We're at a challenging time in our lives. We are seeing dear friends die and be whisked up into the arms of Jesus. We can honestly say that we rejoice for them, if they are Christian believers, and are perplexed at the thought of the destiny of those who are not.
This past week, we saw two friends die. One was a casual friend of years, but the other was my closest friend for almost 25 years. God was merciful in that he brought us together for one last conversation just about a month before she died. We had grown apart in the last several years, but were trying to remedy that by meeting for lunch at least once a month along with others who loved her. These last few months were more difficult because one of our group would be out of commission for some reason, or out of the country, and so we delayed.
And now, as I write, two of my very dearest friends of the past few years are both very ill. We try to speak to each other at least every other day, and to see each other at least twice a week. But again, illness sometimes hampers that.
So what do I feel? Well, first of all, I am grateful that all four of these ladies belong to Christ. I can honestly say to them...."See you later", and mean it. Friendships become more important as the years speed by. And keeping up with each other and our families is a real challenge. When we do meet, we don't always talk about today. We spend a lot of time going down memory lane and recalling the silly, wonderful, meaningful things that we have shared. When you have 77 years to look back at - there's lots of room for conversation.
My best friend is my sister, Ronnie. We have always lived close together except for a short time when she was in Kansas helping out our older sister after a flood, and our time in the Service. We have lived the last thirty years living next door to each other and we share everything. We are so different in personality - but so close in the real things of life. She is very wise in many areas where I am a flibberdyjibet. She is my nurse, my animal consultant, my Bible discusser, and oh yes, she puts up with my
"My husband is the sweetest man in the world" speech every day. She's even gotten to say it herself! (Because he is).
I guess that what I am feeling is the brevity of life. God gives us just so many days to live here - to get ready to meet Him face to face - and to glorify Him in all that we do, think, or wish for. Along the way He gives us friends because 'iron sharpens iron'. Our friendships teach us - encourage us, and yes, confront us.
My prayer for us is that we will not waste time and energy on things that have no eternal value. May we really witness to the love of Christ and His wonderful gift of salvation, not only with words - but with the gratitude that holds nothing back, so that we may say to all of our departing friends,
"See you Later"....
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
ON HAVING NEW BABIES
Babies! What a mystery! I've had the joy of seeing so many little babies welcomed into our family that you'd think it would be less than important when we hear of another one coming. But the truth is that it never gets old or less important.
We've just heard that our grandson, Justin and his lovely wife Jenn are expecting their first baby in October. This will be our thirteenth great grandchild. What a wonderful world this will open up for them. I can already imagine them loving and praising God for the beautiful gift He will give them.
Birth never ceases to amaze me. Isn't it thrilling to meditate on the birth of Christ and remember that God chose this way to introduce us to His Son. He could have done it so many other ways. He could have dropped Jesus full-grown onto the earth in much the same way as He left. Or, He could have brought him over a mountain on a white horse as the King that would offer salvation to a sick world. Or perhaps He could have stepped out of his guise as a Rabbi - and said, "Here I am! I'm the one you've been waiting for." But He didn't. He chose to bring Him into the world as a defenseless little baby.
When we look in the eyes of our new little ones we try to imagine just how their life will unfold. Will he/she be cute and smart? Will we be equipped to give just the right amount of indulging , matched by the right amount of discipline to make him/her level headed and appreciative of the gift of life?
Can we ever truly express to this baby just how much he/she means to us? How can we possibly ever impress upon this child its need to come to know God, hopefully at an early age?
So many thoughts, questions, musings. And yet, for now, all this little one wants from us is love, food, and protection. Yes, babies are a gift from God and "Our" quiver will never be too full.......
We've just heard that our grandson, Justin and his lovely wife Jenn are expecting their first baby in October. This will be our thirteenth great grandchild. What a wonderful world this will open up for them. I can already imagine them loving and praising God for the beautiful gift He will give them.
Birth never ceases to amaze me. Isn't it thrilling to meditate on the birth of Christ and remember that God chose this way to introduce us to His Son. He could have done it so many other ways. He could have dropped Jesus full-grown onto the earth in much the same way as He left. Or, He could have brought him over a mountain on a white horse as the King that would offer salvation to a sick world. Or perhaps He could have stepped out of his guise as a Rabbi - and said, "Here I am! I'm the one you've been waiting for." But He didn't. He chose to bring Him into the world as a defenseless little baby.
When we look in the eyes of our new little ones we try to imagine just how their life will unfold. Will he/she be cute and smart? Will we be equipped to give just the right amount of indulging , matched by the right amount of discipline to make him/her level headed and appreciative of the gift of life?
Can we ever truly express to this baby just how much he/she means to us? How can we possibly ever impress upon this child its need to come to know God, hopefully at an early age?
So many thoughts, questions, musings. And yet, for now, all this little one wants from us is love, food, and protection. Yes, babies are a gift from God and "Our" quiver will never be too full.......
Sunday, March 1, 2009
MEDITATION
There is an interesting phenomonen occuring in the Christian world at large. There are many possible reasons for it i.e. the restlessness that fills so much of the current society; the need for constant stimulation of one kind or another; the hunger for 'newness' and originality; the desire for a God made in the image we want to worship; a hunger for a oneness with all faiths that would minimize strife or stress; the 'can't we all get along' syndrome; the fear of 'intoerance' ; the 'all I want is love' mindset.
We dream of a time when we can really experience 'the peace that passes all understanding' in every situation. I have come to accept the fact that we can get close at times - but that real fulfillment will come when we are face to face with our Lord and fully understand His Presence.
I read an account of a man who was trying to explain to his son what has happened in the last 75 years in this country. His grandparents had lived on a farm miles away from any neighbors. After they had their breakfast at dawn, they took out time to read the Bible together and to pray. Then Mr. would go out to the acreage and feed the animals and then off to the plow to get the fields ready for planting.
While he was plowing, the only sounds he heard were the slight whispers of the wind; an occasional bird flying by; the horses neighing and that was about it. So his mind was completely free to meditate on the Scriptures he had read that morning. He could take a short passage of the Bible and chew on it as he moved along the long rows. As a result - he developed a love for his Lord and for the lifestyle that made it possible for him to come to really know Him.
Meanwhile, back at home, his wife was doing laundry by hand and humming her favorite hymns. The words were precious to her and the meaning of them grew as she rehearsed them over and over again. There was no washing machine, no dishwasher, no TV, no radio - just the sound of her own voice until the youngn's got back from school. She meditated as she worked and continually sent praises up to her Lord.
When we contrast that with our lives we can see that a real hindrance to that peaceful life is distraction. I'm not talking about the distractions of little ones, because there is no doubt that they had their share of them. But the man-made distractions that constantly surround us.
I remember the introduction of TV into my life. We watched Kookla, Fran and Ollie every night at 6:00pm. It was a half hour show - and we raced to finish dinner in time to watch it. That should have been my first clue. But the truth of the matter is we loved the distraction. It got better and better. Before long, we had a show every night besides CF&A. We had Milton Berle! We had the Hit Parade. We had Gene Autry. And again, before we knew it we had cultural offerings that were really 'good' for us.
My parents had the good sense to control just how much TV we could watch because we had to 'get out of the house and play". We needed time to let our imaginations grow.
And then the '50's came along with "I love Lucy", Perry Mason, all kinds of cops and robbers shows, and Ed Sullivan who introduced us to the Beatles and Elvis. From that point on, almost everyone's TV was on most of the time. We had news programs; culture programs; dramas; comedies; etc . There was always something good to watch. So why not watch it? That was our philosophy.
I honestly don't know what happened in the 60's because I was too busy taking care of my four little boys - working in an election campaign - going to school conferences etc. By nighttime - I rarely got to see anything all the way through because that was my time to catch up on laundry, mending, writing letters, setting up menus, visiting with neighbors etc. But by the time of the 70's I began to realize that something about TV had changed.
We couldn't let the kids choose just any show to watch because profanity had seeped in, along with violence that we would never have let them go to a movie to see, and sexual inferences and dress that didn't fit into our plan for raising godly children. But worse than all that - TV had become a monster that ate up valuable time. Time that should have been spent in playing outdoors; studying; practicing music; relating to each other & etc.
Meditation was out of the question if that technology was constantly in use. So we gave our TV vacations for months at a time. It would go up in the attic and our home would return to normal. We would finally bring it down for the Super Bowl and then allow it to stay down until Dad or I felt that it was being abused again.
Meditation is one of the most valuable gifts that God has given us. It takes time and deep thought to absorb all that our Bible has to say to us. Each verse is like a doorway into a room full of beautiful and fruitful truths to examine and absorb. Many people today have come to that realization and are making a conscious effort to set aside time to dig into the wonders of Christianity and pass them along to others. I thank God for them.
I don't know how people are able to raise kids today without consciously drawing them apart from their highly technological lives. We have not only TV to contend with - but also Ipods, Blackberries, Cell phones (along with texting) and who knows what's next?
There is a very high cost for this technology - and it's not money. Some of us are robbing our loved ones of sound minds and Christ-shaped character. I may sound 'old-fashioned' and I am, but not all things new are necessarily good.
We dream of a time when we can really experience 'the peace that passes all understanding' in every situation. I have come to accept the fact that we can get close at times - but that real fulfillment will come when we are face to face with our Lord and fully understand His Presence.
I read an account of a man who was trying to explain to his son what has happened in the last 75 years in this country. His grandparents had lived on a farm miles away from any neighbors. After they had their breakfast at dawn, they took out time to read the Bible together and to pray. Then Mr. would go out to the acreage and feed the animals and then off to the plow to get the fields ready for planting.
While he was plowing, the only sounds he heard were the slight whispers of the wind; an occasional bird flying by; the horses neighing and that was about it. So his mind was completely free to meditate on the Scriptures he had read that morning. He could take a short passage of the Bible and chew on it as he moved along the long rows. As a result - he developed a love for his Lord and for the lifestyle that made it possible for him to come to really know Him.
Meanwhile, back at home, his wife was doing laundry by hand and humming her favorite hymns. The words were precious to her and the meaning of them grew as she rehearsed them over and over again. There was no washing machine, no dishwasher, no TV, no radio - just the sound of her own voice until the youngn's got back from school. She meditated as she worked and continually sent praises up to her Lord.
When we contrast that with our lives we can see that a real hindrance to that peaceful life is distraction. I'm not talking about the distractions of little ones, because there is no doubt that they had their share of them. But the man-made distractions that constantly surround us.
I remember the introduction of TV into my life. We watched Kookla, Fran and Ollie every night at 6:00pm. It was a half hour show - and we raced to finish dinner in time to watch it. That should have been my first clue. But the truth of the matter is we loved the distraction. It got better and better. Before long, we had a show every night besides CF&A. We had Milton Berle! We had the Hit Parade. We had Gene Autry. And again, before we knew it we had cultural offerings that were really 'good' for us.
My parents had the good sense to control just how much TV we could watch because we had to 'get out of the house and play". We needed time to let our imaginations grow.
And then the '50's came along with "I love Lucy", Perry Mason, all kinds of cops and robbers shows, and Ed Sullivan who introduced us to the Beatles and Elvis. From that point on, almost everyone's TV was on most of the time. We had news programs; culture programs; dramas; comedies; etc . There was always something good to watch. So why not watch it? That was our philosophy.
I honestly don't know what happened in the 60's because I was too busy taking care of my four little boys - working in an election campaign - going to school conferences etc. By nighttime - I rarely got to see anything all the way through because that was my time to catch up on laundry, mending, writing letters, setting up menus, visiting with neighbors etc. But by the time of the 70's I began to realize that something about TV had changed.
We couldn't let the kids choose just any show to watch because profanity had seeped in, along with violence that we would never have let them go to a movie to see, and sexual inferences and dress that didn't fit into our plan for raising godly children. But worse than all that - TV had become a monster that ate up valuable time. Time that should have been spent in playing outdoors; studying; practicing music; relating to each other & etc.
Meditation was out of the question if that technology was constantly in use. So we gave our TV vacations for months at a time. It would go up in the attic and our home would return to normal. We would finally bring it down for the Super Bowl and then allow it to stay down until Dad or I felt that it was being abused again.
Meditation is one of the most valuable gifts that God has given us. It takes time and deep thought to absorb all that our Bible has to say to us. Each verse is like a doorway into a room full of beautiful and fruitful truths to examine and absorb. Many people today have come to that realization and are making a conscious effort to set aside time to dig into the wonders of Christianity and pass them along to others. I thank God for them.
I don't know how people are able to raise kids today without consciously drawing them apart from their highly technological lives. We have not only TV to contend with - but also Ipods, Blackberries, Cell phones (along with texting) and who knows what's next?
There is a very high cost for this technology - and it's not money. Some of us are robbing our loved ones of sound minds and Christ-shaped character. I may sound 'old-fashioned' and I am, but not all things new are necessarily good.
Monday, February 23, 2009
FIBROMYALGIA
DADGUMMIT!!! Sorry - I don't generally give air to my frustration - but I have just spent 30, count em, 30 full minutes trying to get to my blog! I'm just not technical by nature - and so capturing the joy of blogging is really not my experience yet.
But - enough of the complaining - let's get on with life - after all, no one is perfect, not even great gramma's!!! Well, that is to say - not this great gramma although I am sure there are some gg's out there who come close. But again, I don't count myself among them. Most of the time, I figure if all my kids are talking to me - I'm grateful.
My subject for today is weather. Not whether - that would be whether or not. But weather! You know - cold, hot, raining, snow etc.
Now why would I be interested in weather? Maybe because it has so much to do with my usefulness and joy as a fibromyalgia victim. Weather determines much of what I do or don't do. It's a dadgum bother at times. For instance, take my social calendar.
My grandson called me today and invited me to a family barbecue this weekend. My immediate response - was "Great! What can I bring? "
And since I am proficient at teasing Costco's potato salad into something edible, everyone knows that's the first thing I will offer. He was delighted and we hung up, both pleased with our conversation and the anticipation of a fun day with the gang.
Then - I stopped rejoicing and thought about the weather. This can radically effect my keeping this appointment. I used to think that rain was the culprit. Having shared with several of my fibro friends, I have come to realize it 'ain't necessarily so'. Some cramp up if it's sunny - cloudy - rainy- or snowing.
I think I have a reaction to change. For instance, if it's a beautiful sunny day today - and tomorrow the horizon is peppered with teeny tiny little clouds - I become useless! On the other hand, after three days of clouds the sun comes out - I can have another rough day. Now I know that this really isn't interesting to you - but maybe it should be.
Fibromyalgia is one of the most misunderstood syndromes in the medical
field. It is estimated that about 20 - 25% of adults have it - and most of them don't know it. It's very hard to diagnose as it usually has a very long history of symptoms that most docs haven't strung together.
I diagnosed mine after checking it out by listing symptoms and finding fibro as a possible cause. I checked it out with my doctor - and although he wasn't aware of everything about it - he did find after looking at my many kinks through the years ( ie. heel pain for four years; migraine headaches; shoulder pains; pain in my forearms and legs; cramping etc.) that he agreed and started treatment.
I wasn't convinced since I had led him to the decision, so I went to a Rheumatologist and told her nothing but my symptoms. She stepped behind me and stuck her finger in two of the trigger points in my back which I immediately responded to by 'ouching' rather loudly. And she said, "You have fibromyalgia" and here's what we're going to do."
There are things that fibro patients have in common - but are not necessarily the cause of the syndrome. ie. a head injury; a car accident; mononucleosis; or possibly a virus; insomnia; stress; anxiety; etc. They are even finding that some people think it's generic. The only thing I haven't had is a car accident.
The symptoms are extreme fatigue; headache; pain througout the body; severe cramping anywhere in the body; depression etc.
As a matter of fact - there are so many symptoms that this contributes to its difficulty to diagnose. Most fibro patients have trigger points all over their body that can go haywire. For instance I have one in my back that will start my back cramping. The best thing to do with these trigger points is to have someone poke a finger into it as hard as they can, and hold it for about 30 seconds and then the cramp stops. Of course the pain from the cure may continue - but that's preferable to the cramp. The fatigue is another matter and the best thing I have found to do is to give into it and take a nap.
It is not a death threatening syndrome and most people can learn how to live with it in time. Everyone has their own idea about how to deal with it.
I have meds that I take that are helpful but amazingly enough,
I have discovered that the best pill for me is distraction. When I am having an episode I cuddle up with my blankie in front of the TV and find a good movie to watch. I take my meds - love a hot cup of coffee - and quiet. If I don't move too much - it's usually over in a day or so and I feel great again.
Anyway - the reason I am going to the trouble to explain all of this is because sometimes I have to bow out of an obligation at the last minute. I don't want my loved ones to think that I don't value their invitations - I do. I've always been a people-person and love a party.
I have found that it's a very manageable syndrome and regular exercise is essential. I go to a pool (water temp 92 degrees) five days a week and stretch and walk and sometimes do 'ai chi'. But that's another story. It's so relaxing.
If you want to further understand this syndrome - you can check it out on fibromyalgia.com.
But - enough of the complaining - let's get on with life - after all, no one is perfect, not even great gramma's!!! Well, that is to say - not this great gramma although I am sure there are some gg's out there who come close. But again, I don't count myself among them. Most of the time, I figure if all my kids are talking to me - I'm grateful.
My subject for today is weather. Not whether - that would be whether or not. But weather! You know - cold, hot, raining, snow etc.
Now why would I be interested in weather? Maybe because it has so much to do with my usefulness and joy as a fibromyalgia victim. Weather determines much of what I do or don't do. It's a dadgum bother at times. For instance, take my social calendar.
My grandson called me today and invited me to a family barbecue this weekend. My immediate response - was "Great! What can I bring? "
And since I am proficient at teasing Costco's potato salad into something edible, everyone knows that's the first thing I will offer. He was delighted and we hung up, both pleased with our conversation and the anticipation of a fun day with the gang.
Then - I stopped rejoicing and thought about the weather. This can radically effect my keeping this appointment. I used to think that rain was the culprit. Having shared with several of my fibro friends, I have come to realize it 'ain't necessarily so'. Some cramp up if it's sunny - cloudy - rainy- or snowing.
I think I have a reaction to change. For instance, if it's a beautiful sunny day today - and tomorrow the horizon is peppered with teeny tiny little clouds - I become useless! On the other hand, after three days of clouds the sun comes out - I can have another rough day. Now I know that this really isn't interesting to you - but maybe it should be.
Fibromyalgia is one of the most misunderstood syndromes in the medical
field. It is estimated that about 20 - 25% of adults have it - and most of them don't know it. It's very hard to diagnose as it usually has a very long history of symptoms that most docs haven't strung together.
I diagnosed mine after checking it out by listing symptoms and finding fibro as a possible cause. I checked it out with my doctor - and although he wasn't aware of everything about it - he did find after looking at my many kinks through the years ( ie. heel pain for four years; migraine headaches; shoulder pains; pain in my forearms and legs; cramping etc.) that he agreed and started treatment.
I wasn't convinced since I had led him to the decision, so I went to a Rheumatologist and told her nothing but my symptoms. She stepped behind me and stuck her finger in two of the trigger points in my back which I immediately responded to by 'ouching' rather loudly. And she said, "You have fibromyalgia" and here's what we're going to do."
There are things that fibro patients have in common - but are not necessarily the cause of the syndrome. ie. a head injury; a car accident; mononucleosis; or possibly a virus; insomnia; stress; anxiety; etc. They are even finding that some people think it's generic. The only thing I haven't had is a car accident.
The symptoms are extreme fatigue; headache; pain througout the body; severe cramping anywhere in the body; depression etc.
As a matter of fact - there are so many symptoms that this contributes to its difficulty to diagnose. Most fibro patients have trigger points all over their body that can go haywire. For instance I have one in my back that will start my back cramping. The best thing to do with these trigger points is to have someone poke a finger into it as hard as they can, and hold it for about 30 seconds and then the cramp stops. Of course the pain from the cure may continue - but that's preferable to the cramp. The fatigue is another matter and the best thing I have found to do is to give into it and take a nap.
It is not a death threatening syndrome and most people can learn how to live with it in time. Everyone has their own idea about how to deal with it.
I have meds that I take that are helpful but amazingly enough,
I have discovered that the best pill for me is distraction. When I am having an episode I cuddle up with my blankie in front of the TV and find a good movie to watch. I take my meds - love a hot cup of coffee - and quiet. If I don't move too much - it's usually over in a day or so and I feel great again.
Anyway - the reason I am going to the trouble to explain all of this is because sometimes I have to bow out of an obligation at the last minute. I don't want my loved ones to think that I don't value their invitations - I do. I've always been a people-person and love a party.
I have found that it's a very manageable syndrome and regular exercise is essential. I go to a pool (water temp 92 degrees) five days a week and stretch and walk and sometimes do 'ai chi'. But that's another story. It's so relaxing.
If you want to further understand this syndrome - you can check it out on fibromyalgia.com.
Friday, December 26, 2008
CHRISTmas Delights
Where would I be without Christ? If you're like me - you have those days when you wonder if you really are a devoted Christian - or is it all a hoax perpetrated on mankind. Whenever I get in that frame of mind, I remember that my assurance comes from the written Word and is enhanced by all the times that I actually encountered Him in the daily living of my life.
Well, I had another one of those fruitful experiences this past week. It started with Breanne and Scott's wedding on the 20th. It was so very lovely and so Christ focused that I began recalling all the changes that He has brought into our marriage. Too many to try to share - but so real. Then we moved on to Christmas Eve at our church.
We are not a 'with it' church - the 'it' being all the trimmings of the contemporary church - band - drums - praise singers - pastoral jokes etc. We really are a very traditional church with a small congregation - wonderful choir and small orchestral ensemble - reading of lots of Scripture and singing the old Reformed Hymns. On Christmas Eve, we were really drawn back to the miracle of the incarnation. "God became flesh and dwelt among us..."
Our Christmas celebration was festive and fun. The dinner that followed, thanks to the cooking magnificence of Mrs. Chris (Jihae) was a wonderful turkey and ham dinner with all the goodies. But best of all was the warmth and relational interaction of parents to children,- brother to brother - sister to sister - and everything in between. We thank God for all of our loved ones. What a gift he has given us in them.
Watching Justin throw the babies up and down endlessly was hilarious. Meeting one of Chris's police buddies was enlightening. Reliving the wedding while we looked at the pictures that Susie had thoughtfully put into two albums was great. Watching the Suns lose their Christmas Game in the last four seconds was.......Well - you fill it in.
So now we face the start of a new year. It looks like it could be a difficult one in some ways. But - here again - we have to remember that our citizenship is not truly in this world, though we are challenged to participate as if it were. We are reminded again to pray for our leaders and our nation - and for the peace of the world. Maranatha.
Thank God for the Christ that became flesh and dwelt among us.
Well, I had another one of those fruitful experiences this past week. It started with Breanne and Scott's wedding on the 20th. It was so very lovely and so Christ focused that I began recalling all the changes that He has brought into our marriage. Too many to try to share - but so real. Then we moved on to Christmas Eve at our church.
We are not a 'with it' church - the 'it' being all the trimmings of the contemporary church - band - drums - praise singers - pastoral jokes etc. We really are a very traditional church with a small congregation - wonderful choir and small orchestral ensemble - reading of lots of Scripture and singing the old Reformed Hymns. On Christmas Eve, we were really drawn back to the miracle of the incarnation. "God became flesh and dwelt among us..."
Our Christmas celebration was festive and fun. The dinner that followed, thanks to the cooking magnificence of Mrs. Chris (Jihae) was a wonderful turkey and ham dinner with all the goodies. But best of all was the warmth and relational interaction of parents to children,- brother to brother - sister to sister - and everything in between. We thank God for all of our loved ones. What a gift he has given us in them.
Watching Justin throw the babies up and down endlessly was hilarious. Meeting one of Chris's police buddies was enlightening. Reliving the wedding while we looked at the pictures that Susie had thoughtfully put into two albums was great. Watching the Suns lose their Christmas Game in the last four seconds was.......Well - you fill it in.
So now we face the start of a new year. It looks like it could be a difficult one in some ways. But - here again - we have to remember that our citizenship is not truly in this world, though we are challenged to participate as if it were. We are reminded again to pray for our leaders and our nation - and for the peace of the world. Maranatha.
Thank God for the Christ that became flesh and dwelt among us.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thanksgiving - a constant joy!
Well, it's that time of year again - the prescribed day in which to give thanks. But if you're like me - thanksgiving is a habit that started when you first began assessing your life in the light of your faith.
We've always had so many things for which to be thankful - and I confess - that I was not always aware of them. Or if I was aware - I wasn't nearly as quick to thank anyone. But life's training through trial and blessing has made me into a 'pollyanna' of sorts. I truly belive that 'all things work together to good for those who love God and have been called according to His purpose.'
Today I am especially thankful for our sons, Wes and Matt. When they took over the CPA business, they worked very hard and have turned it into a truly successful business. We had the joy of touring their brand new offices today and was I impressed? They are beautiful and very well thought out. We are so proud of them.
But I also have to proclaim that I am still basking in the hard work of our kids (Glenn, Susie, Jason, Barb, Robert and Justin) in reNEWing our home and yard. It looks so lovely and it's such a joy to walk outside and see everything so beautifully groomed and the house painted after 22 years!
And I'm so grateful for the wonderful ministry that Neil and Lisa have. A mother who is so blessed can never be ungrateful. They gave us such a wonderful weekend last month that we're already talking about the next one!
God has worked so many things out for good and we are grateful. I pray that all of you will have a wonderful Thanksgiving - and be praising God for His wonderful plan of Salvation and all the rest that goes with it.
We've always had so many things for which to be thankful - and I confess - that I was not always aware of them. Or if I was aware - I wasn't nearly as quick to thank anyone. But life's training through trial and blessing has made me into a 'pollyanna' of sorts. I truly belive that 'all things work together to good for those who love God and have been called according to His purpose.'
Today I am especially thankful for our sons, Wes and Matt. When they took over the CPA business, they worked very hard and have turned it into a truly successful business. We had the joy of touring their brand new offices today and was I impressed? They are beautiful and very well thought out. We are so proud of them.
But I also have to proclaim that I am still basking in the hard work of our kids (Glenn, Susie, Jason, Barb, Robert and Justin) in reNEWing our home and yard. It looks so lovely and it's such a joy to walk outside and see everything so beautifully groomed and the house painted after 22 years!
And I'm so grateful for the wonderful ministry that Neil and Lisa have. A mother who is so blessed can never be ungrateful. They gave us such a wonderful weekend last month that we're already talking about the next one!
God has worked so many things out for good and we are grateful. I pray that all of you will have a wonderful Thanksgiving - and be praising God for His wonderful plan of Salvation and all the rest that goes with it.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
What a wonderful family we have! I am basking in the love of Barb and her crew ( I'm not sure who they are yet) and Glenn, Susie and Jason. Why now? What makes me so specially thankful for them?
I am now 77 - and my honey is 78. We feel like we're a very young 77 and 78 until it comes to doing a major project. When we moved to our present abode 29 years ago - everything was fun. It was fun to see our house planted in the ground (mobile home). It was fun to landscape - decorate - modernize - update paint and jump into all of the projects with gusto!
But something has happened in the last five years or so. It's not fun anymore! But we have mastered the art of accepting things as they are - because we really didn't see how we could change them.
Well, now we get down to the good point of the story. One day a few weeks ago Barb had to drop off some dishes we had left at her house. That night I got a call from her and before I knew what was happening - I heard this angel talking about paint - and trim - and masking tape and ??? She had made an appointment to come and paint our home with her 'crew'. She is starting tomorrow by power spraying the house with water to get it ready to paint.
I had been looking for someone to clean up the yard (just to pass the city rules about sloppy yards) and I had asked Glenn to find me someone. Susie called me a few days later and told me that she had found someone... Jason!!
I can't tell you how thrilled I was because I wanted to help Jason out while he was unemployed - but when Monday morning of last week arrived - we had Glenn, Susie and Jason.
They worked so hard all week - and not only did my yard but Ronnies too. But what was most wonderful about the whole thing was the spirit in which they did it. It was hard work - but they were sooo cheerful and sweet that it made it like a blessed gift.
They aren't done yet - but good news! Jason got a job! We are so happy for him because he's been looking for quite awhile. And it sounds like a great job for him.
Anyway - our yard will be beautiful - and our home will be brand new all because of the blesssings of grown kids who knew just what to do 'for the old folks'. Can't thank them enough.
My prayer for them is that 'what goes around will come around' for them in their later years.
We have been blessed by all of our children and I certainly don't want to leave any out. Each one has a special gift that he or she gives so willingly - and we appreciate all of them.
I am now 77 - and my honey is 78. We feel like we're a very young 77 and 78 until it comes to doing a major project. When we moved to our present abode 29 years ago - everything was fun. It was fun to see our house planted in the ground (mobile home). It was fun to landscape - decorate - modernize - update paint and jump into all of the projects with gusto!
But something has happened in the last five years or so. It's not fun anymore! But we have mastered the art of accepting things as they are - because we really didn't see how we could change them.
Well, now we get down to the good point of the story. One day a few weeks ago Barb had to drop off some dishes we had left at her house. That night I got a call from her and before I knew what was happening - I heard this angel talking about paint - and trim - and masking tape and ??? She had made an appointment to come and paint our home with her 'crew'. She is starting tomorrow by power spraying the house with water to get it ready to paint.
I had been looking for someone to clean up the yard (just to pass the city rules about sloppy yards) and I had asked Glenn to find me someone. Susie called me a few days later and told me that she had found someone... Jason!!
I can't tell you how thrilled I was because I wanted to help Jason out while he was unemployed - but when Monday morning of last week arrived - we had Glenn, Susie and Jason.
They worked so hard all week - and not only did my yard but Ronnies too. But what was most wonderful about the whole thing was the spirit in which they did it. It was hard work - but they were sooo cheerful and sweet that it made it like a blessed gift.
They aren't done yet - but good news! Jason got a job! We are so happy for him because he's been looking for quite awhile. And it sounds like a great job for him.
Anyway - our yard will be beautiful - and our home will be brand new all because of the blesssings of grown kids who knew just what to do 'for the old folks'. Can't thank them enough.
My prayer for them is that 'what goes around will come around' for them in their later years.
We have been blessed by all of our children and I certainly don't want to leave any out. Each one has a special gift that he or she gives so willingly - and we appreciate all of them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)