FFA Banquet

We had a great time at the FFA Banquet tonight. It’s always fun to see Cody and Morgan with their friends, and they received several awards. Tim and I also enjoy talking with the other kids’ parents . . . it’s always a relief to know that our kids aren’t the only ones to (insert embarrassing/appalling/worrying/silly event here).

May Paper

I’m working on the May paper this week. Sometimes it’s a challenge to find articles that I think will inspire, encourage, and motivate readers, but it’s fun to explore all the resources available.

You'll see a new look to our front page this month! We've added our mission under the title of the paper. Our mission is "To inspire, encourage, and motivate you in your Christian walk." My prayer is that everything that is in the paper will do that.

In these tough economic times, it’s easy to get discouraged and lose hope that things will improve. I hope the front-page articles will be encouraging to readers. The main article is titled, “Got Hope? God’s Promises in Uncertain Times.” The article stresses God’s promises and the certainty of them.

The next front page article is titled, “Living Generously During Tough Times.” Money—specifically, having “enough,”--has always been an issue of mine. I know God does not want me to worry about money . . . but it’s very hard for me not to worry. I know that “my” money was all given to me from God, and part of my responsibility is to give some of that money back to Him. This article shows how we can give back in ways other than with money.

The last front page article is titled, “Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be” and gives readers encouragement and steps for getting to . . . where you want to be in life.

If you are a new to the Nebraska Family Times, and would like to read a FREE sample copy, send your request to shelly@shellyburke.net or call (402) 750-3496.

Meeting with Marcie

Marcie and I got together to discuss plans for the paper for the next month. Marcie is the Promotions/Advertising person who joined the team several months ago. It’s great to work with Marcie—she has ideas for marketing and promoting the paper that I would have never come up with! Many of her suggestions are barters—for example we’re exchanging ad space for radio ads—so you’ll be hearing about the Nebraska Family Times on KPNO 90.9 in the near future!

Marcie also introduced me to the Christian Cross Festival, which will take place June 7 in Norfolk. The CCF is a gathering of Christian bands and organizations that get together for an afternoon and evening of music and fellowship. This year, for the first time, the Nebraska Family Times will have a table at the CCF! That evening we will draw for the winner of the June Summer Fun Giveaway. Details to follow! For more information about the Christian Cross Festival, go to www.christiancrossfestival.org.

“Hunting” on Easter

Our family has a tradition of attending Sonrise service at our church on Easter. It’s such a joyous service, with the choir singing and the brass and bell choirs playing. I have memories of attending early services with my mom and dad and sisters years ago. The celebration of Jesus’ resurrection never fails to bring tears of joy to my eyes; I’m just overwhelmed with gratitude that He would save me and everyone who makes the simple choice to believe in Him!

Our drive to Columbus was a little . . . eventful . . . and not in a good way. I drove, and about 2 miles from our home, I hit a pheasant that flew up in front of the vehicle. It happened too fast to avoid the bird . . . but I still felt bad about. It was the first time I’d hit any animal in a very long time.

We continued on to church . . . and just a few minutes later, I hit a deer! THAT was a first for me, both hitting a deer AND hitting two animals within eight miles and 10 minutes. We think the deer was OK because there was nothing in the ditch. Hopefully he just had a few bumps and a good story for his other deer friends.

When we got to church we discovered that there were both feathers AND hair caught in various parts of the vehicle . . .

We are very thankful that no one was hurt, the vehicle was driveable . . . and we made it to church on time to celebrate Easter!

(in the picture above, note the feathers in the windshield wipers and the deer hair in the back door handle)

April Fire

On April 3rd and 4th our sileage pile and hay pile caught on fire. We lost a lot of cattle feed, but insurance will cover part of the cost of more feed. We’re so thankful for the quick response of the Genoa and Silver Creek volunteer fire departments. No one was injured and there was no damage to Tim’s mom and dad’s house. Our community is blessed to have people willing to undergo the training and be available at any time to respond to emergencies.

April Paper

I hope you enjoyed the April issue of the Nebraska Family Times! My prayer is that every article in the paper will touch someone who needs encouragement, inspiration, or motivation in their Christian walk. I appreciate your comments and suggestions. You can reach me at shelly@shellyburke.net or (402) 750-3496.

Burke Family News

Our family is having a busy spring!

We’re about half done calving. Tim moved the new babies and their moms to a pasture than I can see from our bedroom. I love watching the little baby calves running around the pasture.

Cody and Morgan are busy with school. This coming week they’ll be attending the FFA State Convention in Lincoln, where they’ll each participate in several events. Next Saturday, Cody takes the ACT test and has Prom. There have been—and will continue to be—cattle shows most Saturdays from now on.

I’m enjoying working on the paper—I think that if I could stay awake for 24 hours, I could fill all of them doing things with the paper and implementing new ideas! I am blessed to have something to do that I enjoy so much. When I feel overwhelmed, I’m reminded of Ecclesiastes 5:19, “. . . when God gives any man wealth and possessions and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God.”

My wealth is in the form of family and friends, I have plenty of possessions, and I am so blessed to be happy in my work.