Morgan (and her heifer Princess) beat out more than 70 other competitors to be named Champion Showman at the Charolais Junior Nationals in South Dakota. Great job Morgan and Princess!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Summer Fun--Cattle Shows! Charolais Junior Nationals
Morgan (and her heifer Princess) beat out more than 70 other competitors to be named Champion Showman at the Charolais Junior Nationals in South Dakota. Great job Morgan and Princess!
Friday, July 2, 2010
First Nebraska Christian Music Festival a Success!
First Nebraska Christian Music Festival a Success!
[NFT] The First Nebraska Christian Musical was held June 20th at Brickyard Park in Hastings, NE. Despite storms the night before and threatening clouds throughout the day, there were smiles all around on the faces of organizers, volunteers, performers, and those listening to the music (see the June issue of the Nebraska Family Times for a list of performers).
According to organizer Dr. Mike Skoch, one of the organizers, “The festival was a rousing success by all measures. We are very grateful to those who braved the day, clouds and all. The music was simply outstanding! From the first band - Social Contradiction of Omaha - to the final group - the Salem Baptist Choir - also from Omaha - there was not a single group that even came close to disappointment. At one point I found myself sitting backstage with tears in my eyes at the wonder of it all, and the magnitude of God's infinite love for all of us. The music moved me. One of the day’s performers said, "Music speaks a language that words cannot."
According to Skoch, the Christian Music Festival will be held again next year, probably in August. The website, http://www.nebraskacmf.org/ will be updated when dates are determined, and the Nebraska Family Times will also print information as it becomes available.
[NFT] The First Nebraska Christian Musical was held June 20th at Brickyard Park in Hastings, NE. Despite storms the night before and threatening clouds throughout the day, there were smiles all around on the faces of organizers, volunteers, performers, and those listening to the music (see the June issue of the Nebraska Family Times for a list of performers).
According to organizer Dr. Mike Skoch, one of the organizers, “The festival was a rousing success by all measures. We are very grateful to those who braved the day, clouds and all. The music was simply outstanding! From the first band - Social Contradiction of Omaha - to the final group - the Salem Baptist Choir - also from Omaha - there was not a single group that even came close to disappointment. At one point I found myself sitting backstage with tears in my eyes at the wonder of it all, and the magnitude of God's infinite love for all of us. The music moved me. One of the day’s performers said, "Music speaks a language that words cannot."
According to Skoch, the Christian Music Festival will be held again next year, probably in August. The website, http://www.nebraskacmf.org/ will be updated when dates are determined, and the Nebraska Family Times will also print information as it becomes available.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Editor's Letter July 2010
I hope you are enjoying your summer!
It’s been a busy month for our family. I’m so happy that Cody and Morgan are home from school for the summer! I don’t get to see them a lot, as they’re very busy with their cattle and helping Tim at the ranch, but it’s still nice to know they’re close by.
We’ve been to several cattle shows this month and next month is the Platte County Fair. Morgan will also be showing at the National Chianina show in Springfield, IL. As well as showing her heifers Sadie and Unforgettable, Morgan will be taking part in several contests, including Salesmanship, Team Fitting, Livestock Judging, and Public Speaking.
Cody went to Manhattan, KS, for college orientation several weeks ago. He became more familiar with the college and enjoyed getting to know some of his soon-to-be classmates and choosing his classes. I think he is excited to start college.
I hope you enjoy this issue of the Nebraska Family Times!
Please fill out the Reader Questionnaire and return it to me. By reading your answers and suggestions, I can make sure I’m printing and writing articles that are of interest to you and will “Inspire, encourage, and motivate you in your Christian walk.”
I had the pleasure of attending the first Nebraska Christian Music Festival in Hastings, NE, last week. Rain threatened all day, but did not interfere with the fun of meeting and hearing performers. I enjoyed meeting several people who planned the event, and I’m happy to report they are planning to hold the Festival again next year! You’ll see a report of the Festival in the paper this month.
If you are planning, or aware of, any Christian events, please let me know! I enjoy writing about and promoting those events, and readers enjoy knowing about and attending them. You can reach me at (402) 993-2467, (402) 750-3496, or shelly@shellyburke.net.
May God bless you and your family this month!
It’s been a busy month for our family. I’m so happy that Cody and Morgan are home from school for the summer! I don’t get to see them a lot, as they’re very busy with their cattle and helping Tim at the ranch, but it’s still nice to know they’re close by.
We’ve been to several cattle shows this month and next month is the Platte County Fair. Morgan will also be showing at the National Chianina show in Springfield, IL. As well as showing her heifers Sadie and Unforgettable, Morgan will be taking part in several contests, including Salesmanship, Team Fitting, Livestock Judging, and Public Speaking.
Cody went to Manhattan, KS, for college orientation several weeks ago. He became more familiar with the college and enjoyed getting to know some of his soon-to-be classmates and choosing his classes. I think he is excited to start college.
I hope you enjoy this issue of the Nebraska Family Times!
Please fill out the Reader Questionnaire and return it to me. By reading your answers and suggestions, I can make sure I’m printing and writing articles that are of interest to you and will “Inspire, encourage, and motivate you in your Christian walk.”
I had the pleasure of attending the first Nebraska Christian Music Festival in Hastings, NE, last week. Rain threatened all day, but did not interfere with the fun of meeting and hearing performers. I enjoyed meeting several people who planned the event, and I’m happy to report they are planning to hold the Festival again next year! You’ll see a report of the Festival in the paper this month.
If you are planning, or aware of, any Christian events, please let me know! I enjoy writing about and promoting those events, and readers enjoy knowing about and attending them. You can reach me at (402) 993-2467, (402) 750-3496, or shelly@shellyburke.net.
May God bless you and your family this month!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Columbus Women Encourages Kids
Columbus Businesswoman Encourages Kids
By Shelly Burke, Editor
As every mom does, Tracy Buzynski wanted her daughter to become a well-rounded, happy child (Tracy gives her mom credit for her own happy childhood). Tracy saw the pressures her daughter Shannon, age 11, and her friends faced every day at school, and wanted to find a way to encourage them. “We are all given positive and negative labels throughout our lives,” Tracy says, “so why not give kids positive labels to encourage them? How would a positive label make a difference in kids’ school and personal lives?”
Tracy prayed to find a way to give her daughter and her friends positive labels, as well as build character and instill life values. Her prayers led her to combine her background as a graphic artist and her experiences owning an advertising agency, and start her business, Encourage Me Kids. The Encourage Me Kids website features products kids will see and use every day—bookmarks, refrigerator or locker magnets, posters, book-bag tags, and agenda markers. All items are personalized and carry a positive, value-filled message for that child related to his or her interests.
For example, the True Friend line reinforces three values:
• Be Yourself! GOD made the one and only perfect you!• Be a Friend! The only way to have a friend is to be one.• Be Forgiving! No one is perfect, forgive and you will be forgiven.
The Cowboy series, perfect for little boys, encourages:
• Cowboy Up! Be courageous and do what’s right.• Be Honest! Tell the truth partner, honesty is absolute.• Show your true grit! Stand up for what you believe in. A cowboy worth his salt lives by the golden rule.
Shannon helps her mom come up with wording and design ideas, which they then present to Shannon’s friends for input. Tracy says, “They are the best critics.” The kids have approved lines featuring Kool Cat, Monkey, Patriot (with sayings from George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin), and a Penguin. The items are appropriate for children in grade-school.
Tracy’s future plans include expanding her line to include products for middle-school age kids.
Tracy’s husband, Mark, has supported Tracy in her business. “I couldn’t follow my dreams without his love and support,” Tracy says. As all business owners do, Tracy has faced challenges. Keeping up with doing business through the ever-changing Internet and the social media craze (including Facebook) are a challenge, as is finding the time to get ideas from the design stage and on to the web site (www.encouragemekids.com).
Tracy has seen God’s hand at work throughout the process of building Encourage Me Kids, from product design to getting funding. Tracy says, “The Lord is my business partner. I have started a journal of all the great things that have happened along the way. I am tithing with all the proceeds. In the Bible, God tells us to test Him in this (Malachi 3:10), so with every order I take His portion off the top.”
May God bless your business, Tracy!
For more information e-mail Tracy at: info@encouragemekids.com, or contact her by phone at 402-562-8255 or by mail: Celebrating Design, 2804 8th Street, Columbus, NE, 68601
By Shelly Burke, Editor
As every mom does, Tracy Buzynski wanted her daughter to become a well-rounded, happy child (Tracy gives her mom credit for her own happy childhood). Tracy saw the pressures her daughter Shannon, age 11, and her friends faced every day at school, and wanted to find a way to encourage them. “We are all given positive and negative labels throughout our lives,” Tracy says, “so why not give kids positive labels to encourage them? How would a positive label make a difference in kids’ school and personal lives?”
Tracy prayed to find a way to give her daughter and her friends positive labels, as well as build character and instill life values. Her prayers led her to combine her background as a graphic artist and her experiences owning an advertising agency, and start her business, Encourage Me Kids. The Encourage Me Kids website features products kids will see and use every day—bookmarks, refrigerator or locker magnets, posters, book-bag tags, and agenda markers. All items are personalized and carry a positive, value-filled message for that child related to his or her interests.
For example, the True Friend line reinforces three values:
• Be Yourself! GOD made the one and only perfect you!• Be a Friend! The only way to have a friend is to be one.• Be Forgiving! No one is perfect, forgive and you will be forgiven.
The Cowboy series, perfect for little boys, encourages:
• Cowboy Up! Be courageous and do what’s right.• Be Honest! Tell the truth partner, honesty is absolute.• Show your true grit! Stand up for what you believe in. A cowboy worth his salt lives by the golden rule.
Shannon helps her mom come up with wording and design ideas, which they then present to Shannon’s friends for input. Tracy says, “They are the best critics.” The kids have approved lines featuring Kool Cat, Monkey, Patriot (with sayings from George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin), and a Penguin. The items are appropriate for children in grade-school.
Tracy’s future plans include expanding her line to include products for middle-school age kids.
Tracy’s husband, Mark, has supported Tracy in her business. “I couldn’t follow my dreams without his love and support,” Tracy says. As all business owners do, Tracy has faced challenges. Keeping up with doing business through the ever-changing Internet and the social media craze (including Facebook) are a challenge, as is finding the time to get ideas from the design stage and on to the web site (www.encouragemekids.com).
Tracy has seen God’s hand at work throughout the process of building Encourage Me Kids, from product design to getting funding. Tracy says, “The Lord is my business partner. I have started a journal of all the great things that have happened along the way. I am tithing with all the proceeds. In the Bible, God tells us to test Him in this (Malachi 3:10), so with every order I take His portion off the top.”
May God bless your business, Tracy!
For more information e-mail Tracy at: info@encouragemekids.com, or contact her by phone at 402-562-8255 or by mail: Celebrating Design, 2804 8th Street, Columbus, NE, 68601
Reader Questionnaire
The goal of the Nebraska Family Times newspaper is “To inspire, encourage, and motivate you in your Christian walk.” My prayer every month is that I will write and publish articles that will do just that. How am I doing? Please fill out the following questionnaire and let me know what parts of the paper you enjoy, what you don’t enjoy as much, what you’d like to see more of, and any suggestions you have for improving the paper.
Please mail your completed questionnaire to: Shelly Burke, Nebraska Family Times, 42887 G. G. Road, Genoa, NE, 68640. You may also e-mail your responses to shelly@shellyburke.net.
This questionnaire will appear in the June, July, and August issues of the Nebraska Family Times.
If you include your name and address, your completed questionnaire is a chance for you to win a prize package that will include books, CD’s, and CHOCOLATE! One winner will be chosen every month. You do not have to include contact information if you wish to submit your questionnaire anonymously.
Thank you for taking the time to fill out the questionnaire!
What is your age?
o Under 20 years old
o 21-40 years old
o 41-55 years old
o 55+ years old
Do you have Internet access?
o Yes
o No
Do you have a cell phone?
o Yes
o No
Do you work outside your home?
o No
o Part-time
o Full-time
Do you homeschool?
o Yes
o No
Are the Nebraska Family Times readers in your home:
o Male
o Female
o Both
How many children live in your home?
o 0
o 1-4
o 5 or more
How old are the children who live in your home (please check all that apply):
o 0-1 years old
o 2-4 years old
o 4-6 years old
o 6-9 years old
o 10-12 years old
o 13-18 years old
o 19+ years old
Are you a grandparent?
o Yes
o No
Regarding length, are the articles in general:
o Too long
o Too short
o A good mix of long, medium, and short articles
What topics would you like to continue to see (or see more of) in the NFT?
(check all that apply)
o Health
o Child development
o Parenting teenagers
o Education
o Nebraska News
o Religion/devotional/inspiration
o Book/CD/movie reviews
o Recipes
o Household tips
o Time management
o Financial
What do you like most about the Nebraska Family Times?
Comments/suggestions:
Name/address/phone/e-mail (optional)
Please mail your completed questionnaire to: Shelly Burke, Nebraska Family Times, 42887 G. G. Road, Genoa, NE, 68640. You may also e-mail your responses to shelly@shellyburke.net.
This questionnaire will appear in the June, July, and August issues of the Nebraska Family Times.
If you include your name and address, your completed questionnaire is a chance for you to win a prize package that will include books, CD’s, and CHOCOLATE! One winner will be chosen every month. You do not have to include contact information if you wish to submit your questionnaire anonymously.
Thank you for taking the time to fill out the questionnaire!
What is your age?
o Under 20 years old
o 21-40 years old
o 41-55 years old
o 55+ years old
Do you have Internet access?
o Yes
o No
Do you have a cell phone?
o Yes
o No
Do you work outside your home?
o No
o Part-time
o Full-time
Do you homeschool?
o Yes
o No
Are the Nebraska Family Times readers in your home:
o Male
o Female
o Both
How many children live in your home?
o 0
o 1-4
o 5 or more
How old are the children who live in your home (please check all that apply):
o 0-1 years old
o 2-4 years old
o 4-6 years old
o 6-9 years old
o 10-12 years old
o 13-18 years old
o 19+ years old
Are you a grandparent?
o Yes
o No
Regarding length, are the articles in general:
o Too long
o Too short
o A good mix of long, medium, and short articles
What topics would you like to continue to see (or see more of) in the NFT?
(check all that apply)
o Health
o Child development
o Parenting teenagers
o Education
o Nebraska News
o Religion/devotional/inspiration
o Book/CD/movie reviews
o Recipes
o Household tips
o Time management
o Financial
What do you like most about the Nebraska Family Times?
Comments/suggestions:
Name/address/phone/e-mail (optional)
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Columbus Kids Prepare for PINK Trip
1C, Peace Kids Prepare for PINK Trip
[NFT] For the sixth year, the PINK (Peace Inspiring Native Kids) group will be traveling to Cormorant, Canada, to teach native children Vacation Bible School. This year participants from 1C church in Columbus will be going as well. The group of 12 kids and 7 adult chaperones will be leaving July 23 and returning July 31st.
According to Tamra Boettcher, Youth Leader and chaperone, “Several of the students have been on this trip before and are very passionate about the mission. The newcomers are equally excited about the experience to get to meet children of the Native American culture and help them get to know Jesus.”
Reid Fullner, Alea Smith, and Ryan Coffee have all been on the trip before, and when asked what they’re most looking forward to, each said the same thing: “Seeing the kids again and watching them grow in their faith and learn more about God.” Mariah Spady is going on her first trip to Canada, and she anticipates the trip will “help me in my spiritual walk by allowing me to share my faith with others more freely and readily.”
The kids have weekly DEN meetings to help grow their faith and prepare them for the trip, and they have been working throughout the year to earn money for the trip by doing fundraisers and service projects.
Cormorant, a village of about 400 people, is 1100 miles from Columbus. Many in Cormorant live in poverty, and crime and drugs are prevalent. Despite the challenges of the trip, Craig and Lisa Brestel, first-time chaperones, are looking forward to it. “The trip will help us both grow with God through helping others, and we’re looking forward to watching the kids in action,” says Lisa.
Kirk Nelson, a chaperone going on his first trip to Canada, summarizes the goal of the trip (and the goal we should all have, no matter where our journey takes us); “Our most important mission is to share God’s message of love with the people we will see on our journey.”
Please pray for the safety and success of this group as they travel!
[NFT] For the sixth year, the PINK (Peace Inspiring Native Kids) group will be traveling to Cormorant, Canada, to teach native children Vacation Bible School. This year participants from 1C church in Columbus will be going as well. The group of 12 kids and 7 adult chaperones will be leaving July 23 and returning July 31st.
According to Tamra Boettcher, Youth Leader and chaperone, “Several of the students have been on this trip before and are very passionate about the mission. The newcomers are equally excited about the experience to get to meet children of the Native American culture and help them get to know Jesus.”
Reid Fullner, Alea Smith, and Ryan Coffee have all been on the trip before, and when asked what they’re most looking forward to, each said the same thing: “Seeing the kids again and watching them grow in their faith and learn more about God.” Mariah Spady is going on her first trip to Canada, and she anticipates the trip will “help me in my spiritual walk by allowing me to share my faith with others more freely and readily.”
The kids have weekly DEN meetings to help grow their faith and prepare them for the trip, and they have been working throughout the year to earn money for the trip by doing fundraisers and service projects.
Cormorant, a village of about 400 people, is 1100 miles from Columbus. Many in Cormorant live in poverty, and crime and drugs are prevalent. Despite the challenges of the trip, Craig and Lisa Brestel, first-time chaperones, are looking forward to it. “The trip will help us both grow with God through helping others, and we’re looking forward to watching the kids in action,” says Lisa.
Kirk Nelson, a chaperone going on his first trip to Canada, summarizes the goal of the trip (and the goal we should all have, no matter where our journey takes us); “Our most important mission is to share God’s message of love with the people we will see on our journey.”
Please pray for the safety and success of this group as they travel!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Book Review: College 101: Campus Life for Christians
By Shelly Burke
I was looking for a book to prepare my son for college, spiritually as well as emotionally. College 101 is a small, unintimidating book, subtitled Campus Life for Christians. As I paged through it, I knew it would be the perfect book for him, and for any student heading to college.
College 101 covers a comprehensive range of topics relevant to college-bound students—from what to expect in a roommate, what to bring to college (including the “Rule of Fourteen”—fourteen days’ worth of clothes, forcing the reader to do laundry every two weeks and preventing smelly consequences of having too many clothes and not doing laundry), and preparing by getting to know the Bible.
The book discusses the emotional impact of moving away from home, actually meeting a new roommate, and making friends. Plenty of practical advice is included; options for buying books cheaply, why to lock the room door every night, and wearing flip-flops in the shower. The authors suggest finding the health center and asking about the routine of being seen, so the student is familiar with the routine of making an appointment and being seen, before he or she gets sick.
Many kids are unprepared for the increased responsibility they have while in college, along with less accountability to anyone. This book discusses the importance of making good decisions (like going to class regularly, finding and attending a church), and also points out the consequences of making negative decisions.
College 101 takes a realistic look at temptations every student faces while at college, even Christian colleges. The emotional and physical consequences of drugs, alcohol, and sex are outlined, along with techniques to avoid and deal with the temptations (drinking wisely, sipping no more than one drink an hour, or not drinking at all but carrying around a glass of soda all evening so as not to get pressured into drinking).
Biblical references are given throughout the book, to help guide students through their days at college. Readers are warned of threats to their faith that they’ll probably face—temptations, non-believing professors, friends who scorn their faith—and again are told of the importance of faith and techniques to deal with these threats.
I’m impressed with the amount of valuable, useful, easy-to-read information contained in just over 200 pages. It’s written in a style teens will appreciate, and at $9.95 is a bargain. I’ll be buying more copies as gifts for any graduate heading for college.
(The Abbey gift and bookstore in Norfolk carries College 101: Campus Life for Christians)
I was looking for a book to prepare my son for college, spiritually as well as emotionally. College 101 is a small, unintimidating book, subtitled Campus Life for Christians. As I paged through it, I knew it would be the perfect book for him, and for any student heading to college.
College 101 covers a comprehensive range of topics relevant to college-bound students—from what to expect in a roommate, what to bring to college (including the “Rule of Fourteen”—fourteen days’ worth of clothes, forcing the reader to do laundry every two weeks and preventing smelly consequences of having too many clothes and not doing laundry), and preparing by getting to know the Bible.
The book discusses the emotional impact of moving away from home, actually meeting a new roommate, and making friends. Plenty of practical advice is included; options for buying books cheaply, why to lock the room door every night, and wearing flip-flops in the shower. The authors suggest finding the health center and asking about the routine of being seen, so the student is familiar with the routine of making an appointment and being seen, before he or she gets sick.
Many kids are unprepared for the increased responsibility they have while in college, along with less accountability to anyone. This book discusses the importance of making good decisions (like going to class regularly, finding and attending a church), and also points out the consequences of making negative decisions.
College 101 takes a realistic look at temptations every student faces while at college, even Christian colleges. The emotional and physical consequences of drugs, alcohol, and sex are outlined, along with techniques to avoid and deal with the temptations (drinking wisely, sipping no more than one drink an hour, or not drinking at all but carrying around a glass of soda all evening so as not to get pressured into drinking).
Biblical references are given throughout the book, to help guide students through their days at college. Readers are warned of threats to their faith that they’ll probably face—temptations, non-believing professors, friends who scorn their faith—and again are told of the importance of faith and techniques to deal with these threats.
I’m impressed with the amount of valuable, useful, easy-to-read information contained in just over 200 pages. It’s written in a style teens will appreciate, and at $9.95 is a bargain. I’ll be buying more copies as gifts for any graduate heading for college.
(The Abbey gift and bookstore in Norfolk carries College 101: Campus Life for Christians)
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