My Regent University experience/CBN

Admiral Vern Clark ~ prof at Regent.
700 club images.

Cindi's family reunion

Somethings just make you go hmmm...

A door at Lakeview...no stairs...why?

More family pictures

Jon's target practice

Jon sent this target board with a note: "We weren't aiming for black but for clusters of five!" It is his souvenier for us.

He has just under 40 DAYS until he graduates from Boot Camp and starts school at IWU.

Here are some family pictures from our trip

We visited family last weekend...my sister's family...my mom's cat...next to the shore of Lake Erie, where I grew up.

rick carder

During the drive home through Bowling Green, OH

These are GIANT wind mills that generate eletricity in Ohio.

WOW - They are huge...

We will see Jon in just 50 DAYS!

Emergency last night!

Okay, you would know I would post this one! Nearly fourteen years ago
we had the misfortune (though we love animals) of delivering eleven
puppies in our home - literally! We eventually farmed these dogs out
and a couple went to family. Here is a funny story via email that was
just sent to me about go ol' Eliza Jane - given to Janel and Ty. You
gotta love it!

-----Original Message-----
From: Carder, Cindi
Sent: Wednesday, July 09, 2008 1:56 PM
To: Carder, Rick
Subject: Emergency last night

Janel called me this morning to tell me that they had to call the fire
department and gas company last night around midnight. Due to the
storms, Eliza had become anxious and wanted in the house from the
garage. Janel wasn't letting her in. Eliza then proceeded to chew
through the flexible metal gas line there in the basement causing a gas
leak.

She said we could have OUR dog back!

Cindi

From $3,000 TO $7,000 PER FAMILY TAX REFUND!

John McCain got my attention tonight during a C-SPAN presentation when he said the magic word; the word that is on the minds of every American; money!

The McCain plan is comprehensive and not just flattery mumblings from a charismatic showman. I love what McCain suggests in his speech. He addresses the major issues confronting us today. He spoke often about the fuel prices and centered his message on the family-not politics as usual. He spoke of real solutions with a real plan~not patty-cake lip service.

McCain offers real answers! He not only tells of his plan and goes beyond tearful stories. He is experienced and honest and real. He doesn't shift his answers; he tells it like it is and follows up with solutions that can work. He speaks of things that failed (like his and other's immigration policies) but offers new efforts.

His stories are not just flowery and puffed up stories but he speaks of one with experience.

When he said, "To love your county is to love your countrymen," he comes across as one who has been there in the struggle with full integrity.

One note for Obama.
Obama, you should have debated McCain. Your avoidance of this opportunity undermines your ability to lead. If your plan works, you should be able to defend it.

The debate continues. God has blessed the USA. We are grateful that we still can have constructive debate.

Oh, by the way, McCain is letting me use my my hard earned money. It is money I earned and i think I know how to invest it into my country's needs and obligations.

The price of gas

When I got gas recently I noticed this sign on the pumps. It shows how we get the fuel and somewhat how it is priced. It shows that only 1 percent of profit goes to the local stores. One percent isn't bad when you realize the number of people that get fueled up daily.

What is a surprise to me is the amount that the feds receive; 15 percent! WOW! The feds can save us money just by reducing their tax. This % can reduce my price over 60 cents per gallon. I wouldn't mind that!

Now I know that it is costly to drill, ship and refine the oil. Certainly new research and new produces (modes of transportation) can be provided. Yet, an immediate solution is found through an act of congress. The Democrats can do something now! But they haven't and probably won't.

As for the oil companies, they too can act but only if congress lets them by providing drilling rights in the U.S. Again this looks bad for congress; they don't seem to want to act.

Hmmm, what is the solution? Drive less? Why should the consumer be limited? We are never encouraged to consume less by any other industry. A local Kmart never has told me to by only one pair of jeans. Even when the sign says "limit one" I am never stopped when I buy two. This prohibition is once again the argument of most Democrats.

Gas prices are a strange market. It is the only market the guesses at the future based on the reserve levels. In other words, the price of oil per barrel is priced based on the demand and the amount of the reserves. Those who sell the oil know that we have an incredible appetite for more. But not just the U.S. But more over China and India; new industrial nations with new middle class societies. These new consumers are also thirsty for oil. This complicated set of conditions make the global oil market equally complicated. Perhaps the answer here is more long-term.

I believe that our politicians will take advantage of our vulnerabilities and feed our fears. Therefore, congress will not tell us the truth. WE MUST TRUST ONLY OUR (THE U.S. CITIZEN) ABILITY TO VOTE AND PERSUADE OUR REPRESENTATIVE TO WORK FOR SOLUTIONS THAT BRING IMMEDIATE SOLUTIONS ~ LIKE LOWER PRICES AND CONGRESS' ABILITY TO (ENABLE AND)PRESSURE THE OIL COMPANIES TO DRILL, DRILL AND DRILL THUS MAKING US THE SOURCE OF OUR OWN RESOURCES.

Just a thought for those that enjoy visiting family who live across the county.

our family fireworks...small but fun

more video with Philharmonic playing

more videos from Marion's fireworks

video fireworks in Marion

4th of July in Marion

Marion does the 4th with high society

Sitting next to the river across from the Star Financial YMCA we listened to a majestic ballet of the Philharmonic best musical arrangements. What a superb gathering of Marion residents.

It is here that the 4th of July was celebrated with thousands of fellow Marionites. With all the festivities of their First Fridays activities the community shared with one collective presence.

See my pictures of the lights, sounds and fireworks.

AHHHH the life of a duck

Jossy's ducks are given a bath and they love it!

My fathers garden

First picture is my grandparent's marker.

Second image is my father's garden.

I took a day off and traveled to see my parents one day this week. I am fortunate to still have both my parents living. My father is over 72 years old. He is a very active person.

He still splits his own firewood, mows his own lawn (which is nearly five acres), and grows a large garden. (see images)

My father and mother have worked hard their entire lives. I suppose that we all have learned the if you are going to succeed in life you will have to work hard. They led by example.

THE FATHER IN HEAVEN has also taught us of a work ethic. His word tells us in the Proverbs of this by reminding us of the blessings that we inherit from hard work. The fruit of our labor is His to give ultimately but as we work hard The Lord adds to it His blessing. We eventually see a harvest from our efforts.

Jossy has gotten glasses

4th of JULY...FAMILY FIREWORKS

Some family who attend Jon's Open House

These are my family members who came to my son's Graduation Open House.

Jossy ~ she is chillin' with dad...

...after an evening stroll in the neighborhood.

The beans are growing...70 days until Jon is home from Boot Camp

Okay, this is silly but i took this picture of the sow beans growing in the back yard to give a measurement of time. Jon will be back home from the Marine Corps Boot Camp when these beans are fully grown and they begin to change color. He has 70 DAYS left!

We received another letter dated June 17TH. Jon is still acheiving well. His concern right now is his health. Several have pneumonia. He hopes that he does not get it. He can not afford any time delays or set backs!

Please pray for him.

He has not received our letters yet. Nor have any other parent's letter of recruits. We read a parent forum on line and keep up with what other parents are saying of the HOTEL company (which Jon is a part of).

I did get to speak with Jon on Wednesday on the phone. He was issued a privilege of one 2-minute call. I loved hearing from him! He wished me a belated Father's Day greeting. He seems to be doing okay.

Life is quiet...as usual

Somethings just catch your attention in the country.

A small farm tractor passes by the house. This is a common pattern today. The local farmer is gathering the rolls of field grass. Used for feed, the farmer must have collected nearly 20 large rolls.

As the sun fades into the horizon this lone worker gathers his harvest. The months of preperation now comes to an end as this farmer gathers his goods from the harvest.

It reminds me of the work we have as believers. We are commanded to share the truth about God's love which is often cultivating the soil, planting a seed, caring for the harvest, and then gather together the fruit of your labors. This simple outline defines the work of the Great Commission.

Well, enough said. Let us get to the harvest. Jesus said the the harvest is plentiful but the laborer are few.

Jon's letters home...He is at Boot Camp for The Marines

I can't share much from Jon's letters. I WANTED TO MAKE A FEW COMMENTS THOUGH.

Jon sent three letters today. One was a Father's Day greeting. It was cool. (I did get a phone call yesterday with a Father's Day greeting from Jon.)

His letters are positive although it is not easy. He shared that he is learning a lot. He did express appreciation for how "easy" he has had it at home. Fathers like to hear this.

I love the spiritual impact that is being made. Jon attends church weekly and participates in group Bible Studies. He said that the guys encourage each other. I am praying that this experience really prepares him spiritually as well as mentally. The disciple is going to help him for the rest of his life.

His letters are written during the one hour break he receives daily. He is asking for letters to be sent to him. He will even enjoy getting post cards but realize that these will be read by Drill Instructors so don't disclose something that would get Jon into trouble or get teased about. Like don't put XOXOXOXO on the card...I think that the DI's will tease him as a mommas boy. Oh, no care packages either.

He has acheived his goals and is a leader at this time. He hopes to hang onto this rank. Pray that he is able too over the long haul. He said that his leadership will be challenged but if he succeeds he will get recognized at graduation.

The drills are practiced every day. He enjoys them. He says that he has to remember to stay focused because they do try to distract him. You will have to ask him about the SUPERMAN drill. It is quite interesting.

Well, gotta go. Keep those letters going. He is running out of things to say. He wants you to ask questions so that he has something to write. He will do his best to tall you what he is doing - within the rules he is allowed to share. Remember, this is the military and somethings should not be shared.

The day closes with a phone call...

...from Jon. Yep, Jon called from the Marine Boot Camp training in San Diego. What a real treat to hear from Jon tonight. I has a 2 minute conversation before Jon had to go. He is doing great. He gets plenty to eat and enough sleep. He appreciates the letters and cards. He expressed a positive outlook on the training he has received. He says he will attempt to call again in two weeks if their team win the next challenge events. This win gives him a few perks like calls home!

He passes on a greeting to all! Keep praying for him.

Rick (Dad)

Another day closer to seeing Jon home

The sunset get us one day closer to seeing Jon home from boot camp.

Jossy at Softball Game...

After a tough game...Jossy shows off here stained knees from a run home slide...although they lost, they scored their highest runs.

Father's Day cookout

Ahhhh! A cookout early afternoon on Father's Day...and birthday!

Father's Day Thoughts

Today is Father's Day. It has impressed upon me as I sit in church today, I am blessed to celebrate the second generation of the Christian heritage upon the Carder family. Of course Cindi's side of the family is into their fourth generation. What a blessing to have inherited her family's blessing.

It was around the time of my birth that my father and mother came to Christ through the ministry of The Wesleyan Church in Monroe, Michigan. I am forever grateful for the ministry of this local church. This is an incredible story for another blog.

Now it is my generation who is raising a family for Christ. As i sit in church today i am joined by my daughter, Jossy on my left and Jeremiah on my right. I am proud of my children. (Jon is at boot camp right now.) The spiritual heritage that Cindi and I have attempted to pass on, while it is young, is for the third and fourth generation. I hope that what is experienced and the values taught will positively effect my children's children. (If the Lord shall prevail.)

It is really a joy to celebrate Father's Day as a believer. I have a father who is eternal who cares for me.

Thunderstorm in Orlando

a storm at home...shot by Miah

Miah's first trip to Mi Pueblo!

Miah takes on the el grande Mexican experience for the first time. He reports, "Yum! I LOVE IT THAT JON IS AT BOOT CAMP."

FIRST CLASS FLIGHT

Okay, I have to admit it, I flew first class to Orlando for General Conference and I really enjoyed it. It was a real treat.

I was suppose to fly out on Friday but due to weather-related conditions my flight was postponed. I bought my original ticket as economy class. I was content to be the norm; most people fly economy class. I didn't see myself as worthy of 'those' treats.

Well, everything is different now. I have experienced the ultimate. Let me tell you about it.

I was first to board the plane. The flight attendant called me by name. They served my every need and more. I got a free drink - coffee. I ate a full course breakfast. It was a hot omlette, potato slices, orange juice, tea and ate it with real silverware. Wow! It was topped with a hot wash cloth. I wished that the flight was longer, I wanted to see what was for lunch.

Now what do I do? I will not afford to do this the next time. If it wasn't for the airline's free upgrade to first class, I would have been pressed into a small area next to a large, smelly man. I had so much room in first class.

What happened? I was made to feel special and needed. The people who sat behind me did not get as much attention as I did. It was easy to enjoy the attention i got. It way have even been easy to stay ahead of the other 100 people in the economy class. I think it would have been easy to have my seat held. I was confortable.

What is the take away from this experience? I can not stay first class. My flight home will be economy class. Perhaps my lesson in this is to recognize that while I may never fly first class I can say I have been there. For me, THE ISSUE IS ONE OF STEWARDSHIP!

Do I need all that attention? Not really. I am able to be content in the economy class.

after the storm of grant county.

Storm packs and Cindi - Rick seek refuge

Okay, i have been os thunder storms before; just last August one took out several trees and our pole barn. We were home at the time.

Nothing surpasses what we experienced on Friday. I was scheduled to be out of town but after 6 hours stuck on and off a plan in Fort Wayne, I decided to call it a day. I called Cindi and asked her for a ride back home. The weather was playing with my flight and eventually my drive home.

As we drove home i watched the radar from me cell phone and made every attempt to make it home. However, just 10 miles from home we were caught up in the impressive and overwhelming power of nature.

As we approched our exit the sky produced scary impressions. Our son, Jeremiah just called to warn us to seek immediate shelter. A tornado was spotted in Marion and headed right for us. We watched its fury.

We could see the dark clouds as they formed overhead. We saw the swirling rain and clouds just before us. We felt the draft in-flow. It was all too real!

As we drove head-long into the weather front, we prayed then dove - er, i mean drove, for cover. The storm was right over us. We took refuge under a bridge. Okay, not the safest place but it was practical. There is where we waited out the storm.

We watched as the wind and rain flooded the roadway. The wind blew the rain under the underpass. WOW! It was very dramatic.

We have a deep respect for what God's incredible fury can do.

I actually have little memory of my distress at the airport. I have a renewed sense of patience.

By the way, this was my 21st wedding anniversary.

rick carder

after our major storm in grant count.

a rainbow.

Jon-journal supplimental

This entry is for jon - when he returns.

TODAY WAS A HOT DAY. The weather was up to 90 plus. We talked about you today; especially when the grass had to be cut!

Here is the final sunset - beautiful.

On The Home Front - A weekly summary for when Jon gets home from the Marines!

Today I begin a new entry to my family journal. This entry is for Jon. As may know already that Jon has left for the Marines - boot camp. He has enlisted as a reservist and will spend the next thirteen weeks in training. He will wake up before dawn, eat double rash-ins, exercise, run, climb and jump (much like what he did all during his childhood) and be commanded to breath, talk, "drop and give up 50" as well as learn how to repeat every other commanding instruction. Well Jon, you will certainly appreciate family chores once again...they are a whole lot easier!

This week we said farewell. Sunday we had lunch with the family and recited our favorite childhood memory. You showed us your childhood impressions like Smart Guy and Steve Urcle. You showed us how you will march and stand at attention. Later we took you out for dinner in Indianapolis. I think your were nervous but you covered it up well. We tried to hide our fear and concerns as well. How did we do? We spent the drive home that night with tears in our eyes. Not because we were sad but the pride we have for you just seeped out in our tears.

Occasionally we would tear up during the week but whenever we had a chance to tell people what you were doing, we showed our pride. We did the dishes and took out the trash and picked up socks; Josslyn took your turn. We watched LOST without you but I will save it on the DVR for when you return. Jeremiah has already taken over the van and wants to start driving it; he will get his license with weekend. The house is actually really quiet - hmmm, I wonder why?

Well, I gotta go. I will keep you informed of what you are missing. We are counting the days that we get your first letter. Oh, by the way, several people have commented on mom's facebook with remarks about you. Others are missing you too!

Ahhhhhhh!

Jeremiah driving on the highway. Ahhhhhh. freedom.

Jon in grad gear!

Eastbrook High Grad-he finished with academic honors. For more; www.carderfamily.blogspot.com

Graduation video

Jon walks at Graduation - video

Graduation

Jon's graduation from Eastbrook High School.

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Jon again?

Jon

Jon's track record at Eastbrook

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