tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42237221652901575172024-03-14T07:16:14.337-06:00Only the ManagerGod is the owner of my life; I'm only the manager.Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.comBlogger1470125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-79237354663379440002023-08-15T21:05:00.000-06:002023-08-15T21:05:46.436-06:00Michael Martin Murphey Concert
<p style="text-align: left;"> <img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=18wEXmMU1VdzZYzfpZRQANodu0lHXiLHO" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=18wEXmMU1VdzZYzfpZRQANodu0lHXiLHO" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></p><p>We had such a fun time recently! Mike and I went to Red River, NM to attend a Michael Martin Murphey Concert and it was great! He sings at the Rocking 3M Chuckwagon 2 nights a week every July and August. His warm-up singer was Carin Mari; she was also a very talented songwriter and singer.</p><p><br></p><p style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1jppzxxM7SzVhn6jNZvTKKgamu3usBbZQ" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1jppzxxM7SzVhn6jNZvTKKgamu3usBbZQ" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></p><p><br></p><p>The venue is beautiful. It is on private property a few miles out of Red River, in the mountains by a pond. We were first fed a nice meal under a big tent structure. Even with the show being sold out, it was still a small, intimate setting. We were in the 2nd row, right in the middle. Perfect!</p><p><br></p><p style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1LY8Xw0UKv_UtJ78VPLxQJnNkKRy5WD9A" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1LY8Xw0UKv_UtJ78VPLxQJnNkKRy5WD9A" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br></p><p style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=18via4mDJwb_rY1H6NQvL8jD3Tik4a-kG" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=18via4mDJwb_rY1H6NQvL8jD3Tik4a-kG" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br></p><p style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1j40oG7Jd8XgsRH7ebENSBO7NF54CV8oW" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1j40oG7Jd8XgsRH7ebENSBO7NF54CV8oW" style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></p><p><br></p><p>Let me back up a bit...like over 50 years. My brother was a fan of Michael Murphey (back then he didn't use his middle name). Through exposure to the music my brother played, I also became a fan. I loved "Wildfire" and "Carolina in the Pines". Since then, he has just kept cranking out great songs.</p><p><br></p><p>Over 30 years ago, Mike and I took Maria and Ben along the first time we heard him in concert. It was at the fairgrounds in Lewistown, MT. Ben, age 4 at the time, heard that Michael was giving autographs afterward. I didn't want to wait, as many were crowding around, but for Ben, I did it. It was just a mess, no particular line. It was hard to get his attention. But when I said that I was a Murphey, too, also spelled MurphEy, his attention turned to me. He asked a lot of questions about where my Murphey side of the family came from. Then, he signed on the piece of paper I was holding, "To the Murpheys! Michael Martin Murphey." I guess I hadn't quite got around to telling him I had a different last name now. </p><p><br></p><p style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1LVwl9UE0NBFc9wKy4Rvb0FxXrzWG4YE6" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1LVwl9UE0NBFc9wKy4Rvb0FxXrzWG4YE6" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></p><p><br></p><p>I have to tell you the best part of this story, though, occurred as we walked away. It became apparent that Ben didn't know what an autograph was, just that if this guy was giving something away, he wanted it. When I handed the paper to Ben he said, "What good is that? It is just a stupid piece of paper that's wroted on!" He didn't want it, but I still have it.</p><p><br></p><p>The 2nd time we saw Michael Martin Murphey in concert was in Casper, WY. It was also a small, intimate setting and we got to visit with him afterward. That was at a time when we had our first cell phone. I wanted a photo to send to my brother so Mike took one with the cell phone, with Michael Martin Murphey's arm around me. When we got out to our car I opened the cell phone to see it. It wasn't there. Back then, if you didn't hit SAVE before closing the flip phone, no photo was saved. I was bummed.</p><p><br></p><p>I was ready this time! We bought one of his t-shirts before his concert, just for my brother. Afterward, when I went for the autograph, I also had pulled up the <span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;">screenshot from my brother's Facebook page that included his name. I asked Michael Martin Murphey to sign the shirt for my brother and showed him the screenshot, making some dumb comment about wanting to be sure he spelled it correctly. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline !important;">It took him a second, but then he realized what he was looking at and he laughed. For those of you who don't know, my brother's name is... Michael Murphey. There are many Murphys in the world, but it is rare to meet another spelled with the "E".</span></p><p><br></p><p style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1U_rIszN0JjtQRwIjNetCCpW_khFt1AjI" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1U_rIszN0JjtQRwIjNetCCpW_khFt1AjI" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></p><p><br></p><p> Michael (singer) again asked a few questions and we agree we could be related, but didn't have enough information to know. He then graciously agreed to another photo. Mike (husband) was ready but Michael's road manager had Mike also get in the photo and he took several for us. We didn't lose them this time!</p><p><br></p><p style="text-align: left;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1zOHqeE4EWH7yKbwVBvXyXHZor3TR31rU" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1zOHqeE4EWH7yKbwVBvXyXHZor3TR31rU" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></p><p>I will publish this post, hopefully, about the time my brother gets an unexpected package in the mail.</p><p><br></p><p>Thanks for reading!</p><p><br></p>Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-47038396986003111922018-11-29T19:19:00.001-07:002018-11-29T19:30:00.496-07:00The Little Church - Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Anyone recognize this little cardboard church? <a href="https://onlythemanager.blogspot.com/2011/09/little-church.html">https://onlythemanager.blogspot.com/2011/09/little-church.html</a> I blogged about it several years ago. We received it as a Christmas gift from our friend, Gwen, nearly 30 years ago. It was actually just a cute container loaded with candies. I don't think it was meant to be used over and over. I am sure she didn't know we would still have it all these years later. Mike has used it for children's sermons in Montana, New Mexico and now Wyoming. He has hidden candies and other surprises in it, delighting kids over the years. Our two oldest granddaughters would come to Grandpa's office and want to raid the little church for suckers or smarties. That little church has been popular! </div>
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But, as you can see, it is beginning to show its age. I really hasn't noticed. But others had. This week Mike received this letter:</div>
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This fictitious "building committee " is actually a friend named Ann. She is so creative!. Look what she made! </div>
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I love that she patterned it after the much-loved cardboard church! It is kind of like it's offspring.</div>
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It is so cool! </div>
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The two churches get along well together.</div>
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And yes, the roof comes off on the new one as well, revealing an interior just waiting for some candy.<br />
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I love them both! I especially love that they will always remind us of two sweet friends.</div>
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Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-61461834954303298872018-02-25T12:20:00.001-07:002018-02-25T12:38:49.073-07:00The Fixer Upper RevealMike and I really enjoy the TV Show, Fixer Upper. Who doesn't, right?. We find it very inspiring.<div><br></div><div>Mike and I have been slowly updating our home. Last year we had new siding, windows and doors. This year, it was time to do our kitchen. That was the part most exciting for me! </div><div><br></div><div>This is our kitchen before:</div><div><br></div><img id="id_94e0_1160_5ca0_1856" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t3M1-HMIi3c/WpMMX5vQzjI/AAAAAAAAalE/EqHTHFJEYcM6mjNVxA1G20Sr2ldBms5NwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><div><br></div><div>The 1970's laminate was cheap and chipping. There was a lower cupboard to the left of the sink with a door so tiny, we could not reach all the way into the corner space. Things were lost back there!. In fact, when they tore those cupboards out, they found a prescription for someone's pet from 27 years ago! </div><div><br></div><div>Anyway, lots of different people played parts in helping us redo our kitchen. There were challenges along the way. There was quite a lot of waiting. We had a couple of setbacks but finally, the day came that the sink was in, the water on, and the new light installed. Since I was at work that day, Mike planned a little "reveal" for me, something like they did on fixer upper. I had picked up granddaughter, Elise, so she was a part of it as well. It was fun! </div><div><br></div><div>On Fixer Upper Chip and Joanna begin the reveal with the homeowner's eyes closed. When they open their eyes they first see big panels showing the house as it was before. So, Mike had us close our eyes...</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_b55e_c8aa_2499_8cad" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7pmTZ0VG4VI/WpMMYD7YifI/AAAAAAAAalI/6kbNh9FaJEAoex3GPw8XIufDaRgZg08ogCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>When I opened my eyes I got the"before" photo in my face....</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_ce12_4d18_ccb6_f29d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_dAsJtKq_Po/WpMMYnbp9QI/AAAAAAAAalM/6vWMlFVYFmcdoXLwsc00n103O9iB3SMWACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>Then, he photographed my reaction as I saw the completed kitchen...</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_be25_ba81_97dc_840d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lk4FqsWm0uM/WpMMXaxD1QI/AAAAAAAAalA/LeaEbC2Ps9A93levsnQp2W-2ggCIb1LNwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><img id="id_d5c9_f4e8_d8fd_8190" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TFj0ZV6mM68/WpMMZ0fYGxI/AAAAAAAAalQ/kFnbXNrIOqgji3lCVKt432D1104R6kx4QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br></div><div>I am so happy with the results! How grateful I am to get to enjoy this pretty room! </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_c133_145c_4f94_9a60" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ttPMdOPMqYs/WpMMajbghFI/AAAAAAAAalU/nePTF48HG_4Jb3TCmdAhmP39XOPi38-0gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><img id="id_5dea_a388_7cac_327" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2uOqy8d4kRw/WpMPWktKuMI/AAAAAAAAal0/khSQVVZQqnYxXCCxbVSKHVa2xPuo9ZQawCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_5dad_85ee_30c9_27ee" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZitoBl3PZ8E/WpMPX3I3GCI/AAAAAAAAal4/Y6Pn0wy9-4oF8GSE8bwW_aGIJTxuveEvACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><br></div>Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-77191846583199323462017-09-04T19:57:00.003-06:002017-09-04T19:57:46.498-06:00A WORD FROM PASTOR MIKE - For All People<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all people. </i>Isaiah 56:1, 6-8<br />
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Now that's a nice vision, the people of Israel were to be a light to the nations and an ensign, a flag, welcoming the people to Jerusalem, to the worship of God.<br />
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In reality the Jewish People, like all of us, hold a common fear - the fear of the stranger or outsider, the fear of those who are different.<br />
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A stranger could become our friend or our greatest enemy. We don't know so sometimes we hold people at a distance.<br />
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I grew up in a small community in North Central Montana by the Canadian Border. Most people in our community were caucasion. The Hutterites lived in our midst. They were different. They spoke German and they dressed differently. They lived differently.<br />
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To see people of a different color you had to travel 30 miles to the Ft. Belknap Reservation. If you wanted to run into someone of Asian descent you had to drive 75 miles to Havre, MT. If you wanted to see someone of African American descent you had to drive to Great Falls. Growing up I don't remember hearing negative talk about people of different skin color. <br />
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But, at time I was a little guarded about people who were different. It seemed like they might be scary or looking for trouble. There is one incident I'm not too proud of. I was in grade school when I went to Chuck Wagon Days, a rodeo in Harlem, MT. I was walking along with my Dad and I saw a young guy. He was white like me. He had a cowboy hat, boots, shirt, levis, just like me. But he had a severe form of scleroderma. His skin was real tight and his eye protruded. It scared me half to daeth. I never wanted to see him again.<br />
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Later, I thought about it and I was ashamed. His name was David. He tried to lead a public life. His community accepted him. Still, I'm sure he was made fun of by kids. Can you imagine not being able to go out in public without someone noticing you and either staring or looking away?<br />
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For some reason David lived longer than expected. He graduated high school and worked on the family farm. He became increasingly isolated. He liked to stay on the farm where he was safe from staring eyes.<br />
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First Lutheran in Havre had a weekly radio broadcast of their worship service. Pastor Rod Kvamme of First Lutheran was an interesting speaker. David listened to the services and finally got the nerve to call Pastor Kvamme. They established a friendship. David was able to share his struggle of being an outsider with his friend. But, finally that horrible disease claimed David's life. Pastor Kvamme did the funeral service for David and later wrote about his experiences with David. He lifted up for us David's humanity and his goodness. He wasn't an outsider. He was one of us.<br />
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<b><i>For my house shall be called a house of prayer - for all people.</i></b><br />
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Our gospel reading is connected to this verse. It would seem that in this story Jesus is being pushed about his inclusiveness of all people by a Canaanite woman, but there is always more to the story.<br />
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In this story Jesus withdraws to Gentile territory, Tyre and Sidon. Since the time of Abraham there has been tension between the Israelites and Canaanites. Many Jews would not set foot on Canaanite soil. But, Jesus sailed across the Sea of Galilee and healed a demon possessed man in Gentile territory. He walked into Samaritan villages and talked with the people, another big "no no" for a Jewish rabbi. And people believed in him! Jesus broke down barriers.<br />
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In this story a Canaanite woman confronts Jesus, seeking help for her demon possessed daughter. The disciples wanted Jesus to send her away because she was "crying out", making a scene. In that day it was not proper for a rabbi to talk with a woman in public or with a Gentile, but Jesus did.<br />
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At first Jesus says nothing, then he says, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" and then "It is not right to take the children's crumbs and throw them to the dogs." That sounds kind of rude, but it was not unusual for Jesus to chide and challenge, to illicit, to bring forth faith in people. And that's what happens in this case. Jesus responds, "Great is your faith!"<br />
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In other places Jesus did similiar things. Jesus was always trying to call faith out of those around him. Jesus was about breaking barriers, inclusion. The question is, what will we do with this? What is this story calling us to do?<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all people. </i>This is God's dream for us. It's connected to the story of the Canaanite woman, God reaching beyond barriers, bringing us closer, wanting to break down barriers, growing closer to each other as we grow closer to God.<br />
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Recently we were in Durham, NC to see our new granddaughter, Hila. On Sunday we went to the Duke Chapel for worship. What a magnificent structure! I wish I had more time to look around.<br />
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The guest preacher that day was African American. We were just a ways away from the Charlottesville incidents. The preacher was so disconsolate over the continuing violence that he almost couldn't go on. But, he made a good comeback. He said sometimes our world gets a little wobbly, like an old table. So, we need to prop it up with the steadfast love of God. God's love endures all the trials and troubles of humanity. God continues to love, continues to give freedom. God hangs in there with us even when we blow it.<br />
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The preacher reminded us of Eric Garner, a man killed by a choke hold in the back of a police van. Several weeks later 2 other policemen were shot near the same place. Eric Garner's mother went and laid a wreath at the site where the policemen were killed.<br />
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In a world that fears the stranger, where hate leaks out, we turn to God who loves the world, who established a house of prayer for all people. God wants us to be sources of healing, pouring his love back into the places of pain. This world will never be perfect as it is so we turn to God in the house of prayer and we pray with the Canaanite woman, "Help us Lord."<br />
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Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-61747476774650157062017-08-04T21:25:00.003-06:002017-08-04T21:25:59.217-06:00A Word From Pastor Mike - The Love of God<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The foundation of the Christian faith is that God is love. You heard it in our lessons today:</div>
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<li>The lord has set his love on you and chose you..... Deuteronomy 7:7</li>
<li>The Lord loves you..... Deuteronomy 7:8</li>
<li>The Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love to those who love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations..... Deuteronomy 7:9</li>
<li>Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? ..... Romans 8:35</li>
<li>No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.... Romans 8:37</li>
<li>Nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our lord... Romans 8:39</li>
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It is there in the Old Testament. It's there in the New Testament. God loves us. God loved Israel. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."</div>
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What's not clear? God loves Israel. God loves the world. Case closed, right?</div>
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Well, sometimes people don't feel loved by God for one reason or another, but the Bible is clear. God loves us.</div>
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This past week Sue and I were in Montana for my Aunt Eleanor's Memorial Service. Eleanor was 101 years old, close to 102. She died peacefully in her sleep. The foundation of her life was the love of God.</div>
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Eddie and Eleanor Harmon were my godparents. Eleanor was there when Sue and I were married and when I was ordained. She made the red stole I wore for my ordination. She was going to make them all but found it was so hard that she gave the rest of the material to Sue and said, "You can do it."</div>
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I said the foundation of Eleanor's life was the love of God. I want you to know that she held that conviction throughout her life but it wasn't always easy for her. </div>
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Eleanor was born in Norma, ND. Her parents were in banking when the Great Depression hit the U.S. in the 1930's. Her family moved West. She had to live in a tent in Hogeland, MT for awhile until a house was moved to town. </div>
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My Mom said that she thought that Eleanor would never marry but then Eddie Harmon came along. He was a great guy. They got married.</div>
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Later, when I was in grade school, Eddie died while driving the tractor. Eleanor relocated and eventually married Bill Bickel and moved to Hamilton, MT. Later Eleanor would have an encounter with breast cancer and survived. Eventually Bill died.</div>
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The last years were difficult for Eleanor. She was in assisted living. It was hard for her to converse but she could listen. Even so, I would say that Eleanor lived a good life, held to her faith and now rests in God's peace.</div>
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Although life wasn't always easy for her, she kept faith. She kept her foundation, that God is love.</div>
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Alvin Rogness was the President of Luther Seminary and many years ago he wrote, "The Bible is God's love letter to you...From the Bible, the most important thing you learn about God is that he loves you and is trying to reach you. God is searching for you. He loves you and you can't stop him from loving you and from running after you. You can try running away from him but you can not stop him from staying on your trail."</div>
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The problem is not a deficiency of God's love. We've already heard John 3:16. In Romans 8:31-32, "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will we not also with him graciously give us all things?"</div>
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The grand conclusion of this section of the Book of Romans and perhaps of the whole Bible is this, </div>
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"Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."</div>
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So the problem is not a deficiency in God's love. The problem is sin, the devil, the world, our sinful self. We live in a fallen world. There will be struggles. Yet Paul reassures us, "For God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8</div>
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When I listen to people like Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer they say that people are always telling them that "God could never love me; you don't know what I've done." Then they proceed to tell them their list.</div>
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The problem is in us. The reality is God knows every bad thing we've done and still loves us. The reality is God is good at forgiveness. God is good at 2nd chances. God is ok with leaving the past in the past and starting over but we aren't.</div>
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One of the best things we can do is trust in God's forgiveness. "If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."</div>
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The way forward is to build on the foundation of God's love, like my Aunt Eleanor and many other believers in the past. They knew they were not perfect but they confessed their sins and trusted in God's forgiveness and love.</div>
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Recently when I was back on our farm. I noticed this old building. It's listing now just a little bit. How much longer will it stand? I don't know, but you know what will remain even if the building falls? The foundation will remain. You see it all over the homestead areas, the buildings may fall but the foundations remain.</div>
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How does Jesus end the sermon on the Mount? With a story. "Everyone who heard these words of mine and does them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock, and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall because it had been founded on the rock."</div>
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I started this sermon with a bunch of verses about God's love for us. That's our foundation. God loves us. Come what may, God loves us. The way forward is to build on the foundation of God's love, keep trusting. Then, like my Aunt Eleanor, we will die in peace and awaken to God's glory.</div>
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Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-75806942996274058442017-04-15T14:55:00.000-06:002017-04-15T14:55:59.398-06:00A WORD FROM PASTOR MIKE - Good Friday...What Does This Mean?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"But he was wounded for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. Upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace and with his stripes we are healed. And we, like sheep, have gone astray. We have turned everyone to his own way and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:5-6<br />
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What is so "good" about Good Friday? Jesus is unjustly tried and convicted, tortured, put to death on a cross. It's a bleak story, a dark story. It's definitely not a "good" Friday for Jesus.<br />
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Actually, it hasn't always been called Good Friday. In some places Good Friday is called Black Friday. In fact, that is the color in the church year calendar for Good Friday. But now, in our culture, Black Friday has become the big shopping day after Thanksgiving.<br />
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Sorrowful Friday was another name for this day. This emphasized our "great sorrow" over Jesus' death for us.<br />
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God's Friday was another term used. God is doing His work repairing the damage of sin. Jesus became the one sacrifice for all time. Some scholars believe that God's Friday was then transformed into Good Friday<br />
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What does Christ's death mean for us? The suffering and death of Jesus, as terrible as it was, marked the dramatic culmination of God's plan to save people from their sins, which is good, at least for us... not so good for Jesus.<br />
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Human beings are God's good creation but we are also sinful. We need to own both parts of this. We are saints because of God's righteousness in us and we are sinners at the same time.<br />
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Sometimes we like to put a good spin on this. One boy came home from school before Christmas and told his Mom that he had good news and bad news. The bad news was the he goofed around a lot and didn't work very hard, resulting in poor grades on his report card. The good news was that he still got to be one of the 3 wise men in the Christmas Program!.<br />
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Even though we like to put a good spin on our sinful human nature, the Apostle Paul doesn't sugar coat our situation. In the book of Romans he writes, "None is righteous, no not one. No one understands. No one seeks for God. No one does good, not even one. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."<br />
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The bad news is that God despises sin because sin causes pain. We are sinful; we cause pain through our words and deeds. The wrath of God comes against sin and wants to destroy it.<br />
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The good news is God is love. God loves His creation. God loves us in spite of our sin so He sent Jesus to take care of the sin problem, once and for all time.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">I don't know if you've ever thought about the cross this way before, but it's the place where God's justice and God's love meets.</span></b><br />
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What kind of God would He be if he didn't care about sin and injustice? What kind of a God would he be if he didn't love us? "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."<br />
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God took care of the sin problem for us. Martin Luther calls it "The Happy Exchange". Christ takes the sins of the world on himself - our sins. And then, he gives us His robe of righteousness to cover up our sinfulness. So that when God looks at us, he doesn't see our sins. He sees us clothed in Christ's righteousness. He sees us as part of His good creation, no longer slaves to sin but part of His Family.<br />
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Why did Jesus die for us? Jesus endured the cross, knowing that it led to our redemption through his innocent suffering and death. He bought us back from sin and set us free from both sin and death.<br />
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Now the future is opened for us. Now we have new life, new beginnings every day because of Him.<br />
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So, Good Friday is good for us. We are free. Our sin debt is cancelled by the love of Jesus.<br />
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In John 15 Jesus speaks to His followers, "This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."<br />
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Jesus laid down his life for his followers, for the whole world, for you and me... that we might be free from sin. What wonderous love is this?! And so... What does Good Friday mean? It was a bad day for Jesus but good for us.<br />
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Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-39163011883835446992017-03-05T02:30:00.000-07:002017-03-05T14:23:47.279-07:00A Word From Pastor Mike - AGAINST AND FOR<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Another one of Mike's sermons from the past...<br />
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AGAINST AND FOR</div>
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We are a debating society. We are encouraged to "weigh in" on issues or matters of importance. Of course, we don't have to be an expert. We can just have "strong feelings" about something In our modern age technology allows us to get our opinion out into the world.</div>
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On YouTube you can watch something , see how many times it was viewed, and then give it a thumbs up or a thumbs down. I've never weighed in.</div>
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You can watch a news report and then you are invited to be part of the poll... Are you for or against this issue? </div>
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A few weeks ago I tried to get interested in Facebook. I looked on Sue's Facebook page and Yikes! Some people were spewing out some awful stuff! I didn't need to read that! I haven't been back so I hope Sue will let me know if something important happens.</div>
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So, surely it's safe to look at your favorite hockey team and read an article about the St. Louis Blues? They didn't resign their captain to a contract...ok, that's fine. Then I looked at the "comment section". Two Blues fans were going after each other. "The team's going in the right direction." "No! it's not and by the way you are a jerk!"</div>
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It appears that we aren't always civil with one another in our society.</div>
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The truth is, we all have opinions. Sometimes we get worked up over certain hot button issues. We might not like a person because they hold a different view. Maybe it's someone close to us who is the arbitrator. Who gets to declare the winner? Is it important?</div>
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During the Civil War President Abraham Lincoln was asked if God was on his side. Lincoln replied, "Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side. My greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right."</div>
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In our lessons today God weighs in. God has some opinions and really, that should be the most important thing. What does God say about a thing? Culture may have an opinion. The "experts" may have an opinion. But if we are believers, what God thinks should be our primary concern.</div>
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The intro to our first lesson in Amos tells us what God is against. The Word of the Lord came to Israel and chided them for their feelings of superiority over other nations and peoples. Woe to those who make their beds in comfort, eat sumptuous meals and sit idly enjoying all the good things in life. They didn't make changes. They simply didn't care while their country was ruined.</div>
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The only thing God is for is for them going into exile. And that's exactly what happened in 722 B.C. The Assyrian Army conquered the North Kingdom of Israel and hauled them away to become slaves. They had stopped caring about what God thinks.</div>
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In Paul's first letter to Timothy we find that God's Word is for good leaders who are held to high standards. God has been FOR that throughout the ages.</div>
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Moses was a good leader for Israel. He had high standards but he wasn't perfect.</div>
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There were many good and noble things about King David. He was Israel's greatest King. He had high standards and tried to follow God but he didn't always succeed.</div>
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I think the second reading is telling us that we want our Christian leaders to have high standards, but that should be true of all Christians. I think God wants us all to have high standards. Always considering, always asking what does God want me to do?</div>
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In our Gospel reading in Luke 16 I think it's pretty clear that God does not want us to neglect the poor. God is AGAINST that. The rich man is a terrible example of not even helping one of his own.</div>
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It's interesting that in all the parables that Jesus tells, only in this parable does a character have a name. His name is Lazarus, or "God is my help."</div>
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Lazarus is a pitiful figure. He's laid at the rich man's gate; he can't even get there himself. He's a beggar. He has terrible sores. Dogs are licking him and he doesn't even speak in this parable. Yes, he is part of the great reversal that Jesus talks about, "The first shall be last..."</div>
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So, God is AGAINST neglecting the poor but I heard in this reading that he is all FOR listening to Moses and the prophets. And what were they saying... "love God with all your heart soul, mind and strength and be a good neighbor."</div>
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You and me, we are the 5 brothers of the rich man in this parable. We are still here in this world. Lazarus won't come and pay us a visit but we do have Moses and the prophets. We do have Jesus rising from the dead. So, what are we going to do with that? I hope we can do something beautiful for God.</div>
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Let me explain what I mean. Mother Teresa was a Catholic Nun who went to Calcutta, India, one of the poorest cities in the world. Mother Teresa started orphanages and hospitals to care for the dying. She was greatly admired for giving her life to care for the poor.</div>
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As Mother Teresa became famous, people from all over the world came to Calcutta to meet her. When journalists would finish interviewing her she would look at them with a twinkle in her eye and ask, "So, you want to do something beautiful for God?"</div>
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Her point was not to be admired but to ask, "Why don't you join me in this quest to be a good neighbor. Help these people. They are struggling. When you go back home, help the struggling people there."</div>
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The interesting thing in Mother Teresa's story is that she started out in Calcutta as a teacher in a nice, beautifully manicured convent. At night she would look beyond the walls of her second story apartment. She would see the poor and dying. At first she would throw bread and money over the wall to the poor gathered there. She finally asked her Mother Superior if she could do face-to-face ministry with the poor. She was granted permission. She walked across the street and touched the skin of a dying man. Her life was never the same. She did something beautiful for God.</div>
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Last week I said we probably won't christen a ship, have lunch with the queen, convert a nation or be burned at the state. But the world of our neighbor is all around us. It doesn't have to be a big thing but let's DO SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL FOR GOD in the world of our neighbors. I think God is all FOR that.</div>
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Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-758186340369607962017-02-28T12:11:00.000-07:002017-03-05T14:24:35.624-07:00A Word From Pastor Mike - BEYOND DESPAIR AND MATERIALISM<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is a sermon Mike gave a while back...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Beyond Despair and Materialism</span></div>
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Rabbi Harold Kushner is best known for his book, <u>When Bad Things Happen to Good People</u>, but he has written other books, too. One of these other books used the Old Testament writing of Ecclesiastes 1 as its foundation. The book is titled <u>When All You've Ever Wanted Isn't Enough.</u> </div>
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In one part of this book Kushner writes about a depressed man who came to see him in his study. The man told the rabbi he had attended a funeral for a man from his office who had died rather suddenly. The man told Rabbi Kushner that they had already replaced the man at his office and his wife had moved out of state. He said, "Rabbi, I've hardly slept at all since then. I can't stop thinking that it could happen to me; that one day it will happen to me. A few days later I will be forgotten as if I had never lived. Shouldn't a man's life be worth more than that?</div>
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The Book of Ecclesiastes takes on the deep questions of life. "I saw all the deeds that are done under the sun; and see all is vanity and chasing after the wind. What do mortals get from all their toil under the sun? For all their days are full of pain, and their work is vexation. Even at night their minds do not rest. This is also vanity.</div>
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Ecclesiastes is a thinking person's book. It wrestles with questions of meaning and despair:</div>
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<li>Why am I here?</li>
<li>What should I do with my life?</li>
<li>Does it matter?</li>
<li>Who will remember me?</li>
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Ecclesiastes is a book that raises a lot of questions, but it is woefully lacking in positive answers and hope. It's not a good book to read when you are depressed but it gets you to think and take your life seriously.</div>
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Singer Paul Simon is a thinking man's songwriter. He's written positive things like "Bridge Over Troubled Water" but he also seems to have a dark muse. In the song "Slip Sliding Away" he writes, "God only knows and God makes his plans. The information's unavailable to the mortal man. We'll work at our jobs, collect our pay...believe we're sliding down the highway when in fact, we're slip sliding away."</div>
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Despair lurks nearby for those who have never established a healthy center of life. Despair can run people over when bad things happen. That's why we need a firm foundation, a strong center, that we can return to when things get tough. We need to hear the positive promises of God's word like, "Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus."</div>
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The book of Ecclesiastes also talks about going after possessions to find meaning in life..."I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces...I kept my heart from no pleasure...Then I considered all that my hands had done...and behold all was vanity and a striving after wind and there was no thing to be gained under the sun."</div>
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I served a 3-point parish in Montana many years ago. Every Sunday I drove past the Bair Mansion. The last member of the Bair family died sometime after we left the area and the home was opened for tours. I went on one of those tours as we traveled back through and found out more about the Bair family. Back in the 1800's a man named Charles Bair came out West with 14 cents and 7 green apples. He came to earn his fortune in sheep and cattle ranching, as well as gold, coal and oil interests. Charlie Bair knew how to make money and he could be very generous with his money. But, his money seemed to have a strange effect on him and his family.</div>
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Charlie would shear sheep and brand cattle in his finest suits. Why? Because he could afford to. So he did.</div>
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Charlie had two daughters but to him no one was good enough to marry them. Charlie was afraid to turn his money over to a non-family member. One day the oldest daughter, Marguerite, rebelled and eloped with the ranch foreman. When they came back, Charlie still made the husband stay in the bunk house!</div>
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Alberta Bair was the youngest daughter and the last surviving member of the family. A member of one of the congregations I served worked for Alberta. I asked her to ask Alberta if she would like me to drop by since I was the only pastor in the area. Her reply was, "No, he's probably after my money."</div>
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The book of Ecclesiastes tells us an obsession for possessions is a futile struggle.</div>
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Jesus tells us "One's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions...Instead, seek his kingdom and all these things will be added unto you."</div>
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So, what are the alternatives to despair and materialism? </div>
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Our second reading from Colossians 3 offers this advice, "Seek the things that are above - where Christ is...Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth."</div>
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The Christian faith provides meaning for this life and the life to come. God gives us life. God gives us gifts. God gives us each other. Got wants us to have an abundant life now, but also in the age to come when our lives are done. Our hope, our meaning comes from God who loves us and sees each one of us as valuable.</div>
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Questioning is good and natural. Good questions lead us to the discovery of a good God. But, sometimes questioning can lead us to endless questions, despair or even anger.</div>
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Posessions aren't necessarily bad, but they don't always lead to happiness. I look at the Bair family. Were they happy because of their wealth and possessions? No, they seemed guarded and a little afraid of people.</div>
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Posessions and wealth can be a good thing. They can bless you to be a blessing to others. They can bring security. But, they are not to be the primary thing of life. Meaning and hope are found in the Christian faith, in setting our minds on things that are above.</div>
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I'd like to tell you about a couple of pastors in my life who reflected the joy of living with meaning in life, and a living faith.</div>
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Ermin Lunder was a retired pastor living in Issaquah, WA. He lived in a retirement community next to the Lutheran Bible Institute where I was going to school. He became a part of our "Life Group" on the LBI Campus. He had his burdens to bear. His wife of many years had health problems and the beginning of Alzheimer's Disease. Still, he had a very joyful and encouraging spirit. He knew the sufferings of this life were temporary. He set his mind on things above. The joy of the Lord was his strength. He was an excellent example to young people of how to carry on in faith in spite of suffering.</div>
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Another pastor of influence was Lowell Satre. He was my Greek Professor at Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary. We didn't always know what to make of Professor Satre. He had the most outlandish clothes. He was the King of Polyester. We didn't know if this was his trademark, if he was fashion challenged or just poor. But, we did know that he loved the Lord Jesus Christ. He wanted us to succeed as pastors. He wanted us to bring the good news to the world. At the bottom of our papers he would write encouraging things and invite us to "Press On!"</div>
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There are things in life that are worrisome or depressing. Things don't always go right or as we planned but we don't live for this life.</div>
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This life isn't about knowing all the right answers. Nobody knows all the answers to the mysteries of life.</div>
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This life isn't a contest to see who can get the most possessions. The book of Ecclesiastes tells us that's like trying to catch the wind.</div>
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Paul wrote to the Colossians, "So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth. For you have cried and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory."</div>
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Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-57156198097317544442016-10-09T19:24:00.001-06:002016-10-09T19:24:27.591-06:00Family Night<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div>One of the best times during our week is when we get to have family dinner. Tonight Maria and Eric came over with their girls. After dinner we had a nice walk to the river. We walk a loop around an undeveloped park. The girls love the space to run.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiY4nAj7fy9UZ4CtTqOFVHLX7LNfeBIdRX4wJHBnA784ELq4NoKQvrsk61Z1QYpwECqfyYPNfjfMNjcLdd1DDfsdS3ZJOn6X3KOsI3EJ-UgrVkXMJuZvTpTKS69tjakphBVeuSuldt2nk/s640/blogger-image--1235763876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiY4nAj7fy9UZ4CtTqOFVHLX7LNfeBIdRX4wJHBnA784ELq4NoKQvrsk61Z1QYpwECqfyYPNfjfMNjcLdd1DDfsdS3ZJOn6X3KOsI3EJ-UgrVkXMJuZvTpTKS69tjakphBVeuSuldt2nk/s640/blogger-image--1235763876.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpPs_egEdgrPHpElXJ6yNxvDdoOzGh7_wgNRZm0uUQ3Qz-VTVakxiEqEB_m_9uF2OSzj879aNjEQVrsm2wj0t5hy9yRWVUzor_JoeCt0evFvC1Tv-Ie0nrlubZS1tpHy4nYwX6t5w9U0/s640/blogger-image--777775244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpPs_egEdgrPHpElXJ6yNxvDdoOzGh7_wgNRZm0uUQ3Qz-VTVakxiEqEB_m_9uF2OSzj879aNjEQVrsm2wj0t5hy9yRWVUzor_JoeCt0evFvC1Tv-Ie0nrlubZS1tpHy4nYwX6t5w9U0/s640/blogger-image--777775244.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Mike is a weird, I mean fun, grandpa. Here he is hiding, although not very well.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY04HFRq2uPpuZ47DcYKqhtyUgN-8Ra4vHgnGAlNQ6pA8s3OaB3eEmMUzTPR00JaiyqWIFSVedM3FaiwwbfRylig_YYCXvA3D1F4ORFhYdQdkbjmEzSf5Vwl-U5YgDllGcFfA53OxTXc8/s640/blogger-image-1776344128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY04HFRq2uPpuZ47DcYKqhtyUgN-8Ra4vHgnGAlNQ6pA8s3OaB3eEmMUzTPR00JaiyqWIFSVedM3FaiwwbfRylig_YYCXvA3D1F4ORFhYdQdkbjmEzSf5Vwl-U5YgDllGcFfA53OxTXc8/s640/blogger-image-1776344128.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Next, we went down by the river because there were rocks there that needed to be thrown in. That is always what happens when the three necessary ingredients are present, kids, water and rocks. Right? </div><div><br></div><div>Then along comes Grandpa Mike. He picked up Elise and teased her that he was going tho this her into the river, which of course she loved.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3d823-15mabvPLBv0qoakzirzwlprfapMsS8N9OQpcBn6Pt3kan-u9FJUMuzOXp9HAiCaRbdZqEgon6xm3dv7LpnOxTvE56W6XHsa02NKWJsxjyxyLuEmMOiUM-vsCtGkf5AIeG7SPq8/s640/blogger-image-2141832021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3d823-15mabvPLBv0qoakzirzwlprfapMsS8N9OQpcBn6Pt3kan-u9FJUMuzOXp9HAiCaRbdZqEgon6xm3dv7LpnOxTvE56W6XHsa02NKWJsxjyxyLuEmMOiUM-vsCtGkf5AIeG7SPq8/s640/blogger-image-2141832021.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Just so you know, the water was only about a foot deep at the spot where we were standing.</div><div><br></div><div>Cordelia then said, "You can't do that to me! " Then she moved closer to him to be sure she got her turn.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRp8ZSYw9OT8f2D6qLzFAOY1eZ4foI1OWhNAvQBmmLeT8OS1bE6oNKlTdvlt5rzX-ZiTyDSPWJueMRDJkxpBOigCSIt4kLqyZmmEQ-GQw8Zk7eSG1vjqiwLUoL9itSsL9JhBnBiP30kX0/s640/blogger-image--1913860376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRp8ZSYw9OT8f2D6qLzFAOY1eZ4foI1OWhNAvQBmmLeT8OS1bE6oNKlTdvlt5rzX-ZiTyDSPWJueMRDJkxpBOigCSIt4kLqyZmmEQ-GQw8Zk7eSG1vjqiwLUoL9itSsL9JhBnBiP30kX0/s640/blogger-image--1913860376.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Seriously, every kid should have such a grandpa, don't you think? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I do worry a bit about what our neighbors think, though, when they see him loading up leaves on their car as they leave. But it is kind of fun to see the leaves flying off as they drive away, ending another fun night together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-72914850506097204212016-08-16T19:52:00.000-06:002016-08-16T19:52:02.430-06:00A Word From Pastor Mike - "Lord, Teach Us to Pray"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Luke 11:1-6</span></b></div>
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<h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.3em !important; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-top: 8px;">
<a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/passage/?q=luke+11:1-6" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51) !important; outline: none !important; text-decoration: none;">Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer</a></h2>
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<span class="verse-number" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; font-size: inherit !important; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 3px;">1</strong></span> <span class="verse-1" style="box-sizing: border-box;">One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” </span></div>
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<span class="verse-number" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; font-size: inherit !important; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 3px;">2</strong></span> <span class="verse-2" style="box-sizing: border-box;">He said to them, <span class="red-letter no-red" style="box-sizing: border-box;">“When you pray, say: </span><span class="red-letter no-red" style="box-sizing: border-box;">“ ‘Father,</span><span class="red-letter no-red" style="box-sizing: border-box;">hallowed be your name, </span><span class="red-letter no-red" style="box-sizing: border-box;">your kingdom come.</span> </span></div>
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<span class="verse-number" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; font-size: inherit !important; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 3px;">3</strong></span> <span class="verse-3" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="red-letter no-red" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Give us each day our daily bread.</span> </span></div>
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<span class="verse-number" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; font-size: inherit !important; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 3px;">4</strong></span> <span class="verse-4" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="red-letter no-red" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Forgive us our sins, </span><span class="red-letter no-red" style="box-sizing: border-box;">for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.</span><span class="red-letter no-red" style="box-sizing: border-box;">And lead us not into temptation.</span><span class="red-letter no-red" style="box-sizing: border-box;">’ ”</span> </span></div>
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<span class="verse-number" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; font-size: inherit !important; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 3px;">5</strong></span> <span class="verse-5" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Then Jesus said to them, <span class="red-letter no-red" style="box-sizing: border-box;">“Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread;</span> </span></div>
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<span class="verse-number" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; font-size: inherit !important; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 3px;">6</strong></span> <span class="verse-6" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="red-letter no-red" style="box-sizing: border-box;">a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’</span></span></div>
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Now, Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray..."</div>
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Perhaps you have never prayed before except in anguish or terror. It may be that the only time the Divine Name has been on your lips has been in angry expletives. Never mind. I am here to tell you that the Father's heart is open wide. You are welcome to come in.</div>
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Perhaps you do not believe in prayer. You may have tried to pray and were profoundly disappointed... and disillusioned. You seem to have little faith or none. It does not matter. The Father's heart is open wide. You are welcome to come in.</div>
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Perhaps you are brusied and broken by the pressures of life. Others have wronged you and you feel scarred for life. You have old painful memories that have never been healed. You avoid prayer because you feel too unworthy, too defiled. Do not despair. The Father's heart is open wide. You are welcome to come in.</div>
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Perhaps you have prayed for many years but the words have grown brittle, cold. Little ever happens anymore. God seems remote and inaccessible. Listen to me. The Father's heart is open wide. You are welcome to come in.</div>
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Perhaps prayer is the delight of your life. You have lived in the divine milieu for a long time and can attest to its goodness, but you long for more... more power, more love, more of God in your life. Believe me, the Father's heart is open wide. You, too, are welcome to come higher up and deeper in,</div>
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Consider this prayer from Richard Foster: Dear God, I am so grateful for your invitation to enter your heart of love. As best I can, I come in. Thank you for receiving me. Amen.</div>
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When Jesus disciples asked him to teach them to pray, he modeled the Lord's Prayer.</div>
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I usually pray the Lord's Prayer before I go to sleep at night. One of the problems with the Lord's Prayer is it is too familiar. We don't pay attention and before you know it, it's done. Your heart wasn't in it. You just repeated a bunch of words.</div>
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So, to help myself with this problem, I went for a ride on a cruise ship, The Norwegian Pearl. On this ship they had a them called "Free Stylin'". When you went for dinner you could eat at different restaurants. You didn't have to sit at the same table or eat with the same people. You could "Free Style".</div>
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And that is what I do with the Lord's Prayer from time to time. I free style. I improvise. I play jazz to keep it fresh.</div>
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Now, I'm going to tell you something scandalous, sometimes I pray the new version of the Lord's prayer, "Our Father in heaven, holy is your name..." Then I might pause and tell God that his name is great throughout the world or sorry about not keeping your name holy when I sliced my golf ball into the water hazard... my point, you can keep your prayer life fresh by changing it up, by improvising.</div>
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Now, I am going to give you my model for prayer. This is what I do in my prayer life, not that you have to follow it but its part of learning about prayer. I hope you have your own model or are "Free Stylin'" in your prayer life.</div>
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You may have heard of ACTS:</div>
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A - Adoration</div>
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C - Confession</div>
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T - Thanksgiving</div>
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S - Supplication (praying for others)</div>
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It is simple. It is concise. It is easy to remember.</div>
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My acronym is CTPFPSNC ! </div>
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C - Confession & Forgiveness</div>
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T - Thanks</div>
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P - Protection</div>
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F - Family and Friends</div>
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P - Prince of Peace and Past Congregatons</div>
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S - Suffering Ones</div>
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N - Nations</div>
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C - Church</div>
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It is a terrible acronym. Mostly I think of my prayer life as a path I follow.</div>
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I like to pray my longest prayer of the day in the morning. I don't have one particular place to pray. I pray when I walk the dog, when I'm driving, when I'm at church... You may want to find a particular space and time. I have one major time and then continue throughout the day.</div>
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I usually start off my Thanksgiving with a thank you for your love, patience and mercy with me. Thanks for life, health, faith, peace, salvation... I like to keep the list going throughout the day and pray for God to provide for the whole world and that I might have a thankful spirit.</div>
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Pray for protection. If you are a worrier, add this to your prayers. Waht are you afraid could happen to you or your loved ones? Add it to your list. Then ask for protection and ask for help that you don't live in fear. Ask God to be a shield, rock and fortress around you and your's. Thanks for your time together and for past protection.</div>
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Family and Friends. I name names before God. Got worries about those close to you? Bring it to God. Thank him for hearing your prayer. Remember with thanks the good things about family and friends.</div>
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I also pray for Prince of Peace and former congregations that I've served. I pray for people, pastors, ministries and activities. When people ask me to pray for them, I put it on my phone or into my computer. I pray.</div>
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The world has many suffering ones. I pray for them, for their help, hope and healing. I pray for people in hospitals, hospice, nursing homes, mental institutions.</div>
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I pray for the nations - peace, justice, economic order, care of creation, good government, good medical, judicial, law enforcement people. I pray for the spread and reception of the Gospel. I pray for troubled places. I pray for military personnel. I try to pray for the nations, for the U.S.</div>
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Finally, I pray for the church, for its unity, mission, health, renewal and love. It's very tenuous when people get together. I pray for God's Spirit of love, that we would leave behind our opinions and judgments and focus on God working in us and through us. I pray for church bodies, ministries, leaders. I pray daily for our church council, worship team, preschool, Sunday School, VBS, committees and for new members...for our future.</div>
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My prayer list constantly changes. I Free Style. I don't expect you to pray like I do. If you're done in a minute, that's fine. Pray like you and pray for God to help you grow in tour prayer life.</div>
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And here's another thing. Just be still and listen to God. That's hard. It's a busy world. We have a million thoughts but try it for 10 seconds and tell God you are listening for him. Keep trying to stretch.</div>
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Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-58417831557118969382016-06-11T15:19:00.001-06:002016-06-12T15:30:41.392-06:0038 Years!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I don't know how this can be true but apparently Mike and I have been married for 38 years already! It is so weird since we are still such young kids. Right? </span></div>
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I had just finished morning coffee when we decided to take a quick trip out to a nearby reservoir where water is pouring over the spillway. The result is a pretty beautiful waterfall.</div>
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Take a closer look at that rainbow! </div>
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We then went down to take a look up from the bottom.</div>
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Anniversary selfie...</div>
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It was beautiful down there, complete with pelicans.</div>
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We headed back going through a beautiful canyon.</div>
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Wow!<br />
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Then, we deviated from our plan to return home and decided to go on to another reservoir. We had never been there before and underestimated the amount of time it would require to get there. </div>
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The drive was interesting.</div>
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Mike mentioned that there are billions of people in this world.... But not there. There were many places we drove today where you could see for miles and miles without a single house in sight. I love that about Wyoming! </div>
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We made it to the next reservoir and weren't disappointed in the beauty.</div>
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We hiked a bit to enjoy the view.</div>
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We decided we'd already strayed so far, we might as well go on to Rawlins, WY as we'd never been there. That ride was full of variety from views of snow-capped mountains...</div>
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to desert sand dunes and Sandy hills.</div>
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We didn't spend much time in Rawlins but I did take a photo of this cliff right beside the gas station.</div>
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We headed home going through Muddy Gap, WY . I didn't take any photos of Muddy Gap. It has such a cool name, we will just leave it at that.</div>
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We saw such beauty today, and so much space! It was fun to be spontaneous and to explore together. </div>
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I am grateful for the time I have had following the same path with this man. </div>
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Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-7764883099306035282016-05-06T19:20:00.001-06:002016-05-06T19:29:19.722-06:00Ballet and Belly Dancing<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>We<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> just got done watching this beautiful ballerina perform.</span><div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt30gKLMRTw-2co0y5vEMhuoIiqSgoDQP9sGi-0-RSjCVXExf9aXYokguypuCQf3Ri6la75KehxBLKSvv6UoQ68A0nxdGwAY9j28wEab95Od2e0jsF3Mw5B2IuvxJOGGyoMHCt2FQ11MI/s640/blogger-image-919351328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt30gKLMRTw-2co0y5vEMhuoIiqSgoDQP9sGi-0-RSjCVXExf9aXYokguypuCQf3Ri6la75KehxBLKSvv6UoQ68A0nxdGwAY9j28wEab95Od2e0jsF3Mw5B2IuvxJOGGyoMHCt2FQ11MI/s640/blogger-image-919351328.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She was awesome! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6-dOvqps4Y2R1XpykvKJzSeJLlxRNbcgeYPlRlf1-_SZq0Goz6E95DJAfGE5LyTiAjsWnkl0xbNx3opPSOVp1VxGZJYteFGAUcswD34v9Gz_rESkdcZAo3Fpo8TkvFOqVpBZ94wjHMU/s640/blogger-image--278485125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6-dOvqps4Y2R1XpykvKJzSeJLlxRNbcgeYPlRlf1-_SZq0Goz6E95DJAfGE5LyTiAjsWnkl0xbNx3opPSOVp1VxGZJYteFGAUcswD34v9Gz_rESkdcZAo3Fpo8TkvFOqVpBZ94wjHMU/s640/blogger-image--278485125.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She was calm and cool.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWukIrHxLVBqKeUku51yMWD6ylFFO-YwIkm-fHoNW6s-WHDapdjEMQppL1BqjZVuGTUQ55XZIw7FMnPl6Eevf7K5bmoAKW8h-YV8fVzbkle0VGhal95Yljumt6mUys-U2yS4JnWPy7wMc/s640/blogger-image--853491724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWukIrHxLVBqKeUku51yMWD6ylFFO-YwIkm-fHoNW6s-WHDapdjEMQppL1BqjZVuGTUQ55XZIw7FMnPl6Eevf7K5bmoAKW8h-YV8fVzbkle0VGhal95Yljumt6mUys-U2yS4JnWPy7wMc/s640/blogger-image--853491724.jpg"></a></div><br></div>And very sweet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I got to sit with this dainty little one...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDtUUu89CQmepvkmRrE-kR6qP8lvVlE5EvhqoOzab9LXuLL1a7CKs62UOYYqtiB2boqDduxFRqQl3NjrtyYDKDcDoGV-Yj7nC8Dyxll-UXL-2yYMNCWIr0qc8LbaRvkV69sykGBacL5k/s640/blogger-image--1703907998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDtUUu89CQmepvkmRrE-kR6qP8lvVlE5EvhqoOzab9LXuLL1a7CKs62UOYYqtiB2boqDduxFRqQl3NjrtyYDKDcDoGV-Yj7nC8Dyxll-UXL-2yYMNCWIr0qc8LbaRvkV69sykGBacL5k/s640/blogger-image--1703907998.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">who said things like, "Grandma, do you think poop is a funny word?" Unfortunately I agreed because then she loudly announced, "Mom! Grandma thinks poop</div>Is a funny word! "</div><div><br></div><div>Cordelia came to sit with us to watch the next act. She was really into it...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSTb6GjX8i5JSNokAtEPy7LPHkFpsRXPgAif0rFzRKTSe45zgz34Jpuoh0sPNAL63np9k65qjMQ_E4ClHL6vwMTrSgIYxsMetxT_P_qS7vo3UvUU-y8knlQYlkJfQE1hLxJOZt2p6VpQ/s640/blogger-image-334781577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpSTb6GjX8i5JSNokAtEPy7LPHkFpsRXPgAif0rFzRKTSe45zgz34Jpuoh0sPNAL63np9k65qjMQ_E4ClHL6vwMTrSgIYxsMetxT_P_qS7vo3UvUU-y8knlQYlkJfQE1hLxJOZt2p6VpQ/s640/blogger-image-334781577.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I asked her to turn and smile. I got this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rikLF2ETYQtVVq4ODB1ljna92LX7XHmDkfVsaVX1Sueyi4Wj_67e5kGaN3XeGsHn6f_UZ2eyuBysLDFrY7JlDJnI8kyrAC56FzCfKqT1EXA1xBIHZk_DU5MxkhLDe0y_sTvPZHEuO_I/s640/blogger-image--159717626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rikLF2ETYQtVVq4ODB1ljna92LX7XHmDkfVsaVX1Sueyi4Wj_67e5kGaN3XeGsHn6f_UZ2eyuBysLDFrY7JlDJnI8kyrAC56FzCfKqT1EXA1xBIHZk_DU5MxkhLDe0y_sTvPZHEuO_I/s640/blogger-image--159717626.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then back to this...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiFFKBNrXziez2NthmyhiFP0lNtq7Fyb4iuJN-1ipgSmY36BvHIe9F8izjvi1LGppvwgU2f7g30RCT_SZbItdJViisBptLQrRqcIHbsuSJKw7YHe89oMW4biHeewRbX3dk4-DECmvbHY/s640/blogger-image--23599652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiFFKBNrXziez2NthmyhiFP0lNtq7Fyb4iuJN-1ipgSmY36BvHIe9F8izjvi1LGppvwgU2f7g30RCT_SZbItdJViisBptLQrRqcIHbsuSJKw7YHe89oMW4biHeewRbX3dk4-DECmvbHY/s640/blogger-image--23599652.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She was watching an adult belly dancer!. Ha!. Elise kept announcing that the lady was shaking her booty. It really was g-rated, so don't worry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpLBeKd36T587ajkyvAdXzcfcCtHB7C44G3lA-7kQyzcwT3oAmpw1bBWPTjszqyo0FrHGbijghEGQX2-1q97thxdTLlchkXtvfy4_0nc9dRbv-BxSxkVq7fHDdP_lI1oelDUc5iI3MkY/s640/blogger-image-1453449875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpLBeKd36T587ajkyvAdXzcfcCtHB7C44G3lA-7kQyzcwT3oAmpw1bBWPTjszqyo0FrHGbijghEGQX2-1q97thxdTLlchkXtvfy4_0nc9dRbv-BxSxkVq7fHDdP_lI1oelDUc5iI3MkY/s640/blogger-image-1453449875.jpg"></a></div><br></div>It kind of inspired me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1P9yDVjqF20aVJuU1OrgHDhTYxGAvWKf85uUIx3-VvrFGhqUp8Covv5RfwxoMejiJFarI1M7Amwi9U1VNpmDdfdDfos87pzq42cCYk8HngEGrSHweXMQSrRIEtWQTY-86mRcBApi59v8/s640/blogger-image-1587525395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1P9yDVjqF20aVJuU1OrgHDhTYxGAvWKf85uUIx3-VvrFGhqUp8Covv5RfwxoMejiJFarI1M7Amwi9U1VNpmDdfdDfos87pzq42cCYk8HngEGrSHweXMQSrRIEtWQTY-86mRcBApi59v8/s640/blogger-image-1587525395.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Just kidding. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Maybe.</div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-46628999715339924472016-04-30T18:50:00.000-06:002016-04-30T19:03:33.557-06:00A Word From Pastor Mike - Patchwork of Sermons<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am so far behind on typing out Mike's sermons for you, I decided to do a medley of some to catch you up...<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmArgv1vz3SXR2wBI7RHFFsy4wehbSWlLGP-Pe71i4eKjNZ0W80ppW1MZVrutSTqfj8ebHmhfxvX6cMy20JlASdqzERaj_qEnXxKM5Zzlwot6ex1eGLpTFOY2IARCzUiLjuFwFYnhSbkE/s640/blogger-image--1082276300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmArgv1vz3SXR2wBI7RHFFsy4wehbSWlLGP-Pe71i4eKjNZ0W80ppW1MZVrutSTqfj8ebHmhfxvX6cMy20JlASdqzERaj_qEnXxKM5Zzlwot6ex1eGLpTFOY2IARCzUiLjuFwFYnhSbkE/s640/blogger-image--1082276300.jpg"></a></div></div>
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One sermon was about the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus from Luke 16. Mike reminded us that it began with a certain rich man dressed in fine clothes and feasting lavishly. A poor man, Lazarus was cast down at his gate. Lazarus was full of sores. Lazarus was longing for even just the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table but he got none. <br>
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A great reversal occurs as both men die. Lazarus is carried to Abraham by angels. The rich man endured agony. <br>
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This sermon was about being a neighbor. The rich man failed to be a good neighbor to Lazarus. He failed to care, feed or shelter him. The point? Be a good neighbor now. It will be too late to be a good neighbor later on.<br>
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Another parable sermon was from Luke 14:15-24, the Parable of the Great Banquet. In this parable a man was throwing a banquet and many were invited, but they all had excuses. They were busy. One just bought a field, another had to deal with oxen and yet another just got married. When the man throwing the banquet heard of all these excuses he was angry. Instead of cancelling the banquet, he sent out invitations to people who appreciated the invitation... the poor, crippled, blind, lame, etc. He also sent out his people to bring in travelers, whoever would accept the invitation. He then stated that none of the original invitees would taste of his banquet.<br>
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Lesson to be learned? Respond to God's gracious invitation. Don't let excuses and busyness keep you from your relationship with God.<br>
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In another sermon, titled "Jesus the Gutsy", Mike told about Jesus' courage as he lived his last days before his death. He knew what was coming but he went anyway. He celebrated the Passover with his disciples. He washed their feet and reminded them that they were called to be servants in this world. He gave his disciples a new commandment to LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU. He taught them about communion, so that we can always have him with us. He went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He was given a death sentence. On the cross he forgave his enemies, converted a thief and gave him the good news of eternal life.<br>
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When Jesus died a Roman Centurion gave the first confession after the death of Jesus, "Truly this was the Son of God."<br>
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Jesus' death was summed up by John the Baptist, who pointed to Jesus and said, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."<br>
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Easter Sunday Mike talked about Jesus' life as a story. That story included being conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, baptized by John the Baptist, tempted in the wilderness, teaching and doing ministry. He was crucified, died, buried and resurrected...victory over death!<br>
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Mike spoke of our lives as stories as well. The question being, what kind of story will we each live? He spoke of how our stories bump into one another, and our stories bump into the Jesus story as well. Our stories may include tragedy, all include struggle at some point. We may be living stories of rags to riches, satire, thriller, or fairy tale (he told the congregation that was my story because I was married to him).<br>
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Mike stated that he wanted to leave a good legacy with his story, one that says that faith is important. He stated that he wanted to be a life long learner, immersed in God's Word, prayer, repentance and service. He also wants to have some fun at times, to be a comedy.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> Mission accomplished.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUwrty_bhktC73wzR1nGWVvsy56KgV2fQRkKjNaGUrHBfRA5epYINeWJ3NCxfmrU_5ZWpg6-UzLksjrkJwdUVUfD3t7_NQxclPvLbsqs4MMmghKxsdTdU3EiNUJYgmEYyqx_ck0H4rjI/s640/blogger-image--803990783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUwrty_bhktC73wzR1nGWVvsy56KgV2fQRkKjNaGUrHBfRA5epYINeWJ3NCxfmrU_5ZWpg6-UzLksjrkJwdUVUfD3t7_NQxclPvLbsqs4MMmghKxsdTdU3EiNUJYgmEYyqx_ck0H4rjI/s640/blogger-image--803990783.jpg"></a></div><br>
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Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-76200040728331303652016-04-27T18:33:00.001-06:002016-04-27T18:33:02.111-06:00Ucross Foundation<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Another fun thing we did when Ben and Sara were here was to tour their current art exhibit at the Ucross Foundation. </span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvLVrM9aoeKx5y4sVvg_twWQLJNi0nvDKT0s8RfRwminKHlahaD5r7zqliAJvRiXafcQyRVMxQhiNwWiVKhILyw8BEX9Vr_icg5ibLO1EMPQzsadsD4YQ90fqH70L_P5Zs8c-BW97x3Q/s640/blogger-image-698359289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvLVrM9aoeKx5y4sVvg_twWQLJNi0nvDKT0s8RfRwminKHlahaD5r7zqliAJvRiXafcQyRVMxQhiNwWiVKhILyw8BEX9Vr_icg5ibLO1EMPQzsadsD4YQ90fqH70L_P5Zs8c-BW97x3Q/s640/blogger-image-698359289.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It is cool that Maria and Eric are having a joint show. We were grateful for staff for opening it up for our family to have a private, guided tour. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2TbOeVjEsVXS6bhQmnSWgcMDUrOL0-wShzXO31FK0HaymfE3EqDaaROL6sZrCARJamq0i4Dc1ighoF7iC8z0lrxiwteHI2UQ6SVy94fERvqQw0IScKeS5oj2sKc2C_pXLs577znClwI/s640/blogger-image--9378725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2TbOeVjEsVXS6bhQmnSWgcMDUrOL0-wShzXO31FK0HaymfE3EqDaaROL6sZrCARJamq0i4Dc1ighoF7iC8z0lrxiwteHI2UQ6SVy94fERvqQw0IScKeS5oj2sKc2C_pXLs577znClwI/s640/blogger-image--9378725.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ben and Sara planned their Wyoming Trip especially to be able to see this display.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmn_9Y9p13FXfRlasvqT3AyeUsU587-yJGEER03RqGSt36WIIajFB5uYjGZHqJuUrQ7ITrYg_TfJq2qmXoYKS405x9ZdhvUPAa_T_CRfTP8IedVH14uqCUkuXakFfsy6jG01o0J2zii0/s640/blogger-image-135438543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmn_9Y9p13FXfRlasvqT3AyeUsU587-yJGEER03RqGSt36WIIajFB5uYjGZHqJuUrQ7ITrYg_TfJq2qmXoYKS405x9ZdhvUPAa_T_CRfTP8IedVH14uqCUkuXakFfsy6jG01o0J2zii0/s640/blogger-image-135438543.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sam had worked a night shift the night before, but was up for the day with the family as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiab-vh33RoNXjKCYwe0mfQ8a3MXPWd1VDMx2R633sHBj1Nj7eoZEXjFs0y_gMsEUDCB0Ny8rr_c-UZCoYRhqGcQaclhWbXu61vyOOw1CoRkX1q7_3UJ4j6MCJ_ixeezcEslm09Q3haX4I/s640/blogger-image-1256639380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiab-vh33RoNXjKCYwe0mfQ8a3MXPWd1VDMx2R633sHBj1Nj7eoZEXjFs0y_gMsEUDCB0Ny8rr_c-UZCoYRhqGcQaclhWbXu61vyOOw1CoRkX1q7_3UJ4j6MCJ_ixeezcEslm09Q3haX4I/s640/blogger-image-1256639380.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This barn is the setting for the art gallery at the Ucross Foundation. This beautiful, isolated setting is a place where creative people can be chosen to come and use their talents to paint, write, whatever. It really is a gorgeous place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4L9rC1dTYBr3hvL0VmbutTlOngX21CkKIDF4UdnMN3bdMNXp-s_nBQpMwnlGXbPosBDovPQVh9SCYuiBqR2abHRbCp2vDkQRn9uwg-6CXrw_oMb-_4vNhnuIGkZW7_svuCMB3R5d4pbk/s640/blogger-image-698205358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4L9rC1dTYBr3hvL0VmbutTlOngX21CkKIDF4UdnMN3bdMNXp-s_nBQpMwnlGXbPosBDovPQVh9SCYuiBqR2abHRbCp2vDkQRn9uwg-6CXrw_oMb-_4vNhnuIGkZW7_svuCMB3R5d4pbk/s640/blogger-image-698205358.jpg"></a></div><br></div>We met this golden lab puppy, who chased anything that ran.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzna_Os-MDh12jE5jPwF2aFRIZMNDNKvlbKCpCQlenggJLd_p9G4D2ewnM7EZT-VA6tR7WjIupM4s1ghRXJqKCNNiIaVvxBzTSH6fy8fFud0NU2sEHyWNSOc3HEF-M4_5jIP-YGZIyGE/s640/blogger-image-1131167246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzna_Os-MDh12jE5jPwF2aFRIZMNDNKvlbKCpCQlenggJLd_p9G4D2ewnM7EZT-VA6tR7WjIupM4s1ghRXJqKCNNiIaVvxBzTSH6fy8fFud0NU2sEHyWNSOc3HEF-M4_5jIP-YGZIyGE/s640/blogger-image-1131167246.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After he took a mud bath, we had reason to run from him! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQqP89xchTe8JfOmp2v10sHAKt5T-TgaqtHTNYpN1QuXqlDj1noSKPRUWJq8VhM4i31DJL6COhmRlHERlWt1DGLUuKwCTRcEvkiWWgAJWOhZx23daoZpGwRxMgaYgG9onGw5XmrTgSyA/s640/blogger-image--729674655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQqP89xchTe8JfOmp2v10sHAKt5T-TgaqtHTNYpN1QuXqlDj1noSKPRUWJq8VhM4i31DJL6COhmRlHERlWt1DGLUuKwCTRcEvkiWWgAJWOhZx23daoZpGwRxMgaYgG9onGw5XmrTgSyA/s640/blogger-image--729674655.jpg"></a></div><br></div>A tree became the get away of choice.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzeGACo8jBJGclP8CIH9n4Cm8Z2KjNr42iEIQrHq3ekueBgsU_OoPMVoHkdyrWKRT6LB0Y1hPA12evDtotcXG0Ra6tK1cc50MvXm_n9YvWXpQyDMt2i4dhZ2BcGP3j2Wq8pn50AG1Y6w/s640/blogger-image--1255678624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzeGACo8jBJGclP8CIH9n4Cm8Z2KjNr42iEIQrHq3ekueBgsU_OoPMVoHkdyrWKRT6LB0Y1hPA12evDtotcXG0Ra6tK1cc50MvXm_n9YvWXpQyDMt2i4dhZ2BcGP3j2Wq8pn50AG1Y6w/s640/blogger-image--1255678624.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Isn't that a tree that needed climbed anyway? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MGgRK-szWNgi1s5cm2Hn2DQhZzs_YnHXC0DIwjYiAbzwR9FNFZZk4PPs8cJhx5Jc79KtD8XyJE9fw1kKBhshRt0sycV_kjdgBphAzzPdPBrqQ5jABIl0mkUD0Cxqi6i8jq-GZFgn3Ao/s640/blogger-image--1693577338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MGgRK-szWNgi1s5cm2Hn2DQhZzs_YnHXC0DIwjYiAbzwR9FNFZZk4PPs8cJhx5Jc79KtD8XyJE9fw1kKBhshRt0sycV_kjdgBphAzzPdPBrqQ5jABIl0mkUD0Cxqi6i8jq-GZFgn3Ao/s640/blogger-image--1693577338.jpg"></a></div><br></div>And then this pretty lady joined us...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyR3nAh5zVYgpk5Xi3QfbLjSYiDCVYfrHaxFG-m4iN9SRHPOdgyBC0AnkIBZ86jGfEPbF9VujakVSKhtsi-Konm9k_t4Jbi4uTrCVLtkptBbjRWI6g4ep7PZLvnLV8myE4bHx_8tgD9AM/s640/blogger-image--1126084572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyR3nAh5zVYgpk5Xi3QfbLjSYiDCVYfrHaxFG-m4iN9SRHPOdgyBC0AnkIBZ86jGfEPbF9VujakVSKhtsi-Konm9k_t4Jbi4uTrCVLtkptBbjRWI6g4ep7PZLvnLV8myE4bHx_8tgD9AM/s640/blogger-image--1126084572.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Later that day we went to visit my Mom, sister and Aunt. It was such a wonderfully full day. It involved a lot of driving through beautiful country on a lovely day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And, it was a day with all three of our kids together. That does not happen often! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlAy9GOk9JfmtbIUCwUKz0RdYjjXJaTPxFEiuO60CIsNKbhFS7g8MKnbNyBFosIK22qrU8_FZh8mxO4kgRQH6KNiR74h_QjsZj2fZ5q7io23Wt9FfwDXOyVcOgl1hopmuq2skAD8Gp74/s640/blogger-image-1050618838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlAy9GOk9JfmtbIUCwUKz0RdYjjXJaTPxFEiuO60CIsNKbhFS7g8MKnbNyBFosIK22qrU8_FZh8mxO4kgRQH6KNiR74h_QjsZj2fZ5q7io23Wt9FfwDXOyVcOgl1hopmuq2skAD8Gp74/s640/blogger-image-1050618838.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I love them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirM9SgVWBtqEHXKUIuv2dzkur670yLPBCvljuZgNypwRu_qhViO7TV1oDQA7Ok1k_HO9n9kBIeM6-tKE1vFYNkCA2yk3kDsvDFJzaYckICI5K7G_BS9o4lKqEQCSlUfxv0HDz2fqEpex0/s640/blogger-image--1421188387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirM9SgVWBtqEHXKUIuv2dzkur670yLPBCvljuZgNypwRu_qhViO7TV1oDQA7Ok1k_HO9n9kBIeM6-tKE1vFYNkCA2yk3kDsvDFJzaYckICI5K7G_BS9o4lKqEQCSlUfxv0HDz2fqEpex0/s640/blogger-image--1421188387.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My babies...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg416q6fvqrf3ZDW3xN6UjjMj2f55Z6zfk0o7tt611qnU7JH3ODngD50PmVuLDXgfVISd1N_EKPk0toowPws5HrKsDQgVP4q7_RrEoz1XhT9j_XKfxqLMoJIfAlvP_ulaT9dRwW3CnBVjg/s640/blogger-image--1874108972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg416q6fvqrf3ZDW3xN6UjjMj2f55Z6zfk0o7tt611qnU7JH3ODngD50PmVuLDXgfVISd1N_EKPk0toowPws5HrKsDQgVP4q7_RrEoz1XhT9j_XKfxqLMoJIfAlvP_ulaT9dRwW3CnBVjg/s640/blogger-image--1874108972.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-63094774188648186292016-04-26T06:22:00.001-06:002016-04-26T06:22:40.345-06:00Today in WyomingAnd we are just getting started! We are expecting a LOT of snow today.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rrnDiMHc1rCzbKfGMMwsvJOQYUrqPQKEuKM-b2Nh9N2G1UK3QJRuOjuFSuV8OpWLlmqWj3mE-N4F7WR7sZyfdhhXl7Lpp9tzNSHaPha5dhKyaKeH-DgvkHUrFITHuUW2QT1fxyftFuE/s640/blogger-image-1694085160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rrnDiMHc1rCzbKfGMMwsvJOQYUrqPQKEuKM-b2Nh9N2G1UK3QJRuOjuFSuV8OpWLlmqWj3mE-N4F7WR7sZyfdhhXl7Lpp9tzNSHaPha5dhKyaKeH-DgvkHUrFITHuUW2QT1fxyftFuE/s640/blogger-image-1694085160.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-19393055888415956222016-04-25T07:52:00.001-06:002016-04-25T07:52:17.775-06:00Night at the Museum<div><br></div><div>Friday night we took our son and daughter-in-law to Buffalo, Wyoming for a night at the Occidental Hotel. </div><div><br></div><div>The Occidental Hotel is a very, very old hotel (1880) that is loaded with history and beautifully restored. Former visitors included Teddy Roosevelt, Buffalo Bill Cody and Calamity Jane. It was a fun experience. The whole place was full of antiques. It really felt as though we spent the night at a museum.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHf-N_ZVkNefarAqjugqxiuGAZT-_2z7SSBtsujVfRIp0kebHaaRxbF3zp6-wGoHmfv3I9tZXn3dIxZlghhS-mrOAJNN3BaB8o16s0a3z0l0OnMfjQ3QgMi4OhTIuvjQI7xAo6AgV34E/s640/blogger-image--1279797995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHf-N_ZVkNefarAqjugqxiuGAZT-_2z7SSBtsujVfRIp0kebHaaRxbF3zp6-wGoHmfv3I9tZXn3dIxZlghhS-mrOAJNN3BaB8o16s0a3z0l0OnMfjQ3QgMi4OhTIuvjQI7xAo6AgV34E/s640/blogger-image--1279797995.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivlu5z2OU8riGUiy5EWOLtlmBlutbZOU04OWyjaroSbJvRXqLGp02Edh4knAQeKzkZWmw5dt5TVGtDoVbtjbytdPhan-1pLhqEmraQe5KbgMMHJJjt3bXz1wG82dMbNUgg-WUb1VQfoQ/s640/blogger-image--1092842603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivlu5z2OU8riGUiy5EWOLtlmBlutbZOU04OWyjaroSbJvRXqLGp02Edh4knAQeKzkZWmw5dt5TVGtDoVbtjbytdPhan-1pLhqEmraQe5KbgMMHJJjt3bXz1wG82dMbNUgg-WUb1VQfoQ/s640/blogger-image--1092842603.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8a1Cj9-15hcjyJO14AOzylEUE9iK-QOSwe8biALIFdsiAnzExRu7OULjnCw-R9j1QhW-q-5IfRZNdGVeSdjcxw-OYjHnT4RYvnwUHByY_d4RUTUFzvsuf__SAMsxH48g7WNUuWxKO0k/s640/blogger-image-1361247151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8a1Cj9-15hcjyJO14AOzylEUE9iK-QOSwe8biALIFdsiAnzExRu7OULjnCw-R9j1QhW-q-5IfRZNdGVeSdjcxw-OYjHnT4RYvnwUHByY_d4RUTUFzvsuf__SAMsxH48g7WNUuWxKO0k/s640/blogger-image-1361247151.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_knkXPVhNvQOXHqzlPsb3SAOqTgeoUlRDN5Pd0oiNd7z39qio3i7Kt9vuBZysZkRRHQty-tg1ceH9tC3hVaAhg9oylRQ9-pyIgtLTDXOM2D8igAwKrHVNKouoVtqfkymlCy_ZMuBVE3M/s640/blogger-image-781279741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgG0LEdRH18Ygtrm09oPmKG5dkgloPphBMiRKrBRn6y1UV1J4GI8gAfavA9rrd6sBHuIrwtX-wLo-PV7zUqwRgC5Cr6GERS9E5VyC5RGp3B47PRkBWlWOs4RlKjfTY25-IA7dmK1wR_A/s640/blogger-image-798766461.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5Gccl1-PTNVpqivY0r8tS3sasRIVTaIxeDfOe9wYZsVG6t1WKjY5Y55rqyFCu_3_tE6TR2SbWZlauUOTnLcG1aLTXTkPojwKaWibGIrgLe_bKO4a466keuFSzo5fjto4jxl-yaHYJVk/s640/blogger-image-1436731194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5Gccl1-PTNVpqivY0r8tS3sasRIVTaIxeDfOe9wYZsVG6t1WKjY5Y55rqyFCu_3_tE6TR2SbWZlauUOTnLcG1aLTXTkPojwKaWibGIrgLe_bKO4a466keuFSzo5fjto4jxl-yaHYJVk/s640/blogger-image-1436731194.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhSW1GB8tt_4O94b9q_7dMZXOh1uDzQx4xhqBsp4oTtyWT-FnfBasv79-OjeC-ZIuVRCIGQeZ_ar_gg-t3HICjeqYKxg-r-N8y24NN2QPrtVhqkBgkhuGUBCZOUyPgn4sD523X9lhkV8/s640/blogger-image--493306961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhSW1GB8tt_4O94b9q_7dMZXOh1uDzQx4xhqBsp4oTtyWT-FnfBasv79-OjeC-ZIuVRCIGQeZ_ar_gg-t3HICjeqYKxg-r-N8y24NN2QPrtVhqkBgkhuGUBCZOUyPgn4sD523X9lhkV8/s640/blogger-image--493306961.jpg"></a></div><br></div>It was all very elegant, very lovely.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Then, there was this.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitF2ZYnMxsDAF3TGbl5JGGxd0xdEWPDBGBqeDff3Dw8kZbs7cZX5c47zC-ZqDVHP6ddzVqkBhHsl-PdhpwPM7V22uaqnKGBhCSEcrxQbN12zQGT913DotGHknDKRiSv6K66Zwk6qaus4c/s640/blogger-image--867378905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitF2ZYnMxsDAF3TGbl5JGGxd0xdEWPDBGBqeDff3Dw8kZbs7cZX5c47zC-ZqDVHP6ddzVqkBhHsl-PdhpwPM7V22uaqnKGBhCSEcrxQbN12zQGT913DotGHknDKRiSv6K66Zwk6qaus4c/s640/blogger-image--867378905.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>And if you are fans of Longmire, we were most definitely aware we were in Longmire Country.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqqtKpjSdbj2sfB3qdUahbN_TEDjzrovcWMuBaQRFJBAx-wBTt0qaZsFrG8rfYMpqTwF2r-qLTR44MnhiynPwTFN2n9lo8CmwfHKTsI4OixeY-U4Cub5V_ZZSQusLpmFbriTYd1GTigE/s640/blogger-image--924542708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqqtKpjSdbj2sfB3qdUahbN_TEDjzrovcWMuBaQRFJBAx-wBTt0qaZsFrG8rfYMpqTwF2r-qLTR44MnhiynPwTFN2n9lo8CmwfHKTsI4OixeY-U4Cub5V_ZZSQusLpmFbriTYd1GTigE/s640/blogger-image--924542708.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The weather was great. Thankfully the snow held off until Sunday. It was nice to have that little excursion with Ben and Sara.</div><br></div>Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-10261145361953085712016-04-24T18:46:00.001-06:002016-04-24T18:46:48.931-06:00Fun With Uncle Ben<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLSsFHzKtr84p3Tpf5deYa-e4HdyHE3LgDtUzwDnhX1oHn8eCOXaLMBQ_v3NRUN5bhvqnulVmZcGM-j3eqfYRBZN3Os30ZGKcHJnslPrh5oGHGKcYdf5ZolvGVP8d_s5kf8ul22rPGZs/s640/blogger-image--1149342475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLSsFHzKtr84p3Tpf5deYa-e4HdyHE3LgDtUzwDnhX1oHn8eCOXaLMBQ_v3NRUN5bhvqnulVmZcGM-j3eqfYRBZN3Os30ZGKcHJnslPrh5oGHGKcYdf5ZolvGVP8d_s5kf8ul22rPGZs/s640/blogger-image--1149342475.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-57294814693519026622016-04-22T20:50:00.001-06:002016-04-23T11:48:16.817-06:00Hula hooping in Wal-MartYes, we apparently have the kind of family that hula hoops in Wal-Mart. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lOJk3XH182I_np_Zz_pKM39NWUb1gUeBTOxk8KwCX7VgWDimp9QQhI2KwdMEoalYiAZQ_3YCh8RfxxUO17H1_XMbgsrUE2SJC9hti5nO4xW8lzpZLvuulydeyhfqyUnUuymZrtbcFNI/s640/blogger-image--1402420957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lOJk3XH182I_np_Zz_pKM39NWUb1gUeBTOxk8KwCX7VgWDimp9QQhI2KwdMEoalYiAZQ_3YCh8RfxxUO17H1_XMbgsrUE2SJC9hti5nO4xW8lzpZLvuulydeyhfqyUnUuymZrtbcFNI/s640/blogger-image--1402420957.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Not just that, but our daughter-in-law, Sara, kept hula hooping even when her husband tossed bananas to her... Well, for a bit anyway.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGJ2O6CRs5pyDK2nt66KSroYx8TMvV6aDFgt0axuigwpB0JZIR9KxLwgUIkMV04E4LdOXLUDiE5u8oVR9b1RE5cfqwHOKHDU0MR5UBarlQdu4rybizVhkLO7F5NWo5voh5ZkZd7Srmxc/s640/blogger-image-322110395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVGJ2O6CRs5pyDK2nt66KSroYx8TMvV6aDFgt0axuigwpB0JZIR9KxLwgUIkMV04E4LdOXLUDiE5u8oVR9b1RE5cfqwHOKHDU0MR5UBarlQdu4rybizVhkLO7F5NWo5voh5ZkZd7Srmxc/s640/blogger-image-322110395.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>That's all. I have no explanations to offer.</div>Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-63828589926021752062016-04-22T07:30:00.001-06:002016-04-22T07:30:44.542-06:00Sandals on the Frozen Tundra<div><br></div><div>We are all enjoying a visit from Sara and Ben. Since they live on the East Coast, it is a big deal to have them in Wyoming.</div><div><br></div><div>Yesterday was a beautiful day in Wyoming, sunny and warm. Considering that it snowed on the weekend, sandal weather was appreciated.</div><div><br></div><div>After dinner last night, we went for a little hike to the waterfall that is only about 5 minutes from town. As it turned out, it was still winter there! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_GMDY8IsHWZWTpf27j4Aj2Bh6MSNKhpPFJnzaDzh37HofETmMfKgddC5k03vMHjUyHyn4X-80XdqkVMCJZQlVIweKKSX2CDdyBmfEns00WlFdhvXBDR5mmXFZ55MHmYIHU_WfCsT80Y/s640/blogger-image-1276408860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_GMDY8IsHWZWTpf27j4Aj2Bh6MSNKhpPFJnzaDzh37HofETmMfKgddC5k03vMHjUyHyn4X-80XdqkVMCJZQlVIweKKSX2CDdyBmfEns00WlFdhvXBDR5mmXFZ55MHmYIHU_WfCsT80Y/s640/blogger-image-1276408860.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>That did NOT stop Ben from enjoying himself! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxly2Zioetd9KsDV0_m8NDjLnQMBWWHOq8Lx-HTQ89H_WZYtdHhdd7bsBwS4HalbfyOpkmpCX5P-e6Ocxv0L81kBCuPL6WV3cYSDJh7UIUoZCDMBJDYTLXVZPQHegsudA-B1LBBVk_Vbk/s640/blogger-image--126522044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxly2Zioetd9KsDV0_m8NDjLnQMBWWHOq8Lx-HTQ89H_WZYtdHhdd7bsBwS4HalbfyOpkmpCX5P-e6Ocxv0L81kBCuPL6WV3cYSDJh7UIUoZCDMBJDYTLXVZPQHegsudA-B1LBBVk_Vbk/s640/blogger-image--126522044.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Although I bet his feet were cold! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJ5MH6DtGpMHg-Ttk2CIVzLS1ycMgChs_E68j0VDTuqNkGbxUEKL-yMO0OTNQjvtYA9NXYb-pxTA3VfVUj1fQPnR1ydzCrgN1TfxalJddeaFmaeDNhLVqqVH5szeYVynjrrlyAmVQVik/s640/blogger-image--1153501854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJ5MH6DtGpMHg-Ttk2CIVzLS1ycMgChs_E68j0VDTuqNkGbxUEKL-yMO0OTNQjvtYA9NXYb-pxTA3VfVUj1fQPnR1ydzCrgN1TfxalJddeaFmaeDNhLVqqVH5szeYVynjrrlyAmVQVik/s640/blogger-image--1153501854.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-31974453924254454092016-03-11T20:32:00.001-07:002016-03-11T20:32:15.629-07:00Cheetah GirlsMaria and I took the little girls shopping for Easter dresses today. You will have to wait too see those, but they were willing to pose in their new Cheetah hats.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxZ_NyZHTTroaOWOm8rkLBxPQrqWJOGIKovE4ZG_SzahGXAWmtFynPOyor_dr_6dqiB4k76uQw6QpiGRNfGDhXhMj6CJ0CsBgd9Bm-Vqq8e21kn0CI8ehAR7V2M8YrKd5Tpg87c4CX2g/s640/blogger-image-1024219093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxZ_NyZHTTroaOWOm8rkLBxPQrqWJOGIKovE4ZG_SzahGXAWmtFynPOyor_dr_6dqiB4k76uQw6QpiGRNfGDhXhMj6CJ0CsBgd9Bm-Vqq8e21kn0CI8ehAR7V2M8YrKd5Tpg87c4CX2g/s640/blogger-image-1024219093.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Cordelia is in a Cheetah Phase right now, and Elise learns about coolness from her big sister. They look pretty cute. Elise had her own little style, though, that made her look a bit like a very tiny gang member.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVOn3w7eDEWW0tPvY1djtcXGB9piHxmIb2wkT9KXFu8FQ-JZtX4qjWMJi7sxn410krJvIgiHgfBoHeVgjOITD1AR08vZcnvDq1zjRTe3fLvZSaFLusRPkL40CGuRs22i-RJyr26X6-_A/s640/blogger-image--1898928439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVOn3w7eDEWW0tPvY1djtcXGB9piHxmIb2wkT9KXFu8FQ-JZtX4qjWMJi7sxn410krJvIgiHgfBoHeVgjOITD1AR08vZcnvDq1zjRTe3fLvZSaFLusRPkL40CGuRs22i-RJyr26X6-_A/s640/blogger-image--1898928439.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-72804431508211825012016-02-26T16:41:00.001-07:002016-02-26T16:41:45.604-07:00Science FunI had a special treat this afternoon.... Time off work too spend with the Granddaughters. We went to the Science Zone, a fun place for them to learn and play.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwYEBTN4WsVRH50BuTGP1PjcusKwy0nlK6pgeseHC4Vfi_QtbGTyLBnd1fojSH-0dHjtp_3KJumMeMREJMy5-XuuQ_ST7mo_Sc2Tx1UZjH39BckiVHOv46f4Y8JAqaE9N50otxHR2lpw/s640/blogger-image-752703922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwYEBTN4WsVRH50BuTGP1PjcusKwy0nlK6pgeseHC4Vfi_QtbGTyLBnd1fojSH-0dHjtp_3KJumMeMREJMy5-XuuQ_ST7mo_Sc2Tx1UZjH39BckiVHOv46f4Y8JAqaE9N50otxHR2lpw/s640/blogger-image-752703922.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Cordelia climbed the little climbing wall. She was proud to have made it all the way across.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFuOXILPpF4BvJCszE6W8WR22E8Sez7p-l445AF0BG9RkJTTZvoKpyC_fHZJRcJrw0t71xjUvPtnGyY3cB85Ls3xCYg08kFFWWvusvOQwdaatFnMDZJEhS-gMMhqtSEPOG2jpHmiMJsM/s640/blogger-image-722796708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFuOXILPpF4BvJCszE6W8WR22E8Sez7p-l445AF0BG9RkJTTZvoKpyC_fHZJRcJrw0t71xjUvPtnGyY3cB85Ls3xCYg08kFFWWvusvOQwdaatFnMDZJEhS-gMMhqtSEPOG2jpHmiMJsM/s640/blogger-image-722796708.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Elise got to play in the little kid area, making sure to point out that she is still a little kid. Usually she is telling me she is a big kid but she knew big kids weren't allowed in there.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOn9JoYLg4WnrXwct5qTtOA1G7QHL-5gKSX-VbU87i8gEafEPmwZ9mqT4zuwV8s76HNSRNN0DRR35w-uOynuLPYj7MH-t1PnlAKxmapSQw7tCGHWfi2E3tv3hglrbcrDh8MlvJFlBnEw/s640/blogger-image-56692679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOn9JoYLg4WnrXwct5qTtOA1G7QHL-5gKSX-VbU87i8gEafEPmwZ9mqT4zuwV8s76HNSRNN0DRR35w-uOynuLPYj7MH-t1PnlAKxmapSQw7tCGHWfi2E3tv3hglrbcrDh8MlvJFlBnEw/s640/blogger-image-56692679.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>So, she is a little kid when it suits her. </div><div>Smart girl.</div><div><br></div><div>They played together a long time.</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitq3spsLuf8iD7NWmy2qkXLquhjW-koXObeGp0pSQhPsErcZdNxJPmlE26xrwtr91QCG_1TEqbaQrlbl99A90Q8twhA3f8BD4K-TzIUgGUxv-R9TUUW5kQEBahOMxMyVR9oIYYu0nFmzs/s640/blogger-image--1793708114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitq3spsLuf8iD7NWmy2qkXLquhjW-koXObeGp0pSQhPsErcZdNxJPmlE26xrwtr91QCG_1TEqbaQrlbl99A90Q8twhA3f8BD4K-TzIUgGUxv-R9TUUW5kQEBahOMxMyVR9oIYYu0nFmzs/s640/blogger-image--1793708114.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wWh-K_aNqAHsQBWOqXTPfvDKiM874oLXWKqViYntWPqqKTtnfyHKh-kFxxRlZWG0ZPZrjpbpcqnaxdqcy9hEGPtjTWV7ghSr5A8rW3RRCwVE9iI6diIZBbTxejAZ3WLaZ0Jl22y09lU/s640/blogger-image-1823212770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wWh-K_aNqAHsQBWOqXTPfvDKiM874oLXWKqViYntWPqqKTtnfyHKh-kFxxRlZWG0ZPZrjpbpcqnaxdqcy9hEGPtjTWV7ghSr5A8rW3RRCwVE9iI6diIZBbTxejAZ3WLaZ0Jl22y09lU/s640/blogger-image-1823212770.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Everywhere we turned, there were new adventures.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTfp9ZwecOHDMHTV_VdqcvXOcRd2wKEdZ9wr70zsdSlvISWrJZ4SKtTRzedFpFMdZggMS2QtRCF9lFi15b8vv6M9MRYQaMmvkZJNxTM9oQ7EI4nnLQzCQ56ZQJfBEszVmbdKdAwhEZ_w/s640/blogger-image-1011233186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTfp9ZwecOHDMHTV_VdqcvXOcRd2wKEdZ9wr70zsdSlvISWrJZ4SKtTRzedFpFMdZggMS2QtRCF9lFi15b8vv6M9MRYQaMmvkZJNxTM9oQ7EI4nnLQzCQ56ZQJfBEszVmbdKdAwhEZ_w/s640/blogger-image-1011233186.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The place was full of interesting things to see and do.</span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09o5XA9eAzgqE3LwKCTwHyVKF3-sIcDpttgo3SYg7POdGCa2s8BrvfX1_FioHYbE69MJ8Y8N85aZRCrgQP-Yp8dJXYbMLH8I5E9lcOhBlW_DTQ_8MsFDeHNggKlvG_WUhLM2qKR_7YE4/s640/blogger-image--1015598182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09o5XA9eAzgqE3LwKCTwHyVKF3-sIcDpttgo3SYg7POdGCa2s8BrvfX1_FioHYbE69MJ8Y8N85aZRCrgQP-Yp8dJXYbMLH8I5E9lcOhBlW_DTQ_8MsFDeHNggKlvG_WUhLM2qKR_7YE4/s640/blogger-image--1015598182.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>When we were done, we took another field trip... To the car wash. Did you know it is noisy there? </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD69A5I9stmq7Lz2CMjBjtUIac1ygG-xrmDAuHqATxweDWwjZRKcBFQzaEutJFMkVzSHvPTG3I39NKEZpigZ302jH04bY1wzOo46ryzEMtepk6IPeb2SHX_LEO3GxHwaq22VwtB7odf2k/s640/blogger-image-1451066138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD69A5I9stmq7Lz2CMjBjtUIac1ygG-xrmDAuHqATxweDWwjZRKcBFQzaEutJFMkVzSHvPTG3I39NKEZpigZ302jH04bY1wzOo46ryzEMtepk6IPeb2SHX_LEO3GxHwaq22VwtB7odf2k/s640/blogger-image-1451066138.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Does Elise's smile seem a little forced? </div>Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-89017679202500121902016-02-25T18:56:00.001-07:002016-02-25T20:15:17.818-07:00Time to Laugh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Recently my granddaughter, Cordelia, and I were talking about each other's personality traits. She said that one thing she knew about me was that I love to laugh. That made me so happy to know that was something she noticed. She also noticed that I love to hum a lot.<br />
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If I can pass on to my kids and grandkids a sense of joy, then I am satisfied. </div>
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Almost.</div>
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I also want to pass that on to others, so, here's a laugh for your day.</div>
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Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-15216049935929848652016-02-02T13:28:00.001-07:002016-02-02T13:28:23.656-07:00No ShadowSorry, folks, but this ground dog didn't see her shadow today. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ibAwSyZJ-MXU_FSyoEj8GX8cTZ3h-6bep19reYWYCReSnNeg3nySj7gMASkw8UjIexXNt_I5VaF_tuhsBUP_b2K9b4__3n5vYxd0Z0-J3agKXUxVVfHJV8xOxGRww0BnieumRvb30iU/s640/blogger-image--1785172202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ibAwSyZJ-MXU_FSyoEj8GX8cTZ3h-6bep19reYWYCReSnNeg3nySj7gMASkw8UjIexXNt_I5VaF_tuhsBUP_b2K9b4__3n5vYxd0Z0-J3agKXUxVVfHJV8xOxGRww0BnieumRvb30iU/s640/blogger-image--1785172202.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I did see a lot of snow, though! Mike and I have shoveled mountains of it.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1V1Kf__HelyroBXvQCpXLGBICyGjoc8o_OZ6oqeqFjHFi9C5RrARMUgfTMGKV67im0CpAoCMRVTfpJyL12nmQRjeutxWIYgLZdzqT5YcZezRTK5PPDyXN_UBAGzx4MBqd_YdfjD1Lsk/s640/blogger-image--2036959089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1V1Kf__HelyroBXvQCpXLGBICyGjoc8o_OZ6oqeqFjHFi9C5RrARMUgfTMGKV67im0CpAoCMRVTfpJyL12nmQRjeutxWIYgLZdzqT5YcZezRTK5PPDyXN_UBAGzx4MBqd_YdfjD1Lsk/s640/blogger-image--2036959089.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Actually, if we see ONLY six more weeks of winter, that isn't so bad for Wyoming.</div><div><br></div><div>Thank you for all the kind birthday wishes. I am a fortunate woman to have so many great friends and loving family members.</div>Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-41480898627276800322016-01-15T16:49:00.001-07:002016-01-15T16:49:29.824-07:00Lunch Break lOne of my highlights this week was when family members meet at the hospital to have lunch together.<div><br></div><div>We didn't all arrive at once so there was some waiting time.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHa8PJu-jr9AKbT3euuR8baSXvqlk5VQJV80LbohPtEalxUsbDdKA5ZIbnIjHV4BcdAWKSz7AesWlVTB-ZB8-82dUIeTeNIYaP8MeceFfdZaKDypxr5MUW0c9-CRq9OkNGDxK0lTwIX10/s640/blogger-image--784353970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHa8PJu-jr9AKbT3euuR8baSXvqlk5VQJV80LbohPtEalxUsbDdKA5ZIbnIjHV4BcdAWKSz7AesWlVTB-ZB8-82dUIeTeNIYaP8MeceFfdZaKDypxr5MUW0c9-CRq9OkNGDxK0lTwIX10/s640/blogger-image--784353970.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>In case you can't tell, that is chair ballet.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUc_8y7koCSod1JiAyi_QwuCFsNNs6CbklCe8y1u2oZE6CoCFM_xgrWEERn6tGrB32Tt7-eE19uv5QmBoFTy_YPmXFj2i9wwExqrwizjjYFA1YAQBi-mSZX4ZQWhigIczUvgy4W_Si0g/s640/blogger-image--1619530007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUc_8y7koCSod1JiAyi_QwuCFsNNs6CbklCe8y1u2oZE6CoCFM_xgrWEERn6tGrB32Tt7-eE19uv5QmBoFTy_YPmXFj2i9wwExqrwizjjYFA1YAQBi-mSZX4ZQWhigIczUvgy4W_Si0g/s640/blogger-image--1619530007.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Chair ballet is exhausting.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVglBprE_t-w_4cEpZhcsMPFvlIh3ALVoIiagBhDbNdJwvGzcyWsHR2kX5CKwYdccPtOkOc_cCEbyUGB0lq2bCbJ22mj7VYnzJRmK6_AxyJix3bI9bqKP3rF7RDAjR41m8QK7lBXDt80k/s640/blogger-image-867836369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVglBprE_t-w_4cEpZhcsMPFvlIh3ALVoIiagBhDbNdJwvGzcyWsHR2kX5CKwYdccPtOkOc_cCEbyUGB0lq2bCbJ22mj7VYnzJRmK6_AxyJix3bI9bqKP3rF7RDAjR41m8QK7lBXDt80k/s640/blogger-image-867836369.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Eric arrived in time to wait with us.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDF9bA0L6rO8_rKfZX8ohM8nFUgZ6rkg-EfV_8IgySmjipyVf_VVvZgDaku9KJrooVoqinDfP78sqichjxc1NSZgKkvPW3tnzlO7Q_9-46FA55eSAa2l_PaTYdq_ymhKTPo-FQIr2ADIg/s640/blogger-image-683872261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDF9bA0L6rO8_rKfZX8ohM8nFUgZ6rkg-EfV_8IgySmjipyVf_VVvZgDaku9KJrooVoqinDfP78sqichjxc1NSZgKkvPW3tnzlO7Q_9-46FA55eSAa2l_PaTYdq_ymhKTPo-FQIr2ADIg/s640/blogger-image-683872261.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Even Sam joined us. Since he works a night shift, this was a rare event. I am not certain he will remember it. He was pretty tired.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpjcQhNTDQCuPUgk1NDWmIMMtuE_0nKYOKs_dCIYg0BPA0PvBERRsbca77r4mciPYwrqyjPKpIPSNai-zkFd9ngFR4akEsXMbC8bI7agJPOsHD0g_b3-Vr10EBJMQ449KnQ1sO3sMuX0/s640/blogger-image-988833884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpjcQhNTDQCuPUgk1NDWmIMMtuE_0nKYOKs_dCIYg0BPA0PvBERRsbca77r4mciPYwrqyjPKpIPSNai-zkFd9ngFR4akEsXMbC8bI7agJPOsHD0g_b3-Vr10EBJMQ449KnQ1sO3sMuX0/s640/blogger-image-988833884.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I expect Sam woke up later that evening and wondered if that had been a dream. Maybe he was wondering that even at the time.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2TQLiZJrJECIEwcav0K97_RjbcpyzR-9S3tyzprTojngEpYeILo8KeoA1fHHVMOB5GeQGQJpA7G4VnQ46gwbqUV2gLVOwiOVTMChHmq7vQfEAqZMC0Mbu-pO_9uLXYnU1wpAc5dOyAc/s640/blogger-image-1492172704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2TQLiZJrJECIEwcav0K97_RjbcpyzR-9S3tyzprTojngEpYeILo8KeoA1fHHVMOB5GeQGQJpA7G4VnQ46gwbqUV2gLVOwiOVTMChHmq7vQfEAqZMC0Mbu-pO_9uLXYnU1wpAc5dOyAc/s640/blogger-image-1492172704.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>It is these small moments, the ones that kind of run together in my mind later on, that provide a background of joy for this life of mine.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvvob8o9-neFS6xTteptjZZqCG2RbtfXsbjYaZFnETOvvv06XRTGuKLZ7HKA1hNKLYtUki_8WtAyxNIo1VVpsqW-x9HiO-XpsUNheH4IKLcaG-F0oKBK0lVaa9YBy5kzMs1fR2rNdIzo/s640/blogger-image--1719982274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvvob8o9-neFS6xTteptjZZqCG2RbtfXsbjYaZFnETOvvv06XRTGuKLZ7HKA1hNKLYtUki_8WtAyxNIo1VVpsqW-x9HiO-XpsUNheH4IKLcaG-F0oKBK0lVaa9YBy5kzMs1fR2rNdIzo/s640/blogger-image--1719982274.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>And I will just end with this...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGUTpawwZ3WAJ3YLxUOGkJTJ0tewbvVLbgYmF2KdAEKZjbTUCdbktDK_KdcT3HhQhmIC4tajDkt0Dixb8NcB8Ebdr8yoJ7hJ04pc8iiRuviKzRefGWDtUcAfXKzkVNt2Y_otPAkAF8Ow/s640/blogger-image--180845253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGUTpawwZ3WAJ3YLxUOGkJTJ0tewbvVLbgYmF2KdAEKZjbTUCdbktDK_KdcT3HhQhmIC4tajDkt0Dixb8NcB8Ebdr8yoJ7hJ04pc8iiRuviKzRefGWDtUcAfXKzkVNt2Y_otPAkAF8Ow/s640/blogger-image--180845253.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223722165290157517.post-979625248736203162016-01-05T18:21:00.000-07:002016-01-05T18:21:02.687-07:002016 - Year of Music and Needles!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I made a couple resolutions for 2016. I have the usual thoughts of eating better, exercising more, etc. However, I decided that this is a good year for me to put some new effort into exercising my brain. I want to do it in a fun way, though.<br />
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Over the course of my adult life I have often been learning new things. I went through an EMT course and really learned a lot through that. I took a CNA course and then went back to college, graduating with my nursing degree at age 40. I certainly felt that I learned a lot of new things during those years.<br />
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Once I was a nurse, I kept learning and studying. I earned certifications in a few different areas. The hardest was gaining certification as an oncology nurse. It was stressful but I really enjoyed learning so much and feeling more competent when I was working as an oncology nurse.<br />
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I've learned some new things at my current job but I admit I've been cruising a bit over the last 2 years. I have areas of nursing I need to further explore, more to learn, but I think I need to focus some on different areas of learning.<br />
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So...<br />
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I decided to try to learn two new, fun things this year.<br />
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I want to learn to knit and I want to learn to play the clarinet. I've started already with the clarinet. My generous mother-in-law gave us each Christmas money and I took the opportunity to order a clarinet. Nope, I am not planning on doing anything too fancy but I have decided to at least learn to play enough to enjoy it myself. So, meet my new clarinet! Don't worry. I know it is not a flute and that is not how I should hold it. It was just difficult to take a selfie that included me and the clarinet if I held it downward.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpudnqaUpELNjhqSYPvXIdN-5z5ciDU7CcEszDt0e9s9BBJFFL-QbkHPN1-Q0itR-_abc8Ogyoi_ZrOFrGrolLDl8oX4uYEvQjvEh2ToNuYcy3DKHe8aHAF_ZYQw3EmQAetAePWwswic/s1600/download.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpudnqaUpELNjhqSYPvXIdN-5z5ciDU7CcEszDt0e9s9BBJFFL-QbkHPN1-Q0itR-_abc8Ogyoi_ZrOFrGrolLDl8oX4uYEvQjvEh2ToNuYcy3DKHe8aHAF_ZYQw3EmQAetAePWwswic/s640/download.png" width="480" /></a></div>
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I bought a couple of books and I've started learning. It sounds pretty! OK, that is NOT true. Actually, it sounds PRETTY AWFUL! I don't care. I'm having fun! I can play <i>Hot Cross Buns</i> all by myself!<br />
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These are my teachers...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpFcHtGgfzf9E_H3WNc8UEyIUCZMTxBeR4bLIaI8HdWvSbLzHfdYAjq3aueCqCIHaEsXEFS6nh2TGFRqt8tx6WwPROxYDgfhvcIlA64rojR4WKJXVQr8-mk83IZ0xD6yFxDzmrpjB3ok/s1600/download+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpFcHtGgfzf9E_H3WNc8UEyIUCZMTxBeR4bLIaI8HdWvSbLzHfdYAjq3aueCqCIHaEsXEFS6nh2TGFRqt8tx6WwPROxYDgfhvcIlA64rojR4WKJXVQr8-mk83IZ0xD6yFxDzmrpjB3ok/s640/download+%25282%2529.png" width="480" /></a></div>
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I am not the only one in the family pursuing music this year. I don't want to brag about our grandchildren (that was a big lie) but I would like to point out that this little beauty, practicing for a church talent show, is only 6 years old. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwZMy_D_-WnDsgkU3FmtzVHf1MO28j1_mJBM_Uw4Yg7k9CqEIrU_8BVbI6CaLovo_uQt6nCv6ckg6kZgEJekw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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She and her Daddy are going to do "My Girl." Isn't that just the most adorable thing you ever saw/heard?</div>
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Onlythemanagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531176840769484642noreply@blogger.com4