GIVE THANKS WITH A GRATEFUL HEART

On the road to Terry and Colleen's for Thanksgiving Day
Boulder ahead!

Terry singing the doxology..."Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise Him all creatures here below..." Give Thanks to the Lord for all things, especially families and all God's provision

Like, 3 turkeys...one deep fried, one smoked and one oven baked the traditional way

Thankful for wonderful family and the opportunity to share this special holiday

Colleen and Terry's dining room - ready for feasting

Nori and Colleen in the kitchen

Belinda and Nori enjoying the meal

Our most gracious hosts - Terry and Colleen

Julie Conant - Darcy's daughter

Plentiful plates - turkey and stuffing and gravy, squash casseroles, potatoes sweet and mashed, jellied salad, rolls and don't ever forget the peas!

Give thanks with a grateful heart. Today we had the wonderful blessing of spending the morning together in leisure, sleeping in, long warm shower and an easy drive from Denver to Boulder, then, oh how wonderful...spending the afternoon with family. It was like old times! Warm long hugs, smiles and remembering time in our youth. Family from around Denver joined together as well as friends of the Conant clan, from Bellingham, Washington to Colorado. Nori and Belinda and their son Kioshi were there. Andrew and David, Colleen and Terry's sons were helpful in many ways. Long time friends from New Hampshire and VT who moved to Colorado 10 years ago joined the festivities and each brought very tasty dishes to share. Terry has a dog who looks and acts just like Tag! Oh the warmth of remembering and the excitement of catching up with news from all. Laughter and conversation filled the house along with the wonderful aromas of turkey and all the fixins in preparation. Terry and Colleens home is filled with memorabilia from the past, as well as their own artful decor. A beautiful and warm home. Colleen's bathroom, newly remodeled is way cool! Belinda gave us the house tour since Terry and Colleen were busy with preparations and greeting duties. She knows the house well and served as a great guide! She showed me the pineapple crochet table cloth that Gram Conant made. It is preserved under glass in a special spot in the home. We are so thankful for family, for plentiful provision and the opportunity to share.

We departed Boulder for Thornton and spent some time with Jack's sister and her family. Jack and Joy were so happy to be together on Thanksgiving. A very special first after a very long separation. Dessert at the Danko's then home to Denver to spend the rest of the evening together.

Thanksgiving Day and so very thankful.

Sunny Day Hanging In Denver Watching The Geese

Downtown Denver on Lincoln St near the civic center and government buildings

Geese grazing at the Cherry Creek Park, near our apartment complex, a couple of these fellas are actually strutting ...so funny!

Denver's City Park...the Denver Zoo is on the other side of the lake

Geese at Denver's City Park

What a beautiful day, blue skies, sunshine, 60's .... November!

This past weekend I was on call for the GI unit at Presbyterian/St Luke's Hospital. That meant

we couldn't go farther than 30 minutes from the hospital. So we drove around downtown...hard to take pictures when I was driving. There are lots and lots of city parks in Denver. That is a wonderful thing. Saturday was so sunny, and warm and blue skies. We rolled down the windows and listened to the geese. Thousands of geese. In every park area we went to. Unafraid of human presence. Grazing geese. A honk here and there, mostly grazing. And when the sun began to set, they all moved to the little lakes in the parks and swam to middle to spend the night in safety. The nice thing about being on call here is that there are GI units in at least three other Denver hospitals. That means all the call is shared, as the doctors are shared as well. I did not have to go in for an emergency procedure for the entire weekend. Nice. Sunny skies and just hanging out in Denver.

What Does It Look Like?

At the request of one of our son's, I am posting what our place here in Denver looks like. A nice one bedroom apartment in Glendale - Cherry Creek area. It is so handy here. Less than 5 miles to the hospital. Less than 10 minutes to church. All the shopping we could ever need within 1 mile, post office around the corner. At the front of the apartment complex (we are in the back) one can see the Rocky Mountains between the city buildings. The interstate is less than 3 miles away, which connects us to everywhere we could want or need to go. We are so thankful for how convenient a place the Lord has placed us. So, if you are not into little tours of living space, I am not offended, but for those who may be curious.... here you go!

Huge walk in closet off bedroom, note bikes, clothes, storage containers. What you can't see is all our luggage and other stuff easily fits with room to spare!

Hall - 1st door on L - laundry, 2nd door on L - bathroom, door at end - bedroom, kitchen opposite bathroom on R
Dining room - similar set up as at Ben's place..only no deck ..):

living and dining from entrance, note the car top carrier and Jack's music stand and sax case. A niche for everything!

Living room with front (and only entrance)door at top R. This picture taken form dining room.

kitchen

other side of kitchen, dishwasher is too noisy to use, so we wash by hand

Our very nice bathroom, lots of room! It also has a nice soaking tub. MMMmmmmm

Bedroom, we had to buy the light at Walmart

This shot shows the huge closet, a little "powder room" type area that Jack is using for his shop for now, and the bathroom has a door in the bedroom, nice.

Here you have it! A one bedroom, spacious, lots of windows place. Our living room has an

alcove area where our car top carrier fits just fine, with room to spare for Jack to set up and practice clarinet and sax. . We have a big bathroom, laundry room, galley type kitchen and big walk in closet off the bedroom with enough room for all our luggage, 2 bikes, and misc stuff. All the furniture is from Aaron's, a rental place. We had to ask for a different bed from the first they gave us, this one is nice and comfy. The living room furniture is nice. The little computer desk and bedroom end table Jack bought at Staples for $17.50 (a block away) - a combo pair on sale..he couldn't pass it up. In an earlier blog I posted pictures of what it looks like outside here. Nice pool, hot tub and fitness center.

Praise the Lord for all His blessings, and we are certainly blessed here!

DENVER'S FIRST SNOW!!

On the road to work - Friday morning November 14th Snow Fall

Jack sweeping snow off the car

Denver's first snow in early morning light

It wasn't a huge snow fall, but it was the first of this fall/winter season. It was fluffy and white and quite pretty. Just a dusting. And soon, as the sun rose in the sky, it was gone. Just as "they say". It snow's in Denver and isn't around long. One of the men at church said that the snow can last from 2 days to maybe 2 weeks, before the sun will melt it away. Thought we would share our first snow dusting with you.

I must say. The November Denver sun is quite nice.

Grace and peace

Le Chauffeur de Colorado Springs

Our friend and chauffeur, Roberta, bringing us to some high points in Colorado. What does that altimeter say??? 7,105 feet! Cool!

Ice Cream at Whits End Ice Cream Shoppe

Focus on the Family Administration building Colorado Springs, Colorado

Beverly Hills? Yep, Beverly Hills, Colorado!

Manitou Springs, Colorado, at the base of Pikes Peak...we will save that drive for another time.

Garden of the God's park Colorado Springs, Colorado

Garden of the God's Park red rocks Leave the driving to Roberta! Splendid job!

was easy to get great shots with someone else driving, and we did the gawking!

We had a wonderful treat! We rode in grand seat. T'was a lass with class, and a foot on the gas.

In splendor we rode, not watching the road...for we had a chauffeur par excellence! We laughed and we joked and we ate and we drank...water and more water (it's what you do a lot in Colorader). Fare sights we par took each way we did look. Rocks and valleys and mountains real high. Then home safe again, thanks to our friend, who offered to give us this ride. We had such great fun, with one in the know; who knows, and we hope to do it again!!

Unity

Psalm 133
A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of David.

1 How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! 2 For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. 3 Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.

Psalm 134
A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. 1 Oh, praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, you who serve at night in the house of the Lord. 2 Lift up holy hands in prayer, and praise the Lord.
3 May the Lord, who made heaven and earth, bless you from Jerusalem.[a

Scripture from The New Living Translation

A Time For Unity

I did not vote for Barack Obama. I have deep heart felt conscious convictions about the sanctity of life and our responsibility to protect the most vulnerable of our citizens, the unborn. I worked in the OB/GYN field for many years. I know first hand from personal and professional experience the fears, disappointments, frustrations, hurts and the agony of women facing unplanned pregnancy for ALL reasons that occurs. I believe in every situation our love and care and nurturing help needs to be extended to those women. The baby they carry IS it's own separate human being, not merely a part of her body, nor just a blob of unimportant meaningless tissue , rather a baby which absolutely needs nurturing and protection as well . Medical science proves the baby is not just another organ or body part of the woman carrying that baby, it is a separate and unique individual human being, living within the womb of the woman, created by God. A human being from conception. I also believe strongly that the father of the child holds responsibility for the support of that child and the mother. If per chance the father has committed a crime, then the fullest extent of the law should be employed to convict the perpetrator of that crime. We are responsible and accountable for our actions. Sen. Obama does not entirely share that view.

There are several other issues I do not agree with Sen. Obama on, never the less I agree whole heartily with Sen. John McCain and Sen. Obama, we must find a way to work together, to acknowledge and respect our differences and move forward in unity. Respect of differences does mean that, and NOT acceptance. We can work together. We can find common ground. We can solve the many problems we as a nation face together. "Yes we can". I will never lay aside my moral convictions, nor compromise on what I know is right and truth. I can respect and I can work with others in positive and productive ways. I am proud to be a citizen of the United States of America. I am very proud our nation can come together and vote freely in an election and have it's collective voice heard.

I pray for this nation and for the days and years ahead, that as a nation, we can see the hand of the God of the universe at work in our lives and our nation. That we can honor, respect and follow His precepts, because, honestly, there is no better way to live.

Grace and peace

Diversion

This is a cool Colorado place. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. Only 30 minutes from where we live. Just like the plains and the mountains, one drives for 20 minutes through metro Denver to the outskirts of the city and bam...you are in a place like this. The amphitheatre is an acutual venue for concerts of all kinds. Carved out of the red rock formations it is a favorite spot for picnics and hiking and entertainment. Morrison, Colorado is the town where Red Rocks is, and it looks just like an old west town. No pictures, sorry. But I plan to go back to this wonderful place for a better photo op and walk around. We went with Joy and Gay and were on a tight schedule. Hmmmmm, so close, why the tight schedule? Well, we took a wrong turn and drove out of Denver got somehow turned around and drove right back into Denver. We tried to make the trip without TomTom, big mistake. Once we plugged Morrison in..we were there in no time. Guess we aren't ready for venturing out on our own.

We did have fun, a tasty lunch at Olive Garden and saw some beautiful scenery. There is no doubt in my mind that this world was created by a thoughtful, all knowing, beauty loving God!

Grace and Peace -

Hope you enjoy the pictures.

B A P T I S E D ! !

Julie Joy and Gay before church service Calvary Apostolic Church Denver

Joy, Jack and Gay

Gay's baptism, with Bro Dunnahoe (back to camera) Jack and Bro Haymon(hidden)
How in the world do I begin this blog! Yesterday we spent the day with Joy and Gay. It was a good day. We had invited both to church earlier in the week and Gay accepted the invite, whereas Joy was hesitant. Then, at the last moment, just before dropping Joy off at her apartment, we invited her again and she accepted. Again, periodically through the week we have been talking about our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ. Jack shared his testimony. Jane and Joy and Gay had their own conversations about God and Jesus Christ. We arranged Sunday morning pick up times for both Joy and Gay.

Sunday Morning: Jack and I were up early...Jack earlier, prayer and excitement about his sisters coming to church and his first day playing sax with the Calvary Orchestra. We left the apartment early, picking up his sisters on schedule. Having no idea how long it would take to get to church from Thornton, we were too early for church!!!! So off to the gas station to gas up($2.15/gal.!!). Following church we planned to do some Colorado sightseeing after lunch.

Back at church the saints were friendly and warm, greeting Gay and Joy with smiles and handshakes and sincere welcomes to the House of God. The Holy Ghost was present in a very noticeable yet subtle way. The service started and the music choices were perfect and wonderful. The prayer requests demonstrated God's love for His people and the saints' care and concern for one another. Then the preacher and the message. "Go A Little Farther." Both Joy and Gay have been to church and have their own experiences. Gay was never Baptised, she was afraid of the water. The warmth and love that filled the sanctuary made Gays decision to go forward with Jack at the invitation alter call an easy choice for her. Joy is more reserved and somewhat nervous, declining the invitation. Sis Ann and I stayed with Joy and prayed with her in the pew. Meanwhile at the alter ladies from the church extended warmth and love to Gay, with Jack, Bro. Dunnahoe and Pastor Haymon praying, Gay received the gift of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Gay is now filled with a joy unspeakable. In his message Bro. Dunnahoe shared the need for water baptism in Jesus Name. Gay asked to be baptised in the right way, in the glorious Name of Jesus Christ! She had been afraid before, but with Jack at her side and the truth of the Word of God in her heart and mind, Gay was baptised in Jesus Name. Our God is a miracle working God! There is a new name written down in Glory!

For the remainder of the day Gay commented on how wonderful she felt. "There is a burden gone, there is a heaviness lifted, this is wonderful how good I feel"

Siblings Together

Jack and Joy

Jack and Gay

Gay and Joy

eating out Rob, Julie, Jack, Joy, Gay, Jane

siblings strolling together Gay, Jack and Joy

a happy reunion Gay Jack and Joy

Wednesday October 30th Gay McLaughlin flew in to Denver to meet up with her brother, my husband. The two have been separated for 30+ years. We have been visiting with Joy for nearly a month, now his other sister is coming and the three will finally be together. It has been a long time. Circumstances in their early childhood years beyond their control thrust them into a whirlwind of events and living situations that ultimately lead to their being separated and living hundreds of miles apart in different states. Misunderstandings and deep hurts, fear of being hurt again or more deeply added to the separation. Enter Jesus Christ. Enter the prayers of many, including the siblings themselves for the reuniting of a family. Joy the oldest sister, prayed. Gay the next oldest prayed and Jack (Denny) prayed. Finally they are together and they are thrilled. Gay was able to deliver messages from both parents to Jack. Jack was the youngest, the one who had the most misunderstandings because of his young age when all the turmoil occurred, and the most fear of reuniting. Gay delivered messages of love and of sorrow for the pain caused by adults to a young boy. Heartfelt and emotional messages from parents who knew they were dying and knew the pain their life choices had caused their children. Those messages brought healing and brought bonding. Then the three siblings gathered and talked and shared. Life events clarified and revealed. How's and whens and what's. Who knew this or that. Fun times. Tragic times. Sharing and reliving and reconciliation. After several hours..."the past is the past and that is where it belongs. We now have each other and our futures and for the first time in our lives we are together with hope and happiness." A huge big deep breath by all. Off to dinner at an all you can eat Italian restaurant. What a great way to celebrate a new beginning!

Tomorrow we will be attending church together and we are so thrilled about that. Afterwards we are going to do a bit of sightseeing and enjoy God's beautiful creation.

Grace and peace to all.