Old West Pics

Photos by Brent Mielke (the zooman). If you would like to have some old west photos taken, stop in at Studio 34 in Sleepy Eye, MN.

Christmastime In The Attic

The view from my window

Warning to Cat Owners

Last week one of my cats, Bandit, got ahold of a spool of thread. She ate half of it, was very sick for a few days, and after I took her to the vet, he found that the thread had cut through her intestines and he had to put her down. If you own a cat, I sugguest hiding thread. She was a sweet an loyal cat. I miss her.

Thanksgiving

Yesterday as you all know was Thanksgiving. A holiday intended to remind us all to give thanks to God. I was giving some thought to an old question that usually comes up on this day every year. What are you thankful for this year? The basic answers are usually along the lines of a roof over our heads and food on the table. And we ought to give thanks for those things. But as my pastor pointed out this Wednesday we are to be thankful for all things. Ephesians 5:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. This is a concept I have been giving much thought to this entire year. When we look at the events in our day, how often are we truly thankful for ALL things? Are we thankful when our car doesn't start or when we stub our toe on the chair? This year, by the grace of God, I am thankful that my mom died. God brought her home to be with Him. I can't ask more for her than that. I am thankful for the opportunities to be a witness that God brought across my path as a result. I am thankful for the work He has done in my life through this. I am thankful for His mercy and comfort that He has given me to help me through. And the memory of going through this trial that is a wonderful reasource to help and comfort others in their trials. 2 Corinthians 1:4 I am thankful for my friends. They are wonderful people God has placed in my life, and they have thus far continued to talk to me no matter how completely crazy I get. I am thankful for my family. They are sometimes a handful, but I love them and through them God continues to teach me patience and understanding. I am thankful for the job that God has provided me in the past. Although I have not always been as thankful as I should. He provided me a job that paid more than I needed. I am also thankful that I was laid-off. I could continue forever I'm sure, but the point is God's plan for me isn't always easy, but its always good and always right. Through happiness and heartache, greetings and goodbyes, His plan is perfect and complete. Happy Thanksgiving!

Pumkin Pie

Do you think I made enough????

Jobless

Yesterday afternoon, I received one of those perfect and complete gifts from God. You know the kind that has most people trying to find the receipt to exchange it. I have been praying about my job for some time now. Wondering if God has another place for me. I have been asking God to show me what He wants me to do. Yesterday was the first part of the answer. I was laid-off. Its one of those bittersweet events. YES! I don't have to go to work! but oh yeah I still have to pay bills. God's plan is perfect. I have been laid-off just in time to have extended holiday vacation! And because of His past provisions for income, I have enough savings to not be concerned of eviction anytime soon. God is truly good. His plan is perfect, and I'm curious to find what He has for me next. In the meantime, I don't have to get up at 5am anymore! Yea!

Studio 34 Article

Most anyone who would be reading this knows that I have been taking kickboxing at Studio 34 Fitness for a little over a yr. now. Today, Brent, wrote a pretty funny article about me to put on his website. http://homepage.mac.com/thezooman/Personal39.html Check it out if you want a laugh.

Father of Mercies, and God of all Comfort

On Sunday, October 19, my pastor's mom, Ana(Ana's Corner) and Leah's(The White Woods) grandma, died. While God's grace was obviously surrounding the family, the loss of a loved one is always very hard. It was an encouragement to hear Pastor Phil and his brother speak at the funeral. To hear the words of faith and hope in God through sorrow, and the emphasis on the importance of knowing God. This week has been a week of remembrance for me, as I have had a different view of an all too familiar situation. Its a different family with different circumstances, but it hits a familiar note. I am thankful for the trials God has led me through, and I hope that He will allow me to use those experiences to help other Christians through trials. Many verses have become dear to me over the past months, but this week 2 Corinthians 1:1-10 seems to be the most applicable to my life and the lives of those around me. 2 Corinthians 1:1-10 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too, If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.

Strangers in the Cellar

This weekend I spent in costume at a haunted house. We plan to be open Oct. 18, 24, 25, and 31. Its been alot of fun already, but I'm not going to publish details, at least not until we close for the season, but if your looking for some fun come to the "Strangers in the Cellar" haunted house. http://homepage.mac.com/thezooman/Personal58.html Its a frightful good time.

DUH! Moment

OK, I just had one of those DUH! moments. I thought I'd share it with you. Lately, I have been praying to God about my life. Wondering what I'm supposed to do. Where exactly I fit in this world and in my church in accordance with God's plan. How I can glorify His name and be of use in others' lives. Also, I wonder how it is that I can be so dense that I constantly fall short of the standard He has set, and I don't even realize it most of the time. I have been discouraged, and I have been getting frustrated with myself. By God's grace we have verses to tell us that trials are a blessing. That they teach us patience and endurance. On top of that knowledge I learned something tonight. We were talking about humility, pride, sin and God's forgiveness, redemption etc. It amazes me how God uses our sin, evil and ill intentioned on our part, for our good "For all things work together for good to them that are the called..." When we recognize and confess our sin we are not only forgiven, but we are humbled which helps us fight pride. We are reminded of God's holiness and His Grace, of our sinfulness and our need for Him, and when we realize this we are also reminded of His sovereignty and wisdom that even this wicked sin against God, He can use for good. As I was thinking of all of this I had that duh! moment. Although my general ponderings of my particular path in life are still unanswered I realized that my not knowing what to do is a gracious gift from God. In teaching patience, yes, but also in helping me be mindful that I need God to show me my paths. I need His wisdom, I need Him. I have been praying these things, but I didn't really stop to think that my waiting is helping me to lean on Him. DUH! :) I can be so dense!-See I need God.

Saturday at the Soccer Field

Madison and Cassie in their "Purple Lightning" uniforms.

Joe and Charlie are rivited at the sports action.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------After the game we headed to Culvers for lunch.

Did you say ice cream?

A Kickin' Birthday Weekend

This weekend had a couple notable events taking place. The first was the Upper Midwest Kickboxing Championships. The picture to the left is my 1st place plaque. Although I was the only one in my age division so I only had to beat me. :) But it was fun, and I'm looking forward to the next competition when there will hopefully be a few more people competing.

The other notable event was my birthday. That's right I am now 24yrs old. Although I still feel 16. My Dad, brothers, sister-in-law, and my nieces and nephew all made it up to celebrate my birthday and watch the competition. My nieces loved the kickboxing, and tried out a few punches and kicks afterward. And my oldest brother Joe was even brave enough to try a kickboxing class with me. My sister-in-law sent me a picture of me and Joe in the class. She named it "Sarah scares me." I can't imagine why ;).---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------It was a fun day from beginning to end. After kickboxing and some time at the park, we all had some food and rootbeer floats at my apartment. Followed by some time at the hotel pool and hotub, and we had an ice cream birthday cake. I thoroughly ruined my diet for the day, but hey what are birthdays for? And I even got to hear my nephew Charlie sing"happy birfday dear Sarwah." So cute. Video of competition http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=294xyRRbVzs

Allergic to Cold?

Yep, its official. I have a cold. Big headline huh? Its so funny every year it seems I get a cold when the temps start to drop and all winter long I have it. Sniffles, sore throat, sneezing, the works. I think next year I should migrate south. Or maybe I should try Leah's (the white woods) quick stuffy nose remedy. ;)

The Coming of Fall

I suppose it is technically fall already. School is back in session, it is colder out, and the calendar says September, but I don't consider it to be fall until the leaves change color. Man, this summer went fast. The whole year so far actually. So many things going on sure makes time fly. I have always liked summer best. Its warm, green, and sunny, but this year I am really looking forward to fall. It is a nice break to have the cool breeze and not have to run the air conditioner. I love the look of the trees as they change color. And having an excuse to wear my longsleave comfy cozy clothes. Curling up on the couch with my blanket and maybe some tea. I also hope to make it back to the park in Redwood Falls to take pictures of the paths with trees covered in shades of yellow, orange, and red. It is a joy to see how God changes the look of things around us. From the green of summer to the many colors of fall, and then He blankets everything in white snow. It is a blessing to see God's order in creation.

The IPA Upper Midwest Bench Competition

This weekend I was mostly a bum, but I did get up somewhat early Saturday morning to be in a bench press competition. I saw two state records being set. You can read about that on my trainer's website http://www.thezooman.com/ just click on the trainer of man and beast icon. First place for the women was 172.5 lbs. lifted by Leah Krenz. I tied for second at 137.5 lbs. but after looking at our previous lifts I won second place, and got a medal for it. All in all it was a fun event.

Wasting Time

Have you ever thought to yourself I wish there were more hours in the day? Or wondered how you could get all these things done? I found it funny today, as I was putting off doing a few random things around my apt. and watching Garfield instead, the first cartoon they showed had Jon Arbuckle sitting in front of the tv telling himself of all the chores he should do today. And not moving from his seat to do them. Then a commercial came on for Supersonic Seymour, promising to help him get more done during the day, for a fee of course. Its so funny how cartoons mimic life. He payed this guy to tell him to do stuff instead of just making himself do what needed to be done in the first place. Some people really do make the most of their time, but I personally know I only don't get done what I choose to not do. If there were more hours in the day, I would just waste those too. I think we could all have a plan to help get more done in a day. Start doing something instead of nothing. And people say cartoons aren't educational.

Garfield and Friends

Cartoons today are getting dumber and dumber, but yesterday I got to make a classic addition to my DVD collection. I always enjoyed Garfield. But then again who doesn't like Garfield?

A Fun Eventful End to A Long Week

It was one of those weeks. Monday morning, I found myself thinking it was Friday. Wrong orders, picky customers, filling in for vacationing route jumpers, lack of sleep, and an account starting up again for fall, all added to the regular routine of work. I couldn't help but think of the sovereignty of God this week. I know how it seems that when something goes wrong allot of things go wrong. And when something good happens, most of life is going good. I started thinking about the fact that nothing happens without a purpose. Have you ever gotten out of bed and stubbed your toe just as a start to your day? Even that is for a reason. Its mind boggling, anyway now that I've finished my rant about the week, on to the fun stuff. Friday, after work, I went to the park. Buttered Corn Days was going on this weekend. I came to see The Zoo Man. He is also my trainer, and I had never seen his show. It was fun to see and hear about some reptiles I wouldn't normally see, and after the show he had me hold his 15ft. snake! That thing was really big. Sorry I didn't have my camera. I believe it was a yellow albino python of some sort. Anyway, It was very large and feels really weird when it starts to slither, but it was fun. Saturday morning was started with a 5k run. I would never have thought that I would be in a run, but I finished! And I wasn't even the last one. I now have a medal for running. That's pretty cool. After some mini golf came the main event. A boxing match between Brent and Joe (my trainers) and John Janke from SAM radio. It was a makeshift ring with sock 'em bop 'em gloves instead of regular gloves. 3 Rounds with no decided winner, it was fun. Especially since John's partner didn't show and I wound up filling in. :) The day was ended with some blue grass/gospel music from Stan and Connie Rasmusen, joined later by Leah Siefkes. All in all I liked the end of the week much more than the beginning.

Me and Betty Boop

-----------------Have you ever wondered what you would look like as a cartoon? Well yesterday, at work a lady came up to me and said that everytime she sees me, I remind her of Betty Boop. Something about my hairstyle and the shape of my face. I thought it was funny and decided to share it with you. So what do you think? Do I look like Betty Boop?

The Sovereignty and Omniscience of God, Topics for Kids and Adults

In the middle of a prayer I found myself saying "You know what's best for me, You know my heart and the end of my paths," and I was instantly reminded of a conversation with my niece Cassy. Back in June I had the opportunity to babysit my brothers three kids and their dog for a weekend. Instant family, just add me. Anyway, while I was there it started to rain, and Cassy told me that when it rains it is because God is crying. Obviously her thinking needed a bit of an adjustment. I told her that rain isn't God crying. That it comes from clouds, but God causes it to rain. That He is in control of all things, and that He made everything. This started a long line of did He make this thing questions, and eventually I told her not only did God make her but He knows her thoughts and He knows every word she will ever say before she says it. A look of amazement covered her face and then she asked, "what am I going to say next?" I couldn't help but laugh a little as I said,"I don't know, but God does."She thought very hard trying to come up with something unexpected to say and then settled for, "hi auntie Sarah." Its a cute story, but I find it funny that I can explain to a seven yr. old that God knows everything, and is in control of everything, and yet as simple as the concept is, it is one I have to remind myself of. When I think back over my life this far it is amazing to see how God has worked. The paths that God has lead me down are paths I would never have imagined. "He knoweth the end of each path I take" to quote a favorite song of mine, but even more awe inspiring He knows every possible path I could take and the ends they would lead me to. And He causes me to choose to path that He has planned for my life. The sovereignty of God, a complicated and yet simple concept. If you get the chance watch the expressions on a child's face as you explain that one.

Saturday at the Park

Ramsey Park, Redwood Falls, MNThe sounds of water flowing by. Beautiful paths lined with trees. Such a picture perfect bridge.

Paths to get lost by.

This one I took from a bridge.

This was on the other side of a dam. I climbed down a pretty steep not meant to be a path, path and climbed over some rocks to take this one.

I love waterfalls

All of man's inventions and "improvements" can't compare to God's creation.

I like to get close. Any further I'd have been at the bottom.

God Only Faithful. God Only Wise

When your all alone in darkness, and tears run down your face. When your heart is longing for a voice, or someone to embrace, When your sure the loneliness of the night will never end, and you will never find a way to being useful once again. When life’s cares surround and you lose sight, You are not left alone to fight this fight. God only faithful. God only wise. He is the one. Who will always hear your cries. Into the darkness He sheds His light, God only faithful, God only wise. He is the friend who’s there in the night. He is the one who causes fear to take flight. In life’s saddest moments, He has a perfect plan. He knows the beginning, and He knows the end. His truth is the light to take the darkness away. His truth is the key to finding your way. God only faithful. God only wise. Who shepherds the flock, and leads even through the night.

Air Conditioners

Old air conditioner: Big, heavy, ugly, loud. Keeps living room at 80-90 degrees on hot days and flips my breaker off at least once a day if you don't have the light on at the same time. Flips breaker every 5-10min with the light on.

New air conditioner: Small, light, nice look, quiet. Keeps living room at the temperature I set it for and doesn't flip my breaker even if the light is on!

Woo hoo! We have a winner!

Gifts From God

Thursday, my dad called to tell me he would be home this weekend. He is a cross-country truck driver, so we never know if he will be or not. Anyway, since he was gonna be home, and his birthday is this Wednesday, I drove down. Midnight on a Friday evening I walk through the door to find home-made pizza waiting for me. :) Always a good start. The whole weekend was nice, and it was good to spend time with my family, but what sticks with me the most was Saturday afternoon at the fair with my brother's kids. Charlie's big ketchup covered smile. Cassie, trying to keep her plate from blowing away when she picks up her pizza. Madison, bursting into tears at the thought of having to climb a net, and having the guy in charge let her out the back way. Both girls, sitting in bumper cars trying to figure out why they won't move. and Cassie spinning aroung in circles, once she found the gas pedal. Hearing my sister-in-law say that the kids get all excited when they hear we are coming over. Listening to Charlie walking around saying "hi' to everyone, except my dad, then its "Howdy Hi." The way he pronounces my name, "Sawah." And seeing my dad's face as he gets to hear Charlie say "grandpa." These are some of the gifts God gave me this weekend. We were not able to spend the past seven years with Joe and his family, long story, but what a blessing to be able to spend time with them now. I don't think anyone could top Charlie's gift to my dad. He sang"Happy Birthday." God made those kids very sweet, and if you were aware of the situation, that song coming from him was enough to melt your heart.

His Power In Our Weakness

II Corinthians 4:8-10 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.

• Do you ever find yourself thinking I just can't do this anymore? I can't make it through this night or situation, whatever it is. And yet somehow the sun always comes up and you are still there. You did the thing you thought was impossible. The line is a fine one, but always perfectly drawn. Tested, stretched, put under pressure, and yet never more than we can handle with the grace of God.

II Corinthians 12:8-10 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

• His power is made perfect in weakness. How is this possible? When we have come to the end of ourselves, when there is no way we could possibly do what needs to be done, and yet we do. There is no doubt that it is God's work and not ours.

II Corinthians 4:5-7 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

• I am so thankful God does not tell us to be strong, but rather to depend on His strength.

Romans 16:25-27

Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Nieces and Nephew

Hey everyone I thought I'd share some pics of my brother Joe's kids.

Madison is on the right in the red cleats, and Cassandra is on the left in the blue ones.

Yep you guessed it. They are twins. Seven years old. This was their first year playing soccer. Notice the untied laces in Cassie's picture, funny.

Here is Charlie, age 4, with his blanket, Kikki.

Three guesses who named it.

He is such a cutie.

Life Changing Moments

Six months ago on a Sunday afternoon I met up with my mom and my brother Bob to watch a movie, and to bring her some things. After the movie and some Taco Bell I gave my mom a hug and said goodbye and that I love her, and I got in my car and left. It was the last time I would get to talk with my mom before she died. Its funny how fast life can change. One minute I was putting donuts in a vending machine just like every Wednesday morning and the next I was starting a 2hr drive to pick up my brother to drive another hour to see my mom lying in a hospital bed unconscious, by Saturday she was gone, and my life was changed forever. There are moments in life that you will never forget. Those moments that divide life into the before and the after. What a comfort to know that moments like these do not come by accident. God is always in control of every detail. When someone we love dies or leaves us. The temptation is to ask God why He would take them away from us. God did not take my mom away from me after I spent only 23yrs with her. God gave me a wonderful loving mom for the first 23yrs of my life and the time I was given with her will affect who I am, how I think, and things that I do for the rest of my life. I miss her more than I could ever explain and yet I wouldn't trade the time I spent with her for one less moment spent in tears. God is gracious. God is good. He gave me the exact mom I was supposed to have, and He took her home at the precise time that she was supposed to go. How gracious and loving God is to bring my mom out of this world of hurt and sin into His presence! And He shows His grace and mercy by comforting those of us left behind. What God's plan is for me I don't know, but I am thankful to God that He does. And that I will be taken home as soon as I have finished His plan for my life, and not one moment sooner.

God's Creation

Late Sunday afternoon, I decided I had to get out of my apartment, and do something. I decided to take a walk with my camera and see if I could find something worth taking a picture of. There it was God's beautiful sky. The sun shining rays of light through the clouds. The grace of God that we can see His beautiful creation all around us. Psalm 19:1 To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God,and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Love

I Corinthians 13:1-3 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. If you were to share this passage with people on the street today I have no doubt that you would find some that would instantly agree with you. Comments like love is a powerful thing, and who knows what else, but what do we think of when we think of love? Usually, we think of things like Romeo and Juliet. The great love stories of the world, or the dream guy we hope to meet some day, but biblical love is much greater. What is biblical love? I Corinthians 13:4-13 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. Romans 5:8 but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. This is the love that conquers all. The love of God. Love is what caused God to send His Son to die for us. Our salvation is made possible because of love. When we see God, our faith and hope will be complete, and done away with, but love endures forever. We are commanded to love. Deuteronomy 6:5, Mark 12:28-31 Matthew 22:34-40 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. “This is the great and first commandment. “And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. “On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 15:9-13 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. We are commanded to love like this. As always Christ is our ultimate example. He set the standard for us. In God’s mercy and grace He sent His son to die for us. Not because there was anything in us that merited such a gesture, but because He loved us even while we were in a state of sinfulness! How often we hold back our meager attempts at loving others simply because we are having a bad day or we just don’t like that person for “some reason.” But we are commanded to love one another the way Christ loved us. and more importantly to love God. Our love for God is what causes us to live for Him, and it enables us to love others as well. If we love God and others the way we ought the other commandments will fall into place, because we will be seeking God's will and not our own.

Poster Board Doors

I have recently decided to clean and organize my apartment. For those who have been here its shocking I know, but I'm almost done! and I will post pictures of my apartment once its completely in order. Until then here is a project you might enjoy. (Or it might just convince you that I am in fact nuts.) Poster Board doors.

I went to Walmart, a great start for most of my projects, bought four thick poster boards. I taped two together and taped the other two together, as you can tell from the picture. One long piece of tape on each side for hinges and presto I have doors on my shelves.

The hook you see is a regular Christmas ornament hook latched onto two ornament toppers that I hammered through the poster board and taped in place.

The door handles are made out of two slivers of cardboard cut from the packaging of the tape I bought. I folded each end and taped them on also. I think I will probably decorate them at some point, but this was an easy inexpensive way to keep my kitties off my shelves. its been almost two weeks and the tape still holds.