We The Pedersens

One Glorious Day

2012-01-27T17:51:00.000-06:00

As I write this, I'm sitting outside, enjoying the fresh coolness of this beautiful, breezy day. Earlier the world was brilliant with sunshine-- the pink flowers on a nearby shrub shone brightly and all the leaves overhead danced in the sparkling light. The sun is low enough now that most of the yard is in shade, but the tops of the trees are still lit up, and there's a last bit of sun on the oranges and the peach blossoms.

I love days like this.

So I've been sitting out here as much of the afternoon as I could, reveling in the combination of warm sun and cool breeze, just soaking it up. It's not just the weather, either. The last day or two I've been filled with renewed wonder at the goodness and love of God, and today I've been marveling in the mercy and kindness that He has demonstrated in my life.

God is always gracious and merciful, but I'm not always aware of it like I am at this moment. Today, though, God has allowed me to catch a glimpse of His bounty, and He has filled my heart with joy and thanksgiving. So I revel and delight in this gift of a day that He's given me.

Interestingly enough, I've been reading Job lately. Job wasn't exactly feeling God's kindness. Instead, he was trying to make sense of the immense tragedies that God had sovereignly placed in his life. Ultimately, God called him to trust in God's character, instead of his ability to comprehend the meaning of his suffering. We, however, have more than this. We can follow in the footsteps of Christ, who suffered more than we ever will, and who promises victory on the other side of suffering. Mark Dever, in his Message of the Old Testament, says this:

"Finally, we can trust God because, as Job himself said, 'I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth' (Job 19:25). How would Job's Redeemer redeem? By living more righteously and perfectly than Job ever could, and by taking upon himself more suffering than Job ever knew. Job's patience amid suffering, you see, was finally meant to point to the genuinely perfect righteousness and wholly undeserved suffering of Jesus Christ on the cross. Through his death on the cross and his resurrection on the third day, Christ would defeat the powers of sin and death. God then promises to forgive everyone who repents of their sins and trusts in Christ. And they, too, along with Job, will stand with their Redeemer in the end."

So for those who have been redeemed by Christ, part of our reason for hope is the knowledge that beyond our suffering, beyond the brief time we have in this life, there is a glorious future awaiting us, when we shall see our Redeemer face to face and spend all eternity worshiping, serving, and adoring him. Then will our joy be made perfect.

The most beautiful day on earth cannot compare with this--even now, the last vestige of sunshine is fading from the tops of the trees, and it's almost too chilly to sit comfortably out here-- but such days can serve as a reminder and a foretaste of what is to come, thus increasing our anticipation of that one glorious day.

Operation West Wall

2012-01-24T22:03:00.000-06:00

Operation East Wall moved along quickly because we had Papa, John, and Seth working on it full time for two weeks. Now John and Papa have both gone back to their other work, and Seth is back at school, so progress on the west wall is slower. However, we have continued to make progress, bit by bit.

First off, a before picture:

In addition to the structural issues with the brick that I mentioned in this post, this side of the house has suffered from foundation issues. We've known for a while that the giant brick chimney on this side was at least a factor in the problems we've had, so that was yet another reason to take it all off. Once we were in the middle of removing the chimney, we could tell that it had been added later, which only confirmed our suspicions. You simply can't tack a solid brick chimney onto a foundation that wasn't engineered for it and not have problems!

Whereas the brick veneer on the wall was practically falling off, the solid brick chimney was still holding together quite nicely and therefore had to be taken apart one brick at a time with a hammer and chisel. Seth diligently chipped away at the job, though, and our giant chimney was gradually converted into a giant pile of bricks.

In case you were wondering whether or not the brick was really in bad shape, note the plants that were growing out of the mortar!

Pulling off the wall brick.

Once the wall brick and some of the rotten sheathing had been removed, Seth and Papa decided to frame the opening for a window that we are widening. They removed the old window and the sheathing around it, and they found this:

Pipes! This window goes in the kitchenette for the apartment in our house. On one side of the window was the cold water supply for the sink, and the sink drain vent. On the other side was the hot water supply and a gas line for a range.

That kitchenette needs to be gutted eventually, so we knew that the plumbing in that wall was going to need redoing at some point. We just hadn't planned on doing it now. Ever in pursuit of the critical path in a project, we opened up the wall inside, cut the pipes back, and capped them off. We'll run new lines at some later time, since we don't need that space to be functional right now.

Area for the window opening... sans pipes.

Striving in Prayer

2012-01-17T16:13:00.000-06:00

We were privileged to have Tedd Tripp as a guest speaker at church recently. He preached about striving in prayer, from Paul's request to the Romans in Romans 15. It was an excellent and timely message. One point that I found particularly insightful was that generic prayers cannot be fervent. If we are to pray fervently, we must also pray specifically. More importantly, I was reminded of the necessity and urgency of prayer, the humility and love for the brothers from which true intercessory prayer springs, and the example left us by Christ of passionate prayer.

Click here to listen to the entire message.

Motherhood

2012-01-13T12:37:00.000-06:00

Motherhood means laying down your life for another, like Christ did in the Gospel. Abortion means killing another so that you can live for yourself.

Idea taken from Rachel Jankovic, "Motherhood is a Calling"

January Newsletter

2012-01-12T12:04:00.000-06:00

From Laura, 12 … Ever since sometime in August, I have been realizing just how much starting 7th grade is a turning point. It’s when all preconceived notions of “spare time” are abolished. It’s when I wondered how I could have possibly ever been bored. It has certainly helped me determine which of the things I want to do are most important. I’ve also especially been reminded that every moment of my time is precious.

From Becca, 15 … Anna, Laura, and I have enjoyed being able to help Papa, John, and Seth here and there on the siding project. My favorite thing was nailing up the rigid foam insulation and house wrap. Mostly we have done a lot of moving. We threw, hauled, and stacked bricks and we moved the siding to the other side of the house two pieces at a time. We have tons more bricks to move. (I mean literally tons.) We will probably work on it a little each day.

From Seth, 18 … Right now I am enjoying a winter break from school. (Classes don’t start until the 17th.) Breaks are nice, but they do require more discipline in order to spend that extra time well. I’ve appreciated the opportunity to see the house project come together and to be able to labor with my hands. I’ve also had more time to read; my current book is called The Mortification of Sin, by John Owen. In the last chapter I read, Owen made an excellent point: To fight sin because of its unpleasant effects is self-love; true, God-pleasing mortification (killing of sin) flows out of love for Christ and hatred for sin as sin, not as something that makes us feel bad.

From Anna, 21 … In December, some friends of ours invited us to go Christmas caroling with them in their apartment complex. We had never caroled at apartments before, so it was logistically a little bit different than what we are used to. As far as the range of reactions, though, it was very similar to what we’ve experienced in other neighborhoods. Some people were so shocked they didn’t know what to do with themselves, while others opened the door only to immediately close it again. The most memorable people for me whenever we go caroling are the ones who seem to be genuinely touched, and we had several of those this time as well.

From John, Megan, and baby-on-the-way … (by Megan) This past month was a nice one – filled with friends and family. With holidays coming up, we went to friends’ houses, and had friends over to visit and fellowship. The closer it got to Christmas, the more time we spent with family. We had a day spent with my family to celebrate with them, a day spent with John’s family to celebrate with them, and then Christmas day with just us. We had a nice quiet Christmas at home enjoying each other’s company, and working on a 3,000 piece puzzle. (We are going to frame it and put it above the couch in our living room now that it’s finished.)

James has been growing each day. It’s amazing that it’s only 10 weeks until the due date! We have gradually been getting things ready – guest bathroom tiled, guest bedroom/baby storage room and baby stuff organized and cleaned, etc. We eagerly await James’ arrival!

From Ray, Katie, Peter, and Samuel … (by Katie) Samuel started crawling in the last few days. He's been warming up for it for quite a while now, and it's really cute to see him venturing forward. It's a new era for Peter, who now has a little person coming after him and trying to take his things. He's a good big brother, though, and enjoys having Samuel around. He calls him 'baby'. Ray and a friend recently replaced our old, rickety back steps with a wonderful four-foot square deck and nice, sturdy steps. Meanwhile, I am trying to get used to the fact that I'm turning thirty this week. Yikes! It makes both me and my mother feel old.

From Judith … For January it’s perhaps an oddity to you northerners, but we are currently having a truly beautiful fall here. We don’t usually get much fall color in south Texas, so this is a treat. We’ve heard that the drought generated these lovely rich hues we’re enjoying. They’re especially vibrant when the sun shines through the leaves. Photos never seem to do justice to these scenes. My additional delight is that now I can be at the ironing board or sewing machine during the day and see the trees through my brand new window! The view includes only a smidgeon of the neighbors’ houses which is the perk of having an upstairs room.

It has rolled around again just as it does every three years – a bit of Pedersen trivia. Between Katie’s birthday on Jan. 7 and Laura’s birthday on Feb. 2, the ages of us eight original Pedersens, and now Ray also, are multiples of three. Yes, trivial, I know.

From Gerald … The porch and east wall project has been the most significant event for me this past month. Our goal has been to improve the function and appearance of our house. The brick and mortar were badly deteriorated. The drafty, single-paned, aluminum-framed windows had no flashing. So, when a driving rain would come through the brick, instead of just running down inside the wall, around the windows, and out the weep holes at the bottom, the water would come inside the house at the top of the windows. It also could not get out at the bottom of the wall, because there was a foot or more of crumbled mortar down there. The east wall that faces the side street was also very plain and ugly because it was a large, rectangular expanse of brick with only two windows.

So, we removed all of the brick from that wall, extended the front porch to wrap-around that side of the house, replaced the two windows and added an additional one (all properly flashed), added rigid foam insulation (with foil radiant barrier) and house wrap, and finished with Hardie (fiber-cement) siding. All that remains to be done on that wall is shutters and paint. Now, we move on to the west wall. You can see photos on our blog.

It has been a great blessing to have my children’s help for this project. John and Seth worked full-time during the two weeks that I was home and the girls also made significant contributions to the work.

For another perspective on our project, see the entry at the bottom of this newsletter.

With love from the Pedersen clan

P.S. Becca wrote the following as a joke and was going to delete it, but we all thought it was so funny, we decided to let you all be amused also:

“My entire life right now is consumed by moving bricks. Every morning I wake up before the sun and put on my grey uniform. Then I troop outside into the biting wind and dreary cold. I lift bricks into the barrow, then push it far across the property. I stagger under the back-breaking load. This is what I do from morning till night every single day with only a dry crust of bread and a sip of water to keep up my strength. This is what I will be doing day after day, day after day till the end of my life.”

Trampoline Fun!

2012-01-10T21:13:00.000-06:00

A New Deck for the Wades!

2012-01-06T21:12:00.000-06:00

The Wades recently took out the rickety steps leading to their back door and put in this lovely little deck.

Of course, the steps didn't look quite this bad before they were taken out...but you can kind of see what they were like!

Operation East Wall: Nearing Completion

2012-01-03T16:13:00.000-06:00

First siding!

Cutting pieces to length.

Moving up the wall.

This was a template for the odd piece...

...that had to go next to the porch roof.

Siding complete!

And, for the sake of comparison, here is a picture taken less than three weeks before.

Peter getting in on the action.

He's learned what to do when Grandpa starts the saw!

Operation East Wall: Taking Shape

2011-12-27T13:37:00.000-06:00

The porch posts in place.

Preparing to frame the porch.

The ridge!

Rafters.

Removing the old dining room window.

Framing the new opening.

The porch with fascia installed.

Decking the roof.

Putting on tar paper.

Shingles!

Putting up foam insulation under our new porch.

House wrap.

The new window in Mama and Papa's bathroom.

Cutting away the drywall for the new window in Mama and Papa's bedroom-- note the fingers holding the piece at the bottom and side!

Putting in the new window.

There it is!

The dining room window.

Flashing the window.

The window from the inside!

Operation East Wall: The Beginning

2011-12-22T09:54:00.000-06:00

As some of you may remember, a couple of years ago we tore all the brick veneer off of the north side of our house and replaced it with siding. This was necessary due to a combination of crumbling mortar and lack of sufficient flashing that was resulting in significant leakage around our living room window. These problems were worst on the north wall, which is why we did it first, but we have also had some issues with our dining room window, on the east side.

Taking all the brick off the house may seem like a drastic response to a little bit of leaking, but there is really no way to seal our house and fix the underlying issues without redoing it from the inside out. One evidence of the problems is that every few weeks we have to sweep an accumulation of mortar dust and debris from our dining room windowsill as the mortar continues to deteriorate and filter down the wall. Now that we've opened up the wall, we can see that the window never had any flashing-- none whatsoever. If anything, we're suprised it wasn't leaking more.

Besides the structural problems, there are some cosmetic issues that we want to address as well. Our house was built with no eaves, and because the siding has a narrower profile than the brick, it gives the roof more definition. The east wall, which faces our driveway, is very flat and monotonous, so we are going to add one window, enlarge another window, and add a gabled wrap-around extension to our existing front porch.

We are planning to move on to the south and west walls as soon as we've finished on the east, and all the windows will be replaced over the course of the project.

Plotting out the locations of the posts for our porch extension.

Breaking ground.

These cardboard tubes were used as forms for the concrete footers we poured for the porch posts.

Seth surveying the depths of the holes using Great-Grandpa John's old surveying equipment.

The forms, all level and ready to go!

Gravel base.

Time for concrete!

Now where exactly does the screw need to go?

Finishing it off.

How much siding will we really need?

Ready for demolition.

Here goes!

After an hour's worth of work.

Of course, all those brick somehow have to end up in...

...the VERY large brick pile.

Laura and Becca each took a swing at brick removal.

A lot of the brick was very loose. Seth commented more than once on how fun it would have been to just put hooks at the top of the wall and pull it all down at once. Unfortunately, there were a few things like windows, a gas meter, and a laundry drain that rendered this plan unfeasible.

Removing rotten sheathing.

Preparing to frame for the new window...

...which will go here, in Mama and Papa's bedroom.

Cutting the old studs from the window opening.

New sheathing.

Peter is fascinated by all the goings-on.

Papa had to crawl into this little attic space to do some wiring for the lights on the new porch.

Can you imagine a porch here?

Tempted and Tried

2011-12-16T22:00:00.000-06:00

Our family recently finished going through the book Tempted and Tried, by Russell Moore, in a small group Bible study at church. It was both insightful and applicable as it looked at the reality of our own temptations through the lens of Jesus' temptations. Below are some quotes and highlights.

"Temptation is so strong in our lives precisely because it’s not about us. Temptation is an assault by the demonic powers on the rival empire of the Messiah. That’s why conversion to Christ doesn’t diminish the power of temptation—as we often assume—but actually, counterintuitively, ratchets it up. If you bear the Spirit of the One the powers rage against, they will seek to tear down the icon of the Crucified they see embedded in you (1 Pet. 4:14; Rev. 12:17). Ultimately, the agony of temptation is not about you or me. We’re targeted because we resemble Jesus, our firstborn brother. We all, whether believers or not, bear some resemblance to Jesus because we share with him a human nature in the image of God. As we come to find peace with God through Jesus, though, we begin a journey of being conformed more and more into the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29). The demons shriek in the increasing glory of that light, and they’ll seek even more frenetically to put it out of their sight." (Page 21)

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Temptation begins with three questions. God gives us the true answers to these questions, but in temptation Satan seeks to substitute answers of his own.

Who am I?

We are creatures. This means that we are finite, dependent, and duty-bound to obey our Creator. We are human. This means that we are created in the image of God and that, among other things, we are hard-wired for a relationship with God. For believers, we are redeemed sinners, elect saints chosen by God for righteousness, children of the Most High, and universe-rulers in training.

Satan seeks to undermine these truths in one of two ways: either he tells us that we are gods and not accountable to anyone, or he tells us that we are animals and can't help the urges we have.

What do I want?

Happiness. Peace. God tells us in His word what true happiness and peace are and He tells us how to obtain them. Ultimately, these--and all else that we crave-- are to be found only in Christ.

Satan does not try to talk us out of wanting those things that only Christ can offer. Instead he offers us counterfeits which cannot satisfy.

Where am I going?

Sin leads to misery. Righteousness leads to blessing. Satan does his best to keep us from seeing this. He holds out to us the promise of a trouble-free future, all the while hiding from us any and all potential consequences.

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Temptation always strikes at the fatherhood of God. It does so in three main areas, as seen in Jesus' wilderness temptations: provision, protection, and inheritance.

It is a father's duty to provide for his children, protect his children, and to give his children an inheritance. God promises to do all these things for His children.

These were precisely the points that Satan attacked in Jesus' temptations. First he questioned God's fatherhood in the area of provision. In Jesus' second temptation, Satan sought to persuade Jesus to force His Father's protection in order to vindicate his identity. In the third temptation, Satan offered to give Jesus the inheritance that God had already promised to His Son-- and Satan was offering it to Him without the cross.

Of course, Jesus withstood all three tests. He knew who He was, and He knew who His Father was. He knew that God would provide for Him and protect Him in His own good time, and He knew that His inheritance was secure. He rejected self-provision, self-protection, and self-exultation. He rejected selfish pride and submitted to obedient trust.

Every temptation we will ever face was faced and conquered by Jesus. Only in His life, death, and resurrection is our victory-- and that victory is sure.

"...You cannot triumph over temptation. Only Jesus can." (Page 195)

A Visit from Grandma

2011-12-07T19:59:00.001-06:00

During the last part of November, Grandma Pedersen came to visit from Colorado.

Hanging out at the John Pedersens' home after going to church with them.

One of several games of checkers in which Grandma whipped us all.

A heated game of double solitaire.

The pilgrim and the Indian.

Thanksgiving dinner.

An informal tea time with Grandma.

We celebrated Grandma's birthday while she was here.

December Newsletter

2011-12-03T14:00:00.000-06:00

From Laura, 12 … Recently we have been seeing the Wades a lot. It is always a pleasure to have them around. Peter turned two at the end of October. If you tell him to say a word or phrase than he will usually make an effort. In some circumstances we can understand what he is saying. He enjoys reading books, eating, giving kisses, and general rowdy play. Samuel reached the six-month mark on the 19th. He has almost reached the 20-pound mark; yes, he is built like a tank. He is smiling a lot and often he giggles. It is lovely to hold him.

From Becca, 15 … The other day our scaffolding arrived which Papa had ordered for a project. The delivery man told Papa over the phone that it would have to be unloaded piece by piece out of the truck because of the way it had been packaged and so he should get some help. Papa told him he had help, and then told Laura and me to be ready because we were the only ones there. When we came out, the man looked at us and said, “That’s your help?” It was funny.

From Seth, 18 … Earlier this month we went to the premiere of a new film. The film, Grafted, tells the story of adoption, covering many of its different facets, from the governmental bureaucracy and paperwork to the gospel portrait painted by adoption. One of the pastors who was interviewed talked about how adoption is like the gospel because, while we take a child from an impoverished or unloved place and make him our own, God takes us from the evil dominion of Satan and makes us fellow heirs with Christ. Physical adoption is very expensive, but our spiritual adoption was bought with the priceless blood of Christ. It was beautiful to look around the room as the film played and see different children in our church who had been adopted, who were living pictures of the love of God.

From Anna, 21 … I just got back from spending a few days with some friends of ours. They have had the father’s sister-in-law and her three children living with them for the last six months while her husband was overseas. At the beginning of this week she had a baby and at the end of the week she left to rejoin her husband in Hawaii. In the midst of much commotion and several transitions, I was able to come alongside the family and help with the children and with some of the practical things needing to be done. It was a blessing to spend extra time with these dear friends, and I’m glad that I have the flexibility to be able to take opportunities like this.

From John, Megan, and baby-on-the-way … (by Megan) This month has been busy, but good. A few highlights are dancing, Thanksgiving, dancing, and baby!

Earlier this month, John performed with the local international folk dancers at a Croatian wedding reception. They did a good job, and the guests seemed to enjoy it very much.

We celebrated Thanksgiving a day early with John's family because we went to Texas Camp (folk dance camp) this year. We enjoyed good food and fellowship with the family.

The following week we had my family over to visit, and to see my great uncle who was in town. We enjoyed their visit very much.

On Thanksgiving Day we left for Texas Camp. The weekend (Fri. – Sun.) was filled with dancing! It was enjoyable. We learned some new dances, and brushed up on some old ones. I ended up with a strained or pinched Achilles tendon, so I sat out for most of the dancing for the second half of camp. I did easy and slow ones here and there if my ankle was up to it. I am feeling better now, thankfully. I think James really enjoyed the weekend. There were a few dances that had strong beats and rhythms to them, and on numerous occasions, I would feel him kicking around to the beat of the music! It was really neat! He was very active that weekend and moved almost non-stop!

James is growing bigger and we are eagerly looking forward to March! Only 3 months left!

From Ray, Katie, Peter, and Samuel … (by Katie) There’s something new around here every day, it seems. Ray sold his truck a while ago and bought a new-to-him SUV. It was in excellent condition, and he’s been enjoying driving around in comfort and style. I (Katie) am enjoying my new Kindle Fire that Ray won in a drawing. It’s sort of a cross between an e-book reader and a small tablet computer, and I’m trying to remember how I got along before I had it. Peter has a new word almost every day, and has learned a new game that he loves: hide and seek. Samuel is the proud owner of a new tooth, with the second one about to emerge. He’ll also be crawling soon, I think. He’s at the stage of getting up on his hands and knees and rocking back and forth. We had a wonderful time celebrating our anniversary recently. Ray kept telling me he was taking me to a taco stand, but it turned out to be a nice Italian restaurant with two dozen red roses on the table! We’re very thankful for the past three years together, and are excited about many more.

From Judith … We’re enjoying yummy juicy citrus from our fruit trees right now. Though we conserved water in our yard quite a bit this past summer, due to drought conditions, we did keep our trees watered. Looking out at the bright fruit on the trees is a reminder to me, in my walk with God, that “fruit” for God’s kingdom and glory will be born in my life by the faithful “watering” of my mind and heart with Scripture.

By the way, we’re still way behind in rainfall here, but conditions are not as dramatic since our weather is cooler and we have had some rain. The sad part is the many, many dead trees all around town.

From Gerald … Judith and I have much to be thankful for. God has redeemed us by his grace. We have close relationships with our children and grandchildren. Our needs have been met abundantly. We are members of a church that faithfully preaches the Word of God and provides encouraging fellowship. We have no significant physical limitations. Please pray that we would serve the Lord faithfully in every area of our lives.

With love from the Pedersen clan

Hawk, Flowers, Oranges, and Nephews

2011-11-23T08:15:00.001-06:00

This hawk was in one of our neighbor's trees.

Our recent rain has brought about a new bloom of life in our yard.

A little fall color.

This is wood sorrel.

Our tangerine tree is yielding a delicious and bountiful harvest this year, which we've been thoroughly enjoying!

Peter picks a tangerine.

Peter helping Becca with the timeline she made of the English monarchy for our study of England.

"Here, Peter. Draw your own picture."

Samuel.

Welcome to England

2011-11-14T20:51:00.001-06:00

Once a year our family does a unit study on a particular country. For several weeks we do research, write reports, and then we have one day with food, costumes, decorations, and music from that country. This year we chose England.

We began the day with a hearty breakfast.

We had made bread the day before.

Laura and Mama made cucumber sandwiches for tea.

Anna did a lot of cooking.

Laura dressed as a Victorian schoolgirl.

I took this picture because it seemed so incongruous.

Later Laura turned into a chimney sweep. I had fun putting soot on her face from the fireplace.

I dressed as a maid from the 1500s.

John was a punk. We were pretty shocked when he walked in the door like that.

Megan had sprayed orange hair spray on his hair. They tried to make spikes but his hair was too curly.

The Beautiful Lady with Ethelhad, the Saxon

At 4:00 we had tea.

We had cucumber mint sandwiches, scones, shortbread, sponge cake, and of course, tea with sugar and milk.

It was delightful.

Soon it was time for dinner. These were the decorations (which we ate).

We had shepherd's pie, Yorkshire pudding, sweet potatoes, and a Roman salad of green beans and chickpeas.

We ate off of bread called trenchers.

For dessert we had plum pudding (that's the cake), and gingered bread. This gingered bread, made of bread crumbs, honey, and spices, was a forerunner to modern gingerbread. It was very spicy.

I read my report on English history.

Laura read hers about the Great Fire of London of 1666.

We played Tiddlywinks, an English game of popping buttons.

We sang medieval songs.

We danced English country dances.

At the end of the day Laura got cleaned up.

November Newsletter

2011-11-09T17:46:00.000-06:00

From Laura, 12 … Last weekend we went on a campout at Stephen F. Austin State Park. The weather was freezing cold the first day and during the nights, and perfect coolness the other two days. I slept outside and it was very nice especially when I woke up during the night, looked up into the sky, and thought sleepily, “Orion!” They have a volleyball court there and part of the group played for awhile. At home we have just a rope between two trees and very small squares. It was a lot of fun there though with a lot of people. It was a busy campout spent fellowshipping with our friends.

From Becca, 15 … Last weekend we went camping and had a great time. These are some of the things I enjoyed:

Drinking hot chocolate on frigid mornings
Going on walks in the woods
Playing Catch Phrase and volleyball
Riding our bikes through the woods
Spending time with family and friends
Lying on my bed gazing at the stars

From Seth, 18 … Over the past few weeks I’ve been reading an excellent book on welfare and benevolence called The Tragedy of American Compassion, by Marvin Olasky. The author has discussed two unbiblical methods of compassion that both flow from incorrect views about man. The first sees man as basically good and thus sees poverty as universally caused by external factors, never by internal sins like drunkenness, laziness, and irresponsibility. The compassion this view produces is universal welfare for the poor, including those unworthy of material support. The other view, Social Darwinism, sees man as basically a highly-evolved animal and thus sees the poor as the scum of society. This view produces zero compassion because it only wants to eliminate, not transform, the poor. The proper view is a middle-ground that sees man as sinful, but still made in the image of God. This view gives material support to those who genuinely need it, but not for those whose poverty is a result of sin. This love, which will give no support to sin, does seek though to transform those trapped in a sinful, impoverished lifestyle. What sinners most need is the life-transforming, Christ-exalting power of the gospel.

From Anna, 21 … I really enjoyed our recent campout. Although it got cold at night, the weather during the day was perfect, and it was a treat to be able to spend so much time outside relishing it. I also appreciated being able to spend some quality time with several good friends.

I’ve been thinking about friendship lately. There’s a sense in which friendship is what we make it, since it requires effort and commitment on our part, but sometimes we can invest in a relationship and never see it become something really deep and meaningful. Other times friends just seem to “click” and a rich relationship develops with ease. I have no explanation for why that is. That element of mystery makes me so grateful to God for the blessing of good friends, because they aren’t something that I can manufacture by my own efforts.

From John, Megan, and baby-on-the-way … This last month has gone by so quickly! It's amazing it's already November! The end of October we went camping at Stephen F. Austin State Park. We had a very nice time fellowshipping with friends and family. Even though it was pretty cold during the nights, the days were nice and sunny and warm enough for just one jacket instead of four coats!

James has been steadily growing and is moving around a lot more these days. It's fun, amazing, and reassuring to feel little feet and hands kicking and pushing around! The other day John was able to feel James kick for the first time! It was pretty neat! We are halfway along to being able to hold James in our arms! We both look forward to holding, seeing, and enjoying him! It's amazing how quickly these last several months have gone by.

John's work is going well. We had a season of it being slow, but God continues to show Himself faithful. He has provided jobs, and things are picking up again.

From Ray, Katie, Peter, and Samuel … We had a fun time celebrating Peter’s birthday recently. It’s hard to believe he’s two years old! He’s such a delight to have in our family, even though he does keep us hopping. He’s adding more and more words to his vocabulary, and always trying new things, like jumping and riding his tricycle. He tries to play with Samuel, which is fun to see. Samuel is getting more able to interact with Peter, and does things like grabbing Peter’s ear. Peter thinks that’s very funny.

From Judith … I was recently reminded of God’s faithfulness. We have shredded very large amounts of paper lately. As I sorted through Gerald’s old pay stubs, memories flooded in. In 1992 Gerald left teaching without a job to go to. He worked at various odd jobs that included temporary teaching positions, painting a strip mall, and drafting. Those early years were full of uncertainty and low pay. The job market in Wyoming was tough back then. Yet we continued to grow in the Lord, our needs were always met, and the life of our growing family was rich and satisfying. I am very thankful that my joy in the Lord does not depend on any sense of worldly security.

From Gerald … In early October, we attended a weekend conference at our church. It increased my awareness of how media is used to shape and influence our thinking. The beliefs, assumptions, and biases of the producers of a message always influence what is presented. It is important for us to apply critical discernment to everything we read, hear, or watch. A message will often appear to make sense and have a sound basis when we first receive it, but may actually not be based on an accurate understanding of God’s Word.

As part of the conference program, we watched a documentary on church youth ministries. The film presented the youth group model of ministry as the cause of young people leaving the church as young adults. We agree that this type of ministry is fraught with problems and we do not support it. Yet, we do not agree with the premise of the film. The real reason young people leave the church is that they have not been changed by the Gospel. If a person has not been drawn to the Lord in belief and repentance, it should come as no surprise that he or she would leave the church. So, the real issue is not that 60-80% of youth growing up in the church leave the church during the first few years after high school, but rather that 60-80% of youth growing up in the church are not believers and have never been saved.

Our mandate is to see that the Gospel is clearly and consistently presented and that our church ministry model and our message be consistent with what Scripture teaches. If we are faithful to what God has commanded, then He will produce the fruit.

With love from the Pedersen clan

Fall Campout 2011

2011-11-07T16:33:00.000-06:00

Our fall campout this year was at Stephen F. Austin State Park. It was cold at night-- mid 40's-- but we managed to stay warm enough and it was beautiful during the day. We always enjoy the time outdoors and the sweet fellowship with friends.

Peter, the stake-pounder.

Armadillo.

Peter watching the armadillo.

Walking down to the river.

The river.

Peter trying to catch dragonflies.

We played several rounds of volleyball. To divide into teams, we lined everybody up in height order and counted off. It's really a very practical way of choosing teams, but it made for a funny picture!

Snapshots from the 2011 Birthday Concert

2011-10-27T19:18:00.000-05:00

We held Mama's eighth annual birthday concert a couple of weeks ago. Here are some pictures from the evening.

Laura playing Chopin's "Minute Waltz."

Becca playing "Largo."

Katie playing a classical arrangement of the hymn "Abide with Me."

Seth and me singing "In Christ Alone."

Me playing "Southwind."

Playing "Be Thou My Vision."

Singing a choral piece called "A Prayer for Our Time."

We got everybody in on a choral reading from John 1.

The birthday girl and her sweetheart.

At some point, Papa decided that Mama could never age beyond 43. Mama's age has now become a long-standing family joke!

We love you, Mama!

Dancing in the Sunrays

2011-10-21T12:54:00.000-05:00

One day there was a thick fog, and when it lifted, we saw many sunrays.

Dresser Upgrade

2011-10-17T13:08:00.000-05:00

Before: the old green dresser.

During: patching cracks and chips with wood filler.

During: adding a second coat.

The final product!

A Pictorial Update

2011-10-12T08:02:00.000-05:00

Pictures have been rather sparse here of late, so here are some snapshots of life at our house for the last couple of months.

We had a birthday party for John in August. He really wanted to have a bonfire, but a drought-related burn ban prevented that, so we set out almost every candle we own!

Brothers in arms.

The resulting blaze.

Now that's how you arrange birthday candles!

Samuel is just as huggable as ever.

Our downstairs half-bath has a lovely new door.

Peter learned how Russian stacking dolls work.

We celebrated Becca's birthday.

We harvested the leeks from our garden. They were small, but they just weren't getting any bigger.

We saw a hawk.

We went to an early-American-costume-themed ball put on by some friends of ours.

Peter the cute.

We saw more hummingbirds during the fall migration than we ever have before. We're speculating that the drought has affected their natural food sources, so they were more likely to come to our feeder. One evening we saw four or five them all zooming around at once.

October Newsletter

2011-10-04T20:04:00.004-05:00

From Laura, 12 … Next weekend our family is attending a church conference. We will watch the movie Divided (a documentary on the tragedy of young people leaving the church), and then discuss it. For many people, church programs aren’t places to hear the gospel and mature as a Christian but rather as a place to enjoy themselves. Combined with it, they will talk about the impact media has on our lives. I am looking forward to hearing what they have to say on this issue.

From Becca, 15 … I have been thinking about the importance of not being focused on ourselves. I mean that in two ways. We should not proudly rely on ourselves for strength but instead recognize our weakness and trust in God for everything we need. And we ought to think more about other people and their good than about our own desires. Both of these require us to be humble and not centered on ourselves.

From Seth, 18 … This week I had lunch with a classmate and two other students, and I was confronted by the need to balance being “in the world, but not of the world.” It’s the question of how to build enough of a relationship with someone to continually impact them for Christ without getting so close to them as to be “sitting in the seat of scoffers.” After having lunch with these students, I realized I had been too silent with them. Their conversation was evil, and I must either flee evil or confront it. I have to offer more than tacit, silent disapproval.

From Anna, 21 … I’ve been reading Ben-Hur lately. I read it once several years ago, but at that point I was reading it purely as an adventure story and a lot of the deeper themes went over my head. As I’ve been rereading the book, one point of dramatic tension that has stuck out to me is the debate over the purpose for which the Messiah would come. Most of the characters are of the typical Jewish mindset that the Messiah would come as a mighty warrior and powerful king, who would overthrow Rome and establish an earthly kingdom rivaling the splendor of Solomon’s. There is one character, however, who steadfastly affirms his belief that the Messiah would come to save souls, not to establish an empire.

This has all been especially interesting to me since we’ve been reading through the Gospel of John as a family. Over and over John describes how Jesus was misunderstood, mischaracterized, and deliberately unheeded by those who heard him. Some refused to give any consideration to Jesus’ claims to be the Christ. Others simply couldn’t reconcile the things He said and did with their preconceived ideas of who the Messiah would be. In the end, though, Jesus accomplished what He had come to do in His first coming: the way was opened for the salvation of souls. But that is not truly the end, for He’s coming back, and, when He does, His rule and His kingdom will be established over the new heavens and the new earth.

About John, Megan, and baby-on-the-way … (by Judith) We enjoy seeing John and Megan from time to time over here. I still cut John’s hair, so that affords us some visits. John stops by occasionally for a tool or to do some work for us and we occasionally see Megan when she’s out on errands. They have an ultrasound scheduled on Oct. 6th to see how the baby is growing and to find out if the baby is a boy or girl. It will be fun to see John as a father! He was great with his younger siblings. I particularly remember how much he helped with baby Becca when he was 12. I could always count on him to get her to sleep.

From Ray, Katie, Peter, and Samuel … (by Katie) We flew to Washington a couple of weeks ago for a ten-day trip. We visited lots of family members on Ray’s side of the family, most of whom got to meet Samuel for the first time. We also did some sight-seeing while we were there, including the Seattle aquarium. Peter really enjoyed that one, and went around saying excitedly, “ish! ish!”. We were in the Seattle area at the very end of summer, apparently, because the first part of our trip had beautiful weather, but then it turned cooler and rainier.

From Judith … I feel like I never really got all the way moved into this house over two years ago. Between the ongoing work on the house and various huge transitions in our family, many boxes were just left in tall stacks and scattered heaps, primarily in my bedroom. Think: wall of boxes -- the warehouse look. Finally, I am digging in to sort, thin, and properly store the items. (It’s very satisfying to toss the cardboard boxes!)

One interesting observation I have made is that, over time, many things have become of little value to me. Over and over I hear myself say, “I’ll never use this.” I initially thought additional storage would be needed, but I decided to wait to see exactly how much would actually exceed our available storage. Though not finished, I’m far enough along to know that we won’t need that extra storage after all! I’m very pleased about that.

From Gerald … We have recently been listening to a series of lectures on the Holy Spirit. One of the roles of the Holy Spirit is that of a “paraclete.” This Greek word is translated as “Comforter”, “Counselor”, or “Helper”. Its literal meaning is one who is called to be alongside. In the culture of Jesus’ time, a paraclete was an advocate or a family attorney who could be called upon to defend in time of need. In John 15, Jesus said that he would send another Paraclete. He himself is our advocate before the Father at the throne of judgment, and the Holy Spirit is our advocate before men in the midst of persecution. The translation of this word as “Comforter” makes sense if we think of the literal meaning of the root words (com = with; forte = strength). As the Comforter, the Holy Spirit gives us strength and courage for the battle.

With love from the Pedersen clan

God's Order in the World of Math

2011-09-30T17:42:00.000-05:00

Seth found this paragraph on a trigonometry website recommended by his math professor:

"If there is anything in mathematics that deserves to be called beautiful, it is here. We find such beauty especially when geometry is reflected by simple arithmetic. The Pythagorean theorem is another example: 3² + 4² = 5². We discover those relationships in those archetypal forms. We do not invent them."

Isn't this a neat testimony to the order that God built into our world?

The Deity of Jesus the Christ

2011-09-26T08:55:00.000-05:00

A recent encounter with a Jehovah's Witness prompted me to go on a search for specific Scriptures which speak of the deity of Jesus. I was awed at the the depth and breadth of the Scriptural testimony to the divine nature of Christ. Below is a list of some of the passages that I found most significant.

Verses that explicitly refer to Jesus as God:

"For to us a child is born,
        to us a son is given;
    and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
        and his name shall be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
        Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
(Isaiah 9:6 ESV)

"...waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ," (Titus 2:13 ESV)

"For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily..." (Colossians 2:9 ESV)

"And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." (1 John 5:20 ESV)

    “'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
        and they shall call his name Immanuel'”
    (which means, God with us).
(Matthew 1:23 ESV)

"To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen." (Romans 9:5 ESV)

Verses that show the superiority of Jesus over the angels:

"For to which of the angels did God ever say,
    'You are my Son,
        today I have begotten you'?
"Or again,
    'I will be to him a father,
        and he shall be to me a son'?
"And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,
    'Let all God's angels worship him.'
"Of the angels he says,
    'He makes his angels winds,
        and his ministers a flame of fire.'
"But of the Son he says,
    'Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
        the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
    You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
    therefore God, your God, has anointed you
        with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.'
"And,
    'You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
        and the heavens are the work of your hands;
    they will perish, but you remain;
        they will all wear out like a garment,
    like a robe you will roll them up,
        like a garment they will be changed.
    But you are the same,
        and your years will have no end.'
"And to which of the angels has he ever said,
    'Sit at my right hand
        until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet'?
"Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?"
(Hebrews 1:5-14 ESV)

Michael is referred to as ONE of the chief princes:

"The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia," (Daniel 10:13 ESV)

Jesus, on the other hand, is referred to as the supreme authority:

"'They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.'” (Revelation 17:14 ESV)

"...that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church," (Ephesians 1:20-22 ESV)

Michael would not pronounce a judgment on Satan:

"But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, 'The Lord rebuke you.'" (Jude 1:9 ESV)

Jesus, however, plainly rebuked Satan:

"Then Jesus said to him, 'Be gone, Satan! For it is written,"You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve."'" (Matthew 4:10 ESV)

The angels refuse worship:

"I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, but he said to me, 'You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.'" (Revelation 22:8-9 ESV)

Jesus accepted worship from the wise men (Matthew 2:11), a leper (Matthew 8:2), a ruler (Matthew 9:18), a blind man (John 9:38), "every knee" (Philippians 2:10-11), and angels (Hebrews 1:6)!

Verses that show that the Jews understood Jesus to be claiming divinity:

"But Jesus answered them, 'My Father is working until now, and I am working.' This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God." (John 5:17-18 ESV)

"'I and the Father are one.' The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, 'I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?' The Jews answered him, 'It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.'" (John 10:30-33 ESV)

Verses where Jesus refers to Himself as "I am" (which is tied to the name YHWH in Exodus 3):

"'Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.' So the Jews said to him, 'You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?' Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.'" (John 8:56-58 ESV)

"Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, 'Whom do you seek?' They answered him, 'Jesus of Nazareth.' Jesus said to them, 'I am he.' Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them." (John 18:4-5 ESV)

Verses that show Jesus' ability to forgive sins and His knowledge of all things:

"And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, 'Son, your sins are forgiven.' Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 'Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?'" (Mark 2:5-7 ESV)

"'Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.'" (John 16:30 ESV)

"He said to him the third time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me?' Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, 'Do you love me?' and he said to him, 'Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my sheep.'" (John 21:17 ESV)

Old Testament attributes of God the Father that are applied to Jesus in the New Testament:

"I am the LORD; that is my name;
        my glory I give to no other,
        nor my praise to carved idols."
(Isaiah 42:8 ESV)

"'And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.'" (John 17:5 ESV)

------------------

    "I, I am the LORD,
        and besides me there is no savior."
(Isaiah 43:11 ESV)

"...waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ," (Titus 2:13 ESV)

-----------------

"Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer,
        who formed you from the womb:
    'I am the LORD, who made all things,
        who alone stretched out the heavens,
        who spread out the earth by myself,'"
(Isaiah 44:24 ESV)

"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him." (Colossians 1:16 ESV)

-------------

"In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said:

"'Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts;
    the whole earth is full of his glory!'
"And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: 'Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!'
"Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: 'Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.'

"And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.' And he said, 'Go, and say to this people:

"'"Keep on hearing, but do not understand;
    keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’
    Make the heart of this people dull,
        and their ears heavy,
        and blind their eyes;
    lest they see with their eyes,
        and hear with their ears,
    and understand with their hearts,
        and turn and be healed."'"
(Isaiah 6:1-10 ESV)

"Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said,
    'He has blinded their eyes
        and hardened their heart,
    lest they see with their eyes,
        and understand with their heart, and turn,
        and I would heal them.'
"Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him."
(John 12:39-41 ESV)

I'm in a Transition

2011-09-20T10:36:00.000-05:00

6th grade science, Heritage Studies, and reading lesson.

7th grade Life Science, World Studies, English, and literature (the spiral-bound books are the teacher's books which go with the book above).

Just a Few Thoughts About Natural Childbirth

2011-09-13T10:48:00.000-05:00

Natural-childbirth advocates are not all cut from the same cloth.

In a childbirth documentary I reviewed last night, I heard several comments about how natural birth empowers women. Up came the red flags for me. At the heart of that mindset is plain old pride. I’d like to think that my own choice for natural childbirth decades ago was motivated by the desire to be a good steward of my babies’ health and my health. I know that, sadly, my motives are never pure; they were surely tainted with pride (“Look what I can do!”).

The women in the video were clearly in the “empowerment” camp, but I am not. This natural-childbirth advocate wants to challenge her Christian sisters to search their hearts that they might approach natural childbirth with a view to glorify God, not themselves, by embracing God’s beautiful design of the birth process and, therefore avoiding, as much as possible, interventions. After all, birth is a natural God-given function of our bodies -- not an illness.

September Newsletter

2011-09-06T09:33:00.000-05:00

From Laura, 12 … Recently I started a book called The Sinking of the Titanic and Great Sea Disasters. The ship itself was the largest of its time, being 882½ feet long, and capable of carrying 2500 passengers plus a crew of 860. The rudder weighed 100 tons and each of the anchors were 15½ tons. The publisher, Douglas Philips, wrote of the defiance to God in building it because the motive was to prove that man was great and could do great things. In the book there is a picture of the Titanic floating on the ocean, resting in God’s hand. This speaks to me of how, even through their pride, God can never be moved nor can he be measured up to in any way, shape, or form. The ship set off not heeding the warnings of icebergs. She steamed majestically out of the port of Southampton bound for New York and met her demise before even her first trip was completed.

From Becca, 14 … This week I learned something interesting about the moon. It is exactly 400 times smaller than the sun and exactly 400 times closer to us than the sun. That is why people can see perfect solar eclipses. If the moon was 399 times smaller than the sun, it would not fit precisely into the sun’s disk, but would cover it more. And if it was 399 times closer to us than the sun, it would not cover it completely. This shows God’s orderly design of our world. But I will have to wait a long time to see a solar eclipse because the next complete one over Houston will be when I am in my eighties.

From Seth, 18 … Last month I began taking some college classes. So far there have been aspects that have been tough, like boring classes, busyness, and a crude-mouthed professor, but there have also been aspects that I have enjoyed, like meeting some people and having an interesting conversation with my government professor. My prayer is that, in Christ, I will be joyful, humble, and courageous in all things.

From Anna, 21 … I have had a couple of occasions recently to ponder the way in which we tend to teach and emphasize aspects of Christian living in a way that detracts from the truth of what God has done in Christ, as well as the truth of our utter need for Christ and His work in our lives. It is important that we know, understand, and apply what the Bible says about marriage, parenting, work, finances, church life, and many other practical areas, but these issues must all be kept squarely in the context of the central message of the Gospel. When we fail to do so, we end up communicating, either implicitly or explicitly, that if you do X then your children will all turn out perfectly… or you will never have problems in your church… or you will win God’s favor and blessing—which is dangerously close to saying that if you do X you will be saved. Instead of an “if-then” statement, we need a “because-therefore” statement: Because God has chosen us from before the foundations of the world to be His children, has sent Jesus the Christ to bear the punishment due to us for our sins, and has regenerated and empowered us through the Holy Spirit, therefore we must and will live our lives in a way that honors His Word and obeys His commands.

From John, Megan, and ? … (by Megan) John is keeping busy with work. God has been faithfully providing work and the time to get it done. I am 12 1/2 weeks along this weekend. Our last midwife appointment went well. We got to hear the baby's heartbeat! It was truly amazing! The next appointment is mid September. I have been feeling fine and am looking forward to not feeling tired all the time. :)

From Ray, Katie, Peter, and Samuel … (by Katie) The trees and shrubs in our neighborhood keep getting browner and browner. We had to have one dead tree cut down, but some people are a lot worse off than we are. One of our neighbors had to have nine trees cut down, and another had a tree fall on the edge of his house. In happier news, Samuel started rolling over this week. I’m not sure which is cuter, Samuel rolling over, or Peter exclaiming “Uh-oh!” and rushing over to turn him back.

From Judith … I’ve had a few losses recently. A childhood friend died and, a week later, I lost my Bible (stupidly drove away with it on top of the car). Of course those are not losses of the same type or intensity, but together they gave me pause to reflect. My friend and I kept in touch over the years but hadn’t remained particularly close. I didn’t even know she had, for over a year, been battling breast cancer until her sister called me with the news of her death. I wouldn’t have expected it to hit me as hard as it did. I guess it felt like an important piece of my past just fell away. Karen was one of the few constant and steady threads during my growing-up years. She was a good friend through many moves and family struggles. But I have my memories. Besides some personal notes, the Bible and assorted items in the case are all replaceable. Anything – loved ones, possessions, health – can be lost in this life. I am reminded that only my salvation in Christ is secure. He is my all in all; in him I am content.

From Gerald … I just read a good article by R. C. Sproul, Jr. He was responding to the question of whether or not it is a good idea to have satellite churches where the preaching of a particular person is delivered to remote locations. He wisely commented that this is a bad idea. I cannot state the case as eloquently as he did, but he discussed the problem of cultivating a celebrity-personality environment where it is all about the speaker and his delivery style and technique rather than about the Gospel and its power. It is also not possible for a man to be a pastor (shepherd) of thousands of people, many of whom he has never seen in person.

Texas weather report … The drought continues. Please pray for rain for Texas.

With love from the Pedersen clan

Moon Phase Simulator

2011-09-01T07:30:00.000-05:00

Becca was studying the moon recently, so Papa found this moon phase simulator for her. It's a really helpful way to visualize the positions that cause the moon phases to progress over time.

It's Raining Here Tonight...

2011-08-24T20:46:00.000-05:00

I have been confronted before with the fact that we often don't appreciate things until we're made to do without them. A prime example that comes to mind is going for a year with our kitchen sink on the opposite side of the house from our kitchen!

Tonight, though, I'm thinking about rain. There was a glorious thunderstorm going on out there earlier, and we were all running out to watch the darkening clouds blowing in, smell the coming rain, watch the lightning, and listen to the thunder. It has been so long since we had a storm like this!

I love thunderstorms. In the midst of our drought, the moisture that it is providing is particularly welcome, but I love thunderstorms even when we are not in great need of rain. To me, there are very few phenomena in nature that display God's power like a thunderstorm does. The active power displayed in the intense brilliance of a lightning strike and the tremendous blast of thunder that follows is like nothing else.

I am glad that the power is still on!

Trip Pictures: Last Tidbits

2011-08-23T20:54:00.004-05:00

So... there are a few last things that I just have to share.

This sign was on a convenience store in the Black Hills area. The part that caught my attention was that your minnow may be drug tested for steriods! Some people must take their minnow races very seriously.

This van was along the road to Devil's Tower. The picture came out blurry, but the list on the right is of South and Central American countries, and the license plate is from Switzerland! We can only assume that someone from Switzerland is doing a driving tour of the Americas.

We have no idea what the identity or purpose of this structure is, but it certainly looks extraordinary!

And, finally, this is Gladys the Goose, touring Yellowstone and appearing to enjoy it!

Trip Pictures: Sunsets and Wildflowers

2011-08-22T08:49:00.028-05:00

We were able to see several beautiful sunsets on our trip. There's nothing quite like the way the colors come into the sky, glow, change color, and finally fade as the sun leaves the sky.

In Nebraska.

In the Badlands.

Over Mount Rushmore.

From our campsite in Yellowstone.

We also enjoyed seeing a wide variety of wildflowers-- beauty on a much smaller scale than much of what we saw.

Thistle in the Black Hills.

Above the tree line along a mountain pass in Northern Wyoming.

Yellowstone.

This cheerful fellow was blooming in our campsite the whole time we were at Yellowstone.

Growing out over a stream.

Trip Pictures: Mountains and Waterfalls

2011-08-20T21:55:00.001-05:00

This was a good year to visit the Yellowstone area because of the greater-than-usual snowfall last winter. This meant both that the mountains still had more snow than usual for this time of year and that the rivers and waterfalls were fuller. We saw an incredible amount of breathtakingly beautiful scenery.

A mountain pass in Northern Wyoming... note Seth in the foreground.

Another view from the same point.

Yellowstone Lake.

The view from our campsite in Yellowstone.

Eating breakfast in the chill of early morning mountain air.

Doing the same thing 13 years ago!

The reflection here was amazingly crisp.

Note the yellow wash of wildflowers.

Snow!

The Lower Yellowstone Falls. The roar of thousands upon thousands of gallons flowing over the precipice... the green waves, swelling with latent power before disintegrating into thundering foam and floating mist...it was spectacular.

The Lower Falls, seen from farther downstream.

Rainbows in the mist of the Upper Falls.

Looking into the Yellowstone canyon.

Mama and Papa, with the Lower Falls in the background.

The Hayden Valley, in Yellowstone.

One of the many smaller falls we saw.

Ice Lake... a genuine picturesque mountain lake!

On our way to Ice Lake, we saw a lot of the deadfall from the 1988 fire in Yellowstone. It was interesting to see the combination of fallen dead trees, old trunks still standing, and young trees.

This fallen tree had rings dated for the War for Independence and the founding of Yellowstone National Park.

The Upper Falls.

The river, upstream of the Upper Falls.

Lewis Falls.

Moose Falls-- we didn't see any moose, unfortunately. Mama particularly liked the waterfalls.

Flora growing in the damp environment created by the waterfall mist.

The Grand Tetons.

Trip Pictures: Wildlife

2011-08-19T08:30:00.000-05:00

We really enjoyed seeing all the wildlife on our trip. It was so neat not only to see these animals, but to see them in their natural environment. Once again, God's creative hand is displayed in the variety of what He has created.

Deer in the Badlands.

A small toad, near the Badlands.

Wild goats in the Badlands area.

Prairie dogs.

A bison in the Black Hills.

Pronghorn.

Wild burros.

This burro never moved-- we had to drive around him!

This picture only shows about a third of this bison herd in the Black Hills. By the time we got to Yellowstone, we had already seen so many bison that we hardly bothered to look when there were only half a dozen!

Mosquitoes at our camp site in Yellowstone were terrible. The result was all-out war.

Casualties.

A bison next to a hot spring in Yellowstone.

A marmot.

Elk.

An American Dipper...

... the only North American songbird that swims.

Bear!

This is the side of one of the public restrooms in Yellowstone. It was a bit of a shock to look around the corner and see this hulking beast right there!

Elk.

Deer.

Probably a mother wolf with her pup, but they might have been coyotes.

Pelican.

Off he goes...

Chipmunk.

Elk.

Geese.

Trip Pictures: Yellowstone's Thermal Features

2011-08-18T19:54:00.006-05:00

The thermal features of Yellowstone were truly a fascinating testimony to God's creativity. It was mind-boggling to think of everything going on underneath the surface to result in such strange and widely-varied manifestations on the surface. Some features are calm and placid, while others are roiling incessantly. Mud pots might be thin or thick. Pools could be deep blue, sky blue, emerald green, or even brown. The thermophilic bacteria living around the pools color the borders brown or orange or white depending on temperature. Geysers might be a constant bubble or an infrequent high-powered jet-- and it's all just hot water!

One of the most interesting aspects of the thermal features is the constant change that is taking place. Even Old Faithful isn't erupting quite as often or as predictably as it used to, due at least in part to an earthquake several years ago. There was one place where a boardwalk had been rerouted because a new feature had popped up that was superheating the path. A sign told the story of a geyser that had been continuously spouting until something stopped it up. Pressure built up so much that it unexpectedly exploded, throwing rocks 200 feet away and startling the seven park visitors nearby! Now that geyser is just a quiet spring.

A small geyser that erupts almost constantly.

A thin, fast-boiling mud pot.

A quietly boiling mud pot.

The steaming runoff from Excelsior Geyser flowing into the Firehole River.

Looking over Excelsior Geyser. Excelsior is currently dormant, but when it erupted, it was one of the very biggest geysers. Its large crater and still-continuous flow of water bear witness to this!

Some of these blue pools seemed like something out of a fairy tale.

There was a great array of different formations created by the mineral deposits from the water. Some of them reminded me of what you see in caves. The coloring here is from bacteria.

Old Faithful.

Anemone Geyser was interesting because we could easily see the different phases of an eruption: filling...

...erupting...

...and draining away.

In the upper right of this picture, you can see an old path. Obviously, this spring just flowed right over it! We never did figure out exactly why some springs form terraces as seen below.

This was our favorite mud pot. Most of the ones we saw were fairly thin, so they just boiled like water. This one was very thick, so when it boiled it threw clumps of mud several feet into the air. Note the circled white spots! The boardwalk in the background was roped off with a sign that said, "Closed due to hot flying mud." We didn't need much convincing; the walk behind the sign was covered with white mud spots. It made a most interesting sound.

Another mud pot.

I found these bubbles peculiar because they just stayed and stayed and hardly ever popped.

This picturesque-looking lake is about as acidic as battery acid-- not a good place to go wading!

This is Dragon's Mouth Spring, and it was easy to see why it got its name. The actual spring is quite a ways back in that cave, so the sound of the water reverberates and is amplified in the cave, making an extraordinary assortment of thumps and bellows. Combined with the continuous spurts of steam and the disturbance in the water, it looked like the ideal location to see a dragon!

Trip Pictures: On to South Dakota and Beyond

2011-08-17T08:00:00.002-05:00

Trains on display in North Platte, Nebraska.

The desolate beauty of the Badlands in South Dakota.

The Badlands mellowed in the late evening light.

Mud birds' nests seen on a hike.

The ladder we climbed on our hike. (It wasn't quite as steep as it looks in the picture.)

Finding a rare bit of shade.

It was easy to imagine why early travelers called these the Badlands!

The view at the end.

We toured this gold mine in Keystone, South Dakota. It was a horizontal tunnel drilled and blasted into the side of the mountain. It was painstakingly formed over the course of about 20 years by two men. At the end, they worked out a large room, but they weren't able to follow the veins of gold that they found because they were running into other people's claims. It was hard to imagine how much work they put into that mine.

Looking up in the room at the end of the tunnel.

Mt. Rushmore.

We also toured Wind Cave, a national park in the Black Hills. It has the greatest length of surveyed tunnels of any cave in the world, all in less than one square mile of surface area! We could see little passages branching off every which way. One unique feature of the cave is its lack of stalactites and stalagmites. Instead, its major feature is boxwork:

There were other features as well, including frostwork and popcorn:

The train we rode...

...which was late.

Off we go, through the rolling hills.

The view from a fire lookout.

Along Needles Highway...

...named for these formations.

One of the narrow tunnels along the highway.

The Homestake gold mine in Lead-- this one was highly successful!

Devil's Tower.

Trip Pictures: Family Time

2011-08-15T20:01:00.003-05:00

Trying out our new semaphore flags at the family reunion... look closely!

Looking at old family pictures...

...like this one of my great-great-great grandparents...

...or this one of my grandpa and his little brother--weren't they adorable?

An intense game of Jenga.

Sunday morning worship.

Helping Grandma with some yard work in Fort Collins.

Trying out Grandmother's typewriter.

Family dinner.

Becca filling in for the yet-to-be-installed statue at the new veterans' memorial.

Piano duets at Grandmother's house.

Bananagrams gone...well, bananas.

We drove by several sites of historic family significance on this trip, including this farm which belonged to my great-grandparents. When Papa was a boy, his uncle was running the farm and his grandparents were living in a little house near the old farmhouse. He visited here often during the summers. The old farmhouse burned down right after his uncle sold the farm, and almost everything else has changed as well, but the two circled buildings are the garage and chicken house that were there when Papa was growing up.

And this is the very place where Papa proposed to Mama 34 years ago!

Then and Now in the Badlands

2011-08-13T17:07:00.000-05:00

This picture was taken in the 1960's of our father and aunt. Because of the street sign, Seth was able to research and discover the exact location. It was in the Badlands, which we would be going to on our trip.

So we stopped and took a new picture--almost fifty years later.

August Newsletter

2011-08-08T17:19:00.000-05:00

Trip summary … (by Judith) Our recent trip was wonderful but it’s always great to be home again! We traveled about 4000 miles over 17 days. After the biennial Pedersen reunion in Nebraska we headed north to South Dakota to take in the Badlands, the Black Hills, Mt. Rushmore, and Wind Cave. Also in that area we toured an old gold mine and rode an 1880 train. From there we stopped by Devil’s Tower on our way to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. We saw breathtaking views of God’s creation throughout our trip. It came in many forms – wildlife, wildflowers, forests, mountains, snowy peaks, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, springs, geysers, sunsets, sunrises, a cave, and rock formations. After our sightseeing we headed east, still in Wyoming, to visit old friends and then south to Colorado to visit family.

Woven into the trip were several stops related to family history. In Lexington, Nebraska, we saw where both sets of Gerald’s grandparents farmed and raised their families and where Gerald visited as a boy. In Casper, Wyoming, we saw the house where Becca and Laura were born. In Glenrock, Wyoming, we saw the house where Anna and Seth were born. In Ft. Collins, Colorado, we saw the house where Katie and John were born. We also drove by the curb where Gerald proposed marriage to me, but that’s a whole other story!

Stay tuned for pictures here on the blog.

From Laura, 12 … Probably my favorite part of Yellowstone was the waterfalls. They were huge, roaring, and awe-inspiring. It is amazing to see more water than you can easily calculate pouring down every second with mist and rainbows rising way above the surface of the water. It was so beautiful. It’s also neat to think that that same amount of water has been pouring over every second since we were there as well.

From Becca, 14 … I knew there were geysers in Yellowstone but I didn’t know about the enchanted pools and boiling mud. I didn’t even know God made such strange things. I was amazed to see steaming pools of deep, clear, brilliantly blue water. Some of them had delicate thin edges extending out along the surface of the glass-like water. I was also impressed with the mud pots, although they certainly do not have the serene beauty of the pools. They were holes in the ground with mud “blurping” up and dispelling clouds of foul-smelling steam into our faces.

We made lists of different things we saw on our trip. We saw all the state license plates except for Rhode Island and Hawaii. We also saw license plates from six different Canadian provinces and Switzerland. We spotted over twenty hats—baseball caps and cowboy hats—blown onto and left on the thermal features of Yellowstone due to the rule against walking off the path. As for wild animals we saw bison, elk, bears, donkeys, wolves, deer, pronghorns, goats, turkeys, geese, pelicans, ducks, an osprey, a marmot, rabbits, prairie dogs, squirrels, chipmunks, a mouse, fireflies, and some more birds.

From Anna, 21 … As I think back on all the sights we saw on our trip, I’m struck with a sense of awe at the wonder and variety of that which God has made. From the desolate beauty of the Badlands, full of contrasting brilliance and shadow at sunset or washed out by the brightness of the midday sun, to the stunning and rugged splendor of the Grand Tetons, to the tenacious elegance of the flower growing out of the rock, to the sometimes strange, sometimes lovely thermal features of Yellowstone, to the object of powerful grandeur or quiet beauty that can be made simply by water flowing off a cliff, to the variety seen in the animals, from the largest bison to the smallest ground squirrel, all things declare the glory and creativity of our God.

It was interesting, in the midst of these works of God, to also see works of man such as Mt. Rushmore—and yet, the ingenuity, intelligence, and artistry required to conceive and carry out such a project demonstrate the way that man is created in God’s image. The works of man, therefore, for those who have eyes to see, also point back to the glory and creativity of God.

From Judith … Our trip was certainly filled with the many different wonders of God’s creation! The thermal features at Yellowstone and the assorted craggy and stark formations in the Badlands and the Black Hills were indeed fascinating, but my delight was in the waterfalls, the wildflowers, the wildlife, and the snow-capped mountains. Due to the heavy snowfall in the Rocky Mountains this past winter, there was still quite a bit of snow above timberline and the spring runoff resulted in particularly beautiful waterfalls. They were tremendously swollen!

Having been to Yellowstone the year before the 1988 fire, and again ten years after the fire, we took special notice of the changes in the forest, now 13 years later. Amidst the young forest are the many towering poles that have shed their charred bark yet remain standing. Many others have already fallen and are littering the forest floor necessitating the clearing of trails with chainsaws. We were indeed witnessing the life cycle of a forest.

From Gerald … We are back from our vacation trip. I really enjoyed the time spent with Judith and our children and the other folks we visited along the way. We also saw and did lots of fun and interesting things. We had many reminders of how great our God is. Yet it feels really good to be back home again. We really missed Katie and John and their families (Ray, Megan, Peter, Samuel). We missed our church family and the familiar worship setting. It is also good to be engaged in productive activity. It is easy to allow leisure or recreational activities to get out of balance. We must pay attention to that even when we are at home.

Now for some other news …

From Seth, 18 … This week our church started a small group Bible study called “Getting to the Heart of Parenting,” by Paul Tripp. Last night was the first meeting of our group, and so far the study has been excellent. In the first session Mr. Tripp talked about how the family is God’s primary learning community. He fleshed out that idea by explaining how the family should be a theological, sociological, and redemptive community. Because the glory of God is all around us, in the design of fingertips, in the chemistry of boiling water, in the growth of a flower…, we should constantly be filled with awe of God and pointing our children to see how truly awesome our God is; thus the family is a theological community. The family is a sociological community in the sense that God calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves and to have a self-sacrificing love for one another. The family is finally a redemptive community because as we hold up these high standards of worship and love, our children see that they do not measure up; in and of themselves they cannot please God. Then the good news of the gospel comes in: though we fall so far short of the standards God requires, Christ came as our redeemer, and through Him alone we can have hope for reconciliation to God and growth in godliness.

From John and Megan … (by Megan) Earlier this month we were able to attend the Pedersen family reunion. It was nice for John to see family members again, and for me to be able to meet most of the extended Pedersen clan.

Sunday evening that weekend we were in Denver and I ended up in the ER for a kidney stone. We went in because I was having severe cramping and we didn’t know what was causing it. We postponed our return home from Monday morning to Tuesday morning so we could both rest after the long night at the hospital. I spent the next several days recovering and taking it easy.

God is so good to give us all the blessings He gives. John’s work has been going well. God continues to bring him jobs both from new and old clients. I love taking care of our home and family, being a wife, and now being a mother! John and I are expecting our first child! The baby is due around March 15. We are very excited about being parents! We will post periodic updates on our family blog – A Blessed Life: http://www.bountifully-blessed.blogspot.com/

From Ray, Katie, Peter, and Samuel … (by Katie) Peter has been learning quite a few new words, although he usually only says one syllable of the word. He’s also a keen observer, and often copies what we are doing. It has been fun, and a little scary, to see him learning so much so quickly. Samuel just keeps growing! He’s 2 ½ months old and only six pounds lighter than Peter. Samuel is also getting more interactive, smiling often, and “talking” to people when they talk to him. Several times lately, we’ve had strangers comment that we seem to have a very happy family. We can’t take credit for it, so it makes us grateful for the Lord’s work in our lives and for the testimony to His grace that we can be to others. You never know about comments from strangers, though: one day, a lady asked if Samuel was my baby brother!

Texas weather report … The drought continues. Please pray for rain for Texas.

With love from the Pedersen clan

A Sobering Reminder

2011-08-04T07:57:00.000-05:00

While passing through Glenrock, Wyoming, this summer, we stopped to see our old house. We were saddened to see that it was sorely suffering from neglect and abandonment. Windows were broken and boarded up, shutters were missing, some steps of the upper deck stairs were broken, a door was standing open, and an auction announcement was posted on the front door. It was as though I had left my child with a babysitter and come back to find he had been woefully neglected. Just before we moved on, I just had to go close that open door.

Like the house we’re in now, that house was a rescue effort. It was very needy in 1986 when we bought it. During our eight years in it, Gerald brought it back to life. That included transforming the upstairs from two partial rooms and an unfinished space to three bedrooms and a full bath which resulted in a four-bedroom, two-bath house.

I really had to search my heart trying to understand why the current sorry condition of the house mattered to me. The sale of the house in 1994 was very profitable for us, so it’s not because of money. Nor can anything change my sweet memories of our years there which are supported with many treasured photos.

I suppose part of my sadness about the house is that whenever I invest in something, such as a craft, I want it to last and be cared for. I don’t enjoy cooking very much because what I produce doesn’t last. I’m a bit more satisfied with cleaning because it lasts longer than a meal. Gerald worked hard renovating that house and I guess I hoped it would be kept up by others.

Ultimately, I just had to remind myself that it’s only a house – a temporal, earthly thing. During our years in that house, it was an earthly tool God gave us to use in his service. On our recent visit there, God used that tool again, this time to remind me that only that which is eternal -- that which is done for his kingdom and his glory -- will last. Therefore, that is where my heart should be.

The house when we left it in 1994.

The house now. Pictures never show the signs of decay as clearly as we see them in real life, but even here you can see the boarded window, the dead grass, the missing shutters.

Socks!

2011-07-27T21:38:00.001-05:00

Seth's Graduation Speech

2011-07-23T21:31:00.001-05:00

Good evening! Thank you everyone for sacrificing the time to be here tonight at my graduation. What exactly is this event all about? On the surface it would seem to be a celebration of my finishing a series of textbooks. That is not strictly the case though, because I actually have not completed all my textbooks. Moreover, in the grand scheme of events, finishing a certain curriculum seems like a relatively insignificant achievement. Indeed, this event isn’t really about my achievements at all. Rather, it is a time to pause during a period of transition to look back with thanksgiving and forward with trust in our sovereign Lord.

Starting with the look forward, I would like to lay out for you my plans for the future. They are really pretty simple: get a degree so I can get a land surveying license, get married, start a land surveying firm, and have a family. My plans are in God’s hands though, and what must continually be ringing in my ears is this: “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.” I would ask for your prayers that as I continue through life my chief goal will be the advancement of Christ’s kingdom.

Let’s now look back with thanksgiving. Psalm 111 says, “Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart, in the company of the upright and in the assembly.” The Lord is indeed worthy of praise for what He has done, and I do thank you for gathering together as a “company of the upright” this evening. Your presence means much to me.

I would like to begin by thanking God for the many people who have been blessings and influences in my life, a number of whom are here tonight. I am sincerely grateful for your friendships—friendships which have left me with many fond memories of working, playing, serving, praying, and worshipping together. Your conversations with me have been tools of both exhortation and encouragement, and your examples have served to inspire me toward greater godliness.

Narrowing the focus a little, I want to thank God specifically for my family. As I have traveled through life, they have been at my side all the way. In times of mirth, they have laughed with me. When sorrowful times have come, they have been the ones with whom I have talked, prayed, and wept. In times of gladness, they have been the ones with whom I have first rejoiced. In short, they have shared life with me. Because we are sinful, messed-up people sharing life together, God has also used my family to teach me about repentance and unconditional love. These are vital lessons, but it is very difficult for one selfish sinner to learn these lessons by himself. Thank you, my family, for walking with me all these years along the journey of life. I love you dearly.

Zooming in yet a step closer, much thanks is due to the Lord for my parents. In them God has painted for me a picture of hardworking diligence, wise thoughtfulness, generosity, hospitality, and tender love. Most significantly they have been the means God has used to expose me to sound preaching and to saturate me with His Word. God has used my parents’ authority to both drive foolishness from me and teach me about submission. When I have struggled, they have been there to talk and to advise.

Throughout the years, they have poured themselves out in so many ways—from the first pains of birth, to the strokes of the rod of correction, to the many hours of counsel, to evenings spent laboring through physics problems or helping me patch my pants. But alas, that list was like scratching the surface of a diamond with an eraser! I’m sure I can’t even imagine all the ways they have given of themselves. Mama and Papa, thank you for all you have done. May God be praised for the way He has used you.

Now, all of that for which I have given thanks is truly but rubbish—compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. Apart from Him, I am dust, a worm justly condemned to eternal death and separation from God. For God is holy and good, the giver of all life and worthy of all worship, but I, in my sinful pride and disobedience, have spurned Him. But behold, Christ, on the cross, absorbed the wrath due me and rose again in victory. God has brought me from the dominion of darkness to the kingdom of light—a kingdom which is ruled by Christ Jesus, the King who surpasses all others. To God be the glory forever and ever!

Seth's Graduation

2011-07-20T21:15:00.002-05:00

We recently celebrated a milestone in Seth's life as he reaches the completion of his high school studies. It was a sweet time of celebrating what God has done in Seth's life, and of anticipating what the future has in store.

Seth gave a speech-- stay tuned, we'll be putting that up on the blog later!

Mama read a letter to him...

...and Papa read a letter and presented him with a framed verse and a coupon for his diploma, which hadn't actually come in the mail yet.

Wedding Pictures-- Portraits

2011-07-16T20:44:00.001-05:00

Three couples.

The Lemay clan.

The Gerald Pedersen family... now numbering 12!

All the Pedersen relatives.

Bride and groom...

The wedding party.

Silliness...

Wedding Pictures-- Reception

2011-07-14T20:17:00.001-05:00

Time for a celebration!

The arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Pedersen.

Father-daughter dance.

John and Megan's dance, sweet and lovely!

Cake cutting.

John surprised Megan by washing her feet during the reception. It was a beautiful picture of servant leadership.

The Virginia Reel.

What fun!

It was hot. Peter just couldn't take it any more...

Preparing to depart...

And off they go!

Pictures of Peter and Samuel

2011-07-12T21:17:00.001-05:00

Peter goes to the doctor. He is having his temperature taken.

Peter has broken his leg and is not happy:

Checking blood pressure:

Checking heart beat:

Dr. Peter:

Samuel has been smiling lately!

Wedding Pictures-- Ceremony

2011-07-12T14:03:00.002-05:00

"...as a bride adorns herself..." (Isaiah 61:10)

"...as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest..." (Isaiah 61:10)

"The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes, leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills." (Song of Solomon 2:8)

"You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride;" (Song of Solomon 4:9)

"...for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready;" (Revelation 19:7)

"And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." (Revelation 21:2)

"Hear, my son, your father's instruction..." (Proverbs 1:8)

"Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear:

...forget your people and your father's house, and the king will desire your beauty." (Psalm 45:10-11)

"Therefore a man shall...hold fast to his wife..." (Genesis 2:24)

"For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church..." (Ephesians 5:23)

"I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine;" (Song of Solomon 6:3)

"What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate." (Mark 10:9)

"Let him kiss me..." (Song of Solomon 1:2)

"As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you." (Isaiah 62:5)

"Fathers... bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)

"The voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voices of those who sing, as they bring thank offerings to the house of the LORD;" (Jeremiah 33:11)

"My beloved speaks and says to me: 'Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away..." (Song of Solomon 2:10"

Our Hero

2011-07-08T08:22:00.001-05:00

We discovered this big brave lizard with the cockroach in its mouth. It eventualy swallowed it whole.

Fourth of July Evangelism

2011-07-05T20:59:00.002-05:00

Last night a friend and I had the privilege of doing some evangelism at a big 4th of July festival downtown. I thought I would share about two conversations that I especially enjoyed.

The first was with a Hispanic couple, and an interesting facet of this conversation was that it was almost entirely in Spanish. That was an adventure! The couple was very gracious in helping me along. The man professed to be a Christian. I misunderstood him at first and thought that he was saying he wasn't a Christian; he was actually saying the opposite! It was encouraging to talk with them, particularly since the last two people I had talked with had not been very receptive to the truth--one had been a Jehovah's Witness and the other an existentialist.

The second conversation was with a middle-aged single man. We talked together about the holiness of God, about sin and judgement, and then about the glorious good news of Jesus--about His obedience, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection. It was truly awesome to see this man's eyes opened to the truth and to the hope we have in Christ. We read from Revelation 5 about the splendor of the Lamb, and this gentleman seemed awed by the glory of Christ. We also talked about the two paths. On the one hand is the path of serving sin with its worldly pleasures; this is the path that leads to eternal death and judgment. On the other hand is the path of following Christ; this path will not always be easy in this life, but it is the path that leads to an eternity spent with Christ in all His glory. The conversation ended with an embrace and an exchanging of contact info. Glory to God!

June Newsletter

2011-06-29T10:40:00.000-05:00

Houston weather report … We’re experiencing one of the worst droughts in about 100 years. Even trees have been dying. We have some dead ones on our property which will need to be removed. Our neighborhood is on well water and some wells have run dry. Thankfully we received almost two inches of rain this week. We’re still far below normal so are hoping for more. The one bright spot is that there have been fewer mosquitoes!

From Laura, 12 … Settling into the new normal with John being gone is certainly an adjustment for me. Prior to the wedding I had thought that perhaps John moving out would not be as hard as Katie moving out, because he was not home all day as was Katie. Now that it has happened though, I think it is harder for me this time because, first, I was only nine when Katie got married, and second, more of my life has been spent with John living at home than with Katie.

From Becca, 14 … The other day Papa explained the third law of planetary motion to me, which says that the distance between any planet and the sun is proportional to the time it takes to orbit the sun. If you multiply the time by itself and the distance by itself three times you will always come up with the same number. I thought that was wonderful and I wondered how Johannes Kepler could have discovered that. Papa said that Kepler suspected that there would be a rule and so he just played around with the numbers until he found one. Kepler believed that God created the universe with order, so he looked for it. Someone who believes that the universe was created by random chance would not look for laws like that. How could something like this occur any other way than by a God of order? How wonderful it is that God has designed things in our universe to be dependable and yet he is far more dependable still!

From Seth, 18 … I spent a few days working for John during the week after he returned from his honeymoon. The task at hand involved painting dentil molding, which is a type of molding that has hundreds of tiny cube-like shapes in-set along the length of the molding. The cubes, with all their tightly-packed interior right angles, make the molding very painstaking to paint. Though the work was not that enjoyable, I was very glad to be able to work with John. We had worked on jobs together several times before his marriage, and it was nice to do so again after he was married. Because I rendezvoused with him at his house, I was able to see a little of his new family life. I enjoyed seeing John’s house becoming a new Pedersen home and being with them while they prayed and spent time in the Word.

From Anna, 21 … We ended up with a handful of video clips from John and Megan’s wedding that we would like to put together with some audio clips and photographs to make a nice finished product, so I’ve been playing around with transitions and special effects. I’ve never done any video editing before, so I’ve had to figure out what I’m doing, but I’m having fun. I put together a three-minute sampler video just to try everything out, and I’m looking forward to doing the real thing.

I’m currently reading a volume of the letters of John Newton (author of the hymn Amazing Grace). He demonstrates deep insight, great humility, a caring shepherd’s heart, and a joyful awe at the nature of God and the gospel. That would be enough to make his letters edifying reading, but knowing his background as a former God-hating, rebellious slave trader adds a fascinating dimension. In one place he is writing to his unbelieving brother-in-law and speaks of how he had tried all the pleasures the world could offer—and he certainly had! This hardened seaman-turned-caring pastor is a shining example of the sanctifying power of God’s grace. (See some excerpts here.)

From John and Megan … (by Megan) Life after the wedding has been wonderful! These last three weeks have been busy, but productive, as we have been settling into a new normal for our own family. John has been keeping busy with work, and I have been getting our home set up and running. We have both been learning the new dynamics of life for two.

From Ray, Katie, Peter, and Samuel … (by Katie) Ray's business has been the busiest it's ever been lately. Clients seem to be coming out of the woodwork. Ray is enjoying it, even though it's a lot to juggle, and we're thankful for the Lord's provision. Samuel is a happy, healthy, delightful baby who seems to get bigger every day. He'll catch up to Peter soon at this rate! Peter is enjoying his new little baby brother. Ray and I are learning to juggle TWO little boys. We enjoyed the visits of relatives who came to town for John and Megan's wedding, including Ray's dad, Carl, who hadn't seen our 'new' home yet. Carl got more than a little of our Texas heat, but had a great time here.

From Judith … Life just goes from full to fuller! To my great delight I now have my very first daughter-in-law! Megan has become a treasured friend to me. I look forward with joy to our relationship deepening in the years to come.

Another new treasure in my life is the parcel of sweet memories I came home with from John and Megan’s wedding. Though all the words spoken and sung in the service were deeply meaningful, it was particularly moving to me to hear my son vow before God to be faithful in every regard as a Christian husband. Years of preparation were bearing fruit in those moments. Later during the reception John washed Megan’s feet so as to illustrate that the husband’s leadership role should be characterized by servanthood. This showed me yet further fruit. I thank God for this new treasure freshly stored in my heart.

From Gerald … Today we participated in an activity called “The Tabernacle Experience.” A local church sponsored this traveling exhibit. It consists of a nearly full-scale replica of the Tabernacle of God from the time of Moses. A narrated presentation explained each element of the Tabernacle as participants moved from station-to-station within the structure. I thought that it was a worthwhile experience. Even though it was not doctrinally accurate in every aspect, they did a good job of recreating the structure and in the narrated presentation. The explanation of each element of the Tabernacle looked at its historical significance and also showed how it pointed ahead to Christ. For example, the altar where burnt offerings were sacrificed pointed to the sacrifice of Christ. The mercy seat on the ark of the covenant in the holy of holies was a cover over the ark which contained God’s law. Christ’s perfect obedience to the Law and his atoning sacrifice provide a cover for us against the righteous wrath of God.

Quotes from the Letters of John Newton

2011-06-24T17:09:00.000-05:00

I've been enjoying reading a volume of John Newton's letters. The first excerpt was written to his unbelieving brother-in-law after he had recovered from a serious illness. The next was written to a pastor, the following three to another pastor, and the last two to a group of Christian ladies.

Remember that we must all, each one for himself, experience on which side the truth lies. I used a wrong word when I spoke of your recovery. Dear brother, look upon it as no more than a REPRIEVE; for you carry the sentence of death about with you still; and unless you should be cut off (which God of his infinite mercy prevent) by a sudden stroke, you will as surely lie on a dying bed as you have now got up from a bed of sickness. And remember, too (I can hardly bear to write it), that should you neglect my admonitions, they will all tend to render you more inexcusable... My hearty, daily, constant prayer is, that [God may meet you] in a way of mercy, and that you may be added to the number of the trophies of rich, free, and sovereign grace. Amen. Your sister sends her love.

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

Methinks a very different spirit from that of the church of Laodicea is to be seen amongst us, though perhaps it is not easy to say which is the best of the two. That was neither cold nor hot, this is both cold and hot at once, and both to the extreme. Hot, hasty, and arbitrary in those few things where mediocrity is a virtue; but cool and remiss in those great points, where the application of the whole heart and soul and mind and strength is so absolutely necessary, and so positively enjoined.

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

If you should be numbered among the regular Independents, I advise you not to offend any of them by unnecessary singularities. I wish you not to part with any truth, or with any thing really expedient; but if the omitting any thing of an indifferent nature will obviate prejudices, and increase a mutual confidence, why should not so easy a sacrifice be made?

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

Have we not sometimes mocked God, by pretending to ask direction from him, when we had fixed our determination beforehand? It is a great blessing to know that we are sincere; and next to this, to be convinced of our insincerity, and to pray against it.

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

May God give you wisdom, faithfulness, and patience; take care that you do not catch an angry spirit yourself, while you aim to suppress it in others: this will spoil all, and you will exhort, advise, and weep in vain.

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

Be not discouraged: usefulness and trials, comforts and crosses, strength and exercise go together. But remember He has said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee; be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." When you get to heaven, you will not complain of the way by which the Lord brought you.

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

He drank of the full cup of unmixed wrath for us; shall we then refuse to taste of the cup of affliction at his appointment, especially when his wisdom and love prepare it for us, and proportion every circumstance to our strength; when He put it into our hands, not in anger but in tender mercy, to do us good, to bring us near to himself; and when He sweetens every bitter draught with those comforts which none but He can give?

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

Oh! Who can say which is the most wonderful part of this wonderful subject? That He should provide such a happiness for such hell-deserving wretches, and that He should commend his great undeserved love to us in such a wonderful way, as to give his own and his only Son to be born, to be buffeted, to be crucified for us? Alas! Alas! For our stupidity, that we can write, or hear, or speak of these things, with so little feeling, affection, and fruitfulness. Oh! That the power of God would set my heart and pen at liberty while writing, and fill your heart while reading, that we may rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory!

General Robert E. Lee and His Children

2011-06-20T09:15:00.000-05:00

Recently I read something about Robert E. Lee which I found fascinating. It gave me a more personal view of this great man. It was in a book called Recollections and Letters, written and compiled by his son.

"From that early time I began to be impressed with my father’s character, as compared with other men. Every member of the household respected, revered and loved him as a matter of course, but it began to dawn on me that every one else with whom I was thrown held him high in their regard. At forty-five years of age he was active, strong, and as handsome as he had ever been. I never remember his being ill. I presume he was indisposed at times; but no impressions of that kind remain. He was always bright and gay with us little folk, romping, playing, and joking with us. With the older children, he was just as companionable, and I have seen him join my elder brothers and their friends when they would try their powers at a high jump put up in our yard. The two younger children he petted a great deal, and our greatest treat was to get into his bed in the morning and lie close to him, listening while he talked to us in his bright, entertaining way. This custom we kept up until I was ten years old and over. Although he was so joyous and familiar with us, he was very firm on all proper occasions, never indulged us in anything that was not good for us, and exacted the most implicit obedience. I always knew that it was impossible to disobey my father. I felt it in me, I never thought why, but was perfectly sure when he gave an order that it had to be obeyed. My mother I could sometimes circumvent, and at times took liberties with her orders, construing them to suit myself; but exact obedience to every mandate of my father was a part of my life and being at that time. He was very fond of having his hands tickled, and, what is still more curious, it pleased and delighted him to take off his slippers and place his feet in our laps in order to have them tickled. Often, as little things, after romping all day, the enforced sitting would be too much for us, and our drowsiness would soon show itself in continued nods. Then, to arouse us, he had a way of stirring us up with his foot—laughing heartily at and with us. He would often tell us the most delightful stories, and then there was no nodding. Sometimes, however, our interest in his wonderful tales became so engrossing that we would forget to do our duty—when he would declare, “No tickling, no story!” When we were a little older, our elder sister told us one winter the ever-delightful “Lady of the Lake,” Of course, she told us in prose and arranged it to suit our mental capacity. Our father was generally in his corner by the fire, most probably with a foot in either the lap of myself or youngest sister—the tickling going on briskly—and would come in at different points of the tale and repeat line after line of the poem—much to our disapproval—but to his great enjoyment.”

Wedding Video

2011-06-06T21:14:00.000-05:00

A friend of ours took some video clips at John and Megan's wedding which she has put together in a lovely video on her blog.

Thank you, Katrina!

One Happy Couple

2011-06-05T10:08:00.000-05:00

Samuel Yawns

2011-06-01T22:27:00.000-05:00

Big brother.

Little fingers.

Baby's here, wedding's a-comin', life is full, and God is incredibly gracious in the midst of it all.

May Newsletter

2011-05-30T16:56:00.002-05:00

From Laura, 12 … Now that the Wades have another baby, Peter seems like a giant! Having two children is a huge adjustment for the Wades to make. We have been helping them occasionally by entertaining Peter, bringing meals, and cleaning their house.

From Becca, 14 … On May 19, Katie had the baby! While Katie was in labor all day long, Mama was over there and Peter was here. It was fun babysitting him. That evening we all got to go over and see Samuel when he was only about an hour old. He is sweet, soft, cuddly, sleepy, and floppy. It’s going to be really fun to watch him grow and to see how he is different from Peter. I love being an aunt. I have learned so much about babies since Peter was born. It has made up for not having baby siblings.

From Seth, 18 … Last week I took a CPR/first-aid class at a local fire station. I found the class very helpful—especially the information about CPR. Basically, the most important thing you can do for an adult whose heart-beat and breathing have stopped is to kneel at his side and give him hard, rapid chest compressions. Even if a person has terrible wounds, it is more vital to keep blood and oxygen flowing through his body. Chest compressions work by forcing blood in and out of the heart and by forcing air in and out of the lungs.

Over the past weeks, I’ve been enjoying reading through Revelation. It contains the glorious themes of Christ’s exaltation and victory, Satan’s ultimate defeat, and the perseverance and preservation of God’s people.

From Anna, 21 … We had the privilege of attending the wedding of some friends last weekend. We have known this couple for quite a while, so it was a sweet blessing to watch them make this transition to being husband and wife.

Besides John and Megan, we also know a few other couples that are moving toward marriage. It’s so exciting to see new families being formed and established for the glory of God.

From John, 26 … My life right now is a flurry of moving, busyness at work, and last minute preparations for wedding and honeymoon, while trying to still get enough sleep, spend time in the Word each day, and generally avoid getting stressed. I’m excited about the once-in-a-lifetime events of the next two weeks, but I really am looking forward to getting started on a new normal life with Megan.

About Ray, Katie, Peter, and Samuel … (by Judith) Joy of joys! Samuel Dean was born to Ray and Katie Thursday evening, May 19 (six days past her due date). He weighed 9 pounds, 2 ounces, and was 22 inches long. Katie is recovering quickly and smoothly and Samuel has taken well to nursing. Ray has been a faithful caregiver. Peter has enjoyed getting to go out with Ray on most of his work- and home-related outings. The Wades are coming along with adjusting to the expansion of their family.

From Judith … I really like this grandma business! It is second only to having children of my own. My days of bearing children are past, so I’m especially grateful to have these two (so far!) delightful little ones in my life. Also, it is pure joy to see these new Christian families forming and expanding. Though our adult children have faced and will face trials in this life, I know they are trusting in God’s sovereignty and are seeking to glorify God with their lives. That is my great hope for each one of them.

Once again I was given the great privilege of attending the Wades’ birth in their home. I was so glad to be able to be at Katie’s side; she was a trooper. Then there was my elation as I witnessed Samuel’s first breath. Oh, the wonder of it all – God’s amazing design for creating and bringing forth children! I was full of awe once again as I thought of Samuel being inside of Katie just moments before!

From Gerald … Another grandson! It is so special to hold a new baby. Samuel looks so much like Peter did as an infant. It will be interesting to see what they are like when they get older. What a special privilege it is to have Katie and Ray and their children living so close to us. This is a very busy season for us. In addition to Samuel’s birth and all the regular activities of our household, there is much going on. Last week, we attended the wedding of friends from church. It was a very meaningful service. Seth continues to work diligently to finish his high school work. He is also planning his schedule for fall and will attend new student orientation next week. Of course, there is much to do in helping John to prepare for his wedding next week. And there are countless projects to complete in our house and yard.

Our Love, Gerald, Judith, John, Anna, Seth, Becca, and Laura

Something I Heard Today

2011-05-28T15:37:00.000-05:00

I was listening to a message by Kelly Bradrick today titled Victory for Daughters. She said something I thought was meaningful:

"Everyone wants to be the chief and nobody wants to be the Indian. Everyone wants to be the head. No one wants to be the helper. We don't understand that being a helper is something to be desired. What would a chief be if there weren't any Indians? And as girls this is what we were created for I believe."

More Pictures of Samuel

2011-05-20T21:46:00.000-05:00

Finally!

2011-05-19T22:24:00.000-05:00

Samuel Dean, 9 lb 2 oz

Pictures From our Week

2011-05-16T20:31:00.000-05:00

The low-tech way to view a sideways video without tipping your head:

Peter likes to do the hand motions for the song, "The Wise Man Built his House upon the Rock."

Mama finished the bridesmaid dresses! They are beautiful!

And last but not least, we are waiting impatiently for the coming of a certain little baby!

Peter--Happy Helper

2011-05-11T12:03:00.001-05:00

Peter was helping put the groceries away.

The Work Goes On-- Bathroom Vanity

2011-05-09T16:56:00.001-05:00

Some time ago we installed a utility sink in our downstairs half-bath just to get us buy until we could put in the real one. We were very happy to get the basic vanity built recently so that we were able to put in the counter and sink. It was a significant upgrade!

Spurgeon on Earthly Suffering

2011-05-08T21:43:00.000-05:00

"Nothing reflects so much honour on a workman as a protracted and severe trial of his work, and its triumphant endurance of the ordeal without giving way in any part. We are God's workmanship, in whom He will be glorified by our afflictions. It is for the honour of Jesus that we endure the trial of our faith with sacred joy. Let each man surrender his own longings to the glory of Jesus, and feel, 'If my lying in the dust would elevate my Lord by so much as an inch, let me still lie among the pots of earth. If to live on earth for ever would make my Lord more glorious , it should be my heaven to be shut out of heaven.' Our time is fixed and settled by eternal decree. Let us not be anxious about it, but wait with patience till the gates of pearl shall open."

~Charles Spurgeon, in Morning and Evening

Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts

2011-05-06T17:07:00.001-05:00

Attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux, Translated by Ray Palmer

Jesus, thou Joy of loving hearts,

Thou Fount of life, the Light of men,

From the best bliss that earth imparts

We turn unfilled to thee again.

Thy truth unchanged hath ever stood;

Thou savest those that on thee call;

To them that seek thee thou art good,

To them that find thee All in all.

We taste thee, O thou living Bread,

And long to feast upon thee still;

We drink of thee, the Fountainhead,

And thirst our souls from thee to fill.

Our restless spirits yearn for thee,

Where'er our changeful lot is cast;

Glad when thy gracious smile we see,

Blest when our faith can hold thee fast.

O Jesus, ever with us stay,

Make all our moments calm and bright;

Chase the dark night of sin away,

Shed o'er the world thy holy light.

Engagement Pictures!

2011-05-04T16:37:00.001-05:00

Photos taken by Lacie Verret

How the Garden Grows

2011-05-02T07:00:00.001-05:00

Leeks

Zucchini

Parsnips

Tomatoes

Melons and carrots on the left, lettuce and one watermelon plant on the right

Big Day in the Kitchen...

2011-04-28T17:16:00.000-05:00

Our island has outlets!

Mr. Peter

2011-04-26T12:08:00.007-05:00

Why is he so happy?

Is it because John and Megan just got engaged that night?

No, it's because his Mommy is feeding him pudding.

A favorite pastime: playing with cars.

The quizzical look.

Walking with his hands behind his back.

April Newsletter

2011-04-25T08:50:00.000-05:00

From Laura, 12 … Earlier this month our church held a small conference. Our guest speaker was Conrad Mbewe from Zambia. Over the weekend he spoke on authority and submission. There were several vertical relationships he spoke about: ruler/citizen, employer/employee, elder/church member, husband/ wife, and parent/child. He pointed out that only when you’re being asked to do something you do not want to do is submission difficult. It is impossible to say you are submissive if all you are ever required to do is things that correspond with your wishes.

From Becca, 14 … One day I was sitting in our shed when a wren flew in with something in its mouth. (The shed has a missing window.) It flew to a certain place in the rafters and placed its bit there. It came back again and again and paid no attention to me. Later Laura and I went to check on the bird nest in the shed. I saw a cave-like nest which hadn’t been there before, so I swung over on the rafters, bracing my feet against the wall, in order to get a better look. I had my face pretty near when suddenly a bird flew out at me! I was so startled, I screamed. With fast-beating hearts and trembling bodies we made haste to depart from the frightening shed.

That same day I was playing the piano when I saw some movement out of the corner of my eye. There was a bright green lizard just walking down the shelf! I was very surprised! Since Seth wasn't there, I was determined to catch it. (I have not been able to in the past.) I got Laura, and after a lot of running around and yelling, I succeeded in throwing it in a box and rushing it outside.

From Seth, 18 … In the past weeks I have spent quite a bit of time studying physics. The subject has often proved to be a challenge, but it has also been interesting to gain a heightened awareness of the different forces at work around us. Just the simple act of opening the garage door is accompanied by a mind-boggling array of forces: everything from the numerous muscular forces in my hand, arms, legs, and back; to the frictional forces between me and the ground and between the various components of the garage door; to spring forces (redirected incidentally by pulleys); to the force of gravity—all working together to cause certain masses to accelerate and move in specific ways. Wow. What complexity! May the Creator of all receive glory!

From Anna, 21 … I recently finished reading the autobiography of Olaudah Equiano. He was a former slave who became involved in the abolition movement in England in the late 1700’s. His autobiography was a significant factor in shifting public opinion because he wrote about his experiences in such a relatable, honest way. His experiences and his travels were widely varied, so it was fascinating to read his first-hand perspective on Africa, the West Indies, America, England, slavery, sailing, and commerce. His accounts of injustice not only to slaves but also to free blacks demonstrate the complete lack of rights that they had. People complain of continued racism in our culture today, but it’s nothing compared to what it was then, especially in the West Indies.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the book for me was Equiano’s account of his conversion. It was interesting to draw parallels between that story and the story of how he earned his freedom. In both cases, he was living in a state of misery from which he longed to be free, freedom came suddenly, and when it had come, he had great joy and his life was forever changed. The biggest difference, though, was that he was able to work hard and to earn his own freedom from human slavery. On the other hand, he tried to work his way out of his slavery to sin, but no matter how hard he tried to do right, he continued to fail and was devoid of peace until all at once God changed his heart and caused him to recognize Christ as the only means of salvation and to trust him fully.

About John, 26 … (by Judith) John’s life right now is full of preparations and transitions. He has recently been investing time in communicating with the Lemays about the wedding service. Also there have been many other assorted lesser tasks related to the wedding and taking on a wife. Though his house is livable, there is some amount of work over there that he’d like to get done before he and Megan move in. Of course, he and Megan are spending lots of time together deepening their relationship and preparing to be husband and wife. There will also be the job of moving all of John’s and Megan’s worldly goods over to John’s house. Blessedly, his business is doing well right now, so his days are full. It’s a busy time to be sure, but we’re happy for them. They are well suited for each other.

About Ray, Katie, and Peter … (by Judith) Ray and Peter have had been sick recently, but are slowly on the mend now. Katie, with only three weeks to go before her due date, is more than ready to not be pregnant and to meet the new baby. They chose not to know the sex, so we’ll all be surprised! There’s not enough of Peter to go around, so this baby will help with that problem. Ray’s real estate work burbles along. The Lord provides.

From Judith … In looking over lasts month’s entry, I decided I’ll give an update on what I shared then. Katie was two weeks early with Peter, so we are mentally preparing for the possibility that she could go into labor any time now. I’ve finished my blouse for the wedding and have done the upper part of the three bridesmaid dresses. (The dresses have required a considerable amount of custom cutting and fitting.) I still need to alter Gerald’s and Seth’s suit pants. Seth is definitely scaring us less and less with his driving. (Recently, though, he did almost take out a neighborhood mailbox when he was watching some scavenging vultures!) Gerald got him started on the van so that he would have even more opportunities for practice. I’m more convinced than ever that nothing compares with sheer hours on the road to become a good driver. Seth is headed this fall to the University of Houston, but the actual degree program is still in question. The College of Technology just dropped their land surveying major, so we are waiting to see where the coursework he needs will end up. Those are the latest developments.

From Gerald … We had a great time camping near the end of March. We went to Martin Dies State Park, northeast of Houston. It is a beautiful park and the weather was great. We enjoyed our time there with several friends.

Our Love, Gerald, Judith, John, Anna, Seth, Becca, and Laura

Grandma's Visit

2011-04-21T08:02:00.002-05:00

Grandma playing with the remote control car.

Making cookies.

Grandma got to hold Peter when he had just gotten up from his nap.

We like to play cards when Grandma comes. Peter does too.

This is a turtle we found.

Three Pictures from John and Megan's Courtship

2011-04-15T13:02:00.000-05:00

Peter Looks Through a Culvert

2011-04-06T09:06:00.001-05:00

Camping!

2011-04-03T09:10:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, we went camping at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park. It sits around this lake:

Seth got adventurous and decided to ride his bike partway there, so he left a day early to ride 80 miles and spend the night at a different state park, where we picked him up on our way to Martin Dies the next morning.

We enjoyed camping right next to the Wades, and sharing some of our meals.

One morning, we made pancakes over the fire. The first few were...ahem... a little dark, but after the first several batches and some adjustments to the fire, they were coming off perfectly golden brown.

Scrambled eggs.

We went on walks with friends...

and we stopped in at a Dutch oven cooking demonstration being held in the park.

On Sunday we went on a short hike around an island with views of the lake...

...and some giant trees. This tree was probably over ten feet in circumference.

We also saw this dogwood tree in bloom.

We had a very enjoyable time visiting with friends, relaxing, and enjoying God's creation!