Thought for the Day

Calling an illegal alien an "undocumented immigrant" is like calling a drug dealer an "unlicensed pharmacist."

Sweet

Candy M&Ms.





Monet and Monroe. Our very own M & M's. Very sweet!

Christmas 2007

Traditionally at our house on Christmas Eve we have the little kids dress up and act out the Nativity. This year our "actors" were Rhodes and Rhett (shepherds); Lincoln (one of the wisemen); Monet (angel); Vaughn (Joseph); Monroe (Mary).

We sang a few carols, Pop read the Christmas story from Luke and prayed, thanking God for the gift of His Son, Jesus.

The kids opened their gifts from Pop and Meemaw.

In the middle of evening we traditionally ask a question and go around the room giving opportunity for each person to offer his/her answer. This year our question was, "What tradition makes it Christmas for you?"

"Family."

"Jesus birthday."

"Food."

What answer would you have given? What tradition makes it Christmas for you?

A Little Christmas Story

It was the day after Christmas at a church in San Francisco. The pastor of the church was looking over the crèche when he noticed that the baby Jesus was missing from among the figures. He hurried outside and saw a little boy with a red wagon, and in the wagon was the figure of the little infant Jesus.

So he walked up to the boy and said, "Well, where did you get your passenger, my fine friend?"

The little boy replied, "I got Him at church."

"And why did you take Him?"

The boy explained, "Well, about a week before Christmas I prayed to the little Lord Jesus and I told Him if He would bring me a red wagon for Christmas I would give Him a ride around the block in it."

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!

(A special thanks to my cousin Barbara for this cute story.)

The Pages

North Carolineans, Don and Diane Page, have been approved for the Children's Cup Team of missionaries. They will begin raising their support now and plan to be on the field by January, 2009.

If you want to find out more about this dedicated couple or send your support for their work with us, check our 'Cup website.

Their blog should be up by this time next week. Watch for it!

A Christmas Wish

I love Christmas.

I love Christmas carols.

And I've found a new Christmas song that I love.

Olivia Newton-John singing "Christmas on My Radio."

The album is named Christmas Wish.

Download it today. Or go to the store and buy it.

A beautiful voice combined with easy harmony...

Awesome.

An Emotional Task

With Ben and Susan and the kids staying here at our home on their short furlough, the daily chores have, of course, increased.

The kids are really helpful however. They not only make their own beds, load/unload dishwasher, vacuum, dust, "pick and put" (a process of picking up stuff and putting them in their proper places), but they also take the dirty clothes to the laundry room.

Hence the photo of Levi carrying the daily stack through the kitchen to the laundry. Evidentially he dropped an item and had to pick it up--discovering to his horror a pair of Trinity's undies.

All seven-year-old brothers of little sisters will understand his emotion.

How Does It Feel to Be Worshipped?

wor·ship v
1. vti to treat somebody or something as divine and show respect by engaging in acts of prayer and devotion
2. vt to love, admire, or respect somebody or something greatly and perhaps excessively or unquestioningly
3. vi to take part in a religious service


Just ask Uncle Danny. Trinity thinks Uncle Danny is wonderful. That's why she laughs at his jokes.

Thanksgiving Report

The 22.5 pound bird...
Ben was elected to carve the bird...
Maybe choosing Ben to do the task was a mistake...


Hope your Thanksgiving was full and happy. Full of gratefulness to the Lord for His continuous blessings and careful watch over our lives.

Our special day was just that...So much to be thankful for...

Plenty of good food to eat and happy family to love...

Grandkids' giggles and the football game...

A special skit and song by the grandkids adding to the warmth of our celebration...

The solid knowledge that we'll spend eternity with Jesus because He loved us enough to die for our sins...

The promise of a home in heaven...

Being allowed to share the Good News of the Kingdom with children in the hard places of the world...

What more could we ask for?

The Hornets

Shown here at the HPC sports complex are Hornets' coach Dan Ohlerking (my son) and his assistant coach J.D. Ohlerking (Dan's son, my grandson) instructing their Upward basketball team in the fine skills of becoming good players.

If you'll look closely, you'll see Children's Cup Missionary Kid, Levi Rodgers, with his shirt up, just like they do it in Africa. (If it itches, scratch it!)

Levi and his family are home in the USA on a short furlough.

Check the line up...the last two are Vaughn and Lincoln...

Cousins Levi, Vaughn, and Lincoln were born in the year 2000. They are like the Three Musketeers when they are together.

Yep. These are some of my grandsons.

Three of Six

Okay. I should probably call this blog Meemaw because most of my posts are about my awesome grandchildren. Maybe I'll change it one day.

Anyway, here's a cool pic of three of my six beautiful granddaughters: Tori, Kayla, Trinity.

Jessie Bohannon

Children's Cup was honored to have Jessie Bohannon of Colorado visit with us here in Louisiana last weekend. We took her to Healing Place Church on Sunday to feed her soul, and to Boutins Friday, Texas Road House on Saturday, and On The Border Sunday--along with a stop at Marble Slab for dessert...to treat the taste buds. Never let it be said that Louisiana doesn't feed its guests well!

Jessie is a nurse who is planning to go to Swaziland and work with Teresa Rehmeyer and Children's Cup's medical program.

She will begin raising her support soon--so if you feel so moved, you can support her either by cash or monthly pledge. Check out the 'Cup web site for details on supporting one of our missionaries.

Jessie just started a blog--check it out--and leave her an encouraging word!

Kayla is 10!

Happy Birthday to Kayla.
Kayla is a missionary kid who lives in Swaziland. She and her brother, Levi, are homeschooled. Her sister, Trinity, attends a preschool.
Kayla is home on furlough with her parents and siblings for a few months.
She's our #2 granddaughter and #4 grandchild.
Kayla has written a few really cool praise songs. If I can figure out how to do it, I'll try to post a little video of one of them one day.
And she got her long hair cut last week, donating it to Locks of Love.

Hangin' Out at Gatti's

Our blessings: LtoR Kayla, Lincoln, Vaughn, Levi, Monroe, Monet, Rhodes, Rhett, Trinity (missing are Tori, JD, David 3, Marley)

Our family has grown so big it's hard to all come together in one livingroom, so we invade Gatti's Pizza place every now and then...

Last night was one of those special times.

But we had several of the clan missing: Dave and Ben are in Colorado in meetings; Vicki is in Africa with a video team (I'm so jealous!); Tori was at her Life Group meeting; and son David 2 and his son David 3 are in Austin.


The newest clan member, Miss Marley, made her first appearance--her first family outting.

Invading and taking control of Gatti's party room, we ate and talked and laughed and drank cokes and ate some more. The kids played and spent quarters in the game room and chowed candy from the machine after eating tons of pizza. It's a wonder the place can stay even in business when we are there. oink

Three of my four kids: Susan, Dan, Josh

Marley!

Proud Pop and Meemaw with brand new baby granddaughter Marley.

October 22

This would have been my dad's 93rd birthday.

As my readers know, Dad died in September this year, after suffering from Alzheimers for several years. (A nasty thief of a disease, stealing loved ones before they are gone.)

He was a true Christian in every sense of the word. Not boisterous, but steady. Loyal. Solid. Gentle. Loving, and kind.

In the last months of his life, he was seen by the staff at the care center where he lived, lying on his bed with his arms raised toward heaven, quietly praying and praising God.

They asked my brother if Dad was a pastor. No, but he certainly loved Jesus.

Alzheimers may steal a lot of things from a man, but it can't steal his soul.

"I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands," (Psalm 63;4).

A NEW BABY!

I'll post a photo later tomorrow, but here's the important news:

Marley Irene Mercy

...daughter of Josh and Shannon

...was born early Sunday, October 21, 2007, at 2:42 am--only 22 minutes after they arrived at Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Weighing in at 8lbs 10oz and measuring 21" long, she has short black hair and fat pudgy cheeks punctuated by a precious little bow of a mouth.

While I held her she made the sweetest little squeeky noises. (awwwwwww) And she is beautiful!

Marley is our 13th grandchild; our 6th granddaughter.

Welcome to the world Miss Marley!

Amazing technology from Japan

Look closely and guess what they could be...
Are they pens with cameras?
Any wild guesses? No clue yet?
Tah-Dah! You've just seen something that will replace your PC in the near future. (What'll they think of next!?!)
In the revolution of miniature computers, scientists have made great developments with bluetooth technology.
This is the forthcoming computer you can carry in your pocket.
These "pen" instruments produce both the monitor as well as the keyboard on any flat surfaces from where you can carry out functions you would normally do on your desktop computer.
Looks like our computers are out of date... again!

(Thanks to our Wisconsin friend, John G., for sending this news item.)

Cupcake Day

Seven of my grandkids came over Monday. We made cupcakes. It was a riot.

The three-year-old twins Rhodes and Rhett were the ones to squeeze open the eggs. There's a first time for everything--just use your imagination...

Seventeen-year-old Tori was there to help. And daughter-in-law, Shannon, was there too after she returned from her doctor visit (grandchild #13 is due 18 October).

We had the kids all around my kitchen island on chairs and stools. Rhett, Monroe, Monet, Rhodes, Vaughn, Lincoln. They just took turns, going counter-clockwise around the island, with the mixing steps--each one getting to do a step. Measuring, stirring, etc., someone got to turn the oven on, someone read the instructions (Vaughn), someone poured and measured oil. Everyone got to stir. They each got to put two cupcake papers in the tin, and then each got to fill two cupcake papers. I did help here a bit, but it was just fun!

Then when the cupcakes were cooled off, the frosting began. We gave them each a square of paper towel and two cupcakes. then a knife. (these were just ones from the table settings to go with the fork and spoon--my mom called 'em butter knives--no serrated edges or sharp parts even--but it really raised eyebrows...they KNEW they were NEVER allowed to touch knives. But here was Meemaw giving them each a knife, so it must be okay. They were very quiet, no one offering to suggest knives might be off-limits.)

Each took a glob of frosting on their forbidden knife and swirled it on the cupcakes, one at a time. Oh, the concentration of these little ones! I helped each kid a little while the others watched, waiting patiently their turn to frost. Then came the sprinkles. Nobody got out of control. And their cupcakes were beautiful.

I took photos like crazy during the process. And especially the finished products.

Alas. My iPhone that i'd used to take the photos, crashed when i was trying to download the pictures. Long story. A post for another day.

Sadness.
Whines.
Tears.

Aargh.

A Little Anniversary to Celebrate

Today, October 5, 2007, is the anniversary of the first time Dave kissed me!

Forty-nine years ago today.

(Yeah, it was a good one!)

P.S. It is also my youngest brother's birthday. (Happy Birthday, Tom.)

Jonah-Vaughn

"I promise! I'll go to Ninevah! Just get me out of this big fish!"

The Audubon Aquarium in New Orleans was interrupted by Katrina, but is recovering slowly. So we took the kids there the other day.

We took loads of pictures so I thought I'd show off some of my grands again.

Monet, Vaughn, Monroe

Seventeen!

You are the kid who made us grandparents.
We are proud of you and your commitment to serving Jesus.
We can't wait to see what God does with your life.
Happy Birthday, Victoria Grace. You are beautiful inside and out.
We love you.

Double-double

Rhodes, Rhett, Monroe, Monet.

How many grandparents are blessed to have two sets of twins in their "quiver?"

Double blessings. Double giggles. Double the pleasure , double the fun!

"...children are a heritage from the Lord...blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!..." (Psalm 127:3, 5).

Hallelujah, What a Thought!

What did it sound like when 120 trumpets, plus other miscellaneous instruments, and all those singers lifted their voices in praise, “For He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever!” while the Ark of the Covenant, signifying the presence of Almighty God, was being ushered into King Solomon's newly constructed Temple? Then the Glory of the Lord came in like a cloud and filled the temple--causing such a reaction by human beings that the priests couldn't even stay on their feet...

120 trumpets. Full orchestra. Singing voices. Praising voices.

No wonder, when we ask for forgiveness of sin, and invite God into our hearts through the Blood of His Son Jesus, that we feel so exuberant! Our personal rejoicing, along with that of dear ones who have prayed for this day, reaches heaven where it continues with the shouts of dancing angels.

What an awesome thought that the God of the universe would come dwell in human hearts! The cause to rejoice!

Hallelujah!

(read the story: II Chron 5:11-14)

Jacaranda Time

My favorite tree.

In early spring (early fall for America) southern Africa breaks out in purple blossoms everywhere you look.

It's Jacaranda time in Swaziland.

I want to plant one in my front yard in Prairieville.

This one is on the corner of a very busy downtown intersection in Mbabane, Swaziland. Makes it a pleasure to stop at the robot (red light) so one can gaze a bit at its beauty.

God's georgeous creation.

Thanks, Lord, for pleasuring my eyes.

Thanks...

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 40 Days of Prayer for the children.

You may or may not see how effective your prayers have been, but eternity will reveal it.

Imagine the people in heaven who will come up to you and say, "Thank you for praying. I'm here today because of you."

It will be worth it all.

Taps

Thanks to all of you for your kind words and prayers for our family and me during this time of my Dad's death.

Since he was a WWII vet, a sailor stationed on Kwajalen, The Marshall Islands, the interrment included a couple of sailors who played taps on the bugle and ceremoniously folded the flag that had been draped over his casket, then presented it to my brother, Steve.

I loved that part of the day.

Everyone shared something special about my dad. He was so dear to the entire family. So full of wisdom, kindness, and love.

I'm blessed to have been able to call him my dad.

The youngest of the family, Tom, has written a great account of Dad's life on his blog, tombougher.blogspot.com.

Brothers Steve & Tom with me between.

My Dad

Today at noon, my dad, Harry Kenneth Bougher, Sr. went to be with Jesus.

My dad was the closest thing to the perfect human being that I have ever known. I've missed him already (alzheimers takes your loved one away before they are actually gone). Now I find myself weeping, missing him all over again.

He taught me so much about life. And living.

He was gentle and kind and warm and funny and loving.

I never doubted his love for me, my brothers, my mom, the grandkids, or for Jesus.

I have been blessed to have had him be my dad.

JD's 13

Happy Birthday to JD!
Number 13 today...the beginning of the teen years.

JD just graduated his second year at Navigators--second in his class.

Navigators is Healing Place Church's summer program geared for Middle Schoolers, training them in the Word and in servanthood.

We are very proud of JD, who he is, and who he is becoming.

Huh?

I know you believe you understood what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I mean.

To Tell The Truth...

If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

Trinity Lynn

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Trinity
Happy birthday to you!

Now you are four.
Save me a piece of your cake.

Forty Days of Prayer

Join us! Pray with us each day for specifically named things--for the Lord to bring answers and blessings and meet the needs of little kids who are looking for hope (Hope's name is Jesus).

Check out the website (childrenscup.org) and sign up to show your prayerful support.

Guess Who?

This photo was taken of Dave and me in the spring of 1960 at his parents' house in Eagle Grove, Iowa. Yeah, we were just kids. However, we'd been married over a year already.

Can you guess what year, make and model the car is?

Faith

Dreaming of Missions

We've been on the road again, again.

Among our many stops was Huntsville, Alabama, where we had breakfast with these three pretty ladies, Lindzee, Elise, and Leah. All three are in Master's Commission.

Elise has only one year left and wants to continue her ministry doing missions. Maybe with 'Cup.

Leah and her sister Lindzee are also warm towards missions and may some day join Elise in her venture.

My niece, Tiffany and her sweet daughter Alyssa, introduced us to these ladies and came along for our yummy breakfast at the local IHop where we had great discussion about working with the little kids who need love and care and Jesus.

Missionary Merrill

The USA side of Children's Cup celebrated Christy Merrill's commissioning with a cookout (okay, barbeque, for you NC'ers) and all the grandkids too.


(back row:Pat Conti, Dave, Josh, Dan, Ty VanRensburg; next row: Tori, Christy, Shannon, Vicki, JD; next row: Lincoln, Vaughn, Rhodes or maybe it's Rhett; front row: Monet, Monroe. One of the R twins wouldn't come get in the photo.)


Christy just fit right in with our crazy crew--and the grands love her for reading the storybooks she brought and the sidewalk chalk drawing she did for them.

She's gonna make a great missionary.

Welcome on board, Christy. Your life is about to change...

A Ponderable

If 4 out of 5 people suffer from diarrhea, does that mean that one actually enjoys it?

And Now You are Five!

Happy Birthday, pretty ladies. You are loved! (Monroe, top, is 9 minutes older than Monet.)

How Old?

You know you are getting old, when everything either dries up or leaks.