Yesterday, Today, Forever-

PERCEPTION The gorgeous roses, the lilies standing tall, The lovely canopy of trees The playful daisies dancing in the breeze but all she noticed were some weeds. The peonies had bowed their heavy heads, The fountain water jets were spraying The garden beds such bounty were displaying, But all she noticed were some weeds. I heard the sweet birds cheerful songs I watched a squirrel scampering at play, It was a gorgeous, sunny, summer day, But all she noticed were some weeds. My heart rejoiced at God’s Creation! This garden was a joyful, peaceful place Spruce trees stood tall, swayed full of grace, But all she saw were weeds!  It’s pretty hard to change perception of those who dwell on negative, for they have chosen thus to live! Oh, God, You give what that soul needs! Thanks for your patience with each bitter heart! Though none deserve your Light and Love, Be praised for blessings from above!  Let kindness d...

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 snow scapes 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 fun. Karin Ristau

Far as the straining eye could hope to see Poppies!! Such delicate and filmy blooms! A sea of red - just as the pulsing blood That coursed the veins of soldiers, now in tombs. They died heroically  to keep our rights and freedoms; The right to life, to liberty, security. Their valiant deaths must never be in vain, Though flawed and blemished our democracy. Pay tribute to the ranks of soldiers brave Whose acts, courageous, daring, bold, Snuffed out their very breath! Gone was their chance to love, grow old. Their sacrifice none must forget -  From seasoned saint to hopeful youth. We still proclaim what's right, what's wrong. We must not fear to speak God's truth. For if we're silenced, then will God our Judge  Call forth the stones to shout out loud. Lord, for Your Kingdom too, May we be willing to endure And suffer taunts and jeers among the crowd. Let us stand firm in faith and fortitude. A sea of red ...

Texting with my daughter who lives way up north - a ten hour drive - too far away just to pop in - I was asking her some goofy questions,  "What was my favourite country song year's ago?"  Dumb question when I couldn't remember any of the lyrics or even the artist's name. Among other things we texted back and forth, I told her that I was trying to distract myself on this Halloween night, as I was missing my hubby so much and needing - wanting a hug!   "You should go trick or treating...hand out candy door to door -for a hug," she says!  "Great idea! Up and down all the floors of the Manor - that would be the equivalent of 76 houses!"  "And if you don't have candy you could give them something else!"   Just thinking here - what????"  "Maybe something from your pantry, you know - toilet paper, Keurig pods. You could put stuff in a hamper and let them pick!"  "Running low on TP, but what a great i...

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!