counsel, and life-experiences are vital and a necessity for the little girl to grow into a young lady.

Mommy will be there, always. She's feminine, lovely, gracious and kind; yet firm, decided and opinionated. These characteristics, the child finds, are most helpful in life, and things she strives to attain.

Watching, the girl will observe that mommy-hood isn't solely about being a mommy, but about being a home-maker, a care-taker, a helper and best friend to her father, and friend to each of her children.

Mom is about leadership, new beginnings, creating, nurturing and cultivating, and then sending out into the world that which you have poured your entire being into.

Mom is about doing your best, completing the task before you, it's about,

"Stick to it! No matter the squalls!"

Mom is about the pouring out of yourself for the sake of others, even when it hurts an awful lot; selflessness, Christ-likeness... And mom exemplifies this.

Mom is about supporting the godly man God has called you to be with; being used as a vassal by the Creator of the Universe, to create a new - life; pouring yourself into that new - life; investing in that young being; continuing the legacy God has given her; passing on the baton of the Lord's call to His children, "go, and make fishers of men! Until the whole earth hears!"

It's about preparing new individuals for life, for eternal life... Teaching them that life doesn't end at death, but begins when their soul meets the Creator of souls....

Teaching them that life isn't "all you've got, so live while you can," but rather, that this small piece of eternity, this life, dictates the rest of your eternity! ("Where will you go? Who will you meet on the other side of Heaven? Live with no regrets! Who is God? Who has He created you to be? What does He expect of you?")

As a young women, the little girl is a little more aware of all that her mother has poured into her: her very life. Twenty years, nine months and six days of it!

A twenty-year investment into another sinful-human-being...

Growing-up, even just a little, over the past few years, but especially this year, I see and realize and know that when I grow up, I wanna be just like my mommy!

For more on my incredible, wonderful, amazing mother, please visit her blog: http://www.goldengrasses.blogspot.com/

God richly bless and keep all you mothers who have poured yourselves into your families!

~ Miss Elisabeth

Home

"To My Home;

I am going home!

Here where the winds of Heaven Blow...

And everything that really matters, it comes to bring and gather me to my home...

To my home!

I'm going home..."

I am going home. Where my heart is.

My home is with a few people... we will be going home together. Home, where the winds of Heaven Blow, and all the things that really matter will bring and gather me to this place that God is creating for me. The place Above.

Though I know that this time that I am here is to be spent on this earth, doing the work written in Scripture, and living life to the Fullest, as Christ did, is what is allotted me now, I do so long for the day when I will be gathered together with my brothers and sisters and we will kneel at the throne of the Holy One, singing praises together; raising our voices as one, singing, "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts!"

Home, Here in America CD By Rich Mullins

Think Goose!

Yesterday afternoon and evening our family had a "Family Meeting," as our family gatherings is called when there is a more formal purpose to the event.

The discussion that followed our "Family Meeting" announcement, was somewhat, okay totally unconventional.

Questions such as "what do you see lacking in your life? What would you like to be doing that you are not doing now? Are you able to fulfill all that the Lord has placed on your heart, what/how? What do you feel you need to be doing that you aren't able to do because of the circumstances and resources (or lack there of) in our life right now? If there were one place in America that you would like to live, where would it be? If there were one place in the world that you would like to live, where would it be?"

Personal questions, such as these, were then written down on a white-board, thanks to my wonderful mother (who's long-hand is actually legible, unlike most of the rest of us), and then dictated into one of my note books, thanks to myself (whose hand writing can either be legible or mistaken for a code, depending on the speed and mood at the moment :).

As mom wrote onto the white board, and I moved all that was white-board-writting onto hard-cover (using the method of note-taking, of course), I began to notice some startling similarities.

For starters, where we would like to live:

Miester man stated that he would like to continue living out on "the acreage," and he "really hadn't thought about living any where else." (We moved there when he was three, and my baby sister was an infant).

My youngest sister responded with "I would like to live in Ohio, and if there was any where in the world that I would like to be, it would be Florida... It's so warm there, and it is beautiful! So many trees and plants! And palm trees are beautiful" (she has never been to FL before ;) We thought that was so cute!)

Theoderek's answer was simple, "Either Texas or Alaska" (way to give us an example of "juxtaposition," bro!) "and either Mongolia or Africa, are the places I would like to live, if I could, any where in the world."

Me, myself and I, answered with absolute clarity of mind. "I want to live in the South West(Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico area), or, definitely Israel." I can say the latter with complete confidence in myself. Israel is a place I have wanted to live, at least for a short time, since I could comprehend that the world is a humongous globe that has hundreds of places to be discovered (by quizzical little girls, that is :)

Mom responded, surprisingly, nearly exactly the same way I did. "Southwest area/ Northern New Mexico, Northern California, or Israel..."

Gosh! Do Great Minds Think Alike, or what?

Dad, after truly thinking about it, confessed that there was actually no particular place that he would like to live more than any other place, but that he would like to like in Israel for a short time, because of political unrest, violence, war, etc. It being a war-torn, conflicting, highly political country and all, making it rather unsafe for Americans (but I still want to live there some day...)

We then discussed what each of us "thought this family was about." What is it that we each feel is an important part that makes up our family.

Again, the similarities were most surprising.
More than once the phrase "we're about education" was mentioned, at least by the older people in the home. The two Little's (Miester and Banana) really didn't understand what was being discussed, and decided that blowing up Polly-town with Bionicles was a lot more fun than listening to "what our family is about." (of course Banana objects, stating that Bionicles are "stupid" and "don't do that to my set up!" Which ended in a bickering match. But hey, it's family bonding, right? I'm just kidding... sort 'a...)

Dad is also fascinated with the Hebraic culture/ church, and has a heart for supporting this. The Hebraic culture is very much family based, and so we as individuals (and therefore, as a family) agreed that this, also, was highly important to our family as a whole.

All this similar thinking takes me back to recall 'The Aristocats,' when the geese, Amelia and Abigail Gabble are telling the rich family of cats how they are to behave, when Amelia and Abigail give them direction...
"Think goose....." "Yes, my dear, think goose!"

The mother cat replies along the lines of, "Think goose?"

The "Think Goose," concept entails waddling (like a goose) and following in line, behind none other than the Gabble Gals. In perfect sync the group of two geese, two cats and three kittens follows to the music, in perfect sync, waddling their way into town. How charming!

As a family, we, in a sense, are called to, "think goose."

Think as one. Through thinking as one, we will, eventually, act as one. One family. One body. One movement. One earth-rumbler... Well, okay, maybe it doesn't have to be quite that dramatic, but it certainly wouldn't hurt... :)

What better way to begin this process than with sharing our dreams: dream for ourselves, dreams for the familyl What resources we are lacking which is keeping us incapable of completing those dreams. And then, of course, acting on these dreams. Acting on the next step to completing our family dreams, and individual dreams....

And what better time, than now. A time where we, as a family, are in the midst of a serious life-shift.

What better time to hear, listen to, look and consider who is feeling and what it is that causes unhappiness in our family... No better time "Than the now..." (Edna Mode, 'The Incredible's)

And you, my friend, what better time to grow as an individual, grow as a family, and share your dreams, than "The Now?!" So your family, too, may "Think Goose!"

God richly bless and keep you safe, bless and protect your family, and lead you into His Divine wisdom, in all that you do!

Miss. Elisabeth

EVERYONE'S (getting) SICK!

AAAAAAAAH!!!!

In response to both mom, Hannah and Ethan getting sick (with the flu, no less), I have done something terribly drastic, and utterly disgusting!

Now....

"I'm feeling... happy..."

I got myself to this point of happiness, by following basic principles of health, nutrition, and antique medical skills... (yes, they do [sometimes] work)

Okay, c'mon, this isn't too drastic! Everyone should have some form of vitamin C supplement in their home. If you aren't, and have money to afford it, you should go out and get some. Vitamin C is the "wonder" vitamin in our home... at least for my sister, mom and I. If we have a cold "take vitamin C." Flu, vitamin C. In the morning, along with your Complete Multi, "don't forget your vitamin C." It's a wonderful little mineral that is quite essential for the well-being of humanity...
Okay... so I downed a few of these...


Next on the list, Vitamin D.... and... apparently you can get this in a "non-dry" form... at least, that's what's implied on the label, aye?! Weird!
Mom bought this Vitamin D after talking with a health-nut friend of ours (one of the many who have made their ways, comfortably, in our lives). Our... mom's?... friend buys this in the fall and "feeds it to all her children every day... they are rarely sick..." !? And why doesn't it work as an "Anti-illness-miracle-pre-cure-vitamin" for our family, well I don't have a clue!
But I took one of these... rather in terrifying fear of getting sick with *coughs* the flu, as apposed to a "Pro-active, Healthy Life Style" initiative.
:) Just one to satisfy me, thanks!

"Spirulina!" "Barley Grass..."
Sounds so Scientific, or idyllic (as if from some farm, far, far away).
Don't get your hopes up! This drink is fondly known of as
"Pond Scum,"
in our home...
"And I mean that in a very caring way!"

Basically one chokes down the watered-down, sea-cow-grass, while anxiously looking forward to the, literal, scum, sitting gleefully at the bottom of your unfortunate cup.
(And they make it look SO good on "Iron Man.")
One, tall, glass of this will set any human being up forever.
Actually, honestly, I can tell a physical difference when I drink a cup-a-day, and when I don't. It's not too bad (it might taste good with lemon juice in it), when watered down and well mixed, and after you get used to it... God definitely intended it for the Sea-Cows, to stay IN the Sea, and for SEA CREATURE CONSUMPTION ONLY!!
But... it's mineral-rich...

Last, but certainly not least, our vintage-miracle-remedies-antique-all-cure....

*drum roll please*


GARLIC!
This is, truly, the love of my culinary-kitchen life. Garlic makes the world go round. Garlic is an incredible flower-garden-decor. Garlic should be our National Plant. Garlic heals the sick. Garlic smells intoxicating. Garlic creates amazing kitchen-aroma. Garlic is a healing herb... *sigh*... What else needs to be said?

Garlic is amazing!

When we were on the acreage, I cooked everything (almost) with our fresh, home-grown garlic... (would cake taste good with garlic?)

If someone was coming down with some ailment, mom would promptly cut a clove of garlic of a fresh garlic-head, peel the skin off, and "offer" it to the ailing relation. It actually nearly always worked!!

And now....

I'M FLOATING IN HEALTH.... AND VITALITY.....

God richly bless you and keep you, and your entire family.

And may God heal you from the sickness' of the winter ;-)

Miss Elisabeth

Story

Grandma Gorman,

and her beloved, Walter

Grandpa Bob and his beautiful wife,

my Grandma

Last night I was chatting with a friend, asking how their family ended up in the geographical location they are at right now; why they moved, if they're glad they moved; if they desire to return home, and similar questions.

In 2006 I was part of a home school cooperative. My English teacher, Mrs. Bolin, assigned us students the task to find someone in our family who was a military vet. My Grandpa Bob is a Korean War veteran. He was the only person who volunteered to participate in a secret mission. Unbeknown to him, the mission included him recording the nuclear bomb testing, on the Bikini Islands. He is now one of the few men who was contaminated by the nuclear power, and is still alive today to tell the story of those men who risked their lives to perfect nuclear weapons of war.

During our family trip back from Ohio, for my aunts funeral, we visited my adopted-great-Grandma Gorman. Grandma loves stories! She loves telling stories of growing up on the farm, in America, during a time when wagons were still popular and cars were for the wealthy. Over dinner, she began communicating to us what it was like traveling from Kansas to Chicago in a horse and wagon...
Her story was utterly captivating!

I am continually awed by the compelling beauty of individuals stories: how they got to the place they are today.

My friends story is so fascinating because their place of origin is so different from my own. Our cultures are so opposite, in so many ways!

My grandfathers story is captivating because he lived through a things that most people haven't; he lived through times, when others, who experienced that life with him, have now passed on because of the danger in those situations.
There are so many lessons to be learned from his life-story!

My great-grandmother's story is utterly beautiful because she grew up when America was still a baby. Family was deeply valued and innocence a normality, instead of weird (as it is today).
She takes me back into a place where my family, as it is known today, was just beginning!

Her speech of life takes me back into a history where 1/4 of my family was living in German Town Wisconsin, milking cows, making cheese and speaking German. Through her words, she takes me into places where 1/8 of my heritage is making their home in the Appalachian Mountains, striving to build a home for their children, who are my great-grandparents, despite the hardships and struggling against the extremities of the mountains, in a new and fresh country!

And the other 5/8 of my family? Where were they? What were they doing?

Honestly, I don't even know.

My hope, for this year, is to dig a little deeper, discover, even more, the stories of my Grandma Gorman's life, and my Grandpa Bob's history. To have the opportunities to ask my mothers father what and who his parents were - who his great-grandparents were... To inquire as to who my grandmother's family was, what they were like, where they lived, and where they were from... to seek and receive answers about my heritage - who these people are who make my story mine.

God richly bless and keep,
as you continue your story of life,
and create a history for your children,
grandchildren,
and great-grandchildren!

!!RECALLED!!!

These are specific items that have been included in the recall list:

* Children's Motrin
* Children's Tylenol
* Extra Strength Tylenol
* Regular Strength Tylenol
* Tylenol 8 Hour
* Tylenol Arthritis
* Tylenol PM
* Benadryl
* Motrin IB
* Rolaids
* Simply Sleep
* St. Joseph Aspirin

You can go to the web site that contains the complete, detailed list of recalled items by clicking on this blog post title, or...
Read the news story at:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/busine...,6213281.story

Heaven is in Their Face...

I couldn't help but find myself shocked, and stunned, when, after watching a darling one or two year old girl, I told her mom that is was "fun to watch her!" The mom looked at me, raised an eye brow and sarcasticly stated, "right... Bye... Thanks anyway..." I wanted to step in front of her and state that I was serious! There is nothing in the world that gives me more pleasure than watching a child laugh with joy, run accross a room giggling hystericaly! It so pays off just to watch this little baby turn into a rambunctious child, grow into a giggle-fest of a pre-teen, and then bloom into the beautiful young women God calls her to be.

But, not matter what I would have said to the little childs mom, I don't think I could have persuaded her that the reason why I had given my time to come to church and play with that little girl, when I have a little sister who deeply desires to just keep me to herself all day, is that I enjoy watching the way the little one's are so innocently pure, sweet, and gentle with life.
And I'm not sure there is any other way to put it.
The purity and innocence in the eyes of a baby is absolutely magnificent - and totaly priceless!
To have the opportunity to to care for some of these little children, in our curch, as their parents attend service, I find truly honoring.
As I watch little people, my hearts greatest passion and desire is made so much more clear to me. To help, at least contribute, in raising up this next generation of God-fearing human beings. To instill in them that "The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand..." and found in the face of His children...
"At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children."
Matthew 11:25
"And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 18:3
"Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." "
Matthew 19:14
"Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus, "have you never read, " 'From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise'?"
Matthew 21:16
"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."
Mark 9:37

"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God."
John 1:12-13
"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. "
Romans 8:16-17

~ New International Version, Bible ~

Quiet Thoughtfulness... And the Lack there of!

There is a quiet thoughtfulness about the country,
that the city thoroughly lacks.

We have lived in the city, or at least a bed room community, now for about three months.
The differences between country life and city life are extreme!

I have found the differences more than fascinating, especially now that I have seen a decent art of both worlds, living in each at one time in life or another.
I've found it easier to see the differences when I compare and contrast, and would like to share some with you. So.. I will walk you through a hypothetical idea of the day-to-day adventures of my week in both the country and city life (these scenario's also use a hyperbole)
Hypothetically, Monday morning:You roll out of bed around six-thirty in the morning. After lying in bed for a few moments you become more aware of the sounds, sights and smells surrounding you. The air is laced with the scents of wood, dust and organic-ness... it smells cold... Quickly you become aware of the icy air touching your nose.
Most winter days you try to stay in bed as long as possible, for as soon as you remove the warm pile of comforters and quilts, about four in all, you are eagerly greeted by an icy hug from Jack Frost and Miss. Winter.
The bare wood floors are positively freezing! As quickly as possible you put on a pair of ratty fleece socks over wool socks, before allowing the thoroughly cold floors to touch your already chilled toes.
You have a vanity table, or mirror, in your room, giving you the capability to almost completely prepare yourself for the day.
As you walk down the squeaky wood floors the dogs yap good morning at you, your little sister smiles and races over to you, giving you a morning hug and kiss on the cheek.
Mom is probably doing her morning devotionals in the dining room chair, which is precariously placed in front of the South-East facing window. A cup of coffee is lazily giving off steam, on the cherry wood coffee table, standing next to the chair mom is reading in.
Dad is eating his breakfast, then rushes to and fro, making sure all is ready to leave for work.
A loud thump announces the awakening of the two brothers. A few more thumps, a shriek, a bang against a wall... silence! Another shriek... Of course you are used to all these normally unnerving sounds. They are the noises that tell you every one is awake, and alive and well. :)
A hypothetical idea of a Monday morning, in the City:
The alarm clock trumpets you into reality: Monday Morning... You press the "dismiss" button on your alarm... 7:30 AM... You hear a car hurrying it's way down the road.

Snuggled deep amongst a down-comforter, the warmth of the room automatically gives you a cheery outlook on the day.
You look at the ceiling, listening intently to the silence around you... surely something... someone.. somewhere... is awake... The sweet aromas of sleepiness, clean laundry and coffee dripping into a coffee pot surround you.
The air smells warm... Not hot.. a little cool, but not cold. You prepare yourself for the day.
You can hear a sibling peacefully snoozing, completely unaware of the sights, noises and smells you have observed in the past two minutes.

The two family dogs talk to each other up the stairs, through the garage door; they are waiting for you to feed and scratch them.
The thick, soft, warm carpet squishes between bare toes, as you make your bed and walk up the stairs, from the basement, to be greeted by mom and dad. They have been up long before you, and are passionately conversing as a hot, dark pot of freshly brewed coffee beckons to you...


Of course there are many, many, other differences between country and city life. Far too many for me to go into, no matter how many posts I write :)
However, probably one of the most stunning, shocking, and wild thing I have been absolutely stumped by is clothing. Strange? Oh yeah!
Never, ever, when we lived in the country, would I have worn a white shirt. Never! This would not only invite, but insure dirt, filth and complete and total ruination to the cloth!
It's silly, seemingly small, and relatively non-life changing, but in a sense it is life style changing. White articles of clothing in my closet are no longer a big deal because, well, I'm not hauling wood for heat nearly every day, I'm no longer petting, holding filthy barn cats (the thought of which still doesn't and never will keep me from continuing to hold them),we no longer live on a dirt road (cutting down on the dust collection immensely), and the list goes on.
We have gone to the local library a couple of times this week, already. When mom needs something from town, like to drop off a movie rental, it's very much "would you go run this errand for me," as apposed to "let's plan going into town this day, saving up all our errands for this one given day.. and if you forget something, you'll just have to wait until the weekend, or next week."
It's rather strange!
Very different. A cultural clash!
There are so many differences.
Although I could not even describe the flood of thoughts, emotions, feelings and ideas that overwhelm my mind, I think I will just sum it up in these two pictures.

The view from our home, in the country, taken from our bath room window,

which is directly above our kitchen window.

Another

The view from our house, now... isn't it lovely?

I especially love being able to see into our neighbors window... YIKES!

Home Sweet Home

During a blizzard in the Prarrie

Ginger bread house: Dec 2008
Christmas time is here! Dec 2008

Yeah.. it does have a Calvin and hobbes look to it, doesn't it?

Derek and I made one before this one with

a choke chain and cow bone in it's mouth.

I thought it was funny. Mom found it disturbing ;)

Christmas Decor

My East facing window

Nestled in the freshly cut tree hides a

fragile cream colored Christmas bulb

I think December 2008:

Picking the tree is very tiring. Cutting the tree down is SO much easier

Our "back yard" Dec 2007

Glistening in the afternoon sun is a

ice-laced ash tree

The "front yard" Dec 2007

Ethan and Hannah Dec 2007

My home means a lot to me!

I could be quite happy staying home all day, so long as we have the animals, friends and family. the more family with me the better. Cooking is a blast – I loved our kitchen despite it’s irritating qualities. My bed room was probably the best place to be, especially when the dog was able to hang out up there with me, and the Christmas light were all up, glowing happily despite the setting sun. A back drop of blushing pink, tangerine neon and captivatingly vivacious blue hung behind the two six pane East and North facing windows in my room.

My favorite spot to sit and wrap Christmas presents, starting about this time of year, with Stacie Orrico and Nicole C. Mullin belting out Christmas lyrics in the background, was in the corner of the room, between the East and North facing windows. Snuggled under my periwinkle blue plaid feather down blanket, with a cup of home made hot cocoa, harmonizing along, wrapping gifts in boxes, then duct tape, then paper, then another box, more duct tape, and finally topping off with wrapping paper and an elegant bow, I would sit in that North-East corner, glancing out the window to watch the sun set, listen to the wild out door noises (such as the occasional mountain lion scream – not a comforting sound), the cats bawling, my family laughing down stairs, the dogs talking and snow floating down, grazing window panes, resting on tree branches, dead leaves and golden brown grass.

This is what I wanted to do this year, again, after enjoying Thanksgiving, and picking out the biggest, most lush, and fullest Christmas Tree from Tananbaums Tree Farm, the weekend following Thanks Giving - an art form in our Home: The Thanks Giving dinner and season as a whole. We probably would have started decorating the house for Thanks Giving by now.

Honestly, what I’ll miss the most, is not having Christmas at home this year. The wood floors, smell of pine tree overwhelming the house, Christian artists humming Christmas carols on CDs, and the incredibly light décor about the entire house (including some bed rooms and sparkling beneath the snow, hanging from the house). Colored lights sparkling from beneath red gauze boes, peeking out between sparkling snow, and soft green pine needles on little pine trees outside.

Refined by Fire - FYI

Just For the what it's worth department - I updated the need list.
Sorry I haven't updated for the past several days. We have been in Ohio for my dear and loving Aunts Funeral. The funeral was honoring, beautiful and honest.

God richly Bless and Keep

Refined By Fire - It ain't over yet!

This evening, just as I was ready to "let it all come out" through a river of tears, my dad called me into the back room where he already had the two younger boys in the "this meeting is now in order" semi-circle.

The intense look in his eyes, deep and dark circles under his eyes, and his tone all told me that something was horrendously dreadfuly wrong. My initial reaction, mentaly, was to go through the lists of things that had not been attacked so far... the dogs and... and my family - my dad's family, my mom's family.

His face was ashen, his voice unshaken, yet so intensly somber - I'll never forget that tone.

Although I did not know her well, my Aunt Susan is a very dear person to my mom, and to our family as a whole - she's my mother's oldest sister and in their younger years, greatest friend.

The term, "they are dead," is only a vague sense of general understanding. Death, in my lifetime has been reserved for pets, and only once when I was seven, for my grandmother on my mom's side. I did not know my grandmother well and was so little that it seemed almost irrelevent to my relationship with the world, at the time.

But this time, when my dad spoke so distinctly and so humbly, "your grandpa Roy called us at church, and told us your Aunt Sue died this morning," left me with a deep and unwavering shock.
As my Aunt Kristen, when I spoke with her only a half hour ago, stated "I don't know what to expect... I don't know what will happen," in a rather panicked tone, I felt the same way. However, I know that whatever happens, I can depend on the Creator of the happenings. I know He is my guide, my Shepherd, my Strong Tower, and my ultimate Home.

And yet, I say all of this with a ever confused, every befuddled, ever wondering mind - will I ever come to terms with "the circle of life?" Will I ever come to terms with that small inconvenient fact that the only happily ever after in life is the happily for-ever you have with Christ, singing Holy, Holy, Holy when death do us part?


A short Psalm over the past life of my Aunt Susan Rummel Wagner, beloved mother, dear sister and precious daughter:

May the Lord bless you and keep you;

may the Lord's face shine upon you and be gracious to you;

May ths Lord lift His countenance upon you and may He give you peace;

May the Lord be gracious to you, and may He give you peace;

Shalom, in Yeshuah's name, Shalom.

May He lift His countenance upon you,

and may He give you peace.

Amen

Refined by Fire - Update Oct. 26, '09. PM

Mom and dad got home around 6:45 pm after being out at the house since ten or eleven this morning, meeting with the insurance company, as well as the fire seargant who was head of the investigation.


The fire started from an over-used out-let in the down stairs bathroom/ pantry. Apparently, the wires had short circuited a couple of times before this incident, and this was just the last straw. The fire probably had been going on for a good two-three (maybe five?) minutes on the ceiling of the basement/ floor of the kitchen before we actually could smell anything burning. Meaning, for those of you who know the in-depth story, the first time dad went down to check the electrical box the fire had already started.

The scoop, so far, is that the kitchen will for sure need gutted, and that corner of the house raised, as the floor of the kitchen is totally unstable (I would post pictures on my blog of our sunken in kitchen floor, and will, soon, hopefully). But because the smoke is so bad, the ceiling in the dining room will have to be redone, and the walls on the first floor will definitely have to be stripped. What is uncertain, at this point, is whether or not the smoke actually got into the walls on our second story, which leaves condemnation open for consideration. If smoke did, then the whole project will be more expensive than we can afford (outrageously so... if you don't have money pouring out of your ears). If it had not, than we will be able to strip the walls and fix up the place as best we can.

A great comfort to us right now is a word that many people from church have been telling us they are receiving in prayer:"Better than before..." "It'll be better than before..."
It's easy to think this in your head, but when it gets right down to it... well I think we are all having a pretty hard time. If condemning the house is the verdict, than we will have several bawling sessions in our house- of course we will probably take turns :)

A List of Needs- literally

For those church friends, family, local friends, and non-local friends who visit my blog regularly and would like to pitch in and help by buying things, or helping in some other way - I have listed our current needs and will be keeping the list relatively updated.

Any cloth and clothing type of thing. Smoke damage is horrendous and it takes five loads of wash to cleanse one load of laundry reasonably enough to wear without gaging. Every article of clothing that was hung up in the girls and boys closest were thrown out - they were stained, and horribly ruined.

Clothing - sizes/ specifics:

Mens:
34-36x30-32 pants (jeans, slacks, sweats)
20/22's jeans and sweats, or work pants - for Derek who is a long and lean 16 in boys

Medium-x-large t-shirts, sweaters, jackets, hooded sweat shirts, long sleeved shirts
large-xlarge Gloves (we will be working on the house for at least a few months)
Long underwear
socks!!!!
Large-xlarge winter coats, working coats, warm for SD coats
x-large hats and scarves to work in (any winter gear is very much appreciated!)

size 11 mens work shoes, tenni-shoes etc. - both dad and Derek

If you want to minister to Derek's soul, he loves books, loves writing, and food is incredible.
Minister to dads soul: Come out and help :) - more on that below

Women's:
3x shirts, sweaters, hooded jackets/ sweaters, jackets, t-shirts, long sleeved shirts
3x sweat pants, working pants
3x very warm winter coat/ working coat,
large hats, large gloves, scarves- again winter gear will be appreciated, so much!

socks
size 11 work boots/ working shoes, tenni-shoes, any shoes

8-10 (long) jeans, sweats, working pants, pants in gen.
medium to large t-shirt, sweaters, hooded sweaters/ jackets, long sleeved shirts
Large Working coat
Large hats, large gloves

socks
size 10 work boots/ working shoes, tenni shoes, shoes

Boys:
10-slims pants, jeans, sweats, working pants
8-10 t-shirts, long sleeved shirts, sweaters, hooded jackets, jackets (mediums, I believe)
10 winter coat, working coat
SOCKS!!
Medium gloves (maybe large)
x-large/ medium mens hats (he's got a big head)

5-6 shoes, boots, work boots, snow boots

Minister to Ethan's soul: Books, bionicles, Lego's - he's a kinesthetic type of guy :)

Girls:
6-7 (slims??) pants, jeans, sweats, working pants, skirts, skorts, dresses
6-7 t-shirts, long sleeved shirts, sweaters, hooded jackets, jackets
7 winter coat, working coat
socks!
Small- medium gloves
Medium hats (scarves)

1-2 shoes, boots, work boots, snow boots,

Minister to Hannah's soul: Polly-pockets, dolls, - girl toys, nail polish - she's very much of a girly girl, and loves books


Food stuffs:
I think we're good through the middle of next week -
Thank you ALL SO much! So many crowns in Heaven for each of you!!!! And six hearts full of gratitude and prayers of blessings!


Misc:
Hygienics


House:
Muscle and clean-up crew (the facility has no heat, water, or light. Dress warm, bring water. The area is not at all safe for children. Our kiddos stay at New Haven, or play with friends during this time. Too much glass, kitchen is unstable, etc.. Please contact us with a good time for you to come out and help, if you are able to - this would be such a blessing to our entire family! It's gonna be a long haul - long winter - long time before the house is habitable.

linens/ bed-sheets - four twins, one king
Comforters
Pillows (we have seven people home during Christmas :)

Towels
Wash clothes


News update: It was slightly unnerving tossing things you remember buying not too long ago from a resale store - very unnerving. I felt like such a waster, counting the price of things as I shoved them into a big, black trash bag. $75, $3, $8, $10.... it all adds up! Wasted. Gone. Hardly used. Of course, I didn't come across the $75 objects often... okay only once, but I will remember that thing for a long time, and to think I only used it twice!! Ugh! Such a waste!
But it can, and most undoubtedly will be replaced - it is replaceable. I would rather throw away a $75 business suit than have to bury a priceless sibling, best friend - my dearest possessions right now (although, technically, you do not posses your siblings, nor do you own their friendship... it's a gift... a priceless gift - one you have only for a life-time, depending on how short, or long God has dictated your life to be)

Dad and I think we have a little insight into the Mind of God - though it may be treading on dangerous ground to say this so lightly.
Perhaps, just maybe, God is one who allows bad things to happen in life, not because he is ruthless or mean, but rather, He allows the evil one to do harsh things to us, He allows the consequences or our sins to catch up with us, because those negative things push us closer to the human God originally intended us to be - it's the refining by fire to become that pure, innocent, beautiful piece of gold... pure, resilient, of the highest value - what GOD created us to be.

Lead me to the Cross Prt 2

I have titled this adventure "Lead me to the Cross" because of the worship song with that title.
One of the first verses is "everything I once held dear - I count it all as lost; Lead me to the cross where your blood poured out; bring me to my knees, Lord I lay me down; rid me of myself - I belong to you; Lord lead me, lead me to the cross..."
This song resignated with me very much this evening, after throwing away most everything I own. It's very odd stating this - but it's true.

"I don't wanna be homeless,

but I am.

I don't wanna be needy,

but I am."

~ I think anyone who has experienced a tragedy in their life.

Let me be poured out-

emptied out-

Oh Lord.

We are emptied and gutted out.

We are homeless,

and poured out.

Pour us, empty us out,

Oh Lord.

Let us be sfe in you,

be our home- our shelter-

Be our safe haven,

Oh Lord.

Gut us and make us new -

A new creation for you.

Recreate us, in your image;

a new creation in your image;

a creation created for you;

poured our for you;

sheltered in you.

Amen.

"Lead Me to the Cross..."

Thursday, 6:20/30 AM, October 22, 2009, a fire started in the basement of our home on the great plains, and devoured the north-east corner of our basement, and kitchen floor.

Smoke damage, apparently, is worse than fire damage, and, today, as I was sorting through all of mine and my sisters belongings with some dear family friends, I saw how true that is. Trash bags, filled to the brim, are pile up in our front yard.

Water flooded our basement, and dripped, drop by drop, down from the bed room floors, through the first-floors ceiling, into the lamps, and drop-by-drop onto the floor - leaving a person feeling like they are in an abandoned shed in the amazon. Our cats inhabited our house yesterday evening, as did our dogs. It was just slightly unnerving walking into my home to see a barn cat slink around the sopping couch crying "meOOW!"

The walls are stained, and our dining room ceiling is peeling off - falling off in chunks... worse than I though.

And it sounds so horrific! Yet, through the smoke stained walls, charred basement, flooded living room, and empty bed rooms, I have been contantly amazed at God's faithfulness. He truly will "never leave nor forsake us" (heb 13:5). He is committed to us - 'til death do us part from this earth, and we fly on the wings of eternity.

And, I just heard, my older sister is currently in the ER. Prayers for her would be so very much appreciated! She is in college, her blog is http://www.blindlyservinghim.blogspot.com/

If you would, please be praying for our family. My two youngest siblings are having a very hard time, and it will be many weeks before we can move back into our home on the plain.

God richly bless and keep!

Miss Elisabeth

Graduation

My Mother and baby sister, Hannah Grace

Woo Hoo! I'm FINALLY graduating from High School, thanks to my mother :)

I am so privileged to have had the opportunity to learn from, be taught by, and showered by all the talents and blessings of my mother.

Having been home schooled my entire life, I think I have had a much more impactful relationship with my mother, in the sense that I look to her as a friend and look to her for advice in life, as apposed to asking people my age who lack the knowledge and wisdom of time and age, just as I do.

My mother's extraordinary patience and zeal that pave the way for each of us kids' education is absolutely incredible. She's very artistic and creative. Every moment is a teaching moment.
My mother's mind-set of "it's the little things that make a day brighter" challenges me to find the beauty and joy in all of creation, especially in circumstances that seemingly have no positive attributes to speak of.

When I grow up, I want to be just like my mother:
A vivacious light to all who see her. Bubbling over with love for her family and the passions that God has given her.
I want to be obedient to my Father in Heaven and "just keep walking" when I stumble, just as she does.

I want to grow in my talents and gifts, using them in my day-to-day life to bring glory to God and bless others, just like her; to be a teacher, mentor and student of my future children, and honor, serve and passionately love my future husband, just like my mother.

I love my mother very much.