Sing unto the Lord a new song

2010-11-18T17:19:00.000-08:00

Our recycled church benches really needed a coat of paint. We decided on black- very classy.

The benches look very nice now!

Painted benches

2010-11-18T17:18:00.001-08:00

The finished product!

First Snow~

2010-11-18T07:25:00.000-08:00

Not that it is much to look at, but snow is snow and we're still making snowballs to toss at one another (the size may be a little small with this first round and grow with each dose of snow!)

Sisters

2010-11-02T19:53:00.000-07:00

This past week, I have had the opportunity to go to a conference in Ohio with several friends. During my stay, I met up with Amy Vest! She is an amazing woman who has listened to God's calling for her life and has changed the lives of countless young ladies. Reaching out to each one and informing that they are beautiful to God and explain how to have Jesus as your best friend.

Amy is such a sweet heart and at the conference she shared about Loving the Lord ministries. She also had a table set up with encouraging items, so I brought home shirts for Seleen, Magdalyn, and I.

1 Peter 3:3-4

3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

3:4 But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Bale castle

2010-10-08T21:11:00.001-07:00

Corn Maze

2010-10-08T21:10:00.001-07:00

Most of our family had a BLAST in Warroad at a family run Corn Maze www.countrycornmaze.com .

Oh it was so FUN!

More Corn Maze pictures

2010-10-08T21:01:00.000-07:00

My journey so far -By Ashlee Hewitt

2010-10-07T23:54:00.001-07:00

My journey so far...

by Ashlee Hewitt on Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at 12:54pm

I believe we were all born with a talent, gift, or character trait that God gave us to share with the world. He made everyone a unique individual with a purpose. You would not be here if you did not have a purpose. Sometimes we can get selfish and caught up in what we want to do with our gifts and forget about why God gave us our gifts in the first place. I've learned this the hard way. I started singing before I could talk. I know this from stories my mother has told me of my childhood. She says I used to stand on the table and "entertain" our guests! I would sing at the top of my lungs, while dancing in my diaper! I don't think I even knew what it was that I was singing, but I definitely liked the attention! My parents always knew that I had a gift and a passion. I was blessed to have parents that allowed me to pursue my dreams and encouraged me to use my gifts to glorify the Lord. I taught myself how to play guitar when I was 10. I also taught myself piano and learned to play cello at a young age. I started writing songs when I was 13, and my parents helped me put a band together with two of my sisters when I was 14. After we started to perform publicly, we started getting phone calls from numerous venues asking to book our band! We got very busy, very popular, very fast- playing every night and traveling all over performing at least 100 dates per year. I met a lot of people and saw a lot from a very young age. It wasn't hard for me to resist temptation because I was under the authority and supervision of my parents and my older sisters, and we definitely kept each other grounded.

When I turned 18, I was bound and determined to move to Nashville to pursue music! I had a goal in mind. I always wanted to help people and my love and passion for music was enough to get me to a place that would make it possible for me to do so. So far, I've accomplished many things in life for my age. I've sang at some of the most popular legendary venues, met and performed with some of my biggest influences, been on national television in front of over five million viewers and starred in a film with very accomplished and respected co-stars in the film industry. I hadn't worked an actual day job in years and was doing what I had dreamed about my entire life. Sooner or later, I found that the more I accomplished, the emptier I started to feel. It is not easy constantly being around crowds that influence and tempt you- eventually it starts to wear on you. . .

I remember as a kid being told on a number of different occasions, "Just say no". I never really thought I would ever get an opportunity to use that advice. I've been offered marijuana, cocaine, alcohol, cigarettes, and so much more. It is such a common thing, and no one even gives it a second thought. You become jaded very fast. It is especially hard in the music business, when you're around people you think have complete control of what your career outcome will be. You want their approval so bad. You want them to like you, and you feel privileged to be in their presence. There are a lot of money hungry, judgmental, negative people who will tell you everything you want to hear and everything you need to do and be in order to get where you want to go. I always find it hilarious how people can be so quick to give you advice because it's so much easier said then done. Yet, you're so hungry for any advice you can get from anyone who is remotely successful, you eat it right up and hang on every word. In reality, these people live a lonely, empty, emotionless, and sinful life. You start to think, "all these people are so comfortable with the way they are living and feel no guilt or pain about anything. If that's the case, then everything they are doing wrong must not be so wrong, because everyone does it and it hasn't prevented them from becoming successful." Well I can tell you right now, being successful isn't what's going to make you happy or feel fulfilled in life. God gave us a place in our hearts just for HIM and if you are not allowing Him to fulfill that void in your heart, you are going to feel empty and unsatisfied. You're going to try and fulfill your emptiness with everything the world has to offer- fame, riches, drugs, alcohol, and sex. Until we figure out that the only thing that's going to satisfy that void is Jesus, we will always feel empty. No earthly thing can ever fill that void. The Bible says: "The spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him, but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you". John 14:17. If I let myself continue to be influenced by what people say, I will sooner or later end up just like them - lonely, empty, and lifeless.

I came to a point where I started giving up on the fact that there is anyone out there besides my family that still believe the same way I did- someone who believes there is a bigger, better purpose for our lives... Since then, God placed people in my life, who made me realize that there are others out there who believe in Jesus and are filled with the Holy Spirit. In fact, alot of people. Just by being in their presence, you can see this. You can see they are happy! They might not have much, but they have everything that matters. For a time, I was only surrounded by people who were not encouraging me in the right direction because they did not know the right direction. They knew fame, money, sex, drugs and alcohol.

If God gave us an amazing gift and we're not using it in the way He intended, what's the point of the gift in the first place? After all is said and done, I do not regret anything that's happened- things I've seen and places I've been in my life because I believe God allowed me to experience these things. He knew He could use me as His personal messenger. It took me giving up everything I had to realize this. Within a matter of days, I walked away from a deal that I had always wanted, a roof over my head, my only income stream, which looked as if it might have been the success I had always dreamed of. It wasn't God's best for me and I knew I wasn't ready. I felt like I was losing everything by walking away, but I knew God would take care of me. I knew if I could find myself again, I could figure out God's plan and purpose. All I knew to do, was to pray and have faith. I said: "Now what do I do, Lord? I can't carry the burden of being alone anymore. You gave me my voice, now Iam giving it back to you. Just show me what it is that you want me to do." He showed me that all I have to do is be who I am, who he created me to be. I opened my Bible to the book of John, where Jesus was talking to Philip, and He said this: "The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does the works." John 14:10. We are all put here with a gift and a purpose. Be who you are, who God made you to be- His servant and His child. He will always take care of you. With God on your side, you will be unstoppable and accomplish many great things, if only you let Him do his work through you. Don't be influenced by people who believe they have the ability to validate who they think you should be. God already has, by creating you with a very special purpose and plan for your life.

LEAF FALLING, FALLING LEAF

2010-10-05T19:19:00.001-07:00

Leaf, falling, falling leaf.

Where do you go, in your whirlwind of life?

Perhaps you land in a grassy meadow, where cows graze;

or, perhaps you land in a stream, and are carried to worlds unknown by other leaves.

Or, perhaps you will land in my backyard

and help me see the beauty and wonder of God's creation.

Are you going to let the world blow you around in its turbulence and wind?

Are you going to land in a lush, beautiful meadow,

only to be eaten up by the cows that graze there?

Or are we, as Christians, going to land in worlds unknown by other Christians,

and help the people there?

Or will we, as Christians, land in someone's yard and help them gain victory,

through the wind and turbulence in their life, through Jesus Christ.

Remember, the Lord will never leave you,

especially in the wind and turbulence of life.

Leaf, falling, falling leaf, don't be afraid.

The Lord has you in His hands.

By Rose Knapp, age 14

Karlstad, MN

A note from Laura, my team member to South Africa

2010-09-25T22:39:00.001-07:00

Pass it to the Mlungu woman!" the guys yelled from the back of the field.

An intense game of soccer was unfolding on a large dirt area speckled with rocks and cow/goat/donkey droppings. The teams in play were an interesting combination of guys from the Mahvusa village, guys from our Global Encounters team, and then a couple crazy "mlungu" or white women. I was one of the mlungu women and, more particularly, the mlungu woman the guys on my team were referencing.

I should probably explain that my idea of soccer is just getting the ball in the white box at the end of the field. Any rules, strategies, or techniques related to the sport are completely lost on me. I can run and kick, but that's it. Somehow, in spite of my inability, I was designated as a "striker" and actually made a goal! It was an incredible moment. The white woman from America, playing soccer with mostly African guys, scored a point. What are the odds? But isn't that how God often operates? He puts the inadequate in improbable circumstances to do the incredible for God's glory.

Here I was, a clean freak, living in a concrete hut without electricity or hot water trying to share the love of Jesus with the people of Mahvusa. Anyone who knows me would agree that my survival there was improbable at best. But it was so cool to watch as the Lord took my focus off all the dirt (and trust me, it was EVERYWHERE) and allowed me to see how much He loves each one of those precious children. Suddenly it didn't matter that I could only take a shower every couple of days or that I had half a dozen grimy hands braiding my hair at the same time. Jesus gave His life for these people and now I wanted to be a conduit of that love.

I wouldn't trade that soccer game or my time in South Africa for anything. It was a trip of a lifetime and I'm so grateful God allowed me to go. And for the record, my team won the soccer game that afternoon. :) My God is the God of the impossible. How about yours?

2010-08-31T20:13:00.000-07:00

The kids there LOVE to get their picture taken!!

The first words we heard from them when our cameras where pulled out are,

"Shoot me!! Shoot me!!!"

My precious African girls

2010-08-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

Hey! Some of the South Africa team!
The girls did a good job putting on a smile, but Tommy seemed to have his mind set on the awaited pizza instead of the present photographer.

From left to Right: Tommy, Beth, Laura, Elizabeth, and JoyAnn (me!)

The veiw from the top of of little mountain looking down on our home away from home.
The beauty of photo enhancement.

Yet, Mavhusa was this amazing.

Kruger National Park

2010-08-25T19:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Kruger National Park,

where the electric fence is meant to keep you out and them in.

The beauty of the National flower is outstanding!

The river is the attraction of all the creatures, hippos, crocidiles, giraffes, springbok, waterbuffalos, baboon, and countless birds!

2010-08-24T23:15:00.000-07:00

South Africa

My memories in Africa are priceless, amazing, undescribable.

"Go into all the earth, and tell the good news"

From August 1st to the 18th, I went on a mission trip to share Christ's love in South Africa. Our group -Global Encounters- stayed in a village called Mavhusa, and gave hope in the short time we stayed. In the schools or in the streets, we did children's programs to teach the kids about character. One of the most important things a Christian can do is live a christian life, and our main goal was to give a vision to the people in Africa.

We shared the importance of Self control, initiative, dependability, and joyfulness.

The kids and adults in Mavhusa know about Christians and prayer, but to them, it's just a duty or something you recite. When our team came, we laid down a foundation, that being a christian is more than talk. How amazing it was to her the testimony of one young man who changed his life just by watching our walk with Christ!

My time spent there was a learning experience and it certainly went to short!

2010-07-19T22:20:00.000-07:00

Less than two weeks and I'll be in South Africa!!
I'm not bringing my computer, but you can keep up at: www.globalencounter.net/blog
Please keep this trip in your prayers!

2010-07-05T17:19:00.001-07:00

The sunsets in Texas are just as gorgeous as the ones in Minnesota!

2010-07-02T17:40:00.001-07:00

Hola!
Here are some more of the missions trip to Mexico.

Our puppets were certainly one of the main attractions. Whether we made the puppets look good or not (we did get better as the weeks went by), puppets are always entertaining to watch!

In the puppet script, Joe cheated on his test at school and considered it not wrong because it was off the smart kids papers. Walter was somehow sent to the principles' office. Joe did not bother to care about it until his dad was fired because someone else cheated. Joe was so sad from the situation. End results: Joe's dad got his job back, and Walter was found that he was innocent and Joe could take the test again.

The conclusion: Everyone has a choice to do good or bad, we also have a choice between choosing God or rejecting Him. Ending with the Heaven or Hell. The chalk-art portrayed the wide road or the narrow path.

2010-06-30T20:10:00.001-07:00

We made it home, safe and sound!

2010-06-28T18:35:00.001-07:00

WOW

2010-06-27T19:22:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I head home. The time has flown by SO fast! I look forward being home again and sharing my adventures with all of you. But I will sure miss the people I have come to love as family!

Here is a picture of the summer workers on top of the mountain. Top row from left to right: Aaron, Caitilan, Josh, Ruth.

Bottom row: Rachel, Amanda, me, and Allie.

print shop

2010-06-26T20:19:00.000-07:00

Hello! Good news, my computer was fixed, by God! :)

For the past week, we have been working in the print shop laying out the word of God. Mostly putting the main frame together until we have enough to put through the machine to staple and cut. Then we package the finished books in boxes ready to be shipped out to those who are thirsty for the Word of God.

So far, over 2,000 John/Romans booklets are ready, and hundreds of bibles packed. Praise the Lord! God is good.

2010-06-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord!
My computer is working!!

Update

2010-06-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

Hey ya'all!
Good news and bad news.
The great news would be the fact that we are keeping busy in the print shop. Making thousands of John/Roman books written out in Spanish. I've been able to help put the booklets together and staple. Tomorrow some of the guys are going to run the cutter (gulp).
The bad news:
my mousepad on my computer quit working! I can't figure out what happened to it. It will not allow me to move the mouse or click on the screen. Anyone have an idea how to fix it?
In the meantime, I am borrowing a friends computer.

Next Tuesday I'll be home! I will miss this place I've come to love. But it sure will be glorious to see home again!

At least it was a lizard and not a scorpion!

2010-06-19T22:39:00.000-07:00

One of the boys was actually fast enough to catch a lizard! He brought inside for a short time and it was so funny so see the girls frightened from such an innocent critter!

2010-06-19T22:23:00.000-07:00

Having some fun with the children before the meeting. They REALLY like soccer! Especially since the world cup is playing at this time!

Candy and shoe polish at the market

2010-06-19T22:19:00.000-07:00

On each Thursday, we make a trip to the Mexican market. By my second trip there, I had found everything that I had my eye on, and was trying to find more adventurous things to do.

Aaron, Allie, and Ruth each had their foot gear polished. I agreed with them that the shoes look better now than at the time of purchase.

Then David (my faithful follower of 8 years old) and I found a candy store. We oohhed and ahhhed at the large variety of different kinds of candy. I had a few pesos, so I got a chocolate covered wafer and Duvalin candy. The duvalin was multi colored, pink,white and brown. It was soft and tasted very similiar to powdered sugar icing. Upon purchase, the cashier gave me a tiny plastic spoon to eat it with.

Soriana

2010-06-14T11:07:00.001-07:00

Ok, I have to tell you about the Mexican store called Soriana. A very good description of the store would be to say it looks just like Wal-mart, except everything is in Spanish and the money is in Pesos.

12.50 pesos is equivalent to $1.00 in American money. It's certainly different to see a candy around $30.00-$50.00!! (pesos)

I found it absolutely ridicules in the baby clothes department! We were looking for a gift, something authentic to show and tell the gift bought in Mexico. EVERY OUTFIT WAS MADE IN MEXICO WITH ENGLISH WORDING PRINTED ON THE OUTSIDE. If you ask me, I wasn't impressed. The puzzle pieces were put together in my mind- no wonder so many people wear English shirts. If that is your only option, you have no choice.

Another crazy matter that I saw took place in the food department. It did not look sanitary at all!
In the bakery department, all the homemade bread were placed out in reach of anyone and anything with no covering. The cheesecakes did have packages, but they were displayed of a table for all and NOT in a fridge. The fruits, veggies, and herbs were set out without any fridge of any sort. The meat were worse! Fish, pork, and other meats were just set out. Eggs piled high in the middle of the aisle. Premade dishes set out with no covering or glass in front of the showcase. And salsa in bowls for you to measure out your desired amount (no covers).

I know, it's Mexico. BUT, the way food is in display, I PRAY before I eat!

update

2010-06-11T21:05:00.000-07:00

News on the Ohio bus:
Radiator fixed. Group is leaving now at 10pm , Friday. Easier on the engine to drive at night.
God is good!

Missions trip week two

2010-06-11T20:55:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,

" Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.....

But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God, yea let them exceedingly rejoice." Psalm 68:1 & 3

Week 2... Started with the bus that the group was driving from Ohio, breaking down... about two hours away from BPS.

(the one radiator quit working....and the bus did not have windows to open up, so when they had to stop the air conditioner, it got HOT... it was about 105 degrees outside that day.)

So some of our workers and some of the men, took one of the buses from here and rescued the group. :)

The more struggles and "reasons not to come" the groups have, and they still come, the better the week is going to be!
When people are totally dedicated to serving the Lord no matter the cost, satan is going to try all the harder to stop them.

As we heard later, there were some in the group who did not think they would be able to come because of finances, but at the last minute God provided for them.. there was one lady who has been trying to stop smoking for the past few years, God told her that as long as she stayed focused on HIM, she would not need the ciggarettes. So she left them behind, and she has not "needed" one since she left her home! God is so faithful!!

One of the young men is on dialisis, but that did not stop him from coming.

One of the ladies told us later in the week, that satan had been trying to tell her that she is too old to be on a missions trip...like when her ankles swelled, or it was really hot... but God gave her strength, and she stood up and testified in front of the group about what the Lord taught her through this week, and then she said; I am here to tell satan I AM NOT TOO OLD!!! :) Praise the Lord! God can use ANYONE no matter what age they are, as long as they are willing.

That Saturday night when we went up to the mountain it was touching to see one of the young ladies looking at the cities of El Paso and Jaurez, with tears streaming down her face as she thought about all the spiritually lost people.

Do you cry over the lost?

Sunday Morning, there was a missionary and his wife, who are working on going to Paraguay.

(Rachel was born there, and her parents were missionarys there.) So she and Ruth felt right "at home" ! :)

Sunday evening, we went to Jaurez, to the church that we would be working with that week...there was a sand/rain storm, so everything got covered in dust. :) The advantage to the sand everywhere, would be one of the prettiest sunsets!

The pastor from the ohio group, (Pastor Slabaugh- sp?) preached a very good sermon about consecrating your whole being to the Lord. How each of us has a leporsy called sin and we need a touch from Jesus called salvation. Two people from the mexican church got saved!!!! PTL!

The lady who got saved that night, came all week and helped with going door to door, along with her husband who was already a Christian, and their three adorable little children.

What a blessing to see her grow in her faith, even in 4 days!

I think the young man who got saved, also came the next few nights.

Monday night, Ruth, Justin (from Ohio) and I, were in a group together, with a lady from the Church in J. going door to door... the houses in that community were different than I have seen before, and a lot of them were empty... but the Lord brought about 200 people that night, even though the sky was threatening to rain... when one of the men saw the clouds, he came and told Ruth that we needed to pray that the Lord woud keep the rain away. So Ruth found Amanda, and Allie also came over to where they were, and prayed. (having faith that God would show Himself mighty)

The result was amazing!!! There were clouds and lightening all around us.. except for right above the park where we were! it was basically clear sky.. and the sunset was AWESOME! There was a pink sunbeam that came right up behind the Chalk drawing!!! God blesses you abundantly when you are doing HIS will, and we could all feel His love and favor that night! When the people pray for salvation, it is such a holy moment, it is hard to explain!

A motorcyclist had stopped to watch the program, he was farther back and away from the group. But the message had touched his heart and the expression on his face was humble and sorrow. Later, he walked up to the pastor to talk with him. It was so good to see him give his life to the Lord.

(oh, the "park" Monday night, was more like an open lot/garbage dump.)

One of the nights, brother Joe (from El Paso) was able to lead a young man to Christ!

And that young man brought a bunch of his friends to the next meeting!

Ruth, Justin, and I, all had instruments along, so we played for the meetings.. (Justin had a guitar,Ruth had a mandolin, and I my violin) I would pretend that her violin was not working right, and would make screeching sounds with it, and then Brother Hector would take it from me, and say I think I can fix it... and then he would raise it in the air, and almost smash it....the first night I did not know he would do that, so my reaction was great to see! :) A big NOOOOooooo! and grabbed it back..then proceeded to play I'll fly away. :) the children loved it!

Justin (15) has a amazing gift from God in the area of music, and he is also a very comical type of person, great with children! :) Brother Hector would be telling a story, and Justin would come up playing the guitar, and "interrupt"...after a few times of that, Brother Hector would include him in the story, and Justin would play, and act out different things in the story. It was great!

Tonia (Jarvis) Reed, (the Jarvis's one daughter,) and her husband, and 2 children were with the group from Ohio.

Tonia used to do the chalk drawings in the past, so Rachel let her do the drawing on Tuesday night, it is always fun to watch different people draw, with their own unique styles.

Wednesday, was awesome!! The Lord gave us a great meeting that noon, and again in the evening!

There were 2 ladies who were selling newspapers,or magazines,(I think) who were invited to the meeting, but they did not seem to want to come, the one young lady ( from Ohio) Nicole, who had invited them, saw them watching from a nearbye store...and then after a little while, they came to the meeting- and they both got saved!!! PTL!

That afternoon at Soriana's, Ruth had a mexican experience... ordered a lime slushi, thought it had strawberry in it.. Ruth watched the lady make it, and saw her put salt in it... ( thought ok...) and it turned out that the red was chili powder!

It tasted interesting! Ruth was able to eat most of it, but I thought it was soooooo gross. :s Ruth said it was pretty good (it also came with a popsicle to dip in it).

I stayed with and innocent frozen cappacino, I'm curious but not desperate.

Wednesday evening, was the biggest meeting yet! with about 350 people that came... and MANY got saved!!

When the children were brought into seperate groups from the adults,to lead them in the salvation prayer, the adults quickly swarmed closer to the chalk easel to see and hear better.. it was so delightful to see their hunger for God's word!

This week, about 425 people were saved at the meetings!!!

(and who knows how many will, or have come to Christ, just by reading the John and Romans and tracts!!)

This church was in a very poor area, and we were so glad to go to an area where people were poor in the things of this world, and to be able to share the Love and riches of God with them!

I think there is more that I am forgetting, but I guess I need to save some to tell when I get home!! :)

Thank you for your prayers!

Please don't worry about our safety, God is protecting us, and when you are in the center of HIS will, NOTHING can harm you, unless God allows it, and it will all be to HIS glory! Pray for our safety yes, but pray more that people will be saved!
Dios Te Bendiga, (God Bless you!)

Joyfully serving Jesus, JoyAnn

(thank-you Ruth for writing so much of this letter!)

roadrunners

2010-06-11T10:53:00.000-07:00

These bird are quite a common occurrence around here, but since their so fast, I had to take a picture of a painting to show you what they look like! :)

random photos

2010-06-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

Today has become an interesting one... The mission group from Ohio came down last Saturday. Their plans were to stay a week and leave today ( Friday ). But on the way down, the radiator in the bus they were driving decided to die two hours before arriving here in El Paso. Of course on one of the hottest days of the week! So some of the people that are working here, went to go rescue them. During the Ohio groups stay, a couple of the guys worked on the bus. We found out that it needs a new radiator, and the one that fits this bus needs to be custom made. OH BOY! One of the team leaders was able to contact the factory and have the two radiators for the bus sent here, and they would plan to work on it as soon as it arrived here on Thursday.

The plan sounded very good, but if one radiator gets sent here and the other to Louisiana, it doesn't work very well.

Instead of having the one radiator from Louisiana sent here, it's shorter time frame to have the company make a new one and send it overnight.

Plan B: part #2 is due to arrive at noon, and hope that the shop in town will work on Saturday or wait until Monday-Tuesday.

In the meantime, the Ohio group has been very helpful on getting the place clean for the next group to arrive tomorrow, we aren't sure when the Ohio group will be able to go home. No-one is worried about it, everything is in God's hands and the fellowship with others is sheer joy!

During the week in Mexico, we passed out tracts and John/Romans books and invited the neighboring Mexicans to come to the children's program that the Americanos were having. With such a good amount of people helping, we got done a little earlier than usual. Someone brought a soccer ball with and had a great game of soccer with the children that arrived early.

Something even more wonderful than all of the things we have done, was to see around 425 people give their life to the Lord this week! AMEN!

2010-06-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

Last nights meeting went so amazing! The church that helped us out, turned out to be a relatively good number. Mr. Jarvis (director) instructed each American that came on the mission field to line up. We numbered of, from 1 to 6, then divided into six groups. A Mexican church member was assigned to each group and we headed off to invite the neighborhood to come to our meeting in an hour.

The community homes are SO close together, the pictures can't explain it well enough to show how crammed all the hundreds of houses are. Not to mention the small space!

I grabbed a stack of John/Roman booklets, and stuck a tract in each one. Ruth, Justin, and I, were to follow Carmen from the Baptist church in Mexico. We only could say a 'pequeno' of Spanish and the same with Carmen for English. When she introduced herself to us, we had a trouble trying to explain Ruth's name. Justin's was easy, and the Spanish name that is closest to Joy, it Josefina ( !I have adored and LOVED that name since I was young, so you can't imagine my excitement when I found this out!! ). But Ruth's name is very difficult since the R is rolled and there is no TH. HMMMMMM.

We did our best to explain, but Carmen seemed confused. We continued on the rough sidewalk, when it dawned on me that she had her Spanish bible. OF COURSE! I could show her the book of Ruth! It is awesome to communicate with people, have them understand, and not say a word :)

Anyways, about the meeting. We had walked into the neighborhood with time to spend before we started. Some of the Mexican ladies brought face painting supplies to give the people something to do if they came early. I wasn't planning on having anything on painted on me, but when I saw the enthusiasm in Carmen's determined, joyful expression, I couldn't turn the Mexican people down.

The Meeting started with Brother Hector speaking an asking the children questions about this and that. Then the Americano group sang a song in Spanish with Ruth on her mandolin, Justin on his guitar, and me on the violin.

It went ok, considering that the pronunciation was different from the usual "Lord I lift Your name on high".

Another person from the Ohio group, whose name is Anne, played a song with me, I on the violin, Anne of the flute.

Brother Hector asked the kids what language we should play in. Chinese? Spanish? French? NO! The children wanted INGLES!!!!! OK, we will... :)

Day by day was our chosen song before going on to the puppets. This is what brings all the children, PUPPETS!

We are working on making the performance better, but the children still like it very much!
When the puppet show was finished, Ruth and I were invited to play something else, this song was not preplanned, just on the spot! I was quiet nervous, but I relied on the Lord to use these hands as He has always done, to make the music. Before playing the song, I really wanted to make the children laugh, so I screeched notes that certainly not make a 'joyful noise!' . Finally, Hector said to the children, "I can fix it". So I handed it over to him, he then raised it up, HIGH in the air to bang it down hard on the ground ( all in joking manner of course ), I made a terrified response to rescue my treasured item ( I knew he would never do it for real, but it was sure fun to be in the action! ). Well, all of a sudden my violin worked pretty good, so we played, 'I'll fly away". This song fit the moment, as many were familiar to it.

While we were playing, the guys behind us got the chalk easel up and ready to go. Chalk talks are so neat, they have a ministry all to themselves!

This night, seemed even more special. During the chalk talk, clouds built up, threatening to bring rain, but God held it back! In fact, right at the time of showing the black light of choosing which way we need to chose. The well worn wide road? Or the thin narrow path? Rachel was just about to put the backlight on to show glorious Heaven and destructive Hell at the end of each path, when a brilliant sunbeam came out of the sky, shining upward right in the middle of the picture! Only God could be the planner of that!
So many people gave their heart to the Lord that night. Something in the air was so Holy, the presence of God was there.

How could I not come? How could I not see that the people were hungry for the Word of God, that even a motorcyclist had to stop and see the peace of his decision to give God his life.

How could I live a life and never grasp the opportunity to do something eternal?

Go into all the world and tell the good news.

Last nights meeting

2010-06-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

Week #2

2010-06-07T23:58:00.000-07:00

Nothing is impossible with God!

2010-06-03T22:28:00.001-07:00

Ruth is one of my dear friends, and she is gathering Gods word to pass out to the neighborhood in the location of the meeting we had.

The picture right below is one of the houses we knocked at to invite the household to the evangelism meeting. These pictures is of one of the meetings that we had during the afternoon service, each meeting is ended with a chalk talk- which is a message all to itself!

**********************************************************************************

Hola!
Oh! I'm having such a wonderful time here! The people that I am working with are ready to serve God, and we have found muchos things to talk about.

The mission trips into Mexico have gone very well also! We had 2 meetings yesterday, Wednesday. Our day started at 9am with all of us trooping into the bus that is used to bring the groups over the border. Every week we work with a church for the three days that we go of that week, and each meeting is around the area the church is located, at separate parks.

By the time the bus arrived to our destination, it was an hour before the meeting was planned to start. John/Romans and tracts were passed out to every individual in our group that did not stay behind to set up the speakers, puppet stage, chalk easel, and tents. We assembled into groups of at least 3 and at least one gentleman. Agreed on a street to go down, and knocked at each gate to invite the people to a childrens program that was a held by the Americanos and all were invited to attend! When we got back, and praying hard in our hearts for people to come!

Oh the joy that is shared when people start coming and a program is successful!!
I need to go now, but will tell more later!

And sadly, here is one of the homes in the poorer part of town. The people that live in this area will most likely stay here all their life- in a house made of cardboard or anything they can get there hands on.

day #1

2010-06-01T23:25:00.001-07:00

WOW. Our group went into Mexico this evening and ministered to the people there.

The trip started at 3:30 and when we got to the border, the bus had to stay for over an hour while being searched and looked up in their record history. By then, we were wondering if the border patrol would let us in. Mr. Jarvis told the group that we needed to pray until they let us in. The noise in the bus came to a sudden stillness while everyone sought the Lord in prayer. I had no fear or worry, there is no mistakes with God! After five or ten minutes, the gates were let open and we continued on our way.

Juarez, Mexico, was our destination. Bearing Precious seed ( BPS ) had made contact with a church near the area, so when we got to the public park, some of the Mexican church members were waiting for us. We split into 5 groups and went door to door, inviting the community to bring the children to a program that we were having.

The program started at 7:30ish, with a speaker and singing, puppets, and finally a chalk-art.

I helped out with the singing (I only know the tune and read the words in Spanish) worked in the puppet stage ( FUN! ) and then when it was time to watch the chalk-art, I sat down right in the midst of the group of children who came. OH! The pleasure it was to be with children!! Never mind that I didn't speak a bit of their language except "Hola". It just made them come closer to hear me talk funny :) By the time it was time to go, I had a swarm of children ranging ages 4-8 gathered around me. Through gestures and basic words, I explained that I didn't speak Spanish, but Jesus Christ LOVES you! And showed them John 3:16. At least 4 little girls had to give me a hug before we left, and I said "Adios", they said, "bye!".

Please pray that the word of God did not go void and that His seeds fell on good soil. Of the children and their parents.

Tomorrow is another AWESOME day the Lord has made and I get to serve in MEXICO!

Tomrrow we go into Mexico...

2010-05-31T21:34:00.001-07:00

This is what the city of El Paso looks like from the mountain. Imagine the picture with the lights each representing a lost soul-except to get the depth of the picture-times the size by ten times.

If God calls you- wouldn't you go?

going for a walk down the driveway

2010-05-29T20:46:00.000-07:00

my home away from home.

2010-05-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Jarvis' purse is shaped like a saddle -love it!

My bed is the bottom bunk with the blue sheet and white pillow

our little living room

our personal kitchen

Here are some of the things I will be busy with

This is what my little place looks like that I am sharing with the other girls that are working as staff also. It is going to be a grand month of June!

The airport and in the air

2010-05-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!
Well, today is the day!!!

Rachel, Ruth Knapp, and I flew out from Minneapolis, bright and early this morning. Checking in went very good, not to much hassle, so we had plenty of time to waste. Better early than late!
While we were walking around, I noticed one of the stores were named, "Kittson County Clothing". So I had to take a picture and show you all up north. :)

While in the air over Texas, it was interesting to notice the land turn from lush green to an abrupt sand color. I haven't gotten to look the land over yet, to adore the heat or use my camera to take pictures of the wildlife ( Reuben, keep praying to keep all the wild animals away! ).

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Jarvis picked us up at the El Paso airport after a LONG day of travel. After talking with them in the airport while we waited for baggage and in the van, while traveling to the mission, I found by their great character, that I would like this couple very much!
Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis run this mission down here, so church groups can come on short term mission trips and minister the the people in Mexico. To learn more about them, go to: http://www.texasjackjarvis.wordpress.com/

I will be working on the staff and helping with the groups for this month, along with 5 other girls around my age ( we talked for a bit and we all have the same background -oldest of large family, homeschooled ). We are living in this little apartment together. I feel at home with all the wonderful people that are here! The month is going to FLY by.

THE DAY HAS COME!!

2010-05-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

I'm HERE!!
I have been planning to go to Mexico/Texas for months and it's actually happening!!
Rachel, Ruth Knapp and I traveled down to Minneapolis where we will be flying out.

On the way, we stopped in Staples to visit my Great Grandma Luella. It was right at noon, so we enjoyed lunch together and then went out in the veranda to play some music for Grandma. She loved to hear the music flow through the air! Grandma has her eyes closed while listening to the old hymns and remembering.

Our next adventure was to find Aunti Dani's home without getting lost, God is good! We made it safe and sound, just in time for some awesome home cooking. During supper, we talked about all the adventures we might have with the rattlesnakes and scorpions. yikes!
Besides being drowsy, driving went great! Many campers and boats LEFT the city for Memorial weekend, but our lane seemed quite empty. Making the traffic very nice for us country folk.

Until next time!
Joy

Blessing God's way shower for Megan

2010-05-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the shower that the Knapp girls hosted for Megan. The party was set up in the basement of the Karlstad gospel tabernacle, and with such splendid decoration! Streamers, candles, baby toys, and flowers laced the room so splendidly. Sweet aromas fill the air from the potpourri used to massage Megan's feet and hands. The little girl's who were invited to the event came and made the future mama's hair, "pretty".

As the Pankratz' gift, we took two packages of size 1 diapers, rolled them up and made the cutest diaper cake!

God is Good!

2010-05-23T21:54:00.001-07:00

I am overwhelmed at the greatness of our Lord!
I have just finished a day that we have been preparing for quite some time. I woke early this Sunday morning with excitement, for today I would be presenting a chalk-art during the morning church service! To add even more to the blessings, a fundraiser taco lunch will be hosted after the service.
Mom and I packed the mini-van with meat and beans that was prepared ahead of time. Along for the ride was the chalk-art picture with only the background drawn on it. We worked in the Covenant church kitchen chopping, cutting, and growing more and more excited for the day ahead. I wasn't nervous to talk about the trip, why be worried when God is on your side? He shows Himself so wonderfully! Like every time I hear or see a thunderstorm, it reminds me of Gods great love for me! I don't believe it was coincidence that the first thunderstorm of the year came last night while my mind was sketching out today's agenda.
I lift up my hands and give it all to Him! These may be my hands, but they are His work!
I'm so thankful for the help of Shannon, our neighbor, who put the load of planning the meal and ordering all the food on her shoulders!
Also to the sound crew dimmed the lights during the sermon at the right time.
To Pastor Galen who spoke during the chalk drawing (we ended at the same time- not rehearsed!)
And to EVERYONE who has supported me with funds, prayers, and AMAZING fellowship!
I am so blessed and overwhelmed with gratitude to everyone at the Lancaster Covenant church.

The Knapp girls and I leave on Friday for TX!

What I do on my spare time :)

2010-04-26T23:19:00.001-07:00

On the way home I saw a field on fire two miles south from our home. I stopped and noticed that the fire was just started because it covered an area no bigger than my car. No one was around, who dared start a fire? I wasn't too pleased. Yes, the land is the DNRs, but I was still mad. #1 If you start a fire, it is your responsibilty to finish it. #2 There is a Minnesota law enforced unitl further notice to have NO uncontrolled fires,due to the dry weather. #3 I had compassion on the firefighters who have been running around all day putting out other crazy fires.
So, I grabbed my car mat and went about smothering the fire out, while in my scrubs. :)
Called Dad, and he came to my rescue. Together, we conquered and instilled peace in the land once again.
A job well done, is a job well earned.

2010-03-04T22:49:00.000-08:00

Ok, it has been a LONG time, but I am going to start this blog again sometime in June. Because I want to share my adventures in Mexico with all of you!

2009-05-25T22:44:00.000-07:00

It really has been a long time!
I am surviving life quite nicely, we had our cousins up for the Memorial weekend. It was so enjoyable!
An infection has set it around my lost tooth (I surrendered a wisdom tooth to the dentist) and just will not go away! I am hoping to get some antibiotics...
The previous Sunday was spent at my Grandparents church for my cousin Aubree's dedication. I had to go to work at 1:30. In the meantime from the ending of supper until I had to depart, I layed down in a field of dandelions and rested my eyes with children all around me picking to their hearts delight. How glorious it was!

finally, un update

2009-04-07T20:19:00.000-07:00

An update on life,

I started taking classes on the 31st of last month

to become a Certified Nurse Assistant.

After 84 hours of training I will be able

to work part time in the Nursing Home in Hallock.

I look forward to helping people out & am enjoying

the challenge of bookwork & skills.

The schedule is quite different at home!

I LOVE to cook so I make the meals, but

this class runs during mealtimes, and I

have missed some of the most important events

of the day for some. :)

I had Monday off from classes and

I received alot of compliments about the meals!

It is kind of nice to know if your appreciated.

Some more news...

we are not going to go forward with the next adoption.

I and my parents really don't know why,

but it is not what we are meant to do.

It is confusing why we were SO excited and everything worked out,

but now many red flags have come up.

I don't know what the big puzzle is in this life,

so I can't tell you why the sudden change.

DATENIGHT/MOVIENIGHT

2009-02-26T12:33:00.000-08:00

I am leisurely spending my time at the Hallock Library while I write this.

I know it has been quite some time since I last informed on here, but my mind it is racing,

"what do I post about??"

The main project in my schedule has been remodeling the upstairs first two rooms and sewing curtains for the closets. I will plan to take a picture of the status and show the before and after pictures. The rooms are now a soft pinkish cream with brown edging instead of green.

Mom and Dad are going out on their date night tonight, leaving us to our movienight!

Each Thursday night we gleefully wave goodbye to Mom and Dad. Rush to the kitchen and pop the popcorn, pass out dishes, choose a movie, and pass out a designated amount of fake money to each individual. The food is marked with a certain price, and special toppings cost about a dollar.

All of the money exchange is used with fake money of course.

Then, about 3 weeks ago, I started something dramatically different!

With a plan in mind, I made a side shoppig trip to a selection of stores and purchase candy in bulk.

When I returned home, the bags were ripped open by me (oh! it smelled so good!!) and each candy was individually marked with a VERY reasonable price.

On the next datenight, I set up a candy shoppe. I was unsure if my fellow companions would appreciate using real money, note: their money.

But it was a hit! They love it and made dire requests for it again!

So here is the picture I have to share with you.

2009-02-14T18:18:00.000-08:00

2009-02-14T08:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!

LAST DAY OF JANUARY

2009-01-31T16:52:00.000-08:00

The River of Life is flowing smooth, it is calm and peaceful ( 80%).
I am watching the children while Mom and Magdalyn are in town at the End of the Line for a girl's night out with the neighbors. I decided to take it easy and play an Odyssey on the surround system and set the four Rubbermaid tubs of Lego's out for the children. They're content to stay in the same room and all is calm and quiet.
This morning I had a chance to go to a Pampered Chef party near Karlstad. My main objective was to get out of the house (nice to do in January) and socialize, my other purpose was to purchase some rubber spatula's. The previous one's we owned mysteriously got scraped and chopped up, like it was jammed into the blender. Which is quite strange, since I am the only Pankratz in this household the uses sharp tools, other than Mom, whom I know would handle them properly.
I look forward to this Sunday with Potluck at church and a Revelation study later that evening.
I have realized how valued eating out of the house is, when your the main cook in the household.
The dishes may still need washing, but they are not so abhorring in another sink. :)
Getting together and reaping great conversations around a table with different people is pleasant, no matter how short.

God has BLESSED our food stock! On our monthly trip to Roseau, the local grocery store had chocolate milk expiring the next day, therefore making the price of the milk plummet to $1 a gallon! My mother purchased enough for us to have some in the fridge and a small(?) stock in the freezer. To have the chocolate milk, it is a voluptuous blessing indeed! We never make this beverage with the price of milk being extraordinary.

I have never had an interest to scan over recipes to just look, BEFORE.
Now, I am cooking and I LOVE to try new, good tasting meal ideas in recipes.
Is anyone out there reading this post have ideas that their family LOVES and is willing to share them? I would really appreciate anything!

Awana car & clay

2009-01-20T18:30:00.000-08:00

AWANA CAR

Every year for AWANA the children get a block of wood, cut it (with adult help), paint it, and then race it at AWANA. There is quite a few leaders that still love to design cars so a leaders race is also part of this event. It gets our wheels turning

For my car I like to make something that will speaks a message. This one turned out really good. I saved four dollars on the car and used my old 'Larry mobile' ; took the wheels off, turned it over, sand papered it and made it into a bathtub! The edges, and faucet are made out of sculpey clay (found at craft stores). The clay that I owned was white and brown so with my left over brown clay I made gourmet looking chocolate. Yes, the chocolates are made out of clay!

Dad brought six of the boys sledding at Thief River Falls this afternoon. When they came back they showered Mom with early Valentine gifts. The most precious one that will be kept for many years was a love note. Almost 12 year old Rolaun wrote Mom a note telling her that he loved her and is SO glad that she is his mom. This is so touching and valuable coming from a boy who has had a tough beginning.

Czechoslovacia cabbage soup

2009-01-18T20:14:00.000-08:00

Melt half a stick of margarine in a pot.

Add a shredded head of cabbage and one chopped onion.

Cook the cabbage until it has a transparent look to it.

Add enough water to cover the vegetables or

whatever the amount you would like for your family.

While you bring the water back to a boil, mix water and flour together to make a wet dough mixture, not as runny as muffin but not quite as thick as bread.

When the water is boiling drop the dough into the broth a small spoonful at a time to make dumplings.

Dash enough salt in the soup to your desired taste.

One alternative I did that makes the recipe MUCH better:

instead of mixing water and flour for the dumplings,

I used eggs and flour.

Not only enjoy, but open an encyclopedia on Czechoslovakia,

get a map on the location. And make yourself aware of somewhere new!

Tea party

2009-01-13T19:42:00.000-08:00

A couple days ago the suggestion of a tea party came up when my old tea set came out from storage. The original plan invited 3 people, but when the word got around, many more attended and on two conditions.

You must have a happy composition and good etiquette in order to stay at the party. They did! I haven't seen them with such good manners before! Quite amazing. The tea party had peach tea, real sugar cubes(a REALLY big treat!),milk, gingersnaps, and a candle in the middle of the table. I love dressing up and so does the rest of the crew :)

2009-01-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

Rolaun and Benjamin had OT appointments yesterday the 9th, starting at 11am and ending at 1pm. By the time the therapy is over, lunch is eaten in the little cafe area next to the grocery store and Karron has traveled miles going 'round and 'round in the waiting room.
We are so close to Grand Forks that it is already planned ahead of time to do our MAJOR shopping.
Think of it this way, what is your major shopping? Most likely you can double that (maybe even triple?), to get an idea of the sight our shopping carts looked like!
(Yum, I just had my favorite candy while typing this)
When we got home LATE last night, we were pretty tired, but with the tempeture SO cold most of our stuff could not stay in the van. So we shook up as much adrenaline as we could and put most of it away.
Long story short; this morning everyone put the rest of the stuff away. And Reuben just found my empty box of Turtles.

2009-01-10T20:04:00.000-08:00

ATTENTION!
Due to the Consumer Protection Safety Improvement Act, I will not be able to offer children's clothing starting February 10th, 2009. In order to continue sewing for children, I would have to send each and every child's outfit to one of twelve approved laboratories in the US to be tested for traces of lead, costing hundreds of dollars per item. I am deeply disappointed about this and hope I will have the chance to sew for little girls again someday.

January 6

2009-01-06T20:03:00.001-08:00

Epiphany is a holiday widely celebrated all over the world. It is a day set to remember the Magi who gave gifts to baby Jesus. In Mexico, this day is called, Dia de Reyes. Certain people are chosen to be 'the wise men' and they travel about giving gifts to the children. At Epiphany, gifts are exchanged and children wake up to presents set out on this day, not Christmas day.

It sounds like a good time to do our presents, we could hit all the Christmas sales!

By the way, I've read online that in Spain there is no Santa Clause, it's the Magi who send do all the giving.

Ok, so for the first time ever, our family celebrated Epiphany. During the afternoon, Mexican wedding cakes (also known as Russian tea cakes), gluten free cookies, and origami bowls were made to use as our gifts to give away.

After dinner time, we gathered around our pretty little island and packaged our cookies. One filling the bowls, one fetching the bags, another counting the twist ties, and a little one on his tippy toes to gather in all the excitement with those bright blue eyes. With the cookies wrapped up, ten older children bundled up with a list in hand and prepared ourselves to make a round in the neighborhood.

Representing the Wise Men, we gave out presents (with a short explanation of the holiday Epiphany) and sang, " We wish you a Merry Christmas" in our off key voices.

I hope we have given some people a smile to their face. I don't know if this will become an annual tradition for us, but it sure was fun!

family get together

2009-01-03T19:05:00.000-08:00

I don't think anyone didn't have a good time at our family gathering. Our original plan was to get together in Karlstad, but the snow didn't let us get to far! It became more convenient to go to Hallock at our Grandparents church. There was eating, coloring, board games, and gingerbread houses. The helicoptor in the picture was Tristan's christmas present that is quite entertaining. Since it is so little, it is difficult to control. So we just do our best on taking off and landing.

It was fun to lay back and have time for games. Ok, there was monopoly for some ( I think it's to slow), dutch blitz, scrambled states, and pictionary. Well, we had a Pankratz pictionary, the older generation wrote down familiar people, things, or places and we played boys against girls. It was a tie :)

2009-01-02T19:12:00.000-08:00

Now that Dad is at home, Mom and I are much more relaxed and I have more spare time. Quite unusual for me. So I sewed SuZenn and Karron (how cool it is to have another toddler in the home!) matching dresses. Very cute indeed.

I finally went outside for the first time this season to go out in the snow. OK, I didn't do much, just watch and take good pictures and cheer them on down our sledding hill.

I made chicken, potatoes, and stuffing for dinner today and I got a couple questions, "What is the occasion?". I just felt ambitious. That's all :)

Tomorrow our plans involve a family gathering at The Heritage school in Karlstad. I hope it goes well! Some of our ideas are games, gingerbread houses, and decorating bags that the moms will fill with treats.

New Years day

2009-01-01T13:25:00.000-08:00

Karron is now one year old and she can walk and mumble a few words. In fact, today she signed the word beautiful! Right now almost all the children are playing legos and watching a video for a New years day celebration. Karron is really good at not putting any of the small pieces in her mouth but has somehow optained a plastic tube and found that it can be turned into a whistle.

At first she got attention from those around her but now that the entertainment is dull I was able to make the pipe "disappear":)

Christmas

2009-01-01T11:14:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, Vonn gave me a PURPLE tool kit(really good quality!)

and as for the box that the gift was in; Vonn made one out of wood. There was many nails and screws that needed to be pulled out in order to get it open. I had a blast! for a moment it was like I was in the past getting a wood crate in the mail of some sort.

Good-bye!

2008-08-01T06:26:00.001-07:00

Good-bye everyone!
I am ending my blog sort of because I no longer have a computer so my access is a little harder than before. But mainly because I am done. I may continue some day but not for the present.
So I am saying good-bye and thank-you for coming, I hope you were blessed!
Joy

Door

2008-07-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

All the girls went for a shopping expedition yesterday and while we were at Menard's we looked at front door prices. Come to find out, doors are extremely HIGH in price.
One of our dreams is to have a beautiful front door, one that makes us feel like royalty when we walk in. Anyways, for those who have been over here, remember our big brown door in the dining room?
We took it out and the plan was to dump it, but it appeared to possibly have another door inside.
So the outer layer was stripped off and underneath was a absolutely gorgeous door! I volunteered myself to restore it since it does need a lot of work. My plans are to blog the steps to restore it. Painting it afterward sounds like the most reasonable. Anyone have experience restoring wood furniture to something to be proud of?

2008-07-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

Skip that last post, my computer died altogether.
I did have the option of fixing it for $100. That is not including how much it cost to check to see what was wrong with it.
I decided I would rather some day purchase a new computer instead of trying to fix it.
I just don't see the point since the computer did not work well for me in the past.
In the meantime, THANK-YOU VONN AND DAD for letting me use your computer!

Good & bad news

2008-07-16T20:13:00.000-07:00

Good news:
I brought my computer in the shop and they will be able to get it going again.
Bad news:
It got a virus so ALL my pictures and memory is GONE.
bummer.

great...

2008-07-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

My computer is having a problem, it will not start up.
So I am on Vonn's computer for this post hoping that somehow my computer will get fixed.
I am soooo not a computer person, ask anyone in my family!

Day at the fair

2008-07-08T21:32:00.000-07:00

The fair is over for one more year here in Kittson county. Now to scrape all that cotton candy off the bottom of our shoes:)

The best part was the demolition derby, excitment, thilling crashes, and earplugs all around. It went good, and afterward at 11pm the fireworks started with a brilliant BANG.

The fireworks were gorgeous and Karron slept through the entire show!

Dress-up

2008-07-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

When I was a little girl, I dreamed of a someone big to come over and we could dress up in beautiful dresses. Well, I can't recall that ever happening, but I still dreamed!

It dawned on me, "I can be that!" I have plenty of ravishing dresses(modest of course).

So my sisters and two other little girls were invited to a dress-up party.

We had a blast, the schedule went like:

First choosing our elegant gowns,

had a photo shoot,

rubberband fight,

and sundaes!

Each princess ended her day with a smile for sure!

miscellaneous

2008-07-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

All of this happened a week ago but it is still worth mentioning.
I am quite impressed with the way Reuben's cake turned out. The goal was to make a sand castle cake and it appears to really give the effect.
The first step to the cake is making two 9x13 cakes, the original recipe calls for one cake but that is NOT sufficient for us.
#2 step consists of cutting 3-4 circles, starting with a large circle on the bottom and the the smallest on the top.
#3 Whip powdered sugar and vanilla together to make frost, which is drizzled on top.
While the frosting is still wet, sprinkle all of those extra crumbs all over.
I took small leftover squares from the pan and distributed those around the main frame beforehand.
The last direction is grabbing regular cones and placing waffle cones on top, fastened with frosting. The cones are not going to fit unless the tops are broken off.
Voila! The cutest cake around.

(The picture of the mansion: 20 minutes from us, our friends are renting this huge house at the time. We for sure came home with many ideas for our new addition!)

Grandpa Harris

2008-06-26T21:27:00.000-07:00

June 25, 2008

was the funeral of my father's uncle,

Grandpa Harris.

We enjoyed seeing Harris when he was on earth

with us, he almost always greeted each of us with joy!

A favorite story we like to reminisce,

is the day he purposed to his future wife, Gladys.

He had enjoyed his brother's little boy during this time so Grandpa Harris said something to Gladys like; " I want a little boy like my brother,

I'll marry you if you give me boys."

The couple married and had 3 girls.

So when our family moved nearby with all of our boys, Harris was thrilled!

We are glad to have had Grandpa Harris in our lives, and

through this sad setting, I rejoice because I know he is in heaven.

Good-bye Grandpa Harris

6months & 5months

2008-06-23T20:46:00.000-07:00

Rascal, our puppy, has reached 5 months and Karron is now 6 months.

The thought of these two growing up together warms me. Visualize these two romping through long unmowed grass. There dwells a sweetness to know these two can have a good wrestle together at times.

trouble

2008-06-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

Is anyone having difficulty viewing this blog?
Once and a while, it shows blank when I come on.
Who else has this trouble?

Narnia....

2008-06-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

I found this great information: http://www.heavenisopen.com/narnia.html
Caution: There is a bad picture on it. It is not good for young people.

Narnia is a deep discussion for me. So many people around me reach out to Narnia as a great spiritual help. I have had this gut feeling to STAY away from it. At one time I had a thought to read it because of it's influence on so many others. But no, I did not. So in conversations I left my view point out. Telling about what I thought and having no facts to disregard it sounded pointless. This sight does help but by no means do I intend to tell you what to believe in.

june

2008-06-16T05:10:00.000-07:00

The right connections were made and now a tall sign upon entering our premises bears the 'watch for children'. This is so good! Here and there a vehicle will zoom by a little to fast for our liking. I know it is good to look both ways when crossing the road to grab the mail from the mailbox. But we live down a deserted road were finding a running van, truck, or car is highly unlikely.
This previous weekend, we attended a home school social gathering. I had a blast with everything, including the rain storm that made our minds to head home a few hours earlier than the original plan. Some of the activities involved: egg toss, ultimate football, beading for the younger ones, food(!), volleyball, devotions, and the most eventful, the obstacle course! The latter game had a stack of 3 round bales at the end, of which someone climbed up and grabbed a homemade swing. And swung like the great Tarzan to the other side! Needless to say, WE HAD FUN!

2008-06-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

Finally, my promised pictures from Lake Tahoe are starting to show up on this blog. Karron had a photo shoot on the beach while we were there,

our result was adorable pictures. Karrons conclusion turned out that the sand is not as tasty as it illusions it to be.

Wow! It's busy here

2008-06-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

No, I have not forgotten this blog. It just so happens that life here is busy! Vonn and Mom went to GF and purchased thick brick colored tiles to make a patio! The van was so heavy-ladden it blew a tire. No worries, it broke down in a great location, in front of Sam's club, close to their garage. The patio looks fantastic! We purchased plants and decorated around our little spot of pleasure.

Another HUGE (literally) difference is Mom's bed. Another Queen was given to us so we crammed Mom's queen bed and the new one together to make a large bed.

A run to wal-mart gave the bed new maroon and gold blankets and pillows( I really need to take a picture!). Everyone unanimously agrees that we queens and kings upon entering the room.

How elegant the bed looks!

Next Friday is the end of the year homeschool party, we are anticipating an exciting night of laughter, games, and each other.
The cutest news:

We got a PUPPY!

She is SO cute, mostly beagle. No one knows what the father was for sure.

Rascal was picked out for a name and everyone is having a blast with this lovable, playful puppy.

2008-05-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

Lake Tahoe was beautiful!!
Mom and I had a wonderful relaxing vacation. We got rested just in time, when we came home we prepared for Vonn's graduation.
Cleaning house, groming yard, baking, and remodeling ( Mom and I got more ideas while out).
I am hoping to finish making a video with all the pictures I took in Nevada.
Hopefully I will learn how to add a video on this blog

Fishing

2008-05-11T18:19:00.000-07:00

My Dad has been waiting for years to bring a child -son or daughter- fishing.

Vonn and I went a couple times but we aren't really that much into it.

Now, Dad has a MOB that are begging him to take them down to the river.

It doesn't matter that the fish are to little and they have to be placed back into water.

Many memories are being made and alot of enjoyment!

Last I heard, twelve fish altogether had been caught and returned.

Mother's day

2008-05-10T19:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!
I hope you are having a great day Mom. I know, some of us have strep.
And sleep does not come when their is sick little ones. We love you, thank-you for being MOM!

May

2008-05-05T20:11:00.000-07:00

This day went soooo slow! We did get a lot done, #1 I had a picture that was given to me that needed a frame. My first thought was, "Where am I going to find one that matches and fits in my price range?" Then it struck me, how about one made out of sticks? Economical and outstandingly cheap.

Out the door ran Seleen and I on our hunt (she had a picture also). Not long after we found the perfect type of sticks. Elmer's glue and a bunch of question from a variety of people on what in the world we were doing finally put our frames together. Don't they look nice?

#2 Our septic tank has been installed. Many oohs and ahs at the big machinery. Maybe more excitement over the big piles of dirt!

#3 My favorite

I made up a back pouch for little Karron. First I made a bag and then a sling and sewed the sling onto the pouch. Two holes for Karron's legs, rings for the front and, voula!

Now a name was needed. Back pouch was to plain, carrier seemed to common. OOOH! How about Carry-her? It fit really well!

Karron and I really like the carry-her, the first time Karron went in, she stayed there for an hour! I got so much done! We WILL be using this a lot during gardening and outdoor activities!

Ending April

2008-05-02T20:24:00.000-07:00

Good-bye April!
Hello May!
The Bajjans and Knapps came over to our house today for supper and to enjoy a comedy that Quentin and Paul put on.
Their skit was on etiquette, if you know them you know that it was Hilarious!
They had ten rules that one should follow, breaking each one of them along the way. We had a great laugh! Thank-you guys! ( see Mom's blog for a picture)
In the picture shown here, Seleen and Brandon have conquered that difficult game: Cat's cradle. Quentin even accomplished Jacob's ladder. :)

Dear God,

2008-04-29T19:11:00.001-07:00

Thank-you for prayer

It really gives rest.

Not for the body

But for the soul, it is best.

Good things do come by asking

And looking for you.

By praying when happy, mad

Or down in the blue.

I thank-you dear Jesus

For listening so good.

Guide me, show me,

That, what I should.

-JoyAnn Pankratz

2008-04-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

Karron has gotten so big!

Here she is only a couple days old and the other picture is Karron 4 months old. Today she was relaxing against the couch when she pulled herself forward a few inches to a sitting position! We are adoring her so much!

Karon, Reuben

2008-04-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

"Rain, rain, go away come again another day", say the children in the Pankratz family.
The rain is a disappointment to Tristan, who built and painted a fort yesterday. Making it ready to go when it started to rain. Magdalyn showed the most emotion when she realized sand is not the greatest in COLD wet weather.
Even though most of the children are saddened by the drenching rain, I am loving it! I love rain and thunder storms, there is something so majestic about them.
Right now, I am typing to you during breakfast time, most everyone has finished but one more remains to have breakfast.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Levin, Tristan, Magdalyn, Ran, Aaron, Seleen, and SuZenn are putting capsules in water that eventually dissolve and hatch mystery creatures.
During that last sentence I applied for Independence Plus to be Benjamin's PCA. For the next four business days they need to check my background. So I will not know the result until Wednesday. I know that it is clean, I have done no felonies, so don't get any thoughts.

SuZenn's B-day

2008-04-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday SuZenn!

Wow! 5 years old, you are so old!

Did you have a good birthday at your Auntie Susan's house?

How about the cake? With the crown?

I know you enjoyed the games outside, even if the only coat to wear was a too big sweater.

After that we had your meal that you picked out, PIZZA! That was good!

When dinner was over, I loved whatching your expresion over each gift that was presented to you.

I don't know if the books, outfits, or toys catch your eye. BUT I SURE WISH MY CAMERA WAS READY WHEN YOU SAW THE JEWELERY!

Dear SuZenn, I'm so glad we are sisters!

Timothy center

2008-04-16T20:35:00.000-07:00

14 Pankratz' went to Medford to the Timothy center today, it was a mixture of cousins that went also not just our family. At the Timothy Center ( a place at an adoptive family's house to minister) there is a pool and horses.
Each child there, LOVED the swimming, Suzenn especially liked the horses. We don't get many chances to visit these magnificent animals so it was a real treat.
"Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God" 2 Cor. 1;4

I don't know about you, but I sure have a hard time remembering that we have troubles for a good reason. Through them we can get stronger and help, comfort, and encourage others by having our hard times.

" Don't waist good problems" ~Otto Koning

2008-04-15T20:38:00.001-07:00

For ye see your calling, brethen

how that not many wise men

after the flesh,

not many mighty,

not many noble,

are called.

1 Corinthians 1:26

Straw fun

2008-04-12T18:35:00.000-07:00

A game of the day was putting straws together to make a big tangle mess. It was fun! After jointing the straws, we made long straws and had contestants try their hand at drinking from cups with them.

Not much success, we had to shorten them to only two straw lengths.

But it was sure amusing!

Tomorrow all the girls plus Tristan and Reuben are taking our leave to the cities. I am going to my Auntie Susie's house, I am excited!

Karron again

2008-04-08T16:32:00.001-07:00

It might be the last time we see Karron in a snowsuit until next winter. Boy, it is warm here!

modesty

2008-04-07T18:48:00.001-07:00

This is a great site for modesty, what is modest and what is not. It is not telling you what to wear, but it sure opened my eyes on some things!

http://www.therebelution.com/modestysurvey/browse

Blessed

2008-04-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

Thank-you so much!
I did have a wonderful birthday, it started out on a beautiful day with Ruth Knapp over for the morning. As the day progressed not much out of the norm happened although Mom did ask me if I wanted a cake. I decided not to, not really sure why, maybe because we have it often? or was it to show that one can have a birthday without a cake?
I don't know for sure ( actually not true, looking back from the future, it was a God thing!).
Mrs. Knapp called my Mother while she and I were playing a card game we don't do that often, her and I) . Almost ALL the time I ask Mom who it was on the phone and what they said , so on. Well, for this one time in probably my WHOLE life I did not ask anything. Which is really good because they were planning something and Mom could not even think of something to say replacing what they had planned.
Later, that night we piled in our vehicles to Awana.
After games, I was surprised with a beautifully decorated cake made by the Knapps! It was carrot cake (one of my favorites) with flowers and a "Happy Birthday JoyAnn". Afterward I was showered with two wonderful gifts.
I feel SO BLESSED. THANK_YOU so much!
My eyes were not really open to how much people cared until I grew up.
Right now all I can say is WOW.

Happy Birthday JoyAnn

2008-04-02T22:22:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to wish you the happest birthday. I hope you had an awesome 19th!!
We love you!! ~Mom and Dad and family

Easter

2008-03-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone!
And thank-you Jesus for blotting out our sins so we can be with you forever.

Karron's Easter dress
Three months already!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2008-03-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

Happy 14th Birthday Seleen!!

We love you

and always will

you are so precious

our love, you do fill!

Thank-you Seleen

for big smiles

when you give them

we keep go'n for miles.

Keep living for Jesus

just like you are now

when people see you,

we all will say, WOW.

new sewing site

2008-03-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

I have been having trouble with my sewing website, it just will not work properly. So, I have started afresh www.sewing-joy.blogspot.com
Hopefully this one will run right. It is nice to start with a new site since prices on some things have changed.

snowdayz

2008-03-13T17:50:00.001-07:00

The snow is melting so fast, if it keeps up there is not going to be much left. More snow sculptures were made and wet snowpants days have started. The pictures show: a smiling tree, a penguin, and Excalibur (or the Sword in the stone). Vonn and some other children made igloos, but my presence with the camera was not welcomed since the buildings were not finished.

SNOWMAN

2008-03-11T19:43:00.000-07:00

It finally became snowman weather!!

All winter it rarely warmed up enough to make any snow sculptures, a day like today sure brightens the long winter days.

Quentin creatively packed knee-high snowmen into an army, with a cannon included!

Behind the lines of men a horse was made also, it had a man on top but the urge to knock him off was to strong for someone.

The picture of the letters say, HI MOM!

Our snowman grew to a height of 8' and 4" this year, something we could never do in the past until Vonn grew 6'.

I remember being little and a teenager came over to our house and we went outside to make a large snowman, one that was taller than me! ( to a 4' girl that is extremely tall!)

I don't think that I believed them. I mean, how can a snowman be that tall? To my small world a tall snowman was just not possible.

Chalk-art picture

2008-03-08T19:39:00.000-08:00

This is a chalk art picture that I have done, not one that has been presented just drawn. The pictures are done in front of an audience lasting a presentation of 20 minutes. This picture is a man choosing which road he should take, the wide one that everyone is going down and looks like a great time? Or through Christ, the narrow, hard winding road that few go, because it is difficult?

March

2008-03-03T18:11:00.001-08:00

With all this beautiful weather, who could resist sledding? So that is what we did, Reuben and a cubbie friend is in the sled with an Awana girl pulling him. Mom tells about her day while we wore ourselves out at PanclaninMN.blogspot.com.
Vonn was holding Karron later that night and I could not resist sharing these photos with you!
Karron is a BIG blessing to our family and such a perfect little baby.

About four nights ago I woke up to the sound of squeaking and scurrying sounds in my bedroom wall. NOT AGAIN. Mice like my room ALOT. But I do have to confess that I did have chocolate in my room which was removed immediately and since then the noise has subsided.

end of feb.

2008-02-26T18:29:00.000-08:00

Last week Mom got each of the children their own deck of cards. After putting the childs initails on each card they were passed out. That way there is much less confusion on playing games. So today everyone had their cards out playing games, like solitaire and jelly. I also saw some awesome card buildings and something like dominoes but made out of cards.

This afternoon I replaced my glasses with new dark purple ones. Another wonderful happening was a wisdom tooth yanked out. Just kidding, I was not that thrilled. All went really good, the worst part was being nervous about it.