Last out to win the game!
8.02.2009
7.25.2009
The teen that honors God . . .
. . . Will have His blessing on her. Okay, yes, that's a take off of a line in Facing the Giants; however, it certainly applies here. Today my friend Amy Anderson (17 years old) won the USGA Girls Junior Amateur Championship and brought home another big trophy to go with her and her brother's ever-growing collection. We followed her progress online yesterday and today, and are so excited for her! Throughout her young career, Amy has always given all the glory to God for her ability. She has honored her parents and loved her family, and is very outspoken about her faith in Jesus Christ. Today, God honored her for that, and I am blessed to call her my friend. Way to go Amy!
Click here for more info about her win today.
Click here for more info about her win today.
7.24.2009
And the camping adventures continue . . .
I think the title says it all. Every year we have some sort of misadventure that, at the time, is frustrating and very unexpected, but in time, it sure makes for some good memories! This year was no exeption. Warning: This will probably be a very long post.
We got to the campsite Monday afternoon, and set up camp in the rain. It wasn't downpouring, but raining hard enough to be a nuisance. But, we still managed to get all the tents set up, with the tarps on top of and beneath the tents (you camp long enough in the Upper Midwest, you learn that tarps are your best friends). We set the campstove up under a tree, and were able to have a good supper in our screen tent without getting too wet. That evening, Dad set up the air mattresses, and later that night he came out and told Mom, "Our mattress won't hold air." She said, "I'm sleeping in the car." And she did. Or, to hear her tell it, she tried to sleep. But every time she got in a comfortable position, she'd hear another mosquito buzzing in her ear. She figures she probably killed around 50 in one night! :-)
It rained off and on all that night (and let me tell you, trying to sleep with the rain hitting the tarps is a JOKE!), and in the morning, one look at the clouds and we knew it was going to be another wet day. So after a quick breafast, we headed into town to get a new air mattress for Mom and Dad. While we were there, it absolutely began to pour outside--it's been a while since I've seen rain come down so hard! So, instead of heading back to the campground, we decided to drive into Valley City, where we had lunch and visited the Bald Hill Dam. That afternoon Carl, Robbie, and Dad got some biking in before supper. That night, it was like a repeat of last year's Wizard of Oz adventure. The wind blew so badly that our entire tent felt like it was going to take off! The sides were heaving in and out like you wouldn't believe! Last year, it only lasted for a couple hours; this year, not only did it last the ENTIRE night, but it was super windy for the next two days, too!
Wednesday was full of biking, canoeing, and hiking time. All of us except Mom love doing the bike trails, so of course we were very busy with that. And everyone except me went canoeing at least once that day. As for the hiking, well . . . last year Mom and I climbed Ridge Line, the hardest trail in the park. It feels like you climb 250 feet straight up, though in reality it's spread out over a little less than a half a mile. Mom said that NO WAY was I going to give her another cardiac stress test this year, so Carl agreed to do the trail with me. It branches off another trail that is one of our favorites to bike or hike, so our whole family decided to hike together to where the trails split. Then Carl and I hiked up, and up, and up . . . and up . . . and . . . up. And when you get to the end of the dirt part of the trail and break out into the grass and sunlight, you have to go up some more! Actually, it wasn't too bad, and we made good time. That night, winter decided to hit. It got down to about 45 degrees for the following 3 nights! I slept with two blankets and a sweatshirt, with the hood pulled over my head! And of course, that was the night Carl decided he wanted to go up and take a 24-minute picture of the stars (he held the shutter open for that long to get the rotation of the stars. He did this last year and it turned out really well). We all went up there, but after getting out of the van, looking at the stars, and trying to take some pictures, Mom and I got back in the van and took naps! Still, I can't wait to see how Carl's picture turned out!
Thursday and Friday were spent doing more biking, hiking, and canoeing. We hit just about every trail possible, and did many of them more than once. We saw quite a bit of wildlife, including having deer jump right out on the trail in front of us a couple of times! Another pasttime we kids enjoyed was climbing the tree in front of our campsite. It was really easy to get up, and is very comfortable once you're up. Robbie actually did some reading while in his perch! On Friday, when we went in to town to get ice for the coolers, we also stopped at a couple little antique-type stores, where Dad found a few things for Mom and himself.
Saturday was a bit of a mad rush to get everything packed into the two cars and out of the campground by 1, but we made it, with over half an hour to spare! Then came the wonderful job of unpacking! We were all happy to be home, and able to sleep in our own (WARM) beds that night! Still, we really enjoyed our trip, and we had a fantastic time! And here are the pictures you've been waiting for . . .
setting up the tents in the rain
We got to the campsite Monday afternoon, and set up camp in the rain. It wasn't downpouring, but raining hard enough to be a nuisance. But, we still managed to get all the tents set up, with the tarps on top of and beneath the tents (you camp long enough in the Upper Midwest, you learn that tarps are your best friends). We set the campstove up under a tree, and were able to have a good supper in our screen tent without getting too wet. That evening, Dad set up the air mattresses, and later that night he came out and told Mom, "Our mattress won't hold air." She said, "I'm sleeping in the car." And she did. Or, to hear her tell it, she tried to sleep. But every time she got in a comfortable position, she'd hear another mosquito buzzing in her ear. She figures she probably killed around 50 in one night! :-)
It rained off and on all that night (and let me tell you, trying to sleep with the rain hitting the tarps is a JOKE!), and in the morning, one look at the clouds and we knew it was going to be another wet day. So after a quick breafast, we headed into town to get a new air mattress for Mom and Dad. While we were there, it absolutely began to pour outside--it's been a while since I've seen rain come down so hard! So, instead of heading back to the campground, we decided to drive into Valley City, where we had lunch and visited the Bald Hill Dam. That afternoon Carl, Robbie, and Dad got some biking in before supper. That night, it was like a repeat of last year's Wizard of Oz adventure. The wind blew so badly that our entire tent felt like it was going to take off! The sides were heaving in and out like you wouldn't believe! Last year, it only lasted for a couple hours; this year, not only did it last the ENTIRE night, but it was super windy for the next two days, too!
Wednesday was full of biking, canoeing, and hiking time. All of us except Mom love doing the bike trails, so of course we were very busy with that. And everyone except me went canoeing at least once that day. As for the hiking, well . . . last year Mom and I climbed Ridge Line, the hardest trail in the park. It feels like you climb 250 feet straight up, though in reality it's spread out over a little less than a half a mile. Mom said that NO WAY was I going to give her another cardiac stress test this year, so Carl agreed to do the trail with me. It branches off another trail that is one of our favorites to bike or hike, so our whole family decided to hike together to where the trails split. Then Carl and I hiked up, and up, and up . . . and up . . . and . . . up. And when you get to the end of the dirt part of the trail and break out into the grass and sunlight, you have to go up some more! Actually, it wasn't too bad, and we made good time. That night, winter decided to hit. It got down to about 45 degrees for the following 3 nights! I slept with two blankets and a sweatshirt, with the hood pulled over my head! And of course, that was the night Carl decided he wanted to go up and take a 24-minute picture of the stars (he held the shutter open for that long to get the rotation of the stars. He did this last year and it turned out really well). We all went up there, but after getting out of the van, looking at the stars, and trying to take some pictures, Mom and I got back in the van and took naps! Still, I can't wait to see how Carl's picture turned out!
Thursday and Friday were spent doing more biking, hiking, and canoeing. We hit just about every trail possible, and did many of them more than once. We saw quite a bit of wildlife, including having deer jump right out on the trail in front of us a couple of times! Another pasttime we kids enjoyed was climbing the tree in front of our campsite. It was really easy to get up, and is very comfortable once you're up. Robbie actually did some reading while in his perch! On Friday, when we went in to town to get ice for the coolers, we also stopped at a couple little antique-type stores, where Dad found a few things for Mom and himself.
Saturday was a bit of a mad rush to get everything packed into the two cars and out of the campground by 1, but we made it, with over half an hour to spare! Then came the wonderful job of unpacking! We were all happy to be home, and able to sleep in our own (WARM) beds that night! Still, we really enjoyed our trip, and we had a fantastic time! And here are the pictures you've been waiting for . . .
setting up the tents in the rain
what campfire would be complete without s'mores?
consulting possible sites for next year
grass snake that I found and Carl caught
two of my best friends
my awesome family--four of my best friends!
helping Dad pack up the vehicles
7.19.2009
Holy fire
You won't relent ~Misty Edwards
You won’t relent until You
Have it all
My heart is Yours
I’ll set You as a seal
Upon my heart
As a seal upon my arm
For there is love
That is as strong as death
Jealousy demanding as the grave
Many waters
Cannot quench this love
Come be the fire inside of me
Come be the flame upon my heart
Come be the fire inside of me
Until You and I are one
As I was singing this song tonight it hit me that the fire that is supposed to burn within me is often very different from the one that is usually there. Often times I have to deal with the flames of anger and frustration—completely carnal in nature and reaping the opposite results that I should be yielding. Instead, I am supposed to have the very passion and fire that Jesus has welling inside of Him; not only a righteous anger at evil and against heresies, but even a passion for gentleness. I should be just as zealous in showing genuine kindness and humility as I am in exposing darkness and wielding the Sword of the Spirit. I must be as passionate in extending forgiveness and being a servant as I am in battling against wicked forces. It is a hard and, on my own, impossible task; God calls me to be a servant when I want to boss everyone around; God says I need to forgive when it would be easier to hang on to my anger; God insists I answer in love when I want to retaliate out of frustration. “O wretched man that I am! Who can deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The only way I can truly have that holy fire inside of me is if my heart is fully surrendered to God. HE must put that fire there, not me. HE must put the love within my soul, not me. HE must place the humility, the gentleness, the kindness, and the forgiveness in my heart. As long as I continue to try to do things on my own, I will reap the same--carnal--results. Dear Jesus, please keep my heart stayed on You.
You won’t relent until You
Have it all
My heart is Yours
I’ll set You as a seal
Upon my heart
As a seal upon my arm
For there is love
That is as strong as death
Jealousy demanding as the grave
Many waters
Cannot quench this love
Come be the fire inside of me
Come be the flame upon my heart
Come be the fire inside of me
Until You and I are one
As I was singing this song tonight it hit me that the fire that is supposed to burn within me is often very different from the one that is usually there. Often times I have to deal with the flames of anger and frustration—completely carnal in nature and reaping the opposite results that I should be yielding. Instead, I am supposed to have the very passion and fire that Jesus has welling inside of Him; not only a righteous anger at evil and against heresies, but even a passion for gentleness. I should be just as zealous in showing genuine kindness and humility as I am in exposing darkness and wielding the Sword of the Spirit. I must be as passionate in extending forgiveness and being a servant as I am in battling against wicked forces. It is a hard and, on my own, impossible task; God calls me to be a servant when I want to boss everyone around; God says I need to forgive when it would be easier to hang on to my anger; God insists I answer in love when I want to retaliate out of frustration. “O wretched man that I am! Who can deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The only way I can truly have that holy fire inside of me is if my heart is fully surrendered to God. HE must put that fire there, not me. HE must put the love within my soul, not me. HE must place the humility, the gentleness, the kindness, and the forgiveness in my heart. As long as I continue to try to do things on my own, I will reap the same--carnal--results. Dear Jesus, please keep my heart stayed on You.
7.11.2009
Food for thought
We'll be camping this next week (best time of the year, in my opinion), so I'll post an update about that when we get back. In the meantime, here is an excerpt from a study guide in a Bible that a friend showed us earlier today. Let me know what you think of it.
Guard against dwindling fires
Revival fires wane for various reasons. Sometimes the purposes of God have been fulfilled as believers have been quickened to evangelism and new outreaches have been birthed and carried out. Other times, genuine revival can be cut short and the fire of the Holy Spirit quenched through unrealized compromise. True spiritual fires dwindle:
- When we allow the excitement of crowds and miracles to dull our ears to hearing the foundational truths of the Holy Spirit's counsel;
- When we look to the visitation of the Spirit to shore up weaknesses in the local fellowship rather than correct problems (this is a huge problem in the American churches today);
- When we allow an attitude of pride and showmanship to distort the simplicity of God's workings, and the visitation is reduced to a cleverly publicized event;
- When we fail to maintain the balance of the pastoral needs of the congregation, substituting the sheer energy of the meetings for shepherd care and faithful feeding of the sheep;
- When we neglect to make disciples who would have multiplied the effectiveness of the revival;
- When we allow breakdown of authority and unity in the leadership team through prayerlessness, weariness, or functioning outside the boundaries of individuals' gifting;
- When we look to "professionals" to further the growth of the church instead of fostering the release of ministries that have bonded to the life and value system of the congregation;
- When we lose the focus and object of loving worship by using "worship" as a means of stimulating desired responses in people;
- When we allow the "busyness and excitement" of revival to take priority over vigilance in humble prayer and intercession; and
- When we see revival as a way to advance a private local "kingdom" (congregation), rather than to benefit the whole body of Christ.
~Excerpt from the Spirit Filled Life Bible
7.06.2009
You want me to update? :-)
Well, I'm going to attempt to get y'all up-to-date on what's been happening in our household for the last month and a half. It could take a while.
June actually wasn't as busy as July is turning out to be, but it sure seemed to slip away too quickly. The biggest news for that month was, once again, the Red River. It flooded quite a bit higher than anyone expected, and washed out several roads (and golf courses, and parks, etc). Thankfully, as we were driving home yesterday we noticed that the river is now back within it's banks. Now the cleanup can begin. Again.
Other than that, there aren't too many things worth mentioning about that month. I went in for my freshman orientation at NDSU (which was a complete waste of time!) and got my class schedule for the fall; my parents and I have been coaching baseball for homeschoolers on Saturday mornings this summer, and that has been really fun. When I played baseball with the homeschool group in the past, it was really frustrating for me because they didn't actually teach kids how to play--they just sorta let you hit the ball, and then go stand in the field; my parents taught all of us kids the rules of pretty much every sport from the time we could walk, so it's been kinda surprising to see these teen boys who have no idea how to field a ball. Still, it's been really fun to be able to teach kids how to play properly and see them improve; and of course they all love the scrimmaging time.
We also got a second vehicle last month, and I am REALLY enjoying having a car at my disposal, so I'm not dependent on other schedules when it comes to working or school this fall.
July is shaping up to be one BUSY month! We went to my grandparents' farm over the Fourth, and that was really fun! We went to a parade on Friday (and let me tell you, for a small town, they sure have a long parade!), a water-ski show Saturday afternoon, and the fireworks Saturday night. In between those things, we pretty much stuck around the farm playing games, climbing up in the grain barn, driving Grandpa's tractors, and shooting one of our .22s (one of the highlights, as far as I'm concerned!).
Alright, I know--enough jabbering, let's see some pictures! These are from our weekend at the farm.
Other than that, there aren't too many things worth mentioning about that month. I went in for my freshman orientation at NDSU (which was a complete waste of time!) and got my class schedule for the fall; my parents and I have been coaching baseball for homeschoolers on Saturday mornings this summer, and that has been really fun. When I played baseball with the homeschool group in the past, it was really frustrating for me because they didn't actually teach kids how to play--they just sorta let you hit the ball, and then go stand in the field; my parents taught all of us kids the rules of pretty much every sport from the time we could walk, so it's been kinda surprising to see these teen boys who have no idea how to field a ball. Still, it's been really fun to be able to teach kids how to play properly and see them improve; and of course they all love the scrimmaging time.
We also got a second vehicle last month, and I am REALLY enjoying having a car at my disposal, so I'm not dependent on other schedules when it comes to working or school this fall.
July is shaping up to be one BUSY month! We went to my grandparents' farm over the Fourth, and that was really fun! We went to a parade on Friday (and let me tell you, for a small town, they sure have a long parade!), a water-ski show Saturday afternoon, and the fireworks Saturday night. In between those things, we pretty much stuck around the farm playing games, climbing up in the grain barn, driving Grandpa's tractors, and shooting one of our .22s (one of the highlights, as far as I'm concerned!).
Alright, I know--enough jabbering, let's see some pictures! These are from our weekend at the farm.
The parade . . .
Drivin' the tractors . . . 
The water show . . .
Target practice . . . 
Playing the fishing game . . .
The fireworks . . .
Beautiful sunset . . .
Well, that's all for now. We'll be home for the rest of the week, and then next week we'll be going to Fort Ransom State Park for our camping trip. I'm sure I'll have lots of pictures when we get back from that!
6.25.2009
And still we slumber
We are about five and a half months into Obama's presidency, and still I have heard no outcry. Our President and our Congress continue to snatch our freedoms out from under us, and yet there is no protest.
The government taxes the life out of us (I will point out here that it is taxation without representation), and we say nothing.
Illegal immigrants are shown more and more amnesty; they are stealing American jobs, homes, and income, and we say nothing.
The government is doing everything it can to take away our gun rights, and we say nothing.
The government is taking away our religious freedom and WE SAY NOTHING!
I will add here that complaining to those around you means absolutely nothing to those in power, because they can't—and refuse to—hear you!! Whining to your neighbors about how awful things are is not going to make a difference. There have been many TEA Parties held throughout the country, but to be perfectly honest, I don't think they're going to make much of a difference. So what if a bunch of senators or representatives get a lot of tea bags in the mail? I would guess that they either go directly into the garbage and are forgotten, or are donated somewhere, and the politicians are deemed as heroes for using something meant as "slander" (in their eyes) for good. WAKE UP AMERICA!!! The only thing that will have any lasting effect on the government is a multitude of boiling angry, righteously confident, and armed American citizens storming the Capitol and White House screaming "WE WANT OUR COUNTRY BACK!!! EITHER GIVE IT TO US NOW, OR WE'LL TAKE IT BACK THROUGH ANOTHER REVOLUTION!" If we are unhappy and dissatisfied with the way Congress is running the country, WHY DO WE KEEP RE-ELECTING THEM?! Come on America; get your war gear on and TAKE THIS COUNTRY BACK!
Worse than this, though, is the state of apathy in the American church. I am saddened and deeply angered at the lack of voice in the Church.
Rick Warren is supposed to speak at an Islamic convention, and we say nothing.
Joel Osteen promotes his Becoming a Better You and Your Best Life Now teachings (which are un-Biblical), and we say nothing.
People like Todd Bentley are popping up everywhere, making people believe that their satanic rituals (such as individually communicating with "personal angels") are Christian, and we say nothing.
Heresies are spreading, and false Christs are being preached day in and day out, and WE SAY NOTHING!
Where is the outcry? Where is the indignation? I know I'm probably offending some people by saying these things, and by naming names the way I do. I offer no apologies. Jesus said to watch out for wolves in sheep's clothing, and that we would know them by their fruit. Well, I have seen their fruit: thousands of "Christians" who believe the "Say this prayer and Jesus will solve all your problems and make your life wonderful" lie; "Christians" who whole-heartedly support the world's definition of tolerance; "Christians" who revert back to their old ways as soon as the going gets tough (seeds on rocky soil). Not only is it harder to witness to a false convert, but these heresies are spreading throughout the true church and causing true Christians to believe lies. WAKE UP, YOU PEOPLE OF GOD! Church, we need to rise up with righteous anger! This nation needs to hear Christians from Seattle down to Miami screaming "THIS IS THE ONE TRUE JESUS CHRIST, AND THERE IS NO OTHER NAME BY WHICH MEN CAN BE SAVED!!!" Tear down the walls of deception; shatter the chains of the false witnesses; RISE UP CHURCH! Jesus said the day of His return would come like a thief in the night; and right now, America is far from ready for that day.
United States of America
Looks like another silent night
As we're sung to sleep by philosophies
That save the trees and kill the children
And while we're lying in the dark
There's a shout heard 'cross the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned
And has carried His bride away in the night
America, what will we miss while we are sleeping
Will Jesus come again
And leave us slumbering where we lay
America, will we go down in history
As a nation with no room for its King
Will we be sleeping
~Casting Crowns
Michael Jackson died today; yet where is the weeping? Certainly not in the Christian circles; all I hear there is "Good riddance." NO! People, that is NOT how we should respond. Another precious soul was very likely lost to the enemy today, and all you can say is "good riddance?!" That is not the heart of God. His heart breaks over every soul that doesn't repent and turn to Him. Our heart should shatter every time His does; WHERE IS THE HEARTACHE? WHERE IS THE BURNING PASSION TO BRING EVERYONE TO THE FEET OF JESUS? WHERE IS THE WEEPING OVER THE LOST SOULS? Why do we refuse to let our voices be heard; to let our lights shine through the darkness? WAKE UP, YOU PEOPLE OF GOD! Put on your armor and FIGHT against the powers of darkness! Let God remove your heart of stone and put in its place a heart of flesh! Teach those around you to discern good and evil. Rejoice when a sinner repents and clings to Jesus. Weep when someone is lost to the enemy. BREAK OUT OF YOUR APATHY AND PROUDLY BEAR THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST!
6.18.2009
Will it ever end?
Just when North Dakota thought it's flooding disaster was over, storm systems moved through and dumped 6-8 inches of rain in about two hours over southern North Dakota. Not only has that created huge problems down there (such as having to deal with water in the basement again), but the Red River is now expected to go above flood stage--AGAIN! Flood stage is 18 feet, and the river's supposed to crest around 23, so while it's not dangerous or anything, it is a nuisance because that's high enough for it to flood over some low-lying roads. Argh!!!
So, please be praying for those in southern ND that are dealing with flooded roads and water in their basements--it's got to be really frustrating to have to go through this again.
So, please be praying for those in southern ND that are dealing with flooded roads and water in their basements--it's got to be really frustrating to have to go through this again.
6.15.2009
Busy . . .
I think I'll just leave it at that. I'm booked solid for the next two weeks, but I'll try to get an update posted sometime after that. We'd really appreciate your prayers for safety, discernment, and wisdom as we tackle the challenges life is presenting in the coming days.
6.02.2009
Beautiful
The flowers have been in full bloom the last couple weeks, so I grabbed my camera and snapped a few pictures. Enjoy!
Apple blossoms
Mom's gorgeous lilacs
This is the second year we've had goldfinches at Robbie's birdfeeder, and I never get tired of seeing and hearing them.
This bird flew out from some bushes near a tree at the park as I was walking around taking pictures (and very nearly gave me a heart attack!), and then just stopped and walked around not fifteen feet from me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)