Yesterday, Today, Forever-

Thanks to Jennifer Schlick, Winter Woman , for the photo. It's not the shed in the story, but I love this barn. Reminds me of days we lived in Massachusetts! This is the true story of George Phillips of Meridian, Mississippi, who was going to bed when his wife told him that he'd left the light on in the shed. George opened the door to go turn off the light but saw there were people in the shed in the process of stealing things. He immediately phoned the police, who asked "Is someone in your house?" and George said no and explained the situation. Then they explained that all patrols were busy, and that he should simply lock his door and an officer would be there when available. George said, "Okay," hung up, counted to 30, and phoned the police again. "Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people in my shed. Well, you don't have to worry about them now because I've just shot them all." Then he hung up. Within five min...

He came to me in the midst of the storm. My little boat tossing and fighting each wave. HE held out HIS Hand and said, "Peace, be still." I looked on HIS face and knew, "HE WILL save." I yielded command of the sinking ship, And with patient, powerful, perfect control, Steering the vessel, HE changed its course! Visions of home now filled my soul! I'd thought all was hopeless, that I'd surely die, But HE stilled the torment, allayed all my fears! With mercy, compassion HE stayed by my side, And tenderly wiped away all my tears! He'll do the same for you, oh my friend! He is as close as just calling His Name! You've nothing to lose! Just give Him your SELF, You'll have eternal life as your gain! Karin Ristau

One joyful life, Suddenly and unexpectedly, Faces many challenges, changes and losses, Perception clouded by pain and grief, Flashbacks from a deep, dark time, Cynicism and pessimism shatter her serenity, Negativity and angry thoughts go off like a jack-in-the-box, Oppression too heavy to resolve alone, Seeking an infusion of hope, encouragement and direction, Desperately holding on; clinging. Some friends feel awkward, Overwhelmed by the passion and depth of her emotions, Can’t identify, have pain of their own, Create cruel boundaries, disheartening distance and withdraw. Display cold and indifferent objectivity, Devise labels for her character, Scratch their heads in spiritual concern, Take back all their human affection, Their very friendship, Their intimacy when most needed. Rejection increases her pain. Broken, betrayed and humbled, She takes refuge at the foot of the cross! It is Jesus Christ, her Redeemer, her Lord, her Friend, Who understands her best, as always! HE lifts the c...

All the trees are dusted Sugared, crisp and white. Fence posts look like snow cones; Candy lane delight! Dazzling ‘sicles dangle! Every child’s temptation! Who of us has never tried Wonderland’s creations? Crystal roses on the windows Sparkling, gleaming, purest joy! One warm breath; they disappear! Enchanting every girl and boy! Forts of snow with ammunition! How the memories remain! Lying down to make snow-angels. Could I live it once again? Oh, that chisel of the north wind Carves artistic frozen snowscapes Razor sharp its curved edges Cut across the silent lakes. Cold and hard like diamonds Glistening in the brilliant sun! Winter days! Impressive! Splendid! But this cold is no more fun. Karin Ristau Special thanks to Evi , Keeping Up With Yesterday and Doris , Beck Bulletin, for the use of their photos!

Psalm 1 1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. 4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Check this out and get a copy for your favorite teen Everyone working with youth should read this book and should make it available for every teenager to read! The tenth anniversary of this horrific shooting tragedy at Columbine is April 20th, 2009. We will remember! Beth Nimmo and Darrell Scott are Rachel Joy Scott’s divorced parents. Respectfully and poignantly they tell the story of their personal and family’s struggles and victories as they dealt with the loss of their beloved Rachel, the 1st student of 13 killed. Though she has died, her story of faith in Jesus Christ speaks and influences lives in ever widening circles. It is an inspiring story about God’s grace and love in the lives of all affected. Particularly moving and revealing are Rachel’s journal pages and drawings showing this young girl’s spiritual journey of faith. Her thoughts, as well as her faith, are so mature for someone her age. She was a beautiful ordinary life-loving 17 year old, who had an extraordinary God,...

He's the new retiree and she still works. After a long day at work she comes home and asks, "So, hon, what have you been doing all day? He answers readily, "Oh, nothing." She says, "You did that yesterday!" He indignantly replies, "Well, I wasn't finished!!"

A song of praise upon your heart as you wake up. To hear the words, “I love you” in many different ways. An unexpected, delightful call or e-mail from a dear friend. Green lights everywhere you go today. Everything is on time. A day that you remembered everything you needed to remember Instant friendly service; no line-ups; no being put on hold. No telephone solicitor during the supper meal. A good song to sing along with on the radio. Your keys where you look the first time. Words of encouragement from anyone . A request for forgiveness from someone who wronged you. A prayer on your lips all day. An unexpected gift. A great idea and the proper credit given to you. A wise solution to a serious problem. Helpful, free advice that causes an epiphany. A good, clean joke that makes you laugh. Someone’s helping hand in your time of need. Many hugs. A happy memory. Expressions of gratitude from those whom you have blessed. I wish you a day of love, joy and peace! I wish that each day you woul...

God sends us cherished and intimate friends, To walk through our valleys with us. A kindred spirit knit by HIM to our heart Someone we know we can trust. You never need beg this friend for a favor, You’re never a burden, a problem, or pain. Whatever needs done, can be worked through. Willing to sacrifice without personal gain. You are always defended, if need be, to others, There’s devotion and loyalty for all to see. Those who malign or speak ill are rebuked. There’s no pettiness, envy or jealousy. You need never explain why you do what you do. You’ll always be heard when life’s causing you pain In all situations you can be yourself, There’s great understanding when you’re hurting again. There’s mutual love, there’s deep respect There’s appreciation - that need not be explained. It’s a gift; a vital part of life’s journey Through which a needed perspective is gained. There’s also courage to speak correction, To help each other mature and to grow. Where one is weaker, the other is str...

This week-end I read so many blogs that focused on this topic. I wrote this many years ago and hope you enjoy it! THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE SPOKEN SO MANY WAYS, BRINGS JOY, HEALTH AND HAPPINESS ALL OF OUR DAYS GIFTS MY FAVORITE CHOCOLATES YOU PICKED UP TODAY, THE CD I SEARCHED FOR, YOU FOUND ON YOUR WAY. THE BOOK THAT I MENTIONED YOU HAPPENED TO FIND THE SWEATER YOU BOUGHT ME? JUST WHAT I HAD IN MIND!! A GIFT JUST TO SHOW THAT YOU’RE THINKING OF ME. A GIFT, GREAT OR SMALL, THAT YOU CHOSE CAREFULLY, YOUR GIFTS SPEAK OF LOVE FOR ME THAT I CAN SEE! SERVICE YOU MOWED THE LAWN WHEN YOU’D RATHER BE READING YOU FINISHED THE IRONING I WOULD BE NEEDING. YOU WASHED THE CAR, BAKED MY FAVORITE CAKE, PACKED UP ALL THE THINGS WE WOULD NEED FOR THE LAKE. YOUR ACTS OF KINDNESS ARE DONE LOVINGLY, YOU MODEL FOR ME WHAT A SERVANT SHOULD BE. YOUR LOVE SHOWN IN DEEDS IS REAL SPECIAL TO ME! TIME WHEN I READ THE PAPER AND YOU JUST LET ME BE, WHEN I WATCH THE GAME MONDAY NIGHT ON TV YOU MAKE ALL THE SNACKS, TAKE T...

This week-end I read so many blogs that focused on this topic. I wrote this many years ago and hope you enjoy it! THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE SPOKEN SO MANY WAYS, BRINGS JOY, HEALTH AND HAPPINESS ALL OF OUR DAYS! GIFTS ONE ROSE, OH WHAT DELICATE BEAUTY I SEE! THE FAVORITE PERFUME YOU PICKED JUST FOR ME! A BOOK, FOR QUIET LEISURELY READING, A BEAUTIFUL WATCH, JUST WHAT I’D BEEN NEEDING, A GIFT JUST TO SHOW THAT YOU’RE THINKING OF ME A GIFT, GREAT OR SMALL, THAT YOU CHOSE CAREFULLY, YOUR GIFTS SPEAK OF LOVE FOR ME THAT I CAN SEE! SERVICE YOU WHISTLE A TUNE WHILE YOU VACUUM OUR PLACE TAKE THE ‘KIDS’ TO PIANO, OFF TO SHOPPING YOU RACE, YOU SERVICE THE VEHICLES, PUT GAS IN THE TANK, PAY OFF THE MORTGAGE AND BILLS AT THE BANK. YOUR ACTS OF KINDNESS ARE DONE LOVINGLY, YOU MODEL FOR ME WHAT A SERVANT SHOULD BE YOUR LOVE SHOWN IN DEEDS IS REAL SPECIAL TO ME! TIME WHEN YOU QUIETLY ACT ON THE THINGS I HAVE SAID, WHEN I MAY SHARE WITH YOU WHAT I HAVE READ WHEN YOU TURN OFF ‘WHATEVER’ SO WE CAN TALK WHEN ...

Psalm 15 A psalm of David. 1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? 2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart 3 and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, 4 who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, 5 who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

Got these questions over at Betty's Wien's World and decided to answer them. Thanks Betty! Feel free to copy! ♥ What are your middle names? We both use our middle name. The more interesting question might be, “What are your first names, lol”. His is Hans and mine is Brigitte. Haven’t used them in years! ♥ How long have you been together? Since 1964 – 1 year of dating, 1 year of engagement and in 1966 we married. ♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating? We happened to be baptized on the same day in 1955 – I was 11, he was 16 – but had no romantic notions then. His sister was my best girlfriend then. ♥ Who asked who out? On January 1, 1964 or was it December 31st 1963, after being at our house with the youth group, he asked if we ‘could get to know each other better.’ I answered, ‘Yes.’ He called my dad to ask his permission to ‘get to know me better.’ Dad answered, ‘Of course! We have prayed to have a son-in-law like you.’ I sat on the stairs to eave...

1. He loves the Lord with all his heart. 2. His love for me is never in doubt! 3. His special gifts to me are his listening ear, his wisdom, his patience, his kindness, his gentleness and his non-judgmental attitude. 4. He is a very considerate, humble, godly man. 5. He encourages me to follow the Lord’s leading in my ministry to seniors, never once holding me back. 6. He enjoys going out for dinner together. 7. Since being retired he has learned to make some special meals for us at home. When I come home from work, dinner is already in the works. 8. He helps around the house in areas where I cannot anymore, like vacuuming and washing the floor. He stacks and empties the dishwasher – no one does the job as good as he! 9. Providing well for his family has been his strong point. No, we’re not rich, but he’s taken 3 trips to Europe – 2 with me and 1 with our son. We are content to live within our means. 10. While not mechanical, he did the whole beautiful la...

Thanks to Evi for the photo! She is always finding something in nature that's heart shaped! It's a little reminder from the Lord that He loves her! Every last one of us only wants to be loved for who we are. We want to feel connected to others in the family of God. If Christians are not the heart and hands of God extended, first to each other and then to the rest of the world, how can people possibly perceive how much God loves them? I think that ‘love’ is a word that needs to be reclaimed! In our society the true meaning of love has become unclear, misunderstood, often equated with lust and means different things to different people. I love my job; I love puppies; I love winter; I love my car; I love chocolate; I love my family. That really runs the gamut of emotions, doesn’t it! What we really mean is: My job is very rewarding; puppies are so adorable; winter is my favourite season; this is the best car I’ve ever had; chocolate tastes yummy; my family is my top priority. W...

One of my favorite places to go in the Bible for comfort, encouragement, validation or simply reflection, is a visit to the Psalms. That’s why it was very easy for me to pick The Word of Promise ™ book , by Thomas Nelson , featuring The Gift of Psalms and review it. This book is beautifully presented – slim line, in rich brown leather-look with gold lettering. Inside I found a Psalm (in the New King James Version) , on one page, complemented by words of wisdom on the opposite page; an insightful devotional written by Lori Jones. At the end of the devotional, a short prayer expresses thoughts that come straight from the heart of the writer - leading the reader to continue conversation with God in their own words. On Psalm 8, Lori finishes the devotional, “What an amazing and generous Creator we have! This psalm begins with praise and ends with praise – a reminder that we should begin and end our days giving praise to the one who has made us and cares for us so well.” The book is a ...

Psalm 8 For the director of music. According to gittith. A psalm of David. 1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. 2 From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise [ b ] because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. 3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings [ c ] and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: 7 all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. 9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all...

“But Jesus said, ‘someone did touch me; I perceived that healing power has gone forth from me.” Luke 8:46 In this story we read that a woman reached out to touch the tassels of Jesus garment. She wasn’t even sure whether approaching Jesus was appropriate. She opted for the discreet gesture of only touching his garment. Indeed her expectations were exceeded and she was healed! To top it off, Jesus highly praised her step of faith! It is often written of Jesus that He touched people. Others may have considered them undesirables and outcasts, but Jesus did not shy away from touching a blind beggar, a leprosy sufferer, and even a woman of questionable moral character. They needed physical healing, but He gave them far beyond the physical. Others recoiled at the mere thought of touching them, but He met the needs of their heart. No self-protecting boundaries here! No fear of defilement. Nothing moves us like a touch from Jesus, through whomever He sends it! With the exception of driving t...

When tired and weary, my strength seems to fail, My spirit is bruised and sore, It’s refreshing that God in His infinite love Sends someone precious my soul to restore. Just to know that my burden is shared makes it lighter. A prayer with my friend makes the day that much brighter. Oh, the comfort and joy of my caring friend! Sometimes not a word has to be said. My good friend who senses my need, With kindness and love, by the Spirit led, With a gentle touch, brings comfort indeed. Just to know we draw strength and support from each other, Connected by love from our heavenly Father, Is why I thank God for the heart of my friend. Karin Ristau

When you get writer's block, just send me a comment and I'll draft several questions for you to answer. That's what Karabeth, from On a High Hill , did for me this week. I had fun going down memory lane and answering her questions! Karabeth : Karin, do you have family remaining in Germany and have you kept in touch with them? Karin : Yes, and no. My family immigrated to Canada in 1954, leaving lots of family in the old country. My father was one of 13 children and my mother one of 9, so you can imagine! Three of dad’s siblings had moved to Canada before us and all the others stayed in Germany. Karabeth : And the keeping in touch? Karin : The four siblings in Canada have kept in touch all these years with the rest, and even took trips to Europe several times in their lives. Now, the cousins in Canada have all kept in touch with each other, but only the oldest of us cousins has stayed in touch with those in Germany. Karabeth : I'm assuming that - like I am - ...

Found this video over at From Where I Sit. He had a similar topic as mine today!

Everyone likes to receive a compliment! I can see through flattery quite readily, enjoy it for the moment, but don’t take it seriously. However, I agree with Mark Twain who is credited with saying, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” Some kind, encouraging compliments people have spoken to me over the years have echoed favorably to this day! I was raised in a family that thought giving a compliment meant that the recipient would probably get an obnoxiously swelled head! I cannot remember receiving sincere and genuine compliments from my parents to my face. I did, however, overhear compliments made about me to other people when they thought I wasn’t listening! Sad, but it got so that I disbelieved anyone when they gave me compliments. I would feel uncomfortable, would minimize it, and would feel the need to return it instantly so as to take unwanted attention off me. I hope I have matured since then. Getting feedback because of a job well done, an interesting idea propos...

WINTER IS ALMOST OVER! WE CAN SEE THE DEER WANDERING AROUND AGAIN!

Psalm 131 A song of ascents. Of David. 1 My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. 2 But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. 3 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.