Lesson 1 "How To Turn It Over To Jesus"

I have several posts I want to share about lessons I learned that gave me the faith I needed to completely turn my "problems" over to Jesus.

I'm the last of 6.  There are 7 years between me and my next older sister.  My mom knew I was going to be her last baby, so she babied me.  Honestly, I loved it!  Growing up, my mom was my everything.  We had and still have a very close and personal relationship.  What a blessing to grow up knowing that anything I ever "needed" my mom would provide.  As I grew, she became my rock for instruction and inspiration in each of my life stages.  

That all changed one morning with a call from my brother Frank.   "Dicky Bird, they took mom to the hospital, we think she had a stroke."   I hung up the phone and fell to my knees. "Jesus, it is your fault you gave me such a good mom that I never really needed you....but, I need you now, don't let my mom die."  Pretty honest and raw right - that's me - that is how I talk.  When you read my blog, you might not know that about me.  

Now, I know, as a blogger, "we" put our most creative and best self on here.  However, in order for me to share these stories with you, I must show you how I was "broken" so that I could learn to let Jesus be my everything.  

Lesson 1:  Learning to NEED Jesus.  

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."  Phillipians 4:19

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Justine & Josh - Engagement!

Our daughter Justine is engaged!  Josh proposed to her when she returned from Costa Rica.  I'm so happy for them.  I'm not losing a daughter, rather gaining a son.  Justine wants a Winter Wonderland wedding.  The plans are for January 1, 2014 wedding day.   Congratulations - I love you both.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Flu Bug Too....

http://pinterest.com/niamiaeon/

Like many of you, I've been hit with flu bug too.  I found this picture of pinterest...that is how I was feeling.  Doing much better today.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Marathon County 4-H Hands On Day

Anna and I taught 2 classes this past Saturday for our county's "Hands On" craft day.  We did a recycling project - woven basket out of newspapers and a needle felting project - snowman.  I will be posting a tutorial about how to make these later.  The extension office kept my samples.  They are doing another Women's Study type day and wanted to show them things we do in 4-H. 
 

 

 

Note to self:  bring band aids next time you do a needle felting class.  If you have felted...you will understand why.

 

All in all, we had a great day.  Blessings from Ringle, WI.

 

 

A Primitive Washing Machine Made of Wood

I recently "bought out" some items from an elderly lady's basement.  This wonderful washing machine was one of the items I decided to keep.  I need to oil it up - as you can see in this photo.  I LOVE it not only because it is primitive, but because it was made in Ripon, WI.  I did some research and found out that the company that made this later became Speed Queen.  Pretty cool.  I also love the big 3 on it.  The top opens - I will probably store something in there.  :)

 

 

 

 

 

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Saving Sunflower Heads for Winter Birds

The birds and I planted lots of sunflowers this past year.  I dried some of the heads and saved them for the winter birds.  I also put out that bag with my burlap scraps from a project I made.  The birds were too fast when I came outside - but, trust me, they love the feeder - and so do the deer.  One night last week....10 under this feeder.  Not a one during deer hunting...isn't that how it goes.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Justine - Winterm in Costa Rica

Our daughter, Justine, is doing a winterm in Costa Rica.  She left on December 28 and will return on January 13.  This has been scary for me - after all, it is a long way from home.  However, I know she will have a good time and make lifelong memories.  She actually didn't know anyone going, not even the professor.  I'm proud of how she researched the program and made all the arrangements herself. 

She will be working with ICADS, Institute for Central American Studies:  http://www.icads.org/



The focus will be on the cooperative, agricultural farm, dairy, wildlife rescue working with ranchers and farmers.  Something we are familiar with.  They are going to visit an orchid "farm".  That is her favorite flower.



They have a host family that has been helping the group.  They have an Evangelical background - he is the pastor.  She had no idea of this, neither did I.  They have attended their church and celebrated New Years in the church basement with other members.  This just confirms to me that the Lord keeps His hands on His children even when the mamas don't have theirs in it.  This is not a missions trip, rather an educational one.  But, please pray for her as she lets her "light shine" on this trip. 

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.