GROWING RICHER

For most people - a title like this would immediately inspire thoughts of great new ways to gain material wealth. But for my purposes, growing richer really means growing older.

The older I get, the more I realize my wealth. For instance, I have a pretty secure roof over my head....I have a storehouse of food, frozen and otherwise... and I have a closet bulging with apparel. If you check out Matthew 6:25-34 - then you know what I'm saying. And having all this wealth - I need not ever worry!

But what happens if I lose it? What if I am overcome by a flood (Gustav), War (Russia), famine (most of the third world)? Will I still consider myself wealthy?

I can honestly say yes! Because at my age, I have enjoyed all of these privileges and I thank God for that - but my greatest privilege is to be a child of God. He has always been at my right hand (Psa. 16:8) and has brought me through many storms and set my feet on higher ground.

And so, with great joy, I praise our Triune God and surrender gladly to His challenges and chastenings. May this be your experience as well.

OUR HERO RETURNS

Hurrah! He's home! Yes, after almost eight years serving our country in the Army, Staff Sargent Jason Watson is back home where he belongs. Susie and Glenn had a wonderful coming home party for him at B.J.'s Brewery on Sunday evening and we all gave a sigh of relief.

I figured out afterwards that for the last eleven years we have had at least one grandson overseas serving their country. We couldn't be prouder of them. Most gratefully, they all came home bruised but not broken. Praise God for his mercy.

Jason moved right into the home he has been financing with three friends for the last six months. They'll have a great time sharing stories - and getting on with their lives.

Jason is very shy about talking about his medals, but we understand he has quite a few that he earned at some cost. Again, thank God that he's home.

Love to all......

Our Children having children having children......

We are now a full-fledged family of four generations! It happened much quicker than I thought it would.

The first generation is us, Bob and Jaye.
Then Neil was born and we became mom and dad to three more sons.
Wes brought Andrea into the world and we became Gramma and Granpa to ten grandchildren plus 2 more by his second marriage.
And now we are GG (great gramma) and GGpa (great granpa) to eleven great grandchildren starting with David and going all the way down to Topher.

I must caution you to the facts! The kids came two years apart. The grandkids came one year apart - but the GGkids come only months apart.
As a result - I have discovered a flaw in my character! I'm just not as good at recalling all of the birthdays of all of the progeny as quickly as I used to.

You guessed it! Today is Cooper's first birthday. If I hadn't gone to Watsonsplace.com and saw his darling pictures - it might have slipped right by. For some reason - it was not in my day-timer for this year and I am utterly ashamed of myself. Please forgive me Coop - and the card will be in the mail tomorrow.

What's it like to be a great grandmother? It's just amazing. We are so lucky to have our GGs so close to us. We get to see them more often than many of our friends do and we treasure that.

At this point in time, we have the joy of seeing them grow through the stages that are so adorable - and watch their parents grow in 'wisdom and knowledge' that surpasses description. If you read our granddaughter, Jihae's blog (baby havin babies) she gives a day by day account of the joys of Lilly and Topher. She has a real gift for writing transparently and makes one feel the ups and downs of motherhood.

I often say that I have no problem with being a great grandmother! But the realization that I am the mother of three grandfathers is overwhelming.

I wouldn't trade this time in our lives for anything. We are no longer sitting in the prime section of the auditorium - the parents occupy that place now. But we're content, no thrilled, to have been set back a section or two so that we can see the whole panorama of the family functioning in their various roles, and to cheer them on.

God has so richly blessed us - and we give all the glory to Him for his wonderful generosity. Our quiver is filled.

I'm not really an outdoorsy type of person but I do remember when I was!
We lived in a suburb of New York City when I was about eight years old. After school, and especially in the summers, we rarely saw the inside of our house. My mom's favorite greeting was "change your clothes and get outside in the fresh air". We never disagreed because 'outdoors' was where life was really taking place.

We lived within walking distance of a huge 'lot'. This lot was fairyland - outer space - the wild west - and in the winter - igloo heaven. We always had games to play and they all began with "let's pretend......". And we had imaginations - let me tell you. Sometimes the 'we' was my sister, Ronnie and me but more often it was my friends, Bunny and Madeline.

We were instantly transposed into ballerinas, detectives, pioneers, movie stars or whatever. We just had to say "Let's pretend....." And we took off from there.

In the winter, our call home was the streetlights turning on. We knew when that happened that dinner was probably almost on the table so our games ended abruptly and we ran home knowing that we would get the strap on our legs if we kept Mom waiting. In the summer - we would try to have at least one watch between us. Usually it was Bunny's mom's because we couldn't afford such a luxury, and she was a very loving mom.

On Art Mohler's program today he mentioned a survey that said young kids today spend the major part of their day in front of some technological gadget. They either text each other on their cell phones - watch tv - play on their computers - or whine about having nothing to do. How sad!!!

One of our big games was to define the characters sent to us through the clouds. We'd lay on our backs in the grass and identify horses, dogs, soldiers, ice cream cones and anything else that appeared feasible to us. So much time to just think....dream....create...compose. But never time to be bored.

I pray that my great grandkids are spared the distactions of technology until they have had time to develop their own skills of creating, imagining, and dreaming. May they hear the music of the insects as they go from flower to flower.....and the whooshing of the wind through the trees - and the smell of good fresh dirt just ready for planting... and the voices of other kids nearby playing ball of some kind. Life is to short to be enslaved by technology. Save that for the adult years - they last a long time......
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FAVORITE DAYS???

Today is Friday - and I always thought that Friday was my favorite day because it ended the work week. Well, since I am retired now - I've chosen a new favorite day. And no, it's not Sunday (forgive me Lord). That's probably because although our time of worship is refreshing - and our Pastor's sermons always challenge me - for years it was the day that was too busy for the mother of four and wife of an Elder. So many potlucks - meetings - choir rehearsals etc.

No, my favorite day now is Monday. When I was a working woman, we called it Blue Monday. Maybe because it started the long week after a busy weekend. But now I like it because it is my official day to catch up on my reading - fellowship with some dear friends for breakfast - listen to sermons by so many godly men - and really enjoy my home. It's the day when I look over my 'birthday' list and send cards. I try to make calls to the dear friends that mean so much to me and don't get to see.

It's my 'let it all hang out' day.

Every day has its own adventures. For instance, today I heard that our grandson, Jason, will be coming home from the army, for good in just a few weeks.

We're rejoicing with our grandson Chris and his family at the news of their bid being accepted for a new home - closer to us!!! And then Barb, our dear daughter, called to tell us that she has sold her home, and will be coming down next week to start to look for a home here. So many wonderful happenings in our lifetime drama.

I got a call from Neil to bring me up to date on the West's trial. It's a difficult situation that has brought so much tension to their lives. I pray that you will pray for them and for a fair outcome. Their church has been so faithful to uphold them in this difficult time. What a blessing this church is to all. Neil has found his ministry so fulfilling.

Talked to Wes the other day and he shared that the new office building has been purchased!! With luck - they will be moving in sometime this fall, probably October. They'll have to design the interior as it is just a big shell right now. Pray for strength and energy to make the move. They'll need it.

Syria started back to school this week. She and Matt had a great summer redecorating their home. But it was hard work. Now, Matt will transfer his talents to the new office. Fun???

Susie is up in Oregon visiting Barb and Jerry. They're having fun picking berries, sightseeing, reminiscing and planning Barb's return to the Valley. Meanwhile Glenn is holding down the fort - and no doubt, hanging out with Brooklyn whenever he can. He likes his new job at the Firehouse driving the Command Van. No more para-medic-ing.

Beth got her new horse, Callie. She's quite a bit smaller and younger than Hopper was but just as lovable. She's ecstatic.

Well, that's my news for today - and I don't know how I got so far away from my original theme - "Monday". But old ladies are forgiven a lot. So thank you in advance.

MY HANDYMAN

Life has many changes in it. Today I haven't left the house once. Of course, it's only 2:45p.m. - but it seems strange to me. I've always been one to start out early and run until late, but today's different. Why?

For one thing, I've come to the place where I really enjoy my home. I guess that's not too uncommon for women my age and stage. But it's crept up on me. I'm not thinking of things I want to change - or redecorate - or replace or redo.

I've been fortunate in the fact that my husband is a 'handyman'. I've always just had to mention a change, and he's been quick to get it designed, shopped for, worked on and finally done. That includes everything from replacing the water closet (toilet) works to building a second floor on our house in Levittown, N.Y.

And he is always so cheerful about it. He's not a griper about anything except the corruption in politics and the disgust he has for movies today. He's a gentle man, a kind man, with a sweet disposition and lovable dry humor.

I see him in our sons but also in our grandsons. He's left them great footsteps in which to follow. I've told him for many years that he is also an artist. He does very unusual things with this talent. His mind is always at work. He has built some very unique artifacts.

How many houses have the Sisteen Chapel on their living room ceilings? Or Flagpole Sculptures made of golf balls in the backyard for both the American and Arizonan flags? How many women can boast of a perfectly designed Studio that meets all hobby needs; computer and desk paraphenalia; storage shelves for 45 boxes; bookcases for dozens of bibles, books and study materials; and a shelf for my guinea pigs cage; and a huge table for hobbying on? Well, thanks to his constant loving care and affection, I can.

I hear some women 'put down' their husbands, and I thank God that I never have a good reason for doing it. I'm not perfect and I'm sure I've said some things that might be considered unkind, but it isn't because he deserves it.

He's not perfect either - but his imperfections just make him more lovable. For instance, his short term memory is really going. And I find that encouraging because mine is, too. We laugh at the things that are happening to us as we grow older, and thank God that we don't have to keep up with the 'youngsters'. We don't know how a man can marry a second wife half his age. She'd never understand what aging puts one through. And how do they adjust to the music???

While I've been writing this I've had an idea for one more thing that I'd like to do - but I think I'll wait for another week or two before I mention it to my Honey because he needs a little down time - just for himself.

A NEW FRIEND

I wrote this the day that I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Little did I know how prophetic it would be.

A New Friend
CIGNA WAITING ROOM Feb. 6, 2001

As I look around me, I see the effects of aging on the many patients sitting here. Many who were once vital young people - farmers, laborers, mothers, executives - all are bearing out the truth of the second law of thermodynamics. Everything Decays.

My aching seems trivial. The ravages of real disease takes a grim toll of the bodies of my companions. But what lays behind their eyes? Happier days I trust. Maybe even continuing joyful experiences. But today - they are set aside with pain.

Pain! The friend and enemy of all men. Friend because it signals a possible problem. Enemy because it interferes with the living of life. Why not go silently - quietly to the grave. Why must they groan - Why must I?

Romans 8:28 says that all things work together for good... and that includes pain - discomfort - disease. Dis-Ease! The absence of ease. The ease that in my younger years I took so for granted.

Yes pain interrupts my plans - my desires - my peace. It wakes me in the night and says "Here I am, make friends with me. I will be your companion from now on.

So as I sit here - praying for a miracle shot - some wonder drug - a healing touch - I am aware of all these lovely wizened lined faces that I see around me. Now I say resignedly,

"Welcome my friend, Pain - but please don’t stay around too long."