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Sunday, June 26, 2011

Jesus Loves Me

Such a simple song that I learned as a kid, and now I teach it to children in Sunday school. But, the truth and security spoken of in this song is ageless--whether a 2 and 3 year old first learning the song, or a grandma who has sung this song for years: Jesus loves ME...He loves YOU! If we have trusted Him as our Saviour, He will always be there with love. What a comforting thought that He will never fail me! Man will let me down, but the Lord? NEVER!


Jesus Loves Me

Jesus loves me! this I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong;
they are weak but He is strong.

Refrain

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

The Bible tells me so.



Jesus loves me! loves me still,
'tho I'm very weak and ill,
that I might from sin be free,
bled and died upon the tree.

Jesus loves me! He who died
heaven's gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
let His little child come in.

Jesus loves me! He will stay
close beside me all the way.
Thou hast bled and died for me,
I will henceforth live for Thee.

Jesus loves me when I'm good.
When I do the things I should.
Jesus loves me when I'm bad,
but it makes him oh so sad.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Butch O'Hare

I love history, particularly anything about the World Wars. Most of all, I enjoy reading stories of selfless heroes--such as the following:




Butch O'Hare


During the course of World War II, many people gained fame in one way or another. One man was Butch O'Hare. He was a fighter pilot assigned to an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. One time his entire squadron was assigned to fly a particular mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. Because of this, he would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship. His flight leader told him to leave formation and return. As he was returning to the mother ship, he could see a squadron of Japanese Zeroes heading toward the fleet to attack. And with all the fighter planes gone, the fleet was almost defenseless. His was the only opportunity to distract and divert them. Single-handedly, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes and attacked them. The American fighter planes were rigged with cameras, so that as they flew and fought, pictures were taken so pilots could learn more about the terrain, enemy maneuvers, etc. Butch dove at them and shot until all his ammunition was gone, then he would dive and try to clip off a wing or tail or anything that would make the enemy planes unfit to fly. He did anything he could to keep them from reaching the American ships. Finally, the Japanese squadron took off in another direction, and Butch O' Hare and his fighter, both badly shot up, limped back to the carrier. He told his story, but not until the film from the camera on his plane was developed, did they realize the extent he really went to, to protect his fleet. He was recognized as a hero and given one of the nation's highest military honors. And as you may know, O'Hare Airport was named after him.

Prior to this time in Chicago, there was a man called Easy Eddie. He was working for a man you've all heard about, Al Capone. Al Capone wasn't famous for anything heroic, but he was notorious for the murders he'd committed and the illegal things he'd done. Easy Eddie was Al Capone's lawyer and he was very good. In fact, because of his skill, he was able to keep Al Capone out of jail. To show his appreciation, Al Capone paid him very well. He not only earned big money, he would get extra things, like a residence that filled an entire Chicago city block. The house was fenced, and he had live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. Easy Eddie had a son. He loved his son and gave him all the best things while he was growing up; clothes, cars, and a good education. And, because he loved his son he tried to teach him right from wrong. But one thing he couldn't give his son was a good name, and a good example. Easy Eddie decided that this was much more important than all the riches he had given him. So, he went to the authorities in order to rectify the wrong he had done. In order to tell the truth, it meant he must testify against Al Capone, and he knew that Al Capone would do his best to have him killed. But he wanted most of all to try to be an example and to do the best he could to give back to his son, a good name. So he testified. Within the year, he was shot and killed on a lonely street in Chicago.
 
These sound like two unrelated stories, but Butch O'Hare was Easy Eddie's son.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

What's So Different?

One of the biggest things I've noticed since coming back home is noise--in the form of little and not so little bodies running around the house and parents admonishing; and the constant sound of traffic, including trains, just a hop, skip, and jump from my house.

I'm a morning person. I just love the early quiet of the day, free of all noise except the cheerful greeting of birds. I had a roommate one time who talked from the moment she woke up, to the moment she fell asleep. Let me just say I really enjoyed working in the kitchen that year because most of my mornings were talk-free. And really, I didn't mind listening to people talk after 7, so I don't think I was being an ogre....5 was just too early for conversation.

Anyway, I have veered off my point a bit. Oh yes, kids = noise. I admit I was a bit spoiled with my mornings, especially after I roomed with Marsh. Now, I'm reminded of my roommate....my siblings seem to have a gift for words leaving their mouths even before they are fully awake. And, I don't know how they manage it, but they also fall asleep talking. Like right now, my niece and youngest sister, Heyab, are telling childish stories and singing Sunday School songs.

Even though I don't get the early morning solitude very much anymore, I wouldn't trade it for the love I see in their eyes and hear in their voices. I wouldn't trade it for the giggles and laughs I hear throughout the day...and even into the night. I wouldn't trade it for the hugs good-bye, and ones on my return. When you are showered with sweetness {most of the time} how can you wish anything different?

And if you do want some moments of quiet....play the Quiet Game--it works wonders :)

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Timeless Treasures {Little Sisters}


Ruthie, Dear.

Three of us.

Sweet Heyab {Amazing birth story; I also had NO idea she was going to be born until after the fact and only because a hometown friend told me when we were in college. Yes, my family has great communication skills {actually, there's a little more to it than that, but I'll save it since today is supposed to be a non-typing day }.

*Due to severe thunderstorms last night and our power being cut off {almost had a repeat tonight!} I was unable to post last night. Thanks for your understanding!

Have a good night!

Monday, June 20, 2011

Monday Moments {Odds & Ends}

*My little sister, Ruth, has become much more assertive than I remember her to be. She has also increased greatly in strength. I don't know if it brotherly influence or not, but today she was determined to "beat" me up. I laughed so incredibly hard. Because of that, it was really hard for me to get her off--not to mention her strong grip and dead weight that she used to her advantage! Before she could "win" I was supposed to cry "Auntie Ruth!"....you know, instead of "Uncle!". Obviously there was no way I could gracefully let my five year old pipsqueak sister be the winner, so in authoritative voice I told her we were done playing. She didn't look none too happy, and I would have loved to know what she was thinking. What a crazy Monkey she is.

*Today I wrote out a new resume....the last one I did was 7 years ago!

*I was going to mail some letters today but found the post office closed. Canada Post is on strike because they want more. These are tight times, and still the labour union promoted this strike. Meanwhile, I am inconvenienced.

*For the first time in years, Canada has top dollar. One the one hand, it's great; on the other, now that I have to switch my money from American to Canadian dollars....not so great.

*I was told recently that it was against the laws of Canada to spank your children. I did not know the right to parent your children as you see fit {Bible way} was no longer part of our freedoms.

May God help us to still raise godly children!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Simply Trusting

Simply trusting every day,
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Refrain

Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Brightly does His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Singing if my way is clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger for Him call;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting Him while life shall last,
Trusting Him till earth be past;
Till within the jasper wall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Words: Ed­gar P. Stites, 1876.
Music: Ira D. Sank­ey
The lyr­ics first ap­peared as a po­em in a news­pa­per. They were giv­en to Ira Sank­ey’s part­ner Dwight Moo­dy, who asked Sank­ey to write mu­sic for them.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Toddlers' Laws

Toddler Property Laws

1. If I like it, it's mine.

2. If it's in my hand, it's mine.

3. If I can take it from you, it's mine.

4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.

5. If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.

6. If I am doing or building something,all the pieces are mine.

7. If it looks like mine, it is mine.

8. If I saw it first, it's mine.

9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.

10. If it's broken, it's yours.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Monumental Events

Tonight was the graduation and closing ceremony for the students of BBA. The theme was Canadian, and although the kids did a good job, I still remember the time the students of 2004-2005 did the same program--boy did they do a great job!

I'm going to use some of what they did in July in honor of Canada day, so I will just give a brief description.

There was Sir Sam Steele, a Royal North West Mountie, decked out in his regal uniform.

Lucy Maud Montgomery was there to tell us of the early years when she first began writing the beloved Anne of Green Gables books.

Josiah Hansen recounted a little bit of the struggle for freedom as a former slave in America.

Laura Secord described her role in the War of 1812.

Sir Wilfred Laurier, one of Canada's Prime Ministers, told of the time he spent in office.

Oh, and Big Bear told of his experience as an Indian Chief.

In addition to all of these soliloquies, there were seven students who told us something about Canada for each letter of the alphabet. There was a slide show picturing the different things the kids talked about. So much hard work was put into this night, and having just done a program of my own with my Kindergarten students, I feel the relief of the teachers as the night wound to a close. {Hopefully I can post some pictures soon!}

Well Done, Students! Hope you have a wonderful summer!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Change of Plans

It's so crazy to think that tomorrow was my original departure date from the US.

But as a very sweet friend {whom I missed because her family was on vacation when I got to IN early} reminded me that not all things go as we plan. How true that is.

I planned on being in the Northwoods for at least five years. By which time I had hoped to have a family of my own. I had to leave a month shy of two years.

I had a plan to be a teacher and have my own class; now, I'm searching for a job.

I thought I was "out of the nest" so to speak, but presently find myself back at home.

There are many other things in which God has said to wait. And that His timetable is far different from mine. His thoughts for my life are far above my own.

Is it easy? No. I like the security of knowing what is going on. Of things laid out so I know most of the details. I don't like going into situations not knowing what is expected of me.

But, I have come to realize some things. My future is already secure because God has already planned it out. God knows the details and He will always be with me because He promises to never leave or forsake me. God's plans for my life are superior to anything I can drum up.


And so I cling to my favorite verses in the Bible:

Psalm 18:30-32
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

Psalm 27:14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.


Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Another Year Older

I remember when Marcus was born. My Mum was overdue, and did not want to be induced, and so she started walking. That weekend was a village-wide garage sale in our community, and so Mum planned to kill two birds with one stone: finding great deals, and having a baby.

I was left to watch the three of the younger kids, while two of the other boys went to find some treasures with our Mum. The boys rode their bikes so they came back to the house often to show us what they had found or to tell us of what was going on.

My Dad was soon home from work, and after knowing that Mum was already out finding things, decided to take the car and try to find her. As you can imagine, a village-wide garage sale is going to garner a lot of attention, and there were many cars, cyclists, as well as people on foot.

By the time Dad found Mum, she had taken shelter in a nice woman's garage because all that walking had done its work--

Marcus was born that day, and another brother was added to our family!



The funny Monkey :)



Maybe he will get his two {more like four!} front teeth for Christmas ;)


I got him Bop It for his birthday--so far, he {as well as the rest of us} is having a blast trying to beat the scores.


Cheese!


Happy Birthday Marc! Can't believe you're already 8 years old! It seems just yesterday you were a short, curly-haired mischievous boy--how much you have grown-- May God bless you with many more!
Love you!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Monday Moments


Beautiful sunset.

So high up! I have a terrible fear of heights; but not of roller coasters. {Just thought you might want to know that tidbit of information about me ;}


David got in my panoramic shot :)

Hope you can make this out :) Bit on the fuzzy side.

Tonight was really the only night we could get together before LP had to go back home {in the States}, so plans were made to meet at Dave and Reece's house. Dave and Theresa live on the seventh floor of their apartment building, so when the sun was setting, it was just gorgeous. I love sunsets...and sunrises!It's so amazing all the colors you can pick out--God's creation surely is beautiful.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Have Thine Own Way, Lord!

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after thy will,
while I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Search me and try me, Savior today!
Wash me just now, Lord, wash me just now,
as in thy presence humbly I bow.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray!
Power, all power, surely is thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o'er my being absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!

Text: Adelaide A. Pollard, 1862-1934
Music: George C. Stebbins, 1846-1945

Saturday, June 11, 2011

College & Career

Tonight we had our first college and career get together. I was able to meet Rob and Jennifer as well as Alisha and Paul; get reacquainted with David and Juan {we went to the same academy and they just came back from Honduras}, Jake, Melissa, and of course David and Theresa.

Since we just had a small group this time, we played a game of basketball instead of the original plan for soccer. A couple of us were sports inclined, but for the most part, we all just played for fun and had a good time showing off our skills...or lack thereof :) For sure we got a good workout and some of us just sweated glistened for proof! After my team won--yay Juan, Paul, and Alisha!-- we headed inside for snacks and a devotional from Pastor Whitecar. He challenged our faith--what our priorities are. Are we focused on the here and now, or are we laying up treasure in Heaven. Do we have faith enough to trust God for things that we can't see?

I enjoyed getting together with some people around my age. I am looking forward to more great times with each other and also helping one another become better Christians.

Friday, June 10, 2011

The Story

As most of my readers know me in real life, many know that I moved back to Canada.

You all know that I taught kindergarten in the Northwoods of Wisconsin for the last two years, and have come to love and appreciate the students as well as the church people. There are so many lessons that God taught me throughout my time there. There are so many blessings that God bestowed on me because the people were willing to be used of Him. One of my biggest regrets from being down {actually UP because my city is south of the little town I taught in!} there is that I didn't get to spend more time with the people. I regret that I didn't take given opportunities to get over my shyness and establish deep relationships. I regret "hiding" up in my classroom on potluck days. Don't ask me why, because even I don't understand it--I could just never bring myself to go in. In my defense {not that it's very strong}, I planned on being there for at least 5 years. So, I thought I had plenty to time to get to know people and so forth.

Boy was I wrong. Now, I'm left with regrets. I'm left wistfully thinking how nice it would have been for me to lose my shyness and had gotten to know the people a lot better. I'm so thankful for the "instant" means of interaction with my friends--in this way, I know that lost time will be made up....and who knows, maybe I'll have visitors up here in Canada!

For those of you who don't know, the short version of my story is: I was in the States for 2 years trying to process the right paperwork, but unable to complete it. The lawyer I was working with told me that because I had been in the States past the 6 month window, I would be banned from re-entering for 10 years. A whole incredibly long decade. While I am not completely without hope that I might be able to find something out at the Immigration office here in Canada, things do look pretty bleak right now.

Some have asked me why? I could go into a whole bunch of "if" scenarios , but really in the end, it would change nothing. Also, while I place no blame on God because all mistakes are my own, God DOES indeed know that all of this would happen. Could I have prevented it? Perhaps so; but, I can only learn from this experience and move on with God wants me to do now. And though things did not work out how I wanted it, I am so thankful for the opportunity I had to serve Him in the Great Northwoods.

In Canada

Just a quick post to say I'm in Canada.

It's been a crazy last week--

I'm going to miss my friends at NHBC and FBC. Greatly.

I'll post tonight when things quiet down a little bit!

Thanks for being patient--love you guys!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

With My Heart

Since today was basically my last chance to spend time with my kiddos for the next 10 years or so, I wanted to do something with them. I originally planned on taking them to Big Falls for a picnic, but since the temperature was going to get up into the 100's, Pastor suggested I have the picnic at Connor's Lake.

And that's what we did. The kids and I arrived at the lake around 11 and swimming was the first thing on our agenda. There was only one older couple there and so we had the place pretty much to ourselves.







After applying a liberal amount of sunblock, the gang started going in. The girls were hesitant at first, only getting their feet wet, while the boys dived in and got wet. Of course, the boys couldn't stand seeing the girls still dry, so they started splashing the girls until everyone was soaked :)

There was such a wonderful breeze off the lake--it was both refreshing and needed as it drove away all the pesky horseflies, mosquitoes, and gnats.






Once the kids had their fill of swimming, I had them towel off and head over to a picnic table by the playground so we could eat lunch. Then we spent about an hour playing on the very nice playground.








It was such a wonderful day and filled with fun and memories. The kids had a great time, and I enjoyed listening to their squeals of laughter as they splashed in the water and then ran around at the playground. A beautiful end to a school year, and a wealth of memories from the past two years.

My Dear Students,

My prayer for you children, my very own first class, is that you will keep your hearts tender and grow up to love and serve God. I hope that when I see you again, you will be just as soft to the Lord and His Word as 15,16, and 17 year olds. I hope to one day see you again as mature, godly young men and women.

As I look back at these last two years, I see how each of you have grown and matured from the three and four year olds that you were. I know that there is much for you to learn; there is much more room for improvement and growth, and I know you will.

Peanut, as you go into kindergarten, I know you will do an excellent job. Not only because your teacher will do a great job {even though she says otherwise;}, but you have more than proved yourself able to catch on by your performance on graduation night. You have moved on from just being in the classroom and not excited to learn to biting at the bit. You are eager to learn to write cursive, you are beginning to love reading--even if it is just blends and one-vowel words :). You are inquisitive and I think you will do a marvelous job next year.

Bear, Superman, and Beans--first grade will be a challenge. There will be bumps in the road--learning the ways of a new teacher, different rules, and learning new material. Don't lose your determination, your desire to learn. Find joy in each day. Don't get discouraged; don't give up. Always do your best.

And remember all of you: I'm rooting for you that you'll succeed. I'm praying for you each day that God continues to watch over you and protect you. I am proud of you and what you have accomplished--and I love you with all my heart. I will miss you so very much, but know that God will watch over all of us.

Until we meet again,
Your Teacher~ Miss Tesfamariam

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Graduation Poem

Upon Graduation
With eyes that look along the road of years
Far stretching into devious length ahead,
You stand today, beset with hopes and fears
Not knowing what, as on your steps are led,
The years hold for you; what of joy or care
Awaits you on the road as yet untrod.
But still with strength of youth art standing there
Trusting thy future to the Hand of God
Be strong, O Youth, and strive as forth you go,
to fight for truth; be bold in her defense
Uphold the right and on her cause bestow
Thy strength, nor give a thought to recompense.
Search out the plan thy God hath made for you
And know thy life will then be great and true.
~Edith Dunn Bolar, Moody Monthly

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Ah Man!

Ah man! I can't believe I forgot to post yesterday! I am finding myself one day behind--I thought today was Friday! Each passing day I find more and more to do. Today I need to finish my projects for my students' graduation gifts. I'm also going to a graduation party for the first senior of NHBA this evening {Super excited for her!}. In between all of that, I have to finish packing my personal effects as well as finish inventory in my classroom so it's ready for Jimmy Dean. These next four days will be so packed and busy...One day at a time is my motto!

Off to get some work done! Hope y'all have a wonderful day!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Another Project!

Tonight was our monthly Ladies Bible Study and this was the craft/project we enjoyed making.

Supplies:
Small glass jars
Wire
Beads
Suction cup
Flower clipping


You need to cut the wire about twice the length of your arm--from palm to elbow. Next you twist the wire around the neck of the glass jar, leaving a loop on one side for the hook of the suction cup. Twist the loop down until it just fits the hook--obviously if it is too big, the jar will off the suction cup.
On the other side, you need to add beads and twist the wire to keep the beads from slipping off. You can make your own pattern and crazy design.


Twisted the wire around the neck of the jar; ready to begin putting beads on.

Assortment of beads.

All beaded and crazy looped!

Finished product with flower clippings!

Very simple to make, and great root starter that looks pretty as well. The lady who showed us how to make these started out with this little jar and now as a "humongous" plant at her house. The challenge has been issued to see if anyone can beat hers.