Turf Wars and Captain Jackson

What? Turf wars in little Bankers/Hillsdale? Yep, that's right! Turf wars! :) Ok, so it's not between people but rather it's between BIRDS!!!!! Yesterday when I got home from work I put Molly outside and realized she had discovered a baby bird in the grass. After torturing the poor thing we were able to pull her away. A few hours later we put her out again. This time we heard a lot of chirping and carrying on so we went outside to see that Molly had found the bird again and now the adults were swooping down on her, etc. David heroically scoops the bird up, and tries to get it back in the tree. I then see this adult robin swoop down, zoom through the tree only to have 2 more baby birds fall out of the tree!!!! We then discover (oh, the bird pooped on David...I tried not to laugh, but have to admit it was kinda funny) that actually the birds aren't trying to attack the dog, but are in fact attacking each other. It was like something out of Alfred Hitchcock's movie "The Birds!" We took the dog back inside and waited until they were done warring before putting her back out. Yikes!!! Who knew birds could be so territorial?

On to other bird news! :) I was talking to my sister on the phone last night and she said that Sophia asked her dad to "catch a cardinal and cook it up for supper!" When he said no, she suggested they eat crow instead! :) Where does she come up with this stuff? What a hilarious child she is!! :) :)

On to Captain Jackson? That's right, we have our vary own superhero here in Michigan! I bet you don't! :) :) There is a man who lives in Jackson, MI (about 50 minutes from Hillsdale) who, I'm serious, walks around in tights, undies, cape (like Superman, I guess), all in purple and yellow with a big "J" on his chest! We're not exactly sure WHAT he does, other than walk around, but he'll come to b-day parties, etc if you want, for a small fee, of course! :) I had seen a picture of this man from one of my co-workers, but was still slightly skeptical until...When we went to buy our new bed last Friday we were pulling out of the parking lot only to see CAPTAIN JACKSON!!!!! We couldn't believe our eyes and I wished I'd had my camera! :) Ah, living in small areas...

Here's to turf-warring birds and Captain Jackson!

A Michigan rock is our cornerstone?

I know what you're thinking, how can that be true? How can a rock, painted blue with a yellow "M" on it be the cornerstone of our church? Isn't Jesus supposed to have that position? Well, yes, he is, or so David and I thought until today.  Let me give you a little back ground first and then I'll continue on...

See, we live in MI and well, in this part of the world it's not "acceptable" to be an Ohio State fan! :)  But, David and I (being from OH and WV) ARE OSU fans and are proud to be so.  We're not extreme about it or anything but it's just something fun to be during the fall when everyone else around us is a U of M fan. Well, up until about a year ago, this was a fun thing we had with the church people. David and the congregants would tease each other, gloat accordingly, etc. For his b-day last year David was presented with a really nice OSU, laser cut, rock to put in the flower bed. It was a nice gesture and we promptly put it in our flower bed to display proudly. It wasn't long after this gift a rock, painted blue with a yellow "M" found it's way to the flower bed. We thought it was funny, just a continuation of the usual joking. We would hide it, it'd come back, etc.  After time we just stopped fighting it, things got difficult at church and it didn't seem worth our effort to continue any teasing/joking with rocks or anything else.  

As time has continued I decided I had had enough of the rock and so have hidden it under the front porch. It was immediately noticed that it was missing. Where could it be?  David has been questioned and one even accused him of lying because "there was no way your wife could've moved it!" HA!!  :)  We just dropped it and didn't think anything of it until this morning when I was verbally attacked by one man about the whereabouts of the rock. I calmly (and with as much humor as I could muster) said that we weren't MI fans so figured we'd just hide the rock as I didn't want it in my flower bed. I was promptly told it's not OUR yard and I had no right to do that.  I said sure I did, it is my yard as long as we're here and I didn't like someone just putting things in it.  I was told again that it's NOT my yard, it's the church's and we have enough problems at church without me taking the rock away.  Oh NO!!!!  I didn't know the whole church was going to crumble down now!!!  OK, that was a bit sarcastic, but seriously, readers, isn't this ridiculous?  I mean, really!  The audacity of it all.  

To put it lightly, we are ANGRY!!!!!!!!  This is just one more punch in the gut.  One more indication that we are apparently not welcomed here, by the screaming minority that no one seems to care to stand up to.  Please pray for us if you think about it. We would really appreciate it. Pray that we don't stoop to "their" level and that we live our life in a way that's pleasing to the Lord. 

Oh, and by the way-GO BUCKS! :) :) :) :) 

Good news and concerts in the park

All is fine with both of us! Now it's just a matter of waiting on the Lord's timing. I feel a huge sense of relief. Thank you for your prayers!

Last night was David's first concert with the Hillsdale Wind Ensemble. He plays the baritone saxiphone. We had a good time. We got all settled--spectators and muscians--only to be poured on by rain. After it stopped we all got resettled only to have the skies open again...After another rainshower that was the end and the concert could begin! :) It was a good time. I'm so thankful David has this outlet to be a part of. It gives him something to get his mind off the crazies at church! :)

Short one today...not too much to say!

Do not be anxious for anything...

I'm feeling a bit anxious today. It started last night. I fell asleep thinking about different names to use for our future children. This, I think, only added to my anxiety. As I've mentioned before, David and I have had difficulty conceiving a child. A few weeks ago we both went through some tests and today we find out the results. I'm nervous to know if there's something wrong with one or both of us. I'm nervous to know whether or not having biological children will be a possibility for us. I'm nervous to know what God's plan is for our lives in regard to children. However, I am reminded of the verse in Philippians "do not be anxious for anything..." Hmmm...anything? Really? I can't worry about ANYTHING? Are you sure, God? I mean, not having children is a pretty big thing. Are you sure I can't be anxious about that? Do not be anxious for ANYTHING! Oh, you mean, I can't be anxious for anything? That's right, child, nothing. I'm in control of everything. I have your days numbered, I know how many hairs are on your head. Surely I can take care of this. The other part of the verse says, "but in everthing, by prayer and supplication, present your requests to the Lord." Lord, I ask that we have a child soon, I ask that if I'm not already pregnant, that I would be VERY soon! Lord, David and I want to have children, to raise them to love you and serve you and worship you. Please see fit to answer this prayer with a "yes."

Please be encouraged by this verse. God tells us to be anxoius for nothing, but it's hard to do, isn't it? I mean, there's so much in this life that seems OUT of control. How can God possibly know everything that's happening in MY life, YOUR life, everyone's lives? He's God, that's how. That's what I have to remember He's God and I'm, well, not. He created the heavens and the earth, surely he can create a little person inside of me. He died and rose again on the 3rd day, surely he's capable of working through my humaness and can help me have faith.

Thank you, Lord, for your promises to care for your children. To wipe away our tears, to hold us close. Thank you for the ways you provide for us, and that you never leave us or forsake us. Help my unbelief!!!

Golf, grown men and wayward knives

It's been a few days...don't know why, I guess we've been busy, tired, etc.  Thursday my folks joined us for the weekend. We had a good time with them, we were all tired from the previous weekend so we didn't do much, which was fine with us! 

Friday I went golfing with several other co-workers for our BABES Golf Outing. I guess this is an annual thing for any woman at the College. It was a good time.  I had never golfed before and was pleased with my ability to make contact with the ball, hit it far, and disgusted that I didn't seem able to make the ball go straight! :)  Ah, more practice...

Friday evening and Saturday provided us with opportunity to, again, see how childish grown people (men in the instance) can act. It's amazing that the lessons we learn in Kindergarten are things we're still learning to deal with long after we're through Kindergarten. We always want things done our own way. As a pastor's wife, I've struggled to know how to best support my husband as he deals with these big "kids." I feel like paddling them all, but that wouldn't help any. Sigh...why do we, as grown people act like children?  If our children act this way we send them to their room, take away a privilege, etc. But, somehow, as adults we feel we can act how we want and it's to be accepted. Brother...it's maddening. 

This morning I was separating 2 patties of frozen sausage for David's breakfast and the knife did that job and sliced my hand pretty well.  How could I be so dumb?  I know better.  Now, I have a huge, pretty deep, cut in my hand (right where my pointer finger attaches to my palm) that will take a long time to heal.  Be smarter than me! :) 

I hope you have a great week!  Be encouraged in the Lord this week. 

Life, Death and Everything In Between

We have made it home today, exhausted both physically and emotionally. It has been a long, hectic last several days. On Friday afternoon David, Molly and I headed down to Akron. We went right to Gpa's house, had supper with my aunts, Gpa and parents. David and I stayed the night with Gpa, and he would drift off into stories revolving around Hanna and Barbara--the 2 women he loved. Barbara for 50+ years and Hanna for just about 2. Sunday was visitation, Monday was the funeral. Hanna only wanted the family to go to the cemetery for a very short prayer and then we all headed back to the church for a public celebration of life. It involved singing some of Hanna's favorite hymns, prayer, the pastor saying a small piece and then some sharing favorite memories/stories about Hanna. We finished the time with singing "Great is Thy Faithfulness" which was so bittersweet (refer to a previous blog for reasons).  We had lunch and everyone went their own way.  

We went home, planning to have a b-day celebration for Dad (happy birthday to Dad today!!). It wasn't much of a party as my sister, who is 7 mos pregnant ended up in the hospital with a possible blood clot. none of us were much into partying...Praise the Lord she's fine! but it was a very stressful several hours while we waited to see what was going on. Even Molly, our dog, didn't leave unscathed this weekend. Saturday evening she gets one of her claws caught in my mom's couch, is yelping/crying, blood everywhere, etc.  We opted to just wait to take her to our vet here at home. He ended up taking her nail shell off and she seems to be doing much better. David, too, had trials of his own. Last night we were at the hospital visiting with Jamie and Ruthie and gets very ill himself.  Seems he had a mild (if you call throwing up 7 times mild) case of food poisoning.  Sigh...hopefully the rest of the week will be uneventful...

Praise the Lord for his strength during this difficult times. The photo at the top is from this past Christmas (2007).  It's the Russell family, including David's mom Charlotte. We're missing one more again...

In the Arms of Jesus

Today Hannah Rork Russell went home to her Savior. She is not longer suffering on this earth. I wanted to attach here what my Mom said this morning in an email to us. She gives you a great picture of this wonderful woman who has always been a part of our family.  We are saddened my her leaving us, but joyful to know we'll see her again one day!

Hanna was a beautiful woman. She was someone I always loved even as a child. She and Mr. Rork were always very big supporters of us when we were missionaries. I went to their house a lot when I was a child. She made my wedding dress, she was so excited that I had two little girls. She was always a great friend to my wonderful mom. She understood my mother. NOt too many people did, but Hanna always loved my mom. She was at both of your weddings! She really loved you girls. She loved Sophia so much. She hough the world of Jamie ad David! I am sure she is praising Jesus first then talking with Grandma and telling her all about Sophia! :) they are probably having a good time. Just think, Jesus is there to hear all the stories and rejoicing with his children. I am thinking in my simple mind that they are in a very comfy living room in heaven talking! Jesus is the center with his arms around his children! No more pain, no more cancer, just JOY! God is so good. We can't stop living for Jesus. We have to keep trusting our Lord and telling others about him. This world is so crazy, Jesus is the only answer. He loves each one of us so very much.

The photo above is of Hanna, Grandpa and their 10 daughters (7 are Hanna's, 3 are Grandpa's!).

GREAT IS HIS FAITHFULNESS!!!

Out of the Mouths of Babes

We all know that kids have a way of saying things that make us laugh, think about and really wonder if given the chance we too might say it that way. :) I'm thinking of an instance this past weekend when we were in Ashland with my sister and her family. Our niece (who is 3 1/2) is very verbal, very smart, etc. My sister and brother-in-law are teaching her Bible verses. Currently she has 2 memorized--"Do everything without arguing or complaining" and also "Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right." Well, Sophia was being a pill Friday morning and not eating her breakfast. My sister calmly asked her what her 1st verse said. Without a beat, Sophia defiantly says, "Do everything WITH arguing and complaing!!!" My sister, said, no that's not right. What does the 2nd one say? Again, Sophia says, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is WRONG!" Oh my...as funny as it was at the time (well, to David and I, Jamie and Ruthie weren't too thrilled :) ), it did cause me to wonder. If I was truly honest would I want to repeat God's words back to him in the same fashion? Don't I still struggle with not arguing/complaining? There are still things in his Word that are a struggle for me and I would really rather just do the opposite. What a joy being a parent is. To mold this young mind/heart to follow the Lord. Easy? NO WAY! I see my sister and brother-in-law and marvel at the wisdom they have to raise their daughter (and soon to be another). I know they pray for that wisdom and pray for guidance and pray for their daughter. It's a daily struggle and joy to raise up a child in the way she/he should go. How precious is this Sophia!! She keeps us laughing with her antics, her ever-flowing chattering, her huge smiles, her hugs and kisses. How is it possible for a little being to have so much love already flowing out of her? What a precious child she is. Thank you Jesus for her!!!

Great is Thy Faithfulness

This weekend David and I headed down to Ashland, OH for the 4th. On our way we stopped in Akron to spend time with my Grandpa and his wife, Grandma Hanna. You see, Hanna is dying. Each day could very well be her last. Hanna is not a stranger to our family. She has always been there--over 50 years in fact! She and her husband and my grandparents were best friends. Hanna and her husband had 7 girls, the 1st 3 my mom and aunts' ages. When my grandma died 2005, (Hanna's husband died several yrs ago) it seemed only natural that Grandpa and Hanna would form a deeper friendship. This resulted in marriage, and they were married Aug of 2006! It was strange to be married, in some ways, longer than my grandfather! :) They had had lots of discussions concerning the fact that they may not be married for long. They're both in their 80s and well, they just looked at reality. They have lived each day together to it's fullest and loved each other and have been good companions for one another. But, Hanna's dying. how can this happen? How can 1 man love and lose 2 women so close together? How does a person deal with that?

David and I visited with them for a while and when it was time to leave, Hanna started telling us good-bye. Have you ever said a permanent good-bye to someone? She said some things, but there were 2 things that really stood out to both David and I. First, she said that God has been so good to her in this life, here on earth, she can't even imagine what more he has for her. She said she wasn't deserving of the good life she's had here, let alone whatever he has in store for her in heaven. Wow!!!! The other thing she said was, "We can't even understand the meaning of the song, 'Great is Thy Faithfulness.' We have no idea what that means." She thought back through her life, and though she knew certain places God had been faithful she also knew she wouldn't fully understand his faithfulness this side of heaven. She looked at me and said, "Next week I'll be singing a new song." I hope you are Hanna!!! She has no regrets in this life. She's ready to meet her Creator face to face. She's ready to see those who have gone before her. She's not sad to be leaving this earth, for she knows that what's waiting for her is FAR better than anything this earth can offer. Will she be missed? OF COURSE!!!! But, who can deny a wonderful person from leaving this fallen world to be in the arms of her Savior?

These few things she said to us really said a lot to me. Am I living my life in such a way that I have no regrets? Do I live each day for my Lord and live it to the fullest? Am I even trying to understand what it means to say "great is Thy faithfulness?" I hope so. I hope that when I'm old and gray (or whenever the Lord takes me home) I can look at my family and say, "I have no regrets," the Lord has been more than wonderful to me here on earth, what more could he have for me and GREAT is HIS faithfulness...something I won't understand here on earth.

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father...

God's Creations

David and I have been amazed this summer with the amazing storms we've been having.  We've had some strange cloud formations, colors in the sky that range from lavender to hot pink.  It's been amazing.  God has been showing his glory and his creativity in these storm clouds.  I've been able to photograph some of the storms and wanted to share some of the photos with you. I hope you enjoy them, although I don't think the photos do justice.  We're currently in the midst of a really bad storm...but it should be done by midnight! 

Chug, chug, chug

Here's another story to add to the strange things of Hillsdale category! David and I were meeting some people from church for ice cream Sunday night. As we were driving we passed a BP gas station, and I see a man on his John Deer riding lawn mower filling up! Yes, that's right, he had driven his lawn mower TO the gas station, he wasn't filling a gas can, he was directly filling the lawn mower. We then see the man proceed to drive the lawn mower down the street as though he was in his car. We parked our car and started walking up the sidewalk to the ice cream place only to hear a chug, chug, chug behind us. We turn around and here he comes ON HIS LAWN MOWER right up the sidewalk. I seriously wondered if he would've run us over if we hadn't moved. End of story? NO! As we're eating our ice cream I look out the window and HERE HE COMES AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!! Zooming around in his John Deer, heading back in the direction of the gas station. How funny!!!!!!!! I don't know why he didn't just fill a gas can. Seems to me he would've burned up all his gas getting to and from the station. The people we were with didn't find it nearly as amusing as we did, as we could tell by their polite laughter. Sigh...what is this place that God has put us?