Reflections and Direction

As the time here in WI is starting to come to an end (we are here for only about another 1-1/2 weeks) we try to see and visit all those who we can. One day this week, we had breakfast with two couples who have been friends for over 40 years. We were all young parents in a small subdivision (only 8 homes at first). All with small children and poor as church mice!!! Wondering how we were going to come up with the $150.00 house payment a month!!!! We wives did not work, got together daily for support and advice, while our children played together.  We passed clothes around the neighborhood until they were finally used as scrub rags. The youngest child usually got the end of the hand-me-downs, sometimes spruced up with a bit of ribbon or a seam repair here and there  They went out in the morning to play, sometimes coming home for lunch - if they did not come home, we were comfortable in the knowledge that one of us had fed them!!! Usualy when they did come home, it was with a string of dirty faced, grubby handed neighborhood kids, all in need of a scrubbing and lunch. They all seemed to get along together well - in fact, a couple of them are planning a "Kelly Reunion" (the name of the area where we lived) next year. Most of them keep in contact with one another through Facebook to this day. To the best of my memory there were about 26 of them - an average of 3 per family! As we three couples reminisced , along with one of our daughters, we laughed, giggled, with shouts of "I don't remember that" mostly from our daughter who thought we were grown ups at the time and did not know how to have fun! It was 2 hours of great fellowship. There have been marriages, deaths, grandchildren, sorrows and joys packed in those few hours. As I now look back, I see where the Lord had our lives planned out - how we got from there to here by small and large steps, in stages as we grew closer to Him, not realizing how we were following His path. If not for this or that happening, the other would not have happened, thus leading us to this place and then on to the other place. As we said at the Chaplain's University last year, we have no idea why we were there - we now know! It has lead to us to be commissioned as chaplains for CHI. Our lives and spiritual walk has lead us to a closer relationship with the Lord, always relying on Him daily for guidance. How do I serve Him?   Micah 6:8 says :"He has showed you, O Man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God".

Slave Labor!

We are really enjoying our time here in Wisconsin, visiting with friends and relatives, enjoying a "cousin's breakfast", (this is held every month at a local restaurant and everyone comes who is able), and anticipating the annual family reunion.


If you look closely, you can see a family resemblance.



A few cousins enjoying family memories and fun.

Although it is hard to believe, we actually are doing some productive work, "slave labor", for family and relatives. While at our daughter's we cleaned her yard, cutting limbs pruning trees, mowing, etc., hauling two huge loads to the recycling as well as cleaning out her storage unit and arranging things in her  large garage.
On to Fred's sister's where we helped clean out old metal, aluminum and hauled it to the salvage yard. Sis, as we call her, loves many the same things as I do - poking around old bookstores, resales shops, unique places to have a lunch (this time an Italian bistro), tea shops, etc. We both love old movies, reading, and tea time together. After that we left for Fred's brother's. He is handicapped and cannot walk very much or do hard labor. Guess that is where we come in - we helped build a wall around my sister-in-law Susan's many, many flower beds. She is an amazing gardener, with a love for iris' and lilies. God certainly knew what He was doing in creating so many flowers and greenery - Susan loving tends many of them. She also is a fantastic quilter, and presented us with a beautiful large lap quilt as an anniversary present. While there, we helped as much as we could, as well as visited their family. Their granddaughter left for Spain on a school trip - please pray for Autumn Preuss as she and the Spanish class travel abroad. The other granddaughter, Summer, received a presidents award for excellence while we were there - hooray for her.

Summer Preuss holding her presidential award

The wall in progress

A job well done

Pergola and one of many flower beds

Some iris'

Even flower beds next to an old shed

There is a strange purple flower that was imported to the area to help with soil generation. It got out of hand and spread throughout the area. Even though the flower produces a carpet of purple in the woods, it destroys everything in it's path. Hmm, does this sound like gossip, hatred, and prejudice???  We can change this destruction in the world to beauty, tranquility, and peace by just obeying God's word. His promises can turn ugliness into beauty.

The invasive purple flower

It can turn into a beautiful carpet of flowering beauty

We are now at our other daughter's, hoping to relax and enjoy our granddaughter and daughter for the week. Attended another Sunday afternoon soccer game. No great plans - just rest and relaxation, and a bit of slave labor on Friday.

Another Sunday soccer game

Wisconsin Farm Scenes

Central Wisconsin boasts of some of the best farmland in the area, but sad to say, a lot of the old big farms have gone by the wayside. The original older farmers who have had the land in the families ever since their ancestors came over from “the old country” have since passed on, leaving the land to be divided up and sold or just left to lie in waste, as the younger ones moved to the cities to find their fortunes. Few and far between are the family farms still in operation. Farming is now a big business, compared to many years ago. A few old barns still exist, dotting the countryside and reminding us of days gone by. “The Lord will command the blessing on you in your barns and in all that you undertake. And He will bless you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”  Deuteronomy 28:8

A modern  Wisconsin farm

An old fashioned farm barnyard

A common site in WI - the local cheese factory - fresh Wisconsin cheese at a crazy cheap price.

This area is also abounding with Amish farmers. While looking for raw, local honey (a teaspoon a day of this is a great allergy remedy – it really works, too), we came upon a very young Amish wife working in her garden, barefoot, with a young child sitting on the ground beside her. The huge clothesline was filled with a plethora of Amish clothing, linens, and beautiful quilts. We inquired if the small store on the property had any honey, and she answered, “Of course we do. Just go on in, my husband is in there”.  The store was small but so very homey, featuring homemade bakery, made by the young wife, bulk goods, and many sundry items useful on an Amish farm. As we were making our purchases, my fingers itched to take pictures of the 5 barefoot stair step children peeking around the doorway at us “Englishers” talking to their very young father! (Yes, FIVE more children in addition to the other infant outside with Mama.) But in keeping with the Amish tradition and belief that pictures of their faces is considered being vain and generally forbidden in their religion, I respected their beliefs. I did get a picture of an Amish buggy in the nearby town though. It was a wonderful day for just driving around the countryside, reminiscing on whose farms this was, or whatever happened to so-and-so, marveling at the changes in the past 50 years and wondering what would this look like in 50 more years. God has given us a wonderful body, with a brain to search back into its memory bank and smile at the pictures we form of the past. Such memories are funny at times, bittersweet at others, but always kept close to our hearts. Remember and pray for those who have diseases that steal their past memories from them, and be patient with them, love them, and lean on God’s protection and grace for them.

Amish buggy - often seen in the area.

A simple cooking hint - 1 cup of salt - add 1 Tablespoon black pepper. This is the exact proportion for seasoning. Keep it near your stove in a covered container - add a pinch or more for cooking.  Or 1/2 Cup salt and 1/2 Tablespoon black pepper for a smaller amount.

Memorial Day

As we were in Wisconsin for Memorial day, we spent the early part of the day at a memorial service in a small town where some family members are buried.

Military Salute

Cemetery - where relatives remember with love those who have gone before us.



Pea Ridge Battlefield, AR - site of a Civil War Battle



As we remember these family members, as well as those who have lost their lives serving our country so that we are able to be free to worship as we please, always pray for them every day. I think of how often we forget all of those who fought for our freedom - from the Revolutionary War to all of the present day conflicts. As we mourn those who have gone on to the Lord before us, let us remember God's comforting words:
"As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.... Isaiah 66:13






North Central Wisconsin

We have traveled to North Central Wisconsin to spend time with our daughter and families living there. Our son-in-law is the president of the Hispanic American Soccer League, managing and organizing games, teams, etc. so this is a busy time of year for him, as it is the beginning of soccer season. Of course, we attended the game on a Sunday afternoon.

Team Montoya

Game in progress, but it was called due to severe weather.

He also has his own team, Team Montoya. The players in the league are from many different countries: Costa Rico, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Jamaica, Nigeria, United States, Germany, Russia and others. How awesome it is to see them play together as team members, regardless of their origin of birth, just as God wants us to fellowship with and become brothers and sisters to all people in this world. "For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another".
I John 3:11.


Green Bay Packers fans are probably the most passionate ones in the country, although I am sure every state feels the same about it's loyalty. But to prove a fact, check out his house.


Ya gotta love green and gold!



We had a beautiful spring in N Arkansas, now the Lord had allowed to see and enjoy the beauty of a Central Wisconsin spring.  The lilacs, flowering crab apples, and the magnificent red maples are certainly beautiful to behold. "And God saw everything that He made, and behold, it was very good". Genesis 1:31

Clumps of huge lilac bushes are seen throughout the area

Can't you just smell the fragrance of lilacs?

The flowering fruit trees come in so many colors

The red maple is just as majestic as the sugar maple

The second highest point in Wisconsin is there in the city where our daughters live (Wausau, WI). It is a beautiful place to just reflect on nature. It is mostly granite substructure, thus its new name, Granite Peak (we knew it as Rib Mountain). Huge formations are seen all over the area, as well as make up the very popular skiing area. There were even patches of snow still on the ski trails when we were there.

View from the top of Rib Mt (Granite Peak)

Trulliums - bloom in early spring - are they called trilliums because thaey have 3 petals and leaves or that they bloom only every three years?

One of the many outcroppings of granite

Snow on Rib Mt.  the end of May

Arkansas Wildlife







 As we enjoy the spring here in Arkansas, there is so much to see and praise God for. As I said earlier, Fred enjoys chasing the squirrels from the feeders. They usually just jump into a tree, and chatter and laugh at him.

The famous Arkansas Acrobatic squirrels

Dinner Time

The beauty of the songbirds at the feeder remind us of who created each and every one of us, in a unique and special way.

Even God's creatures find time for fellowship

the beauty of the color and song of the cardinals are my favorite

Even the noisy blue jay is graceful in flight and amazing in color.

As we drove along some of the winding country roads in rural Arkansas, we were awed as we always are by the simplicity of the area, as well as all of the wildlife and  gorgeous scenery. The deer did not seem startled by our presence, but were watchful, just as we should be watchful of our words and actions, that they may be pleasing to God.

Who's there?

We were so very lucky to see the last of the dogwoods blooming - a spring flowering tree here in Arkansas. How fabulous they are.

 
The Legend of the Dogwood
At the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood had reached the size of the mighty oak tree. So strong and firm was the wood that it was chosen as the timber for Jesus' cross.
     To be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the dogwood. While nailed upon it, Jesus sensed this, and in his compassion said. "Because of your pity for my suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used for a cross. Henceforth, it shall be slender, bent, and twisted, and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross–two long and two short petals.
     "In the center of the outer edge of each petal will be the print of nails. In the center of the flower, stained with blood, will be a crown of thorns so that all who see it will remember."

How do you greet the morning??  Do you say "Good Lord, it's morning" or "Good morning, Lord!!! This is the day the Lord has made - let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Our Fathers Day

Since we have been in Arkansas, we have attended our home church, Prairie Grove Christian Church. http://www.gotopgcc.com/ to check it out. The sermons have been about Godview - our view of God as each of us has a specific view of God in our lives. This last week was so awesome - when God looks at you He doesn't see just a super-sinful human that He is disappointed in. He sees His child that He loves and He sees who you could become. We all need to remember that when we sin, God does not desert us, but forgives and gives us another chance to prove our love and faith in Him. We are so blessed to have Chaplain Maloney in Texas for our winter teachings and our ministers Vance Eubanks and Matt Tibbit here in Arkansas to lead us and help us to know what God wants and expects from us, As we soon head to Wisconsin for a month, we will miss the familiar and comfortable church settings, but will find where God leads us to worship there.

Meet a couple of our spiritual leaders

Dennis & Sally Maloney

Dennis and his wife, Sally, have been with missions for almost 4 decades and bring an understanding of the resort and leisure industry to campgrounds; they also have extensive experience in financial planning, ranch management and missions coordination.
When asked about their greatest need right now they replied, "One of our needs, a new 'rig' was presented to us in Branson, MO in November of 2004. Now we can travel where God requires. Our greatest need now? I guess I would have to say, the fields are white for harvest and we need people to help harvest - are you ready to serve?" 

In the winter months, Dennis serves the Rio Grande Valley at Alamo REC VEE Rv Resort as their Chaplain. 

During the rest of the year, Dennis and Sally travel to where there is an administrative need for CRM, places such as - Missouri, Colorado, Iowa, etc.

Senior Minister - Vance Eubanks
Vance and his wife, Lynda have been serving Prairie Grove Christian Church since 2001. They have two children, Miles and Lyndsey. From Northwest Arkansas, Vance graduated from Rogers High School in 1981.  He continued his education at Ozark Christian College where he graduated in 1985.   Vance likes to spend time with his family or you can find him riding his road bike, running, or hiking.  Vance has a real heart for seeing Northwest Arkansas won to Christ! 

Favorite Scripture:  II Timothy 2:10-21
Leisure Activity:  Bicycling, running, and hiking
Person I admire:  The one who endures great hardship and continues to see God at work in their life.
Favorite Author:  Chuck Colson
Favorite food or restaurant:  Anything Italian
Book I'd Recommend:  Primal by Mark Batterson
Favorite Vacation Destination:  Hawaii
If I could meet one famous person (besides Jesus) it would be:
 The Apostle Paul