Author Archives: Ellen

Strikingly Different

We left Arizona yesterday flying into Spokane and were met with the striking difference in temperatures. This morning we started out at 12 degrees here in Colville. We’ve warmed up to 14 while I’m typing this. Today will be a catchup day for me. I’m behind with emails, blog visits and laundry. The photo of the sweet hummingbird was taken during our time at the Phoenix Zoo enjoying the 70 degree weather. We soaked it in and I’ll be posting more from Arizona after I catch my breath.

To those of you who are experiencing the deep freeze stay safe and warm!

Tuesdays With Moisi ~ 16

Our Pop’s story continued…

This is our Pop’s story dictated verbally by him a few years ago. I’ll be sharing excerpts every Tuesday. When I add to his story or explain a photo I will Italicize my words. Our Pop’s words will not be italicized. Our mom does not come into Pop’s story until “Tuesdays With Moisi ~ 9” even though I’ve posted photos of her before #9. I have very few photos from our parents’ life in Russia and Persia. At the end of my Tuesday posts I’ll add links to all the other posts.

My parents in front of our home in Montebello, 305 Los Angeles Ave.

In 1971 we moved yet again to a larger home in Whittier.  I became a pastor to a small Russian church in Orange County for a year.

Our parents and the twins in our home in La Mirada/Whittier, California, on Arroyo Dr.

Our next move took us sixty miles southeast of Los Angeles to the town of Wildomar where I built a house in 1983.  In 1987 we moved to Yorba Linda in Orange County.

Christmas in Wildomar in the home our Pop built from the ground up. Our mom with all her daughters/daughters in law as of 1984.

In 1990 I returned to the place of my birth in Russia.  Some things there had changed while others had not. It was then that I began to be concerned for the eternal welfare of my relatives still living in the same place where I grew up.  Specifically, I was concerned that they come to know Jesus Christ as I had come to know Him. In 1992, I returned and stayed for two and a half months. In 1993 I stayed for three months.  I went twice in 1994 and once in 1995. In all my visits I was striving to point my relatives to Jesus Christ. In 1996, while I was there, my grand-niece, Natasha, was the first convert. It was then that I saw the need for mentoring and discipleship on my part.

Moisi baptizing his grand niece, Natasha. (this photo is missing and I’ll try to replace it soon)

(Our parents in front of their home in Yorba Linda)

So in early 1997 we sold our home in Yorba Linda and Nadia and I went to Russia for an entire year.  To begin with, we began a Sunday School ministry. The first Sunday saw sixteen visitors – mainly children.  The next Sunday, attendance jumped to sixty.

Our next step was to develop a church along with the Sunday School.  Attendance was small at first but then began to grow to twenty, then thirty, then fifty. We came back to the U.S. in 1998, stayed home for three months and then returned to Russia for another full year of ministry.  From 2000 to 2006 we returned for three month ministry stints each year. As a result of our ministry, thirty-six people, young and old, came to the Lord and were baptized – for which we are most thankful. In addition to this, I estimate that I took about $250,000 into Russia to meet the various financial needs of both Christians and non-Christians alike.

My parents in Russia. They prepared a meal every Sunday for all those who came to the church gathering.

This is the home that was purchased that my parents lived in and held church services in.

Moisi built this baptistry in the yard of the church so they didn’t have to go to a local lake or river for baptisms.

I am so thankful for the unseen hand of the Lord guiding my life.  I give all the praise to Him. It is my prayer that readers of my story will come to know Jesus as I have come to know Him.

This is the end of the story our Pop dictated. I will be filling in some blanks in future Tuesday With Moisi posts. Next week I’ll share a YouTube video our brother Steve recorded at the family Christmas gathering in 2012.

Tuedays With Moisi 1

Tuesdays With Moisi 2

Tuesdays With Moisi 3

Tuesdays With Moisi 4

Tuesdays With Moisi 5

Tuesdays With Moisi 6

Tuesdays With Moisi 7

Tuesdays With Moisi 8

Tuesdays With Moisi 9

Tuesdays With Moisi 10

Tuesdays With Moisi 11

Tuesdays With Moisi 12

Tuesdays With Moisi 13

Tuesdays With Moisi 14

Tuesdays With Moisi 15

Tuesdays With Moisi 16 is this post.

Tuesdays With Moisi You Tube Video.

Thinking of Retiring   A post I wrote from April of 2007

Desert Doings…

Our family has been enjoying a work vacation in Arizona with play breaks.

 

We enjoyed a couple hours at the zoo and Addy got a nap in.

After the zoo we went to Old Town Scottsdale and enjoyed dinner there.

 

 

Our kids’ cousins were in Arizona for the weekend and drove over for dinner on Saturday night.

On Sunday we had a meal together and time at the park before Josh and Laura headed home to Seattle.

We all got a good dose of Vitamin D today! We’ll be back to the land of slippery snow soon enough.

Time for a little rest now.

 

We Have An Anchor ~ Hymn

We Have An Anchor

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift, or firm remain?

Refrain

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.

It is safely moored, ’twill the storm withstand,
For ’tis well secured by the Savior’s hand;
And the cables, passed from His heart to mine,
Can defy that blast, thro’ strength divine.

Refrain

It will surely hold in the Straits of Fear—
When the breakers have told that the reef is near;
Though the tempest rave and the wild winds blow,
Not an angry wave shall our bark o’erflow.

Refrain

It will firmly hold in the Floods of Death—-
When the waters cold chill our latest breath,
On the rising tide it can never fail,
While our hopes abide within the Veil.

Refrain

When our eyes behold through the gath’ring night
The city of gold, our harbor bright,
We shall anchor fast by the heav’nly shore,
With the storms all past forevermore.

Refrain

Words: Priscilla J. Owens, 1882.

Quotes of the Week 14

I’ve subscribed to a daily email of Puritan readings from Grace Gems recommended by Dianna at Forgiven. This was one of the readings this week that will be my Quotes of the Week…

From a devotional by John MacDuff, Day 22.

(J.C. Ryle, “Heirs of God” 1878)

“As many as are led by the Spirit of God–they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:14

All true Christians are under the leading and teaching of a power which is Almighty, though unseen–even the power of the Holy Spirit. They no longer turn to their own way, and walk in the light of their own eyes, and follow their own natural heart’s desire. The Spirit leads them. The Spirit guides them. There is a movement in their hearts, lives, and affections, which they feel–though they may not be able to explain; and a movement which is always more or less in the same direction.

They are all led . . .
away from sin,
away from self-righteousness,
away from the world!

This is the road by which the Spirit leads God’s children.
Those whom God adopts as His children–He teaches and trains.
He shows them their own hearts.
He makes them weary of their own ways.

They are all led to Christ.
They are all led to the Bible.
They are all led to prayer.
They are all led to holiness.
This is the beaten path along which the Spirit makes them to travel.
Those whom God adopts–He always sanctifies.
He makes sin very bitter to them.
He makes holiness very sweet.

When they are taken into the wilderness, and taught to see their own emptiness–it is the leading of the Spirit.

It is He who leads them to Mount Sinai, and first shows them the law–that their hearts may be broken.

It is He who leads them to Mount Calvary, and shows them the cross–that their hearts may be bound up and healed.

It is He who leads them to Mount Pisgah, and gives them distinct views of the promised land–that their hearts may be cheered.

Each and all of God’s children is the subject of these leadings.
Each and all is led by the right way, to bring him to a city of habitation.

Settle this down in your heart, and do not let it go: the children of God are a people “led by the Spirit of God,” and always led more or less in the same way. Their experience will tally wonderfully when they compare notes in Heaven.

“I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.” Proverbs 4:11

“In your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed.
In Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling.” Exodus 15:13

Snow Break

We had a new snowfall on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. The snow on the tree branches melted quickly during the day on Wednesday.

When we were looking for a home in the Colville area of Washington State one of my desires was a home with views that went further then a neighbor’s carport or garage. I wanted to see more. More sky, more land, more trees. God has granted my desire and I am thankful.

I’ll be traveling and might not have much computer time the next several days. If you don’t see comments from me you know why. My Quotes of the Week and Sunday Hymn will pop up as usual.

Hope you all have a wonderful last weekend in January!

Golubstzi (Cabbage Rolls)


We grew up enjoying Golubtzi, Голубцы, a Russian version of cabbage rolls. I didn’t develop a taste for cabbage until my adult years so I’d peel off the cabbage and just enjoy the filling. Today I really enjoy cabbage in all it’s cooked or uncooked forms! Once you get the cabbage leaves ready to go this is a simple recipe to make. This is my mother’s version. There are many other recipes that differ from hers.

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of cabbage
  • 2 pounds ground beef, 15% fat or higher
  • 1-1/2 cups cooked rice cooled
  • 1/2 onion, grated
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • 1 can condensed tomato soup, (approx. 10-3/4 ounces)
  • 1- 8 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1-1/2 cups sour cream
  • 2 cups water

Method:

  1. Core the cabbage leaving it whole.
  2. Boil the head of cabbage in a pot of water until leaves separate easily.
  3. Drain leaves and let them cool while you prepare the filling.
  4. Combine the ground beef, rice, onion, salt, pepper, and parsley.
  5. Once the leaves are cool enough to handle you can trim some of the thick vein of the cabbage leaf to make it easier to fold.
  6. Place about 1/3 cup of ground beef mixture onto a cabbage leaf and fold edges over and roll up.
  7. Place in baking dish with folded seams down.
  8. Continue until you use up the ground beef mixture and cabbage leaves.
  9. Saute the chopped onion in a little oil until it is translucent.
  10. Add soup, tomato sauce, ketchup, and water, mix well and bring to a boil.
  11. Add a little of this sauce to the sour cream to temper it and then add the sour cream mixture to the sauce and mix well.
  12. Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls.
  13. Bake in a 350 degree oven for an hour or longer, till hamburger is fully cooked.
  14. Yield: 12-18 Cabbage Rolls depending on size of your meat balls.

Serve with your favorite green side dish and some good bread to soak up the sauce!

Tips:
You may need two baking dishes to accommodate more than 12 rolls.
While the whole head of cabbage is cooking in the pot I use tongs to remove the leaves gradually as they start to release from the head of cabbage and put them on a kitchen towel to cool. I keep checking as I prepare the other steps in the recipe.
I use a sharp paring knife to trim the vein starting in the center of the thick vein away from me to the outer thicker part of the vein. This makes it easier to fold the cabbage around the meat.

One of our sons doesn’t tolerate milk products so I made a small batch of the Golubtsi and covered them with the sauce before I added the sour cream to the rest of the sauce. We find that using hamburger that is 15% fat or more is better for these as the meat that has less fat in it can be dry.

I originally shared this recipe on the Mennonite Girls Can Cook blog but wanted to have it here on my blog, too.

Tuesdays With Moisi ~ 15

Our Pop’s Story continued…

This is our Pop’s story dictated verbally by him a few years ago. I’ll be sharing excerpts every Tuesday. When I add to his story or explain a photo I will Italicize my words. Our Pop’s words will not be italicized. Our mom does not come into Pop’s story until “Tuesdays With Moisi ~ 9” even though I’ve posted photos of her before #9. I have very few photos from our parents’ life in Russia and Persia. At the end of my Tuesday posts I’ll add links to all the other posts.

At the Billy Graham Crusade in August of 1963 my wife’s and mother-in-law’s prayers were answered as I went forward and accepted Jesus as my Savior.  Not long after this Nadia asked our Molokan pastor why Molokans did not allow for water baptism in their faith. His only answer was that Molokans are baptized with the Holy Spirit.  That was not an adequate answer for me. In studying Scripture, I came to understand that water baptism was a necessary step of obedience for a Christian. Before I was baptized in 1969 I informed my parents of my decision to get baptized and join Bethany Baptist Church.  They then disowned me. I was quite hurt by their reaction, but went ahead with my decision. ( The rift with my parents was real. However, when they were in their final days, Nadia and I were the ones who took care of them in our home until their respective deaths.) In the years following my conversion, we conducted evangelistic Bible studies with our Molokan friends.  The response was relatively small but significant, because those who did respond stayed true to the faith.

Our paternal grandparents, Timothy (Red Beard) and Martha Bogdanoff.

The following is from Pop’s/Dzeda’s eulogy read by his granddaugters at his funeral in July of 2018… (the babushka and Dzeda spoken of here is our mother, Nadia and our pop, Moisi. Hope these inserts aren’t confusing…

All the while Babushka persevered in praying for Dzeda’s salvation. Her prayer was answered in 1963 when Billy Graham came to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for a crusade. Our Aunt Ellen recalls, “I was in the eighth grade and attended the crusade every night with my father. I’ll never forget the night my dad got out of his seat and made the long walk down to the field to acknowledge God’s call on his life. What a glorious day!” It was not only a day of celebration but also a time when lives were forever changed.

Becoming a believer came at a high cost for Dzeda. Family and friends would question his decision and many ostracized him calling him a traitor from the tradition he grew up in. Because of that we learned what true courage and sacrifice looked like to follow Christ. Dzeda never stopped honoring his Molokan Father and Mother. Dzeda loved his Molokan, brothers and sisters and prayed for them often and loved to share the Good News with them and what freedom in Christ looked like and could be.

More of my memories from this time in Moisi’s and our lives…

My love for singing started in church. In my father’s Molokan church growing up into my teens singing was acapella. There were no instruments in the church and the songs were mostly from the Psalms in the Old Testament portion of the Bible. My father was a “songleader” in this church. For Easter and Christmas we would visit my maternal grandmother’s Russian Baptist Church where we enjoyed singing with piano and organ. In junior high school, choir was one of my classes and I was introduced to notes and music. After my father attended the Billy Graham Crusade in Los Angles in 1963 he started a new life of following Christ as his Savior and we eventually left the Molokan Church. We started attending my maternal grandmother’s church. At the Baptist church my sisters and I were part of the youth choir which eventually worked on recording tapes of Russian hymns for Far East Broadcasting and Slavic Gospel Association to be broadcast into the Soviet Union over radio waves.

When Moisi finally decided to be baptized in 1969 his parents disowned him and would not speak to him. Some of his Molokan friends called him a frog. Pop didn’t share this in his story but I wanted to add to this part of his story. Our pop and mom visited our paternal grandparents once a week during this time and sat with them in silence. At the end of their silent visit our pop and mom would stand up to leave and always say to our dzedushka and babushka, We love you. Our parents never stopped honoring their parents even through this hard time. This love and honor wore our grandparents out and there came a day again when they spoke to each other again. As our pop shared in his story my parents were the ones who cared for his parents in their dying days. The photo below is from the Russian Molokan Cemetery in the City of Commerce in Southern California where our paternal grandparents and other relatives are buried.

Moisi with his daughter Kathy at the gravesite of our paternal grandparents taken in September 2014.

Our Country Bungalow

These are a few mosaics/collages of some of the spaces in our country bungalow. The entry above and the living room off the entry area.

The view back to the entry area of our home from the living room. All the Christmas decorations are packed up now.

The view from the entry through the living room to the dining room.

The dining room.

The photo above is from November before our dining area was painted to our satisfaction.

Glimpses from the dining room into the kitchen and from the kitchen to the family room area.

We have lots of upper ledge spaces in our kitchen. We aren’t done with the painting in the kitchen area and in the future I’ll show the finished look that we’ve decided on for our kitchen space.

Here are some photos I have of more of the kitchen with our favorite visitor and Dear busy cooking Swedish Pancakes on Christmas morning.

Looking to the entry from our family room area and looking back to our family room area.

Our area between our entry and family room and our nice wide hallway to our bedrooms.

Our artwork in the photo above is also showing some reflections that aren’t a part of the original work.

Pictures51This photo above is true to the piece. The work was inspired by a small nook in the crypt of the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. It was painted by a friend of ours.

Glimpses into our two guest bedrooms. These rooms along with our Master Bedroom Suite have not been painted yet. I don’t have photos from the master bedroom to share as of yet. I also have not shared the large laundry room area and our office yet. Stay tuned for those areas and then there is our oversized shop/garage that is not oversized enough for our stash. We will be building a new shop for Dear’s stuff come late spring/summer.

This is all for now on the interior of our Country Bungalow. We are settling in nicely and are thankful for God opening the doors for us to purchase this property despite our exhaustion in the process of selling our home of 20 years and trying to find a replacement 6 hours away and moving 20 years of stuff. We are thankful for being on a county road that is flat and plowed when it snows, except for the weekends. We have found out that Stevens County snowplows only work on weekdays. City of Colville works all days. We have a Colville address but are outside city limits.

Thank you Angie for hosting Mosaic Monday. Click over to join in the fun.

Our Satellite internet connection has been painfully slow for about a week now. You will probably be seeing fewer posts from me until things speed up. I do hope we get some speed soon because right now it is very painful…