Mother Mary

Am I not here? I who am your Mother?

           https://youtu.be/RThPbKdmUEc         

Herman

One fun thing about being in the northeast corner of Wyoming is that I've gotten to know a piece of my history that I would have never experienced. Grandma Ruth, Dad's mom, grew up in Nisland South Dakota. Her mother's maiden name was Herman. This much I knew, but I really had never seen that country up close and personal. Well, as providence would have it, I had an hour to kill around Belle Fourche SD this weekend, so I took a little trip 15 miles east to Grandma's old stomping grounds. 

On the way out of town I passed this road sign. Grandma said her Uncle Jake Herman farmed here. 

Nisland is a cute little town. Not much more than a wide spot in the road these days. But it was home to Grandma, until she moved to Belle to go to work as a telephone switchboard operator at the age of 15. 

The little old Lutheran Church still stands tall and proud. Here's where Grandma would sing in the choir and even played the organ one Sunday. 

It's also where she was Confirmed. 

In Belle is where her grandma and grandpa Herman are buried. 

After Grandpa John died Grandma Anna remarried. 

Eventually, Grandma Ruth moved to Worland WY and married Lloyd Lungren and raised their four kids. 

And all their grandkids. 

It's fun to go back in time. I'm well familiar with the Lungren side of things, and even some of the Wamboldt history (Grandma's maiden name). But the Herman's I knew in name only. Stepping foot on the ground that they called home I'm able to learn more about Grandma's childhood. And consequently, learn more about my roots as well. So beautiful. I love getting to know the past, it helps me appreciate the present. I thank God for my Herman ancestors who blessed the world with the great gift of Grandma Ruth. 

Savior

The only prerequisite to being saved is recognizing that we are lost. 

           https://youtu.be/yWZawtp6edo         

Mary

Behold your Mother!

           https://youtu.be/F_azHJ4fAh4         

Incarnation

God took on our flesh to save us in the Incarnation. Let's not take it for granted. 

           https://youtu.be/84Cc75pFprM         

Carmelite Coat

I consider myself a closet Carmelite. I love their spirituality and I'd love hole up at their monastery. But that's not currently in the cards for me. However, I do feel Holy Spirit wrapped around me when I wear my Carmelite brown coat.

Still standing pretty 26 years later. 

I received this jacket in 1996 for my Confirmation. Mom and I walked into J.C. Penny's in Worland and there she sat on a rack waiting for me. I knew my Confirmation was a significant moment in my life, but it wasn't until later that I really saw the fruit of it. I've never considered myself a self-made man; I'm nothing but a product of my environment. My grandparents continue to play a huge role in my life, even though Grandma Ruth is the only one still around. L-R: Ed Schmeltzer, Mary Jane Schmeltzer, fb with a full head of hair, Ruth Lungren, Lloyd Lungren. 

I wore my brown coat through seminary and still pull her out for special occasions these days. 

She lost a button the other day. Dad would say it's because I put on weight. I'd say it's just normal wear and tear. Nothing a zip-tie can't fix though. 

Try breaking now. 

Back in business. 

Guess you could say I'm a sentimental guy. I love it though. So many good memories in this jacket. As Catholics we place a high value on signs. This coat is a sign that points to the reality that I have been sealed with the Holy Spirit. When I wear it I'm reminded of the intimacy of the Trinity that I have been drawn into. I also feel the power of the Communion of saints, including my grandparents and our Blessed Mother, the spouse of the Holy Spirit. No sense in getting all sappy though. There's work to be done. Time to get after it!  

 

Justice

Let's live as we believe. 

           https://youtu.be/mmLP8hKEMAk         

Relational Rock

Mission comes from relationship.

           https://youtu.be/mjNf1B5Qkwo         

Evangelical Councils

Poverty, chastity, and obedience are for all disciples of Christ. 

           https://youtu.be/Az4eX1ipHEo         

First Coming

 Let's be ready for His first coming so we don't fear His second coming.

           https://youtu.be/FlBW-H8uDc0         

Hereford Hunt

The day arrived to bring our two Hereford friends home. We had babied them all summer, and boy did they finish nice. We also wanted to wait until their hair got good and long so we could save their coats. With having a Friday free and pushing 60 degree temps, we decided to take them both at once.

I bet the girls weighed in at about 1250lbs.

Starting in at about 950lbs when we got them the spring, a 300lb gain isn't too bad. They originated in the Dayton WY area. 

One should not tackle a job of this scale alone. Joe Orban was my hand of choice. 

Having ranched and hunted before, I knew he could help me skin the hides to a professional degree. 

I've never saved the hides before, and it really wasn't too much more effort to not poke holes in them. 

Some people wonder if grass fattening works. I'd say the proof is in the product. 

Well done, ol' son. 

That's a lot of meat. Thanks girls. America is appreciative. 

May your memory be eternal. 

These have been some of the funnest cows to run. I love Herefords, they are beautiful. Next step now is to tan their hides. Never done that before. Guess we'll have to figure it out. On to the next one...

Thanksgiving

Would that every day we were dedicated to thanksgiving. 

           https://youtu.be/OVYIzJbjbNc