Connor “Reads” the Bible

Mornings are pretty hurried in our household which, I am sure is the case in many people’s homes.  I’m still trying to figure out how to get some quiet, alone time with God to start my day.  In the meantime, the boys and I pray in the car on our way to daycare.  Sometimes we get through all our prayers but more often than not, prayer time in the car stops after a few blocks with Caden (2 yrs.) insisting on music.   

The other day as we were praying for God’s protection and His holy armor (Ephesians 6; Fourteen through Eighteen) Connor asked me what the Gospel of peace was.  I held up my Bible and told him it is God’s word, the Bible.  He asked if he could read it and so, I handed it back to him.  He opened it and looked at the front page.  I asked him to “read” what it said.  He’s three and while I know he’s the most brilliant pre-schooler on the planet J I didn’t quite know what he was going to say next.  He began to read and this is what he said, “When Jesus was a little baby he was twenty months.”  I don’t know why 20 months but it was cute.  While this conversation was going on I looked in my review mirror and saw Caden intently listening in.  It was a span of about 5 minutes and went rather quickly but I stayed “in the moment” and enjoyed our brief conversation more than I can put into words. 

May you and your family be blessed this Fourth of July holiday.  Please remember to thank our Heavenly Father for the freedoms we share and enjoy in this country and for the military men and women who need God’s protection daily. 

Blessings,

Betsy

 

 

Sharing a Laugh from Back in the Day

My Bible study partner sent this to me the other day and it made me laugh so loud. People who know me, know my laugh is not very silent…it can shake a window.  This kind of humor is old school (Abbott and Costello), and I miss seeing it.  I’m glad some folks have saved it over time.  It reminds me of the times I reflect on how much I love the Andy Griffith Show and other simple things in life.  Our world is so full of garbage on TV, that it is still nice to see some of this clean, slip stick comedy still around.  I know this post strays from our purpose, but I think laughing is very important in life!  Laughing to me reminds me at times to not take things so serious and just relax in this stress filled world.  As you tackle another day, go with a smile after viewing this.  Enjoy!  P.S…Remember Who’s on First?

Ken

Remembering Real Heroes

In about a week Freedom Fest will be celebrated.  It honors our troops who have served in the past, to those who continue to serve currently and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  Our troops are the true heroes in our nation.  They deserve respect, prayers, and praise regardless of what you may think of current or past wars.  Our troops are on the front lines defending us at home and internationally.  I have some history in my family when it comes to serving and friends who have served.  My uncle served in Korea, my brother is a Marine; now a police officer in DC.  I have had friends serve in the Gulf War and in the Iraq War.  I have met so many over the years with amazing stories and my heart goes out to all of you.  Many times the stories have brought me to tears.  I ALWAYS go up to soliders and say, ‘Thank you for serving’.  All of us should do it!  How could you not say thanks?  GOD BLESS ALL our troops, past and present.  I hope to see a big turn out July 3rd in Spring Valley, MN.  See you there! 

Ken      

Tornado Video from Parkersburg, IA

I was surfing around tonight and I found this amazing video.   This video shows what an EF-5 can do (winds around 200mph).   My prayers continue for these folks as they rebuild since late May.  I pray the victims never lose their faith, if anything, may it grow stronger!  He is always with you!  Call out to Him, He WILL answer!

Ken

Growing Relationships Through God & Tired Children

We just posted our latest faith story the other day.  It is more testimony to God’s plan and how He does take care of us.  All of these stories have touched us in so many ways, and they have also brought amazing people into our lives.  We are about to post our 49th story this week.  Where has the time gone?  I’ll tell you.  Serving Him.  Back to my orginal statement; we have grown close with several people since starting the mininstry by doing these stories.  Most folks feel they already know us from TV, but we never think of that, but we do understand.  The common ground work we have with all the people we have interviewed for faith-stories is the Lord. Once you have that relationship out of the gate, getting close to people is very easy it seems at times.  I guess what I’m trying to say is, it just amazes me how God has brought these people into our lives, it is His plan, and we get to glorify Him!

We went down to Spring Valley, MN to finish shooting part two of the latest faith-story and attend church while doing so.  God brought us there to that church, not only to shoot a story, but to get closer to members of the congregation.  We have become fond of some of the folks there, and I really dig the Pastor and his messages.  We have become good friends with several members of the church and I call them in time of need or just a time to share.  You know who you are.  After church and shooting footage we went to another friend’s house for lunch from that church.  We felt so welcome and just at “home”.  I have to thank “farmer Gary” and his family for really opening up his house and his heart in sharing testimony, as we did too.  Our kids had a blast through all of it!!  Pictures below speak volumes, as the kids did not on the way home.

In closing, we are truly blessed with our jobs.   We get to touch many lives across the tri-state area, because He is always touching ours!  Thanks for your time…

Peace….

Ken

         

Connor’s Very Special Girl

Okay, nothing too deep or drawn out tonight.  I have to share a story with you that is way, too cute. 

Connor was in the tub last night and I was at the bathroom sink cleaning my rings.  Ken handed me his wedding ring and asked if I’d clean his, too.  While I was brushing the grime away, Connor had an innocent question.  Here’s how our conversation went; 

Connor: “What are you doing, Mommy?”
Me: “Cleaning Daddy’s wedding ring.”
Connor: “Do I have a wedding ring?”
Me: “No, but someday when you find a very special girl Mommy will give you her wedding ring that was my
Grandma’s and you can give it to her.”
Connor: “Can I give it to Nanny?  She’s my very special girl.”
Me: “Awwwwwwwwwe!  Yes, Nanny is your very special girl.” 

Isn’t that the sweetest little conversation? 

We absolutely love the grandparents in our lives.  I am blessed to have my paternal grandmother still with us.  We are also blessed to have Nanny and Pappa (my parents) as well as Mimi and Papa Q (Ken’s parents) in our lives.  Not everyone is able to say they have incredible parents who make for extraordinary grandparents…but we do and I thank our Heavenly Father for them daily.  Connor prays for each of them, nightly. 

Blessings to you and your family~

Betsy

How? Now That is the Question

We ask a lot of questions in our lives.  ‘Why’ seems to be the biggest.  Why God?  Why me?  Why is this happening?  Why, why, why?  But recently I was asked ‘how’ in respect to my faith and my job/career choice.  A lot of people want to know, ‘How do you know when God is calling you to leave one thing and go onto another?’

I don’t have a clear and concise answer to that.  Just like I don’t have a lot of clear and concise answers to a lot of faith-related questions.  All I can tell you is what I’ve learned through my own personal experiences.  First, and foremost, I am no more “holy” than anyone.  I don’t do many things right and I certainly don’t claim to have God figured out.  I ask Him a lot of questions daily and I think that’s okay. 

‘How’ does someone know when to follow God’s will and exactly what His will is?  Pray.  Yes, it’s that simple.  And yes, it’s that complicated.  God knows your heart.  Whether you’re new to letting Him into your life or you’ve known Him your entire life, each day is new and each day we need Him, His forgiveness and His love.  Here is the most simplistic answer I can give;  ask!  That’s right.  No matter where you are in your “walk”.  Whether you’ve been walking alone or find yourself on your own path or watever, He knows it all and is ready to walk with you or carry you.  He knows your circumstances.  Ask Him, ‘How, Lord?’  ‘How do I find you?  How do I let you in?  How do I know it’s you when I’m praying?’  Ask Him…He will answer BUT you have to be open to hear His answer.  He’s not some far away God who wants you to be confused about His answers.  He speaks directly to your heart.  He speaks directly to you.  Sometimes He’s even audible, you just have to be open to hear Him speak to you.

‘How?’  Tell Him you want to hear Him.  Wait for an answer.  Don’t tell yourself your not worthy.  That answer comes from this world and we know who rules this world.  DO NOT make the mistake of looking inward at your own human capabilities, look upward and ask for His grace to sustain you.

One more thing.  If you’re still not sure on the ‘how’…get on your knees.  That’s right.  Humble yourself wherever you’re at, get on your knees and talk to our Heavenly Father.  That’s ‘how’.  He loves you!!!  Did you hear me?   HE LOVES YOU!  That, I promise!

This all came about after a conversation I had with a woman who we’re doing a faith story on.  I cannot get into details right now as it is still a “story in progress” but she raised a lot of heart-wrenching questions as she is in the midst of grief that I hope and pray you’ll never experience.  I don’t know why or how or any other answers to many sincere and heartfelt questions (I have a lot of my own, by the way).  But through all of it, I do know that God loves you and He loves me.  Find your way to Him…He’s been waiting for you!

Blessings~   

Betsy

Video from CareFest 2008

May all the glory be given to God! 

What an incredible day.  We took our video camera out to some site locations of CareFest.  It’s a “one day mission trip” to our own community where hundreds of volunteers have come together to fix, clean, paint and whatever needed to be done at 60 various locations throughout the city of Rochester. 

Ken took some great video, I interviewed some GREAT people, those who are being helped and those who are helping.  God is using each of our individual talents to get the work done and to put it out on the internet for you to see.  May you be inspired and to God, may He be given all the glory!

Be blessed,

Betsy

Today is CareFest

Be sure to listen to KFSI as we will be doing interviews with folks taking part in CareFest today .  For more on the event click here.  We will have video posted here later today.  A big thanks to all who have helped out!

Ken

Betsy & I Believe Angels Have Kept the Winona Bridge Standing

We have all seen the tragedy that happened last year with the collapse of the 35W bridge in Minneapolis.  The bridge in Winona, MN connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin was shut down disrupting everyone’s lives last week after inspections.  We, too have had to change our habits taking our kids to grandma and grandpa Singers house near Bluff Siding, WI.  We have gone over that bridge countless times over the years.  Connor calls it Nanny’s bridge because he knows he is almost there to see her.  Thousands of cars have driven over this bridge daily, now, no more until further notice.  Looking at these new pictures just released, it proves why it was closed, and how a higher power has kept people safe until finally MnDOT crews and others gave a much needed inspection.  I remember a few times wondering my own safety, as well as our families, going over the bridge after the 35W disaster.  I’ve been driving past the bridge as of late while going around Winona drumming up business support for KFSI, seeing cars and trucks going over it and questioning its sturdiness before the closing even happened, also thinking, this could come down.  Well, now we know it has issues.  GOD has protected us in our travels!  Take a look at those picture…it is quite eye opening.  So in closing, count your blessings as you deal with the inconvenience!  We have…

Ken