great grandpa william john

My Aunt Marilyn has been doing some family research for the Schwartz clan at large and struck some gold this week. She located a significant amount of information about our family and it's roots in Prussia and subsequent immigration to Des Moines, Iowa.

My great-grandpa William John Schwartz (my name is John William), is pictured below. He was a minister in the Lutheran church. Quite amazing to be able to look back into the past and see your own flesh-and-blood for the first time.



I can't help but think about the impact of the Gospel in our family tree that starts with William John and before him most likely. Much of our family follows Christ and impacting the world in many places. I'm grateful to God both for the privilege of being born into a family where Christ was made known and to live in a land where we have the freedom to worship Him.

across the starbucks tile...

I'm working at Starbucks this morning. One of the hardest weeks of my life and a time of deep reflection. Thankfully good brothers and one of our church leaders reminded me in different ways that I should focus on Christ and look to see how this week could glorify Him. Good advice.

I'm sitting near a window and watched the light from the sun slowly move across the tiles. Imperceptible movement at a glance, but noticeable every few minutes--like a sundial of sorts. It reminded me of my fleeting life. That my days are known by God and I have one life to live--for Him.

As the Scriptures say: "Lord teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

-J

if you give a mouse a marker...

At least it was washable...

a few flowers

Took some photos from the cellphone of flowers in the yard this evening. God sure made some amazing plants...

Izzies

About to be fed... Thus the happy countenances.

drew's bees...

Hi folks :)

Just wanted to throw some photos your way of the bees. One of my boys (11 yrs old) built a TBH (with some help from Daddy). He hived the bees on his own although I had to help a bit with the queen and got stung for the privilege. ;)


He had a crowd of his friends/fam watching him...


I checked my hive next to Drew's. Saw eggs, brood and capped brood. All looking groovy. I pulled out a frame without gloves/veil for first time. So, posting that pic for posterity's sake. :)


The family has become quite familiar/attached/intrigued with the bees. Here's a common scene...

still burnin...

I pray my "light" will still be burning 100 years from now.

Braces off!

Bees are flyin...

The first warm day since Monday when we first hived the bees. They're going through a mason jar of syrup daily and looks like comb building has finally begun. They're cleaning out the hive (no more dead bees or sawdust), fanning, bringing in pollen, etc. Saw a couple drones flying--they kinda remind me of big ol' bombers.

-John

Our first bees!

Quite the experience today with the family receiving our bees and installing them in our TBH. I thought I would share some photos :)

Bees in the package. Not something you get in the post every day!


Putting on the silly hat. The girls giggled pretty good.



My two boys helping me carry the hive out to it's location.



The three girls ran back into the house and watched from safe height and distance, hehe. :) Momma is lurking in there somewhere as well.



Getting ready to drop the girls in their home. I was as nervous as my first date!



After the boys backed off a bit, I carefully dropped them in and set up the queen and food. They all spread out calmly and fanned away.



At the entrance fanning.



The boys were braver than I and helped throughout the process with no suit or gloves (they did wrap their heads a bit!).



Dusk approaches. All is quiet. Bees are humming. Chickens are roosting behind...


Psalm 19:7-10

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.