Yesterday, Today, Forever-

Thanks to friend Marlis Lemke Semler for putting this greeting card together! 

In loving Memory of my dear sister-in-law ALMA PENNO RISTAU Eulogy as presented at the funeral by her oldest son, David Ristau Alma always liked talking about her history and she asked to me to talk about her life, even on the last day she was conscious and staring intently at the ceiling listening to Tante Gertie and me talking about their life in the old country. That was my last memory of my Mother. Alma’s life was one of hardship but she also enjoyed many blessings that The Lord had provided for her. Alma was born on October 20, 1937 in Tcherepaschnik, a German village in the province of Volinia (Volhynia), Poland to her parents Gottlieb and Julianne Penno. The Forefathers of the Pennos had already lived in Volinia for several generations when Alma was born. Alma’s great-grandparents were originally from Germany and they were promised land in Volinia. Land was hard to come by in Germany, as much of it belonged to the various Barons and was tended by the ser...

Haven't had a desire to blog at all - and that's ok. Don't know what it would take to motivate me again. My life is full and busy.  With many of you I'm connected on facebook and you bless me.   Here's a video I shared today that I just love. May the Christ - whose birth we  celebrate at Christmas - be with you  every day of the  New Year 2014! BLESSINGS!

In the early evening hours,  a leisurely stroll through our beautiful courtyard,  is a special time of meditation,  prayer and spiritual refreshment!   Here are just a few shots I took with my iPhone  - thankfully last night -  because today  we had 'monsoon-like' rain for half the day  that bent the flowers out of shape! Hope they recuperate after that beating! The barn got a new roof a while back!   I could have taken a few more pics  of the sitting area in front of the barn where we gather some evenings for conversation.  Open to all! Such beautiful raised garden beds -  so handy for our residents.  All the delphiniums and daisies are offspring of perennials from my own garden.   I donated them  when I first started working there  27 years ago! Volunteers keep this garden a real show piece! And HE walks with m...

My Love! Hans Peter Ristau  November 24, 1939 - May 21, 2013 EULOGY presented by his son Dr. Kenneth Andrew Ristau  Hans Peter Ristau was born to Karl and Martha Ristau on November 24th, 1939, in Berlin, Germany, only two and half months after the start of the War. Peter’s mother had five children from a previous marriage; with Karl she had Klaus, Peter and Renate. Klaus, Renate and Peter at their last visit So glad Renate was able to visit for a few weeks before Peter died.  Karl immigrated to Canada in 1950, settling in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Martha and the children followed later. Tragically, Peter's mother, Martha, died of cancer shortly afterwards. After spending a year in the care of his Tante Emma, he was reunited with his father, who had remarried. His step-mother Anna’s deep personal faith led the family into the community at the German Mission Baptist Church, where the entire family was baptized on November 6, 1955. Foreshadowing God’s ...

Thankful to God also for those countless women who, despite being abused - physically, emotionally or sexually -  neglected, bullied, rejected, disowned, abandoned, criticized, by their own mother, have grown to be mature, wise and godly women - who courageously break that evil, vicious cycle, forgive, love, encourage their own children and model for them the life of a true  Woman of Worth! You’re a woman of worth Loved perfectly by the Lord! Be a woman of wisdom, Your life fully based on His Word, Be a woman of wealth, As you store up eternal treasure! Be a woman of warmth Giving and loving In bountiful measure. In valleys, as a woman of weeping, Discover His wellspring of joy; With praises and singing and prayer The works of the devil destroy. Be a woman of wonder - How God is working In and through you! Let your wisdom and wealth, Bring glory to Him in all that you do. Be a woman of worship, He alone is...

On our life’s journey – there are many pathways. Each different pathway has it’s own goal. But our life’s journey does not go on forever “What’s after this life?”, asks many a soul. God offers you a place, where sorrows He’ll erase where tears will never flow like they did below. Look to the ends of earth, past the moon and each star There is His Dwelling place which by Faith is never far! In our life’s journey – on those many pathways - we’re given choices each brand new day. The Cross of Calv’ry is the path of Salvation; Oh, chose to follow – The Light and The Way. God sent from heaven’s throne His Son, His very own to give eternal life to all who believe; sealed in the Book of Life by the blood of the Lamb; to live in Paradise with our God, the Great I AM! After life’s journey – we will rest from labor and worship Jesus, His Majesty The great Redeemer, King of Kings, our Creator, We’ll live with Him in Eter-nity! Beyond the highest stars from pain a...