Yesterday, Today, Forever-

Thanks Evi for your great shot! As a younger woman, I once observed two brothers in the Lord having a falling out and accusing each other.   Butting heads is what I perceived. The following thoughts came to mind  and I wrote them down.  What thoughts come to your mind? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Why do we think that the sins that we see Are definitely worse  than the sins that we don't? I may recite all the flaws  that you have, But convince me of mine  you certainly won't! I may express anger,  be proud and outspoken, But resentments and vengeance  eat you up inside. I may be harsh,  impulsive, unfeeling, But cruel deception,  slick cunning you hide. In God's eyes, I ask you,  whose sin is the greater? Are not both our hearts  jet black with sin? Both of us call ourselves Christians,  but tell me, Where is the Fruit of HIS Spirit within? Let's confess and repent,  humbly ask for forgivene...

YOU SAY GOD SAYS You say: 'I'm too tired'   God says: I will give you rest You say: 'It's impossible' God says: All things are possible You say: 'Nobody really loves me'   God says: I love you You say: 'I can't go on'  God says: My grace is sufficient You say: 'I can't figure things out'  God says: I will direct your steps You say: 'I can't do it'   God says: You can do all things You say: 'I'm not able'   God says: I am able You say: 'It's not worth it'   God says: It will be worth it You say: 'I can't forgive myself'   God says: I Forgive you You say: 'I can't manage'   God says: I will supply all your needs You say: 'I'm afraid'  God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'   God says: C...

Servant hearts are always welcome! Oh, what joy there is in ministry! Life abundant we've been given, so that others Christ will see. CHORUS: Living, loving, humbly serving; giving thanks in everything. What we've done in love for others, we have done for Christ, our King! Sharing, teaching, praying, singing, showing love in countless ways! Hearts of kindness, grace and mercy ~ give God glory, honor, praise! Teach us Lord to serve with gladness. Joyful hearts and perfect unity; willing spirits, mind of Christ, filled with generosity! "Well done, good and faithful servants," someday may we hear our Master's praise! Volunteers - we humbly THANK YOU that you brighten all our days! Karin Ristau © Melody: "Lass die Herzen immer froehlich"  Singvoeglein #168 - see above picture

The gift of time Oh, what a precious gift! It touches lives Gives hearts a special lift To give this gift One needs to care; For kind and loving hearts Are needed everywhere. What is so neat about this gift? O'er years of giving have you not found That seeds of joy You've sown in past have in your future days been found? It takes an open, helpful heart To give and give and give away And share the blessings it's received with others every brand new day. Thanks for the moments, minutes, months, yes, years! Our hearts are filled with gratitude! We love your gift of precious time! We love you and your attitude! Karin Ristau©

Volunteers are Beary Special  Appreciation Banquet **************************** When you're volunteering here at Shepherd's Care You bring rays of sunshine to hearts everywhere. How this place would run without you we don't know; That is why we're here today, our thanks to show. Chorus: Thanks for volunteering Here at Shepherd's Care. Volunteers we love you! You're beyond compare! Thanks for volunteering,  Here at Shepherd's Care! We just know that God  will crown you over there! People from all walks of life here volunteer. They do visits, lead some games, give words of cheer, knit an afghan, stitch a quilt, come sing and pray, go on shopping out-trips, porter everyday. Many friends you've made here as you volunteer. You're part of the team and you are welcome here. Sharing, caring, giving, helps us all to grow in attitudes of gratitude ~ more love to show. Your reward in heaven is awaiting you For the many special things you say an...

Dear volunteer, we count on you to bring our residents each day your warm bright smile,  and helpful hands along life's lonesome way. We know that we can count on you! Your willing heart says, "Yes, let's go!"  No matter what there is to do. Our volunteers just don't say, "No'." We count the hours, count the years, we count it all a pleasure! But God's the One who counts good deeds; His love for you we cannot measure. We count it joy; simply refreshing~ we count the blessings without end! To Shepherd's Care and all of us -  Each volunteer ~ a special friend! Karin Ristau© PS every volunteer received a practical gift of a pocket calculator!

Ivan skilfully made the violin  in his woodworking shop in our Care Center and Gustav beautifully played it for us! Two wonderful volunteers! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A symphony of services Where each one plays his part, Together make sweet melody, That’s really quite an art. Each day you step onto the stage Your skills and talents share. Your love you show our residents. They know when you've been there! You put a smile upon their face. You listen and you care. You take the time to sing a song, To hold a hand in prayer. You laugh together, play a game, And very soon you find That you have made a brand new friend, Who stole your heart~~ and you don't mind! Those are the joys of volunteering. And you return again, it's true, Because the love you gave away Is coming back to you. We thank you for your active part In our great symphony. Your very presence fills this place, With music and sweet harmony.   Karin Ristau ©

Builders of faith Blessing another abundantly Bonded forever with all those in God's great family. Beacons of hope Breaking the days of loneliness. Brick by brick walls tumble down, no less. Bearers of love! Brighten, what can be boring and long weary days Banishing stress with their cheerful and carefree ways. Blessings to you Beautiful,  ready-to-lend-a-hand volunteer! Bountiful blessings! We're thankful to God  for each day you are here! Karin Ristau© Thanks to Irene from Academy Florists for use of the photo.

A long-time volunteer NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK April 18-24, 2010 To volunteer, to give one's time, Is a distinctive work of heart. Rewards are many and eternal To each who does his part. A source of pleasure is to know Our kindness brings a smile. There’s growth in our own character Going that extra mile. Compassion, empathy increase As we help those in need. Faith, trust and hope are nurtured Through gladly done good deed. We know that angels were rejoicing When we have shared His Word, And someone who we never thought Gave their heart to the Lord. That loving, caring touch you give that warm, kind word of praise, the laughter shared with one another can your own spirits raise. The love we think we give away Returns in such great measure! We learn that living from our heart Just echoes on and gives God pleasure. Thank you for all your faithfulness! Your generous giving! Dedication! Your work of heart at 'this place here' Is cause for joyous celebration! Karin Rist...

When it's springtime on the prairies And the tulips are in bloom When the robins sing a new song And young lovers start to spoon When the trees unfold their blossoms And the gentle breezes blow When it's springtime on the prairies, All my love to you I'll show. Many signs that spring is staying Are the warmer days, cold nights. Yes, the sun now gets up sooner We can save electric lights. Pussy willows by the roadside Some days rain; yet some days snow. Time to do the big spring cleaning; Soon there’ll be green grass to mow. Time for planting pretty flowers Peas and carrots in a row. Time to water and to nourish So that everything can grow. All the beauty of Creation Once again bursts forth in bloom! Just enjoy the days of springtime, Summer will come far too soon! Karin Ristau© Note:   This can be sung to the music of  "When it's springtime in the Rockies" Thanks to daughter Evi at Caught Up for the photos!!

Due to the fact that I'm not sure what to blog about,  I decided to join Betty from A glimpse into midlife   in answering some questions. 1. How do you feel about "Gladiator" sandals, also called "Roman" or "Jesus" sandals? A fashion yea or nay?   I love wearing sandals – not sure these would work for me though – not enough support. I have a weak knee and ankle issues and need to wear specific shoes.  Oh yes, fashion vanity does not live at my house anymore, lol! 2. What is your favorite pizza?   Bacon, Mushroom  or Vegetarian – hey, now there’s an idea for supper tonight!   3. There are plans in the works to sell roughly 1,000 items from Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas. This means you could buy Picard's chair for your family room. If not a Star Trek item, what prop, background, set, etc. from what TV or movie would you buy if you could? [Ex: Hurley's "I Love my Shih tzu" shirt from LOST, the plantation home "...

(A copy of this painting hung in my bedroom  in the old country. I've always loved it!) A precious angel God has given A sweet and tiny little boy! And yet the time of his beginning Was not a time of boundless joy. For there was fear and apprehension, Anxiety had pierced your heart. Your well-made plans were different now. Could this child have a hopeful start? What God has purposed we don’t know, But this one thing we do. To shape this sweetheart’s destiny, Our God has chosen both of you. Your little angel touched by Love A mighty messenger will be. Mysterious are His ways of love, Your faith in God will grow, you’ll see! Grow in  the power of prayer That lifts you daily to God’s Throne. Your “why” may not be answered here Grow in your trust!  You are His own. God’s plan and purposes are good Though we might never understand. No good thing will  His love deny, Just let Him hold you by His Hand. The Lord will give His strength each d...

Click here to see the write-up We had a wonderful time at Easter!  My sister visited, as she does several times throughout the year, to be with mom and with us. Our nephew and his wife with their 3 adorable children also came to visit for Easter.  What a wonderful, busy, fun-filled, special event! However, on Monday morning at 2:30 a.m. I awoke with the sudden onset of the gastrointestinal virus.  Oh no!! We had 40 cases at our nursing home and I caught the bug, even though we had been so conscientious in sanitizing, sanitizing, sanitizing!!!  I actually passed out and woke hubby with the noise of falling against the door.  He woke me from my unconscious, terribly unflattering position on the floor of the bathroom and that commotion woke my sis, who decidedly called 911.I'm sure glad the Lord allowed her to be here with us! On the way to the hospital I had another episode of severe nausea with dizziness, which caused my heart to stop for about 9 secon...

Thanks to Irene Seaman,  Academy Florists , for the picture He is not here ; he has risen , just as he said.  Come and see the place where he lay.  Matthew "Don't be alarmed," he said.  "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene,  who was crucified. He has risen !  He is not here .  See the place where they laid him.   Mark He is not here ; he has risen !  Remember how he told you,  while he was still with you in Galilee...  Luke

May you have a quiet, meaningful Good Friday  and a joyous Resurrection Sunday!