A Certain Woman in Eastern Europe

In Flanders field the poppies blow....

The proud grandma and the new graduate, Ryan Ryan's two grandmother's watching his graduation streamed live Mom was up early on Saturday and wanted to wear her Rensselaer (RPI) sweatshirt as this was Ryan's graduation day. Ryan is my youngest brother's youngest son and mom's youngest granchild. Her dream has always been to live long enough to see him graduate from university. Ryan graduated with a double major of mathematics and psychology. He will be going on to do a residency program and will be a doctor......and grandma is really proud of him! Congratulations, Ryan!

With Chrissy and Katie (photo by Sandy)

As I prayed about the ladies meeting in New Hamshire the Lord kept bringing to mind an illustration from Numbers 17. When the children of Israel were rebelling against the Lord, the Lord directed each leader of a tribe to present his rod/staff before the Tent of Meeting. Aaron's staff representing the house of Levi was laid before the Lord also. The Lord said "the man whom I choose, his staff will bud." The next day Aaron's staff had sprouted, budded, blossomed and had ripe almonds!! How encouraged we all were - that those things in our hand, even if they seemed like a dried stick when laid before the Lord could be transformed.... Could once again (or for the first time!) be beautiful, aromatic and have matured fruit!! Be assured - the Lord chooses you!!!

Here we are. Mom has on her new spring/summer outfit. We are enjoying our lilacs,too.

Aunt Blanche with Jim with Susie and Jimmer Jim & MJ My mom comes from a city about 2 hours northeast of here called Whitehall. These days when she mentions going home she means there. Her "real" first name is Blanche and to all from Whitehall she is "Aunt Blanche" where as in Johnstown she is "Jill". Yesterday she was thrilled with a visit from her nephew and his son and fiancee.

Me and Michael Four generations - Me, mom, Mike and Bryce, Austin and Mikhaila Mom and her "First" grandchild Sister-in-law Debbie and her mom and family: Mary, J.B., Bill, Debbie, Wally, Kari Traditions - The Old-Fashioned ice cream store opened for the season on Mother's Day My sister Kathi and her husband Mike not only joined us for Mother's Day - they cooked and prepared and cleaned up!! It was really a treat for me and delicious food and great fellowship. Company came in and out all day long and mom was bright and sharp the whole day. God is good and I was spoiled!!

Levi making sure Murphy has plenty of watermelon Thanks for all who prayed!! I had a wonderful drive over to Nashua (4 hrs) and great liberty in speaking. My main text was Jeremiah 29.11. I encouraged everyone that God has good plans and future and hope for our lives. Maybe a bit basic BUT what if we absolutely believed Him no matter what we are going through right now. It is always special to spend time with my Berube friends. I got to catch up with Paul and Sandy and their daughters Katie and Chrissy and her husband Jeff and son Levi. Got to bless their "bump" a baby girl due in September and of course, Murphy their dog. Even got to talk with Ryan in Montana. Friends how sweet it is. I am "encouraging" Katie to missionize her vacation this year and come to Hungary in November - that would be a prayer point for you!

Ladies, you are invited to a special meeting.... Step away and "sit at the feet of Jesus" as we enjoy a time of praise, worship and a devotional message of encouragement. Saturday, May 9th from 9-11am Grace Fellowship - Main Street church sanctuary Nashua, New Hampshire Jer 29.11 "For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." Jer 31.25"For I will fully satisy the weary soul and I will replenish every languishing and sorrowful person." Featuring guest speaker: Mary Jill Callery I am really looking forward to spending Friday and Saturday with my friends at Grace. I will return to Johnstown for Mother's Day and a visit from my Michael, Raelene and the "grands"!