Sunday, December 15, 2013
SURGERY
Paul is having knee replacement surgery on Tuesday, December 17th, at St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. Please pray for a complete and speedy recovery. We will resume blogging on Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
MAKING A LIST
Preach the Word, be prepared in season and out of season, correct, rebuke, and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Timothy 4:2
With Paul's knee replacement surgery and Christmas just around the corner, Gail has become a list making machine. Christiane, Rebecca, Rick and Roger are all coming for Christmas so there is much to do in order to prepare ahead of time since Paul's surgery is the week before Christmas. Not only is the family coming home for the Christmas holiday we are hosting a dinner party this Friday evening and our church board Christmas party Saturday evening. Gail knows that Paul will be out of commission for several weeks, so now is the time to pile on the work. She has said more than once that Paul will be very happy to get to the hospital so he can rest.
Making a list and checking it twice!!!!
Being prepared is important part of the Christian life. We never know when a situation might cross our path and God can use us as His hands and feet to minister in certain situations. Gail and Paul have an idea of the events that are going to transpire in the next few weeks but we don't always know when life is going to throw us a curve ball. Being prepared for the sudden interruptions in our life is just as important as being prepared for the things that we have planned. In fact in I Peter 3:15 encourages you to, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
With Paul's knee replacement surgery and Christmas just around the corner, Gail has become a list making machine. Christiane, Rebecca, Rick and Roger are all coming for Christmas so there is much to do in order to prepare ahead of time since Paul's surgery is the week before Christmas. Not only is the family coming home for the Christmas holiday we are hosting a dinner party this Friday evening and our church board Christmas party Saturday evening. Gail knows that Paul will be out of commission for several weeks, so now is the time to pile on the work. She has said more than once that Paul will be very happy to get to the hospital so he can rest.
Making a list and checking it twice!!!!
Being prepared is important part of the Christian life. We never know when a situation might cross our path and God can use us as His hands and feet to minister in certain situations. Gail and Paul have an idea of the events that are going to transpire in the next few weeks but we don't always know when life is going to throw us a curve ball. Being prepared for the sudden interruptions in our life is just as important as being prepared for the things that we have planned. In fact in I Peter 3:15 encourages you to, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
COURAGE TO MAKE GRAVY
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.
I Corinthians 16:13-14
We hope and pray that everyone reading this blog had a wonderful Thanksgiving and had many things for which to be thankful. Waking up Thanksgiving morning, Gail immediately noticed a skiff of snow on the lawn. She got very excited because she loves the sight of snow, whether there's a little bit or drifts the size of mountains. When asked what she is thankful for, she immediately responded, "the snow". Paul is hoping that she has more significant things for which to be thankful.
During the day we received phone calls from all of our children who were either in Georgia or California for Thanksgiving this year. One of the more interesting calls was from our son, Roger, informing us that he was entertaining guests for a brunch that morning. The menu was going to be composed of eggs, pancakes, sausage, bacon and coffee. It was obvious that he felt that he had that all under control. However, if preparing the brunch wasn't enough, that evening, he was planning a traditional Thanksgiving meal for himself and his dog, Wolfie, complete with a fire in the fireplace, turkey and all the trimmings. During our conversation he posed an interesting question, "How do I make gravy?" He was tapping into his mother's many years of experience of making gravy. We felt that putting together the meal he described to us took a lot of courage for a bachelor, but to make gravy was certainly over the top.
Last night we had an opportunity to talk with him and find out how everything came out. He indicated that the gravy wasn't any problem at all, and it turned out very delicious. However, he made too much stuffing, but it was very tasty. In fact he had so much he didn't have a bowl big enough to put all of it in.
To give you a better understanding of what he had, we are including two pictures that he took of the meal.
Thanksgiving dinner is served.
Bon Appetit .
To put together this meal by a novice cook did not take the courage that David embraced in order to face Goliath. But, it was an undertaking that took Roger way out of his comfort zone. He was certainly able to learn about the different aspects of cooking that experienced chefs tackle with ease, like getting the meal on the table all at the same time. Each of us face challenges in life, whether big or small. I Corinthians 16:13-14 tells us to stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong, and do everything in love. May these verses challenge all of us as we soon will enter the year 2014.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
I Corinthians 16:13-14
We hope and pray that everyone reading this blog had a wonderful Thanksgiving and had many things for which to be thankful. Waking up Thanksgiving morning, Gail immediately noticed a skiff of snow on the lawn. She got very excited because she loves the sight of snow, whether there's a little bit or drifts the size of mountains. When asked what she is thankful for, she immediately responded, "the snow". Paul is hoping that she has more significant things for which to be thankful.
During the day we received phone calls from all of our children who were either in Georgia or California for Thanksgiving this year. One of the more interesting calls was from our son, Roger, informing us that he was entertaining guests for a brunch that morning. The menu was going to be composed of eggs, pancakes, sausage, bacon and coffee. It was obvious that he felt that he had that all under control. However, if preparing the brunch wasn't enough, that evening, he was planning a traditional Thanksgiving meal for himself and his dog, Wolfie, complete with a fire in the fireplace, turkey and all the trimmings. During our conversation he posed an interesting question, "How do I make gravy?" He was tapping into his mother's many years of experience of making gravy. We felt that putting together the meal he described to us took a lot of courage for a bachelor, but to make gravy was certainly over the top.
Last night we had an opportunity to talk with him and find out how everything came out. He indicated that the gravy wasn't any problem at all, and it turned out very delicious. However, he made too much stuffing, but it was very tasty. In fact he had so much he didn't have a bowl big enough to put all of it in.
To give you a better understanding of what he had, we are including two pictures that he took of the meal.
Thanksgiving dinner is served.
Bon Appetit .
To put together this meal by a novice cook did not take the courage that David embraced in order to face Goliath. But, it was an undertaking that took Roger way out of his comfort zone. He was certainly able to learn about the different aspects of cooking that experienced chefs tackle with ease, like getting the meal on the table all at the same time. Each of us face challenges in life, whether big or small. I Corinthians 16:13-14 tells us to stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong, and do everything in love. May these verses challenge all of us as we soon will enter the year 2014.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
FANNY CROSBY
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name. Psalm 100:4
In a previous blog, we have indicated that Gail goes every Tuesday to the Lenawee Medical Care Facility to visit several of the patients. One of the ladies, Margaret, is blind, but she has a real love for music having been a church pianist in Waldron for many years. And she also played in a band. At one visit, they got to talking about Fanny Crosby who was a blind hymn writer who lived in the 1800s. They found that Fanny became blind as the result of mustard poultices being put on her eyes when she was six weeks old. She saw over 8,000 of her poems set to music and over 100,000,000 copies of her songs printed. The Christian world was given such songs as: A Shelter In The Time Of Storm, Blessed Assurance, Rescue The Perishing, and Take The World But Give Me Jesus. At the age of 37 she married a man who was also blind. They both taught in a school for blind people. A child was born to them but died while yet a baby.
It was evident at a very young age that Fanny had a unique ability to write poetry but an even better ability to overcome her blindness. To make this point, at age eight she wrote a very compelling poem: "O what a happy soul I am! Although I cannot see, I am resolved that in this world contented I will be. How many blessings I enjoy that other people don't. To weep and sign because I'm blind, I can't, and I won't."
On Saturday Gail invited Audrey Clay to come to the Lenawee Medical Care Facility and share her talent as a pianist with Margaret and other patients that Gail is familiar with. Needless to say, Audrey serenaded the group with many of Fanny Crosby's hymns to which the group joined in with heartfelt singing. Finally, Margaret asked if she might be able to play the piano, even with her blindness.
With much maneuvering, they were able to wheel her close enough to the piano so that she could chord with one hand. While playing with her one hand Audrey accompanied her with the other.
To be able to play the piano again brought much joy to Margaret. The people who attended were very delighted.
Audrey on the piano and Margaret playing her harmonica
Others enjoying the music
May we be found counting our blessings no matter what our situation is. The Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:11, "in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
In a previous blog, we have indicated that Gail goes every Tuesday to the Lenawee Medical Care Facility to visit several of the patients. One of the ladies, Margaret, is blind, but she has a real love for music having been a church pianist in Waldron for many years. And she also played in a band. At one visit, they got to talking about Fanny Crosby who was a blind hymn writer who lived in the 1800s. They found that Fanny became blind as the result of mustard poultices being put on her eyes when she was six weeks old. She saw over 8,000 of her poems set to music and over 100,000,000 copies of her songs printed. The Christian world was given such songs as: A Shelter In The Time Of Storm, Blessed Assurance, Rescue The Perishing, and Take The World But Give Me Jesus. At the age of 37 she married a man who was also blind. They both taught in a school for blind people. A child was born to them but died while yet a baby.
It was evident at a very young age that Fanny had a unique ability to write poetry but an even better ability to overcome her blindness. To make this point, at age eight she wrote a very compelling poem: "O what a happy soul I am! Although I cannot see, I am resolved that in this world contented I will be. How many blessings I enjoy that other people don't. To weep and sign because I'm blind, I can't, and I won't."
On Saturday Gail invited Audrey Clay to come to the Lenawee Medical Care Facility and share her talent as a pianist with Margaret and other patients that Gail is familiar with. Needless to say, Audrey serenaded the group with many of Fanny Crosby's hymns to which the group joined in with heartfelt singing. Finally, Margaret asked if she might be able to play the piano, even with her blindness.
With much maneuvering, they were able to wheel her close enough to the piano so that she could chord with one hand. While playing with her one hand Audrey accompanied her with the other.
To be able to play the piano again brought much joy to Margaret. The people who attended were very delighted.
Audrey on the piano and Margaret playing her harmonica
Others enjoying the music
May we be found counting our blessings no matter what our situation is. The Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:11, "in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Thursday, November 21, 2013
OUR FLAG-WAVE THE BANNER HIGH
Our internet has been down the last three days. Below is the blog we did on Tuesday.
This week a small town in South Dakota has made the national
news. The school board for the community
school has ruled unanimously not to have the pledge of allegiance to the
America flag not be said at the beginning of the day in the high school. Apparently they feel that there isn’t enough
time in the school day to say the pledge.
It is without question that this exercise takes less than 15
seconds. In fact one veteran they
interviewed said it only takes ten seconds.
The school board stated that they do allow the elementary and junior
high students to say the pledge in the morning, but the high school just
doesn’t have time in its schedule.
The pledge of allegiance contains two very important
words that our children need to say as part of their daily routine and that is
“under God”. As citizens of the United
States, we should want God’s blessing on our nation and include Him in our
pledge. When we start cutting out
important things such as the pledge, we begin a slippery slope for other
important and meaningful exercises to be left out of the daily activities of
the school.
Raising the United States flag on Iwo Jima during WWII
2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Our nation is in need of healing, and the above situation is an example of it. God have given us a recipe for the healing of our land. When we pledge to the flag it is a gentle reminder that we are “one nation, under God”. We have soldiers dying for the freedoms that we have in the United States, but if we don’t, as a nation, return to God we will be quickly losing our freedom. Please join us in praying for our nation.
Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny
Blessed
is the nation whose god is the Lord.
Psalm 33:12a
2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Our nation is in need of healing, and the above situation is an example of it. God have given us a recipe for the healing of our land. When we pledge to the flag it is a gentle reminder that we are “one nation, under God”. We have soldiers dying for the freedoms that we have in the United States, but if we don’t, as a nation, return to God we will be quickly losing our freedom. Please join us in praying for our nation.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
BILLY GRAHAM-A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS
Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
I Corinthians 1:22-25
On November 7th Billy Graham celebrated his 95th birthday which included a television special where he once again preached Christ crucified. Even though it came on much after our normal bed time, we stayed up to watch the entire telecast which included Billy Graham preaching and the testimonies of a rapper and a singer. The entire presentation was very moving as the cross was preached and the two testimonies included how the cross changed their lives.
Billy Graham Crusades have been held all around the world from the late forties until Billy Graham's health would not allow him to preach and he retired to his home in North Carolina in 2005. Many of his crusades were scheduled for one or two weeks, but the great number of people who turned out to hear him preach caused him to extend the length of his crusade to eight or more weeks. Paul can remember that several of his friends took a train to New York the summer of 1957 to attend his crusade. When they returned, that was all they could talk about. They could not believe the number of people who turned out to hear Billy Graham preach.
Billy Graham
Several thoughts about Billy Graham and his message come to mind. He never strayed from preaching the gospel of Christ and the cross. That has been his message from beginning to the end. His life totally reflected what he believed. During the telecast on his birthday, Sean Hannity asked Billy Graham's grandson how his grandfather's preaching impacted him. His grandson said that the way his grandfather lived his life impacted him much more than his preaching. Throughout his ministry he always kept himself above reproach. He would never allow himself to be caught in a compromising position with the opposite sex or in financial matters. He took a salary from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association rather than take a percent of the giving to the organization.
Our prayer is that God will do something to wake America up and turn us around from the slippery slope we are on, (if we aren't already over the cliff). He might raise up another Billy Graham or create a situation such that people will have no other recourse but to turn back to God and claim Jesus Christ as Savior.
As a side note, we kept four young ladies over night this past Saturday from God's Bible School in Cincinnati, OH. It was so refreshing to be with young people who were respectful, talented and loved the Lord. Both of us were so encouraged by being with young people who want to serve the Lord and have high moral and personal standards. They were part of an 60 piece orchestra that performed at our church on Sunday morning. Their performance was outstanding.
Paul is writing this so he wants to wish Gail a very happy birthday today on 11/12/13!!!!
Blessings and encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Pasty and Penny
I Corinthians 1:22-25
On November 7th Billy Graham celebrated his 95th birthday which included a television special where he once again preached Christ crucified. Even though it came on much after our normal bed time, we stayed up to watch the entire telecast which included Billy Graham preaching and the testimonies of a rapper and a singer. The entire presentation was very moving as the cross was preached and the two testimonies included how the cross changed their lives.
Billy Graham Crusades have been held all around the world from the late forties until Billy Graham's health would not allow him to preach and he retired to his home in North Carolina in 2005. Many of his crusades were scheduled for one or two weeks, but the great number of people who turned out to hear him preach caused him to extend the length of his crusade to eight or more weeks. Paul can remember that several of his friends took a train to New York the summer of 1957 to attend his crusade. When they returned, that was all they could talk about. They could not believe the number of people who turned out to hear Billy Graham preach.
Billy Graham
Several thoughts about Billy Graham and his message come to mind. He never strayed from preaching the gospel of Christ and the cross. That has been his message from beginning to the end. His life totally reflected what he believed. During the telecast on his birthday, Sean Hannity asked Billy Graham's grandson how his grandfather's preaching impacted him. His grandson said that the way his grandfather lived his life impacted him much more than his preaching. Throughout his ministry he always kept himself above reproach. He would never allow himself to be caught in a compromising position with the opposite sex or in financial matters. He took a salary from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association rather than take a percent of the giving to the organization.
Our prayer is that God will do something to wake America up and turn us around from the slippery slope we are on, (if we aren't already over the cliff). He might raise up another Billy Graham or create a situation such that people will have no other recourse but to turn back to God and claim Jesus Christ as Savior.
As a side note, we kept four young ladies over night this past Saturday from God's Bible School in Cincinnati, OH. It was so refreshing to be with young people who were respectful, talented and loved the Lord. Both of us were so encouraged by being with young people who want to serve the Lord and have high moral and personal standards. They were part of an 60 piece orchestra that performed at our church on Sunday morning. Their performance was outstanding.
Paul is writing this so he wants to wish Gail a very happy birthday today on 11/12/13!!!!
Blessings and encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Pasty and Penny
Monday, November 4, 2013
LIGHT VERSES DARKNESS
I am light that has come into the world so that all who believe in me won't have to stay any longer in the dark. John 12:46 The Message
This past Saturday night we moved our clocks back one hour to EST, which caused it to get light earlier in the morning but dark earlier in the evening. As we move towards the end of December the days are getting shorter and shorter which means there is more darkness to deal with. Paul worked in the pottery studio this morning and overheard two ladies talking about the darkness and how tired it made them. They indicated that as soon as it got dark at night, which is now 6:00, they were feeling very tired and ready to go to bed. There are some people that come alive at night, but we are not those kind of people. We so enjoy the long evenings of twilight in the summer time, but we don't look forward to all the darkness during the winter. It must be a real challenge in Alaska to cope with the long periods of darkness this time of year.
Jesus is the light of the world.
When we know the Lord as our personal Savior we no longer walk in darkness for He is the light of the world. How wonderful it is knowing Him and the blessing of His light on our lives. There are many Scriptures that describe Jesus as the light. In closing we would like to share with you the verse of I John 1:5, "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."
Sunrise taken by Christiane Palpant from her apartment window
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
This past Saturday night we moved our clocks back one hour to EST, which caused it to get light earlier in the morning but dark earlier in the evening. As we move towards the end of December the days are getting shorter and shorter which means there is more darkness to deal with. Paul worked in the pottery studio this morning and overheard two ladies talking about the darkness and how tired it made them. They indicated that as soon as it got dark at night, which is now 6:00, they were feeling very tired and ready to go to bed. There are some people that come alive at night, but we are not those kind of people. We so enjoy the long evenings of twilight in the summer time, but we don't look forward to all the darkness during the winter. It must be a real challenge in Alaska to cope with the long periods of darkness this time of year.
Jesus is the light of the world.
When we know the Lord as our personal Savior we no longer walk in darkness for He is the light of the world. How wonderful it is knowing Him and the blessing of His light on our lives. There are many Scriptures that describe Jesus as the light. In closing we would like to share with you the verse of I John 1:5, "God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."
Sunrise taken by Christiane Palpant from her apartment window
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Christmas Barn Wedding
He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.
Proverbs 18:22
We had a first this past weekend by attending a wedding in a barn; a real barn. It is located between St. John's and Ithaca, Michigan and is called The Christmas Barn. The ceremony was held in the hay loft with about two hundred people attending. Since it was a chilly day, we wore coats and took blankets to the wedding. The decor was very appropriate with large fall arrangements setting on old milk cans and Mason jars with candles hanging from a shepherd's crook shaped holder. During the wedding ceremony the pastor gave a very challenging message that was short and to the point but very appropriate for a couple just beginning their life together. At the conclusion of the service, we were given packets of shelled corn to throw at the bride and groom as they left the barn.
Christmas Barn used for the wedding.
The bride had been praying for the right young man to come along in her life. However, she added a condition to her prayer in which she requested that he be a farmer. And that he is! He along with his dad and brother help to raise up to 5000 heifers at a time. During the time in which she was praying for a farmer, Jason had been working on the farm ever since he could walk. They both are very passionate about farming and will make a great couple with such a common interest.
Jason and Kara at their wedding reception at Alma College.
Cousins Deb and Stephanie attending the reception with Gail and Paul.
The weekend was busy with two big events. The first was the wedding on Saturday and concluded with a concert Sunday evening. Some friends invited us to attend a Michael W. Smith concert with them in Jackson. The evening was filled with praise, inspiration, and worship. To our amazement Michael W. Smith has been performing for over thirty years and is still going strong. He also has 24 albums and CDs which hold songs that he has written as well as performed. God has certainly given him a special gift. In his concluding thoughts he challenged those attending not to allow people to offend you. He chooses not to let that happen in his own life because you tend to take your eyes off the Lord when you allow this to happen. So, we encourage all those reading this blog to do the same.
If you would like to hear him, click on the website below.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=liyon4jyrwg
Michael W. Smith at keyboard during the concert Sunday evening.
Praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute. Psalm 150:4
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Proverbs 18:22
We had a first this past weekend by attending a wedding in a barn; a real barn. It is located between St. John's and Ithaca, Michigan and is called The Christmas Barn. The ceremony was held in the hay loft with about two hundred people attending. Since it was a chilly day, we wore coats and took blankets to the wedding. The decor was very appropriate with large fall arrangements setting on old milk cans and Mason jars with candles hanging from a shepherd's crook shaped holder. During the wedding ceremony the pastor gave a very challenging message that was short and to the point but very appropriate for a couple just beginning their life together. At the conclusion of the service, we were given packets of shelled corn to throw at the bride and groom as they left the barn.
Christmas Barn used for the wedding.
The bride had been praying for the right young man to come along in her life. However, she added a condition to her prayer in which she requested that he be a farmer. And that he is! He along with his dad and brother help to raise up to 5000 heifers at a time. During the time in which she was praying for a farmer, Jason had been working on the farm ever since he could walk. They both are very passionate about farming and will make a great couple with such a common interest.
Jason and Kara at their wedding reception at Alma College.
Cousins Deb and Stephanie attending the reception with Gail and Paul.
The weekend was busy with two big events. The first was the wedding on Saturday and concluded with a concert Sunday evening. Some friends invited us to attend a Michael W. Smith concert with them in Jackson. The evening was filled with praise, inspiration, and worship. To our amazement Michael W. Smith has been performing for over thirty years and is still going strong. He also has 24 albums and CDs which hold songs that he has written as well as performed. God has certainly given him a special gift. In his concluding thoughts he challenged those attending not to allow people to offend you. He chooses not to let that happen in his own life because you tend to take your eyes off the Lord when you allow this to happen. So, we encourage all those reading this blog to do the same.
If you would like to hear him, click on the website below.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=liyon4jyrwg
Michael W. Smith at keyboard during the concert Sunday evening.
Praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute. Psalm 150:4
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
A TIME TO LAUGH
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
Ecclesiastes 3:4
Last Friday we had breakfast with a couple who have experienced, in great measure, the above verse.
Both had a spouse who suffered a long time with a terminal illness, and both attended their loved one until they passed away. After going through a period of mourning of the loss of a spouse to whom they had been married many years, they rekindled an old friendship. This friendship led into a romantic relationship which ended up in their marriage on August 31st of this year.
Jeanie and Stan after breakfast at our home last Friday
Their relationship embodies lots of love and laughter. If it wasn't for their age, you would think you were witnessing a couple who were in their early twenties and that they had not experienced the realities of life. It was so great to see their lightheartedness after all they had been through. In Proverbs 17:22 it says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine,... ." Their laughter and cheerfulness is serving to be a healing balm for the great difficulties that they have experienced. This again is evidence of God's faithfulness in our lives. God is a great healer. He sent Jesus to reclaim a fallen world and continues to be in the process of reclaiming.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Ecclesiastes 3:4
Last Friday we had breakfast with a couple who have experienced, in great measure, the above verse.
Both had a spouse who suffered a long time with a terminal illness, and both attended their loved one until they passed away. After going through a period of mourning of the loss of a spouse to whom they had been married many years, they rekindled an old friendship. This friendship led into a romantic relationship which ended up in their marriage on August 31st of this year.
Jeanie and Stan after breakfast at our home last Friday
Their relationship embodies lots of love and laughter. If it wasn't for their age, you would think you were witnessing a couple who were in their early twenties and that they had not experienced the realities of life. It was so great to see their lightheartedness after all they had been through. In Proverbs 17:22 it says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine,... ." Their laughter and cheerfulness is serving to be a healing balm for the great difficulties that they have experienced. This again is evidence of God's faithfulness in our lives. God is a great healer. He sent Jesus to reclaim a fallen world and continues to be in the process of reclaiming.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Angels Unaware
Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:1-2
This past week we had an opportunity to host a missionary family from Trinidad. They spoke at our church last Wednesday and spent Wednesday night and much of Thursday with us before heading to Vassar, Michigan. The family was made up of the parents and four children, ranging in age from ten to sixteen. They were a joy to have because the children were very polite, respectful, and fun to be around. After the Wednesday night service we pulled out a board game, which the children enjoyed playing. It was getting close to eleven o'clock at night and they wanted to play another game. Having them stay at our home was a very positive experience because of the way we could see they were training their children.
The Manswell family who are missionaries to Trinidad.
Apparently, mother heads up the music department at the Caribbean Nazarene College and also home schools her children. Each family member plays a musical instrument and sings which they performed at our church. As an example of their high goals, the oldest son has for some time had the goal of becoming a neurosurgeon with Ben Carson being his role model.
We've always enjoyed keeping missionaries, members of singing groups, and other traveling groups or individuals and have been immensely blessed as a result. We are sure that sometimes we have entertained angels.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
This past week we had an opportunity to host a missionary family from Trinidad. They spoke at our church last Wednesday and spent Wednesday night and much of Thursday with us before heading to Vassar, Michigan. The family was made up of the parents and four children, ranging in age from ten to sixteen. They were a joy to have because the children were very polite, respectful, and fun to be around. After the Wednesday night service we pulled out a board game, which the children enjoyed playing. It was getting close to eleven o'clock at night and they wanted to play another game. Having them stay at our home was a very positive experience because of the way we could see they were training their children.
The Manswell family who are missionaries to Trinidad.
Apparently, mother heads up the music department at the Caribbean Nazarene College and also home schools her children. Each family member plays a musical instrument and sings which they performed at our church. As an example of their high goals, the oldest son has for some time had the goal of becoming a neurosurgeon with Ben Carson being his role model.
We've always enjoyed keeping missionaries, members of singing groups, and other traveling groups or individuals and have been immensely blessed as a result. We are sure that sometimes we have entertained angels.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
BLACK WALNUTS
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6:26-27
Last week in our blog we mentioned the song "Dwelling In Beulah Land". A person who read our blog asked if Beulah Land was mentioned in the Bible. Paul's first response was "No". But Gail got out her Strong's Concordance and found that Beulah is mentioned once in the Bible. It is found in Isaiah 62:4 where it states, "No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married." In Paul's Bible there is a footnote that indicates the word Beulah means married.
The last week has held lots of outdoor work, especially picking up and raking walnuts. Our property is lined with many black walnut trees, and in the fall we are blessed with bushels of walnuts that end up on our lawn. They are much larger than golf balls because they have a thick green husk that surrounds the nut. Black walnuts are notorious for staining your hands even when you are picking them up. This year we have an over abundance of walnuts and have raked and shoveled into a large trash container and dumped them in the woods. We have had to do this several times as the walnuts keep dropping, to the point we were advised to wear helmets while under the trees.
A pile of black walnuts from Palpant's yard.
Every year we throw hundreds, if not thousands, of nuts into the woods and by spring there are only a few shells left. Throughout the winter the squirrels are mining for walnuts under the snow cover, and they find just about every last one. The way God has provided for these woodland creatures has been going on for centuries. Gail and Paul are just helping the squirrels out a little bit by collecting the nuts for them by putting them in one place.
As Christians we should not worry about what we are going to eat or wear or things of tomorrow, but trust that God is going to provide our necessary needs. Jesus felt that the problem of worrying was so important that he addressed it at His Sermon on The Mount. There's a saying among Christians, "Why worry when you can pray?"
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Last week in our blog we mentioned the song "Dwelling In Beulah Land". A person who read our blog asked if Beulah Land was mentioned in the Bible. Paul's first response was "No". But Gail got out her Strong's Concordance and found that Beulah is mentioned once in the Bible. It is found in Isaiah 62:4 where it states, "No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married." In Paul's Bible there is a footnote that indicates the word Beulah means married.
The last week has held lots of outdoor work, especially picking up and raking walnuts. Our property is lined with many black walnut trees, and in the fall we are blessed with bushels of walnuts that end up on our lawn. They are much larger than golf balls because they have a thick green husk that surrounds the nut. Black walnuts are notorious for staining your hands even when you are picking them up. This year we have an over abundance of walnuts and have raked and shoveled into a large trash container and dumped them in the woods. We have had to do this several times as the walnuts keep dropping, to the point we were advised to wear helmets while under the trees.
A pile of black walnuts from Palpant's yard.
Every year we throw hundreds, if not thousands, of nuts into the woods and by spring there are only a few shells left. Throughout the winter the squirrels are mining for walnuts under the snow cover, and they find just about every last one. The way God has provided for these woodland creatures has been going on for centuries. Gail and Paul are just helping the squirrels out a little bit by collecting the nuts for them by putting them in one place.
As Christians we should not worry about what we are going to eat or wear or things of tomorrow, but trust that God is going to provide our necessary needs. Jesus felt that the problem of worrying was so important that he addressed it at His Sermon on The Mount. There's a saying among Christians, "Why worry when you can pray?"
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Feasting On The Manna
And had rained down manna upon them to eat, ... Psalm 78:24a
Manna was given faithfully given by God for forty years to sustain the Israelites in the wilderness. It was a perfect food. Today we can draw energy and nourishment from God's Word, meditation on the Lord, and Christian fellowship. Just this past week we enjoyed all three.
Over the weekend, Gene and Janet Brion came back to Michigan for a few days after having moved to Missouri. While here we feasted on manna together enjoying meals, devotions, fellowship and sharing about what God is doing in our lives. We also heard how God has healed one of our friends from brain cancer which resulted in a time of praise around our piano. Of course, along with that, we had some great food as well.
Gene and Janet enjoying breakfast at the Palpant's
Because yesterday was such a beautiful day, Gail suggested we pack up a picnic lunch and head to the lake. We ended up at Hayes State Park with the two pups and basically had the park to ourselves except for the Canadian geese and a few swans. We enjoyed the beautiful sunshine, the blue sky, view of the lake, a tasty lunch topped off with a triple chocolate cake. We were definitely feasting on the manna of the moment. This all reminded us of the song, "Dwelling In Beulah Land". Below is the wording from the chorus from that hymn:
I'm living on the mountain underneath a cloudless sky
I'm drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry.
I'm feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply.
For I'm dwelling in Beulah Land.
Paul, Gail Patsy and Penny at Hayes State Park enjoying a beautiful day.
If you would like to hear it sung, below are two versions from Youtube. One is from 1937 sung by the Sons of The Pioneers and the second is from Bill Gaither. We trust that hearing them will be an encouragement to you.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlUJdA1btSU Sons of the Pioneers
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AxoCssVyHo Bill Gather
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny
Manna was given faithfully given by God for forty years to sustain the Israelites in the wilderness. It was a perfect food. Today we can draw energy and nourishment from God's Word, meditation on the Lord, and Christian fellowship. Just this past week we enjoyed all three.
Over the weekend, Gene and Janet Brion came back to Michigan for a few days after having moved to Missouri. While here we feasted on manna together enjoying meals, devotions, fellowship and sharing about what God is doing in our lives. We also heard how God has healed one of our friends from brain cancer which resulted in a time of praise around our piano. Of course, along with that, we had some great food as well.
I'm living on the mountain underneath a cloudless sky
I'm drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry.
I'm feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply.
For I'm dwelling in Beulah Land.
If you would like to hear it sung, below are two versions from Youtube. One is from 1937 sung by the Sons of The Pioneers and the second is from Bill Gaither. We trust that hearing them will be an encouragement to you.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlUJdA1btSU Sons of the Pioneers
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AxoCssVyHo Bill Gather
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
WORDS APTLY SPOKEN
A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Proverbs 25:11
Last night as Gail was on her knees scrubbing the kitchen floor, the Lord brought to her mind the importance of friendships, and she found herself thanking the Lord for the friendships in her life.
Gail was reminded of a quote from Mary Kay. "I think there is something wonderful about everyone and whenever I get the opportunity to tell someone this, I do." At that point, Gail felt led to go to the phone and call a friend that came to mind and was able to express her gratitude for their friendship.
Artist unknown
In the above verse it talks about a word aptly spoken. Often times we have positive or encouraging thoughts come to mind about someone, but we're hesitant to verbalize our thoughts to them. This could very well be the working of the Holy Spirit to be an encouragement to someone. According to the interpretation of the above verse from The Message it reads, "A right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry." Many times that right timing is initiated by the Holy Spirit, So, when someone comes to mind that you feel needs a word aptly spoken, we shouldn't hesitate to express it. This most likely would be the words of encouragement that they need for this time in their life. As Christians we should all be encouragers.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Proverbs 25:11
Last night as Gail was on her knees scrubbing the kitchen floor, the Lord brought to her mind the importance of friendships, and she found herself thanking the Lord for the friendships in her life.
Gail was reminded of a quote from Mary Kay. "I think there is something wonderful about everyone and whenever I get the opportunity to tell someone this, I do." At that point, Gail felt led to go to the phone and call a friend that came to mind and was able to express her gratitude for their friendship.
In the above verse it talks about a word aptly spoken. Often times we have positive or encouraging thoughts come to mind about someone, but we're hesitant to verbalize our thoughts to them. This could very well be the working of the Holy Spirit to be an encouragement to someone. According to the interpretation of the above verse from The Message it reads, "A right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry." Many times that right timing is initiated by the Holy Spirit, So, when someone comes to mind that you feel needs a word aptly spoken, we shouldn't hesitate to express it. This most likely would be the words of encouragement that they need for this time in their life. As Christians we should all be encouragers.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
PEACE
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you are called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
We woke up yesterday morning to the shooting at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. Many people were unnerved by another mass shooting in the United States. We're certain those involved and the families directly impacted by this tragedy had to deal with many difficult emotions. When we get up in the morning, we have our plans for what we want to accomplish for that day. However, we will not find peace by engaging in excessive planning which is attempting to control what will happen in the future. That can be considered a commonly practiced form of unbelief. Sometimes peace may seem to be within our grasp, but it often eludes us. Just when we think we have prepared for all possibilities, something unexpected happens and throws things into confusion.
God did not design human mind to figure out the future. That is beyond anyone's capability. God wants us to bring to Him all our needs, all our hopes and fears. He wants us to commit everything into His care. It is much better to turn from a path of planning everything out to a path of peace. Even in times of great turmoil God can give us the peace that we need to endure what life throws at us.
Many of us have a place where we find peace and solitude. One of those places for us is the deck at the home of our daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Rick. There is a beautiful view of woods and lake, and as the sun rises in the morning the view and the sounds of God's creation surround us. Several months ago Gail dropped a hint to Rick saying that he should remove one of the trees so that she could have a better view of the lake. Recently, he took his chain saw and cut the tree down and indicated that he had just created "Gail's view". This opened up a much better view of the lake from his deck. Rick certainly gained some points from Gail for doing this.
.JPG)
Gail's View
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
We woke up yesterday morning to the shooting at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. Many people were unnerved by another mass shooting in the United States. We're certain those involved and the families directly impacted by this tragedy had to deal with many difficult emotions. When we get up in the morning, we have our plans for what we want to accomplish for that day. However, we will not find peace by engaging in excessive planning which is attempting to control what will happen in the future. That can be considered a commonly practiced form of unbelief. Sometimes peace may seem to be within our grasp, but it often eludes us. Just when we think we have prepared for all possibilities, something unexpected happens and throws things into confusion.
God did not design human mind to figure out the future. That is beyond anyone's capability. God wants us to bring to Him all our needs, all our hopes and fears. He wants us to commit everything into His care. It is much better to turn from a path of planning everything out to a path of peace. Even in times of great turmoil God can give us the peace that we need to endure what life throws at us.
Many of us have a place where we find peace and solitude. One of those places for us is the deck at the home of our daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Rick. There is a beautiful view of woods and lake, and as the sun rises in the morning the view and the sounds of God's creation surround us. Several months ago Gail dropped a hint to Rick saying that he should remove one of the trees so that she could have a better view of the lake. Recently, he took his chain saw and cut the tree down and indicated that he had just created "Gail's view". This opened up a much better view of the lake from his deck. Rick certainly gained some points from Gail for doing this.
.JPG)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Garment of Praise
. . . , and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:3
Life certainly has its ups and downs because each day can bring pleasure, hardships, adventure, disappointments, and even tragedy. What we have planned for the day ahead may take twists and turns of which we have no control. But, if we know and walk with the Lord He can bring beauty out of the ashes of lost dreams. He can bring joy out of sorrow. He can help you find peace while struggling with adversity. These words seem like a dichotomy, but we are talking about a friend who sticks closer than a brother and is also the King of kings.
In this past Sunday School lesson we talked about the Beatitudes. Here Jesus is teaching His disciples a totally new way of thinking. Many of the Beatitudes seem like contradictions such as, "blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." As Christians we need to understand that we possess spiritual muscle during difficult times or during struggles with adversity. These are times when God creates depth in our lives. There's an old saying Arabic saying, "Sun all the time creates a desert."
This means that if life is easy and without hardship a person has failed to develop depth in their being.
Today Gail visited Margaret at the Lenawee Medical Care Facility. For the past few weeks she has been struggling with her complete blindness. Last week she was quite distraught over this disability.
In Gail's conversation with her today, she reminded Margaret of the time Paul and Silas were in prison, which was probably very dark, as they were singing and praising God at midnight. Gail equated this story to Margaret that in her darkness she should be quick to get out her harmonica and praise the Lord in this way. She agreed that this would be much better than being downcast because of her condition. This truly is a way of putting on the garment praise for the spirit of heaviness and this is a great prescription for overcoming life's trials.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny
Isaiah 61:3
Life certainly has its ups and downs because each day can bring pleasure, hardships, adventure, disappointments, and even tragedy. What we have planned for the day ahead may take twists and turns of which we have no control. But, if we know and walk with the Lord He can bring beauty out of the ashes of lost dreams. He can bring joy out of sorrow. He can help you find peace while struggling with adversity. These words seem like a dichotomy, but we are talking about a friend who sticks closer than a brother and is also the King of kings.
In this past Sunday School lesson we talked about the Beatitudes. Here Jesus is teaching His disciples a totally new way of thinking. Many of the Beatitudes seem like contradictions such as, "blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." As Christians we need to understand that we possess spiritual muscle during difficult times or during struggles with adversity. These are times when God creates depth in our lives. There's an old saying Arabic saying, "Sun all the time creates a desert."
This means that if life is easy and without hardship a person has failed to develop depth in their being.
Today Gail visited Margaret at the Lenawee Medical Care Facility. For the past few weeks she has been struggling with her complete blindness. Last week she was quite distraught over this disability.
In Gail's conversation with her today, she reminded Margaret of the time Paul and Silas were in prison, which was probably very dark, as they were singing and praising God at midnight. Gail equated this story to Margaret that in her darkness she should be quick to get out her harmonica and praise the Lord in this way. She agreed that this would be much better than being downcast because of her condition. This truly is a way of putting on the garment praise for the spirit of heaviness and this is a great prescription for overcoming life's trials.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Visit of French Family
Save your people and bless your heritage. Care for them; carry them like a good shepherd.
Psalm 28:9 (The Message)
The past week and a half has been a wonderful and busy time. On Friday, August 23rd, Paul's cousin and husband, Christiane and Claude Rolland, visited us from France. They were able to stay a week which gave us a great time to catch up as the last time we saw them was in 2010. Along with our French relatives, our three adult children were able to be here which was a great blessing. On Sunday, August 25th, a Palpant reunion was held in our back yard with family coming from Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, Illinois and Minnesota as well as Michigan.
For the reunion Paul put together three display boards of pictures that go back to his French grandfather and grandmother and great grandfather. Many of the family spent a lot of time perusing the pictures and in great conversation with family they hadn't seen in years. Of course there was an ample supply of food with many bringing a dish or two to pass. Our daughter Christiane took many pictures of the event and has sent them to the family members who attended the reunion. We also took a group picture which you can see below.
Christiane Rolland, Helene Bleecker and Rise Harris enjoying food and fellowship Saturday evening
Those attending the Palpant Family Reunion on August 25th
While here, Christiane and Claude had an opportunity to tour Paul's family's old farm home on Beecher Road where the Marvin family lives now. Maria Marvin was so gracious to allow all of us to go through her home so our French relatives could see where their Uncle Roger and family lived for so many years. Walking through the home where Paul grew up sure brought back a lot of memories. They also received a tour of cousin Jim Bleecker's farm, visited cemeteries where relatives are buried, toured two mega milking facilities near Kalamazoo, spent time with a talented woodworker, Robert Seeburger, had dinner with cousin Helene Bleecker, and went through many letters that Paul's father wrote back to France while first coming to the U.S., 1924-30. Paul's cousin also brought many pictures that were of his father and siblings that date back to the early 1900s. We spent many hours looking at and talking about these treasured items.
These past few days have certainly reminded us of how important family is. We certainly cherished the time with our French family, other relatives, and of course our own children. When you have adult children, you treasure every moment you have with them as those times are few and far between.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny
Psalm 28:9 (The Message)
The past week and a half has been a wonderful and busy time. On Friday, August 23rd, Paul's cousin and husband, Christiane and Claude Rolland, visited us from France. They were able to stay a week which gave us a great time to catch up as the last time we saw them was in 2010. Along with our French relatives, our three adult children were able to be here which was a great blessing. On Sunday, August 25th, a Palpant reunion was held in our back yard with family coming from Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, Illinois and Minnesota as well as Michigan.
For the reunion Paul put together three display boards of pictures that go back to his French grandfather and grandmother and great grandfather. Many of the family spent a lot of time perusing the pictures and in great conversation with family they hadn't seen in years. Of course there was an ample supply of food with many bringing a dish or two to pass. Our daughter Christiane took many pictures of the event and has sent them to the family members who attended the reunion. We also took a group picture which you can see below.
While here, Christiane and Claude had an opportunity to tour Paul's family's old farm home on Beecher Road where the Marvin family lives now. Maria Marvin was so gracious to allow all of us to go through her home so our French relatives could see where their Uncle Roger and family lived for so many years. Walking through the home where Paul grew up sure brought back a lot of memories. They also received a tour of cousin Jim Bleecker's farm, visited cemeteries where relatives are buried, toured two mega milking facilities near Kalamazoo, spent time with a talented woodworker, Robert Seeburger, had dinner with cousin Helene Bleecker, and went through many letters that Paul's father wrote back to France while first coming to the U.S., 1924-30. Paul's cousin also brought many pictures that were of his father and siblings that date back to the early 1900s. We spent many hours looking at and talking about these treasured items.
These past few days have certainly reminded us of how important family is. We certainly cherished the time with our French family, other relatives, and of course our own children. When you have adult children, you treasure every moment you have with them as those times are few and far between.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
PRUNING
Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to conclusions that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritually refining process, with glory just around the corner. I Peter 4:12-13 The Message
People who have vineyards and orchards have the responsibility to prune their grapevines and thin their peaches, apples, and other fruit so that the remaining fruit will be large and flavorful. When a metallurgist refines gold, he has to heat the gold to a very hot temperature so that the impurities can be removed. A woodworker often has to apply rough sandpaper to a piece of wood to help smooth and finish it into a beautiful, decorative piece.
Recently, Patsy got into some burrs to the point that her ears were all matted. As hard as we tried we were unable to get the burrs out and untangle her matted hair. It was time to take both pups to the groomer to see what could be done. Generally, when they have been groomed, they come back with a basic trim. However, we got a call from the groomer stating that Patsy's ears were so badly matted that she was going to have to be trimmed very close, almost shaved. Obviously, Penny would have to have the same cut, even though she wasn't as bad. Needless to say, drastic measures had to be taken in order for the matting to be removed. In a few short weeks, we are hoping they will return to their normal look. We sense that they are a bit embarrassed about how they appear.
Hiding
Embarrassed
It has been determined that our grandson, Darien, needs braces for his teeth. The dentist is concerned that his adult teeth will need to be straightened in order to have a proper bite. The past month or two he has gone through the preparation procedure to have the braces applied. This past week Darien had the braces installed. For the first few weeks the braces will be uncomfortable and annoying, but Darien will soon get use to them as part of his mouth. Certainly, this temporary discomfort will create a much better oral situation for him in the long run.
Beginning stage of braces for Darien
In our lives God often takes us through a pruning or refining process so that we come out much better in our walk with Him and our relationship with others. When we are going through these difficult times, we don't realize that it is for our best, but God has promised in I Peter that "this is a spiritual
refining process, with glory just around the corner."
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny-
People who have vineyards and orchards have the responsibility to prune their grapevines and thin their peaches, apples, and other fruit so that the remaining fruit will be large and flavorful. When a metallurgist refines gold, he has to heat the gold to a very hot temperature so that the impurities can be removed. A woodworker often has to apply rough sandpaper to a piece of wood to help smooth and finish it into a beautiful, decorative piece.
Recently, Patsy got into some burrs to the point that her ears were all matted. As hard as we tried we were unable to get the burrs out and untangle her matted hair. It was time to take both pups to the groomer to see what could be done. Generally, when they have been groomed, they come back with a basic trim. However, we got a call from the groomer stating that Patsy's ears were so badly matted that she was going to have to be trimmed very close, almost shaved. Obviously, Penny would have to have the same cut, even though she wasn't as bad. Needless to say, drastic measures had to be taken in order for the matting to be removed. In a few short weeks, we are hoping they will return to their normal look. We sense that they are a bit embarrassed about how they appear.
It has been determined that our grandson, Darien, needs braces for his teeth. The dentist is concerned that his adult teeth will need to be straightened in order to have a proper bite. The past month or two he has gone through the preparation procedure to have the braces applied. This past week Darien had the braces installed. For the first few weeks the braces will be uncomfortable and annoying, but Darien will soon get use to them as part of his mouth. Certainly, this temporary discomfort will create a much better oral situation for him in the long run.
In our lives God often takes us through a pruning or refining process so that we come out much better in our walk with Him and our relationship with others. When we are going through these difficult times, we don't realize that it is for our best, but God has promised in I Peter that "this is a spiritual
refining process, with glory just around the corner."
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny-
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
French Relatives
At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps and did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.
Matthew 25:1-4
We have been making preparations for the coming of some of our French cousins the end of August. A menu is being planned in hopes that we will have sufficient food on hand for their visit. They will be here for a week along with our children. A reunion is also being planned at our home for Sunday, August 25th so lots of planning has to take place. The French are known for their excellent cuisine and are known to spend a big portion of their time cooking and eating which is a focal point of their culture. When we have visited France, it is nothing to spend two to three hours at the table in eating and conversation. Maybe I need to back up at this point and remind everyone that Paul's father was French, and he has more relatives in France than he has in the United States.
Because we want their time here to be memorable, we are doing an extra amount of planning and preparation so everything will go smoothly. For the reunion, we have relatives coming from New Jersey, Georgia, Florida, California, and Minnesota. /Not only are we having to prepare food, but we are also organizing day trips to acquaint them with the area that Paul's father and uncle experienced when they first came to the States.
All of this activity reminded us of the story of the ten virgins in the Bible. Five of the virgins were well prepared and five were called foolish as they did not have any oil for their lamps. Whereas, the wise virgins made preparation for a jar of oil along with their lamps. Not only are we to keep our house in order in all ways, but it is also important that we are prepared spiritually. We don't know when Christ will return or we may be called home.We need to make sure that our complete trust and faith is in the Lord Jesus Christ, and we have a daily walk with Him. So, the old Boy Scout adage is true, "Always be prepared."
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Matthew 25:1-4
We have been making preparations for the coming of some of our French cousins the end of August. A menu is being planned in hopes that we will have sufficient food on hand for their visit. They will be here for a week along with our children. A reunion is also being planned at our home for Sunday, August 25th so lots of planning has to take place. The French are known for their excellent cuisine and are known to spend a big portion of their time cooking and eating which is a focal point of their culture. When we have visited France, it is nothing to spend two to three hours at the table in eating and conversation. Maybe I need to back up at this point and remind everyone that Paul's father was French, and he has more relatives in France than he has in the United States.
French relatives-Lady on right will be visiting us with her husband.
Our daughter Christiane is named after her.
Because we want their time here to be memorable, we are doing an extra amount of planning and preparation so everything will go smoothly. For the reunion, we have relatives coming from New Jersey, Georgia, Florida, California, and Minnesota. /Not only are we having to prepare food, but we are also organizing day trips to acquaint them with the area that Paul's father and uncle experienced when they first came to the States.
All of this activity reminded us of the story of the ten virgins in the Bible. Five of the virgins were well prepared and five were called foolish as they did not have any oil for their lamps. Whereas, the wise virgins made preparation for a jar of oil along with their lamps. Not only are we to keep our house in order in all ways, but it is also important that we are prepared spiritually. We don't know when Christ will return or we may be called home.We need to make sure that our complete trust and faith is in the Lord Jesus Christ, and we have a daily walk with Him. So, the old Boy Scout adage is true, "Always be prepared."
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Friends
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)
For several years Gail has been meeting three other ladies for lunch on a regular basis. The lunches usually take two to three hours. Obviously there is more to the meal than just what they had to eat.
They are called "The Rosey Friends" because they always keep their conversation in a positive light.
Each time they would choose a different restaurant, but it didn't seem to matter where they met, the conversation always flowed.
Jan, Deb, Pat and Gail in The Thing ready to go to lunch.
Last July one of the Rosey Friends moved to Tennessee after her husband retired from Dow Chemical. This week they came back to Michigan to visit family and, of course, the Rosey friends wanted to pick up where they left off. On Tuesday morning, they gathered along with their husbands at the Palpant home for a breakfast and good conversation. Family and the blessings of the Lord were the topics of discussion around the table. The couple that had moved to Tennessee took a trip to the Holy Land this past April. The account of their experience was fascinating and spellbinding.
As Proverbs says "iron sharpens iron", it was a special time of interaction that was encouraging and affirming. It really confirmed the importance of relationships, and how they can have great impact on one's life. Barbra Streisand sang, "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world". We certainly appreciate the people that God has brought into our lives, which makes us very blessed.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
P.S. (This includes Patsy and Penny as dogs are a man's best friend.)
For several years Gail has been meeting three other ladies for lunch on a regular basis. The lunches usually take two to three hours. Obviously there is more to the meal than just what they had to eat.
They are called "The Rosey Friends" because they always keep their conversation in a positive light.
Each time they would choose a different restaurant, but it didn't seem to matter where they met, the conversation always flowed.
Last July one of the Rosey Friends moved to Tennessee after her husband retired from Dow Chemical. This week they came back to Michigan to visit family and, of course, the Rosey friends wanted to pick up where they left off. On Tuesday morning, they gathered along with their husbands at the Palpant home for a breakfast and good conversation. Family and the blessings of the Lord were the topics of discussion around the table. The couple that had moved to Tennessee took a trip to the Holy Land this past April. The account of their experience was fascinating and spellbinding.
As Proverbs says "iron sharpens iron", it was a special time of interaction that was encouraging and affirming. It really confirmed the importance of relationships, and how they can have great impact on one's life. Barbra Streisand sang, "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world". We certainly appreciate the people that God has brought into our lives, which makes us very blessed.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
P.S. (This includes Patsy and Penny as dogs are a man's best friend.)
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
THANKFULNESS
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:18
Last Wednesday we ran across a very powerful thought in our devotional time. It is from the book, Jesus Calling, in which each devotional is written as though Jesus was talking directly to you. The devotional is written by Sarah Young.
"Thankfulness opens the door to My presence. Though I am always with you, I have gone to great measures to preserve your freedom of choice. I have placed a door between you and Me, and I have empowered you to open or close that door. There are many ways to open it, but a grateful attitude is one of the most effective."
"Thankfulness is built on a substructure of trust. When thankful words stick in your throat, you need to check up on your foundation of trust. When thankfulness flows freely from your heart and lips, let your gratitude draw you closer to Me. I want you to learn the art of giving thanks in all circumstances. See how many times you can thank me daily; this will awaken your awareness to a multitude of blessings. It will also cushion the impact of trials when they come against you. Practice My presence by practicing the discipline of thankfulness."
This devotional is a great reminder of the importance of thankfulness in our lives. The same day we had this devotional, Paul ran into a former teacher friend at Bixby Medical Center who was undergoing tests for some health issues. However, in his conversation with Paul, he continued to praise the Lord for how blessed he really is and never complained about any of his ailments; he just continued to express thankfulness to the Lord. This encounter was a great affirmation of the devotional that we had read earlier that day. He was being thankful in all circumstances.
Today, Gail spent several hours at the Lenawee Medical Care Facility and she had some time with Margaret who is totally blind. But she is able to play a miniature keyboard and harmonica. During this time, she kept telling Gail how thankful she is to be able to play these instruments and thanks the Lord for the gift of music.
As Christians thankfulness should be one of the key expressions throughout the day. Every day should be a Thanksgiving Day.
Blessings and Encouragement with Thanksgiving,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Last Wednesday we ran across a very powerful thought in our devotional time. It is from the book, Jesus Calling, in which each devotional is written as though Jesus was talking directly to you. The devotional is written by Sarah Young.
"Thankfulness opens the door to My presence. Though I am always with you, I have gone to great measures to preserve your freedom of choice. I have placed a door between you and Me, and I have empowered you to open or close that door. There are many ways to open it, but a grateful attitude is one of the most effective."
"Thankfulness is built on a substructure of trust. When thankful words stick in your throat, you need to check up on your foundation of trust. When thankfulness flows freely from your heart and lips, let your gratitude draw you closer to Me. I want you to learn the art of giving thanks in all circumstances. See how many times you can thank me daily; this will awaken your awareness to a multitude of blessings. It will also cushion the impact of trials when they come against you. Practice My presence by practicing the discipline of thankfulness."
This devotional is a great reminder of the importance of thankfulness in our lives. The same day we had this devotional, Paul ran into a former teacher friend at Bixby Medical Center who was undergoing tests for some health issues. However, in his conversation with Paul, he continued to praise the Lord for how blessed he really is and never complained about any of his ailments; he just continued to express thankfulness to the Lord. This encounter was a great affirmation of the devotional that we had read earlier that day. He was being thankful in all circumstances.
Today, Gail spent several hours at the Lenawee Medical Care Facility and she had some time with Margaret who is totally blind. But she is able to play a miniature keyboard and harmonica. During this time, she kept telling Gail how thankful she is to be able to play these instruments and thanks the Lord for the gift of music.
As Christians thankfulness should be one of the key expressions throughout the day. Every day should be a Thanksgiving Day.
Blessings and Encouragement with Thanksgiving,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
The Greatest of These Is Love
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:13
Today is a special day in the lives of Paul and Gail Palpant as they are celebrating their 47th wedding anniversary. The 23rd of July in 1966 was the hottest day of the summer and, of course, the church had no air conditioning. Fortunately, we were married in the evening which made it a bit cooler. The ceremony took place here in Adrian at was then known as Grace Baptist Church.
We have certainly had a wonderful marriage filled with many special blessings. Always attempting to keep Christ at the center of our marriage has certainly helped us work through those difficult times which have occasionally crossed our path. It doesn't seem like we live in the same country that existed when we were married 47 years ago. So many things have changed since our wedding day. One of the biggest changes is our culture's view on marriage. Many people are not getting married, but just living together, and we have those who believe that same sex marriage should be allowed. However, God's plan for marriage is the best plan which is one man and one woman united in holy matrimony.
Speaking of changes, when we got married we didn't have a telephone, television, cell phone, computer, microwave, dishwasher, DVD player, or air conditioner. After eight months of marriage, we were able to buy a house in Hudson for $8,000. Since then we have built two homes, raised three children, assisted in building two churches and one school, and taken on many other projects, big and small. It may seem like a lot but we have enjoyed every minute of it, and it is the abundant life God had planned for us.
Yesterday we celebrated by spending time with our daughter, Christiane, in Marblehead, Ohio along
Lake Erie. We were able to have a nice lunch with her at the Marblehead Galley and visited a nearby lighthouse. She brought her Ipad with hundreds of pictures of her recent trip to France. So, we stopped at a coffee shop and viewed her pictures of our French relatives while sipping on a cup of coffee. Of course, her pictures were not complete without some of the stories that were shared about her experiences on the trip. The time went by way too quickly as we wanted to head home before it got dark.
.jpeg)
Behind every good woman is a man
.jpeg)
Paul with Christiane, Patsy and Penny
Gail, Paul and the pups with Lake Erie in the background
Even after 47 years, both of us would say, "I do", all over again. It's amazing how God can use a blind date to bring us to this point in our life. We would like to close with a quote of
I Corinthians 13:13 from The Message:
But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Today is a special day in the lives of Paul and Gail Palpant as they are celebrating their 47th wedding anniversary. The 23rd of July in 1966 was the hottest day of the summer and, of course, the church had no air conditioning. Fortunately, we were married in the evening which made it a bit cooler. The ceremony took place here in Adrian at was then known as Grace Baptist Church.
We have certainly had a wonderful marriage filled with many special blessings. Always attempting to keep Christ at the center of our marriage has certainly helped us work through those difficult times which have occasionally crossed our path. It doesn't seem like we live in the same country that existed when we were married 47 years ago. So many things have changed since our wedding day. One of the biggest changes is our culture's view on marriage. Many people are not getting married, but just living together, and we have those who believe that same sex marriage should be allowed. However, God's plan for marriage is the best plan which is one man and one woman united in holy matrimony.
Speaking of changes, when we got married we didn't have a telephone, television, cell phone, computer, microwave, dishwasher, DVD player, or air conditioner. After eight months of marriage, we were able to buy a house in Hudson for $8,000. Since then we have built two homes, raised three children, assisted in building two churches and one school, and taken on many other projects, big and small. It may seem like a lot but we have enjoyed every minute of it, and it is the abundant life God had planned for us.
Yesterday we celebrated by spending time with our daughter, Christiane, in Marblehead, Ohio along
Lake Erie. We were able to have a nice lunch with her at the Marblehead Galley and visited a nearby lighthouse. She brought her Ipad with hundreds of pictures of her recent trip to France. So, we stopped at a coffee shop and viewed her pictures of our French relatives while sipping on a cup of coffee. Of course, her pictures were not complete without some of the stories that were shared about her experiences on the trip. The time went by way too quickly as we wanted to head home before it got dark.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Even after 47 years, both of us would say, "I do", all over again. It's amazing how God can use a blind date to bring us to this point in our life. We would like to close with a quote of
I Corinthians 13:13 from The Message:
But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Widows and Orphans In Distress
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress. James 1:27a
Every Tuesday Gail visits the Lenawee Medical Care Facility and has devotions with several of the ladies who are residents there. Some of them are not only having devotions but are now memorizing Scripture, one of whom is in her early to mid nineties. A lot of people say they are too old to memorize anything, but age is certainly not stopping these ladies. Today, Gail happened to visit Margaret for the first time and found out that Margaret is blind due to sugar. She said that blindness makes loneliness ten times worse. Gail then asked her how she passed the time. Christian radio was her response. She listens to Christian radio all the time and finds much encouragement to reduce the loneliness. Even though she is blind, she surprised Gail by pulling out a harmonica and playing it. She proclaimed that it is the smallest harmonica in the world. It appeared to be only about an inch and a half long. Gail always comes home very excited about the time she has spent with the various residents at the medical care facility.
While visiting with Clara, she introduced me to Jerry another resident. Jerry informed Gail that there are many lonely people in the facility and would love to have someone visit. Even though Gail goes to encourage and assist the residents, she receives multiple blessings in return. The above verse from James commands us to minister to the widows in their distress. May this be an encouragement to you who would feel the calling to visit those who are lonely.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
P.S. We finished painting our garage floor last Thursday and below is a picture of how it turned out.
Every Tuesday Gail visits the Lenawee Medical Care Facility and has devotions with several of the ladies who are residents there. Some of them are not only having devotions but are now memorizing Scripture, one of whom is in her early to mid nineties. A lot of people say they are too old to memorize anything, but age is certainly not stopping these ladies. Today, Gail happened to visit Margaret for the first time and found out that Margaret is blind due to sugar. She said that blindness makes loneliness ten times worse. Gail then asked her how she passed the time. Christian radio was her response. She listens to Christian radio all the time and finds much encouragement to reduce the loneliness. Even though she is blind, she surprised Gail by pulling out a harmonica and playing it. She proclaimed that it is the smallest harmonica in the world. It appeared to be only about an inch and a half long. Gail always comes home very excited about the time she has spent with the various residents at the medical care facility.
While visiting with Clara, she introduced me to Jerry another resident. Jerry informed Gail that there are many lonely people in the facility and would love to have someone visit. Even though Gail goes to encourage and assist the residents, she receives multiple blessings in return. The above verse from James commands us to minister to the widows in their distress. May this be an encouragement to you who would feel the calling to visit those who are lonely.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
P.S. We finished painting our garage floor last Thursday and below is a picture of how it turned out.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Old Has Gone and New Has Come
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old is gone, and the new has come!
II Cor. 5:17
We no sooner get home from our trip out west than we decide our garage cement floor needed a make over. Over the years we have slapped on a coat of latex paint to a point we had several coats that had been worn by the tires of the cars. Our neighbor, Duane Winter, is known for his immaculate garage floor. So, Paul contacted him to get his advice. He encouraged us to rent a machine that will strip off all the old paint before applying one more coat. This machine would take off all the old paint and reveal the original bare cement floor by rotating blades that cut through the layers of paint.
Last Friday we rented the machine and before the day was over we had taken all of the old paint off the floor. That was just the first step. Once we were down to the bare floor we had to take a degreaser and strong soap solution and scrub every square inch of the floor with a stiff brush to make sure that every square inch of the floor was clean. Following that, we had to thoroughly rinse the floor, and then remove all excess water with a squeegee. Once the floor was totally clean and degreased, a etching ingredient had to be applied to the floor and then thoroughly scrubbed with a stiff brush as well. All of this process will assure that the final application of paint will adhere better. Once the etching has taken place, another complete rinsing of the floor must be done. The excess rinse water needs to be removed for the squeegee.
Garage floor before preparation work has begun.
Before painting, the floor must be thoroughly dry. So, Paul has placed two fans in the garage and has them running continually for several days, moving them periodically. The conditions must be right for the application of the epoxy paint. One of those conditions is the humidity must be below 80 percent. Since the past few days have been very humid, we have chosen to wait until the humidity drops which will be toward the end of this week. We plan to include a picture of our garage floor after the make over has taken place.
As you can see, a spiritual application can be drawn from our garage floor project. The verse above speaks of being a new creation in Christ and the result is basically off with the old and on with the new. In order for us to do a proper refinishing of the garage floor all of the old paint had to go. Once that had been removed than we needed to make preparation for the application of the new paint.
When Christ comes into our life, the old things that cluttered our life are removed to make way for the new life that we have in Him. The old is gone, the new has come. The new floor will be so much more appealing than the old just as our life should be appealing to the point of drawing others to Christ.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
II Cor. 5:17
We no sooner get home from our trip out west than we decide our garage cement floor needed a make over. Over the years we have slapped on a coat of latex paint to a point we had several coats that had been worn by the tires of the cars. Our neighbor, Duane Winter, is known for his immaculate garage floor. So, Paul contacted him to get his advice. He encouraged us to rent a machine that will strip off all the old paint before applying one more coat. This machine would take off all the old paint and reveal the original bare cement floor by rotating blades that cut through the layers of paint.
Last Friday we rented the machine and before the day was over we had taken all of the old paint off the floor. That was just the first step. Once we were down to the bare floor we had to take a degreaser and strong soap solution and scrub every square inch of the floor with a stiff brush to make sure that every square inch of the floor was clean. Following that, we had to thoroughly rinse the floor, and then remove all excess water with a squeegee. Once the floor was totally clean and degreased, a etching ingredient had to be applied to the floor and then thoroughly scrubbed with a stiff brush as well. All of this process will assure that the final application of paint will adhere better. Once the etching has taken place, another complete rinsing of the floor must be done. The excess rinse water needs to be removed for the squeegee.
Before painting, the floor must be thoroughly dry. So, Paul has placed two fans in the garage and has them running continually for several days, moving them periodically. The conditions must be right for the application of the epoxy paint. One of those conditions is the humidity must be below 80 percent. Since the past few days have been very humid, we have chosen to wait until the humidity drops which will be toward the end of this week. We plan to include a picture of our garage floor after the make over has taken place.
As you can see, a spiritual application can be drawn from our garage floor project. The verse above speaks of being a new creation in Christ and the result is basically off with the old and on with the new. In order for us to do a proper refinishing of the garage floor all of the old paint had to go. Once that had been removed than we needed to make preparation for the application of the new paint.
When Christ comes into our life, the old things that cluttered our life are removed to make way for the new life that we have in Him. The old is gone, the new has come. The new floor will be so much more appealing than the old just as our life should be appealing to the point of drawing others to Christ.
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Our Visit West
For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12
During the month of June, we drove to California to visit our son, Roger, who moved there in January. We drove for three reasons: (1) We didn't want to put Penny and Patsy in a kennel so they joined us on the trip. (2) We wanted to visit family in Colorado. (3) We wanted to take in some of the beautiful scenery across the west. As far as Penny and Patsy were concerned, we couldn't have asked for two better behaved pups. They didn't cause us any problems the whole trip. Our time with Roger and cousins in Colorado was very special. Roger took us to the San Francisco area and to Yosemite National Park as well as having us spend time at Lake Tahoe. On days when we were not sightseeing, we helped Roger around his condo. He had patios and a front door that needed some attention so we all pitched in and made them have a little more eye appeal.
As we drove toward Colorado to visit our cousins, we took in some amazing scenery in Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. Seeing God's creation in this way was one of the highlights of our trip. We toured Arches National Park in Utah and the Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction, Colorado. Both of these parks were spectacular! The massive rock formations and the magnitude of the scenery were difficult to capture with a camera. A camera can't begin to do justice to what the human eye can see. Standing and viewing God's handiwork puts you in awe of the power of God.
Once we arrived at our cousins' in Colorado, the scenery around their homes was just as spectacular.
Their homes are nestled among the mountains so that you have a tremendous view no matter which direction you look. We certainly enjoyed being with our relatives as well as drinking in the beautiful scenery that surrounds their homes.
Below are a few pictures from our trip.
Roger viewing the entrance of Yosemite National Park
Arches National Park
Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction
Penny and Patsy in front of our Colorado River campsite
That I may publish with the voice of Thanksgiving, and tell of all Thy wondrous works. Psalm 26:7
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny
During the month of June, we drove to California to visit our son, Roger, who moved there in January. We drove for three reasons: (1) We didn't want to put Penny and Patsy in a kennel so they joined us on the trip. (2) We wanted to visit family in Colorado. (3) We wanted to take in some of the beautiful scenery across the west. As far as Penny and Patsy were concerned, we couldn't have asked for two better behaved pups. They didn't cause us any problems the whole trip. Our time with Roger and cousins in Colorado was very special. Roger took us to the San Francisco area and to Yosemite National Park as well as having us spend time at Lake Tahoe. On days when we were not sightseeing, we helped Roger around his condo. He had patios and a front door that needed some attention so we all pitched in and made them have a little more eye appeal.
As we drove toward Colorado to visit our cousins, we took in some amazing scenery in Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. Seeing God's creation in this way was one of the highlights of our trip. We toured Arches National Park in Utah and the Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction, Colorado. Both of these parks were spectacular! The massive rock formations and the magnitude of the scenery were difficult to capture with a camera. A camera can't begin to do justice to what the human eye can see. Standing and viewing God's handiwork puts you in awe of the power of God.
Once we arrived at our cousins' in Colorado, the scenery around their homes was just as spectacular.
Their homes are nestled among the mountains so that you have a tremendous view no matter which direction you look. We certainly enjoyed being with our relatives as well as drinking in the beautiful scenery that surrounds their homes.
Below are a few pictures from our trip.
That I may publish with the voice of Thanksgiving, and tell of all Thy wondrous works. Psalm 26:7
Blessings and Encouragement,
Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Thy
word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalms 119:11
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)