Stedfast at Home

National Pop Corn Day

2012-01-19T12:52:00.000-05:00

Celebrate National Pop Corn Day with a big bowl of Popcorn

or a batch of homemadeCracker Jacks

or Sting up popcorn and cranberries for the birds outside

Enjoy Pop corn today!

From a Lump of Dough

2012-01-16T06:30:00.005-05:00

Cooking from "scratch" is something we enjoy doing. We make yogurt, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, fruit leather and dehydrated fruits and herbs, all our own breads, sausage, and so many more -- even Pasta.

We were having a gentleman for dinner Saturday night.

Lydia cooked homemade Apple cheddar cranberry meatballs in the crock pot.

A big Apple Waldorf Salad was prepared.

Butternut squash and shallots roasted in the oven.

And Christianna made pasta to complete the meal.

She took her ingredients and whirled them in the food processor

until she had a lump of dough.

She took this lump a dough and put in through the metal rollers of the pasta maker.

First they went through on a large setting until the dough was quite pliable.

Then she turn the knob to put a bit more pressure on the dough.

Then again she turn the knob to put a bit more pressure on the dough.

She did this 6 times until the dough was soft and thin -- just right.

When she had the dough just like she wanted...it was time to cut it.

This is fairly easy with the pasta maker. We have several different cutters

that we can run the dough through to make them different sizes.

Some very thin, just thin, a little wider, wider, and then finally lasagna size.

Christianna was the creator of this batch of pasta...

she could make it any size she wanted.

Then she put them on one of our laundry driers to dry...

waiting for their time.

Finally all the pasta was finished rolling into the right thickness,

finished cutting into the right width.

Now we just waited for the pot to boil with the water.

After the boiling of the pasta

We enjoyed a wonderful meal with wonderful conversation.

Today Steve spoke at the meeting from James 1.

Talking about the Trials of our Faith.

This week I have been reading a devotional:

Trust: A Godly Woman's Adornment by Lydia Brownback

This week Steve has been reading a book to us nightly:

Power Perfected in Weakness The Journal of Christopher J. Klicka.

We listened to an audio book by Lamplighter Publishing this week:

Sir Knight of the Splendid Way

Each message, audio book, or devotional book

pointed out that this life we live in

is not meant to be easy.

But to be a struggle or even a war

as the Lord God

REFINES

us into a useful

Vessel fit for the Master's use.

We all have trials on every side...no one is without them,

each ones trials are different from another-- but we all have them.

The Lord uses each trial and testing time to make us more pliable.

Christianna conformed that rough lump of dough

into beautiful and delicious pasta--

fit for a wonderful meal.

Oh that I would be like that rough lump of dough -

fit for the Master's use.

The Bitter Cold of Winter

2012-01-15T19:45:00.003-05:00

This morning the temp was -4 degrees at our house.

On the way home from the church meeting.

One of the girls says,

" Think we will go skating today?"

Brrr...

Why do they want to go when it is worse than

COLD.

AND

They have to make a path on the pond for skating...

before they can even begin.

Now it is 8 degrees.

Brrr...

So we load the van-

Steve and I

the Girls

the shovels

and to the pond we go.

Steve stays warm as he shovels for his girls

in flannel lined jeans

and

fur lined bomber hat.

Christianna comes along to help him with the path.

David Ross makes shoveling a path much quicker.

It's still COLD.

Brrrr...

The temperature begins to drop.

Lydia is the first one to put skates on and try out the paths.

Christianna takes to the ice on skates.

Although the girls were enjoying the skating...

they were getting COLD.
Hands in pockets or covering ears!

It's 6 degrees now.

Brrrr...

Keziah's delight on the ice

is worth the

shoveling

bundling

and

shivering

as I aim my Canon xTi

at my dear ones.

Brrrr....

2012-01-15T18:12:00.002-05:00

Back in August 2011, I posted a picture of three darling little grandchildren on my "Favorites Wall"

They all have grown quite a bit...

so, I'll up date my "Wall" soon.

I also posted another set of frames

Kamran is here to fill our Baby MacPhail Frame.

Baby Galla is still waiting to make a grand arrival in April.

But what I didn't show was the whole set of frames

that I put on the wall.

These have been hanging just like this since August on the

Favorites Wall.

Lots of company has come through our house and asked about this unique frame.

I said I was praying for another little soul to fill the frame.

I just waited

and waited

and waited.

Until the the beginning of January 2012

then I got a very special phone call.

A phone call that delighted a grandma again to be!!!

Nathanael and Jesharelah will be filling the frame!!

Baby Pena will be arriving

near the end of August 2012!!

What a blessing!

In 2012 we will have three grandchildren born into this world

giving us

six --that is 6-- SIX

grandchildren altogether.

Well, so far anyway!

God is so Good!

2012-01-14T20:12:00.001-05:00

New Hampshire"First in the Nation" Primary.

After taking phone surveys all week

and talking to numerous people

including

Nathanael,

We went to the town hall to do

What all Americans have a right and responsibility to do.

Vote for who we feel is closest to our beliefs.

The girls voted with us. We vote all together.

And then we pray that who ever the Lord gives for the Presidential candidate

We pray that he will be a tool in the hand of the Lord.

And

That we will trust the Lord in what he is doing.

Our trust is in the Lord

and

not in men.

Kamran Scott MacPhail

2012-01-12T11:02:00.001-05:00

Rejoice with us!!

Just a little visit with our fourth grandchild who tied the girl and boy grandchildren.

In April the tie will be broken...
we will just have to wait and see
what Baby Galla will be.

What a blessing to hold this little guy.

Born January 6, 2012

Weight 9.3 pounds

Length 20 inches

Parents: Scott and Susanna

Sister: Ashlyn

Keziah turns 13!

2011-12-21T21:49:00.003-05:00

Wreath of Love

2011-12-21T15:10:00.000-05:00

Lydia made this burlap bubble wreath to hang over my mirror in the dining room. I just love the simplicity and the natural effect this has.

Life isn't all about sparkles and tinsel.

Each day no matter how simple and plain

is a beautiful gift.

Girls Shopping Day

2011-12-20T17:03:00.000-05:00

All Day shopping leaves even us girls tired and hungry...so off to find some good food. YUM!

Denise Sproul is at home with the Lord

2011-12-20T14:51:00.001-05:00

Denise, enjoying the blessed vision of our God and Father, is at home with the Lord. Cancer no longer afflicts her, and every tear has been dried away. The Queen of Orlando casts her crown at her Savior’s feet, and together, they dance.

Read the tribute that Doug Phillips wrote about her here

Christianna Marie

2011-12-08T19:51:00.000-05:00

Christianna has decided to become a Lilla Rose consultant. We have been using their Flexi clips for several months now. There is a size to fit each one of us.

2011-12-02T15:32:00.003-05:00

My daughter, Christianna Marie has become a Lilla Rose consultant. Lilla Rose sells beautiful feminine
jewelry for ladies hair.

One of the accessories that sell is the Flexi8 Clips. They are so comfortable, and very easy to use. Over the years, my hair has gotten thinner, making it harder to find something that stays in my hair well. These clips come in seven different sizes for various hair lengths, types and textures. They have one small enough for me.

These clips never pull hair out when you remove them.

Be sure to visit Christianna's LillaRose site by clicking on one of these pictures or the LillaRose button on my side bar.

Grandpa and Stephen

2011-12-01T05:06:00.000-05:00

These two gentlemen are very handsome...in my opinion!!

The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.Proverbs 20:29

Four Generations

2011-11-30T07:02:00.000-05:00

Daughter Rebecca, Me, Granddaughter Abigail, and My Mom

Special Men in My Life

2011-11-29T19:48:00.000-05:00

My Dad, My Husband, My Son-in-Law,

AND

My Grandson

Thanksgiving Turkey

2011-11-29T19:32:00.001-05:00

the old fashioned way of getting our bird.

Choosing a Tom from the flock was a real adventure.

Some of these birds weighed 30 pounds.

I only needed a 24 pounder

Yes, this is the right size.

We took three. One for now and two for later...they are waiting.

Dipping in hot water, then in the spinner to remove the feathers.

Butchering them just right.

Almost ready for our

Thanksgiving Dinner.

With all our company and all the excitement on Thanksgiving Day...we fail to take a picture of our roasted turkey...so I found one on public domain similar to ours.

Guests From Far and Near

2011-11-29T19:00:00.003-05:00

November brought many guests our way

Mom and Dad Hillis from Florida

The Newlyweds from South Dakota

Nathanael and Jesharelah

Ashlyn and her Mommy and Daddy from

Swanzey, NH

Scott and Susanna MacPhail

Cousins...Abigail and Ashlyn

The Galla Family from Newtown, CT

Sisters, both with child.

Tabitha Pena from Walpole, NH

We had many more overnight and day guests from Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire without pictures...but...

We give the Lord thanks for them all.

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalms 136:1

Bountiful Peaches

2011-09-26T05:16:00.001-04:00

This year our local peach crop has been abundant!! Several bushels needed to be preserved.

Pickled Peaches and Peach chutney

Peach butter and jam

Peaches were frozen for Fruit Smoothies this winter.

Peaches were turned into cobblers, pies, and crisps.

Peaches made into yogurt parfaits, home made ice-cream, and fruit smoothies.

But the favorite way...was just eating them!!

Special Couples

2011-09-25T05:08:00.002-04:00

Newlyweds: Chris and Deepti Spencer

Our children: Chris and Rebecca Galla

Irene Left her Footprints

2011-09-24T08:08:00.001-04:00

We have had many phone calls and emails several weeks back wondering how we are ... flood wise.

Here in Walpole, New Hampshire we are fairly dry...a few roads in repair because of water damage. Because we live at a high elevation and no dams in our area breached...we experienced minimal flooding. Winds didn't exceed normal blizzard winds, so there wasn't much damage to trees.
But just across the river...was a different story.

Roads broken and closed.

Fields and crop covered in mud - 3-7 feet deep. (that's the white coating you see)

Mud-- where mud normally is not.

Folks we know in Vermont, either have actually experienced great destruction themselves or live in towns and villages that have.

I think the spirit of New England still prevails...this is a bump in the road...lets rebuild and start again. Those that haven't had damage are helping those that have damage.

Examples

2011-09-24T07:35:00.000-04:00

Over the years I have strived to teach my older children that they are examples to the younger ones. Someone is always watching us. I have often noticed the little ones doing exactly what the older one have done...this seems to go on and on.

Some of my favorite things

2011-08-12T20:33:00.000-04:00

are little people... our grandchildren!!

The three we get to hug right now...Stephen Galla, Abigail Galla, and Ashlyn MacPhail

The two we will get to hug soon!!

Excitement abounds!!

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.Psalms 127:3

Socialism

2011-07-30T17:10:00.003-04:00

"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance,and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery."

- Winston Churchill

Swanzy Covered Bridge Bike Trip

2011-07-25T05:54:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday we began our 2nd bike trip of the summer -- only 12.5 miles. I called about the guided trip ahead of time for some information: flat trail, all pavement, only about 20 people. We were excited and ready to go on July 16th.

We soon discovered this flat trail was not flat. Some of the "little" hills were rather steep.

This rail trail was also not paved completely. We rode through sand and mud, over rocks and limbs.

A large crowd of people were on this trip ...maybe 40-50!

Our family was 10 people including Ashlyn!

Although the bike trip wasn't quite what we were anticipating --we biked the whole trip--right to the end without giving up.

AND we enjoyed every minute.

This reminds me of events in our lives...they aren't always like we planned. Maybe not even as we wanted.

We may have some hills to climb.

Times may not be smooth, but filled with struggles.

Many people clutter our path slowing us down or distracting our view.

It is the finishing of the event that is important.

May be remember to keep our eyes on the finish line as we traveled.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Grandpa and grandson

2011-07-24T17:47:00.002-04:00

Special Secrets!

Little Steps!

Listening Carefully!

Grandpa and Steven!
Proverbs 17:6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

Pitcher Mountain

2011-07-24T17:36:00.001-04:00

A couple Sunday afternoon's ago, we hiked up Pitcher Mountain. Just us!

And Us!!

Some of us climbed the fire tower to have a look at what was below!

Delighting in God's Creation.

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Psalm 19:1

Stephen is One now!

2011-07-09T19:27:00.000-04:00

2011-07-03T12:00:00.000-04:00

We drift toward compromise and call it tolerance; we drift toward disobedience and call it freedom; we drift toward superstition and call it faith. We cherish the indiscipline of lost self-control and call it relaxation; we slouch toward prayerlessness and delude ourselves into thinking we have escaped legalism; we slide toward godlessness and convince ourselves we have been liberated." - D.A. Carson

May Flowers

2011-05-11T05:54:00.001-04:00

Mother's Day brings plenty of beautiful flowers

Red Roses

Lovely Table bouquet,

Beautiful Corsage

Bulbs for my summer pots

Flowers on Cards!

May Flowers

Reasons to Celebrate

2011-05-10T22:44:00.003-04:00

At our 2000 New Years Celebration, we had our church family and some other friends over to welcome in the New Year. About 120 folks! The evening was spent with good food, games, stories, ice-skating, hymn sing, Bible games, Devotionals and much more. One of the men who was leading some of the group games made a sign that said "Do We Celebrate enough? We kept the sign and often when we were in need of celebration of sorts...we would pull out the sign. Well, I am not quite sure what happened to that cardboard sign...but we still find the need to celebrate.

One celebration we do is 1st Day...the first day of the month is a new beginning, so we wake up trying to be the first on to wish every one else "Happy 1st Day!" Maybe we will have a special breakfast, a piece of chocolate from our Favorite chocolate shop, a simple gift, a special note...or even an adventure during the day...we Celebrate a new beginning.

Often we celebrate when things are finished: when one finishes a math book!, when one finishes "school", when Dad finishes a book, when a room is remodeled, when a quilt is made, when a poem is written when a scrapbook is finished and the list could go on for days.

Some times we celebrate when this begin: Big events: A birthday- the beginning of a new year, a wedding - the beginning of life together, a birth - the beginning of a new life. Also the beginning of smaller events: a driver's license, a new computer, a new tool, a new idea, a new kitten (we have a few coming!).

Just last month we celebrated the life of Corrie ten Boom, born April 15, 1892 died April 15, 1983!!

This month we will celebrate the lives of our mothers...we will give them honor for the love and care they have given to us.

So if you get stumped about something to celebrate just remember

May 15th is National Chocolate Chip Day!!!

This is a really great celebration day...chocolate cookies are a favorite.

I think you will find the history of this day a bit interesting. Chocolate chips were created in 1937 by Ruth Graves Wakfield when she chopped up some chocolate and baked the pieces in a batch of cookies. Ruth Wakefield ran the Toll House Inn in Whitman, MA. Her new cookie invention was called the "Toll House Cookie".

Think of all the ways you can celebrate this National Day!

Make cookies for your Family.
Since it is Sunday, invite others over for hospitality and share chocolate chips cookies!
Take cookies to your neighbors and tell them to have a wonderful day!
Take a can of cookies to a local shut-in
Send a box of cookies to a newlywed couple.

Share -- Because we love to celebrate all the opportunities Christ has given us to love others!!

As Believers in Christ, each day should be a new blessing...and our joy should spill over to all those around us. We have been given new life and this life should be one to celebrate...celebrate the little things in life. Since we are not assured of living here tomorrow...let us be remembered as one who enjoyed life--because of the Giver of New Life.

MassHope Convention

2011-05-07T00:12:00.000-04:00

This year we went to MassHope once again. The very first Homeschool conference we went to was 22 years ago. ( It really only seems like yesterday. ) The one and only speaker at that conference in a Baptist church was Greg Harris, one of the leaders in the homeschool movement. This year Greg Harris once again returned to MassHope and was one of the Keynote speakers along with Mike Farris. All seven of Mr. Harris' messages were excellent. We always enjoy going and this year was just a bit more special for several reasons.

Greg Harris spoke messages very applicatable in our lives.
Mike Farris spoke about a parental rights advocacy group: ParentalRights.org
Our dear friends: Greg and Linda Moore with three of their children, Pamela, Nathan, and Emily went with us.
Our dear married children: Chris and Rebecca with their two little ones, Abigail and Stephen joined us also
Friends from Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont...that we don't get to see often enough!

The Famous Woodman's

2011-04-16T23:48:00.001-04:00

Steve and I are away at a conference in Peabody, MA. Tonight we had a bit of time to go out to eat...we drove over to Essex, a little fishing village to eat at Woodman's restaurant. We were recommended to this quaint restaurant by the clerk at the Marriott. He said they have the best fried clams in the area. Well, we really didn't want clams, but a big bowl of fish chowder was desired. We arrived at this unique place to find out they are famous all over New England. The walls are decorated with pictures and awards they have received since 1914!! I think we enjoyed the history as much as the food!
When I saw the pictures of the men digging clams off the shore of Massachusetts, I was reminded of our friends in Maine who also clam. I wonder whose clams are the best...Maine or Massachusetts...well since we don't care for clams, I guess we will never know - that is unless someone tells us.
Click on this picture to learn a little more about them.

Chris is in India

2011-04-13T22:28:00.000-04:00

Chris is still in India...you can follow his travels at http://earthenvesselsgalla.blogspot.com/

My Daughter's perspective on my granddaughter

2011-04-13T21:11:00.000-04:00

Visit Christianna while she is in Connecticut enjoying Abigail and Stephen...And of course her sister, Rebecca. Family is very important!!

http://cmpena.blogspot.com/

Only One Life

2011-04-07T06:37:00.004-04:00

I posted a quote by CT Studd, back in January, but this morning I read his whole poem. So I thought I would post it.

Only One Life

By Charles Thomas Studd, Missionary to China, India, and Africa

Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat;
Only one life,' twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e'er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say 'twas worth it all”;
Only one life,' twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

A Change of Plans

2011-04-06T11:29:00.000-04:00

A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. Proverbs 16:9

As we go through our lives day by day...we write out schedules, list our goals, plan trips, save for special events...we devise our way. These are all good things...for the good of us all. We pray for the Lords direction and guidance...we think we have it.

And then...

Some course direction that we were not planning, abruptly changes our way.

Matthew Henry says...

Man is here represented to us... as a depending creature, that is subject to the direction and dominion of his Maker. If men devise their way, so as to make God's glory their end and his will their rule, they may expect that he will direct their steps by his Spirit and grace, so that they shall not miss their way nor come short of their end. But let men devise their worldly affairs ever so politely, and with ever so great a probability of success, yet God has the ordering of the event, and sometimes directs their steps to that which they least intended.

The design of this is to teach us to say, For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.James 4:15, and to have our eye to God, not only in the great turns of our lives, but in every step we take. Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. 1 Thessalonians 3:11

We had filled our spring calendar with much... Nutritional seminars(for Steve), MassHope conference for the family, Geography Fair for the younger girls, Spring Bible conference for the family, National Scrapbook Day...for Mom and the girls, Guests for several overnights, Children and grandchildren up for a visit, trip to Rebecca's, MA shopping trip....education, office, garden, etc...you get the idea.

While I don't care for life to get quite so busy...this spring our calendar was filling.

Last evening Steve and I discussed some up coming events making sure nothing was overlapping.

Then...

He left to attend the Elders meeting...to make plans of course.

Rebecca, little Stephen and I went to town to run an errand....everything was going as planned. We were headed back to enjoy the video "Amazing Grace" about William Wilberforce...

...when our plans changed drastically.

It happened...What WE did not plan.

Driving our 15 passenger Ford Van up our hill, missing the frost heaves and the pot holes...

Suddenly, we slid off the muddy road into a ditch, losing control of the van, just missing a telephone, scraping the underneath of the van on the broken edge of the road, coming to a quick stop.

Smells of burning rubber and oil and smoke.

Climbing out the driver's door...and turning to look at the unusual angle of the van...I realized that not just our plans for the evening were changed...but probably for the spring.

The van is not okay.

The passenger wheels were not on the road or ground...just in the air.

The underneath of the van was on the road its self.

Standing in the middle of the road...Rebecca prayed that our steps would be directed, the Lord would send help, and gave thanks that the three of us were not injured in the least.

Rebecca, Stephen, and myself standing in the road with the cold wind blowing...we were fine...not hurt at all. We were okay.

We didn't have a cell phone with us...it was about 9pm, very dark, Steve's in the meeting, then in just seconds ...a car came up...stopped and asked us if we needed a ride home.

It was a former neighbor...she recognized our van before she even saw us -- there are only two 15 passenger white vans in town!

She takes us home. We are safe.

Steve gets home, the police come out, the tow truck takes the van to a shop...

and we think about our plans.

They have been changed...how much? We don't know quite yet how bad the van is...possibly totaled. We have had this van since 1998...and planned on keeping it till we "ran it into the ground".

We did that last night- literary.

We are left with a five passenger Subaru for our family of seven.

So obviously the Lord God has another plan --He is directing our steps.

A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. Proverbs 16:9

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. Isaiah 55:8

Hospitality

2011-03-06T20:45:00.002-05:00

Biblical Definition of Hospitality according to Strong's... "Fond of Guests"

At times I have thought our house has a revolving door...guests come, guest go, guests come... I have been tired...I have not wanted just one more person to enter through that door. Give me my space. I want to work on my new Bible study. I want to do a word search on kindness. I want to organize my prayer notebook. I want to ...do my own thing, but I do not want to be hospitable to anyone right now. Selfish. Sometimes these thoughts have taken control of my mind(and heart). I have not wanted to be "fond of Guests"!

This was what I was thinking about this earlier in the weekend. See we had 7 over night visitors beginning on Friday , and then an additional 3 dinner guests on Saturday night and still another guest for tonight. This gives me a really good opportunity to exam my own heart.

I had an adventuresome week this past week. Lots of things are happening in our lives. (for instance my car breaking down on me and my 13 year old daughter while in Springfield, MA -- 1.5 hours from home -- when the car is working.) Must I have guests right now?? Am I fond of Guests?

Don't get me wrong...I enjoy having people over...I love meeting new people...I like to open my house to both friends and strangers(ones who will be friends).

I have some thoughts....

Not only is hospitality a fundamental expression of Christian faith, it is also a fundamental outworking of love.

Romans 12:10-13 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.fundamental outworking of love.

Hospitality is not serving up some outstanding meal...it is serving in love and humbleness. This is not dependent on the setting, but something of the spirit of Jesus. Guests are pulled into warmth and delight by our taking a genuine interest in them. It is a true gift simply to listen to another's worries and fears(we all have them). Lifting them up verbally to God in prayer is surely a facet of Christian hospitality that any disciple can offer a guest.

We as Christians are in the world to reflect the love of the Lord. Not everyone was an office in the local church, many have no special talents, but most all Christians have homes, and any home where Christ is Lord can be the setting for welcoming other in the name of Jesus.

1 Peter 4:9-10 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Our guests won't remember what the elaborate dinner was or how the tastefully decorated house...they won't even remember the dust on the book shelves or the burnt chicken legs...they will remember conversations and moments together. They will remember the midnight discussions, the laughter at silly things, the tears that are shed during times of pray, the songs sung together...simply the times of just loving one another.

Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Games were played, videos were watched, friendships were made.

Laughter abounded, children played, babies entertained us

Prayers were lifted up, counsel was given, meals were enjoyed

Pictures were taken.

Some young folks and some older folks with several ages tossed in the middle.

Music filled the air.

My problems from the past week are still very real and still problems. The "important" things that I didn't get done are still undone. The roof is still leaking, the garage is still flooded, the car is still not working, the freezer is still broken...the house was dusty, the meals were simple...but I am blessed tremendously from loving and serving our guests. If only they knew that the Lord used them to bless the heart and soul of this hostess.

So Lord...open our doors again...keep me "fond of guests".

The Cross

2011-02-27T06:07:00.001-05:00

In evil long I took delight,

Unawed by shame or fear,

Till a new object struck my sight,
And stopped my wild career.

I saw One hanging on a tree,

In agonies and blood;
He fixed His languid eyes on me,
As near His cross I stood.

Sure never till my latest breath,

Shall I forget that look!
It seemed to charge me with His death,
Though not a word He spoke.

A second look He gave, which said,

"I freely all forgive;
This blood is for thy ransom paid;
I die that thou mayest live."

Thus while His death my sin displays

In all its blackest hue,
Such is the mystery of grace,
It seals my pardon too!

—John Newton

Cleaning up the roof

2011-02-23T22:17:00.001-05:00

Steve ask the girls to clean off the pool room roof...it seems to me that there are snowballs in the hands!!

Notice how high the snow is on the pool room!

Ahhh...I think I know where their snowballs were aiming...Steve is standing on an eight foot ladder removing ice from the gutters.

It seems the girls ARE planning to work on the roof...they now have the snow rake in hand.

Yep...looks like Christianna is going to pull some snow off the roof.

See how high the snow is compared to the roof.

So Lydia takes over with the shovel while Christianna packs the snow down for steps along the edge of the roof.

When the work is done...the play begins. Smile.

Winter is a blessing.

Soon winter will gone and Spring will be here.

President's Day

2011-02-21T05:06:00.004-05:00

During the American Revolution, a British officer became separated from his unit. Silently, he walked through the forest trying to make his way back to camp. Entering a clearing, he was shocked to see an American General on his hands and knees, his face buried in the ground in fervent prayer. Tears came to the officer's eyes when he realized that it was General George Washington, commander of the American forces. He proclaimed later, When I saw that sight, I knew we were defeated for any army whose commander was so humble before Almighty God could never lose the war.

On Sept. 17, 1787, George Washington became one of the founding fathers of the American Constitution that would become the cornerstone of the United States' law, rights, and moral and ethical values. This constitution acknowledges the Lordship of Jesus Christ and America as a Christian nation.

The Delaware Constitution of 1776 expresses, everyone appointed to public office must say, I do profess faith in God the Father, and in the Lord Jesus Christ His only Son, and in the Holy Ghost... and I do acknowledge the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be given by divine inspiration.

During the early revivals in the 1700's, America looked upon herself as being theHoly City on a Hill, the New Jerusalem, a Light to the World.

On March 30, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln and the United States Senate officially proclaimed a Day of National Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer. In this powerful proclamation, this most loved and respected President stated the Supreme Authority and Just Government of Almighty God. Lincoln was convicted that America had become proud and had forgotten that her strength, peace and prosperity came from obedience and humility before God.

Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self–sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.
Abraham Lincoln

Blest, Blest Forever

2011-02-20T06:23:00.001-05:00

Only a little while, sowing and reaping,

Only a little while, our vigil keeping;
Then we shall gather home, no more to sever,
Clasped in eternal love, blest, blest forever.

Only a little while, heartbreak and sorrow,
Dark though the night may be, cloudless the morrow;
Only a little while, Earth ties to sever,
Then in our Father land, blest, blest forever.

Only a little while, shadow and sadness,
Then in eternity sunshine and gladness;
Only a little while, then o'er the river,
Home, rest and victor palm, life, joy forever.

—Fanny Crosby

Hospitality

2011-02-13T22:32:00.005-05:00

What a wonderful weekend we had with the Vaichus Family from Watertown, CT.

Several weeks ago, Rebecca called wanting to plan a sledding weekend

to bring their family up to New Hampshire...well that sounded

great! -- Anything to see our little grandchildren!

Then she wanted to know if it would be alright to bring another family with them.

Well, I guess that would be fine.

A family of 8?

That would be great.

So the weeks week by until the appointed time.
Saturday morning we meet some new friends!

After serving breakfast to 19 folks...(Stephen is still a non eater.),

We played games, interacted in conversation,and examined the sledding hill!
For the weekend -- 14 children and 5 parents...

Lunch was served, children put down for naps, and the older children (and Chris)

grabbed their sleds and hiked out for adventures in down hill sledding!

After a big turkey dinner,we enjoyed conversations, Settlers of Caton, chiropractic adjustments, chess challenges, word riddles, story telling, and more conversations.

After the Remembrance meeting and a message by Tom Swaim, we enjoyed conversation around the fellowship meal.

About 4 oclock...we began our good by's...not to strangers...but to friends. As the Vaichus' left our home...I heard voices saying "Mom, let's have them over again!".

The Galla family began their departure a bit later. Hugs and kisses were given for by all for all....

Abigail, Chris, Rebecca, and Stephen

Now isn't this the cutest little guy?

Looking carefully you can see two little white teeth on the bottom.

He crawls...where ever he likes even up the stairs. He pulls up on what ever he. He just turned 7 months old -- February 8th.

The Bright Forever

2011-02-13T06:19:00.001-05:00

Breaking through the clouds that gather,

O'er the Christian's natal skies,
Distant beams, like floods of glory,
Fill the soul with glad surprise;
And we almost hear the echo
Of the pure and holy throng,
In the bright, the bright forever,
In the summer land of song.

Yet a little while we linger,
Ere we reach our journey's end;
Yet a little while of labor,
Ere the evening shades descend;
Then we'll lay us down to slumber,
But the night will soon be o'er;
In the bright, the bright forever,
We shall wake, to weep no more.

O the bliss of life eternal!
O the long unbroken rest!
In the golden fields of pleasure,
In the region of the blessed;
But, to see our dear Redeemer,
And before His throne to fall,
There to bear His gracious welcome,
Will be sweeter far than all.

—Fanny Crosby

Pumpkin Harvest Cookies

2011-02-12T05:57:00.002-05:00

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

½ tsp ground allspice

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup Coconut sugar

1 cup fresh or canned pumpkin

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup chopped raw pecans

1 cup dried cranberries (optional)

Pecan halves

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and allspice in a medium bowl. Whisk till combined.

Beat butter and sugar in an electric mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla. Beat until well combined. Gradually mix in the flour blend at a low speed. Stir in the chopped pecans and cranberries (if desiredJ).

Drop heaping tablespoons of dough 2 inches apart onto prepared cookie sheets. Press a pecan half into the center of each mound, flattening them a bit with the pressure. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Let cookies stand on cookie sheets for 1 minute before removing. Cool completely on wire racks. Store in an airtight container in a cool place.

Thanks for making these delicious cookies, Moriah!!

Raw Chocolate Almond Truffles

2011-02-11T05:00:00.003-05:00

Keziah is cooking up something yummy in the kitchen

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup of almond butter (or peanut butter)

2. 1/3 cups of honey

3. 2 teaspoons of carob powder (or unsweetened organic cocoa powder)

4. ½ cups of raisins

5. ¾ cups of unsweetened, shredded coconut, divided

6. ½ cups of semisweet chocolate chips(gluten-free, if it is desired)

7. ¼ cups of sesame seeds

8. ¼ cups of finely chopped walnuts (or any other nut)

Method:

Before measuring the almond butter (or peanut butter), stir it well. Mix the almond butter, honey, and carob powder until well combined. Stir in the raisins and 2 T* of the coconut. Stir in the chocolate chips. Freeze for 30 min. or refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

Place the remaining coconut, sesame seeds, and nuts into 3 separate bowls. Scoop small globs out of the dough and form them into good bite-sized balls. Roll in coconut, sesame seeds, and chopped walnuts. Place balls on a pan. Cover and then put in a cool place for at least 30 min. These freeze well.

Pena's Playdough for Children ( young and old)

2011-02-10T16:58:00.002-05:00

Ingredients:

1 Cup of Cheap flour ( all purpose)
2 Tablespoons of cream of tartar
1/4 Cup of salt
1 Cup of warm water
1 Tablespoon of oil
food coloring
Flavorings

Directions

Mix the flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a medium-sized pot.
Add the water, food coloring, and oil.
Stir over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Don't worry if the mixture looks like a lumpy mess; it's turning into dough!
When the mixture forms into a ball in the center of the pot, turn the burner off and dump the very warm dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Knead while still very warm until nice and smooth.
With finger press an indention into the center and add a few drops of essential oils or food flavorings...continue to knead in.
It's time to play!
When not being used store in a Ziploc bag.

Thanks to Keziah for these directions and pictures!

Think Gently of the Erring

2011-02-09T16:33:00.000-05:00

Think Gently of the Erring

Julia A. Carney

Think gently of the erring:

Ye know not of the power
With which the dark temptation came
In some unguarded hour.

Ye may not know how earnestly
They struggled, or how well,
Until the hour of weakness came
And sadly thus they fell.

Think gently of the erring:
Oh! do not thou forget,
However darkly stained by sin
He is thy brother yet;

Heir of the selfsame heritage,
Child of the selfsame God,
He has but stumbled in the path
Thou hast in weakness trod.

Speak gently to the erring:
For is it not enough
That innocence and peace have gone,
Without thy censure rough?

It sure must be a weary lot,
That sin-stained heart to bear,
And those who share a happier fate
Their chidings well may spare.

Speak gently to the erring:
Thou yet may'st lead them back
With holy words and tones of love,
From misery's thorny track:

Forget not thou has often sinned,
And sinful yet must be;
Deal gently with the erring, then,
As God has dealt with thee.

This is Winter

2011-02-09T10:38:00.002-05:00

This post is for some of my favorite people --my Floridian Family!! Especially for Brooke, Luke, and Grace, who have never seen snow!
This is winter! Snow on the wood pile. Lots of snow on the wood pile. The wood pile provides heat-- when dug out from under the snow and put in the wood stove!

Snow on the ground, snow on the roof (more about that in another post!), snow on the deck, snow on the steps! Snow, Snow Everywhere!!

Snow on the play gym. Wouldn't that be fun to jump in?
Snow, Snow, Snow on the driveway. The plow must come to plow us out....many times this year.
This is winter!

Keeping our Fingers Crossed

2011-02-09T08:58:00.000-05:00

Aunt Keziah with Abigail.

Keeping her fingers crossed!

Sparkling eyes!

Adorable Granddaughter!

Precious: Sleeping or Awake

2011-02-09T08:56:00.000-05:00

Aunt Christianna with sleepy Stephen Galla

Stephen prefers sleeping to socializing!!

Aunt Lydia gets Stephen when he is awake...

Isn't he adorable.

Grandchildren!!

Immanuel

2011-02-06T06:16:00.000-05:00

When once I mourned a load of sin;
When conscience felt a wound within;
When all my works were thrown away;
When on my knees I knelt to pray,
Then, blissful hour, remembered well,
I learned Thy love, Immanuel.

When storms of sorrow toss my soul;
When waves of care around me roll;
When comforts sink, when joys shall flee;
When hopeless griefs shall gape for me,
One word the tempest's rage shall quell--
That word, Thy name, Immanuel.

When for the truth I suffer shame;

When foes pour scandal on my name;

When cruel taunts and jeers abound;

When "Bulls of Bashan" gird me round,

Secure within Thy tower I'll dwell--

That tower, Thy grace, Immanuel.

When hell enraged lifts up her roar;

When Satan stops my path before;

When fiends rejoice and wait my end;

When legioned hosts their arrows send,

Fear not, my soul, but hurl at hell

Thy battle-cry, Immanuel.

When down the hill of life I go;

When o'er my feet death's waters flow;

When in the deep'ning flood I sink;

When friends stand weeping on the brink,

I'll mingle with my last farewell

Thy lovely name, Immanuel.

When tears are banished from mine eye;

When fairer worlds than these are nigh;

When heaven shall fill my ravished sight;

When I shall bathe in sweet delight,

One joy all joys shall far excel,

To see Thy face, Immanuel.

by C. H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)

(written at age eighteen)

"Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is, God with us"

(Matthew 1:23).

A Ballast for My Soul

2011-02-01T14:14:00.007-05:00

Life is like a stormy sea
That tosses to and fro,
But God's Word will ever be
A Ballast for my soul.
By its truth I'll be held fast
Till I reach heaven's shore
Where I will be home at last
And sail life's sea no more!

—Perry Boardman

A Short Friendship Poem

2011-01-29T07:53:00.002-05:00

Faithful Friend

I want a warm and faithful friend,
To cheer the adverse hour;
Who ne'er to flatter will descend,
Nor bend the knee to power, -
A friend to chide me when I'm wrong
My inmost soul to see;
And that my friendship prove as strong
For him as his for me.

Poet - John Quincy Adams

John Quincy Adams, once wrote, "Could I have chosen my own genius and condition, I would have made myself a great poet."
Although literary fame would escape the sixth president of the United States, throughout his life he was a serious reader and writer of poetry.

Home Sweet Home

2011-01-28T14:09:00.072-05:00

We Celebrate! Today marks the 15th Anniversary of being in our house, here in Walpole!!

For lunch, Christianna and Lydia made a special meal to celebrate. Cranberry tip tops for the appetizer, fresh green salad, buttered finger potatoes, and herb crusted bake wild salmon...hmmm. For a dessert(this was really special), chocolate mousse!!

We moved here to our home, on January 28, 1996 with seven young children. Deborah was the baby, just five months old. Within a couple of years we had two more daughters born to us in this very house. Over the years we have had many friends from near and far(Japan!! and the Ukraine!! just to name a few) to visit. We've seen the children grow up, many have finished primary education at home. Courtships and weddings have taken place. Marriages have brought more people into our family. We now have visits from grandchildren here in this house.

Although our family is now quite different from the one that arrived here 15 years ago...each one of us makes the Pena Family. Without each one...we would not be a family. What a blessing to have a mom and dad with children under one roof in this house...but this house doesn't make it a home. The people make the home. The commitment, service, and love to each other, that is what makes us a family -that is what makes a house a home..

So this reminded me of 'the Church'. As I grew up on Sundays we went to "church". We had church on Sundays and Wednesdays. But is that church??

Over the years I learned that it is the believers that are the "Church" -- not the meeting place. So on the Lord's Day we go to the "meeting" to remember the Lord and the fellowship with the saints --who are the church.

So when you look at it this way...it doesn't matter really where you meet...in a house, in a town office building, in a religious building...they are all buildings. But we do meet with the Church -- the believers whom the Lord has ransomed and called out.

As a house doesn't make us a family, the building doesn't make us a church.

All though we celebrate our 15 years here in this house...it is the goodness of the Lord for his provisions here, that we rejoice in!

And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them... Acts 14:27

The Broadbent's

2011-01-28T07:29:00.010-05:00

Eric and Amy

"When you live your life in the future you fail to see the hand of God in the present."...Mr. Broadbent

A Merry Heart

2011-01-27T07:10:00.000-05:00

Sunday I took these pictures of a young lady at our meeting that has a "merry heart"! Her countenance reflects the joy that is in her heart. It is such a pleasure to be around her as she brings joy to those she is with.

Because Moriah had made the hat for Rachel, I snapped a picture for Moriah to keep. But after loading these pictures on my computer, I thought about the genuine happiness displayed on her face. It remind me of a few scriptures.

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance. Proverbs 15:13a

...But he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. Proverbs 15:15b

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine. Proverbs 17:22a

Oh, that we would remember that the world (and Christians), is looking on our countenance...which should reflect the Joy of the Lord.

A Weekend Visit with the Bergeron's

2011-01-26T22:46:00.001-05:00

Mr. Bergeron and Ben

Mrs. Bergeron

Jadyn and Hannah

What a blessing to have the Bergeron's visit for the weekend. Sledding, singing, talking, playing, eating, & worshiping filled our hours both day and night.

Candace and Jadyn

Trusting Jesus by Fanny Crosby

2011-01-26T09:50:00.005-05:00

Simply trusting all the way,
Taking Jesus at His Word'
Simply trusting, when I pray,
Every promise of my Lord.

Trusting when my sky is bright,

Trusting when my heart is glad;

Trusting in the gloom of night,

When my every thought is sad.

Trusting when ’tis well with me,

Trusting whatsoe’er befall;

Trusting Jesus’ love for me,

Simply trusting, that is all.

Simply trusting, simply trusting,

Trusting Jesus, that is all;

To the cross of Christ I cling;

Simply trusting, that is all.

Roberta and David Ross

2011-01-26T09:06:00.000-05:00

Roberta, a very dear friend, has gone Home to Glory today! Although we can rejoice that she is now free of pain and rejoicing with the Lord, we will miss her dearly!

How We Are Known

2011-01-21T22:16:00.000-05:00

“What you tolerate says a great deal about you. It identifies your loyalties and your love, and it classifies your nature clearly. Men are known, not only by their fruits, but also by their love and hate, their tolerance and intolerance.” – R.J. Rushdoony

2011-01-19T06:55:00.003-05:00

Celebrate!

Today is National Popcorn Day!!

Pop Some Tonight!

Raw Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls

2011-01-18T22:55:00.001-05:00

Well...almost!

Ingredients:

2/3 Cup Raw Cashews

1/2 Cup + 1 Tablespoon gluten free oats

3/4 c of Raw Coconut Flour

1 tsp Sea salt

5-6 pitted medjool dates, chopped

2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

5 Tablespoon pure maple syrup (or raw honey or Agave)

3-4 Tablespoons of dark cocao nibs or (mini dark chocolate chips)

1/3 Cup dark chocolate, melted, for dipping

Directions:

Line baking sheet with parchment paper or a non stick mat.

In food processor, process the cashews and oats until a fine crumble.

Add flour, salt, and dates...process until fine.

Add vanilla and maple syrup and process until mixture comes together in a ball.

Transfer to a large bowl and stir in Cocao nibs.

Roll into balls and stick with toothpicks.

Put the in the freeze while you prepare the melting chocolate.

In a double boiler, melt 1/3 cup of dark chocolate in a small bowl. Be careful not to burn and heat to just melted.

Roll each ball into the chocolate and place on parchment paper lined baking sheet.

Freeze for 1 hour to set. We make these and keep in tins for weeks-- in the freezer or refrigerator.

Makes about 30!!

Keziah was the cook for these yummy balls!

Family Portrait -- 2011

2011-01-16T19:56:00.003-05:00

Most current picture ...especially for all you Floridians!

Since it has been so long since we have seen you,

I thought I would remind you of the characters in our family!!!

From left to right: The Dad(Steve), the Mom(Mandy),
Keziah, Moriah, Deborah, Lydia, Christianna

Special Evening!

2011-01-16T19:47:00.000-05:00

We received an invitation for dinner on Thursday night!

I have to admit we haven't been to dinner with friends up in NH in a very long time...so this was a very special invitation. The invitation came from a young lady, Rachel, at our meeting that lives with her Grandparents in Claremont, NH.

Two other young ladies, Jessica and Julia, that we know, live at the farm with Rachel.

They are special care givers for Rachel's grandparents.

Grandpa and Grandma Haynes and Rachel

The young ladies put on a beautiful dinner that seemed fit for a fine celebration!

...complete with a lovely dessert!

Then we spent time singing around the piano. We had such a lovely evening.

Nothing deluxe...just friends being together --we really enjoyed our visit.

Keziah, Christianna, Julia, Moriah, Deborah sing

With Lydia on the piano, joined by Jessica, Christianna, Julia

Deborah and Moriah singing

Grandpa Haynes

And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:14-17

Serving as unto the Lord

2011-01-16T18:30:00.002-05:00

A Bit of snowfall - 2 inches or so.

Driveway beautifully covered.

Problem..the 15 passenger van doesn't back up well on snow especially up hill.

We need to drive to the church meeting!

Servants of the Lord...

Lydia, Christianna, and Steve go out early Sunday morning to clear the drive for the van.

A special thanks for the willingness to go out in 10 degree weather just to serve your family!

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

Quilts in Progress

2011-01-15T14:53:00.002-05:00

This one is Deborah's. (She is 15 years old) She has all the blocks made, now to sew them together.

This one is Moriah's.( She is 13 years old) She also has her blocks together...waiting to be put together for the quilt top.

Each girl picked out their own colors to make this Crazy 8's quilt. Color scheme's are so different, just like the girls themselves.

Let it Snow!

2011-01-15T14:39:00.002-05:00

Inside I have plenty of snowmen decorating our house...they can be warm without melting!

We sit out bowl out to collect a bit of snow for Snow Cream! Hmmm...(can you see the bowl under all the snow?)

Snow Cream

A bowl of Clean fresh snow

Whipping cream --whipped till just thickened

Sweetner: We use Maple syrup or Agava, you could use sugar

vanilla

Mix all together in the big bowl, serve in smaller bowls, then

Enjoy!

Our driveway after the plow came and we shoveled on the sides.

Isn't it beautiful.

Lord God said

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. Genesis 8:22

Since winter shall not cease...it might as well be beautiful! Thank you Lord!

Who Do We Murmur Against?

2011-01-14T23:03:00.000-05:00

And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full;

which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.
Exodus 16:8

· He that condemns God’s ministers condemns God himself.
· When men murmur against others for doing what God commands, instead of blaming men only, they are in reality blaming God.
· Are you thankful for the good things that God is working in you, your spouse, and you children – even if things seem difficult?
· Are you willing to offer to God the “sacrifice of praise” and thank Him for the gift of the people in our house even if there are some things that you would like to change?
· When in a season of contentment and blessing, be thankful for that. It is easy to take the good for granted. Be thankful in every season, whether good or not-so-good.

I put this on our refrigerator this morning...to be a constant reminder to me.

Puzzles of Blessings

2011-01-11T20:01:00.000-05:00

As a young girl growing up, my mom would set up a puzzle on the card table in the family room just before the holiday break...then we would work on it a little here and a little there until the puzzle was completed. So like mother, like daughter --winter is for working puzzles!

All these years that Steve and I have been married we have not just one puzzle to do during the winter, but often 3 or 4. Well, after 32 years, one starts collecting more puzzles than will fit on the puzzle shelves!

Right after Thanksgiving I decided we had to reduce the amount of puzzles that were piling up. Hmmm...we could give them to people that enjoyed working puzzles! So we made a list...with plenty of people on it. But, we couldn't send the puzzles unless we knew ALL the pieces were in the box.

That meant we had to work them -- all of them!

We started with the small ones...all the pieces were there -- so we mailed them out to the happy puzzle people!

Then we started on the harder ones.

One, Two, Three, Four, Five...1000 piece puzzles we worked All with missing pieces....into the woodstove. Would we be able to give another one away this year? We worked a couple more puzzles that we really like..but thought we would keep those. Like the puzzle of Tampa, with several missing pieces, --but my Hubby grew up there..so we will ignore the missing pieces. Then there's the Answers In Genesis puzzle that we purchased at the Creation Museum last year...can't get of that one just yet. Then there's the Robert E. Lee puzzle we got at Gettysburg a few years ago. My Southern spirit won't let go of that one!-- The grandchildren will need to know their true roots!!

So we are still putting puzzles together this winter, trying to find a few to bless others with!

So if you get a puzzle in the mail...just know that you are are neighbor...Love they neighbor!

So What Shall I do???

2011-01-09T19:51:00.001-05:00

Quilt!

These colors are so wonderful together!

Stay tuned to see the beautiful quilts that Deborah and Moriah are making!!!

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Happy Six Months

2011-01-08T21:19:00.000-05:00

Stephen is 6 months old today!!!!

It is wonderful to be a Grandma!

First Day -- A Blessing Day

2011-01-08T19:44:00.000-05:00

Several years ago, we started a little tradition...First Day! First Day is a day to bless others...at least for us to shower others in the family...or that might be staying with us...blessings:

Little notes

Special breakfast

Special dessert

Small gift

Burdick's Chocolate!!!!

Special activity.

The "Special Blessings" are not big items...they are small. I originally thought it was a good way to start off each month! A new month, a new beginning, a new adventure!

Christianna and Lydia blessed me this First Day of the New Year with a delightful Kangaroo and her little Joey!

With all the excitement of the Celebration the night before -- I completely forgot about First Day- but they didn't!

I am truly blessed!

Love your Neighbor

2011-01-08T19:00:00.000-05:00

I have been collecting snowmen over the years. I have felted ones, hand painted ones, ceramic ones, cloth ones, small ones, large ones, inside ones, and outside on the deck ones..I have LOTS of snowmen! Each year the girls try to build me a really nice REAL snowman outside. Each year they seem to have built them bigger and better! Even others passing on our road have commented how wonderful they are! They enjoying doing this...but they like to do it for their mom!

This year we have not had a real snowman(yet)...snow too dry...not enough wet snow.

I was out running errands the other day when the temperatures were in the low forty's, just high enough to be able to pack a good snowball!

Later after I had arrive home and began cooking dinner...I opened the freezer door and behold...

Three little snowmen created by a 12 year old daughter who wanted to surprise me with real snowmen!

Just lately I have been emphasizing to the girls the importance of loving our neighbors. The question I always ask is "Who is our neighbor?" We may not even know our neighbor, but we need to be ready to serve when we have opportunity -- looking for ways we can bless others.

I was Keziah's neighbor that day...I was the one being blessed!

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Matthew 22:37-40

My Hubby

2011-01-08T18:03:00.002-05:00

Just a perfect Host and Farmer for the evening!!

Celebrate!!!

Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. Psalms 128:1

New Year's Eve

2011-01-08T15:56:00.000-05:00

Years ago we hosted a New Year's Eve Celebration for 3-4 years in a row. We had between 80-120 people for the evening. The evening started with an appetizer dinner,followed by skits, games, ice-skating, singing, conversations, desserts, and a New Year's Eve devotional and prayer time(usually at midnight). But it has now been about 9 years since we have had a Celebration.

This year the girls thought...Let's have a Celebration again!

So after Thanksgiving we began to plan:

*Invitations

*Games

*Food

*Activities

* Devotions

First, we just invited our church family.

But one week before the event:

Then Rebecca thought they would like to join us.

Then less than one week before the event:

Then Chris invited a friend of his(who is also our friend) and his sister.

Then a young family we know here in town came to mind so we invited them.

Then the night before the Celebration...while looking at Rebecca's wedding album...we saw someone we had not seen in several years...so we call and he said"Yes! I will come."

This year we have 26 precious souls Celebrate God's Goodness with us. The evening was a blessing to all!

Food

Jessica and Julia "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring"

Moira sings "In my Weakness"

Jack plays and sings (Abigail Helps!!)

Seth and Joel "Top Secret Penguin Project"

Lydia, Moriah, Christianna, Deborah

Jesus Loves Me --a round

"Amazing Grace" to the tune of "When I read my Title Clear"

Noah on the guitar

There's a hole in the bucket, Dear Liza!

Christine and Alan Chidester enjoy the entertainment!

The Linder Family

Our Grandson.. Stephen -- what a cutie!

It is such a blessing to Celebrate with other Believers the wonderful works that the Lord has done.

We ended our day with a fast game of Catch Phrase

Looking back on 2010 with thankfulness and looking forward to what the Lord will do in our lives this year!

I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

Psalms 104:33

2011-01-05T18:10:00.001-05:00

"Only one life, 'twill soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last."

... Missionary C. T. Studd

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:17

Happy Birthday, Keziah!

2010-12-14T08:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to a very special young lady --who is the spice of our lives.

A Good Ending...or New Begining

2010-12-14T08:25:00.000-05:00

Our Journey begins...
About two years ago, Steve began investigating DSL with our phone company. Call..they will have to get back to us.Call...they will have to get back to us. Call...they will have to get back to us. So after about 18 months of this...Fairpoint declared that as it stands right now...we will not be about to have high speed internet with them. There isn't a demand in our 'rural' area. Hmmm.
Our journey for high speed continues...
Someone recommended Comcast -- cable. Call...they would check to see if the cable came out our way and they would get back to us. Call.... they are still checking. (With high speed and advanced technology -- how long should this take?) Salesman for Comcast stops by the office (he didn't know that we were trying to get a response from the company)....he said he would check into this and call us. Wait one week. Wait two more weeks. A month goes by.
Will our journey end?...
US Cellular sends a card in the mail on Friday...about mobile broadband. We go down to the US Cellular office here in Walpole on Friday. Jason shows us the plan; how it works and what it cost. So will it work where we live. He says take it home and try it out...if it works...then it works. So we took one home on loan...it worked!!!! It worked all over the house!!!! Then Saturday, Steve goes back down and activates our internet connection then comes home and sets up my computer with the connection device. Within minutes I was connected!!!!!! Wow!! I could talk on the phone and be on the web at the very same time. Patients can call and actually get through to our home while I am on the internet! Steve doesn't have to remind me to disconnect when I have left the computer to stir dinner. The girls can just pop on check something, without have to wait for a dial up connection. I still have to pinch myself to make sure this is real. Months we waited and waited for this to happen!
Finally a happy ending to our journey for high speed connection....

or is this really the Beginning of a new way of life!

The Galla Family

2010-11-28T20:08:00.000-05:00

The Galla Men: Chris and Steven

The Galla women: Rebecca and Abigail

Keeping Warm

2010-11-28T19:56:00.000-05:00

We had bought 2 plus cord of wood from a friend way back in the spring, but we had not yet pickup it up. The wood was about a 20 minute drive from us. A dear friend here in Walpole loaned us one of their farm trucks to get the job done. So the girls help Steve get the wood on Friday. I am so thankful for their willing spirit to serve where they are needed. Chris Galla helped with the last two loads of the day. Each time when the truck arrived back at the house...everyone jumped up and ran out to help toss the wood out. This week all hands will help stack the wood so it is ready to burn on the cold winter days!

All smiles!

Thanksgiving Day part 2

2010-11-28T19:47:00.000-05:00

We are thankful for good food

Beginning with a Thanksgiving Brunch. In the afternoon we had our traditional Turkey Dinner, then in the evening we had apple and pumpkin pies with homemade ice-cream. Yum!

We are thankful for fun activities:

Games like Boggle

Puzzles

Good conversations.

Thanksgiving Day

2010-11-28T19:33:00.000-05:00

We are thankful for Grandchildren

Ashlyn MacPhail

Abigail Galla

Stephen Galla

We are thankful for married children

the Newlyweds: Nathanael and Jesharelah

Chris and Rebecca Galla

Scott and Susanna MacPhail

We are thankful for all our children still at home:

Christianna, Lydia, Deborah, Moriah, and Keziah

We are thankful for our daughter Tabitha.

A Visit from the Newlyweds

2010-11-28T15:40:00.000-05:00

Nathanael and Jesharelah surprised us with a Thanksgiving Visit.

We had one more thing

to be thankful for!

Though their visit was short...it was greatly welcomed. I was one surprise mom!

A Joyful Daughter

2010-11-03T21:03:00.000-04:00

Proverbs 31:25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

And another Joyful Daughter

2010-11-03T21:01:00.000-04:00

Fall Clean UP

2010-11-03T20:54:00.001-04:00

Today, we enjoyed a beautiful afternoon out in God's sunshine. Mowing, trimming, raking...I am thankful the Lord has given us some nice days lately to do some last minute yard clean up.

Work should always be made fun...now, that is what makes memories...Right?

We rake the fallen leaves onto tarps and then carry them down the hill to dump.All the girls work together to clean up the leaves...well almost all the girls.

It seems as if there is a plan for quick clean up.

It appears that Keziah was sitting in the wrong place....I think she is going for a ride....hmmm.

Ecclesiastes 9:10a Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might;

Autumn

2010-10-24T14:08:00.001-04:00

Day 12 Home again, home again

2010-10-18T21:46:00.001-04:00

We did something rather crazy...we drove through the night. Steve started out driving until about 10pm-ish and then Christianna took over until 2:30am, then back to Steve until we were home today at 11am. I woke up about 9 am in Bennington, Vt. Oh it felt so good to be back in New England.

When we arrived in Wilmington, VT we got out at a Country store AND quilt shop. Since Lydia traveled back with Rebecca...she missed this one! We will really need to visit this quilt shop again!

Oh, we now see cows...dairy cows...no more bison. Just Dairy cows on the hillsides!

Trees, Trees, and more trees. Although it is past peak (which must have happened while we were gone), it still is beautiful...hmmm I wonder if that is because I just love being back home!

By 1 o'clock we had completely unloaded, washed clothes, picked up the mail, called patients, and ate a hot lunch. We arrive to cool crisp air...the house was 53 degrees when we walked in--chilly. This is the coldest we have experienced in the last 2 weeks.

Our trip was truly wonderful...but being back home is wonderful too!

Day 11 Sunday -- On the way home

2010-10-17T20:22:00.001-04:00

After spending the night in Wisconsin, we attended the Sunday meeting in Rockford, IL with a lovely group of believers. To our surprise, Steve Price from Kansas City, KS was speaking at the annual conference. We stayed after lunch for the second message about Abiding in Christ. I am so glad we made time to stop and be blessed with fellowship here.

Then onto Chicago. The only time I have been in Chicago has been to fly in...I now know why...driving even on Sunday was not our style... Take me home!

But we did see the Sears tower, the Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and the Great Lake Michigan.

Keziah was so impressed the how close the jets were to us and how many she could see. In our town of Walpole, an airplane is a rare item -- very rare.

Day 10 Wedding Day

2010-10-16T21:41:00.001-04:00

Mr. and Mrs. Nathanael Pena

Day 9 Billboard of the day

2010-10-15T23:59:00.001-04:00

Notice the location of this sign...a grave yard!

Day 9 Friday October 15

2010-10-15T23:40:00.001-04:00

This is the last day of our South Dakota journey

We cross the Missouri River to get to the east side. After a visit to the Lewis & Clark information center...we go east.

In Mitchell, a stop at the Corn Palace was in order.

Finally we're back at Brookings,SD for Nathanael and Jesharlah's wedding rehearsal!

Day 8 Badlands Experience

2010-10-14T23:45:00.001-04:00

Our day trip takes us through the beautiful Spearfish Canyon Scenic By-way with a few waterfalls and lots of rock formations.

After a quick visit to the historical railroad station in Deadwood we headed south to Rapid City

At Rapid City we saw the "dinosaur" over looking the area.

After a quick stop in Wall

I feel that is so impossible to choose pictures for our Badlands adventure...I took well over 300 with my camera alone...then there is Rebecca's, Lydia's, and Keziah's camera's. Although this is a "bad land', we marveled at the structure and formations of this land. Here are just a sampling of the pictures we took.

Just entering the Badlands we came upon this beautiful site

The girls are walking on a rather high wall of sunbaked mud and stone. I am on a flat, level, safe piece of ground being very nervous for the rest of my family whom did not seem to be nervous. A good zoom lens is handy for these situations!

Flowers of the desert

Day 8 Badlands travelers

2010-10-14T23:44:00.001-04:00

Moriah and Deborah

My hubby

Christianna and Keziah

Being funny

Big Horn Sheep

Deer

A bunny. Also lots of Prairie Dogs...but since I have already taken a few hundred pictures of the little critters...I took no more.

The Galla family also enjoyed this experience with us.

Rebecca and Chris

Abigail

and Stephen

2010-10-14T23:43:00.002-04:00

We truly enjoyed seeing this mighty land. We took short walks at the overlooks and climbed a few boulders. But we wanted to take a scenic hike...so Chris found one for us. We had the most amazing views on the Badlands on this hike...but I did find a few things rather interesting....

So there are a few steps...

Up, up, up

and there are two (2) strollers hmmm...

that must go up!

Then there are some people who have to read every word on every sign, thus it takes them a long time to reach the summit.

and when they do they are think they must rest!

others...well just are a little crazy!!

Day 8 What we did not see

2010-10-14T23:41:00.000-04:00

The End

2010-10-14T23:40:00.001-04:00

A beautiful end to such an amazing day

Day 7 Billboard of the Day

2010-10-14T10:28:00.000-04:00

Day 7 Wednesday, October 13, Devil's Tower

2010-10-14T10:27:00.002-04:00

We left our cabin in Custer, SD and traveled into Wyoming up to Devil's Tower.

The tower from about 4.5 miles away!

Moriah, Christianna, Lydia, and Deborah

While on the 1.3 mile walk around the Tower, Abigail and Chris pose on a boulder.

Stephen made his trip around the Tower, part time in the stroller and part time being held.

Nearby the Tower is a very large and friendly Prairie Dog Town.

Day 6 Billboard of the Day

2010-10-14T09:53:00.001-04:00