The Sarensen Family Blog

2009-12-31T21:00:00.000-08:00

:: Visit Bryant's blog for recent pictures and updates ::

www.beliefwithoutsight.wordpress.com

Kansas' newest values voter: Micah Noel's 18th birthday in pictures

2008-02-14T17:48:00.000-08:00

:: the birthday girl got lots of phone calls from friends and relatives ::

:: please welcome Kansas' newest voter! ::

The hanging of the greens

2007-12-09T18:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was "Decorating Day" at our house! Quite late, don't you think? We've been gone so much during the past few weeks, this has been the first time to do it!

Every year when we pull out our Christmas decorations, it feels like they're new all over again!

::the tree::

"It's the most wonderful time of the year..."

^My mother and foster sister setting up the Christmas tree^

My sister always does a lovely job as our "decorating consultant." She is so good at decorating!

::the nativity::

::slight problems::

Now you must be thinking "What on earth....?"

Yes, we did have slight problems with -- ahem -- seasonal decorational crossover! [grin]

::the hanging of the greens::

We know a family whose last name is Green, and Mr. Green joked that he always gets nervous at this time of year when people talk about the "hanging of the Greens." :-)

South-bound...

2007-12-03T15:16:00.000-08:00

Yes, immediately after returning from our north-bound trip (Thanksgiving in Minnesota), we turned south, and headed down to Branson, MO, for a fun-filled weekend in Silver Dollar City!

South-bound....

One of the first things I learned in Branson was that traffic often moves very slow.

Very, very slow. [grin]

12 1/2 cents per hour? No thanks! [grin]

Bet you've never seen a talking bucket before! :)

All in all, we had a wonderful time! The lights, the music, everything, was spectacular!
We saw a breathtaking performance of Dicken's A Christmas Carol, and The Living Nativity.

Random shots from the Twin Cities

2007-11-27T15:15:00.000-08:00

We three girls spent Thanksgiving in Minneapolis this year, (hence, no blogging)! We had a delightful time with all our relatives, ate great food, (thanks, Uncle John!), and shopped!

Enjoy the random shots!

^All the ladies that came to my aunt's suprise birthday party.^

You should have heard all the laughin' and catchin' up! It was loud! [grin]

^Let it snow!^

^Family photo^

Save us, O God our Savior; gather us, ... that we may give thanks to your holy Name,
that we may glory in your praise."

1 Chronicles 16:35

O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A.....

2007-09-28T14:58:00.000-07:00

....where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.

Last month, we headed down to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to volunteer at The Voice of the Martyrs. VOM is an Christian organization that helps believers in other countries who are being persecuted for their faith. VOM provides clothing, food, supplies, medical help, and Bibles to persecuted Christians.
We were so excited for this opportunity to serve persecuted Christians, while staying in the US!

So what did we do there???

Stuffed and bundled magazines in the Mail Shop,^

Assembled brochures,^

Stamped,^ and....

Had fun!^

A few random pictures with friends

2007-06-05T17:15:00.000-07:00

Memorial weekend

2007-05-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time on Memorial weekend at the Ulmer's home for Noah's graduation.

Congratulations to Noah!!!

Hungry, Noah???

Ready......

Nailed it!!!

Micah Noel, Charissa and Bethany Wissmann

The grillers: Michael Ulmer, Mark Kroeker, and my dad

Thank you for having us, Ulmers!

Don't we look sweet together?! [grin] Left to right: Micah Noel, Bryant, Elizabeth, Esther, Tabitha.

Memorial Day photos

2007-05-28T16:49:00.000-07:00

Harp ensemble

2007-05-28T07:25:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Micah Noel and I (Bryant) were in a harp ensemble at the conservatory where we take lessons. It was in the beautiful chapel on the campus. The sound resonates in their so well!

It was gorgeous!

Me at the reheasal in the morning.

The harps looked so beautiful in the chapel!

Micah Noel and I

Our wonderful conductor!

There were approximately 32 harpists.

Micah Noel and I during the concert

Harp Recital

2007-05-07T18:47:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Micah Noel and I played the harp in a recital. Everyone did so well playing, andI enjoyed listening to the performers.

Here are pictures of Micah Noel and I.

She played Angel of Music from Phantom of the Opera.

I played Greensleeves. It felt so odd to play it in May, because that tune gives me such a Christmas-y feeling!

Quilt show

2007-05-05T18:30:00.000-07:00

On Friday night, there was a quilt show and a brownie contest at church! It was so much fun!

Friday officially concluded the quilt class that has been going on since January. Many people brought quilts, even if they had not been in the class. We participated in the class, but have not had enough time to finish ours. Maybe soon! [smile]

Here are some of the gorgeous quilts that were displayed!

This is the quilt class instructor's quilt. Isn't it beautiful?!I love the border!^

I love the colors of this one!

All hand applied and quilted! Amazing!

These are two little quilts that Micah Noel and I made 4 years ago.

Carole handing out the grand prize to the winner in the junior division of the brownie contest.

The winners in the junior division. l to r: Kallie, Miriam, Annie H., Annie U., and Trinity.

A group picture of the quilting class. Can you find us????

Florida!

2007-04-13T17:46:00.000-07:00

We went to Florida for ten days! It was a glorious vacation, with sunshine (imagine that) and warm weather! We got back here and found out that it had been around 40 degrees. Ugh. What a shock to come back to that after getting used to 70's! :-)

Anyway, I'll share some pictures of our time down there!

The earth looks so different in the sky!

We spent an evening on a boat that goes up the intercoastal to a little island, where we had a delicious supper, and watched a little show. It was so fun! Left to right: my grandmother Jeanne, her sister Beverly, their Aunt Dottie, my mom, Micah Noel, and my dad

On this island, there were these funny little monkeys, called "monkey squirrels"!

Taking walks was so nice!

Preparing a rare treat!

Gaither Homecoming concert

2007-03-31T15:27:00.000-07:00

Last fall, my mother won eight tickets to a Gaither homecoming concert. She had always wanted to go to one, but the tickets were so expensive, there was no way we could go. She was so happy to have won the tickets (even enough to take some friends along!), and we had a wonderful time!

Here are some pictures of Thursday night!

The Gaither Vocal Band

l to r: Wes Hampton, Bill Gaither, Marshall Hall, Guy Penrod.

I love the music style of Ernie Haase and Signature Sound!

Ernie Haase is in the yellow suit.

Micah Noel and me!

Me and Dad!

Visiting Grandma's

2007-03-18T05:48:00.000-07:00

We visited my grandmother recently, and spent a nice afternoon with her! Here is a picture of Micah Noel and I with her!

More pictures...

2007-03-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

Pictures...

2007-03-06T18:48:00.000-08:00

Fellowshipping with good friends!

Jamming...

2007-02-20T18:09:00.000-08:00

After church on Sunday, many people brought their acoustic instruments, and "jammed"! It was very fun. There were a very nice variety of instruments, and everyone did so well! Micah Noel played my (Bryant's) harp with the group, while I was entertained in a different sort of way!

Learning new skills! I tried the mandolin!

Micah Noel's birthday breakfast

2007-02-16T18:07:00.000-08:00

Micah Noel at her birthday breakfast! Mmmm...pumkin muffins! :-)

Quilting project

2007-02-13T18:19:00.000-08:00

My mother, Micah Noel and I are attending a quilting class at the church we attend on Wednesdays! We are making a queen-sized Double Irish Chain quilt!
The colors are black, mauve, and white, to match my mom's room.

The quilt strips raveled so much that we had to apply fray check on the edges.

Cutting the strips

I may take my camera tomorrow and take some pictures at the class, and of course I'll put them on her if I do! :-)

Happy Birthday, Micah Noel!

2007-02-12T06:06:00.000-08:00

Today is Micah Noel's 17th birthday!

Micah Noel, thank you for doing your best to be a great big sister to me!

You are really good at public speaking, like at the Bright Lights conference, and at camp!

I appreciate how you plan Christmas and birthday gifts in advance! You are really good at picking out things we will like!

I thought I'd share a few fun (maybe little-known) facts about Micah Noel. I tried to come up with 17 in honor of this very special occasion, but I couldn't think of that many! ;-)

:::::::::::::::

She was supposed to be born on Valentine's Day, but instead she was born on the 12th at 4:19 PM.

She teaches piano, and curently has 3 students.

She is known in our family for putting--ahem--interesting natural facial treatments on her face. :-)

She loves to crochet and knit many different things, including shawls, belts, ponchos, and scarf/mitten sets.

A year or so ago, she wanted to be able to sing harmony by ear. She practiced and tried really hard, and now she can sing it quite beautifully, and all by ear!

She refuses to eat anything with trans fat in it.

She is the bread-baker at our house.

She has always been taller than most of her friends. You should see the pictures of her Sunday School class from years ago! She was like 6 inches (at least) taller than everyone else!

She prefers the $1 berry/yogurt cups at McDonald's over the hot fudge/ice-cream cups!

She was very sick when she was a baby, and she spent a lot of time in the hospital.

She takes the longest to get ready for bed than any of us, or anyone else we know! ;-)

She likes mushrooms (I think it's really because I don't) and will eat a whole, fresh mushroom in one bite!

:::::::::::::

You can wish Micah Noel a very happy birthday here, or on her blog (or both ;-)! Thanks ;-)

Doggy-sitting

2007-02-04T12:06:00.000-08:00

This past week, we "doggy-sat" two Yorkshire terriers while their owners went on a trip. One of the dogs was one of Grace's (our Yorkie) puppies she had last summer. I (Bryant) had not seen Eloise (Grace's puppy) since August when her owners came and picked her up.

Grace's puppy, Eloise, six minutes old

Eloise, 3 weeks old

(now) six months old

Liberty

Grace

Eloise

Bible study

2007-01-21T18:48:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of the Bible study we have on Sunday nights.

Snow

2007-01-10T18:38:00.000-08:00

Just a wee bit!

Wissmann family

2007-01-03T18:39:00.000-08:00

On the 31st, we heard the Wissmann family sing in Hiawatha. It was a wonderful concert which we all thoroughly enjoyed!

Family picture!

2007-01-02T15:51:00.000-08:00

A new family picture! (Thank you for taking it Elizabeth!) Doesn't my mother's hair look great??? And guess what.........Micah Noel cut it!!! She did awesome, better than a professional!

Leave a comment here or on her blog to offer your congratulations!

:-) :-)

At the Ulmer's.....

2007-01-02T07:24:00.000-08:00

On the 26th and 27th, we visited our dear friends, the Ulmers. We had a wonderful time there (thank you, Ulmers). Here are some of the things we did!

Dutch Blitz!

Duets!

Shopping expeditions!

Christmas traditions!

2007-01-02T07:03:00.000-08:00

On the afternoon of Christmas Eve, we drove to my grandmother's home to spend the evening and Christmas day with her.

We went to the Christmas Eve candlelight service at my grandmother's church. We have gone to this annually for years!

On Christmas day, we served at the annual Christmas meal in her town. We were very happy with the crowd. I've never seen this many people there in past years. There were so many, there were many waiting for empty tables!

On the night before Christmas Eve.....

2007-01-02T06:25:00.000-08:00

On the night before Christmas Eve.....well, actually it was the morning. So on the morning before Christmas Eve, we had our family gift exchange.

Then we ate a special Christmas breakfast consisting of cake, fruit salad with whipped cream, egg nog (yum), and grape-rasberry with strawberries in it!

Having a special breakfast is a family tradition. We usually have it on Christmas day or Christmas Eve, but neither were possibilities this year. Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, and this breakfast is a wonderfully special tradition to me!

Dad's birthday!

2006-12-22T13:55:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my dad's birthday! For a special treat, I (Bryant) went to work with him and played harp in the lobby off and on throughout the day. It was nice to go and spend some time with him, and to bless the others at his work!

We will be celebrating his and my grandmother's birthday (the 27th) with the traditional cake and ice-cream at her house on the 26th!

Christmas goodies!

2006-12-15T17:17:00.000-08:00

Over the past few days, we have been baking for our Christmas open house on Sunday.
Here are some of the goodies we have been making!

Mom made caramels

Micah Noel made spritz cookies...

and more spritz cookies...

She also made banana bread

I made honey almond caramel corn

and swedish almond bread

Mom and I made wreath cookies

Is your mouth watering????? :-)

Oh, Christmas Tree!

2006-12-10T18:40:00.000-08:00

At the Sarensens, we are often very late getting our Christmas tree up. Some years we are so late, we don't get it up at all! But this year we did. We put it up yesterday, but finished getting the decorations on it today. Micah Noel put all the ornaments on it, and we think she did a wonderful job!

I can't remember the last time we hung Christmas lights outside!!

Ah, there's nothing quite like being out where there aren't too many city lights, turning off all the inside lights, and sitting down and gazing at the beautiful glow of the Christmas tree!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ~Isaiah 9:6

Harp concert

2006-12-09T17:48:00.000-08:00

Today, the 9th, Micah Noel and I (Bryant) had a harp concert at the Mount St. Scholastica Chapel in _____. We both played solos; I played "Away in the Manger", and Micah Noel played "What Child is This". We also played in a 6 harp ensemble, with 4 other harpists. It was gorgeous! The Christmas music wafted through the chapel in a most delightful manner! I am thoroughly prepared for Christmas! :-)

The Mount St. Scholastica Chapel

Christmas recital

2006-12-05T18:53:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, Micah Noel and I (Bryant) had a recital in ____. I played "Away In a Manger" for my solo and Micah Noel played "Do You Hear What I Hear". We also played a duet, "Joy to the Word". The recital went pretty well, Micah Noel played her solo really, really well! Our duet was a lot of fun, very lively and "christmassy"! :-)

(Sorry the pictures are so dark and grainy! :-( I don't know what it is about the church where we have our recitals, but the pictures always turn out too dark and grainy! )

After the recital, we went to a reception for some friends who are missionaries to Romania. It was very nice to see them again, as we haven't seen them in a year, at least!

Mike and Cherie Hein, missionaries to Romania

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

2006-12-01T19:03:00.000-08:00

This is what a snowstorm in Kansas looks like! :-)

Thanksgiving

2006-11-25T14:11:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Catherine's two brothers and sister-in-law came down from Minnesota to spend it with us, and made a very special day even more special! :-) We had our Thanksgiving meal at our home on Wednesday night. On Thursday, we went to a Thanksgiving dinner at a church in Holton, where Greg's mother lives.

Catherine and Sandra

Fruit salad with pineapple and whipped cream--a family tradition!!

Oh, the mystery of the "after-Thanksgiving-dinner-tiredness"!

Micah Noel, Uncle Tom, and I (Bryant) singing at the dinner at the church

Some people think that whenever we have relatives visit us, they always end up putting up pictures, hangng curtains, painting cabinets, etc. Maybe they're right, and this visit was no exception! Uncle John and Uncle Tom worked very hard painting some very ugly cabinets (they were red). I'm very happy to say that they are a now a very pretty cream color! :-)

And they helped refinish my desk! It is really, really pretty now!

There are a few more pictures of the project on my blog.

Thank you so much, Uncle Tom and John!

Opossums like pears

2006-11-25T13:57:00.000-08:00

Did you know that opossums like pears? They do. We found this out on Tuesday night. Remember how we said we had been freezing pears? Well, we still had some out on our porch, and on Tuesday night, Micah Noel stepped out to grab another bag, and found a very unwanted visitor. This very ugly visitor rudely helped himself to our pears, and made a bad mess of pears stems, skins, seeds, and other assorted pear parts.

Yes, opossums do indeed like pears! :-)

Girls Retreat

2006-11-19T14:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Micah Noel and I (Bryant) went to a girl's Bright Lights mini-retreat in St. Joseph, MO, at New Life Bible Church. The sessions were very challenging and inspiring! Micah Noel gave one of the sessions to the 8-11 year-old girls, and she did a wonderful job!

Micah Noel teaching on the subject of Hospitality

Erin Greer, who organized the retreat

Lunch

I played background harp music during lunch

Just for fun!

2006-11-11T16:14:00.000-08:00

On Monday night at about 10:00 pm, Dad was lying on the bed asleep, and Mom and I (Bryant) were working on an assignment due at school the next morning. We were just minding our own business, talking to one another, when out of the blue, Dad said very groggily "Out west of us and...Grace". We responded to this very puzzling statement with a unanimous "What?", to which he responded very groggily, "I'm sorry. I'm half asleep. Could you ask me the question again?" Catherine responded to this equally puzzling statement with, "Um, no one asked you anything!" A muffled "Oh, OK" was all the response we got, as he turned over and went half of the way back to sleep! :-)

Our weekend

2006-11-09T05:42:00.000-08:00

Check Bryant's blog for pictures of our fun and fast-paced weekend campaigning with the Ryuns and hearing President Bush speak!!!

The past two weeks @ the Sarensen's

2006-10-30T13:29:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, Catherine picked some (more like tons) of pears in Atchison during Micah Noel and my music lessons. A friend there has two large pear trees loaded with pears every year, and she has graciously let us take a lot of them. So last weekend (yes, all day Friday and Saturday afternoon to late night) we washed, skinned, pared, rinsed, and bagged pears to put in our freezer! The cycle seemed endless, but thankfully, it did have an end (finally)! The result of our labor? We now have bags and bags and bags and....(well you get the idea!) of pears in our freezer, and lots of fruit flies! :-)

The highlight of paring pears was that we rolled in our TV and watched the six volume Pride and Prejudice while we worked!

On Sunday (the 21st) we attended a special installation (I don't think that's quite the right word for it, but I couldn't think of anything else) service for Duane McCracken, the pastor of First Baptist Church of Basehor. He asked Greg to read Scripture at it, and it was a special time!Catherine took a picture, but for some reason, it is rather grainy (totally not her fault). But....I'll post it anyway! :-)

Last Saturday (28th), we had a some friends from Riverbend Bible Church (the church we used to attend in Atchison) over for supper. We had a wonderful time catching up with them, and playing with their two darling children, Ethan (2), and Emma (1)!
Yesterday, we went to RBC for church. Greg preached the sermon (he did a really good job :-), and we had a great time seeing all our friends from the church we haven't seen in way too long! They were recently given a church building in Atchison, but it needed a lot of repairs. Last time we visited the church, they had done some work in the santuary, but there was still a lot to be done. It was so exciting to see all the changes and repairs they did on the building! It it just gorgeous! We are so happy for them!
Then, we went to our good friends from RBC, the Hausmann's, for lunch, and had a wonderful time of fellowship at their home. After lunch, Micah Noel and I had a piano recital. These pictures didn't turn out so well either! Sorry! :-)

Which brings us up to today! We have had some people redoing our roof today, and felt very much like we were living in a big drum with someone pounding on it! Although the noise was a bit annoying, we are so thankful that the much needed repairs are being taken care of!

Announcing...!!!

2006-10-18T10:47:00.000-07:00

Micah Noel and Bryant have new blogs!
Micah Noel's is beautifully titled A Spirit Inspired. She did a gorgeous job on designing it, it is really pretty.
Mine is called Him Whom I Have Not Seen, I Love (based on 1 Peter 1:8-9).
Stop by them when you get a minute, and leave a comment and tell us what you think!

A Spirit Inspired
Him Whom I Have Not Seen

My sister

2006-10-17T18:08:00.000-07:00

Hi! It's Micah Noel posting this time. Bryant is the main blogger at our house, but I'm going to try my hand at it. I just want to say thank you to Bryant for her work on this blog. It is such a blessing to have her share what the Lord does in our family's life.
Personally, I appreciate Bryant so much. I can imagine that my life would be a lot poorer if I did not have a sister to share it with me. I immensely value who God has made her to be. Keep loving the Lord and submitting to Him, Bryant!

"Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity" (I Timothy 4:12).

Home life

2006-10-12T17:58:00.000-07:00

It's been pretty silent on the Sarensen blog for the past few weeks! We haven't been up to anything much except home responsibilities, school, music, and such.
We started a Bible study in our home on Sunday nights, have had three. We are studying 2 Corinthians, and are enjoying it so much! It is such a rich book, and we are gleaning so much from each study!
We are enjoying the cool fall weather so much! Because summer was so hot, everything was brown and dry, no green to be seen! Everything is sooo beautiful now, the leaves are beginning to turn lovely, brilliant shades, and the grass is green! :-) On our weekly trips to Atchison for music lessons, we see so much beautiful scenery! The trees are gorgeous, and the trip is a delight to take!
The flannel sheets, sweaters, and coats are coming out of boxes at our house, after a long exile through the summer! Fall is so much fun, isn't it? Sitting cozily on the couch with an afgan, and a
cup of tea!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

~2 Corinthians 1:3-4

And, no, I didn't take the pictures! :-) :-)

Please pray

2006-10-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Greg's mother, Geraldine. Very early Saturday morning she fell and hit her head and cracked/broke her elbow on the cement. She has had several falls prior to this one, but this is the first serious fall. Please pray that her recovery and healing will be quick, as it often can take a very long time for her to heal. My dad went over there yesterday afternoon and stayed over night at her house. Please pray also for him, as this means he mayl need to be looking for new assisted housing for her (a big decision).
Thank you all! God bless!

A few pictures......

2006-09-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from the last few weeks at the Sarensen's! Hope you enjoy!

Micah Noel and Bryant sewed matching skirts!

There is a new budding harpist at our house! Micah Noel started harp lessons two weeks ago and is enjoying it very much.

Here is pictured Greg, Duane (please read the story here), and his father, who baptized Greg over 30 years ago.

Happy Birthday, Mother!

2006-09-14T16:02:00.000-07:00

We would like to wish a very happy birthday to a very special person!!
My mother's birthday is today!

From all of us: We love you very, very much! Our hope and prayer is that you will have very happy and blessed birthday! A birthday filled with much joy. YOu bring somuch joy and laughter into our home, we are so thankful for you!
Gods richest blessings be upon you!

The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you

and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you

and give you peace.

~ Numbers6:24-26

Happy 2Oth Anniversary!!!

2006-09-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

Micah Noel and I would like to wish a very, very blessed anniversary to our parents! 20 years ago today, they were united in marriage at Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church, in Chigago, Illinois.

We so much appreciate your Godly marriage! We love you both very much and are so grateful that you are our parents! God bless your marriage richly!

With much love,
Micah Noel and Bryant

He who finds a wife finds what is good

and receives favor from the LORD.
~Proverbs 18:22

Sisters and Soulmates

2006-09-11T17:55:00.000-07:00

Minnesota trip-part 1

2006-09-11T15:07:00.000-07:00

This past week we had the pleasure of going to Minnesota to visit some of my mother's relatives up there. We had a wonderful time! We realized before we left that my father hasn't visited up there since my uncle's wedding; in August of 2003! It was great for all of us to be up there as a family. Thank you to all the relatives who made our visit so nice! We love you all!

These pictures were taken at Catherine's brother's home on Labor day.

Catherine's brother John is an excellent cook, and made a lot of the food we ate!

David (Catherine's father) and his wife Sandy

l to r: Catherine, her mother Jeanne, Sandra (Catherine's sister-in-law), Catherine's brother Tom, Gladys Aumock, and Ken Aumock (Sandy's parents)

Micah Noel with Catherine's niece's children, Caleb, Mikayla, and Alisha Ostroot

Micah Noel, Caleb, Bryant, Alisha, and Mikayla

Mikayla is one of the most enthusiasitc ticklers around! :-)

Minnesota trip-part 2

2006-09-11T14:03:00.007-07:00

These pictures were taken at a early suprise birthday party we had for my mother on Thursday, and my grandparent's home.

Greg, Caleb, and Mikayla lighting the candles

Mikayla, Alisha, and Caleb

Yummy! Cake and Blue Bunny ice cream!

l to r: Caleb, Catherine, Pam, and Dorothy Munson, two of Catherine's friends from "way back" :-)

Aunt Sandra, Catherine's sister-in-law!! :-)

The three of us singing "Day By Day"

Minnesota trip-part 3

2006-09-11T13:03:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken yesterday morning before we left Minnesota.

Just for fun! Micah Noel snapped this picture of me while I was eating breakfast, and told me it was so cute that I had to put it on the blog! :-)

This is a picture of Catherine, Jeanne, John, his wife Sandra, Bryant, and Micah

David, and his wife Sandra, with Bryant and Micah

"Music and text" thingy!

2006-09-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know I said I wasn't going to be posting, but I found this sweet little "music and text" thingy that I just had to share with you all! Please view it here, and enjoy! It is just beautiful!!

Posts coming!

2006-09-05T13:31:00.001-07:00

Right now we are in Minnesota visiting some of my mother's relatives, so that is why I haven't updated in a while. We left on Saturday, and are planning on getting back on Sunday. Our visit was long overdue, so we are having a great time up here! Our labor day was delightful, sunny and cool, and I will have lots of pictures to share when we get back! So, be sure to check back at the end of this week when we get back to Kansas! :-)

God works in miraculous ways!

2006-08-27T16:51:00.000-07:00

Well, it is often unbelievable who moves in next door! We have tried to stay updated on who moves into our development, but the last few weeks we have been so busy, we got dreadfully behind! Micah Noel made 6 loaves of bread, and we estimated that there were 6 new families; perfect! We headed out last evening to meet all of them. When we knocked on the last door, my father introduced himself, to which the lady responded "Oh, we know a man named Greg Sarensen." Since our last name is rather unique (in the United States, at least), my dad thought perhaps he knew these people. He asked what the lady's husband's name was, to which she responded "Duane." My dad looked shocked, and said "No way! Really? Duane? No Way!" The lady's husband came to the door, and he and my father proceeded to stare at one another in shock. My dad met this man almost 34 years ago in college before my father was even a Christian. He invited my father to Campus Crusade meetings, and church, and reached out to my dad with the Gospel. My father said that if someone asked him who led him to the Lord, he would say this man did! My dad was baptized by Duane's father in 1973, and the last time he has seen him was in the early '80s! My father is very excited (and shocked)! The Lord sure does work in miraculous and mysterious ways!!!!!

The path of the righteous

2006-08-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
~Proverbs 4:18

"Bryant's house!"

2006-08-23T15:56:00.000-07:00

For the past year at our homeschool cooperative (see the previous post), I have baby-sat the two darlingest (is that even a word? :-) little girls ever! They are so sweet and so cute, and I adore them! Jaqueline is 4 and Gwen is 2. I am so glad that I will be able to baby-sit them this year, too! Their mother said that when they pull up into the church parking lot, Gwen exclaims "Bryant's house!", because I am usually at the church when she is there. But in typical 2-year-old fashion, Gwen's articulation isn't very good, so "Bryant" comes out "Dunnant"! How adorable! :-)

Gwen tried on my sunglasses!

Back to school!

2006-08-23T13:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first day of our homeschool cooperative, Logos Christian Academy. Classes are at Church of the Open Door in Leavenworth twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Micah Noel and I are both taking Chemistry, and I am taking Worldviews of the Western World II. Micah Noel gives piano lessons to several students in between classes, and I baby-sit two little girls during the French class on Tuesdays.
Yesterday my father said to Micah Noel and I "So are you two excited at the first day of school? I know I was always excited when school started when I was younger." Micah Noel and I looked at one another in shock! "Excited" wasn't exactly the emotion we were feeling right at that moment! Then my dad said "Or maybe my memory is a little fogged with years." Micah Noel and I agreed that it probably was! :-)

Family camp-out

2006-08-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went camping at Clinton Lake with a group from Grace Christian Fellowship. We had a wonderful time! After weeks of almost unbearable weather, we have had a cool spell for the past two days! It was very nice Saturday and Sunday, the mornings were even a bit chilly, but we didn't complain! It was wonderful. There were lots of sports, including volleyball, football, kickball, softball, soccer, ping-pong, and three-legged races. We also played lots and lots of good ol' late night (more like mid-night) Dutch Blitz, also Boggle, and many other table games. We had a great time fellowshipping and singing around the campfire and on Sunday morning.

A view of the lake

A beautiful skyline

Out for a family stroll

A busy Sunday and Monday!

2006-08-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning we went to Ward Parkway Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, MO, where a friend of my father's from "way back", Dave Robinson, was preaching. He and his family are missionaries in Hungary. We enjoyed his message very much. Then after the service, we had lunch with him and his wife Karen, and daughter Katie. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and catching up, as we haven't seen them in a long while! He and my dad laughed and laughed, and told the silliest "Do you remember when..." stories! It was fun to watch them! :-)

Then after a brief few minutes at home, my parents left for Leavenworth for a partent's meeting for the home-school cooperative we are involved in. I stayed at home and prepared for some more friends from "way back", Bruce and Laura Elliott, and their two sons, who were on their way to stay at our house overnight. We had a wonderful time with them, as well. There were a bunch more "Do you remember..." stories told, and a lot more laughs! :-) After breakfast in the morning, they prepared to leave for Colorado, and the family who bought our girl puppy arrived to pick her up. It is hard to believe that the puppies are 8 weeks, but they are! It has been a fun-filled, and action-packed weekend for sure! :-)

A busy Saturday!

2006-08-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

After baking all morning (well, okay, I guess it wasn't all morning:-) for a homeschool party we were planning Saturday night, we went to a neighbor's open house. I played background music on the harp for it. Then we had an informal meeting for people either interested in home-schooling, or those who were already home-schooling. It was a lot of fun! I think we had four or five families come. The kids played quietly while the adults talked, and then we had the reward of our morning of baking (dessert:-). I took the kids outside afterward where they entertained themselves finding, catching and naming grasshoppers! :-) It was quite entertainging for me to watch their enthusiasm! :-) It was so funny to watch even the littlest girls, mind you, holding the grasshoppers, since I am terrified of them. I didn't say anything about my intense dislike for them because I knew the kids would be sure to terroize me with the grasshoppers if they knew! When one of the boys asked me if I would like to hold one, I calmly and decidedly declined, thanking him for his thoughtfulness! Oh, KIDS! What fun! :-)

As you can probably guess, our puppies were a great hit with both the kids and adults!

Comfort-Peterson wedding

2006-08-14T11:16:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, the 5th, we went to the wedding of one of my father's relatives, Trish Comfort to Ryan Peterson, in Topeka. The ceremony was outside in the beautiful gazebo in the rose garden of Lake Shawnee. The garden was just gorgeous! So many beautiful flowers and plants, gorgeously landscaped! The surrounding pools and small waterfalls were simply lovely! (If any of you out there are planning on getting married any time soon and need a place to have the wedding, I reccomend it highly :-)! The weather was very nice, as well. I played the harp for the both the bridesmaids' processional, and the bridal processional and the recessional. This was a new and growing experience for me, but it was also a lot of fun!

Senior center

2006-07-30T18:13:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, my mother, sister and I went to the senior center in Netawaka (the town where my grandmother used to live). Micah Noel and I entertained some of my grandmother's friends with harp and piano music. It was fun, and they really seemed to enjoy the music. I'm so glad that we were able to go. The last time we went there to play was at least three years ago! You can probably guess that we heard a lot of "You girls have grown so much!"! :-)

Neighborhood party-part 2

2006-07-24T16:17:00.000-07:00

These are some pictures of the games we played!

You can't see it very well, but we are shooting water balloons with water balloon slingshots! :-)

The guys were great at it, but...........the girls team won! :-) :-) (Sorry, guys!) :-)

And the target...............??

Greg! :-)

The kids loved dropping the water balloons and watching them break!

The REAL water ballon fight! :-)

Although she denies it, Micah Noel was wicked with those water balloons! :-) I was drenched after she was finished with me!

Oh no, they're all gone!

Volleyball

Volleyball???? :-)

Neighborhood party-part 1

2006-07-24T15:26:00.000-07:00

Saturday (July 22) dawned bright and beautiful! The Lord sent a cool spell to us just in time!

Our yard was full of neighbors! We had 42 people come. The turnout was wonderfull! Everyone pitched in and helped; it was just great. Thank you, everyone!

Just some of the crowd!

Mr. Benson, Mr. Harris, and Mr. Bailey manned the grills! Thanks, guys!

Greg and Catherine

The food was wonderful! :-)

Paul and Ann Keeling

l to r: Jesse, Cody, Devlin, Rachel, Caylee

Neighborhood party preparations!

2006-07-24T15:02:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks, we have been carefully planning a neighborhood party for our development, Honey Creek Farms. We wanted to get to know our neighbors better, and it was so exciting to see everything come together! We bought a temporary shelter for it, and put up a volleyball net. We also have done a lot of baking! But, the one thing we have been very concerned about is the weather! For the past week-and-a half it has been 100+ degrees! :-( You can probably guess that we have done a lot of praying about the weather! Here are some pictures of our preparations for the party.

Micah Noel and I making water balloons, (or trying to)! :-)

We were smiling, despite the fact that we had just broken a dozen water balloons! :-) Oops!

Notice the grass?? You can tell what kind of weather we've been having!

Peace and Rest

2006-07-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

Will you not come to Him for Peace,

Peace through His cross alone?

He shed His precious blood for you;

The gift is free the word is true:

He is our Peace~oh, is He your own?

~ Frances Ridley Havergal

Will you not come to Him for Rest?

All that are weary,come!

The rest He gives is deep and true,

'Tis offered now, 'tis ffered you!

Rest is His love, and rest in His home.

~ Frances Ridley Havergal

Happy Birthday!

2006-07-15T06:46:00.000-07:00

I have some more birthday wishes for two more very special people!
Happy birthday, Grandma Sandy! Thank you for all the work you do for us in IGO! Thank you so much for the work you did last time you came to visit us last fall! If you come back (we would love to have you come) we won't make you work at all! :-) We love you very much!
And...
Happy birthday, Aunt Donna! We love you very much! We haven't seen you in sooo long, it seems like! So we can't wait to see you in September when we visit! We love you!

Happy Birthday, Uncle John!

2006-07-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

I would like to wish a very happy birthday to a very special uncle!
Happy 5..., well, we won'te say fifty-what! :-) We love you, Uncle John! Thank you for being a great uncle (and brother). You are so kind to us, thank you for taking Micah Noel and I on trips! We enjoyed them so much! Happy birthday, we love you!

Lots o' love, from all of us!

I lift my eyes!

2006-07-12T12:37:00.000-07:00

I lift up my eyes to the hills--
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth
He will not let your foot slip--
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD watches over you--
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm--
he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

~Psalm 121, NIV

Fourth of July-part 2

2006-07-12T11:55:00.000-07:00

Here are some more pictures of our July 4th activities!

Playing "Shoot-The-Water-balloons-At-Osama-Bin-Laden"! :-)

Note: The authenticity of this game is under investigation. It is believed to be a legitimate game, BUT...that is yet to be determined!! :-)

The real Osama! :-)

He sure is handsome, don't you think?! :-) Ha, ha, just kidding! :-)

So there we were, all lined up, playing a nice game of "Throw-the-Sponge-into-the-Bucket" (Note: the authenticity of this game is under investigation as well)...

when suddenly...

The Great-Sponge-Fight broke out! People started running in all directions, trying desperately to find cover and amunition to defend themselve! Sponges were flying everywhere! :-)

Needless to say, everyone wound up a little soggy, but it sure was fun! :-)

Fourth of July-part 1

2006-07-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time on the 4th at the home of our dear friends, Dennis and Debbie Greer. It was so well planned, the activites they planned were a blast! We started out the afternoon with a time of fun and fellowship: volley ball, soccer, horseshoes; followed by a delicious dinner put together by many diligent hands, and then more games. We finished the night off with fireworks and ice cream! Thank you for your hospitality, Greer family!

Rebecca, Grace, and Stephanie Cahill

Soccer!

Trampoline time!

Playing "The Star-Spangled Banner" on the tone chimes, l to r: Erin Greer, Stephanie Cahill, Mr. Cahill, Rebecca and Stephanie's brother, Rebecca Cahill, Paul Greer

Puppy update!

2006-07-12T11:31:00.000-07:00

Our puppies are now 3 weeks old, and just as cute as ever! They now have their eyes open, and are trying to walk, but they aren't very good at it yet! :-) Here are a few pictures of them!

Our hot dog!! :-)

Oh dear, I think I just got potato salad and pickle juice on my fur!

The bun is sliding off my head!!

You have us for your amusement purposes only, right?!

This is the puppies's kennel. We are trying to give them a headstart at house-training, so we put them on the puppy pad when we think they'll have to "go". :-) :-)

Family Reunion

2006-07-12T10:49:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, July 1st, we went to a family reunion for some of my father's relatives, at the home of one of his cousins, Julie Lecluyse. We had a wonderful time seeing relatives we hadn't seen in a long while! We enjoyed watching a special DVD with a lot of fun pictures of the family, and the food was delicious!! :-) Here are some moments from our evening together!

My grandfather's two sisters: Ruth "Dit" Sarensen Shull, and Shirley Sarensen Carson

Our group picture!

Sweet fellowship!

2006-07-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

Last night we were pleased to have Tom and Dana Bryant and their six children, Brandon, Sarah, Nathan, Jonathan, Rachael, and Samuel, over. What a time of sweet fellowship it was, in our common faith in the Lord Jesus! Thank you for coming, Bryant family!

Here are a few glimpses of our evening! :-)

Catherine, and Dana

l to r: Nathan, Samuel, Rachael, Jonathan, Micah Noel, Sarah

Friends! (and harps :-)

2006-06-27T18:46:00.000-07:00

This morning, Micah Noel and I went to a girl's Bible study that a friend of ours teaches. One of Micah Noel's friends from camp, April Cervinka, also went to it. Then she and her mother came over for lunch at our home. We had a wonderful time with them! April brought her lap harp, so she and I had a fun time "harping"! :-) Here are some pictures from the Bible study:

Micah Noel and April

Here is a picture of the music trio we formed after lunch! :-)

Bryant on the harp, Micah Noel playing the piano, and April on the violin! (It sounded really good :-)

April playing her lap harp

Lap harps are so fun to play!

Trying out my harp!

More pictures!

2006-06-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more pictures of our weekend at the Ulmer's (see the previous post)!

The beautiful sunset on the evening of the graduation party!

Sleeping babies, chatting mothers! l to r: Leisa and Krista Pyle, Donna and Silas Ulmer, Andrea and Karly Kroeker

Our out-door church service!

What a beautiful country view!

l to r: Charity Ulmer, Katie Edelman, Katy Kroeker, Matea Babcock, Phoebe Ulmer

Graduation party!

2006-06-25T17:36:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, my father and I went to a dear friend of mine's graduation party. It was so much fun, I can't remember the last time I've had so much fun! We played volleyball, ate :-), talked, and laughed...LOTS! :-) Then, after staying up very late chatting, we spent the night at their home. We ate a late breakfast, and then had a very nice time having church service outside! Thank you so much, Ulmers, for your hospitality! You are such an example of Christ! We love you all! Congratulations, Esther!

Here are some pictures of the party:

The graduate, Esther, with her parents, Michael and Donna Ulmer.

Opening presents!

Volleyball!

Football!

Friends are the best!! This is (l to r) Bryant, Kourtney Pyle, and Elizabeth Ulmer

My sis is back!

2006-06-25T17:29:00.000-07:00

Micah Noel got back from camp yesterday! We are all so glad to have her back! It will be a change for me, being the "only child" :-) for the past two weeks, but I am so glad my sis is home! I missed having those late night chats about nothing in particular, the smiles, and the joy she spreads in our home daily!! I love you, Micah Noel!

Sisters are the best of friends!!

Grandmothers are special!

2006-06-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

This morning my father and I visited my Grandmother and had lunch with her. We had a very nice time seeing her, as we have not visited her in a while. Her back yard is just beautiful, there are flowers everywhere! She does a wonderful job keeping her yard looking so nice! Here are a few pictures of us:

Grandmothers are special!

All three of us

Here are some pictures of Grandma's beautiful back yard! (Please bear with me! I am experimenting with trying to take nice pictures! :-)

This is God's handiwork! Doesn't He do a good job?! :-)

These lilies are my favorite!

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tommrrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? For others run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you as well."

~Matthew 6:28-32~

Puppies!

2006-06-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

Late last night, or rather early this morning, our dog Grace had her long-awaited puppies! She had three, but we lost the first one because he was so big, and got stuck. We have read that this often happens with the first one. Then next one was a little girl, and then another boy. It was a very long, but exciting night! They are the cutest little things! We are all hoping and praying they will make it and be healthy!
We will post some more pictures as they grow up!

Mama Grace is tired!

This is the little girl

Bro and sis!

Like our towel?! :-) It's ugly, but at least it's soft!

Cleanin' 'em up!

Hope

2006-06-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

I often wonder how I would live if I did not know the Lord, and did not experience the fullness of His joy. Without Him, our lives are eternally aimless, devoid of everything that is eternally valuable. Maybe we would live to make money, or with the goal of just "having fun." Even though we might pretend that these things made us happy, it would not be true happiness, because these things do not satisfy. We would have nothing, nothing to live for. We would have no hope, and no future beyond the temporal.
I am so grateful, because through God's grace, I have hope! For without the hope and the future the Lord gives me, I, too, would live my life aimlessly. Thanks be to God!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11

Happy Father's Day!

2006-06-18T09:23:00.000-07:00

I would like to wish a very happy father's day to my father. Thank you, Dad, for striving to be a godly father! You have such a servant's heart, you are so willing to serve us and others. I know right now you are rather stressed, and are being stretched to do things you probably would rather not do. But, thank you for doing them anyway, because you know that this is what God wants you to be doing. Thank you for planning special things for us to do as a family, and for trying hard to please us! Thank you for being so diligent in your walk with the Lord; in Bible reading and study, worship, and prayer. Thank you for planning your morning carefully so you can be sure to have devotions with us before you go to work. We love you!

Micah Noel and Bryant

(I wish Micah Noel could be here to write her own, but I have signed her name here instead).

"Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours...Thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord. May the Lord bless you from Zion, all the days of your life; may you live to see your children's children."~Psalm 128:1-2, 4-6

Card making!

2006-06-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

This morning I went to a card making and stamping class with my friend Cassie. We were able to make, decorate, and stamp many beautiful cards, and it was a lot of fun! First we made the cards, and then stamped them. Some of the stamps we also embossed. Then we decorated them with an abundance of accessories, including ribbon, buckles, glitter, and much more! I so wish Micah Noel could have gone as well, because she loves (and is very good at) doing crafts, and things like that. Do any of you like stamping, embossing, or doing any kind of craft? Please write a comment and tell me about your hobby, I'd love to hear from you!

Here are some pictures of the cards we made!

My personal favorites! :-)

Micah Noel

2006-06-16T05:42:00.000-07:00

Right now, Micah Noel is at NeKaMo Camp Cherith , a girl's camp in Missouri. She is taking a two week counselor in leadership training (CILT) for 11 t0 12 grade girls. Although we know she is serving the Lord there, we do miss her a lot! We are eagerly anticipating her returning on June 24!

Here are all the staff for week 1 at NeKaMo Camp Cherith

This is the "cabin" Micah Noel is staying in. Quite airy, don't you think?! :-)

These are two pictures I took of Micah Noel's CILT class on Sunday, June 11

l to r: leader Brenda Champagne, leader Diahanne VanGulick, Johanna Fields, counselor Jamie Visser, Micah Noel, April Cervinka, not pictured, Kayla Thompson

Dairy Days Festival

2006-06-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, June 3, we had the privilege of participating in our local Dairy Days festival. Our purpose was to meet people from the community, to share Christ, and to let others know about our church. In order to do this, we had a booth, where we sold our homemade cinnamon rolls and bread. Some dear friends of ours also gave us a lot of individually wrapped deserts. We were able to give these items away, along with a tract about the Da Vinci Code, and a brochure about our church. We are so grateful for their generosity! It was a delightful day, the weather was very fine. Although our purpose for the booth was not to make money, it went very well, and we sold nearly all of our baked goods at a reduced price. We praise the Lord for the sucess of the booth!

Here are some pictures of the Dairy Days festival, and the preparations for it.

Bake day!

All our living room furniture was covered with loaves of bread and cinnamon rolls!

18 loaves of bread and 168 cinnamon rolls! (But it sure seemed like a lot more!).

This is our booth.

Welcome!

2006-06-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Sarensen family blog! We are very excited at this opportunity. I will try to post every few days ( and include lots of pictures =) or when anything exciting happens! Please visit often, and be sure to leave a comment so we'll know you visited! God's blessings!