Amish Trip / Vacation Day 7, 8, 9, and 10

Hi Everyone,
sorry I haven't posted in a while...but I haven't had internet access for a few days...obviously. Oh well. I should be back home tomorrow night, so pray for safe travels!
~Caitlin

5-27-12

This morning we woke up, and after all of us got breakfast from the Hotel, we started packing from the car. I suggested that because it was Sunday, that we do a Bible Study or devotional…so that’s what we did. After that, we were on the road. We continued on the road, and when lunch time hit, we made meat Sandwiches in the car. We continued on the road until about 4:00 in the afternoon, and stopped at a gas station to let everyone use the restroom…it’s a good thing we did too, because we asked the man at the front desk where “Walnut St.” was, (that would be where the Gebhard’s family son and daughter-in-law live) and he told us that we literally just passed it, so with anticipation, we turned around, and were there in 3 minutes. After staying there for about an hour, we all went to get pizza. After we ate, we all went to sleep.

5-28-12

We woke up, all of us, very tired!!! I slept on the only couch, and sorry to say, had/has a nest of spiders living in it. I was scared the whole night after we killed the first 2 spiders. As the day went on, Joe brought home a turtle, and Christian was playing with it. We went to go see the Amish that day and came back to the container the turtle was staying in…and it was gone!!! We searched all over for it, but it was nowhere to be found. We have a lot of assumptions to where it could have gone, but we don’t know for sure…any way’s, we found a grand total of 6 spiders all of today…and they were mostly on the couch! (Yikes! To think I slept on them) so…because it was Memorial Day, we had a Barbecue to make it feel more like Memorial Day. That night when Joe and Tiffany went to work, we got out the vacuum, and cleaned the couch out…unfortunately, a lot of the spiders are hiding in the back end or somewhere else, where we can’t reach them. We also got out the comet cleanser and scrubbed the bathroom, since Tiffany hasn’t had the time since their wedding 2 months ago, plus working a job.
Any way’s, getting to the Amish; we visited so many Amish in the Bowling Green, Missouri area. It is so interesting to see the different kinds of styles they have per community. For this particular community, they had a typewriter….you know the old ones from the movies…ding, ding, ding, slide over…yeah! They also sell “English” items in their store…pretty interesting!!!

3-29-12

This morning we woke up, and…had a terrible night sleep. None of us slept on the couch, because of the whole spider thing. So, we slept on the floor…let me tell you…we had sore backs that night, but it’s over with. We traveled all day today, until we got to the Mr. and Mrs. Gebhard’s daughter (the Gebhard’s children’s sister) - Danielle and Chad with their 2 cute children, with one on the way!

3-30-12

We woke up in the morning, and went to the Omaha Nebraska zoo!!! The Gebhard’s wanted to show me how big it was. I guess it’s one of the biggest Zoo’s in the country… any way’s, I have to say…that is an AMAZING ZOO!!! I loved it! I even got to hold cute little Shayleigh who’s She’s one! After that, we came home had some good ol’ Little Caesars Pizza.

Amish Trip / Vacation Day 5 and 6

On Friday the 25th we drove around looking at Mennonite homes that sold jams/jellies/soaps and stuff in their booth/shed on their driveway. I did get

pictures with some of the Mennonites, but they asked us not to share it on the Internet, so I thought I'd post some pictures of the farm instead.

This morning (Saturday) we drove all over in Ethridge Tennessee to see the Amish. There was a shop that sold Amish things, and plus their was a home cooked meal restaurant connected to the store. I can tell you one thing...I love the Tennessee accents!!!

Their was an older gentlemen named "Dannie" who had 12 children all grown and married, and yes...100 + grandchildren!!! (I am not joking!!!) He was tel

ling us about the Amish belief, and the way they dress/talk, and do other things. After that we went into their little woodworking house, and boy their was stacks and stacks of saw dust all over the place, but the end result...beautiful furniture!!!
After that, we were on the road...again!

~Caitlin

Amish Trip / Vacation

Hello all!!! So far the vacation is going wonderful!!! On Monday late afternoon we arrived at our friends the "Tjaden's" house. We had a wonderful time visiting with them!!! (for those of you who don't know, the Tjaden's are our old time friends from Colorado that moved to Missouri 4 years ago) We were originally going to stay with them overnight, but Mrs. Gebhard's was having allergy problems with the cats...so, we stayed at a close

Motel/Hotel that night.

The next morning, we all met at a dollar store, and caught an Amish man and buggy. To respect them, unfortunately I couldn't take a picture...so, I guess you'll have to believe me ; ) the Amish people are so very friendly by the way. After that, we went to an Auction that Amish sell their produce at, and then we went to "Anna's" house...she is an Amish, along with her husband and children. We looked at their farm, went inside their house, and even got a long buggy ride. I have posted some pictures of the Amish house inside and out. After that we went to McDonald's to eat lunch before heading to a volleyball game that the Tjaden's were in...they won by the way!!! After the game, to celebrate, we went to McDonald's again...I had a coffee-something...anyway's, that was so fun!!!

The next morning, we went to the "Little House on the Prairie Historical Si

te"...that was so much fun!!! (Especially with the Tjaden's) After touring the Ingalls/Wilder house, we were on the road again. We came to a hotel that night and we all so tired, went straight to bed. This morning, we swam in the pool after eating breakfast. After that. we were on the road again...beautiful views by the way!!! ; )

Here are some pictures below...

Amish Trip Day 1

That Saturday afternoon when I left, there was much crying from the girls of the family! After we said our goodbyes, we went to eat at Country Buffet, and once again, met my family and our friends the, “Colorado’s” there on accident…so we stayed their talking and celebrating until about 7:45 p.m. After that, we went to the Gerhard’s house, and got ready to leave the next morning.

Sunday the 20^th of May:

On the first day of our trip, this is what we saw most of the time…

We went through Kansas, and when I say Kansas, yes I mean the flat part. : ) (sorry Kansas people) that’s when you take a book out and read…

For lunch we had meat sandwiches, with Twizzlers, and Pringles. For the road, we had sweet ice cold lemon tea…yum!!! We read, talked, and listened to music. I drove for 2 hours, before handing the car back over. Along the way, there was at least 20 people over each bridge that we went under, and this is what we saw...

Vacation

Hello fellow bloggers!
I have a huge opportunity! My friend, "Aubrey" will be graduating tomorrow. Instead of a reception, she wanted to go see the Amish/Mennonite country to see what it's like and what they do every day...and she asked me to go with her and her family! So...I will be leaving tomorrow afternoon after her graduation. I will be gone for about 2 weeks, and while I'm gone, I'm going to get very limited Internet access unless we stay at a hotel/motel that has FREE Wifi...so I will try to post as often as possible on my trip, but no promises. ; ) I will post as many pictures as my computer will allow.
Thank you all for being a part of my blog!
Your fellow blogger,
~Caitlin Baughman

Lord, you have my heart!

I was thinking about hearts this last week...our heart. Where do you find your heart? What is it seeking after? What is it longing for? I know it's different from day to day, but what do you find it goes after....what do you go after? Maybe it's money, love, peace, joy, or so many other things. Sometimes when life gets so busy, we don't take the time to sit down, and read the Bible. I know I do that. So when we say, "Lord, you have my heart"...do we really mean it? Are we in control, or is God? When we say, "Take my life", and "I surrender", what do we mean by that? I would encourage you, to look at your heart, and examine where it is, better yet, ask God, where your heart is...

"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
~Psalm 139: 23-24~

Rush

Rush, rush, rush...all of us have gone through a rush at one time or another. A rush to get to work, a rush to the Movies, Rush to get to church on time, rush, rush, rush. I began thinking of all of the people that I pass on the street or in the store who aren't walking on "my time". Yes, they may be slow, but have you ever thought...why? What makes them so slow? Can't they understand that we need to be at this thing at this time...? So, what makes them talk,
think, walk, drive...so slow?
A while back ago, my dad showed me a story. It was a story about rushing, and about how no one runs on "our" time...reading on, it goes on to say that maybe the reason why the lady in front of us is going so slow, is just because, she just received news that day, that she has stage 4 cancer, and will only live 3 more months...she's taking in every moment that she has...

So, what happens when life slows down? When your maybe running from one graduation, to another, or one wedding, to a soccer game...what's happens at the end of all that? Life slows down...are we content in this? Sometimes, maybe...I know I'm not all the time.
So maybe we need to slow down in life. Take a deep breath, and enjoy the time/moments that God has given us. You never know, today may be your last day on earth.

Mother's Day

Today is Mother's Day...
Let me tell you a little bit about my mother...she cooks, cleans, does laundry, washes dishes, (when us kids are doing something/keeping busy) she always makes time for us kids, she talks to us, she's a Titus 2 mom, and a Proverbs 31 mom, she sews, (a little) she's loving, caring, graceful, merciful, diligent, joyful, kind, and gentle. I could name so much more about my mother, but I don't have time for that.
Lately, my mom and I have been talking about...everything. We are so much closer now than we were a few years ago. I love my mom! There are so many times that I don't thank her, or don't have enough appreciation for her. I trust her with so much! I love you mom!
This last week my mom told us that there are 7 of us in the household, (besides her) and that she promised to pray for each and every one of us every day. For Monday it's my brother Corey, (22) Tuesday is me, (almost 20) Wednesday is Ethan, (17 today) Thursday is Austin, (almost 14) Friday is Joy, (almost 10) Saturday is Elijah,(almost 4) and Sunday is my dad. I am so thankful for my mom!!! Here is a poem (yes I love poems as you can see) that our pastor wrote. I thought it would be appropriate to share for today. And yes, this applies to everyone... : )

When My Mother Prayed

Kevin Swanson © 2005

I remember from my earliest day,

The voice of my mother when she would pray,

She would address her heavenly father,

Praying for me, my sisters, and brothers,

Her voice seemed to quiver just a little,

Fragile and worn from years in the battle,

She would pour her soul out like a river,

That’s when we’d hear the gates of hell quiver.

My mother prayed.

Devils were stayed.

Just how I survived my 23^rd year

Still remains a mystery to me.

What stands between love and fornication

Heaven or hell as a son’s destination,

The patterns of causes are far too complex,

To find the true cause of all fatal wrecks.

But from the beginning God foreordained,

The faith, the fervency, and love unfeigned.

My mother prayed,

Ten thousand prayers.

As the years of my life go rolling by,

I find the temptations just multiply,

The path more narrow, the ditches are wide,

The stakes far higher, the demons more wise,

The arrows come faster, the horses run wild,

Far greater men have never survived.

Each time I emerge from another valley,

I know for certain that two rode with me.

My mother’s prayers.

And my Lord was there.

When God’s armies are routed, the philistines rule,

The devil takes over with tyranny cruel..

God’s kingdom on a thin thread hangs,

Sitting between the wolves’ slavering fangs,

Then, a mother’s prayers, appear a mere token,

But, what? The bows of the mighty are broken,

The tides are turned when her horn is raised,

The one thing the enemy fails to calculate,

One mother’s tears.

One mother’s prayers.

Have a Happy Mother's day to all you mothers!!!
~Caitlin

Two by Two

"And God said, 'Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds-livestock and creeping things and beast of the earth according to their kinds.' And it was so. And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good."
~Genesis 1:24-25~

"...two and two, male and female, went into the ark with Noah as God had commanded Noah...they and every beast, according to their kinds, and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, according to its kind, and every bird, according to its kind, every winged creature. They went into the ark with Noah, two and two of all flesh in which there was the breath of life."

~Genesis 7:9, 14-15~

In God We (Nearly) Trust

The book of Daniel declares no! "[God] has the power to do as he pleases among the angels of heaven and with those who live on earth. No one can stop him or challenge him, saying, "What do you mean by doing these thing?" (Daniel 4:35)

Scripture, from Old Testament to New, from prophets to poets to preachers, renders on unanimous chorus: God directs the affairs of humanity. As Paul wrote, "God...is the blessed controller of all things, the king over all kings and the master of all masters." (1st Timothy 6:15 PHILLIPS, emphasis mine) No leaf falls without God's knowledge. No dolphin gives birth without his permission. No wave crashes on the shore apart from his calculation. God has never been surprised. Not once, "The Son is...sustaining all things by his powerful word." (Heb. 1:3) "He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need there is." (Acts 17:25) King David proclaimed, "In Your book were written all the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them." (Psalm 139:16)

Denying the sovereignty of God requires busy scissors and results in a hole-y Bible, for many holes are made as the verses are cut out...

...We pursue the wrong priority. We want good health, a good income, a good night's rest, and a good retirement. Our priority is WE. God's priority, however, is God. Why do the heavens exist? To flaunt God. "The Heavens declare the glory of God..." (Psalm 19:1) Why do people struggle? To display his strength. "I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act." (Isaiah 48:10-11) The Prophet proclaimed, "You lead Your people. to make Yourself a glorious name." (Isaiah 63:14)

Excerpt from Come Thirsty by Max Lucado

God is in Control!

So many times in our life, we have doubts. We doubt that someone is going to get well, we doubt if the pregnancy will go through or if it's going to be yet another miscarriage. We doubt that God can save this person or that person, we doubt that God has a purpose for us, we doubt, we doubt, we doubt. Isn't God so forgiving? When we doubt, it's a sin. Because we basically doubt that God isn't in control, or that God doesn't have the power to control.
Yes we all have mistakes, and yes we are all sinners, but we need to know that God is in Control. He has a purpose and a plan for everything...even if it's a death of a loved one, a Tsunami, a flood, or an Earthquake.
I found this poem online, and I thought it was appropriate to share.
God Is In Control

Jesus is my refuge on life's stormy sea,

He's the one I run to when Satan gets after me.

I hold to Jesus when the sea waves do toss,

You'll find me there holding to the foot of his cross.

\When you're at the red sea and it seems there's no way out,

Just stand in faith with Jesus do not doubt.

He will part the sea and make a way out for you,

Just hold on to Jesus and you will make it through.

God sent Moses to Pharaoh and told him to set his people free,

But God hardened Pharaoh's heart because it was meant to be.

God is still in control of everybody today,

He put in man's heart of what to do and say.

\Men is tossed to and fro and do not understand,

But God is in control and we are under his command.

People point finger's they blame and accuse,

They deny Christ and him they refuse.

Life is a constant battle on this journey below,

Just trust in Jesus he's in control.

No matter what storm in life you may face,

Just hold on to Jesus and he will save you with his amazing grace

\No matter how ruff and rocky the road you travel may get,

put your faith in Jesus remember he's in control don't forget.

When troubles arise don't point fingers blame and false accuse,

Run to Jesus put your trust in him and do not refuse.

~Barbara Blevins~

Banana Pudding and Birthday's

My brother's 22nd birthday was yesterday, and he requested that we make him the "Not yo mama's banana pudding" (don't ask me why they titled it like that ;) ) for his birthday instead of cake...almost every year for Thanksgiving, my Aunt was famous for making it, so I thought I'd give it another shot...boy, was it yummy!
I've posted the Recipe below. Our church sings a Happy Birthday song almost every month for all those birthdays...here are the words:
A Happy Birthday to you, a happy birthday to you, every day of the year, may you find Jesus near, a happy birthday to you, a happy birthday to you, until you behold His face. 'let em roll, let em roll, let em roll all the way, let em roll all the way, let em roll all the way, let em roll, let em roll, let em roll all the way, until you behold His face.

NOT YO MAMA'S BANANA PUDDING: (feeds 8 +)

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies
• 6 to 8 bananas, sliced
• 2 cups milk
• 1 (5-ounce) box instant French vanilla (or Banana) pudding
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream

Directions

Line the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top. In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

National Day of Prayer

As many of you know, National Day of Prayer is on Thursday. Year after year I have seen how our Nation has just stopped praying and believing in God. Many of you know that Obama will not allow National Day of Prayer in the White House. I pray that God will have mercy on his soul.
Here is a poem that I think I shared before, but I thought it would be appropriate.

The following is a poem written by Judge Roy Moore from Alabama. Judge Moore was sued by the ACLU for displaying the Ten Commandments in his courtroom foyer. The Judge's poem sums it up quite well.

America the beautiful, or so you used to be.
Land of the Pilgrims' pride; I'm glad they'll never see.
Babies piled in dumpsters, Abortion on demand,
Oh, sweet land of liberty; your house in on the sand.
Our children wander aimlessly poisoned by cocaine
choosing to indulge their lusts, when God has said abstain.
From sea to shining sea, our Nation turns away;
from the teaching of God's love and a need to always pray.
We've kept God in our temples, how callous we have grown.
When earth is but His footstool, and Heaven is His throne.
We've voted in a government that rotting at the core,
appointing Godless Judges; who throw reason out the door.
Too soft to place a killer in a well deserved tomb,
but brave enough to kill a baby before he leaves the womb.
You think that God's not angry, that our land's a moral slum?
How much longer will He wait before His judgment comes?
How are we to face our God, from Whom we cannot hide?
What then is left for us to do, but stem this evil tide?
If we who are His children, will humbly turn and pray;
Seek His holy face and men our evil way:
Then God will hear from Heaven; and forgive us of our sins,
He'll heal our sickly land and those who live within.
But, America the Beautiful, if you don't - then you will see, a sad but Holy God
withdraw His hand from Thee.

~Judge Roy Moore~