Counting The Days

We're counting the days until our new state of the art gymnasium and indoor swimming pool facility is completed!!

The pool (right portion of the picture) is open for business and is a big hit. It will be open 365 days a year. Now, swimming will be available to the public all year round. It has a big water slide that actually wraps outside the building, and then back in. It has 6 competition lanes for swim meets. There are several outdoor water features for the kids that are to be completed in the next couple of weeks that will allow them to go outside and spray each other, and play in the water outdoors.

The new gymnasium is a "top loading" building, wich means that you walk in at the top of the gym, and the seating is all down towards the floor. It will have a seating capacity of approx. 2,500 when all the bleacher area is folded out. With this type of capacity, we hope to get some major high school basketball and volleyball tournaments. When not needed, they fold away, and allow for 2 full basketball courts for practicing. The floor is a new type that is the first in the state for a high school gym. I'm no engineering genious, but they tell me it will have no dead spots, and the ball will bounce "true" anywhere on the court. Heck, we even have the NBA style goals!! Around the perimeter of the gym is a walking track that will also be available year round for exercising. No more excuses for not getting out for a walk on those cold winter days!!

Everything is supposed to be done in a matter of weeks. We can't wait!!

De Colores

Independence Day

Happy 232nd Birthday to our country!! We'll be celebrating Indepence Day with family and friends. I'm sure there will be lots of food, fun, and of course FIREWORKS!!

Sometime on July 4, take a moment to stop and give thanks to the countless men and women who have served our country and fought to establish and preserve the freedoms that we enjoy today. Freedom does not come without a price!!

Also, take a moment to stop and give thanks to God for the gift of Jesus Christ, who purchased our freedom from sin and death. Because of Jesus' life, death and resurrection, we are set free from our sins, and can look forward to eternal life. Romans 8: 1-3 says "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering."

Happy Independence Day!!

De Colores

Don't Be Deceived!

Immediately after the tornado hit the little town of Chapman, Kansas a few weeks ago, this picture began circulating around the internet, claiming to be taken by one of the residents just as it was entering town. Despite it being a very impressive picture, it was soon discovered to be a hoax. The tornado hit Chapman well after dark. This picture was actually taken several years ago in another part of the country.

With technology as it is today, it is easy to become deceived by some of the pictures that are sent around. They can be digitally "doctored" to make them appear to be something they are not, making us believe that what we are seeing is real.

The bible warns us many times about being deceived. It is mentioned in Genesis and Revelation, and many, many times in between. Satan is constantly trying to deceive us with worldy things. Our fellow man deceives us with promises that cannot be fulfilled. Oftentimes, we even deceive ourselves.

First Corinthians 3: 18-19 says "18Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight."

Be on guard, watch out for those who would try to deceive you in this world. Above all, don't deceive yourself into thinking that you are smarter than God. Lean on Him, depend on Him, trust in Him. Then you will be truly wise.

De Colores

Baseball Again, & Again & Again...

We have been chasing Brian and his baseball since the first part of April when he played for the High School team, and we are still chasing him!! He is in the middle of summer ball, and games are going non-stop!! They are doing great, posting a record of 13-1.Brian is pitching very well. He has gotten 3 starts this season, and has a 3-0 record. He has yet to yield a run, and has allowed only 5 total hits. He is striking out an average of 11 batters per 7 innings. Most encouraging is his only allowing 2.5 walks per 7 innings. That is a tremendous improvement over his high school games.

When he's not pitching, he platoons at first and third base.

His hitting isn't quite as good as high school, but still has a respectable .320 batting average. His .469 on-base percentage (how many times he gets on base per times at bat) is pretty good. I'm not going to complain!!

This weekend, we're off to a tournament on Friday thru Sunday. Then it's more games the first week in July. In the middle of the month, the District and hopefully State tournaments are played. It's exciting to watch this talented bunch of boys play, but I'll admit I'm getting tired. Oh well, I'll enjoy it as long as I can. Some day, he'll be out of school and I'll give anything to sit on a hard bleacher again, freezing or boiling to death, depending on the weather, and watching him play.

Keep it up Brian and teammates, you're doing great!!

De Colores

Worm Hunting

OK, I'm pretty sure this will be something unique to the blogging world. With all the recent rains we've been having, the worm hunting has been fantastic!! After dark, the nightcrawler worms come up out of the ground to do whatever nightcrawler worms do after dark (you figure it out).

Catching them is actually pretty easy. It goes like this...

1st you find the worm on top of the ground. Look closely, they really blend in!!

Next you gently pull them out of the ground.

Hopefully they come out of the ground intact.

Then you fill up your container with them.

There you go, now you're an expert on nightcrawler hunting!!
De Colores

Hail Storm

We awoke this morning at about 3:15AM to a terrible hail storm. Along with the hail came winds in the 50 - 60mph range. It was very devastating. My poor garden was shredded!! Here's a picture of one of my tomato plants.

This is nothing compared to the damage to the farmer's crops around Marion. Here is a picture of a corn field just south of town. I'm sure it is totaled.

Even in the devastation of the hail, we are thankful that we were spared from any tornadoes or significant wind damage. God does not promise that every day will be sunny, but He does promise to be with us in the storms of our lives.

De Colores

Perseverance

Several months ago, our little development finally got a real street put in. A company came in, established a new grade, put down a base, and then laid 6" of asphalt on it. After years of driving on a dusty or muddy road, depending on the weather, we can finally go some place and come back without having to wash the car every time!!

I was coming home from my run a couple of weeks ago, and imagine my surprise to find several bind weed plants coming up through the ashphalt street!! How in the world could this little plant push up through what I would think would be virtually an impenetrable barrier??? Somehow, this plant is capable of persistently pushing slowly thought the asphalt, until it reaches daylight. Amazing!!

The dictionary defines perseverance as "To persist in an idea, purpose or task, despite obstacles (Webster)". Let's look at this little object lesson from a Christian perpective. We all know that in this life we have struggles, obstacles and heartaches. Oswald Chambers wrote "You cannot help suffering; it is a true and needful training for the soul that dares to be true to God." (My Utmost For His Highest) So, we all suffer, we all struggle, and we all face life's difficulties; we cannot escape it!! The call to us as Christians is to persevere, because we know that God is always there, and we are in His arms. When we realize this fact, we can persevere through anything, because we know that our Creator, Lord and King is there to carry us.

Hebrews 12: 1-3 says it so very well..."Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down on the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endureth such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary or lose heart."

When adversity comes and life throws us a curve, try not to be overcome with frustration, but overcome it with the joy that we have in Christ Jesus. When things do not go our way, go His way!! Be like the "Little Engine That Could" and with God's help go "I think I can, I think I can..." When we persevere and overcome the struggle, thank God and say "I knew I could, I knew I could..."

De Colores

Chingawassa Days 2008

Once again, Central Park in Marion was filled with over 3,000 people for our 11th annual Chingawassa Days festival on Friday and Saturday. The hightlight of this year's festival was the classic rock band Grand Funk Railroad (remember "We're An American Band, "Some Kind Of Wonderful", "Locomotion"????). The weather held, the crowd was one of the biggest ever, and the band was great. Each year, we continue to have big name acts come to our little town (3 Dog Night, Guess Who, 38 Special, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Trick Pony, Restless Heart, Little Texas, Kentucky Headhunters, Little River band to name a few), and they without exception comment on how great a time they had playing in our park.

Can't wait to see who they get for next year!! Mark it on your calendars, the first Saturday in June 2009, Central Park, Marion, Kansas. Don't miss it!!

De Colores

Boys of Summer

Brian is playing baseball on a 16 -18 year old team from Hillsboro this summer. I know -- GASP, he's turning into a Kraut!! Marion didn't have a team this year, and they invited him to join them. He is having a great time, as he is playing with several kids from Hillsboro who have been on tournament teams with him in past years. Joining them are also some boys from Chase County and Goessel. They have gotten off to a tremendous start, going 6-0 so far. They have outscored their opponents 89-4!!

Brian got his first starting assignment as a pitcher last night and did very well. He pitched 4 innings, and didn't allow any runs. He struck out 6 and walked 3. He also contributed at the plate, getting 2 RBI's with a sacrifice fly to the warning track, and a single.

There are some tremendous baseball players on the team, and it is fun to watch them. Brian is soaking up the experience of getting to play with some older players from around the area. Keep it up boys, you're off to a great start!!

De Colores

Texoma Stripers

The annual Fruechting father/son/grandson fishing trip was rather bitter-sweet this year. My brother Mike's son got sick with either the flu or a bad case of food poisoning the first night we were there, and never felt good enough to go fishing. Consequently, Mike had to stay at the room with him and didn't get to go out on the lake either. The fishing was great, and we limited out each day. The above picture is the haul from the first day.

I wish Mike and Zach could have enjoyed the fishing with us, but being on a boat on a large body of water with flu type symptoms would not be good!!

De Colores

Trippin To Texoma

Wednesday, Brian and I are meeting up with my two brothers, their sons and our dad to make our annual father/son/grandson fishing trip to Lake Texoma on the Red River which borders Texas and Oklahoma. The striper fishing is always great this time of year, and we're hoping to limit out each day that we're down there. Here's a sampling of fish we caught last year.

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to Texoma we go!!

De Colores

Memorial Day

As Memorial Day approaches on Monday, my thoughts turn to the memories of people who have impacted my life and who are no longer with us on this earth.

Mom
Viola
Grandpa & Grandma Fruechting
Grandpa Z
Uncle Duane
The faithful pillars of the Aulne Church community
Charlie Haines

These and many others helped mold and shape me into the person I am today. For their lives and their influence on mine, I will always be grateful.

On Memorial Day as well as Veteran's Day, I can't help but look at my dad, and well up with pride. He was (and always will be) a Marine. He served his country with pride, and did what he was asked to do to give me the opportunities that I have today in a free country. Many of his buddies, as well as many, many more in past and present conflicts gave the ultimate sacrifice. To them I will always be grateful.

I'll go to the cemetery, place some flowers at mom's and Viola's graves, look at the Avenue of Flags in honor of the veterans and whisper a soft and heart felt "thank you".

De Colores

All League Honors

Last night at the MHS Athletic Banquet, it was announced that Brian was named as an Honorable Mention selection to the all MCAA league baseball team as a first baseman. As a sophomore, he finished the regular seaon with a .444 batting average. He had 17 singles, 9 doubles, a triple and a home run. He had 24 RBI's. His fielding percentage at first base was excellent at .981, only committing one error all season.

Congratulations Brian!!

De Colores

Car Crazy!!

Look out world, Brian's got his first set of wheels!! The streets of Marion won't be safe any longer!! He is finding that dragging Main isn't near as fun when gas is nearly $4 a gallon. He's going to have to mow a lot of yards this summer to keep it filled!!

Where has the time gone? Just a few short years ago, he was a shy little kid who we had to pry loose from us to do something, now he's anxious to jump in his car and head out on the town!!

SIGH.....

De Colores

Pomp & Circumstance

This weekend, high school graduation ceremonies will take place in towns all across America. Here in our little church community at Aulne, Ethan Riggs and Austin Percell will make that walk across the stage, receive their diplomas and close a chapter in their young lives. A new and exciting chapter will soon be opened for them. As you watch them walk across that stage, look at their faces. What are they thinking? "I'm so glad this is finally over!" "Now what am I going to do?" "Please God, don't let me trip!" "Did I brush my teeth this morning?" "I wonder if anyone knows I'm wearing shorts under this gown!"

Graduates, I know you have probably heard this a thousand times by now, but I'll say it again. If you fail to do anything else, please remember to keep God in the forefront of your lives. Without Him to center on, the new challenges and stresses in life can easily consume and discourage you. Remember, God knows you better than anyone else, and He loves you. He has a plan for you. One of my favorite scripture passages is from Jeremiah 29. It goes like this...11 "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 hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Graduates, seek God with all your heart. You will be blessed beyond measure. Congratulations to you all, and I wish you much success as you continue in this crazy and exciting journey called life.

De Colores

End Of The Road

Sadly, the Marion Warriors baseball season came to an end last night at the Regional tournament. The Warriors were in the lead until a disasterous 4th inning. Too many errors led to too many runs, and they could not dig themselves out of the hole they dug. They finished on the short end of a 4-6 score. Brian pitched well, only giving up 3 earned runs and striking out 5. His season batting average was .431, pretty good, especially for a sophomore!! They finished the season with a 6-13 record. Not good, but when compared to their 1-18 record last year, it seemed pretty successful!! They 'll be returning all but 2 starters next year, and hopefully will continue to build the program.

He was mad for about an hour, then thoughts of the summer league baseball season started running through his head, and he is ready to go again!! The first game is in a couple of weeks, so I would guess he'll be getting a phone call from the coach soon about getting together to start practice.....

Here we go again!!

De Colores

Happy Mother's Day

Since I'm not going to be around a computer this weekend, I thought I would share a few thoughts on Mother's Day a little early.

Lori and I will be celebrating the first Mother's Day without either of our mothers. My mom passed away in 1995 from cancer. She was a devoted wife and mother, working tirelessly on the farm. She help with the daily grind of gathering eggs from 10,000+ chickens, wiped many a dirty nose, sewed patches on worn out jeans, took lunches out to the fields, fixed about a million meals, consoled us when we were hurt or scared, and all the while kept her dignity in the midst of it all. She had a servant's heart, and loved to take her grand daughters on outings whenever she could. She loved dad, and always looked forward to the time when they could slow down a little and travel and share time with him. Unfortunately, cancer invaded her body, and ultimately she succumbed to it. She passed away in 1995 at age 57. Cancer took her life, but it could not, however, take her soul.

Viola Kelsey, Lori's mom was a classy and elegant lady. When she was in a room, she could say so much without saying anything at all. She loved sitting in her home watching her 9 children and literally dozens of grandchildren and great grandchildren. She would just smile and soak it all in. She was the matriarch of the family. She was widowed in 1973 when her husband was killed in a construction accident. She raised Lori, her older sister and younger brother by herself, never complaining about life or the hardships she had to endure. She had the patience of Job. She endured raising 9 children, heart bypass surgery, cancer, and several other illnesses. She lost her battle with congestive heart failure this past February. She was 82.

Mom and Viola, we love you and we miss you. We will always miss you. We will cherish every thought and memory we have been blessed with. Thank you for being our mothers. Until we meet again, may God hold you both in the palms of His almighty, tender and loving hands.

Happy Mothers Day

De Colores

End Of The Day

Ahhhhh, what a great way to end a busy weekend. A beautiful sunset, a fire in the chiminea, my favorite beverage, and my lovely wife by my side. Life doesn't get any better than this!!

Got a busy week ahead; Relay For Life committee meeting this evening, last MHS regular season baseball games on Tuesday, mowing yards on Wednesday, and an MHS Pops music concert on Thursday. Friday we're heading to KC to go to a Gaither Reunion concert at the Sprint Center, a Christmas present from our kids!! They've even made reservations for us at the Hyatt for the night!!

We'll probably stop in Manhattan on our way home Saturday and spend the night with Amanda and Chad, and then go to church with them on Sunday and celebrate Mother's Day with them.

Hmmmm, busy week, makes me start thinking about a beautiful sunset, a fire in the chiminea, my favorite beverage, and my lovely wife by my side...........life doesn't get any better than this!!

De Colores

A Sweep Of Hillsboro !!

Our MHS baseball team pulled off perhaps the upset of the season by going to our arch rivals Hillsboro last night and taking both games of a doubleheader with them. They had beat us earlier in the season, and looking at their record compared to ours, we shouldn't have stood a chance.

In game one, Brian started out on the mound. It was probably his rockiest start of the season, and at the end of 5 innings, we found ourselves down 9-3. The young Warriors never gave up, and came back in the 6th and 7th innings to tie the game at 10-10, and won it in the 9th inning 11-10! Brian knocked in the tying run in the 7th to send it to extra innings.

In game two, they jumped on Hillsboro's starting pitcher and never let up. They won it by a final score of 9-6. Brian was 5 for 8 from the plate, and also walked twice. He had 5 RBI's on the night.

Their record still isn't good (6-12), but for a few magical hours last night, it was like they won the state championship!! Way to go boys!!

De Colores

May Day

Today is May Day!! I am so glad that our wet, cold April is over with. Maybe we can finally start to see some real spring time weather. I can't remember how long ago it's been that the trees have taken this long to leaf out.

I Googled May Day and found that its origins go way back to the Druids and the Romans. It is a pagan holiday, and was filled with celebration and revelry. Traditions included running their cattle through a fire to "cleanse" them, and couples would run through the smoke in hopes of it bringing them good luck. Flowers were a big part of their ceremonies. Flora, the godess of flowers was worshiped. It has never really taken hold in the Western culture, certainly not to the extent that it was back during it's origins.

My fondest memory of May Day goes WAY back to my youth. People in the elementary grades were chosen to wind the May Pole. I actually was chosen once, and got to participate. Best part, it was done with boys and girls!! I can remember winding the May Pole with the ribbons. Several times, we had to stop, back up to untangle the ribbons and then go again. I think I was only asked to do it once. Imagine that!!

May Day has a special significance for a good friend of mine. His father was a Navy pilot in WWII. He was shot down while on a mission, but miraculously survived and was rescued. When a pilot was shot down, he would call out "MAY DAY, MAY DAY on his radio to indicate he was in trouble. Every May 1, his family would get together and celebrate his service to his country. They had a lot of film footage of his takeoffs and landings on his Navy carriers, and they would show these pictures at each gathering. He passed away from cancer several years ago, but the family still gets together every year to celebrate "May Day" in his memory and honor.

Happy May Day, bring on the spring time and flowers!!

De Colores