Sunday Dinner

Another weekend, come and gone. Sunday dinners have changed much for our family over the years. When our children were growing up, Sunday dinner was the highlight of the family's week. I went out of my way to make a dinner that was delicious and would make for a good time of conversation around the dinner table. Seven pound home grown roast chicken was the main dish many Sundays. More often than not, there were guests for dinner. We had my grandmother for Sunday dinner for years. It was a pleasure. I had a relationship with my grandma that I had with no one else. I could tell her anything about myself; how I felt about things, what I did, and what I dreamed about. She listened carefully and then always made me feel affirmed with the things she said. I cherish her influence on my life.

We also had other people for SD. Perhaps new people in church or relatives or friends. I did much "entertaining " in those days. Nowadays, life is different. Sometimes, I don't cook dinner and we just find what we can eat. I have noticed that appetites of older people (Ken and me) and appetites of younger people (my daughter and grandson) don't always mesh. Becoming discouraged, I just quit the effort. More often than not in recent years, the Sunday table is set for three. Lately, I've decided to put more effort into eating together again for Isaiah's sake. He needs that feeling of structure and nurture. He also needs to learn what is most healthy for a family he will have one day.

Yesterday, I made meat loaf. Not Isaiah's favorite, but something he will eat, nonetheless. He ate most of the side dishes including the new recipe of sweet potato fries I made. We always enjoy those moments around the table with this young man. To close our meal, we read Isaiah a list of Biblical questions from a book he enjoys. The kid knows the facts of The Word. I am always encouraged when he answers questions I may have to think about first. I thank God for the opportunity He has given Isaiah to attend a Christian school. Many people have collectively picked up most of the tab for his education and for those people and the blessings they share, I am most humbled. Toward the end of the questions, something was said about Pharisees. I told of a teaching from Beth Moore that says, "Never argue with a Pharisee". When I heard her say that, tears came to my eyes because I thought of my wasted effort throughout my life of arguing over things that only the Spirit can effectively convince people of. When I shared that story from my own heart, Isaiah said, "yea, I had something like that recently. I can't think of it now but when I heard it I thought, 'oh, now I get it, that explains this and explains that'"

Even though he couldn't share the exact revelation, his telling of it made me so thankful to God for working in this boy's heart to reveal truth. After dinner I asked Ken if he had said his thanks yet. For what? When I explained my thankful heart he had to agree that it is pure joy when we see our loved ones express the movement of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. We thank Him.

Check out my Slide Show!

Hand and Foot

The picture in the header is quite the accomplishment for me. I'm not the greatest photographer in the world, though I would like to hone my skills. As I sat in the living room of Jerry's home this week, I was intriqued with a kaleidoscope that was lying on the coffee table. Actually, it was pretty hard to find as it was hidden by the latest magazines. I looked through it and was enjoying the beautiful scenes it was creating. I scanned it past Emerson and got an idea. I wonder.......and I spoke the question to Jerry who was also sitting in the living room. "Do you suppose my camera would take a picture through the little hole in this thing?" He shrugged his shoulders like I was a bit nuts but then he hopped on board moving her car seat into the light by the big windows while I ran to get my camera. What appeared on the camera screen amazed me. Once I realized I could actually do this...the sky was the limit. We have goofy pictures of everything we could think of. Kendra got into the fun as she took the camera outside to take pictures of the dog and other random things. Both Jerry and I now have a five by seven picture of a kaleided Emerson.

Yesterday afternoon, Ken and I visited a 45 year old woman from our church who is in the hospital recovering from open heart surgery. Pretty scary stuff. She had a heart attack last Monday night, had a angiogram on Tuesday and was from there rushed into surgery. Deb and her husband have two young boys ages 7 and 3 so Deb has many years ahead of her that require her to be active and productive. She got out of intensive care on Friday and is due home on Monday or Tuesday. She is progressing well but was still on oxygen yesterday. She and her family need our prayers.

While coming home we decided to go to see Lauri's and Elton's family whom we hadn't seen for a week. We don't see some of our other kid's families for months because of distance but this one is close by and it is common for us to see them often. When we arrived we got hugs and gave hugs all around the four kids then settled in for a cup of java with Lauri and Elt. It wasn't long before Lauri was talking a dinner out. Elton wasn't so sure. When she proposed leaving the kids home and the four of us going to KFC, the proposal passed and off we went.

After our appetites were satisfied we came here to enjoy a glass of wine together. That developed into a card game of hand and foot. We should all be healthy as fish this morning after laughing so hard. Lauri and Ken continued to take chances on picking up the pile (if you've never played, you won't understand this). Elton was the tortoise as he avoided the pile and just kept playing. Me? I could do nothing last night. They all uproared in laughter when each of them had a thousand points plus and I had three hundred. They did comment that if we were playing Scrabbble the situation would be reversed. Ken said that was why we weren't playing Scrabble. Ken eventually won. I'll get them yet.

Home Again

Wow....five days without a blog. I think that is a record and I'll try not to break it. We were in the "sticks" down on the MO/ARK border. No reception on my phone at all and nothing for our computer either. So the hauling of the computer was in vain. We stayed at a hotel in Branson on Thursday night which boasted WI FI on their sign. I got one bar of reception and was not able to get on the net at all. I wasn't a happy hoteler. We got home last evening; had a great trip and a great time. I love spring break even when I'm not working at school anymore. I guess what has become a habit is not going to break just because I'm not directly having SB.

Monday thru Wednesday we spent with our son in law's father on Table Rock lake in his huge big log home. It is decorated very much like a lodge which gives a vacation feel. We enjoyed visiting with Jerry and watching him get acquainted with his new grandaughter who happens to be our new grandaughter also. On Monday all six of us visited a meeting of the quilt club in a neighboring town. Craig's mother was the president of the club when she passed away last year. The club has not forgotten the family and has been generous in gifting the baby, etc. In Jerry's words to a friend, "you would have thought those ladies had never seen a baby before." The gals did enjoy being remembered and flocked around the car seat and googled at Emerson. Jerry stood a bit away with tears streaming down his face. This setting was too close to the person he loved and lost nearly a year ago. I was amazed at the involvement of the club. There were close to sixty ladies there. They had set up different areas for different stages of quilting and when we arrived, everyone was head over into one kind of activity or another.

On Thursday, all of us traveled an hour to Branson and spent the day visiting the winery, the Butterfly Palace, Dick's Five and Dime and Dick Clark's cafe. Late afternoon, Ken and I parted from the rest and found a place to spend the night. Later we attended the Shoji show. It was very good and half the fun was talking to the people around us. The temperature during the day was 85 with a cool gentle breeze. Couldn't have been nicer.

Yesterday was travel day. It was good to get away and also good to get home again.

Easter Morning

Happy Ressurection Day!

Kendra called yesterday to say that on their travels to Mo. they went through an area south of St. Louis where the flooding was impressive. They saw a semi truck and trailer nearly covered with water and a stop and go light with water up to the lights on the pole. That is a lot of water. Traffic stopped to a crawl while people were snapping pictures to capture the memory. While the experience is interesting to the observer it is destructive for the people that live there. We will be going through there today and I hope to record my own experience for memory sake.



I did a lot of preparation for leaving yesterday. I wish I could say that everything is pristine but I did make progress. I tell myself that if I didn't have four adults and a twelve year old to follow around and clean up after, I'd have things just the way I want it. I expressed that to Lauri today while we chatted on the phone. She reminded me that I'm the kind of person that wants to take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself so my chance of having a pristine environment is iffy. Part of the problem here is that there is so much STUFF. The two adult girls have tons of stuff to add to the mix and Isaiah isn't far behind. Their junk mixed with ours makes for a lot of things to keep straight. I do my best.



I need to be at church at eight this morning for praise team practice. Church is at ten so we have at least an hour to get the kinks out. We practiced from seven to ten on Tuesday night. I wonder how many people realize the extent of preparation there is for a Sunday service these days. Fortunately, my team is only responsible one Sunday a month. There are twelve people on my team. Take that number times four hours and that is a whole lot of time spent. One shouldn't be counting though when it is service for the Lord. Forgive me.

The battle is o'er, the victory won...Jesus broke the bars of death and hell and our debt is paid. Hallelujah!

Easter/Spring Break Plans

This morning, Isaiah is getting ready to join Lauri and Elton and their kids on a camping trip to Tennessee. He is pumped about this opportunity. What fun for an only child to join a family with four children to camp in their trailer. They are leaving at 8:30, so he is busy getting prepared. It used to be that getting ready was easy for a little boy but now that he is a big boy, it requires taking all the tech stuff; phone, Ipod, electonic games, chargers and the like. Then there is the bike, the fishing rod, tackle box etc. He also has to take his latest addition to hygiene; his cologne. The kid smells so good when he is ready to go out the door. Scares me to death. He is toooooo young and growing up way too fast.

Last night we celebrated Sydney's (Lauri's daughter) twelve birthday. She is just two weeks to the day older than Isaiah. In between them is also our son Jay's son, Austin's twelve birthday. Next year we will have three grandchildren turning into teenagers. Sydney enjoyed our time together and especially opening presents. That's a surprise, uh? Syd is such a sweet kid. I don't ever see her making trouble. She is quiet and minds her own business letting the rest of them to fight the battles. Lauri tells me that she does her share, but I haven't seen it.

Tomorrow is Easter. Normally, we have kids and grandkids coming. This year, some of them are vacationing and others are at the other side of their families. Some aren't coming because the other kids aren't coming. You know how it was when you were a kid. You don't go to see the grandparents, you go to see your cousins. I remember it well so I understand. I usually have an egg hunt, too, but it isn't half the fun if most of them aren't here. So, we have decided to have the egg hunt on Mother's Day when most will be here for Emerson's baptism.

What are we doing??? We will go to our church's morning service where we serve in tomorrow's praise team. Then we will take off for the Mo/Arkansas border where Kendra and Craig are visiting Craig's dad, Jerry. They will present him with his first grandaughter. He has wonderful twin grandsons but this is the first girl in their family. Jerry had four sons, two of whom are deceased. Craig's mom, Mary, died last spring after a very short illness. So, we will all descend on Jerry at his lakeside log home where life is usually very quiet these days. Isaiah and I spent spring break there two years ago. We had such a good time. This time, I will miss Mary very much. I had bonded with her on that visit. I regret that she didn't live to see this grandaughter with whom she would have been thrilled to pieces. God's ways are higher than our ways. I know I will feel a void when I'm there. I know Jerry and Craig feel a terrible void. I lift them to the Father for comfort and healing.

So, for you, I pray a meaningful Easter. A day when you celebrate the freedom there is in being a child of God, bought and paid for through the blood of Christ. If you don't know that you belong to Him, write me a note and we will explore the possibility together. You have nothing to lose and EVERYTHING to gain.

PS For those that read this faithfully (thank you, I'm humbled); know that next week may be a lean blog week as the area we will be in gets little tower. I'm taking the laptop but don't have much expectation that we will be able to get on the net. I recall that my cell phone was rather useless there.

Maundy Thursday

This is a bit crazy but it is 1:30 a.m. on Good Friday morning. After tossing around for what seems like hours..only three....I'm sick of it and decided to do something productive. I've watched television, listened to music, now this. I answered my e-mails which I normally wouldn't get til morning. Hopefully, the time I normally do that I will be on my ear. Why am I so wired? The whys and wherefores are not coming so here I sit.

Tonight was a wonderful night. Some friends traveled with Ken and me to St. Joseph Michigan to our son's church for their Maundy Thursday service. It began as kind of a fluke. It was asked at our church on Sunday that we bring cushions to sit on in our Thursday service. Both our male friend and Ken said they couldn't sit on cushions or pillows so they would have to do something else. I suggested we go to John's church and it developed from there. In the end, I'm not sure what the cushion thing was all about because there was tables and chairs set up for our service. I'm sure it was nice and we would have received a blessing from it. However, the thought of doing something out of the blue and seeing our kids and grandkids, too, took our attention. We left around three o'clock and had dinner together on our way. The service was instructive and enlightening. One understood the sacrifice just a bit better because of it. The bell choir was enjoyable.

It is both humbling and exciting to sit in a service in which one's son is the pastor. The most exciting thing is that one can see and hear the spirit of God pouring out of him. The humbling thing is that God can use "mine". Actually, he is more God's than mine, but I did have something to do with it, didn't I? I recall how at age twelve he began to suggest that God was calling him to be a minister of the Word. I remember lifting that to God and asking Him to use him. I also remember doing the dance between encouraging him and pushing him. I didn't want to cross the line. Pushing someone into the service of God is a train wreck waiting to happen. I think that was when I began to learn to wait on God. How could my boy possibly think of enough things to say about God to fill two sermons each Sunday? I smile now when I think of the concerns I had then. I didn't need to even think them. I learned that God means what He says about His spirit speaking through His servants. The Word of God just flows through that boy. God is using Him and I am humbled. Eventually, after trying several detours, being married and having three children, John returned to seminary to validate his calling. It is not an easy road. But it is a journey of joys and sorrows that build faith.

At the end of the service, that little boy of mine picked up his guitar and sang a song. It was a beautiful song about the sacrifice of Jesus; the refrain saying, "Father, forgive them". I know he is mine, but I have to confess, his song was annointed. I'm not at all sure there was perfection in it, but there definitely was annointing in it and that made it beautiful.

Thank you Lord, for working in our kids even after our work with them is virtually complete. You are so faithful. Work yet in those that are not following you. This is Easter week, Jesus. Thank you for your sacrifice for us. Holy Spirit, work that salvation into those we love who are not yet connected to You. You know who they are. In the powerful name of Jesus.

Patty's Baby

A beautiful spring sunshine is coming through my south windows. It begs me to go outside but I'm quite sure the brightness of the sun does not relate to warm temperatures. I don't think we are out of this winter woods yet. The line in "The Lion Witch and the Wardrobe" which says, "it is always winter and never Christmas" is one of my favorites. That is how life is for a person that doesn't know the joy and peace of Jesus. That C.S. Lewis guy was something of a genius the way he weaved the truth of God's story into fiction. I love it and see there is another movie coming out based on that series. Anyone who knows me is aware that I would much rather read a story than watch a story on the screen, but I just may accompany some of my grandchildren to the new movie. That's not a promise, however.

Today began with tremendous news. A friend of one of my daughters has had fertility problems for close to twenty years. She and her husband have three beautiful daughters, one fourteen and twins six years old. Patty had to have help getting pregnant with those two pregnancies. About nine months ago she began to have strange sensations only to learn that at 41 years old, she was surprisingly pregnant. No big effort through fertility doctors, just God's blessing of conception. It was quite a shock for this couple but they accepted this baby as a gift of God. Another strange thing was that Patty always had her babies early. This time that was not the case. She sat in our Bible Study yesterday on her due date. That in itself it beyond human understanding. I saw my daughter mouth to her over the table yesterday, "Are you having any contractions?" and Patty shook her head afirmitively. I smiled and told myself to be patient, God will bring her into labor at his appointed time. Yesterday afternoon, her doctor put her in the hospital due to high blood pressure. This morning, Patty and her husband and family were blessed with a healthy little boy! We are ecstatic for them. Lauri said Patty told her that God had answered everyone of her prayers concerning the details of this birth. All of us who know this dear family rejoice with them and thank God for safe delivery. Lauri and I are going to meet the little guy this afternoon and to give friend Patty a big hug. It is so great to rejoice with those that rejoice.

Watched and Happy

Brunch is over.........
My friend, Joyce, and I worked yesterday afternoon making six quiches and 24 breakfast parfeits. Sometime ago I found two dozen cute frosted glasses for a song and I scarfed those up for just this occasion. They have been waiting to be pressed into service for awhile. You know, I should have a huge storage building to keep all the stuff I pick up along life's journey. I seem to be able to find a use for the strangest things. One day I was in Dollar General and walked past a clearance shelf. The sign said 90 percent off. I found cute tins with lids and when I took one to the register to check the price, the gal behind the counter said, "Oh, Gayle, those are only a penny a piece". I bought the rest of their tins which amounted to around fifteen to twenty of them. At the most that was an investment of twenty cents. I have several left but have found clever uses for some of them already.

This morning we used some white table cloths I picked up at a thrift shop some time ago. They had been brought there from a catering company. They were two dollars a piece and the best part is that they are made of a fabric that doesn't need ironing. They are very pretty and easy to use. Another rescue from the land fills.

This morning's study was basically wrapping up a several month series on believing God. It was a thrill to hear gal's testify of God's care over their lives. It is particularly enjoyable to see young women growing in their faith in the one true God. Our next study will be a short four week study on loving well. This study is also by Beth Moore, whom all of us have come to love as she has shares her heart's passion for God with us. Last summer, in between vacations, I took in two of the four of those and found them very helpful in relationships. Hopefully, I will get to attend each of the four this time around.

Kudos for Kohls. My broken watch band was not fixable. They told me to choose another watch from the same brandname as the one I returned. I was more than pleased. There were no questions about how it broke or when I purchased it. I love to support businesses like that. On the other hand, though Target is a favorite place of mine, their return policies is nuts. I think twice about buying stuff there because they insist on a receipt even if it is months later. That is not friendly. Costco is another wonderful place to do business. Such wonderful wisdom today, uh?

Love One Another

I'm heading to Merrillville this morning for a variety of reasons. One is to pick up some things to make a brunch for our Women in the Word group tomorrow morning. There are other goals; get a watch band fixed, find some dress shirts for a boy that has grown out of the ones I got for him last fall, etc. This afternoon, my partner in brunch is coming to my home to made quiches and parfaits. It should be fun. Each Wednesday, our BS has a lucious brunch to begin our time together. It seems everyone ups the ante so now that we are at the end of the year, the standard is mighty high. I love to do this sort of thing and usually get myself in too deep, so hopefully, I can curb my crazy brain and keep things somewhat simple. I know my partner is reading this right now and saying, "She's crazy...this is not simple". I would remind her that she picked me for her partner so now she is stuck with me. We will have fun in preparation and enjoy serving our fellow sisters at church tomorrow.

There is nothing like a small group that gathers on a continual basis to get to know people. I have gotten to know some gals more intimately than I knew them from our casual meeting in town, at a basketball or soccer game, etc. I have learned in life that when one truly gets to know another, there is something in that person that one can relate to or something that is attractive. Many times I've judged a person from a casual meeting only to learn later that I was all wrong about him/her. In the Christian arena that should be no surprise. The Word tells us that the Spirit of God resides in those that call Him Lord. Should we be surprised then that something in another Christian grabs us and makes us want to bond with them? Nope. We are a family and just like the joy a family reunion can bring...so does a time to gather with members of God's family bring us joy and fulfillment. Most of you that read this know all about this phenomena. If you don't, make this your invitation to join a Bible study or some small group at a church where you can get a glimpse of a people inside their skin. It will provide tons of support to you and show God honor as well.

Is Anyone But Me Thinking of Easter Morning?

This is a day of preparation. For Easter Sunday service, that is. I've been thinking about it for a few weeks. As one of our church praise team leaders, the task of preparing the worship order and songs falls to me at least once a month. It is a daunting task. For a while the challenge of making the services blend the old and the new was overwhelming. That doesn't seem like a hot issue right now so it makes choosing songs more from the heart. Our praise team generally is scheduled the third Sunday of the month. For many years, the Easter service has been ours to put our serving into. What greater Sunday could there be than Easter to lead God's people in praise and worship? There is none. I shan't complain. It is a honor and privilege. The challenge is to make it different each year so there is a freshness to the old old story. While preparing the songs for the service I made sure to choose some old standbys and other newer songs that so clearly portray the joy of the empty tomb. Our pastor has had a man from our church build a twenty foot tomb which was supposed to have been installed last night after the evening service. It is tall enough for humans to walk through. And that is just the opportunity that we will be presented on Sunday. We will walk through the empty tomb and symbolically celebrate our freedom from sin through Christ's victory over death. So, the songs are chosen and the music prepared. Tomorrow night, all the instrumentalists and the vocalists will join to rehearse. The relief is that I'm ready, a day early.

I spoke of Dr. Cho's Tabernacle Prayer teachings and said that I was sure one could find it on the net. This morning I searched that out and found to my delight that Dr. Cho's teachings are in video form on the net free of cost. If you want to hear the Billy Graham of the 21st century speak of the power of God He attains through his prayer life....look up Tabernacle Prayer and find the one that mentions Dr. Cho. The time it takes to listen will surely be worth its weight in gold. I listened to the first teaching today. He outlined the ministries of his church. It is so extensive that it goes beyond my comprehension.

Last Weekend Family Time

Day of Learning

Sunday....day of rest and gladness, day of joy and light.....yes, it is the day we gather in places of worship to recognize the Lord and giver of our lives and also the sustainer and restorer of our lives. I spent all day yesterday in church...learning about the truth of the Word. It is truly amazing that at an age of maturity, one is still overwhelmed with learning the nuggets of truth in the Bible. One would think I'd know it all...raised in a devote and practicing Christian home. My parents made their decisions based on the truth as they saw it. It was right and good. I was educated in a Christian school through grade eight and went to a Christian college. I married a Christian man and have reared a family of eight children based on God's principles. Yes, one would think I should know it all. BUT, like all the rest of the children of the light...we are still learning. The closer we get to the source of light, the brighter and clearer it gets. I love the learning.

Yesterday morning was spent rediscovering the meaning of prayer in one's life. The pastor taught a process of prayer called "The Tabernacle" prayer model. It was taught to him by Dr. David Cho, pastor of the largest church in the world in Seoul, Korea. I had the unique privilege of attending Dr. Cho's church in the seventies. At that time, it boasted a membership of twenty thousand. Now it is three hundred fifty thousand. I recall taking a tour and listening to a talk about the church after the church service. It was exceedingly interesting. The one thing that stuck with me was that the church's shepherding elders contacted each church family once a week. I don't know if that practice remains there, but I was totally impressed. Who wouldn't want to be part of a fellowship that was concerned about where one was each week. Prayer requests were taken from the families and prayed over by the ruling body of the church. That was awesome to me. Perhaps that is why their numbers are so staggering. At any rate, I immediately embraced this prayer model because of the connection I have with Dr. Cho. My Korean children and my experience at that church and the Korean people tend to catapult me to those dear folks. One other thing about Cho's church that stirs my heart is that when one is a few blocks away, one can hear the murmur of people praying. Is that moving or what?

If one is interested in the Tablernacle Prayer Model...I am sure it is on the net somewhere.

In the afternoon, we learned about the healing power of Jesus. It was most interesting. The speaker was an RCA man who has been moved to bring Reformed Christians back to the teaching of the Word concerning healing. While God's will and man's faith are not scientific theory, the teaching was thought provoking and easy for me to assimilate. I have always felt uncomfortable with our beliefs about healing and found it very exciting to hear this movement toward what the Word teaches. There have been two extremes in the healing areas of Christian practice; one that God will heal each one according to the amount of faith they have and the other that the days of healing are over. This man showed from the Word that neither of these belief systems is correct. Much to think about.

It was a day to ponder. Now Lord, give me grace and mercy to put into practice what I know and have learned. In the name of Jesus.

Friday, the Fourteenth

They are off.....Kendra and Emerson that is.....they left about fifteen minutes ago. I felt a bit of a tear emerge as I held that little one shortly before departure time. I know I'll see her soon, but two hours plus is too far away. I know I must be grateful it isn't farther...many of our grandchildren are much farther away. Perhaps that is just why I mourn the distance and inability to see her daily or several times a week. We aren't experiencing the arrival of grandchildren as often anymore. Most of our children have completed their families so a new baby is a special treat. We have five grandchildren within a couple of miles and that is a cherished thing. I have always said that I couldn't keep up with life if all eighteen of them lived here. I wouldn't mind trying though.

It is another springlike day and the sunshine and milder temperatures are so welcomed. It should be in the high fifties today.

A gal from church just rang the doorbell. She talked with me at Bible study on Wednesday and asked if I had a fondue pot. When I said I did, she said, "I just knew it. I thought about who may have been fonduing it during the seventies and I thought of you". I had to dig to find where I was hiding that pot but I did find it and also found an electric one that I have gathered since that time via a garage sale. She was happy with my contribution and said she is having some girls over tonight. What fun. My kids love fonduing...reminds me that I'll have to do that again sometime soon.

Tomorrow, a lifetime friend and I will attend a prayer event in Dyer, IN. I don't get to spend time with this friend often so the opportunity is full of expectation. I'll meet her at a truck stop and we will ride together. I'm looking forward to a great day; one enjoying my friend and the other; enjoying my Friend.

Kendra.....Again???

Yesterday the weather was freshlike spring. I walked out in the afternoon to put a garbage bag into the receptacle and found myself out side for a half hour picking up sticks...no coat...only the clothes worn inside. I finally reentered to finish whatever I was doing indoors. Is there anything like spring to warm a heart and excite the adrenalin? I think I told this some time ago that each spring, it comes to my rememberance that my mother upon her death bed said, "I'm ready to go, but I would like to see another spring". I was in my mid thirties then and hadn't gotten to a place in life that I even noticed seasons. I didn't fully understand her heart. Now, I completely comprehend what she was trying to express. Spring...new birth, new life, new everything. Each new blade of life that comes out of the earth is perfect and unmarred. After a summer of heat and wind, that blade changes to a weather beaten plant life that longs for frost to give it a rest. Hmm, I think that was where my mom was at the time. A weather beaten, cancer eaten life, ready for a rest. She found her new spring through that door we spoke of a couple days ago.

Enough of that, already. It's spring so let us rejoice! Kendra surprised us yesterday by coming home. I just returned from her house four days ago. That's okay, I'm not complaining. I love having her around and love the joy of that little one, too. Kendra's cousin is having a house party tonight and Kendra decided she wanted to go. Imagine driving two hours with an eight week old baby to attend a Tastefully Simple party. It's not the party that is the draw....its a chance to visit her relatives. Kendra loves family and doesn't waste an opportunity to be with them. Stacy, tonight's hostess, is five months younger than Kendra so they have virtually grown up together. Both of them have new babies and turned the page to a new chapter in their lives. I know both Kendra and Stacy will be happy Kendra made the trip. We are happy she made the trip, too. Last night, Kendra and Lauri and I sat at Lauri's kitchen table making birth announcements. We have a good time when we are together.

Today will be a day of doing whatever. Kendra wants to go to ToTo to a discount place there called Bailey's. It is huge and full of bargains. Lauri and I were just there on Monday but we won't discourage Kendra. We told her the next time she came we would go there, we just didn't know the next time would be so soon. Life is too short to let a little thing like that interfere. Whatever we do, we will be filled with joy and love. I truly hope you find joy in your day as well. In all your activity, praise God for a new day, a new season and a new opportunity to experience His care and keeping. God is so good.

A Funeral Today

We are just home from a funeral. A seventy six year old man from our church suddenly passed away in his sleep on Friday morning. Bernie was a bachelor who lived with a bachelor brother and spinster sister. Yes, a rather unusual situation these days. Brother George passed away some years ago which left Bernie and Bernice to keep the home fires burning. These people have several siblings, it was a large family. It was always interesting to me the closeness both Bernice and Bernie expressed when talking about their family. This "odd couple", as it were, lived life to the fullest in the world of the Kingdom of God. Bernice talked often about the children in the neighborhood and her interaction and witness to them. Bernie was an active member of the team that went to minister in jail. He was also a mentor to Daniel, the young man in church who has Downs Syndrome. As Bernie's brother testified today, "Bernie loved Daniel and Daniel loved Bernie". Daniel's parents were sitting in the audience and though they had no apparent reaction, I knew that inside their hearts they were warmed and encouraged. It is not easy to be parents to a Down Syndrome child who is now an adult. These parents are in our small group and I have grimaced at some of the things they have shared that speak of pain endured. Bernie reached out to people in pain. He was a really neat guy. The Sunday prior to the Friday of his death, I saw him on my way into church. I had no idea that would be my last time to interact with him. I said, "Good Morning, Bernie, how are you?" In his soft spoken manner, he replied, "Not bad for a physical wreck." I chuckled and walked on. I guess I didn't really believe he was in as bad a condition as he knew he must be.

Life has a way of passing us by. We suddenly realize that the people we have seen for years are aging. Then we are reminded that we are aging also. I don't like to think of that much. There is too much life to live to worry about the years that are passing. I noticed that many of the family members that attended the funeral were experiencing struggles of old age. One had to be helped down the stage steps, another was walking with a walker, a sister was being pushed in a wheel chair. My heart hurt for us all. We are all in this together. The Word of God says that life is fleeting, like a flower in the field that blooms and then withers and dies. The effects of sin are showing. Death is the ultimate effect of sin. The Word also tells us that there is more to this things called life than what meets the eye. It is the unseen; both in this life and beyond the door through which we cannot see clearly.

I used to worry about passing through that door. I would concern myself about when and how it would be for me. The thought would walk through my mind that God would prepare me for that and take that fear away when the time came. The older I get and the more life I live assures me of God's faithfulness in all things, even death. Bernie is with Jesus now....no more pain...no more physical failures. One day I will be there too.....so will you. The Word again tells us truth....it says our eyes have not seen and our ears have not heard of all the wonders He has for us over there. If there is anything to rest in....it would be just that. Bernie is seeing and hearing those wonderful things.

With Him, There is Always Hope

Once in awhile, God shows us hope. Last evening I had a conversation with one I love so much who has been hurt deeply in her life. It was a conversation that led to the awareness that God has been about the business of healing. While pain still oozes out of the heart, it is obvious that progress is being made. As I analyze the situation, I'm struck with the realization that while I go about the daily routine of my life, even though I may not be acutely aware of it, God IS working out the details of restoration by His grace and as a result of our cry to Him. I told this dear one that she is on a journey to wholeness. This is not a month long trip but a trip that may last for years. I also gave her the truth that God is for her and that wholeness is within her grasp. Yes, she is recoginizing His will in her life these days. God is faithful. I praise Him.

My experience with this person teaches me that when God uses us.....He may expect us to hang in there for years before we see progress or any change of attitude or philosophy. It is the hanging that gets wearying. There have been times of great disappointment, even times when we feel like we have gone backwards rather than forwards. Yet, God has been active in her and us for all the years we have known each other. It is with great joy that we see progress and healing. I wonder how many times in my life, I have not hung long enough. I think of a person I don't see at church much any more. For years I had daily phone conversations with her. She has been hurt deeply in life also. I think I let the weariness of hanging overwhelm me. I finally stopped making daily phone calls based on my assessment that "by now she should surely be able to stand on her own spiritual feet". I even stopped calling when she doesn't come to church. I suppose I would have to admit that I have rather given her up as a lost cause. I say that shamefully because I know without a doubt she is God's precious child and He hasn't given up on her at all. I just ran out of energy. Perhaps that means I wasn't living as close to the Source as I should have. I'm not sure what happened. I know that in the afore mentioned situation, I couldn't give up. It was not an option. I'm grateful about that because if it had been an option, and I hadn't been willing to hang in the balance of God's promises long enough, I may have given up and missed the blessing. Lord, give grace to each of us as we reach out to those around us that find functioning in joy difficult. Give us patience for the long haul. Thank you for the blessing receive when we hang in there with you and wait to see your good work in those we love.

Praise God from whom all blessing come (no, the Word says "flow") That gives me an entirely different mental picture. Flow means to me that it overwhelms me and continues to happen. Yes, praise God from whom all blessings FLOW.

Not Finished With US Yet

I returned home from Kendra's and Craig's home yesterday afternoon. I had a great time getting my baby fix. That baby feels good to hold and smells good to snuggle with. It's difficult not to repeatedly kiss those chubby little cheeks.

God showed me while gone that He isn't finished with the people of the US quite yet. When Kendra and baby and I were at the mall on Thursday, we bought a pretzel from Auntie Anne's (best pretzels in the world). We sat down to savor the flavor. Two young moms came up and sat at the table behind my back. I heard one mom say to her little daughter, "Lord bless the food we are about to eat, Amen". There was no hiding her intent. She was leading her little daughter in the way of the Lord. I was moved. Both moms talked about their church family while we sat feeling guilty for eaves dropping. I walked away with a big smile. Bless those moms, was my silent prayer.

Yesterday, I stopped at Ikea to get some things for daughter, Lauri. I was all by myself and decided to purchase the 99 cent breakfast of eggs, bacon and potatoes that Ikea offers. I'm kind of a social person so always feel somewhat lost when eating in a restaurant by myself. I sat at a table in the middle of a group of tables. To my left side, a middle aged mom and two teenagers sat down to eat. I wasn't gawking but I did notice that one of the teens had her hands folded in her lap and her head bowed with eyes closed. Immediately, I felt a bond with that young gal. If I could have done what I wanted to do, I would have gotten up and given her a big Family hug. Obviously, I had to be PC so I sat as if I hadn't noticed. Wouldn't want to offend, you know. Behind me, two more young moms came with their youngsters and took their seats. I heard one of the moms say to her children, "Ask God to bless your food". Now I couldn't see what was going on but I could hear that these moms were teaching their children to honor God by recognizing that He is the giver of their food and also the one that blesses it to the health of our bodies. It occured to me at that moment that it was totally amazing that I would witness this God honoring situation three times in the last two days. The Spirit seemed to remind me that God isn't finished with the people of our nation yet. There are many that still recognize Him and honor Him for who He is. I was blessed. In place of encouraging those women personally, I deliberately lifted my eyes to God and asked for blessing in abundance for those godfearing families.

Emerson's First Photo Shoot

Getting a first portrait was quite the ordeal. After shopping a few minutes, Emerson decided she should eat before the main event. Kendra took her into a dressing room in Penney's for some private moments. When she was about finished with her midmorning meal, Grandma came into the dressing room to help get the baby dressed for her picture. I sat on a dressing room bench and undressed baby down to her onesie. We suddenly heard a tremendous roar and realized Emerson was dispelling the meals of prior indulgences. Kendra said, "Sit her up, sit her up!" She explained that she didn't want the poop to get on her onesie. I sat her up. Too late. The back of her onesie was a total mess up to her shoulder blades. Kendra got out a vinyl little pad to lay her on. With success, we carefully lifted the onesie off her head being careful not to undo the results of her morning bath. While I took off her diaper and mopped her up, she spit up all over the place, under her chin and all over the mat. Kendra and I began to laugh as the scene became more humorous by the moment. There she was, in her skin, lying on the mat wiggling around. Her wiggling stopped abruptly and she got silent while her eyes became as big as they get. I looked down at her and saw she had now peed a lake. She was stunned as the liquid worked its way all the way up to her head. By this time, we are rolling. What else could she possibly do to make the effort of making her beautiful for her picture. Thank God for wet wipes. She got her second bath of the morning one wipe after another. We finally got her redressed in the beautiful dress her mommy had gotten for her the day before. She did look rather angelic. By the time we got back to the studio, we were a bit late but happy that the baby was awake and happy. The photographer said they were running a bit late so we had to wait another 20 minutes. This timing was not good. Kendra decided to feed her a bit and in the process she fell asleep again. So for her first REAL pictures, the baby was sound sleep. Of course the first thing she did during her initial pose was to spit up all over her dress. Oh the joys of new babies. Unpredictible.

Yesterday and Today

The price of oil is up again. On the news this morning I saw pictures of gas prices in CA. Downright scary. Makes me want to hole up in my house and go nowhere. Unfortunately that desire fades quickly.

Today, the goal is to take Emerson to get her first portrait. Her mama bought her an Easter dress yesterday with two purposes in mind. One is obvious and the other is to wear for her first real picture. Penneys, here we come. Penneys is where I took my kids for their pictures. I found then really good and the prices were great. We will check it out and see what deals we can find.

Yesterday, Kendra and I looked over her baby book. While I never got the pictures in the book, we learned that I DID record many things about her babyhood. Considering I had seven kids at the time, I thought I needed a pat on the back. Kendra has gone through snapshots and added the appropriate ones to the various pages. So, now, her baby memories are complete.

We found a few deals on our shopping trip yesterday. Nothing of consequence but a few fun things. Emerson probably came out the winner but then that is no surprise. Babies have a way of bringing it all home.

Great Trip

I'm out of Dodge. I left the gas station at 5:32 and got at Kendra's front door at 7:30. A great time. It was an invigorating drive as I began in the dark and was around Merrillville when darkness faded. Soon the sun came up as a big red ball in the south eastern sky. It was magnificient. My spirits soared as the beauty of it met my eye and sank into my emotions. Traffic was light and easy....a very nice change from my last five and a half hour trip to the same address.

Baby Emerson has great tons. Her chubby little cheeks and double chin are so kissable. My philosophy is to enjoy this little one while she is little. They grow so quickly. This stage lasts such a short time.


We plan to shop the clearance racks today. It is something we do well.

Gettin' Outa Dodge

Finally, the landscape without snow. I understand that it won't last long but it is nice for the moment. Yesterday's rain washed away any sign of a winter with more than its share of the white flaky stuff. Today is windy and colder. Another day of state primaries and coveted delegates at stake. Listening to rhetoric makes one cynical. Today the big news is Obama's mixed message about NAFTA. One thing to the Americans in Texas and another message to the Canadians. Don't get too concerned, they told them, it is just political rhetoric. Thank you, Mr. Obama, for telling us all what we already know and find difficult to accept. You and the rest of them are not to be trusted. That is a sad thing to realize but just when was the last time you knew a politician to follow through with his promises. We are a SICK society.

I'm feeling a big need to get out out of Dodge. Kendra is ready for another visit from Mom. She could enjoy a bit of relief from a baby that doesn't sleep nights. During the day she eats and sleeps as she should for a baby her age. BUT, night time is another story. Sunday night she cried for six hours pushing Kendra and Craig close to the edge. I reminded Kendra that babies don't come with a return policy so she will just have to deal. Good thing that little bundle of humanity is cute as ever and sweet as sugar. Having her in my arms once again will feel so good. I won't leave before tomorrow morning because of praise team practice tonight, but I plan to waste no time in getting there early tomorrow. I need an Emerson fix. Maybe a Kendra fix, too.

Welcome to Our World

I heard a quotation from a noted Catholic priest recently. It made so much sense to me and it rang as truth to my ears. "Immorality is anti American and is a threat to our national security". He went on to explain that Americans are not listening to the voice of God's for the way to live their lives anymore. Duh. We all know that. The message was one of warning......either we will wake up and return to Him or He will wake us up and it won't be pretty. With the priest's deep strong voice, he said, "I will guarantee you, we will not get by with this".

It makes me wonder who we think we are. Out of one side of our mouths, say like right after 911, we, meaning the nation at large, beseech God for His blessing and healing. A few months later, there had been no meaningful change. Lives continue to be lived for the dollar or for worldy pleasure. Never before in my lifetime has immorality been more prevelant. Even as Christians we have come to expect it and to accept it. More frightening is that we are quiet about it as if we don't have anything signifcant to say on the subject. We are at fault. We have bought into the philosophy that every one can live and let live.

I am not suggesting that we live like Pharisees and judge others in a condemning way. I am suggesting that we take a good look around us and speak up for holiness. When we hear God's name taken in vain, we should politely take exception to the practice. When those around us live in anyway that is contrary to God's commands for life, we need to be vocal. Stand for the right. How do we do that and not be judgmental? I think if we explain that it isn't our opinion that matters but it is God's opinion that is the standard by the way we all live our lives, it may be accepted better. I am not an expert on this. I am still learning. It is very hard for me to challenge behavior in my world where anything goes. I prefer to stay in my little corner of the world where it is safe and less offensive. The priest jogged my conscience.

Spring; New Beginnings

Patches of grass are becoming visible. The warmer weather has begun a thaw and we hope it continues until all this white stuff is gone completely. I haven't talked with anyone who isn't very eager for spring. Of course, that is nothing new. People desire spring every year at this time. It reminds me of when my mother was very ill with cancer. She talked about the inevitability of her death and then commented, "But I would like to see another spring", Spring represents what we all enjoy.....new life.....a new beginning....a change for the better....a bit of freedom. Obviously, we long for spring in our struggles as well. We look forward to the time when the particular challenge we face sees its spring. We even see a spring like renewal in our spriritual life each Easter when we celebrate the victory Christ has over the dark winter of our souls. That is coming up very soon. I must say I think the churches that put more emphasis on a lenten preparation or observation have something over on my tradition. We barely recognize that this is lent. We gather to mourn on Good Friday and we celebrate on Easter but there is little encouragement to focus on the sacrifice the six weeks prior. I should speak only for myself but I think for me it would help my understanding and zero my focus in to the Savior if I would be encouraged to that end. Some years ago I worked closely with a young Catholic gal who became very close to me in a spiritual sense. We discussed our inner beings with one another. Working in the same class room, I knew about her daily walk. When lent came she considered what she would "give up". While our forefathers saw that as something that becomes tradition or trying to do something that gains our salvation, she saw it as an expression of worship just as taking time to pray would be an expression of worship. I joined her that year in a day to day remembrance of sorrow for my own sin and thanksgiving for the wonderful gift of salvation, full and free. We read through the daily lenten devotional together. It was a good thing.

I didn't start out to write about this subject today. I'm glad I did though, because I have reminded myself to do a little preparation for the celebration of Easter. Perhaps it will remind you, also.

Living Within Limitations

Another weekend has arrived. There is still snow on the ground but the milder temperatures may just do something about that. A giant melt would be welcomed. I'm so weary of the snow and the complexities that come with it. Last night, my husband parked in our friend's driveway for Bible study. As I opened the door, I realized that while the driveway was clear, I had no choice but to step in a foot of snow while clearing the door. Then walking onto the sidewalk, there was black ice where the melting snow off the roof was dropping onto the sidewalk and freezing there. This weather produces treacherous conditions for us. I'm safe, but I have talked to a few people this winter that haven't faired so well. Broken bones are not fun.

So, bring on spring. I understand that the time changes to daylight savings time in two weeks. It hardly seems possible, but bring that on, too. While I enjoy early morning light, I more enjoy extended daylight at the end of the day. The change conjures up visions of gardening in my head. Nothing brings more freedom to my spirit (humanly speaking) than sitting on warm earth and digging in the soil. Time fades and I find myself in the moment. Love it. There was a time in my life, that my goals for gardening were grandious. I have a picture in my bathroom of a to die for garden. I planned to create one of those for my own. I did pretty well for awhile. Then came some physical problems and suddenly I couldn't do the "manly" work anymore. My dreams of the best garden in the county were dashed. For a few years I carried a bitterness about that. By now, things that are simpler are more attractive.

So, while I can't do it really big anymore, I can still do it and praise God for the level of strength He has chosen to preserve for me. I got slapped into reality last spring break while we were in Washington DC going through the process of getting into the White House. My defibrillator was rather new then and I wasn't sure about the safety going through all the security. The last thing I needed was to screw up the metal works in me. When I shared with the female security person my hesitation about going through the security check, she asked why and I told her about the defib. She chuckled and scoffed a bit as she said, "The VP comes through here every day of the year!" That was probably the biggest encouragement I could have gotten. If Cheney can go about the of the vice presidency of the US with a defibrillator in his chest, I think I can do what needs to be done here, too.