Lady Loo

2012-01-05T00:53:00.001-06:00

A dreadful neglect of publishing do to extensive study and living....

Check back soon

Things Not Done Before

2011-10-03T20:17:00.004-05:00

The things haven't been done before

Those are the things to try.

Columbus dreamed of an unknown shore,

At the rim of the far-flung sky.

And his heart was bold and his faith was strong,

As he ventured in dangers new,

And he paid no heed to the jeering throngs

Or the fears of the doubting crew.

The things that haven't been done before

Are the tasks worth while.

Are you one of the flock that follows, or

Are you one of the timid souls that quail

At the jeers of the doubting crew,

Or dare you, whether you win or fail,

Strike out for the goal that's new?

-Unknown

2011-09-13T17:20:00.001-05:00

"God has made a universe of moral and material law; when we break the laws we break ourselves upon the laws. We will reap the consequences in ourselves."

-Richard O. Brennan M.D.

Applying Hering's Law of Cure, To the Heart

2011-09-01T20:00:00.003-05:00

In my ND studies there has been a reoccurring theme based on Hering's Law of Cure which states "All cure comes from within out, from the head down..." for example, if you have digestive issues you can one, take a tums or some other medication to suppress the symptoms and accept you may be doing so for the rest of your life, and also accept that later on in life other issues will probably develop. Or two, address the internal cause of the symptoms, whether it be your pH levels or you simply have an intolerance to a certain food. When the internal or source of the issue has been addressed then the external or the symptoms that we sense will naturally change on their own.

The concept of Hering's Law can also be applied to the heart. In this day and age there is culturally a strong emphases on external physical appearances, and in some cases no more so than in the Christian community. We have set up so many of our own standards as to what "is" and what "is not" appropriate, when a fellow Christian does not conform to or meet our standards we black ball them or write them off as being ungodly. We do not take the time to see where they have come from or in what direction they are headed. People are not marble statues fashioned in one way, then set on display, never to change, they are living changing beings.

Just like the body, the actions we display, how we dress, and the words we use, are the "external symptoms" with an internal cause. That cause being the condition of our heart. (The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45) We can pressure someone to change how they behave, but until their heart has been changed it is equivalent to taking a tums every time you sense your indigestion. Force will mask the symptoms for a while but symptoms inevitably come back.

This is where Hering's Law can be applied, our focus needs to be more on the curing of the heart, the root source of the external symptoms, making sure the heart lines up with God. Then externals will naturally start taking care of themselves.

How do we do this? One of the best ways is by reprogramming our thoughts "All cure comes from within out, from the head down..." (Do not be conformed to this world , but be transformed by the renewing of your mind... Romans 12:2) What we fill our minds with on an everyday bases will effect us mentally, emotionally, and yes physically. We need to be continually filling our minds with the things of God, critically thinking about and discussing with other believers what we are reading and learning from the Bible, all the while remembering to give grace to others because they are going through the same process of curing sanctification, from the inside out, that we are.

2011-08-21T21:54:00.001-05:00

They Should Be Social Faux Pas

2011-06-09T08:17:00.014-05:00

I love studying human behavior and with my job I get ample time to watch (I'd say observe but that sounds too much like studying animals in the zoo or something) and interact with them. During this watching and interacting I mentally came up with a list of everyday day things people do that are just tacky, and I think should be considered social faux pas

Cracking knuckles and other joints, its just a bad habit, and can have the tendency to make you look less confidant.
Wearing foam flip flops and clogs, seriously they are not shoes people, keep the foam at the beach or in the garden. And we're not going to get into the whole health side of it, chemicals leeching into your skin and the more likeliness of bacteria growing...
Wearing multiple animal prints, or an overdose on one, animal prints are a great way to add a lil' pizzaz to an outfit. However when the shoes, purse, belt, shirt, and coffee cup are all in cheetah, that is what is known as an over kill. Remember accessories don't need to match just go together.
Not covering your mouth while coughing, sneezing or yawning, its just tacky
Cluttering up Facebook news feed with continuous status updates, Don't get me wrong I think Facebook is a great tool for keeping in contact with people, but we don't need to be informed every time you walk the dog or take a pie out of the oven (that is unless you're planning on giving us some)
Talking on the phone while checking out or ordering at a counter, I know some conversations are important so either finish it first or ask the person on the phone to wait a moment, it makes the person serving you feel slightly less awkward
Texting while spending time with other people, how often have you seen it or had it happen to you, you're talking to your friend about getting together and it ends with a "can't wait to see ya got so much to catch up" then when you finally do get together you both spend the time texing other people. Enjoy being with who you are with, the text can wait a bit (unless it your parents)
Gages, seriously why would you want huge holes in your ears, what are you gonna do with when your old? string your oxygen tube through them?
Spitting, its just disgusting, the end
Guys constantly hikin' up their pants, thats what belts are for or maybe a size that fits
Flannel pajama pants, aren't clothes I don't care if they color coordinate with your fuzzy slippers, flip flops or crocks, they should not come out of the house
Guys not wearing shirts in public, I'm sorry sir its just not cool to see you walking around town with your shirt tucked into the back of your pants, it somewhat resembles a tail, and looks decidedly "Hickish". What happened to men wearing suits when they went out? No shirt at the beach or in the privacy of your own home and yard ok maybe, but not when you go out on the town.
Cursing and swearing, shows a decided lack of self-control and ignorance i.e. the inability to properly express yourself do to the inadequacy of your vocabulary

It's a Dari-Ripple Night...

2011-05-20T22:30:00.002-05:00

Was the cry that went throughout the house.

Growing up this joyous deceleration has always been started by my dad, and is only uttered once maybe twice a year.

Not any ordinary night can be a Dari-Ripple Night, its all in the air, maybe its the soft breeze, the warm sun, the song of the birds...I don't know, but there's something there and it speaks of summer.

Its on theses special nights that the rallying cry goes out, ringing up the stairs through the kitchen and down the hallway, as its passed from one excited person to the next. Everyone in the family knows when they hear it all is to be abandon, shoes found, and a quick dash made for the van. Its amazing how fast 9 people can be gathered from the four corners of the house.

Tonight was one of these nights, the call went out and we all answered, clamoring to the van for the five minute trip to Walworth.

There really is nothing that compares with a spontaneous trip to the local ice cream shop to herald in summer and good memories.

Happy Weekend Everyone

Ma Can We Keep 'Em?

2011-05-16T20:39:00.008-05:00

The other day was my day off...Grant my brother/partner in crime and I were sent to the store. That store we haunt the most, the store Americans depend on, the store that is always there for us, filled with people and always low prices. And this day was no exception, it was a cold damp and rainy Tuesday and everyone who was anyone was at Walmart. Grant and I were hoping to to get in and out as quick as possible but our "small" list was growing with every text message. At last our weary feet pushed our loaded cart towards the cash register, and the process of waiting, unloading, paying and reloading began. We weren't really paying attention to all the people passing in the din of voices and bleeep bleeeep of the registers but for some reason I looked up, and when I did so saw a Mother pushing her cart loaded with white bags and a young child. She was met by 3 of the cutest little boys coming from the opposite direction (seriously they looked like they had just stepped out of a Pottery Barn catalog) As the little group approached the mother their faces beaming excitement, the middle boy who had curly blond hair shouted "Look mom, at what we found" and triumphantly held up four green X-box game cases which oddly enough appeared to be dripping wet. She replied with a very motherly "Where did you find those?" and the triumphant response of the three boys in unison was "In the bathroom toilet" You can imagine the chaos that followed in the next 5 seconds amid the squeals of their mother and the suppressed giggles of the on lookers as the boys were rushed to customer service to return their discovery and get germ-x'ed one and all.

When the excitment was over everyone went back to what had previously occupied them, now with a smile haunting the corners of their mouths.

Only at Walmart

+<|:-)

2011-05-11T23:25:00.001-05:00

Nineteen years ago today my brother Grant made his debut in the world...making it just a little bit more interesting for all of us.

Happy Birthday lil' Bro, Thanks for being you

Wednesday Evenings Are Just Better With Chocolate Covered Strawberries

2011-05-04T23:02:00.000-05:00

It's Wednesday already (well actually almost Thursday:) I've heard the older you get the faster time goes...you never believed it as a kid, especially when counting down the days till your next Birthday.

But here I am, on Wednesday evening sitting cross-legged on the deliciously fluffy red couch that makes its home in our family room, with my laptop and a cup of coffee near at hand...and did I mention chocolate covered strawberries? Yes that decadent treat is here with me too.

The earlier part of the evening I spent with my good friend Brooke at the tennis court, where we practiced our insane tennis skills. To put it more accurately she did and I tried. Tennis is my latest undertaking, I've always wanted to be able to play, so this year I decided to stop talking and just do it. Its one of those classic, somehow more refined sports kind of like golf, but a lot more fun. And while right now I just get excited when I hit the ball in the right direction, I fully intend to have my tennis partner dancing over the court by summers end.

As some of you probably know today is national "May the 4th Be With You" day and with my brothers sitting next to me watching Star Wars (have you ever noticed how Luke Skywalker looks like an oversized Justin Bieber) and eating my chocolate covered strawberries, I thought I should post my favorite version of Star Wars...because what could be better than organic talking food.

Life, In the Recent Past

2011-05-02T21:59:00.009-05:00

When I was younger I thought it would be a good to chronicle the everyday events of my young and unfolding life in a Journal...well I must admit I never got far past "Dear Jornel, Today was good I did scool, and playd cant weight for tomorow we are going..." as the time past I got the idea I should start a monthly news letter entitled "The StoneHill Gazette" and fill it with interesting tid bits of randomnesses and of the latest happenings with our family, but I'm afraid to say that publication went from monthly, to bimonthly, to quarterly and then fell out of circulation altogether. Next came the age of the blog, but how much easier it is to post on Facebook "I am sitting on a chair drinking coffee, it is good lol :)" and have it repost to Twitter, MySpace, Buzz and the 20 odd other social medial sites that can all be linked together for the ease of the one posting, than it is to sit down and write a hopefully, semi entertaining, somewhat inelegant post for a blog. But this I shall attempt, as I give a quick recap of the cold,wet and dark days of November, I mean April.

Not much happened in the first half of the month, that is out of the ordinary... those doing school did, those working went, and we all waited for spring to come and stay.

Easter found all 9 of us dressed in our Sunday best, and headed off to church. After church Grandpa and Grandma Strand came over and we like I would guess many did that day, partook of a delicious ham dinner followed by the traditional Bunny cake. The rest of the day

was spent enjoying each others company or resting.

Last Tuesday Faith Christian School held a fundraiser banquet, with Gov. Mike Hukabee as the keynote. The sit down semi formal event was held at the Abbey Resort. Governor Hukabee had many good points on the issues of morals or the lack there of that seems to be permeating the culture at large especially the youth of today in America. There were a few people I knew and many more who's faces I recognized... overall it was a very enjoyable evening.

Yes for those of you who want to know I did get up dark and early in the morning of April 29 to watch the Royal Wedding. I even went a step farther and hosted a Watch party complete with tea, lemon curd and scones (thank you Powers) We had a "Guesses Kate's Dress" game and saw both royal kisses before we responsibly drug ourselves off to a Friday of work.

I think that about sums up April's happenings...it's hard to believe that May is already upon us.

The Wal-Mart Sagas Continues...

2011-03-09T10:46:00.007-06:00

The other day I was at Wal-Mart minding my own business (isn't that how they all start). It was just going to be a quick in and out. I was on my way home from spending a few profitable hours at the library, there was a slight warmth in the air the kind that makes you dare to hope spring has once again triumphed over a long Wisconsin winter, and I was wearing a new pair of heels. My mission was to pick up the needed items for my Grandpa's birthday cake and a can of hairspray.

I successfully got the hairspray, eggs, and milk then started down aisle 9 The Baking aisle. It was slightly crowded but not terribly, there was the mother with the crying kid, the guy with the "wal-mart stare" and a very very large old guy on one of those mobile scooter things (graciously provided by the noble establishment for the service of half its customers and the detriment of the other half). He was loudly informing his wife that they needed Pam Spray and "No not the cheap off brand" he couldn't cook with that. And there I was amidst all this looking for the few things on my list when he turned to me and said

"And what are you looking for?" I remembering my manners and not really having any objection to talking to people replied

"Light Corn Syrup"

"Why do you need that?"

"I'm making a raspberry filling for a chocolate cake."

He replied "HmmmH I'm not much of a baker, but I can cook. But I can't cook without my Pam Spray"

I said a polite "Oh" accompanied with a smile and a nod as he then went on his way. Not thinking much about it I preceded on down my list to the aisle where the instant pudding (makes for a moister cake) and marshmallows are. When I heard the soft humm of those wal-mart scooters that we all know so well coming up behind m and the a familiar voice said "Oh there you are Hun I was looking for you" When I turned I was facing the Pam Spray Guy. I replied with a slightly surprised "Oh Yes?"

He then went on to tell me that he worked as cook for forty years, and thats why he could cook but not bake. Then Mr. Pam Spray Guy asked what I did for a living. I told him I worked at a Gluten Free Health food store.

He said "A what?"

So I repeated a little louder "A gluten free health food store"

"Uhhh, Oh, a health food store, I see hun thats why you look the way you do and I look the way I do."

Not knowing how to respond I just uttered another "Oh" with a smile and polite laugh.

He then said "Ok what I wanted to tell you is how to make the best caramel ever with just evaporated milk" At which I nodded respectfully to, and randomly throughout the "How To" that followed. When he was done I thanked him and said it sounded interesting. He said

"Have a nice day it was great talkin' ta ya hun. And then he scootered off on his merry way, that was the last I saw of the Pam Spray Guy and his scooter.

Cupcakes, Black Nail Polish, and a Tacky Red Necklace...it Must be Valentine's Day

2011-02-13T17:26:00.018-06:00

Special days, Oh how they come punctually every year on their appointed date. And Valentine's Day is no different, as soon as Christmas is over the hearts, stuffed animals and red heart shaped boxes of cheap chocolate start making their appearance on store shelves. For some its a day to show that special person how much they mean to you and for others well...they refer to it as "Single's Awareness Day".

This year I'm afraid I find myself in the camp of the later group, but being like any girl worth her weight in mascara I won't let the chance to have a themed celebration pass me by. My sisters Eleanor, Maggie and I made strawberry

flavored cupcakes with pink and red heart shaped sprinkles (what is a cupcake without sprinkles? It's kinda the same concept as a rose by any other name...) even the the muffin cups we bought have hearts on them. My Mom is planning on making her delicious traditional Valentine's Day dinner of Lasagna, green salad, and rolls.

A good friend of mine recently told me, this year she planned to paint her nails black for Valentine's Day and every year following till she is engaged, then she will proudly paint them red. I decided I must do the same (I know, I know... I said black nails were for dead people...or those in mourning:)

While I was at Walmart with Maggie the other day picking up the needed items for our "Love Day Cupcakes" as she called them, I stumbled across the most tacky red necklace, with its oversizes red jewels hanging linked together and suspended from a red ribbon. Why in the world would I buy such a tacky piece of adornment you ask? Well for no other reason that it was the exact same red as the heels I plan to wear and I needed something to liven up my otherwise dull outfit of black dress pants and off-white fine knit sweater...Oh and it was 50% off. One must dress for the day you know.

Y'all have a great Valentine's day, and remember we can love because He first loved us.

(1 John 4:19)

Hairdo

2011-02-08T08:36:00.007-06:00

February has come, and with it has come the winter blues (somehow I think they come hand in hand) And like most gals when they get the blues, we ether go shopping, eat chocolate, or try and give our appearance a make-over. If we have a real bad case of "Winterocyanosis" (some refer to it as winter blues or cabin fever) then we might do all three. I being much the same as any other female in the great race of females, suffer from my share of this annual affliction. Thus a remedy had to be decided upon. I was pretty sure no amount of vitamin D would help this point (however big a fan of Vitamin D I be), I must change my hair style that was all there was too it. The next question then became "to what should I change it?" You know as well as I that there is nothing worse then going in for a smashing new look and coming out sporting the latest disaster of 2011.
So I went to Google (cuz well it just seems to have an answer for everything)

And after much searching and looking at all the other people who are proudly sporting disasters of their own...I came across Instant Makeover on People.com. And amused myself greatly (probably way longer then I should of) trying on different hair styles and makeup. Still not exactly sure what my new-do will be but I have an idea of what I'm going for... now just how to describe it without it sounding like an overgrown mullet of 2011... :)

In Honor of the Snow

2011-02-02T14:28:00.001-06:00

Because as my Dad has always said "What you can't cure, You must endure."

Christmas: From a 9 Year Olds View

2010-12-21T11:24:00.003-06:00

By Erik Strand

Each Christmas everyone in our family makes a special kind of cookie. I always make ginger snaps, then we have a cookie trade. And sometime between Christmas and New Years we have cookies and coffee for breakfast and sit by the fire (I really like doing that).

I also like decorating the Christmas tree. We always have a special meal of crackers, cheese, Christmas fish (herring) egg-nog, summer sausage, and soda. Then sometimes Papa will read us Christmas stories.

But I think (besides the presents) my favorite part about Christmas is spending time with Papa and everybody, and Celebrating that Jesus was born to save us.

Only 4 more days till Christmas Yay!!

Christmas: Greetings From Canada

2010-12-13T19:39:00.002-06:00

By Katrina Taylor
ohh CHristmas... it's such a funny word in my mind. My family has a tradition of no traditions. That's right. No traditions. We never do the same thing. Do I like it? hmmm, sometimes! It's a bit of an adventure. You never know WHAT will happen. One year we'll have duck dinner, turkey, chicken, and when that all gets boring we try spaghetti! I'm not sure if we do this on purpose, it just happens. Most memorable Christmas was two years ago. I made cookies and went into a couple nursing homes. You'd cry if you saw the amount of folks that didn't have a place to go for Christmas, and no one cared to go see them. I adopted them, all of them. Specially the ones that tried to hook me up with their ever single grandsons.

So this Christmas, whatever you do, remember what it's all about. Family, friends, laughter, Grandsons you hope you never have to meet, and Jesus... the greatest gift...

Merry Christmas!

Christmas: In Florida

2010-12-06T10:54:00.003-06:00

By Gail Umperovitch

My Favorite Christmas Memory…

My favorite Christmas memory is not about a specific Christmas but Christmases when

my children were growing up. My son, Casey, has always been about “traditions” a

establishing “traditions.”

At Christmas time after all the outdoor Christmas lights and the Christmas tree was

done, Casey would want me to make some homemade hot chocolate and we would go

outside and look through the front windows at the Christmas tree lit up in the house (even

in Florida there have been many Christmases chilly enough to warrant a warm cup of

cocoa).

As simple as that might sound, it still warms my heart to think of that simple little act. I

know it was all about our little family being together and working on a project that was

so beautiful when finished.

Memories are something that can never be taken from us. I lost my mom this past

September, 2010. She loved Christmas! For the last several years, my husband and I

would go over and decorate the outside of my parents home and my mother delighted in

having all the beautiful lights, manger scene, angels and reindeers outdoors to enjoy and

for others riding by to enjoy also. She spoiled all of the grandchildren with mounds of

Christmas presents every year and lots and wonderful food!

This Christmas will not be the same with my mom gone but I am so THANKFUL that

I have so many years of wonderful memories from Christmases when I was growing up

to many wonderful Christmases as an adult with my children experiencing Christmases

at “Mema’s.”

Our family is having a “special” family Christmas at my Mom and Dad’s. There will be

lots of presents under the tree but these presents will be extra special. They will be my

Mom’s “treasures” being given to her children and grandchildren for them to enjoy in

their homes.

Our heavenly Father has blessed us so much and we thank Him for our wonderful Mother

and all of the wonderful memories that were created with her.

Live each day in love, peace and harmony. Treasure what God has given you and do not

take advantage of a single day to let those you love know how much you love them.

God bless everyone at this very special time of the year and may we ALWAYS

remember the real celebration of the season.

Merry CHRISTmas… Gail

Christmas: The Newlyweds

2010-11-29T08:42:00.005-06:00

Tick tock,

tick tock....The clock is ticking to that favorite time of year, and I can't believe it is here so soon! I am so very excited to celebrate the very first Christmas with my new husband! Last Christmas, the wedding was definitely on the brain, so this Christmas I look forward to focusing on shopping, decorating, parties, presents, memorizing parts in Christmas plays, family and FOOD. The Christmas traditions that I grew up with are so special to me and definitely something th

at I look forward to continuing with my very own little family

. Its been so fun taking the traditions of two different families, mixing them together, and coming up with our very own Christmas traditions!

So...here are a few of the traditions that we have instilled, year number one. They are traditions that I pray my children look back on as sweet memories, just as my husband and I do. They are traditions that I hope do not fade away with passing years, but stand the test of time. They are traditions that are forever ours, and that is what makes them so special!
*Photo tree. I am a photographer and absolutely love photographs with a passion! I believe that there is beauty all around us, and photographs are forever captured moments of that beauty. On our Christmas tree, we have assorted frames of all shapes, colors, and sizes with pictures from special memories throughout that year. I love this tradition because it is a fun, unique way for us to reminisce on all the memories and all that the Lord has done for us throughout the year.
*Christmas letter. One of my favorite things about Christmas is getting all of the Christmas cards in the mail! I love seeing everyone's picture and reading about how they are doing! This being our very first Christmas, its as good a time as any to begin our Christmas card tradition. In this past year, we have learned and experienced so much! My husband loves to write, so we have decided to always have a letter to go along with our picture, just to update our family and friends on what in new with the Goetsch's this year :)
*Christmas Story. It was tradition for my husbands family, as well as mine to read the Christmas story before Christmas dinner. I LOVE this tradition because I believe that it is SO important to keep our holidays Christ-centered! After all, it IS Jesus' birthday!
*Birthday cake. Speaking of BIRTHDAYS :) In my family, it was always tradition for us to make Jesus a birthday cake on Christmas, and yes, even sing "Happy Birthday" to Him! This may seem a bit silly to some, but to me, its the tool that my parents used to teach us, when we were young, what the Christmas Holidays are truly all about! And the tradition stuck! And it stays :) Yay for birthday cake!
*COOKIES! Can you tell that I am a huge fan of food? Growing up, my mom would always break out the baking about a week before Christmas day. We would bake so many cookies and set them out on our "Christmas cookie plate". I know that this is a simple tradition, but it was the one time a year that I was allowed to be messy with my mom(ha!) and the laughs, messes, and conversations while baking Christmas cookies with my mom are some of my sweetest memories! I am not a mommy(yet), but this is definitely a tradition that I want to continue with my husband and future children. I realize that this tradition is crazy dangerous on the waistline, so I have decided this year, our Christmas cookies are going to the homeless shelter! It is a way for us to develop these memories, and spread the love with others. (Although, I am quite sure that we will save a few for ourselves). ;)
So, here is a sneak peak into our upcoming Christmas as newlyweds. And whether you are a seasoned "tradition maker" or a new-bee like me, keep your traditions alive! You never know who's life you could be impacting...maybe even your own! Happy Traditions and a Merry Christmas to all! :)

-Ashley Goetsch

This Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T23:20:00.004-06:00

I know traditionally at this time of year, our focus is on food. Whether it be the hours spent preparing the mounds of mashed potatoes, green-bean casserole, golden turkeys, and pumpkin pies or the consumption of said food. Either way the focus is on food. Also we might see pictures of of little happy women in black dresses holding a bit of "Traditional Thanksgiving Day Food" while men smiling in tall strange black hats stand next to their so very friendly looking Indian buddies. If your a little bit more of a history buff of paid attention to history in school, you might know more about the Mayflower and its occupants. How the Pilgrims came over from Holland, how so many died that first winter, the trials they had to endure and how at the end of the "Thanksgiving Story" God blessed the Pilgrims with a bountiful harvest.

Today however, I don't want to focus on those to two points. But rather how the Pilgrims set off to brave the dangers both known and those yet unknown, to advance the kingdom of God here on earth. The following is a quote from Bradford's book Of "Plymouth Plantation", after going through a list of reasons why the Pilgrims decided to leave, he says "Last and not least, they cherished the great hope and inward zeal for laying good foundations, or at least of making someway towards it, for the propagation and advance of the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in the remote parts of the world, even though they should be but stepping stones to others in the performance of so great a work." The Pilgrims where willing to lay down their lives even if it was to be but the stepping stones to so great a work as the advancing of God's kingdom. When told about the dangers they might encounter "It was replied, that all great and honourable actions are accompanied with great difficulties, and must be both met and overcome with answerable courage. It was granted the dangers were great, but not desperate, the difficulties were many, but not invincible...and all of them, through the help of God, by both fortitude and patience, might either be borne or overcome."

So this Thanksgiving I want to ask, Do we view the task of advancing God's kingdom, a high and honourable calling as the Pilgrims did, one that we would be willing to give our lives for? No, its true that most of us will not sail to uncharted lands and help to birth a new country, or have to risk our lives in doing so. But is not letting go of our own wants and desires and giving our time in a way, the same thing as giving our lives for the advancement of God's kingdom? I believe so. I encourage you to bravely trust God in whatever trials you may encounter, while being a stepping stone in the in the great and truly honouable task that God has set before all of His people of advancing His kingdom here on earth.

Happy Thanksgiving

10 Fashion Myths

2010-11-19T10:49:00.003-06:00

Have you ever wondered about wearing more than one print? Do your belt, shoes and purse have to match? What about wearing white after Labor day?

The following link to TLC's What not to Wear, tackles 10 of the most popular fashion myths.

10 Fashion Myths

It's the Traditions

2010-11-16T00:08:00.005-06:00

Christmas time, who doesn't love it. For many people there are special memories or traditions that come to mind, like big family gatherings, decorating the tree, reading the Christmas story by the fire, a special Christmas morning breakfast or maybe caroling with friends... Whatever it is, it those special things that we remember and cherish all through the year. Not the freezing cold, the chaos or the wallet that always seems to get slimmer while while our waistlines seem to grow in the opposite direction.

That's why I have asked a few people around the country, all different ages, and all in different stages of life, to write a paragraph or two sharing with us their favorite memories and traditions. I will be posting one every Monday, starting after Thanksgiving and leading up to Christmas. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

From Martin Luther

2010-11-08T21:05:00.003-06:00

Yet that wisdom is not of itself evil, nor is the law to be evaded; but without the theology of the cross man misuses the best in the worst manner.

It is certain that man must utterly despair of his own ability before he is prepared to receive the grace of Christ.

Here I stand I can do no other

Yet it means not inward repentance only; nay, there is no inward repentance which does not outwardly work divers mortifications of the flesh.

Light and Refreshing

2010-11-08T20:32:00.003-06:00

The perfect combination of water and mint is here. The makers of Metromint water, have artistically combined the two to come up with a new twist on bottled water which is unlike any other. This all natural drink, has no calories, and no artificial additives, just mint extracts and fresh spring water. Not only does it taste good but peppermint extract is known to help clear the brain, refresh the body and sometimes sooth stomachs...not to mention give you great breath and that just brushed feeling.

The Metromint water comes in many different flavors. My favorite is the chocolate mint and, quite oftenit can be found at your local natural health food store, or sometimes at a bigger chain store like Jewl-Osco.

Caution: Remove before Sipping

2010-11-03T12:23:00.009-05:00

It's a cold afternoon in late fall, you and your friends have been out window shopping all afternoon and decide to pop into the local coffee shop to grab a warm cup of delight. As the barista hands you your drink and you take that first sip, feeling the hot liquid dance on your tongue then slide down your throat like a wave of warmth and comfort, little are you thinking about the lid particles breaking down with every sip, but its true. Most of us know not to leave our disposable watter bottles in the car, especially in the summer because the heat causes the chemicals from the plastic to leach more quickly into our water. So why would it be any different with our coffee lids? Its not. Every time the heat from your drink comes in contact with the lid, the lid deteriorates a little more and the leached chemicals then go into you and your system, causing other health issues down the road.

I suggest doing like I did, and buy a ceramic travel mug and taking that wherever you go, not only is it greener for the environment, your drink will stay warmer, taste better, and you won't get the unwanted leaching from your cup, or just pop the lid off before you drink.

2010-10-11T19:25:00.003-05:00

When God ordains anything to come to pass, His purpose in doing so is altogether and absolutely good.

~ R.C. Sproul

Your Nails, a Statement?

2010-10-09T12:17:00.011-05:00

Now a days there is SO many options for your nails.

You could get them artificially lengthened, have them blingged, sport your favorite NFL team logo, stripes, flowers, Christmas trees for the holidays... or if your not feeling so inspired, you could go the simpler route and choose from all the colors in the rainbow and their slight variations. With all the options out there you should have no problem in choosing a look to express your mood for that day.

Tell me, when has neon yellow, lime green, or sky blue nails ever enhanced an outfit (unless maybe your a clown)? What about the latest trend of using very dark colors, like Navy Blue, Midnight Purple or Black, your nails turn black when your dead.

Have you ever been trying to listen to someone talking but get distracted at every wave of their hand, with the thought "Woowh look, Nails!" your fingers are supposed to complement not distract.

Fingernails are a natural thing, lets keep them somewhat so. There really is a classiness, and simple feminine beauty to a woman's hands when she keeps them well manicured. That means hands with soft skin, and nails clean, trimmed and filed. Wearing nail polish is fine but make sure its a soft complimentary color, or even clear. Not one that shouts "Look at ME". I personally love the look of a French, or a soft pearl pink. They are both, very versatile with many outfits matching most anything you might wear whether formal or every day, and your hands look manicured without being way over done.

The New Mr. and Mrs. Scheuerman

2010-10-07T08:19:00.008-05:00

This past weekend I had the honor and privilege to be apart of my cousin Joanna's wedding to the man of her dreams. After dating for about a year and a half in July, Daniel asked her to be his wife. The couple decided to enter into that wonderful covenant made between themselves and God, called marriage, on the 2nd of October surrounded by only family and a few good friends. The ceremony was short but sweet, held outside on a friends beautiful and newly refurbished patio. So wrapped up in each other and the

this special moment they didn't even notice it began to rain.

On the way to the reception both Bride and Groom thought the whole thing went off remarkably well, and said they couldn't have asked for it to go any better.

The reception was in the fellowship hall of The First Baptist Church there in Champaign. After the reception was done, pictures taken and good bye hugs given... the new Mr. ans Mrs. Scheuerman head off to spend a week in Hawaii

Below is a quick slideshow of the highlights during the past weekend. (I apologize ahead of time for its sad lacking of professional quality of both the slideshow and the pictures.)

The photographer Ashly Goetsch was absolutely amazing I can't wait to see more of the pictures she took and I defiantly plan on hiring her for my wedding.

Things We Say Wrong

2010-09-22T07:56:00.000-05:00

On Orthomolecular Nutrition

2010-09-21T06:28:00.005-05:00

I have recently added the book "Putting it all Together, The New Orthomolecular Nutrition" by Abram Hoffer, M.d, Ph.D and Morton Walker, D.P.M to my ever growing list of books I have read and found their content to be very informative.

In this book the authors discuss different vitamins and minerals, their benefits to us and some of the physical issues that result from our modern unbalanced diets.

Don't let the name "Orthomolecular" scare you off. Although Drs. Abram Hoffer and Morton Walker do discuss things somewhat on a molecular level, you don't need to already be a Doctor or Scientist to read and understand what they wrote. The authors' intent was to explain this information in such away that the everyday person could pick up this book and use the information they learned to help themselves and their families attain better health.

Two of My Fav Looks from Ann Taylors New Fall Line

2010-09-20T16:03:00.007-05:00

I love both of these fall layered looks by Ann Taylor they both have an air of simplicity, versatility and comfort without sacrificing style, modesty or femininity.

The first with its simple lines and colors, the layering of solid sweater over striped long-sleeve tee not only gives dimension to the outfit but gives you the comfort of the "Big comfy sweater" that we all love in this cooler weather, without the bulk on your arms. A great everyday look... or add a long two string necklace, bracelet and and a black purse to dress it up for a trip to Starbucks or a day out with the girls.

The second look has much the same going for it as the first. The eggshell white has a fresh look, and the longer waistline of the sweater acts as a sliming effect smoothing out the illusion of the bold line drawn, when a shirt falls at the "in-curve" of the waist and meets the new color and texture of the new material of your bottoms, at the "out-curve" of the hips.
And who doesn't love a scarf? The matching scarf and flats really tie the outfit together and set it off

nicely

I Completely Agree...

2010-09-14T17:21:00.003-05:00

This article has been circulating around on Facebook and I thought I would repost it here for the benefit of all of you who ether haven't seen it yet or who aren't on Facebook. It is a very clear yet sadly concise summary of the state of our culture

By Richard Meckstroth

Pictured is a young physician by the name of Dr. Roger Starner Jones. His short two-paragraph letter to the White House accurately puts the blame on a "Culture Crisis" instead of a "Health Care Crisis"..

It's worth a quick read:

Dear Mr. President:
During my shift in the Emergency Room last night, I had the pleasure of evaluating a patient whose smile revealed an expensive shiny gold tooth, whose body was adorned with a wide assortment of elaborate and costly tattoos, who wore a very expensive brand of tennis shoes and who chatted on a new cellular telephone equipped with a popular R&B ringtone.

While glancing over her patient chart, I happened to notice that her payer status was listed as "Medicaid"! During my examination of her, the patient informed me that she smokes more than one pack of cigarettes every day, eats only at fast-food take-outs, and somehow still has money to buy pretzels and beer. And, you and our Congress expect me to pay for this woman's health care? I contend that our nation's "health care crisis" is not the result of a shortage of quality hospitals, doctors or nurses. Rather, it is the result of a "crisis of culture" a culture in which it is perfectly acceptable to spend money on luxuries and vices while refusing to take care of one's self or, heaven forbid, purchase health insurance. It is a culture based in the irresponsible credo that "I can do whatever I want to because someone else will always take care of me". Once you fix this "culture crisis" that rewards irresponsibility and dependency, you'll be amazed at how quickly our nation's health care difficulties will disappear.

Respectfully,
ROGER STARNER JONES, MD
If you agree...pass it on.

Maggie on, Economics

2010-08-25T19:31:00.003-05:00

The other day while driving home from wal-mart with Maggie, she gave me a thrifty tip on economics...and I thought I'd pass it on to you.

"If you want to get something like dolls, toys or pink dresses and it cost lots of money like 2 or 3 or 50,000 dollars and you don't wanna pay that much. Just give the guy $1 and get it. Cuz that won't cost to much and the guy will be happy."

Trip to Florida

2010-08-25T19:02:00.012-05:00

I spent the majority of last week in Florida, attending The King Institutes's Level 7 class on TKM, taught by Jim Robertson N.D.
Being once again reminded of what a magnificent and wise God we serve and more about His wonderful creation, us.

When this Wisconsin girl left her northern home last Tuesday it was 59 degrees, when she arrived at her Florida destination just a short 2 1/2 hours later it was 90+ (and she loved it). I was meet at the airport by a very dear lady named Gail, who was also my gracious hostess for the week, we instantly got along great.
Day one of classes dawned bright and early the next morning at 8:30, with an hour lunch break, class didn't wrap up till sometime after 5:30pm. We covered a lot of good information, and took a lot of notes. By that evening I was ready for a quite dinner at the Robertson's house, so I thought... It turns out that Dr. and Mrs. Robertson are a part of a bluegrass band called Back Porch Revival, and they have a jam session on most Thursday nights, but since this night was Wednesday they decided to have a pre-jam, jam session, and nothing would please them more than that I should play the Bodhran along with them. I had never played the Bodhran before, so I did my best to not throw them off time and keep beat, and had a over all great time.

Day two started off much the same, about half way through the afternoon session, we broke up for "Hands On" the favorite part of class for most of the attendees. That evening being Thursday, was official jam night...so we stopped by China 1 (China 1 uses no preservatives or MSG in their food) for a quick bite of dinner, than it was off to the Roberson's house for another fun evening of music and me dutifully drumming on the Bodhran.

The final day of class came and we still had lots to cover. We also had a special guest speaker Dr. David Edwards a holistic dentist, coming in to speak a little about the holistic approach to dentistry. For dinner that evening I enjoyed Thia for the first time, at the Thia House with the Robertsons, Mrs. Robertson's sister Ginger her husband, and Dr. Edwards. Another wonderful evening, with food and friends.

My plane wasn't scheduled to leave till 8:20 Saturday evening, so Dr. Robertson took me around and showed me some of the local sights or "Real Florida" as he called it. First stop was a little organic winery where we walked around and listened to a local band. Second stop, was the oldest race track in Florida. Also I was taken to Highland Hammocks Sate Park, it was absolutely beautiful, I could have spent hours there...but alas I had a plane to catch.

I arrived home safe and sound late that night, glad to have learned more and spent time with wonderful people.

Pineapple Relish

2010-08-23T17:35:00.003-05:00

2 cups chopped *pineapple
1 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup lime juice
1 tsp. fresh grated ginger
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 tsp. ground turmeric
Pinch of cayenne pepper optional

Combine all ingredients, refrigerate and enjoy. Can be used on fish, grilled chicken or eat it with corn chips.

* substitute the fresh pineapple with fresh cut mango for a fun new twist

Waking Up Is Hard To Do

2010-08-10T22:43:00.000-05:00

Lol what can I say, it's just funny :)

Stay Hydrated

2010-08-09T22:07:00.005-05:00

I know everyone tells you, "You need to drink more water"... big deal. But did you know, when you are only 3% dehydrated your mind stops working clearly, the average person on the street is more than 3% dehydrated. Our bodies are made up of somewhere between 60 and 70% water (depending on age, weight and gender). Water not only helps the blood flow, it also helps the body eliminate toxins. Its no surprise then that Dr Kellogg said "Water without a doubt is one of the most ancient of all remedial agents for disease." One way of elimination our bodies use, is through perspiration or just pain ol' sweating...our pores open up and the toxins are carried out. Just another important reason why we should make sure we're getting the adequate amount of fresh pure water in these hot summer months.
So the question is, "What is the best kind of water and how much?" The ideal water would be fresh unsoiled rain water, that is not run off from roofs or out of gutters. I would suggest drinking ether spring or well water not city water. An easy way for a healthy person to figure out about how much he should be drinking is, his weight in ounces divided in half, if you weighed 120 lbs the formula would look something like this 120lbs=120oz/2=60oz. It may seem like a lot at first but your body will soon get used to it, and then it will crave it, and to top it off you'll be able to think more clearly. So Bottoms up

2010-08-09T10:57:00.001-05:00

...and the little black bar continues to flash on an empty page, waiting for the out pouring of thought. The writers fingers fly, and then the back-space key does its job. Once again the little black bar flashes on the empty page, as if mocking the writer saying 'where are your thoughts, your ideas put them down write them out...what are you waiting for?' And the writer, all the while feeling as if her brain was a vast desolate chasm empty and void of thought...

Health Benefits from Your Everyday Fruits and Vegetables

2010-08-04T22:50:00.011-05:00

Apples- Contain phosphate of calcium, potash and soda, albumen, chlorophyle malic acid, lime, gum, sugar ect...They can help acidity, colic, diarrhoea, disorders in the liver and kidneys, and gall-stones.

Cabbage- Has sulphur, soda, and iron. And is useful for coughs, bronchitis, asthma, warts, and some skin diseases.

Celery- Contains iron and sulphur and is good for rheumatism and gout

Figs- Are a good laxative. They contain sugar, phosphates, gum, albumen.

Grapes- Are rich in sugar called glucose. They contain tannin, gum tartrate of lime, magnesia, alum, iron, citric and malic acid ect...Grapes help stop thirst and because of this, are useful during fevers, also for teething children. They promote healthy urine flow and are useful for people with gout rheumatism and cancer.

Lemons- Contain potassium, citric malate, and tartaric acid, and are also rich in vitamins. Lemons are believed to help with spongy gums, scurvy, gout, rheumatism, constipation, sore throat, thirst, heart burn, lumbago, and coughs.

Lettuce-contains potassium salts and is useful for sleeplessness

Mangoes- Have sugar and highly refined turpentine, iron, useful acids. They are helpful for rheumatism, diarrhoea, diabetes. The seeds and rinds of a mangoes are astringent.

Onions- Contain sulphur, phosphorus, potassium salts, ammonia, phosphoric and acetic acid, starch ect...good for coughs, bronchitis, colds, influenza, liver troubles, inflammatory conditions, gout, rheumatism. Onions promote perspiration and circulation of blood.

Peach- Have iron, gum, sugar and acids. It is a tonic and is useful for fever and anaemia.

Spinach- Contains ferrum salts, some contain sodium salts, and are good for constipation, and fever.

Information from Naturopathy for the 21st Century by Robert Thiel, PH.D

Its the Duck Song

2010-08-02T19:46:00.001-05:00

Haha now you'll be singing it all day

Visit to the Dodges

2010-07-27T13:24:00.004-05:00

I spent a great week,last week down in mid Illinois with my cousins. The following pictures are just a few random highlights from the visit.

Whoever said lint rollers couldn't be microphones?

-Gangster Bridesmaids

Bekah and I decided we need to try our dresses for the wedding on (and the guys hats)

-Introducing a Brother-Sister modeling team

James showing off his outfit that Bekah and I picked out for him (minus the shoes lol)

The leaning tower of hats.

Bekah holding onto the hats we found for the wedding

Smiles

Bekah and James took me out Zas' for a Birthday lunch/dinner

Guess Who...

Unlocking the mystery of Doughnuts and Bagels

2010-06-28T12:51:00.005-05:00

Today while outside finishing the remnants of our mid-day meal, enjoying the light breeze that blew and the golden rays from the warm sun on our faces. My little sister Maggie unlocked for me the mystery of doughnut and bagel making. And as I deem it self-fish to keep knowledge to oneself, I have therefore at once decided to pass on this newly acquired information word for word to the best of my ability, true of faulty as it may be...
"It all starts with a Hamburger bun, (if you want a beagle with seeds use a hamburger bun with seeds) Then you make a hole in the center, remove some flavor and then bake it. And you have a bagel.
If you want a doughnut you do the same thing except put lost of frosting on top...you know chocolate, white or strawberry and maybe some candy too"

Jeep Watch

2010-06-03T09:07:00.003-05:00

I have decided to start a new blog stream wholly dedicated to the sighting of fun and unique jeeps. Here are the some of the first

Hur and His jeep I saw these two parked outside our hotel this morning. It's kinda hard to see but the yellow jeep has "Hur Jeep" and the white "His Jeep.

Who wouldn't want a grass paint job

Gathering of the CPC

2010-06-02T16:41:00.003-05:00

On the 20th of May the CPC gathered once again for more memorable times catching up with old and meeting new friends, while we laughed, played games, danced, ate, sang, and were blessed witnessing four more Eleders being brought in to the CPC.
Below is a link to the album I posted on Facebook of the weekends happenings (there was too many pictures to post them all on the blog :)

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2062001&id=1481888915&l=f3b2727be2

Revival

2010-04-23T16:20:00.002-05:00

Over the last few days I have been listing to a teaching series on Revival, by Joe Morecraft.
It once again reminds us of how important a role the church plays in the shaping our culture, and how revival starts from bottom up, not the top down. I would encourage everyone to listen to series. Below is a link to the website.

http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?seriesOnly=true&currSection=sermonstopic&sourceid=chalcedonpresbyterian&keyword=The+Way+to+Revival&keyworddesc=The+Way+to+Revival

to Kathryn

2010-04-07T18:02:00.001-05:00

HI!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Gingerbread House

2009-12-22T13:55:00.005-06:00

Every year our family makes a gingerbread house. Here are some pictures of this years fun.

The empty canvas inviting for inspiration.

Ahh the importance of a sturdy foundation (or walls in this case)

Mother and Father look on, as their children show forth their artistic abilities

the finished product.

Its been 3 years...

2009-12-18T09:52:00.003-06:00

I am amazed at how fast the time has gone. It has already been 3 years, since God increased our family by three.

Merry Christmas everyone from the Strands

bed jumping

2009-12-12T14:27:00.001-06:00

Confession: This kinda looks like fun :)

http://www.hotelsbycity.net/blog/bed-jump/

Go Dockers

2009-12-10T09:59:00.001-06:00

Dockers® Store Online - Live Khaki

You have to read this! :)

maggie's 5th birthday

2009-11-24T09:53:00.002-06:00

Here are some of the pictures we took during Maggie's birthday last Saturday.

The Best (Military) Commercial

2009-11-11T16:07:00.001-06:00

That's Not My Job...

2009-11-05T06:18:00.002-06:00

"This is a story about four people named, Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.
There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about this, because it was Everybody's job.
Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody, blamed Somebody, when Nobody, did what Anybody could have done." ~Anonymous

Reformation Day Fair

2009-10-30T16:37:00.006-05:00

Last weekend I went to a Reformation day fair in Morton IL. I had a really great time and look forward to next year.

The Yen family who so kindly adopted me for the weekend. Thank You guys so much.

On our way to dinner. We thought they added a finishing touch to our outfits.

Smile

The very impressive wall outside of the church. I'm sure it took lots of work to create.

I had a great time being with and catchin' up with friends.

Miss Tara Y.

Charlie Zahm

after our breakfast in the hotel well felt wee needed to work off a few pounds. :)

Happy 21 Annerversary

2009-10-22T16:09:00.001-05:00

ok here are a bunch random photos over the last month

2009-09-21T20:42:00.004-05:00

2009-08-26T10:56:00.002-05:00

Do to slow Internet once again I have put off uploading or posting anything on my blog. But I promise to find some time and the patience soon, and post a bunch of pictures lol

a bunch of pictures...

2009-08-09T11:29:00.009-05:00

since our Internet connection was slowed down for ssssooooo long I wasn't able to update my blog. But now that we are back to almost normal running speed. Here are some highlights of whats been going on in July and the beginning of August.

Ele's Birthday

At the beach

Old World Wisconsin with the Yens :)

Jonathan Erber's Good bye/ bowling party

Father Daughter day at the Hills

-thanks Hills for hosting that

over the last few weeks we have spent a lot of time going back and forth the the Dodges (my aunt's house)

Going to see a movie in 3-d with my cousins and jo jo's boyfriend

2009-07-02T23:26:00.002-05:00

In Congress, July 4 1776
The Unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the coarse of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.-We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed but their Creator with certain unalienable Rights; that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.-That to secure these rights, Governments are intended among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,- That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness, Prudence, indeed, will dictate the Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experiences hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which the are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.- Such has been the patient sufferance of the Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.- He has refused his Assent to Laws, that most wholesome and necessary for the immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he utterly neglected to attend to them.- He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.- He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of public Records, for the sole purpose fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.- He dissolved Representatives Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasion on the rights of the people._He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.- He has endeavored to prevent the population of the States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.- He has obstructed the Administration of justice, by refusing Assent to Laws for established Judiciary powers.-He made Judges depend on hes Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.-He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance. He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our Legislates;-He has affected to to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power. He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction of foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:- For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:- For protecting them, by a mock Trial, for punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhibitions of the States:- For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:- For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:- For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:- For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offenses:- For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighboring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument of introduction the same absolute rule into these Colonies:- For taking our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:- For Suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.- He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging war against us.- He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, brunet our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.- He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy of a Head of a civilized nation.-He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.- He has exited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, who's known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions. In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of free people. Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarranted jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpation's, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace, and Friends.-
We, Therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and Right ought to be Free and independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things, which Independent States may have right to do.- And for the support of this Declaration, which a firm reliance to the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

the Tom Hall Karate tournament last Sat.

2009-06-26T17:00:00.002-05:00

Here are a few pictures from the competition last Saturday:) We all had a good time and look forward to the next one

~the people from our dojo

here is the empty hand kata I did for the competition

2009-06-26T07:15:00.001-05:00

the are more video clips on the family blog

2009-06-10T11:11:00.000-05:00

The truth is, of course, that the curtness of the Ten Commandments is an evidence, not of the gloom and narrowness of a religion, but, on the contrary, of its liberality and humanity. It is shorter to state the things forbidden than the things permitted: precisely because most things are permitted, and only a few things are forbidden.
G. K. Chesterton

To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it.
G. K. Chesterton, A Short History of England, Ch.10

On our trip...First stop the Creation Museum

2009-05-30T14:08:00.005-05:00

My favorite thing about the creation museum was the garden outside.

It was very well kept and designed. I really like the oriental flavor that it had. With the bridges, waterfalls and pond creating a very peaceful atmosfear.

Sorry we didn't get any pictures of inside the museum. It too was very well done, and everyone working there was very nice.

mammoth cave

2009-05-30T12:28:00.005-05:00

From the Creation Museum, we headed off to Mammoth cave where we spent for wonderful days hiking and caving soaking in the Gods glory both above and below the ground.

eating lunch in the cave

Most of the writing in the cave was smoke writing. They did it by holding the candle up against the rock and smoking it on. Most of it would put our writing with a pen or pencil to shame, it was so nicely written.

"Bottomless pit" aahh don't look down. I think they said the bottom was 130 feet down

our favorite tour guide Rick. Somehow we got him on two of our tours :o)

Grant hugging a very large tree lol

We took a picture of this tree because we thought it kinda looked like Treebeard

there was a lot of beautiful sights at the park. I enjoyed walking on the trails

Father and Daughter

the Cpc

2009-05-30T11:10:00.002-05:00

After Mammoth cave it was off to Tennessee for the annual gathering of the cpc. This year it was held at camp. And we had a very good time catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.

One of the funnest thing we did was stay up late, chat while passing around popcorn and oreos. And reminding each other to be sssshhhh because the little ones where in bed :O)

smile

chattin'

Maggie and her best friend that she sees once a year Gabbie.

They both came from the same orphanage in Liberia. But Gabbie was adopted before Maggie got there.

cousins :O)

2009-05-30T10:20:00.005-05:00

On the way home from Tennessee I was dropped off in Illinois at my cousin's house to spend the week with them and my grandmother (Granny). I had a wonderful time getting to know them on a deeper level, as we discussed world view, marriage, family life and theology...and of coarse had a blast :D

Jo, Bekah and I, trying to look serious (but it didn't work)

bekah

The three o' us

Ok so not the whole time where we discussing deep things. (and yes we are hanging off the bed upside down:)

Jojo (aka Joanna)

jo and i

Stonewall Jackson's Maexims on "Politeness and Good Behavior"

2009-05-06T12:40:00.002-05:00

Good breading or true politeness is the art of showing men by external signs the internal regard we have for them.
It arises from good sense improved by good company. It must be acquired by practice and not books.
Be kind, condescending, and affable.
Anyone who has any thing to say to a fellow human being to say it with a kind and sincere desire to please and this when ever it is done will atone for much awkwardness in the manner of expression.
Good breeding is opposed to selfishness, vanity, or pride. Endeavor to please without it hardly allowing it to be perceived.

Maxims of Thomas (Stonewall) Jackson

2009-05-05T06:52:00.003-05:00

Guidelines for good behavior

- through life your principle object be the discharge of duty: if anything conflicts with it, adhere to the former and sacrifice the latter.

-Endeavor to be at peace with all men. Never speak disrespectfully of anyone without a cause.

-Endeavor to do well every thing which you undertake through preference

-Sacrifice your life rather than your word.

-Let your conduct towards men have some uniformity.

-Temperance, eat not to dullness, drink not to elevation

-Silence, Speak not but what may benefit others.

-Order, Let all things have their place. Let each part of your business have its time.

-Resolution, Resolve to preform what you ought, preform without fail what you resolve

-Frugality, Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself. i.e. waste nothing

-Industry, Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut unnecessary actions.

-Sincerity, Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and if you speak, speak accordingly.

-Justice, Wrong none by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

-Moderation, Avoid extremes, forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

-Cleanliness, Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloths, or habitation.

-Tranquility, Be not disturbed at trifles nor at accidents common or unavoidable.

Fan Kata

2009-04-25T18:31:00.001-05:00

I thought this was neat. I'm going to be looking into it more. Maybe get my own tessen (fans)

Florida

2009-04-06T22:46:00.005-05:00

Last week my mom and I went to Florida where we spent the week learning a modality of therapy. It was very interesting and insightful. God is truly amazing and so is what He has created (proving once more intelligent design).
Although we had some rain on most days it usually gave way to sun at some point, and we where able to walk to lunch on a few of the days.

on on one day we went to the little park in the center of town, where my mom fed a squirrel a mint (the one in the picture above:) afterwards it did not stop following us till we left.

there was a few evening where we went on a walk near our hotel.

The rest of the pictures are from one of those evenings

Oh how important it is for us to protect such a sweet thing as Liberty

2009-03-21T08:45:00.002-05:00

“Is life so dear and peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains an slavery? Forbid it Almighty God! I know not what coarse others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death.” Patrick Henry

2009-03-21T08:44:00.000-05:00

“When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people there is Liberty.” Thomas Jefferson

“Anyone who trades liberty for security, deserves nether liberty or security." Benjamin Franklin

2009-03-21T08:41:00.000-05:00

"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."

The late Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931 – 2005

the monkey commercial

2009-03-13T11:05:00.001-05:00

here is Maggie's favorite commercial...and where she got the idea of Pinkie

the test

2009-03-06T08:00:00.004-06:00

About two weeks ago we had another test in karate.

~Group picture
here is a picture of almost everybody at the dojo

~Erik doing Kesa gatame, to one of his buddies

~Everyone in their claimed corner getting ready for the test

~the kids class testing

~the adult class testing

pastors camp

2009-03-06T07:47:00.003-06:00

Last Saturday Papa had the opportunity to go to a pastors camp in Tennessee. He said that he had a very nice time.
~ Papa and Pinkie at the pastors camp
Maggie has a favorite commercial of a father going on a business trip and his little girl wanted him to take a little stuffed monkey along and take pictures of it. So now Maggie's pink pig, Pinkie, goes with Papa on all his trips and gets it's picture taken at different spots along the way, and we get the pictures emailed back to us :o)

~the guys sitting around talking

~The road leading up to the camp

I love this picture it just looks so peaceful

our tower of cans...

2009-03-06T07:36:00.004-06:00

...my artistic abilities

back at the beginning of February when my parents the most of the other couples from our church went away to a couples camp, we (the Strand kids) decided to start saving all of the cans we used to see how big of a can tower we could make before the got back. And yes it does look like a lot of cans but split it up between 7 (8 'cuz tom d. came over one night) it really isn't ")

flower meanings continued

2009-02-26T10:48:00.003-06:00

Passion flower.........................................passion
Peony........................................................healing
Ranunculus..............................................radiant
Stare of Bethlehem.....................................hope
Stephanotis..........................................good luck
Statice......................................................success
Sunflower............................................adoration
Tuberose...............................................pleasure
Violet.................................................faithfulness
Wisteria..........................................steadfastness
Zinnia....................................................friendship

the meaning of flowers

2009-02-24T13:42:00.005-06:00

Bachelor Buttons........................anticipation

Calla Lily.................................................regal

Camellia.....................................graciousness

Delphinium......................................boldness

Daisy................................................innocence

Freesia................................................spirited

Forget-Me-Not......................remember me

Gardenia.....................................................joy

Hibiscus.................................delicate beauty

Hyacinth...........................................sincerity

Jasmine.............................................elegance
Lilac...................................................first love
Magnolia..............................................dignity
Orange blossom.................................fertility
Orchid....................................delicate beauty
Pansy.....................................loving thoughts

2009-02-16T00:10:00.001-06:00

" A vision without a task makes a visionary,
A task without a vision is drudgery,
A vision with a task makes a missionary"
Dunnning

us

2009-02-16T00:00:00.000-06:00

goofin' off

2009-02-01T22:32:00.001-06:00

dreams and ideas are the signs on the roadway of life...so now get in the car and drive

playin' in the snow

2009-01-22T15:24:00.002-06:00

Sisters

Evin
hanging off the sledding ramp

skiing

2009-01-22T15:18:00.001-06:00

Bethany's Bachelorete party

2009-01-19T15:54:00.001-06:00

Thursday before the wedding we had the bachelorete party. We had fun playing a game, watching movies and doing our nails.

~Rebekah (the bride for my team:)

The game we played caused many laughs. The object was to see which team could make the nicest wedding dress out of toilet paper

~Aunt Penny
She was the winning bride.... complete with gloves, earrings, long train, flowers, hair piece, and a short mini skirt style dress

The three brides

2009-01-17T16:34:00.002-06:00

"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."
Theodore Roosevelt

Jake and Bethany's wedding

2009-01-07T17:54:00.000-06:00

the bride

the bridesmaids

the groomsmen

cont. J and B's wedding

2009-01-07T17:48:00.000-06:00

putting on the shoes

sisters
Rebekah and Bethany

The Mothers

Grant and James

2008 Do it yourself Messiah

2008-12-23T13:49:00.003-06:00

Last night I went with a bunch of friends down to Chicago for the do it yourself Messiah.

The opera house as always was beautiful.

It is such a terrific combination of beautiful surroundings and wonderful music. It really is a memorable experience.

Then of coarse there is always the train ride to and from Chicago. Which in its own way very fun.

everyone passes around snacks, talks, and laughs

2008-12-19T22:19:00.000-06:00

On August 22, 1849, Austria launched unmanned balloons carrying bombs with time-delay fuses against Venice. It was the first use of aircraft in warfare.

two years to the day...

2008-12-17T11:12:00.004-06:00

Yep...today our family is celebrating Gotch'ya day. It has been two years since Eleanor, Erik, and Maggie joined our family.

If

2008-12-12T15:35:00.001-06:00

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,
If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!

--Rudyard Kipling

2008-12-03T07:14:00.002-06:00

...forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

philippians 3:13-14

thanksgiving @ grandpa and grandma s.

2008-11-29T15:59:00.006-06:00

Some of the grand kids (all the ones that were there that day)

talking after dinner

picture time....smile

I only got 1 picture... but we played games, did a puzzle, along with talking, eating and more talking :o)

Sisters...Grandma and Aunt Helen talking and putting the finishing touches on the kitchen after dinner

Pie lots of pie

Aunt Helen and Cousin Darcy cutting pie

Turkeys, courtesy of Aunt Marlyn

Benjamin with his roll

Logan and Soren talking. (in the 90 degree room...grandpa likes a warm house:)
Soren is an exchange student from Germany. Who is staying with Logan and his family.

Uncle Joey reading to Maggie and Aden

There is nothing that bring a family closer together than cellphones :-)

Swapping and sharing ring tones, blutoohing pictures...and listening to music

playing with cousin Darcy's iPhone..(playing the trilling game squish the pig)

family gathering would not be complete without Grandpa bringing out his accordion.

This time he let some of the grand kids try their hand at it.

~Soren

~Mariah

~Stuart

~Logan

miss maggie is 4

2008-11-26T06:59:00.004-06:00

Saturday we celebrated maggie's 4th birthday (how time goes she had just turned 2 when we got her)

maggie enjoyed helping with her "pink" cake

2008-11-21T17:35:00.002-06:00

HI ALL :o)

didn't have really anything to post so just thought i'd say hi.

2008-11-06T15:08:00.002-06:00

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
2 Peter 1:5-8

Dear Mr. Obama

2008-10-31T08:16:00.001-05:00

no pic.s :(

2008-10-31T07:38:00.003-05:00

Dear subscribers, readers, friends and family :),

I was planning on posting pictures of all the fun I had this past weekend down in Peoria at the Reformation fair but....my laptop has a rebellious streak in it, and has decided not to let me get online. :) So I have decided to point you to some other blogs of note that have more obedient computers.

6 things.....

2008-10-21T13:05:00.004-05:00

My dear friend Kathryn Yen tagged me so

here are the 6 things about me

1) My favorite movie is Horatio Hornblower

2) I love music and a variety of (which shows on my mp3 player:)

3) I like to read...one of my favorite books is "Marriage to a difficult man"

Half way done

4) if I was rich I would have a small convertible sports car, pickup truck, and some sort of SUV

5) I like any chance I can to laugh (its almost become a bad habit:)

6)mmmmm....my favorite colors are mocha brown, pearl white, sage green (and i love all 3 together)

ok there is 6 things did i do that right?

I tag

Jessica E.

Megan C.

Amber A.

Anna V.

Joanna E.

Dawn B.

~Here are the rules
-Link to the person who tagged you.*Post the rules on your blog.
-Write six random things about yourself.
-Tag’ six-or-so other people at the bottom of your post
-And leave comments on their blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged.
-Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve written the post