Do Not Dwell on How You Fell: Focus Instead on How You Plan on Picking Yourself Up

Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedaechtniskirche: damaged during bombing raids on Berlin: Monument in rememberence of WWII. Contrast with today's improvements tells their ability to overcome. Photo by Rachel Denzer; Berlin, Fall 2006.

- -- --- ~ --- -- -

If we make a conscious effort to listen to the heart of each trial, we will grasp those things most important that will eventually sustain us when we stand before our Maker. Patience with our mistakes and determination to keep going...and going--that is how we hear "well done." He is not expecting us to be perfect, but to keep striving for perfection. The Lord knows exactly what needs to be placed in front of each of us to show us how to overcome our weaknesses. I believe it starts out quite obviously, but in order for us to be refined, the Lord begins to be a bit more creative in order to teach us the deeper concepts. If you are wise you understand the necessity of pleading with the Lord to show you how to bear a burden in a manner that best shows you what the Lord fully intends. This is often discouraging because we realize things aren't going to get easier. On the other hand we realize that the more we understand--- the more patient and able we are to keep striving.

It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.

I happened upon a old cage. With time spent and a little care, the rust is washed away and is tuned a lovely silver. I brought with me a pen and ink. I wished to sit within the place and pull with me some green. So, as the star shines in the dome above I write a song to those I love. A light wind pulls to the side a falling glitter which shines most beautiful in the night. A giggle is heard in memory.I sit about to write. but the page is nicht dort. And I sit. Ich denke. I stare. Ich suche. I smile. After a pause, I look up and the bars of silver have organized themselves into a long windy path towards a city in the cloud. Es is schön. Though not yet attainable. Though i feel a pang of hurt at this idea of exclusion, I cannot muster the energy to crawl fast enough. The pathway is sweet. Blumen, Bäume. es reichen. alles schmeckt gut. Ich bin glücklich. Manchmal some things look more bright at the moment than those things yet to be. but things unseen are thrusting me forward, and I do not resist because I feel something known and good which has been placed aside for a time. I have seen a Löwe, have conversed with ein Frosch. The moment is unique. there can be only one, but there need be only one. And so I continue. The atmosphere is slightly imbalanced. Though, expected. in this moment I stand between here and there. Perhaps a little lost.But now is the time to decide what to be. And the place is quiet and calm...so there is time to think before the kurtz runnway at the end. I think by then I will have the mind to float rather than dive in. And this thought is what makes me smile. For there will be those I love. Sie warten. Springen Sie. Laufen Sie. Am Morgen ich komme. Es is führ.

---------

i had a dream today.it was raining outside. and I ran out there...but it was not raining.i lay down on the grass and waited. suddenly it began to pour. but i couldn't feel the weight of the water on me. strange. I opened my eyes and peered at the drops. really looked.thereupon the gaze i knew and not only felt the reasons for fuzzy sensation.they were all bubbles. small. weightless. and when they touched my skin, they burst. it only left a small mist even though they came down faster and faster...those that touched the slivers of grass. they bounced around me. like a dance. i looked up. my eyes. they felt blue. but the more intently i looked. i knew they started to shine green.better. beautiful...i awoke with a smile. I think i saw a star burst of light.

---------

Somehow something struck me in the heart last night and I wanted so badly to talk to you or just put my head on your shoulder and it would have been nice to have you there beside me while I rode the Sbahn around the town for an hour. Just sitting there and thinking of things that were past...of things that are in the future. I don't think we would need to talk, it would have been nice to just be together. Or, if talking came to be, it would be natural and wholesome. Good and full of inspiration for something better and more good. And perhaps we would chuckle a little, because yesterday was not a time nor had the atmosphere of loud laughter. If you were to look in my eyes, perhaps you would see a history of a few years going back full of images of you and the laugh-lines would make your lips turn up just a little and you would smile at a memory. I would not need to ask what it was because I would recognize it in your particular look. And then, if you happened to fall asleep to the gentle hum of the engine and wheels below, you might have a single watery tear roll down your cheek, and then perhaps it would be a little confusing to me rather it was for something good or if it happened just because your eye was dry and needed a dewy moisture. When you wake up, your eyes would be blue as blue and I would think perhaps of the ocean. But you would be there...on a sail boat and I would be looking out over the sea while you turned the guide north.And suddenly the moon would shine and we would be following the reflected path until we found a patch of green...which would have star dust on small slivers of grass. A cloud would be our soft bed and when the warm sunbeams touched our toes we would slowly open our eyes. The air would be crisp, but not chilly. And we would be sitting in a tree that smells of lemon and peppermint.

-sas

June's Thanksgiving: Looking Back to Explain a Continued Joy.

Left to Right: Back: Andrea (sister-in-law:Lorenzon: Abe's wife) and Lucy (A+A daughter), Abraham (3), Benjamin (6), Daniel (brother-in-law:Soderberg:Rachel's husband), Naomi (1). Middle: Faith (7), Hannah (8), LeeAnn (mother), Samuel (12), Gary (father), Rachel (4), Tynelle (sister-in-law:Smith:Joseph's wife), Eliza (J+T daughter), Joseph (2). Front: Hope (10), Martha (11), Sarah (5), Eve (9).* [Taken down by the river on the Denzer property: Vernal, Utah 22 November 2007 by cousin Alison Weber].

-:----:----:-

Today Brother Anderson was speaking about families. Half-way through his talk, he told a Japanese tale of a poor man and a rich man. The rich man was boasting of his wealth to the poor man and was surprised when the poor man said that he was richer than he. “What? How is that so? Let us compare our riches in the town square on the morrow!” They agreed to meet at 12:33 pm. The next afternoon, the rich man brought into the square all of his treasures: gold, silver, wood work, art, etc. It appeared that the poor man forgot to bring his things. “Pray tell, where are your riches? You say you are richer than I, yet you have nothing!” The poor man gestured to the right side, back, and to the left side. “There is nothing more important than a soul. All these here are my children, their children, and their children’s children. I believe I am more richly endowed than you.” The rich man broke down in tears as he realized that he really had nothing that could bring him true happiness. He had no wife or children. He realized that in the end his possessions would be left behind whereas the poor man would carry on forever his family relations.

….

Well, I guess this just made me think of how blessed we all are. So, who cares if you grew up never getting a chicken breast or eating only one candy cane out of a box of 12! Think of all the good times! Like swinging in the trees, eating dozens of homemade cookies, watermelon seed spitting wars, feeding little Sam lemon juice to watch his facial reactions, husking the corn, raking rocks, running outside to gather all the clothes off the line just as a storm starts, fly-swatting contests, cleaning the house in record time because “someone was coming over” only to find out that was not necessarily true, everyone dancing to Enya (especially dad), 5 bowls of caramel popcorn on a Sunday afternoon, search parties for the little newborn goats that got lost out in the bushes, playing ‘dead man, dead man come alive!,’ Green Ghosts and Goblins, jumping on the trampoline with a tether ball, hurdling over the trampoline frame until you biff it, scooting dolls around in our makeshift ‘cars’ (Sunday shoes), trying not to laugh as dad stared each of us in the eyes and said, “who’s to blame?” Oh, and collectively eating a gallon jar of pickles in one afternoon…

(Silliest Face Award goes to: Samuel Helaman! ...maybe next time Joe.)

*(Denzer Children birth order)

Pahhhhhhhhh................!

For all of those out there who think you know me......

For more of this call 1-800-COOLSAS (minor restrictions may apply)

Grandpa

I love this because it gives a wonderful picture and description of who Grandpa was. He had Brown eyes and hair and weighed 155 lbs. He stood at a height of 5 ft 7 in. That is neat.

Valid Until Recalled.

This is an image of the right thumb print of Grandpa Robert Denzer. It comes from a certificate which identified Robert Denzer as a "certified airman" by the Civil Aeronautics Administration.

Workin' the Denzer way: Snapshot of our boys.

A Pleasant Summer Day working on the house in Vernal, Utah....

Papa Denzer: Classic pause during a long hard day of work. hahhhgeuhhghhum. Have you ever tried to do this? I don't know about you, but the water usually went up my nose and/or down my chin. His expertise is admirable. Hey, do you remember our old well in Missouri and how dad had that mug/cup that he would hang on a nail? Pure genius. I never had the guts to use it and would instead stick my face under the faucet (if the hose wasn't hooked up--in which case you'd turn the water on to find the other end of the hose and let the water run until all the mud/dirt washed through...did you ever try to see how much water you could hold in your mouth before you would take the hose away?!). Anyway, back to the faucet. Remember the pressure on that thing?! I mean, hold your breath! haha. Your stomach would expand like a watermelon in seconds. Which reminds me about dad and Watermelon season...Hey, guys, "is the Pope still catholic?" Oh, one more thing...do you remember how muddy the ground would get there by the well and how you'd try to wash your feet off but it usually only made it worse because the mud would splatter all over the opposite leg...and so forth. It used to make me so upset...especially when I couldn't reach the faucet and at the same time keep the newly cleaned foot/leg out far enough to keep clean. That is when you would walk through the grass like a goof while you wiped your feet as you went toward the house. You'd wait for the mud splatters to dry on your leg and then flick them off. Remember how dad used to say he had to take his shoes off to count all of us children? Especially to make sure we were all there? I always appreciated it when he took the time to do that. It always made me secretly happy that dad looks like a big intimidating man--but really he has such a soft heart. It was a easy way to keep the guys away, all you say is: "See that guy over there? That's my dad." Even though he said he'd pull out a shot gun at anyone that came-a-courtin'---I don't think he would ever have the heart to do it. Well...I at least haven't seen it happen yet.

I love this picture of Joseph. He always has a grin. Growing up, I saw my brothers constantly by our dads side hammering away, whistling, cursing, smiling, yelling, crying, laughing, etc. They were more often than not working away on this project or that...in the fields, the barn, the shed, and/or developing house. They were incredible! I guess they still are :). The quality of his person is apparent in many ways, but I'd say that most would recognize just how neat a guy he has to be to have convinced Tynelle to marry him. They are my super couple. A threesome now, with their little one Eliza. I wonder if they could each pick a super power what it would be? Joe has some neat gadgets and newly acquired skills since he moved out and started schooling and working with construction companies. It is neat to listen as he and dad discuss construction plans. This picture here shows his support and continued effort to help out on the big jobs. Just recently I saw Joseph experimenting with old drafting tools and even a slide rule! He tried to explain the slide rule to me, but I think he needs a little more time to understand how it works. Oh, and did I ever mention to you that Joseph is my Hero?


If I had one word to describe this character it would be: Smashing. Abe is as neat as his name and someday he will have many sons. In the meantime, we are pleased and overjoyed with his beautiful daughter Lucy. --I am pretty sure that she gets her good looks from Andrea, mi Mona Denza. Being large in stature and of great strength Abraham also fits his middle name. Usually when I talk about Abe and his family, I have to describe them as beautiful giants. No matter what, you always look up to them. I don't know that there are many people that can make me laugh as hard as Abe. If you haven't had the privilege, which I find hard to believe, you definitely need to ask him to show you his victory dance. Abe appreciates creativity, so it is fun to pipe up about ideas and dreams to him--even if it comes out wrong, he gets all happy about it. He is even going to help me solder (sounds like: sodder) my dinosaur made of 'buts and nolts' that I've found along the sidewalks and roads. Abe is a well rounded guy--and I'm not referring to his figure, but his interests. I want to convince him to learn to play the harmonica so he can play that while he scoots around on his unicycle... :)

"Como-say-yah!" I actually have not a clue if that is even what it sounds like, but it is my best effort. My interpretation of Korean. Sometimes Ben and I try to communicate using our love of second language skills...I imagine that our babbling does us no good, but it is rather fun. Did you know that in our family, we speak the following languages? English, German, Italian, Korean, and Spanish. I'm pretty sure that we could get along in most countries assuming the right person came along. Did you know that the coolest name I have ever heard is Benjamin backwards? Especially Benjamin Denzer: Nimajneb Rezned. I had the pleasure of attending High School for a couple of years with Ben. He is a Clown--er, class clown. Everyone loved him and were quite amazed that he was my brother because he was so loud and obnoxious. ;) Well, at least the loud part was true. He was fun and I remember I had lunch hour the same time he did one term: he would eat lunch at 10 different tables in one lunch break. Honest, it was like popcorn. I would hear one table laughing behind me and five minutes later two tables to the right were hooting. Sure enough, it was him. I liked it when he would stop by and give his customary hello at my table. People sometimes found it hard to believe we came from the same family--but that is just because I was awkward. BUT we won't go into that. Benjamin was the star of many shows and made me proud in "Your a Good Man Charley Brown." He is Neat!

I think this picture says it all.

Denzer Pedigree

Denzer Family Bible

Translation/Transliteration:

Family Bible Record belonging to Christian Denzer and Margreta Denzer

Friedrich born 15 March 1855
Chatarina born 18 April 1857
Jakob born 17 January 1859
Johannes born 16 January 1861
Margaret born 9 December 1862
Christian born 24 March 1865
Maria born 30 March 1867
Valtin born 8 January 1869
Lisebet born 8 March 1871
Heinrich born 9 January 1873
Emma born 3 December 1876

Mr Christian Denzer was born the 18 of December 1832 in Byern Dormefltz Germany. Left Germany in the year 1835 and went to the state of Ohio and left Ohio in the year 1855. Mrs Maggy Denzer the born daughter of Fred Figert was born the 1 day of May 1833 in Hessa [ ] Germany left the year 1835.

The Denzer Boys.

Five Sons of Christian and Margaret Denzer, 1941. Left to right: Christ, Fred, Valentine, John, and Henry.

I do spot a bit of the family resemblance....ALL IN FAVOR OF DAD GROWING A MUSTACHE SAY 'I'! :D

That My Family Should Partake.

I painted this picture for a coworker. It was a year and one day late... Honest? I didn't find it all that exciting and kept putting it off. I wanted it to be different. I tried doing a picture of the Tree of Life during High School. I did not like the results and have been critical of all paintings I've seen of the subject since then. I had to do something different if I was going to enjoy this. Working at unusual hours can do nice things to the imagination. I got carried away and by daylight I was rather worried about how my commissioner would react to it. It was a creation I enjoyed but I forgot this project wasn't for my own satisfaction. Or was it? He didn't quite know what to say, which worried me at first, but I was granted a hug. He actually did like it and that made me happy. I won't mention the flaws ;). He called it, "That My Family Should Partake."

Christian Denzer Obituary

Winona Daily Republican Herald, 13 Sept 1904, Obituary for Christian Denzer.

The Chris Denzer Home--1920's

Random Memories From German Study Abroad: Dedicated to Ratch.

28 Aug 2006: Sunday Rachel and I took a walk along the Alps! Saw a running deer, some cows, sheep, a train, lumber yard...

3 Sept 2006: Rachel says I should go up to Vance, grab his collar and say, "Listen Wancey Pancy! If you are going to call me Saint, it had better be Saint Sas!"

13 Sept 2006: We got on a bus full of kids. The bus driver asked us where we were going and said, "All ist Klar!" Told us to board without paying...I think he was in good humor about the two of us going to Dannenfels--that or felt sorry about us riding a bus packed full of school children...

4 Oct 2006: Tried to make Chocolate Chip Cookies today--not such good luck! The cookies were a flop! But we certainly had a good laugh out of it!

22 Oct 2006: I am suddenly on the S-bahn--going around the "ring." No particular reason, just need to collect my thoughts: and allow Rachel time alone to talk with Dan.

24 Oct 2008: Today began with a call from Jess. "Hallo!," she said, "uhhh...Guten Morgen!" heh heh. Oh, Jess! I love her 'german' accent!

22 Nov 2006: Rachel wrapped her arm around mine tonight. It made me happy.

2? Nov 2006: Received word that Joseph and Tynelle are expecting! They said something about it beeing as small as a grain of rice...it made Rach and I think of Rice Crispy Cereal: and snap, crackle, pop. We dubbed it Snaps. We are pretty sure we need to suggest the name....

Where is Dannenfels?

Europe....

Germany....

Rheinland....

Pfalz....

Donnersbergkreis...

Dannenfels....

Dannenfels, Kircheimbolanden, Bayern, Germany

This fantastic view of Dannenfels was found at http://www.earth.google.com/. Dannenfels is located at the foot of the highest mountain in the Rheinland Palatinate. The mountain is called Donnersberg which when directly translated means, "Thunder Mountain." The name of the mountain is perhaps a little deceiving as it is not prone to receive extreme thunderstorms. Although thunderstorms are not frequent, a light rain is usually a constant during the summer months. [Data retrieved from http://www.dannenfels.de/, under 'Klime,' 17 April 2008].

Grandpa Denzer's Signature.

How Did I Manage To Miss Out?

I like discovering such details about Grandpa Robert Denzer. If you get a chance to view the questions asked for grandpa to be certified as a Master Mechanic in Ice Research (found in the image)--you really should. Also, notice the Grade written nicely in red. Do those things actually exist?! Grandpa took this test in 1946. It is amazing to think about the master minds who put together the aircraft for the benefit of a Nation. If you haven't, I would suggest that you ask dad about grandpa's career. It is quite fascinating. I have a great interest in aviation and aeronautic engineering...and I like to attribute that to his passion. Not to draw attention to me, but did you know I had seriously considered engineering until I about passed out in Calculus 119? Some things just aren't meant to be. I should have liked some of his master skills in this area...but I am content with the simple knowledge that we had a hint of sameness in some manner even if it was fascination in flying objects. And narrowing down to the nitty grity bits of oil on metal. It is fun to contemplate these things. I would encourage you to think of ways you can connect to a man who you never met, because I have a feeling that he is finding ways to connect to you. Think about it.

Christian Denzer and Barbara Engelkircher

This is Incredible! I found this picture on a genealogy page for Coschocton County, Ohio. The picture was taken in Salem. It is a copy of a Tin Type. I have not been able to verify if this is indeed them, however, the website was made by the OHGenWeb project. It should be reliable. For further information found, follow this link:http://www.pa-roots.com/~coshocton/FamilyTrees/ChristianDenzer.shtml

Old Barnicks

I Love this Picture! Paul Barnick (29 November 1872-10 Jan 1947) and Mary Thilker (1 Sept 1879-1 April 1961): Parents of Dolores Anna Daisey Barnick Denzer (25 November 1916- 4 February 2008).

Broaden Your View.

Liebe Familie,
In order to do effective German Family History, a basic knowledge of German is required. Experience hands any researcher a basic knowledge of the language. However, one always comes upon words they do not understand and quick access to a good dictionary is key to efficient research. For quick reference, visit this Online English-German Dictionary: http://www.dict.cc/. This is especially helpful when writing letters to a German hometown, church or archive. Also, for further tips, although it is not accurate in grammar and form, the following translation site is sufficient enough that a German reader can understand your request: http://www.freetranslation.com/. Although most Germans can speak and read English as a second language, addressing them in their own language may result in a more ready answer. Deutsch ist Total Hammar! Viel Spaß!

Dannenfels City Website

Check out the website for the City of Dannenfels! It is all in German, but I think you would find it interesting. Ludwig Denzer is the City Mayor. http://www.dannenfels.de/

German Script Tutorial

See this site for a German Script Tutorial! http://script.byu.edu/german/en/overview.aspx

Did you know....?

Translation: Dannenfels

In German family history research, it is necessary to learn how to read and write German Gothic handwriting. Being able to transliterate and transcribe the traditional German handwriting is one of the most difficult elements in German Family History. Last semester, Fall 2007, I took a German Paleography class which provided a splendid foundation with quick learning habits in this area. BYU is the only institution in the United States which teaches a formal German paleography class! Most professional researchers learn this stuff through self-help books, dictionaries, and years of practice. An excellent source, written by my professor, Roger P. Minert, is used in most major Conferences dealing with German Family History. Called "Deciphering German Handwriting," this book is highly recommended for anyone interested in learning from one of the best experts.

Christian and Barbara, 1826

Civil Marriage Record of Christian Denzer, son of Simon Denzer and Anna Atilia and Barbara Engelskircher, daughter of Valentin Engelskircher and Anna Maria Freÿ. Married 23 February 1826 in Dannenfels, Bayern, Deutschland.

Welcome Christian Denzer, 1832

Here is the Civil Birth Record of Christian Denzer, Son of Christian Denzer and Barbara Engelskircher. Born 18 December 1832 in Dannenfels, Bayern, Deutschland.

Es Ist Dannenfels! Das Heim Meines Vaters...

It was almost too good to be true, but Rachel and I actually were wandering through the small streets of Dannenfels. It has been over a century, yet, there remains to this day a legacy of the Denzer name. Indeed, there is a Denzer Corner of houses still in use. Fortunately, and unexpectedly, we chanced upon meeting Hans and Helga Denzer. With cautious language, smiling eyes, and amazing hearts, these two helped to bind a long gap between generations of separation.
Said Hans, "Ah! Es ist wunderbar! Bitte, Schreiben Sie uns!" We have not heard from them since our day’s journey, however, there is a great deal of hope for future correspondence. Below, you will see some other pictures of Dannenfels, a village where Christian Denzer, Barbara Engelskircher and some of their children walked and played before their seaward journey "nach Amerika."

DANNENFELS

According to Hans Denzer, who gave us a tour of the village, this is the "Denzer Corner." Here, the Denzer name can be found above or to the side of the doors.

Evangelische Kirche Dannenfels.

View of Dannenfels on the side of Donnersberg. I love how it dwells so peacefully in the hillside.

Random Snapshots of the Village:

A Tribute to 91 Years

Dolores Anna Daisy Barnick Denzer passed away 5 Feb 2008 at 10:00 pm. Grandma is finally united again with her dear Bob.

"You met Grandpa at a dance, didn't you?"

"He came and he took me and asked me to dance. And we danced. It was very... nothing personal. And much to my surprise the following Saturday he showed up at home and wanted to take me to the dance. I hadn’t realized that…I thought I was going to the dance with Martin. But I guess Martin and he had had it arranged that he would take me. So, that was that."-12 Feb 2006