I looked at my picture of Jesus just now and asked Him,
"How are you? Really, how are you?"
And this is what I think I heard Him say.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I AM Busy.
Caring for you.
I never slumber.
I never sleep.
I am busy watching over you.
I AM Busy.
Bringing many sons and daughters
into My glory.
Sending out laborers into the field;
For the harvest is ready,
and the workers are few.
I AM Busy.
Like a Refiner's Fire.
Consuming the chaff in your life.
Watching and feeding the fire
so the grains that are left are
toasted to perfection,
Finely ground,
and made into bread
to give life to those around you.
I AM Busy.
Preparing My Bride
to meet her Groom.
Perfecting. Purchasing. Presiding.
I AM getting ready to
watch Her walk down Heaven's aisle.
I AM Busy.
Painting skies and seas,
Fields and trees.
Growing beauty for those
who still themselves to see.
I scatter the hoary frost.
I make rain and snow to fall.
I blow with my breath
and the warm wind comes.
Flowers bloom
and birds sing.
All creation worships Me.
I AM Busy receiving
Praise, Honor, and Glory.
I AM Busy.
Bringing Good News to the Poor.
Setting the Captive free.
Making blind eyes see.
The Lame to walk.
The Deaf to hear.
Comforting the Broken-hearted.
I AM Busy.
Giving peace to the anxious.
Making rough places smooth.
Making high and low places plain.
I AM Busy.
Setting a table.
Putting wine goblets in place.
Baking bread.
Pressing grapes.
Catching fish.
Building fires by the sea.
I AM Busy.
Rubbing your shoulders.
Holding your hands.
Kissing your face.
Whispering Words.
Being your Friend.
I Am Busy.
Being God Almighty.
Holy of Holies.
Prince of Peace.
Worthy Lamb.
I AM Busy.
Being there with you.
And keeping you here with Me.
I AM Busy.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
Hertzler Doings-Nov.26-Dec.2, 2012
Mon.-Henry came for the day. What a delightful little boy he is! Alli brought the movie, "My Sister's Keeper" and we watched it while he played with toys. I laid him on my bed and he went right to sleep. I took a nap beside him on Phil's side of the bed. When Grandma Dianna came to pick him up, he wasn't ready to go. I laughed nervously and said, "Sorry," to Dianna. She said, "I love it." "I do too," I admitted. Later, Susan had basketball practice and musical practice. Phil, Philip, and Peter, packaged up the scrapple this eve. Ivona came along and we had a nice visit. Peter brought me three bags of wheat free flour and fresh bread and a recipe to boot. Thankful for dear friends.
Tues.-Spent the morning on the phone with insurance company and specialist. Took Susan to Anatomy and Sara and I had a lovely lunch at Riverside. Sara is my guardian angel. Picked up Suz and went to Walmart to get musical items-blue skinny jeans, black scarf, pink feathered earrings, dry cleaning packet, red lipstick. Also bought mardi gras beads at the dollar store to complete her outfit. Bought a big white poinsettia to take the place of a Christmas tree this year. Easier to keep a plant safe from Lucy than a Christmas tree. Took Susan to Worsham for basketball practice and came back to Walmart to finish shopping. April dropped Susan off to meet me there and I transported her to church for practice after a quick stop at Cook Out to get a Heath Toffee milkshake for Suz and fries for me. Phil finished up packaging the scrapple. I hit the sack early. Soon after 11, the phone rang. Freeman had welts and some tightness in breathing. Long story short-Alli took him to Southside. They took him in right away and gave him more benedryl, Pregnizone, and an epi-pen injection. His breathing had gotten tighter as they went in. They got home after 3:30 and slept until nearly noon. Thankful that they didn't wait around and that they went in right away.
Wed.-Every day I see a watercolor picture I want to paint. The sky was gray and pink this morning and then white and blue. Birds silhouetted on black branches on walnut trees. I weep with worship at the beauty of this breaking dawn. Ollie sees me in here writing. He's trying to get in. He flies up on the roof and then down to the ground right in front of my window.
It's been 3 weeks since my toe injury. Doing better. Still looks bad. Can't wear shoes, but I could wear slippers for the first time this morning, for a little while.
Decorated for Christmas. I brought in the white manger scene and arranged it on the book shelf with white angel hair, blue ball jars with sand and goldish pebbles and red berries and white candles, and holly leaves and berries from Mickey's yard.
I put up the manger scene mother gave me. It's from Africa, I think. Made of cloth. I made some arrangement with the poinsettia and lights and fake fruit and branches and old fashioned ornaments. I put white fake pointsettias in a big white pitcher with lights at the bottom. I put a center piece on our dining room table with a manger scene that has room for a tea light in the back, a crock with a candle in it, and a candle in a natural holder. My favorite 'decoration'? I took the oval bread bowl from Kenya and wrapped a baby doll in a white pillowcase and laid it in the bowl with some greens and reds at the feet and head. Jesus, the Bread of Life. Born in a manger. Laid in a bread bowl at the Hertzler house under their flat screen tv.
Susan is at musical practice. Philip went to Calvary. Phil and I will hit the sack early and keep the phone by our bed. I'm thankful that Judy answered when I called her last night to get some medical advice regarding Freeman. Definitely an allergic reaction to something. Perhaps the detergent used to wash his Bethlehem outfit?
Thurs.-Cleaned the kitchen, made gingersnap cookies, wrapped gifts, deleted photos, took a nap. Had the eve. to myself. Phil and Philip went to Bedford. Susan, Freeman, Alli went to musical practice. Ate some chocolate, corn chips, and cookies. My joints are locked up and I feel lousy. As I looked through my camera and deleted pics, I came upon a photo of Emma twirling in her red Christmas dress just before Ollie attacked her. I think it had to do with her movement and her red dress. Poor thing. He took after her and she ran like crazy, screaming, to the house. Susan hollered at Ollie which just added to Emma's flight of fright. When we followed her inside, she was in Philip's arms. We have brought up this scenario several times in our family and we all laugh about it because of the look of sheer terror on poor Emma's face. Something must be wrong with us.
Fri.-slept in. Lots of interrupted sleep last night and I paid for eating wheat flour in the ginger cookies. Finally took a Benedryl and read for awhile. Tidied house, gathered all of my Christmas CD's, made potato soup, watched 'I Love Lucy', did some on line communications, took Susan to Alli and Freeman's for her transport to New Life, etc. First performance of musical is tonight.
Sat.-What a day! Butchered chickens over at Spiggles. 39 of theirs. 48 of ours and one naughty rooster. He took the most time. So scrawny we had to skin him because his feathers wouldn't come out. Phil, Philip, Susan and I went over soon after 8 in the morning and we were done before lunch. Phil took Susan home after the first batch so she could get ready to be picked up by Freeman and Alli to go to the musical performance. Two performances today. Back to the chickens. After we had all the chickens in the freezer or in the cooler on ice, we went over to Cynthia's and had her homemade chili, Nancy's amazing cornbread-with cheese, sour cream, and corn, baked right into it, and gingersnap cookies I made. It was nice to catch up with the kids-Caleb, Gabe, Wade, Olivia, and Gus. Gail wants to do this twice a year and we do too. So happy to have found an answer to raising chickens in Va. Came home. Put the chickens in several different freezers. Took a nap. Vacuumed and washed the floors while a chicken baked in the oven and rice and vegetables cooked on the stove. Played one of Mother's Christmas CD's that had an exclamation point on the front. I can hear why she liked it. It's dark outside and it's not even 5:30 but I think it might be my bedtime. Fun, fun day.
Sun.-Steve Fisher called from Zambia (I think) this morning. The barrels of goods and shoes have arrived! Took 2 months by sea. All of the orphans were together and they were able to choose 2 pairs of shoes per person. It is the first time they ever got to choose something for themselves. Steve was really happy. A little effort on this side of the world brought joy that will strengthen for the daily heavy battle on the other side of the world.
Discovered something today. The less I have it together when I arrive at church, the more I notice and experience His grace and mercy. Today, I was poor in spirit and He gave me the Kingdom of heaven. Why am I always so afraid to be poor in spirit? When I find myself in a place that I can't
'fix', do I really believe that God cannot fix it?
The sermon caused me to consider my sins of gluttony and gossip. But my experiences today taught me that my sin of worry causes more sin than anything else, because when I worry, I intervene and try to control. Oh God. Increase my faith. Help my unbelief. Forgive my sin and heal my land.
I just noticed a quote I have written on an index card on my desk. It's taken from my Mother's Life Application Bible-notes on 1 Peter 5:7-"Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 'Sometimes we think that struggles caused by our own sin and foolishness are not God's concern. But, when we turn to God in repentance, He will bear the weight even of those struggles. Letting God have your anxieties calls for action, not passivity. Don't submit to circumstances, but to the LORD who controls circumstances.'
After church, Phil and I went for lunch at Country Cookin' and talked with more church friends there. Susan showed up with the Helton Gang. Then we headed to the parade and waited in front of Amish Originals with Danielle, Noah, and Carter. Gabby was on a date with her daddy Nate for her birthday. He had bought her new shoes after a lunch of pizza and her blue eyes were shining bright.
More and more of the Mennonite Gang showed up in front of our reunion store. It's a great way to see everyone from the different churches. Calvary had a nice portion in the parade. Graham helped to carry the banner. I think next year, Phil should drive a tractor and we should have a hay ride and go Christmas caroling in the parade. I think we could have plenty of people representing 'Immanuel'-God with us-as we sing together. After the parade, we walked down to Riverside, where we had parked our car. Then to Sweet Frog. I haven't had anything that sweet for a long time. Cappuccino, chocolate, vanilla, pumpkin. Then to New Life, where we met Peter and Ivona and Philip and had Betty Gibb's Balcony seats to view 'A Misfit Adventure,' starring, in my eyes, Freeman, Alli, and Susan. Man! These kids can act, sing, and dance! I loved the plot-finding our purpose-knowing where we belong-ultimately kneeling with others before Him. My tear-jerker moment came when Jay, (Josef), said that he had once been a follower of Christ but that it seems he has lost his way.
After the musical, we came home. Relaxed with another MacDonald book. Listened to The Messiah as we went to sleep. It is like listening to a miracle. And it never grows old.
Tues.-Spent the morning on the phone with insurance company and specialist. Took Susan to Anatomy and Sara and I had a lovely lunch at Riverside. Sara is my guardian angel. Picked up Suz and went to Walmart to get musical items-blue skinny jeans, black scarf, pink feathered earrings, dry cleaning packet, red lipstick. Also bought mardi gras beads at the dollar store to complete her outfit. Bought a big white poinsettia to take the place of a Christmas tree this year. Easier to keep a plant safe from Lucy than a Christmas tree. Took Susan to Worsham for basketball practice and came back to Walmart to finish shopping. April dropped Susan off to meet me there and I transported her to church for practice after a quick stop at Cook Out to get a Heath Toffee milkshake for Suz and fries for me. Phil finished up packaging the scrapple. I hit the sack early. Soon after 11, the phone rang. Freeman had welts and some tightness in breathing. Long story short-Alli took him to Southside. They took him in right away and gave him more benedryl, Pregnizone, and an epi-pen injection. His breathing had gotten tighter as they went in. They got home after 3:30 and slept until nearly noon. Thankful that they didn't wait around and that they went in right away.
Wed.-Every day I see a watercolor picture I want to paint. The sky was gray and pink this morning and then white and blue. Birds silhouetted on black branches on walnut trees. I weep with worship at the beauty of this breaking dawn. Ollie sees me in here writing. He's trying to get in. He flies up on the roof and then down to the ground right in front of my window.
It's been 3 weeks since my toe injury. Doing better. Still looks bad. Can't wear shoes, but I could wear slippers for the first time this morning, for a little while.
Decorated for Christmas. I brought in the white manger scene and arranged it on the book shelf with white angel hair, blue ball jars with sand and goldish pebbles and red berries and white candles, and holly leaves and berries from Mickey's yard.
I put up the manger scene mother gave me. It's from Africa, I think. Made of cloth. I made some arrangement with the poinsettia and lights and fake fruit and branches and old fashioned ornaments. I put white fake pointsettias in a big white pitcher with lights at the bottom. I put a center piece on our dining room table with a manger scene that has room for a tea light in the back, a crock with a candle in it, and a candle in a natural holder. My favorite 'decoration'? I took the oval bread bowl from Kenya and wrapped a baby doll in a white pillowcase and laid it in the bowl with some greens and reds at the feet and head. Jesus, the Bread of Life. Born in a manger. Laid in a bread bowl at the Hertzler house under their flat screen tv.
Susan is at musical practice. Philip went to Calvary. Phil and I will hit the sack early and keep the phone by our bed. I'm thankful that Judy answered when I called her last night to get some medical advice regarding Freeman. Definitely an allergic reaction to something. Perhaps the detergent used to wash his Bethlehem outfit?
Thurs.-Cleaned the kitchen, made gingersnap cookies, wrapped gifts, deleted photos, took a nap. Had the eve. to myself. Phil and Philip went to Bedford. Susan, Freeman, Alli went to musical practice. Ate some chocolate, corn chips, and cookies. My joints are locked up and I feel lousy. As I looked through my camera and deleted pics, I came upon a photo of Emma twirling in her red Christmas dress just before Ollie attacked her. I think it had to do with her movement and her red dress. Poor thing. He took after her and she ran like crazy, screaming, to the house. Susan hollered at Ollie which just added to Emma's flight of fright. When we followed her inside, she was in Philip's arms. We have brought up this scenario several times in our family and we all laugh about it because of the look of sheer terror on poor Emma's face. Something must be wrong with us.
Fri.-slept in. Lots of interrupted sleep last night and I paid for eating wheat flour in the ginger cookies. Finally took a Benedryl and read for awhile. Tidied house, gathered all of my Christmas CD's, made potato soup, watched 'I Love Lucy', did some on line communications, took Susan to Alli and Freeman's for her transport to New Life, etc. First performance of musical is tonight.
Sat.-What a day! Butchered chickens over at Spiggles. 39 of theirs. 48 of ours and one naughty rooster. He took the most time. So scrawny we had to skin him because his feathers wouldn't come out. Phil, Philip, Susan and I went over soon after 8 in the morning and we were done before lunch. Phil took Susan home after the first batch so she could get ready to be picked up by Freeman and Alli to go to the musical performance. Two performances today. Back to the chickens. After we had all the chickens in the freezer or in the cooler on ice, we went over to Cynthia's and had her homemade chili, Nancy's amazing cornbread-with cheese, sour cream, and corn, baked right into it, and gingersnap cookies I made. It was nice to catch up with the kids-Caleb, Gabe, Wade, Olivia, and Gus. Gail wants to do this twice a year and we do too. So happy to have found an answer to raising chickens in Va. Came home. Put the chickens in several different freezers. Took a nap. Vacuumed and washed the floors while a chicken baked in the oven and rice and vegetables cooked on the stove. Played one of Mother's Christmas CD's that had an exclamation point on the front. I can hear why she liked it. It's dark outside and it's not even 5:30 but I think it might be my bedtime. Fun, fun day.
Sun.-Steve Fisher called from Zambia (I think) this morning. The barrels of goods and shoes have arrived! Took 2 months by sea. All of the orphans were together and they were able to choose 2 pairs of shoes per person. It is the first time they ever got to choose something for themselves. Steve was really happy. A little effort on this side of the world brought joy that will strengthen for the daily heavy battle on the other side of the world.
Discovered something today. The less I have it together when I arrive at church, the more I notice and experience His grace and mercy. Today, I was poor in spirit and He gave me the Kingdom of heaven. Why am I always so afraid to be poor in spirit? When I find myself in a place that I can't
'fix', do I really believe that God cannot fix it?
The sermon caused me to consider my sins of gluttony and gossip. But my experiences today taught me that my sin of worry causes more sin than anything else, because when I worry, I intervene and try to control. Oh God. Increase my faith. Help my unbelief. Forgive my sin and heal my land.
I just noticed a quote I have written on an index card on my desk. It's taken from my Mother's Life Application Bible-notes on 1 Peter 5:7-"Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 'Sometimes we think that struggles caused by our own sin and foolishness are not God's concern. But, when we turn to God in repentance, He will bear the weight even of those struggles. Letting God have your anxieties calls for action, not passivity. Don't submit to circumstances, but to the LORD who controls circumstances.'
After church, Phil and I went for lunch at Country Cookin' and talked with more church friends there. Susan showed up with the Helton Gang. Then we headed to the parade and waited in front of Amish Originals with Danielle, Noah, and Carter. Gabby was on a date with her daddy Nate for her birthday. He had bought her new shoes after a lunch of pizza and her blue eyes were shining bright.
More and more of the Mennonite Gang showed up in front of our reunion store. It's a great way to see everyone from the different churches. Calvary had a nice portion in the parade. Graham helped to carry the banner. I think next year, Phil should drive a tractor and we should have a hay ride and go Christmas caroling in the parade. I think we could have plenty of people representing 'Immanuel'-God with us-as we sing together. After the parade, we walked down to Riverside, where we had parked our car. Then to Sweet Frog. I haven't had anything that sweet for a long time. Cappuccino, chocolate, vanilla, pumpkin. Then to New Life, where we met Peter and Ivona and Philip and had Betty Gibb's Balcony seats to view 'A Misfit Adventure,' starring, in my eyes, Freeman, Alli, and Susan. Man! These kids can act, sing, and dance! I loved the plot-finding our purpose-knowing where we belong-ultimately kneeling with others before Him. My tear-jerker moment came when Jay, (Josef), said that he had once been a follower of Christ but that it seems he has lost his way.
After the musical, we came home. Relaxed with another MacDonald book. Listened to The Messiah as we went to sleep. It is like listening to a miracle. And it never grows old.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Hertzler Doings-Nov.19-25, 2012
Mon.-Lovely relaxing morning with the Bantons. Set up the card table and played with colored noodles with the girls. Their artwork is all over the place. Gil stayed here with the guys. They were going to butcher two deer but the meat had frozen solid so they played Monopoly instead. The boys said they whupped Gil. Susan, Lindsay, the girls, and I, headed for Farmville. Stopped at Miller's and bought some things that cost 5x as much in Conn. Then we went to Amish Originals, the church office, and Greenfront. Then to Timmas for a wonderful lunch. The children played so nicely together. Then we took the girls to Barnes and Noble where they met Michelle and then the B's went to Jamie and Ginger's for Supper. Susan and I left them at the book store and went to Goodwill and then to basketball practice. Jamie and Gil picked Susan up at New Life and she came back home with them later. Jamie gave Gil and Lindsay much tile to finish their projects. I went to Kroger and got another turkey for 37 cents a pound. Went to Roses. They are going out of business after 83 years. Found some jeans and sweat pants. Came home to the boys. Made baked oatmeal and put groceries away. I was going to catch up on last week's blogging but the internet was down. Again.
Tues.-Sewed tubular pink Chenille scarves with Lindsay. Went out to 'The Little Things in Life" where Linds found the girls their Christmas dresses. I bought a creamsicle candle -at Country Charm. Girls watched 'The Sound of Music' and Emma sang. She has a voice that makes me stop what I am doing to listen. Took Susan to meet Ashley. Phil and Freeman came home. They visited with the Bantons for several hours and then we said our sad farewells around 7. Phil picked up Susan at Trinity. Philip played basketball at New Life and Michael went catfishing under the stars.
Wed.-Ordered some Christmas gifts. Went to see Dr. F. Caught up on wash. Some food and house prep. Beautiful fall day. Banton withdrawal pains. Mike here. Guys working at Abbey. Watched first several episodes of the A Team. Philip went out to CC in eve. God is answering my prayer that his passion would be used for Him.
Thurs.-Thanksgiving Highlights: In the afternoon, we went to Calvary Chapel to spend time with the Ollie Mast family. All but Rachel and her family were there. Not all of the spouses were there. Caught up with Freda and saw pics of her grandchildren and Kristy's wedding. Took family pics for them. Some stopped by later. For supper, Freeman deep fried our turkey. John and Jeanne, Peter and Ivona, and Brian and Heidi joined us and made our family complete. We had a really great time together. Brian and Heidi brought a broccoli salad. Peter and Ivona braked for a deer on their way here and their green bean casserole scattered over their car seats. We had some of it and also his good bread. Freeman and Alli made an apple pie and sweet potato casserole. John and Jeanne brought a pumpkin pie and ice cream. Besides all that, we had gourmet mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, cranberry sauce, butter, jam, and 7 layer salad. Philip and Susan went to Lapps and played Rook and watched the game. Mike went out with his friends. So the six of us were left and we talked non stop and learned all kinds of things. We were sorry to see them go. Highlight? Philip laughed so hard he cried when Peter told a deer story that took place when he was 19. Peter said that he still has bad dreams about the attack deer.
Fri.-Relaxing Day. Watched some movies. Got towels left at HV. Visited with Mickey on the way back. Got cornmeal mixture ready for scrapple tomorrow. Washed lots of containers. Phil fixed clothesline. I made more mashed potatoes to go with leftover turkey gravy. Played Pick One in eve. with Phil and Susan. Philip went out to play Rook again and Jordan came here and hung out with Michael. Michael said that Jordan said in the course of a conversation, "Your mom has always been skinny." I'm going to kiss him next time I see him.
Todays highlight: Michael playing guitar and Susan singing. This is the stuff that brings joy to a mother's heart. This is the stuff that becomes famous some day. This is the extravagance of God and He and I heard them first.
Sat.-Scrapple making day. Austen, Jenny, John G., and Dave P, were also here to help us today. Butchered the pig yesterday. Cooked down the meat today. Ground it and the raw pork. Cooked it in a big copper kettle. Added the cornmeal mixture. Cooked for another 15 min. Used a kettle as a ladle and scooped it out into oodles of containers. Filled the back of the truck. Then loaded it into the big Abbey fridge. Has to chill until Monday night and then we'll freeze it. Ollie took a liking to Dave and followed him everywhere, pecking at his pant leg. Phil and Jenny went to Lapps. Good day. It's 5:30 and I'm ready to hit the sack.
Sun.-Relaxing morning. Had scrapple for breakfast. Went to church. Some sobering news of those in our midst facing the valley of the shadow. Good sermon about making our life count. Went to Ruby Tuesdays with Dianna and Steve. Then Phil and I went to the Methodist Church to listen to Handel's Messiah for 2 wonderful hours. Met some great people in front of us who travelled two hours to get there. Homeschooled their kids until college. Daughter was playing the violin. Son was following along in Handel's book. At the end, the choir came into the congregation and we all sang Handel's Messiah together. What a thrill! Home again for Thanksgiving leftovers. Susan spent last night at Lapps and went to CC, then to a football game in town, then to dance and musical practice. Michael went back to school. Philip is out and about. Bantons are leaving Va. and headed back to Conn. I miss them.
Tues.-Sewed tubular pink Chenille scarves with Lindsay. Went out to 'The Little Things in Life" where Linds found the girls their Christmas dresses. I bought a creamsicle candle -at Country Charm. Girls watched 'The Sound of Music' and Emma sang. She has a voice that makes me stop what I am doing to listen. Took Susan to meet Ashley. Phil and Freeman came home. They visited with the Bantons for several hours and then we said our sad farewells around 7. Phil picked up Susan at Trinity. Philip played basketball at New Life and Michael went catfishing under the stars.
Wed.-Ordered some Christmas gifts. Went to see Dr. F. Caught up on wash. Some food and house prep. Beautiful fall day. Banton withdrawal pains. Mike here. Guys working at Abbey. Watched first several episodes of the A Team. Philip went out to CC in eve. God is answering my prayer that his passion would be used for Him.
Thurs.-Thanksgiving Highlights: In the afternoon, we went to Calvary Chapel to spend time with the Ollie Mast family. All but Rachel and her family were there. Not all of the spouses were there. Caught up with Freda and saw pics of her grandchildren and Kristy's wedding. Took family pics for them. Some stopped by later. For supper, Freeman deep fried our turkey. John and Jeanne, Peter and Ivona, and Brian and Heidi joined us and made our family complete. We had a really great time together. Brian and Heidi brought a broccoli salad. Peter and Ivona braked for a deer on their way here and their green bean casserole scattered over their car seats. We had some of it and also his good bread. Freeman and Alli made an apple pie and sweet potato casserole. John and Jeanne brought a pumpkin pie and ice cream. Besides all that, we had gourmet mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, cranberry sauce, butter, jam, and 7 layer salad. Philip and Susan went to Lapps and played Rook and watched the game. Mike went out with his friends. So the six of us were left and we talked non stop and learned all kinds of things. We were sorry to see them go. Highlight? Philip laughed so hard he cried when Peter told a deer story that took place when he was 19. Peter said that he still has bad dreams about the attack deer.
Fri.-Relaxing Day. Watched some movies. Got towels left at HV. Visited with Mickey on the way back. Got cornmeal mixture ready for scrapple tomorrow. Washed lots of containers. Phil fixed clothesline. I made more mashed potatoes to go with leftover turkey gravy. Played Pick One in eve. with Phil and Susan. Philip went out to play Rook again and Jordan came here and hung out with Michael. Michael said that Jordan said in the course of a conversation, "Your mom has always been skinny." I'm going to kiss him next time I see him.
Todays highlight: Michael playing guitar and Susan singing. This is the stuff that brings joy to a mother's heart. This is the stuff that becomes famous some day. This is the extravagance of God and He and I heard them first.
Sat.-Scrapple making day. Austen, Jenny, John G., and Dave P, were also here to help us today. Butchered the pig yesterday. Cooked down the meat today. Ground it and the raw pork. Cooked it in a big copper kettle. Added the cornmeal mixture. Cooked for another 15 min. Used a kettle as a ladle and scooped it out into oodles of containers. Filled the back of the truck. Then loaded it into the big Abbey fridge. Has to chill until Monday night and then we'll freeze it. Ollie took a liking to Dave and followed him everywhere, pecking at his pant leg. Phil and Jenny went to Lapps. Good day. It's 5:30 and I'm ready to hit the sack.
Sun.-Relaxing morning. Had scrapple for breakfast. Went to church. Some sobering news of those in our midst facing the valley of the shadow. Good sermon about making our life count. Went to Ruby Tuesdays with Dianna and Steve. Then Phil and I went to the Methodist Church to listen to Handel's Messiah for 2 wonderful hours. Met some great people in front of us who travelled two hours to get there. Homeschooled their kids until college. Daughter was playing the violin. Son was following along in Handel's book. At the end, the choir came into the congregation and we all sang Handel's Messiah together. What a thrill! Home again for Thanksgiving leftovers. Susan spent last night at Lapps and went to CC, then to a football game in town, then to dance and musical practice. Michael went back to school. Philip is out and about. Bantons are leaving Va. and headed back to Conn. I miss them.
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