The Jesus Film March 1980

The year was 1980, and the month of my 22nd birthday. The Jesus Film had come out in movie theaters, and I had decided to take my grandparents to watch it for my birthday. Even today, I clearly remember how much we three enjoyed this beautiful film. But over the next couple weeks, I began to worry that maybe they did not know Jesus. Then one night, I sat them down at the table and talked to them about my concern.

Both grandpa and grandma answered that I had nothing to worry about. But it was grandpa who took his glasses off to wipe his eyes. He had been raised in a Christian German family and assured me he had given his life to the Lord when he was a little boy, but had fallen away over the years. And it was he that went to find his King James Bible that had been sitting on a shelf in the den. And so I made him a little bet. I would take both of them out for a steak dinner once he had finished reading the Old Testament.

Within one month, Grandpa had read the entire Old Testament, and as I promised, we all went out for a steak dinner. That was on a Sunday, and the last day I saw my grandmother alive. The following Sunday, I was kneeling by my grandfather as he sat in a chair near the hospital bed where my grandmother lay dead from a heart attack.

I knelt by him and cried into his lap, and as his arms embraced me, he thanked God for opening up his heart again, and for the month he had to read the bible. He said he was finding great comfort from its words. You see, this was the third wife he had lost to death, and his heart was greatly grieved. Later that night grandpa asked me to come live with him. For eight wonderful months, we went to church together, and he continued to read on through the New Testament. And honestly, when that man prayed, his voice trembled. We rode bikes, fished, gardened and canned our produce, played board games, and visited family together. Those were very precious months indeed. At the end of those eight months, my grandfather blessed me as he gave me away at my wedding. But then ten days later, I was kneeling once again by my grandfather in a hospital room, but only this time he was dying from a massive stroke. He went on to join his friend in Jesus at age sixty nine. My heart was breaking, and yet I was comforted knowing that I would see him again!

At this moment, and as I write these words, I am crying. Missionary John Cunningham came to speak at our church about how this film is used around the world to lead people to Christ. I was stunned to realize that this was the very same one that I had shared with my grandparents thirty one years ago. Over the years, I had often thought of its tender connection to that day when I was joined by two important people in my life to watch a movie about Jesus. And glory to the Lord, and all these years later, this film is still touching hearts and changing lives.

http://www.trailerfan.com/movie/jesus-1979/trailer

Arby and Bugsy

Sometimes it is the small things in life that give us courage to face our day.
                                        
                                              

This and That March 11, 2011

Great news: David and Lydia are pregnant, and her baby is due in October. Fortunately, she was able to get pregnant during the nine days they had together before he had to leave for N. Carolina for his special forces SWAT training. Only 200 soldiers are chosen each year for this training, and only half make it all the way through without getting axed. David did well to complete his training and remains in the upper percentile of graduates. I am very proud of him. He will be home now after two plus months of training on Friday. We will then proceed to help move Lydia’s things up near Ft Lewis where David has his house in Lacey. It is sad, but they haven't even been able to set up housekeeping together yet. He will be home for four weeks, then off for another five to the Philippines. Then back for a couple months, and then back off to the Philippines for 8 months. I am praying that he will be able to be home for the birth of his first baby!

I have had a lot of fun chatting with Rachel and Jacob over Skype. It is such a delight to be able to see him, but also know that he sees me! The other day he actually got all excited when he heard my voice, then got to see my silly face. He started to jump up and down in his play seat. It made me cry my little eyes out for my want to see him and hold his sweet little person in my arms.

Joby leaves in May for the Army. He has been doing so very well, and seems happy and content with this future prospect. I have spent a good deal of time crying because I know I will miss him so very much. His job is a good one and hard to come in to because there are not many openings. He will train, and then begin his work as an Audio Visual Specialist. Furthermore, he is guaranteed a job with the Oregon State Police once he gets out of the service.

Let's see: I finished reading "Water for Elephants", and have knitted a variety of scarves and hats for big people, and for new born babies. Davy bought me a wonderful Taylor guitar that I try and practice on every day. I have had fun learning to use a pick, as well as a variety of picking patterns. Taylors are designed with the serious picker in mind. Chickens are laying well, up to 6 eggs a day. I probably need to start giving some away! We had to redo our entire roof in the month of December, and now need to redo a part of our fence that blew down in the last wind storm we had. Oh, I also got a new car, a 2011 Toyota Rav4 Sport. It is a sssswwwweeeeet car. Not that we needed the payment, but I have to admit that it is really nice having a fancy~ spancy new car that will give us years of reliability.

Michael continues to work grave yard shift, and I continue to miss seeing him more often than we do. He has tried to get on a day shift, but has not been successful. Part of the problem is that it takes months to train someone to take over his position. Consequently, when an opening does come up, it needs to be filled more quickly than Michael can train someone else to take over his position.

I have tried to get back into voice, but I am having issues with my sinuses. CatScan revealed a bone spur that may or may not be causing a variety of symptoms. Anyway, singing intensifies the symptoms. This of course makes it really hard to lead my kiddos on Wednesday nights in high energy songs. I see a specialist on Monday who will hopefully correct this slight inconvenience.

Aunt Edie is still in a rehabilitative nursing home. She is currently set up to move into an adult foster care home next week. I have tried to get out to see her a couple times a week, but recently due to sinus issues, frigid snowy weather, and trying to match up with her therapy schedules; I am only getting to see her once a week. She has had more blood transfusions, and they seem to be picking up in frequency. I am very thankful that even though she continues to lose blood, she has not been in any pain.

Davy enjoys his men’s group at church, and has developed some special friendships because of it. He works hard out in his garage getting things ready to sell on eBay. I am so thankful for his good nature, love for the children, and concern to take good care of his family. All in all he gets a 15 on my 1~10 scale!

Roberts, Montana: Snow Days Oct 8-9, 1993

Oct.8: We awoke to nearly one foot of snow, and still it snowed.  By the time it quit snowing, we had quite a winter wonderland.  David Sr. decided to stay home today.  I was concerned about the bus making it through, but it did. The children made it to school.  We had a lot of hustle and bustle getting the kids bundled up - it was nearly a hair-raising experience.  I did my Friday cleaning and had things in order by the time the kids got home.  Of course, out for sledding they went!  They had a ball.  Even Dad took Joby out for a spell.  He loved it.  For dinner (we decided to rent some movies) we watched videos and spent the evening huddled in the living room.  What a cozy night.  I really do love where we live. 

Oct 9: The kids spent the morning watching videos.  Dad went up to Chuck Strobles to help with hay for the horses.  Rachel watched Joby while I went out sledding with the boys.  Was that a blast.  Unfortunately, I cracked my neck on one run which lay me up for a few days.  Had to nap later the afternoon.  Dad and the kids all went up to Red Lodge to return the movies and do some sledding.  The kids were so exhausted from sledding only Rachel was awake for Deep Space 9 that night.  I tried to wake the boys up, but couldn't - snoozed right through the show in the living room.  It was a special day.

Lebanon: First week in Oregon 1995

March 24th, 1995

                                         First Week in Oregon

            It would take too long to try to recapture all the events in our lives these past three plus months, so I will just begin with events from this week only. Here we are in Oregon~our first week even! It is a beautiful day out this morning. First was drizzly, now sunny and warming up fast. It is just grand being home. Mom and Dad Forney are coming again tomorrow. Maybe we should take a break and head for the beach? We are nearly all moved in already. Our home is so beautiful. I have never felt so in love with a home.

          The children are quite happy. They have enjoyed bike riding, basketball at the park~Michael has a new friend already named Matthew. So they have had hours of fun so far. All our utilities are on and working. David started his first day of work on Wed~today’s Friday. And he was able to have a short week his first week on the job. We purchased the children some clothes last night of which they were greatly appreciative. Dad Minthorne’s birthday is on Sunday~he will be 70 years old! We arrived just in time to enjoy perhaps another 10+ years of life with them. Thank you Lord for the gift you have given us! And our children especially.

                                           March 26, 1995 
  
We have been in Oregon one week already. Unbelievable! Mom and Dad Forney were here on Fri afternoon and Sat. It was such a special time. Dad F. built some really great shelves in the garage/shed and they just look great! It has been such a dream spending time with our families. We purchased blinds, plants and misc items for house and yard. Everything is looking great! It was hard to see Forneys leave, but I know we will get to visit next time we come to Portland next week. Today is Sunday, so we will have church here instead of going out. David Jr was disappointed as he is looking forward to meeting friends.

A Beautiful Wedding

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Letters to Grandpa Miller 1969

Dear Grandpa and all How are you? I am fine. How is margie Ross and Grandpa Loreze and the rest? Hope they are fine. Today is Tuesday the 7, 1969. What should I get Johnny for his birthday? Maybe I could probly get him a coloring Book and crayons. I am still waiting for my radio from mother and father (real dad step mom) I gave it to them to take care of untill after Christmas. Well I lost another tooth the one on the other side has margie Ross lost any more.  Could you please say hi to mom and the rest.  Well tomorrow the weatherman said its going to snow tomorrow (ugh!) I just hate snow. I almost got frost Bitten.  Thank you for talking me out to the (word scribbled out) I mean out to lunch Sorry.  Well thats all I have to say I I guess I'll say good-by

Love you
Granddaughter Linda Rose Miller

Dear Grandpa and Grandma  Thank you so much for the 3 dollars and the Pictures.  I just got done making some play turtles out of Jewlery ther'e kind of cute and all this is what I wrote.

This is a Turtle palace the on in the Green and White Beads is the King. The one on the hill by the Berette tree is the Queen  the rest are the princessess and princess.) and then I wrote. (Do you understand it.) sign here yes  [   no  We had gone to a bunco game a won a darling vase and I'm going to give it to guess who  YOU!!?.!) YOU is written in crayon with many different colors
thats who, cause I love you so much. Well Ill have to say good-Bye so good-By

Love you
Granddaughter
Linda Rose Miller

P.S. I Love you so much. I want to know if youll write back Hee Hee Hee

May 6 1969

Dear Granpa and all

How are you?  I'm fine I was vice President, But now I'm a waiter a plain student.  I had gone to the horse show. I got to watch the horses jump. And I gotto pet some horses and then went over to the wing leaders place home Marcia and I had alot of fun so I'll have to say goodby because of school

With all my love
Linda Miller

Three Letters to Grandpa Miller 1968

Dear Grandpa its sorta nice to have gone out with you and now we get to go out again. How’s grandma feeling I heard she got sick. Guess what I got a really good report which I felt real good for once. Well hows everyone else. And Tuesday I get to see my mom my real mom. I still haven’t heard from mom and dad which is sorta horrible. Real dad and step mother Beverly. One thing I’m glad of it that it isn’t the end of the world. So I hope I’ll still get to see them. Its been five months and one day golly it see’s like its been a year. Well, I’ll have to sign off with all my life and Love

Love Linda Rose Miller (Skinflint)name my real dad called me.P.S. I Love You

dear Grandpa

Guess what I wrote to the Monkees in Hollywood isn’t it Wonderful I asked to be a member of that singling club I hope he writes back but I wrote to all four of them. I am very sorry for you because your in the hospital. I saw mom and dad Friday 22, 1968, and we didn’t go to the funeral because she said something like we won’t like it. Well I’ve run out of words so I’ll say say hi to grandma and you and to Grandpa Lorenz. By By now

Love Linda Rose Miller

P.S. I will always love you and everyone of my ansesters

Dear Grandpa and Grandma

Today is Saturday I’m going on a yaught ride Today. How are you? How do you like my new stationery. Kind of pretty isn’t it. It matches my middlename Rose that’s why I bought it, it only cost 49 cents. 24 decorated sheets 6 plain sheets 24 envelopes I’m giving you some rocks I have some Iron too. Monday I get to see my real mom, she is bringing a guitar and another big surprise Well say hi to every one else for me

Love you
Granddaughter
Linda Rose Miller

P.S. please send Grandpa Miller’s house number (Lorenz?) and Carries and margies I forgot them (if you can) Love you Hee Hee Hee

Once-A-Month Cooking: An idea for a busy family

I decided it was about time to begin blogging again. Gees. I can't believe that all this time has passed since my last entry. I have actually kept an almost daily journal for years and years, but now with this new fangled thing of blogging, it may be a good time to do this also. Where does one begin? I think I will begin with my New Years Resolution: Once a Month Cooking.

Over time, I have grown less fond of cooking, and more fond of doing nothing but watching the news when dinner time comes around. To counter this new stage of "Lazy", I went online and ordered the book "Once-A-Month Cooking" by Mimi Wilson and Mary Beth Lagerborg. Years ago when the children were young, Dobson's Focus on the Family radio program interviewed these two ladies as they discussed their reason behind this book. I did not adopt the program because it seemed that it required much more money up front than we were able to put out on needed supplies. In retrospect, and now that I have put up three months worth of entrees, I can see that putting up just one month would have been attainable. Furthermore, over time I have noticed I am spending much less money at the grocery store: fewer trips mean less wasteful spending on impulsive buys...especially when Davy is the shopper. There is no keeping Davy away from the donuts and cookies!

Once-A-Month Cooking is a foolproof method of getting dinner on the table that's perfect for anyone who doesn't always want to cook, but who wishes they had something prepared and ready to go. Now this begs several questions: How can someone cook a whole month's worth of meals, especially on a limited budget? What to do about extra freezer containers/casserole dishes required? And how does this benefit the family?

*Chapters are set up in 2 and 4 week Entree plan selections*

There is no need to cook up a whole month ahead because the book also offers two week entree plans. This helps to soften the up front cost of preparing ahead for a month.

*Clear instructions for pre-cook day preparations*

a) Equipment needed
b) Grocery shopping list for selected Entree plans (money saving buying trips are discussed).
c) Freezer containers required
d) Cooking and assembly order and labeling
e) Menu ideas to compliment entrees
f) Serving suggestions

*Creative ideas for freezing entrees are offered so that casserole dishes are not used for freezer storage.*

*Benefits for the family*

Flexibility, and quick home cooked meals to name only a few. Entertaining is a snap with less time cooking, more time visiting! Increased quality family time around the table, healthy leftovers (we always have some), are two advantages to this program I appreciate.

I have now used up a month of entrees. So far, every meal we have eaten has been relished! I give this program a 4 out of 5 Star rating. The only thing that would have made this a perfect five star is if I didn't have to cook up anything at all. And unfortunately, these two fine authors have no program for Once-A-Month dishwashing...

I ordered my book off of Amazon.com for $13.99, plus shipping and handling. The cost is modest, and the benefits unmeasurable.