We had our regular service this evening. Actually, it was a communion service, so that made it special.
We were here at home by ourselves for most of the day today. That's not as bad as it might sound to some people. Unlike some people, we actually enjoy being together as a family!
I just wanted to take the time right now to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. May we all remember the real reason for the season and have a Christ centered holiday.
I remember when, several years ago, we used to put luminaries out at Christmas time. We hadn't done this for quite a while. This year, however, Dad & Mom decided to do this again. So, this evening, at the end of our Christmas Eve service, I came over and set up the bags and lit the candles.
Tonight we had the privilege, and it truly was a privilege, of attending the annual Christmas program at the Beavertown God's Missionary Church. This years program was titled "Unconstitutional Christmas." I don't have the words to describe this program.
Tim and Pam Calhoun of The Winding Tale (you can check out that blog for more pictures and commentary about the program) did a wonderful job portraying Mary and Joseph - or Mr. and Mrs. Nelson.
Tonight was our annual service with the Bruce Byler family from Michigan.
I would like to invite everyone to a special service at our church on Friday, November 24 at 7:00 P.M.
This weekend (Friday & Saturday), we were babysitting - or dogsitting, whatever you want to call it - my brother and sister-in-law's dog, Katie while they went away. She's a yellow lab that also happens to be a big baby at times - she doesn't like it if no one is paying attention to her! We had a good time with her! I don't think Katie was very anxious to leave when the time came!
Yesterday was the annual Harvest Home at our church when the church people bring in food and other items to show their appreciation for their pastor and his family - at least I think his family was included!
Yesterday, we had the privilege of going on a fall foliage trip with Bro. Andy Cooley of Cooley Coach and Charter. Our trip took us to the northern part of Pennsylvania around Wellsboro. After having vacationed there several years ago, it was good to go back. This is a very beautiful area that I would reccomend if you want to see some beautiful scenery. I would also reccomend Bro. Cooley if you want to go on a bus trip.
Our first stop was at Animaland outside of Wellsboro. We saw alot of interesting animals there including these Jacob's (or four horned) sheep. I thought they were rather interesting looking critters!
Our next stop was at the Leonard Harrison State Park where we saw Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon. What a wonderful reminder of God's handywork. To me, the ruggedness of the canyon is one of the things that makes it beautiful any time, let a lone with the different colors of leaves that the fall brings.
This picture was taken in the opposite direction down the canyon from the one above.
We stopped in beautiful downtown Wellsboro for lunch.
We also stopped at Patterson's Maple Farm where we were given a tour of their facilities. It was a very interesting tour where we learned a lot about the process of making maple syrup and the many products that are made from it.
Bro. & Sis. Cooley kept the trip interesting with trivia questions, jokes, stories, and other interesting things. Here, Sis. Cooley is reading us a story.
As we got off of the bus Saturday evening, this was the sight that greeted us - Tim Calhoun attempting to take pictures! Actually, he was trying to take pictures of us before we even got off of the bus!
We just returned today from a weekend vacation (too short!) at a cottage along the river. We had a great, relaxing time. The weather was cool but beautiful. We enjoyed the fire in the fireplace most of the time we were there.
I thought that it would be a good idea if I would post a picture of one of my favorite preachers while he is preaching. From where I was sitting, I could take this picture, and he was the only one that would know I was taking it!
I would like to invite everyone to our fall Revival Services with Bro. Robert Thornton.
This past Wednesday and Thursday, we traveled to Elizabethtown, PA for the viewing and funeral of my uncle Bob Spangler. I was honored to be asked to be one of the pallbearers for Uncle Bob. While it was good to get to see some of the family once again, it was unfortunate that it had to be under these circumstances.
In this picture that was taken quite a few years ago, Uncle Bob is participating in one of his favorite things, fishing. A conversation with Uncle Bob usually revolved around either Farming, Hunting, or Fishing - or all three!
Believe it or not, this picture was actually taken right below the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant!
Thanks For Dropping In!
There are always a few unusual tractors at the show. This one was a confederate tractor. Notice the bugle sticking up at the front of the tractor. There were bullet hole decals, two of the shift levers were swords, there was a gun mounted behind the motor, etc. This tractor was done by the same guy that took another tractor and put a Harley Davidson motor in it and dressed it up accordingly!
These two were joined by the tractor with 6 lawnmower engines - two that were half John-Deere and half Allis Chalmers - one that was a miniature log skidder - along with some miniature hand built tractors. They all add something to the show!
