What's New?
Murdock Newsletter
June 10, 2009
Inspiration
I just wanted to thank all of those who sent me an email about last week's newsletter. I so appreciate your words of encouragement! THANK YOU!!! I felt very scattered last week as I wrote and I was concerned several times over the last few days that I may have offended people. I was questioning what I had written because it is so hard to tell someone to trust God when they are right in the middle of devastation. A lot of times people don't want to hear that. They are in too much pain. People (including myself) tend to want Him to 'make it go away' or just 'fix it'. It takes a lot of strength, courage, and faith to KNOW that God is good... no matter what and to REALLY trust and rely on Him AND to give Him praise when we are hurting so severely. He has given me glimpses of His goodness, faithfulness, and His character that completely boggle my mind. But it has proven to me that I can trust Him... even if that were my own child in the car accident. That's very hard to say but I know that I know that I know that it is the truth. It is the truth that sets me free.
I've questioned God why He has had me do the news for the Plattsmouth Journal or the Ashland Gazette and now the Murdock newsletter. I think He uses my fingers that type His newsletter to make Himself seen. That boggles my mind but I have heard so many times how much people enjoy it and I know that it's not me being able to touch their hearts.
After I got done checking all my emails I thought, “what in the world was in that newsletter that touched to many?” so I went back and read it again. I agree with Tracy Zeorian when she said, “ Your article was straight from God Himself! You certainly had some wonderful help writing that one!!” I believe that statement with all of my heart. God gives us the help we need whether it be for something big or the smallest of requests. I feel so privileged, humbled, and honored to serve God by serving this community through this newsletter. He has infinite ways to show His love to you. All you have to do is receive it. How cool is that?!?
I know Kris appreciates all of our prayers. Please continue to keep her and her loved ones lifted up. God bless you all!
Here is information sent in by Keri Hogue:
Hello everyone...I'm just passing along this website. Many of you may already be aware of the website, but I wanted to make sure I passed this along, so we can surround Marti and her family in prayer. The more specific we can pray the better.
www.caringbridge.org
Website entry name is: martinaita (no spaces)
Kris will provide journal updates. It looks like Marti will be in the hospital for a few more weeks, and this will be the best way to get accurate information and pray accordingly.
Thank you for keeping them in your prayers,
Keri =)
Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done. C. S. Lewis
This was sent in by Bonnie Brewer. THANKS Bonnie!!!
Embracing Imperfection
A story by a girl.
"When I was a little girl, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when
she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely
burned toast in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his toast, smile at my mom,
and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember Watching him smear butter and jelly on that toast and eat every bite!
When I got Up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad For burning the toast. And I'll never forget what
he said: 'Baby, I love burned toast.'
Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if He really liked his toast burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said,
'Debbie, your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides-a little burnt toast never hurt anyone!' You know, life is full of imperfect things.....and imperfect people. I'm not the best housekeeper or cook.'
What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's faults - and choosing to celebrate each other's differences - is the one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.
And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of GOD. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where burnt toast isn't a deal-breaker! We could extend this to any relationship in fact - as understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!! "
"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket but into your own."
See through God's eyes and feel through God's heart And you will appreciate the value of every soul including yourself.
hat's Happening Around Our Community
AMERICAN LEGION POST 247 will be making another order for flagpoles like the ones we installed at the Elmwood Cemetery . If you are interested in purchasing a pole for your personal use, please contact Bonnie Brewer at 994-5315 or email at bb45231@windstream.net by June 15th
2009 Nebraska State Track Meet
Eight Elmwood Murdock athletes qualified to compete at the State Track meet including 5 that received medals: Jon Luetchens, Tyler Schmale, Derek Stubbendeick, Lance Steffen, Nathan Hohman, Sam Burtch, Erika Stubbendeick and A.J. Ida. The 3 medals gave the boys track team 24 points at State, putting them 10 th in team standings.
Family members old and young showed up in Support. 5 ½ month Ada Foral, neice of Sam Burtch, wore her support with a t-shirt that said, “Run Uncle Sam”, and “Sam's #1 Fan”.
1 st Race of the State Track Meet: EM 3200 Relay Team Gets Bronze:
The first race of the State Track Meet was the 3200 relay, (the 4x8 relay). Elmwood Murdock placed 2 nd at the District Meet but qualified on best times in the state. Coach Schmale was hoping to have a respectable showing, maybe even a medal. The team came through with a 3 rd place finish! A Bronze medal! The relay team consisted of Tyler Schmale, Lance Steffen, Jon Luetchens and Sam Burtch.
Tyler Schmale gets ready to run the first leg of the 4 x 8 (3200) relay.
Sam Burtch gets ready to take the baton on the anchor leg. EM Knights were in 9 th place at that point and Sam passed six runners to get them to a 3 rd place finish.
A happy 4x8 relay team after winning Bronze medal at State.
Tyler Schmale enjoys wearing his bronze medal.
400 Meter Race: Sam Burtch Gets Silver
Sam Burtch ran the preliminary 400 meter on Friday and the final 400 meter on Saturday. In his qualifying race on Friday, Sam finished with the fastest time of all runners in all classes, with a time of 49.72 seconds. His challenger from Gordon Rushville finished just .03 seconds behind him in the preliminary heat. In the final race on Saturday, the Gordon Rushville finished in first, just .15 seconds ahead of Sam. A great race! \ and Sam finished with the 4 th and 5 th fastest times for all classes.
Sam Burtch gets ready to run the preliminary heat for the 400 meter race. Sam qualified for the finals on Saturday with the fastest time in all classes of 49.72. Burtch took silver in the final on Saturday.
300 Meter Hurdles
Nathan Hohman gets ready to run the 300 meter hurdles.
Last Race of the State Track Meet: EM 1600 Relay Tam Gets GOLD !!
The 4x4 relay team of Lance Steffen, Nathan Hohman, Jon Luetchens and Sam Burtch won Gold at the final race of the track meet. The team was seeded 5 th on time, but bested their previous school record by a full 5 seconds to win. Each member of the team ran their fastest split of the season, and thrilled the crowd with a spectacular finishes. The team, coaches, family and fans were all smiles while the team ascended to the podium so received their medals. A celebration followed at Applebees. Congratulations to the entire team for a great finish to the season!
The team gets ready to run the 4x4 relay.
Lance Steffan steps up to the start of the race.
Nathan is allsmiles after the race!
Jon Luetchens finishes his senior year with a gold medal.
Lance Steffan has a lot to be happy about.
Coaches get a big congratulations
Sam celebrates the big win.
An Olympic resemblance
On the medal stand
Celebrating at Applebees
The 1st Annual Tyler Eggert Baseball Memorial Tournament
will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2009 , at the Elmwood and Murdock baseball fields . We hope to have eight teams sign up for the day with a guarantee of each team getting to play at least three games. We are going to have t-shirts made for all of the ball players that participate. We are currently seeking out sponsors for the event. As a sponsor, your company name and logo will be on the programs and on the t-shirts. We need to get a commitment from our sponsors by June 10 in order to have plenty of time to get the shirts ordered. We are looking for sponsors willing to contribute cash of $100, $250, or $500 or contribute food items for the concession stands that will be open (I can provide a list if you are interested in this option). Other suggestions are welcome. If you would like to set up a display for your business at either or both ballparks on that day, you are more than welcome to do so. All net proceeds from this event will be donated to the batting cages that are being constructed at the Murdock ball field in the memory of Tyler and Dillon.
Please let me know if you are interested. Also, if you know anyone that would be interested in being a sponsor for this event, please pass along this email. Please send me your company name and logo as soon as possible so that we can get the layout complete on the programs and on the t-shirts.
Thank you so very much for your consideration! Annette
Cast of "Over the Tavern." Front row, Cheryl Grimshaw, Virginia Howe Kincaid and Lizzy Pegler. Back row, Kevin Holdorf, Tucker Flodman, Bill Hayes and Evan Wooten
Lofte Theatre Begins 33rd Season
The Lofte Community Theatre near Manley is proud to begin its 33rd season with Tom Dudzik's family drama, "Over the Tavern." The story is set in the Eisenhower years of 1950s America . However, life is far from idyllic for the Pazinski family of Buffalo , New York . They live in a cramped apartment above the tavern owned and ran by their father. The youngest of the Pazinski family, 12 year-old Rudy, decides that he's had it with traditional family values and those of the Roman Catholic church. When he announces to his already stressed family and the ruler-wielding nun, Sister Clarissa, that he wants to look around for a more "fun" religion, all hell breaks loose.
While "Over the Tavern" does have some hilariously funny moments, it is truly a sentimental look at families, growing up and God. It's a great script that is sure to both entertain and cause audience members to reflect on their own adolescent experiences.
Performance Dates are June 11-14. Show times are 7:30pm Thursday-Saturday and 2:00pm on Sundays. General admission tickets can be purchased for $16 either on-line or by contacting the box office at (402) 234-2553 . However, if you are still thinking about purchasing season tickets, now is the time. Season passes (for the 5 regular season shows) may be purchased for $60 which equals $12 per show. This is an overall savings of $20 for the entire season. The season package pricing is only available through June 14th.
Dust off your cowboy hat! Saddle Up for Springfield Days will be held June 12 & 13. Join us for the BBQ dinner, Springfield Idol, Bugeaters Flea Market, Pancake Feed, BBQ Contest, Parades, Duck Drop Race, Dance, Fireworks & much more!!! For a look at what will be happening, check on the Springfield website under “Calendar”, click on “Events” to find Springfield Days 2009.
For a copy of the Springfield Days Agenda, click here: http://www.springfieldnebraska.com/pdf/Saddle_Up_Agenda2009.pdf
Garage Sale Days in Elmwood Murdock , June 13th
Maps at Cenex, Bits N Pieces and Murdock Post Office .
If you want to get on the map contact Kurk Shrader at Bits N Pieces
School Garage Sale Items
Sale will be held on June 13, 2009 from 8-4, unless otherwise directed in description, at both Elmwood and Murdock. School furniture, desks, chairs, tables, stand-alone desks, bookcases, office furniture, kitchen equipment, library furniture, and much more.
Visit www.elm.esu3.org to view sample pictures of items.
Saddle Up for Springfield Days will be held June 12 & 13. Mark for calendars and be sure to join in all the fun! For a look at what will be happening, check on the Springfield website under “Calendar”, click on “Events” to find Springfield Days 2009.
Kathy Crawford, author, will be coming to the First Christian Church in Louisville (Located at 304 Main Streetm Next to Copple's Chevrolet) , on Sunday, June 14, at 7PM .
Kathy will be giving a talk about her experience as being a caretaker while her husband was ill from cancer. He was not expected to live but is cancer free today.
During her talk she will discuss the joys as well as the hardships of being a care taker . She will also be available to give advice on all of the red tape one seems to go through will an ill family member.
All of us will be a caretaker at one time or another. This will be a great opportunity to hear from one who has experience in this area and how she made it through.
She will have her latest book available.
Kathy just finished two book signings for Barnes and Noble book stores .
MURRAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
June 8-12
http://www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox/myvbs/murray
The 'Power Team' will be here June 17-21.
Check out a clip of this powerful, inspiring show at www.thepowerteam.com
For more info from Murray Christian Church, check out our website at: http://home.windstream.net/church2527/MCC.htm
Fishing Buddies Program
Would you like to learn how to fish? Is there a child or adult that you would like to learn to fish with? Here is the perfect opportunity for people who want to learn to fish or who need to relearn the basics.
This 6-session program is designed for child and adult pairs who have little to no fishing experience and would like to learn to fish. Youth ages 6-12 years old are invited to develop fishing skills and knowledge with an adult mentor (limit of 2 kids per mentor/buddy).
The sessions will meet on Monday evenings from 6-8pm at the Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium for the first 3 meetings. The last 3 meetings will move to a local lake for on the water experience. Fishing handouts, bait and equipment will be available for participants to use during the program. Session dates are June 15, June 22, June 29, July 13, July 20, and July 27.
Pre-registration is required as well as a $20 check per child to reserve your spot. This check will be returned upon completion of the program. Spaces are limited and your registration must be received by June 8, 2009 .
Missoula Children's Theater Auditions
The Lofte Community Theatre near Manley is proud to announce that for the fourth year in a row, they will be hosting the Missoula Children's Theater based out of Missoula , Montana . The organization uses the performing arts to improve children's social and communication skills as well as create a strong work ethic and improve self-esteem. Dozens of directors working in two-person teams will travel the country this year and in all, over 60,000 American kids will be able to take to the stage thanks to MCT. This year, the Missoula Children's Theater will be coming to the Lofte in a little red truck full of props and costumes to perform, "The Pied Piper."
Auditions will be held at the Lofte at 10am on Monday, June 15th. They are open to all children who will be entering the first through the seventh grade. The audition process will take two hours. Parts available for approximately 70 children. No advance preparation is necessary. The children should be ready to smile, show energy and have a great time.
Rehearsals will take place for the entire week from 10am-2pm . Although not all actors will be needed for each session, they should make sure they have a clear schedule for the entire week. It is important that each child attends all rehearsals required of their role. Parents should also plan on bringing a sack lunch for their child each day including audition day, June 15, as the first rehearsal will take place immediately following auditions. There will be two public performances taking place at 3pm and 6pm on Saturday June 20th.
The Home State Bank in Louisville is sponsoring MCT's entire summer residency tour to the Lofte. Bank president John Plucknett along with his wife, Lynn will also be hosting the tour directors in their own home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Plucknett are long-time supporters of the Missoula Children's Theater, having become familiar with it over twenty years ago at their home in Ogallala when their own children were young.
For more information in regards to "The Pied Piper," Missoula Children's Theater, or the Lofte, please call (402) 234-2553 or visit theLofte's website, www.Lofte.com
www.knchautauqua.org
“Bright Dreams, Hard Times”
America in the Thirties
June 24-28 • Plattsmouth , NE
Something for Everyone!
• Adult/Children Workshops
• Food/Music
• Historic Homes Tour
• Church Service
• Antique Machinery
• Quilt Show
• Will Rogers
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt
• Zora Neale Hurston
• Huey Long
• Aimee Semple McPherson
Tent shows nightly at Rhylander Park
www.plattsmouthchamber.com • www.knchautauqua.org • 402-298-8209
and t
Take a step back in time to the 1930s each evening, as historical figures -
FDR, Huey Long, Will Rogers, Aimee Semple McPherson and Zora Neale
Hurston - take the stage to share their bright dreams with the audience.
Also available: Youth Chautauqua Day Camp and performances; 1930's
Live Radio Show; Dust Bowl Photography Exhibit; and much more!
www.plattsmouthchamber.com • www.knchautauqua.org • 402-298-8209
Funded in part by Cass County Tourism
Summer Enrichment Opportunity !
Who: Any child entering K-6 this fall
What: Tailored Activities for Your Child's Interests & Needs
Where: We will meet at The Elmwood Public Library
When: Sessions Every Thursday, All Summer Long*
*(Other sessions may be available by appt.) Cost: $10 Per Session (1 hour)
Sessions taught By Keri Hogue
Certified Teacher In Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Special Education
*Help in Maintaining Skills *One-on-One Instruction *Work on Summer Packets
*Hands-on Learning *Explore your Child's Interests
Questions ? Please Call! 994-2422
FREE ADVERTISING! 
Yes, you can place a FREE classified ad right here at www.murdocknebraska.com !
Just click on the 'Classified Ads' tab at the top of the page, then click 'Post an Event / Classified Ad' and fill in the information. You can even add a photo and all for NO CHARGE!
Funny
WHITE LIE CAKE
Have you ever told a white lie? You are going to love this, especially all of those who bake for church events.
Alice Grayson was to bake a cake for the Baptist Church Ladies' Group in Tuscaloosa , but forgot to do it until the last minute. She remembered the morning of the bake sale and after rummaging through cabinets, found an angel food cake mix & quickly made it while drying her hair, dressing, & helping her son pack for Scout camp.
When Alice took the cake from the oven, the center had dropped flat and the cake was horribly disfigured. She thought, 'Oh dear, there is not time to bake another cake.'
This cake was important to Alice because she did so want to fit in at her new church and in her new community of friends. So, being inventive, she looked around the house for something to build up the center of the cake.
Alice found it in the bathroom - a roll of toilet paper. She plunked it in and covered it with icing. Not only did the finished product look beautiful, it looked perfect.
Before she left the house to drop the cake by the church and head for work, Alice woke her daughter Amanda and gave her some money and specific instructions to be at the bake sale the moment it opened at 9:30 and to buy the cake and bring it home.
When Amanda arrived at the sale, she found the attractive, perfect cake had already been sold. She grabbed her cell phone and called her mom.
Alice was horrified - she was beside herself. Everyone would know! What would they think? She would be ostracized, talked about, and ridiculed! All night, Alice lay awake in bed thinking about people pointing fingers at her and talking about her behind her back.
The next day, Alice promised herself she would try not to think about the cake and would attend the fancy luncheon/bridal shower at the home of a fellow church member and try to have a good time. Alice did not want to attend because the hostess was a snob who more than once had looked down her nose at Alice because she was a single parent and not from the founding families of Tuscaloosa . But, having already RSVP'd, she couldn't think of a believable excuse to stay home.
The meal was elegant, the company was definitely upper crust old South and, to Alice 's horror, the cake in question was presented for dessert! Alice felt the blood drain from her body when she saw the cake!
She started out of her chair to tell the hostess all about it, but before she could get to her feet, the Mayor's wife said, 'What a beautiful cake!'
Alice still stunned, sat back in her chair when she heard the hostess (who was a prominent church member) say, 'Thank you, I baked it myself.'
Alice smiled and thought to herself, 'God is good'.
Tidbit
Sent in by Diane Neels:
Mosquito Spray...Worth a try
I was at a deck party awhile back, and the bugs were having a ball biting everyone. A man at the party sprayed the lawn and deck floor with Listerine, and the little demons disappeared. The next year I filled a 4-ounce spray bottle and used it around my seat whenever I saw mosquitoes. And voila! That worked as wel l. It worked at a picnic where we sprayed the area around the food table, the children's swing area, and the standing water nearby. During the summer, I don't leave home without it.....Pass it on.
OUR FRIEND'S COMMENTS: I tried this on my deck and around all of my doors. It works - in fact, it killed them instantly. I bought my bottle from Target and it cost me $1.89. It really doesn't take much, and it is a big bottle, too; so it is not as expensive to use as the can of Bug-spray you buy that doesn't last 30 minutes. So, try this, please. It will last a couple of days. Don't spray directly on a wood door (like your front door), but spray around the frame. Spray around the window frames, and even inside the dog house.
Website of the Week
SWVA
8925 Adams St
Nehawka , NE 68413
(402) 267-5267
www.VisitTheValley.org
Barb Slattery, owner of Slattery Vintage Estates near Nehawka recently announced the creation of the Scenic Weeping Water Valley Association (SWVA). This new association is comprised of several local businesses all working toward the common goal of promoting tourism to southern Cass County in the Weeping Water Valley area. Other members include Tammy's Soap Shack and Creative Edge Graphics both of Weeping Water, Plantman Nursery of Nehawka, and the Lofte Community Theatre of Manley.
With so many unique commercial, historical and cultural destinations, the southern area of Cass County can be an attractive area for day-trippers and visitors from surrounding states. By combining their resources, members of the SWVA hope to use tourism brochures, print and radio advertising to pique visitors' interests. In the future, the SWVA hopes to hold special events spotlighting the valley's products and services. Already, this new non-profit group has received a marketing grant from the Cass County Visitor Promotion Committee. Additional grants and sponsorships are being sought to advertise the area even more.
The SWVA is currently seeking other members. Businesses, historical societies and various points of interest in the Weeping Water Valley area are encouraged to contact Barb Slattery or other association members with their questions. Contact information can be found on the SWVA's website, www.VisitTheValley.org
Please be sure to send in any news or photos of happenings around our community. I can't be everywhere so I NEED YOUR HELP! Thanks so much! Teri
News to the Editor
- Please send all your Murdock area news to me. Birthdays, anniversaries, announcements, events or news are welcome and will be added to the upcoming newsletter. Thanks in advance for all your help!
Teri Bowman
Editor@murdocknebraska.com
