God's Miracles

I cannot think of anything more exciting than posting pictures of our identical twin great granddaughters who were born via C-section Saturday morning, June 29th. It seems that they struggled almost from conception to be born - between bouts of
premature contractions, hospital stays for Mama, etc. They are in good health - just need an oxygen boost to expand their lungs. Kinley Reese (4# 5 oz.) and Kenzie Rae (4# 7 oz) who were born 7 weeks early are doing well today. Praise and glory to our Lord for answered prayers and thank you to all of you who have prayed for these two precious babies.

Kinley Reese Wilken 



Kenzie Rae Wilken

We are still in Wisconsin and won't be able to see the twins until next week-end so in the meantime we are spending time with family. We were able to share with a family  member who finally realized that the way to heaven is to believe Jesus Christ is their Savior and to receive Him into their heart.  We were awed to see the look of realization on this family member's face as they related this to us as it seemed that this person understood salvation for years.  Knowing about God is not the same as knowing God. There are so many verses that prove this - especially "for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved".  Romans 10:13. 

 

One of the favorite Northern things I had missed was rhubarb, in pie, torte, cake, as sauce, etc. Everyone has rhubarb patches somewhere - a lot of them have been there for years. We made rhubarb sauce at almost every home we have visited - and I am not tired of it yet. Last year at the CHI resale shop, a lady brought in some rhubarb to share, and explained how she cooked the leaves for a tasty dish!!! We always heard that the leaves were poisonous!!! She had no clue what it really was, so I spelled it out for her and told her to check it on the web.

 a healthy rhubarb patch

 ready to be cut and made into sauce

 

 

It has been rainy almost every day here in Wisconsin but we still were able to try to enjoy most things between the showers and storms. Wausau has transformed a whole city block into a park which is used for markets, entertainment, even water pads that the kids can enjoy. We went to a Concert on Square Wednesday night - in the rain before it started, and then leaving before the concert was over and just before the downpour began. The band played a variety of music, even praising the Savior before beginning the concert. It seemed to be a great time for families to relax, even to enjoy their evening meal as there were plenty of places for refreshments. It was most fun just watching the many different people in all stages of their lives - from babies to great grand parents like us. At this time of my life my brain says I am much younger and can do great things, but my old body seems to object! One of my morning meditations emphasized this, saying "It is true that we may not be able to jump like we once did, but we can love and we can  pray. These are the works that time and experience have prepared us well to do" 

 just a few of the many people gathered to listen

the band,  performing well 

 

I think that by now many of you realize my love for nature - how I am always awed by the beauty of it in all of it's simplicity. A small raindrop reflecting the sun, making an array of sparkling colors brings a smile to my face, as does the song of the early morning birds or the beauty of flowers!!! God created all of this for our enjoyment "For everything God created is good" I Timothy 4:4

 

 if you look closely you can see the perfect pine cones

 this is blurry, but the round bursts of color are on the pine trees outside our daughter's window right after a rain - the sun shone on them and made the whole yard sparkle.

 I think this is a sort of ash tree

close up of the flowers

 The Amish in the area grow and put together beautiful hanging baskets which they sell. This is an Amish porch in the area.

 so lovely !!!

a basket on a pole

 

 

We had the opportunity again to attend church at Bible Truth Chapel this morning whose mission statement should be the guidelines for all Christians. "Our mission is to bring glory to God by purposely engaging our culture with the gospel, making disciples, and building up the body of Christ". Pastor Eric's love for the Lord and His Word shows in his every action. Our daughter, who goes to services there, is blessed by Pastor Eric and his congregation just as we are. Thank you to Bible Truth Chapel for being our Wausau, Wisconsin church home.

 

 

 



 

 

 

Father's Day was a relaxing day with our Wisconsin daughters and their families. A fun time grilling brats, hamburgers, and hot dogs, along with all the sides. Our daughter Connie made the most delicious tres leche (3 milk) cake as a special dessert.!!!! Of course, our Arkansas daughters called to talk to their Dad. Wouldn't it be wonderful to make every day parents day - where we can pay tribute to our earthly mothers and fathers always as God instructed us to do as through the Commandments? Do you also honor your heavenly Father daily through prayer, study, and thanksgiving? Set aside a few minutes each day to honor Him - it seems as if a person starts the day in the Lord's Word everything seems to smoother: the bumps in the road do not seem so bad, and the good things seem bigger and better.


proud Dad with Connie and Chandra

The weather here in Wisconsin has been cool and extremely wet and stormy. One

afternoon as we were under a tornado watch we watched the storms clouds as they rolled in. I noticed a  white line of what I thought was rain coming across the field when I realized that it was not rain but hail! We stood under the patio roof as the hail hailed down (sorry for that) in large hailstones, then became smaller as they looked like popcorn bouncing off the roof. Luckily we had no damage, but some folks had their gardens stripped.

a line of thunderstorms

getting darker

 and the hail came down

 the sky was white with hail

 pretty good size hailstones

as I turned around after the storm, the blue sky appeared through the clouds, reminding us of God's promise to Noah in Genesis 9:21-22

 

 

 

Some of my favorite things in Wisconsin, other than family and friends, are cheese and rhubarb. Everyone grows rhubarb - there always is an abundance to share with those not so lucky to have a few "pie plants" around their house or in their garden. Nothing tastes as good as warm rhubarb sauce, or rhubarb  pie (plain, custard, and rhubarb-strawberry), or torte, or cake, or even jam. Even eaten with a piece of delicious Wisconsin cheese. We visit the cheese factory often, purchasing freshly made cheese. We don't purchase in large amounts, because it really tastes so much better fresh. I often wonder who discovered that rhubarb was good to eat (it is very sour without adding sugar), or who discovered how to make such  a good nutritious food as cheese. God provided everything for us and gave us everything we need to survive. All we have to do is take advantage of His provision. "Then God said, "I give you every seed bearing plant on the face of the whole earth, and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. they will be yours for food." Genesis 1:29

 our favorite cheese factory - Dupont

 cheese makers hard at work

machines for making rounds of cheese

blocks of American cheese

too many choices - this is just a portion of coolers

 

 My sister-in-law loves to create - as well as knitting, she loves to create any thing that grabs her fancy. She always made Christmas ornaments for the family, often giving homemade gifts for all occasions. This year she was interested in yard art - yard decorations made from Goodwill (also yard sale) glasses, dishes, etc. We started a project, but because it takes 24 hours to dry, did not complete them (I will finish mine in Texas). As we worked, we discovered just moving a dish or glass to a different position could change the whole look of the piece. We scoured different resale shops for treasures, delighting in our great 50 cent finds.

 the first steps of our projects

 my sister-in-laws angel art

 

 

While we were at Fred's sister's house, her husband's brother passed away quite unexpectedly at the age of 61. We were able to visit him a short time before his death, ministering to and praying for him and with his family. Please pray for the family of Bill Janke that they find comfort in the knowledge that he is with our heavenly Father and no longer in pain and suffering.

 

We again attended Bible Truth Chapel this morning ( sorry for the incorrect name in an earlier post) with Pastor Eric Shelley. Pastor Eric started a study on the book of Nehemiah by walking (or perhaps trotting) through the history of the Old Testament in order to bring us to the book of Nehemiah. Dealing with opposition from those we expect it as well as from those we don't expect it was a profound statement that really a huge thought for me to ponder on. Dealing with the expected is much easier than dealing with the unexpected. Learning to learn on God in faith is the answer. I really enjoyed Pastor Eric journey this morning as I find it easier to study the Bible if I understand the what has lead up to the particular book. The worship music and friendliness of the congregation reminded us of our home church in Arkansas which made us feel very comfortable. 

 

This is going to be our last week here in Wisconsin when we will return to Arkansas for physical check-ups before returning to the Valley and our ministry there. We look forward to serving the Lord and following the path He has laid out for us.

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 





John Deere Green and Strawberry Red

It seems this week that we have been bombarded with color. Who named the colors - was it Adam??? Colors seem to have special meanings - green reminds us of green pastures and the serenity in the knowledge that the Lord is our Shepherd, always watching over and protecting us. Red is a vibrant color - the color of the blood shed by Jesus for the redemption of our sins. "Come now let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be white as snow: though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool" Isaiah 1:18. Blue is a soothing color, the color of the sky and heaven beyond. Yellow is sunshine - the brilliant planet separating day from night. And all the colors in between are the colors of the rainbow - God's promise to Noah that He would never destroy the earth again by water. Color is a constant reminder that God is always around us.

The reason I mentioned John Deere Green is that we recently toured a private collection of John Deere tractors (my apologies to red tractor lovers). The family patriarch, Walter Keller, had started collecting them many years ago as a young man and his family has been doing so ever since. We asked him how many he had - oh, about 626 he replied!!! A person needs to make an appointment to see them as they are housed in various sheds and barns around the area. The most amazing thing about the whole situation is that he does not charge anything for the tour (which is a self tour) only asking for a donation for a Christian camp that he and his family are involved with. Guess our first clue to his commitment to Jesus was his cap which stated "I love Jesus" with Scripture verse from John 3:16. We spent about 2 hours there, visiting with him and looking at John Deere as well as a few other well known name pieces of equipment. Many of them were 1st or last production, or even very rare models as was one that was used in WW II. We also had time to share our mutual commitment to the Lord.


John Deere green, yellow, orange, and red



Fred's brother Charles checking out a piece of equipment

a huge piece of equipment

familiar names

rows and rows of green

the big boys

a field work horse

this was used in WWII

older retired workers

pint size

This was also the week-end for the strawberry festival in the small town from where I graduated high school. More color inspired - strawberry red.

 

 

My sister-in-law is an amazing quilter and she uses color in all her creations. We spent some time checking out fabric at local stores, looking through quilting books, and just enjoying the time spent together. We also volunteered at her church to help set up for a yard sale in order to raise money for the quilting group which makes and donates quilts to various outreaches (much like our church at Alamo Rec Veh). It was a time of fun and fellowship with other Christian women. We took a morning break at which time I was privileged  to pray for them and their endeavors. And yes, I did find a treasure or two for myself.

 many items to be sorted and priced

 church ladies working hard

 tables are filling up

 sister-in-law Susan hanging clothes and sorting items

A stately pine tree stands in Fred's brother's yard, along with apple trees of all varieties and even peach trees. We had my personal favorite treat of the season - warm rhubarb sauce, thanks to Susan and her amazing rhubarb patch. Rhubarb custard pie was also on the menu!! 

one of the many apple trees and a majestic pine of N Central Wisconsin

 

 

It has been an awesome week for us, with the Lord answering many of our prayers. The answered prayers and feeling of peace that surrounds us as we continue to serve Him is a constant reminder that He, indeed, is in charge. Our chaplain recently sent us a book by Mark Batterson entitled The Circle Maker, along with a prayer journal. One of the quotes from the journal says, "Prayer is the difference between the best you can do and the best God can do".  Be bold in your prayers, be specific, and pray without ceasing. God hears you and answers - you just need to be still and listen.

 

 

Tomorrow is Father's Day  so as we celebrate and honor our earthly fathers, let us never forget our heavenly Father, who created each and every one of us in His image, and loves us beyond our understanding. 

 

 



Web Feet and Sweatshirts



It is very cold, rainy, and damp in Wisconsin right now. We had forgotten how it was to wear layers of clothes just to keep warm. We do feel like we have developed web feet just to be able to walk through the water after the continual rain. Once in awhile the sun peeks through, teasing us with it's warmth. Even in church this morning the minister commented on having the heat on in June!!! Regardless of the rain and gloom, God still provides us with glimpses of His creation - instead of bemoaning the weather, we were out and about and totally surprised with the many blessing He allows us to see. Driving around the area, we are amazed at the fields, the cows, the deer, turkeys, geese - all the wildlife that abounds. Even the turtles in the field. Yep, you read that right - while driving yesterday we saw a huge turtle in the middle of a field. Hmmmm - try as we could, we never did figure that one out. I know I have used this verse before, but it always comes back to me when I look around "How many are your works, Oh Lord. In wisdom you made them all: the earth is full of your creatures." Psalm 104:24

the flooded fields - 

this corn may not even grow

 

 the huge turtle in the field - doing what???

 a goose family on a mound of earth in a local mill pond

 we saw this majestic eagle in a field guarding his kill

 a beautiful doe against a background of pines

 

 

The rainy weather allowed us time to visit with relatives and enjoy the time together. We spent a week with Fred's cousin and her husband with the purpose of Fred and Ed being able to fish all day - well, that never happened. It was cold and rainy all but one day when they did get a few hours of fellowship time together (and caught only 15 fish). Being a bit bored, we decided that we would make rosettes (I have not had any of those in years). We worked all afternoon making and eating dozens of them, watching the rain outside.

 the first batch done!

 we sprinkled them with cinnamon and sugar - my mother used to shake powdered sugar over them

 

Cousin Kathryn busy frying - Ed took them off the iron, I sprinkled the sugar, and Fred stacked

 

 Fred does a great stacking job

 

 

Most of Fred's relatives live in this area, so one day the women cousins and cousins wives decided to get together for a day of genealogy. We all met at one cousin's with all our papers, pictures, etc. for a lunch, time of fellowship, and sharing. It was a fun afternoon, reliving the past, gathering new information, remembering those who had gone before us. I am sure every one of us learned a new  piece of family history, bits of information not known before, as well as revealing family stories that some of the Moms never knew about. "If anyone dos not provide for his relatives: and especially for his immediate family, he has denied his faith, and is worse than an unbeliever".
I Timothy 5:8  We need to become involved with all family members so that we can be aware of those in need, both spiritually and physically, and be able to somehow provide for their needs.

 Aunt Avis on the left - the only one of that generation left - a wealth of information

 Sister-in-law Dorothy asking a questions - "who was",,,,,???

 listening as Aunt Avis tells a story

 ok - who is this in the picture and where was it taken?

 

 

Cousin Sandy wondering?

 

Fred's family mostly live in the area and are quite close. They hold a family breakfast at a local restaurant every second Saturday of the month which we were able to attend. Again we greeted some of those we had not seen in a year and had a wonderful time of family fellowship and fun, as well as a great breakfast. Many of us had eggs Benedict (the special of the day) which was excellent.

 

 

We also we able to attend the baseball tournaments of Cousin Kathryn's grandson, Trevor. He is 10 years right now and is a really awesome player. As the games were played all day I was truly amazed and excited to see the involvement and dedication of the parents,   teaching their sons how to be good sportsman, encouraging them even when they strike out, leading by example. Just as we, as Christians, should not be Sunday Christians, but letting our every action be an example of the Christian way of life. When our hands become His hands, we allow others to see the cross.

 

 I've got it

 here comes a grounder

 and it's a hit

 ready

 set

 pitch!! notice the tongue is always out

good sportsmanship 

 

 

"Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech than cannot be condemned..." Titus 2:6