Faith will move mountains. A man of courage is also full of faith. Faith makes things possible, not easy. You just gotta have faith. I'm sure everyone has their favorite faith saying. Have you ever really, really thought about faith?
The inspiration for this post comes from my daughter Madison. I believe she has more faith than me. No, I know she has more faith than me. Last weekend was her first weekend by herself in Alva. She didn't have a roommate, didn't know hardly anyone, but she went to church on Sunday. Went by herself, didn't know anyone. Sat by herself in the back of the church. She enjoyed the service. I know when I was at college it was extremely hard to go to church by myself. I was very proud of her.
This weekend, she came home. She got surprised Friday night by her boyfriend, Brian. She was expecting him to be home. We had a good visit, watched a couple of movies. Sunday we went to church. Had a very nice prayer by our pastor, Ryan Ausman. We just hung around the house Sunday afternoon. It got to be time for her to get on the road and you could tell she didn't want to leave. She had a headache so that didn't help matters either. She left around 6:30 and got to Alva around 8:30. She got her stuff put away and saw her friends. She called her mom about 10 and this was the story she told us.
"My head was hurting and I was listening to Christian music on my phone. This song came on that we listened to at the pool. It's called Worn and it really said a lot to me. While I was listening, I was bawling my eyes out. When the song was over, I realized my headache was gone." To me, this is Faith. Faith, that you know you can turn it all to Him. Let go and let God. (Another of those catchy phrases.)
For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 KJV) And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. (Mark 11:22-24 KJV)
Tonight she called and told us she had went to a bible study. Talk about faith. To go where you probably don't know anyone and be comfortable doing it. I am proud of my girl. Just have FAITH.
Here is my faith verse, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 KJV)
Keep the faith, Madison. Things will all work out. Remember, mom and dad are just a phone call away. And God is just a prayer away.
Worn
Read more: Tenth Avenue North - Worn Lyrics | MetroLyrics
Monday, August 26, 2013
Thursday, August 15, 2013
College Bound.
Well, today is the day. Today we are moving our baby girl to Alva. It seems like only yesterday that Madison started kindergarten. Now, she is ready to start her new adventure of college. After we load the vehicles and make last minute stops, we are off to North Western Oklahoma State University!!
It seems like this day has taken forever to get here. Except for the last 10 months or so. That period of time has went soooooo fast! Her senior year was not long at all. Now Hannah is an eighth grader and Madison a freshman in college. I know she is ready and she is going to do great. I hope all the life lessons we have taught her will stay with her and guide her.
There is so much I would like to say, but it isn't necessary. She knows how her mom and I feel about her. She knows how proud we are to call her our daughter. She knows that we will support her in future decisions and endeavours. She knows how to make wise choices. She knows who to turn to when she needs something.
Dear God,
Look over my daughter. Look over all of the sons and daughters as they start this new chapter of their lives. Guide them in all of their decisions. Be their rock, their salvation. One they can count on in anytime of need. Give them strength. Give them peace and understanding. When they come home for a visit, please be their passenger. Keep them safe. Let them know how much they are loved. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen
Good luck, Madison. Have a great year.
“So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you'll move mountains.”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!
Love Ya, Dad.
It seems like this day has taken forever to get here. Except for the last 10 months or so. That period of time has went soooooo fast! Her senior year was not long at all. Now Hannah is an eighth grader and Madison a freshman in college. I know she is ready and she is going to do great. I hope all the life lessons we have taught her will stay with her and guide her.
There is so much I would like to say, but it isn't necessary. She knows how her mom and I feel about her. She knows how proud we are to call her our daughter. She knows that we will support her in future decisions and endeavours. She knows how to make wise choices. She knows who to turn to when she needs something.
Dear God,
Look over my daughter. Look over all of the sons and daughters as they start this new chapter of their lives. Guide them in all of their decisions. Be their rock, their salvation. One they can count on in anytime of need. Give them strength. Give them peace and understanding. When they come home for a visit, please be their passenger. Keep them safe. Let them know how much they are loved. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen
Good luck, Madison. Have a great year.
“So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you'll move mountains.”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!
Love Ya, Dad.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Vacation 2013
Vacation was a little different this year. On Saturday, Madison worked her last day at the Bucklin pool. Susan, Hannah and I took the Mustang to Sun City for a little work by Rick. We were wanting to be home in time to mow before we left, but we didn't make it. During the night it rained. And rained. And rained some more. Sunday morning I had more than 3" in the gauge. Little to say we didn't get the yard mowed.
We left mid-morning on Sunday and went to Wichita. Did a little shopping and headed to Topeka. We spent the night at the Broxterman B&B. Monday we went and played in the park with some of our favorite little ones (Addison, Easton, Hayden and Ava). Went and visited with Kyle, Jen and the kids Monday evening.
Tuesday, we got up and headed towards St. Louis. Hit St. Louis about rush hour. Great planning by yours truly. Found us a room, played in the pool. Went and ate supper. Time for bed. Slept pretty good, for a motel room. Wednesday morning found us at the Gateway Arch. After Hannah conquered her fear of heights, she confessed that the Arch was pretty neat. If you have never been there, it is worth the trip. Very cool and a nice museum underneath. We also took a riverboat cruise. It was fun, but pretty warm. We survived though, we are from KANSAS! Went to a movie to cool off. Saw the new Percy Jackson. It was good.
Thursday, we headed back towards Kansas. Stopped at Meramec Caverns. It was nice and cool underground. After the tour, the girls went zip lining! Again, Hannah was nervous because of the height. After their training, they climbed the first tower. Their instructor, looked at the group, looked at Hannah and said, "You're first!". I think she was a little stunned, but she was a trooper and strapped in. She told us later it was great and she would do it again. After we left the cavern, we checked out an antique mall. Didn't buy anything. Lack of space was the only thing holding us back. Found something to eat and decided to drive home. We were all tired of motel rooms, being in the car and worried about home. It had rained almost everyday since we left and we have had problems in the past with water in the basement. Left Lebanon, MO at 5:30 pm and drove through and got home about 1:45 am. No water in the basement. Weeds a foot tall in the front yard. It was a short but fun trip. Hope the girls have more memories to remember and destinations for their kids in the future.
We left mid-morning on Sunday and went to Wichita. Did a little shopping and headed to Topeka. We spent the night at the Broxterman B&B. Monday we went and played in the park with some of our favorite little ones (Addison, Easton, Hayden and Ava). Went and visited with Kyle, Jen and the kids Monday evening.
Tuesday, we got up and headed towards St. Louis. Hit St. Louis about rush hour. Great planning by yours truly. Found us a room, played in the pool. Went and ate supper. Time for bed. Slept pretty good, for a motel room. Wednesday morning found us at the Gateway Arch. After Hannah conquered her fear of heights, she confessed that the Arch was pretty neat. If you have never been there, it is worth the trip. Very cool and a nice museum underneath. We also took a riverboat cruise. It was fun, but pretty warm. We survived though, we are from KANSAS! Went to a movie to cool off. Saw the new Percy Jackson. It was good.
Thursday, we headed back towards Kansas. Stopped at Meramec Caverns. It was nice and cool underground. After the tour, the girls went zip lining! Again, Hannah was nervous because of the height. After their training, they climbed the first tower. Their instructor, looked at the group, looked at Hannah and said, "You're first!". I think she was a little stunned, but she was a trooper and strapped in. She told us later it was great and she would do it again. After we left the cavern, we checked out an antique mall. Didn't buy anything. Lack of space was the only thing holding us back. Found something to eat and decided to drive home. We were all tired of motel rooms, being in the car and worried about home. It had rained almost everyday since we left and we have had problems in the past with water in the basement. Left Lebanon, MO at 5:30 pm and drove through and got home about 1:45 am. No water in the basement. Weeds a foot tall in the front yard. It was a short but fun trip. Hope the girls have more memories to remember and destinations for their kids in the future.
Friday, June 28, 2013
28 Reasons Why My Mom Is Better...
It's my Mommy's birthday! In honor of that, Hannah and I decided to create this long list.. hehe.
1. How to bring your pitch partner and yourself back from being down 32 and win.
2.She is truthful and honest. She doesn't hold anything back from us.
3.Supportive. In EVERYTHING! She is at every event Hannah or I am in or involved with.
4.She listens. When I feel like the world is crashing down on me or when I feel as if what I am telling her is the most fantastic thing in the world.
5.She taught me to be strong. To not let anything anyone says or does, crush me.
6.To be myself. To be me and not worry if someone else cares. If I'm happy with my life, then that's what is important.
7.She does like, everything. Like for real. Dad's gone, who do I call? Mom, even when Dad is home.. haha. Dad's gone? Mom fixes it. It gets taken care of.
8. She's taught me the proper way to fold towels.
9.Not to worry constantly. To sometimes just wing it, throw caution to the windand go for it.
10.Shown me how I want to raise my kids (in the far future) and how I'd like for them to see me.
11.To try and always put my family and others first.
12. She LOVES us; all the way to the moon and back.
13.She's taught me how to love God.
14.She's shown me how to mud a wall and how to have a fun time doing it.
-Mk
15. She's taught me that sometimes being weird is the best way to be.
16.To do want I love to do...Even if I'm not good at it. But she'll always support me.
17. Be outrageous! Meet new people because those strangers might just end up to be your best friend.
18.Treat people with respect, you never know what they are going through.
19.Learn how to love who you are. God made us all perfect in his eyes, so why worry what other people think of you.
20.Taught us to be proud of your accomplishments and your failures.
21.Girls can do anything a man can do and we can do it faster.
22.Be thankful for your family and things. It all can be gone in a blink.
23.Find a man who treats you right.
24.Love your family and friends more than anything in the world.
25.Trust in God and everything will be fine.
26.Believe in yourself. Believe that you can do anything your set your mind too,
27.She throws the best birthday parties.
28.She has been the best mother for the last 18 and will continue to be forever the rest of time.
-HK
Love you Mommy!
1. How to bring your pitch partner and yourself back from being down 32 and win.
2.She is truthful and honest. She doesn't hold anything back from us.
3.Supportive. In EVERYTHING! She is at every event Hannah or I am in or involved with.
4.She listens. When I feel like the world is crashing down on me or when I feel as if what I am telling her is the most fantastic thing in the world.
5.She taught me to be strong. To not let anything anyone says or does, crush me.
6.To be myself. To be me and not worry if someone else cares. If I'm happy with my life, then that's what is important.
7.She does like, everything. Like for real. Dad's gone, who do I call? Mom, even when Dad is home.. haha. Dad's gone? Mom fixes it. It gets taken care of.
8. She's taught me the proper way to fold towels.
9.Not to worry constantly. To sometimes just wing it, throw caution to the windand go for it.
10.Shown me how I want to raise my kids (in the far future) and how I'd like for them to see me.
11.To try and always put my family and others first.
12. She LOVES us; all the way to the moon and back.
13.She's taught me how to love God.
14.She's shown me how to mud a wall and how to have a fun time doing it.
-Mk
15. She's taught me that sometimes being weird is the best way to be.
16.To do want I love to do...Even if I'm not good at it. But she'll always support me.
17. Be outrageous! Meet new people because those strangers might just end up to be your best friend.
18.Treat people with respect, you never know what they are going through.
19.Learn how to love who you are. God made us all perfect in his eyes, so why worry what other people think of you.
20.Taught us to be proud of your accomplishments and your failures.
21.Girls can do anything a man can do and we can do it faster.
22.Be thankful for your family and things. It all can be gone in a blink.
23.Find a man who treats you right.
24.Love your family and friends more than anything in the world.
25.Trust in God and everything will be fine.
26.Believe in yourself. Believe that you can do anything your set your mind too,
27.She throws the best birthday parties.
28.She has been the best mother for the last 18 and will continue to be forever the rest of time.
-HK
Love you Mommy!
Monday, June 3, 2013
Not enough time.
Spent some time in Harper, KS today. This was one of those visits you don't always like to do. Our extended family gathered to pay our last respects for my Uncle, Lindy Lechner. LL, as he was affectionately called, was my Mom's brother in law. I am sure he was much more than a brother in law, but that is what he was. LL was ornery, funny, out spoken, supportive. He was a story teller, a prankster. And he was loved. That was evident by the crowd in attendance. All of the remaining Kahmeyer siblings were there. Aunt Ruby, Uncle Dale, Aunt Eunice, Aunt Boots, Aunt Doris, Aunt Francis, and Aunt Sue. Of course, Aunt Leona and her kids. All of my siblings were there. Every family of this large group was represented. Of course, the Lechner side was also there.
Being around all of this family made me realize something. Life isn't long enough. There is not enough time to take care of all your responsibilities, be it work or your own family, and be able to take the time to visit with your relatives. I mean, to really be able to sit down and talk to your Aunts and Uncles, your cousins, sometimes your own brothers or sisters. Then you have a day like today. I took time to speak to each of my Aunts and their husbands and my Uncle. But it isn't enough. Five or ten minutes is not enough time to convey how much these people mean to you.
When I was a kid, I thought 'these people aren't that old'. Now I am 46, and these people are getting old. We are all getting old. It seems like some of these people you only see at funerals. In fact, my cousin Tim commented, "It's pretty bad you have to go to a funeral to see each other." That's so true. And there will be more in the future.
At the dinner following the funeral somebody said that there was a party in Heaven. See, my cousin Gary, Uncle Lindy's son, died in 1982. (I hope that was the right year). Our Uncle Roland and Aunt Em died several years ago. Uncle John a few years ago. My Mom and Dad five years ago. Uncle Dwayne, last year. Other cousins also. I bet it was a party. The minister today used John 11:21-27 as his Gospel reading. Verses 25 and 26 read, "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"
I don't know about you, but I believe. We will be reunited with our loved ones if we trust in God. I also believe that we should put aside any differences we have. Life is to short to be mad or unhappy with family. Mend those broken fences. Make an effort to visit with those loved ones. Especially the older ones. They are our history. If we don't listen to their stories and recollections, they're gone. And they can't be replaced. I'm not trying to preach, just been thinking since the funeral this morning. Life isn't long enough. I'm going to try and make an effort to visit with those relatives. Will you?
Rest in peace, Uncle Lindy. You will be missed.
Ivan
Being around all of this family made me realize something. Life isn't long enough. There is not enough time to take care of all your responsibilities, be it work or your own family, and be able to take the time to visit with your relatives. I mean, to really be able to sit down and talk to your Aunts and Uncles, your cousins, sometimes your own brothers or sisters. Then you have a day like today. I took time to speak to each of my Aunts and their husbands and my Uncle. But it isn't enough. Five or ten minutes is not enough time to convey how much these people mean to you.
When I was a kid, I thought 'these people aren't that old'. Now I am 46, and these people are getting old. We are all getting old. It seems like some of these people you only see at funerals. In fact, my cousin Tim commented, "It's pretty bad you have to go to a funeral to see each other." That's so true. And there will be more in the future.
At the dinner following the funeral somebody said that there was a party in Heaven. See, my cousin Gary, Uncle Lindy's son, died in 1982. (I hope that was the right year). Our Uncle Roland and Aunt Em died several years ago. Uncle John a few years ago. My Mom and Dad five years ago. Uncle Dwayne, last year. Other cousins also. I bet it was a party. The minister today used John 11:21-27 as his Gospel reading. Verses 25 and 26 read, "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"
I don't know about you, but I believe. We will be reunited with our loved ones if we trust in God. I also believe that we should put aside any differences we have. Life is to short to be mad or unhappy with family. Mend those broken fences. Make an effort to visit with those loved ones. Especially the older ones. They are our history. If we don't listen to their stories and recollections, they're gone. And they can't be replaced. I'm not trying to preach, just been thinking since the funeral this morning. Life isn't long enough. I'm going to try and make an effort to visit with those relatives. Will you?
Rest in peace, Uncle Lindy. You will be missed.
Ivan
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Losing a Mom
I had a classmate lose his mother this last week. I say classmate, but I should be more
specific. Mike and I were best friends
in high school. We were almost
inseparable. I was always welcome at his
house and he was always welcome at mine.
Our dads knew each other before we were born. I guess we were meant to be friends.
I have many fond memories of Mike’s mom, Margaret. One thing that comes to mind is that you
could always find a ‘pop’ at their house.
Margaret was a savvy shopper. She
always stocked up and if you couldn’t find it, you probably didn’t need
it. It’s kind of funny the things that
you remember. We are talking 30 + years
ago. Margaret always made you welcome at
their house. Margaret tolerated a lot of
things that Mike and I did. I remember
building all kinds of things in Mike’s basement workshop. I remember staying there the night before the
4th of July. We slept on the
trampoline. Don’t know if we slept or
not, but we were up most of the night.
I talked to Mike on the phone today. He told me his mom was at peace when she
decided to have surgery again. He said
that made coping with everything easier.
Losing a parent is not easy, though. The easy parts are the memories: The things that you will never forget, no
matter how old you are. Hold on to those
memories and pass them on to your kids.
In the end, it’s hard.
Death that is. It seems that it should be the easier part of life. I mean we are all destined to die. You‘re born, you live your life, and you die.
It sounds simple, but it isn’t. It
sounded like Margaret was ready and at peace.
For that, I am thankful. Tonight,
we should all say a prayer of thanks for the moms in our lives. Not only our birth moms, but also our
extended moms. I have had many extended
moms in my life and I am proud to say Margaret was one of them.
And Mike, I hope you get to have a ‘good’ day with your Dad.
Ivan
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Madison Lane
Well, Madison Lane, you made it! I don’t know what you are more excited
about: turning 18 or graduating from
high school. Both of them are pretty
momentous occasions and you have the pleasure of doing them both on the same
day. Eighteen years ago you were born on
a Thursday and came home from the hospital on Sunday, Mother’s Day. I always thought that was cool. But this year, you graduate on Saturday and
Mother’s Day is the next day. That is
pretty cool also.
I know over the last several years we have had our ups and
downs. But isn’t that the way life
should be? It would be pretty boring to
have everything on the same level. I can’t
even begin to count how many times I have told you the same thing over and
over. One of them is: Being a parent is
the hardest job you will ever have. I
really believe that and I am sure your mom does too. Being the rule maker, judge, jury and the
enforcer isn’t much fun. But it has to
be done. Being a parent means
discipline, being a good role model and teaching your children to respect
themselves. I hope we have done a good
job. I hope you are ready to enter this
thing we call the ‘real world’. You know
what, I know you are.
I’ve noticed several things about you over the last several
months. I see responsibility, something
not a lot of seventeen (and now eighteen) year olds have. I see compassion. I see respect (most of the time, not always,
but most). You love the Lord. You love your family. You are good with little kids. Teaching will be a great profession for you. You are yourself. You are never afraid to
speak your mind. A good trait, most of
the time. Learn to use it wisely. I see a woman who is sure of herself and
knows what she wants.
When you were born I wanted several things for you. Now I only have one. I want you to be happy and embrace life. Go into the ‘real world’ and make your mark
on it. And, when you get married and
have kids of your own, remember to tell them what the hardest job in the world
is. Your mom and I are very proud of you
and what you have accomplished.
Remember, graduation isn’t the end.
It’s the beginning of a new and wonderful adventure. One you are ready for.
Oh, I have one more thing to tell you. The summer before you started high school I
was talking to you and a friend. Gentry?
Or Kaysha? I don’t remember for sure
(I’m getting old). Anyway, I told you to
enjoy high school. It will be the best
time of your life and you will make lifelong friends. I may have been wrong. I think the best time of life is watching
your baby walk across the stage and get her diploma. So very proud of you!
I’m hoping I have all the tears cried out of me before the
ceremony. You know how sentimental I
get. I mean I cry during Folgers
commercials for goodness sake. One last
piece of advice? Ok, here it is. Enjoy life.
Jim Valvano, college basketball
coach who died from cancer, said “If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s
a full day. That’s a heck of day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going
to have something special.” I love you
Sis.
Dad
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