Joleen Willis

Outrageous Generosity

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I recently came across a new author and speaker, Margaret Feinberg. I am currently reading one of her books, The Organic God. When I first discovered her, an audio file on her website caught my attention, entitled “Outrageously Generous.” Fienberg states that in Malachi 2.11, God says he loves the temple. In John 3.16, the … Read more

Ethan’s Fort

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For Ethan’s birthday, we set up a place for him to play in the backyard — Ethan’s Fort. Ethan enjoyed helping Daddy build the fort. Now that it’s up, he enjoys climbing and sliding, as well as looking out over the fence into the outside world. It looks to be a favorite summer activity!

Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity

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I am currently leading a Bible study based on a book by Adam Hamilton called Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity. With the book, Hamilton includes a prayer for contentment on a plastic key tag that can easily be kept in places as a visual reminder of what we are studying, learning, and applying … Read more

Day at the Circus

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We took Ethan to the Jaffa Shrine Circus in Altoona Friday and enjoyed our day off together. Ethan enjoyed the day and the animals. It was a pretty professional circus. Ethan didn’t seem to like the trapeze artist. Ethan said, “Down!” 🙂 Here are a few photos from the day, including a visit at the … Read more

Easter Fun

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Ethan is enjoying the Easter activities this year. Last weekend we were at the Flaugh Family Easter dinner. Ethan didn’t have any trouble deciphering what to do at the Easter Egg Hunt. He didn’t have any competition, though. He’s the youngest and he’s the only grandson within the age of being interested in an Easter … Read more

More on Ethan’s Words

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Yesterday was our day off and Randy had an appointment in Altoona. We made arrangements to meet Grammy and PapPap over dinner. Grammy and PapPap haven’t been able to come visit much lately as PapPap had a torn ligament (followed by a blood clot). He just started some minor therapy this week. They are ready … Read more

Gotcha Day in Pittsburgh

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We had the opportunity to spend Thursday and Friday in Pittsburgh to celebrate Gotcha Day. We got together with my best friend and roomie from college, Trish. We hadn’t seen each other in a number of years, so we stayed up late catching up and reminiscing and, of course, laughing hysterically at times (even after … Read more

Gotcha Day

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There are special days in our lives, given to us to remember forever. This is one of those days. One year ago today, Ethan was placed in our arms. Already birthed in our hearts the first time we saw his picture in September (It’s a Boy!), on February 12, 2008 we were united physically. Randy … Read more

Coping with High Energy Costs

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[singlepic id=574 w=200 h=200 float=right]West Side UMC hosted Dennis Buffington from Penn State Cooperative Extension on January 26. His presentation was entitled “Coping with High Energy Costs.” Following are some highlights from his presentation. Don’t overlook the simple things. Remember to open your blinds during the day and close at sunset. You can save up … Read more

World Help Children’s Choir

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While visiting Randy’s family in Tennessee over Thanksgiving we had the privilege of hearing one of the World Help Children’s Choirs (YouTube Channel). Randy’s family was also host to two of the girls from Uganda (Ritah and Juliet) and a chaperone. It was a wonderful experience. One of the things that touched me most was … Read more