I'm so proud of Jessica. She decided to do the long jump today in track, and jumped 15' 2", which was a personal best for her. She got third place. What an exciting day. She also ran the 3,000 in 12 min. and 17 seconds, also a personal best. It makes my heart warm to hear her praise the Lord for these little joys, that He surprised her with today. "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

Chuck Girard performs "Lay Your Burden Down"

Remembering Our Precious Niece Haley: March 18, 1991 to March 3, 1995

This is my sweet little Niece, Haley.  She had a short life here on earth. She was with us for nearly four years. Even though she was young she had a powerful faith in God. She would walk around my house singing songs of praise and quoting verses from the Bible.  When Haley was about three years old, it was discovered that she had a brain tumor. Haley died nine months from that point. It was very hard on our whole family. God was faithful and is still so faithful to comfort my sister Kelli and her husband Ralph. We praise God for His comfort and His presence then and now. I'd like to share these dear photos of  precious Haley.

Haley helping to do the dishes.

Little Haley with big sister Whitney.

Darling little girls. Haley looking up to her big sister Whitney. Haley loved frilly dresses and complimented ladies who wore them. She was such a little lady herself.

Haley and Whitney with cousins Jade and Alex in their Sunday school dresses.

Haley having fun with shaving cream on the shower door.

"Clipping" her doll's toe nails. She was so darling.

Whitney happy for her sister Haley on her third birthday. Mama Kelli watches her blow out the candles.

Grandpa and Grammie with the girls after church on Sunday. A few months before Haley got sick.

Haley loved animals. She was not afraid to touch them at the zoo. This is her with her kitty about one month before she began getting sleepy and having severe headaches.

This is Haley after surgery to remove pressure from her brain. Her daddy Ralph and mother Kelli are in shock as they try to grasp the news which they have been told.

Haley just home from the hospital wanted to swing. With the pressure removed from her brain. She seemed like herself again and only better; no headaches, at least for a short time. Soon radiation (first), which is the worst order, but was necessary in her case, and (second) chemotherapy. Both of these things sapped energy and put a huge toll on her little life. Haley remained cheerful and sweet through all of this. Very rarely did she complain.

This is a billboard, which the Ronald McDonald House put up in the big city, of Ralph holding sweet little Haley during her treatments.  At the end of her little life she suffered and it was very hard to watch.  Ralph and Kelli clung on to the Lord for His peace and assurance. Haley died in her daddy's arms, March 3, 1995 having almost reached the age of four. This was so hard on their family. They chose to trust the Lord in spite losing their dear Haley. This year would have been the year Haley would have turned 21 years old. Ralph and Kelli have come through many years of sorrow and have seen God's hand in all of this. They still don't understand, but have chosen to believe and know that they will see their adorable Haley again in Heaven. God has been faithful to them. Strength and courage. I am interviewing my sister Kelli about all she's been through and I will be sharing her story soon.  I will share things that God did in His faithfulness to build their faith and things that helped her to keep going, especially the first year after Haley died.

Here is a photo of Haley's big sister and her two younger brothers, Joseph and Samuel, whom the Lord blessed them with after Haley passed away. The boys know they will some day get to meet their big sister Haley some day in Heaven.

Haley sang "Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine," at church while she was undergoing chemotherapy. After singing she said in the sweetest little voice, "Thank you everyone for praying for me." She is with Jesus now. We know we will see her again and have this hope and assurance. we remember you Haley and we love you!  When I went to the viewing of Haley the day before the funeral, I walked into the room where she lay. The song "Lord You Are So Precious to Me" was playing on a continuous tape. I shall never forget seeing her beautiful little body and feeling the presence of the Lord there with me. I knew that Haley was not there in that body; she was safe with Jesus in her new heavenly perfect body. It was a touching moment. I thank God for knowing just what we need at just the right moment. 

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, him whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee." Isaiah 26:3



Blessings, Kathi

Keeping the Family Close Even If Dad Has To Travel

Dear Readers, I have been gone from blogging for awhile. I popped in to say hi and to try and figure out how work the new layout on Blogger. I have removed comments because I've had too many anonymous ones who were only trying to advertize on my blog. My husband had to go on a business trip at the beginning of summer. He asked all of us to join him for a fun time the day before. So he took us to the zoo.

We spent the whole afternoon enjoying the zoo and being with him before he had to go.

It's so important to do things like this to keep the family bonded and loving each other.

Afterwards we went out for Chinese food and spent the night at a hotel with a pool. I love my husband so much and appreciate that he makes those times he has to travel fun for us. We said good-bye to him the next morning. The kids and I ate breakfast and went thrifting before heading home. I've missed all of you. I hope I can keep posting each week. God bless you, Kathi


"God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good." Genesis 1:24-26

Busy Busy Busy

So much has happened since I last wrote. Our daugher Victoria graduated high school, and so much more.

Hi Dear Friends. I must tell you it's been almost impossible for me to blog these last few months. I have been substitute teaching nearly every school day. Also my computer, is phfftt. I can only do one thing at a time. If I check email I cannot also have music from Pandora playing. If I watch something on youtube or check facebook, I must then run my security and clean all the files or it shuts down. It took all day to get this little post up. I hope to be posting soon.

Blessings, Kathi

Annointed Shepherd Boy and King: David

For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect...Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great...You have armed me with strength for the battle....The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted!" (Psalm 18)

"In everything he did David had great success, because the LORD was with him." 1 Samuel 18:14

When he did not know what to do he asked God: "Therefore David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” 1 Samuel 23:2

If King David understood the need to ask God for daily guidance...

Shouldn't I?  Depending on God is the safest place in the world to be. He will be with you.  I have noticed that even the easy things in life, the easier school sub jobs I take, must be covered in prayer and I must ask God for wisdom. He knows what I need for each day. He knows what's around the corner; I don't. My best days have been days of whispering my needs to Him moment by moment, and feeling His strength and joy fulfill me. Blessings, Kathi For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect...Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great...You have armed me with strength for the battle....The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted!" (Psalm 18)

Studying

To keep my teaching license I must pass another test. I'm feeling a bit panicky at present. "Lord, please calm my anxious heart."

"Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:2324

Wish I Could Pause Time...

I forgot to post this from September... I must apologize that this photo is blurry, but I had to snap this shot. I wish I could freeze time when the kids are doing something fun together like this. Our girls in high school invited Charlee also in high school, over and Sean, who are attending college with our son Harrison. All of them were out on the patio while I was watering the pots. They were looking at Face Book together and laughing about stuff. I'm so glad that the girls love school and that Harrison has another friend, Sean, to rub elbows with in College. I'm so blessed and happy to watch my children thriving.

I turned around and saw Garrett with a flashlight searching for a frog; so cute and so sweet. I want to press the pause button on my life. My sister Sharon, just got through saying this very thing, and I know exactly what she means. These moments with our family are priceless. I'm so thankful.
Blessings, Kathi

"She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants." Proverbs 31:15

Always Ask For Fresh Ground Pepper

It's time for you to indulge in salad Dear Bloggers. How does one indulge? First you must use the right plate. It must be VERY expensive, but I got mine at a thrift store for just pennies.

Mine is an Eschenbach dish from Bavaria, Germany, probably made in the 1960's. Next, tell the waiter, in this case, myself, that you want fresh cracked pepper, because you want to feel special, like at fancy restaurants. Now enjoy!

Why is it that when we are at expensive restaurants the waiter acts like he is giving us pure grated gold when he brings 'round the pepper grinder? We are spellbound as he grinds the black flakes over our entree, as if we've never experienced such luxury. You owe it to yourself Dear Bloggers. Grind that pepper over your salad whether by land or by sea, or  by mobile home. You deserve it!

Blessings, Kathi

"See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth, the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land." Song of Solomon 2:11-12.

Volunteering As An Awana Leader

I have discovered the joy of volunteering as an Awana leader. Awana is a club which trains children to memorize Scripture from the Bible. We sing songs, learn the truths from the Bible and play games. I love doing this. My reward is a smile and a wave from these children when I see them at church or school outside of club. That sparkle in their eye when they smile at me gives me such a joy in my heart.

Being a leader includes learning Scripture along with my kids. Right now I'm memorizing Psalm 1:1-6. Also, included is prayer for the kids in my group. I have five children in my Bible training group and I have eight in my game time group. I use the time on the treadmill for praying for them and for learning my Scripture. Because I tend to get lazy I have to make myself do this as an act of obedience to God and to discipline myself in good habits.  I feel wonderful when I do this.

Blessings, Kathi

1 Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do 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 leads to destruction." Psalm 1:1-6