Happy birthday Marly

  This has been a super stressful week for us Bornemanns.  Robert's mom had to be moved to the nursing home near us.  It took lots of cooperation with Robert's brother and his wife to get the work done but it wasn't easy.

   Thursday at 10:00 AM we all met at the chapel of the nursing home to do the admittance process.  It took about 3 hours.  Then they gave all 5 of us a complimentary lunch which was delicious.

 

  After that we began the process of making an institutional bedroom into "Home" for my mother-in-law.  I'm so glad my brother-in-law bought his mom a dorm frig so Marly can have a few things to eat at all times.  
 

  Robert and I stayed with his mom after his brother and wife had to leave.  I was so tired that I actually took a nap on Marly's bed while Robert and his mom completed more forms.  Then the 3 of us had supper together and we left her there.

  

  Marly had lived in her apartment for 15 years so the adjustment is huge!!!  Please pray for her as the Lord leads you.  

  The next big job is cleaning out her apartment.  UGGGG.  Fortunately my son is close to proposing to his girlfriend so he has been offered whatever furniture he would like.  His "The price is right" comment makes me think he may take quite a bit of it.  YAY!

  Today was Marly's 91st birthday so we had a small birthday party for her here at the farm.  It was really nice and, being she's been here many times, she relaxed quickly.  

  

  As I debated what to give her for her birthday, I remembered a painting that her deceased sister had done.  When I gave it to her, she was so happy.  It's of a team of horses pulling a mower with the farmer sitting on it.  One could almost smell the fresh hay being cut for Winter.  

  After we feasted together and my mother-in-law opened her presents, we visited for a couple of hours.  Then it was time for Robert to take his mom back to her new home.  We are so very happy that she now lives much closer to us. When she lived in her apartment, it was a 70 mile drive to take her home--now it is only 13 miles. YAY

  So, as Sabbath ends, we're turning our thoughts back to finishing harvest.  It's supposed to snow on Monday night so the guys are pushing hard to get the furthest away quarter finished before that.  We'll still have the quarter right here by the farm but then they can park the combine in the shop at night.  It is NO FUN trying to start a combine outside when it's cold outside.  I'd appreciate prayers to get that further away quarter done before the weather turns cold.

  That's all the news for now. I pray God blesses you all in the new week! 

  Dawn

  PS  This song is dedicated to my 91 year old mother-in-law who just moved into the nursing home.

          

Encounter God’s Heart…

The Time Is Now

Jesus the Messiah was long awaited not only by the Jewish nation but by every nation. The woman at the well knew that the Anointed One was coming and that he would reveal what they needed to know. Jesus, revealing his true identity, disclosed to this woman what he had only revealed to a few before. He was the one they had been awaiting. What a beautiful gift this was to her—and to us today. There is no need to wait a moment longer to experience the all-consuming love of Christ. He has more comfort with which to wrap you up than you can imagine. His peace passes all understanding. His joy is deep, like a spring-fed lake that is always receiving fresh water. Consider what you have been waiting for, and let today be the day you let yourself receive the abundance of Christ’s kingdom right here and now. He is the perfect portion we are looking for. He has more than enough grace to infuse our lives. Today is all we have. This moment is our invitation to receive what God offers.   Messiah, unveil the eyes of my heart to see you here and now, right where I am.   From God Is Love written by Brian Simmons

John 4:26 The Passion Translation   Jesus said to her, “You don’t have to wait any longer, the Anointed One is here speaking with you—I am the One you’re looking for.”

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Overwhelmed?

 Today I am really hurting.  I had to go to Bismarck yesterday to see my chiropractor and to get groceries.  satan got me good when I was shopping and the affects of the attack persist today.  I covet your prayers as I try to get back to work with this pain in my hand.  

  This devotional helps me to keep focusing on the Lord--not the pain.  May it bless some of you although the last thing I would want is for you to be in pain.  Let's all seek God in stillness!

  In His service,

  Dawn

 

Encounter God’s Heart…

Stillness

You were created to feel his touch—to sense his voice as it rises softly from the depths of your being. The mystery of his presence is unmistakably real, but in order to experience it, you must be intentional. Don’t shy away from stillness. Set time aside to wait in the Lord’s presence, even if it feels uncomfortable at first and you hear nothing. The truth is that stillness is teeming with spiritual activity. Be still. There is beauty in silence. Let every breath become a movement of worship. Find yourself in the midst of YAHWEH. Still your mind and yield every thought to his holy presence. He is with you right now. See Jesus gazing at you with eyes of love, lifting you above your circumstances as he soars on the wings of spirit-wind. You were created for the holy, outrageous, and indescribable.   Jesus, I posture my heart before your presence. Overtake every thought so that I’m focused on only you. I feel the presence of heaven—brushing against my skin and refreshing me with gusts of tangible love. Your presence is intoxicating. Everything I desire is found in you.   From Ever Present Love written by Brian Simmons and Gretchen Rodriguez

John 3:8 The Passion Translation   “For the Spirit-Wind blows as it chooses. You can hear its sound, but you don’t know where it came from or where it’s going. So it is the same with those who are Spirit-born!”

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YOU HAVE GROWN!

 

It's been glum here.  My favorite aunt passed away and my mother's dear friend (and mine also) both passed away.  In fact, their funerals were the very same day--last Saturday.

  I wasn't able to attend my aunt's funeral as it was in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  I couldn't afford a flight and Robert couldn't get away to drive with me to it as we're still harvesting.  sigh

  I planned to attend Phyliss's funeral but the night before we got our first snow.  I wasn't brave enough to drive the 80 miles on treacherous roads so I stayed home and moped.

  Then the Lord brought my son's friend and brother plus his girlfriend so we had a belated birthday party for both of the young men.  Their birthdays are a day apart and Adrian brought this wonderful cake from Sam's Club. with red, white, and blue cars on top to honor his and Jacob's passion for drifting.    

I stand amazed at how the Lord works.  Adrian lives alone and I asked him how cooking is going.  He said, "I guess I should get a crock pot so I can have warm food when I get home from work."  Just like that I had an inspiration.

  My mother-in-law had given me a small crockpot as she's cleaning out her apartment.  We're moving her to an assisted living facility sometime this month.  

  When Adrian said he needs a crockpot, I went in my cupboard and brought out the small one I was given.  I have a large one and, with cooking for 3 adults, I haven't had need of such a small one yet.  I handed it to Adrian and said "Happy Birthday!"  You should have seen his delight!!

  Was I supposed to stay home so that Adrian now has a crockpot he needs?  Who can say?  God's ways are so much higher than ours but I was encouraged to know that my staying home from the funeral blessed a friend.  :)

  Here's another November poem for all of us to ponder.  I pray that we all can draw strength from knowing that God wants to bless us at every turn.  

  Keep warm,

  Dawn

Embrace November

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

In November's embrace, we find solace,
A moment to pause, reflect, and face.
The challenges and triumphs we've known,
November whispers, "You have grown."

So let us welcome this month with grace,
Embracing change at its steady pace.
For November holds the promise anew,
Of growth, resilience, and dreams pursued.

  

A poem of November

      A Time Of Transition

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

November, a time of transition and grace,
A month that holds a unique place.
As the year draws closer to its end,
November whispers, "Reflect and mend."

Leaves fall gently, painting the ground,
In hues of amber, red, and brown.
Nature sheds its vibrant attire,
Preparing for a season to inspire.

The air grows crisper, colder each day,
And daylight slowly fades away.
November's chill reminds us true,
To seek warmth in the things we do.

It's a time for gratitude and thanks,
For counting blessings, filling love's banks.
With hearts open wide, we gather near,
To share laughter, joy, and cheer.

November carries stories of the past,
Of heroes brave and memories that last.
It's a reminder to honor and remember,
Those who've walked this path, each November.

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What do you love most about November?

 Hello everyone,

  I don't know where this year has flown to.  I can't believe it's November already! 

  November is a big birthday month for our family.  My 2 sons were born in November.  1 of my grandsons was born in November and my mother-in-law was born in November.  That, plus my very favorite holiday of the year THANKSGIVING makes November a wonderful month in my mind!

  There certainly are LOTS of poems about November and I loved all of the ones I read.  This one stuck out to me, though, as it speaks of those who went before us.

  I truly have very few happy memories of my childhood but this one stands out.  I'm sure that's part of the reason I love Thanksgiving so much.  

  My mothers sisters came to Dakota for Thanksgiving.  My mother had 3 sisters who all lived along the West coast.  I must have been about 6 or 7 years old when Martha, Ella, and Pauline came to help us celebrate Thanksgiving.  It was an amazing experience.

  Being there were so many family members who wanted to get to see my mother's sisters, they rented the back room of THE LUNCHENETTE in Eureka, South Dakota.  It was filled with my mother's relatives and food and LAUGHTER!  That laugher sticks in my mind even now.  THANKSGIVING WAS WONDERFUL!!!  It s still is.  :)

  Here's a poem that stirs up those old happy memories for me.  It also fills me with anticipation for this year's Thanksgiving day.  May it fill our 8 grandchildren with the same joys I was filled with so long ago!

  Lots of love,

  Dawn

  PS  This picture is just like the one I have in my memory of that Thanksgiving so long ago--everyone happy at being together!!

A Time Of Transition

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

November, a time of transition and grace,
A month that holds a unique place.
As the year draws closer to its end,
November whispers, "Reflect and mend."

Leaves fall gently, painting the ground,
In hues of amber, red, and brown.
Nature sheds its vibrant attire,
Preparing for a season to inspire.

The air grows crisper, colder each day,
And daylight slowly fades away.
November's chill reminds us true,
To seek warmth in the things we do.

It's a time for gratitude and thanks,
For counting blessings, filling love's banks.
With hearts open wide, we gather near,
To share laughter, joy, and cheer.

November carries stories of the past,
Of heroes brave and memories that last.
It's a reminder to honor and remember,
Those who've walked this path, each November.

Your prayers made the difference!!!

 Thanks sooo much for your prayers yesterday! Today I am well enough to travel to see my chiropractor and get groceries.  As always, I love to share a poem and/or a song to express what I'm going through.

A Heart of Gratitude

O Lord, my heart is full of praise,
For answered prayers through all my days.
Your mercy flows, Your love so true,
Each whispered prayer, You always knew.

When storms arose and shadows fell,
You heard my cries, You knew me well.
Your guiding hand, Your gentle care,
Reminded me You’re always there.

For blessings seen and those concealed,
For every wound Your grace has healed,
I lift my voice, my thanks to bring,
To You, my Savior, my everything.

Forever grateful, Lord, I’ll be,
For prayers You’ve answered faithfully.
In every moment, joy or strife,
Your love sustains my soul and life.

Isn't that beautiful?  Your love sustains my soul and life!!  He certainly does!!

I thought of this song, too, as it's been special to Robert and I since our first Thanksgiving as parents.  

My parents, Robert, and I with child traveled to Milwaukee, WI for Thanksgiving.  My dad's sister's family lived there and they were hosting the family gathering that year.  

My uncle took us to this huge church on Thanksgiving morning.  There was a black woman who sang WE ARE SO BLESSED.  It gives me thrills to this day and that was 38 years ago.  Robert and I sat there and cried as we pondered all of the blessings God had showered us with and now a new one--a child of our own!!

May this post thrill you as you ponder how richly blessed the children of God are!!

Lots of love,

Dawn

OH NO. I'm getting SICK! uggggg

   

Today I'm not feeling well.  I'm so bummed as it's the day our neighborhood ladies meet for our monthly tea party.  I woke up feeling just fine and even told our elderly neighbor that I would take her home from tea. Then, a couple of hours after I woke up, my stomach started churning.  OH NO.

  I thought it may just be emotional digestive upset but I took some charcoal capsules just to rule that out.  When that didn't work, I knew that I had to stay home.  If this is a bug, the last thing I want to do is spread it around the neighborhood.  I then asked another neighbor to take the eldest in our group home after the tea party ended.  It's so nice to be a part of such a caring community!!

  What did I do instead?  I rested.  I did a castor oil pack to my abdomen.  I asked my friends for prayer.  Now I'm feeling better but I'm still glad I stayed home. Being I live in such a rural area, though, not having that contact with my neighbors has left me feeling discouraged.

  I decided to search for some info on ways to get through sickness as quickly as possible and found this.  Yes, our Lord cares about our miseries!  That alone is comforting.  If the Holy Spirit asks you to pray for me, I would be honored.  Also, please pray for my family as there is a nasty bug making it's way through.  UGGGG

  Please help us, Lord!

  Dawn 

5 Real Ways to Access God’s Strength When You’re Sick

Jenny Nanninga

Illness is a part of life, and whether we are suffering from a short-term sickness, chronic problems, something insignificant, or something life-changing, we need God’s strength when we are weak. However, sickness can come with fatigue, mental strain, and numerous limitations. How can we be sure that we are still accessing the strength of our Lord when our human bodies are failing us?

Here are five ways to seek God and be filled with his strength when you are under the weather.

1. Read His Promises

The Bible speaks to sickness and healing through stories and specific scriptures. Do a word study on healing, sickness, or other similar words and concepts. Read stories of God’s care for the sick and injured. Remembering what He has done will encourage you in your own trial with illness. It will also provide hope and keep your mind on His ability instead of your weakness. Journal His promises and write down memories of His faithfulness.

Jeremiah 30:17 For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord.

2. Embrace Your Weakness

Remember that ultimately, God is the one who works in us to do anything. In order to access His strength, you need to stop striving on your own. Let your body rest. Don’t try to go on in your own strength, or you may end up in a worse situation than you already find yourself. Take care of yourself physically and do what is practically necessary for your recovery, knowing that you can not do it all, nor does God expect you to. Read or listen to stories of others who have endured illness and been sustained by God.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

3. Seek His Help

Pray specifically to the Lord for comfort, healing, and wisdom for how to manage your illness. Ask Him to ease your anxieties and to manage the difficulties associated with the illness. Pray in Jesus’ name and in His will, and He promises to answer. God has also provided the body of Christ as a means of help. Seek them out. Accept help from them through prayer and hands-on assistance. He has created minds that understand medicine. He has created natural remedies and created remedies. Seek all His means of help in your illness. Ask your church or close friends for prayer or physical assistance.

Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength[a] of my heart and my portion forever.

4. Rest in His PlanIllness is usually an interruption to our life and our plans, but we know that God’s plans not only prevail but are best for us. Remember this and look for new opportunities for growth during this season. Is he trying to teach you something or do something in your life? Avoid complaining and seek ways to be joyful and teachable. Make a list of ways you see Him working in your life and in your sickness.

Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

5. Trust His Wisdom

God knows how your body works and what is wrong with it. He knows how long you will be sick, how you will feel, and even how to heal you. Trust in this in order to avoid fear. Remember that His timing is also perfect. Offer up your sickness to the Lord and ask Him to do His will in it. If you are spending more time sitting, seek His wisdom by taking extra time to study His Word.

Proverbs 2:6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

God is the great physician who will come “with healing in his wings,” and we can access that healing, whether physical, mental, or emotional. Our minds can transcend our body’s capacity when we lean on the one who created them in the first place. Our strength may be limited, but His is not. Praise the Lord.