Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Auction Items..FINALLY!
Well, people and businesses have been so generous that I just simply can not place everything out here. Please review and come back often as I will continue to add to this entry. We have received Remember, for those of you who can not make it to the actual auction, but would like to bid, please send your minimum and maxium bid(s) along with which item(s) to me at: Vincesblogbox@hotmail.com
Note: The cost of shipping/mailing all items will be the responsibility of the person winning the bid
We have over 100 items. Below you find just a sampling of what will be available for bid this Sunday Feb 4th at the Baraboo Art Center on Water street from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
We will be selling Tailgate food: Brats, Hotdogs, Chili Dogs, Chili, Chips, Soda, Water, and ALL types of baked goods.
We will have two large screen T.Vs to watch the pre-game show
There will be activities like: Button making, Face painting, Toss across and many other things for children to do
The silent auction will be available during the entire event, with the Live Auction starting at 3:00 PM
Wilderness Resort Waterpark: One night stay Monday – Thursday only (value $200)
http://www.wildernessresort.com/index
Featuring three indoor and three outdoor waterparks, Wilderness resort is one of the largest waterpark facilities in the Dells area. Depending upon when you go, they plan special events for kids.
Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark and Resort: Two Night stay (value $500)
http://www.greatwolfresorts.com/
Great Wolf Lodge is a first-class, full-service family destination resort designed to capture the atmosphere and adventure of the northwoods. Serving as Wisconsin's Premier Year-Round Family Resort, Great Wolf Lodge provides a comprehensive package of destination lodging amenities.
Breakthrough Services, LLC: One free lawn mowing and hedge trimming (value $50)
(there are four certificates to bid upon)
US Cellular: 2006 Wisc. Badgers Mens/Womens National Co-Champions Sports Print (value $250)
Gander Mountain: Large wildlife print (value $200)
Fairway Mortgage: Medium sized wildlife print (value $100)
Two separate items here
Christopher Dahlhoff: Riddell full sized replica Green Bay Packer Helmet (value $186)
Sue Laux: Hand made Wisconsin Badger Fleece Blanket (value $40)
Lisa Hackbarth: Mary Kay gift basket (value $250)
Peggy Schroeder-Anderson #1: Candle gift set in wire basket (value $60)
Peggy Schroeder-Anderson #2: Candle gift set in wire basket (value $60)
Livin’ End Candle Shop: Boxed Candle gift basket (value $50)
CM1 - Creative Memories Ensemble: (Value $50)
7X7 Blush Sentiments Album
Romance Snap Pack
7X7 Page Protectors
Tape Runner
Red Eye Pen
CM2 - Creative Memories Ensemble: (Value $95)
12X12 White Window Album
12X12 White Refill Pages
12X12 Page Protectors
Wedding Bouquet Album Kit
Tape Runner
Red Eye Pen
CM3 - Creative Memories Ensemble: (Value $97)
Album Tote Bag
Destination 12X12 Album
Memoranza Kit
CM5 - Creative Memories Ensemble: (Value $58)
12-inch Straight Trimmer
Painbow Paper Pack
Memoranza Album Kit
Round Tip Bright Pen Set
Border Rulers
Chit Chat Stickers
Sergia Bronze Art: (Value $120)
"Mask in Mische of Leaves" by Sergia - signed by the artist
Note: The cost of shipping/mailing all items will be the responsibility of the person winning the bid
We have over 100 items. Below you find just a sampling of what will be available for bid this Sunday Feb 4th at the Baraboo Art Center on Water street from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
We will be selling Tailgate food: Brats, Hotdogs, Chili Dogs, Chili, Chips, Soda, Water, and ALL types of baked goods.
We will have two large screen T.Vs to watch the pre-game show
There will be activities like: Button making, Face painting, Toss across and many other things for children to do
The silent auction will be available during the entire event, with the Live Auction starting at 3:00 PM
Inn at Wawanissee Point: Two night stay Sunday – Thursday only (value $500)
http://www.innatwawanisseepoint.com/index.html
Wawanissee (pronounced WAH WAH NEE SEE) is the Native American Ho-Chunk word for beauty.
Inn at Wawanissee Point is a beautiful secluded Bed and Breakfast located in Baraboo Wisconsin near Devil's Lake and Wisconsin Dells. A magnificent blend of luxurious accomodations and captivating views among a pristine, 42-acre wooded estate in the nationally renowned Baraboo Range makes the Inn at Wawnissee Point the escape of dreams.
Rates include:
> Evening wine & cheese served
> Full gourmet breakfast daily
> Turn down service each evening
http://www.innatwawanisseepoint.com/index.html
Wawanissee (pronounced WAH WAH NEE SEE) is the Native American Ho-Chunk word for beauty.
Inn at Wawanissee Point is a beautiful secluded Bed and Breakfast located in Baraboo Wisconsin near Devil's Lake and Wisconsin Dells. A magnificent blend of luxurious accomodations and captivating views among a pristine, 42-acre wooded estate in the nationally renowned Baraboo Range makes the Inn at Wawnissee Point the escape of dreams.
Rates include:
> Evening wine & cheese served
> Full gourmet breakfast daily
> Turn down service each evening
Wilderness Resort Waterpark: One night stay Monday – Thursday only (value $200)
http://www.wildernessresort.com/index
Featuring three indoor and three outdoor waterparks, Wilderness resort is one of the largest waterpark facilities in the Dells area. Depending upon when you go, they plan special events for kids.
Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark and Resort: Two Night stay (value $500)
http://www.greatwolfresorts.com/
Great Wolf Lodge is a first-class, full-service family destination resort designed to capture the atmosphere and adventure of the northwoods. Serving as Wisconsin's Premier Year-Round Family Resort, Great Wolf Lodge provides a comprehensive package of destination lodging amenities.
Ho-Chunk’s House of Wellness: 3 month individual fitness & aquatic membership (value $162)
Offering swimming, weight training, racquetball and a wide variety of other services, Ho-Chunk’s House of Wellness, features a professionally trained staff to assist with all of your fitness needs.
Offering swimming, weight training, racquetball and a wide variety of other services, Ho-Chunk’s House of Wellness, features a professionally trained staff to assist with all of your fitness needs.
Breakthrough Services, LLC: One free lawn mowing and hedge trimming (value $50)(there are four certificates to bid upon)
US Cellular: 2006 Wisc. Badgers Mens/Womens National Co-Champions Sports Print (value $250)
Gander Mountain: Large wildlife print (value $200)
Fairway Mortgage: Medium sized wildlife print (value $100)
Two separate items hereChristopher Dahlhoff: Riddell full sized replica Green Bay Packer Helmet (value $186)
Sue Laux: Hand made Wisconsin Badger Fleece Blanket (value $40)
Lisa Hackbarth: Mary Kay gift basket (value $250)
Peggy Schroeder-Anderson #1: Candle gift set in wire basket (value $60)
Peggy Schroeder-Anderson #2: Candle gift set in wire basket (value $60)
Livin’ End Candle Shop: Boxed Candle gift basket (value $50)
CM1 - Creative Memories Ensemble: (Value $50)
7X7 Blush Sentiments Album
Romance Snap Pack
7X7 Page Protectors
Tape Runner
Red Eye Pen
CM2 - Creative Memories Ensemble: (Value $95)
12X12 White Window Album
12X12 White Refill Pages
12X12 Page Protectors
Wedding Bouquet Album Kit
Tape Runner
Red Eye Pen
CM3 - Creative Memories Ensemble: (Value $97)
Album Tote Bag
Destination 12X12 Album
Memoranza Kit
CM4 - Creative Memories Ensemble: (Value $74)
Kaleidoscope Plum 12X12 Album
Classy ShortCuts
12X12 Page Protectors
Calendar Accent Stickers
Tape Runner
Kaleidoscope Plum 12X12 Album
Classy ShortCuts
12X12 Page Protectors
Calendar Accent Stickers
Tape Runner
CM5 - Creative Memories Ensemble: (Value $58)
12-inch Straight Trimmer
Painbow Paper Pack
Memoranza Album Kit
Round Tip Bright Pen Set
Border Rulers
Chit Chat Stickers
Sergia Bronze Art: (Value $120)
"Mask in Mische of Leaves" by Sergia - signed by the artist
Saturday, January 27, 2007
If size meant a thing, a cow could out run a jackrabbit
It’s been a few days since I’ve entered a posting. Time just sometimes gets away and when the day is done and the kids are all in bed and the house is all quite, sometimes I’m just not up to the task. The benefit is moving along nicely and businesses as far away as Iowa have donated items for the auction. We have started gathering the donations and have started the process of taking pictures of the items to place here on the blog. I hope to have them up in the next couple of days!
Saturday I spent in Elroy with Trevor and the rest of his basketball team at a tournament. These boys were sorely outmatched and lost 4 of the 4 games that they played. If games were won and scored upon heart, our boys would win hands down, but we all know that’s not the case. The issue is, the boys just aren’t very tall or big when compared with the other teams and in a sport where height and size have a distinct advantage, heart just doesn’t win out.
I’m SO glad that God doesn’t work that way. Look at Noah for example. Here is the only man on the face of the earth (during his time) who God deemed as righteous and worthy of sparing. We have this lone man, and his sons, set to the huge task of building this ridiculously large boat and I’m sure that at times, Noah felt overwhelmed and outsized for the task. Noah persevered and through his obedience, saved not only his family, but the entire human race as well. David is another prime example; When he was young, long before he became king, David came face to face with a giant of a man who was called Goliath. Goliath stood about 9’ 6” tall and was a champion and a true warrior and all the rest of the Israelite army were terrified of him! Then along comes David, he really just showed up at the camp to bring his brothers some food and supplies and before you know it, David takes 5 smooth stones and with his sling, and with Goliath and the entire Palestine army laughing, strikes Goliath square in the forehead, knocking him out and David finishes him with his own sword.
Two men, both facing huge obstacles and seemingly impossible odds. They both had two things going for them that ensured their success; Faith and Obedience. Faith to believe it could be done and obedience to act on that faith.
On God’s team physical stature doesn’t matter, weight, strength, sight, appearance and yes even impairment doesn’t matter. God has a purpose and a place for each and everyone of us, we just need to get in the game.
For the love of Amy - V
Saturday I spent in Elroy with Trevor and the rest of his basketball team at a tournament. These boys were sorely outmatched and lost 4 of the 4 games that they played. If games were won and scored upon heart, our boys would win hands down, but we all know that’s not the case. The issue is, the boys just aren’t very tall or big when compared with the other teams and in a sport where height and size have a distinct advantage, heart just doesn’t win out.
I’m SO glad that God doesn’t work that way. Look at Noah for example. Here is the only man on the face of the earth (during his time) who God deemed as righteous and worthy of sparing. We have this lone man, and his sons, set to the huge task of building this ridiculously large boat and I’m sure that at times, Noah felt overwhelmed and outsized for the task. Noah persevered and through his obedience, saved not only his family, but the entire human race as well. David is another prime example; When he was young, long before he became king, David came face to face with a giant of a man who was called Goliath. Goliath stood about 9’ 6” tall and was a champion and a true warrior and all the rest of the Israelite army were terrified of him! Then along comes David, he really just showed up at the camp to bring his brothers some food and supplies and before you know it, David takes 5 smooth stones and with his sling, and with Goliath and the entire Palestine army laughing, strikes Goliath square in the forehead, knocking him out and David finishes him with his own sword.
Two men, both facing huge obstacles and seemingly impossible odds. They both had two things going for them that ensured their success; Faith and Obedience. Faith to believe it could be done and obedience to act on that faith.
On God’s team physical stature doesn’t matter, weight, strength, sight, appearance and yes even impairment doesn’t matter. God has a purpose and a place for each and everyone of us, we just need to get in the game.
For the love of Amy - V
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Can’t teach a new dog old tricks
Isaiah 40:30-31
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Any of you who are parents, and especially those that are parents of teenagers, I’m sure can identify with that fact that for some odd reason our young people do not feel like we know what we’re talking about. That in our accumulated years, and attendance in the school of hard knocks (and some of us had to repeat a grade!), hasn’t given us any sense of perspective or given us any special knowledge or wisdom. We simply can not understand what they are going through, dealing with or struggling with. The world HAS changed since you and I were kids. When I was 10, I remember blasting out the front door at 8am on a Saturday during the summer and going down a couple of blocks to my friend’s house to play. My mom was still in bed, in fact most everyone else was still in bed including my friend! But I would wait and play in his yard until he got up and all the while mom had no idea where I was. Try that today and parents would be VERY worried! The world is darker and there are people and unsavory elements out there who would like to do harm to our kids. But social issues, peer pressure, figuring out ones identity and other temptations all existed then just as they do now. But even when presented with the truth that we HAVE gone through similar situations and pressures, our kids roll their eyes and they get what I call ‘Charlie Brown’ hearing (ever watch a Peanuts cartoon? ALL of the adults talk like this: Waa Waa, Waa), they just tune you out. But being the loving parents that we all are, we continue to try, we don’t give up. We talk with them, teach them by example and even provide discipline in an effort to help guide them onto the right path.
Isn’t it nice, now that we’re grown and mature, that WE don’t act like that? That we always listen to OUR Father, clean our messes when pointed out and obey Him without rolling our eyes or stomping off?... Uh…yeah…except for the times when He wants me to give of my time…and that area in my life that I keep to myself…or when I shouldn’t be where I’ve been. Listen to what James says in 1:22-26 ‘Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his faith is worthless.’
The difference between us as parents and our Father is that He never puts conditions on His love. Run away from His home and when you’ve had enough and want to come back? He’ll be waiting for you with a new robe, open arms and a grand celebration! Lose your identity in drugs and alcohol and possibly even spend time in prison? Reach out to Him and He’ll be waiting for you with a new robe, open arms and a grand celebration! Hebrews 13:8 says: ‘Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.’ Isn’t that comforting? His nature, His love and His forgiveness are unchanging!
As a parent, can you claim that?
For the love of Amy - V
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Any of you who are parents, and especially those that are parents of teenagers, I’m sure can identify with that fact that for some odd reason our young people do not feel like we know what we’re talking about. That in our accumulated years, and attendance in the school of hard knocks (and some of us had to repeat a grade!), hasn’t given us any sense of perspective or given us any special knowledge or wisdom. We simply can not understand what they are going through, dealing with or struggling with. The world HAS changed since you and I were kids. When I was 10, I remember blasting out the front door at 8am on a Saturday during the summer and going down a couple of blocks to my friend’s house to play. My mom was still in bed, in fact most everyone else was still in bed including my friend! But I would wait and play in his yard until he got up and all the while mom had no idea where I was. Try that today and parents would be VERY worried! The world is darker and there are people and unsavory elements out there who would like to do harm to our kids. But social issues, peer pressure, figuring out ones identity and other temptations all existed then just as they do now. But even when presented with the truth that we HAVE gone through similar situations and pressures, our kids roll their eyes and they get what I call ‘Charlie Brown’ hearing (ever watch a Peanuts cartoon? ALL of the adults talk like this: Waa Waa, Waa), they just tune you out. But being the loving parents that we all are, we continue to try, we don’t give up. We talk with them, teach them by example and even provide discipline in an effort to help guide them onto the right path.
Isn’t it nice, now that we’re grown and mature, that WE don’t act like that? That we always listen to OUR Father, clean our messes when pointed out and obey Him without rolling our eyes or stomping off?... Uh…yeah…except for the times when He wants me to give of my time…and that area in my life that I keep to myself…or when I shouldn’t be where I’ve been. Listen to what James says in 1:22-26 ‘Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his faith is worthless.’
The difference between us as parents and our Father is that He never puts conditions on His love. Run away from His home and when you’ve had enough and want to come back? He’ll be waiting for you with a new robe, open arms and a grand celebration! Lose your identity in drugs and alcohol and possibly even spend time in prison? Reach out to Him and He’ll be waiting for you with a new robe, open arms and a grand celebration! Hebrews 13:8 says: ‘Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.’ Isn’t that comforting? His nature, His love and His forgiveness are unchanging!
As a parent, can you claim that?
For the love of Amy - V
Saturday, January 20, 2007
A selfless act...
Olivia was going to turn 14 and as with most 13 going on 14 year old girls, she wanted to have a birthday party. As with most parties I’m sure they did something fun like went to a movie, or possibly bowling and I’m sure a lot of chatting and laughing went on. Afterwards they most likely went back to her house, had cake and ice cream and her many friends presented her with their gifts. Except it didn’t quite happen that way; yes, she had a party and I’m sure they did something fun and had cake and ice cream afterward, but when it came time for the gifting, she didn’t receive beautifully wrapped packages or sacks with coordinated tissue paper, instead she received something FAR more rich and meaningful. You see, she had made up her mind what she wanted for her birthday far in advance of the plans and party invitations. When her friends asked her what she wanted for her birthday, she said ‘I want money!’ Now, you and I would consider that request pretty common, especially knowing how most 14 year old girls like to shop for their own clothes! What was uncommon, extraordinary even, was that she didn’t want the money for herself. She didn’t spend so much as a dime of it on herself. She told her friends that she didn’t want presents this year, but instead she would like money…’money to donate to Amy Howard’s family in Wisconsin.’ Olivia and her family live in Waterloo Iowa and I do not know her or her family. The only real connection is that Amy graduated from high school with Olivia’s uncle.
I’m not really sure what motivated Olivia to give of herself like she did, maybe she had overheard her parent’s or uncle talking about Amy or perhaps she remembered the Pizza Hut fund raiser, but that doesn’t matter and it’s definitely not the point. What is important is this: in a world that teaches us to grab what we can, when we can and the more the better, Olivia has learned the meaning of helping her fellow man and she shines like a gleaming example of what it means to put your needs…your wants aside and do something out of the shear goodness of your heart. All of this from a 14 year old. Pretty amazing. Oh yeah, she collected $100 from friends and family and I will be putting it in the kid’s educational trust.
I want to take a moment to remind everyone of the upcoming benefit on Sunday, Feb 4th.
Here are the details:
What: Tailgate and Auction benefit
Why: To raise money to help cover the medical expenses we incurred during Amy’s battle with Pancreatic Cancer. (we are shooting to raise $50,000 to $75,000)
When: Sunday, February 4th from 12 noon until 4:00pm
Where: Baraboo Arts Banquet Hall (323 Water Street)
Who: YOU! Everyone’s invited! PLEASE help out by spreading the word! When we did the Pizza Hut fund raiser, we truly relied on you, our friends and family, to get the word out and you rose to the occasion and we ROCKED Pizza Hut! Could you PLEASE help out again by spreading the word and attending? I guarantee everyone, young and old alike will have a good time!
* We will be selling great ‘tailgating’ food like: brats, hotdogs, pizza, chips, water, soda and baked goods.
* We hope to have a couple big screen T.V’s on hand so no one has to miss the pre-game show!
* For the kids, we are arranging to have face painting, a button making machine, bingo and some carnival games for them to have fun!
* And last, but certainly NOT least, we will be having a combined live and silent auction! For the top donation items, we will have a live auctioneer stirring up the excitement and getting everyone involved for the cause. The rest of the items will be displayed on tables with the bid forms in front.
We have specifically set an earlier time so everyone can get home in plenty of time to watch the Super Bowl.
PLEASE mark your calendars!
PLEASE spread the word!
But most importantly…PLEASE plan to attend!
For the love of Amy - V
I’m not really sure what motivated Olivia to give of herself like she did, maybe she had overheard her parent’s or uncle talking about Amy or perhaps she remembered the Pizza Hut fund raiser, but that doesn’t matter and it’s definitely not the point. What is important is this: in a world that teaches us to grab what we can, when we can and the more the better, Olivia has learned the meaning of helping her fellow man and she shines like a gleaming example of what it means to put your needs…your wants aside and do something out of the shear goodness of your heart. All of this from a 14 year old. Pretty amazing. Oh yeah, she collected $100 from friends and family and I will be putting it in the kid’s educational trust.
I want to take a moment to remind everyone of the upcoming benefit on Sunday, Feb 4th.
Here are the details:
What: Tailgate and Auction benefit
Why: To raise money to help cover the medical expenses we incurred during Amy’s battle with Pancreatic Cancer. (we are shooting to raise $50,000 to $75,000)
When: Sunday, February 4th from 12 noon until 4:00pm
Where: Baraboo Arts Banquet Hall (323 Water Street)
Who: YOU! Everyone’s invited! PLEASE help out by spreading the word! When we did the Pizza Hut fund raiser, we truly relied on you, our friends and family, to get the word out and you rose to the occasion and we ROCKED Pizza Hut! Could you PLEASE help out again by spreading the word and attending? I guarantee everyone, young and old alike will have a good time!
* We will be selling great ‘tailgating’ food like: brats, hotdogs, pizza, chips, water, soda and baked goods.
* We hope to have a couple big screen T.V’s on hand so no one has to miss the pre-game show!
* For the kids, we are arranging to have face painting, a button making machine, bingo and some carnival games for them to have fun!
* And last, but certainly NOT least, we will be having a combined live and silent auction! For the top donation items, we will have a live auctioneer stirring up the excitement and getting everyone involved for the cause. The rest of the items will be displayed on tables with the bid forms in front.
We have specifically set an earlier time so everyone can get home in plenty of time to watch the Super Bowl.
PLEASE mark your calendars!
PLEASE spread the word!
But most importantly…PLEASE plan to attend!
For the love of Amy - V
Friday, January 19, 2007
Packaging Tape
Do you ever use packaging tape? Because I work with computers, cell phones and pagers, I work with packaging tape almost on a daily basis. Today I had this huge fight with this stupid roll of tape! I am exceedingly careful NOT to let the leading edge get back down on the roll because it's nearly impossible to figure out where the edge is to get it back off! So, today I go to use it and the roll slips out of my hand and rolls across my desk, sealing the edge back down onto the roll! If that wasn't bad enough, it was strategically placed so the edge matched up with a slight bump in the roll so I couldn’t 'feel' for the edge on a smooth surface and I spent the next three (seemed like 5) minutes trying to catch the edge under a finger nail! When I finally do catch an edge and start peeling it back, it splits down the middle and I have to catch the edge on the other half and peel it back to its leading edge and then back down to where they meet! Now, even though I have the two halves back together, it STILL continues to split in half as I peel it off the roll! So here I am trying my hardest to make sure both halves are exactly matched at the point of the split and as I slowly pull more of the tape off from the roll, the split just as slowly continues along its merry way! Now I have this large wad of very sticky tape in one hand and it's beginning to stick to itself, making the task at hand exponentially more difficult. At this point a small voice in the back of my head says 'Hey…just take one of the two split pieces and tear it to the side.' WHAT? And admit defeat? You have got to be kidding! I am NOT about to let some stupid roll of tape get the better of me! You are goin' down roll! Several minutes later with about 5 feet of tape wadded up in my hand, I finally give in and go to tear it to the side. Even then…EVEN THEN the roll is non-compliant and wants to tear the opposite direction of where I'm trying to pull it! And that voice speaks to me again. 'If you would have just..' I don't want to hear it. '..but you would have saved..' Just put a cork in it would ya?
Later on in the day this incident got me thinking; packaging tape is very similar to life. Life can be going along pretty smoothly for awhile and then no matter how careful you are, something lays you flat and the bumps in life can make it very difficult to get back up. And just like tape, life tends to get sticky at times: temptation, peer pressure and selfishness are just a few examples. Life has a funny way (maybe not SO funny) of veering off or splitting at the most inopportune times; anyone who has experienced a sudden, unexpected change or loss can identify with this (I know that I can).
Life is chaotic…life is messy…it is disappointing, painful and it can be very frightening at times. But life can also be beautiful…rich and fulfilling. God MADE life and He made it the way it is for a reason. But life’s sticky and messy! Yes it can be at times, but give it over to God and with the blood of the Lamb, He will clean the mess and leave you spotless. But it’s disappointing and painful! And you don’t think Jesus if acquainted with pain and grief? Isaiah 53:3-4 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.
For the love of Amy - V
Later on in the day this incident got me thinking; packaging tape is very similar to life. Life can be going along pretty smoothly for awhile and then no matter how careful you are, something lays you flat and the bumps in life can make it very difficult to get back up. And just like tape, life tends to get sticky at times: temptation, peer pressure and selfishness are just a few examples. Life has a funny way (maybe not SO funny) of veering off or splitting at the most inopportune times; anyone who has experienced a sudden, unexpected change or loss can identify with this (I know that I can).
Life is chaotic…life is messy…it is disappointing, painful and it can be very frightening at times. But life can also be beautiful…rich and fulfilling. God MADE life and He made it the way it is for a reason. But life’s sticky and messy! Yes it can be at times, but give it over to God and with the blood of the Lamb, He will clean the mess and leave you spotless. But it’s disappointing and painful! And you don’t think Jesus if acquainted with pain and grief? Isaiah 53:3-4 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.
For the love of Amy - V
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
A hard day
Water runs in rivulets down the wall, leaving small traces of itself as it travels downward. And as his eyes follow the tiny droplet, watching its stutter step; run…stop…run, run, run…stop, he hears the constant dripping of water. Water drips from everything, the counter, the table, the side of the refrigerator and even the couch in the other room. A breeze, carrying the stench of musty walls and stagnant water, blows through the wreckage that was once the front window. The hurricane was massive and in its wake, his dreams…his plans…his love, were washed away. The emergency crews have come and assisted in the clean up in the aftermath of the brutal storm that ravaged his home…his life. Like efficient bees, the crews have come in, done what they’ve been trained to do, have promised to do or what was safe to do and have left just as quickly as they came. Leaving him alone.
What has happened to his life has left him reeling and while he knows that help is there, that it’s just a call away, it might as well be 1000 miles or even 3000, as his heart and mind are isolated by his grief. The prospect of picking himself up and starting the process of cleaning up…reordering his life, seems overwhelming. All he wants is his life back.
Psalm 34:18 - The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Isaiah 43:2 - When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Psalm 55:22 - “Cast your burden upon the Lord , and He shall sustain you.”
For the love of Amy - V
What has happened to his life has left him reeling and while he knows that help is there, that it’s just a call away, it might as well be 1000 miles or even 3000, as his heart and mind are isolated by his grief. The prospect of picking himself up and starting the process of cleaning up…reordering his life, seems overwhelming. All he wants is his life back.
Psalm 34:18 - The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Isaiah 43:2 - When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Psalm 55:22 - “Cast your burden upon the Lord , and He shall sustain you.”
For the love of Amy - V
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Happy Birthday
Normally I do not write on Sunday’s, but today is a special occasion. 40 years ago today (January 14, 1967) at 11:59 am, Amy Suzette Van Besien was born. In talking about Amy’s upcoming birthday with her mom the other night, Sandy said ‘She was a beautiful baby!’ I obviously didn’t know her as a baby, but I did know her as an adult and I agree with Sandy, she was beautiful! Her eyes and smile ALWAYS did me in and continue to do so today in the pictures of her that I have gone through.
Today has been hard and I’ve been thinking about Amy’s birthday for the better part of the week; what we would do and how best to honor her. I went and bought some pink roses (Amy’s favorite) then the kids and I went to her gravesite and each of us laid a rose on her grave. After laying down the rose, each of us (who could) said a few words. I have some others ideas/plans for tonight that will help the kids remember and honor her.
Gone, but never forgotten
Missed, but ever near our hearts
Happy Birthday my love…
When God Made You -
It’s always been a mystery to me,
How two hearts can come together,
And love can last forever.
But now that I have found you I believe,
That a miracle has come when God sends the perfect one.
So gone are all my questions about why,
And I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life
Oh I wonder what God was thinking, when he created you.
I wonder if He knew everything I would need,
Because he made all my dreams come true.
When God made you, He must have been thinking about me.
I promise that wherever you may go, wherever life may lead you,
With all my heart I'll be there too.
And from this moment on I want you to know,
I'll let nothing come between us, and I will love the ones you love.
So gone are all my questions about why
Oh I wonder what God was thinking when he created you,
I wonder if He knew everything I would need,
Because He made all my dreams come true.
When God made you He must've been thinking about me.
He made the sun He made the moon,
To harmonize a perfect tune,
One can't do without the other they just have to be together.
And that is how I know its true,
Your for me and I’m for you and my world
Just cant be right without you in my life
Oh I wonder what God was thinking, when he created you.
I wonder if He knew everything I would need,
Because he made all my dreams come true.
When God made you, He must have been thinking about me.
For the love of Amy - V
Today has been hard and I’ve been thinking about Amy’s birthday for the better part of the week; what we would do and how best to honor her. I went and bought some pink roses (Amy’s favorite) then the kids and I went to her gravesite and each of us laid a rose on her grave. After laying down the rose, each of us (who could) said a few words. I have some others ideas/plans for tonight that will help the kids remember and honor her.
Gone, but never forgotten
Missed, but ever near our hearts
Happy Birthday my love…
When God Made You -
It’s always been a mystery to me,
How two hearts can come together,
And love can last forever.
But now that I have found you I believe,
That a miracle has come when God sends the perfect one.
So gone are all my questions about why,
And I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life
Oh I wonder what God was thinking, when he created you.
I wonder if He knew everything I would need,
Because he made all my dreams come true.
When God made you, He must have been thinking about me.
I promise that wherever you may go, wherever life may lead you,
With all my heart I'll be there too.
And from this moment on I want you to know,
I'll let nothing come between us, and I will love the ones you love.
So gone are all my questions about why
Oh I wonder what God was thinking when he created you,
I wonder if He knew everything I would need,
Because He made all my dreams come true.
When God made you He must've been thinking about me.
He made the sun He made the moon,
To harmonize a perfect tune,
One can't do without the other they just have to be together.
And that is how I know its true,
Your for me and I’m for you and my world
Just cant be right without you in my life
Oh I wonder what God was thinking, when he created you.
I wonder if He knew everything I would need,
Because he made all my dreams come true.
When God made you, He must have been thinking about me.
For the love of Amy - V
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Benefit Details
Well, I had a meeting the other evening with some of the other people who are leading the charge on the up coming benefit. We have solidified the plans and have sent out the pre-contact letters to the local businesses we will be approaching for donations.
Here are the details:
What: Tailgate and Auction benefit
Why: To raise money to help cover the medical expenses we incurred during Amy’s battle with Pancreatic Cancer.
When: Sunday, February 4th from 12 noon until 4:00pm
Where: Baraboo Arts Banquet Hall (323 Water Street)
Who: YOU! Everyone’s invited! PLEASE help out by spreading the word! When we did the Pizza Hut fund raiser, we truly relied on you, our friends and family, to get the word out and you rose to the occasion and we ROCKED Pizza Hut! Could you PLEASE help out again by spreading the word and attending? I guarantee everyone, young and old alike will have a good time!
* We will be selling great ‘tailgating’ food like: brats, hotdogs, pizza, chips, water, soda and baked goods.
* We hope to have a couple big screen T.V’s on hand so no one has to miss the pre-game show!
* For the kids, we are arranging to have face painting, a button making machine, bingo and some carnival games for them to have fun!
* And last, but certainly NOT least, we will be having a combined live and silent auction! For the top donation items, we will have a live auctioneer stirring up the excitement and getting everyone involved for the cause. The rest of the items will be displayed on tables with the bid forms in front.
* To give you JUST a peek into the types of items we are hoping to have for the auction, here are just a few of the businesses that we’ve approached: The Green Bay Packers, The UW Badgers, many of the major resorts, restaurants and entertainment attractions our area has to offer! (more specific info on what will be up for bid will be related once a final list is determined.)
We have specifically set an earlier time so everyone can get home in plenty of time to watch the Super Bowl.
PLEASE mark your calendars!
PLEASE spread the word!
But most importantly…PLEASE plan to attend!
For the love of Amy - V
Here are the details:
What: Tailgate and Auction benefit
Why: To raise money to help cover the medical expenses we incurred during Amy’s battle with Pancreatic Cancer.
When: Sunday, February 4th from 12 noon until 4:00pm
Where: Baraboo Arts Banquet Hall (323 Water Street)
Who: YOU! Everyone’s invited! PLEASE help out by spreading the word! When we did the Pizza Hut fund raiser, we truly relied on you, our friends and family, to get the word out and you rose to the occasion and we ROCKED Pizza Hut! Could you PLEASE help out again by spreading the word and attending? I guarantee everyone, young and old alike will have a good time!
* We will be selling great ‘tailgating’ food like: brats, hotdogs, pizza, chips, water, soda and baked goods.
* We hope to have a couple big screen T.V’s on hand so no one has to miss the pre-game show!
* For the kids, we are arranging to have face painting, a button making machine, bingo and some carnival games for them to have fun!
* And last, but certainly NOT least, we will be having a combined live and silent auction! For the top donation items, we will have a live auctioneer stirring up the excitement and getting everyone involved for the cause. The rest of the items will be displayed on tables with the bid forms in front.
* To give you JUST a peek into the types of items we are hoping to have for the auction, here are just a few of the businesses that we’ve approached: The Green Bay Packers, The UW Badgers, many of the major resorts, restaurants and entertainment attractions our area has to offer! (more specific info on what will be up for bid will be related once a final list is determined.)
We have specifically set an earlier time so everyone can get home in plenty of time to watch the Super Bowl.
PLEASE mark your calendars!
PLEASE spread the word!
But most importantly…PLEASE plan to attend!
For the love of Amy - V
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Walking and living
Galatians 5:16 - “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh”
In my opinion and observation, there is a stark difference between Living in the Spirit and Walking in the Spirit. Now don’t get me wrong, walking vs. living in the Spirit isn’t a gauge to measure salvation, but rather a measure of obedience and maturity.
Walking in the Spirit puts our relationship with God, the gifts he has given us and the indwelling nature of the Holy Spirit into action. Think of it this way; there’s a Christian brother or sister that you always see in the same pew each Sunday…always there…never misses Sunday morning service. But when it comes to ministries of the church: outreach, teaching, leading a study group or just helping around the building, they are never there…or if asked, they disappear like a puff of smoke. Now Jesus was quite clear in Mathew 28: 18-20 that we are to be out spreading His word and leading people to the cross. Jesus was all about getting involved and putting our belief, our faith if you will, into action. What I’d like to know is, how can you do that from the pew? Walking in the Spirit nurtures our relationship with God through His continual revealing of Himself to us and through our reliance on Him for all things. I’m here to tell you that when the going gets tough and you are struggling to see even the slightest flicker of light at the end of the dark tunnel of life, you start to crave that reliance in the Lord because sometimes that all you have left…all that you can count on. Walking in the Spirit helps us develop and rely on the unique gifts and talents God provides each of us. Again, you might be penniless, you might be emotionally bankrupt, but no one except God Himself can repossess the gifts He has given you. Walking in the Spirit also provides two other vital benefits: In Galatians 5, Paul writes that the solution for defeating the flesh is to walk in the Spirit. And the evidence of the effectiveness of that walk are the fruits of the Spirit “love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
For the love of Amy - V
In my opinion and observation, there is a stark difference between Living in the Spirit and Walking in the Spirit. Now don’t get me wrong, walking vs. living in the Spirit isn’t a gauge to measure salvation, but rather a measure of obedience and maturity.
Walking in the Spirit puts our relationship with God, the gifts he has given us and the indwelling nature of the Holy Spirit into action. Think of it this way; there’s a Christian brother or sister that you always see in the same pew each Sunday…always there…never misses Sunday morning service. But when it comes to ministries of the church: outreach, teaching, leading a study group or just helping around the building, they are never there…or if asked, they disappear like a puff of smoke. Now Jesus was quite clear in Mathew 28: 18-20 that we are to be out spreading His word and leading people to the cross. Jesus was all about getting involved and putting our belief, our faith if you will, into action. What I’d like to know is, how can you do that from the pew? Walking in the Spirit nurtures our relationship with God through His continual revealing of Himself to us and through our reliance on Him for all things. I’m here to tell you that when the going gets tough and you are struggling to see even the slightest flicker of light at the end of the dark tunnel of life, you start to crave that reliance in the Lord because sometimes that all you have left…all that you can count on. Walking in the Spirit helps us develop and rely on the unique gifts and talents God provides each of us. Again, you might be penniless, you might be emotionally bankrupt, but no one except God Himself can repossess the gifts He has given you. Walking in the Spirit also provides two other vital benefits: In Galatians 5, Paul writes that the solution for defeating the flesh is to walk in the Spirit. And the evidence of the effectiveness of that walk are the fruits of the Spirit “love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
For the love of Amy - V
Monday, January 08, 2007
A soggy, fun filled weekend
This weekend the kids and I stayed up to the Wilderness Resort. From Friday until 3:00pm on Sunday afternoon, we swam, slid, splashed, hot-tubbed and got bowled over by the wave pool! Then at night after supper, we brought some movies and watched them on the kid's portable DVD player. I learned a couple of things this weekend, 1) Keep one of the older kids with you. Because when Hope wants to go down one of the larger slides, where should I be? Do I go to the top with her to make sure she's gets there OK (then how do I keep track of her when she slides down and I'm still at the top?} or do I wait for her at the bottom and make sure she makes it to the top alright??? 2) No matter how convenient it is, NEVER eat at the Resort (two orders of chicken strips, two hamburgers, two orders of fries, an order of onion rings, a chicken salad sandwich and 4 sodas cost $50.00). We really did have a great family time.
Tomorrow, I want to talk about the difference between living in the Holy Spirit and walking in the Holy Spirit. Think about it...what's the difference?
For the love of Amy - V
Tomorrow, I want to talk about the difference between living in the Holy Spirit and walking in the Holy Spirit. Think about it...what's the difference?
For the love of Amy - V
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Faith...hey get off the couch!
A few months back, in one of my postings, I painted the mental picture of my family enduring a flooding, raging storm and as my children and Amy clung to me in an effort to keep from being swept away by the storm’s violence, I firmly clung to the foot of the cross of Christ. What do you think the storm represented? If you thought it was Amy’s cancer, you’d be wrong. The storm represents fear, doubt, desperation and feelings of powerlessness. Things that are the antithesis for faith. And as the storm…these feelings…buffeted us, it was our clinging, our faith if you will, that kept us from being swept away. But what about Amy, you may ask…she DEFINITELY was NOT swept away. She didn’t feel like it was her time and she definitely didn’t want to leave the kids and me, but she NEVER succumbed to fear and doubt and her faith, which is of greater worth than gold, never wavered.
Heb. 11:1 - Now, faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Webster’s on-line dictionary says faith is: “Allegiance to duty or a person, fidelity to one's promises, sincerity of intentions, belief, trust in and loyalty to God, firm belief in something for which there is no proof, complete trust, something that is believed especially with strong conviction.” These are all great descriptors of faith, however, when you get down to the dirt and grit of real life where sweat, pain, blood and emotional strain rule, sometimes faith and moreover living in faith can best be defined as "Just plain old hard!"
Have you ever been in a situation where your faith is really tested, I mean REALLY tested? Or have you wondered where God is in the mist of your personal ‘storm’ even though you've cried out to Him for deliverance and have seen none? Have you found yourself with no where to turn, no real answers, no relief, no peace and no light at the end of the tunnel? Have your heart and mind been filled with anguish, doubts, fears and desperation and faith seems more like a distant concept then present reality? I have…you KNOW I have and I don’t doubt that many of you have as well.
Why does God allow us to go through these parched, desert times of the testing of our faith? James 1:2-4 tells us plainly, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James knew what it meant to live by faith and he knew what it meant to have his faith purified. That's right, purified.
It’s easy to have faith in God when we are sitting in our easy-chairs, in our air-conditioned homes, with our remote controls in one hand, and a bag of chips in the other. That kind of faith is easy. However, it leads nowhere - except to the easy-chair. But, take it all away and you will find out what kind of faith you really have. Take away your comforts and your security and then what kind of faith will you have in God? You will quickly find out what you are really made of. Will you grumble about your circumstances and whine at God or perhaps even be so bold as shake your fist at Him or will you turn to Him in the midst of your trial, sweating…scraped…dirty and bleeding and by faith, praise His name and continue to trust Him even beyond your ability to understand?
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 says – ‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.’ Real trials provide for us a rare opportunity to actually praise the Lord of Heaven when life is difficult. It is THAT kind of praise and faith that is pleasing to God (Heb. 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him). And, it is that kind of faith that builds your character (James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything).
Now, faith is not a substance that you put in a jar or detect with a meter. Faith isn't a cream you apply to protect you from something. Faith is belief, trust, etc. The key to understanding faith lies not in faith itself but in the OBJECT of faith: God! Faith is only as good as who you put it in. Faith in a false god is useless and it WILL NOT save you. But faith in the ONE TRUE God will save you. You see? Faith is only as good as who you put it in. Faith in the true God results in salvation (Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:8). Faith in ANYTHING else gets you, well…you know.
Finally, Romans 12:4 says that God gives a measure of faith to everyone. Okay, so what do you do with this measure of faith? During the times when you are ‘hard pressed and struck down’ do you withdraw it from your spiritual walk, whine and complain, only to be faithful again when things get more comfortable? Or, do you continue on in faith (because it is in the Creator of the Universe), in spite of your circumstance, and do exactly what the Bible says: "The just shall live by faith," (Hab. 2:4)? To live by faith means that you continue on trusting God because your faith is in HIM and not in your comforts, your health, your needs, your emotions, or your intellect. To live by faith means that you trust the Lord in all circumstances. In this, God is glorified and you will experience spiritual growth.
Live By Faith - Chris Rice
I can't feel You movin' inside
I don't hear Your voice whisperin' in the night
And I've never seen You with these eyes
Am I a fool, am I just a fool?
They ask how I follow what I can't see
Why I trust in a love that my arms won't reach
I don't need You, don't need You, to prove it to me
I'll be a fool, yes I'll be a fool
'Cause blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe
And blessed are the hands that keep givin' but never receive
Blessed is the heart that gets broken but keeps holdin' on
Holdin' on for another day
'Cause that's what it means to live by faith
So I cry for Your help while the world looks on
And they laugh at my hope when all hope is gone
But I'll just keep prayin' when answers won't come
Am I the fool, am I just a fool
For standing alone while they mock Your name
"Well if your God is so good, tell us why all the pain?"
I'm not sure, not so sure that God is to blame
So don't be a fool, please don't be a fool
'Cause blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe
And blessed are the hands that keep givin' but never receive
Blessed is the heart that gets broken but keeps holdin' on
Holdin' on for another day
'Cause that's what it means to live by faith
In a world where our questions are haunted
'Cause life's not as fair as we all wanted
Where the innocent die, we ask why
And still we await the reply...
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe
And blessed are the hands that keep givin' but never receive
Blessed is the heart that gets broken but keeps holdin' on
Holdin' on for another day
'Cause that's what it means...it means holdin' on for another day
'Cause that's what it means to live by faith
Yes that's what it means to live by faith
That's what it means to live by faith...
For the love of Amy - V
Heb. 11:1 - Now, faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Webster’s on-line dictionary says faith is: “Allegiance to duty or a person, fidelity to one's promises, sincerity of intentions, belief, trust in and loyalty to God, firm belief in something for which there is no proof, complete trust, something that is believed especially with strong conviction.” These are all great descriptors of faith, however, when you get down to the dirt and grit of real life where sweat, pain, blood and emotional strain rule, sometimes faith and moreover living in faith can best be defined as "Just plain old hard!"
Have you ever been in a situation where your faith is really tested, I mean REALLY tested? Or have you wondered where God is in the mist of your personal ‘storm’ even though you've cried out to Him for deliverance and have seen none? Have you found yourself with no where to turn, no real answers, no relief, no peace and no light at the end of the tunnel? Have your heart and mind been filled with anguish, doubts, fears and desperation and faith seems more like a distant concept then present reality? I have…you KNOW I have and I don’t doubt that many of you have as well.
Why does God allow us to go through these parched, desert times of the testing of our faith? James 1:2-4 tells us plainly, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James knew what it meant to live by faith and he knew what it meant to have his faith purified. That's right, purified.
It’s easy to have faith in God when we are sitting in our easy-chairs, in our air-conditioned homes, with our remote controls in one hand, and a bag of chips in the other. That kind of faith is easy. However, it leads nowhere - except to the easy-chair. But, take it all away and you will find out what kind of faith you really have. Take away your comforts and your security and then what kind of faith will you have in God? You will quickly find out what you are really made of. Will you grumble about your circumstances and whine at God or perhaps even be so bold as shake your fist at Him or will you turn to Him in the midst of your trial, sweating…scraped…dirty and bleeding and by faith, praise His name and continue to trust Him even beyond your ability to understand?
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 says – ‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.’ Real trials provide for us a rare opportunity to actually praise the Lord of Heaven when life is difficult. It is THAT kind of praise and faith that is pleasing to God (Heb. 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him). And, it is that kind of faith that builds your character (James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything).
Now, faith is not a substance that you put in a jar or detect with a meter. Faith isn't a cream you apply to protect you from something. Faith is belief, trust, etc. The key to understanding faith lies not in faith itself but in the OBJECT of faith: God! Faith is only as good as who you put it in. Faith in a false god is useless and it WILL NOT save you. But faith in the ONE TRUE God will save you. You see? Faith is only as good as who you put it in. Faith in the true God results in salvation (Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:8). Faith in ANYTHING else gets you, well…you know.
Finally, Romans 12:4 says that God gives a measure of faith to everyone. Okay, so what do you do with this measure of faith? During the times when you are ‘hard pressed and struck down’ do you withdraw it from your spiritual walk, whine and complain, only to be faithful again when things get more comfortable? Or, do you continue on in faith (because it is in the Creator of the Universe), in spite of your circumstance, and do exactly what the Bible says: "The just shall live by faith," (Hab. 2:4)? To live by faith means that you continue on trusting God because your faith is in HIM and not in your comforts, your health, your needs, your emotions, or your intellect. To live by faith means that you trust the Lord in all circumstances. In this, God is glorified and you will experience spiritual growth.
Live By Faith - Chris Rice
I can't feel You movin' inside
I don't hear Your voice whisperin' in the night
And I've never seen You with these eyes
Am I a fool, am I just a fool?
They ask how I follow what I can't see
Why I trust in a love that my arms won't reach
I don't need You, don't need You, to prove it to me
I'll be a fool, yes I'll be a fool
'Cause blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe
And blessed are the hands that keep givin' but never receive
Blessed is the heart that gets broken but keeps holdin' on
Holdin' on for another day
'Cause that's what it means to live by faith
So I cry for Your help while the world looks on
And they laugh at my hope when all hope is gone
But I'll just keep prayin' when answers won't come
Am I the fool, am I just a fool
For standing alone while they mock Your name
"Well if your God is so good, tell us why all the pain?"
I'm not sure, not so sure that God is to blame
So don't be a fool, please don't be a fool
'Cause blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe
And blessed are the hands that keep givin' but never receive
Blessed is the heart that gets broken but keeps holdin' on
Holdin' on for another day
'Cause that's what it means to live by faith
In a world where our questions are haunted
'Cause life's not as fair as we all wanted
Where the innocent die, we ask why
And still we await the reply...
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe
And blessed are the hands that keep givin' but never receive
Blessed is the heart that gets broken but keeps holdin' on
Holdin' on for another day
'Cause that's what it means...it means holdin' on for another day
'Cause that's what it means to live by faith
Yes that's what it means to live by faith
That's what it means to live by faith...
For the love of Amy - V
Making the auction available to everyone
A month ago or so, when I first mentioned having this tailgate party & silent auction, I mentioned that I was working on a way for those who live too far away to attend, but wanted to participate in the auction to be able to do just that. This is what will happen. Once we obtain all of the auction items, I will enter a description of each item (and picture if appropriate), their approximate value and the minimum acceptable bid, right here in the Blog. Everyone can peruse the items and when you decide on the items you would like to bid on, Email me at Vincesblogbox@hotmail.com to let me know which items, your starting bid and the maximum amount that you are willing to bid on each. I will personally carry your bids to the auction and as each item is bid on, I will conservatively increase your bid until you either win the item, or someone else out bids you. Please be aware that in addition to the cost of your bid, shipping costs will be your responsibility and will be added to the final cost of the item.
Please be praying for Amy's mother. I received word today that she's been admitted to a hospital back in Waterloo, Iowa. She went in with symptoms of not thinking clearly and weakness. Once in the hospital, they discovered that her CO2 levels were 80%. So, they've admitted her and are trying to help get this back in control.
The kids and I love you Sandy and you're in our prayers!
For the love of Amy - V
Please be praying for Amy's mother. I received word today that she's been admitted to a hospital back in Waterloo, Iowa. She went in with symptoms of not thinking clearly and weakness. Once in the hospital, they discovered that her CO2 levels were 80%. So, they've admitted her and are trying to help get this back in control.
The kids and I love you Sandy and you're in our prayers!
For the love of Amy - V
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
February 4th - Mark Your Calendars!
I haven’t written in a couple of days. Partially because I’ve been busy with family and doing things with the kids, but also because I just didn’t have anything to say. My family came up here and we celebrated our Christmas on the 31st. I think everyone had a good time, but I was all wrapped up in prepping and cooking and then before you know it…it was over. We had a nice breakfast with my sister Donna, her husband Dave and their daughter Rose on New Years morning and then after that, they too headed home to Iowa. That afternoon, the kids and I went to the movies.
I’m starting to wonder where I fit in, all of the friends we did anything with are all married (only natural since so was I two months ago). Don’t take me wrong, I’m not sitting here lamenting the fact, but I really am struggling with the ‘Ok, now what?’ questions I feel.
Well, before you know it, February 4th will be upon us. Other than being Super Bowl Sunday, do you know what else will be going on that day? The afternoon (12:00pm to 4:00pm) has been set aside by the ‘Friends and Family of Amy Howard’ to raise funds for Amy’s significant medical bills. A ‘tailgate’ lunch and silent auction will be held for the general public at the Baraboo Arts Center. As an example of what will be available for bid, there will be sports prints, sports memorabilia (this might be Brett’s last year!) and Resort stays just to mention a few of the items. The cost of the lunch is yet to be determined. Amy absolutely loved her sports and I thought it was only fitting to have a tailgate in her honor! Please mark your calendars and make sure you drop by for the food and stay for the auction! We’ve made sure that we will finish before the game is on so everyone can make it home to watch!
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are the One who grants peace to restless souls and Father, I have tried to find rest for my troubled soul; but I have discovered that all is futile on my own. You have promised to grant rest to troubled and sorrowful souls and you are the Only One who can calm the storm that tosses the boat of my life. Father, help me to entrust my tomorrow into Your hands and my yesterday into your grace. While I know that there is no situation that is beyond Your power to solve and set right, I also know you are sovereign and will do what is best in and for my life.
Thank You Lord for hearing my prayer and I ask that You pour Your peace into my heart, You have promised that You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You. I thank You for allowing my heart to find rest in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
For the love of Amy - V
I’m starting to wonder where I fit in, all of the friends we did anything with are all married (only natural since so was I two months ago). Don’t take me wrong, I’m not sitting here lamenting the fact, but I really am struggling with the ‘Ok, now what?’ questions I feel.
Well, before you know it, February 4th will be upon us. Other than being Super Bowl Sunday, do you know what else will be going on that day? The afternoon (12:00pm to 4:00pm) has been set aside by the ‘Friends and Family of Amy Howard’ to raise funds for Amy’s significant medical bills. A ‘tailgate’ lunch and silent auction will be held for the general public at the Baraboo Arts Center. As an example of what will be available for bid, there will be sports prints, sports memorabilia (this might be Brett’s last year!) and Resort stays just to mention a few of the items. The cost of the lunch is yet to be determined. Amy absolutely loved her sports and I thought it was only fitting to have a tailgate in her honor! Please mark your calendars and make sure you drop by for the food and stay for the auction! We’ve made sure that we will finish before the game is on so everyone can make it home to watch!
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are the One who grants peace to restless souls and Father, I have tried to find rest for my troubled soul; but I have discovered that all is futile on my own. You have promised to grant rest to troubled and sorrowful souls and you are the Only One who can calm the storm that tosses the boat of my life. Father, help me to entrust my tomorrow into Your hands and my yesterday into your grace. While I know that there is no situation that is beyond Your power to solve and set right, I also know you are sovereign and will do what is best in and for my life.
Thank You Lord for hearing my prayer and I ask that You pour Your peace into my heart, You have promised that You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You. I thank You for allowing my heart to find rest in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
For the love of Amy - V
