Bev's day

I have to say I've been proud of myself today. I took Barb's vacuum apart (she'd run over a cable to her computer, which wrapped itself around the beater bar and cut off the power), and -even better - I got it put back together! And it runs! Then I reattached the cable (to the right spot even!) and lo and behold, the computer works too! After lunch I used our weed eater (for the first time) and except for a few gouged spots on the lawn, one petunia accidently cut off, and slicing almost through the cord once, I did a pretty good job.
AND THEN, I learned to blog! (Thanks, Ken)
I'd claim this was a typical day in the life of "Super Gram", except that the rest of my week has been decidedly unproductive. You'd think I was retired.

Actually, my favorite day looks more like this:
Two or more great-grandkids on my lap -perfect!

One day mini vacation

For Father's Day Cathie said she would drive me (and Bev too) to any place I want, for a meal. We thought about it and decided that even though we had seen many parts of the world, there were places in Washington State we haven't seen, such as Walla Walla. We decided to make it a one day mini vacation, taking a route we hadn't traveled before. We stopped to see Palouse Falls, which seems completely out of place, in the middle of the rolling hills of wheat and sage brush country. Upon arriving at Walla Walla, we had a great lunch, and I had a piece of chocolate cake that was something special! Afterwards, we toured some of the historic sites. It was a great Father's Day gift, and one that will be remembered.

More recommended reading

Another book I highly recommend is "TAKE THE RISK" by, and about Dr. Ben Carson. Dr. Carson grew up in the ghetto and faced many obsticals due to his race and enviroment. He eventually became a world-class neurosurgeon based at John Hopkeins hospital. Most of his work was with children. Some of his surgeries involved separation of conjoined twins and hemispherectomamies (removing half of the brain).

As the title indicates, we face many risks in our lifetime and are faced with decisions that aren't easy to make. He has a formula he uses to help make decisions. He refers to it as B/WA (best, worst analysis). It goes as follows;

What is the worst that could happen in taking the riask?

What is the best that could happen in taking the risk?

What is the worst that could happen not to take the risk?

What is the best that could happen not to take the risk?

This is a very simple way to help come to a logical decision when we are in a risk situation whether it's regarding our health, finances, a job or any other questionable situation in our life.

Recommended reading

I (Ken) recently read a book called "A LIFE THAT MATTERS" by Ron Hutchcraft. It deals with winning souls to Christ and some of the problems we face in our present culture. Although the whole book offers a lot of insight and suggestions, there are a few things that really stuck with me. First of all he suggests we think of an individule that we would like to see come to our Lord. Then pray for an open door, and also pray for a softening of that person's heart. He emphasizes it is our responsibility to present the way of salvation, but it's the Holy Spirit that works in that person's heart.

We've been accustomed to inviting a lost person to church in hopes that the pastor's message will challenge them to accept Christ. This method is not as effective in today's culture. Instead, he suggests the following:

Provide a setting where unsaved people feel comfortable, such as your home for some refreshments, or a walk in the park etc.
Make sure they are comfortable with any other people they may be around.
Use a subject they have an interest in to lead them into spiritual things.
Use language they can relate to. As Christians we are used to speaking "Christianese". In other words we are accustomed to such phrases a "get saved", "repent", "redemption". "born again", etc. To those who have little or no exposure to Christianity, these phrases are meaningless. Ron Hutshcraft suggests using non religious phrases they can relate to, to convey the meaning.

I recommend this book to anyone who would like to learn more.

Thought for the day

You can always count on having lots of friends if you win the lottery or own a pickup.

Wrong Varcoes

Sorry Wagners, we aren't Burt and Verginia. We are Ken and Bev otherwise known as Kendra Walker's grandparents. I understand you went to Western Baptist with Kendra. We enjoyed vewing your blog. You appear to have a very close and loving family and a close relationship with our Lord and saviour. We'll be rembering you all in our prayers. I'm curious about the other Varcoes.

A BETTER WAY TO SPEND TIME

Thirteen months ago our associate pastor recommended a book called "Infidel" It's a biography written by a Muslim woman who escaped from the Islam religion. She still fears for her life. Unfortunatly she turned against all religion. I (Ken) found reading this book to be a great alternative to watching TV. In the past reading wasn't something I cared to do. Since then I have read 23 books and on my 24th. My reading has consisted of thealogical, political, biographical and some fiction. My favorite reading has been a searies of 9 books by Charles Swindoll, each pertaining to a specific personality in the scriptures. I am now on my 8th book of the series which is on Job. One of my recent books was titled " The Wounded Spirit' by Frank Peretti. He usually writes mystery nivels but this is a book pertaining to his own life. He was born with a deformaty and throughtout his younger life he faced much teasing and bullying. He relates how if he hadn't been a Christian he could have become one of those who took matters in his own hands much as those at Colombine. He points out the failure of the school systems to deal with the byllying and feels that parents arent in touch with their kids to know whats going on in their lives. Much more could be said but this is long enough so I'll bring it to a close.