Lion Country Safari

Today we seperated the force and made two units of the group. Lauri and Sherri and their families did some bumming around West Palm Beach while the rest of us went to Lion Country Safari. It was wonderful being with John's and Jay's families today. The kids were all so happy and contented that the day was enjoyable. The first part of attraction was our drive through the zoo. I think the rhinoceroses were the most fun. They were just off the road and we could have reached out and touched their noses. We were a three car parade. We chuckled when Jay drove his Infinity SUV away from next to the big guy. We drove near him and got some great pics of him. Another animal thrill was walking up to the feeding area by the giraffes. We had giraffe heads in our hands. That was too cool. The kids loved watching their long tongues slide out about 12 inches.

The rest of the day the kids spent in the splash area and on different rides. They did everything but ride the kitchen sink. There were a variety of different rides and opportunities. I'm worn out. But I sure had fun.

When all returned to Jay's house it was back into the pool and the hot tub. Tasha's mother had cooked a ton of stuff for us for dinner. Pork roast, meat loaf and homemade mac and cheese. She is the queen of cooking. She comes carrying huge foil pans of food of various varieties.

After dinner we all said our goodbyes to John's family as they headed to Orlando for the next couple of days. Later when Ken and I left to return to Jann's house, we said farewell to Sherri and Don's family. It was easy this time as we both know we will see each other in a couple of weeks or less.

Tomorrow we will go to Jay's one more time before heading to Orlando on Wednesday. One at a time, we say goodbye. It's been grand!

Family Gathering the 29th

The day was FULLLLLL. Everyone descended upon Jay and Tasha around one oclock. My sister and her husband and her daughter, Tricia and her new fiance, and my dad and his wife all came for the afternoon. We had not met Tricia's new beau before. Everyone took to Joey and was enveloped by the end of the day. There were thirty people in attendance. Even Tasha's mom and sister came for awhile. Her mother makes the best Jamaican potato salad. It is much like the kind we make but she adds corn to it. She has mad it for Tasha several times before and I always enjoy it. I sometimes wonder why I don't add corn to mine but then it wouldn't be mine. Jay cooked a huge pan of ribs and Tasha's mom made a pan of chicken flavored with the many spices of Jamaica. If I wasn't at the center of things I would have to smile at the many flavors of people among us.

I hate to brag but God has given us awesome weather. It was 87 degrees yesterday. It was perfect for the kids to play in the pool and on the lake. All went well until the boat got turned over the rope and the propeller ate the rope. Fortunately, that was close to the end of the day and try as they may all those men couldn't put it together again. Poor Jay...he will have things to get fixed after we leave. After the boat was out, they played on the Skiddoos seeing how fast they could take the turns. Many smiles and delight on faces. Our daughter in law, Tasha, surprised us yesterday with comments about how important it is for all of us to talk to our children about keeping in touch throughout life. She said the bond they have is so special and it is important for all of them to keep in touch. That sounds like a daughter statement but it was the daughter in law. I was moved.

More later...gotta run.
I have so much more to record

Today is the 3oth and Ken's 66th birthday. Praise God for health and strength.

I'm back after a VERY busy and full day. We were late to leave for church this morning. We were meeting Lauri and Elton and Don and Sherri out at the island where my dad lives in the winter. Our three older kids have very fond memories of the years we used to come down here for the holidays when their first grandmother was still alive. As I sat in the rec room church service this morning, a wave of nostalgia overwhelmed me and I began to cry. It was my mother's idea to buy this place in Florida. My dad wasn't interested and threw the material about it away in the garbage. My mother told him to get it out and consider it. The early days at Nettle's Island were simple to what it is today. There were many open lots and the ones that were occupied were ocuppied with pop ups and trailers. Today there are few trailers, most of the homes are either double wide mobile homes or big stick built two stories built on postage stamp lots. Their values are not postage stamp values however. This place has become a valuable piece of property. At any rate, the older kids were having dejavue. I could tell that especially Sherri, John, and Lauri were in their glory. Lauri kept saying she wants to get back there this trip yet. I doubt that will happen but it was nice while we were there.

Mary fed 29 people for lunch. At seventy nine years old that ain't half bad. She is in her element when she is a hostess. There were burgers, hot dogs and pork chops. All were fed well and then fed the leftovers after the trip to the ocean later today. The 24 people at the beach were all in a bit of heaven doing their own thing. Some were sitting in the waves squealing with delight and others were sitting in the crushed sea shells quietly and reflectively looking for a better specimen. It was quite a site. I commented to Ken to just look at what we started. Wow.....and they are all good looking. Does that sound like a grandmother or what?

I came into a room last night and our three oldest kids were sitting on the floor, Sherri first with John sitting between her legs and Lauri next sitting between John's legs. I said, "What the dickens are you guys doing?" They were laughing their heads off and said they were reenacting the picture we sent as a Christmas card when they were kids when they were three, five and seven. What weirdos. On the other hand, how precious. They had someone taking pictures so of course I had to do that, too. I got several of those.

It's a zoo here at this point. We are back at Jann's house and expecting some of the kid's and their families to stop here in about twenty minutes. Of course, everyone wants to see everyone's houses and so tonight is Auntie Jann's night. She is up for it....delighted to have her nieces and nephews after so many years of absence. It is quite something to move this hoard of people at one time. It's been going quite well. Tomorrow some of the kids will be moving on . Jennifer and Kip will fly back to Chicago and John and Kim will be heading out to Orlando. I think we will be going there, too, in a couple of days. This many people together is a stretch for people's patience and forbearance. Good for us all. Most of us are doing really well. I'm more than pleased so far.

Florida and kids

The first day of festivities in southern Florida. We arrived here yesterday and spent the evening with my sister and her husband. Jann has had two new houses in the last years and this is the first one we have seen. She and Jack live in a lovely spacious home with a bent of Florida. Nearly all the floors are big tiles which makes pushing Jack's wheelchair a piece of cake. I'm so happy for her that their home is so condusive to his needs and as a result hers as well.

Today we got to Jay's house about noon. John and Kim and their family were already there as they are staying at that house and it was soon before the rest of the gang showed up. There were hugs and kisses all around and it sook no time at all for the cousins to have become reacquainted and comfortable with one another. Soon there were football games being played, kids in the pool, adults and kids in the boat or on a skiddo. Some how Jay and Tasha managed to feed all twenty five of us two times today. Noon we inhaled hamburgers and hotdogs. For dinner the girls got their heads together and made two big tubs of spaghetti and meat sauce. Topped off with a big box of Texas toast, the meal was complete.

I took tons of pictures today and hope Jay will put the on a link again like he did this summer with the Bears pictures. I feel totally sunburned and expect to notice a difference in the color of my skin by tomorrow. Imagine me complaining about that. It was an absolutely beautiful day. The temperature was right around 85:)

christmas day 2007

Warm and enjoyable day......see pictures.......

An Unexpected Christmas Gift

During the wind storm a few nights ago, we lost a big oak tree in our front yard. The front of our house is a big mess with branches and broken wood everywhere. It didn't feel good to know we couldn't have it cleaned up before we left for vacation.

The door bell rang about ten minutes ago. It took us awhile to get to the door and when I opened it, our neighbor to the east was standing alone. His question was, "Do you folks have someone to clean this mess up?" Ken looked at the sky and said, "No, the Lord hasn't solved that one for us yet". Greg smiled and said, "My brother and father and I will clean it up this week if we can have the wood."

Have the wood???????? Of course you may have the wood. It couldn't have been a nicer gift for this Christmas.l

Christmas Day

Christmas morning has dawned bright and sunny. That is a welcomed environment with which to celebrate the day. I don't know about you but once Christmas finally gets here I feel as if it has already been over celebrated . Now I know we can't over celebrate the gift of the Son of God but we sure can do and do over celebrate our everything about Christmas. I met one lady in line at Costco. She looked like a normal person just like me. Ha. Am I normal? Not. Anyway she and I struck up a conversation and her words were, "people have everything they need here, and I'm so weary of shopping to buy something just to buy something." Yes, I concur.

Ken and Isaiah just left for church. OHHHH....that means she stayed home on Christmas Day. That is exactly what it means. The truth is that on our way back from Flint yesterday we were in the St Joe area at just before five oclock when we knew John's church was having their Christmas eve service. It was delightful to join with John's family and Kim's parents in celebrating the birth of Jesus in a darkened sanctuary lighted only at the end with each person's candle light. We sang many favorite carols and the praise team lead in a very tasteful way. It's always fun to listen to John recall things of his childhood. Last night was no exception as he spoke of going to Wisconsin as a little child to have Christmas with uncles, aunts and cousins. John's third son, Kyle, age nine, sang the last verse of Away in a Manger as a solo. That brought back so many memories as that was the prayer we taught our little children to pray before bedtime. When Isaiah was born and we had a grandchild to put to bed, he too, learned this verse and each night we sang it to the familiar and not so familiar tunes. Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay, close by me for ever and love me I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care and take me to heaven to live with thee there. Those words seemed so much more comforting than the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep prayer. As I child, I didn't like praying "and if I should die before I wake..." Now that I'm older the prayer is easy to say but then, not so much.

Our prayer for each of us this Christmas is that Jesus will be near you always, that He will hold you close and love you, that He will bless all those you love and eventually take you with Him to His house in heaven.

Now I will straighten the house and get packed as much as possible. Tomorrow is the day we leave for Florida...bright and early. So, I have many miles to go before I sleep today. Blessings to each of you.

Windy

I'm up early today. Have to be at church at eightish to get ready for praise team practice. I heard wind each time I woke during the night. It sounded cold and blustery. As I was returning an e-mail message just now, the gal that lives with us was walking out the door to go to work. She came back in and called me, "Mom, come and see this." I walked to the door to see that our big oak tree (the only big tree we have in the front yard) has two huge limbs broken off and lying on the ground. Just what we need to take care of before we leave for Florida. I'm not sure when that will take place but we can't leave with that mess in the front yard. It appears it is a goner and will all have to be taken down. Perhaps that part of the task can wait until later. I hope and pray our treasured and beautiful tree in the back yard is okay. Will have to wait for daylight to tell.
I'm so grateful we were tucked in this warm and cozy home while all that was going on. It is a miracle that none of the heavy tree parts touched our house. While I feel rather grouchy about the mess, I am thankful for God sparing us worse damage.
Time to get ready to goooooooooo

Wilma in Glory

Twice in a week is more than enough. Last night around eight thirty we received a phone call from our friend in Flint. Leroy reported that Wilma had a massive stroke yesterday. His voice was high and shaky. He was obviously shaken. He said he had heard a death rattle and that had been very hard on him. With no children to support this couple, the trial of Wilma's declining health has been difficult. They do have a very supportive church family but it has become very evident to me that having children when life ends is a big comfort. Who helps make the decisions? Who brings the cup of cold water? These are the reasons we have felt sorrow over not being closer geographically so that we could be of more help. I am so glad we made the trip to see Wilma a few weeks ago. She was failing but yet her personality and loving warmth came through. I remember how she ate with vigor the ice cream we ran out for. I also remember Leroy's joy in seeing her eat something.

At two fifty this morning, he called again. This time to say the fight was over. Wilma had passed from life to death at two thirty their time. He didn't talk long but said he had several other calls to make. Now we wait to hear what the funeral arrangements will be. It will be difficult for us to make the funeral if it isn't Monday. This time of year, one's calendar is generally booked solid and ours is no different. We have nothing booked for Monday so we can hope. Tuesday is Christmas and Wednesday we are scheduled to leave with our children for Florida.

Leroy is a Baptist pastor as well as high school English teacher. He has always expected our conversation to be composed of good English grammar. Occasionally, he would correct one of us during our conversation. It was always done in good humor. Poor Wilma was the one he would correct most often, simply because she would love him anyway. They had a great relationship as husband and wife. They were married fifty seven years. Leroy has been planning Wilma's funeral for some time and expects with the Lord's strength to deliver the funeral message. As emotional as Leroy can be, I can't imagine he will get through it but he intends to do it.

So the two elderly saints we have been praying for during their last months on earth have finally reached their eternal destination; next to the Savior's side in a place He has prepared and reserved for them. What a mystery. What a comfort.

The Day After the Day Before

I'm emotionally spent. During the night I would wake up and think, "I have to e-mail Uncle Bob about that" then suddenly realize, that option is forever closed. It was thoughts about the funeral which he himself planned. It was entirely beautiful and took so much out of one and at the same time, in a different way, filled one up.
The highlight for me was when three of his six precious sons spoke in rememberance of and honor to their dad. It was something I'll not forget. More than one said something along the lines of not realizing the scope of their father's influence until the wake. The eldest son said after talking with people he realized that his father not only loved him as a son but loved everyone. Yes, he did. Paul went on to explain that his dad couldn't help himself but love. His father knew and practiced that each person, regardless of their race or station in life or education or lack thereof reflected the image of God and therefore he was compelled to love them. That couldn't have been truer. Would that God bestow me with the same quality. I think of the judgement in me, the quick way I make evaluations of another. Forgive me, Lord and let Uncle Bob's character, the character of Christ, fall on me. The service was a celebration, but not only of Uncle Bob's life as so many funerals are today, though it was that, too. It was a celebration of Christ's love and salvation for we humans tainted with sin but destined for eternal life through the blood of Christ. True to his direction, the flowers on the casket were only three roses. One rose black to signify Uncle Bob's sin, the next red to signify the blood of Christ and the last white, to signify the way God sees us through Christ Jesus; without spot, pure as the driven snow.

Funerals have a way of bringing family members together. This was also the dynamic that was going on as cousins shared life with cousins and aunts and uncles shared life with neices and nephews rarely seen. Uncle Bob's eldest son's wife Nancy is good with Microsoft word. I brought along my first hard copy of "the book" and asked her some questions. She helped me tremendously. Her father has written two books that were published by the same publisher that Uncle Bob asked me to use. He brought along a copy of his latest and allowed me to see with my own eyes what our ultimate goal is. He shared much with me about the formatting and also noticed that I misspelled the very first word of the book. The word was "Forward" when it should have been "Forword". Of course it should be. I know that but sometimes one can look over an error a hundred times and miss it entirely. I was comforted that Nanc laughed and said, "I didn't notice that.". We tried to convince this very educated and spiritual man to edit the book. He wasn't too eager but Nancy thinks if we get it in the best form we know how, he would be happy to look it over. Nancy invited Ken and me to come a weekend when we can knock this project out and have the thing sent to the publisher. She is busy and so are we the next couple of months so we decided we will meet in March. I can't wait. I was so delighted with what she helped me see and also corrected for me. Gotta love that kind of help. I now feel as if I have a partner in crime. I know the content like the back of my hand and she knows all the Word functions so we are in business. Praise be to God. I wish so we had been able to accomplish this while he was still alive but as his wife comforted me about that disappointment she said, "he knew it was in the works and that all the material was together".

Gone But Not Forgotten-Ever

He is gone. He has been gathered with the saints by the Savior's side. I will miss him deeply. He was my trusted friend, my honored spiritual mentor and my biggest encourager in life. I will miss his soft comforting voice. I'll miss his deep chuckle and warm hug. I'll miss the encouraging words of blessing that poured from him with each and every e-mail I received from him. I'm so happy to have a file full of them. This is just one example; "May you be happy happy happy, contented and rewarded. May the Lord's presence be especially close, warm, energizing-filling your heart and life, and those who are around you. You were the "first fruits" and God made of you a very special "first fruit", May you live long and be a blessing to many."
His reference to first fruit is that I was the eldest grandchild of the Recker family. I thank God with all my heart that my Uncle Bob was so instrumental in the development of my thoughts and philosophies. He was a true man of God, a follower of Jesus. No holding back, no holding back. He loved life and didn't want to leave it. He was always busy busy busy with this or that writing or reading. He was a man that loved knowledge but was careful to keep it in the context of wisdom. What a guy.

Today, we will leave to go to the wake in Grand Rapids. The funeral will be tomorrow. Lauri made arrangements for us to stay with her dear friend that lives there. What would we do without children to make our road easier?

My heart grieves but only against the sin in this world that makes death inevitable. My uncle lived a long productive life. His Maker will surely welcome him with "well done thou good and faithful servant, enter into the rest I have prepared for you".

Following is Uncle Bob's obituary.



Rev. Robert Richard Recker was born to William and Jessie (Staal) Recker on November 28, 1923 in Highland, IN, and, after a long life of humble service to the Lord, died at age 84 years on December 17, 2007 at Faith Hospice, Trillium Woods, surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Alrich Recker. He is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 60 years, Constance (Hoekstra) of Grand Rapids. Also surviving are his brothers and sister and their spouses in DeMotte, Indiana, Jim and Mary Recker, William and Corrine Recker, Selma and Ray Bierma; and his sisters-in-law, Dorothy Recker also of DeMotte and Margaret De Haan of Grand Rapids. Rev. Recker leaves six sons who are thankful for the loving and nurturing home he provided, and for his strong example of Christian leadership, Paul (Nancy) Recker, Bill (Linda) Recker, Ted (Eunice) Recker, Bob (Sandy) Recker, Tim (Judy) Recker, Mark (Diane) Recker, all of the Grand Rapids area. He leaves fifteen grandchildren, Daryl (Trudy) Recker, Kyle (Kate) Recker, Tara (Chris) Warwick; Rachael, Elizabeth, William and Hannah Recker; Jessica (Jeremy) Ward, Dena Recker; Anna, Caleb and Phillip Recker; Christina Recker, Brian (Beth) Recker, Carrie (Calvin) Scott. He also leaves six great-grandchildren, Natalie, Emily, Samantha, and Maley Recker; Caeden and Addison Scott; and many nieces and nephews. Rev. Recker received his education from Calvin Theological Seminary, with a Bachelor of Theology in 1947 and Master of Theology in 1973. He also studied at Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam. He was ordained on June 13, 1947, and served the Christian Reformed Church in Momence, IL until 1949 when he became a missionary to Nigeria, West Africa. He served the young Christian Reformed Church in Nigeria for sixteen years, until 1965, and later became a member of the faculty at Calvin Theological Seminary where he stayed 21 years until his retirement in 1988. Visitation will be Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel with a memorial service at Oakdale Park Christian Reformed Church, 961 Temple St. SE, Grand Rapids on Thursday December 20, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Calvin Theological Seminary; CRC World Missions, Home Missions or Chaplaincy Ministry; CRWRC, or the mission ministry of one's choice. Zaagman Memorial Chapel
Published in the Grand Rapids Press on 12/18/2007.

Cards of Blessing

Last evening I spent my time sitting at the kitchen table making cards of blessing. In
Bible study we read of Abraham's blessing to his children and also Jacob's blessing to his children. There are many more examples in scripture that speak of parents blessing
their children. When I think of my parents and my relationship, I must admit, they
didn't give us sweet words of love and adoration.
We knew without a shadow of a doubt that they loved us,
but I'm not sure if we knew they put their stamp of blessing on the way we lived our
lives. We did learn quickly however if we weren't living the way they deemed
appropriate. So I suppose by default, we knew they approved by the lack of correction.
Now I am aware that society and people of God at that time, saw things a bit differently
than we do now. I'm glad I'm a parent now and have the freedom to express pride and
joy in them and in what they are doing.
In addition to that motivation, the Coordinator of our Bible study called and asked if I
would make a plan and get together material for each member to make a card of blessing
to someone they would like to bless. This will be done during our Christmas celebration next Wednesday. Now, I'm not terribly creative but I did get something together and
then decided I would have to make some samples for the gals from which to get ideas.
My plan came together.......I would write each of my eight children a letter of blessing
telling them what they mean to us and also give them a Scripture verse to hang onto as
our prayer for them.
Ken and I had spoken about the importance of blessing our children just two weeks ago. We had had an experience that served to make us aware of that need. This gave us
perfect opportunity to do what we intended to do. So, I wrote the blessing and made the card and then Ken affirmed them. That is kind of how it works here. He isn't too good
with words so I do that for him and then he shakes his head yes or no. When he finished them he smiled and said, "Very directional." I knew what he meant. I just know the
Spirit of God helped me write something that personally fit each one of those dear
children. His last words were, "You are going to mail those, aren't you?" Yes, dear.
That is the purpose.
So, if you are reading this and are one of our children, know that you will receive a card with our blessing. It is not for any occasion, just springs from our love and pride for each of you. While writing the cards, I wondered how the spouses would feel. Would they
feel left out? I hope not, but feeling a deep responsibility to God for affirming the
children He entrusted to us, we have chosen to make it personal
to the children we call our own..

A big Decision Made

Yes, it was a nice evening as expected. It is good for women to gather together to visit and encourage one another. The subject ranged from the delight of the younger set's children to the death of one of our church's eldest members. It is encouraging to find so many Christ centered loving hearts. It is amusing that there are so many strong personalities among us and I confess to being one of those. I enjoyed listening to the "talk". I came home with four dozen cookies of various varieties. I put them away in a cool place so that when company comes this holiday season, I will be ready with a beautiful tray of cookies.

Today, Ken and I spent the morning at the funeral for our brother who was old and very tired. He lost his wife eighteen months ago, lost a daughter in law two months ago and spent the last few months of his life in the nursing home. We went to church to bring our salad and enjoy the meal with the family.

After we were home, Lauri called to say that she was knee deep in her painting project. Ken claimed a sore foot kept him from helping so I put on my old duds and went to help my daughter. That kind of work isn't altogether easy anymore but I managed quite fine and the bedroom is primed and ready for the finish coats tomorrow. When we were nearly finished, Ken came and looked things over. I told him that he could not say one word of advice if he wasn't going to help. After all, painting was his source of income for many years. He was a very good boy and said nothing. Didn't even lend one word of advice. When Lauri heard him come in the door she said, "If he starts criticizing our paint job, he just may get painted." I think my ploy worked and he felt guilty because he told Lauri he would be over to help her tomorrow. I will go as well and hopefully, we can get this job finished. She has been at it for awhile and has done a bathroom and walk in closet by herself. Ugh. I feel sorry for her in a way that she is doing this at this time of year but on the other hand, it was her choice to do it now, sooooooo......

Kendra made the decision today to stay home with Craig over the holidays. I know it is a big and dramatic decision for her. She wants to be in both places but feels Craig needs her and she him this year. This is Craig's family's first Christmas without his mother and to leave him for nearly ten days probably isn't the best idea. He would have allowed her to go but she thinks it isn't wise. She is also very pregnant and doesn't know how the trip would go for her and doesn't want to hold us back. She said she knows she will feel very sad when she thinks that all of us are together at her brother's house in Florida but she had to make a choice between two good things. In one way I'm very sad, I'd love to have her along. On the other hand, I'm relieved. I would not want anything to happen to cause harm to her pregnant state. I guess this is for the best. It is hard though and I confess to shedding a couple of tears. Kendra is such a family person and I know it will be painful for her to stay at home.

Band Concerts and Cookie Exchanges; the Taste and Sound of Christmas

Yesterday afternoon, we drove to Stephensville, Michigan for our grandson, Schuyler's, band concert. It was a joy to see our family there once again. We don't seem to see them as often as we once did. The kids are getting older and more involved, thus busier and Dad and Mom are busy as bees as well.

Scarlen said we could take Isaiah out of school for the last hour so that he could come with us. He and Schuyler are big buds so we knew they would both appreciate Isaiah's being there. After the concert we stopped by the house and enjoyed a few moments of delightful conversation.

This morning, I got up early and after having my quiet time with my Maker, I delved into making the cookies to bring to the cookie exchange which I will go to an hour from now. I know that many people will make very fancy Christmas cookies but I just couldn't bring myself to make those rich and gooey things. I chose to make my old standbys; chocolate chip. If I walk up to a table laden with cookies, I would inevitably reach for a good lookin chocolate chip cookie.

I also made some old fashioned cookies that I have had a yen for. When I was a freshman in college, I lived with an elderly cousin of my grandmother in Roseland, a suburb of Chicago. We called her, Aunt Teenie. She would often visit my grandmother on Saturdays; even as often as once a month. I loved it when she came and always mananged to walk over to the house next door to spend some time listening to those two old ladies laugh. They were a delightful pair. At any rate, when I lived with Aunt Teenie, I often raided her cookie chair. She made the very best cookies and they were called "Chicago Girls". Many of the bakeries in the area sold them but none compared to Aunt Teenie's homemade ones. I found a recipe in a very old cook book in my cabinet, so made them yesterday. Today when Lauri stopped for a few minutes I offered her a Chicago Girl. She bit into it and hummed. Her question was why we had never had those before. I have decided to take some of those along tonight to give the older generation a memory from earlier years and give the young gals a new taste experience.

Our cookie exchange is hostessed by our church secretary in her home. Patty is a precious gal and goes way beyond the call of duty. I know she will make a very nice evening for us tonight and I''m looking forward to going.

Stuck in the House Today

Ken took the Christmas cards to town this morning to drop off at the PO. A big job complete. As I looked them over before they went out, I realized my uncle and aunt's name was on one of them. I told Ken, we had better mail it fast as the uncle may not be among the land of the living by this evening. Still makes me sober and sad. Another card is addressed to our friends in Flint that are struggling with the result of several strokes that Wilma has suffered. I thought how important it is to be mindful of what the recipients of our cards are going through. How inapporpriate it would be to send a humorous card to these dear people. Not that I ever send funny cards but I have received a few over the years.

Another of our cards went to Harley and Liz, our Amish friends in Goshen. After Ken had left for town, the Lehman's former neighbor, also friends of ours called. Their news was not good. Harley and Liz's daughter's husband and two year old son were hit by a car as they walked along route #20 on Thursday morning. Thankfully, both of them are alive and will probably survive but there are major damages. The 31 year old father of five is in a South Bend hospital and the word among the Amish folk yesterday was that he could expect a three month stay. The little boy has several broken bones and is in a body cast. The family has a newborn and four other small children. I am sure Harley and Liz's family has been thrust into action. The Amish people help each other and I'm sure Irma and her children are well cared for. I agonized over the long road that young father will have as he waits for healing. If you happen to give him a thought, please pray for him and for his little son. As I thought about them receiving a card from us wishing them a blessed Christmas, I felt sorrow. I quickly wrote a letter of support and concern for them and will put that in the mail today, too. I'm so grateful our friends called to give us that information.

The weather today continues to be rainy and icy. We have more rain than ice today but our daughter and husband in Algonquin have ice today and their schools were canceled. It is rather nice for them. They are both very busy and Craig is especially stressed to the max with his basketball coaching. Kendra called at 10:30 a.m. to say they had just gotten up. I hope they enjoy a quiet refreshing day.

I heard on the news today that Huckabee is nearly tied with Guiliani. Could it really be that such a nice wholesome guy could be a presidential candidate?? I know little about him but everything I do know is too good to be true. I don't care which candidate you support, but I do request that you pray for God's intervention in the political life of this nation.

Ice and Death

We are in an icy weather pattern. Had ice a week ago on Saturday and now this past weekend we have been unindated again. This time, though, church was called off all over the area. Special events had to be canceled and efforts so sacrificially made were all in vain. This morning everyone is scurrying to replan and reschedule. Lauri's children's SS program is rescheduled for five next Sunday instead of six. That means we will be able to attend our own church's candle light service which we seem to miss each year since those two occasions are generally planned at the same time. We will go to St Joe Michigan to attend John and Kim's children's SS program in the morning and then get back here for a busy evening. Hopefully the weather will be cooperative then.

Having a Sunday off was different but enjoyable. I think most things that rather jolt our schedules can be refreshing if the jolt isn't something traumatic. I suppose we all stayed home to prevent the traumatic. I spoke to my father early in the day and didn't say anything about our church being cancelled. As I thought about that, it occured to me that I should recall him and give a gentle warning that it is icy outside. Oh, yes, they had gotten a call also and their church was canceled so that they could stay indoors without guilt.

We had planned to host our Bible study group for lunch yesterday and wondered what would happen once the day's activities were called off at church. Six of our members braved the weather and came in spite of it all. I was grateful in as much as we were ready and had plenty of food for the group. We enjoyed our day spending it in a very relaxed, unhurried manner. We studied the second part of Phillipians 1 and had a good discussion about how God desires us to live. We were an encouragement to each other just as it should be.

I got two calls this morning, one from my dad and one from my aunt. It seems my uncle is near death. His youngest son spent the night with his mother by his dad's bedside in the Hospice place where he is spending his last days. Mark read to him from Phillipians which has always been a favorite Scripture to Uncle Bob. He squeezed their hands indicating that he heard and was blessed. They heard a death rattle a couple of times so expect that his death is very near. At this point, I pray God takes him quickly for his sake and for the sake of my aunt and their sons and their families. It is so surreal. What lies beyond? We know so little. We can only trust. What seems so important one day is so insignificant the next. What is man that He is mindful of him?? Yes, Lord, what is man? What is significant about this fleeting thing called life?

Strange Saturday

This was a very busy Saturday beginning with an eighth grade sponsored breakfast. Waffles and omlets were served and they were yummy. The eighth grade class is working toward earning funds to support their trip to Washington DC in the spring. Our grandaughter, Alex, is one of those in the class. They earned a couple of thousand dollars this morning. Not a bad morning's work.

Lauri, Elton and Alex had to work a couple hour shift so the younger kids came home with us. They played hard outside helping Isaiah build a snow fort he started last evening. They have scooped up nearly all the snow in our back yard. They closed in the frame of the trampoline. I can imagine it is very warm and cozy inside there. Oh to be a kid again.

Our church sponsored an "address your Christmas card" day. There were only a couple of us die hards there but we had a good time. Better than that, my cards are addressed and nearly ready to dump into the mailbox. I spent until four o'clock there and have a bunch of stuff to get ready for tomorrow left to do but true to my early morning energy, I will get up early and get the stuff accomplished in the morning. I'm too weary tonight and beside, like a chicken, I want to roost as soon as it gets dark. It's dark.........

One thing about sitting with people one doesn't know real well, one learns a whole bunch from them. I learned so much about one of the ladies there today and can understand her so much better now. It always helps to get to know the inside of a person.....the things they have experienced and what has formed their opinions. Twas an interesting afternoon.

Tomorrow, we will have about ten people for lunch. I'm not ready yet but I will be. I need some sleep and then I'll be able to knock out what I have left to do in a hurry. It's just the way I work.

More of This and That

Well, I made the two programs in which family members particpated and am back home safely. The weather wasn't so nice but it didn't deter a good car trip. The trip home was long because of heavy traffic which I anticipated when I knew I would be traveling between 3:30 and 6:00 p.m. The worst part of that was the early time in which darkness falls. It wasn't but a half an hour on the road and the cars were turning lights on and soon darkness fell. I was driving a different vehicle than what I am used to and found that the blind spots in this SUV are larger than in our other vehicles so I had to adjust my lane changing and checked two or three times before each move. I know I'll get used to it but for now it was a bit unnerving.

My twenty four hours with Kendra was most enjoyable. I was able to help her in preparation for her second grade program. I also sat in on her regular classes and always enjoying watching her do her thing and the kids enjoying the class. I love to watch them bob around to the music, swaying this way and that, some are pretending they are directing, and others are intent on watching and listening. I am overcome with sadness though, when I realize how secular our public schools have come. With the ousting of the true meaning of Christmas, the kids are getting filled with a bunch of fantasy that means nothing to their eternal spirits. The administration at this school is very concerned about repercussions so no mention of Christ or Christian faith are approved. It was very interesting, however, when while watching a video of Christmas music, an unexpected voice was heard for truth. The songs were all the secular children songs one has heard at Christmas but the producer ended the video with Joy to the World. One little kindergartener, as chunky as Santa himself, sang along. When it was over, Kendra turned off the player and Noah said, "I like that song because God does really rule the world". He quickly looked around at the reaction and saw that noone was saying or doing anything so he added, "God is a good person, you know, actually, He isn't a person, He is a spirit." True to the directives of her administration, Kendra said nothing but looked at me and winked. I felt so compelled to get up and hug that little person and affirm his profound faith but I felt I couldn't under the circumstances but I told myself that if I saw him in the hall anytime later, I would tell him how much I appreciated his words of truth. I didn't see Noah again. I hope the Lord nudges his little heart with continued courage. Out of the mouth of babes. Oh God, help our public schools, our government and our citizens to be swept over with the knowledge of truth.

Truth? Many people at the school, staff and students alike made comments about how much Kendra looks like me. Ugh. Poor kid. One lady went as far as to say she looked like a clone walking next to me. The lady lamented that none of her four children look anything like her and she is bummed about that since she did the most to bring them into the world. I got a mixed bag of reactions and have decided to ignore both of them. One little boy upon leaving the room told his friend, "That old lady was looking at me." Do I really look old to him? I don't think of myself as old but I guess my age is a rite of passage into old age. I don't feel old inside so I suppose that is a good thing. Later a little first grade girl got out of her seat and walked to me as we waited for the dress rehearsal of the play to begin and said, "You look like someone I know". I asked who I might look like and she told me I looked like her mom's Aunt Chi Chi. I told her that I was happy that I looked familiar to her. Her comment was, "Aunt Chi Chi is a pretty lady, too." After being called an old lady, that was music to my ears but I will remember that both children were simply that; children.

Last evening was the band program at the school where I spent my first eight years of education, De Motte Christian School. We have five grandchildren that attend there and it is a joy to attend their functions and recall that they are now the third generation that have benefited from the Christian education that began sixty years ago in that place. The bands did a wonderful job. I had to compliment our eighth grader when I saw that she is the only trumpet player that holds her trumpet up in a confident manner. She smiled. I suppose that is somewhat of a blessing that I gave to her, uh? In Bible study on Wednesday we talked about the importance of parents giving their blessing to their children. I commented how I still want to please my eighty seven year old father and how much I want to get his approval. That is difficult to get from that generation. They were into making sure none of us became too proud so compliments are few and far between. Ken and I recently made a committment to bless our kids and our grandkids as often as we have opportunity. To do that one has to keep an open mind to the changes that are ocurring in our world. Our preconceived notions must be open to change. We are working on that; it isn't easy.

Alarms

I have my nose out of joint a bit this morning. I woke around four thirty and was ready to begin the day but knew that wasn't the wise thing to do or I would fade fast tonight and I can't do that. I moved to the recliner in hopes of a couple hours more sleep. The recliner is in the living room directly above the bedroom in which the two girls sleep. I had made myself warm and cozy and was falling into slumber when someone's alarm went off. And off. And off. Finally, some soul who was sleeping more deeply than I shut it off. Fifteen minutes later, a different alarm went off. It, too, went on and off for several minutes. It has been going off and on now for the duration. As I write it still goes off every five minutes or so.

I don't understand such things. An alarm is something one uses to wake oneself so that a responsibility that needs doing can be accomplished. It is now an hour since the first alarm went off. What could possibly be the need for waking every five minutes for an hour? Where is someone supposed to be and is not? As one that feels being on time to anything is of utmost importance, this bothers me. As a result, I'm wide eyed and will be awake for the reminder of the day and will probably fade early tonight but when I do, I will know the reason why. I'm going to have a talk with those girls about their alarms. Oops, there it goes again. Ugh.

The Bible Study I attend is supposed to meet this morning. We had some snow during the night and it is a winter wonderland out there. I just checked the local school corporations website and no delay is noted so I suppose Bible Study will proceed as planned. If school were delayed or canceled it would be a different story. After Bible Study, I will go to Algonquin and visit Kendra again. She has a program tomorrow evening and Mom generally goes to all her programs. The problem with tomorrow night is that our grandchildren here have a band concert. Fortunately, I can have the best of both worlds by attending the performance for the school student body in the afternoon tomorrow and then drive home and hope to make it home in time for the band concert. We have three grands in band at DMC. Alex and Isaiah each play trumpet and Sydney plays the flute. As an eighth grader, Alex is in the "big" band and Isaiah and Syd are in sixth grade band. Their programs are always a delight.

The phone just rang. I knew what that meant. Yes, there is a delay this morning. School will start two hours late. I guess I won't be going to Bible study so I can get an early start on my trip northwest.

Alarm is going off again.........

Reading Material

While in the midst of retreat team's business last evening, the subject turned to the area of actors, actresses, movies, etc. I readily admitted that I am a total numbnut in that arena. I don't know anything about movies, can't remember them when I have seen them and generally have no interest at all in that area of life. I remember a couple that I have seen; "On Golden Pond" is the most memorable. I recall going to see the Titanic and coming out of the theatre feeling totally sick to my stomach. Reading of that tragedy is bad enough but viewing it is TMI.

I thought of how interesting it is that people have such varied areas of pleasureable recreation. When I went into my grandson's room to make his bed this morning, (yes I know, he should do that himself but that is another subject) I smiled as I picked up the book upon his bed. The boy is a good reader and enjoys that passtime for which I am grateful but for his choice of reading material; I'll pass. He is heavy into the Artemis series and as far as I can tell Artemis Fowl is a series of fantasy novels written by Irish author Eoin Colfer, starring the teenage criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl. I would be so bored, but he is captivated. The book on his bed today was, "Pearl Harbor". Yes, I chuckled a bit as it occurred to me that because he is a male and I a female, we would have different story interests. It is so male to love history and I suppose that is a good thing. I, too, enjoy history but it wouldn't be my first choice of reading material.

My reading material? Lately I have been readying fiction books based on the Amish people. Fiction is a new interest of mine. Prior to this stage in life I enjoyed biographies and books that promote spiritual growth. A casual friend of mine said she had read a particular book four times. I couldn't help but ask what that book was. To read a book twice is overkill for me, just what does this book have that this intelligent woman would read the thing four times? She told me the book is entitled, "When the Heart Waits" and the author is Sue Monk Kidd. When I asked at the book store for the book, the clerk said, "Oh, that would be in the psychology section". Well that scared me a bit. I didn't want a book to lead me astray so once the clerk located the book, I thought I should do a bit more research about the book before I allowed the material to influence my inner core. I set it neatly back in its place on the shelf. I did do my research and learned that the book is about the author's search for spiritual healing. That scared me too. There are many ways in this world that people go about a search for spiritual healing and many of them are totally anti God. I decided not to spend money on a book I wasn't sure about so I called the local library and asked if they had the book. No, but they would find it for me. About two months later, I have received the book. I'm only into about thirty pages or so but I'm finding it very interesting. So far, the author is promoting silent time in life. She talks about our tendency to move fast through life, so fast that we find down time difficult to deal with. She is talking turkey with me there. I am that person. I "feel" best when I'm going a hundred miles an hour. When I am without something to do, I am quickly in a state of unrest. Sue Monk Kidd reminds me that God says, "Be STILL and know that I am God". I am eager to learn more from her. While she is from a totally different Christian heritage than I, I am convinced she is a true follower of Jesus.

Celebrating the Warmth of Christmas Continues

The weather was horrible and so were the roads. We literally drove 15-20 miles per hour on our way to the elegant Christmas dinner at church. I think if so much work hadn't gone into last night the event may have been cancelled. I was relieved that no one fell on their way into church and back to their cars. I haven't heard of any accidents either so the risk we took last night was guarded by those angels we know are there but don't think about very often.

The fellowship committee had sponsored the event. The purpose was to encourage getting to know each other and enjoy the broader family of God at Community. We have so many new families and these types of occassions help us all with "fitting in". It is very exciting to see the "family" grow with people of all types; all backgrounds, with a variety of needs, and a variety of gifts.

This morning, just ten hours later, it was a different world. When Isaiah left to be brought to Sunday School, he returned indoors to hang his coat. "It's hot outside!". No, Honey, much warmer than last night but not hot. Please put on your coat so your mother doesn't get upset with you. She is forever telling him to wear his coat and he, like every other eleven year old boy on the planet thinks he is tough enough to be in shirt sleeves. With a sigh, he dutifully put his coat on again and out the door he went. On our ride home after church he pointed to the thermometer in the car and said, "Look, Grandma, it is 54 degrees, I told you it was hot outside!" Indeed, compared to last night when the whole creation was under ice, it is HOT today. The ice is gone and only rain and water remain. Same elements, just in a different form. Makes all the difference in the world.

Someone asked what the picture of a fetus is doing on my blog. Our daughter, Kendra and her husband Craig are expecting a little one in mid February. I found this thing on the net that tracks the development of the fetus (baby) and decided it was interesting enough to add to my blog so that we can together enjoy the countdown to delivery date and the amazing miracle that is occuring. Kendra is at 29 weeks pregnant now. I'm hoping this blog tool automatically changes as the weeks tick by. There is a place that explains what is happening at the present time. Very interesting and exciting. Birth is nothing short of a miracle of God.

A Storm Brewing

My day started with a stirring that wasn't either of the two of us. We realized Isaiah had early morning BB practice. He always combs his hair in the bathroom off our bedroom. As he walked by the bed in which I still was tucked away, he said, "Grandma, Meijers is having a senior citizen sale today until midnight". I tried not to laugh and thanked him for giving me a heads up. He ended the conversation with, "I just thought you should know". As he walked away, I wondered how the world he knows I'm a senior citizen. Little booger.

This is the weather forcast for De Motte:


Today
Tonight
Tomorrow
Follow the Snow
Freezing Rain / Wind
High32° F
Precip:

90%
Windy...with periods of freezing rain expected. Cold. Temps nearly steady in the low to mid 30s. Winds SE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of precip 90%.
Rain / Ice / Wind Early
Low30° F
Precip:

100%
Windy...with periods of rain and freezing rain early...then cloudy with a few rain showers overnight. Low near 30F. Winds SSE at 20 to 30 mph.
Find the Deepest Snow
Rain / Snow Showers / Wind
High44° F
Precip:

40%
Windy. Rain showers early becoming mixed with snow showers later in the day. High 44F. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of precip 40%.

Doesn't sound like very much fun. I felt the weather forcasters messed up many people's Thanksgiving holiday by predicting doom and gloom for travelers. Our daughter and fiance from Chicago decided not to risk the possibility of bad travel and stayed at home together for the holiday. While she was beating her potatoes, she stuck her index finger in the pan to push down a potato. The beaters caught her finger and made mincemeat of it. They ended up spending Thanksgiving evening in the hospital emergency room and got home around one the next morning. Fourteen stitches later, she is healing and complete healing will occur as time goes on. No bad weather developed that day. She and her significant other could have been with the rest of us. So much for depending on meterologists.

So, back to the forcast, I'm beginning to think they may be right this time. It has already started to snow on top of a light layer of ice. My friend just called and mentioned that the one grocery store in De Motte had long lines of people trying to get home before the storm's climax and have something in the house to eat besides. I hadn't thought about that. We have no eggs and no bread. Two pretty important staples so I think we will go the other direction to the little berg of Roselawn where there is an IGA. Probably no different there but one can dream. As we talked about those needs, Isaiah reminded me again about the senior citizen sale at Meijer. He just can't get off that kick. Meijers is a thirty minute trip......not a chance today.

Oh dear, now I hear sleet against the window next to me. I suppose I'd better got off my duff and get into some preparatory action. Hope all of you stay safe and cozy in your warm homes.