CHRISTMAS

Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
                                                                                                                Psalm 127:3-5a

During the Christmas holiday our family flew in from Georgia and California. Our household quickly went from two to eight, which means there was a lot of activity with all beds taken plus an air mattress on the floor. As we looked forward to this time with great anticipation we planned several activities in which everyone could participate. All the family was here by the Saturday morning before Christmas, which included Christiane, Roger, Rick and Rebecca, and our grandsons, Darien and Logan. As soon as the last one arrived we were off to Pokagon State Park in Indiana to experience the challenging toboggan run. Even there was no snow at the park, the run is refrigerated and a sheet of ice. When we arrived we rented two toboggans and were ready to fly down the course.
Darien (age 12) and Logan (age 8) were extremely excited whereas Gail was dragging her feet. After going down once, the boys wanted to do it again and again. All total, they slid down the run seven or eight times whereas Gail and Paul worked up enough courage to do it twice. Our top speed was 36 miles per hour which was plenty fast enough when you are that close to the ground.

Pokagan toboggan run

Logan, Darien, Christiane and Roger flying down the course.

Christiane, Rick, Logan Darien, Rebecca and Roger after a run.

On Sunday we went to church as a family and then were joined by Gail's sister Jill's family for dinner and some fun activities. With six children here that afternoon Patsy and Penny received lots of attention. One of the fun activities was putting together a three-dimensional puzzle of the earth. Monday held many more activities for the family. For a fun competition we divided into two teams of four and were given forty-five minutes to put a ginger bread house together with decorations and all. This really challenged our creativity. That afternoon was spent swimming at the Christian Family Centre and followed with a pizza party. If that wasn't enough activity, the men went to see The Hobbit.

The result of the ginger bread competition

Emma, Lyndsey and Carlie with Penny and Patsy

 

Before Rick, Rebecca, and the boys left on Tuesday, Helene Bleecker joined us for a country breakfast. She had been very eager to meet Darien and Logan. Helene is a cousin and sister to Paul (too long to explain) and her daughter, Deb Kaylor, published a book on the French heritage of the Palpant family. This is a very treasured gift from our children. The book contains many stories and pictures that go back as far as Paul's great grandfather.

During the entire Christmas celebration we were surrounded by children which made it a delightful, joyous time. It was such a special treat to be together as a family, but the time went by way too quickly. We always need to relish those special moments.

Paul, Gail Roger, Darien, Rick, Logan, Rebecca and Christiane enjoying a wonderful Christmas.

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny

STATE REPRESENTATIVE

Love your neighbor as yourself.  Matthew 19:19b

During the Christmas season many people host open houses to celebrate the birth of Christ. This is a time for great fellowship and wonderful food to celebrate the spirit of this special holiday. You hope you don't gain too many pounds with exposure to so much delightful food that contains uncountable calories.

Last Friday our State Representati,ve Nancy Jenkins, held an open house in her home and invited many people from her church and the political arena. She went to a lot of work and many hours preparing a variety of delicacies for her guests. It was obvious people were enjoying themselves because no one seemed to feel the need to rush off.  

Nancy Jenkins, Stste Representative

The event was a reflection of Nancy's love for people and a heart for serving others. Her whole life radiates the fact that she loves and wants to serve people. We are blessed to have a State Representative with such a heart for her constituents. She is very visible at many functions in the community which offers her an opportunity to listen to ideas and concerns of our area. The challenge to us is to remember to pray for Nancy as she deals with many difficult decisions for our State and
local area.

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny

ALL THY WONDROUS WORKS

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.
                                                                                           Psalm 26:7

When we were first married in 1966, we lived in a small four room upstairs apartment on Grove St. in Hudson. When the Christmas season began to roll around our first year of marriage, we began to contemplate what we would do about sending Christmas cards. After looking at cards we could buy to send to friends and family, the idea hit us that we should make our own cards. We both liked the idea and set to work creating and producing the cards we wanted to send. Little did we know that we were establishing a tradition of making our own cards that we continue to this day.

We still remember the design of our first card which contained two candles made of gold and silver foil wrapping paper which were glued to white card stock paper. It is easy to recall exactly what the outside of the card looked like, but we can't remember how we composed the inside greeting. If our memories serve us correctly, a hand written note was on the inside of each card. At that time we probably sent no more than 25-30 cards. Ever since that Christmas we have faithfully created our Christmas card with few exceptions.

Christmas card in the making

One year we ran short of our Christmas cards and ended up giving some of Paul's teachers a boughten card. Several of them later expressed their disappointment that they had not received a homemade card. Some people have been known to actually frame some of the cards they have received. Paul's relatives in France have kept many of these Christmas cards over the years. The number of cards that we send has grown to many times the number we sent in 1966.

The final touch

When the Christmas card is composed, our desire is that it reflects the true meaning of Christmas. Often the card will include a verse of Scripture or a thought that focuses on the birth of Christ. Many send Christmas cards during this holiday season. God has also sent His letter to us through the holy Scriptures telling of he birth of Christ who became the suffering servant described in the book of Isaiah. May God speak to us through His Word in a special way this Christmas season.

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny

BANNER OVER ME IS LOVE

He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love.  
                                                                                      Song of Solomon 2:4

 This past week has been a very special week for us.  On Tuesday, November 25^th we headed to Commerce, GA to spend Thanksgiving with our family at the home of our daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Rick.  Joining us were our other children; Christiane from Atlanta and Roger from Modesto, CA as well as grandsons, Darien and Logan.  On the way down, we spent Tuesday night with Paul’s brother and sister-in-law, Vic and Sherry, near Knoxville, TN.  The next day we continued on to Georgia. 

 The following four days were a delight.  On Thanksgiving Day several from Rick’s family joined us including his mother, step-father, brother and his family and his sister and niece.  Thanksgiving morning was spent preparing all the food for the feast we were going to enjoy later that day.  Everyone in the family was busy with the task they were assigned.  The most interesting part was watching Logan and Christiane making the pies.  Logan at eight years of age is quite the pie maker.  He helped Christiane make all six pies.  There were apple, pumpkin and even pecan.  Some were even gluten free.  On top of that the members of Rick’s family who joined us brought many delicious things with them which added to the already succulent Thanksgiving feast.  Both the food and the fellowship were fantastic.  Rick’s family is such a joy to be around.

 

Christiane, Logan, Rebecca and Gail baking up a storm.

After the Thanksgiving dinner, family members played corn hole, worked on a 3-D puzzle, and played Farkel.  When you get together with the Shimkets family, you better be ready to be challenged to a game.  They are extremely competitive which is very much seen in Darien and Logan as well.

 

Paul, Roger and Darien solving the 3-D puzzle.

Unfortunately Roger had to leave on Friday to get back to work.  Christiane left Sunday morning due to a speaking engagement at Indiana University.  For Paul and Gail the remainder of the time was spent helping select a Christmas tree for Rick and Rebecca’s family, watching the University of Georgia lose a close football game to Georgia Tech, shopping at Chico’s, and helping Darien with his Jesse tree project for school.

 One night we headed to bed and were joined by Logan who loves Patsy and Penny.  While in our bedroom he played with the dogs and even got in their crate with them.  He thought it would be neat to spend the night in there with them.  However, we asked Logan if he was supposed to be in bed.  He quickly disappeared and headed toward his bedroom.

 

Logan joining Patsy and Penny in their crate.

It was such a blessing to be with family during the Thanksgiving holiday.  It gave us time to get to know and appreciate Rick and the boys even more.  It is obvious that he and Rebecca are very much in love and truly care for each other.  We are so glad we made the trip to Georgia and realize how much we would have missed if we hadn’t.

 

Dottie, (Rick's mom), Gail and Paul

Blessings and Encouragement,

 

Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny

SALVATION ARMY

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.  Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'   The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'           Matthew 25:35-40

This past Saturday we have the privilege of ringing bells for the Salvation Army at the Walmart store here in Adrian.  Each year our church takes one day to ring bells for them, which is coordinated by Michael Graham our youth pastor.  Many people from our church rang bells for an hour or two that entire day.  We are very thankful that this year was much warmer than last year when it was absolutely frigid.  It is very interesting to watch the people as they go in and out of the store.  Some are very friendly and happy as we greet them while others appear to be on a mission and with a furrow in their brow remain focused.  However. the real treat comes when parents with children come by and the children put money in the kettle with the assistance of mom or dad.  It is obvious they are training their children to be givers. 

                     Steve Depew ringing the bell for the Salvation Army

                       Paul and Gail greeting the people at Walmart

                     Krystal and Jacob Schamberger gladly ringing the bell

The Salvation Army has many facets to its ministry.  They minister to the homeless. have a prison  ministry, work with veterans, hunger relief, adult rehabilitation, and a ministry to the elderly, to name a few.  The red kettle campaign is the major fundraising activity of the Salvation Army which helps to underwrite many if not all of these ministries.  Paul is particularly partial to the Salvation Army since his Uncle Charles served in the Salvation Army in France his entire adult life. He was even assigned to Devil's Island off the coast of South America for a period of time.  A French prison was located there. and Paul's uncle ministered to these prisoners who were not exactly the cream of the crop. 

If you happen to walk by a red kettle this Christmas season, the Salvation Army can use all of our help.  Our giving can encourage someone who desperately needs encouragement.     

                          Blogging was too much for Patsy and Penny

Blessings and encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny

REFRESHED

For they have refreshed my spirit.  I Corinthians 16:18a

Last Wednesday was Gail's birthday.  It proved to be a great day of refreshing as she received many cards, phone calls from her three children, several opportunities for lunch with friends, and Facebook responses to her birthday from an untold number of people.  It couldn't have been a better birthday celebration because Paul even did the cooking from morning to night.

One of the special events was lunch with Gail's sister, Jill, and Audrey Clay at the Governor's Tea Room next to the Croswell. We celebrated both Gail's and Audrey's birthday at the same time.  There everything is served so exquisitely and the conversation was energizing and encouraging. It was such a treat to be able to sit and relax and reflect on past endeavors as well as share their current experiences. Of course, the Lord is always in the center of their conversations when they get together, which makes their times together so inspiring and refreshing.

                    Gail, Audrey, and Jill at the Governor's Tea Room
                         
Gail says she has been strengthened enough to last her until her next birthday and sends her thanks to everyone who recognized her birthday.

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny

A TRIP OF A LIFETIME

Jerusalem is builded on a city that is compact together.  Psalm 122:3 KJV

Within the past two weeks our pastor, David Fulks, has had the opportunity to travel to Israel and Jordan.  His days were filled with tours of various sights that are in the Holy Land such as the Sea of Galilee, Petra, Nazareth, Masada and Jerusalem.  It was an amazing trip for him as it made the Bible come alive as he rode in a boat on the Sea of Galilee, saw the village where Jesus worked with his father in the carpenter shop, and walked the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem.  This was certainly a trip of a lifetime for him.  He feels every seminary student should spend one semester of their studies in the Holy Land. 

                                                  Jerusalem

                                                   Petra

                                               Capernaum

                        Believed to the the remians of Peter's house

This past Sunday evening he shared about his trip accompanied by a number of slides.  He took over 600 pictures, but only got through half of them that evening.  Everyone was captivated by  his insight into his time in the Israel as well as the excellent pictures he captured with his camera.  He found a very interesting fact while touring Israel.  In the Bible Jesus cursed three towns, Chorazin, Capernaum, and Bethsaida.  During his tour he realized that not one of these three town exist today except their ruins.  Needless to say, we can't wait to hear about the rest of his trip and see the slide that accompany it. 

This past Saturday we got together with some long time friends for breakfast.  Tim and Judy Guest arrived around 9:00 a.m. and stayed well past 12:30 p.m.  We enjoyed being together and the conversation never lacked.  We attended church together for many years at Open Door Bible Church in Hudson.  Our children were close in age to their youngest daughter, Ann, so we shared many activities together.  It was so good to be together for that short time since we don't often see them as they still live in the Hudson area and winter in Arizona so they are gone several months out of the year.  Friends like Tim and Judy are such a special blessing

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny
.

CHAINSAWS DON'T GIVE A GOOD MANICURE

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
                                                                                                                           Colossians 3:23-24

This past winter we had seven walnut tress removed from the little woods located between our home and Hunt Road.  The lumbermen took the trunks of the trees but left lots of brush and larger branches for us to take care of.  Last spring we burned all the brush which was several days labor of tugging and pulling branches to the one burn pile we established in an open area in the woods.  But all of the larger branches were cut into four foot sections and piled up for us to cut into smaller pieces and stack into neater piles.  This past Friday and Saturday we began the process.  

The weather was not very pleasant on Friday with wind and a slight drizzle, but after Paul had been subbing at LCS that morning, we endeavored to undertake the massive job of cutting up the many logs that were salvaged from the trees.  Paul started in with the chainsaw, but Gail soon came out to assist.  Things were going along very smoothly as we were working our way through the first pile.  However, Gail was holding a small piece that needed one final cut when the chainsaw kicked and nicked Gail's right index finger.  She was wearing a double pair of gloves, but the saw cut through them and into her knuckle.  Paul immediately stopped the saw, pulled off her gloves and discovered a gash in her knuckle.  To make a long story short, within 10 minutes we were at Bixby Medical Center's emergency room.  After about three hours, Gail ended up with five stitches and a large bandage on her finger.  They also took x-rays and found that the bone of her knuckle had been chipped by the saw.  They then wrote a prescription for an antibiotic so that Gail would not get infection.  We are very thankful that everything is going to be OK and that she still has her finger.    The Lord was certainly looking out for her as it could have been so much worse.

Saturday turned out to be a beautiful fall day.  Paul spent much of the morning cutting up more of the logs before a friend. Marshal Mattson, came with his log splitter.  Marshal came around 2:30 with his son-in-law Jerry and three of his grandsons.  Marshal and Paul split the wood while Jerry and the boys loaded some of the older ash that had been split and stacked for a couple of seasons.  Jerry and Marshal can be very proud of those boys as they worked so hard the entire time.  Someone else who worked was Gail with bandaged finger and all.  She didn't let that injury slow her down at all.  However,  the doctor at the hospital did say that she isn't to do dishes for at least two weeks. Guess who has to do dishes?

       Isaac, Jerry Marshal, Zach, Josh and Paul splitting and stacking wood

                              Splitting larger logs

What a delight to be able to work in the woods splitting logs on a beautiful fall day.  We thank the Lord for giving us the strength to be able to do this kind of physical work. Even though you end the day tired and sore, it is a great feeling to see the results of your labor stacked in neat piles in the woods.  Sunday afternoon there wasn't much movement in the Palpant home as we both took a long nap joined by Patsy and Penny.  Not sure what they did Saturday to be so tired on Sunday, but they felt they needed a nap as well.

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny

APPLE TIME

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
                                                                                    Proverbs 25:11

Yesterday Gail and two of her sisters, Judy and Jill, spent the day making applesauce. We know, it's a bit late in the season, but all of a sudden last week in a conversation, it was mentioned about making applesauce. Little did we know that it would consume us for the next few days. On the way home from Judy's, Jill and Gail saw a sign for apples as they passed by the store, did a quick u-turn and purchased one bushel. That was the beginning. Later on Gail came up with two more bushels. Judy in the meantime did research as to what would be the best way to cook applesauce. Jill managed to find an apple peeling/coring machine on sale which proved to be a real time saver. But then, we wondered do we or do we not add sugar, cinnamon, water, apple pie spice as one of Judy's many discovered recipes suggested. Decisions, decisions. We each showed up with our contribution of utensils, pans, and excitement, very eager to begin the endeavor. Judy sampled the sauce for sweetness so many times we began to worry about her.

                                Judy and Jill preparing the apples.

                             Gail gathering more apples for the sauce.

In working with the apples, we experienced the beautiful colors of the fruit and appreciative of how God has provided such a variety of just the apple itself. It is interesting how the writer of Proverbs, Solomon, in the King James Version, compares a word of encouragement to a beautiful golden apple. Think of your words as nourishment for the soul. Like picking apples, pick your words wisely.

Blessings and encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny

REFRESHED

I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus- - -. For they have refreshed
my spirit and yours:                                                            I Corinthians 16:17a and 18a

Who do you think of when you think of someone that refreshs your spirit when they come to your home? Among the top of our list, would be Helene Bleecker and her daughter Deb.  Periodically Deb, who lives in Denver, Colorado, comes to Michigan to visit with her Mom for several days. During that time we have a chance to have them over for a meal.. Deb usually whips out one of her famous, to die for, desserts. My favorite had been the Bumbleberry Pie, but the Fallen Chocolate Cake with cherry sauce ala mode Friday night was a close runner up.In addition to the dessert this time, she brought a hoary pumpkin as a hostess gift. Being the great artist that she is, she was attracted to the pumpkin when she saw it and knew that we would appreciate the uniqueness.

                                    Deb's Hoary Pumpkin


It's always fun to have a meal together but more than that, we have the best fellowship around the table that a person could ever ask for. With the French heritage in mind, it is nothing for us to be at the table with refreshing conversation for three hours or more.  Old pictures of the French family gone by, a book in the making, recipes shared, and tales told make for a very wonderfully, full evening.

Adding to the time together, we have the most interesting French heritage. You see when Helene's  father, who was French and brother to Paul's dad, passed away and Paul's mother passed away, Paul's  dad married Helene's mother, who was French, making Helene a step sister to Paul, who already were first cousins on Paul's father's side of the family. We have great fun trying to explain it to those who would be interested. We'll save the cousin story for the next time.

When Helene and Deb left our home this past Friday night, we had truly been refreshed by their spirit. We'll look forward to the next time, but I'm sure there will not be another hoary pumpkin or will there be, Deb?

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny

P.S. By the way, Helene, be careful not to sit in the brown chair the next time. That belongs to Patsy and Penny.

                          Helene in Patsy and Penny's chair

TEMPTATION

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful, he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.  I Corinthians 10:13

We have a confession, our biggest vice is ice cream. However, this incident was not our idea. Our son Roger took a trip north to see the fall color here in Michigan. He spent several days seeing the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, Mackinac Island, White Fish Point, Tahquamenon Falls, and the Soo Locks. Towards the end of last week we received a text from Roger inviting us to meet him for ice cream as he returned back to Adrian from the north country. By all means, who are we to turn him down. About two o'clock Sunday afternoon we received a call that we could meet him for ice cream in about an hour. Guess where he wanted to meet?

                                  Guess where we are.


When we are tempted He will provide a way out so instead of three scoops, Paul ordered two, and instead of two scoops Gail ordered one. But, Roger made up for it by ordering a three scoop sundae and he talked us into ordering fries to share. Even though the calorie count was extremely high the fellowship and time with our son was more than worth it. We encourage you to make time for those special moments.

Blessings and encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny

ArtPrize

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. 
                                                                     Ecclesiastes 9:10a

The 2014 ArtPrize event in Grand Rapids, MI has been taking place since September 24th and will go through October 12th.  Over 1500 entries were selected from several thousand who originally applied.  To be in the competition was a great honor even though the chances of winning or even placing for a prize was very slim.  It was obvious that the various artists had put their heart and soul into their work.  One artist who was displaying his work in the same venue as Gail indicated that he had been working on his creation for three years.  Another who did a mural of wooden horses said that she had amassed 1400 hours creating and assembling her piece.  The ArtPrize competition has unleashed a great deal of creativity among professional as well as amateur artists. 

This past weekend we were joined by two of our children, Christiane and Roger, to tour some of the art venues in Grand Rapids.  It was a real thrill having them with us to support their mother and enjoy the many outstanding works of art on display,.  Even though the weather was not very nice, we had a great time together.  At one point it even snowed for a few minutes. 

   Paul, Gail, Christiane and Roger with Gail's painting, "Family Reflections"


ArtPrize is probably one of the top art exhibits in the world of its kind.  Many stores, restaurants, churches, museums and businesses participate in this by opening up their establishment to display the art.  This has been of great benefit to the Grand Rapids city as it brings in millions of dollars of revenue by those visiting the various art exhibits.  Restaurants and hotels boom during this time.  There are other cities beginning to get the same idea for their downtown area. 

Those reading this many have much more creativity in them than they realize.  Tap into that creativity.

Blessings and encouragement.

Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny

PASSION

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:  and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.
                                                                                                                       Acts 1:8

Last Wednesday we had the privilege of hosting Friday and Mary Ganda who are missionaries to the continent of Africa. They have worked in a number of African countries such as Sudan, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and are now serving in Rwanda, Burundi and Kenya. Friday has had so many different assignments through the years in these countries including pastor, district superintendent, and denominational coordinator.  As we visited with the two of them we sensed a great passion for the Lord and for their work in Africa.  They are trusting that the Lord will use them more and more.

                                    Friday and Mary from Africa


His work is now mainly in Rwanda and Burundi with people from the Tutsi and Hutu tribes. These were the two tribes involved in the genocide that killed thousands of people back in the 80s. He is working is Christians from both tribes but has found a real bitterness against each other because of their history. He is hoping to build a training center where he can work with the Christian leaders and bring about reconciliation between these two tribes. He found that they will not sit under the same roof of a church together so he feels his ministry will bring healing in this situation.

It was obvious that his wife Mary is a great asset to his ministry. She is gifted in many ways and has the ability to speak six languages. They have five children one of whom is a pastor in the Kansas City area. All their children are strong believers in Christ.. We certainly enjoyed hearing their story and catching and understanding of the Lord's calling on their life. What things could be accomplished if all Christians had their zeal and passion!

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny

P.S.  Is someone would like to support their ministry, they can send support to:

Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, MO  64184-3116
Attn:  Rev. Friday Ganda-Deputation

GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES

Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  I Thessalonians 5:18

Back in April Gail was encouraged to enter the ArtPrize competition in Grand Rapids.  Just entering is quite a challenge because the entire application process has to be done over the internet by computer.  Since neither of us are computer savvy, Tom Thiery was kind enough to assist us with all the needed details on the computer.  The main concept is to develop an information sheet regarding the artist and the art piece for the competition, and then submit that information to various venues in Grand Rapids.  There are hotels, restaurants, museums, churches and other entities that host the art.  Gail applied to several venues and received an acceptance from Monroe Community Church the end of May or early June.

Over the summer Gail has been receiving all kinds of information from ArtPrize and the church that is hosting her painting.  This past Saturday was the big day for us to travel to Grand Rapids to hang her art piece.  The painting is of our family reflecting in a large plate glass.  It was framed to appear as a window and door with our family reflecting in it.  The title of the painting is "Family Reflections".

                                 "Family Reflections" the painting

When we arrived at the church to hang the painting, there were extremely high walls which made Gail's pastel painting look totally different than it did in her studio.  It only took a few minutes to put the painting in place, and we were soon heading back to Adrian.  Gail was very disappointed that her painting didn't show well.  And like the Israelites at times, Paul (like Moses) heard some murmuring.  She has now come to the point of realizing how small this is compared to some things that can come along in life.  We are very pleased and thankful that she was able to be accepted into this competition and trust that her painting will minister to those who view it.  Gail is now seeing "the glass half full" and is counting all the blessing God has given her. 

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny

TWO WEEKS OF OPPORTUNITIES

A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.  Ecclesiastes 3:4

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  2 Timothy 4:7

The past two weeks have been very busy with a host of opportunities and a huge number of ups and downs that life brings our way.  Recent days have contained three funerals, one wedding and great revival services at our church.  We have lost two wonderful gentlemen in our church to cancer.  Their memorial services have been a little over two weeks apart.   Both left a wife and grown children.  The services for each of them were truly a great testimony of a life well lived and a strong faith in their Heavenly Father.  We heard words such as mentor, friend, encourager, love of my life, etc.  What a blessing to be able to attend a memorial service where the words that were spoken were very fitting for the one who had "fought the good fight".

Last Thursday we attended the funeral of Peggy Trinka's father in North Branch.  We never met Dr. O'Dell, but we certainly learned a lot about him from the gentleman who gave the eulogy.  Dr. O'Dell served the North Branch community for over 60 years as their veterinarian for the many farm animals in that community. He was the longest practicing veterinarian in the State of Michigan.  Another aspect of the funeral was the procession to the cemetery.  Dr. O'Dell had asked to have his casket placed on a wagon and drawn by horses to the cemetery.  He indicated that life was always rushing by so he wanted his last ride to be slow and easy, which was aptly done by a team of black horses.

          The horses and wagon led the funeral procession to the cemetery

Last Saturday the granddaughter of some good friends of ours was married in an outdoor wedding near Hudson.  It was a cool, but beautiful, afternoon for the wedding.  The grandfather of the groom performed the ceremony, and served communion to the couple after they had said their vows.  They were married under a trellis in the bride's grandparent's yard,.  The reception was also at the grandparent's home.  Of course, what is a reception without food.  There was a wonderful array of
hors d'oeuvre followed by an huge display of homemade pies made by the grooms mother.  She made enough pies to feed two pieces to 200 people.  It was a delightful event with many special extras. 

     The wedding of Morgan and Michael at Jim and Carole Darr's home

             Pies of every flavor and description for the reception.  YUM!!

A real highlight for us over the past week and a half was the opportunity to host Dr. James Diehl in our home for five days.  Dr. Diehl spoke at the revival services at our church from Sunday, September 7th to Wednesday, September 10th.  He is an outstanding speaker and a very special person to host in your home.  He is definitely a man who has lived his faith through some very challenging situations.  When he speaks you can sense the spirit of God moving.  The attendance and response at the revival services were very encouraging and life changing for many.

          Dr. Diehl just before he left our home early last Thursday morning. 


Even when life gets busy and there are great difficulties, God is there and God is good.

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny

TIME FLIES

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.  Psalm 90:12  NIV

Today Paul was talking with a person who has been in education for a number of years, and he commented on how quickly the years fly by. He mentioned that school gets started and all of a sudden it's Christmas, and as soon as Christmas is over you are heading head long into spring.
After Easter break school is out in just a wink of an eye. Of course, summers are never as long as we think. When it comes to a day, we all know how quickly it goes by. We often look at each other and ask ourselves, "How did we get to be this old?"

The Lord has given each of us a certain amount of time here on earth. We believe that we are going to have to give an account of how we used our time.There are so many things that can fill our plate and keep us busy but we need to have wisdom in knowing if it is a beneficial kind of busyness.
Psalm 90:12 tells us that we need to be taught to make certain our days are used wisely. Prioritizing our time and our talents help us to be wiser as we go through this journey of life. It is such a good feeling when you look back over a day or a week and see that someone has been encouraged or that you have made a difference in a situation or someone's life. As Christians we should be concerned about being obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit with our time, our involvements, and opportunities.

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny

A TIME TO LAUGH

To everything there is a season....a time to weep and a time to laugh.  Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4

Recently one of Paul's cousins from France visited our family in Georgia. Obviously we took this opportunity to travel to Rick and Rebecca's to meet him and see the rest of the family. Our son Roger even flew in from California so it was wonderful to have all the family together. While there we did a lot of laughing, eating and playing.

Our daughter Christiane has taken on a new sport which is stand-up paddle boarding.  Since Rick and Rebecca's home is on a lakefront, it is convenient for doing water sports. So Christiane found an excuse to bring her paddle board to the lake which turned out to be a big hit. Our grandsons, Darien and Logan love to play King on The Paddle Board which requires great balance. All got involved in the game except Rebecca, Gail, and Paul.

             Stand-up Paddle Board with Christiane, Darien and Logan

                                   "No Paddle Board for Us"

While the French cousin was in Georgia he also had the opportunity to spend a day at Six Flags, tour Rick's lab, took time to tour Rick and Rebecca's lawn with its many unusual flowers and trees, as well as their apiary, saw the sites of Atlanta, and ate at Mary Mac's Tea Room. He seemed to really enjoy seeing the sites and being with his American family.

                           Rick, Rebecca, Darien and Logan

After his stay, both he and Christiane left for France where Christiane spent a week with Jean Pierre and Bernadette Patonnier, Paul's cousins. We also left for Michigan and brought Roger with us. He was able to spend a few days with us before returning to California. During his stay here he wanted to spend time with his Uncle Bob and Aunt Jill as well as cousin Rob and family. One evening Bob and Jill came over for dinner and we had a great time chatting around the table. Another time we met with Rob, Carrie and family to play miniature golf and treat ourselves to some ice cream. It was great for Roger to be able to connect with some of his Michigan family.

                              Roger, Paul and the Breckel Bunch

I think it is obvious from what we have written that a lot of our recent activities have centered around family. How good it is to spend time with family to build and create those special memories. We encourage everyone reading this to take time to enjoy family.

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny

Marlatt's Day Lilies

Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might,                  Ecclesiastes 9:10a  NIV

Looking for a spot to do plein air painting, Gail happened to be at the Farmers' Market and came across Jerry and Lisa Marlatt. They live at Ogden Station and have acres of day lilies that they have developed into a wonderful business. Both of them are retired and are enjoying this experience. A person gets a real sense of their excitement that they have for what they are doing. Both Jerry and Lisa have had their challenges with physical issues but they have overcome them. They are relishing and delighting in working with these special flowers and meeting the people who either want to purchase the day lilies or groups of people who come to admire the multitude of the many varieties.

                         Jerry and Lisa Marlatt preparing day lilies.

                                  Lisa with the help of her grandson.


Speaking of varieties, Jerry has a hand in developing an original variety of day lily which he created through the hybrid process. In fact, when Gail was plein air painting among the flowers, a gentleman came to purchase some of the flowers that Jerry had developed that were named after this gentleman's wife. It's most interesting to walk the paths between the flowers and note the wide variety of names given to the various kinds of day lilies. When talking to Jerry and Lisa you sense a real passion for what they are doing.

                                   Lisa in the field of day lilies.

We find it so refreshing to see this couple who are both retired and who have come through physical challenges continuing to live very productive lives. Jerry and Lisa are fine examples of living out Ecclesiastes 9:10 and enjoying every minute of it. We believe God wants all of us to be as productive as possible with the life He has given us here on earth.

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny

ONE FLESH

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife:
and they shall be one flesh.                                              Genesis 2:24

Last week Paul and Gail celebrated their forty-eighth wedding anniversary. On the hottest summer day in 1966 in a small non air-conditioned church in Adrian we became one flesh. After that Gail has always said that we are joined at the hip. The older we get it seems like we are indeed joined at the hip. An example would be when Paul was having his surgery in 2011 Gail just had to be right at his side the entire time he was in the hospital, which was fifteen days. There's hardly a day that goes by when either Paul or Gail mentions something they have been thinking about and the other comments that they have been thinking about the same thing. Not only are we joined at the hip but we are joined in our thoughts.

Our life together has been full of many exciting chapters. We have lived in three different states. Three children, who are now grown and on their own, brought a special blessing to our home. Paul enjoyed forty-five years in education, 28 of those serving at Lenawee Christian School. Gail served a dual role as a housewife and artist. We have had opportunity to travel in the United States and Europe as well as being on various mission trips. A highlight of our travels was our cross-country motorcycle trip in 2003.

                                Forty-eight years of marital bliss


Now that we are retired our life remains busy. Gail continues to paint and Paul is involved in pottery making. One of the most enjoyable times we look forward to is our devotions together in the morning. What makes this even more enjoyable is that Paul doesn't have to rush out the door to go to work.

These forty-eight years have gone by quickly. We have been very blessed by the Lord in so many ways. It seems like our marriage grows stronger every year.

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny

CHANGE

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  Hebrews 13:8

There is an old expression that says, "The only ones that like change are babies."  However, change is inevitable in our lives and our situations.  As we journey through life, hopefully we are making good changes such as eating right, exercising more and internalizing more of God's Word.  There are many things we can do to better ourselves physically, emotionally and spiritually.  But most people don't like change.

     Presentation to Dave and Carol Bowles at the Adrian Nazarene Church

Dave, Carol and Jackie the Sunday before Dave and Carol moved to Kansas

A change is taking place in our church as our long time members, Dave and Carol Bowles, have moved to Olathe, Kansas.  This past Sunday was their last Sunday at the Adrian First Church of the Nazarene.  They are planning on being in Kansas by the end of the day on Monday.  The church had a ceremony recognizing them for their faithfulness and leadership in the church for many years.  Dave also has been cutting hair in Adrian for 48 years.  He estimates he has cut around 450,000 heads of hair over the years.  He is Paul's barber, and now that he has left Adrian, Paul is threatening to look like the men on Duck Dynasty.  Dave has been instrumental in heading up Bible studies over the years which has had a great impact in many who have attended.  Dave and Carol will certainly be missed.  Change is inevitable but Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Monday evening Gail and Paul worked in the Republican booth at the Lenawee County Fair. The booth has a question of the day where people respond by putting a bean in a jar marked either yes or no. Each question has to do with many of the changes that are taking place by our federal government.  As we served in the booth people came along and freely expressed their opinion regarding some of these changes. Even though these changes are taking place for good or for ill, we know that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

   The Republican booth Question of the Day.  Results  Yes-13, No-109

        Paul manning the Republican booth at the Lenawee County Fair

Blessings and Encouragement!!

Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny

MEET YOU HALF WAY

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.   Ephesians 4:  22-24

Last week we got a call from our daughter, Christiane, saying that she had to fly to Chicago on Sunday to meet with her boss on Monday morning. Since she was going to be so close we decided to meet her at the Warren Dune State Park near Benton Harbor. So Sunday morning we went to early church, packed a picnic lunch of fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, and raspberry cobbler, and headed for the west coast of Michigan. We met at the park around 3:00 p.m. and had our picnic lunch along with great conversation. In fact, we talked until well after 7:00 p.m. and finished up the leftovers of the picnic lunch. It was finally time to leave as Christiane had important meetings the following day. It was so enjoyable to talk to our daughter about important things going on in her life and to see the positive outlook that she has on various aspects of her career and her relationships.

                                     
                 Selfie taken at the Warren Dunes State Park in Michigan

Her attitude towards so many different things was so refreshing as she always seemed to put a positive spin on everything that was happening in her life. It seems like we are living in an age where everything that is broadcast from the news media is so negative. Hearing these positive things from our daughter is such a blessing. At her request, she asked us to pray with her regarding decisions she has to make. As we left the park to go back home we were praising the Lord for this special time we had. May we all be challenged to keep a positive attitude with whatever comes our way. Remember your attitude determines your altitude.

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny