Frannie's Prophecy

Tonight is New Year's Eve! I'm sure that you all know this already but this means a little something extra special to me. You see, 4 years ago tonight I received a prophecy from my neighbor lady, Frannie. That prophecy took me through hell as I dealt with shingles on my brain and the recovery thereof. That prophecy is one of the few things that kept me going as I battled for my life 3 years ago. I've been wanting to share it, but have been leery of doing so lest I be labeled a false prophet. Stoning was the command for false prophets in the Old Testament so that kind of gives me the impression that God doesn't want people tampering with HIS WORDS! However, just the other day I saw my first glimmer of it's fulfillment, so I share Frannie's words with you.

Frannie had just come back from a revival meeting in a church in Bismarck. The preacher was also a healer. Furthermore, he was a prophet who was greatly respected by all at the meeting--not one of THOSE healers. She was all excited as she told me about what she had just learned.

This man of God had had a vision from God. In the vision, he saw God starting to bind up the wounds of the people of Earth, so that they will return to Him with joyful hearts. He had shared with the group that night that God had shown Him in the vision that God was going to start healing the world--one human at a time. When the body is sick, so is the mind and the spirit.

I recall, as though it was yesterday, that I got a thrill from head to toe as I learned that God was indeed going to bring healing to us in a fresh way--not seen since Christ's time. Then Frannie said something that I have always known in my subconscious mind, but never could have put into words.

Frannie looked deep into my eyes and she said, "He said that within 3 to 5 years people will start coming to North Dakota for healing." Then she paused and gazed deeply in my eyes and said, "And I feel Him telling me to say that YOU will be a part of it."

You can imagine how these words carried me through those terrible months of pain. Me--a part of a healing movement upon the Earth starting right here in North Dakota? Me--so weak that I can hardly walk? Me--lying here for 18 days unable to even think because of the pain?

Well, yesterday I received an email from a high school classmate who lives in Nebraska. When she wrote, "I may even come to Bismarck for you to do Bodytalk on me seeing as there are no BodyTalk practitioners in either Nebraska or South Dakota," suddenly a thrill swept over me. The words of the prophecy shared 4 years ago were, "In 3 to 5 years, people will start coming to North Dakota for healing".

What is it to God to bring His words to pass? What indeed??? I'm trembing with excitement as I write this. I, who have been sickly all of my life, will be used by God to help bring healing to His planet. How's that for a wonderful thought to begin the new year?

Happy New Year to all of you out there!! May the Lord bless you with the healing that He has for you in 2010. AMEN? AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YOUR ADVICE, PLEASE!

Yesterday was one of the most difficult days of my life. We moved my dad out of his home and into the assisted living facility in Eureka. The boys were absolutely wonderful and we got everything up there, including his clothes, in under 4 hours. I hurt soooooooooo bad last night from the stress, physical plus emotional, that I had to soak.

Now, if that wasn't bad enough, I got this letter from this lady from Linton whom I share the passion for goats with. I've bought goats from her and have exchanged some philosophical discussions with over the years. When we moved here 6 years ago, though, I never saw her anymore and we became even more "Acquaintances" than before.

Well, like I said before here, we don't honor Christmas anymore for reasons of our own. I've never really thought that was any body's business but ours. Instead of sending out Christmas cards, then, we send out our holiday letter to all of those we love after the new year and call it a New Year's Letter. As far as I know, this lady has always received one of them.

Well, we had several nice picture greeting cards and letters to read last night after chores, so it was a real blessing after the stress of the day. However, when I read this one, I just groaned in my spirit EVEN MORE--IF THAT'S POSSIBLE AFTER A DAY LIKE THAT. This is what she said.

Hi,
Never receive a Xmas card from you, so see no reason to send one.

BUT

Have a Happy New Year and let's pray that Jesus Christ returns soon to solve the $12 trillion debt our country is burdened with.

Sincerely,

XXXXXXXXX

Now, as I lay falling asleep last night, this troubled me. I have never slighted this woman that I can recall--even when others have. In fact, I have gone out of my way more than once to befriend her. "So what do I do, Lord?" I prayed. To ignore this letter would seem hurtful to her--but of course she didn't care if she was hurtful to me.

The Scripture verse went through my head then. I can't think of the exact words now or where it's found but it goes like this: In the multitude of counselors, there is wisdom.

"What are you telling me, Lord?" I asked.

Suddenly I understood that He was encouraging me to ask you, dear readers, for your opinion. I am TOTALLY SERIOUS ABOUT THIS. What advice do you have for me in regards to replying to this woman? You needn't leave your name if you don't want to but, frankly, what do you think would be the best way for me to reply to this belligerent "Friend?" Even more frankly, this is one of the reasons that I love animals so much. :)

Snow, Snow, Snow

This is a quick tour of the farmyard before Robert and Andrew cleaned snow yesterday morning. The deck was almost completely buried in snow after the 2 day blizzard on Thursday and Friday of last week.

Robert had to push snow just to get to the bale stack.

Here he's coming with 2 big bales. The stock cow herd gets 3 of these in the morning and 2 at night. The dairy cows and goats get them as needed.

This is my garden--can't you tell?

The wind blew the snow all around the van so that it was easy to get into it--once you got TO it.

Thanks, guys, for pushing all of that snow!

Here's the latest news on my dad. I called down to Eureka to the Assisted Living facility today and peppered the nurse with questions. The most important question I asked was, "Can we put Dad in here just for the Winter?" When she said, "Yes," I breathed the biggest sigh of relief that I've breathed since before mom died.

Well, then I had to run it by Dad and he, quite naturally, wasn't all that pleased. I reminded him that I am getting stressed with wondering if he's eating well and getting his meds on time. I made sure that he understood that it would only be for the Winter months. Finally he said, "Well whatever you children think is best, I'll do." PRAISE THE LORD!!!! It's amazing how things flow when I let HIM do the leading and I just follow in the direction that He is pointing.

So, tomorrow at 1:00, I'll be in Eureka looking over the room and helping dad to get through his assessment. Duard said that the doctor and nurses all think that this will be for the best, so I'm eager now to go down and make it just as homey as possible for Dad. I don't know if we can move him in tomorrow or not, but it won't take much to do so. The nurse told me over the phone today that people just bring the bare necessities, as the rooms are not very large, so we'll see what tomorrow holds. Please keep us in your prayers.

The next most exciting part of my day was that a classmate of mine from Eureka emailed me. She had read my ad in the Eureka paper about BT and is eager to learn more. We had such an encouraging talk just now, so I am glad that I took the time to run the ad. She even set up her first session in the new year, so I rejoice. Like I told Tanya at the Northwest Blade, the ones that I want to help the most are the ones from my home town. May there be many more from Eureka who will open up their hearts to BodyTalk in 2010 and beyond!

Sleepy,

Dawn

Ethel's Amazing Umbrella Conclusion

We're going to Eureka today so I covet your prayers. I just woke Dad up and he said that the snow plows are opening up Eureka to traffic already, although all of the churches in town have cancelled their services this morning. We need to go today as Robert will start trucking again tomorrow. He and Andrew are going out now with the 9030s to start the process of cleaning out the yard so that we can get out of here with the van. That statement made me realize that I'd best get outside now to get some pictures of the snowbanks that have blocked all but tractor movement here on our farm. I'll post them later.

Here's the conclusion of the story. I hope that you all enjoyed it!

Hugs,

Dawn

PS. I'll post the rest of my birthday pictures tomorrow.

CONCLUSION

The sun finally rose in Forest Grove on Christmas morning, but it's rays of sunshine seemed to be too little too late. A town encased in ice and snow, paralyzed by the loss of electricity and telephones, seemed almost afraid to admit it was Christmas.
The church house was certainly not full that Christmas morning. Though the heat and lights returned just minutes before the service was to begin, the inside of the church still felt like a frozen grave. And as word about Grandpa Billy began to be whispered around, a hushed kind of mourning began to replace the usually festive Christmas scene.
Just as the organ began to play some rather sour notes (Melba was a little less than accurate with her gloves on), through the side door came Ethel Simpson. Every hair was in place. Her face was serene and composed. She sat down on the front row, next to where Melba would sit when she had finished chipping away the ice cubes in the organ. As Melba watched Ethel out of the corner of her eye, she was overwhelmed at the peace Ethel seemed to have. Either she hadn't heard the news, or her umbrella was a lot tougher than anyone thought. As Pastor Thompson stood up and made the announcement about Billy, it was obvious that Ethel was not surprised. She knew.
The song service was subdued, but still a bit long. Then several deacons stopped and prayed for Billy and Ethel, mostly for Ethel, that she would have the grace to stand under the load. Then Pastor Thompson stood up to preach, and Melba slipped into the seat by her grieving, but composed best friend.
"You seem to be at peace," Melba whispered, as she slipped her hand in Ethel's for comfort. "I traded umbrellas last night," Ethel whispered back, "Jesus is my umbrella now."
"Yippee!!" the usually subdued Melba shouted at the top of her voice, sending the poor pastor who was trying to be somber into such a state of shock, he almost fell head first out of the pulpit.
All eyes were now on Melba, whose face had just acquired a sunburn seldom seen in the frozen north. But before she had a chance to explain, in the side door came a bedraggled Tim O'Reilly, his uniform smeared with mud and his eyes obviously red from crying. He walked directly to where Ethel was sitting, and without looking in her eyes, said, "Mrs. Simpson, you're needed at the hospital right away, please. They've . . . . . uh . . . . . found your husband." With that, he wheeled around, and literally ran through the door, apologizing for interrupting the service.
It took Ethel seven minutes to navigate the icy trail between the church and the emergency room of Forest Grove Memorial Hospital. She prayed the whole way, thanking God that He would give her the grace to endure. Soon, her one-eyed Rambler rounded the corner and pulled up to those big double doors, just behind a huge ambulance that was marked, "Marble Creek EMS". Fearfully, yet resigned to God's will, she slipped out of the car, and watched as they carried the stretchers of the injured into the hospital. One by one she watched them. Still no Billy.
Finally, two men went in and brought out the last one. All she could see from where she was standing was an ominous white sheet that seemed to signify the worst.
As they brought Billy's lifeless body from the ambulance, Ethel ran to his side, and bending over him, whispered, "Oh, Billy, if only you could've known. I've got a brand new umbrella, Billy. I asked your Jesus to come into my heart. Oh, Billy, I'll still see you some day. . . . I'm a Christian now!"
Ethel stood, nearly motionless, weeping, by the body of her husband of 41 years. As she turned to walk away, a voice behind her spoke, "Happy Birthday, Ethel. Welcome to the family!"
Ethel wheeled around to see who it was that had followed her to the hospital that might be speaking. She looked, but there was no one in sight.
Then she looked down at Grandpa Billy one more time. One eye opened, then closed, as if he were mischieviously winking his eye at his best girl (which he was).
"Happy Birthday, Ethel," Grandpa whispered again, as the old man finally began to regain consciousness. For seven hours he had held on at the edge of a frozen lake, hanging on to a tree limb for his life, singing hymns of praise to his Jesus, until finally he had lapsed into an unconscious state, somehow miraculously without letting go of that limb.
Tears of grief turned to tears of joy as Ethel Simpson, 61 years old in this world, and less than 12 hours old in Jesus, began to sing and to praise her new-found Lord for what He had done. Billy Simpson got so excited listening, he sat bolt upright on the stretcher, and, using all the strength he had, shouted, "My Ethel's got a new umbrella!" The folks in the emergency room didn't quite understand why a new umbrella deserved that kind of recognition. . . . but we understand, don't we?
Now, if you thought they had birthday celebrations at Grandpa Billy's place before, you won't believe the likes of what goes on at Christmas now. A brand new banner has been added that reads, "Happy Birthday Ethel," and instead of hidin' in the back with the cookies and cake, Grandma Ethel Simpson is the first one up on that make-shift platform Christmas day to give her testimony. And Christmas day isn't the only day she gives her testimony.
Why, if you drive up to Forest Grove tomorrow, and stop in at Grandpa Billy's Drug Store, you can just bank on the fact that as soon as you walk in, one kindly old gentleman, now with a little of a limp, but with no less of a smile, will still greet you, and point to that seemingly invincible coffee pot in the corner, where he'll proceed to ask you if you happen to know a friend of his, whose name is Jesus.
The difference today is, should you hesitate to meet his friend, he'll just send you over to the drug counter, where a beaming Ethel Simpson waits to take over where he left off.
By the way, on the counter, just in front of her, is a twelve-inch cardboard replica of an umbrella. And neatly printed on it are the words, "Ask me about my amazing umbrella."
I just dare you to ask!

© Russell Kelfer. All rights reserved.10602 Mossbank, San Antonio, TX 78230
1-800-375-7778 or 210-226-0000
Web: www.dtm.org, E-mail: dtm@dtm.org
--->
Questions regarding Discipleship Tape Ministries and its pages may be sent to: DTM
Last Update: January 23, 2002
© 2001-2002 Discipleship Tape Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved.

Who cares if there's a blizzard?

Yesterday was my 52nd birthday and I was overjoyed that there was a blizzard! We were supposed to go to Eureka to be with my dad but the Lord very obviously did NOT want us to go down there. I was so glad later, when I heard that my brothers were spitting at each other much of the time. Robert laughed and said, "Well, now Harvey can deal with a cock fight as he never curbed their tempers when they were little." I felt sorry for LV, Russell's wife, to be caught in the middle of all of that but, on the other hand, I was glad that she was down there to cook something special for Dad for the day.

We had thought to go down today, but the blizzard continued, so now our plan is to head down there tomorrow. We need to have a serious talk with dad about getting good food in his body EVERY day, so that he can heal. We also must be assured that he is managing his insulin intake properly. We really DO want to keep him in his home. Dad has been a farmer all of his life and is used to the wide open spaces. He just would NOT do well in a tin can and definitely would not go in for playing Bingo all day long. Please pray that we will be able to convince Dad that it's in his best interest to learn to take better care of himself. There's an opening in the Assisted Living facility attached to the Eureka hospital and there has been some talk of dumping him in there. I just don't know what to think so I'm praying for wisdom too.

Anyway, here are some pictures of my birthday. It was an incredibly special day for me as you can see from the pictures. I can't ever remember being happier with how my life is shaping up. :) I can only hope that my joy will come through as I so long to share with everyone who comes here that there IS a way to get well again--no matter how long you've been ill.

When our boys were up at the Bartlett's for the Appleseed Shoot in August, Cora, Robert, and I watched a movie online called, EMMA. I just loved the old English and the romance of it, of course. So Cora surprised me with not one; not two; but all three versions of EMMA that are available on DVD or video. We watched the 2 short versions of it yesterday and so introduced the boys to Emma. Something made me think that they didn't like it as well as I do but, oh well, it was MY birthday. :)

I thought I'd share pictures of my greatest treasures on earth--my precious family. This is my beautiful daughter, Cora. There's a clue in this picture about the big gift that the children gave to me for my birthday. Any guesses?

Here's Andrew at age 19. I am thrilled that he is growing a beard like his papa. It's starting to fill in now and I think he looks sooooooooo handsome!!!!!!!

Cora and Jacob had a "Look-mean" contest and Jacob won with this look. LOL!

I've always wanted to receive a stack of presents like this one. I don't know why but that has just been a long-time desire of my heart. Wouldn't you know it that Robert gave me one for my birthday this year. We were surprised, after it was all wrapped up, that it matched my skirt and sweater. :) The skirt and blouse were both my mom's. Robert even wrote me some poetry on a big heart that he cut out, but it's kind of private so you'll just have to imagine what he said. It was a special day for us in that it was 30 years ago exactly that he proposed to me and I had said, "Yes."

Robert is such an exciting man in that he likes to keep me guessing. You see, I had asked him for $250 so that I could have the evaluation done for my health so that I can get on the Constitutional Diet. Well, some men might have written a check for $250 and stuck it in an envelope, but not Robert.

He had written a note on the big, blue heart that said I needed to open the boxes in the proper order. The first box had a little, blue heart on it with a one written on it. Inside I found 52 pennies buried in a box-full of Styrofoam peanuts. Jacob helped me dig them out.

Well, in box #2 with 2 little blue hearts on it, I found 52 nickles. In box #3, I found 52 dimes. In box #4, I found a $50 bill and a $2 bill. Jacob was amazed by the $2 bill as he'd never seen one before. The 5th box was a box of Altoid breath mints. I really like them as they're one of the few breath mints out there without artificial sweeteners. I said, "Thank you" to Robert when Andrew insisted that I open the box. I thought that was kind of weird but proceeded to take the plastic off of the box. When it came off, a check dropped out the bottom for the remainder of the $250. I gasped with delight when I realized that all together there would be enough so that I can do the testing to learn EXACTLY what I need to eat to continue regaining my strength. THANK YOU ROBERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU MAKE LIFE SO SPECIAL AND INTERESTING!! Thanks Cora and Andrew for your help with this special project!

How do you thank someone for such a wonderful gift. Here I gave Robert a big smooch and he, being the goof that he is, ACTED SURPRISED. :)

Later in the kitchen when I was properly thanking him, he tickled me as I turned to go make supper. How wonderful it is to be 52 years YOUNG!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cora has some pictures that she'll share with me that she took on her cameras, so I will have to save the "Big gift" from the children until they get over to my computer as I don't have any pictures of it. You can check here tomorrow so keep warm and keep smiling.

Ethel's Amazing Umbrella Part 3

I'll write more later, as people are "Starving" around here, but I thought that you'd like to have some time to read the next chapter. This is the best one of all!!! May it be so for all of the Ethel's in the world!!!!!!!!! AMEN?

Dawn


By sundown, sleet was beginning to fall and the roads were like ribbons of plate glass, shimmering in the moonlight. Trees were beginning to bend to the breaking point, as the sheer weight of the ice that was forming seemed to create fan-shaped glaciers along Glenoak Lane, the long two-laned stretch that connected the main street of Forest Grove with the tiny road that ran along the outskirts of town where the Simpsons lived.

The trip home seemed to take an eternity for Ethel. You just can't drive too slowly on those kinds of streets, but even though she found herself just inching along, as she tried to negotiate that curve around Sanderson Creek, suddenly the right wheel on her little Rambler lost its footing, and before she could so much as respond, she had lost control, and found herself careening helplessly across the highway and into an ice-coated barbed wire fence that simply refused to give. As she crawled across the seat and out the passenger door to see what damage had been done, she stepped down hurriedly on the icy pavement, and losing her footing, she fell to the ground with a sickening thud.

"My umbrella is adequate," you could almost hear her thinking out loud, as the unflappable grandma grabbed hold of the antenna on the car, pulled herself up, shook off the snow, and assessed the damage. One dented fender, one crushed headlight, no broken bones.

Carefully, she started the motor and put it in reverse. With the rear wheels slipping and sliding, she inched backwards until there was just enough room between her one good headlight and that somewhat stunned fence post, and slowly she rocked her rambler back and forth, until it began to move, ever so slowly, back towards the highly polished highway that led to home.

"Well, I'm not much the worse for the wear," she surmised, as she walked up her front steps, "and Benny Grogan's Body Shop can reconstruct old Rusty the Rambler; they've done it before." With that, she reached for the lights in the front room, grateful to be in the familiar setting of home at last.

But it didn't take long for reality to settle in. The light's didn't go on. And it was obvious they weren't about to. Another power failure. Well, Ethel Simpson had handled power failures before. Her umbrella had been quite adequate for those. This was, however, the first one she'd faced when Billy wasn't home to help.

Soon, reality #2 settled in. This time, the extra circuit that operated the fan on the furnace was out, too; and the temperature in that rambling ten-room house was apparently in a race to the finish to compete with the temperature outside, and it wasn't clear which one was winning. There was at least one silver lining in the cloud, though. Nothing in the freezer had thawed. The whole house was a freezer.

After struggling to find her good flashlight, she discovered Grandpa had borrowed the batteries to power his flashing "Happy Birthday" sign on the Christmas cake, which meant she had to grope her way in the dark to the shed in back where the backup generator (which was just a little older than she was) held her last ray of hope for light and heat. But alas, it hadn't been checked all winter, and now that she needed it, a faint grunt and a final groan were all it was able to deliver.

Shivering, Ethel cautiously inched her way back along the ice-covered sidewalk to the house, where she began to grope for every blanket and overcoat in sight. After what seemed like an eternity of searching, she found the matches to light the candles. It seems Gramps had moved them to his shop in the garage without calling a high-level conference and informing the other half of the household of the change. She'd have to have a chat with Billy about that little move!

By now, Ethel was sure that Grandpa and the men would be back at the Drug Store checkin' out the decorations, so she figured a phone call would bring her a little comfort and a chance to vent some of her anger at her husband's inefficiency where the generator and the matches were concerned. There was, however, one more slight problem. The telephones weren't working either. Apparently, the storm up the way had iced over the lines, causing them to snap and no one was going to call anyone from that phone for probably a week at best.

Ethel looked out the window. It was as if somebody had suddenly emptied heaven of all its snow on one square mile of planet earth. The wind began blowing so hard, you could almost feel it through the walls, and the snow was falling so heavily, even the bright moonlight which had led her home, was totally obscured by the blanket of white that literally surrounded her.

Suddenly, a feeling of panic settled in; a feeling she had not experienced before. Believe it or not, Ethel Simpson was afraid. And she didn't have the slightest idea what to do about it. Oh, for a brief moment, she thought about praying, but she had programmed herself for so long that prayer was nothing but an exercise in futility that she dismissed that thought immediately and began searching for ways to divert her attention from the apparent hopelessness of the situation.
After what seemed like an eternity, she remembered the little portable radio she kept in the cedar chest in the hall. "If Billy didn't steal the batteries for some kind of lighted Bible cover or something," she reasoned sarcastically, "maybe I can at least listen to some music."

At last, success. She found the radio, batteries still intact, and she tuned it into station KLHG, an all night fm station up in Beaver City. Soon, soothing music began flowing from the tiny little receiver, and Ethel began to regain her composure, as though she had discovered a quick way to patch the hole that had appeared unexpectedly in her umbrella of self-reliance. Propped up on the couch, wrapped in three coats and four blankets, Ethel Simpson began to doze off to the tune of "Winter Wonderland" on her tiny radio. But wouldn't you know it . . . just as she was starting to drift into a somewhat arctic dreamland, the announcer breaks in and interrupts the music.

"We interrupt this broadcast for a special news bulletin," he curtly announced. "This word is just in from Sheriff Bill Jamison in Marble Creek. A search party has been combing the area for the whereabouts of at least three people presumed to be lost when their houses were destroyed in today's storm."

"Sheriff Jamison just informed us that the search party came upon unexpected winds just north of the Oak Creek cutoff, and four of the ten searchers were swept away unexpectedly by the currents. We are glad to report that three of the four have been located and rescue teams are on the way. Only one is still missing. Tim O'Reilly, head of the search crew, lists the one still missing and feared lost to be . . . . . one Billy Simpson, age 62, from Forest Grove. We repeat, all others appear to have been saved. Stay tuned to this station for further developments."

It was at that point that Ethel Simpson's amazing umbrella began to leak, . . . and badly. For the first time in her life, circumstances were beyond her control. The one person in her life that mattered above all else was missing and presumed to be dead, and she was marooned in a house that resembled a rambling refrigerator, devoid of heat or light, cut off from all her friends and family. She had no place to turn.

Make that almost no place.

Trembling from head to foot, partly from the cold, and partly from the shock, she sank to her knees, her head resting on the cushions of the couch, and for the first time in her 61 years that she could remember, she began weeping uncontrollably.

What seemed like hours passed before she could stop sobbing long enough to speak. Finally, her throat hoarse from the weeping, she began to pray out loud.

"Dear God, I know you're there. I know because my husband told me you were. He's Billy Simpson, God," she asserted, just in case God hadn't made the connection, "and he appears to be in big trouble. He may be," the words stuck in her throat," . . . dead."

"All my life, God, I've taken pride in not needing You. I've boasted that I had an umbrella that could shelter me from any storm this life could bring. God, I was wrong. I can't handle this."

"I know You may not bring my Billy back. But God, I can't live without him without some help. I've never said this before, God, but my umbrella's leaking . . . . bad."

Ethel paused a moment, trying to recall just what it was she had heard Billy tell so many people huddled around that old coffee pot at the store to do to become "born over" or whatever it was that happened. She could remember them talking about being sinners. (She's never fancied herself one of those.) Now suddenly for the first time in her life, she realized that her very unwillingness to trust God with her life was the greatest sin of all . . . and she all but shouted at the top of her lungs, "God, I AM A SINNER. Please forgive me."

Then she remembered how a young man from down at Briscoe knelt down by that coffee pot one day, and prayed, asking Jesus into his heart. At the time, it seemed so childish. Now suddenly, Ethel's voice, quivering, yet with a strange sense of authority quietly invited Jesus to take over her life. "I don't know for sure what this means," she added, "but I know that's what I want. Dear Jesus, please take my tattered, self-righteous umbrella and change it for one that works. Amen."

Ethel Simpson was kneeling on a cold floor in a house that was nearing the freezing mark, yet a kind of warmth swept through her soul that she had never experienced in her life. It was like summertime had settled in her heart. She stood to her feet, somewhat amazed at the peace that had suddenly swept over her.

She slipped to her knees once more. "Lord," she prayed (for now He WAS her Lord), "I know it may be too late, and I know it may not be your will, but Lord, if it be possible, save my husband from dying so he can know that I've become a Christian at last. But Lord, if it's what's best, . . . You take him home . . . (the words seemed to stick in her throat again, but she went on) . . . . Now I know that, either way, one day I'll see him again."
_____________________________________________________

52 & Ethel's Umbrella part 2

This is a picture of my family of choice taken in my parent's home one year ago today. Cora said to me, "WOW mom, I can sure tell by looking at this picture that you have lost a lot of weight this year." HOW SWEET THOSE WORDS ARE TO ME!! It's been a year of major changes for me and this one is the sweetest. I have learned that I do NOT have to take solace in eating every time that I am upset. I've been learning that there are far better ways to comfort myself than eating--things like: playing piano; doing BodyTalk on myself; writing here on my blog; taking a soak in my whirlpool; or you could say, "Taking time to smell the roses!"

Today is my birthday and I am 52 years old!!! I got my biggest birthday wish come true too!!! If you are a "Christmas baby," you'll understand how wonderful it is to just be at home with your family and enjoy your birthday without all of the "Fussing" over Christmas going on all around you.

Actually, we were supposed to be down in Eureka today but the Lord "Just happened to" arrange a blizzard which "Forced" us to stay at home. I am soooooooooo glad as it sounds like there is more than one storm brewing down there. Please keep my family of origin in your prayers today as today has the potential to be a turning point for all of us. Frankly, it didn't get off to the best of starts but GOD CAN DO ANYTHING. Actually you can keep our family in your prayers, too, if you have any extra prayer time available today. ;) I try VERY hard not to let the negativity from my first family creep into my second family. I haven't been successful at this most years, ESPECIALLY at this time of year, but I'm doing better now!

Well, as promised, here is today's portion of Ethel's Amazing Umbrella. I love you all and pray that the warmth of God's love fills your heart wherever you are and with whomever you are. :)

Hugs and prayers,

Dawn

CHAPTER THREE

Their spiritual differences really came to a head about three years ago, when the Reverend Thompson used Easter Sunday, of all times, to preach a message on Noah and the flood. His title was, "Noah's Amazing Umbrella". Being Easter, Ethel was there, all decked out in a new outfit acquired at Edmond's Elite Dress Shop up in Breezeville, about a half a day away (the way the Simpson's old Rambler rambled) But Ethel left the service that Easter colored with a bit more red than she came with, the color coming from the anger that surfaced in her face at the way the good Parson talked about "coping with life".

The crux of his message was that Noah went through the storms of life safely because he had that amazing umbrella called faith. That umbrella, he went on, was to protect him from the harm of the storm, even though he had to pass through the storm to do God's will. The Reverend ended his message by asking, "What kind of umbrella do you have to weather the storms of life?" He went on to say, without apology, that if you haven't asked Jesus Christ to come into your life, when those storms really begin to come, you're going to find that your umbrella of self-reliance has a hole in it, and unless you trade it in for one of "God's Amazing Umbrellas", you'll never be able to weather life's storms. He got a few "amens" and some positive comments after the service, but Ethel Simpson wouldn't so much as look at him, and on the way home from church that day, Grandpa Billy got an earful from his perfectly dressed, but definitely out of sorts companion.

"Just who does he think he is, prescribing Jesus like a pill for hard times?" she almost shrieked in Billy's ear. "You Christians don't have a corner on strength. Strength comes from the will. You can't hang that one on God."

Grandpa was almost excited that the Parson had touched on a raw nerve. At least there was some evidence that she was wrestling with rejecting what he'd said. That, he surmised, was progress. Another thing really made an impact on Gramps. She had said, "You Christians," implying that she didn't categorize herself as "one of those" even though she met all the criteria (based on her own concept of "good works").

You see, one of Ethel's struggles with this "born over" stuff was that she had lived such a "good" life, she couldn't imagine needing to be saved from anything. She didn't lie, didn't have bad habits, didn't cuss, drink, smoke, or chew. She'd been a nearly perfect mother, a loving wife, a diligent citizen, and a hard worker. She'd rescued her brothers and sisters from the brink of nothingness, and lifted them to the category of productive, useful citizens. Oh, she could see some psychological advantage to a religious experience for the "down and outer", but not for the do-gooders like herself. She could see maybe a savior for sinners, but by her standards at least, a sinner she definitely wasn't.

But Ethel's main gripe with the Reverend's theology was this "amazing umbrella" stuff, that indicated that there was a need in life for someone else to live your life for you, and enable you to become what he kept callin' "more than conquerors."
Ethel fancied herself a conqueror, and she had done it all with sheer will power. "I've got my own umbrella," she shouted into Billy's ear as they drove up the long cobblestone driveway to their ranch style house, "And my umbrella's got no holes in it. My umbrella does just fine in a storm, just fine," she murmured. "That parson's tryin' to make us into helpless cripples who have to depend on God for the breath we breathe," she went on. "God helps those who help themselves," she ranted in arrogant tones, now, once more inscribing the trademark of her theology as a postscript for her sermonette.

Grandpa had a good answer. "You've got a mighty fine umbrella, Ethel," he acknowledged, "a mighty fine umbrella. You've weathered some tough ones without so much as gettin' wet. I reckon', however, that some day you just might get into a storm that your umbrella can't handle. Then maybe you'll get the gist of what the good pastor's been sayin'." With that he gave her a big bear hug and headed for the kitchen, and the roast and potatoes, the aroma of which had been captivating his attention since before they left for church.

Of course, Ethel wasn't through discussing the ramifications of the good pastor's "do-nothin'" theology, but she decided not to let it ruin a perfectly good forty-year-plus marriage. Instead, she used Alexander Graham Bell's instrument of communication the next morning to lay an earful on her patient, but converted friend, Melba Peabody.

Melba listened, the way an exceptional friend would, then finally, used the same approach as Billy, simply acknowledging that up until now at least, Ethel did indeed have an amazing umbrella. "There just might come a time," she cautiously concluded, "when you'll come to understand just what it is the good parson's talking about." Then, with the finesse of a skilled surgeon, she carefully guided the conversation into less controversial areas, and a detailed discussion of the hat Pearl Anderson had the gall to wear on Easter Sunday. At last, they had something they could agree upon again. The hat was atrocious. End of confrontation number one.
But it wasn't the end of the subject. Far from it.

Nearly every week, something seemed to happen that was a bit unpleasant. Like the time the penicillin didn't arrive at the pharmacy on time, and the Merkins' kids had the flu, and Ethel had to drive through blinding snow to Cloverdale and get some more. The car broke down, she had a flat, had to walk two miles in the snow for help, and still got back with the penicillin in time. "My umbrella seemed to hold just fine," she quipped to Melba the next morning. "No prayers, no Bible verses, no divine intervention," she went on, almost gleefully. "You can do what you have to do if you just believe you can," she concluded.

Melba was biting her tongue so hard she almost had to call Doc Forsythe to stop the bleeding, but graciously she simply responded, "You've got an amazing umbrella, Ethel, an amazing umbrella, indeed."

This kind of conversation sort of became the norm between these two old friends as the days passed into months and finally into years since that incredible Christmas day in Forest Grove. Ethel would chide Melba with every stroke of her self-reliant success, and Melba would quietly respond, "Amazing umbrella you've got, Ethel, simply amazing." But Melba was praying all the while that God would either expose Ethel to the true state of her self-righteous covering, or allow her to experience a storm her umbrella couldn't handle.
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CHAPTER FOUR

Ethel, of course, dreaded Christmas. It meant more work at the store, more work at home, and worst of all that horrendous birthday party at the Pharmacy on Christmas afternoon.

It would've seemed all right in a third grade Sunday school class in the Bible belt, but for grown men and women in a sophisticated little eastern village to stand around singing, "Happy Birthday to Jesus," and "Happy Birthday to Grandpa," and "Happy Birthday" to this one and that one on into the night, seemed at best a bit childish and unnecessary. And oh, that "testimony time" as they called it; if that wasn't the longest part of Christmas day. All those supposedly mature grownups tellin' how Jesus led them to a certain job, or how Jesus helped them make it through some crisis (as though they couldn't have done it without Him).

She had to admit everyone else sure had a good time. It was like the whole town (in fact the whole county) waited all year for Grandpa Billy's Birthday party at Christmas. Folks would come for miles around to sing Christmas carols, eat birthday cake, and talk about Jesus and all that stuff. It was the highlight of the year for most of Forest Grove. Melba practically lived for the day. But for Ethel it was the longest day she had to suffer through. She was always there, makin' the punch, cuttin' the cake, and disappearin' into the back when the Jesus stories got a little heavy for her to handle.

So as December 24th rolled around and Grandpa's "fifth Birthday party" loomed on the horizon, Ethel Simpson once again faced the holidays with mixed emotions.
It's now about noon on Christmas eve, and the activity level at Grandpa Bill's Palace has reached a fevered pitch. Wall to wall "helpers" are busy stacking chairs, moving displays, putting up "Happy Birthday to" banners, and in general making it impossible for Ethel to count out 12 "somethin'-myacin" tablets to fill the prescription Doc Forsythe wrote out for Annabelle Foster's ten-year-old (the one with the strep throat).

"I can't run a business with this infernal partyin' goin' on," she muttered, thinking, of course, no one could hear.

"Careful, Ethel, your umbrella's startin' to leak," Melba Peabody whispered. Melba had been standin' right behind her on a ladder and just happened to hear the soulful murmuring of her agitated friend. "Just kiddin', Melba, just kiddin'," Ethel quickly replied, not wanting a short fuse to give anyone the wrong idea about her "more-than- adequate" umbrella of patience.
Melba smiled, and added softly, "Of course," and continued her somewhat unwelcome assistance in the banner-hanging department.

About that time, young Sergeant O'Reilly, the clean-cut chap who served as state trooper in this neck of the woods came rushing through the door, so out of breath it took a minute or two for his Irish brogue and his huffin' and puffin' to begin to march to the same cadence so anyone could understand what he was saying.

"Big storm up at Marble Creek," he finally shouted, "Two houses blown down, three people missin', and the river's about to go out of its banks. I need some volunteers. I need at least ten willing men to help me with a rescue operation. I know it's Christmas eve, but we'll be back by sundown," the excited trooper went on. He was desperately trying not to show that he was panicking under pressure, but to most everyone around, it was obvious that on a scale of 1 to 10, his emotions were up somewhere around eleven and a half.

"I'll go," Brad Everson responded quickly, "Count me in." "Me too," Sonny Whitman chimed in. Soon Rob Severenson, Cal Brown, and Grandpa Billy joined the brigade, and before long, there were ten assorted volunteers piling in the long, stake bed pickup parked in front of the drug store (the one with the blue state trooper emblem faded, but still visible on the doors).

Somehow, Grandma Ethel breathed a sigh of relief. She hated to see everyone leave, especially for such a sad assignment on Christmas Eve, yet as the ranks thinned out in the drug store, it was as though she had room to breathe again, and with Grandpa down the road, doin' his duty as a volunteer, it left her in charge of the goin's on at the Pharmacy, and "Maybe," she thought, "I can restore a little order to the preparations for this 'birthday bash'." (And restore a little order, she did.)

Ethel's Amazing Umbrella

I just love it when God answers my prayer immediately!!! When HE does that, it's like there's just no doubt in the world that He just answered my prayer--that's what he did for me right now! Let me explain.

You see it's Christmas Eve and, as I was washing up the things for milking, I was thinking that I still have no idea what to post about today. I'd been pondering what to post all day, but not a thing has come to mind that seemed worth taking your time to read about. You see, we don't keep Christmas anymore. HOW SHOCKING!!! We haven't kept Christmas for over a decade in this household.

"Still," I prayed, "there must be SOMETHING that I could share with people to make them think about the Lord instead of getting presents and listening for Santa Claus this night."

Just then one of my favorite radio preachers came on Rejoice Radio. His name is Russell Kelfer and, although he lives in Heaven now, I value hearing his thoughts daily. Well he wrote this story years ago I guess. Every year around Christmas time, they play it on Rejoice and we love it every time we get to hear it.

"I sure wish that I could share that with the folks out there," I thought. That was when Jacob checked for me and sure enough he found it on-line. So you see, God DOES answer some prayers with a, "Yes" immediately. I pray that you'll be as blessed with this story as we are each year. I'll post a couple chapters every day until it's finished. The most wonderful thing about this time of year to me, is that people take the time to think about each other a little bit more than they usually do.

I hope that you'll be blessed by this story of a little country town in the hills who were fortunate enough to have a pastor who taught people the truth about their need for a Savior. I just love how the Lord works to show people that He loves them no matter how hard they try to convince Him that they don't care a hoot about Him. Thanks for coming down here, Lord, and thanks for making a way for us to find peace with you and ourselves!!!

Peace to all this night,

Dawn


Ethel's Amazing Umbrella

CHAPTER ONE

What a difference a day makes! In the case of the little town of Forest Grove that day was Christmas day, a Christmas day so unlike any other they had ever celebrated that the whole town looks back on it as though it were their birthday.They refer to it lovingly as the "Day that Grandpa Was Born", for it was on that cold, icy December afternoon that Grandpa Billy Simpson stood up in a called meeting in the church house and poured fuel on an already simmering fire that was rapidly spreading into life after life in Forest Grove.

Having called that now famous meeting himself, Grandpa Billy's sole intent was to fire the Rev. Thompson and replace him with someone a bit more traditional, someone who could restore the "status quo" at the little church and stop this insane preachin' on "heaven and hell" and bein' "born over" (as his grandson Bobby called it).His grandson Bobby, incidentally, just happened to be the spark that started this blaze of evangelical enthusiasm in Forest Grove.

It seems that one cold, November afternoon, little Bobby paid the parson a call to talk to him about the condition of his soul. What took place began as a comedy of errors, and after a few dozen calamities had left the Parson with a broken leg, and his house a shambles, little Bobby got down to the business at hand, and that business included asking Jesus to come into his life.

Well, that sort of thing just didn't go on in Forest Grove; at least not before the Rev. Thompson arrived, and now our newly "born over" Bobby began behaving like a totally different boy; a fact few people would dispute, but even fewer seemed to understand.Old Doc Forsythe was the next to follow suit. As he was bandaging the good Parson's leg, he began to ponder the issues of spiritual life, and soon the old doctor was praying, asking Jesus into his life too!

Before long there was a rumbling of spiritual freshness in Forest Grove that Grandpa Billy just couldn't handle.So he had called a meeting for Christmas day to give the parson a special yuletide gift, a one-way ticket out of town. That was his plan, anyway.But between the time Grandpa called the meetin' and the time the folks gathered that frosty December 25th, something happened to Grandpa. Something happened, indeed.And what happened made that church meetin' the event of the century in Forest Grove, and Christmas day became such a time of celebration that people from all over came down just to see a town that counted Christmas it's birthday. And those who came down were never disappointed.

What happened that Sunday that so changed the course of Forest Grove was this: As Grandpa Billy stood up to ask the good parson to leave, he astonished the congregation by announcing that he had asked Jesus into his heart, too. And as his gleeful grandson Bobby tore up the Pastor's letter of resignation, Grandpa asked if there might be anyone else in that little church that Christmas day who had missed the meaning of Christmas (and the meaning of life, the way he had).

The ensuing service that went on for some two hours was an experience no one could have planned; no one, that is, but God. Folks who had been feudin' for years wrapped their arms around each other and asked each other's forgiveness.Folks who had been the pillars of the church got up from their pews and literally stood in line to ask the Reverend Thompson how they could be "born over" too.

Before long, little pockets of people were scattered all over that auditorium on their knees askin' Jesus to come into their lives.Pretty soon a song service broke out and you could all but hear the rocks in that old stone building start to shout with joy. They were the same songs they'd always sung in the Forest Grove Church. But my, my, how different they sounded.

Mrs. Peabody, horn-rimmed glasses in place, sat down at the organ as usual, but about half-way through the first song, she went down and talked to Grandpa and Bobby, too. Then big old tears began to form in the old lady's eyes and she knelt down to pray.When she got up and went back to the organ, she started pullin' out stops that hadn't been pulled in half a century . . . and music came out of those dusty pipes you'd have sworn was sent air mail from heaven.

When the service finally ended about five in the afternoon, the people poured out into the village still singing "Blest Be The Tie That Binds", and faces stained with tears were wrapped in smiles so wide they virtually stretched from one ear to the other.It was Christmas Day in Forest Grove, and Jesus Christ had just been invited into so many hearts, no one even bothered to count them. It was Christmas day, indeed.
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CHAPTER TWO

Five years have passed now since that eventful December 25th so lovingly called "The Day that Grandpa was Born". Five long years. Five winters have come and gone, along with all the isolation and solitude that seems to blanket the countryside in layers of ice and snow.Five summers have come and gone, too, along with the frenzied activity that characterizes a town that tries to get a year's work done in seven months.

As is always the case, nothing has stood still in those five years in Forest Grove. Well, almost nothing. It's late December, as we wind our way through those ice-caked highways that twist and turn over Forest Creek, alongside Cloverdale, past River City, and now we begin to ascend into those majestic mountains, so much of the time painted white by the hand of God, carefully etched in ice and snow. And coasting past the tree-lined entrance into the village, we see come into view a little town that seems to have been preserved in ice from a century past; quaint, quiet, and almost obvious in its absence of life's more modern conveniences.

At the top of the hill stands the village's only stop light. Oh, it really wasn't needed. That's why the town's only policeman made sure that it only "blinked" off and on. That way it wouldn't really inconvenience anyone. But it stood as a reminder that Forest Grove could be just as modern as the next town . . . well, almost.

Just a half-block north of "the" traffic light, is Grandpa Billy's Drug Store. In one window is a Christmas tree, perfectly shaped, with tiny-twinkling blue lights flashing off and on. A banner draped above it reads, "Happy Birthday Jesus". In the other window, is a huge replica of a birthday cake, and a sign that says, "Happy Birthday Forest Grove". A bit unusual, you'd have to admit . . . but then Forest Grove has turned out to be an unusual town to say the least.

You can park anywhere you like on Main street. The street is lined with what appear to be antiquated parking meters. They appear to be because they are . . . . they haven't been checked in about twelve years, but Mayor Forrestal seems to think they add a touch of "class" to the street, and about once a month, some unknowing stranger goes and puts a dime in one. It never gets emptied, but it gives the home folks standin' by a bit of a chuckle. "Another visitor just paid his dues," they'll laugh, and they'll mosey on their way.

Once inside Grandpa Billy's drugstore, you see what appears to be a perfect replica of an old-fashioned pharmacy, only this is no replica. This is the real thing. If Grandpa Billy's there, the first thing you see is a smile so big you can't help but think those wrinkles on his leathery face are gonna break in two.

"Hi, stranger," he's likely to greet you, "Welcome to Forest Grove. You passin' through? Or are you just plum lost?" With that, he'll more often than not point to the old aluminum coffee pot in the corner that's resting not so securely on a turn of the century hot plate. It's sending out an aroma of fresh perked coffee so tantalizing, it would send Mrs. Olsen into a coffee fit.And should you take the time to join him for a cup, chances are that within a half hour or so, the kindly old druggist will ask you if you happen to know a friend of his.

You'll imagine he means someone from back in Thorndale where you grew up, but what he's leadin' up to is a question about whether or not you've ever met his best friend, Jesus. And should you so much as express a casual interest, you'd best take off your coat and set a spell, for Grandpa the druggist is fixin' to become Grandpa the evangelist. You just can't imagine the number of strangers who have entered Forest Grove with no consciousness at all of eternity, and driven out the other side with a new Bible in their hand, and a new Saviour in their heart.And to top it all off, the zealous old Grandpa knows that the minute he walks back behind the counter after his evangelistic encounter, he's gonna get a sermon or two of his own.

For just behind the drug counter, almost lost in a sea of pills and powders is Grandpa's dimunitive childhood sweetheart, and wife of 41 years, Ethel Simpson.Ethel stands about five feet two inches tall in high heels (which she never wears) and she wouldn't weigh 100 lbs. if she had on a concrete overcoat.Her hair, about the color of that antique coffee pot in the corner, is swept back into a knot on the top of her head, and any time, day or night, she looks like she's all dressed up to go to church, (though she seldom does).

Whenever you see Ethel, every hair's in place, and every bit of clothing is matched; that's quite a contrast to grandpa's wardrobe which looks like it came from the reject pile outside the Salvation Army store up the road at Duncanville. But don't let Ethel's size lure you into thinkin' she pulls no weight in the Simpson household. Beneath her steel blue eyes and gracious smile, Ethel Simpson is the proud owner of an iron will.

Raised on a farm outside River City, just up the road, the oldest of six kids, Ethel Moorehouse, as she was known before she married, lived a life of suffering and hardship. Her mom died when she was in her teens, and for the next ten years of her life, Ethel raised the rest of the clan as though she were their mother. Her Dad died when she turned twenty, and for those final years at home, she was both ma and pa to the whole family; not to mention housekeeper, farm hand, bookkeeper, nurse, policeman, and plumber . . . and all on the grand sum of about $300 a month.

"A woman can do whatever she makes up her mind to," she would often philosophize, adding, "Nobody's gonna give you nothin' in this world; life's only gonna give you what you go out and get."And her self-reliant philosophy saw two doctors, a lawyer, and a captain in the army emerge from that dingy farmhouse at the edge of River City, as she motivated her brothers and sisters with the crown of her philosophical gems: "God helps those who help themselves," uttered with such authority you'd think she coined the phrase herself. "That's in the Bible, you know," Ethel would modestly add, thinking for sure it really was.

So Ethel was no pint-sized pushover. Beneath that immaculate ball of grey on her head was an IQ that was off the charts and a will that was virtually immovable.She and grandpa make quite a pair. She's a democrat; he's a republican. She's a liberal; he's a conservative. She likes chicken and blueberry pie; he can't stand either one of them . . . and on and on it goes.But for all their incompatibilities, they're inseparable. In fact, their bantering back and forth about their assorted philosophical and political differences seems only to deepen their affections for one another.

There was always, however, at least one thing Billy and Ethel agreed on. It was religion; that is, at least until five years ago. Because up until that fateful Christmas day when Grandpa went and got "born over", he and Ethel raised their kids with Ethel's "God helps them that helps" philosophy, the undertone of which was a basic belief that religion is like cod liver oil; useful if not taken too frequently or in doses larger than necessary.

Grandpa Billy, in years past, had scarcely ever missed a church service, but only because he wanted to be sure nothin' happened that he didn't approve of. Grandma Ethel, meanwhile, saw goin' to church as a misuse of time that could be better spent feedin' the hogs and picklin' pears. (Except, of course, for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter, when, as she piously expressed it, "A Christian ought to pay their respects to God.") So you can just imagine the strain that's developed these past five years since Grandpa got "born over" and told the whole world about it that Christmas afternoon at the little church in Forest Grove.

That strain has been compounded just a bit by the change that's taken place in Melba Peabody, Ethel's best friend for the last thirty years. Melba's the church organist, and it was her conversion that sparked the sudden change of tempo in the music that Christmas day, and it has sparked a change of tempo in her life as well.

Now Melba's not quite as "preachy" as Grandpa. She has taken care to maintain her close friendship with Ethel, and while she often talks about answered prayers and her time alone with God, she always does it in such a way as to provoke Ethel to curiosity, rather than to anger.

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Ever feel hopeless?

What a name for a blog post on THIS blog. I mean I named my blog A RAY OF HOPE so that folks would know that the Lord DOES have answers to our problems in the natural world. Sometimes, though, if I'm honest, I'll admit that those old hopeless feelings creep back into my mind.

It was such a great day with my friend, Kimberly, and her daughter Cora's friend, Whitney, here for a visit and for sessions. I loved every minute of my time with them and we have some great pictures to post later.

Then, after supper tonight, I knew it was time to find out how my dad is doing. I called the Eureka hospital and they let me talk to him. Dad said that they're trying to strenghten him as they've decided to send him to Aberdeen to have his gall bladder taken out. I guess he doesn't need it anymore. How frustrating!!!!!!!!!!!

I told Dad that I have clients lined up tomorrow and can't be with him as Aberdeen is a 3 hour drive away. I happen to know for a fact that they can take gall bladders out in Bismarck as one of my friends had one taken out up there. I thought that we were going to try to have his health needs met in Bismarck from now on. Why in the world do I bother talking anyway???????????

This plus a blizzard is moving in tomorrow night. I had to look up at God and question that one as Russell and LV were planning to take off on Thursday morning for ND. I guess, if I'm honest, I just don't get it sometimes. I just don't understand what He is trying to do with me. Isn't that when faith is the most precious to Him, though? Seeing the outcome isn't faith after all anyway.

At times like this all there is left to do is recite Proverbs, 3:5 & 6: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In ALL thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy paths." There, now that that's done, I'm going to take a soak. My knee was much better today but that nasty fear about dad's life is making it ache again. I think I need a BT session too!

The Lord IS at work--even if it hurts sometimes

WOW--so much has happened since I wrote last. Cora wrote about our skating party--the first time we all were together on the ice. I can't recall if she mentioned, though, that I fell AFTER I TOOK MY SKATES OFF AND WAS USING MY BARN BOOTS. My feet had gotten sore from the skates, but we were having so much fun that I didn't want to quit. It's like it didn't register that I could fall without being on skates. I madly had gone after the puck and turned quickly when it didn't go as far as I thought it was going. When I turned, I lost my balance and fell on my right knee VERY hard. I've been laid up ever since and have missed 3 chores--poor Clara. The first night I hardly slept and stayed on the couch doing Access until the pain diminished enough for me to doze. Even soaking didn't help all that much.

Yesterday I could see that I needed some help so I called my new BodyTalk practitioner, Tone-Lise, and she did a fantastic session for me! She's only a year ahead of me in BT but has been working at a clinic where they paid for her classes (I assume) so she's way ahead of me. It was the first time that she'd done a session on the phone so she was glad to have that new experience.

During my session it came up that I needed a resource person that she knows who does Reiki. Tone-Lise said that I would really like her and this woman helped me by volunteering her right knee energy to my aching body part. Tone-Lise tuned in to her energy and got her permission to help me so I'm like, "Wow--it is so great to be a part of the body of Christ." Of course, I'd do it for anyone else on earth too. :) Who knows, maybe someday I'll meet this woman. If not, then I remind myself that she was in my life only for a reason (instead of a season or a lifetime.)

Lots of other things have happened too. Dad's back in the hospital so we're trying to figure out why. I did a distance session on him from here at home yesterday and he told Russell last night that he still wants Russell to come home for Christmas. I am praying that dad is out of the hospital so that Russell and LV have a home to come back to for Christmas and we all don't have to spend it in the hospital. I guess if that's the Lord's will, though, somehow we'll get through that too.

Today I have a very special friend, and her daughter, coming over to our farm for BT sessions. I am so excited to have her come as she's someone who has prayed for me for years to get well--even back in miscarriage days. She was one of the winners of my free session offer on my blogiversary. She has seen big progress in one area of her life already from that free session, so I rejoice that I can now bless her in return for all of her years of support and friendship.

Well, I'm going to try limping out to the barn this morning so I'd best get dressed instead of staying in my nightgown like I did all day yesterday. It's just that my knee didn't bend enough to put my long johns on (I was on too much pain anyway) and I wasn't about to go out in the cold without something on my legs. Praise God for BodyTalk as the pain is about 1,000ths of what it was yesterday at this time. Can you tell that Jacob is working on the left side of the decimal point in Math these days? :)

Anyway, here are a few pictures from our skating party. Robert, with his great big papa heart, drove the 9030 the 5 miles up there to clear the ice off in a "BIG" way. Andrew had gotten the measurements online and had measured baling twine so that we could mark off the rink with it to the official size. Here he is filling his papa in on what his wishes were.

The boys are both very good on skates. When they reminded me that they learned the basics on their roller blades, I told them that they should thank me. They looked at me strangely then and I said, "I'm the one whose toes you ran over when you were learning to roller blade in the kitchen all of those years ago." I sure wouldn't put my toes in their path these days. :) This is Jacob getting ready for the big game. Oh yes, we ALL won because we all got some much needed exercise and lots of fresh air and laughter.

OOOOOOPS. Robert said later that, when he got close to the reeds, he heard the ice cracking but it all happened so fast that he couldn't get out of there on time. We were ALL thankful that it didn't happen in the middle of the pond although it's only about 4 feet thick. We figure that the reeds kept the ice from forming as thickly as it did elsewhere.

We skated several hours and then tried pulling it out with Andrew's pickup. No go, we just spun so we went home and ate lunch. The guys went back after lunch (my knee was aching something awful) and they took the other 9030 back up. They didn't have any trouble pulling it out with that tractor, so that was a relief. There was no damage done to the tractor and we learned the dangers of going close to the reeds. It was a good thing that Robert had left a bank of snow nearby as he walked on it to get out of the tractor. It wouldn't have been much fun walking in the ice-cold water to get out of there and back in again to pull it out. The Lord always provides for us--even when we mess up. :)

Now I have some exciting news that brought smiles to every one's face around here. Last night, Brian Geiger called. He's the papa of the wonderful Geiger family that we spent the day with at the zoo last summer. Brain said that they're planning a New Year's Eve party and WE'RE INVITED!!!!!! OH FOR FUN!!!!!!!!!!!! I can just hear the prayers around here for the next week, "And, OH GOD, please let the weather be good on New Year's Eve day..." I agree!

Blessings of peace,

Dawn

Count your blessings

My head is killing me tonight!!! We ended up going to Eureka unexpectedly today when Robert's mom, Marly, called this morning to say that his brother's plans had gotten changed. We were going to go tomorrow but, if we wanted to see their family, we needed to go down today.

Anyway, Cora and I ended up going with Marly to Eureka's Christmas Bonus Bucks promotion. Their were about 500 people crammed into a room, where many of them were smoking, and
my head started feeling a little "Off."

Then I went over to see my dad to discuss the coming Christmas plans for my family. I was a bit disturbed to learn that my brother (who lives blocks away from dad) isn't planning to come over to Dad's house but for a "Few moments". I guess when you're that special you needn't bother yourself with your grieving father on his first Christmas without his wife. ):

Then I went back to Robert's folks and ate all kinds of things that I don't normally eat and my head REALLY started hurting. Then, when we gave Robert's dad a can of mixed nuts as a gift, he turned to us laughing and said, "I can't eat nuts anymore." OH BOTHER. ):

Then, we had an 80 mile drive; chores the past hour; and now FINALLY I can get to bed. I was pretty much ready to hang it up as a loss of a day, meaning it was far more stressful than what it was worth, but then I received this forward from a friend from no other than Eureka. It's great and it was a reminder that God can send good things EVEN FROM EUREKA! WE ARE SOOOOO BLESSED! Even when my head hurts this bad, it's still great to be alive!!!

I pray that this will bless you too and I covet your prayers this week.

Dawn

Newspaper Advertisement

Sometimes things go so quickly that, when I pause afterwards, I have to shake my head and pray, "Well, I'm glad that YOU know what you're doing, Lord!" That's how it was today as I pondered making a newpaper advertisement in my home town newspaper.

You may recall that I'd sent the article about passing my certification exams to the Napoleon and Linton newspapers. Well, the other day I got a call from a former Napoleon native who now lives in Bismarck. She said that she saw the article in the Napoleon paper and wanted to schedule a session for this Wednesday when I'm working in my office in Bismarck. That was when I decided to see if my hometown paper, THE NORTHWEST BLADE, would also print the story about my new business, which I've named LINKS TO HEALING. You never know if someone will open up their minds to try something new, so what does it hurt to try?

Today I heard back that they would print the story and include the picture of Melanie and I. Then the editor, Heidi, wrote back wondering if I'd like to include an ad in this issue too. I guess I hadn't really thought about advertising yet, so I hesitated. I told her that if I ever open an office in Napoleon, I will certainly advertise then because I was pretty sure that people wouldn't come to my office in Bismarck from Eureka as it's about a 2 hour drive from there. She wrote back that people go to Bismarck from there for all sorts of things including massages...

Well, I sent Heidi the information that I'd like printed in the ad and she quickly put this together. I thought that she did a great job, so now all that's left to do is send her a check for $36. I guess if I would get one session out of the deal, I'd get my money back so we'll see.... Here's what she wrote.

LINKS TO HEALING
Dawn Bornemann
Certified BodyTalk Practitioner
701-332-6309
Sessions available at 1102 S. Washington Street,
Suite #311 Bismarck, ND
(on Wednesdays or Sundays) or in my home near
Kintyre, ND; or on the telephone
~ BodyTalk heals by restoring the inner communication
network of the body, which stress weakens
~ Conditions that typically improve are: allergies,
headaches/migraines, back pain, insomnia, phobias &
emotional disturbances, stress/anxiety, depression,
fibromyalgia & chronic fatigue, arthritis,
digestive disorders & viruses & infections.
It also helps with pre-natal care; sports performance; and
recovery from injuries or traumas

I said to Robert, "I wonder what Dad will think when he opens his paper on Thursday and sees my picture in the paper?" I had told him that I passed my test when I saw him last time after his birthday party, but it didn't seem to be of much interest to him. It'll be interesting to see if he says anything about my accomplishment--I'm not holding my breath.

Well, I'm hurting tonight, so I'm going to go soak in the tub. Tomorrow night our friend, Mark Dagley, will be spending the night with us as he's working in our area now. I won't want to soak then when I can have the opportunity to catch up with all of the Dagley news. Wednesday will be a full day in Bismarck as I'll be starting with 2 new clients which takes longer. I had a great first session with a friend last night too, so that was exciting. I covet your prayers for me and my business as I seek constantly to keep stress to a minimum! At least on Wednesday I'll have the older children along, so then I don't have to drive--YAY!

One other prayer request I have is the plans being made for Christmas at my dad's house. In other words, no plans are being made at all and I'm not sure what to do about that. It'll be my birthday and I like to stay home and take it easy. Now with mom gone, I'm not sure if I would feel easy in my mind about leaving dad alone that day. WHAT TO DO????????

They're here

I've been wanting to write for several days now but things have been really busy here--as usual. Yesterday, when the children went skating, I spent several hours working on my dining room set. First I took some Murphy's Oil Soap in water, according to the directions on the bottle, and washed off the table and chairs. This stuff amazes me as it seems hard to imagine that you can wash off wood with water and not harm it. The soap does strip the shine off of the wood, though, so I wouldn't ever use it without having Old English furniture polish on hand.

When I put the Old English on the table and chairs, it's like they came to life!!! First you rub it on the wood; then let it sit a little bit; and then buff it with a clean cloth. I'll tell you--this process added such luster to the wood that I couldn't stand covering it with a tablecloth just yet. So today on the Sabbath, we have our lovely, rich cherry-wood table visible until I can dig out a new tablecloth. I figured that it was time to put away the Fall pumpkin one. :)

I'm kind of behind the times with news so you can get caught up at Cora's blog. However, I did want to share a few pictures of the new bear that Martha B. made for me. You may recall that I took her my deceased mother's expensive fur coat and a leather one trimmed with fox fur. I had asked her to make bears for the children and I (Robert decided to pass). Well, I met her in Linton and once again fell in love with her workmanship. This little cutie is decked out in a fur wrap from the leather coat of mom's. Martha gave her an ornate clasp from an old coat that she had on hand. Here I loaned my new lady mom's favorite hat and one of the handkerchiefs from the treasure box. Did I ever write about that? HMMM.

I'm thinking that I may call her, "Cordillia," for Anne of Green Gables who asked Morilla, "Well, could you at least CALL ME CORDILLIA?"

Here Cordillia is checking out the couch to see if it is to her liking. Actually she prefers sitting in my bedroom and watching me as I do distance BodyTalk sessions. Isn't she quite elegant? I've been trying to decide what clothing I could put on her to make her a bit more, "Proper." Again, I urge you to go to Cora's blog to see the pictures that she has of all 4 of the bear's arrival at their new home.
One comment that I simply "HAVE" to share here as I'm quite certain that no member of my family will ever go here. After I gave the boys their bears, I was kind of curious what my strong, robust young men thought of being given a teddy bear. Andrew really seemed to enjoy his bear and when I asked Jacob his opinion, he kind of grinned. I could tell that he wasn't exactly certain if he should share this thought with me or not, so I encouraged him to out with it. "Well," he said, "it seems kind of fitting mom, as grandma always was an old bear anyway." I cracked up as I'm sure you all are now who knew her. Like I said to my friend, Sarah, that day when I showed her the bears in Linton, "I figured that this would be a nice way to make something positive out of a bad relationship." She agreed.

My other news is from Thursday when a big, white envelope came from the IBA addressed to Dawn Bornemann. My hands trembled as I opened it and drew out the certificate that I worked 2 1/2 years for. Although I have a few pictures that Cora took of my then, I was in my barn clothes so I decided to take another one today in my good clothes. Thanks to my family and all my friends who let me do sessions on you so that I could drill into my brain the many techniques that make up BodyTalk. Thanks for all of your prayers for my continuing good health too. May God bless you all!!!

Here is a closeup of my CBP certificate. It also came with a letter from Dr. Veltheim himself acknowledging my hard work in achieving this goal. If you would ever like to hear him speak in his unique Australian accent, you can go to the IBA website and click on videos. I praise God for this man who designed the program that saved my life and is helping to save so many from debilitating diseases around the world.

Some of my recent projects include: I volunteered to write a holiday letter for my dad as he was upset that people sent him Christmas cards who didn't know that mom had died. Then, too, I need to write our holiday letter. Also, I've gotten some very good feedback from the article that I sent to the Napoloen Homestead office. One lady called from Bismarck to set up an appointment next Wednesday in my office in Bismarck. Her husband was from Napoleon so she had read my writeup in the paper about my certification and the classes that I took recently.

Another one of the readers is talking about having me speak to her Bible Study group about BT. She also got me all excited yesterday about opening an office in Napoleon. She even checked out availability and prices on one in town, so now I'm wondering what in the world the Lord is up to. :) Isn't it wonderful being a child of the King? I just trust that He is working all things for my good--most of the time. If I don't keep trusting unquestioningly, I get pain in my neck and shoulders, so it's better to have faith and watch the Lord at work. :)

So to summarize, I am very happy to report that my life is rich and full. I love being busy serving my Lord and helping people to regain their health and vitality--all to the glory of the one who made us all!!!

Excited

I am so excited this morning!!! How can I explain the difference that I sense in my being since the BreakThrough (a division of BodyTalk) session a week ago? Yvonne, that was a life-changing experience and I thank you with a joy filled heart!

Everything is changed from that one session of analysis of my life. You may recall that, by answering the questions in the BreakThrough protocol, I was able to see that the reason I have rejected love coming into my life is because deep down I truly believed that I WAS (past tense) unlovable. Now I can see so clearly the many times that God DID send love into my life, but I just refused to see it because it didn't fit in with my preconditioned thought, "I am unlovable."

Here are a few ways that I have been able to receive love in the past week.

One wonderful change that I've noticed, now that I DO view myself as lovable, is that I've been able to accept help more easily. Thanks for the hand, Andrew, as I have always been afraid of going ice skating. Once I went as a child and my friend fell down; poked her skate deeply into her leg; and I watched horrified as the blood came squirting out of her leg. Sounds like I could use a little Active Memory work there, as that STILL turned my stomach talking about it just now.

The most amazing change in me, though, is how this knowledge that I am INDEED lovable, has chased away FEAR in my life. Everyone here, including myself, was almost shocked that I WANTED TO GO ICE SKATING WITH MY CHILDREN. This just has not been the way that I have been in the past. My mind will have to spend some time analyzing why my not loving myself caused me to be so fearful. Any thoughts?

This is one more way that I was able to receive love this week that I'm almost positive would have escaped my attention without having done the BreakThrough work. Last night, right before bed, I received this email from an acquaintance who lives near here. WOW. I was so thrilled and it still excites me to think that people around Napoleon now know that I do BodyTalk. You see, I had the courage to put the information in the local newspapers that I passed my certification exam. I had been wanting to do it ever since the test, but it was the BreakThrough session that prepared me to receive positive feedback from the articles.

Hi Dawn,

Just read the article about you in the Homestead. That sounds Awesome what you are doing! Good for you!!!

So this morning already, because I am excited about who I am, I replied with excitement to this potential friend. Also, I sent the article to my hometown newspaper asking them to print it too.

Also I am writing this post in my blog all during the time where I may have been snoring in my bed in self pity because, "I am unlovable." What a waste of time pondering that thought was!

WOW--ARE YOU STARTING TO GRASP THE POWER OF A THOUGHT?

One other exciting news event in my life is that I am going to Linton today to pick up the teddy bears that Martha B. is making for my children out of my mother's expensive fur coat. Also, I get to see my dear friend, Sarah, as I am taking her their Azure order. She is aching to see the teddy bear as she, too, has an old coat................ You can watch for pictures of that later. :)

Hugs,

Dawn

Tagged

One of Cora's young blogging friends tagged me yesterday. It was so neat because I just love that, among home schoolers, there are friendships of all ages. This young lady, Grace, has a wonderful blog named THE UPPER ROAD which you can find by going here: http://marillahillbilly.blogspot.com/

Anyway, when one is tagged, they have to answer some questions about themselves. It's a fun way to learn interesting things about people that one wouldn't otherwise learn. I suppose that folks could say that these things are NOT all that important, but are there REALLY unimportant things about ourselves? GOD DOESN'T THINK SO, I'M SURE OF THAT!!! So here goes. I hope that you'll smile a little and then go to the blogs of those I've tagged and see what they share about themselves.

Thanks Grace!

Dawn


Six names you go by:
Dawn
Sweetie (my husband)
Mother
Mom
Marmy
Dawnie Fay

Three things you are wearing right now:
A warm, white sweater;
A lovely black, cranberry, and grey jumper;
A cranberry colored long-jane top which has a cute ruffled neckline


Three things you want very badly right now:
$250 so that I can do the Constitutional Diet's food analysis and learn what is the very best for me to be eating at all times.
All of my family of origin to come to peace with God and each other--my newly deceased mother's greatest wish.
The whole world to open their minds to BodyTalk so they can come to see how fearfully and wonderfully we are all made and praise the one who made each one so special!

Three things you did last night/yesterday:
I went ice skating with my children which was the first time in a decade.
I milked my sweet, old, loveable Brown Swiss cow, Clara.
I did a BodyTalk session on my son, Jacob, who is fighting a cold.


Two things you ate today:
Lacto-fermented pecans just out of the oven--YUM
organic brocoli just off the Azure truck--double YUM


Two people you last talked to on the phone:
Martha B. who is making teddy bears out of my mom's expensive fur coats for my children to remember my mother by.
Sarah K. whose Azure order I just picked up and will take to her house later in the week when we pick up the teddy bears from Martha so that we can consolidate a trip as they both live an hour's drive away from here and near each other.


Two things you are going to do today/tomorrow:
Teach Jacob his home school lessons:Details/ More Specific/ Math.
Make some more applesauce.

Your three favorite beverages
RAW GOAT'S MILK SHAKES with bananas, carob, peanut butter, ice, and honey.
Kombucha with peach tea added.
Peppermint and Red Clover tea.

NOW I TAG EIGHT PEOPLE:

Sarah K.

Kimberly K.

Andrew B.

Jacob B.

Jonathan B.

Peter B.

Andrew B.

David B.