Last night, Bill and I attended the Shawnee High School Band Concert. Wow! They had about 75 students in their band, so they divided them into two groups this year for the first time.I could tell that Bill missed not directing after all of his years of working with bands, orchestras and choirs. He has offered to donate some of his time and work with the kids. He has been substitute teaching at SHS for the past few months and is getting to know the faculty and students.
St. Anthony Hospital sent all of their employees and volunteers to the movies for Christmas. We had a choice, and chose SkyFall - James Bond. We went on Saturday morning. I was impressed at how organized it was. After asking us which movie we were going to see, they directed us to the single line at the concession stand. We each picked up a box of popcorn and took the soda of our choice which had already been poured. It was a great movie! Action packed, and family friendly.
This morning, Noel came over and helped us put up my new Thomas Kinkade wreath on the livingroom wall. It has little village structures around it and a chapel in the middle. Batteries light up all of the windows.
Noel was on his way to the South Heart Hospital with Mark. I just talked to him on the phone and learned that Mark's heart monitor showed some problems. He has an appointment next week.
Noel spends all of his time at that hospital!! Yesterday, he went with me to have a nuclear stress test on my heart. When I got there, it was cancelled because I had not fasted. I was not given any instructions before hand! I will go back next week. The techs felt badly, and gave Noel and me vouchers for the cafe. That was nice. I don't know what God has in mind. But I just have to trust Him. (Bill taught 5th grade yesterday while I was at the hospital.)
Friday, December 14, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Home for the Holidays - Sometimes!
I just returned home from the hospital where I volunteer. During lunch, Pastor Larry introduced me to 3 doctors who are active Christians. One administers chemo therapy to out-patients, one is an OB-Gyn, and the other is a general surgeon. They are all very friendly, and it shows that they are believers! While making my rounds on the 3rd floor today, I met a young woman with COPD. She related to me that she thought she was dying last night while in ER. She also told me that Dr. Anderson (my friend) had seen her through her trauma, and when the patient was aware of her surroundings again, she noticed that the doctor was wearing a pin that read "JESUS". She told her that someone could wear an Obama pin, and still not know him. Dr. Anderson smiled and said, "I know Him as my Savior and Lord of my life." The patient then said, "I'm in the right hospital!"
Before going to the hospital, Noel and I attended a CPN Christmas party for elders. It was my first. We sat with our cousins, Ruth and Laura and talked about summers past at our grandparent's house. (Mom had a dental appointment and couldn't attend.) The food and drink was very good, and the CPN pre-school provided entertainment. Noel won a gift certificate to the Delta Cafe. Before we left, we were all given a bag of gifts and an Indian ornament made from beads. Nice!
Last night, Noel called and said that he had prepared sloppy joes and homemade banana pudding for a family in his church who had come down with the flu. Would we come? Since I had just given 2 piano lessons and it was getting late, I was very happy! Mom joined us as well. It is so good to see Noel's health improving!! He had some rough days in the past.
In fact, Noel is feeling so much better, that his pastor asked him to preach a week ago for both services while he was on vacation. I played the piano for the evening service because the music director's mother-in-law died during the afternoon. I don't usually attend in the evenings, but I did it for my beloved brother. He is a great preacher. He is interesting, brief, and challenges Christians. After the service, we went to Braums' and I enjoyed an eggnog cone.
The "Christian Worldview" class is now finished, and "Writing for the Media" has begun. I'm am so glad to be finished with the 2 atheists in our class! They were extremely rude and loved to put Christians down whenever possible. It was challenging to stay polite and objective. Both students made an "A" grade because their papers were written well. It was during the discussions that they were arrogant and hateful at times to their classmates and to Bill as the teacher. I pray that Christians will never become so intolerant as what we have experienced. I still don't believe anyone is really an atheist, just bitter and angry at God. Or, they don't want themselves or someone they know to be accountable. As I've said before, I have literally traveled the world, and people of all nations are seeking God in their own way. We were created to do so! The Bible says that we will be judged for what we know. I know for a fact that "true" Christians are the happiest people on the face of the earth. I can see peace on their faces and in their eyes - even in the midst of trials. "Religion" and a relationship with Jesus are two different things! Some "Christians" are not Christians at all.
Last Friday evening, we had 21 people in our home for Christmas Choir potluck and practice. I think the entire town must have enjoyed our music until about 8 p.m. The musical rocks and everyone enjoys singing it so much! Last Sunday, the choir sang "Come On, Ring Those Bells" to entice everyone to come back on the 16th to hear the whole enchilada. The church has been talking about how many "powerful" singers we have this year. There are 7 men who have outstanding voices. It's God's choir, and He is blessing it more and more every year!!!
Before going to the hospital, Noel and I attended a CPN Christmas party for elders. It was my first. We sat with our cousins, Ruth and Laura and talked about summers past at our grandparent's house. (Mom had a dental appointment and couldn't attend.) The food and drink was very good, and the CPN pre-school provided entertainment. Noel won a gift certificate to the Delta Cafe. Before we left, we were all given a bag of gifts and an Indian ornament made from beads. Nice!
Last night, Noel called and said that he had prepared sloppy joes and homemade banana pudding for a family in his church who had come down with the flu. Would we come? Since I had just given 2 piano lessons and it was getting late, I was very happy! Mom joined us as well. It is so good to see Noel's health improving!! He had some rough days in the past.
In fact, Noel is feeling so much better, that his pastor asked him to preach a week ago for both services while he was on vacation. I played the piano for the evening service because the music director's mother-in-law died during the afternoon. I don't usually attend in the evenings, but I did it for my beloved brother. He is a great preacher. He is interesting, brief, and challenges Christians. After the service, we went to Braums' and I enjoyed an eggnog cone.
The "Christian Worldview" class is now finished, and "Writing for the Media" has begun. I'm am so glad to be finished with the 2 atheists in our class! They were extremely rude and loved to put Christians down whenever possible. It was challenging to stay polite and objective. Both students made an "A" grade because their papers were written well. It was during the discussions that they were arrogant and hateful at times to their classmates and to Bill as the teacher. I pray that Christians will never become so intolerant as what we have experienced. I still don't believe anyone is really an atheist, just bitter and angry at God. Or, they don't want themselves or someone they know to be accountable. As I've said before, I have literally traveled the world, and people of all nations are seeking God in their own way. We were created to do so! The Bible says that we will be judged for what we know. I know for a fact that "true" Christians are the happiest people on the face of the earth. I can see peace on their faces and in their eyes - even in the midst of trials. "Religion" and a relationship with Jesus are two different things! Some "Christians" are not Christians at all.
Last Friday evening, we had 21 people in our home for Christmas Choir potluck and practice. I think the entire town must have enjoyed our music until about 8 p.m. The musical rocks and everyone enjoys singing it so much! Last Sunday, the choir sang "Come On, Ring Those Bells" to entice everyone to come back on the 16th to hear the whole enchilada. The church has been talking about how many "powerful" singers we have this year. There are 7 men who have outstanding voices. It's God's choir, and He is blessing it more and more every year!!!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Holiday Pictures
Below, are a mixture of pictures going back to Halloween, our trip to Branson to the Lennon Sisters concert and a picture of my St. Anthony Hospital volunteer smock. If I find more that are interesting, I'll post them as well. While figuring out this process with our new computer gadget, I also edited some mispellings in my last blog. Sometimes my fingers work faster than my brain!
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Christmas Preparation
It seems that I never stop preparing Christmas gifts! Yesterday, I learned that my younger brother, John, and his wife, Cathy, are driving to Oklahoma for Christmas. Mom should be very happy! All 6 of her kids will be here for the holidays. Bill and I are hosting my brothers and wives, and my mother for Christmas dinner. Later, our kids will arrive for New Year's weekend.
Tomorrow night, is our choir potluck and practice. I spent yesterday at the grocery store. Every year, I make sherbet and ginger ale punch. I'll be baking a chocolate bundt cake this morning.
Last Sunday, the choir sang "Repeat the Sounding Joy" from our musical. It is so Branson style. We love it! This Sunday, we will sing "Come On, Ring Those Bells". And on the 16th, we will sing the entire musical.
Again, I enjoyed spending Tuesday morning at St. Anthony Hospital - Shawnee. I met an American Indian lady who wanted a priest. I told her that I had requested one, but I knew God really well. She asked me to pray for her. After I prayed, I began singing to her. She had never heard, "Jesus Loves Me" and looked into my eyes very intensely. When I finished, she thanked me and began to cry. I am learning every week that people don't know, or understand how much they are loved by God! As humans, we can't comprehend divine love until we have experienced it. Some have only known judgement, and punishment from their parents.
As I mentioned in my previous blog, Bill has 2 atheists in his "Christian Worldview" class. It is required by Gand Canyon University or they wouldn't be taking this class. One of the students just cannot wrap his head around the idea of something existing that he can't see. As a nursing student he will have to come to grips with that concept. Also, he can't understand why God would send His son to die for people. The first problem is accepting the fact that we are sinners who make mistakes, and need to be punished. You really have to humble yourself to see that. However, the good news is that we have been forgiven. I have a California license plate on my computer desk that reads, "NOT PERFECT - JUST FORGIVEN.
This week, Bill has started reading the Book of Revelation to me. That use to be a difficult book to understand, but it is becoming more clear now. It is an exciting time to be alive and watch the predictions come true! The weather, the nuclear wars, the famines, and the dissolution of our governement......Wow! It is absolutely the will of God that Obama be president. We have a leader who has put fear into the hearts of the nation, and assures them that they can trust him. People are like sheep, and will follow him off the edge of the cliff if need be. If the economy of the United States can be flattened and everyone is depending on the government, the 666 can move right in and completely take over. I am again reminded of my experience in East Germany before the wall was taken down. I was not allowed to buy anything in the grocery store because I did not have a card! (Food Stamps?) They would not accept my East German marks. The 666 cannot take over until the US dollar is worthless. We now have a World Banking system, the computer is in place, English is the world language, and the UN is becoming stronger. We don't know if 666 is a person or an organization, but we do know that it is anti-God, and that Christians will be persecuted. I am sure, however, that Jesus will come back for his kids before He allows Israel to be destroyed. He has protected the Jewish people since he made his promise to Abraham. He is not a liar! And He has a reputation to keep! I have peace and happiness in my heart knowing that God is in control, even if my world is falling apart around me. Thank you God for Christmas time!!
Tomorrow night, is our choir potluck and practice. I spent yesterday at the grocery store. Every year, I make sherbet and ginger ale punch. I'll be baking a chocolate bundt cake this morning.
Last Sunday, the choir sang "Repeat the Sounding Joy" from our musical. It is so Branson style. We love it! This Sunday, we will sing "Come On, Ring Those Bells". And on the 16th, we will sing the entire musical.
Again, I enjoyed spending Tuesday morning at St. Anthony Hospital - Shawnee. I met an American Indian lady who wanted a priest. I told her that I had requested one, but I knew God really well. She asked me to pray for her. After I prayed, I began singing to her. She had never heard, "Jesus Loves Me" and looked into my eyes very intensely. When I finished, she thanked me and began to cry. I am learning every week that people don't know, or understand how much they are loved by God! As humans, we can't comprehend divine love until we have experienced it. Some have only known judgement, and punishment from their parents.
As I mentioned in my previous blog, Bill has 2 atheists in his "Christian Worldview" class. It is required by Gand Canyon University or they wouldn't be taking this class. One of the students just cannot wrap his head around the idea of something existing that he can't see. As a nursing student he will have to come to grips with that concept. Also, he can't understand why God would send His son to die for people. The first problem is accepting the fact that we are sinners who make mistakes, and need to be punished. You really have to humble yourself to see that. However, the good news is that we have been forgiven. I have a California license plate on my computer desk that reads, "NOT PERFECT - JUST FORGIVEN.
This week, Bill has started reading the Book of Revelation to me. That use to be a difficult book to understand, but it is becoming more clear now. It is an exciting time to be alive and watch the predictions come true! The weather, the nuclear wars, the famines, and the dissolution of our governement......Wow! It is absolutely the will of God that Obama be president. We have a leader who has put fear into the hearts of the nation, and assures them that they can trust him. People are like sheep, and will follow him off the edge of the cliff if need be. If the economy of the United States can be flattened and everyone is depending on the government, the 666 can move right in and completely take over. I am again reminded of my experience in East Germany before the wall was taken down. I was not allowed to buy anything in the grocery store because I did not have a card! (Food Stamps?) They would not accept my East German marks. The 666 cannot take over until the US dollar is worthless. We now have a World Banking system, the computer is in place, English is the world language, and the UN is becoming stronger. We don't know if 666 is a person or an organization, but we do know that it is anti-God, and that Christians will be persecuted. I am sure, however, that Jesus will come back for his kids before He allows Israel to be destroyed. He has protected the Jewish people since he made his promise to Abraham. He is not a liar! And He has a reputation to keep! I have peace and happiness in my heart knowing that God is in control, even if my world is falling apart around me. Thank you God for Christmas time!!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Red Apple Sunrise in Branson
Yesterday, Bill and I got up at 5 a.m. to drive home from Branson. To the west, there was a full moon, and to the east, there was a brilliant sunrise the color of red apples. It was like a gift from God!
Bill and I had a wonderful time celebrating our 31rst wedding anniversary at the Meadows Resort in Branson. We were assigned to a lovely condo overlooking the pond. Like last year, the resort was lit up for the Christmas season. We saw 2 shows while there - Dixie Stampede and The Lennon Sisters at the Moon River Theater. As usual, Dixie Stampede held a capacity crowd of over 1,000 people. I always love the dinner, and the show is first class! After the Lennon Sisters concert, we had our picture taken together, our CD autographed and met their granddaughters who sing and dance in their show. We also bought 2 of their ragdolls for Selah and Sofia. Janet and Kathy Lennon autographed the legs.
While at Noel's, Janice cooked a smoked turkey for us. It was delicious! Steve, their son, came in and visited us for awhile. He has driven for Schneider (sp?) Trucking for 10 years now. Steve had Forest (5 years old) with him. Hunter (8 yrs.) was in school. Steve grew up with my kids and they stay very close on FaceBook. That has seemed to taken over many people. I think that is about all Galen does now.
We left Branson early yesterday so that I could go to my doctor's appointment. All of my lab work was good. Dr. Shaw is checking my heart to make sure that all is well due to my family history. He also told me to be careful about too much typing on the computer. Smile!
Noel's procedure went well in Springfield. Now, Mark is having some heart problems, and Noel took him to the Heart Hospital in OKC to be checked.
When Mom returned to Shawnee from Springfield she tripped coming in the door. Who knows why?! She is fine, but has bruises on her arm and leg. She wears a Medi-Alert at all times. Good! Last Sunday, she attended my Bible Study Class before traveling. We had 18 in the class, and she seemed to enjoy it. I wasn't sure if she would approve of my teaching style. She lectures more, and I ask a lot of questions. My class is always contributing and laughing. Being a Christian is plain fun!
I will write more later. We have a new computer, so I can put pictures on again. Bless God as He blesses you!
Bill and I had a wonderful time celebrating our 31rst wedding anniversary at the Meadows Resort in Branson. We were assigned to a lovely condo overlooking the pond. Like last year, the resort was lit up for the Christmas season. We saw 2 shows while there - Dixie Stampede and The Lennon Sisters at the Moon River Theater. As usual, Dixie Stampede held a capacity crowd of over 1,000 people. I always love the dinner, and the show is first class! After the Lennon Sisters concert, we had our picture taken together, our CD autographed and met their granddaughters who sing and dance in their show. We also bought 2 of their ragdolls for Selah and Sofia. Janet and Kathy Lennon autographed the legs.
While at Noel's, Janice cooked a smoked turkey for us. It was delicious! Steve, their son, came in and visited us for awhile. He has driven for Schneider (sp?) Trucking for 10 years now. Steve had Forest (5 years old) with him. Hunter (8 yrs.) was in school. Steve grew up with my kids and they stay very close on FaceBook. That has seemed to taken over many people. I think that is about all Galen does now.
We left Branson early yesterday so that I could go to my doctor's appointment. All of my lab work was good. Dr. Shaw is checking my heart to make sure that all is well due to my family history. He also told me to be careful about too much typing on the computer. Smile!
Noel's procedure went well in Springfield. Now, Mark is having some heart problems, and Noel took him to the Heart Hospital in OKC to be checked.
When Mom returned to Shawnee from Springfield she tripped coming in the door. Who knows why?! She is fine, but has bruises on her arm and leg. She wears a Medi-Alert at all times. Good! Last Sunday, she attended my Bible Study Class before traveling. We had 18 in the class, and she seemed to enjoy it. I wasn't sure if she would approve of my teaching style. She lectures more, and I ask a lot of questions. My class is always contributing and laughing. Being a Christian is plain fun!
I will write more later. We have a new computer, so I can put pictures on again. Bless God as He blesses you!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving! It is a beautiful fall day with a high of 76 degrees. It feels like San Diego! Bill and I are going to Gramma's for dinner. She insisted! I made pies and a fruit salad.
On Sunday, Bill and I are driving Gramma to Springfield. She will stay with Noel and Janice while Bill and I go to Branson to celebrate our 31rst wedding anniversary early. We were actually married in December, but the whole family will be here around that time.
Besides teaching on-line, teaching piano lessons, and volunteering at the hospital, I have been putting up the Christmas tree, and preparing gifts for 24 people. The guest bedroom looks like a workshop. In between the other activities, I got my hair cut, had my nails done and paid the house taxes and insurance for another year.
I am thankful to God for so many things this year. I love having a close Christian family! I marvel at my lovely home. Bill just had my bathroom remodeled and it feels like a luxury hotel. He insisted that my sink handles, TP holder, and vanity handles be brass. In addition, both bathrooms have new tile flooring. I thank God continually for His generosity! This year I'm really looking forward to having all of my kids, grandkids and my brothers' families in Oklahoma for Christmas! We haven't been all together like this for 9 years. God must have planned it because none of us planned it! Again, have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, and look for reasons to be happy and content.
On Sunday, Bill and I are driving Gramma to Springfield. She will stay with Noel and Janice while Bill and I go to Branson to celebrate our 31rst wedding anniversary early. We were actually married in December, but the whole family will be here around that time.
Besides teaching on-line, teaching piano lessons, and volunteering at the hospital, I have been putting up the Christmas tree, and preparing gifts for 24 people. The guest bedroom looks like a workshop. In between the other activities, I got my hair cut, had my nails done and paid the house taxes and insurance for another year.
I am thankful to God for so many things this year. I love having a close Christian family! I marvel at my lovely home. Bill just had my bathroom remodeled and it feels like a luxury hotel. He insisted that my sink handles, TP holder, and vanity handles be brass. In addition, both bathrooms have new tile flooring. I thank God continually for His generosity! This year I'm really looking forward to having all of my kids, grandkids and my brothers' families in Oklahoma for Christmas! We haven't been all together like this for 9 years. God must have planned it because none of us planned it! Again, have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, and look for reasons to be happy and content.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Elections/Teaching/Church/Hospitals
This last week has been a whirlwind of activity! Bill and I drove Noel to emergency twice. One time we went to South Heart Hospital, and the other to North Heart Hospital. Noel's pacemaker was tweeked and he was give new medication. His heart is still doing its own thing in spite of two surgeries. We have to trust God that He knows what He is doing!
The elections were enough to give anyone a heart attack! Our nation is already feeling the effects. The dow dropped 400 points, and many people are being layed off. Surprise! Surprise! Obama is getting his way. He courted the uneducated, the lazy, and the bleeding hearts who have no knowledge of finance, and how it works. Socialists will have their way if all the rich can be drained of their businesses and the government can take over. The problem is that the hand that feeds the poor will have no more to give. I predicted Obama would win after observing the masses of people who want to be dependent, the moral decline of our nation, and the obsession with pleasure rather than the satisfaction of a job well done. God will judge our nation!!! He will not be mocked! I will most likely suffer with the nation, but I have God to walk me through the hard times. He will give me peace and happiness in spite of those around me. Perhaps, some will have their eyes opened.
This past week I gave5 piano lessons. I also graded homework for the "Christian Worldview" class online. It fascinates me to read their responses to the questions asked by the University curriculum. Everytime we teach this class there is at least one atheist in the group. Most of the students have their heads and hearts on straight. The majority of our students this session are in the nursing school and have great insight. You can feel them connecting science with the mysteries of God. I tell them about my favorite doctor -Dr. Anderson. She is a born again Christian and a great physician who gives God credit for all she does. I've seen her cry over patients! (And, she's thin and beautiful!)
Last Tuesday, I spent the morning at St. Anthony Hospital. Every week is different! I walked into a room where a young woman lay dying from cancer. She was in great pain. I put my hand on her arm and began to sing, "Jesus Loves Me". Within minutes she was asleep. I never cease to be amazed how God can work and bring peace. I prayed for her silently and crept out of the room.
I left the hospital a little early to meet Bill at Paul's Steak House. Our bank was having an appreciation lunch. When we left, they gave us a fluffy beige throw. It was really nice since we didn't get much interest on our investments this year.
Yesterday, Bill and I worked until noon and then took a drive to Turner Falls. It was wonderful! The temperature was unusually warm and there were few people in the park. We stopped at our favorite Fried Pie restaurant and brought some blackberry pies home. I had never heard of them until we moved to Oklahoma.
This week was Sofia's 8th birthday. She is growing up to be beautiful, smart, and loving. She helps the teacher at school by helping the student who has been mainstreamed into the class. Sofia understands that God made everyone special and she must love those around her regardless of looks, intellect or physical ability. I am very proud to have Sofia as my granddaughter!
The elections were enough to give anyone a heart attack! Our nation is already feeling the effects. The dow dropped 400 points, and many people are being layed off. Surprise! Surprise! Obama is getting his way. He courted the uneducated, the lazy, and the bleeding hearts who have no knowledge of finance, and how it works. Socialists will have their way if all the rich can be drained of their businesses and the government can take over. The problem is that the hand that feeds the poor will have no more to give. I predicted Obama would win after observing the masses of people who want to be dependent, the moral decline of our nation, and the obsession with pleasure rather than the satisfaction of a job well done. God will judge our nation!!! He will not be mocked! I will most likely suffer with the nation, but I have God to walk me through the hard times. He will give me peace and happiness in spite of those around me. Perhaps, some will have their eyes opened.
This past week I gave5 piano lessons. I also graded homework for the "Christian Worldview" class online. It fascinates me to read their responses to the questions asked by the University curriculum. Everytime we teach this class there is at least one atheist in the group. Most of the students have their heads and hearts on straight. The majority of our students this session are in the nursing school and have great insight. You can feel them connecting science with the mysteries of God. I tell them about my favorite doctor -Dr. Anderson. She is a born again Christian and a great physician who gives God credit for all she does. I've seen her cry over patients! (And, she's thin and beautiful!)
Last Tuesday, I spent the morning at St. Anthony Hospital. Every week is different! I walked into a room where a young woman lay dying from cancer. She was in great pain. I put my hand on her arm and began to sing, "Jesus Loves Me". Within minutes she was asleep. I never cease to be amazed how God can work and bring peace. I prayed for her silently and crept out of the room.
I left the hospital a little early to meet Bill at Paul's Steak House. Our bank was having an appreciation lunch. When we left, they gave us a fluffy beige throw. It was really nice since we didn't get much interest on our investments this year.
Yesterday, Bill and I worked until noon and then took a drive to Turner Falls. It was wonderful! The temperature was unusually warm and there were few people in the park. We stopped at our favorite Fried Pie restaurant and brought some blackberry pies home. I had never heard of them until we moved to Oklahoma.
This week was Sofia's 8th birthday. She is growing up to be beautiful, smart, and loving. She helps the teacher at school by helping the student who has been mainstreamed into the class. Sofia understands that God made everyone special and she must love those around her regardless of looks, intellect or physical ability. I am very proud to have Sofia as my granddaughter!
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