Summer Time - Time to Trim the Ivy - by Joyce Schafer

We have an old block garage with ivy growing up one side. While some (including my husband) think of this as an eyesore, I personally think that this ivy adds charm . It was , however, growing out of control, blocking windows and heading toward my automatic garage door. Ok, I like old things but I also like the convenience of not having to get out and open doors. So, I decided it was time to trim the ivy.

As I was clipping away, this ivy reminded me of a human tongue. When kept in check it has the power to say beautiful things but when it gets out of control it can cause extreme problems. The ivy was clinging to every thing that it touched much like gossip can leave behind a trail of destruction. Some of the ivy was trying to bury itself in crevices that could weaken the building. This is much like harsh words spoken to another can become buried in that person causing a weakening in his structure.

I came to realize that just like my ivy, I need to trim the words that flow off of my tongue and to make sure they are a thing of beauty and do not grow ugly and out of control. Words are a powerful tool and they can be used to build others up or tear them down. I pray with God’s help that my words just like my ivy will be kept in check and will be a thing of beauty.

Psalm 34:13 (New International Version) ¹³ keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.

A Tribute to the Star Spangled Banner by Donna Ensign Woods

(quotes by Francis Scott Key)

Saluting the Red, White and Blue

And what it means to me and you.

“Oh, say can you see…..”

Praying for those who fight to keep us free.

“By the dawn’s early light”

….We’ll never give up the fight !

“What so proudly we hailed“

Under our flag, we marched, flew and sailed

“At the twilight’s last gleaming”

Of a brighter future continually dreaming.

“Thru the perilous fight”

The banner’s a breathtaking sight !

“And the rocket’s red glare”

Our flag continued waving there.

“The bombs bursting in air”

Remembering those who died there….

“Gave proof through the night”

We’ll never give up the fight !!

“In full glory reflected”

Trusting God…Never rejected.

“O long may it wave”

Over this land of the free and brave.

“….Battle’s confusion” ….”the havoc of war”

Continually knocks upon our door.

“Praise the power that hath made…”

And the mighty price hath paid.

In the land of the brave.

…Remembering all they gave.

“In God is our trust”

Our cause is true and just.

We raise the banner high

To those who live…..and die.

“And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave”

We are free because of what many gave !!!!

Heart of Gold by Vaneta Andrews

My Dad always signs emails, cards, etc. as “The Grouch” but you can’t judge a book by its cover. My Dad actually has a heart of gold. He would do anything for anybody.

The story begins when my Dad was 38. He had a massive heart attack, spent 4 weeks in the hospital and quit smoking. Then when he was 42 he had 5 by-passes and ten years later another 5 by-passes. A few years ago he had a pacemaker/defibulator put in and last year he had one stint put in. Through all this he never stopped giving.

Dad has taken pictures for years, not just of me or Logan but also of our friends. He always shares the pictures with our friends’ families. He also gave pictures to the year book club and to the local newspaper.

In high school a fellow basketball player of mine didn’t have anyone supporting her so my dad decided to be that supporter. He insisted on taking her with us after games to get our free drink. He often gave her a ride home as well.

My dad never let a “little” chest pain stop him. He practiced softball with me even when I know he really didn’t feel like it. Often times it would be just he and I on the softball field till I was tired and ready to quit. He taught me everything I know except maybe how to “throw like a girl”.

Dad also taught me to ride motorcycles, shoot, hunt and fish. He taught me that you never give up no matter what and you give what you can to others. So even though his heart may not be made of gold it sure is “worth its weight in gold”.

Men in My Life by Joyce Schafer

Over the years, I have been blessed with several special guys in my life and I would like to take this opportunity to honor them.

Even though my father has been gone for many years I still remember his kind and gentle nature whether he was dealing with animals or people. The times I remember most were when orphan animals would need special care and he would bring them into the house to warm up. I also remember how he would quit working and take me to a 4H meeting or band practice and not complain about it. Sunday mornings he would get up early to do chores so that he could take his family to church.

Growing up with three brothers taught me perseverance. I always knew that despite all the teasing and put-downs that they really liked me. It took maturity for them to be able to actually show it. Today I know that if I ever needed anything they are always there for me.

My husband has taught me what real love is. It is being able to talk, cry and laugh about anything. It is about putting others first. I got one of the Good Guys and for that I thank God every day.

As a mother, I have been amazed to watch my sons become grownups. I look back and remember these two little boys playing with their little tractors in the dirt. Today they are all grown-up and spend their days working on great big tractors. The only thing that hasn’t changed is they still get dirty. All I can say is they remind me of their father and that is the best compliment that I can give them.

We are blessed with six grandsons. These boys have been following their fathers and grandpa around from the time they could walk. They too have spent a lot of time playing in the dirt and now are driving tractors and taking care of animals. Will they also grow up to be good fathers and Godly men? I can only do what grandmothers have been doing for many years and that is to pray for them.

Proverbs 20:7 “The righteous man leads a blameless life, blessed are his children after him.”

Happy Father’s Day!

Daddy by Donna (Ensign) Woods

Becoming a Father is easy enough

But being a Daddy...can be really tough!

Exhausted at the end of each work day...

But his pride and joy wants to play.

...So he plays dolls with his little dove...

Or grabs a ball and glove...

Daddys know the importance of a "play-date"

...Things like that, just can't wait.

Kids imitate all he will do and say,

As they grow along the way.

Learning by the way he treats their mother

and the way he helps a sister or brother.

They watch him stand for what is good and right

...And they hear him pray at night.

No greater task is found on Earth

Than to grow children of honest worth.

He creates memories for them to treasure,

From simple games of learning pleasure.

Holding his child's hand

He teaches them to stand.

He won't do everything right...

But he will always be "Daddy" in their sight.

He doesn't tell his child how to live

...Just lets them watch him love and give.

Watching him at work and play

He teaches them every day

As he loves with all his heart

He blesses each child with a healthy start.

Encouraging them to do their best

.......Trusting God with all the rest.

It's not an Even Trade! by Theresa Zuber

“I’m trading my sorrows. I’m trading my shame. I’m laying them down for the joy of the Lord.
I’m trading my sickness. I’m trading my pain. I’m laying them down for the joy of the Lord.”

Recently during our Sunday morning corporate worship, Tina encouraged us to be sure that when we “trade” God our sorrows, our pain, our worries, etc., that we make sure we take back His joy, His comfort – since that’s what trading is all about! Psalm 55:22 tells us to cast our cares on Him!

Have you ever tried to just GIVE someone something expecting nothing in return? You may no longer have use for it and you just want to pass it on. Some people insist on keeping up their end of the “deal.” My dad’s like that. Rarely will he just let me bless him with something. Even if I give him leftovers, sometimes he will bring me some food (or something) back in return. You just can’t out give my dad.

Our Heavenly Father is just like that- even more so!! He asks for a tithe, not because He needs our money but He needs us to LET GO of it! He promises us in Malachi 3:10 that He will bless us more abundantly than we can imagine: blessings of all types – not just monetary. We serve – He rewards. We worship – He inhabits the praises of His people. We obey – He is faithful. Even when we fall short on our side of the “trade” – God still gives to His children out of His abundant love. 1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

Looking for a last minute Father’s Day gift? How about a Christian CD? Try Mark Schultz “Come Alive” , “WOW Hits 2010” which features various artists, or Phillips, Craig & Dean’s “Fearless.”

MY FRIEND written by Donna (Ensign) Woods

My Friend is always beside me

To share in all I do and see.

Behind me to guard my back,

From Satan's plan of attack.

In front of me to lead the way

Lighting my path for each day.

He is under me---for strength to stand

For trials and joys He has planned

Up over...to release blessings rain

Showering me with mercy....soothing my pain.

In my heart... He lives within

An awesome Friend, I have in Him.

Under, Over, Beside, Behind....

In front of me, to ease my mind.

My Friend protects me under His wing...

Forever gives me a song to sing.

Daily refills my cup of hope

Renewing my strength to laugh and cope.

I feel His arms hug me tight.

For me....I know He'll fight.

He shares in my laughter and my tears,

Calming my doubts, and my fears.

My friend is always very near,

To whisper His truth in my ear.

Caressing my aching soul,

When trials of life take their tole.

When I stumble and fall

I hear Him gently call.

.....Or if I lose my way

....Close by me He will stay.

Long ago.....He went before me

....So my heart could see

.....His forever love....on Calvary.