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May 1 – 25, 2023 SOWER Project # 28, Cross Bar-X, Durango, CO.

We’re headed North again – back to our Colorado mountains! But first the Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert in AZ!

We always love driving through the Sequoias near Phoenix and Flagstaff, AZ. This time we veered off to the East to take in the Petrified Forest (did you know Arizona has the most outstanding petrified forest in the United States!) and then the painted desert just south of Colorado.

Standing in awe – here we are in the middle of a desert (been a desert for hundreds of years) and also an “old” forest! These trees (now fossils) fully support the Biblical truth of the flood – only some 10-20K years ago. These trees did not rot and decay as is normal for ALL trees and plants that lay around on the earth. With observation and verified by science, they reflect the same characteristics of the trees at Mount St. Helen’s that were fossilized within a few months!

Did you know… Trees are only petrified by being buried quickly and deeply under pressure. In this unique situation, within weeks, water borne silica is forced into the wood and surrounds each tree cell turning it to stone. “Although, this was once thought to require a long period of time, in recent years however, geologists have observed petrifaction only to occur rapidly in nature.” Long periods of time only lead to rot and decay- not fossils!

There are literally petrified forests found on every continent on the Earth! Many Ph. D. scientists believe that the Bible’s historical record of a catastrophic world-wide flood event and chronology better explain the fossil and geologic evidence. So here we are looking at and touching trees that existed during the days of Noah – before the flood! – Incredible!!

Romans 1:20 “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.”

The Painted Desert!

So much color in the rock, sand, dirt, and sky of this place! To God be the Glory!

It’s ALWAYS breathtaking to see the majesty of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Believe me the “chatter” in our truck was in full swing as we gazed at the scene before us. “…and we get to live here” became a favorite statement of how blessed we are. Thank you God!

Here we are – our next SOWER Project!

We’re back serving again at Cross-Bar-X in Durango, CO. This year we are serving with two couples that we had so much fun getting to know., Rick & Dru Pack and Dale & Lisa Whittom (first time SOWER Project!) We had fun welcoming and getting to know each other our first weekend. We also met up with the Morton’s – a local alumni SOWER couple who were instrumental in getting Cross-Bar-X of the SOWER project list!

What’s on the “TO-DO LIST” ???

Sam, the maintenance director says, “Hey guys, we need to get these log buildings refurbished – sanding, staining, sealing, chinking, and sealing again” Let’s get to it!

Whew! All that sanding was such a dirty job! We took the old weathered finish down to bare wood on every log – two stories tall – using angle grinders with sanding attachments. They did a great job, but there was SO much dust and grime! We were thankful for protection for our eyes, mouth, and ears! (and a power blower to clean us up with!)

Across the campus, the ladies were put to work in the kitchen and dining area sorting, organizing, and deep cleaning. This is all in preparation for the coming work week and ultimately the campers later this summer.

We ALWAYS enjoy our times of fellowship, especially our meals together! One evening we splurged and went out to eat at the James Ranch Grill. It was so much fun and a very unique restaurant. As God would have it – we met a great retired couple at the next table, who were full-time RVer’s, a wonderful Christian couple, looking for something to do to give purpose to their days while traveling the nation. Of course we shared everything SOWERs with them! We’re pretty sure they will be signing up soon!

We recruited the ladies to come help us (now that the sanding was done). We enjoyed working together as one team on this big project. We were making real progress now!

Ha! Ha! This shows just how hungry we were after working all day! We welcomed the additional 30 or more local volunteers that came for “work-week-weekend”. The camp fed us well and we made lots of new friends!

It was “one team one mission” on our Alpine Lodge building – so thankful for the added laborers!

What a fun hard-working group! We jumped in to serve and encourage them! With all the help, the camp was able to cross a huge list of “to-do’s” off in preparation for the coming camp season.

We kept marching ahead and worked hard these past three weeks – and we feel it! The best part is that we feel it “inside” … our hearts are full! We are grateful to God that gave us this opportunity to work together in His Kingdom doing such a variety of tasks.

We’re also thankful for the strength and wisdom He pours out on us each and every day – and for the Body of Christ that glorifies Him!

OH…gotta soak these old bones! AHH!

We had a great time winding down our time in Durango at their famous Hot Springs. What a great way to relax and refresh!

Our next adventure is back home at the cabin – wonder what God has in store for us? We never know – but we’re trusting Him for the days ahead!

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April 4 – 30, 2023 SOWER Project # 27 – Phoenix Christian Preparatory School.

The beautiful colors we encounter while traveling….

Orange, Blue, Yellow / and the Red, White, & Blue, traveling through the country is always a new experience and leads us on to our next adventure! We’re headed to Phoenix, AZ!

At our overnight spot, we learned that the under covering of our rig became unsecured and had to removed. We were thankful for a place to park for the evening and the opportunity to remove the hanging chloroplast sheets. We will need to eventually replace the undercovering and seal things up – but it’s still drive able, so we’ll move on!

We just HAVE to route our trip and plan to see Alan & Karen Johnson every chance we get! They are continuing to build Chapel On The Rise – next up is their house! We were entertained by the amazing fishes in their Koi Pond and once again refreshed at their beautiful location – with all of Karen’s roses (1,000’s -?)

We’re here! We’re the first ones to arrive and we found our favorite spot on the track! We served here in 2020 when the Pandemic was is full swing – we’re back to continue helping the ministry of this unique school. We are assigned as Group Leaders for this project.

We arrived on Easter Weekend – and attended Phoenix Bible Church at their new location. What a glorious morning to worship our risen Savior with our new Sower friends!

Left to right: Us, Mark & Paula Best, Mike & Betty Buitenwerf, Larry & Gutlene Lokker, and John & Marion Peters.

OK – let’s get to work! Jose and Kevin shared the “To-Do list that Veronica had compiled for us. There were lots of little jobs as well as big jobs they had for us to do. The gals started out landscaping the perimeter of the campus tying up newly planted vines and then moved to the elementary campus to prep and paint a new office room. The guys started in the gym – pulling down unused cabling & started the process of refurbishing the bleacher seating.

In addition – we were given the task of creating daisies and butterflies for the up coming school event. Betty really made this happen with Lorree helping wherever she could. We also were given the task of cleaning and organizing the prop storage room – so fun!

We also installed a new cork wall on the exterior of the Art Room, removed a toilet from the “closet” of the Director Jeff Blake, and sorted/folded table clothes for special events.

Oh…and we definitely have a lot of fun! A couple of birthdays (Larry & John), games and fellowship each Thursday, and a Staff/Volunteer luncheon that really hit the spot!

We left the gym beautiful! clean and polished trophies, refurbished and shiny bleachers, a clean ceiling with no old lights and cords – just in time for a special Cultural School Assembly that we were able to attend and enjoy!

This was truly a special ministry assignment for us. We felt the presence of the Lord throughout the three weeks and our group of Servants accomplished everything that was asked of us. We are so blessed to be available to work with SOWER’s Ministry!

We’re headed out for a few days for a Juice Plus business Convention and a bit of scenic vacation and then on to our next project – Cross Bar-X Camp in Durango, CO.!

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March 28 – April 4, 2023 Sower’s 40th Reunion, Alert Academy, Big Sandy, TX

When we left Fort Morgan, CO there was snow and ice on our truck. But, we were headed to a warmer place! Big Sandy, Tx. for the 40th Sower Reunion . We traveled through Amarillo, TX. and enjoyed the interstate highways – right!?!

It was SO fun to meet up with our friends from days and projects gone by. We relived many of our memories working with these amazing couples. It’s so good to have a time to just relax and have some fun together. There were opportunities to sit and share, eat together, and even play pickle ball!

We signed up for several educational workshops and participated in the group events!

The worship was so special – so many “mature” voices harmonizing together – chills!

There were RV seminars, craft opportunities, and Senior fitness classes along with WiFi tips and Trip planning options. One of our featured speakers was Dr. Lew Sterrett from Sermon on the Mount (OK-555) who shared a powerful Gospel message using the language of the horse.
He took a new unmounted horse and within an hour had a rider mounted and riding her – so amazing! The Biblical truths he shared penetrated all of us for life!

One of the “mission” activities we participated in was to assemble books of the gospel of John – these will be handed out as tracts to thousands of individuals searching for the Truth

We enjoyed a great time of singing and worship! We had a fantastic banquet and so many laughs at the skits – especially “Gomer Pile joining SOWER’s ” on his first project! So funny!

By ourselves we can accomplish a lot – but when we work together as a group there is so much more impact in this world! There are more and more couples joining SOWER’s ministry which means there are so many more impactful moments of God reaching others through His love! Looking forward to what HE has in store for us and His adventures!

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March 27, 2023 Mom’s 95th Birthday! We are Blessed!

We left our SOWERs project on the weekend and traveled to the Northeast corner of Colorado – arriving in Fort Morgan to celebrate Mom Johnson’s 95th Birthday!

On Sunday, we attended Trinity Lutheran Church services – it was a great day with a special message and was honoring to Mom’s 95 years of abundant life! Jesus Said, I have come to give life and life more abundant! ( John 10:10) Mom’s joy was radiant in her smile and love for people, family and the Lord!

We enjoyed delicious Cabbage Pockets, Butterballs & Noodles, Sausage, and all the fixin’s!

It was a great day of celebration and honor to Mom! Family& friends included Kay, Dennis & Lorree, Gary (from home) & Wanda, Jon & Becki & kids, Ben & Heather and kids, Marcia & Grayson Fritzler, and more via zoom, cards, letters and prayers!

We all enjoyed the many many stories that Mom shared that day. So much fun and encouragement in living the love of Christ in this crazy world. Mom’s many years of studying the scriptures, journaling, and fervent prayers have been the source of blessing for for all of us! Thank you Mom for living a Godly life “out loud” and in front of the world to see – YOU are our blessing – praying for many more years to come!

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March 3 – 23, 2023 SOWER Project # 26 Mercy Ships, Lindale, TX

Mercy Ships – Transcending Borders – Changing Lives!

“In regions where resources are scarce, our state-of-the-art hospital ships are the most efficient way to deliver medical care to those in need”.

Wish we could report that we spent three weeks at port in Africa (where this picture was taken), but we are in Eastern Texas at Mercy Ships headquarters (Lindale, TX). They run all of their mission operations from here, collect, assemble, pack, and ship medical supplies and other items from here thru Galveston, TX to their ships in Africa. They have a great operation and campus in TX! Here we are- serving together with them!

Each project brings new people into our lives and of course new adventures. We were blessed to serve with Troy & Staci Kelcher (GL’s), Jerry & Janet Key, and Floyd & Barbara Adcock. On day one, we were strangers and also brothers & sisters in Christ – after three weeks we became close friends and family. We are loving this ministry life!

But first…we had to explore the nearby, The World’s Largest Flea Market! WHAT?!!? Who knew? This Flea Market has been ongoing since 1850 and claims to be the world’s largest!

In the early days, people traveled to Canton, TX to trade horses, livestock, dogs, tools and farm equipment, and to sell homemade items and produce. More than a century later, antiques and collectibles, furniture and home décor, arts and crafts, jewelry and vintage clothing are among the more sought-after items. Over 5,000 vendors and over 400 acres! Amazing!!! (Mind blowing – seriously!)

We walked for hours and only saw a tiny little bit of it. We enjoyed the huge variety of used and antique items – I (Dennis) saw a beautiful “flower” (Lorree) amongst the flowers – I just had to have! We topped off the day with fried catfish, Mexican street corn and sweet tea!

Every day is an adventure, right?! When we returned to the truck, we learned that the parking field was SO SOFT & Spongy from the recent rains. We immediately sunk into the “bog” when we tried to leave, even in 4-wheel drive! We just sat there spinning all four tires – UGH! But there was some very kind folks and a tractor that pulled us out and sent us on our way. Great timing – thank you God!

Back on Mission – What did we do at Mercy Ships?

Ken, our coordinator at Mercy Ships, gave us a brief tour of the campus. It’s a beautiful property with various buildings for administration, classrooms, dormitories, Dining hall, and a warehouse that is used to stage supplies to be transferred to the ships currently located in Africa. They recently had a hard freeze and damaging ice that broke down trees and branches all over the campus. Our job – gather, cut, rake, pile, and cleanup as much of the property as we could.

We started out feeling full of energy and were motivated to get this job done! But….it was hard work! This became one of our most physical work projects we have had with SOWERs.

We REALLY enjoyed our breaks as we rested and shared stories. We also got to hear life testimonies from several of the staff at Mercy Ships. Most of those that shared with us had served on a ship at one time and were now serving at their headquarters. Amazing God stories of rescue, healing, and redemption!

Our tasks also included landscaping with new plants, bushes and trees. When they brought in the big equipment to “clear out the old” – we enjoyed watching them do the pulling and the digging! So grateful – whew!

A Global Meeting – including a live connection with the actual Mercy Ships, other stations around the globe, the headquarters here in Texas … and us! What a blessing!

They fed us well – with a chef on site! So delicious, we were so thankful!

We really felt included and involved in world wide missions by attending this rare global event. We got to hear live from those in Africa and on the ships, of the things God is doing, and how He is leading and providing for this ministry in miraculous ways! We were blessed to hear the focus and vision for this year – Faith, Focus, & Forward – with God’s favors!

It almost looks like Jerry & Floyd were digging out this buried tree stump with a shovel and a rake (which is how we started). But we had to call in the “big guys”! So thankful for God’s provision! Our small job of helping to beautify this campus will be enjoyed and will provide encouragement to the many servants dedicated to bring healing medical service to hundreds of needy souls around the world!

And who could forget the “Monkey Grass” …Ken said, “it has to go!” Once again thankful for the “big boys”!

While clearing one of the three fire access roads of fallen timber and overgrown foliage, we came upon this cross, with a bench. Such a restful & peaceful site – we all enjoyed a moment of respite and reflection. Thanks God!

We also were able to work in the administration office packaging donor gifts (so thankful for a day of reprieve from the forest)! We also spent a day opening mail and logging donor gifts. The special notes and letters brought tears to our eyes!

As if all of the above wasn’t enough, on the last days, we prepped a building for painting to be done by the next SOWERs group to come here after us.

Back to that cross… This ministry and our lives, are dedicated to the cross of Christ (forgiveness for all) and the Resurrection – our certain hope for the JOY of eternity with Jesus! “For the JOY set before Him, He endured the Cross” – for us! Whew, we are blessed!

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February 1 – March 2, 2023 SOWER Project #25 Riverbend Retreat Center, Glen Rose, TX

We were excited to head out for another SOWER Project! We’ve been cooped up too long! The adventures of travel, meeting fellow sowers, learning God stories from staff, clients & campers, all while helping to build God’s kingdom – is calling out to us. Here we come!

We had waited at home an extra day due to weather alerts of high winds and possible snow – ugh! But after waiting a day, the drive was uneventful (thank you Lord!) and we saw some beautiful country landscapes. We headed South from Colorado then Eastward across Raton Pass and into New Mexico. This was near Mount Capulan, New Mexico.

Welcome to Riverbend Retreat & Conference Center

Back to Riverbend! We’ve been here before, in fact this was our very first project back in November, 2019. Looking our across the deep river valley below brought back memories!

We learned that there was a conversation between Evan Asby (our first Sower project GL) and Chris, Riverbend’s Maintenance Director, about how they needed some more tiling done, “and by the way, Dennis is coming” Chris saved that project just for us! (Thanks Evan 🙂

But we had great help! Dale & Barbara Livingood were serving with us! We served together at Camp Tejas, TX and also Glen Erie, Colorado Springs. Break out those knee pads – we’ll get ‘r done!

So we tiled one of the newly refurbished bunk rooms, while the girls had their own projects!

There’s laundry to do – lots of bedding, towels, and rags to clean for the next guests.

…and painting the doors to all the newly refurbished bunk rooms. Look at those smiles – they had fun! (Dale & I love the fact that they love to paint – means we don’t have to!)

Dale & I also were able to install changing tables in the bathrooms and install a privacy screen in the dining room that hid the extra stacks of chairs & tables.

We also had some fun – we went to the local LOCO Coyote restaurant (with a history back to 1915!) We drove way out in the “boonies’ and enjoyed some great Texas BBQ! Dale & Barbara’s granddaughter joined us for a few days.

Another time of good eating and fellowship was at the “Big Cup Eatery” in Glen Rose, TX. Yes it was a BIG Cup, a BIG Biscuit, and a Big Chicken Fried Steak! Whew – we had leftovers!

After the first two weeks, Dale received word that his mom was in her last days. They of course left us and the project to travel back home to be with family. While they were home, she did pass from our world into the Lord’s heavenly kingdom! We rejoice in her immediate presence with Jesus! “when we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!”

The last week of the project, Lorree & I teamed up to tile bathrooms and grout the floors.

Lorree learned fast – she became an expert at tile cutting Dennis installed them. We were able to finish the second bunk room install and grouting along with two of the bathroom floors. We were tired but a good tired!

Dennis cut circles around the sewer outlet – always learning new skills! This project is done!

The Riverbend staff treated us to a local BBQ – so good! We enjoyed being with Colby and Chris and their wives. Good times! (We missed Dale & Barbara being with us).

“Lorree, put your feet up tonight, I’ll cook us up some ribs!” Mmmmm – mmmmm!

The windows were SO DIRTY – during the few days between projects, Dennis washed windows outside and Lorree cleaned them inside. Always something to do while traveling!

We found this old German restaurant in nearby Granbury, and had a great evening out together. We were serenaded by the owner on stage playing an accordion and singing Sound of Music hits. The atmosphere was grand and the food was delicious. So much fun!

New adventures are ahead – moving on down the road to Mercy Ships Headquarters!

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January 1 – 30, 2023 A brand new year full of new adventures! But first, a restful month at Selah Acres.

We have few more weeks to spend at “home” before we head out to start our next Sower Ministry Tour. It’s cold, a bit snowy, but full of great views, colorful sunrises, blue skies, and bright moons at night. We planned to just have some downtime – but we kept busy, imagine that!

January presented us with a lot of NEW things happening with Juice Plus! We are both sharing the great health benefits of eating God’s natural foods. – fruits & veggies (in a capsule or a chew!) The most thoroughly researched nutritional product in the world!

From home we attended a 4 week coaching workshop (several zoom meetings each week). We learned that Juice Plus was now being advertised on National TV, we attended a live workshop in Lakewood, CO, and ordered our own tower garden that will enable us to grow our own produce (when we get back to the cabin this spring. Lorree is advancing in her position with the company and helping so many others build their business and their health! God is providing the resources we need for our nomad lifestyle – and blessing others with good health every where we go! We’re thankful for the years of benefits from Juice Plus.

And while we were inside our warm cabin – this happened outside….

Our Hot Tub froze! YIKES!! It appears that a critter possibly ran over the electric cord and jarred it just enough to become unplugged. With the minus degree nights and 20 degree days, the hot tub didn’t have a chance. (I did think that the guy playing hockey on top on his hot tub was a pretty cool idea! 🙂

After a week of breaking the ice, vacuuming water, running a portable heater in the tub with the lid closed, and waiting for the right sunshiny day with temps above 40, Dennis was shouting and dancing, “the hot tub works and there is no broken plumbing!” Yeah!

Another reason to stay in Colorado was a few ongoing doctor appointments…

Dennis’s legs, ankles, and feet have been swelling and he lost a lot of muscle coordination in his legs over the last several months. It was really affecting his walking and balance.

(Ugly feet!) ….but what a change! We were advised that it could take a year or so for the muscles to regain their full function and for the swelling to stay in balance. We’re thankful for a great outcome! We’re learning that it’s a bit alarming to grow old – but thankful for the life and energy that we do have!

After some research on the meds, vein & artery tests, and discussions with the doctor, we came up with a plan. We added a diuretic, cut the heart pressure and statin meds in half, started using compression socks, and got some PT therapy with instructions we could take on the road with us. WOW – with a diet including Juice Plus, his heart meds were cut in half!

Lorree was able to join her friend Ruth for a Salad In A Jar Party in Colorado Springs. They had a great time and were able to give some valuable health information to the ladies attending!

Dennis went to the shooting range with Duane (Ruth’s husband) an shot up some targets. He had a good time and found the new rifle he has been looking for. So we have a new “varmint” gun. He’s ready for those badgers, coyotes, and bob cats we’ve seen at the cabin.

We had a full few weeks, they went so fast! We learned a lot and had a great “rest” but it’s time to hit the road to our next adventure. We’ll meet up with another SOWER couple at Glen Rose, TX to serve at Riverbend Retreat Center for the month of February.

But first some parting shots of our crisp air, frost on the trees and residual snow!

Bye, Selah Acres – see you in the Spring!

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December 18 – 31, 2022 Christmas in Colorado and enjoying time at Selah Acres

We’re headed out to see our nearby families and spend some precious time together!

Yikes! We’re leaving balmy Guffey to Fort Morgan, Rocky Ford, and then Laramie. Grab those coats and turn up the heater!! But it is beautiful out there – we love the landscape!

We’re looking forward to visiting our family and friends during this Christmas season. We really like the advice on the upper left, good things to always do! And the reminder above (Is 9:6) is the reason we can celebrate and live joyous lives – Forgiven! Joy to the World!

First Stop: Fort Morgan, Colorado

We enjoyed a day of stories, laughter, and of course some great homecooked food. It’s always a joy to spend time with Mom, Kay, Gary and Wanda. We are blessed with their love.

Dennis made some gifts out of some “Selah resources”. Hand painted scriptures with branches and pine cones. We are thankful that God’s Word is always an encouragement!

2nd Stop: Rocky Ford, Colorado

Wow, the changes in Colorado weather as we traveled South. We left Fort Morgan below 0 and by the time we were near Rocky Ford it was 48. We were loving the sunshine!

We joined Ben, Heather, Josh, Jeremy, and Jayden at their Christmas Eve Candle Light service. It was full of great songs and scripture and then we experienced sharing the Light!

Ben & Heather invited anyone who wanted to come over for a Christmas Open House Party.

So many goodies! The gals set the tables while Josh and Papa did the taste testing.

There was a great crowd – it was fun for us to visit, share stories, and get caught up with so many old friends from when we attended the RF Church. Good times for sure!

We woke up to a bright Christmas morning – with coffee and presents!

Carl, Beth, and Anya came down from Colorado Springs to join us for Christmas dinner and a fun afternoon. It was a very nice day, talking, laughing, and learning what everyone is currently doing. We also connected with Nick & Rachel, Jon & Becki, Tate & Kimberly, and Ray & Sarah – sharing pictures!

It was a great Christmas Weekend – we love our family. We are so proud of the way they all seek to honor and glorify God with their lives – and for passing on the heritage we received from our parents and grandparents to our grandchildren. What a great godly legacy to have.

3rd Stop: Laramie, Wyoming

We can’t remember the last time we traveled north! Lots of prairie and wide open spaces in Wyoming! We brought a surprise with us – Jayden! The girls didn’t know until we got there – they had a great time together over the next three days! How fun!

Whew! the time went so fast. We opened presents, ate great food, played a lot of games, had some terrific conversations, & learned all about Jon & Valerie’s trip to Israel – they even cooked and fed us some authentic Jewish food they had while they were there. Their sharing brought back great memories to us as we relived the time we traveled to Israel in 2018.

Heading home we talked and relived some of our fun & close times with our family. It’s been wonderful to share Christmas with our friends, our church, and especially our family this year. We’ve decided that we will stay at the cabin for one more month (January) before headed out to work more SOWER Projects. So – are there more adventures in store as we enter the new year?

Beautiful – CRAZY beautiful landscapes as we enjoy the drive back to Selah Acres!

2023 HERE WE COME!

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November 27 – December 17, 2022 Back in Colorado – life at the cabin and our 50th Anniversary!

Its a good sign! Welcome to Colorful Colorado – HOME! We also saw a great sign painted all over the back of a car we were following – someone’s driving around being positive and encouraging others! Both of these made us smile 🙂 And then God’s beautiful sunset painting – covering the immersive skies – JOY coming from so many directions! After traveling over 24,000 miles this past year – we were ready to just settle a bit, rest…

…and enjoy our 50 years of memories. Selah!

This time at home gave Lorree opportunities to engage with her partners, customers and training in building her Juice Plus Business. Time is always valuable and while not traveling for a bit, she could have fun encouraging others and teaching the benefits of nutrition!

We even did some decorating at the cabin – a first!

Something we dearly missed while on the road was being involved and connected to our home church. Just down the road from us, we joined Four Mile Community Church – teaching the Word and loving the people! The people here have a heart to share Jesus with the local community by helping neighbors and activity creating events to do just that!

The church decided to host another “Bethlehem Revisited” this year and invite the surrounding neighbors. Since we are “home” we were able to help our church family construct the “town”, the manger, corrals, and other preparations for the upcoming night.

We had a great evening – Dennis became a “Wise Man” and Lorree helped serve in the kitchen. We had a fair turnout (the weather was in the teens that night – pretty chilly!) It was a new adventure for us – sharing the Christmas Story live to our mountain neighborhood friends!

God blessed all of us with a beautiful full moon darting in and out of the winter clouds!

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December 17, 1972 – 2023 Celebrating our 50 year Anniversary!

“Haven’t aged a bit!” We enjoyed a quiet evening with a delicious homecooked steak meal. We’ve had fun looking back on our early pictures and trying to remember life back then!

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We are so grateful to God for the precious moments we can cherish over these past 50 years! Now lets get to more adventures ahead!

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November 21 – 26, 2022 The 2022 Johnson Family Reunion – It’s finally here!

We’ve been plotting and planning this for pretty close to a year. Reservations made, travel plans, meals, and fun times all on the calendar. …and here we are in Branson, MO!

We reserved 3 four bedroom houses oops, er… I mean “lodge units” to hold all of us! Such a beautiful setting on Tablerock Lake! It worked out perfect for all 27 us. (only Nick’s family and Beth could not attend). Our four day adventure is ON! Being Thanksgiving week, we seemed to have the place all to ourselves and the kiddos could run free with no worries!

Immediately it was noisy…a BEAUTIFUL noise!! Everyone was getting caught up with each other as we polished off 12 large pizza’s and the fix’ns!

The next day we explored the facilities and all of the amenities they offered. Check out the 18 hole mini golf course – very nice!

We all played a round or two after the sun came up. I can’t remember how many of us got a Hole-in-One – but quite a few! Pretty amazing. It was very much “all ours” so the kiddos came back here several times during the days ahead.

Of course we enjoyed plenty of snacks and more conversations, hugs, and laughs. It was relaxing and full of activity at the same time!

Then there was the infinity pool….heated to 80 degrees! …and the hot tub (even hotter)!

We talked about how this would be so much different if there were crowds of people. God set us up at the perfect time for a classic reunion (who knew?!) Thank you God!

Our 50th Wedding Celebration!

The kids came up with cake and ice cream. We had to re-live the cutting and feeding each other that we did at our wedding. So much fun and great memories!

Our 50 year adventure – still loving each other more everyday!

Some candid shots of the kiddos. We are SO BLESSED!

The kids/grandkids spent Wednesday at Silver Dollar City riding roller coasters and the “frogs”. They had a great time while we enjoyed our “R&R” and got re-invigorated! 🙂

Then it was Turkey Time!

Ray brought his turkey fryer and a couple of large birds for the family thanksgiving feast. The guys received permission to do the turkey fry out on a back parking lot. So, in the rain, we fried up some delicious turkeys…

…while the gals cooked up all the go-togethers inside!

“Thank you Lord for this bountiful feast, for our amazing family, and for your faithful love to all of us!” It was a very blessed day!

…and we ATE.IT.ALL! Where’s the leftovers????

Ah Oh! Looks like the “after-turkey-dinner-naps” are creeping in on all of us…we better get some family photos! (are we having fun yet !?!)

Again…we are so blessed to have such a godly loving family! These are a variety of pictures of the “Johnson’s” including current pictures those who were not able to be with us. We don’t take it for granted that God has protected and built this family over the years. We are thankful for the generations of godly grandparents an parents that have influenced our family to be who we are today. We pray that this heritage will continue to impact the future ahead of us!

Lorree and I shared a video of our 50 years of life from falling in love to today! We are constantly amazed at how God brought us from high school sweethearts and created the family we have today. Although not everyone was into our “home movies” there is now a recorded documentary of the adventures God brought to us!

Our 50 years – to God be the glory! “Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” Psalm 71:17‐18

If you want to view the videos we shared, here’s the link PART ONE (33 minutes):

https://youtu.be/vPlI10V9fCs

If you want to view the videos we shared, here’s the link PART TWO: (23 minutes):

https://youtu.be/Va39bTJ1Ne4

(NOTICE: Part two will be updated in the near future. Thanks!)

Thanks for watching/enjoying our adventures!

50 YEARS of love and God’s amazing adventures!

Lets go for more! – Colorado Selah Acres – here we come!