When I began writing this blog, almost three years ago, I called it "Moments with Marsha". That seemed fitting at the time, and it still seems to fit somehow. Mostly I wanted to offer my perspective from the point of view of a mom, a sister, a daughter, grand daughter, friend, a grandma and even a student.
Today I had a moment when I felt overwhelmingly blessed! It hit me how comfortable we are here in our new town, in our new home, close to our older kids, yet there are still so many variables in our life--and that is OK!
Later, took a few minutes to reflect on the week end I just enjoyed with close friends from Northern Illinois. Our daughter had a "groupon" to hang glide in southern Wisconsin, so I got to ride with her to our friends' house--as a surprise...and it was a surprise! It is a rare thing to have such close friends--and so, I reflected on the length and depth of our friendship, and the fact that we all consider it a gift straight from God--surprises and all!
Another blessing of my day was the time I was afforded to sit in my new robe with my second cup of coffee and work on my research paper. (which is due in a few days) I love this robe--a gift from Randy and the girls for my birthday last week--it is so comfy and cozy! And, because I already told you about the 'back room' of our house, you know I was sitting back there...enjoying the view--and the coffee!
Later on, to our delight, when Rand and I got home from working out, our girls were actually cleaning. Not just hurrying through, no, they were actually on their hands and knees, scrubbing the bathroom and kitchen floor...why? Because I asked them to do it 'before Friday'...they just felt like today was a good day! Woo HOO!!!
Today's moment, then, would just be "being thankful." Thankful for this move, for our home, our family, good friends and helping hands. I'm thankful for opportunities...like school for me, a job for Rand, and the possibility a job for me...getting to know our grand babies on a deeper level...making friends with our kids....being able to do the rest of our unpacking in our spare time...and relaxing in the evening with each other...oh, and skype-ing with my mom, just about every morning...she doesn't care that I'm usually still in my robe.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Remember, we have an Enemy...
I am amazed at the simple, yet complex truths that God's word offers us. We have to choose to look and find it, but it is true that God's word is the place that the answers to life can be found. However, know that we have an enemy that hates us is essential, for he, is eager to seek, kill and destroy...destroy our hope, our attitude, our very lives...beware!
Sometimes in the simple statements of what has become known as the 'Beattitudes'...found in Matthew 5.
Consider, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' OR, 'Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.' How about, 'Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth'? OR, 'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.' Also, 'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.'
Think about 'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.' And, in our day, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons' of God.' Finishing with 'Blessed are those who are persecuted for reighteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' And, 'Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.'
Also, consider words from Psalm 30, actually you should have it open on your lap as you read this...words used there are extol.....O Lord My God...Sing praises...weeping may tarry for the night...but joy comes with the morning...O Lord, my helper!...turned my mourning into dancing...O Lord, My God, I will give thanks to you forever!
We cannot have our mourning turned to dancing until we give our mourning to the One who loves us most. We cannot be comforted when we mourn, unless we are willing to the trust the God of all Comfort with our pain. We cannot truly be satisfied in this life, until we are truly hungry and thirsty for righteousness. When we have a pure heart, we will see God....
This isn't a lesson on Matthew 5:3-12 OR Psalm 30...it is just me, thinking as I write about the people I have encountered this week, and their pain and suffering, their joys and victories...and issues that we see in the news. My point, if I am to make one, would be to live in such a way that your life extols the Glory of the Living God....not giving in to the temptations and quick fixes of this world.
It is easy to compromise, only to soon discover that you have caused yourself much pain--stay the course! This statement only comes because I attended my 'assigned' AA meeting this week. (remember, I have to write a reflection paper about it for my Counseling the Addicted class) The room was full of people who no longer wanted to wake up tomorrow with a hang-over...they each seemed to take responsibility for the place their lives had been....(my prayer is that they would stay the course, and find Divine Healing in the process.) In our culture, though, it is easy to compromise, on our taxes, with our kids or spouses, at our jobs--just watch out!
Keep your thoughts and motives pure before the Lord (think about the long-term damage the addiction to pornography has on marriages (not to mention the on-going battle that women face because they are continually objectified by men)--many are in counseling/therapy/divorce court because of this--so the 50 Shades of Gray series may NOT be the best choice for your summer read--keep your marriage bed pure--just sayin')...
And, do not be surprised when others hate you for your 'stand' on certain issues (think about scrutiny Chick-fil-a is currently facing--their founders are Christian)
Speak truth, live quiet lives, honor God, encourage others, but no, do not be taken by surprise when the world hates you...remember, they hated Jesus, too. But, He is the One in which I keep My HOPE, for He overpowered the grave!!! And, because of that empty tomb, we have hope and a future beyond what 'this worlk' and all it's imperfections has to offer!
Sometimes in the simple statements of what has become known as the 'Beattitudes'...found in Matthew 5.
Consider, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' OR, 'Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.' How about, 'Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth'? OR, 'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.' Also, 'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.'
Think about 'Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.' And, in our day, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons' of God.' Finishing with 'Blessed are those who are persecuted for reighteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' And, 'Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.'
Also, consider words from Psalm 30, actually you should have it open on your lap as you read this...words used there are extol.....O Lord My God...Sing praises...weeping may tarry for the night...but joy comes with the morning...O Lord, my helper!...turned my mourning into dancing...O Lord, My God, I will give thanks to you forever!
We cannot have our mourning turned to dancing until we give our mourning to the One who loves us most. We cannot be comforted when we mourn, unless we are willing to the trust the God of all Comfort with our pain. We cannot truly be satisfied in this life, until we are truly hungry and thirsty for righteousness. When we have a pure heart, we will see God....
This isn't a lesson on Matthew 5:3-12 OR Psalm 30...it is just me, thinking as I write about the people I have encountered this week, and their pain and suffering, their joys and victories...and issues that we see in the news. My point, if I am to make one, would be to live in such a way that your life extols the Glory of the Living God....not giving in to the temptations and quick fixes of this world.
It is easy to compromise, only to soon discover that you have caused yourself much pain--stay the course! This statement only comes because I attended my 'assigned' AA meeting this week. (remember, I have to write a reflection paper about it for my Counseling the Addicted class) The room was full of people who no longer wanted to wake up tomorrow with a hang-over...they each seemed to take responsibility for the place their lives had been....(my prayer is that they would stay the course, and find Divine Healing in the process.) In our culture, though, it is easy to compromise, on our taxes, with our kids or spouses, at our jobs--just watch out!
Keep your thoughts and motives pure before the Lord (think about the long-term damage the addiction to pornography has on marriages (not to mention the on-going battle that women face because they are continually objectified by men)--many are in counseling/therapy/divorce court because of this--so the 50 Shades of Gray series may NOT be the best choice for your summer read--keep your marriage bed pure--just sayin')...
And, do not be surprised when others hate you for your 'stand' on certain issues (think about scrutiny Chick-fil-a is currently facing--their founders are Christian)
Speak truth, live quiet lives, honor God, encourage others, but no, do not be taken by surprise when the world hates you...remember, they hated Jesus, too. But, He is the One in which I keep My HOPE, for He overpowered the grave!!! And, because of that empty tomb, we have hope and a future beyond what 'this worlk' and all it's imperfections has to offer!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Take your time...get to know her....
What a ride! It feels good for us to finally be in our own 'space'...we have almost everything back under 'one roof'...first time in 14 months--peanut butter and jelly never tasted so good!
One of my favorite movie lines is when Diane Lane's character, in 'Under the Tuscan Sun' has just purchased a house in Tuscany and she's 'getting to know it' by cleaning it up! Most of the past two weeks, (while not riding the roller coaster of 'is today the day we are actually moving in?') I have spent cleaning...one thing after another...from wood work, to bathrooms, to furniture that has been stored for 14 months! She said, "Take your time, get to know her (the house), make her your friend!"...LOVE that! For, in our new house, we have made a good friend! 'She' is everything we've thought would be good to have, in terms of location, size and room.
One of the things I love the most about this house is the 'back room'--my son in law said, "Most people would walk in this room and say, "What in the world would we do with this, but this is exactly what Marsha has been looking for!" --two huge windows, a view of our back yard, and floor to ceiling book shelves--for books!!! To me, it is one of the most beautiful rooms I have ever seen!
Of course, now it is time for me to continue the unpacking! And, I need to get those book shelves filled up, asap--for there are many, many, many boxes of books that need a 'place!' I'm so happy we found one for them!--Need to go get busy!
One of my favorite movie lines is when Diane Lane's character, in 'Under the Tuscan Sun' has just purchased a house in Tuscany and she's 'getting to know it' by cleaning it up! Most of the past two weeks, (while not riding the roller coaster of 'is today the day we are actually moving in?') I have spent cleaning...one thing after another...from wood work, to bathrooms, to furniture that has been stored for 14 months! She said, "Take your time, get to know her (the house), make her your friend!"...LOVE that! For, in our new house, we have made a good friend! 'She' is everything we've thought would be good to have, in terms of location, size and room.
One of the things I love the most about this house is the 'back room'--my son in law said, "Most people would walk in this room and say, "What in the world would we do with this, but this is exactly what Marsha has been looking for!" --two huge windows, a view of our back yard, and floor to ceiling book shelves--for books!!! To me, it is one of the most beautiful rooms I have ever seen!
Of course, now it is time for me to continue the unpacking! And, I need to get those book shelves filled up, asap--for there are many, many, many boxes of books that need a 'place!' I'm so happy we found one for them!--Need to go get busy!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Today is the Day...
Today is the day to be a blessing to my family, to establish our long-awaited home, to enjoy the company of the man I love the most on this earth, and to praise My Abba, Father for His faithfulness!
Indeed, it has been a little over thirteen months since we left our home of twenty years for a wild adventure in the south. We sustained our life, learned many lessons--some were harder than others, and learned much about ourselves as a family. It is time; time to open another chapter in our family's life.
We will be preparing our new house for the next couple of days, and moving all our belongings in to it this week end. Excited could be a word to describe how I feel...but it would be an understatement. I also feel eager; eager to make a connection with a church body in our new town, eager to make new acquaintances--and watch as our girls make new friends, eager to begin working out again/being able to make better food choices and eager to have a real routine that involves the four of us. I haven't been able to say that for about 16-1/2 years!
During the past thirteen months, there have been things in my life that I have been able to eliminate--and there have been sweet things that I have been able to add. (example: eliminated clutter--added regular physical exercise)
One of the things I found refreshing in the south is the use of the words "Miss" or "Mr" before a person's name. I was "Miss Marsha" more than just "Marsha" to people I met or encountered--and loved that very much. The use of "yes, ma'am" and "no, ma'am" was also refreshing--these are terms that signify respect--a quality that is not demonstrated much in our hurried culture.
Time, I learned in the south, is also a relevant term. I was used to everything happening at a certain time. If I said I would be there at ten in the morning, then by 9:50, at the latest, I was there, or I would be calling to explain my delay. Where we lived, we quickly realized that if we were told ten am...that could mean anything from ten am to eleven-thirty am. Amazing...but no one got too shook up about it. (Of course, professional appointments would be excluded from this scenario, but it was, indeed, a different life than we were used to.)
I suppose that is why I am writing this morning, instead of cleaning. I learned to s-t-r-e-t-c-h in ways I had not encountered, or been required to stretch before. This claim works, whether I am talking about expectations I placed on others, or I am talking about trusting God for my next breath! It has been a l-o-n-g thirteen months that included some of the most difficult moments I have ever encountered in my life. However, because of the things I have learned, I would not trade one second of it for anything--anything! For in the most difficult moments, I have seen God work in ways that I could never have imagined! I love that about Him...and for that I am truly Thankful!
You may not hear from me for a few days, as I will be living life (translate:moving!), instead of writing about it...but stay tuned! The next chapter is just beginning--and,as always, I can't wait to see what God has planned for this family!
Indeed, it has been a little over thirteen months since we left our home of twenty years for a wild adventure in the south. We sustained our life, learned many lessons--some were harder than others, and learned much about ourselves as a family. It is time; time to open another chapter in our family's life.
We will be preparing our new house for the next couple of days, and moving all our belongings in to it this week end. Excited could be a word to describe how I feel...but it would be an understatement. I also feel eager; eager to make a connection with a church body in our new town, eager to make new acquaintances--and watch as our girls make new friends, eager to begin working out again/being able to make better food choices and eager to have a real routine that involves the four of us. I haven't been able to say that for about 16-1/2 years!
During the past thirteen months, there have been things in my life that I have been able to eliminate--and there have been sweet things that I have been able to add. (example: eliminated clutter--added regular physical exercise)
One of the things I found refreshing in the south is the use of the words "Miss" or "Mr" before a person's name. I was "Miss Marsha" more than just "Marsha" to people I met or encountered--and loved that very much. The use of "yes, ma'am" and "no, ma'am" was also refreshing--these are terms that signify respect--a quality that is not demonstrated much in our hurried culture.
Time, I learned in the south, is also a relevant term. I was used to everything happening at a certain time. If I said I would be there at ten in the morning, then by 9:50, at the latest, I was there, or I would be calling to explain my delay. Where we lived, we quickly realized that if we were told ten am...that could mean anything from ten am to eleven-thirty am. Amazing...but no one got too shook up about it. (Of course, professional appointments would be excluded from this scenario, but it was, indeed, a different life than we were used to.)
I suppose that is why I am writing this morning, instead of cleaning. I learned to s-t-r-e-t-c-h in ways I had not encountered, or been required to stretch before. This claim works, whether I am talking about expectations I placed on others, or I am talking about trusting God for my next breath! It has been a l-o-n-g thirteen months that included some of the most difficult moments I have ever encountered in my life. However, because of the things I have learned, I would not trade one second of it for anything--anything! For in the most difficult moments, I have seen God work in ways that I could never have imagined! I love that about Him...and for that I am truly Thankful!
You may not hear from me for a few days, as I will be living life (translate:moving!), instead of writing about it...but stay tuned! The next chapter is just beginning--and,as always, I can't wait to see what God has planned for this family!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Giving thanks...Being thankful
I've been hearing all the cliche's lately about moving. And, we've been hearing the small town buzz...people are so confused about where we're going, when we'll be there, and what exactly we're doing! Our grown kids are being approached by people they barely know, and those people are asking about what we're doing...while I think this is hilarious...I also think it's a little scary.
A bonus for making a major move, you get to clean out all the 'stuff' and analyze whether you 'need' it or not! I love this. I have literally boxes filled with journals that I have written all kinds of things in over the past 15 or so years. I am so organized these days that as I was packing my essentials this evening, I found a journal that I began writing in January of this year. In May, which was a roller-coaster of a month --so some of the things I wrote were a little dis-jointed.
Sometime after May 18, and before May 23, I wrote these words:
Giving thanks in all circumstances--THIS is God's will for me! (I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says 'Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.") Is there a difference between: "Giving thanks in all circumstances" OR "Giving thanks for all circumstances"????? If not, then--do it--test yourself--see how much you trust God to work all circumstances to the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28).
Even when we don't understand, God wants us to be thankful all the time. Paul tells us to be content in all circumstances. He (Jesus) is enough for me--must I live there? Yes, apparently, I MUST, for that is all I see in ahead. However, I dont' stay focused on the immediate--I focus on what is to come. ...wait for it...That's what the Lord says--wait for it! Remember: a still small voice!
I wanted to share that many of the details of our lives are coming together nicely. However, there are still many places in our lives where we are, apparently going to be constantly be asking "Is HE truly enough?" At what point do we just shut our eyes, and say YES-and truly mean it?
When I was a little girl, even when it wasn't Christmas season, I would love it when my mom would give in and read Luke 2 to me! I loved the story of baby Jesus being born. Years later, though, I discovered a portion of scripture just before Luke 2 that brings me to tears almost every time I read it-Luke 1. Especially Mary's response to being chosen in verses 46-55. But for this post, I would like to direct you to verses above that, where Mary is visited by the angel, and told about Jesus....verses 26-38....
Her faith both astounds and inspires me! For in verse 34, her response is "How can this be?" and in verse 37 she is reminded how it can be... for it says "For nothing is impossible with God."
That is a little insight as to why I think it is a way to stretch your faith when you can give thanks both for and in all circumstances...not a popular view...and you don't have to understand and get stuck in the 'how can this be?' OR 'what am I supposed to do with THIS?"...but to remember, every single second...and this is a challenge in our fallen world...but to remember that "NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!" I just love that about Him!
A bonus for making a major move, you get to clean out all the 'stuff' and analyze whether you 'need' it or not! I love this. I have literally boxes filled with journals that I have written all kinds of things in over the past 15 or so years. I am so organized these days that as I was packing my essentials this evening, I found a journal that I began writing in January of this year. In May, which was a roller-coaster of a month --so some of the things I wrote were a little dis-jointed.
Sometime after May 18, and before May 23, I wrote these words:
Giving thanks in all circumstances--THIS is God's will for me! (I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says 'Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.") Is there a difference between: "Giving thanks in all circumstances" OR "Giving thanks for all circumstances"????? If not, then--do it--test yourself--see how much you trust God to work all circumstances to the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28).
Even when we don't understand, God wants us to be thankful all the time. Paul tells us to be content in all circumstances. He (Jesus) is enough for me--must I live there? Yes, apparently, I MUST, for that is all I see in ahead. However, I dont' stay focused on the immediate--I focus on what is to come. ...wait for it...That's what the Lord says--wait for it! Remember: a still small voice!
I wanted to share that many of the details of our lives are coming together nicely. However, there are still many places in our lives where we are, apparently going to be constantly be asking "Is HE truly enough?" At what point do we just shut our eyes, and say YES-and truly mean it?
When I was a little girl, even when it wasn't Christmas season, I would love it when my mom would give in and read Luke 2 to me! I loved the story of baby Jesus being born. Years later, though, I discovered a portion of scripture just before Luke 2 that brings me to tears almost every time I read it-Luke 1. Especially Mary's response to being chosen in verses 46-55. But for this post, I would like to direct you to verses above that, where Mary is visited by the angel, and told about Jesus....verses 26-38....
Her faith both astounds and inspires me! For in verse 34, her response is "How can this be?" and in verse 37 she is reminded how it can be... for it says "For nothing is impossible with God."
That is a little insight as to why I think it is a way to stretch your faith when you can give thanks both for and in all circumstances...not a popular view...and you don't have to understand and get stuck in the 'how can this be?' OR 'what am I supposed to do with THIS?"...but to remember, every single second...and this is a challenge in our fallen world...but to remember that "NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!" I just love that about Him!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Just a Little Inspiration...
Just a little. Only a little is all it takes to get me motivated to move ahead with a bigger picture in mind. Inspiration. What inspires me? It could be almost anything...well-written words on a page, a well-placed line in a movie or newscast...the smile of a stranger, or the hand-shake of someone I haven't encountered in a while. I can be inspired by listening to my husband make plans, for anything from work to vacationing--he's a planner.
Just this morning, I read a cook book--I know that is odd...but I became inspired to actually cook--also odd. (I will be amazing, and perhaps a little trying on every one's stomachs and nerves, but it will be worth it. I am excited to use our new kitchen, with our very own pots and pans--that I have not used in over a year. It is going to be amazing!)
When I walk in to a home improvement store, I am inspired to improve 'something'-anything...from the front appearance of our home, to the bathroom vanity or light fixtures...depending. I was inspired the other day to wear a funky head dress and have my best friends over to an evening bon-fire--just because I was watching 'Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood'...weird?
Of course that's weird...but, you know, as I look around, people are doing the silliest, craziest things, or the most amazing things...something or someone has inspired them!
Who inspires kids that are 15-20 to run or bike 20 miles a day? Or, what inspires my sister to pick up her camera and explore different angles and light techniques?
How can we inspire people to treat each other with respect and dignity--honesty and integrity? I don't think it happens just by 'modeling it', as we were taught many years ago in youth group. Sometimes I think that inspiration is accidental, but most of the time it seems to be intentional.
We each have a few people that value our presence--some would call it our individual 'sphere of influence,' others would call it our good friends. You can tell when the conversation is 'going no where' or 'taking a turn for the raunchy'...turn it around--nicely and respectfully--but turn it around non-the-less. Honor each other, with your words and your actions--honor each other as people, honor each other as humans...honor other people's marriages, by not bashing or lusting after other people's spouses--and don't listen as 'they' do it, either.
I was inspired as I drove along the highway in Southwestern Indiana yesterday. The veterans I saw along my route were riding various forms of bicycles. These riders were veterans that had been wounded in battle, and are riding from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast...they are calling it the 'Sea to Shining Sea' ride. I had heard of their ride on FaceBook, but seeing them actually riding, in the scorching sun, touched my heart. Don't take our freedom for granted.
Actually, don't take any of your blessings for granted. Be inspired to treat people well--with dignity and respect. Go and inspire those around YOU!
Just this morning, I read a cook book--I know that is odd...but I became inspired to actually cook--also odd. (I will be amazing, and perhaps a little trying on every one's stomachs and nerves, but it will be worth it. I am excited to use our new kitchen, with our very own pots and pans--that I have not used in over a year. It is going to be amazing!)
When I walk in to a home improvement store, I am inspired to improve 'something'-anything...from the front appearance of our home, to the bathroom vanity or light fixtures...depending. I was inspired the other day to wear a funky head dress and have my best friends over to an evening bon-fire--just because I was watching 'Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood'...weird?
Of course that's weird...but, you know, as I look around, people are doing the silliest, craziest things, or the most amazing things...something or someone has inspired them!
Who inspires kids that are 15-20 to run or bike 20 miles a day? Or, what inspires my sister to pick up her camera and explore different angles and light techniques?
How can we inspire people to treat each other with respect and dignity--honesty and integrity? I don't think it happens just by 'modeling it', as we were taught many years ago in youth group. Sometimes I think that inspiration is accidental, but most of the time it seems to be intentional.
We each have a few people that value our presence--some would call it our individual 'sphere of influence,' others would call it our good friends. You can tell when the conversation is 'going no where' or 'taking a turn for the raunchy'...turn it around--nicely and respectfully--but turn it around non-the-less. Honor each other, with your words and your actions--honor each other as people, honor each other as humans...honor other people's marriages, by not bashing or lusting after other people's spouses--and don't listen as 'they' do it, either.
I was inspired as I drove along the highway in Southwestern Indiana yesterday. The veterans I saw along my route were riding various forms of bicycles. These riders were veterans that had been wounded in battle, and are riding from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast...they are calling it the 'Sea to Shining Sea' ride. I had heard of their ride on FaceBook, but seeing them actually riding, in the scorching sun, touched my heart. Don't take our freedom for granted.
Actually, don't take any of your blessings for granted. Be inspired to treat people well--with dignity and respect. Go and inspire those around YOU!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Time Marches On but Rome Wasn't Built in a Day!
"Time marches on." That's what my grandma AnnaBelle used to always say. I seem to be quoting her a lately. She would also say, "Rome wasn't built in a day."
No, I'm not going to write some travel log down memory lane. But, because we are transitioning, and I don't have too much else to do, except wait, I seem to be analyzing everything and everyone and every conversation.
We have been away from the town we had lived in for over thirty years. That is a long time. We are moving to a town about forty miles to the east of this town. We have been seeing former neighbors, former acquaintances, former teachers of our kids--just people that we took for granted knowing. And, I suppose that is one of the reasons for my use of 'time marches on'...with or without us here, people have lived their lives, and carried on. This is as it should be.
Our family attended the wedding reception of a dear friend this past week end. When we left, she hadn't even met this guy...so I missed the whole beginning and progression of the relationship--this is also as it should be, for I am ecstatic that she has found her special someone to love! It just seems remarkable to me--things happen in the blink of an eye. I read my face book news feed, and marvel at the significant things people write that are going on in their lives. Indeed, time marches on...we only have this moment! Celebrate it! Don't waste it!
And yet, the other thing I find myself saying is "Rome wasn't built in a day"... I find myself saying this to all four of our daughters almost at once. Our oldest just moved to a new home with her family. She has done a great job so far of making this home theirs--adding her color touches to everything, placing furniture and belongings...but there are still things they'd like to 'do' to the house! Home ownership is a process, I think...few people just move in and it is exactly they way they want to keep it forever!
Our second oldest just took what she considers a 'grown up' job...with real benefits and a real pay check...and with that transition has come her first 'grown up' apartment. She's happy with most everything, but there are things she would like to have for this new space. However, she likes to travel and do other things besides be home, so she needs to take her time and enjoy it--adding her things as she can!
Our twins are eagerly anticipating what they are going to do with their new rooms, when we move to our new home. And, my response has been: you know, you haven't had your own rooms for over a year, why don't you live in them a little while, and add things as we can....'Rome wasn't built in a Day'!
For me, though, while these two phrases do not go together, in some strange way, they sum up my life at the moment, alsmost perfectly! Giving me perspective, to know that we are evolving, things change, people change--move away, get married, have babies, or die--whether I'm 'here' or not...and yet, building a life consists of more than whether I have the desired 'color' of paint on my walls currently or not! It consists of more than if my art work matches my furnishings perfectly or not!
My life is laughter, and serious conversation...setting and achieving goals, and encouraging those around me.
Here's a story that happened just today--I share it now to encourage you not to waste a second of your life! Today, I found myself laughing uncontrollably with my grandbabies.
Will is 6, and loves Batman. Ally is 3, and loves everything. Anna is 7 months, and is good at recognizing those in her life who love her--and for the most part is content to sit and play with an empty candy box.
Today Will was showing me a couple of toys from his toy box, Anna was sitting in front of me, in her walker and Ally was behind Anna, but talking to me.
Will came up beside Anna wearing 'The Joker' mask (it is hideously white-faced with a giant red smile painted across the mouth--from his Batman collection of toys) and turned his head so that Anna could see him.
Poor little baby: she was content one second and screaming her lungs out the next! She visibly shook when she saw him. And, of course, I rescued her...but could not stop laughing. Isn't that sick? It didn't take long for her to calm down, and we put the mask in a different spot so that she wouldn't have to see it. What can I say? Time marches on--I must enjoy these moments, and keep watching as our family grows...for Rome wasn't built in a day!
No, I'm not going to write some travel log down memory lane. But, because we are transitioning, and I don't have too much else to do, except wait, I seem to be analyzing everything and everyone and every conversation.
We have been away from the town we had lived in for over thirty years. That is a long time. We are moving to a town about forty miles to the east of this town. We have been seeing former neighbors, former acquaintances, former teachers of our kids--just people that we took for granted knowing. And, I suppose that is one of the reasons for my use of 'time marches on'...with or without us here, people have lived their lives, and carried on. This is as it should be.
Our family attended the wedding reception of a dear friend this past week end. When we left, she hadn't even met this guy...so I missed the whole beginning and progression of the relationship--this is also as it should be, for I am ecstatic that she has found her special someone to love! It just seems remarkable to me--things happen in the blink of an eye. I read my face book news feed, and marvel at the significant things people write that are going on in their lives. Indeed, time marches on...we only have this moment! Celebrate it! Don't waste it!
And yet, the other thing I find myself saying is "Rome wasn't built in a day"... I find myself saying this to all four of our daughters almost at once. Our oldest just moved to a new home with her family. She has done a great job so far of making this home theirs--adding her color touches to everything, placing furniture and belongings...but there are still things they'd like to 'do' to the house! Home ownership is a process, I think...few people just move in and it is exactly they way they want to keep it forever!
Our second oldest just took what she considers a 'grown up' job...with real benefits and a real pay check...and with that transition has come her first 'grown up' apartment. She's happy with most everything, but there are things she would like to have for this new space. However, she likes to travel and do other things besides be home, so she needs to take her time and enjoy it--adding her things as she can!
Our twins are eagerly anticipating what they are going to do with their new rooms, when we move to our new home. And, my response has been: you know, you haven't had your own rooms for over a year, why don't you live in them a little while, and add things as we can....'Rome wasn't built in a Day'!
For me, though, while these two phrases do not go together, in some strange way, they sum up my life at the moment, alsmost perfectly! Giving me perspective, to know that we are evolving, things change, people change--move away, get married, have babies, or die--whether I'm 'here' or not...and yet, building a life consists of more than whether I have the desired 'color' of paint on my walls currently or not! It consists of more than if my art work matches my furnishings perfectly or not!
My life is laughter, and serious conversation...setting and achieving goals, and encouraging those around me.
Here's a story that happened just today--I share it now to encourage you not to waste a second of your life! Today, I found myself laughing uncontrollably with my grandbabies.
Will is 6, and loves Batman. Ally is 3, and loves everything. Anna is 7 months, and is good at recognizing those in her life who love her--and for the most part is content to sit and play with an empty candy box.
Today Will was showing me a couple of toys from his toy box, Anna was sitting in front of me, in her walker and Ally was behind Anna, but talking to me.
Will came up beside Anna wearing 'The Joker' mask (it is hideously white-faced with a giant red smile painted across the mouth--from his Batman collection of toys) and turned his head so that Anna could see him.
Poor little baby: she was content one second and screaming her lungs out the next! She visibly shook when she saw him. And, of course, I rescued her...but could not stop laughing. Isn't that sick? It didn't take long for her to calm down, and we put the mask in a different spot so that she wouldn't have to see it. What can I say? Time marches on--I must enjoy these moments, and keep watching as our family grows...for Rome wasn't built in a day!
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