From Ron Nolette, read at the Memorial Service

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
February 26th, 2010
It is extremely hard to write about the passing of your own brother. But how can it be otherwise? I’ve written about others and it is only fitting to write about Douglas.
This past week, when most of us gathered around Douglas at his bedside, we witnessed an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that I have never felt. As he progressed from talking, eating and drinking to sleeping and near unconsciousness, the love in that room from those present and from Douglas himself was overwhelming.
We took turns by his bedside, talking to him and telling him how much we loved him. One night, we got out a solitary hymn book and everyone in the room sang the hymns of the faith to God and for Douglas. We might not have always been in tune and maybe didn’t always know the words, but “we made a joyful noise unto the Lord.”
Invariably, many, if not most of us, would ask the question, “Why? Why Douglas? He is still young. He has served God. He had the correct balance of faith and works.” But one night, after the long drive from Shakopee, my wife pointed out some verses from Isaiah 57:1,2:
1 The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart;
the devout are taken away, and no one understands
that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.
2 Those who walk uprightly enter into peace;they find rest as they lie in death. (NIV)This verse had such an impact on me! It was as if God was telling us why he was allowing this to happen to Douglas: “The righteous perish,” “the devout are taken away,” Why? “To be spared from evil.” Douglas will forever be spared from the evil of this world. No more crime, war, heartache, sickness, worry, financial woes. And he will never experience the loss of his loved ones. How blessed is he?Of course, that does not take away the grief that we all share - the deep loss we feel. But we will find comfort and solace in the Lord and in each other. And we will think of him every time a Twins game is played, every time some new flowers are planted, every time some one goes camping and all of the other things he loved to do. The memories, for a long time, will be bittersweet. But they’ll come a day when they are simply good memories.We can also take great comfort in the verses, I Corinthians 15:54-57
When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is your victory?”The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (ESV)We love you Douglas and always will. We will forever keep your memory alive.

Cousin Doug's Memorial Service

Pioneer Press Employee Age 63, of Roseville Passed away February 24, 2010, surrounded by family, after a brief struggle with cancer. Preceded in death by his father, Alden. Survived by wife of 43 years, Penny (nee Sharp); children Terri Hartline, Michael (Adrianna), and Tracey (Robert) Lundberg; grandchildren Leah, Andrea, Abbey, Logan, Sebastian, Natasha, Trey, and Megan; mother Jennie; brothers David (Donna), Ron (Jill), and Dennis (Laurie); other family and friends. Funeral service at NORTH HEIGHTS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2701 N Rice St, Roseville on February 27 at 11 AM. Interment Glen Haven Memorial Gardens in Crystal.
Son Michael, wife Penny, daughter's Terri and Tracey

First Cousin's and Siblings. Ron, Cindy and Sandi
standing Bob, David, Susan and George
(Linda and Dick left before photo time!)

Cindy, Kristin (cousin Connie's daughter in law), Susan and Sandi

Funerals are hard to attend but you are always so grateful when you do. Such a wonderful time to share with family and friends and to honor your loved one who has gone before you. God gave me a sweet thought.....that when Douglas entered the gates of heaven My Mom and Aunt Rose met him and "fussed" over him, as they loved him so. It gave me comfort. ~Susan

Baby Kaden in the hospital

Jonathan and Jessica's Baby Kaden is doing better.

He is 2 weeks old today.

Auntie Ami said he weighed 5lbs 2 oz today with his clothes on.

Birth weight was 4lbs 7 oz

Continue to keep him in your prayers.

Douglas Terry Nolette

July 1st, 1946 - February 24, 2010

My first cousin Douglas went to be with Jesus after a short battle with liver cancer.

There were once 45 of us, now there are 39

God give strength to those who loved him.

First Cousins
We had 45. 3 died as babies or children (Mary, Jane and Judy)
3 died has adults (Jerry, Donny and Doug)
now we have 39.

Roberto Sandli from Norway

Roberto and his daughters Baby Sofie and Celine age 8

Baby Sofie and his wife Elisabeth and Celine

I just became connected again with Roberto. We met him for the first time in Nicaragua in 1994 when he was 15 years old. His family were missionaries sent by the Norwegian government to Nicaragua. He was bright and fun and fluent in 4 languages: Swedish, English, Spanish and of course Norwegian. He was one of our translators in our clinic when we hardly knew what we were doing. He always teased us because if we did not know what to do for someone we always gave them Tylenol.....of course this was a joke between us for years. I would of been so proud to have a son like him. He was just a blessing to us and we shared many laughs and probably a few tears! His Father Berger and Mother and sister were also very sweet and very kind to the Nicaraguan people! His Dad had an air-conditioned office at one of the sites (Cuidad Sandino?) we were at and he always waved Yvonne and I in to come in and get out of the heat for a break. What a treat for me to re-connect with him! God is so good!!

Him and his lovely family live in Alesund northwest of Norway by the Sea and he is a manager in an Apple Store there.

"The Whole Gospel in a Nutshell"

~photo by cheryl reed farmer in alaska

John 3:16
For: Because there was a reason, because there was a need, because there was a glorious plan of redemption. In order to leave no doubt in anyone’s mind about God’s eternal purpose and our eternal destiny.

God: True God. God the Father. Creator of man. Giver of breath. Sustainer of life. God of reconciliation. Author of salvation. God of redemption.

So Loved: Not “will one day love”, but “has loved” “does love” “now loves”. Agape love, deep love, true love. Divine love. Perfect love. Love demonstrated. Active love. Not just “feeling love”, but “doing love”. Love that wants the best, does the best, gives the best. Holy love. Sacrificial love. Love that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love that never fails.

The world: Those who are near and those who are afar; those of every color, every race, every tongue, every tribe, every nation. The Jew and the Gentile. The lost, the needy, the hungry, the devastated, the crushed, the bruised, the broken. Those in darkness, desperation, and despair. The condemned, the sinner, the rebel. The sick who need a physician; the guilty who need pardon; the transgressor who needs forgiveness; the prodigal who is far from the Father’s home.

That He gave: Giving God! Freely bestowing—giving grace, giving mercy, giving life. Not small portions. Not just enough to get by. Giving in abundance. Outpouring. Overflowing. Overwhelming.

His only begotten Son: Jesus Christ. Son of God, Son of man. King of kings. Lord of lords. The Word made flesh. Emanuel. God with us. Wonderful! Counselor! Mighty God! Everlasting Father! Prince of Peace! God giving all that He could give. God holding nothing back! The Creator coming to His creation; the Lamb of God coming to be offered as a sacrifice for sin; the Redeemer, shedding His blood to bring us back to God. That whosoever: An open door, an open invitation—to anyone, anywhere, anytime. Big or small, rich or poor, famous or unknown, old or young, male or female. You and I.

Believeth in Him: Not “work for”, not “try hard”, not “earn”. By faith. Believing with the heart. Not a reward to earn, but a gift to receive. Trusting in His mercy. Counting upon His provision. Receiving His life. Leaning upon His grace. Yielding to His Lordship.

Should not perish: Not lost. Not condemned. Not cast out. Not destroyed. Not in eternal darkness. Not separated. Not alone.

But have: Blessed assurance! Being sure. Being certain. Not “guessing”, not “wishing”, not “pretending”. Not “I hope so”, but “I know so”. Without a doubt, I am His and He is mine.

Everlasting life: Forgiven. Saved. Redeemed. Possessing His life. Eternal life. Kingdom life. Blessed hope! Glorious end! Never-ending story of His amazing grace!
~meet me in the meadow

A little encouragment from a friend.....

A friend sent these to me yesterday!

They came at a time when I really needed the encouragement!

God does work in mysterious ways!

~thanks Gina!

I am a Kept Woman

I Am a 'Kept ' Woman You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind, But GOD kept me sane. (Isa. 26:3)

There were times when I thought I could go no longer,

But the LORD kept me moving. (Gen 28:15)

At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong,

But the LORD kept my mouth shut.. (Psa. 13)

Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough,

But GOD has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc.., (Matt. 6:25 -34)

When I thought I would fall,

HE kept me up.

When I thought I was weak,

HE kept me strong! (I Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30)

I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me!

I'm blessed to be 'kept '

'I'm "Kept" by the Love and Grace of God

God doesn't give you the people you want,

He gives you the people you NEED,...To help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you and to make you into the person you were meant to be.

Peace Be With You Throughout Your Day!

Phil, Denise, Laura and Hope come to visit!

in Superior in front of the SS Meteor

Canal Park on the rocks

Brighton Beach on the North Shore

Pizza @ Sue Sue's

Hope, Laura, Danielle, Carl and Jon

Denise, Phil, Pam and Mike

My first cousin's once removed ~siblings Pam and Philip

Philip and Denise are going to the Ukraine as Missionaries as soon as their support is in. They spoke at my church and we have the joy of supporting them as they go! May God Bless your comings and goings!

Kaden Richard Reed Arrives!

Kaden Richard Reed arrived in the early morning today

to Jonathan and Jessica Reed and Big Brother Hunter!
Weighing in at 4 lb and 7oz and 17 1/2 inches long,

Both Mom and Baby are doing well.

Proud Dad Jonathan is very happy.

~the Great Auntie Sue Sue

Lake Superior today!

The Harbor is full of ice!

Stones and drift wood everywhere in canal park!

Duluth's Olympic Torch is frozen!!

Up the shore the wind made great waves!

The roar of the waves was wonderful!

I never tire of this "Big Sea Water"!

The Influence of Intercession

~duluth news tribune photo

Every once in a while I find myself with thoughts that cause me to wonder if someone has been praying for me. Sometimes it’s waking up with a song that seems to have come out of nowhere. On other occasions, I find myself with an awareness of God’s goodness or presence that seems to have come from beyond myself.

What surprises me about such moments is that they can leave me with mixed feelings. Part of me can be grateful at the thought of someone else’s intercession. Another part of me can be unnerved. If another person can affect my deepest thoughts by appealing to heaven in my behalf, I wonder how much of me is being shaped by the prayers of others?

The disquiet behind my question has reminded me of how inclined we are to lose sight of the interaction between our own choices and the prayers of others for us. According to the Bible . . .

Our spiritual health and growth don’t depend on us alone. The apostle Paul affirmed this when he told followers of Christ that he was praying that the Lord would open the eyes of their hearts so they could grow in their knowledge of God and see how much He loved them (Ephesians 3:14-21; Colossians 1:9-11).

Paul believed, as the rest of the Scriptures confirm, that spiritual growth can happen in us through the help of the prayers of others on our behalf—while still leaving us responsible for our own decisions.

Our spiritual health and growth depend also on how we respond when God answers the prayers of others for us. Although the mystery of how God answers these prayers might leave us wondering who’s in control of our lives, we don’t need to worry about that. Even if our awareness is altered as a result of the intercession of others, our choices remain our own.

Does this mean I’m at peace with the thought of intercessory prayer? I wish I could say so. But if praying for others is so important, I don’t like to think about how many times I’ve told others I would pray for them without following through. And when I have prayed repeatedly for those I really care about—with no apparent results—I wonder why I don’t seem to be able to touch the heart of God.

If our prayers for others don’t seem to be making a difference in their lives, does that mean we’re wasting our time? Here’s where I find answers.

According to the Bible, intercession is . . .

An opportunity to show our faith. When we don’t see the Lord responding to our prayers for others, we are faced with an important choice: give up on God or use the lack of visible response as a test of our confidence in the One who urges us to keep praying for one another.
God considers our faith more valuable than gold (1 Peter 1:7). His decision to not give us everything we ask for immediately, offers us an immeasurably important opportunity to trust Him.

A priority of love. Our concern for others sometimes leaves us feeling so helpless. We lament that all we can do is pray. But by regarding intercession as a last resort, we may be underestimating one of the most important ways of showing real love.
If we accept the New Testament view that prayer is a way of showing our affection (Colossians 4:12-13), then interceding for one another is one of the most urgent things we can do.

An engagement of our interdependence. When we pray for one another, we’re following the example of the apostle Paul. He asked the readers of his letters to pray for him (Romans 15:30-32), even as he asked the Father in heaven to open the spiritual eyes of those for whom he was praying (Ephesians 3:14-21).

A discipline of endurance. Praying for one another without visible results can wear us out and tempt us to throw in the towel. When we don’t see answers from God, we may be inclined to assume that if He were going to answer our prayers, He would have done so by now. But one of the most important dimensions of intercessory prayer is endurance. As we patiently pray that God would give those we care for the grace to wait on Him, we share together in the patience that builds depth and richness of heart in people of faith (Romans 5:3-4; Hebrews 11:1-2,13-16).

It is by the discipline of patient intercession that we help one another continue to rely on God. By prayerful patience, we take our place with countless others who have already discovered that for those who wait on the Lord, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5 NKJV).

A sharing of hope. If we have had a taste of the goodness and wisdom of God, then intercession can be a way of helping one another rise together on wings of hope.

Few things are more important than experiencing, in the middle of trouble and in the passing of time, the confident anticipation that God will show that He is deserving of our trust.

Because such hope is one of the central themes of the Bible, the apostle Paul could write, “Whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4 NKJV). Just as importantly, Paul went on to show that the God to whom we pray is the source of our hope. So he wrote, in the form of a prayer: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (15:13 NKJV).

Father in heaven, by Your Word we acknowledge that Your Son and Spirit are already interceding for us (Romans 8:26; Hebrews 7:24-25). So now we ask for Your help to join Them in doing what You’ve invited us to do (1 Timothy 2:1). Please lift our hearts in anticipation of Your ability to help those who are in our hearts . . . even as we go to our knees for one another. —Mart De Haan

Happy 35th Anniversary Steve and Delia Splan

35 years ago I sang "When I became a newborn soul, Christ took complete control, Oh Joy He made me whole and pure within, Jesus my priceless Savior........." What a sweet wedding that was! I loved the groom's dinner at Mom Splan's and felt a kinship with her as she was a nurse, she loved tea cups and I loved her lovely home. What a wonderful Mom in Law you gained Delia who raised a very sweet, but fun son! Steve you are the best! Delia you are so special! What a great couple you two are. May God bless you with another 35 years!

A Prayer for Inner Peace

~photo by Diane Rupnow in Maui

Monday, February 1. 2010~this is taken from my Cousin John Stumbo's blog. He has suffered for over a year with a disease that has left him weak, unable to swollow. One day he was a strong athlete, the next day he was on life support. God is restoring his health very slowly but he has been thru so much

A sign hangs on the wall at Northwest Rehabilitation where I go for therapy. It reads, "Worry is a misuse of imagination." Imagination is a great gift from God, but left to run off on it's own, it can create a great amount of anxiety in our lives.Take some time today to enjoy the wisdom and to pray the insight of an individual who was seeking to not let his peace be robbed.

And which of you with taking thought can add to His stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Consider the lilies how they grow; they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will He clothe you, O ye of little faith? Luke 12: 25 – 28

"O God, Who knowest our necessities before we ask, and the manifold temptations we meet with day by day, help us to put our whole trust in Thee when despair and misgivings assail us. Do not allow us, we beseech Thee, to become the prey of useless forebodings, nor to lose the things which belong to our peace, through the habit of morbid and sinful worry. So guide us, in all our way, that we may keep our faces always toward the light, that our shadows may lie behind us. Of Thy great mercy enable us to perceive our blessings, that we may always serve Thee with a glad heart and quiet mind, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen"
~Bishop Charles E. Woodcock, D.D., LL.D.Louisville, Kentucky in God's Minute, 1916

Keep the shadows behind you.

Great Quotes

~photo by Duluth News Tribune-King

Let me learn—That the way down is the way up,

That to be low is to be high,

That the broken heart is the healed heart,

That the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,

That the repenting soul is the victorious soul,

That to have nothing is to possess all,

That to bear the cross is to wear the crown,

That to give is to receive,

That the valley is the place of vision.

-Puritan Prayer

More is being planned for by God than had been prayed for by us.

-S.D. Gordon

If all my members are really at His disposal, why should I be put out if today’s appointment is some simple work for my hands or errands for my feet, instead of some seemingly more important doing of head or tongue?

-F.R. Havergal

Whatever He wills becomes great to us, however seemingly trifling…we have no right to measure its importance. On the other hand, whatever He would not have us do, however important we may think it, is as nought to us. How do you know what you may lose by neglecting this duty, which you think so trifling, or the blessing which its faithful performance may bring?

-Jean Nicolas Grou

HOW TO STAY YOUNG!!

~This is me in 1974 getting ready for a date with a wonderful patient (he took 4 of us students out for pizza) and I am putting eye shadow on and of course cannot do it with my mouth closed! I still think of myself as that young pretty girl until I pass a mirror.......I hate reality!!!

1. Forget about nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them.'
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.'
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love , whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is. (Cindy this is for you!!!)
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER :Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Positve Steps in a New Direction

~photo by William Conk, in his yard

~excerpts form bob parks book

Life's challenges can become overwhelming, making us feel as if there is nowhere to turn and little we can do. Taking the first step after losing your job, ending a relationship, or recovering from health issues leaves many people feeling empty and without purpose in life. You need to not only decide to move on but actually take steps in the direction of a more fulfilling life. Taking these positive steps in the right direction can help you to rise up in down times.


Everyone struggles at some time in their life to find meaning. Right now, accept that you already have a purpose--living intentionally. Wake up each day determined to take advantage of all the opportunities this particular day has to offer. The night before, make a list of things you want to accomplish the next day, and from the moment you wake up, face them head on. Include work items, family things, and leave room for spontaneity…time to be "silly."

Life is simple, but we make it complex. Not only do we collect "things" that clutter our lives, we hold onto old fears, jealousy, anger, and the inability to forgive others. If we plan to move forward, we need to leave some things behind. Emotional baggage, like regret, can weigh tons.


The "go with the flow" idea only works if you're kayaking on a river. If you don't have a plan for where you want to go in life, how will you know when you have arrived? Create a "life map," with you in the center surrounded by all the places you would like to go and things you want to accomplish. Highlight the one ultimate destination, and visualize how each of the other things can take you there. People spend more time planning their vacations than they do planning their lives.

Do you really believe that you can have what you want in life? When you say, "This is what I want to do," do you really believe you'll do it? When you pray, do you expect results, or is prayer really a wish list?

Decide what you want, make plans to get it, and then expect that you will. That expectation is the most powerful tool you have on your journey to fulfillment.


Bob Perks is the author of the new book "I Wish You Enough" (Thomas Nelson, 2009), encompassing eight values needed for true contentment and happiness. He is a longtime inspiration contributor to Beliefnet, is a professional speaker, author, and vocalist. Visit his website at BobPerks.com.

Happy 36th Birthday Philip John Hart

Alex, Philip and Ashley

Ashley, Alex and Sue Sue

Linda and the children celebrated Philip's Birthday at Applebees yesterday and they included me and celebrated mine. Linda made a yummy cake for us complete with candles. Alex and Ashley went shopping for us and I got some very sweet treasures from them!

Happy Birthday Philip! I was a senior in nursing school when I got the call that my first nephew was born. It was so exciting to finally become an auntie! I hope and pray 2010 brings you peace, joy and lots of love!