2020 Christmas Gathering*

Dec 14th, 2020

After all these years we are still having Christmas gatherings on the second Saturday of Dec. It isn't always the same home but as we move we still have them. Lots of memories. One in particular at McRae Place was a snowy day. Kim was still living at home and left that evening to go to a Christmas party in Little Chute. I didn't want her to go she did but wasn't gone long at all. 

At this party we were still doing open house 2 till 10. People come in and out as they choose. However as the snow came and came quickly everyone talked about leaving but they didn't leave. Most of the guests lived closed to us. We always have wonderful parties and everyone enjoys them. The next day there was lots of snow. Our front door where the night before people were coming and going was completely blocked. Kimberly went out to see if her car had to be dug out. Sometimes snowed in is fun. I loved it more when the kids were younger. Schools would cancel and we all stayed in. 

Another time Butch actually left the party for a bit to unload a semi at Manger's with Tony. We lived at the time right by the truck stop so Butch ran and picked up Tony and brought him to the party for a bit after they unloaded. McRae Place was closer to everything.

So we just had our party a few nights ago at Pebblestone Circle. The parties always were the neighbors. This time we invited a small group from church. We love to entertain to have people come over and bless them. We normally have the same menu. Tenderloin, potato bake, and whatever they bring since they insisted on bringing a dish to pass. Always good food.

Now its time for shopping. Merry Christmas. 

Angel's Take Charge Concerning Us Always*

2020

Butch and I have believed in the Word of God for 35 plus years now. The Bible. So many promises in His word. We always love glorifying God for all of them. We love to glorify God when the enemy tries to steal from us.

We love Psalm 91 which is all about the protection that comes from God. The angels are sent to take charge of us to keep us safe in all our ways. 

In 2004 right after we moved to McRae place Butch was standing on the top part of the ladder you know the step that says this isn't a step. He was trying to put a big piece of wood in the attic garage. Yes I was in the house and could of helped him. Nope he didn't ask. I hear the noise from in the house and went to check on him. He is laying on the cement. I asked him are you okay and he said yes but I think I broke my arm. I immediately looked for the piece of wood. It was still up there and it was now caught on a little piece of wood trim. That trim held it up there along with the angels of course but really I don't know how because it should of fallen. Had it fallen on him it would of been more then a broken arm. 

Yesterday Butch was unloading a huge cord of wire at work. He wasn't at a loading dock. From what he said he should of been but no docks available. Of course he never waits for help either. I wasn't there but from what he says the wire fell from the truck taking him with it. Again the angels. He does have some of what he is calling road rash but we call on healing Jesus for that. Still not convinced about the angels? 

A family member was painting and on a ladder. I know she wasn't on the top of the ladder because she is a girl and girls tend not to do the stupid things the boys do. She fell. While she told me about it I didn't understand it until I saw the area she had been painting. Where she fell was right by a set of wood steps. They were wider then normal steps. In my calculation had she fallen she would of rolled each step twice that’s how wide they were. But she didn't fall down the stairs. Angels again. She told me she saw the angels. God doesn’t always let you see them. Such a blessing for her to see them. That accident made me cry a bit knowing how God saved her from them steps. His love for us. She was there alone for the week. Had she went down the steps it would of been a lot worse. We did have to believe for some healing as we do right now for Butch and God is always faithful. 

My stories could go on and on about the protection of God and His angels. In this day and age were living in we need first of all to have a relationship with Jesus. After that we need to believe in Psalm 91 His protection and of course the rest of His Word. Of course believing starts with being born again.

I use to say this world is getting more and more evil. The Bible says that will happen before Jesus comes. I can't say that anymore though because God in His loving kindness for all of us put Donald Trump an ordinary man in the white house. That man has been doing just as he promised he is draining the swamp. The swamp is deep and we are all about to see just how deep. He is saving the children and the number of kids they are finding in tunnels all over this world is sick and sad. And what they have done to these children is awful. 

The thief comes to steal kill and destroy. If you know Jesus if you have a relationship with Him you too can know that when your long life on this earth is over you have a place in heaven. Knowing Him protects you on this earth as well. The devil roams this earth LIKE a roaring lion looking for whom he can devour. Don't let it be you. Ask Jesus today into your heart.    

2026

God is always there for us as believers. So when there is an accident I want to know the story quickly so I can see where God was. I am always amazed. 

A family member was almost home one afternoon when she rolled her car. She was on the street that leads to her street. They don’t plow it very well actually not at all. 

I heard the story and the car landed on the passenger door. Her car told her 911 had been called. Her car was totaled. Wires inside the popped out all over.

Where was God in this whole situation? She was on a flat road no ledges no hills. No other vehicles on the road. She wasn’t buckled in but in this case it was a good thing. Her phone was in the cup holder and she was able to retrieve it. The air bags only came out in the back seat not the front. I have heard they can hurt you when they pop out. She had her dog with her and he was in a kennel in the back. She was shook up but all in one piece so when help came she had to get the car running to get sunroof opened. That’s how they had to take her out. The officer took one look at the icy road and didn’t give her a ticket.

Here’s the real deal. Every morning I pray and plead the blood of Jesus over my family. I plead it over everything from jobs, businesses, homes, vehicles-everything. However that morning when listening to our morning Bible study Julie said I plead the blood over everything but she said I plead it separate over our bodies from the top of our head to the tip of our toes. I started doing that this particular morning. I also commanded the angels to take charge concerning all of us. I also have been trying to get in the habit of putting Psalm 91 over us all. That morning I did say it. After I say Psalm 91 I say Psalm 92:1-2. This is where God was and the angels. And now I am in the habit of saying Psalm 91 and 92:1-2 over us every day! Thank you, Father?

God is Awesome! 

Northern Ave Sept 2020

 I was in the old neighborhood buying Hansen’s pizza’s the other day. As usual I rode by the old homestead. To my surprise hanging on the 24 by 32 garage we built was a great big Trump flag. I rode around the block just hoping someone would be out so I could take a picture. 

That home at 515 was just the best starter home for the four of us. We had purchased a Mobil home but decided that wasn’t the best fit. Kim was born when we lived in the Mobil home and I was a stay at home mom. Lots of memories. 

Since I rode by been thinking about the home. Butch had built me these big deep cabinets for the bathroom since it was so huge. I recall the birthday I bought him a new fishing pole and was able to hide it on him on top that cabinet. Come his birthday I told him to go get it. After that though he started looking for presents on top of it. Lost a great hiding place. 

I still to this day miss the three seasons porch that is still on the front of it. When the kids were younger they played out there a lot. Kim could be left unattended out there too even though she was little. There bedroom window was off the porch so with no screen on it they would crawl back and forth through the window and make forts. 

We built Jodi a bedroom in the basement. She enjoyed that but now realize she should of stayed upstairs and shared a room with Kim.

We went through an open house years back and the concrete still has Jesus loves you engraved in it. And I believe where the kids put there names and hand prints on the outside was still there. We thought we would live there forever. Next home for us will have a screen in porch. 

The 1989 and 93 grand ams were bought at this home.

Such great memories. Jodi and Kim were younger. Butch at that time driving for Mangers was out of town two days a week every week. It was a treat for us if he was gone just one night. 

Since then I have been thinking about the things we still have from living there all these years later. We have our glider rocker. Kimberly's acrylic mickey mouse blanket and her blessing dolls along with Joseph, Tracy and Gerbert. The Terry Redlin I bought Butch for Christmas is now hanging in the man cave. We have the food dehydrator and still use it. I have some Christian books too. We have one dresser left from a bedroom set. We actually have both dressers but gave one to Mom. Kimberly just painted the dresser green. It looks very nice. Jodi has one from when butch was a boy. I am sure there is more stuff and will add as I think of it. 

Blessings.....

1981 and God is Good*

1981 seems so long ago. I was a bartender then and my Jodi was Five. 

In today's world I would never suggest you can meet the man of your dreams in a bar but back then everything was possible. Along comes Butch. Shy and bashful and never says much but did tell me right after deer hunting, he would like to take me on a date. Sounded good to me. Deer hunting came and gone, and we had our date. The book is opened, and new wonderful chapters have begun. 

He met Jodi and it was a hit. I watched him with her and knew I had found a gem. We were married less than 2 years later. A family of three. 

We made Jesus our Savior and Lord right after that and invited God into our marriage. Kim was born. Now were a family of four but actually five adding the Holy Spirit. 

Our life was simple. Trust God. He has never let us down.

Through our 37 years of marriage, it has been the best ride we have ever been on. 

So, on this day July 1st as we celebrate 37 years of marriage, children, dreams, friends and our wonderful Father in heaven all I can say is thank You Jesus. Thank You Father for putting Butch in my path before I knew You. 

Happy anniversary to my love from your love. 

God Take's Care of Us

Hebrews 13:5
"He Himself has said I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support."

If your heart is troubled you will find peace and comfort knowing that in God you are never alone.
God's presence is always with you. In His presence is rest.

He knows everything about you according to Psalm 39. He always knows our circumstances and whatever we are going through. He is our strength and peace. He will always bring darkness to the light. Jesus is the Light.

God is always our stronghold a present help in time of trouble. We don't need to be afraid. Never will He withhold His love for us. Nothing is to hard for Him.

God is our provider today, tomorrow and always. He loves you. Cast all of your cares on Him and just believe His love.

This doesn't just happen. For years we have been taught wrong when it comes to God. We have been taught to just trust Him or the popular sayin God is in control. That isn't totally correct. Before we can trust Him we have to know Him. We can't know Him through others. We need to know and experience Him on our own. 

The Bible says to be Born again according to John 3:3. Born again is kinda what they taught us before confirmation. The difference is when I as an example was taught in confirmation I learned it as the assignment it was. God wants your heart not your head. We learn head knowledge about Him in religion.

We have to accept Jesus in our hearts. Then we need to fellowship with Him by reading His Word and visiting with Him.

Some make that seem so hard to do. It's not. I have been a Christian now born again for some 35 plus years. I wouldn't change a thing. God the Father, Jesus & the Holy Spirit have never let me down. And never will. I trust them.

So if you don't know Jesus as you should just ask Him in your heart to be your Savoir and Lord.

When I got born again I bought Bibles & found good Christian television. We went to church but to be honest they were dry. I wanted the Word. We have been visiting a church body lately that believes the whole Word of God. That's important to me. They also follow and listen to the same Christian preachers I do.

I was born and raised a Catholic. When I was older I found the truth and it has set me free. Yes you can read the Bible and understand it all on your own.

God is waiting on you. He's at the door knocking. Open it and let Him in. Blessings.....

January 28th 2020

So far this winter it has been very mild. We had a few colder days earlier but has been mild now. We do have lots of snow. Not as much as up north though.

To me its all downhill now. February is a short month even though its only three days shorter.

Back when we had a mortgage it made the first of march come quicker and payment due. Praise God no more mortgage.

Jodi & Andrew are enjoying Isla the new puppy. She is a handful. Training dogs is just like training a child.

Butch and Andrew haven't been able to get to the new land to do any work cause of all the snow. Pretty soon though and then the fun will start.

Kim is starting her inside garden plants. She gets so excited. She wants to know what we need for our garden. We are planning one since now Butch has time to tend to one. He is the garden man. That's where Kim got it from. This will be our third summer here and the second summer we had a in ground garden. Not doing that again. Will come up with a new idea.

Butch's job going very well. I am still thanking our God. Of course I thank Him all the time. Praise is good. He has so gotten use to his schedule that he doesn't even nap when he gets home. He is sometimes up at 2am waiting for the alarm to go off. He comes home around 1ish, we visit then he might go in the basement for an hour or so working on urns then we have dinner around 4 he showers and then anytime after that he will sleep in the chair or the bed.

My schedule is different. I love the new schedule. I usually stay up in the morning but by 5:30 6 I might lay on the couch for a bit. He calls every morning around 7:30. I love that too.

He has three weeks vacation this year. That's different for him. We don't have any plans yet. As long as we have Zoe we normally stick close to home. When Zoe goes to join Ali we will travel more.

I am waiting for spring but will not wish the time away. Zoe too wants to be outside more.

We are going to the Jeff Allen show on Friday. Jeff Allen is a comedian and since we know he travels sometimes with the Gaithers we knew its clean fun.

My God. Amazing. It will be wonderful waiting on Him to see what He has for us in 2020.

Out with the Old in with the New

January 2019 marks the start of the 43rd year for Butch at Mangers. The only thing is on January 18th he was told the place was closing the doors (Don't feel sorry for him he's not sorry). Butch knew this was coming with more cremations and so many casket companies competing with each other to sell there product. He worked until  Feb. 25th then all the employee's were dismissed. Boss Mike is driving the truck now until all caskets are sold then the doors will closed permanently.

Mangers was a great job and part of our lives for a very long time. I remember when he use to be gone overnight two nights a week. He enjoyed driving the truck. He made the decision right away though that he didn't want another driving job like that one. No more overnights.

God is our provider and I always thank Him for giving me a man that has never been afraid to work. The Bible says the man is the provider and Butch has and always will be just that. We know that our God is the One Who meets all our needs and jobs are some of God's avenues He uses.

When he was told the place was shutting down on the way home he stopped and applied for a job at Menards. He has talked about working there after he retires. They called him immediately. Not only that they kept on him. He figured he would look around and see whats out there.

He applied at some places where he would be doing woodworking. He had an interview with one company but it didn't pan out. Later found out it wouldn't be a healthy environment since painting was done in the same room the building was done. Bad fumes.

While he has been home he has been very busy. Making a stash of urns and other things. It is nice having him home but he is ready to work. We are going to start making furniture now. The first thing on the agenda is a wooden inside trash bin for me. Then who knows what will be next.

Unemployment what can I say - I can say a lot. Not fun at all. Its like a job in itself. All the forms, applying for jobs you don't want so you can show them your looking for a job. You have to prove four a week to them. And they do everything they can not to pay you. Money he earned by his company paying in all these years. I am glad that only lasted a few weeks. Done with that.

So as I always glorify my God Butch will be taking the job at Menards. The one we believe God had for him from the start. He will fit right in. Menards is getting a hard worker. So the next time your at Menards West and shopping you may just get to see him. He works in receiving but does go into the store on occasion. He was hired to work in the yard but they started him off in receiving and kept him there.

So while some will say to him I am sorry you lost your job we are happy about it and have had the peace of God since the day he was told. God has taken care of us for a long time and He will never stop. He has our back 24/7.

After 16 days off he will start at Menards on March 20th 2019.

We are so looking forward to this new adventure God has for us. Thank You Father God You are so good to us.

Thank you honey for being my best of everything. I love you!!

Saturday May 4th and Mangers still open. Butch enjoying his job at Menards.

Menards has been a good job. It's a lot more physical work and he can handle it but he shouldn't have to. They take advantage of him and his work ethic. Not only that the managers should be making sure his breaks and lunch are taken instead they are so busy they tell him he don't have to take them. So our God will move him out. Menards was a good fit for six months. In the six months he lost 60 pounds.

Been applying for certain jobs that come up. I know its not always fun starting new jobs. But when God picks it out it is all good.

God is good. Our son in law Andrew use to work at Gray-bar Electric. He started at the bottom and worked his way up to now he has his own business. Andrew told Butch to go apply for a job there. So he got all decked out and went and applied. The girl at the desk told him that they take applications on line only. She did go one step farther as God would have it and said let me see if someone can talk with you. We now know she went and got Bruce who is the person in charge of everything. Of course Butch was told to use Andrew's name and didn't. Bruce told him no positions open but go ahead and apply online.

 A month or more passed and Andrew asked Butch who he talked to at Gray-bar. As we said we now know it was Bruce. God used Andrew to get on the phone call Bruce and talk to him about Butch. Remember the girl at the desk went and got Bruce so when Andrew called him Bruce knew who he was talking about. My God is so good. Bruce called and set up a interview for Monday the 9th of Sept, 2019. Then the next day he was offered the job. My God is Awesome....He would be hired as a fill in driver.

Then came physical, drug test, background check and paperwork. He remained at Menards while waiting to here from Gray-bar. Bruce said don't give your notice till I tell you. So he didn't.

On the paperwork I saw a tentative start date of 9/30/19. I ran with that. When time passed and we knew there wasn't enough time to give a 2 week notice I just kept saying I am still going with the date of the 30th. 

The words coming from our mouth are so important. Been preaching that for years to people and it falls on closed ears. I stuck with that date even though Butch figured it would be later start because of giving a two weeks notice. Butch started leaving his phone home so I could take the call. I told him I would come see him at work when they call. So be ready if you see me at Menards they have called with the start date.

On 9/24 I was driving and his phone rang. I missed the call but she left a voice mail. I called her right back claimed favor and asked if she could give me the info. She did. Do I really have to say when he is starting? You got it 9/30. I stuck with that date even though Butch figured it would be later start because of giving a two weeks notice.

I couldn't get to Menards fast enough. I was on the East side of Green Bay. Excitement was in the air. I took time to call our friends Jim & Cynthia and tell them the news. Some of the time driving went fast since I was talking on the blue tooth. I saw him in the distance and called his name. I didn't care who heard me or what they thought of me. I was surprised that he heard me. He must of been waiting and expecting me. I raised my arms in praise as I walked towards him. He got a bit teary eyed when I told him. I told him his start date he turned around went back to work to give his notice. Sunday would be his last day. I suggested that he give it for Saturday so he has a rest up day before new job. He didn't because I am sure he didn't want to leave them in a pinch.

This was on Tues. He gave a five and a half days notice. Gray-bar actually called Menards checking on Butch on 9/13 so they had plenty of notice.

We are excited. Five days a week, more money and no weekends. His shift will be 4am till 1. He had been on the 5am shift most at Menard's so we just get up an hour earlier as well as to bed a bit earlier. God was grooming him for new job while working at Menards. He will be doing some warehouse work and some driving truck. You can know he is excited about that. On the road again. He won't be driving that far this time.

On Sept 30th we will get up at 2:45 and Butch will start a new chapter of our life together. Thank You Father!

Thank You Father! It is only because of You that he starts a new better job 4 years before retirement. And he starts it with no DEBT! Wonderful benefits come with this new job. This was only the hand of our God. God is good all the time and all the time God is good.

Our God is Awesome. We have lived the last 35 plus years walking in God's provision. He has never let us down.

Butch is enjoying his job. I love it too. Five days a week 4AM til 12:30 or 1.

He had no idea that the job he had right out of High School for 42 years driving truck delivering caskets for Manger's would end before retirement. But God had better plans.

Now less than 4 years to retirement he has the best job. He is completely a different person. This job is both a little physical and a little driving truck. Not sure he will retire now.

This job fits him. He likes the people he works with as well as the schedule he works. He has met a lot of new friends. Were in bed by 6 or 7 but that's okay. He sleeps and I watch a movie.

I get up with him in the morning and make breakfast and get him off. Sometimes I go back to sleep around 6 til he calls around 7.

2019 has been a different year for us with job changes. God is faithful. I look forward to 2020 to see what our wonderful God has for all of us.

We are still making and selling urns to a few faithful funeral homes. Since he isn't driving and hauling caskets anymore he isn't in the FH anymore. But like I said some still ordering. He is making bigger things now.

Never under estimate God. Never try to figure out what He might do next. He wants to bless you and have you trust Him for everything.

He started gray-bar on Sept 30th. He already earned Thanksgiving and the next day Friday as a paid holiday. So of course he receives Christmas and New Years paid also. Not only that Christmas eve day and New Years eve day he got done two hours early with pay. He was also told right after he started working there that after the first of the year he has 2 weeks paid vacation. Not only that Graybar decided to add another week to any employee working there less then 4 years. So now he has 3 weeks. That's my God. He continues to change policies for the good for Butch. That's favor....

Very good health insurance for both of us. 401K too.

After a year at Gray bar he gets to buy stock in the company. We will be doing that.

The one thing I didn't care for at Manger's was no seniority. Butch the longest worker there and the glue holding it together received the same thing everyone else did. He worked there 42 years and only had 2 weeks vacation a year. Of course they gave a Christmas bonus so that could be a third week. Less than a year before they shut down I was telling him that if your in the wrong job God can't bless you like He wants to. Our God has certainly proven that. Even at Menards he earned 3 vacation days quickly. Thank You Father.

We are happy living in Hobart. We are content right now. We did see the showcase homes this year and saw a floor plan we like. We know if we build we have a builder. Specs home are nice for us because we like to see what we are getting. We will see what Papa has.

I still miss certain things at each home we have lived in. I was thinking it would be so nice to have a bit of each previous home in the next one. Like the piano window as well as the sun porch from Northern ave. The privacy fence at Erie st along with the pond and flowers in the back yard. McRae place the Oak cabinets, doors and molding. It makes for a much brighter home. I can't say I miss my cast iron sink anymore because Butch just installed one here for me. Loving it. We have had regular ceilings, cathedral ceilings and now 9 foot ceilings. Not sure what we will pick.

Our God is Awesome. We have live the last 35 plus years walking in God's provision. He has never let us down nor will He. Blessings chase us down. We are blessed coming in and going out. The head and not the tail. We walk in the blessing.

36 years of marriage, two daughters, our son in law Andrew, three brand new spec homes, five brand new vehicles and every need always met. Thank You Jesus. 

Update:

It's March 25 and in few more days it will be six months for Butch at Gray-bar. Spring is in the air now the weather is beautiful and warming up.

He loves getting home earlier and I like it to. I still get up and make him breakfast do my praying and some chores and maybe go back to sleep for a bit.