2014

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16 

"You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created." Revelations 4:11

The purpose of our lives: to bring glory to God. May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ receive honor from our lives in 2014!

Family Reunion

We just took family pictures tonight.  All the Susan family is together this week for the first time in about three years.

Into the Past - Old Houses and Barns

In this part of the country abandoned homesteads abound.  I really enjoy old architecture and the history that goes with it.  It's sad to see such beautiful buildings rotting away and eventually bulldozed and burned. I've taken a few pictures of several of the structures locally but hope to get more as time goes on.

Our First Snow

Especially for our friends south of the equator, we received our first winter weather yesterday-2-3 inches of cold white fluffy stuff!  The children have been asking about every week for a month now "when will it snow"? They have been enjoying it immensely. 

Looking Good...

Or should I say "seeing well"? Ezra received his glasses last week and seems to be adjusting well.  For a while after beginning to wear his glasses he just sat and stared.  I think his brain was on overload!

Second Eye Surgery

Surgery on Ezra's left eye went well yesterday!  The Dr. said his eyes look GREAT!  She said they are healthy and he should see well with glasses.  Thank you for praying and caring!

Eye Surgery

On Monday we found ourselves in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the Philip's Eye Institute for a consultation with the Specialist about Ezra's eyes and a surgery.  After examining both eyes the Dr. decided to operate first on the right one.  One of the nurses gave Ezra a teddy bear.  He really liked the bear and was smiling and "talking".  

After the surgery Ezra wasn't so happy! Poor boy!  It took a while for him to come out from the effects of the anesthesia and calm down. The Dr. said his eye is healthy and he should be able to see with glasses!!  We praise the Lord Jesus for that. Surgery on the second eye is scheduled for September 9th.

Ezra's eyes

For those who may not have heard Ezra was born with cataracts in both eyes.  This morning he was to have one removed but after a thorough eye exam under anesthesia the surgeon decided to send us to a pediatric eye specialist. So at this point we are waiting to be rescheduled. Ezra is high risk for glaucoma as well.  He responds to light but as far as we know he doesn't see much else.

"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works." 

Psalm 139:14

Family Reunion

I know.... you can't believe I'm actually posting something!  Well, life has been FULL!  I won't even try to "catch up".  We did enjoy a family reunion this past week-end at our house.  It was the first time we were all together in 10 years.  God blessed us with beautiful weather and good fellowship. We are thankful for how God is working in our families.

A picture of Ezra today.  We've not been able to keep up with regular posting. Sorry.  Life's been too unpredictable!

Happy Birthday Titus

Happy Birthday Shoshanah

Anger

Someone has said, "You can't get rid of anger by losing it!" Take the time to watch this message by Dr. S.M. Davis on anger.  It is worth the time! http://vimeo.com/18720780

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32

Spring???

As you can see spring is still a little ways off.  Last week it was quite warm around here but this week we had a major winter storm.  The boys and I enjoyed making a snow fort yesterday and last night we got even more snow.

Birds and Spring

I heard birds!  Of course there is nothing too unusual in that statement except in the details.  About every day we hear birds as the migratory flocks fly north.  We've heard and seen Canada Geese, Snow Geese, and Sandhill Cranes in the Dakota skies.  But this morning I heard birds!  Yes, I heard some pre-sunrise singers heralding the arrival of spring!  In the land of subzero weather that is music to my ears! Some say around here that spring is "around a long corner", but even if colder weather persists, I heard birds!

GOD

Unbelievers find "self affirmation" in saying "I am", but this morning I read some of God's thoughts recorded by Isaiah: "I, the LORD, am the first; And with the last I am He.'" Isaiah 41:4

More of Ezra....

Ezra Philip Geise...

was born on 3-18-2013 at 3:54 am.  He weighed 8 lbs 2 ounces and was 21 inches long.  We praise the Lord for a safe delivery and a healthy boy!

"Children are a heritage from the LORD." Psalm 127:3

Good Morning...

I took this picture this morning of another beautiful sunrise.  Spring is in the air!

Yesterday a flock of Snow Geese several hundred strong landed in a corn field about a half mile south of where we stay.  This area is part of the Central Flyway, one of the migratory routes for North American birds.

Blizzard weather

Here's what it looked like in South Dakota earlier this week!

Family

Our children have really enjoyed visiting and playing with their little cousin, Antonie, during the past week.

White, fluffy stuff

This is what it is like in central PA today!

Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? Job 38:22

From East to West...

We are now back on US soil! The final weeks before our departure from South Africa were VERY full! There were many things to fill our days: the last minute visits and goodbyes; sorting, packing, and repacking; as well as packing and moving another missionary families' things as well.  The final details were worked out to make the transition in the churches, Bible school, Christian day school, and mission.

We visited several friends before we left, but the farthest we drove was nearly 1,200 miles round trip to see the Blignaut family.  Gwen's brother, Billy, came to spend a few weeks with us before we left and he was with us for the visit to the Blignauts.

We haven't decided what to do with this Blog, but we'll see....