tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11809520599285393512024-03-12T20:43:48.793-05:00From a Quiet Place ...Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-52749161805429647602023-01-13T12:32:00.008-06:002023-01-13T12:58:29.516-06:00Big News: Our First Great-Grandbaby <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Our blog has been pretty quiet, but we are entering in again with the most exciting news! Our oldest granddaughter, Abigail, and her husband Addison, just welcomed their precious baby daughter, Lily Noel, into the world and into their arms, about a week ago!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIBAIQYh6pzpxWCwVWjeQVXP_fMd97mJCjnSoANhdNQQWucCBd0Ib3DO6IcX1dUAKm8fmRsMCfTXty8Z5HozRDXeHe5yE02YHPydWui6RSApgP-7ENiPEHgsI8iN_yPTn_37h6FuED_P6bnxiMOLKX2fXz5QPPDrN-I_l-RTVyHeQfkCT6XeswhqpQA/s1000/AA+Lily%20collage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1000" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIBAIQYh6pzpxWCwVWjeQVXP_fMd97mJCjnSoANhdNQQWucCBd0Ib3DO6IcX1dUAKm8fmRsMCfTXty8Z5HozRDXeHe5yE02YHPydWui6RSApgP-7ENiPEHgsI8iN_yPTn_37h6FuED_P6bnxiMOLKX2fXz5QPPDrN-I_l-RTVyHeQfkCT6XeswhqpQA/w640-h576/AA+Lily%20collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">You can imagine their great, overflowing joy and excitement! And also, imagine how very thankful and excited we are to enter into a new season as great-grandparents ("grams" and "gramps")!!</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUByGnQ8nlmd702x4Y3X6_WouMu-Wh7CXgOwzGPNEnqnKhT3BvOl5jVuttum5eak4_hS-Eio5q3gqBbIKc3MWrqN0jQpjPjAeNbOZOlxPW1J8PZ5mricGh6KuxVvQN332p-Ab0gmHDCEaKtbxMT_dBAgmrgeVumLojPDEcrt0K5mOFi6-4C_7BS3Ng-g/s1000/AA+Lily2%20collage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="1000" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUByGnQ8nlmd702x4Y3X6_WouMu-Wh7CXgOwzGPNEnqnKhT3BvOl5jVuttum5eak4_hS-Eio5q3gqBbIKc3MWrqN0jQpjPjAeNbOZOlxPW1J8PZ5mricGh6KuxVvQN332p-Ab0gmHDCEaKtbxMT_dBAgmrgeVumLojPDEcrt0K5mOFi6-4C_7BS3Ng-g/w640-h324/AA+Lily2%20collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Lily Noel was born on January 5, at 9:36 am </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">(9 lbs. 3 oz.),</span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"> in Tokyo, Japan! Addison and Abigail started their new life as long-term missionaries in Japan with World Venture the beginning of March 2020. They made it into Japan just two short weeks before the pandemic struck and closed the doors into Japan for a long while. And now, after their two years of intense study of the language and half a year of full-time ministry, they have welcomed their precious baby girl into their lives.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Our hearts were very involved here on the other side of the globe, as they awaited her birth, and also as Abigail (with Addison's love and encouragement) labored through 10 long hours to give birth. How thankful we are to God for Lily Noel's safe arrival, and for good health for both mother and baby! Also, they are so thankful that they could find a hospital about half an hour from their home, which allowed for the father to be present during a good portion of the labor, and also for the delivery. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">We received the news of her birth the evening of Jan. 4, just two hours after she was born. Though her official date of birth is Jan. 5 (Japan time!), we had the great joy of hearing of her birth on Jan. 4th (our time)! And photos followed not long afterwards. Every photo, and also a FaceTime call, give us so much joy!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HCkShjHn4LYX6c3h5kHng658SMQGRXEzKxuRD4LO05iKTjuZPIeFs2KgXaDvk8nhNxS02R2XrI8dRI427LJwNaPQwSMoaG-hEDyaNzS_WXbO1e6WCJlB_QkJtePUCONSOOAQAr95G_VLlAGDNjGVyd3NfuR4nnuhoTAyeaNDA0u2g_lNNzgxL8K8iQ/s1000/AA+Lily3%20collage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1000" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HCkShjHn4LYX6c3h5kHng658SMQGRXEzKxuRD4LO05iKTjuZPIeFs2KgXaDvk8nhNxS02R2XrI8dRI427LJwNaPQwSMoaG-hEDyaNzS_WXbO1e6WCJlB_QkJtePUCONSOOAQAr95G_VLlAGDNjGVyd3NfuR4nnuhoTAyeaNDA0u2g_lNNzgxL8K8iQ/w640-h482/AA+Lily3%20collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">We are thanking God for many blessings surrounding baby Lily's birth, all evidences of His loving care. Our daughter, Cristy ("Granny"), on the left in photo above, was able to fly over to Japan to be with her daughter and brand new grandbaby for the first half of January. Cristy arrived just in time, on Jan. 3rd, for Lily's late arrival (11 days after her due date). And though the Japanese hospitals have a policy of requiring mother and baby to stay in the hospital for 5 days after birth, Abigail and baby were released on Jan. 7, just two days after the birth!! Cristy's loving presence there in Japan and her great care, together with Addison's support and encouragement, helped make that possible! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Who would ever have imagined that our oldest granddaughter (and her husband) would be living long-term in Japan someday? And that our first great-grandbaby would be born in Japan? As many of you know, I (Cherry) spent my childhood years in Japan ... from the age of 1 1/2 to the time I graduated from high school. Lily's Noel's birth there, in the land where I grew up, fills me with much joy. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">My joy was also overflowing as I crocheted a baby blanket for our great-grandbaby in the month and a half before her birth. In the photo above, you can see the beautiful cuddly striped blanket that Abigail made for her precious daughter, and also the blush pink & white blanket that I made for our first precious great-grandbaby. So many memories to treasure ...</span></div></div>Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-30681716877769020912022-07-30T15:55:00.002-05:002022-07-30T16:19:48.678-05:00Memories: First Half of 2022<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Our retirement from Cru began exactly two years ago, in July of 2020! And though we love to communicate with our friends and family here, it has been pretty quiet on our blog! We are definitely loving retirement, and also are finding that even retirement life can be quite full! For us, it is wonderful with many restful, peaceful moments, and time for many (unending?) projects. Also with many sweet connections with family and friends, and then, of course, with the realities of the daily responsibilities of life!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFymyoACvJG01UW1UjnEZJ_lynHsRtCrNYHGLf_K61aKp9gTqdWB2tCXEWj9HuQzapLgRVSKOneF2YbLEPPYvN0vv0vy4PFkagkA_S2HxAvRFWWcA8SdwfEbqqfbCWQPkQnZJsVky9J1SEiojM3VyQJ8Uh-Mx0UrpkmUjYMmdWpi9XPXrnhw-7BS-IHA/s3600/1GaryRT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="3600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFymyoACvJG01UW1UjnEZJ_lynHsRtCrNYHGLf_K61aKp9gTqdWB2tCXEWj9HuQzapLgRVSKOneF2YbLEPPYvN0vv0vy4PFkagkA_S2HxAvRFWWcA8SdwfEbqqfbCWQPkQnZJsVky9J1SEiojM3VyQJ8Uh-Mx0UrpkmUjYMmdWpi9XPXrnhw-7BS-IHA/w640-h640/1GaryRT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">We'd love to share with you some of our memories and highlights from the first half of 2022. Here are a sampling of our digital scrapbook pages from the past six months, giving a glimpse into the joys and trials of our wonderful retirement life together. The year started out with 43 days in a row (weekdays) of treatment for Gary's prostate cancer. You can read more in the journaling above on the scrapbook page. We are so grateful for excellent results from the 9 weeks of treatment!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUkaE6kRIkExAfAu8wmBh-42_IYsrv2bYnzaNg9RhERwzWGQUnHhZ4hI9zhHmvGNmOsfcq54lXftB3YRvgchWKXRWjfA68FqP9v8nH2Kh4pqre3ibDqltRz72jtyYDrc0lQtmp-BUnqIrVE_ij6cwkc-ztPp2OT41GPPAUv6J9Bv92lnvSkTBqnnUag/s3600/2EvaBday10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="3600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUkaE6kRIkExAfAu8wmBh-42_IYsrv2bYnzaNg9RhERwzWGQUnHhZ4hI9zhHmvGNmOsfcq54lXftB3YRvgchWKXRWjfA68FqP9v8nH2Kh4pqre3ibDqltRz72jtyYDrc0lQtmp-BUnqIrVE_ij6cwkc-ztPp2OT41GPPAUv6J9Bv92lnvSkTBqnnUag/w640-h640/2EvaBday10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">The page of photos above shows one of several trips we've made to McCook so far this calendar year ... visiting Carrie & Tyler & family. We're so thankful they live just a 4 1/2 hour drive away, and always love our visit with them. It is hard to believe that our youngest grandchild, Eva, is now 10 years old, and older brother Cruz is 13 already!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmnFN9EOK5Xue58brD2CXX64j7WKaKGzgef4c_kSi-HwWQ5TfAjEf49K8e6ReecyVzDkHiRjHQ0VzAw5xExJdUKCQ3XVdaS-wCSUL1_phyp3cQiBPZJ5O70oKA8BjVqyvFhPc1H6VSkOEHZJQPmUViKX0-WBJmRTjyeZk1nRNQNMJAVxF4ECiRJofng/s3600/AprilEaster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="3600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmnFN9EOK5Xue58brD2CXX64j7WKaKGzgef4c_kSi-HwWQ5TfAjEf49K8e6ReecyVzDkHiRjHQ0VzAw5xExJdUKCQ3XVdaS-wCSUL1_phyp3cQiBPZJ5O70oKA8BjVqyvFhPc1H6VSkOEHZJQPmUViKX0-WBJmRTjyeZk1nRNQNMJAVxF4ECiRJofng/w640-h640/AprilEaster.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">It was such a joy to have Amy & Joe, and also Sara & Sean, and their families, here for Easter! Both families live nearby, which makes it possible to see them often! Levi is in college now, and Ali finished up her freshman year of high school (Amy & Joe's two children). And Sara & Sean's two sons, Jake & Cole both finished up 7th grade. Our grandkids are all growing up too fast!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKpFtT4VX0RuYH7gReV3r0p08_L4CYcOosgnvphSV6YQweUXFPfOWQH2pCM_NKJwkcHUkTWkECDI3CDkr-xQt4YOGbJVgVyMJY3CQm1XYHNktsbBS5S0pcj2mApVqT-biNvuybaiWLMOSCA7sOnb-Qm6AYf2SkEfe91WRvphE6sB6JEJVKXu5lA7A2w/s3600/2RestofMay.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="3600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKpFtT4VX0RuYH7gReV3r0p08_L4CYcOosgnvphSV6YQweUXFPfOWQH2pCM_NKJwkcHUkTWkECDI3CDkr-xQt4YOGbJVgVyMJY3CQm1XYHNktsbBS5S0pcj2mApVqT-biNvuybaiWLMOSCA7sOnb-Qm6AYf2SkEfe91WRvphE6sB6JEJVKXu5lA7A2w/w640-h640/2RestofMay.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Family nearby means that we get in a fair number of sports events ... soccer games, and baseball games throughout the spring/summer. Also, we are so very blessed by the close friendships within our CityGroup, a small group within Citylight Midtown. it is a special gift from God to do life with these friends, in the same empty nest season of life we are in, and also retirement season for some of us.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkvMueQEtd3-zyqGZHfKPAQxCGNj7w7t05XEtaCdERF2kvSf01hX-Fmor5O4RMgkGYc4rq--Ykqvfw-ju8F6JTS0X4VmYOO8Og8nNOp15xpo0Q-3Bzj3sNBcUXlQ9JcbtiyecRsmYYcAmprpr79xEygux3qZ2Jf2jQhiEJz0w8xqOUzscR59T9COHCQ/s3600/4BackHome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="3600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkvMueQEtd3-zyqGZHfKPAQxCGNj7w7t05XEtaCdERF2kvSf01hX-Fmor5O4RMgkGYc4rq--Ykqvfw-ju8F6JTS0X4VmYOO8Og8nNOp15xpo0Q-3Bzj3sNBcUXlQ9JcbtiyecRsmYYcAmprpr79xEygux3qZ2Jf2jQhiEJz0w8xqOUzscR59T9COHCQ/w640-h640/4BackHome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Oh, how we love springtime! We both enjoyed the planting of our veggie garden, herb garden, and various flower spots in our yard, and also on our patio. We're so very thankful for the two lots that our home is on ... a source of much joy for us.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPQj-j1j9VBKz77rROExluoHpNx15lvy-urfb0NjR3r3jREGsL9C4rIP-4bWj1xRV3t3J-iz2ClgrFigTA97UFlZ6Q3R2f70OBvZMRbLZF6I75AESepdd3dW_PCpm_saohoekmWLh3hTXlqrHyrGMKS33WXP6oUfkHjji3Gnw-SFyG-a-QfYZWQZWyw/s3600/6BeaverLake1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="3600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPQj-j1j9VBKz77rROExluoHpNx15lvy-urfb0NjR3r3jREGsL9C4rIP-4bWj1xRV3t3J-iz2ClgrFigTA97UFlZ6Q3R2f70OBvZMRbLZF6I75AESepdd3dW_PCpm_saohoekmWLh3hTXlqrHyrGMKS33WXP6oUfkHjji3Gnw-SFyG-a-QfYZWQZWyw/w640-h640/6BeaverLake1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">In June we had a special treat ... our daughter Amy (& Joe) asked us to "cat sit" for them when they went on a vacation trip to Colorado. Of course, we were delighted, and therefore had our own week-long "vacation" at their beautiful home right on Beaver Lake, just a 45-minute drive from us. It also happened to be during the week of Father's Day, and Gary's 78th birthday!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Many, many more highlights occurred during the first half of 2022 ... too many to be shared. Of course, we are missing being with the other half of our family (in Texas, and in New York), and have loved every bit of communication we've had with them from a distance. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Thanks for your friendship and prayers! And above all, we are so thankful to God for the gift of each day, and for His Love and Presence through all of life.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><br /></div></div></div></div>Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-14352230399759674222022-02-23T12:26:00.007-06:002022-02-26T08:36:50.274-06:00Twenty Years Ago ... Remembering a Very Significant Day <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Yesterday, 2/22/22, was a day for us as family to remember the same day of February twenty years ago, 2/22/02. And those of you reading this who were well acquainted with our family twenty years ago, also may remember the significance of this day.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdfijWuCmCpYWeBwJClzZfStK6O2GddoA-yEb5MumNZVjO_OWYwj6h72XUezWL3Wdu-I1Bsomonjjboh-DsR5r6g8iPtiZpiR-eH2Ob_O_evOv7GD9xt9d3uKcWa3AWd2DnpRuZi8vXGXmL3vFS_pHGW-x6ejXiomyNKRA7bF1ITuFIlq7S21YcYtYVg=s2186" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2186" data-original-width="2186" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdfijWuCmCpYWeBwJClzZfStK6O2GddoA-yEb5MumNZVjO_OWYwj6h72XUezWL3Wdu-I1Bsomonjjboh-DsR5r6g8iPtiZpiR-eH2Ob_O_evOv7GD9xt9d3uKcWa3AWd2DnpRuZi8vXGXmL3vFS_pHGW-x6ejXiomyNKRA7bF1ITuFIlq7S21YcYtYVg=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family gathered for the emotional moments when Gary was allowed to come off of sedation<br /> three days later, following the accident and surgery on Feb. 22, 2002.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Yesterday marked "20 years" from the date when Gary was involved in a horrific accident, when he was backed over by a trash truck right by our home. He was taken by lifeflight helicopter to UNMC in Omaha. After receiving 14 units of blood that day, and going through a 5 1/2 hour surgery by an expert surgeon, he (together with our whole family) began the long road to recovery. His story of recovery is covered with big and small miracles. Yesterday, we as family (long distance, over multiple states), had a very special time sharing our memories together, and giving our thanks to God for preserving our beloved husband/father's life that day. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEldOwB0Ftb7G0ELIs062YmUIHlaMlK6Wx8gsk6KCdGAF6CK7DkRo6V2yFLC77jJOVzSwDD_pEiJK2HRmYaB6AF6QlkszneN6KqLUboLN-K1jrGGYk93jM5wR8_UORA6zveFIM7DIvWYbYhghFvjFm8zcV5cvy5W0t_mJUrs-Me0hkrAMyFoUJy1tZaQ=s2180" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2180" data-original-width="2180" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEldOwB0Ftb7G0ELIs062YmUIHlaMlK6Wx8gsk6KCdGAF6CK7DkRo6V2yFLC77jJOVzSwDD_pEiJK2HRmYaB6AF6QlkszneN6KqLUboLN-K1jrGGYk93jM5wR8_UORA6zveFIM7DIvWYbYhghFvjFm8zcV5cvy5W0t_mJUrs-Me0hkrAMyFoUJy1tZaQ=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another precious photo during the weeks of recovery, <br />with our third grandchild, Luke, just 2 months old.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">It was a miracle, by God's grace. The road was difficult, with questions if he could even be stabilized for surgery, and then during surgery, if his right foot could even be saved. The expert surgeon made the decision to try to save his foot, and continued to caution us in the following days that he may still need to amputate. By God's grace and mercy, things turned around! And the injuries in his right leg improved, as well. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-size: medium;">There was a two-week stay at UNMC where Gary graduated from the ICU to a regular room, and then he was moved to Immanuel Hospital for two weeks of rehab. Back home, there were trips back in for more rehab, and continual changes of dressing at home for the wounds on his right foot, and left leg. He progressed from wheelchair, to walker, to crutches, and to using a cane over the following months.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX6M6m1LFF-zZmEJ2Q3bXRvoo-FTFdr3VQ4xHuIKmUWc32MeORMFUzvVejRjkFDyocOFV4pNq0r_XCv0-XBmjRXxoZniS11rl5YvoJfeuTBEe3hWPY557THkamR1bwawzsfzSPVBHQyTJz7Bhe-Qa0rv2L9hxN_8JSSrrqpYpIyhyBXPkFo-xdkfjdOw=s1522" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1522" data-original-width="1522" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhX6M6m1LFF-zZmEJ2Q3bXRvoo-FTFdr3VQ4xHuIKmUWc32MeORMFUzvVejRjkFDyocOFV4pNq0r_XCv0-XBmjRXxoZniS11rl5YvoJfeuTBEe3hWPY557THkamR1bwawzsfzSPVBHQyTJz7Bhe-Qa0rv2L9hxN_8JSSrrqpYpIyhyBXPkFo-xdkfjdOw=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our family was amazing throughout the days and months of recovery -<br />here with our youngest son, Lance, at DeSoto Bend.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">His progress was quite amazing, as initially, the doctor had told us that if all went well, Gary would likely be able to stand on his own in a year after the surgery. But just seven months after the accident, we were able to leave on a two-week roadtrip with our two sons, the two of our six children who were still living at home at that time. We had a walker and crutches along, and by the end of that memorable trip to California, he was using a cane! How we thank God for this amazing recovery!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">It is sobering to think how close we came to losing our precious husband, father, and grampa that day in February 2002. And how close so many, many friends came to losing someone who had great impact on their lives in many ways. We are filled with thanks for the miracle of these past twenty years. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">And also, we will never ever forget the prayers, the visits, the cards, the care in so many ways that were extended to our family during those days, weeks, and months of recovery twenty years ago. You all were so amazing, such precious tangible touches of God's love and care for us in our time of great need. Thank you again. We will never forget, and never stop thanking our loving, faithful God! </span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-59980472531174655942022-01-27T20:40:00.002-06:002022-01-27T20:52:01.866-06:00Happy New Year 2022!<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">We are now at the one and a half year mark since our retirement from Cru in the summer of 2020! Retirement life has been wonderful, and we are thanking God for His care and help as we have made this big change in our lives. We'd love to share a few of the highlights from 2021 with you ...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: white; font-family: Nothing You Could Do; font-size: x-large;">Our 50th Anniversary Celebration</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Twenty-one members of our family gathered at a rental home in Missouri the end of July to celebrate together! Our six kids and their families gave us the most memorable 50th Anniversary celebration! And what fun it was to spend several days together in a big spacious home with its own little private lake.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdEWTxk2Bn_jQ6FiUOVWtIhPqHQE-1yJIA_Fc3q-rsq3EN74Rxh6xUS5ew4itopP7UW7bhqEwFrapw7gzLuvLKFzshP4lCozxuDemsTAaL2ELH7gdJMUXc7jDbqS9ZuGR2B7z0bTkRxbZVOkWC6q-R6PJQKJKIlYmsS7NLWVd_Ivi4fuSKntZ2C5reuA=s3600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="3600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdEWTxk2Bn_jQ6FiUOVWtIhPqHQE-1yJIA_Fc3q-rsq3EN74Rxh6xUS5ew4itopP7UW7bhqEwFrapw7gzLuvLKFzshP4lCozxuDemsTAaL2ELH7gdJMUXc7jDbqS9ZuGR2B7z0bTkRxbZVOkWC6q-R6PJQKJKIlYmsS7NLWVd_Ivi4fuSKntZ2C5reuA=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqRcD0-AhVEHjM8Z8Wuv0DaBhF-mTicE9ZI2-ot32ZQHZlVqSSVd16nqVPuNJALN3XlaSTjMIj4USvHn1cOPGUPBYgUzGhMxne9PfYxjQGfo2iGBqTeqUZ1slqmxcRvQo87geupM8jQivYOkgeln1xe0rZ0ySMHMzjDMFCUibOrV8laAgrFTZg_tvsKA=s3600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="3600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqRcD0-AhVEHjM8Z8Wuv0DaBhF-mTicE9ZI2-ot32ZQHZlVqSSVd16nqVPuNJALN3XlaSTjMIj4USvHn1cOPGUPBYgUzGhMxne9PfYxjQGfo2iGBqTeqUZ1slqmxcRvQo87geupM8jQivYOkgeln1xe0rZ0ySMHMzjDMFCUibOrV8laAgrFTZg_tvsKA=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Nothing You Could Do; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: white; font-family: Nothing You Could Do; font-size: x-large;">Our 50th Anniversary Trip</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">Shortly after returning home from the most wonderful time together with our family in Missouri, we left on a ten-day trip, just the two of us. This trip was extra special, as we used the money gifts that our family had given us over the past two years (for significant birthdays 75 & 70 for us, and also for our retirement) to fund the trip! We especially love to be by water, so drove down to the southern part of TX, and stayed on Galveston island.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2-u8Zpdsk_tfN8Q9pcTzXv_PvqPNOxm9-F2p44uax8kvrga343QTDKdt7FROGXD6Plv6DZ_JQNfqDwQLICQSWmlmOOdDeGGr-JCbpKkifMi487D3_skholgz82kEa8c_HCzz9QSjnD8AId_Y2uTY8kCbFpXKAH3buVxVowMgq2Dqovk0W3II9YykHRQ=s3600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="3600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2-u8Zpdsk_tfN8Q9pcTzXv_PvqPNOxm9-F2p44uax8kvrga343QTDKdt7FROGXD6Plv6DZ_JQNfqDwQLICQSWmlmOOdDeGGr-JCbpKkifMi487D3_skholgz82kEa8c_HCzz9QSjnD8AId_Y2uTY8kCbFpXKAH3buVxVowMgq2Dqovk0W3II9YykHRQ=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">On our actual 50th Anniversary Day (August 14), we were at the Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX. We are thanking God for the joy and blessing of sharing life together for 50 years now! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja06ZwK9txUWy66v-SBa-zmkUfKEiCNKDi4QdBFvFnBjSVAtUd2hO7XxAeQXt1RxQ9qph6pTlSd42xojZ8Zbe3UGLNLg8qiyeA4xhYJm4d4I1F8CqH-N-eDwln-FWEUadZ2b2zj_tKHpqktRCqnAPPbWzEzWPGrmhRf6cAGB1Fge52SlT89HLNP5eQjg=s3600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="3600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja06ZwK9txUWy66v-SBa-zmkUfKEiCNKDi4QdBFvFnBjSVAtUd2hO7XxAeQXt1RxQ9qph6pTlSd42xojZ8Zbe3UGLNLg8qiyeA4xhYJm4d4I1F8CqH-N-eDwln-FWEUadZ2b2zj_tKHpqktRCqnAPPbWzEzWPGrmhRf6cAGB1Fge52SlT89HLNP5eQjg=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">After being together with our wonderful family during the summer, we did not even entertain the idea that we could be together again for Christmas. But before we even left the rental home in Missouri, our two sons (the ones who live the farthest away from us), told us that they wanted to come home for Christmas, too! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: white; font-family: Nothing You Could Do; font-size: x-large;">Family Christmas 2021</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Nothing You Could Do; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgC2-_oZfhGL6Jt4zLIXRw3l6Gqasyz2rDAlCR8wNRwKVTNGTFQymLe8VKgijmYOIZ724NyHHaDGRBD2ePlGiZ7YwqOsfix21QuM460DtBmLz24zgYpnwZmGq3mXXrrFFRZcTUhdCYxXmufzatVmBIU1WjRpOKygJfy3dYvfXhSCGoN85OjUvTZkhz7Lw=s6000" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgC2-_oZfhGL6Jt4zLIXRw3l6Gqasyz2rDAlCR8wNRwKVTNGTFQymLe8VKgijmYOIZ724NyHHaDGRBD2ePlGiZ7YwqOsfix21QuM460DtBmLz24zgYpnwZmGq3mXXrrFFRZcTUhdCYxXmufzatVmBIU1WjRpOKygJfy3dYvfXhSCGoN85OjUvTZkhz7Lw=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">It was a blessing beyond measure, the icing on the cake, to be together with our family twice in one year. Especially after the very unusual season due to pandemic when we had our longest stretch ever when we were unable to all be together.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">We were 25 precious family members around our dining room tables, with <i>everyone</i> home except very two loved family members who are in Japan (our oldest granddaughter and her husband). With each year that passes, we are even more in awe of the priceless gift of family. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Mixed in with the joys of being with family in 2021, we also hold so very many memories of times with our friends, special gifts from God in this season of life that we are in. We are grateful for many memories made, especially with our CityGroup (small group), a special trip we took in the fall with close friends, and so many connections we made with others throughout the year.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">And overarching all of the gifts of 2021, we treasure most of all the Greatest Gift of all ... Immanuel: God with us. Through all the joys and trials of life, we sense in even deeper ways than before, the nearness and presence of our Lord and Savior. </span></div><br /></div></div><p></p>Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-25607589344940052062021-10-28T14:32:00.000-05:002021-10-28T14:32:55.217-05:00Our Fall Colors Trip to New England<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzCW1XTemc3KtWDpR-daWqj2XJVCmmglY_QFa1Ccax4M9W8xJvs2WLbidadGt7rBlU50UbaPay_KzocFaDKR-o96GUBO3KLLfCQMU9YO9GFFuTdcbMZVlEt7WCVxL78I9iXAmUz6pQKVw/s2048/IMG_2609.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzCW1XTemc3KtWDpR-daWqj2XJVCmmglY_QFa1Ccax4M9W8xJvs2WLbidadGt7rBlU50UbaPay_KzocFaDKR-o96GUBO3KLLfCQMU9YO9GFFuTdcbMZVlEt7WCVxL78I9iXAmUz6pQKVw/w640-h480/IMG_2609.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">An unexpected joy for us in this season of life has been to take several trips together with dear friends of ours. And this month we were so very blessed to travel on our third trip together, this time to see the gorgeous fall colors in the New England states!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCzuevHQsxltzS2TmdAq8rI6dNVzaqmYimI66wS5zDqVBs9CGm-ek7IwuhbL4UwGRXI0Zmx2rvnwDE4SZlzFGAYB9rz9GpjZl4QVC4eY_d-SiKTrzb5yNkljTNutTMHScKMCFdRR-gvoe/s2048/IMG_2655.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCzuevHQsxltzS2TmdAq8rI6dNVzaqmYimI66wS5zDqVBs9CGm-ek7IwuhbL4UwGRXI0Zmx2rvnwDE4SZlzFGAYB9rz9GpjZl4QVC4eY_d-SiKTrzb5yNkljTNutTMHScKMCFdRR-gvoe/w640-h480/IMG_2655.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">We drove about 4,000 miles altogether on our 11-day trip! Our main destination was the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Vibrant, gorgeous fall beauty captured us at every turn ... we could hardly take it all in! These first two photos were taken during our 3-day stay in New Hampshire.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4miybmka-IRJi46r-c2P8oWFRQ75ZE24IC96G5gIG6nYAqKUDYSqdFXb-ya8q6pmysAxE0F52KwaBAUNiUcKk7kmBMSvA6CkegxyvpcDv5KHzV8trAnuNhhkXzsdbHshQCqhvVIZyo9x/s2048/IMG_2690.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4miybmka-IRJi46r-c2P8oWFRQ75ZE24IC96G5gIG6nYAqKUDYSqdFXb-ya8q6pmysAxE0F52KwaBAUNiUcKk7kmBMSvA6CkegxyvpcDv5KHzV8trAnuNhhkXzsdbHshQCqhvVIZyo9x/w640-h480/IMG_2690.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Since we weren't that far from the coast, we decided mid-trip to drive all the way to Bar Harbor, Maine! This was such a treat for us ... to be right along the Atlantic, re-visiting this beautiful spot that we had been to as a couple, back in 2012. A short overnight stay, and then the next day we began the journey back west, traveling the back roads of Maine for the first stretch. We were fascinated by the glimpse into that part of Maine ... winding roads, isolated homes scattered here and there, white churches nestled in the hills and trees, even more beautiful in the fall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OksLS4YbskC3KsYHvrrCbZUFZGffKZ2TeSC0JNbirnXb-Kkf1MAIAvPu1e3nNsgeUAFMVKLqlC0NQmE-4NQGABqh_8_X9s2erLkDD33NcNT6sh5h9RazAcQVVJsGjBdH9n_zer1MN3JF/s2048/IMG_2729.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OksLS4YbskC3KsYHvrrCbZUFZGffKZ2TeSC0JNbirnXb-Kkf1MAIAvPu1e3nNsgeUAFMVKLqlC0NQmE-4NQGABqh_8_X9s2erLkDD33NcNT6sh5h9RazAcQVVJsGjBdH9n_zer1MN3JF/w640-h480/IMG_2729.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We continued our journey back home through New Hampshire, Vermont, and then enjoyed a meal right along Lake Champlain. The next day we drove through the beautiful Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York (photo above), stopping at Lake Placid where we saw the famous spot of the Winter Olympics of 1980. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPAc-WqAZyNR1iA27vYh7hrtT7d3t4B3VnFSCTh_c0JjV9k26ffX2CTC6dD_TBwHj4RySgGAmqtOReQvOZTviXpeG0wYfIyBPn6jbWIxMFLpZ_jpAV1re3y-RMxqUiWWo2HrkSet7Zg6W/s2048/IMG_2834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPAc-WqAZyNR1iA27vYh7hrtT7d3t4B3VnFSCTh_c0JjV9k26ffX2CTC6dD_TBwHj4RySgGAmqtOReQvOZTviXpeG0wYfIyBPn6jbWIxMFLpZ_jpAV1re3y-RMxqUiWWo2HrkSet7Zg6W/w640-h480/IMG_2834.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Our last night on the road was at a peaceful, beautiful retreat spot (a surprise, as it just randomly came up as we searched lodging under Travelocity)! The next morning we drove to nearby Lake Michigan (photo above), before driving the final stretch home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We are thanking God for this "retirement trip" with like-minded, kindred heart friends, enjoying the incredible beauty of autumn in the New England states! <i>(Thank you, Jack & Linda, for the joy of traveling together!)</i></div></span></div><p></p>Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-4031792461503424502021-09-20T15:37:00.001-05:002021-10-25T16:39:22.079-05:00Celebrating Our 50th Anniversary!<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">August 14 was a very significant day for us in 2021 ... our 50th Wedding Anniversary!! As the time of our 50th approached, we could have suggested a public celebration, an open house, or something similar. And though we would have loved to see many of our friends, we knew that the best celebration of all would be if we could be all together with our family, especially with our six children. It had been an extra lengthy time since we had all been together, which made us long for this even more. And God granted us our wishes ... we had a very memorable time together with 21 (out of 26 total) of our family the end of July!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">We have loved receiving anniversary wishes from you, our friends and relatives, as well, and here in this post, we want to share some of the photos that capture our time together with family! Thank you for your love, prayers, and congratulations to us at this mark of 50 years!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">We'll share a few of the many digital scrapbook pages that I (Cherry) have created, preserving memories of our time together in a beautiful rental home in Missouri. It was in a beautiful, wooded area, with its own private dock, paddleboat, kayaks, etc., and the large home slept all of us!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Here are a few of the pages capturing the great fun we all had ...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Xoy5kxtS4-PREBmsjNNRrlzNzsytsOqQE2rHooO18k8bwJW-9SrPU8E1KnUU4PMb-rpg91nIcg1MGo5oa7UX0SQPFqlh7B_0AyiYvlo0TOj71iEKktJTyuK88JD6lujRsl6MJc1pSqJU/s2048/4aOur50thFriMorn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Xoy5kxtS4-PREBmsjNNRrlzNzsytsOqQE2rHooO18k8bwJW-9SrPU8E1KnUU4PMb-rpg91nIcg1MGo5oa7UX0SQPFqlh7B_0AyiYvlo0TOj71iEKktJTyuK88JD6lujRsl6MJc1pSqJU/w640-h640/4aOur50thFriMorn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMC5IpFyaUWp9IoM4goLErgCNtPr4_5MUQhZ1F3uuRY2nQrIfZKDz0XtDakVXqQewhda45Cnytd-_cxp-tBQGdAo6xnVsYrouK6Zi4pmlZhJfAHYYw3DS-olheRHjxMdtiSeepcd_nbxyy/s2048/5Our50thFriNoon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMC5IpFyaUWp9IoM4goLErgCNtPr4_5MUQhZ1F3uuRY2nQrIfZKDz0XtDakVXqQewhda45Cnytd-_cxp-tBQGdAo6xnVsYrouK6Zi4pmlZhJfAHYYw3DS-olheRHjxMdtiSeepcd_nbxyy/w640-h640/5Our50thFriNoon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6G8mXkXLuaXnHBj4CCaj51aYGoSTjxwh2ie9oitqH0ZJ4Tku9Y__Nv4lltun_c1CrKE5UMEAVfueBmy5wQQsIBqmMM-jLbbsEObXBDc6T0nm2wfStuC-u-jJV6V-Oa3ujHGU2_iFQC0p/s2048/14Our50thSat2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6G8mXkXLuaXnHBj4CCaj51aYGoSTjxwh2ie9oitqH0ZJ4Tku9Y__Nv4lltun_c1CrKE5UMEAVfueBmy5wQQsIBqmMM-jLbbsEObXBDc6T0nm2wfStuC-u-jJV6V-Oa3ujHGU2_iFQC0p/w640-h640/14Our50thSat2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Our dear family designated one evening for our 50th Anniversary Celebration, and made it so very special ... complete with an amazing grilled steak meal, a bouquet of flowers, a beautiful and delicious cake, cards, gifts, and a sharing of memories! It was just the sweetest time with our precious family!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrZNRkI1bPHVQVeeWAGfb1HbljMEDT4jzb3wQqmSgCVD6J9CIeTYuF0lQOhA23odguugQp6OyDRaIyVb_MurXvJ0uE_ZOasfJKXfBkMMeCAHdbOiBDZFTTkXPbTlqZ86X4USWbKG59OzG/s2048/7Our50thFriMeal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrZNRkI1bPHVQVeeWAGfb1HbljMEDT4jzb3wQqmSgCVD6J9CIeTYuF0lQOhA23odguugQp6OyDRaIyVb_MurXvJ0uE_ZOasfJKXfBkMMeCAHdbOiBDZFTTkXPbTlqZ86X4USWbKG59OzG/w640-h640/7Our50thFriMeal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vWr_jtSJtwpS1hKhW_b8iMxKFVdt-olyJ6UYRu2EdomfNy4Od0cSvebtwvLLQOcyXBC97lmI-nL9CsXqDy7r6kZIMbHMfOvmt85HDP8S7P4Zn1U4y12tZTSPIpncA9DOldXWRyd1sDPW/s2048/11aOur50thFriCake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vWr_jtSJtwpS1hKhW_b8iMxKFVdt-olyJ6UYRu2EdomfNy4Od0cSvebtwvLLQOcyXBC97lmI-nL9CsXqDy7r6kZIMbHMfOvmt85HDP8S7P4Zn1U4y12tZTSPIpncA9DOldXWRyd1sDPW/w640-h640/11aOur50thFriCake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">We also were blessed to have some family photos taken in the very beautiful setting!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5Dk4RNwKD808WmAPf-Mie5sxBKgBhNVf9cenrVE4_8QPH_D56AZtp1aZzLT87azdOpHWqfgMJ53ZKyndN179l-e0MJ6KbWYRqqTkto5LgP1p8i3UkM7mhVPtiEnxNwvZJ1bvPJpSm62X/s2048/8Our50thFAMPIX1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5Dk4RNwKD808WmAPf-Mie5sxBKgBhNVf9cenrVE4_8QPH_D56AZtp1aZzLT87azdOpHWqfgMJ53ZKyndN179l-e0MJ6KbWYRqqTkto5LgP1p8i3UkM7mhVPtiEnxNwvZJ1bvPJpSm62X/w640-h640/8Our50thFAMPIX1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIR_22lCrhJ8uK-4VtYCGUfs6FY5S5znaJSD4j3ns2717juAKSKNXAPrmg4DulfHJ3VwdTBirLJZw73RsYCjQVX26mMokwpfTJf1llYVou_fuitBcUF7Mzgdu5122T7n6SUGaqd-TqTaH/s2048/9Our50thFAMPIX2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIR_22lCrhJ8uK-4VtYCGUfs6FY5S5znaJSD4j3ns2717juAKSKNXAPrmg4DulfHJ3VwdTBirLJZw73RsYCjQVX26mMokwpfTJf1llYVou_fuitBcUF7Mzgdu5122T7n6SUGaqd-TqTaH/w640-h640/9Our50thFAMPIX2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">We are thanking God for the gift of 50 years together, and for the gift of time with our dear family. We are cherishing the memories of our 50 years, which we also captured in a 30-minute slideshow that we prepared and viewed together as family. Such a fun time that was ... filled with laughter and so many memories! So many, many things to thank God for! And most of all we thank Him for His love, grace, and mercy through all the joys and also the trials of life over the past 50 years. </span></div>Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-76567598465707850882021-05-15T14:27:00.003-05:002021-05-15T14:30:46.085-05:00March Memories<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">We must be really enjoying our retirement ... so much that we haven't even been able to keep up with posting here on our blog! Actually, life continues to be full even during retirement, as we are blessed with a big family, and also many friends. These past few months have also been filled with helping with arrangements and much prep for Gary's brother, Neum, to move to Assisted Living. We're thankful we have been able to help out, and now that the big move has happened, we're back here with another post. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">We do desire to keep in touch with our friends! Here are four digital scrapbook pages filled with memories from March ... from early spring memories, to a granddaughter's birthday, to a dream come true of putting up a border fence on the west side of our big yard, and more.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSqRJL2bjtUH3LLGhBPAqjvTFP-Zu2heLR7HPzlzxJHBnLF1wqXg7tEI8FVsVKSyilHJYeS3NssOsm5TK7HYwRpmKFSaESx2lyGHLcywDKfQ5d-Z5EcyicAE7wWZVhC1U77UaqkPwLXf_/s2048/1MarchBeforeMcCook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSqRJL2bjtUH3LLGhBPAqjvTFP-Zu2heLR7HPzlzxJHBnLF1wqXg7tEI8FVsVKSyilHJYeS3NssOsm5TK7HYwRpmKFSaESx2lyGHLcywDKfQ5d-Z5EcyicAE7wWZVhC1U77UaqkPwLXf_/w640-h640/1MarchBeforeMcCook.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPhBuxbygOL7nZelsVVy98IqUU6FQm2zDT_Ou880Okgpp7U1ba1DAxOY_zrAFFt3SApMDpOmrAheu9DrgQlnIo0YjBSSYirBVQ1zEsqY-yiF501KcPLEkcynutfI2NfxsK7-qfwtWdC-D/s2048/2McCook1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPhBuxbygOL7nZelsVVy98IqUU6FQm2zDT_Ou880Okgpp7U1ba1DAxOY_zrAFFt3SApMDpOmrAheu9DrgQlnIo0YjBSSYirBVQ1zEsqY-yiF501KcPLEkcynutfI2NfxsK7-qfwtWdC-D/w640-h640/2McCook1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUKFveYxuW9Yt_OtBHKtHcwnOEQxlPDPQnwDzWjEbUXfML3HkwOKD2MXNC_pODernb2T18jeAz7bhPYwq5scsfyvRinUjX_Q085rsl_2myr74CEV-6_UEMtPr_JOyrw7AQebKq1XztZIC/s2048/3McCook2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUKFveYxuW9Yt_OtBHKtHcwnOEQxlPDPQnwDzWjEbUXfML3HkwOKD2MXNC_pODernb2T18jeAz7bhPYwq5scsfyvRinUjX_Q085rsl_2myr74CEV-6_UEMtPr_JOyrw7AQebKq1XztZIC/w640-h640/3McCook2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzcBEZPqmeMJGgzhX0_C5NIU26SP8M8vt29eR06VXBPHTBUk_ntKeBQ1LovmsO_hZF_X4tdpXy_RAURi36U4tP3TMq8nDH_ERUsTGmDh7RB8jvpA1aW3lWHLAClxfLPlBNv3s7Nt9I40h/s2048/4AfterMcCook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzcBEZPqmeMJGgzhX0_C5NIU26SP8M8vt29eR06VXBPHTBUk_ntKeBQ1LovmsO_hZF_X4tdpXy_RAURi36U4tP3TMq8nDH_ERUsTGmDh7RB8jvpA1aW3lWHLAClxfLPlBNv3s7Nt9I40h/w640-h640/4AfterMcCook.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: medium;">We also had our first dose of Covid vaccine the end of March, mostly done in anticipation of being with all of our family this summer. We are so excited to finally all be together again, and this time, for a big occasion ... to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary! We've reserved a big VRBO rental home, with room for all of us! It will have been over two years since we have been all together, extra long because of the pandemic. </span></div><p><br /></p>Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-77552172142948654942021-02-09T08:38:00.010-06:002021-02-19T11:23:28.469-06:00February: Christmas Memories, Snow and More Snow, and a Few Good Reads<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVm-rs8JUXiqCTIV7-mGfKY7S-IDzQneuUHNZYGp-2iKYU03lgDAlJ91Zat8dlrGmeZY_iGigfGqby0Fn46Fg2OqANvuHVI_ralSNgk5cUUvPX-GNCFnEw6hY4dQn8fzGo9lqCpEvPuhL/s2048/IMG_0603edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVm-rs8JUXiqCTIV7-mGfKY7S-IDzQneuUHNZYGp-2iKYU03lgDAlJ91Zat8dlrGmeZY_iGigfGqby0Fn46Fg2OqANvuHVI_ralSNgk5cUUvPX-GNCFnEw6hY4dQn8fzGo9lqCpEvPuhL/w640-h640/IMG_0603edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Greetings from a cold, snowy, winter wonderland! As we begin writing this update to our family and friends, the weather app on my (Cherry's) iPhone says it's 3 degrees, with a windchill of -12 degrees. Wow, that is cold. I think it's a good day to be indoors! We're also in a "Winter Weather Advisory", with more snow falling as I write.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Also, as I am writing this, the sounds of a snow blower have just started up out on our driveway. We have the most amazing neighbors, who have been clearing our driveway through each snowfall. On one recent, significant snowfall, they cleared our driveway about four times during the snowfall, keeping it from accumulating too much. One time was at 7 am. How amazing is that? <i>Thank you Todd & Lynn, you are such a blessing!</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Well, here we are in the second month of 2021. We'll start with a look back at our Christmas, as we haven't posted here for a number of months.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">This past Christmas was a most unusual Christmas for us, as we were not able to host our usual big family gathering. How we missed that, a highlight of the year for us. That just couldn't work with the unusual pandemic season we are living through. But surprisingly, it turned out that we could still be with part of our family. Our daughter Carrie & husband Tyler invited us to join them in McCook the week between Christmas Day and New Years. Two of our other daughters, Amy from Beaver Lake, and Cristy from TX, and some of their family members also joined us there. Though we missed those who couldn't be there, it was such a fun, blessed, memorable time together! We absolute loved it! The two digital scrapbook pages below capture some of this joy! <i>Thank you, Carrie & Tyler, for your amazing hospitality to all of us!</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUa_Kdya6EoXBFOznMwc37zZulQh9A0huk84B_tHSWh1UbjnesypnE2zeW1U7z1_Iell389xhZ0TK2U7E01wWZKDrBs-sWa6u8RNJn0VM98nKTl3hSwtzy9ew1HfmPwfgsOv-emCbbwzBC/s2048/7McCook2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUa_Kdya6EoXBFOznMwc37zZulQh9A0huk84B_tHSWh1UbjnesypnE2zeW1U7z1_Iell389xhZ0TK2U7E01wWZKDrBs-sWa6u8RNJn0VM98nKTl3hSwtzy9ew1HfmPwfgsOv-emCbbwzBC/w640-h640/7McCook2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRyKQomt5Zae3N6q18IiCC-oKedXrzMuGtETIFME8IVxnyt8LjXAzmU17Dw9Hz1grlKtbicwfeysAnWcdJUAe3GVmHbmk6pKQ18Ohl0B3SyaJPN9cNLtRhagUQapLeaVM29aHQRfv0Ack/s2048/8McCook3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRyKQomt5Zae3N6q18IiCC-oKedXrzMuGtETIFME8IVxnyt8LjXAzmU17Dw9Hz1grlKtbicwfeysAnWcdJUAe3GVmHbmk6pKQ18Ohl0B3SyaJPN9cNLtRhagUQapLeaVM29aHQRfv0Ack/w640-h640/8McCook3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;">We're entering our 9th month of retirement now in February! How can that be? How can time go by so fast? We have yet to have a day when we are "bored", and both of us do not really know what that word means. Our lives are so full ... keeping up with our big family, spending time with our CityGroup (small group) friends, Citylight Midtown services on Sunday mornings, caring for our home, doctors appointments, taking care of some of Gary's brother's needs, keeping up daily with current news and concerns to pray for, and seeking to find time for multiple projects that are on our hearts and minds. It is a gift and a joy to be experiencing retirement together.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Christmas Eve was a very significant time for us as a couple, as we celebrated 50 years from our engagement! <u>50</u> years!!<i> </i>And this also means that this year 2021 we'll be celebrating <u>50 years</u> since our wedding day in 1971! We are blessed beyond measure to be sharing life together with the one we love for almost 50 years now! <i>Thank You, Lord, for leading us together, and for caring for us all these years.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>And thank all of you who sent us Christmas cards, and for all the other multiple ways that you connect with us, and encourage us. It is always a joy to hear from you over social media, email, mail, etc. </i></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgha-grnUL9T-eq4BNgSvI8Ht9-3MJsZz8bw-GFXntz8G9VuRAx1iKRl3EtyMpA2VO9tfAu-djvzpmwmV88Z4xrZNq9vXYhWBTxGB2rlUjm_5tI3tNoK7i1gXet3gzzKxCfkgjZYiDxM1h-/s576/1OatmealBreakfastCake+copy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="576" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgha-grnUL9T-eq4BNgSvI8Ht9-3MJsZz8bw-GFXntz8G9VuRAx1iKRl3EtyMpA2VO9tfAu-djvzpmwmV88Z4xrZNq9vXYhWBTxGB2rlUjm_5tI3tNoK7i1gXet3gzzKxCfkgjZYiDxM1h-/w400-h250/1OatmealBreakfastCake+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><br /><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My Pursuing Heart blog has been fairly quiet over the past months, but I do love to put up a few posts each month. My first one of 2021 was focused on "In the Kitchen" - you can click</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"> <a href="https://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2021/01/starting-out-new-year-2021-in-kitchen.html">here</a></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> to read it.</span><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TK8oN4-s7EAKRt0eH2HdjYSIsKrNW28CSdKry3KaUW1M4qtyLb_4NDeFrge8SbV2a2rpk5GptxiOzId4v0eqf29hloJEfI9WVbKtE_m0vnpsRU2UfLbB7719oWuPNg_6Ese5MQHd4R4B/s2048/4FB618F1-B72B-4A8D-B004-2ADF741E27BC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TK8oN4-s7EAKRt0eH2HdjYSIsKrNW28CSdKry3KaUW1M4qtyLb_4NDeFrge8SbV2a2rpk5GptxiOzId4v0eqf29hloJEfI9WVbKtE_m0vnpsRU2UfLbB7719oWuPNg_6Ese5MQHd4R4B/s320/4FB618F1-B72B-4A8D-B004-2ADF741E27BC.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><br /><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And my other post last month focused on "In the Word", and "In Community". It is so very important to keep these essentials in place, even, and maybe especially during all the concerns going on in our country and around us. Keeping our hearts in the right place is essential. Click </span><a href="https://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2021/01/in-word-and-in-community.html"><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"> to read the post.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Last of all, we both thought it would be fun to share a list of a few books that we each have read recently. It's a great time of year to curl up on the couch with a good book. Here are a few of our favorite recent readings:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><u><b>From Gary</b></u></span><span style="font-size: medium;">:</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><u>Amazing Grace</u>: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery - by Eric Metaxas</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><u>Uncle Tom's Cabin</u> - by Harriet Beecher Stowe</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><u>If You Can Keep It</u>: The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty - by Eric Metaxas</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><u><b>From Cherry</b></u></span><span style="font-size: medium;">:</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><u>Becoming Elisabeth Elliot</u> - by Ellen Vaughn</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><u>It's Not Supposed to Be This Way</u>: finding unexpected strength when disappointments leave you shattered - by Lysa Terkeurst</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><u>Hidden Among the Stars</u> - by Melanie Dobson</span></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Along with our love of reading, you'll also often find us watching a movie together in the evenings, close by our new electric fireplace stove warming up the room. We've recently had fun watching a few good ones from past years: "The Hiding Place" (1975), "The Sound of Music" (1965), and "The Fellowship of the Ring" (2001). We're also currently enjoying two series airing now from Masterpiece Classic: "All Creatures Great and Small", and "Miss Scarlet and the Duke". </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">We'll close off this winter update with a quote from "The Fellowship of the Ring". Gary shared the image below recently on Facebook, with these words:</span></p><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">"I love how Gandalf answers Frodo here. It really blessed me as we were watching The Fellowship of The Ring once again last night. Frodo went through so much and Gandalf was such a wise counselor... J.R.R. Tolkien gave the world such great insights through his stories."</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFP4mjUi6uKlPahDOCustEbC1Ut9Z3iz0fKX5NTpdV2nwsBOJ3JDAQD6ED69E2N27wXVuAV2MOrBU9d4PyyNfwQk-HWsA5IyMi4BEoC6E7M3-uBV3QiYxLv2xW0nVZT6zVeCNvKE763LzW/s511/Fellowship+of+the+Ring+quote.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFP4mjUi6uKlPahDOCustEbC1Ut9Z3iz0fKX5NTpdV2nwsBOJ3JDAQD6ED69E2N27wXVuAV2MOrBU9d4PyyNfwQk-HWsA5IyMi4BEoC6E7M3-uBV3QiYxLv2xW0nVZT6zVeCNvKE763LzW/w626-h640/Fellowship+of+the+Ring+quote.jpg" width="626" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-47466561032852521352020-10-27T13:32:00.004-05:002020-10-31T07:26:24.171-05:00Our Transition to Retirement<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9nBOadL-sLQJywuMSmw73-LNskq522MOCMo003BpcsIKaRF5tQmwRHRpLgYjIZ5a1yYb2-00X0oxxdfCvSgmqZgyN6e-l2j7QyMYbnt5ehqViPacVoq4K9gvmqWc1SSOiYOcwuKmhhaA/s2048/IMG_3846edit2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1766" data-original-width="2048" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9nBOadL-sLQJywuMSmw73-LNskq522MOCMo003BpcsIKaRF5tQmwRHRpLgYjIZ5a1yYb2-00X0oxxdfCvSgmqZgyN6e-l2j7QyMYbnt5ehqViPacVoq4K9gvmqWc1SSOiYOcwuKmhhaA/w640-h552/IMG_3846edit2.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">It's been a bit silent here, as we've been transitioning into this new season of life for us. After 49 years of marriage, and 48 years of being in full-time ministry together, this is definitely a new season!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Also in addition with our transition to retirement, we, along with the rest of our country and world, have had quite an unusual year 2020. We're all charting unfamiliar waters, filled with many challenges, but also, filled with unexpected joys, as we are held in God's faithful, loving care.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Two of the unexpected joys we've experienced recently have been two wonderful trips! Unexpected because of the extended Covid quarantine life we all have been living in one degree or another. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">These two recent trips in September/October have truly been gifts from God! There's nothing like a long road-trip to make a person feel the joys of retirement! Here's a little peek at our 15-day trip with dear friends, Jack & Linda! We started planning this trip in mid-July, and left on Sept. 9th ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MF1l1Cud6tWdSMG7LeWGhRV0eE4G3VkYo1nPf-T7et7PvIesYHNTDCwIsEbSzZxTEmT8rYaFG5KAWxokyABQC9j7K45IMaOjZv1_hmDcXdxaWMCuqOcXXVX3GmEFR3TsGgROf2jyI6BW/s2048/2+Sept+GLACIER1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MF1l1Cud6tWdSMG7LeWGhRV0eE4G3VkYo1nPf-T7et7PvIesYHNTDCwIsEbSzZxTEmT8rYaFG5KAWxokyABQC9j7K45IMaOjZv1_hmDcXdxaWMCuqOcXXVX3GmEFR3TsGgROf2jyI6BW/w640-h640/2+Sept+GLACIER1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First of many digital scrapbook pages from our Glacier Trip.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">There are no words to describe the joy of traveling with kindred-heart friends! Our main destination was beautiful Glacier National Park in northwest Montana, followed by Yellowstone NP, Grand Teton NP, Arches NP, Canyonland NP, and Rocky Mountain NP. Also the gorgeous Grand Mesa National Forest near Grand Junction, CO. Such beauty everywhere, even on the roads and highways traveling between these parks in Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. We're thankful for God's protection as we traveled, and for the soul-filling fellowship and fun that we enjoyed!! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHgzfatFScQBXWMlajuN7zXcWCjZg_4fUimWeeNJ9tcNhN4GkX_Y3iRaIcZWduUSRGt9bCpPZZoGi4lwcm1qjiaIY-EPt7UJC5k6N8TwO7QGuJnMqNkEncVL5pXFvwg1l9r7ChPBEAJxY/s2048/IMG_4034edit2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHgzfatFScQBXWMlajuN7zXcWCjZg_4fUimWeeNJ9tcNhN4GkX_Y3iRaIcZWduUSRGt9bCpPZZoGi4lwcm1qjiaIY-EPt7UJC5k6N8TwO7QGuJnMqNkEncVL5pXFvwg1l9r7ChPBEAJxY/s320/IMG_4034edit2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We also greatly enjoyed the very special treat of being with Cristy & Mark, and their family in Wylie, TX (near Dallas) the beginning of this month! Even more special during this Covid year when we haven't been able to be with family as much as we would love to. Cristy & Mark are down to only having one of their four children still at home now ... our sweet granddaughter, Brianna (8th grade). We timed our trip so that it would be over a weekend when we could watch Brianna cheer at a junior-high football game! We loved being able to be there for that!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJj9YNQ5hbzLN8et2f_J1qmZLjthgUmqYDUQzO1nzPS9qIROjj7ZxDTXre38aQlRtHhpc-W2BkVLCrtQXT_lfAcX_YbYbgrHw5NINlaqCGzK8q2ugAEF-ZXoC6uf_ZUZPUMWFAfRfqqKb/s2048/IMG_4214edit.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1827" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJj9YNQ5hbzLN8et2f_J1qmZLjthgUmqYDUQzO1nzPS9qIROjj7ZxDTXre38aQlRtHhpc-W2BkVLCrtQXT_lfAcX_YbYbgrHw5NINlaqCGzK8q2ugAEF-ZXoC6uf_ZUZPUMWFAfRfqqKb/s320/IMG_4214edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />We were also able to spend time with Luke, a freshman at nearby Dallas Baptist University, when he came home during the weekend. It was very fun to meet his girlfriend, too.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0qRAHlVHxrPJTY1XiMxSnzY8reHMCCes4PDoeNVUmuKk60qnvyED_lWFPqFWN-xDnsmLwWJk6qPDmclr8oyJeFjHmcosXb2XRiCQTTs0O3UIFBfIvAtoYQK2lSEtSjrzPLNy2_KeDfn5/s2048/IMG_4042edit.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0qRAHlVHxrPJTY1XiMxSnzY8reHMCCes4PDoeNVUmuKk60qnvyED_lWFPqFWN-xDnsmLwWJk6qPDmclr8oyJeFjHmcosXb2XRiCQTTs0O3UIFBfIvAtoYQK2lSEtSjrzPLNy2_KeDfn5/s320/IMG_4042edit.jpg" /></a></div><br />Also some sweet times with Crystal, who is an intern at a recording studio in Dallas, after graduating from DBU in August! It was such a treat to see her, and also Luke, as we had missed both of their graduations (Crystal from college, and Luke from high school) during the summer because of Covid. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-size: medium;">We sure missed seeing Abigail & Addison on this trip to TX, as they are now serving in Japan with World Venture! We love connecting with them in various ways that social media, and texting provide.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">It has been a big transition for us from full-time ministry for 48 years, to now actually being retired! There have been many details to care for, and with these two amazing trips, we definitely are now "feeling" the joys of retirement! The challenges of life continue (daily tasks, doctor appointments, responsibilities, also the challenges of this Covid season and election season), but we continually are thanking God for clearly leading us to this point. It has also been a joy to connect with Jake (now as the Cru Omaha leader here!), and also some former Cru High students in the area!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">We took a day to enjoy the fall beauty along the Loess Hills scenic highway in mid-October. Here is a scrapbook page picturing some of what we saw ...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2VpN9vrFz7wks1fzqD53uLfghTEqn7fLoE3XgDa8WJs3bmgdQJqErAcXdFiySCGL4mIjhhtqlqIgHwQ307lK4hsxD07gMKia0WL9TPBjbNwSFZgXeinzl2CGc9ZgFg9NrDXYF1-zZKzR/s2048/XAfterTX%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2VpN9vrFz7wks1fzqD53uLfghTEqn7fLoE3XgDa8WJs3bmgdQJqErAcXdFiySCGL4mIjhhtqlqIgHwQ307lK4hsxD07gMKia0WL9TPBjbNwSFZgXeinzl2CGc9ZgFg9NrDXYF1-zZKzR/w640-h640/XAfterTX%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">We cherish the gifts of family, friendships, and the beauty of God's creation! And we look forward to keeping in touch here during our retirement.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;">Also, here are some links to blog posts Cherry has written during this month on her Pursuing Heart blog. Gary also looks forward to writing his thoughts on a variety of subjects here in the weeks/months ahead.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Century Gothic; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2020/10/in-kitchen-dehydrating-herbs.html">In the Kitchen: Dehydrating Herbs</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><a href="http://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2020/10/whatever-season-whatever-circumstance.html"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whatever the Season, Whatever the Circumstance</span></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><a href="http://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2020/06/in-kitchen-flavors-of-summer.html"><span style="font-size: medium;">In the Kitchen: Flatbread Pizza, Zucchini Bread & Muffins, Pumpkin Brownies</span></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p></p>Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-75549875458205114872020-08-30T19:21:00.001-05:002020-10-11T19:26:24.901-05:00The Joys of Gardening<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">It is hard to describe the absolute joy that we both have in gardening, for watching beauty grow from seed, for seeing God's majesty displayed even in our own yard. And during our fresh new retirement, we have had even more time to give to our various gardens.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cn27zUAmoTVjL9NSa6I2ow1ZHanj6hSNGneZ-9ZXM2SDQ2PCxgA7vFtnH27egQ86uvb2ZcFzMc3JCRZ9Mi49w8sg70uMi3q4x3pyfXeP3r7n5WvKPERH9Q0K08dCDYV4n90HDvJDOmmF/s2048/2+May.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cn27zUAmoTVjL9NSa6I2ow1ZHanj6hSNGneZ-9ZXM2SDQ2PCxgA7vFtnH27egQ86uvb2ZcFzMc3JCRZ9Mi49w8sg70uMi3q4x3pyfXeP3r7n5WvKPERH9Q0K08dCDYV4n90HDvJDOmmF/s640/2+May.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">Gary is the main one with the "green thumb", having grown up on a farm. For me (Cherry), it's been a gradual learning from him, and we both admit that my thumb has turned a soft shade of green after all these years of living as "one".</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">The photos above were taken in May of this year, highlighting our herb garden (right outside our patio doors by our kitchen), our weigela plant that we moved to a new spot this spring, and also our 10x30 foot veggie garden spot that we started back in 2012. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqe8nMS9Y_DGJ9KF9_4XJW68QrrjNCDu67XL65oS3tlU1aKF3LcCS591uVHiZgC01OO4oYydsSjMoA6zJmlymB-JDP5URP74h7IANvv8O6kKarik3-iIEwNN-YjtNJntCc9LM_kKBpvUgH/s2048/3+June.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqe8nMS9Y_DGJ9KF9_4XJW68QrrjNCDu67XL65oS3tlU1aKF3LcCS591uVHiZgC01OO4oYydsSjMoA6zJmlymB-JDP5URP74h7IANvv8O6kKarik3-iIEwNN-YjtNJntCc9LM_kKBpvUgH/s640/3+June.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">These next photos (above), were taken during the following month of June! You can see the growth in our herb garden, our veggie garden, our patio planters. Also visible are some vinca that we planted beneath our side steps. This is something we've wanted to do for quite a few years, and now finally had time to plant these vinca now that we are retired.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3GtmEeUMWaEMWHcTk-UzT8eBCvKWtKrpXvKaQqN4e8xgz9GRiGp12p8m8vJvkVfuMjfN4fW_kGWcu4BNKFsYFF4eayM3y7B8kJcn_qTyUPO8PeEopR6HXW1885n9P6ZCuLJ9BudQEzAH/s2048/July2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3GtmEeUMWaEMWHcTk-UzT8eBCvKWtKrpXvKaQqN4e8xgz9GRiGp12p8m8vJvkVfuMjfN4fW_kGWcu4BNKFsYFF4eayM3y7B8kJcn_qTyUPO8PeEopR6HXW1885n9P6ZCuLJ9BudQEzAH/s640/July2.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: courier;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;">The photos above show glimpses into our garden during the month of July. Photos can hardly capture the beauty of the growth! There is so much joy in watching things grow. Now, at the time of this writing in August, things are changing even more. We've started some fall plants (zucchini, and butternut squash), which are now taking the space where the green beans and potatoes were earlier. </span></div></span><p></p><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div>Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-69759421967633865112020-08-06T12:07:00.173-05:002020-08-07T11:23:27.735-05:00A Story of God's Amazing Love and Grace <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">How do you put into words a story that is so meaningful, so precious? Where we very clearly sensed God leading us step by step? Here is our attempt to share our story of how God led us from 48 years of full-time ministry to our recent retirement to Staff Emeritus. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">The following is taken from a letter that we sent our team of about 140 financial supporters last month. We wanted to share our hearts of thanks to them for making it possible for us to serve with Cru for the past 29 years, and now, we want to also share it with all the other dear friends and family in our lives, who have also been a part of these past years through your friendship and your prayers.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: xx-large;"><i>A Story of God's Amazing Love and Grace</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWuuvGnromv3ZMTiw86CbtiH8a3dSMdx-pg-RRuEksjWBpZ53i7Yw1Bjg75z_OFONMDizgXLTrBnf-nXwzwGal2wlX8E00L90ItLCZX1AlkiXa6D6idxxgsfQY3UcXskv0QfYswMHNLq-/s2048/IMG_6605edit.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWuuvGnromv3ZMTiw86CbtiH8a3dSMdx-pg-RRuEksjWBpZ53i7Yw1Bjg75z_OFONMDizgXLTrBnf-nXwzwGal2wlX8E00L90ItLCZX1AlkiXa6D6idxxgsfQY3UcXskv0QfYswMHNLq-/s640/IMG_6605edit.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">One year ago at the beginning of June 2019, the plans on our hearts were to continue on as full-time staff indefinitely. Though we were approaching significant birthdays (75 for Gary, 70 for Cherry) in 2019, we still had the desire and passion to continue on as staff. After all, the founders of Cru, Bill & Vonette Bright, continued on through their 80's and to the time of their transition to heaven!</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">However, quite unexpectedly God led us to change these plans. Over Gary's 75th birthday in June 2019, we reserved a few days away at a beautiful little private retreat center just a 45 minute drive from our home. While there we were blessed with a few refreshing days of quiet connection as a couple, and also as we spent uninterrupted time reading and being renewed in God's Word, and in connection with Him. Also through some sweet conversations over the delicious meals that our hosts prepared and served to us, some new thoughts quite unexpectedly came to us regarding our future. It was like a lightbulb turned on ...</span></p><p><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-large;">Is it possible that God would clearly show us when it is time for us to retire, just as He very clearly led us to join Cru staff years ago?</span></i></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">This was a new thought to us, and we left the retreat center with the idea that we would watch for that time to come in the future. But, also quite unexpectedly again, over the next 5-7 days, we both individually, and together as a couple, were drawn over and over to multiple verses and thoughts from Scripture that led us both to clearly see that <i>yes, God was clearly showing us to begin to make plans for living a quiet life. </i>(I Thess. 4:11, Psalm 46:10, and more) There was no doubt in our minds that this is what we were to do. Just as there had been no doubt in our minds back in 1991 that we were to make the big change from church planting to join the staff of Cru's High School ministry.</span></p><p><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><i>We were very amazed and full of thanks to God!</i></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">For though we had the passion to continue on, our energy level was (is) not the same as back in 1991 when we joined staff, and we were really longing for a quieter life, more time to focus on our growing family, and also on some personal projects including writing and sharing our stories of God's faithfulness over the years.</span></p><p><i style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">There were, however, several things that we felt needed to be in place before we could transition out of leading Cru High in our Omaha area.</i></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #666666;">First, of course, was that there would be </span><span style="color: #999999;"><b><u><i>a </i><i>replacement for Gary as the Director (or Team Leader) of Cru Omaha</i></u><i>.</i></b></span><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">Quite amazingly, at the same time last June while we were at the retreat center, our fellow staff person, Jake Loftis, was in Colorado receiving his training to take over as Team Leader in Gary's place! The plans were already in place last summer that we would at some point switch roles with him, and he would be the Team leader for Cru Omaha, while we would both continue on for multiple years to be team members with him.</span></p><p><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><i>God had already provided a new Team Leader!</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #666666;">It was difficult for us to share our hearts with Jake & Chelsea at Staff Conference in Colorado that next month of July in 2019, that God was, in fact, leading us to transition off of staff in the near future. The main reason it was so difficult for us to share this news, was that </span><i><span style="color: #999999;"><b><u>we did not want to leave Jake without other team members</u></b>.</span></i><span style="color: #666666;"> For though we have 20+ very amazing volunteers working with us, we felt that Jake should have some other full-time staff for the Cru Omaha team. We had been actively pursuing every opportunity we had to find more individuals to come on staff to be part of our Cru Omaha team, and had also been asking our national leaders for more staff members to be sent to Omaha for our team. But nothing had materialized.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><i>However, in God's great faithfulness and love, there was already a plan in place.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #666666;">For during the school year 2019-2020, God was already at work in providing for this need! Jake is the first one who come in contact with </span><span style="color: #999999; font-weight: bold;">Daniel</span><span style="color: #666666; font-weight: bold;">. </span><span style="color: #666666;">Daniel was already on part-time staff with Cru on the UNL college campus. He had made the decision to join staff full-time upon his graduation this past December. But after learning of the high school team here, he made the decision to work with Jake on our Cru Omaha team! </span><i style="color: #666666;">Isn't this just amazing?</i><span style="color: #666666;"> This summer as we have transitioned off of full-time staff to Staff Emeritus, Daniel will be raising his financial support to be full-time staff here on our Cru Omaha team, together with Jake! </span><b><span style="color: #999999;">God is so good!</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #999999; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><i>As you can see, we are so very thankful and excited for what God has done, and for what He has ahead for Cru Omaha! </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #666666;">We continued on in our July Newsletter that we sent to our financial supporters, letting them know of ways they can keep on with designating their future gifts towards Cru Omaha. One of three ways to continue on supporting Cru Omaha (if they feel God leading them to do so), is to transition their gifts to Daniel! And, if any of you reading this post here, wish to do so, as well ... please contact us. But most of all, </span><i><span style="color: #999999;"><u>we would love for you to pray for the next season of leading middle school and high school students in the Omaha area to know Jesus! </u></span></i><span style="color: #666666;">This is definitely a unique time in history ... please pray for many students to find a deep relationship with Jesus during these troubling times.</span></span></p></div>Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-63508162617023901002020-07-08T13:04:00.000-05:002020-07-08T13:04:53.881-05:00A Glimpse Back at the Month of May<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Our days and weeks were very full in May as we continued ministering to students through Zoom calls, and connecting with them in various others ways, while also being involved in other Cru ministry responsibilities. It was a challenge to continue to connect especially with some of our urban students, who don't always have the technical capabilities at their homes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">We were also busy preparing for our big transition to "Staff Emeritus" on July 1st. Who knew how many things there are to take care of to prepare for retirement, after nearly 48 years of full-time ministry (19 years in church planting, and then 29 years on staff with Cru)? We're thankful that God clearly called us to plan for retirement a year ago, for we have definitely needed a full year to prepare. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">We also mailed out our last Cru Communique newsletter to all our supporters and friends, a mailing list of close to 350. It's hard to imagine that this regular sending of newsletters will soon be changing after so many years. We're thankful that friendships will remain!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">On the home front, here are three digital scrapbook pages that capture some of what took place during the month of May. It was a special gift to welcome the beautiful season of spring in the midst of the "stay-at-home" COVID-19 weeks/months. We loved the many opportunities to spend time outdoors!</span></div>
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Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-67371610173445322582020-05-21T19:59:00.000-05:002020-05-21T19:59:24.496-05:00COVID-19 "Quarantine" During April<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The weeks of COVID-19 "quarantine" have continued on longer than we imagined. And maybe especially for those of us in the "vulnerable" age category. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">A lot of unusual things have taken place for all of us, and just for fun, we thought we'd share a few photos with you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The digital scrapbook page (above) captures a birthday parade for our two grandsons who live nearby. Their April 2nd birthday will hold very unique memories for them! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">We sure miss spending time with our two daughters (and their families) who live nearby, but it's been such a treat to see them when they bring us groceries or garden plants. And communication can happen even while social distancing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">It was a different Easter for everyone, but being able to be part of our Citylight family through live-streaming of services (photo above) sure helps. And being at home more has brought various blessings, as well ... such as bread-making, making masks, and learning a new creative hobby of embroidery. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Zoom meetings have saved the day, allowing us to meet with Cru students, with Cru staff, and also with our CityGroup (small group within Citylight). Photo above shows a special time "together" as nine CityGroup gals. Our husbands have met by Zoom, as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Another added blessing is that spring has come. Such a joy to be able to enjoy our yard, and to plant our veggie and herb gardens, as well as flower spots.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">These three digital scrapbook pages give a glimpse of our lives during the month of April; the whole month spent "at home" except for a few brief errands and short drives. We're thankful for God's care, and for sweet connections with Cru staff, with students, and also with our dear family.</span></div>
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Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-39072643034043610982020-03-31T13:48:00.000-05:002020-04-02T10:08:37.908-05:00From a Very Quiet Place<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWpr828YzEIqyI9nbeg0tNjylpfLdPKEBzm5T45l-gLTQeKm7HcPGm3Bd8JXhqisCk2sfJnHGNw_650HALOo4K_08hKNYc2G8G-EIOvaKMJBbr-kanj8ryNpgNiVL0epNtPfcLKWRHNyB/s1600/IMG_1937edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWpr828YzEIqyI9nbeg0tNjylpfLdPKEBzm5T45l-gLTQeKm7HcPGm3Bd8JXhqisCk2sfJnHGNw_650HALOo4K_08hKNYc2G8G-EIOvaKMJBbr-kanj8ryNpgNiVL0epNtPfcLKWRHNyB/s640/IMG_1937edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: small;"><a href="https://citylightomaha.org/" target="_blank">Citylight Omaha</a>, now live-streaming </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">How things change in just a matter of a few short weeks. Even just a month ago we would have never imagined what our new norm is now. And the new name that we have given to this blog space (renamed as we approach our retirement very soon) is more appropriate than ever ... this has become a <i>very quiet place.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><i><b>How are we doing in these days where we are staying at home due to COVID-19?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">On the Cru front</span></u><span style="font-size: large;"> ...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Our days continue to be very full, but this is not quite how we expected our last months as full-time staff with Cru would look! This unexpected turn of events means that we no longer can meet with students on campus, or even meet with them anywhere. It has been quite an adjustment to switch to online Zoom gatherings instead of face-to-face meetings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">It is especially difficult for us to keep in touch with many of our inner city students, who may not have adequate resources to connect online very well. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">It has been a joy to watch some of the students take leadership themselves, reaching out to encourage their fellow students in creative ways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">On the home front</span></u><span style="font-size: large;"> ...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Our six grown kids are watching over us closely during these days, and are pretty much keeping us on <i>lock-down</i> here in our home. Because of being in the most susceptible age category for this virus, they are wanting us to be extra careful. We feel so loved and cared for, and are grateful. They have even been bringing us our groceries and other needs! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Our family text group is active all through the day, each day, as we hear directly from NYC (two sons), Wylie TX (a daughter), McCook and Plattsmouth NE (two more daughters), and from close by us in Allen Hills (another daughter). We are <i>loving</i> this constant daily, continual connection, and also receiving first-hand updates on affects of COVID-19 in these areas. We also love hearing from our oldest granddaughter Abigail & her husband Addison, as they moved to Japan on March 1st as long-term missionaries with World Venture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Please pray especially for our two sons (Seth, Lance) living in the epicenter of the coronavirus in the US now, and also our daughter (Sara) serving on the 'front lines' as a social worker in a hospital in Omaha.</span></div>
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<u style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And in our hearts</span></u><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"> ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">We are encouraged, sustained, and at peace as we continually adjust and lay our expectations before our faithful, never-changing, loving God. Even though we miss our physical connections with those we love and serve, we never have to miss His close presence with us. We are so very blessed to know Him, and pray for many all over the world to be drawn to Him during these days of challenge. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Let all that I am wait quietly before God,</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>for my hope is in Him.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>He alone is my rock and my salvation,</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>my fortress where I will not be shaken.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>My victory and honor come from God alone.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>He is my refuge, a rock</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>where no enemy can reach me.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>O my people, trust in Him at all times.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Pour out your heart to Him,</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>for God is our refuge.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: medium;">(Psalm 62:5-8 NLT)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">We trust that you are each doing well as you care for and love your families and friends during this time. We really would love to hear from you! Thanks for your friendship, your prayers, and for reading this ... and please share any prayer needs that you would like for us to pray for during these challenging times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">For more reading, you're invited (especially the gals), to read Cherry's posts this past month on her <a href="http://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Pursuing Heart </a>blog:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Two devotional posts:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2020/03/what-to-do-in-hard-times-and-in-every.html" target="_blank">What to Do in Hard Times, and in Every Time</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2020/03/our-daily-joy.html" target="_blank">Our Daily Joy</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Two recipe posts:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2020/03/in-kitchen-cupcakes-few-main-dish.html" target="_blank">In the Kitchen: Cupcakes, a few Main Dish Recipes, and More</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="http://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2020/03/chicken-katsudon.html" target="_blank">Chicken Katsudon (Memories from Japan)</a></span></div>
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Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-4216816455133021712020-02-13T11:47:00.003-06:002020-02-13T11:52:25.437-06:00A New Year 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">This online space, </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">"From a Quiet Place",</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">has definitely been <i>quiet</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">But not necessarily because it's </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">been quiet here in our lives,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">but because life has been so full!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">We started this space up again last fall with a new title, sharing about our 75/70 year, and our plans for retirement from Cru (<i><b><span style="color: #666666;">coming soon on July 1, 2020</span></b></i>). We put up two more posts in the fall, and now, here we are at the beginning of 2020. And it's past time for an update!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><i><b><u>What has life been like for us on the Cru front?</u></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">The first semester of the 2019-2020 school year went by in a blur! Our main focus with Cru has been encouraging Jake (now the director of Cru Omaha, as we will be retiring soon). He is doing a <i>great</i> job, and we are so grateful for how God has brought him to this place, at just the right time! He is perfect for this position!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Our next focus has been (and continues to be) to encourage our volunteers at the three campuses that we have been primarily in charge of ... Omaha North High School, Omaha Central High School, and Accelere Alternative School. They are doing an amazing job! Our focus is to build them up, and help them feel equipped to lead as they continue on in the coming years. We thank God for Syndi, Seven, Bill, Vicki, Danette, and Ron. They'll continue to receive leadership from Jake in the future, and will play a significant part in Cru Omaha as capable and passionate volunteers.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Volunteer, Syndi (left in back row) with some of her Cru North students!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">PLEASE PRAY FOR:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">* Syndi (in photo above) and our other volunteers as they give of their time to love and disciple students in the midst of already-full lives. That they would be encouraged during this time of transition as we step away from the campuses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">* A part-time Cru staff guy, Daniel, who may be placed in Omaha this next fall - he would be an amazing addition to the team here, and a great help and encouragement for Jake!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">* Jake as he has many responsibilities, including leading a Cru High summer mission team to Columbia this coming summer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">* Students from our area to join Jake on this summer mission to Columbia. This mission is one of seventeen groups from Cru High going overseas on mission this summer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><a href="https://sites.google.com/cru.org/getaway2020/conference-mission?authuser=0" target="_blank">Click here</a> </b></span>for more info as you pray.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><i><b>And what has life been like for us on the home front?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Though God has clearly led us to plan for retirement in the middle of 2020, this change also clearly holds a wide variety of emotions for us. Change is exciting, and also can be difficult. It means slowly releasing God's calling to serve full-time through Cru, while at the same time continuing to embrace the heart of ministry that He has for us as long as we are on this earth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">What will life look like for us on retirement? We are curious to see ourselves how this will look! We do know that </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">our lives as followers of Jesus will continue to be an everyday listening to Him, and following His direction. Abiding in Him day-by-day, and having His love and grace flow through our lives to others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">We are anticipating spending quality time with our dear children and grandchildren ... four daughters, two sons, and their families. This is of high priority for us. We also anticipate continuing to encourage those in leadership here with Cru Omaha, being available to mentor and build into the lives of others in ministry. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Another pull on our hearts is to have time to write and record our stories of how God has been faithful in the midst of great joys and also great trials. Desiring to pass on these stories of God's grace. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">And, of course, we are anticipating some slower days, more times of quiet, and time to pursue various projects we both have.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><i>PLEASE PRAY for us as we "let go" in the next few months, and as we embrace the new season ahead. Also, for all the tangible matters that need to be cared for ... changing from Cru's BCBS insurance to Medicare (which can be quite confusing as we search for the right plan), and also as we make adjustments to live with a smaller income upon retirement.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Some special highlights with family recently ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">* A visit to see daughter Cristy & Mark & family in TX this past September. It was our first time there after they moved into a beautiful brand new home last summer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">* Several day trips to see daughter Amy & Joe & family at their new home by Beaver Lake (a 45-minute drive from here), including spending a very special Christmas Day with them there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">* Time with daughter Sara & Sean & family (just a 7-minute drive from us), including a delightful Thanksgiving Meal at their home. And also attending multiple events their boys are in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">* Two trips in December to see daughter Carrie & Tyler & family in McCook (5-hour drive) - the latter one to be with them at the time of the memorial service for Tyler's grandpa. We're so glad we could be there at that time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">* And though we miss seeing our two sons, Seth (& girlfriend Fer), and also Lance, all in NYC, we love every phone call, text, and connection that we have with them. We are hoping to make a trip to NY to visit them on one of our first trips after retirement!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">And, sharing our most recent highlight ...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbmHvJPTAdYTZ2ZP2MO6VFOPb_EUAztSPDtHQD9x_UW2AhBQAvPvcQKGkpmm1Apki-RmgcL6EMKOgtQHOiR2NHFVoVG1TKpA5TA_K4gNGjnZqPkWabuekbKFQJUbsFGtAffP5XSFEGauN/s1600/8FamChr2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbmHvJPTAdYTZ2ZP2MO6VFOPb_EUAztSPDtHQD9x_UW2AhBQAvPvcQKGkpmm1Apki-RmgcL6EMKOgtQHOiR2NHFVoVG1TKpA5TA_K4gNGjnZqPkWabuekbKFQJUbsFGtAffP5XSFEGauN/s640/8FamChr2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Our Family Christmas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">with 23 family members here in our home! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Schedules were too full to make it happen in December, so we celebrated a January Christmas! It was wonderful, and extra special as we also got to experience a "White Christmas". We were missing three family members who would have loved to be with us, but couldn't make it work this time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">We also had a special evening together honoring our oldest granddaughter & her husband (Abigail & Addison), as they will be moving very soon to Japan to serve long-term with World Venture! It was a joy to honor them, and also emotional to say good-bye, as this was their last trip up from Texas before they fly to Japan on March 1st.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just look at these wonderful grandkids of ours ... all home for our January Christmas!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">We are cherishing the memories of our January Christmas, and thank God for His gift of family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><i>And thanks for reading this long update ... we value your friendship, and your prayers! </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #999999;">Thanks also </span></b>for your generous gifts/donations to our account in recent months (meeting our end-of-year need!), and t<b><span style="color: #999999;">hank you</span></b> in advance for your prayers and support this New Year!</i></span></div>
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Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-38998554931656478262019-10-29T12:27:00.000-05:002019-11-02T12:32:16.076-05:00Cru Communique Newsletter / Oct. 2019<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" style="background-color: #fafafa; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0px; color: black; max-width: 600px; text-align: justify; width: 100%;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "verdana" , "segoe" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 24px;">Gary & Cherry Warrick / Cru Communique</span></span></h1>
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<span style="color: grey;">Our Big Autumn News!</span></h1>
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Many of you have heard our big news already, but we want to highlight it again for those who have not! We are so very excited to announce that Cru Omaha has a new Team Leader!! After 29 years of directing the Cru High ministry here in the Omaha area, we are passing the torch on to Jake Loftis!<br />
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Jake is so qualified. He was with us as he came to know Christ back in 8th grade, and then as he transitioned to student leader, then to volunteer, then to part-time staff, then to full-time staff ... and is now at the helm of Cru Omaha!<br />
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He has proven himself through all these years and has been a tremendous source of support, strength, inspiration and encouragement. So, this is an awesome milestone for all that God is doing in the lives of high school and middle school students in this area. THANK YOU, JAKE! And also, a big THANK YOU to Chelsea, Eleanor, and Audrey for supporting Jake in this big change, and for serving alongside him in this big endeavor!<br />
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Jake completed his 4-week Team Leader Training in Colorado this past summer, and the photo above was taken a few weeks after that as we were all at Cru's Biennual Staff Conference in Fort Collins, CO.</div>
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A few photos capturing Jake (clockwise from upper left) ...<br />
1) While discipling students or having fun with them - Jake loves being with students<br />
2) Jake in action at a volunteer training session - a very gifted leader & developer<br />
3) A great visit from our Cru regional leader, Scott, pictured with Gary and Jake<br />
4) Jake leading our Summer Kick-Off event with students from multiple campuses</div>
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<span style="font-size: 24px;">And you may ask - where do we fit in now?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">We are so excited and thankful to continue serving with Cru for another school year in our new capacity of working under Jake! We couldn't be more thankful for his leadership, and for how God has called a new Team Leader, with younger energy and new vision for Cru Omaha!<br /><br />We will be on staff through this current school year, and will then be following God's clear direction to transition into retirement at that point. This is a significant time in our lives as we have just celebrated our 75/70 birthdays this past summer and fall, and we are thankful for God's provision for Cru Omaha to continue on and flourish under Jake's leadership! You can read more details about this transition on our blog ... click <a href="https://garyandcherry.blogspot.com/2019/10/our-7570-year.html" style="color: #656565; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 24px;">Thank you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">You are an integral part of what God is doing through Cru Omaha! Thank you for your continued prayers, and financial support that make this ministry to middle school and high school students in the Omaha area reality! Please let us know if you have any questions, and also prayer needs ... your responses will come directly to our inbox.<br /><br /><em>Gary & Cherry</em></span></div>
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Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-73631846793340151662019-10-12T16:19:00.000-05:002019-10-12T16:19:46.091-05:00September Memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">September is always such a beautiful month with a mix of summer and autumn. With patio planters filled with the bountiful pink begonias of summer, mixed in with pots of the rustic colors of fall mums. It really is the best of both seasons. Some days the weather reached into the 90's, and other days we felt the crispness of the coming autumn season.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">It was also a month of a mixture of blessings, of work and of rest. A mix of busy Cru days, of times spent with family and friends, of quiet days at home. It was a good time of year, and I always want to hang on to September a little longer. But it goes by quickly, as each month does.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Sharing some glimpses from a few of our September days ...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">Student meetings have started up for a new school year on six of our eight area campuses. It is an incredible joy to meet with students, often right on their campuses! The photo above shows students at Omaha Central High School, meeting as an after-school club on Thursdays each week. In the center foreground you see Seven, our amazing college student volunteer who helps lead, and also coaches the student leaders as they lead. He works closely with Gary, who took the photo. Please pray for these students, representing a variety of countries of origin, as they grow in their faith. </span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">And it's always a blessing when some of our national Cru leaders come to our area. Here you see Bill Kollar, serving on the national leadership team with Cru High in Orlando. He also had served with the Cru collegiate ministry in Lincoln NE in the past. He took us out for breakfast at Paradise Bakery & Cafe on the 20th of September before driving to Lincoln to speak at the Fall Retreat for the Cru students there. It's always an encouragement when we spend time with him.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">What would life be like without grandchildren? These two live just a seven minute drive from us. Jake & Cole seem to always have a football, baseball, or soccer ball in their hands! This year they are playing tackle football as fifth graders, and are loving it. We are thankful to have these two close by, along with our daughter Sara and son-in-law Sean. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">The rest of our family lives a distance away, though two more daughters and their families are in our same state. Our two sons are in New York City, and our other daughter and family live near Dallas, TX. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">And Texas is where we went for a sweet visit the beginning of September! You can see some of our fun in the digital scrapbook page above. It was an absolute joy to spend time with Cristy & Mark, Abigail & Addison (married in May of 2018), Crystal and her boyfriend Braden, Luke (a senior in high school!), and 13 year-old Brianna!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">September was a beautiful month, and now here we are already in the middle of October!</span></div>
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<br />Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-37651385400390445552019-10-02T19:16:00.001-05:002019-10-29T15:32:12.425-05:00Our 75/70 Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>This has been a significant year for us!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Did you notice the numbers in the title for this post - "<b>75/70</b>"? Sometimes we wonder how these numbers can actually apply to us. And then at other times we are very aware that <i>yes, it's true, the numbers 75/70 do belong to us now</i><i>!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Our family put on a very special birthday party for us the end of July ... in between our June and September birthdays! And we have been celebrating in various ways all year long as a couple.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">It is quite significant to turn these ages. And quite unexpectedly we have also been led to make a significant decision in the midst of our 75/70 year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Just as God clearly led us over 28 years ago to this amazing adventure of sharing His love to middle school and high school students through Cru, He has now clearly led us this past summer to set the date for our retirement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Our retirement date is set for July 1, 2020!</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">This 2019-2020 school year is our "transition year", as we are transitioning things over to Jake Loftis (our amazing staff guy who is now the director here in the Omaha area), and also to our wonderful 20+ volunteers. It is already proving to be a busy, and also an emotional year for us, for though it is an exciting transition for us, it is also an emotional time for us as we make this big change.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><i>We will continue receiving our salary checks from Cru until the end of September 2020</i>, and are asking our financial supporters to continue on until the end of September 2020 if possible. Cru will give us a three-month additional period of pay after our retirement date, but only if the funds are in our account.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>A New Name: <span style="color: #666666;"><i>From a Quiet Place</i></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">In anticipation of this significant change in our lives, we are making a change to the name of this online blog space. Just as the previous title - <b>Our Cru Communique</b> - reflected our calling as staff, our new title - <b><i><span style="color: #666666;">From a Quiet Place</span></i></b> - is a reflection of this transition time in our lives. Our lives are far from quiet, as this year at times seems busier than ever! But yet, in the midst of it all, we are seeking to still our hearts and listen closely to God as He leads us into next steps of following Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">We'll be sharing more in the months to come about this transition time - sharing prayer needs for Cru Omaha, and for ourselves, and sharing the things that are on our hearts as we will be stepping into retirement next summer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">You are invited to come back here to read a variety of posts during this "transition year", and beyond. <i>Thanks so much for your friendship, love, and prayers for us.</i> </span></div>
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</style>Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-70154126848049254562019-02-28T12:07:00.000-06:002019-02-28T12:34:30.607-06:00Our Cru Communique: February 2019<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="templateContainer" style="background-color: #fafafa; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0px; color: black; max-width: 600px !important; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
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<span style="color: dimgrey;"><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , "verdana" , "segoe" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 24px;">Gary & Cherry Warrick / Cru Communique</span></span></span></h1>
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<span style="color: dimgrey;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><em><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Hello, friends, during this cold, snowy winter month!</strong></span></em></span></span><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: dimgrey;"> </span>We are using a variety of different means to keep in touch with you. Last month we mailed you a newsy letter with a fun family update, and this month we are using a MailChimp format again. No matter the format, we desire to keep in touch!</span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;">An exciting opportunity!</span></strong></div>
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<tr><td class="mcnTextBlockInner" style="padding-top: 9px; text-size-adjust: 100%;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; text-size-adjust: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="mcnTextContent" style="color: #202020; font-family: Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; text-align: justify; text-size-adjust: 100%; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: dimgrey;"><em><strong>We love this photo!</strong></em> </span> </span><span style="font-size: 13px;">You may recognize two faces in the photo: Jake (in the middle on the left) and Gary (front right). Let us tell you about the others!<br /><br />Our Cru High staff team here in the Omaha area consists of three of us: Jake, Gary, and Cherry (taking the photo). We're always looking for opportunities to connect with the Cru Collegiate staff in our state and also in our region. And that opportunity happened earlier this month!<br /><br />Seven staff leaders in our Cru Collegiate six state region (Cohort 15) came to Omaha for a connection time as collegiate staff in this cohort. We were surprised and pleased when they requested an opportunity to meet and serve our Cru High team while here! Cru's college campus ministry is so huge compared to the high school and middle school ministry that we don't normally interact that much unless we are located in the same city. This request meant a lot to us because when we have connections with collegiate staff it potentially results in more interaction with college students who often make great volunteers in reaching high school and middle school students! In addition, Cru college students are excellent prospects for recruiting much needed Cru high school and middle school career staff here on our Cru Omaha team.<br /><br />Those present at our lunch together (with five of the seven regional leaders) were from North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska. After lunch together, they assisted Jake as he led our Cru Marrs Middle students for their weekly meeting.<br /><br />It was a great opportunity to share with them, and then have them experience what high school and middle school ministry looks like. They caught our passion, and our time together has the potential of opening the door for some of their college students to pursue reaching high school and middle school students in their own college locations or even here with us! And in turn, we can help their college ministries by feeding our high school students into their college groups upon graduation from high school.<br /><br /><span style="color: dimgrey;"><strong><em>Please join us in prayer for great things to happen and for more opportunities to work together as Cru Collegiate staff and Cru High School staff! </em></strong></span></span></td></tr>
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Specifically, would you pray for more staff and volunteers to join us?<br />
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To know His heart<br />
is to know compassion.<br />
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"When He saw the crowds,<br />
He felt compassion for them,<br />
because they were distressed<br />
and dejected, like sheep<br />
without a shepherd."<br />
(Matthew 9:36 CSB)<br />
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To know Him, to follow Him<br />
is to seek to have His heart,<br />
to ask Him to open our eyes<br />
to those who need His love.<br />
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"The harvest is abundant,<br />
but the workers are few.<br />
Therefore, pray to the Lord<br />
of the harvest to send out<br />
workers into His harvest."<br />
(Matthew 9:37-38 CSB)<br />
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This year, this week,<br />
and today ... Lord, give me<br />
Your heart of compassion<br />
for Your harvest.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12px;">(from Cherry's blog / <a href="http://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/2019/02/on-my-heart-compassion.html" target="_blank">http://pursuingheart.blogspot.com)</a></span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: 15px;">Thank you</span></em></strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"> for being a valuable part of our Cru Omaha team through your prayers, encouragement, and financial support! Please let us know how we can be praying for you, as well! Your replies will come directly to our email inbox. </span></div>
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Home/Office 402 468-5345 / Cell 402 659-3340<br />
PO Box 184, Fort Calhoun, NE 68023<br />
gary.warrick@cru.org cherry.warrick@cru.org<br />
<a href="http://cruomaha.com/" style="color: #656565; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">cruomaha.com</a> / <a href="http://garyandcherry.com/" style="color: #656565; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">garyandcherry.com</a><br />
<a href="http://pursuingheart.blogspot.com/" style="color: #656565; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">pursuingheart.blogspot.com</a><br />
Click <a href="https://give.cru.org/0407850" style="color: #656565; text-size-adjust: 100%;" target="_blank">here</a> to donate to our staff account.</td></tr>
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<br />Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-85997638689492154052019-01-22T13:44:00.000-06:002019-01-22T13:50:16.395-06:00Highlights from December<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is a highlight of our year when family comes home! And this year, we were so incredibly blessed to have ALL of our family home for Christmas! And when all are home now, that means 25 of us all together ... four daughters, two sons, four sons-in-law, a son's girlfriend, ten grandkids, a granddaughter's husband, and another granddaughter's boyfriend!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Twenty-five of our family + Gary's older single brother, and we were 26 around our table(s) for Family Christmas 2018 ...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We gathered at our home on Saturday, Dec. 29th, out-of-town family from Dallas, San Francisco, Brooklyn, and McCook NE, joining us and our two daughters & families who live nearby. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's such a treat to be together, and also that we can still all fit around our table(s) for Christmas Dinner. The six youngest grandkids eat at a table set up in our living room, but they join us for a family photo "around the table" in the dining room, and also while Gary/Dad/Grampa shares a short Christmas devotional before we enjoy our feast.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our special Family Christmas Day together continued until 1 am the following morning ... gift-giving, games, a fun snack/appetizer spread in the evening, and more games ... so much joy and laughter, and many memories made. We are grateful to God for His blessings. Life is full of trials and hard times for all (including for our family), but also filled with such special gifts from God. We are filled with thanks for His gift of family.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">December was a very full month for us, as it usually is for everyone. Preparing for having family home, and also continuing with all the activities of Cru on our various campuses can make for a very busy time. But also a very blessed time.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Gary was in Dallas (Nov. 27 - Dec. 2) for the Annual Leadership Gathering of all Team Leaders with Cru, both with the college campus ministry and the high school ministry. While there in Dallas, he also was able to spend time one evening with family ... our daughter Cristy & Mark, and their family. And also blessed to go to a special Christmas Concert at Dallas Baptist University where our granddaughter Crystal and also her boyfriend Braden, attend. Crystal and Braden are both pursuing music-related majors while there, and had a part in the very special concert.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Back at home again, our days were filled with Christmas prep, a fun visit from our daughter Carrie & Tyler and their two children who now live in McCook, and various special musical and band programs that our four grandkids who live nearby were in during the month of December. We also greatly enjoyed time with our CityGroup (small group with our church, Citylight Omaha) at a sweet Christmas Party, and also an invitation from a couple within the group to be their guests at an amazing Christmas performance of the Trans Siberian Orchestra at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And also, our weeks were filled with Cru ... staff meetings, student meetings, and all the day-to-day administration of Cru Omaha. We finished off the year so grateful for all that God is doing in students' lives. And also so grateful for blessing us with having Jake on our team. It is a joy to serve together with him, and with our 25 volunteers who make Cru Omaha a reality.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Students gathered on our various Cru campuses for Christmas parties near the end of the month. Here are photos of two of those fun gatherings ...</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cru Christmas Party at Central High in Omaha</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cru Christmas Party with Fort Calhoun students</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And now, we are into another calendar year of family, Cru, and more! Thanks for visiting Our Cru Communique blog, and we wish you a very Happy New Year!</span></div>
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Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-76143297942426342132018-11-16T10:58:00.000-06:002018-11-16T11:02:01.589-06:00Our Autumn Overview<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our fall season has held quite a variety of things. From weekly staff meetings, to meetings with volunteers and student leaders, to the weekly student meetings on our seven Cru high school and middle school campuses. Fall is always a very full season of Cru activity and energy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our month of September was maybe even extra full for us, as we were also preparing our volunteers and student leaders to cover for us while we would be gone on our vacation trip from Sept. 27 through Oct. 16. It was unusual for us to plan a vacation trip near the beginning of a school year! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We prayed, planned, and saved up our vacation days, and our money, to visit our son in NYC, and he had suggested that we come in the fall instead of during the heat of summer! So ... that's what we did! We also planned our trip around the time of the beautiful autumn colors in New Hampshire and Vermont, as we drove up there after time with our son. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The highlight of our trip was our 5-day stay in NYC ... we loved our time visiting our son, Lance! The first day we arrived in the city, we also got to see my (Cherry's) brother and sister-in-law, Steve & Beverly, and one of their daughters, Izzy. Meeting up in Chinatown was such fun!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After our days with Lance, we drove north of the city to spend the weekend with Steve & Beverly ... such a treat! Then we headed up through Connecticut, Massachusetts, and into New Hampshire for a few days, and than a few days in Vermont, before we started the journey home. We had planned and hoped to be in NH and VT during peak fall color season, and amazingly, we hit it just right! It was simply gorgeous, as you can see from the digital scrapbook page below!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our route back home took us by Niagara Falls, and then a very special overnight visit in Michigan with one of my (Cherry's) dearest friends from my childhood years in Japan. Though Debby and I have only seen each other three times since our childhood, our friendship continues, and it is always such a blessing for us to spend time with Debby and her husband Dave.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Just five days after our return home, we hosted three visiting Cru staff leaders for three days. Our amazing Cru leadership try to visit staff regularly, giving encouragement and support. Bill </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">came from Orlando (representing the leadership at our Cru headquarters). Scott (from Denver), and Nicole (from Dallas), are our new regional leaders who oversee and give support for our Cru Omaha team.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You can read more about their visit, and see more photos, by clicking <a href="http://cruomaha.blogspot.com/2018/11/cru-staff-visit-in-october.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The first weekend of November held our annual Cru Harvest Party, hosted by a sweet, generous couple from our church, Citylight. Some students from four of our seven campuses came together for a fun evening of hot dogs, smores, games, hayrides, and an inspirational time around the campfire.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You are invited to read more, and see more photos about this evening, by clicking <a href="http://cruomaha.blogspot.com/2018/11/cru-harvest-party.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Thank you so much for your interest in Cru Omaha, and in our lives as a couple and with our family! We love to give you these little updates, and we are so grateful for your prayers and support!</i></span></div>
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Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-66242033309190235992018-08-23T11:12:00.002-05:002018-08-23T11:12:54.583-05:00Wrapping Up Summer<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Officially, the calendar still says it's summer for awhile yet, but in reality, the season has already made a change. The focus is now a new school year, both with our families, as well as for us who work with Cru. So here is one last post wrapping up some of our summer memories ... with family, and also with Cru.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We had a very special treat the first week of July ... a visit from our daughter Cristy together with her husband Mark, and the younger two of their four children, Luke and Brianna. Our grandkids are growing older, so two stayed behind: Crystal, with her summer job at DBU where she attends college, and also Abigail, who is now married and preparing for her first year of teaching after college graduation this past May! It's hard to keep up with everyone growing up and that also means that we are growing <i>older</i>, as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was a wonderful time with family home! Then mid-way through the month, we headed off for Chadron State Park, in the northwest corner of our state, for a week of v-a-c-a-t-i-o-n. Our bigger trip of the year does not come until the fall season this year, but we knew that we needed a "week off" during our busy summer. We decided to stay fairly close to home, and reserved a cabin at one of Nebraska's state parks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our week away was just what we wished for, and more. Just the two of us ... resting, enjoying the beauty from our cabin deck, reading, extended devotional times ... it was glorious! And another special treat was driving back home to Omaha/Fort Calhoun via a stop in McCook. It was very fun to stop to see Carrie & Tyler, Cruz and Eva just three weeks after they moved into their new home there. We loved our visit with them, and getting acquainted with their new life there in McCook.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">July and August have also been filled with Cru activity, as our involvement with students continues throughout the summer ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Just a few days after our trip to Chadron State Park, we, together with some of our students, had the opportunity to partner with a group who serve the homeless in downtown Omaha once a week throughout the year. It was eye-opening, and heart-breaking, and such a joy to serve together providing a meal to nearly 175 of Omaha's homeless. You can read more and see photos by reading <a href="http://cruomaha.blogspot.com/2018/07/cru-summer-update.html" target="_blank">"Cru Summer Update" at CruOmaha.com</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then at the beginning of August it was such a joy to have Jake & Chelsea, Eleanor and Audrey, over for a mid-morning breakfast gathering just five days after they returned from their month-long Cru mission to Tanzania, Africa. They, together with three other Cru staff, led a group of 16 college and high school aged students to love and serve students in Tanzania. We <i>loved</i> to hear many of the exciting things that happened, along with hearing about the challenges that were also present. You can read more and see photos of their trip by reading <a href="http://cruomaha.blogspot.com/2018/08/tanzania-summer-mission.html" target="_blank">"Tanzania Summer Mission" at CruOmaha.com</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And now, as we near the end of August, schools have started up again, and we are very much involved meeting with our volunteers, our student leaders, and on campus in student meetings. On one of our campuses (Omaha North) a few of the students (above) joined us in a prayer walk around their campus at the start of this new school year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Would you join us in praying for each of our campuses this year, as well? We desire to keep in touch often this school year, alerting friends and family to prayer needs, and also sharing what God is doing! You can check back here at <a href="http://garyandcherry.com/">GaryandCherry.com</a>, as well as at <a href="http://cruomaha.com/">CruOmaha.com</a> for updates throughout the year.</span></div>
<br />Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-50554933179036638822018-08-07T07:40:00.000-05:002018-08-14T08:00:46.021-05:00Highlights from June<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Continuing on with our desire to keep in touch with family and friends, we thought we'd keep on with sharing some updates from our summer. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If there were a theme that we would pick for the month of June, it could be ... that it was a time for farewells. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was a time to savor times together with a daughter & son-in-law & two grandkids before they made a big move. These photos capture the special overnighter we had with Cruz and Eva before they moved from Omaha to McCook the end of June.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was a blessing to be able to help our daughter and son-in-law, Carrie & Tyler, through the month with preparations for their move ... caring for the kids, providing freezer meals for their use, etc. A bittersweet time to have family move away; yet, we are thankful for how God has directed their move. And it is not as far away as it could be!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And June was filled with Cru ministry, as well. Though our regular Cru meetings on campus do not take place during the summer, we continue to still be involved with students throughout the summer. Our Cru Summer program provides an opportunity for students from our various area campuses to continue meeting. Students met in two different locations: a group in Washington County met in various student homes, and a group in Omaha met in a meeting room at Scooter's coffee shop. Each group of students used the Summer Connect video discipleship material provided by Cru. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In addition to the Cru Summer gatherings during June, Jake & Chelsea (staff on our team) prepared to lead a team of high school and college students on a mission to Tanzania, Africa. In the photo below you see them with their two young daughters, as well as three high school students from our area. They left from Omaha's Eppley airport on June 27, joined a group of about 16 others in Chicago from across the nation, and flew to Tanzania for their month-long mission with Cru.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bittersweet farewells, but a joy to hear news throughout the rest of the summer of how God used the team in Tanzania in amazing ways, and also of how our daughter and son-in-law, Carrie & Tyler, and two grandkids Cruz & Eva, are right where God wants them to be.</span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-30761207778573692282018-08-06T11:35:00.001-05:002018-08-06T11:37:13.024-05:00A Few Snapshots from the Month of May<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Desiring to keep in touch with family and friends, we're sharing a few memories and snapshots from our month of May. As Cru staff, the month of May can often be one of the busiest months of the year. And it probably is the same for others, as well, with all the events that May can bring!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the midst of finishing up another year of Cru on our seven area campuses, the month held a very significant event for our family! Our oldest granddaughter, Abigail, was married to her fiance, Addison. We couldn't have been more excited! They met at DBU (Dallas Baptist University), and both sense a deep calling to serve long-term overseas with World Venture to the country of Japan! With my (Cherry's) background as an MK (missionary kid) from Japan, this is especially exciting for me to have a granddaughter and her husband headed for that country!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We traveled to Dallas/Fort Worth for the beautiful wedding on May 20th. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An added blessing for us was that all six of our (grown) children were able to be there for the wedding, as well ... a mini family reunion!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When we returned home from the wedding, we jumped right back into Cru responsibilities with finishing up the school year. Besides wrapping up student meetings, we took part in the big area fundraising program called <b>Omaha Gives</b>. We are so grateful for the funds that were brought in to help with funding our Cru Omaha Operating Account for the coming 2018-2019 school year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That same week, we, together with Jake, the other full-time staff member here in the Omaha area, held the Cru Summer Kick-off event ... a fun time for students from various campus groups, and the start up of the summer program for students.</span></div>
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Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1180952059928539351.post-79907983418513620542018-04-17T10:29:00.000-05:002018-04-17T10:30:06.023-05:00Our March 2018 Newsletter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJsYRXE6dEExQKTtqc7XaTzlohAwMZO9VJ1wE_ncRj6mJb8-aV4wI8zVL5u41tsMOJdw5XYtPJRLtDSoIMA2tmGHMG5YRDFyl_w0jTiPrd4YNtdn4xudZwGTcKojg2EV5Iy5CJVS9IU4-/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-04-17+at+10.13.51+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1478" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJsYRXE6dEExQKTtqc7XaTzlohAwMZO9VJ1wE_ncRj6mJb8-aV4wI8zVL5u41tsMOJdw5XYtPJRLtDSoIMA2tmGHMG5YRDFyl_w0jTiPrd4YNtdn4xudZwGTcKojg2EV5Iy5CJVS9IU4-/s640/Screen+Shot+2018-04-17+at+10.13.51+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We've been trying out various formats for sending out our Cru Communique newsletter ... sending by postal mail, by email, or a combination. Our most recent choice has been to send our news in the format of a large-sized two-sided postcard. We hope that it is easier to read, as it is very visible when it arrives in the mail. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We greatly appreciate the prayers and financial support that we receive from churches and from individuals, and want to keep in touch with you! </span></div>
<br />Gary and Cherryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01512557796447168012noreply@blogger.com0