MRS. JEAN RANES' MEMORIAL SERVICE, MAY 18, 2008

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1
Mrs. Ranes knew with absolute confidence that what she hoped for was sure and certain.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

"Who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2b

We were honored to attend the memorial service of our dear and precious friend, Jean Ranes, who is now rejoicing in the presence of her beloved Savior, who is at the right hand of God.



We were delighted to once again visit with Mrs. Ranes' sister from California and daughter from Hawaii.

The cemetery is a lovely family plot near Belle, MO

We were also so pleased to get to see Mrs. Ranes' sister, Lucy Finch, who faithfully visited her a least once a day for the 12 years she was incapacitated after her stroke. She always cheerfully demonstrates the love of Jesus. We are so thankful to know this family.

MARVEL AT THE DETAILS

I would say that gardening is more than my hobby, it is somewhat of an addiction, but I justify it when I study the details, beauty and extravagance of the Creator's handiwork. Then gardening becomes a form of worship.

These are a few quotes about gardening I found edifying or maybe just amusing:

"Nothing is more the child of art than a garden."...Sir Walter Scott

"Gardeners, I think, dream bigger dreams than Emperor's."...Mary Cantwell

"There are no gardening mistakes, only experiments." ..Janet Kilburn Phillips

"Laying out grounds may be considered a liberal art, in some sort like poetry and painting." ...Wordsworth

"Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world."...Virgil A. Kraft

ADAM'S GRADUATION MAY 17, 2008

Adam graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly UMR, the University of Missouri at Rolla)(and before that it was Missouri School of Mines, MSM)

Adam being recognized for graduating with a 4.0 GPA

All the graduates (somewhere around 800)

Crossing the stage. . .

. . .and leaving during the recession.

WITH HIS PROUD PARENTS

The medal is for his 4.0 GPA, the stole is for members of Pi Tau Sigma, the National Mechanical Engineering Honor Society and has nice Greek letters right behind Adam's hands, and the parent's are for moral support.

LOTS OF NEW PICTURES POSTED

I left the explanation of "The Hike" near the top for those who may want the information, but there are more pictures posted below. Nathan's ebullient visage says it all though.

More great smiles

Packing up the snack is VERY important business.

Even Adam's hair is happy.

'THE HIKE'

To combat Post-Production Depression after the end of The Prince and The Pauper, the guys came up with the idea of a "Hike". It would be a traveling social event, starting in Rolla after an overnight stay at David Strautman's, detouring for lunch at the Mosher's, and ending 20 miles later at our house with dinner and a bonfire, to be followed by a campout. This "Hike" would be on back, gravel roads through the beautiful scenery of Missouri in the Spring, and wouldn't require much gasoline (a big plus).

They (22 brave souls) began the "Hike" this morning after a hearty breakfast and I will be posting their progress throughout the day:
Start 7:12am
Mile 1 7:33am
Mile 2 7:54am
Mile 3 8:19am
There will be pictures to follow I'm sure.
Mile 4 unknown/Mile 5 9:15am/Mile 6 9:35am/Mile 7 10:05am/Mile 8 10:30am/Mile 9 11:05am
Mile 10 11:30am
Mosher's Stop for Lunch
Left Mosher's 1:35pm/Mile 11 1:55/Mile 12 2:15/Mile 13 2:33/Mile 14 3:00/Mile 15 3:25/Mile 16 3:50/Mile 17 4:16/Mile 18 4:40/Mile 19 5:19/Mile 20 5:35 Destination Reached

PICTURES FROM "THE HIKE"

Everyone beginning, early in the morning. What enthusiasm!

A Group Picture of 22 Hikers, plus Wally and Jake.

Hiker Art

Sprinting down the Highway (this is a very secluded highway). More pictures to follow.

20 MILES + A CAMERA = LOTS OF PICTURES

The long road onward.

Dashing across the creek.

. . . and these guys are in hot pursuit

David gives Adler a taxi ride

Derek, maybe making another weapon?

And see, it happened sort of like this . . .

Hike Art

A rest stop

And Nathan is crowned the King of Orange Juice.

Clarissa is thrilled that the girls finally captured Wally.

Jacob and Jake

Clarissa and the lovely flowers.

I'm really not sure what is going on, it looks like a sprint with Nathan as the finish line.

And they're off!!

The big stick is important, I think.

Dominating the road.

LUNCH BREAK!!

Load limit definitely exceeded.

After lunch, the guys were too tired to start back right away, so they -- played football.

A great catch about to happen.

Virtual Blocking

And the ball is snapped.