Do we ever get enough?

I need to get back into this blogging thing and decided the fresh New Year was as good a time as any so here goes. I had something to try to write about back in Sept. but never got the words from my mind onto paper (or to the computer) back then. The thoughts are still there so this is the little idea that I wanted to blog about then: Do we ever get enough? You know - enough of life, enough hugs, visiting, enjoyment, pleasures, good times, hours in a day, money, time. This thought came to me after having to ‘say goodbye’ to my daughter at the airport. She was heading back to Russia for another year and had only been in the States for a short month. Her visit home was jam-packed with travel, speaking engagements, business appointments and not much time for rest. I had counted up the nights she got to sleep in her own bed and it was only a handful. Needless to say I wasn’t ready to ‘let her go’ again. I didn’t get enough of her! I was feeling really sorry for myself on the drive home when the song by Jeremy Camp came on the radio – “There Will Be A Day”. There will be a day when there’s no more tears, no more pain, no more fears...when the burden of this life will be no more...That’s when the answer came to me. No, we will never get enough during this life, but Oh the hope of what is awaiting Jesus’ followers! What we have here & now cannot even begin to be compared to what heaven holds. Jesus is more than enough! What a promise, what a peace, to rest in Him.

Back By Request

Saturday, Feb. 14 was the night for the Lance Creek Community Family Valentine Dinner. After a five year absence, the church ladies decided it was time to ‘bring back’ the tradition and they went ‘all out’ by transforming the school gym into an eloquent atmosphere complete with lamp lighting, candles and netting with white lights. The buffet line was spread with a variety of salads & vegetables ‘carried- in’ along with roast beef, mashed potatoes & gravy and homemade rolls. There were also two tables of delicious desserts to suit anybodies’ sweet tooth. The school gym was appropriately renamed the “Sugar Shack” for the evening. Approximately ninety guests were in attendance including children representing 30 area families.
Babysitting was provided after the completion of the meal by some of the older youth in attendance who entertained the kids with a movie next door in the school modular. The adults were entertained by Mike & Faith Ball from Douglas. They sang several songs including “The Love of God” & “Love Crucified a Rose” accompanied by their daughter Feilynn who also sang and played the guitar. Their son Borden read a love poem. Mike & Faith also performed for the crowd the humorous rendition of “Will You Marry Me” comparing it to Gary Walker’s proposal to Vonda fifty years ago to the date. Special guests, Don & Marlene Dillavou, from Billings, MT. were in attendance and Don entertained the adults with an impromptu performance of a few of his impressions.
The evening concluded with the traditional Lance Creek version of the “Newlywed Game”. Couples graciously volunteering for the game included: Rex & Barb Biehler, Ken & LeAnn Dixon, Shannon & Teri Bruegger, and Dwight & Shelly Krein. Congratulations go to the Dixon’s who went home with the winning prize: matching ‘red-neck’ negligee (apron) and red-hot-chili-pepper boxers! This year’s dinner was attended by some honored alumni: Travis & Katie (McGuire) Krein, Eric & Linda (McGuire) Randall, Wray & Karen (McGuire) Lovitt.

Puttin' Away the Christmas Decorations, But Keeping the Christmas Spirit!

Yesterday was the day to take down the tree and box up the decorations. I used to dread the project but have learned a couple of ways to make it a little more enjoyable. Probably the best help is listening to the four "old" Christmas albums we have kept over the years. I didn't realize how much those "old" albums were a tradition to our family 'til both our girls mentioned them as part of Christmas. Okay, you need to know what four they are: Joy to the World by Connie Smith, Come On, Ring Those Bells by Evie, The Statler Brothers Christmas Card, and last but not least The Carpenters Christmas Portrait. As Vanessa has mentioned, since she grew up hearing Connie Smith belt out Go Tell It On The Mountain, no one else can quite measure up to her standard! The "old" vinyl 33's are showing their age as they are a little warped and scratched, but they are one of the possessions that our family holds dear. Listening to those Christmas carols really helps to keep the Spirit alive within. I have a newspaper cartoon tucked inside my bible that's a good reminder also. It's one of the Family Circus ones and has mom busy putting away the Christmas ornaments with little Jeffry stating "Grandma says when we put away the Christmas things we shouldn't put away the Christmas Spirit with them." Amen, Grandma you preach it! (I think her preachin' was her livin' it everyday.) Knowing what the Bible says isn't the challenge for the New Year, it's the life application or doin' what it says that's the hard part! Practice everyday! Oops, I see I missed puttin' away the mistletoe... maybe I'll leave that out on purpose!

Christmas Letter 2008

Lance Creek, Wyoming 82222 The GREER FAMILY Times December 11, 2008

Another year has come & gone and we now believe the saying: “time goes by faster the older you get.” For the Greer household, 2008 was a year of status quo marked with a couple of major life changes. Our girls have officially “left-the-nest” and are writing their own life stories. Sarah changed her last name and we added a son to our family (welcome Bryan!). And Vanessa is living on the other side of the world. It’s not the letting go that hurts, it’s the holding on. (But letting go isn’t painless either!) For most of you reading this, you’re already aware of our milestones. Just incase we haven’t kept you informed; we will try to summarize the major events.
Our spring flew by but it was a whirlwind for Sarah. She graduated with a doctorate of Pharmacy degree from UW on May 10th, and then married Bryan Opitz the next Saturday! Following a quick honeymoon, she began a new job as a clinical pharmacist for the VA hospital in Hot Springs, SD. Bryan worked the summer in the pharmacy at Pamida in Hot Springs before returning to Laramie to continue his studies at UW. Needless to say, even the high gas prices didn’t curtail their driving miles! The newlyweds are enjoying a “full dose” of the real world.
For Vanessa, her year was one of “hurry-up-and-wait.” She spent the majority of the year living & working in Casper, in preparation for her missionary call to Siberia. She finally left for Russia in September. She is a student with another couple from the US (the Orner’s) at Novosibirsk State University in Achedemgorodok. For now, her major concern is learning the Russian language. God has provided a sweet little “babushka” (grandmother) for Vanessa to live with. The babushka (Tamara) is very hospitable to her and we are thankful Vanessa has someone to “look after” her. If you have internet access, Vanessa tells her experiences much better than we can on her blog (vanessagreer.blogspot.com). As for us, we’re just thankful for the internet now more than ever as we can communicate with her on a daily basis. (Amazing – half way around the world and we can still be in touch!)
And now back to the status quo part. We still love the isolated spot God has put us on and ranch life. Yes, we still drive school bus. (Andy enjoys tormenting all our neighbor kids!) Brenda gets to substitute teach at the country school once in a while and fill in at the post office not so often. This year, for the first time in 23 years, we put our Christmas tree up without any help from the girls! We enjoy the occasional dog-sitting of the grandpuppies (Sarah & Bryan’s pups; Polly & Payton.) We did have an exciting 30th anniversary thanks to our kids. They surprised us with a trip to Seattle and Vancouver, Canada via air/rail. It was a fun time and beautiful scenery. Quite the “eye opening” experience for us country folk. We found out we live a very sheltered life in our little spot on the map!
Andy’s folks are doing well. Glenis is intrigued with her new toy – Vanessa’s old laptop. She is enjoying having email and has figured out how to surf. Look out QVC you have eBay for competition now! Bill can tell her what he wants her to look for and away she goes!
This letter was truly a joint effort this year. (Andy helped a lot, really he did!) Spending time together is what we like and do the most. We sure do hate to admit it, but we are definitely on the downhill side of life! No more climbing to the top of the hill, now we are sliding to the finish line. We pray that whatever your life has been this year, you’ve had God to be your guide. It sure helps us to remember that this old world is not our home; we’re just passing through on our way to eternity. At this Christmas time, we hope you remember the real reason we celebrate. The greatest gift of all: God’s Son sent to earth to save mankind from the mess we’re in. Something we’ve been learning is how our faith is also a gift. We have to choose to trust God everyday. Our Bible commentary has a good comment on faith: The attitude of trust and confidence is a gift from God. No matter how much faith we have, we never reach the point of being self-sufficient. You can’t store it away like money in the bank. Growing faith is a daily process of trusting in Jesus about everything. (Taken from the life application study Bible comment for Mark 9:24.) So, what we’re finding out is: life is learning to trust Jesus everyday in everyway. We pray you are placing your trust in the Lord.

Have a Blessed Christmas and Hope filled New Year!

For Such a Time as This...

I love the book of Esther in the Bible. The first time I read it, I didn't stop 'til I was all the way through it. (Which wasn't hard to do since there are only ten chapters.) I also remember arguing with someone who stated that God was not mentioned in the story. They were right, God's name isn't mentioned, but I don't think anyone can read the story and not see God at work! He was very active in the whole drama as it played out. Why, nothing happened out of chance! It was all orchestrated by God. It's a good reminder that no matter what happens God Is In Control. And my favorite verse from this book is when Mordecai says to Esther "Who knows but that you have become Queen for such a time as this?" It's a good application in my life today whether something good or bad happens to ask what's my role? Don't try to back out of the challenge do my best and let God do the rest. If you've never read the book of Esther check it out. It won't take long. See if you can find God at work.

God Bless Sarah Palin...Who knows... for such a time as this!

hunting season mode

So, I need to get a few things posted on here just in case someone decides to check it out. This tends to be a busy time of year around the ranching community but then again every season brings a business. We don't take in very many hunters for deer & antelope, just a few but it's enough to add to the work schedule. My husband normally drives the rural school bus route in the morning and I drive the afternoon run, but when he is out with hunters I drive his morning run. Then there is the getting the bunkhouse presentable for guest and added extra baking and meals to prepare and somehow I seem busier than normal. All this having much to do has been good for keeping my mind off of some needless worries, so it's a blessing! I seem to vacillate from "empty-nest what to do now?" to feelings of being "taken advantage of." But the hunters expelled the "taken advantage of" feelings when they left a hefty tip. Added blessings!

trying something new

Well, I'm not a techie but I'm sure that is obvious even if you don't know me well. So, this is my something new for the year - starting a blog. Why? Because it will be my something new to learn(aren't I clever! and adventurous, ha) Not really. I'll blame Vanessa for getting this blogging thing going. Anyway, this could prove to be fun.

One dear lady friend of mine said that you never want to stop learning or your brain will die before your body. I agree with her and she's in her late ninety's now. She can't see to read anymore so her brain is dying along with her worn out body but, praise the Lord she'll be seeing Him soon! All because she placed her trust in what Christ did for her on the cross, she will finally be home in heaven for eternity!

Trying something new is a good way to learn but, I also agree with the thought that the older you get the harder it is to learn new things! So, does that make me a glutton for punishment?

That's all for now.