Handkerchiefs and Church

It's Sunday today. Our plan is to gather with our church family this morning and worship God together. After church we have plans with friends to go out to eat together. Our friends have been very busy recently and our times together have been minimal. It will be good to see them and share life once again.

At Bible study on Friday night the conversation stirred up many memories of what it was like for me to sit in church as a little girl. Some ladies said their mothers sent pink peppermints down the row to each child. Others spoke of having a heritage of white peppermints, Wilhemenia peppermints or King peppermints. Whatever the form, it was quite clear that “mint” in some form had a calming effect on children during church services. In those days, children were to be seen and not heard. We were quiet in church and when we weren’t, we would be the next time. We were brought to church to worship and also to develop the rhythm of church attendance in our lives. I’m sure my parents also expected I would ingest the messages presented. Children’s church was not thought of then. We were to be with the adults in the regular service. My poor parents as children had to sit through Dutch services they didn’t understand. I guess I shouldn’t complain, at least ours were in English. I think it was thought back then, at least in our tradition, that Sunday school and catechism classes (which I attended from grade one) were the tools through which I would learn Truth. There wasn’t anything wrong about that intent because I truly think it worked. It is interesting, however, how times and thoughts have changed regarding the place of children in church services.

It occurred to me that handkerchiefs were very important in church services. My mother always had several in her purse. One was for runny noses or to wipe away a tear. (We didn’t use paper tissues then) One was used to wrap several peppermints (we take baggies and Saran wrap for granted now, it wasn’t always available and waxed paper was too noisy in church). Another handkerchief was wrapped and knotted around a single peppermint and it was offered to my baby brother. Mom held on to one end and the end with the peppermint went into his mouth where it provided calm and quiet for the duration of the church service.

The handkerchief reserved for me was special. Mom had a way of folding a handkerchief that made it appear as if there were twp babies in a cradle. I recall watching her quietly fold the hanky by rolling both ends toward the middle When the rolls met the middle she performed some magic by turning something inside out and suddenly my toy had appeared. I would hold an end with each hand and rock those imaginary babies back and forth, back and forth. It kept me quiet for at least a few minutes.

Wow, how I wish I could talk to my mom about these memories. (She could also show me how to make magic with a handkerchief) It brings tears to my eyes as I recall her quiet ways and the effort she made to make me comfortable and keep me occupied. I’m sure she could add much about those days and could probably add some good stories about handkerchiefs, too. My mom died when she was fifty-seven. I felt it then and feel it now that it was way too young for a mom to die. How I wish I could have shared my spiritual maturing process with her. I wish I could have gone to her for wisdom during the years I reared a large family. I have missed her. But, God makes no mistakes. The lesson I have learned from the early loss of my mother is that we cannot take each other for granted. Each moment with my husband and children, grandchildren, friends and other loved ones is precious to me. If I ere on the side of leaving work unfinished to join in the activities of those I love, it is because I hold our moments together so dear. There are no issues in the life of Christians that should separate them. I hear of families that allow conflicts to end their relationships and I grieve. I simply cannot imagine wasting time in conflict when we have the opportunity to love. How God must grieve. Enjoy your loved ones. Forgive whatever offense you may have against them. If God can forgive your sins and mine, how can we go about with offense in our hearts? There is nothing more freeing than the act of forgiveness. God is our example. Love conquers all! Go and love…….

God Has A Better Plan-Always

The arm is working better today. One wonders what gets into these body parts so unexpectedly and causes disruption. I'm grateful that I'm able to use the troubled limb more effectively today. Praise God for healing.

Yesterday brought a few changes to plans. When we visited the dairy adventure, we spoke with the general manager who explained she didn't have the calendar but thought there was no problem with securing the the date we desired to rent the room offerred. So I called the "official scheduling person" yesterday morning and learned that all of October was filled and we couldn't get that room for our shower. While it doesn't change where the men and the kids will spend their time, it did change things for us. This added some unnecessary stress for Lauri and me as our time was already filled to the brim. I told Lauri that God had a greater plan we just didn't know about yet. We conceded that one of us would probably have the shower at our home. Both were willing but 40 people in a home isn't easy and having a shower at a home where there are a number of guests is even a greater challenge. Lauri called a friend and lamented. The friend posed a couple of suggestions. One of them was the Fairchild House in our own little town. Many cities have many beautiful old homes but ours has only one. The town bought it several years ago to preserve the history and beauty. I recall visiting the owner of the house, Chairty Mae Fairchild, along with my grandmother when I was perhaps seven or eight years old. I remember a breakfast booth in the corner of the kitchen. It was the first time I had seen something like that and the sight of it has stayed with me all these years. All the years since that time my heart was warmed when I drove by that house. I had not visited the house since the town purchased it and wasn't aware they rented the facilites. Lauri and I called the lady in charge and she agreed to meet us there to view the place and show us what was available. What we found was a delight. The town has done a great job of retaining the beauty of this old two story brick home. (the breakfast booth was already gone with the town purchased it :( It has a large entry with a wooden staircase in view, a wonderful living room with large stone fireplace, and all the ammenities we need for hostessing a comfortable party. We were delighted. We signed on the dotted line and are now making mental notes on how we can even add to the charm. It will be great fun. I knew God had some solution that would tickle our fancy. I praise Him for the way He delights me each day.

Our card making venture was toilsome for the most part. That perspective probably had something to do with the pain I had in my arm. By the end of the afternoon things were coming together and one could see light at the end of the tunnel. Obviously, the joy in visitng with a couple of great gals was delightful, but making 225 cards in an afternoon is a big row to hoe. We will finish them today. I told Lauri to call when they were ready to begin again. Barb said it would be after they had made coffee. The most enjoyment I had was listening to these young gals discuss their designing options. Perhaps this or perhaps that or maybe something else. Another "smile" for me was when they talk about paper using their brand names. I could have hooted over that. It was like someone saying they liked Coach. I would understand that is a purse but I did not understand the names they used to mean paper. They are all big scrap booking enthusiasts so they are in the "know" about paper.

Speaking of purses. Barb arrived carrying a black purse with cute black and white polka dot ribbon trim. When I complimented her purse she said, "Thank you, it is one of two seatbelt purses I have". WHAT? She explained that some company is making purses out of seat belts. The belts are woven together to form the sides of the purse. It is quite beautiful and who would have thunk it? My dad refuses to use seatbelts so we thought it would be humorous to buy his wife a seatbelt purse. She could invent quite a spin about why the seat belt became her purse.

Chirstmas in September

Christmas cards already? Yep, today is card making day for my daughter, her friends, and little ole me. This is my first time to join them as I am now free during the day. One of Lauri's friends comes to her home two days each fall from Grand Rapids and the girls get their Christmas cards made. I love making cards so have always been a bit envious of their project. I can't wait to jump into it. Their cards are memorable and they like the responses they get from friends and relatives. We will have to see if I can match their standard. They have been doing this annual ritual for years. I recall going there after school and finding the house in disarray as children of all ages played while moms made cards. Kids and moms alike had fun. Now Lauri's children are all in school but the friends have a few young ones. Should be an interesting and delightful day. I am honored they will allow me to join them.



For some reason, my right shoulder is giving me fits. Over the years, I have had trouble with my left shoulder, but never my right for which I was always thankful. Two days ago I felt a twinge and now it is full blown pain. I'm going to try alternating Tylenol and Ibuprofen and try the exercises the chiropracter gave to me another time I struggled. I'm also applying ice for ten minutes out of every hour, another remedy suggested at an earlier time. I know compared to many people's trials this is a drop in the bucket, however, I also know that pain is a difficult thing to endure so if this doesn't let up soon, I'll be knocking on my doctor's door. When I have these joint problems he likes to shoot me up with something in those joints. His done that twice; once in my left shoulder and once in my right hip. I don't know if they helped or not. As a person with a profound wholistic philosophy, I'm not too eager to do that, but if that is the only way to relief, I will succumb. Wholistic living is a great challenge in our society. Sometimes I tire of bucking the system.

Yesterday, Lauri and I scratched our head over where we would have Kendra's baby shower. After some calls and some scary prices, we found what we think is nearly the perfect place. We have an attraction about ten miles away along the interstate called Dairy Adventure. If you haven't been there, you must go. The tour alone is worth the seven dollar price tag (for adults). Without purchasing a ticket one can visit the cheese store and little restaurant they have. The best cheese and ice cream in the world is offered there. We decided to call them to see if they have a room to rent. They said they do and so we told them we were on our way over there to look at it. The room is very roomy and light. I liked it. It's only draw back is that there are several steps to climb to get there. That will be a challenge for a couple of our guests. On the other hand, we are trying to hostess a baby shower and a family reunion of my father's family all the same day. We learned the dairy is having an October fest each weekend now and have hay rides, corn mazes, a huge built in trampoline called "the pillow", a little train for young children to ride, special games for kids, all in addition to their birthing barn where one can sit and watch calves come into the world. We liked the idea so our plans are set. The shower will be at 11 in the morning and the guys and children can all play and tour all the things the adventure is offerring while the ladies and girls are having a shower upstairs in "the room". The group rate is five dollars a person.

Three of the men that own dairies and are part owners of the Dairy Adventure are members of our church. They are assets to our community and to our church. I have worked on the worship committee for about five years with one of them so he and I have become friends. I noticed that while I was at the dairy adventure building, I felt quite at home. That is important to me when I'm going to host a party. I am also acquainted with the manager of the adventure. All those connections are important for me. I know that may seem a bit strange but it is comforting to me that the people involved and supporting that business have the same core values we have. They have created a wonderful educational and entertaining opportunity and our community is a richer place because of it.

Plugged In

In our Bible study yesterday we discussed living close to Jesus and abiding in Him. The example of the vine and the branches came up. Jesus said He is the vine and we are the branches and that anyone that stays connected to Him maintains life and health. The reference to the vine and branches reminds me of my recently purchased decorative fall cabbages. I have some red ones and some green ones. I find them so refreshing with their crisp robust leaves and sturdy stature. When everything else is beginning to look weary and tired, the cabbages are just coming into their prime time. They are hardy plants that withstand cold temperatures. I expect them to give me pleasure for a couple of months yet. Before I left for the last weekend, I didn’t think about watering them. The two days I was gone were very warm but I didn’t think of their need for life giving water until I returned home. As soon as I walked up the sidewalk, I saw them. They were in bad shape. The red ones were totally wilted and the top leaves were lying flat against the bottom leaves. My heart quickened with the need to hurry to get them some help. I took them in the house, filled three sinks with water and submerged their pots in water. It took soaking them the entire night before there was any sign of returning vibrancy. I got to thinking about how much that compares to the necessity of our being plugged into the life source of Jesus. When we neglect our time with Him and fail to read the “living word”, we begin to dry up spiritually. Our vibrancy and our very effectiveness are void.

If we find ourselves in that state it is important to act as quickly as possible to restore our selves to the source of life. Just as it took the cabbages time to recover, it also takes us time to recover the weakness produced when we have neglected the life source. How often I have run to God after abandoning Him for a time. I want Him to feel close. I get impatient about restoring the
relationship with Him that I have felt in the past. I begin to question Him. Doesn’t He love me anymore? Doesn’t He care? Of course He cares. It wasn’t He that left or neglected our relationship, it was I and it takes some time and deligence to restore the former.

I noticed today that the bottom leaves of my plants are turning yellow even though I watered them thoroughly and thought I had rescued them in time. Truth is that neglect takes its toll. It does damage that isn’t evident immediately. My plants will recover, drop their injured leaves and sprout new ones but not without a few scars. Don’t be surprised to find that may happen to you and I if we neglect the power source too long. Wounds manifest themselves and it takes awhile for the scars to form and then go away.

The way to avoid wilted branches and the risk of being a dead plant is to stay focused on Jesus each day. The Word makes it clear that we need spiritual food as often as we need physical food. Make sure you get yours today. I’m finding that if I don’t get mine very early in the day, my time is stolen from me and I find myself wilting.

Another Day in the My Journey

Yesterday morning as I was writing the first blog, a phone call was received from my friend, Cindy. Her news? A thrift shop in northern Merrillville was the recipient of a donation from a catering company. They had scads of tablecloths and were selling them for $2.00 each. We debated whether or not it was economically worth the price of the gas to get there. Cindy is one of the ladies on our women's retreat team. Each team member is always looking out for deals that will make our lives and our retreat costs easier. We decided to drop everything and run. When I went to get her, she met me at the door without her makeup. Funny thing was, I was still minus mine, too. She said to give her five and I went to the car to put on my face. When we both felt presentable, we left. Once there, we found our job was nearly endless with many tablecloths to open, spread out on the floor to look for spots, and then fold them back up when they were unacceptable. I'm not sure how many we got, probably around fifteen. Some were round and others oblong. We also got several black table skirts that looked quite good. I think we will benefit from those when retreat time arrives and we are trying to make things look elegant and beautiful. We normally rent table cloths. To rent them costs $4 a piece. It appears owning them is less costly than renting when they can be had at the thrift store. The bonus in the thrift store cloths is that they look as if they will not require ironing. The ones we already own force volunteers to stand for hours ironing.

This morning I will attend Women in the Faith Bible study. We are in a study by Beth Moore which encourages the truth about believing God. Beth uses the Bible to teach that God is looking from us faith in Him. Our good works are nothing in His sight. They will not get us into the doors of heaven. They are purely a response to our gratitude to a God whom is our redeemer and sustainer. The study requires some daily work and I have enjoyed the depth of her study. Her questions prompt more than a pat answer. What a different life we would live as Christians, if we lived as if the truths of the Bible were applicable to us.

Following Bible study, I will sandwich in attending a memorial service for our church secretary's father who passed away Monday night. May God be praised that his suffering was only that of a week. Patty sent an e-mail that stated that her father was conversing with his family up until an hour of his departure. There were hugs and hand shakes and love exchanged. She painted a beautiful picture of a God fearing family saying goodbye to one they love.

At 11:45, Lauri and I will take my father's wife whom we call, "Grandma Mary", to Merrillville shopping (I know, I should live there). Mary doesn't get there often. Sometmes she and Dad go together, but Dad can't stand long on concrete floors as his hip begins to give him trouble. As a result she doesn't get to putts long and gaze about at all there is available. Today, she will get that opportunity. Mary doesn't like people to do for her; she is always doing for others, but this time she didn't argue. I think she is looking forward to the trip with the "girls" and I'm more sure that Dad is happy to sit home in peace. Those two are very close and generally what one does the other does, also. It is almost as if Mary feels she is abandoning Dad if she leaves him for a short time. I think it will be good for both of them to have a breather. We are so blessed to still have and enjoy them.

Planting and Watering Seeds

One other story I choose not to forget. Last evening while I was working at my computer, the phone rang and the call was for me. I was delighted to hear it was a student of mine from the high school. She is a senior this year and pretty miffed at me for retiring. I heard she had a really tough summer and so we talked about that a bit. Suddenly she said, "I'm going to Target and can't find a soul to go with me". The ever ready one to go to Merrillville said, "I'll go with you, Becca." She was surprised and said, "You will?" When I confirmed the offer she told me to get my shoes on and she would be right over.

The time with Becca gave us lots of time to "talk" about the really important things in life like, boys, songs, really neat car radios, loud speakers, etc. We also talked about life and the things God expects of us and the truth about things in life. I love Becca with all my heart and pray the best for her. She is a sharp kid with a bit of a sharp response. I talked with her mom tonight and she told me Becca even tells doctors to get lost. There's part of that I love. Too many people believe everything someone tells them and do everything suggested. Becca challenges any advice thrown her way. "Why" is her favorite word.

We spent a bunch of time in Target and I taught her to run the perimeter to search for clearance deals. She laughed at me (but I'll bet she'll be running the perimeter from now on). I told her I had a few errands to run so she took me to Hobby Lobby (to pick up my big picture which she thought was a hoot), to Office Depot, and of course to Starbucks. Her favorite Starbucks is in Barnes and Noble. I told her I hadn't been to that one before so she took me to her fav. We enjoyed the best of Starbucks and then headed home. When we got to our house, I invited her inside. She sat in the living room with me and chatted for awhile, seemingly not in a hurry to leave.

Becca is just one of the kids in which I hope I have planted seeds. Seeds that will sprout a life of holiness. I know her parents have taught her the same but sometimes kids have a bit of a rebellious spirit and need other adults to confirm what they hear at home. I thank God for the opportunity to water those seeds last evening.

Pity Party

I am a follower of Christ and have been redeemed in and through Him, but let me tell ya, it's a process and the process isn't fulfilled just yet. This morning I was having a pity party. I got up about five thirty and came down to my computer to work on "The Book". You know, the one that is all about my grandfather and his writings. This has been a project in process for several years and its getting close enough to completion that I'm tasting it, therefore, every waking moment that isn't controlled by something or someone else has me in the clutches of "The Book". So, I heard my daughter get Isaiah up to ready for school, which is something that usually is my job and I have enjoyed it for all of his school days. I heard him in the shower and was assured the morning activity here in the De Vries household was on schedule. My mind got very involved in what I was doing and suddenly there was an eleven year old boy standing next to me saying, "Grandma, are you going to take me to school?"
"Take you to school? I wasn't aware that I was supposed to take you to school."
"Well, that is what my mom told me."
"She didn't tell me".

I calmly got out of my chair and went upstairs to tell Grandpa he should take Isaiah along when he went to town ( a daily trip at this time of day but usually earlier). "I'm not going to town" says he. "Why not?", says me. He explained he had some stuff to do before he could leave for the day. So there we are as the minutes are ticking away. I finally went to the bedroom and pulled yesterday's worn clothes off the chair and put them over a dirty body. Then I walked out the door with teeth unbrushed and hair disheveled. As we rode to town, two things were on my mind. I was guarding myself so that Isaiah wouldn't pick up on my mood. Secondly, I was allowing myself to have this pity party with thoughts such as, "Why is it ALWAYS me that has to pick up the pieces around here?"

When we got to school we waited in line for dropoff. When Isaiah got on out of the car, his last words to me were, "Love ya!". Aw shucks, I didn't mind picking up the pieces after all.

What a Hoot

Well, Monday morning has already dawned bright and beautiful. I was too tired to write anything when we returned around five last night. We had a wonderful time inspite of some things that weren't so wonderful but will serve as fun memories for a lifetime. We had a great time with three daughters and two of their husbands along with my husband and me in the van on the trip. An adult time without children is rare in this large family and it was fun. We stopped at my brother's home in Randolph, Wisconsin around two oclock. Our kids wanted to see Uncle Jim's and Auntie Sue's house again. It had been many years since the kids have been there. Jim and Sue live in an old house in town that had belonged to Sue's grandparents. It is a two story with a turet on one side of the front of the house. Charming and cozy. There was great flourish as uncles and aunts and cousins enjoyed reuniting. We visited awhile on their wrap around porch and then left them so they could get ready for their daughter's wedding. When we arrived at the motel that had been suggested, we all quietly took in the sight. It had a pure Wisconsin fishing and hunting look to it. The price was right and it was very close to the place where the wedding dance was to be held so those things were salve to the snooty bunch of De Vries'. When Ken and I and Scarlen walked into our room, I could have hooted. Dark walls of paneled wood, lightened in spots by things that had spilled or splashed against them. Faded bedding (along with stains that my kids made repulsive with their comments) graced the two double beds. A beautiful (tongue in cheek) border had been placed on the paneling near the ceiling all around the room. The border was a repetitive "deer jumping over a fence" motif. There were some antiquated pictures of deer hanging on the walls. The room had its own fly swatter hanging on a nail near the door. Fortunately, the place wasn't terribly dirty but it did smell of smoke. The funny thing about this room was that it broke all the requirements that Sue and I had set down for motels at which we agreed to stay on our trip to the west this past summer. It makes me wonder if perhaps those were my requirements to which she agreed.

We weren't settled long before Kendra knocked on our door rubbing her pregnant belly and saying, "Our room is awful..Craig said he wishes we had driven our own car so we could go home tonight". We had a good belly laugh (no pun intended) and then went off to see her room. In actuality, their room was in better shape than ours, but the smoke smell was beyond acceptable. Lauri arrived on the scene and we all agreed Craig and Kendra could not stay in that room. Big sister Lauri took Kendra to the office (that was first class, too) to complain. He said he would move them to another room. The move was made and the new room was much more acceptable, so we had made the baby of our family and her sweet husband much happier. Lauri and Elton showed us their room, which was in a different part of the motel, and it was larger and more pleasant than the rest.

Soon my dad and Mary arrived on the scene. Kendra and Lauri went to visit their room. When they walked in they thought they would die of laughter. The entire room, including the ceiling was covered in mirrors. Quite the perfect fit for people 79 and 87. They all had a good time posing for each other in front of the mirrors and lying on the beds commenting they had never had that kind of view of themselves before. Grandma Mary later commented that they will probably not live that one down.

My brother and his wife, their daughter and son-in-law and their two small children arrived. They recieved their rooms without complaint and none of us said anything to them about our feelings until we were at our niece's home for brunch yesterday. The neice asked how the motel was and that was the beginning of an hour of deep and hysteric laughter. If any of us had any illness, it should be gone from the good medicine enjoyed by all. My youngest brother's wife said, "I must be used to seedy motels because I thought it was just fine". Our car load commented that we must be the snooty ones though most of the Wisconsin people themselves said they would not have stayed there. We told the bride that our motel experience there will give each of us cause for remembering her wedding. She doubled over with laughter.

Our brunch invitation began with our niece's invitation to the De Motte people. All the other Wisconsinites said they were tired and planned to sleep in so they said their goodbyes because they wouldn't be there. By the time brunch was served, everyone, including the bride and groom and their families had all arrived on the scene. Sandy and Mike live in Waupun and own a lovely old three story house. They have it fixed so cute and inviting. We had a pleasant time together sharing extended family time. Sandy had gotten up at 5:30 and prepared a breakfast fit for royalty. There were egg dishes, fruit and every kind of bread product one could imagine. It was delicious. We had such a good time, Sandy suggested we all try to get together around Thanksgiving time, so Lauri and I have another family reunion to plan. I wouldn't change the family God chose for me for anything.

P.S. Know that the motel in Markesan provides every room with their own fly swatter on a nail. Thought I'd encourage you to try it out. If you wish to have the phone number, I will oblige you.

Looking Forward to the Chicken Dance

Instead of early in the morning at my keyboard, it is eight in the evening. I am ready for lying on my bed and watching a Christian TV station to quiet my mind and spirit and welcome the feeling of floating away to slumberland.

This morning was busy.....not sure why......I haven't done half the things I intended to do today. This morning I met with six high school classmates. The girls in our class were for the most part very tight. Since high school, once together it like old times. Today was no different. One of the gals that lives in Florida and for whom there are no relatives in our town any longer as all have passed to the other side. She doesn't get here often and she called one of the other gals and announced her presence and asked if our classmate could get some of the ole girls together. Even at the last minute, seven of us dropped everything and went for a mini reunion. We had a wonderful time and one had a difficult time getting a word in sledge wise. When I got out of my chair to leave I told the girls I had an announcement. I then said, "While your bodies have changed over the last forty seven years, your spirit and personalities are securely in place". It is so true. As the conversation developed, one could almost predict who was going to say what. Each person shared part of their lives and after a couple of gals spoke of children who had been hooked on drugs, one of the gals said that this proves that into each life a little rain must fall. Fortunately both the children referred to have kicked their habit and are living free. It was a good morning.

This afternoon, though fulfilling, was not quite so much fun. The church secretary I spoke of early last week when I told of the visit to her mother who suffers from dementia, had to clear out her father's room at the retirement center. He was diagnosed Tuesday with pancreatic cancer that has mastisized to the liver and other places. He has been given two weeks to live and has been placed in Hospice care. Patty is an only child so the care of both these needy parents is hers alone. Obviously, she has the help of her husband and son but because I am married to an only child, I know the loneliness of making the kinds of decisions she must make and endure the things she is enduring. The family needed help in packing up the father's room so Bernice and I went to Oak Grove and packed precious belongings into boxes which will be opened at a later date. At that point the items will spark many wonderful memories.

This will be the last blog until Sunday night when I return from Wisconsin. We will attend my niece's wedding tomorrow. We are driving our van with two of our daughters and one's husband. We will drive "out of our way" to get the youngest and her husband from Algonquin. Its amazing what a family does for it's baby. As she said, "Oh Mom, you know we are a little special". It is true that it will be fun to have them with us. It wouldn't be the same at all to have them drive seperately. So, tomorrow should be a fun day with family, immediate and extended. I'm getting hyped to do the chicken dance.

ITS A GIRL

ITS A GIRL! Times have changed, you know. It used to be we waited until the baby was on the outside to know its gender. Nowadays, we have the capability to look on the inside and get a sneak preview. Kendra and Craig had their sneak preview yesterday and we now know that Baby Chatham is a "she". The doctor said she was 100 percent sure as all the baby's parts could be identified and this baby has all her plumbing on the inside. We are delighted, yet, we would have been just as delighted to learn it was a boy. Craig is from a family of four boys and didn't really think he could produce a girl so he is very pleased. Craig's mom, who passed away last spring, would have been ecstatic. She wanted a girl grandchild very much and it would have been fun for Kendra and Craig to thrill her. I know Craig and his father will be thinking about that with a bit of bitter sweet emotion. The doctor assured the kids that their baby was healthy and developing normally. The weight of this four month baby is approximately a half pound and yet all her organs could be identified. Kind of makes one wonder why intelligent people can say that a fetus is not a baby. Our baby at her young developing age is already doing summersaults. The doctor called her an "overachiever". Hmmmmm, kind of like her mom? First babies are such fun.

We are very grateful grandparents this morning and in February when she makes her debut, we will be even more grateful.

Our neighbor had her fifth baby about ten days ago. Last Sunday, mother and baby were in church and Mom taught Sunday school. Brady was nearly six pounds and all of six days old at the time. How quickly one learns to take this birthing process as part of life. Brady's mom, with all her experience is kind of a super mom. When comments were made to her about her quick return to a normal life routine, she flipped her hand and said, "Aw, it's nothing". I hope Kendra says the same about giving birth when her baby is a few days old.

My niece is expecting her first baby in a couple of weeks. Stacy and Kendra, as cousins, were five months apart in age, Kendra being the eldest. Their babies will be five months apart, Stacy's baby being the eldest. Stacy is also having a girl so Kendra stands in good stead of receiving lots of hand me downs, especially in the first few months when the sizes are grown out of in no time flat.

Grandma has to find something for that little girl today. Now we can make preparation and have all the little clothes ready. Such fun.......

Are You on a Mission Trip?

Midweek already. The weeks fly by. I thank God for each day.

A couple of Sundays ago, the three churches in this area with the same brandname as my church got together for a service to highlight missions. The service was enjoyable and gave praise to God as approximately nine people told of their week long or month long mission trips or service trips. Most applauded their experiences away; some had been in the states and others across the pond. Many testified that they felt they were more blessed than the people they had gone to serve. Most encouraged the rest of us to take the time to 'go on a mission trip'. While I agree with efforts to bring relief to the poor in regions of the world, I came away from that meeting more informed but feeling somewhat befuddled.

As I scanned the audience that evening, it struck me that there were people there that I knew something about. Some of them have never traveled away to do service or minister to others, but their service and ministry is something they do on a daily basis. There are those that reach out to unsaved neighbors; some minister to the needs of the poor; some teach English to immigrants, etc. etc. We don't spotlight the people that live a lifestyle of mission. I think it is time we recognize those quiet missionaries and encourage all Christians to bloom where they are planted. While traveling away somewhere gives opportunity to see and experience a different culture, the purpose of those travels is really no different than the person who travels across town to bring a pie to a sick person.

I propose that the church of today looks seriously at the message it is sending of its understanding of missions. While working in Mississipi or Africa or Haiti or the Dominican Republic is a wonderful work of love, working on a sick or poor person's house next door, having Bible study with inmates at the county jail or working at the local food pantry is also God's work of love.

The mandate of Christ to tell His story of redemption is equally fulfilled whether we do that in our own locale or abroad. I am concerned that we are teaching our children that spreading God's word or extending His love is something we do "away" one or two weeks a year.

Just some thoughts that won't go away.

No Blue Mondays for Me

The trip to the printer resulted in a delay in the presses. The print shop director thought we should look over another proof after the changes will be made. I was all for that decision and so as soon as I see a perfect proof they will start the presses. A student at Christian Haven, a place for kids in trouble or troubled kids, is doing the graphics work. He is only fifteen years old. He knows the program well and is so willing to serve me. I am impressed with this kid and pray God's light of truth will shine in his life. Most of the kids at this institution have difficult family situations. It is truly hard to pick up one's life in confidence when one has been told he/she isn't wanted. Poor kids.

My trip to Christian Haven takes me right passed the school I worked in for sixteen years. I decided I would make my first visit after throwing in my towel. To my delight, I was received with many hugs and wide smiles. It reminded me again how much I love those kids. The young gal that took my place is doing a good job. I reviewed the failure list with her and shared my knowledge of the kids I worked with in the past. She commented that the number of students that need help is beyond her capability to reach. How well I know that feeling. I told her to do what she could and help those that are willing. Some students choose to fail and one can't do anything to change their mind. For some reason, I didn't have a burning desire to go back to work, though to help once in awhile may not be all bad.

I met my friend, Bernice, around noon and together we visited an elderly lady from our church who lives in Momence, Illinois. She isn't able to walk well so as a result doesn't get out very often. She loves the visits Bernice makes to her and realized that I was there because I had retired. She told me I could come and visit as often as I liked. It doesn't take a lot of effort to bring a ray of sunshine into another's life.

Another visit was to St Anthony's Hospital to see a man from our church who has a mysterious pain in his stomach after gall bladder surgery. He was home a week and then couldn't deal with the pain any longer. Three doctors and all have a different diagnosis. He was discouraged. Who could blame him? He spoke the thoughts of his heart which were, "I should be back to work to be taking care of my family and here I lay". I pray the true reason for his pain reveals itself today.

We enjoyed visiting a huge greenhouse in Grant Park, Illinois. The people that own that business allowed us to borrow many beautiful things with which to decorate for our women's retreat in February. We walked through blocks and blocks of different plants and were amazed again at God's variety in creation. There were scads of different types of ornamental grasses, many of which were unfamiliar to me. The fall mums and decorative cabbages were delightful. Of course, I came home with a few to brighten my sidewalk. It is worth the trip just to view the beauty enclosed in those buildings.

The temperatures are warmer again. I could feel it as soon as I dragged myself from between the sheets this morning. I like it warm so will relish in the next few days of comfort. Fall is a beautiful time of the year. It is also a precursor to winter. I try not to think of the later. I will just delight in the goodness of the Lord, today.

The Day After the Sunday Before

Yesterday was Sunday and we were in our own church for a change. We have been out and about so many weekends that we have missed fellowshiping and worshiping with our own church family. It was so good to see all those dear people again. The thought occurred to me that this is truly a close knit family of God. The goal is to make all those that atttend feel that confident and comfortable in the fellowship of the family. That isn't easy since many people have developed close relationships with others over the course of years and enveloping others into those relationships is difficult. But, it must be done. I'm still thinking about those Dinners for Eight that I was planning to host during my retirement years. I sit in in church and think, I should invite that couple or that person. I feel the time getting closer to trying my first one. It is risky. Pray that I'll be courageous. I believe in the depths of my heart that it is so important to exercise the gift of hospitality. I recall many years ago, one of our best male friends urging me to exercise that gift. At that time in my life, I was parenting several of our younger children and working full time and volunteering for jobs in the church. I wanted to hit him. I thought, "and just when would you like me to fit that in, too?". Now that my parenting role is nearly complete and retirement has arrived, I am left with no excuse.



After church we hurried home to grill some chicken and throw some potatoes in the microwave. We downed the meal and headed to Gary to attend the final game of the season for the Gary Southshore Railcats, a minor league baseball team. We have attended a couple of games for the last couple seasons but hadn't been able to get out there this summer yet. This was our last chance as they played for the Northern Division championship. The park is such a beautiful place and kept very clean. It is placed in an area that is depressed all around and yet the park itself is a delight to visit. It is easy to access as it is only a block to parking once one exits the toll road. Parking is free and easy. We haven't accomplished our goal to take our greater family there yet but it is a great place to take kids. The team usually has many give aways and also has activities on the field for kids in between innings. We find the experience delightful and we weren't disappointed yesterday. The Railcats pulled off winning the division. The game was entertaining and the celebration was wonderful. We both were surprised to see that there were no fans leaving after the game but everyone continued to stand in celebration of the victory. We had to leave to get back for evening church and while we got into our car, we could still hear the roar of victory. We left with a smile and the question in our minds, why don't we do this more often?

This morning I plan to go one more time to the printer and make sure they have made all the needed corrections on the women's retreat brochures before printing. Bill from the print shop called and told me they plan to print them today. I told him I'd be there at nine oclock to make sure everything was correct before they printed. He must think I'm anal about these brochures and I guess I can confess to that, but mistakes on things that are printed just aren't good. When I was at the printer last week, we went over that brochure with a fine tooth comb and made several changes. When I got it home and looked it over again, I found at least five things that needed some adjustment. That is what makes my effort to publish my grandfather's book such a huge undertaking. The thing has to be print ready when I send it to the publisher which will be sent over the internet. Makes me shudder. Approximately 190 pages of text and pictures that must have all the i's dotted and t's crossed. I pray the Lord will give me keen eyes to find any mistakes I may have made.

I think of people I love and consider all the things in their lives that need the touch of God. Our friends in Flint that struggle with the wife's fragile health, my friend's adult child who stands in danger of losing her home, people from church that struggle with cancer, people whose loved ones are aging and frail, folks who have lost loved ones and live each day with the weight of sorrow.....the list goes on.......Lord, together we lift all these people and those who are needy that are on the minds of the people that read this print and ask for you to reach into the lives of the needy and shed your warm light of hope and comfort to each one. We place each one in your arms of ability. We know you are able, we trust you to do what is best. That song, "We Need Thee Every Hour" comes to mind. Without your grace each moment, there would be no breath. We praise you Lord and invite you in the midst of our lives.

This and That

It's one of those cloudy dark mornings. Doesn't give me much vim and vigor. My tea maker is doing its thing. My tea maker is the most recent electrical appliance to grace my too small kitchen counter. The joy it brings me out weighs the precious space it takes by a ton. Coffee drinkers will understand when I say that to hear something brewing and to smell it before tasting it all adds to the fix. I believe the added pleasure is made by adding more senses to the indulgence. I used to have a Mrs. Tea. It was very old and the pot was cracked in places which didn't make me trust the it's safety anymore. I found a new version called Tea Drop Tea Maker. I highly recommend it. Today my favorite flavor of choice is spiced Chai. Yesterday it was Raspberry Zinger. I really like the fruity flavors the best because nothing compares to Starbucks chai tea so the satisfaction from my chai compared to theirs leaves mine lacking. But, I'm twenty miles from a Starbucks and can't afford the cost too often so I make do. I will confess that I enjoyed one of the SB chais yesterday and it was oh so yummy.

I remember yesterday's blog which said I would clean up this place today and get my laundry done. The laundry is well on it's way to completion. The cleaning will take place next. It doesn't seem like I get everything cleaned the same day. It's more than a one day job if I do it well. I'll see how I do today. At least I'm home to do it.


Yesterday, I was told that there is a housing development having a garage sale day tomorrow. Now that should be fun. I'll have to see who I can find to go with me. My style is to fly through them. I can tell in two minutes flat if there is anything at a sale that is of interest to me. One always meets people one knows and that can slow my pace as sharing conversation is all part of the experience. I know that my way isn't the best way for some of my friends who prefer to take it slower and gaze longer. To each her own. My motto is the early bird gets the worm and if one takes it slow, one isn't early to any sale.


Lauri just called to say that Kathy Lee Gifford is on the Regis show to celebrate the show's 20th anniversary. I enjoyed watching Regis and Kathy Lee years ago when I was home during the day which was not often. Their conversation was spontaneous. I guess I admired their gift of gab and the humor with which it was delivered. While I watched the reviews of those shows I had a couple good belly laughs. They were certainly funny together. It has never been the same to me since Kathy Lee left the show seven years ago. It was good to see her again. They highlighted each family, Regis', Kathy Lee's, Kelly's and Gilmans and it occured to me that all four families represented are intact families. That is a good testimony to their character.
Our culture needs more of those kinds of television personalities.

The sun is now out and I'm gaining enthusiasm for a clean house. The last load of laundry is in the dryer. (This blog writing has been interrupted a half dozen times this morning). I just hung up the phone with a call from Kendra. She said the baby in her tummy is doing acrobats. I think that is a good sign. She has an ultra sound next Wednesday. We hope we will learn the sex of the baby that day. Sure will make buying for him/her easier.

A Little Bit of the Old Days

Yesterday morning, I accompanied my friend, Joyce, to her first visit to a new dentist in Remington, Indiana. Remington is only about 32 miles from De Motte but I have been there only a handful of times in my 65 years. I don't think I've ever gone there for a purpose but only ridden through the town. I was pretty amazed that the culture there was so different than the one in which we live. Both are small Indiana towns but our town is closer to the city and so life seems much faster paced and more "contemporary", shall we say. Remington is a VERY small town. I noticed an antique store down the street from the dentist's office so while my friend was under the light and mirror, I took a walk to see what I could see. It is a delightful antique store, chuck full of choices. I had to make my selections carefully since I'm becoming more aware of my lack of the paycheck I'm used to. I found two small serving pitchers. One is very old and the other not quite so old and they were priced accordingly. I also picked up four small glass berry dishes that were dainty and nice. I felt a tingle of satisfaction in my being as I held my new treasures in my arms. Before I left, I spoke to the lady whom I assumed was the owner of the shop. She told me that many of the businesses had left the town and they were now pretty much without commerce except for farming.

While I sat in the dentist office waiting area, I overheard the conversation between the employees. They all seemed very happy and friendly with one another, They greeted their patients calling them by their first names. A couple of the gals were sharing their intent to attend church last night because it was Wednesday night. I smiled inside and thought how this culture seemed much like I remember enjoying as a child. I wouldn't say they are an antique town, but one that has retained its small town personality and its own innocence. I walked around the neighborhood and enjoyed the neat little home sites, complete with gardens. I didn't see any "subdivisions" as we have springing up all over the place around us in this area. I guess I could say that for a moment, I longed for the good ole' days. The innocence is gone here in De Motte. We have an influx of city people so the expectations here have risen to a different standard. De Motte remains a good place to rear a family, but it isn't the same as it once was. Change is inevitable. When the city pushes farther south, Remington will change as well. Until that time, I know there is a place I can visit to revert to the past and enjoy a few moments of smaller town charm and rest.

Today, I went with my daughter to a doctor's visit in Valparaiso. We left early and hit a few garage sales on the way. We also shopped at a few stores always checking out the clearance racks and shelves. Lauri has a cappucino machine which uses little discs. A package of sixteen is usually around nine dollars. We found them for two and a half dollars today. She bought a boatload of them. I won't feel so guilty the next time Ethan (six years old) fixes me a cappucino. Fixing me a cappucino is one of either Mackenna's or Ethan's favorite things to do for their grandma. Grandma always enjoys it, too.

As usual, our mother/daughter days involve the whole day. Once we are out, why not spend the day? So that is what we did again today. Lauri warned me today that tomorrow is her day to get caught up. I agreed with that plan. I don't think I've been home a day this week. It's time to tidy up around here and get some laundry done. Unless, something better comes along :).

Oh God, Protect Us

It's 45 degrees on the thermometer outside Isaiah's bedroom window this morning. Brrrrrr. A taste of what's to come. Makes our thoughts of Arizona in January all the more appealing. Look out Southwest, we will be coming. (God willing that is) When I was a kid and heard my grandparents was the phrase I put in parenthesis, I would think, "What do they have to say that for every time they talk of doing something in the future?" Well, I'm there now and I completely understanding the purpose of that saying. The more years one lives the more one understands that all our plans are good only if God allows those plans to happen and places His blessing on them. I don't recall when the time came in my life that I surrrendered to that truth. I think it was a gradual process and and a growing process.

Ken left in shorts this morning to golf. I asked if he didn't think he might be cold. His reply was that he would be fine. I wonder if he is thinking of his wife's better judgement by now.

I stopped at my friend's, Bernice's, home late yesterday morning. She appeared to be ready to go somewhere. When I asked where she was headed, she said she thought she would go to visit some people. Bernice would say she doesn't do anything special for God and yet she is always bringing cheer to others. I asked her if she would like me to go with her and when it was apparent we would both be delighted with that arrangement we left for Oak Grove. Oak Grove is the retirement center in town. It is approximately eight years old and absolutely beautiful. Bernice had the mission to visit the mother of our church secretary. Carolyn is in the Shepherd's care unit for people with Ahlzeimers. We had been at a Christmas party with Carolyn only nine short months ago and I was shocked to see the failure since that time. Not surprisingly, she didn't know us and seemed unmoved to have company. Carolyn and Bernice both grew up in northwest Iowa where the song, Souix City Sue, was a favorite. Bernice began to sing the song and Carolyn sang clearly as she closed her eyes in an attempt to recall the all familiar. If one could show emotion, it would bring a sob. It was so precious and yet so very sad. When she said she thought she should go home now, (she was home), we pushed her in the wheel chair into the common area. Bernice sang the song one more time and Carolyn again joined it with eyes closed. The others in the room clapped upon the completion. As we walked out of the area, Bernice and I groaned with empathy for all those there that couldn't keep their thoughts straight any longer. God grant grace to each family going through such a time as this. My prayer is that God spares me and those I love from such a pitiful end.

Win For God

I've been looking through the thousand or more slides that my dad took over the years in search of some pictures of gatherings of my mother's side of the family. I recall pictures of my grandparent's fortieth anniversary party. Three of my cousins, one from each family, were all the same age and looked so cute on one of the pictures I remembered. I mentioned those pictures to my dad several times and he couldn't remember them. I began to think they were a figment of my imagination. I looked through all but two boxes containing at least twenty five or thirty cartridges. Last evening, I ploughed through the rest and "Hallelujah", the lost was found. I am so tickled. They are the best pictures of all the cousins together as children. I had Ken take them up to CVS this morning to have prints made for my picture boards for the upcoming reunion. One more task accomplished.

Many other memories were triggered while looking at those slides on a light box. Tons of pictures of scenery that means nearly nothing at this point. But the ones with people on them....now those are treasures. I found many pictures of my siblings and I at different stages of our childhood. My youngest brother's baby pictures warmed my heart. He was born when I was twelve and I still feel like a second mother to him. There were shots taken at the welcome to the new pastor some fifty years ago. Reverend Van Someron was in his late fifties when he took the pastorate at our church. There were those that thought he was too old. During his tenure at our church we had a youth group that had never been so vibrant. About fifty kids from all over town and different churches came to listen to this dear man. Rev. Van Someron related to young and old alike. He was one of a kind.

Recently I read an article that talked about how much ministers meant to kids in the past. The writer was concerned that in our day and age, many churches send their children off to children's church and as a result, children in many churches don't know their pastor very well. I have been thinking on that for a few weeks attempting to develop my own take of that concern. Sunday, my nine year old grandaughter, Mackenna, came to me and said, "Guess what, Grandma? I got a card from Pastor Laryn and Mrs. Leta for my birthday!" She was so excited about receiving that card from her Pastor. I decided, some kids still know their pastors well and continue to find them to be a role model in their lives. The love Mackenna felt from her pastor and wife will leave a memorably warm spot in her heart for not only Pastor Laryn but also the pastors she will have in the future. Good job, Pastor Laryn and Leta! They serve a big church so I know it is a huge job to send kids birthday cards, but what a way to win for God.

Mission Accomplished

The day dawned cloudy and I was concerned. Soon, the clouds moved out and the sun drove away the gloom. It was going to be a great day. I went to my church about eight o'clock to get the cakes and then drove to Bethel. When I arrived no one had yet opened the doors. Only a couple of minutes of wait and the organist for the morning arrived and had a key. Eureka! I could get in and get the preparation going. Carrying all that stuff up and down stairs was no joke. When the rest of my family helpers got there, the load was shared and then it was no big deal.

When we finished what we could do before the service began, we sat in a classroom next to the kitchen so that we were out of sight. As far as we knew this reception was still a secret from my parents. Mary is so involved in her church and I made the comment that it would just be like her to come down to the kitchen to do this or that and catch us in our act. Suddenly I saw her out of the corner of my eye. Sure enough, she was delivering cookies for the EVENING service in the morning. I saw her and flew out of sight. She didn't see me. We heard her greeting people as she made her way back upstairs. When the service began and the minister made his announcements, he reminded people of the celebration today for Jim's and Mary's anniversary. Dad and Mary had read it in the bulletin on their arrival and in their nature, one could not sense a reaction. At that point, we all got in gear and set up tables and put chairs in circles out on the drive. The plan was to use the lawn but the mosquitos are so bad right now, we changed plans a bit. Soon it was all in place. The tables looked celebrative with their white skirts and cloths gently moving in the breeze. It was a pretty sight. We then went in and listened to the sermon but left early again to get the cake cut and the lemonade in the pitchers. Lemon slices in each pitcher added to the eye feast. The big bouquet of flowers put on the finishing touches. When Mary came out she was a bit overwhelmed. Of course there were the "you shouldn't have done this" comments. My daughter told her that if we had told them our plan they wouldn't have let us honor them. Their church family really rose to the occasion. The card basket was chuck full of cards. The people stayed much longer than we expected them to. My dad's sister and her husband came after their church service was out. That seemed to please both my dad and Mary. One of the ladies my dad and Mary have helped for the last couple of years was there. I understand she has been attending for some time. I get such a joy out of watching the missionary work of my parents. To my parent's surprise, Nicki, had heard of this celebration last Sunday and has been crocheting an afghan all week. With pride, she presented the finished product to them. I could tell that Mary was so moved.

Mary came to me after everyone had been served and said, "This is so special". I responded that this was for two very special people. She thanked me more than I cared to be thanked and when I told her she had already thanked me she said she felt she had to do it again. I think we succeeded in showing our love and honor to them.

Mission accomplished.

Honor Your Parents in the Lord

Early this evening, Ken and Isaiah and I met my brother, Jerry and his wife, Luann, at Bethel church to get our poop in a group for tomorrow morning's anniversary celebration. We walked ourselves through our needs and brought tables and chairs to the entry from the basement so that our setup can be rather speedy. We want to wait until church begins so as not to disturb the gathering of the congregation. I went to Costco today and picked up four cakes; each will serve 48. Hopefully, that will be enough cake. They look very pretty and I must remember to have someone take pictures especially for the sake of my brother and sister who will not be with us and my two step sisters who also live a distance away and won't be able to join us. I picked up a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Costco in salmon and pink tones. Salmon is my step mother's favorite color so that had to be the choice. I have them in a wonderful tall white vase that was a gift many years ago from one of my daughters. It is rare to get a large enough bouquet to do the vase justice but I think we have met the match.

I tried my best today to search for Dad's and Mary's wedding picture to set up on the cake table but I failed to find it. I'm sorry to say that my pictures are helter skelter and it is difficult to find something specific on the spur of the moment and of course, it was the spur of the moment. The only thing I can think to do is to raid their house tomorrow morning after they have gone to church. I think I know exactly where their wedding album is. However, I don't know that we have the extra man power to do that. We will see. I always think I can clone myself and do two or three things at the same time and it doesn't work. But, I think it would be nice.

My friend, Norma, called today and offered to help. She and I were best friends as school girls and we still are in friendly love. She belongs to the church my parents attend and has worked closely with Mary in a women's Bible study. She is so kind to Mary and tries to help Mary when her ears fail her. Sometimes it is obvious that when in a crowd, Mary misses some of the conversation and Norma makes sure she fills her in. I love her for that. Norma told me she would be honored to help us serve tomorrow. Bless her.

We have heard that several people from Bethel are excited about honoring my parents. That feels good. Dad and Mary are the oldest members of that congregation and instead of needing help, they provide it. Many people appreciate their energy and willingness to lend a hand. May God be praised for their health and strength. "Oh, Lord, when you are finished with them on this side of heaven, just stop their heart and take them home." It is my prayer that they will not become sick or suffer.

My sister called my parents today from Florida. She extended her congratulations. Mary said, "We have gotten so many cards this year." When my sister called me this afternoon and related that story we smiled together on the phone as we know why they have gotten so many cards. It feels good to bless them. They have blessed us over and over.

Until tomorrow, I have a one track mind. I keep running everything through my mind to make sure I'm not missing anything. My collection of glass water pitchers is in the dishwasher.........the candy dish for the mixed nuts is in a towel ready to go...........the paper goods are all brought to church......

Oh yes, I thought I'd best call Dad or Mary today and see what their plans are for tomorrow. It would be just my luck that they decided to go away for the day. Dad answered the phone and I asked how they had decided they would spend their anniversary day. His reply was, "Well, we plan to get up in the morning.........", my heart stopped for a second.........."then when night comes we will go to bed". Phew! For a moment there I thought they were going somewhere. It kind of made me wonder if they have gotten wind of this thing. I wonder if they will confess if they have heard about it. We will see. I have an excitement in my heart. Even at age 65, my heart gets delighted when I plan to honor my parents.

Misc. Duties

Overcast and gloomy. The morning has dawned but with no sun to warm my heart. The weather man said rain was supposed to fall during the night. I think it waited for today but it hasn't begun yet. When I walked into the bedroom this morning after my husband had just risen from his bed, I asked, "What's up for you today?" His answer was, "Not sure, what's up with you?" My answer was the same. I suggested a couple of "honey do" jobs but didn't get much response. So there is truly a clean slate in front of us for today. In my devotions this morning, I asked the Lord to lead me to do His will today. One wonders what that will be. Perhaps He thinks its time for us to get some work done around here, but then there could be surprises in the wings. Time well tell. Ken has gone to town to enjoy his morning ritual with his friends. I'm not sure the main thing is the cup of coffee or the conversation that occurs. And they say women talk alot. His leaving each morning gives me time to get things ready for my day.

Yesterday, I went to my favorite hunting ground, Merrillville. I had a few things to get accomplished. First I took the huge picture I had made of my grandfather in front of a fur trading post in Montana in to Hobby Lobby to have it framed. I have been moving it around here at home and could see it wasn't going to take that kind of treatment well so decided I would bite the bullet and shell out the shekels for framing. This week, one of the HL specials was 50% off custom framing Good thing. I can't imagine paying regular price. I'm excited about seeing the completed project in a couple of weeks. The wall behind our TV is waiting for the placement of that family treasure.

After that, I went to Office Depot to have Christine (their girl behind the counter that does all my work) copy old photos of the DeHaan side of my family. I'm hoping to set up a display of old family photos for that family reunion coming up in October. The reproductions turned out better than the originals which happens a lot these days with digital capabilities. In the evening, I returned the originals to the lady I had tea with on Tuesday morning. Project complete there.

Dusting my hands of those things that needed doing, I felt I had accomplished a bunch. Next project at hand. I had to get paper goods for Sunday. I don't think I mentioned that my father and his second wife are celebrating their 30th anniversary this coming Sunday. I thought and thought of what to do to recognize their accomplishment. The family has been traveling so much lately to celebrate this and that occasion. Our niece is getting married in a couple of weeks in Wisconsin so I knew to expect people to travel once more was over the edge. Dad's and Mary's church family is so dear to them so I came up with a plan to incorporate the church family into a celebration. After several phone calls which met with complete approval and cooperation, we are planning to serve cake and coffee and lemonade to the 200 members of the Bethel church family Sunday morning after church out on the lawn. We are praying for good weather. I visited Gordon Foods and got all the paper goods I needed. I got a couple of plastic white table cloths since cloth wouldn't be too smart with all that frosting. They also had table skirts. I looked at those skirts and envisioned the scene on the lawn with tables without skirts or with skirts and decided it was no contest. I bought the skirts. It should look lovely. I will pick up the cakes from Costco tomorrow and we shall be ready. We placed little notes in the church member's mail boxes last Sunday so they are informed and prepared to stay. Obviously, we didn't put one in Dad's and Mary's box as we hope this will remain a surprise until they open their church bulletin and read the invitation. Mary isn't one to be the center of attention but I hope she will feel comfortable with the people that she serves on a weekly basis. She is always doing for someone. I stopped there on Tuesday and Dad was walking out the door with a plate of muffins to deliver to a lady that had fallen. What servants they are.

The search for a publisher for my grandfather's story is in progress. I finally started yesterday and made a bit of progress. I feel like I have put everything together and now stand before this huge mountain of which I know nothing about; publishing. I don't want to get taken, if you know what I mean. My uncle has a resource he has uncovered so I hope to speak with that company today. UGH. I know once I'm on the road into this mountain, I'll be inspired again but right now it seems almost more than I care to tackle. I want it to be perfect and I'm not sure I can accomplish that perfection........

TGIF. I can't believe it, but everyday is TGIF for me these days. My daughter groaned as she turned over in her bed and said, "I don't want to go to work". I leaned into her door and said with a smile, "I don't have to." I'm sure that thrilled her.

My Soul Mate

The door bell rang last night after dark. That is a rare occasion. Most of the people that come to our home, walk in and yell something that identifies them. Ken was in his chair eating a piece of watermelon and I was at this machine writing my daughter, Jennifer. Neither of us got up, I'm not sure what we thought except that we were both busy and the other would get it. Finally, when no one got it, the door opened and in walked our very good friends, Bud and Bernice. Bernice has been my soul mate for many years (until she retired with her husband and they went on the road traveling ALL the time). Winters are spent in Texas and summers? Well, they are supposed to be spent here with those who love them. Doesn't happen that way, though. They left sometime around the end of July and just returned yesterday. Missouri, Colorado, Vancouver, Alaska, Lynden, Alberta.......on and on it went for nearly six weeks. They have finally returned home. There was a time in our lives that we couldn't go a day without seeing one another (Bernice and I, that is). Our families were so tight that we played cards a couple of nights a week and then because our children would be asleep on various sofas, we would curl up somewhere and sleep at that particular house. Our kids loved Bud and Bernice so much and still do. Their kids and ours were best friends. Looking back, our togetherness was a little crazy. During the day, the ladies spent time together caring for our kids and tackling various kinds of projects. There wasn't anything I held back from Bernice and the reverse was probably true. As our families have gotten older and grandchildren have come, we see each other much less. However, when we do see each other, old times return and we talk ourselves out and love every minute of it. Last evening, they said goodbye several times and then would sit again as one of us would remember something we hadn't shared. Hopefully, we will have a few more precious evenings before they return to Texas for the winter. It was always our hope and prayer that we could spend more time together after each of us retired. It isn't looking real good for that to happen. We both have our greater families and have different interests and involvements. I thank God for Bernice in my life and for the way she has been a support to me. She is a few years older than I and I always saw her as many years wiser. She taught me many things about being a mom. The greatest lesson she taught me was to be demonstrative with my affection toward my kids. My parents weren't particularly physically affectionate with us even though they were wonderful parents. (My dad is very affectionate now) I think it was the time and that wasn't thought to be appropriate or healthy. Bernice taught me differently and I am grateful for that every time I put my arms around my kids or grandkids. Bernice is one of the most loving people I know. I owe her a lot and even more to the God that brought her into my life.

One Day At a Time

With a new morning comes new mercies and God's faithfulness. What a comfort that is. This morning I am going to a friend of my daughter, Lauri, and teach the younger set how to make scones. Noone taught me, I looked a recipe and did it. But I guess there are some tricks I have learned over the years and perhaps I can pass those along so they don't have to learn from mistakes as I did. Our goal is to make fifty scones. That is a piece of cake compared to the six or seven hundred we do for our women's retreat each year.

After the morning, I plan to take the afternoon easy. Yesterday was a big day and I was spent by the end of it. In addition to cooking dinner, the house had to be cleaned up and things made presentable for company. The dinner was a success. It was good to meet Lynette's grandmother. She is a dear woman of Hispanic decent, accent and all. She was born in Texas and reminded me that Texas belonged to Mexico at one time. I had to smile at that. It was very clear that Grandma loves Lynette very much. She said even though Lynette has only lived here a year, it feels like five years to her. She misses her very much.

Aren't you glad our bodies and minds rejuvinate over a good night's sleep? I feel better this morning but wouldn't mind at all if I didn't have to leave the house today. I will learn over time to schedule my activities so that I have a day in between. Now, I am really sounding old, uh? Just trying to get smarter.

Pictures and More

Doesn't a day after a holiday always feel like a Monday? I have to pinch myself twice to remind myself that it is Tuesday today. From experience, I know this week will fly by since we are at Tuesday already. My day is filled to capacity already and the day is young. This morning I'm going to coffee at the home of my mother's cousin's widow. She has some pictures of my mother's side of the family that will come in handy for the reunion coming up. She is a beautiful lady and I know we will have a sweet and precious time together this morning.

I need to prepare dinner for a guest tonight. A friend of our daughter's has lived with us for the last year. We haven't met any of her family so tonight her grandmother is coming to dinner. We look forward to getting to know the one Lynette holds so dear. She loves her Grandma very much and can always count on Grandma for support and love. I remember having the same relationship with my grandmother. I hope I am being that kind of G that my grandchildren will remember.

I also plan to get to CVS to have some pictures from our vacation made from my memory stick. After purusing some my father's slides (he has a host of them) last evening and seeing the west in several sets of vacation pictures, it occured to me that we could have used his slides and not fretted about taking pics of this and that on our own trip. They all look the same. Another thing that became more clear than ever is that only pictures with people on them have a whole lot of significance thirty and forty years later. I found some from my mother's side of the family when I and my siblings and cousins were young. There were a couple of Christimas celebrations when the room was full of a few adults and a score of small children. It is difficult to get the full effect on a small slide over a light box but I know they will be special made larger and into real pictures. This picture project is of course for our reunion. Another one of my efforts that takes tons of time. Hopefully, it will be worth it when the cousins find joy and memories come alive.

May the Lord shine His face upon each reader today. May each of your family members be blest with the awareness of His presence this day.

Those activities should fill my day. I've gotten an early start so that I can dust and tidy up the house to make it presentable for this evening's guest.

What's In a Name, Apparently Much

I've been incognito the last couple of days. Actually, we made a spur of the moment decision to spend the weekend with our youngest daughter, Kendra, and her husband, Craig. They live two to three hours away, depending on traffic. We decided to go Saturday, early afternoon and we were out of here in less than a half hour. We took Isaiah with us since his mom would be working all weekend. Our activities included going to the Volvo car museum and playing pee wee golf. I gues those were the highlights and we did enjoy both. It felt so good to abandon this place on Saturday but I can't express the joy in returning to what is ever so humble, no place like home.



While I was gone I contemplated the meaning of names. Kendra and Craig are expecting their first child and while we didn't discuss names this visit, we have done a considerable amount of that in the recent past. Like I've mentioned recently, I have been reading in Genesis and I realize again the importance God places on the naming of people. I read that Eve means "living". Out of her life would continue. Abram's name was changed by God to Abraham meaning the father of many nations. Sarai's name was changed to Sarah which means princess. On and on it goes in the Word. God made it very clear to both Mary and Joseph that their little baby would be named, "Jesus" meaning Savior. When I was having babies many years ago, I don't recall our putting much effort into naming our children with names of destiny. Our boys have Bible names; John meaning Jehovah is gracious; James, the New Testament form of Jacob which means "may God protect"; and Joshua, which also means Jehovah is gracious. I guess we did alright on those but they weren't chosen with their meanings in mind. John was named after his paternal grandfather and James after his maternal grandfather. We adopted Josh when he was eight and the other children helped us choose his name.



Our girl's names were chosen mainly for their "ring'. You know, the sound of the name was our basis for choice there. Sheryl Lyn, Laura Jann, Jennifer Lee, and Kendra Joy. We liked 'em, they got 'em. Scarlen was adopted at seven years of age and we kept her given name. Scarlen was given the choice of her own middle name. She choose Anne (with an e) like Anne of Green Gables. So on looking back, I can't say we were such good namers. I don't know too many people who choose names on the basis of meaning. I know our daughter who is choosing names now, throws out good sounding and good meaning names on the basis of some difficult student she has had in her classes. I think all of us can relate to knowing someone whose name will forever be a no no in our book because of what we know them to be (or not be).



Names also carry reputation. Perhaps last names do that more than first names. How often haven't you heard someone tell a story of a relative considered to have disgraced their family name? I know that our son Joshua takes very seriously the work that his employees do because their work reflects his "good" name. My husband's birth name was Glock. It really doesn't mean much to him since his adopted parents rescued him from a situation that wasn't terribly honorable. They gave him a last name of which he is proud. We have four adopted children and four biological children who also got that honorable name. It is important to us that our children uphold our "name".



The Word of God tells us that God knows us each by name. Our real last name is "Christian". I know from the Word that God feels seriously about our upholding His name. While I was in the car today, I was evaluating how well I am doing upholding that name. I don't always do so well. It's so easy to forget the name written all over our back. I can be assured that I'm being watched. The world is watching us. How well are we doing?