Wednesday, November 15, 2006

A Tribute

This tribute is for a co-worker who died very unexpectedly.

G is for generous, generous, generous! Whether is was through food, conversation, help with work, or time with her grand kids, Gayle was the epitome of generosity.
A is for attending to others needs, for ministering to others through her care, concern, and actions, she was a true servant.
Y is for yearning to see her one last time, to give her a hug and tell her how much she means to us.
L is for loving her family, her patients, her friends; "big hearted" can't begin to describe Gayle LaVine.!
E is for her energetic spirit. Her bouncy little step, her peppy smile, and the person who she was will forever be missed!

Saturday, June 3, 2006

A Toast to a Sister, 2006

Affection is defined as "a tender feeling toward another." We are all here today to celebrate the affection that Jina and Eddie have for each other. But all of us in the room have a certain degree of affection for Jina and Eddie also.
I first learned to have affection toward Jina when she became my sister in-law 6 years ago. I already had 2 younger sisters, and Jina was a nice addition. A year after our wedding Jina came to live with her brother and myself, during her summer break from Nursing school. It was during this time that my affection for her started to grow. She became the greatest friend! I discovered that we had a lot in common, and that summer was spent talking, drinking coffee, and scrapbooking. Of course she and I are also part of the same profession, and a part of the same great family. The summer that Jina lived with us, she and I became more than sisters by law, we became sisters by heart.
As her sister, I was sad and happy for her to move to CA. Happy for the adventure, opportunity and change; and sad that my sister and confidant had to leave. My sadness lessened when I met Edward. Jina didn’t know it at the time, but no boyfriend of her’s had ever met her older brother’s expectations, that is until Eddie came to MN.
While here, Jina and Eddie and Jeff and I went to a Timberwolves/Lakers game. One thing I learned about Eddie is that he is a devoted Lakers fan. We still liked Eddie after he and Jina wore their Lakers jerseys and cheered loudly for the Lakers in Timberwolve territory. Jeff and I were so happy when we heard that the man who compliments Jina so well, would become a part of our family.
My hope is that Jina and Eddie, will grow in affection for each other and for each other’s families. I wish you many safe travels to MN, and many many years of companionship and marriage together!
So, please raise your glasses and help me wish my sister and her new husband many years of happiness in this world! Cheers!!!

Friday, December 30, 2005

A Toast to a Sister, 2005

Michelle was just a baby when I first got a glimpse
Of her black puffy hair and her super tight grip

Through the years she's developed supersonic strength
Not only in muscles, but in character at length

Fear has never been an emotion that she's known
Big roller coasters and off the high dive she has flown

Soon a great guy from Lake Benton was calling
Long talks and double dates, in love my little sis was falling

Day turned into weeks, which then turned into years
Tony and Michelle endured amid family cheers!

So the girls in our family are getting far out-weighed
David Merle tipped the scales when he came out to play

We're so glad Tony's become a part of our family
A perfect match for our Michelle, even Dad will agree

Through calm and stormy weather Michelle and Tony have always shown
The best characteristics that I have ever known

Faith, hope and love, seems to be the motto that they share
Many years of wedded bliss for them is my prayer

So raise your glass of bubbly and we will all celebrate
This love that God has brought together, oh yes it is great! Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, December 1, 2005

Christmas Poem 2005

2005 went by quickly and sad
We mourn the loss of Jeff's Grandad

Friends and family help us frequent the cabin
We enjoy every minute that we have them

A baby nephew was born in June
Perfect he is! We're watching him bloom

Two more brothers in-law, Jeff will boast
Weddings galore! And people we love most

A sister each, we now have in the West
Plane trips and phone calls will pass the test

Golfing, hunting and learning to wake board
These are the hobbies that Jeff likes to hoard

While Jenny enjoys work and crafty pursuits
Time with family is always a hoot!

Enjoy the time that you have here on Earth
But remember the promise of Jesus' birth!

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jeff and Jenny

Wednesday, December 22, 2004

Merry Christmas, 2004

Our year has been busy, our year has been good.
We've traveled back and forth to our cabin just like we should
Our dog is still crazy, cute, and bizarre
She gets anxious and pants when we're in the car
This year our family lost a grand patriarch
We're chrishing our memories, and keeping them close to our hearts.
We're also gaining a member here and there,
My little sis has a diamond ring to wear!
Here's hoping the season finds you living out peace,
We wish you and yours God's love to keep.
Jeff and Jenny

Wednesday, December 1, 2004

December 2004

(This was a Christmas letter that I didn't send out in 2004. I think it was just part of my expression of grief that year.)

Christmas, 2004
This year has been a mix of recent sadness and hopeful joy. In early September my grandpa was diagnosed with metastatic cancer. He passed away 2 months after this diagnosis. It has been a whirlwind of emotions and events. Having never lost a grandparent these feelings were new for me and I’ve come to appreciate my family and faith, and the faith of my family even more than before. A verse in Philippians 4 states: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This promise has deceased my fears and anxieties in the past 3 months. And although it is difficult to think of the mortality of us all, it is so uplifting to think of the grace and perfect love that Jesus offers us. That, above all gives me joy.
I hope this season will give you time to reflect and meditate on how you find peace in an imperfect world. I pray you find it in the perfect Gift from the God of the universe-Jesus Christ, his Son.

Monday, December 1, 2003

Merry Christmas, 2003


Merry Christmas, 2003

C is for Cabin, which we purchased in August near Park Rapids MN! Fresh air, water, and pine trees-the perfect getaway for our country hearts!

H is for Hiking the trail at Lake Louise, Alberta to have tea at the Tea House and take marvelous pictures!

R is for Rejoicing in new life! We are now blessed with two beautiful nieces! Mya Jewell Gackstetter is our newest family member!

I is for Invisible Fence, which we and our dog enjoy.

S is for Saskatchewan, Canada; where we spent 5 days at the beginning of June bear hunting.

T is for Tahiti, and Moorea and Bora Bora; we had a wonderful January vacation in the French Polynesian sun and rain.

M is for Mortgage Capitol, Jeff’s business; and the Medicine floor, where I am still practicing nursing.

A is for Another year enjoying God’s gifts and blessings together, with family and friends.

S is for Singing praises for the best Gift ever given: Jesus!

Christmas is a time for reflecting on what gifts you have been given, and how you will use them to benefit your world!
God’s Blessings to you and your families this New Year!!!
Jeff and Jenny