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It's Sunday today. Our plan is to gather with our church family this morning and worship God together. After church we have plans with friends to go out to eat together. Our friends have been very busy recently and our times together have been minimal. It will be good to see them and share life once again.
At Bible study on Friday night the conversation stirred up many memories of what it was like for me to sit in church as a little girl. Some ladies said their mothers sent pink peppermints down the row to each child. Others spoke of having a heritage of white peppermints, Wilhemenia peppermints or King peppermints. Whatever the form, it was quite clear that “mint” in some form had a calming effect on children during church services. In those days, children were to be seen and not heard. We were quiet in church and when we weren’t, we would be the next time. We were brought to church to worship and also to develop the rhythm of church attendance in our lives. I’m sure my parents also expected I would ingest the messages presented. Children’s church was not thought of then. We were to be with the adults in the regular service. My poor parents as children had to sit through Dutch services they didn’t understand. I guess I shouldn’t complain, at least ours were in English. I think it was thought back then, at least in our tradition, that Sunday school and catechism classes (which I attended from grade one) were the tools through which I would learn Truth. There wasn’t anything wrong about that intent because I truly think it worked. It is interesting, however, how times and thoughts have changed regarding the place of children in church services.
It occurred to me that handkerchiefs were very important in church services. My mother always had several in her purse. One was for runny noses or to wipe away a tear. (We didn’t use paper tissues then) One was used to wrap several peppermints (we take baggies and Saran wrap for granted now, it wasn’t always available and waxed paper was too noisy in church). Another handkerchief was wrapped and knotted around a single peppermint and it was offered to my baby brother. Mom held on to one end and the end with the peppermint went into his mouth where it provided calm and quiet for the duration of the church service.
The handkerchief reserved for me was special. Mom had a way of folding a handkerchief that made it appear as if there were twp babies in a cradle. I recall watching her quietly fold the hanky by rolling both ends toward the middle When the rolls met the middle she performed some magic by turning something inside out and suddenly my toy had appeared. I would hold an end with each hand and rock those imaginary babies back and forth, back and forth. It kept me quiet for at least a few minutes.
Wow, how I wish I could talk to my mom about these memories. (She could also show me how to make magic with a handkerchief) It brings tears to my eyes as I recall her quiet ways and the effort she made to make me comfortable and keep me occupied. I’m sure she could add much about those days and could probably add some good stories about handkerchiefs, too. My mom died when she was fifty-seven. I felt it then and feel it now that it was way too young for a mom to die. How I wish I could have shared my spiritual maturing process with her. I wish I could have gone to her for wisdom during the years I reared a large family. I have missed her. But, God makes no mistakes. The lesson I have learned from the early loss of my mother is that we cannot take each other for granted. Each moment with my husband and children, grandchildren, friends and other loved ones is precious to me. If I ere on the side of leaving work unfinished to join in the activities of those I love, it is because I hold our moments together so dear. There are no issues in the life of Christians that should separate them. I hear of families that allow conflicts to end their relationships and I grieve. I simply cannot imagine wasting time in conflict when we have the opportunity to love. How God must grieve. Enjoy your loved ones. Forgive whatever offense you may have against them. If God can forgive your sins and mine, how can we go about with offense in our hearts? There is nothing more freeing than the act of forgiveness. God is our example. Love conquers all! Go and love…….
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
God Has A Better Plan-Always
The arm is working better today. One wonders what gets into these body parts so unexpectedly and causes disruption. I'm grateful that I'm able to use the troubled limb more effectively today. Praise God for healing.
Yesterday brought a few changes to plans. When we visited the dairy adventure, we spoke with the general manager who explained she didn't have the calendar but thought there was no problem with securing the the date we desired to rent the room offerred. So I called the "official scheduling person" yesterday morning and learned that all of October was filled and we couldn't get that room for our shower. While it doesn't change where the men and the kids will spend their time, it did change things for us. This added some unnecessary stress for Lauri and me as our time was already filled to the brim. I told Lauri that God had a greater plan we just didn't know about yet. We conceded that one of us would probably have the shower at our home. Both were willing but 40 people in a home isn't easy and having a shower at a home where there are a number of guests is even a greater challenge. Lauri called a friend and lamented. The friend posed a couple of suggestions. One of them was the Fairchild House in our own little town. Many cities have many beautiful old homes but ours has only one. The town bought it several years ago to preserve the history and beauty. I recall visiting the owner of the house, Chairty Mae Fairchild, along with my grandmother when I was perhaps seven or eight years old. I remember a breakfast booth in the corner of the kitchen. It was the first time I had seen something like that and the sight of it has stayed with me all these years. All the years since that time my heart was warmed when I drove by that house. I had not visited the house since the town purchased it and wasn't aware they rented the facilites. Lauri and I called the lady in charge and she agreed to meet us there to view the place and show us what was available. What we found was a delight. The town has done a great job of retaining the beauty of this old two story brick home. (the breakfast booth was already gone with the town purchased it :( It has a large entry with a wooden staircase in view, a wonderful living room with large stone fireplace, and all the ammenities we need for hostessing a comfortable party. We were delighted. We signed on the dotted line and are now making mental notes on how we can even add to the charm. It will be great fun. I knew God had some solution that would tickle our fancy. I praise Him for the way He delights me each day.
Our card making venture was toilsome for the most part. That perspective probably had something to do with the pain I had in my arm. By the end of the afternoon things were coming together and one could see light at the end of the tunnel. Obviously, the joy in visitng with a couple of great gals was delightful, but making 225 cards in an afternoon is a big row to hoe. We will finish them today. I told Lauri to call when they were ready to begin again. Barb said it would be after they had made coffee. The most enjoyment I had was listening to these young gals discuss their designing options. Perhaps this or perhaps that or maybe something else. Another "smile" for me was when they talk about paper using their brand names. I could have hooted over that. It was like someone saying they liked Coach. I would understand that is a purse but I did not understand the names they used to mean paper. They are all big scrap booking enthusiasts so they are in the "know" about paper.
Speaking of purses. Barb arrived carrying a black purse with cute black and white polka dot ribbon trim. When I complimented her purse she said, "Thank you, it is one of two seatbelt purses I have". WHAT? She explained that some company is making purses out of seat belts. The belts are woven together to form the sides of the purse. It is quite beautiful and who would have thunk it? My dad refuses to use seatbelts so we thought it would be humorous to buy his wife a seatbelt purse. She could invent quite a spin about why the seat belt became her purse.
Yesterday brought a few changes to plans. When we visited the dairy adventure, we spoke with the general manager who explained she didn't have the calendar but thought there was no problem with securing the the date we desired to rent the room offerred. So I called the "official scheduling person" yesterday morning and learned that all of October was filled and we couldn't get that room for our shower. While it doesn't change where the men and the kids will spend their time, it did change things for us. This added some unnecessary stress for Lauri and me as our time was already filled to the brim. I told Lauri that God had a greater plan we just didn't know about yet. We conceded that one of us would probably have the shower at our home. Both were willing but 40 people in a home isn't easy and having a shower at a home where there are a number of guests is even a greater challenge. Lauri called a friend and lamented. The friend posed a couple of suggestions. One of them was the Fairchild House in our own little town. Many cities have many beautiful old homes but ours has only one. The town bought it several years ago to preserve the history and beauty. I recall visiting the owner of the house, Chairty Mae Fairchild, along with my grandmother when I was perhaps seven or eight years old. I remember a breakfast booth in the corner of the kitchen. It was the first time I had seen something like that and the sight of it has stayed with me all these years. All the years since that time my heart was warmed when I drove by that house. I had not visited the house since the town purchased it and wasn't aware they rented the facilites. Lauri and I called the lady in charge and she agreed to meet us there to view the place and show us what was available. What we found was a delight. The town has done a great job of retaining the beauty of this old two story brick home. (the breakfast booth was already gone with the town purchased it :( It has a large entry with a wooden staircase in view, a wonderful living room with large stone fireplace, and all the ammenities we need for hostessing a comfortable party. We were delighted. We signed on the dotted line and are now making mental notes on how we can even add to the charm. It will be great fun. I knew God had some solution that would tickle our fancy. I praise Him for the way He delights me each day.
Our card making venture was toilsome for the most part. That perspective probably had something to do with the pain I had in my arm. By the end of the afternoon things were coming together and one could see light at the end of the tunnel. Obviously, the joy in visitng with a couple of great gals was delightful, but making 225 cards in an afternoon is a big row to hoe. We will finish them today. I told Lauri to call when they were ready to begin again. Barb said it would be after they had made coffee. The most enjoyment I had was listening to these young gals discuss their designing options. Perhaps this or perhaps that or maybe something else. Another "smile" for me was when they talk about paper using their brand names. I could have hooted over that. It was like someone saying they liked Coach. I would understand that is a purse but I did not understand the names they used to mean paper. They are all big scrap booking enthusiasts so they are in the "know" about paper.
Speaking of purses. Barb arrived carrying a black purse with cute black and white polka dot ribbon trim. When I complimented her purse she said, "Thank you, it is one of two seatbelt purses I have". WHAT? She explained that some company is making purses out of seat belts. The belts are woven together to form the sides of the purse. It is quite beautiful and who would have thunk it? My dad refuses to use seatbelts so we thought it would be humorous to buy his wife a seatbelt purse. She could invent quite a spin about why the seat belt became her purse.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Chirstmas in September
Christmas cards already? Yep, today is card making day for my daughter, her friends, and little ole me. This is my first time to join them as I am now free during the day. One of Lauri's friends comes to her home two days each fall from Grand Rapids and the girls get their Christmas cards made. I love making cards so have always been a bit envious of their project. I can't wait to jump into it. Their cards are memorable and they like the responses they get from friends and relatives. We will have to see if I can match their standard. They have been doing this annual ritual for years. I recall going there after school and finding the house in disarray as children of all ages played while moms made cards. Kids and moms alike had fun. Now Lauri's children are all in school but the friends have a few young ones. Should be an interesting and delightful day. I am honored they will allow me to join them.
For some reason, my right shoulder is giving me fits. Over the years, I have had trouble with my left shoulder, but never my right for which I was always thankful. Two days ago I felt a twinge and now it is full blown pain. I'm going to try alternating Tylenol and Ibuprofen and try the exercises the chiropracter gave to me another time I struggled. I'm also applying ice for ten minutes out of every hour, another remedy suggested at an earlier time. I know compared to many people's trials this is a drop in the bucket, however, I also know that pain is a difficult thing to endure so if this doesn't let up soon, I'll be knocking on my doctor's door. When I have these joint problems he likes to shoot me up with something in those joints. His done that twice; once in my left shoulder and once in my right hip. I don't know if they helped or not. As a person with a profound wholistic philosophy, I'm not too eager to do that, but if that is the only way to relief, I will succumb. Wholistic living is a great challenge in our society. Sometimes I tire of bucking the system.
Yesterday, Lauri and I scratched our head over where we would have Kendra's baby shower. After some calls and some scary prices, we found what we think is nearly the perfect place. We have an attraction about ten miles away along the interstate called Dairy Adventure. If you haven't been there, you must go. The tour alone is worth the seven dollar price tag (for adults). Without purchasing a ticket one can visit the cheese store and little restaurant they have. The best cheese and ice cream in the world is offered there. We decided to call them to see if they have a room to rent. They said they do and so we told them we were on our way over there to look at it. The room is very roomy and light. I liked it. It's only draw back is that there are several steps to climb to get there. That will be a challenge for a couple of our guests. On the other hand, we are trying to hostess a baby shower and a family reunion of my father's family all the same day. We learned the dairy is having an October fest each weekend now and have hay rides, corn mazes, a huge built in trampoline called "the pillow", a little train for young children to ride, special games for kids, all in addition to their birthing barn where one can sit and watch calves come into the world. We liked the idea so our plans are set. The shower will be at 11 in the morning and the guys and children can all play and tour all the things the adventure is offerring while the ladies and girls are having a shower upstairs in "the room". The group rate is five dollars a person.
Three of the men that own dairies and are part owners of the Dairy Adventure are members of our church. They are assets to our community and to our church. I have worked on the worship committee for about five years with one of them so he and I have become friends. I noticed that while I was at the dairy adventure building, I felt quite at home. That is important to me when I'm going to host a party. I am also acquainted with the manager of the adventure. All those connections are important for me. I know that may seem a bit strange but it is comforting to me that the people involved and supporting that business have the same core values we have. They have created a wonderful educational and entertaining opportunity and our community is a richer place because of it.
For some reason, my right shoulder is giving me fits. Over the years, I have had trouble with my left shoulder, but never my right for which I was always thankful. Two days ago I felt a twinge and now it is full blown pain. I'm going to try alternating Tylenol and Ibuprofen and try the exercises the chiropracter gave to me another time I struggled. I'm also applying ice for ten minutes out of every hour, another remedy suggested at an earlier time. I know compared to many people's trials this is a drop in the bucket, however, I also know that pain is a difficult thing to endure so if this doesn't let up soon, I'll be knocking on my doctor's door. When I have these joint problems he likes to shoot me up with something in those joints. His done that twice; once in my left shoulder and once in my right hip. I don't know if they helped or not. As a person with a profound wholistic philosophy, I'm not too eager to do that, but if that is the only way to relief, I will succumb. Wholistic living is a great challenge in our society. Sometimes I tire of bucking the system.
Yesterday, Lauri and I scratched our head over where we would have Kendra's baby shower. After some calls and some scary prices, we found what we think is nearly the perfect place. We have an attraction about ten miles away along the interstate called Dairy Adventure. If you haven't been there, you must go. The tour alone is worth the seven dollar price tag (for adults). Without purchasing a ticket one can visit the cheese store and little restaurant they have. The best cheese and ice cream in the world is offered there. We decided to call them to see if they have a room to rent. They said they do and so we told them we were on our way over there to look at it. The room is very roomy and light. I liked it. It's only draw back is that there are several steps to climb to get there. That will be a challenge for a couple of our guests. On the other hand, we are trying to hostess a baby shower and a family reunion of my father's family all the same day. We learned the dairy is having an October fest each weekend now and have hay rides, corn mazes, a huge built in trampoline called "the pillow", a little train for young children to ride, special games for kids, all in addition to their birthing barn where one can sit and watch calves come into the world. We liked the idea so our plans are set. The shower will be at 11 in the morning and the guys and children can all play and tour all the things the adventure is offerring while the ladies and girls are having a shower upstairs in "the room". The group rate is five dollars a person.
Three of the men that own dairies and are part owners of the Dairy Adventure are members of our church. They are assets to our community and to our church. I have worked on the worship committee for about five years with one of them so he and I have become friends. I noticed that while I was at the dairy adventure building, I felt quite at home. That is important to me when I'm going to host a party. I am also acquainted with the manager of the adventure. All those connections are important for me. I know that may seem a bit strange but it is comforting to me that the people involved and supporting that business have the same core values we have. They have created a wonderful educational and entertaining opportunity and our community is a richer place because of it.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Plugged In
In our Bible study yesterday we discussed living close to Jesus and abiding in Him. The example of the vine and the branches came up. Jesus said He is the vine and we are the branches and that anyone that stays connected to Him maintains life and health. The reference to the vine and branches reminds me of my recently purchased decorative fall cabbages. I have some red ones and some green ones. I find them so refreshing with their crisp robust leaves and sturdy stature. When everything else is beginning to look weary and tired, the cabbages are just coming into their prime time. They are hardy plants that withstand cold temperatures. I expect them to give me pleasure for a couple of months yet. Before I left for the last weekend, I didn’t think about watering them. The two days I was gone were very warm but I didn’t think of their need for life giving water until I returned home. As soon as I walked up the sidewalk, I saw them. They were in bad shape. The red ones were totally wilted and the top leaves were lying flat against the bottom leaves. My heart quickened with the need to hurry to get them some help. I took them in the house, filled three sinks with water and submerged their pots in water. It took soaking them the entire night before there was any sign of returning vibrancy. I got to thinking about how much that compares to the necessity of our being plugged into the life source of Jesus. When we neglect our time with Him and fail to read the “living word”, we begin to dry up spiritually. Our vibrancy and our very effectiveness are void.
If we find ourselves in that state it is important to act as quickly as possible to restore our selves to the source of life. Just as it took the cabbages time to recover, it also takes us time to recover the weakness produced when we have neglected the life source. How often I have run to God after abandoning Him for a time. I want Him to feel close. I get impatient about restoring the
relationship with Him that I have felt in the past. I begin to question Him. Doesn’t He love me anymore? Doesn’t He care? Of course He cares. It wasn’t He that left or neglected our relationship, it was I and it takes some time and deligence to restore the former.
I noticed today that the bottom leaves of my plants are turning yellow even though I watered them thoroughly and thought I had rescued them in time. Truth is that neglect takes its toll. It does damage that isn’t evident immediately. My plants will recover, drop their injured leaves and sprout new ones but not without a few scars. Don’t be surprised to find that may happen to you and I if we neglect the power source too long. Wounds manifest themselves and it takes awhile for the scars to form and then go away.
The way to avoid wilted branches and the risk of being a dead plant is to stay focused on Jesus each day. The Word makes it clear that we need spiritual food as often as we need physical food. Make sure you get yours today. I’m finding that if I don’t get mine very early in the day, my time is stolen from me and I find myself wilting.
If we find ourselves in that state it is important to act as quickly as possible to restore our selves to the source of life. Just as it took the cabbages time to recover, it also takes us time to recover the weakness produced when we have neglected the life source. How often I have run to God after abandoning Him for a time. I want Him to feel close. I get impatient about restoring the
relationship with Him that I have felt in the past. I begin to question Him. Doesn’t He love me anymore? Doesn’t He care? Of course He cares. It wasn’t He that left or neglected our relationship, it was I and it takes some time and deligence to restore the former.
I noticed today that the bottom leaves of my plants are turning yellow even though I watered them thoroughly and thought I had rescued them in time. Truth is that neglect takes its toll. It does damage that isn’t evident immediately. My plants will recover, drop their injured leaves and sprout new ones but not without a few scars. Don’t be surprised to find that may happen to you and I if we neglect the power source too long. Wounds manifest themselves and it takes awhile for the scars to form and then go away.
The way to avoid wilted branches and the risk of being a dead plant is to stay focused on Jesus each day. The Word makes it clear that we need spiritual food as often as we need physical food. Make sure you get yours today. I’m finding that if I don’t get mine very early in the day, my time is stolen from me and I find myself wilting.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Another Day in the My Journey
Yesterday morning as I was writing the first blog, a phone call was received from my friend, Cindy. Her news? A thrift shop in northern Merrillville was the recipient of a donation from a catering company. They had scads of tablecloths and were selling them for $2.00 each. We debated whether or not it was economically worth the price of the gas to get there. Cindy is one of the ladies on our women's retreat team. Each team member is always looking out for deals that will make our lives and our retreat costs easier. We decided to drop everything and run. When I went to get her, she met me at the door without her makeup. Funny thing was, I was still minus mine, too. She said to give her five and I went to the car to put on my face. When we both felt presentable, we left. Once there, we found our job was nearly endless with many tablecloths to open, spread out on the floor to look for spots, and then fold them back up when they were unacceptable. I'm not sure how many we got, probably around fifteen. Some were round and others oblong. We also got several black table skirts that looked quite good. I think we will benefit from those when retreat time arrives and we are trying to make things look elegant and beautiful. We normally rent table cloths. To rent them costs $4 a piece. It appears owning them is less costly than renting when they can be had at the thrift store. The bonus in the thrift store cloths is that they look as if they will not require ironing. The ones we already own force volunteers to stand for hours ironing.
This morning I will attend Women in the Faith Bible study. We are in a study by Beth Moore which encourages the truth about believing God. Beth uses the Bible to teach that God is looking from us faith in Him. Our good works are nothing in His sight. They will not get us into the doors of heaven. They are purely a response to our gratitude to a God whom is our redeemer and sustainer. The study requires some daily work and I have enjoyed the depth of her study. Her questions prompt more than a pat answer. What a different life we would live as Christians, if we lived as if the truths of the Bible were applicable to us.
Following Bible study, I will sandwich in attending a memorial service for our church secretary's father who passed away Monday night. May God be praised that his suffering was only that of a week. Patty sent an e-mail that stated that her father was conversing with his family up until an hour of his departure. There were hugs and hand shakes and love exchanged. She painted a beautiful picture of a God fearing family saying goodbye to one they love.
At 11:45, Lauri and I will take my father's wife whom we call, "Grandma Mary", to Merrillville shopping (I know, I should live there). Mary doesn't get there often. Sometmes she and Dad go together, but Dad can't stand long on concrete floors as his hip begins to give him trouble. As a result she doesn't get to putts long and gaze about at all there is available. Today, she will get that opportunity. Mary doesn't like people to do for her; she is always doing for others, but this time she didn't argue. I think she is looking forward to the trip with the "girls" and I'm more sure that Dad is happy to sit home in peace. Those two are very close and generally what one does the other does, also. It is almost as if Mary feels she is abandoning Dad if she leaves him for a short time. I think it will be good for both of them to have a breather. We are so blessed to still have and enjoy them.
This morning I will attend Women in the Faith Bible study. We are in a study by Beth Moore which encourages the truth about believing God. Beth uses the Bible to teach that God is looking from us faith in Him. Our good works are nothing in His sight. They will not get us into the doors of heaven. They are purely a response to our gratitude to a God whom is our redeemer and sustainer. The study requires some daily work and I have enjoyed the depth of her study. Her questions prompt more than a pat answer. What a different life we would live as Christians, if we lived as if the truths of the Bible were applicable to us.
Following Bible study, I will sandwich in attending a memorial service for our church secretary's father who passed away Monday night. May God be praised that his suffering was only that of a week. Patty sent an e-mail that stated that her father was conversing with his family up until an hour of his departure. There were hugs and hand shakes and love exchanged. She painted a beautiful picture of a God fearing family saying goodbye to one they love.
At 11:45, Lauri and I will take my father's wife whom we call, "Grandma Mary", to Merrillville shopping (I know, I should live there). Mary doesn't get there often. Sometmes she and Dad go together, but Dad can't stand long on concrete floors as his hip begins to give him trouble. As a result she doesn't get to putts long and gaze about at all there is available. Today, she will get that opportunity. Mary doesn't like people to do for her; she is always doing for others, but this time she didn't argue. I think she is looking forward to the trip with the "girls" and I'm more sure that Dad is happy to sit home in peace. Those two are very close and generally what one does the other does, also. It is almost as if Mary feels she is abandoning Dad if she leaves him for a short time. I think it will be good for both of them to have a breather. We are so blessed to still have and enjoy them.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Planting and Watering Seeds
One other story I choose not to forget. Last evening while I was working at my computer, the phone rang and the call was for me. I was delighted to hear it was a student of mine from the high school. She is a senior this year and pretty miffed at me for retiring. I heard she had a really tough summer and so we talked about that a bit. Suddenly she said, "I'm going to Target and can't find a soul to go with me". The ever ready one to go to Merrillville said, "I'll go with you, Becca." She was surprised and said, "You will?" When I confirmed the offer she told me to get my shoes on and she would be right over.
The time with Becca gave us lots of time to "talk" about the really important things in life like, boys, songs, really neat car radios, loud speakers, etc. We also talked about life and the things God expects of us and the truth about things in life. I love Becca with all my heart and pray the best for her. She is a sharp kid with a bit of a sharp response. I talked with her mom tonight and she told me Becca even tells doctors to get lost. There's part of that I love. Too many people believe everything someone tells them and do everything suggested. Becca challenges any advice thrown her way. "Why" is her favorite word.
We spent a bunch of time in Target and I taught her to run the perimeter to search for clearance deals. She laughed at me (but I'll bet she'll be running the perimeter from now on). I told her I had a few errands to run so she took me to Hobby Lobby (to pick up my big picture which she thought was a hoot), to Office Depot, and of course to Starbucks. Her favorite Starbucks is in Barnes and Noble. I told her I hadn't been to that one before so she took me to her fav. We enjoyed the best of Starbucks and then headed home. When we got to our house, I invited her inside. She sat in the living room with me and chatted for awhile, seemingly not in a hurry to leave.
Becca is just one of the kids in which I hope I have planted seeds. Seeds that will sprout a life of holiness. I know her parents have taught her the same but sometimes kids have a bit of a rebellious spirit and need other adults to confirm what they hear at home. I thank God for the opportunity to water those seeds last evening.
The time with Becca gave us lots of time to "talk" about the really important things in life like, boys, songs, really neat car radios, loud speakers, etc. We also talked about life and the things God expects of us and the truth about things in life. I love Becca with all my heart and pray the best for her. She is a sharp kid with a bit of a sharp response. I talked with her mom tonight and she told me Becca even tells doctors to get lost. There's part of that I love. Too many people believe everything someone tells them and do everything suggested. Becca challenges any advice thrown her way. "Why" is her favorite word.
We spent a bunch of time in Target and I taught her to run the perimeter to search for clearance deals. She laughed at me (but I'll bet she'll be running the perimeter from now on). I told her I had a few errands to run so she took me to Hobby Lobby (to pick up my big picture which she thought was a hoot), to Office Depot, and of course to Starbucks. Her favorite Starbucks is in Barnes and Noble. I told her I hadn't been to that one before so she took me to her fav. We enjoyed the best of Starbucks and then headed home. When we got to our house, I invited her inside. She sat in the living room with me and chatted for awhile, seemingly not in a hurry to leave.
Becca is just one of the kids in which I hope I have planted seeds. Seeds that will sprout a life of holiness. I know her parents have taught her the same but sometimes kids have a bit of a rebellious spirit and need other adults to confirm what they hear at home. I thank God for the opportunity to water those seeds last evening.
Pity Party
I am a follower of Christ and have been redeemed in and through Him, but let me tell ya, it's a process and the process isn't fulfilled just yet. This morning I was having a pity party. I got up about five thirty and came down to my computer to work on "The Book". You know, the one that is all about my grandfather and his writings. This has been a project in process for several years and its getting close enough to completion that I'm tasting it, therefore, every waking moment that isn't controlled by something or someone else has me in the clutches of "The Book". So, I heard my daughter get Isaiah up to ready for school, which is something that usually is my job and I have enjoyed it for all of his school days. I heard him in the shower and was assured the morning activity here in the De Vries household was on schedule. My mind got very involved in what I was doing and suddenly there was an eleven year old boy standing next to me saying, "Grandma, are you going to take me to school?"
"Take you to school? I wasn't aware that I was supposed to take you to school."
"Well, that is what my mom told me."
"She didn't tell me".
I calmly got out of my chair and went upstairs to tell Grandpa he should take Isaiah along when he went to town ( a daily trip at this time of day but usually earlier). "I'm not going to town" says he. "Why not?", says me. He explained he had some stuff to do before he could leave for the day. So there we are as the minutes are ticking away. I finally went to the bedroom and pulled yesterday's worn clothes off the chair and put them over a dirty body. Then I walked out the door with teeth unbrushed and hair disheveled. As we rode to town, two things were on my mind. I was guarding myself so that Isaiah wouldn't pick up on my mood. Secondly, I was allowing myself to have this pity party with thoughts such as, "Why is it ALWAYS me that has to pick up the pieces around here?"
When we got to school we waited in line for dropoff. When Isaiah got on out of the car, his last words to me were, "Love ya!". Aw shucks, I didn't mind picking up the pieces after all.
"Take you to school? I wasn't aware that I was supposed to take you to school."
"Well, that is what my mom told me."
"She didn't tell me".
I calmly got out of my chair and went upstairs to tell Grandpa he should take Isaiah along when he went to town ( a daily trip at this time of day but usually earlier). "I'm not going to town" says he. "Why not?", says me. He explained he had some stuff to do before he could leave for the day. So there we are as the minutes are ticking away. I finally went to the bedroom and pulled yesterday's worn clothes off the chair and put them over a dirty body. Then I walked out the door with teeth unbrushed and hair disheveled. As we rode to town, two things were on my mind. I was guarding myself so that Isaiah wouldn't pick up on my mood. Secondly, I was allowing myself to have this pity party with thoughts such as, "Why is it ALWAYS me that has to pick up the pieces around here?"
When we got to school we waited in line for dropoff. When Isaiah got on out of the car, his last words to me were, "Love ya!". Aw shucks, I didn't mind picking up the pieces after all.
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