I appreciate the businesses that sponsor the Nebraska Family Times! When a person or business is a “sponsor,” they receive 10 (or more) copies of the paper every month to share with customers, patients (in a dentist, chiropractor, or doctor office), members of the church congregation, co-workers, or friends. (A sponsorship of 10 papers/month is $10/month; sponsors are recognized on paper racks or holders, and in the paper.) A sponsorship is a way for the sponsor to assure distribution of the Nebraska Family Times to people, and meet the mission of the paper, “To Inspire, Encourage, and Motivate You on Your Christian Walk.”
To thank businesses for being sponsors, about a year ago I started the Sponsor Spotlight. An article about the featured sponsor appears on the Play Room pages in the Nebraska Family Times. It’s been interesting to hear “the story” behind how a business was started, and what the owners enjoy about their business.
The May Sponsor Spotlight will feature Main Street Apothecary of Laurel, NE.
Would you like your business featured in the Sponsor Spotlight? Contact me at shelly@shellyburke.net or by phone at (402) 993-2467 or (402) 750-3496 and we’ll set up a time for an interview (or I’ll e-mail you interview questions.)
I appreciate Nebraska Family Times sponsors and hope to hear from you!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Graduation
Graduation is Coming!
Cody graduates from high school on May 16, 2010. In some ways it seems like just yesterday that I walked him to his first day of school…
I have mixed feelings about him graduating and leaving home (he’s planning to attend Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS, next year). I’m so happy he has plans and goals, but also sad that he won’t be a part of our everyday life anymore.
I know it’s God’s plan that our children leave us and start their own lives, and I pray that Tim and I have helped him to develop a good foundation of faith and that he will continue to grow in faith, wherever he is.
We’re busy making plans for Cody’s graduation party. It’s fun to plan, and he’s not picky about exactly what we do—he’s most concerned with seeing friends who have been a part of his life. I made basic plans a few months ago, but now it’s time to get down to the details—exactly what we’ll have for food (lots of cheesecakes for dessert!), how the room will set up, what the decorations will be.
It will be a busy few weeks until the party—I have another issue of the paper to put out as well! J Don’t worry—It’s all coming together nicely.
Cody graduates from high school on May 16, 2010. In some ways it seems like just yesterday that I walked him to his first day of school…
I have mixed feelings about him graduating and leaving home (he’s planning to attend Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS, next year). I’m so happy he has plans and goals, but also sad that he won’t be a part of our everyday life anymore.
I know it’s God’s plan that our children leave us and start their own lives, and I pray that Tim and I have helped him to develop a good foundation of faith and that he will continue to grow in faith, wherever he is.
We’re busy making plans for Cody’s graduation party. It’s fun to plan, and he’s not picky about exactly what we do—he’s most concerned with seeing friends who have been a part of his life. I made basic plans a few months ago, but now it’s time to get down to the details—exactly what we’ll have for food (lots of cheesecakes for dessert!), how the room will set up, what the decorations will be.
It will be a busy few weeks until the party—I have another issue of the paper to put out as well! J Don’t worry—It’s all coming together nicely.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Editor's Letter April 2010
Spring is springing!
I was so happy to get in the vehicle this morning and have to look for my sunglasses; it seems the sun hasn’t been out for a long time. Although things are brown right now, soon we’ll be seeing green (and I have a friendly bet with my mother-in-law that we will see one more snow before winter is completely gone…but snow in April will not last long). What a joy to see God’s hand in the re-birth of the earth every spring and be reminded on Easter of our ultimate re-birth in Heaven.
Speaking of birth…one of our donkeys had a baby! His name is Stormy, and he was the first donkey ever born on the ranch. He’s doing well and we think another of the donkeys might be pregnant, so another donkey baby may be arriving soon.
Another sign of spring is the arrival of cows and their calves in “my” pasture—the pasture right outside of our house. It’s so fun to look out the window and see the cows and their babies running around. About 100 calves have been born, and there are about 100 left to be born.
On a sad note, my Grandpa, Edward Geil, died in this world and was born into heaven on March 11th. Our sadness for our loss is mixed with joy for his gain; he believed in Christ and had been looking forward to joining Grandma, who died in 2002, in heaven. We know he is in heaven, out of pain, with her and with Jesus…and we know that we will see both Grandma and Grandpa again. All who knew Grandpa were blessed to know him. His faith showed in all he said and did and I will never forget his encouragement and love.
Two hours after we got home from the funeral, Morgan was doing chores and got hit in the head with a gate, so we visited the Emergency Room for stitches. We are so thankful her injury wasn’t worse! The stitches are already out and she’s rather proud of her “battle scar.” Cody has been counting the days until graduation…the spring is just flying by with cattle shows, calving, and enjoying being outside.
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I hope you enjoy this issue of the paper! Since I’m working on “spring cleaning” (in preparation for Cody’s upcoming graduation party), I’ve included hints and tips for organizing and cleaning, along with a review of my favorite housekeeping/organization book.
I’ve also printed an article about giving to charity when you’re on a tight budget (“Charity on a Shoestring”) and “Talking About Healthy Relationships” (with your kids). I hope that “Celebrating Mother’s Day Without Mother” will be comforting and encouraging to readers who are doing just that. If you find an article that would be perfect for a friend, please consider cutting it out and sharing it. If you don’t want to cut up your issue of the paper, contact me and I’ll send them a complimentary copy with a note that indicates the article that may be of interest.
Please let me know what articles and features you enjoy, and what topics you’d like to see more of. You can reach me at (402) 750-3496 or (402) 993-2467, or by e-mail at shelly@shellyburke.net. I enjoy hearing from readers!
God bless you and your families as you celebrate Easter and enjoy spring!
Shelly
I was so happy to get in the vehicle this morning and have to look for my sunglasses; it seems the sun hasn’t been out for a long time. Although things are brown right now, soon we’ll be seeing green (and I have a friendly bet with my mother-in-law that we will see one more snow before winter is completely gone…but snow in April will not last long). What a joy to see God’s hand in the re-birth of the earth every spring and be reminded on Easter of our ultimate re-birth in Heaven.
Speaking of birth…one of our donkeys had a baby! His name is Stormy, and he was the first donkey ever born on the ranch. He’s doing well and we think another of the donkeys might be pregnant, so another donkey baby may be arriving soon.
Another sign of spring is the arrival of cows and their calves in “my” pasture—the pasture right outside of our house. It’s so fun to look out the window and see the cows and their babies running around. About 100 calves have been born, and there are about 100 left to be born.
On a sad note, my Grandpa, Edward Geil, died in this world and was born into heaven on March 11th. Our sadness for our loss is mixed with joy for his gain; he believed in Christ and had been looking forward to joining Grandma, who died in 2002, in heaven. We know he is in heaven, out of pain, with her and with Jesus…and we know that we will see both Grandma and Grandpa again. All who knew Grandpa were blessed to know him. His faith showed in all he said and did and I will never forget his encouragement and love.
Two hours after we got home from the funeral, Morgan was doing chores and got hit in the head with a gate, so we visited the Emergency Room for stitches. We are so thankful her injury wasn’t worse! The stitches are already out and she’s rather proud of her “battle scar.” Cody has been counting the days until graduation…the spring is just flying by with cattle shows, calving, and enjoying being outside.
----------
I hope you enjoy this issue of the paper! Since I’m working on “spring cleaning” (in preparation for Cody’s upcoming graduation party), I’ve included hints and tips for organizing and cleaning, along with a review of my favorite housekeeping/organization book.
I’ve also printed an article about giving to charity when you’re on a tight budget (“Charity on a Shoestring”) and “Talking About Healthy Relationships” (with your kids). I hope that “Celebrating Mother’s Day Without Mother” will be comforting and encouraging to readers who are doing just that. If you find an article that would be perfect for a friend, please consider cutting it out and sharing it. If you don’t want to cut up your issue of the paper, contact me and I’ll send them a complimentary copy with a note that indicates the article that may be of interest.
Please let me know what articles and features you enjoy, and what topics you’d like to see more of. You can reach me at (402) 750-3496 or (402) 993-2467, or by e-mail at shelly@shellyburke.net. I enjoy hearing from readers!
God bless you and your families as you celebrate Easter and enjoy spring!
Shelly
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Pawnee Senior Center, Genoa, Celebrates 25th Birthday!
By Shelly Burke, Editor
On March 6, 2010, the Pawnee Senior Center in Genoa celebrated its 25th anniversary with an open house.
Teresa Drozd provided the welcome and introduction of the guests at the program.
Congressman Adrian Smith was a featured guest and spoke of his appreciation for small towns. “As I spend time in Nebraska before I head back to Washington DC,” he remarked, “I am reminded how nice Nebraska is. Rural Nebraska is the real deal.”
Senator Annette Dubas was another featured speaker. She is from Fullerton, and familiar with the area and small towns. She congratulated the Senior Center on its accomplishements and remarked, “This celebration is an example of what makes Nebraska’s communities a great place to live.”
Both Smith and Dubas spent time talking with others who attended the event.
Tim Mohrman, Senior Center Manager, reminded me that people don’t have to be over the age of 60 to enjoy meals at the Senior Center or receive Meals on Wheels. He wants people to know that guests of any age are welcome. Tim said, “The goal of the Senior Center is to help seniors to stay in their own home longer by providing meals here or in their home, foot care, and other services.”
A highlight of the afternoon was a performance by the Golden Oldies Band, formed by Jean Strand shortly after the Center opened. In 2009 the band played at more than 45 events in central Nebraska. Pearl Christensen, the only remaining original member of the band, is 96 years old. Her first instrument was a macarena that she made from a can filled with pebbles; the can had Chinese writing on it and was a souvenir from one of her many international trips.
The Senior Center was incorporated in 1983, and served its first meals in March of 1985. Last year, 8,781 meals were provided to participants 60 years of age and older.
The Pawnee Senior Center provides many services to the citizens of the Genoa area. Noon meals are served Monday through Friday, with an evening meal on Tuesday. The Meals-on-Wheels program delivers to participants who are unable to leave their home.
The Senior Center provides many services to area seniors; health education and clinics, volunteer opportunities, entertainment, senior care options, caregiver support, and socialization with new and long-time friends.
We wish the Senior Center a very happy anniversary and many more years serving Genoa and the surrounding area.
For more information about the Pawnee Senior Center and upcoming activities, call (402) 993-6002.
On March 6, 2010, the Pawnee Senior Center in Genoa celebrated its 25th anniversary with an open house.
Teresa Drozd provided the welcome and introduction of the guests at the program.
Congressman Adrian Smith was a featured guest and spoke of his appreciation for small towns. “As I spend time in Nebraska before I head back to Washington DC,” he remarked, “I am reminded how nice Nebraska is. Rural Nebraska is the real deal.”
Senator Annette Dubas was another featured speaker. She is from Fullerton, and familiar with the area and small towns. She congratulated the Senior Center on its accomplishements and remarked, “This celebration is an example of what makes Nebraska’s communities a great place to live.”
Both Smith and Dubas spent time talking with others who attended the event.
Tim Mohrman, Senior Center Manager, reminded me that people don’t have to be over the age of 60 to enjoy meals at the Senior Center or receive Meals on Wheels. He wants people to know that guests of any age are welcome. Tim said, “The goal of the Senior Center is to help seniors to stay in their own home longer by providing meals here or in their home, foot care, and other services.”
A highlight of the afternoon was a performance by the Golden Oldies Band, formed by Jean Strand shortly after the Center opened. In 2009 the band played at more than 45 events in central Nebraska. Pearl Christensen, the only remaining original member of the band, is 96 years old. Her first instrument was a macarena that she made from a can filled with pebbles; the can had Chinese writing on it and was a souvenir from one of her many international trips.
The Senior Center was incorporated in 1983, and served its first meals in March of 1985. Last year, 8,781 meals were provided to participants 60 years of age and older.
The Pawnee Senior Center provides many services to the citizens of the Genoa area. Noon meals are served Monday through Friday, with an evening meal on Tuesday. The Meals-on-Wheels program delivers to participants who are unable to leave their home.
The Senior Center provides many services to area seniors; health education and clinics, volunteer opportunities, entertainment, senior care options, caregiver support, and socialization with new and long-time friends.
We wish the Senior Center a very happy anniversary and many more years serving Genoa and the surrounding area.
For more information about the Pawnee Senior Center and upcoming activities, call (402) 993-6002.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Looking for Suggestions!
I need your help, readers!
I’ve been including articles about local events, activities, and individuals, in the paper. In the April paper you’ll read about the Pawnee Senior Center in Genoa, celebrating their 25th birthday! In the May issue you’ll read about a planned mission trip by a group from Norfolk. In June you’ll read about a Columbus group also planning a mission trip. In past issues I’ve featured musicians, singers, a medical mission team, and so one.
If you know of an event, person, or group that you’d like to see featured, please contact me! You can reach me at shelly@shellyburke.net, or by phone at (402) 993-2467 or (402) 750-3496.
Thanks for your help!
I’ve been including articles about local events, activities, and individuals, in the paper. In the April paper you’ll read about the Pawnee Senior Center in Genoa, celebrating their 25th birthday! In the May issue you’ll read about a planned mission trip by a group from Norfolk. In June you’ll read about a Columbus group also planning a mission trip. In past issues I’ve featured musicians, singers, a medical mission team, and so one.
If you know of an event, person, or group that you’d like to see featured, please contact me! You can reach me at shelly@shellyburke.net, or by phone at (402) 993-2467 or (402) 750-3496.
Thanks for your help!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Visit to the Emergency Room
About two hours after we returned home from Grandpa’s funeral in Missouri, Tim called me from the ranch, where he and the kids were doing chores. “Morgan got hit in the head by a gate and needs stitches. I’m bringing her home right now; get ready to go with us to the hospital.”
(EDITOR’S NOTE: many days, before Tim and the kids go to the ranch, I tell them, “Be careful—no trips to the Emergency Room today!” Today, however, I forgot to say that!)
On the way to the hospital I got the whole story; Morgan was letting the show cattle out for the night, and a cow kicked a gate that Morgan was standing by. Unfortunately the gate bounced into her head, knocking her down and making a big gash in her forehead.
The Emergency Room wasn’t busy, so she was seen immediately by a great nurse, and then stitched up by a very compassionate doctor. Morgan was brave throughout the ordeal.
We are so thankful that her injury wasn’t worse, and that Tim was close by and we could get her to the hospital immediately! Morgan is kind of proud of her injury and not at all worried about a scar (the doctor said it shouldn’t scar much at all, especially if she doesn’t allow sun on it this summer).
(EDITOR’S NOTE: many days, before Tim and the kids go to the ranch, I tell them, “Be careful—no trips to the Emergency Room today!” Today, however, I forgot to say that!)
On the way to the hospital I got the whole story; Morgan was letting the show cattle out for the night, and a cow kicked a gate that Morgan was standing by. Unfortunately the gate bounced into her head, knocking her down and making a big gash in her forehead.
The Emergency Room wasn’t busy, so she was seen immediately by a great nurse, and then stitched up by a very compassionate doctor. Morgan was brave throughout the ordeal.
We are so thankful that her injury wasn’t worse, and that Tim was close by and we could get her to the hospital immediately! Morgan is kind of proud of her injury and not at all worried about a scar (the doctor said it shouldn’t scar much at all, especially if she doesn’t allow sun on it this summer).
I think from now on I'll remember to remind everyone, "NO TRIPS TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM TODAY!"
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Grandpa's Funeral Readings
(These were the readings at my grandpa’s funeral, and I share them with you in remembrance of him. My dad gave the meditations on these verses. Grandpa liked the traditional wording, which is used here.)
To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue…
Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed. The Lord works out everything for His own end—even the wicked for a day of disaster…In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:1, 3-4, 9
Grandpa made many plans during his life. Some things went as he’d planned, and some did not. But whether they did or did not go as he’s planned, Grandpa had put his life in God’s hands. He knew that the Lord was determining his steps, and accepted whatever happened.
Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” Thomas saith unto Him, “Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the say?” Jesus saith unto him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:1-6
What an amazing thought—Jesus Himself is preparing our eternal home for us…and loved ones who are already in Heaven are enjoying their mansions. We can all find comfort and joy in these words!
To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue…
Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed. The Lord works out everything for His own end—even the wicked for a day of disaster…In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:1, 3-4, 9
Grandpa made many plans during his life. Some things went as he’d planned, and some did not. But whether they did or did not go as he’s planned, Grandpa had put his life in God’s hands. He knew that the Lord was determining his steps, and accepted whatever happened.
Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” Thomas saith unto Him, “Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the say?” Jesus saith unto him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:1-6
What an amazing thought—Jesus Himself is preparing our eternal home for us…and loved ones who are already in Heaven are enjoying their mansions. We can all find comfort and joy in these words!
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