One of my most favorite things in life is when I can walk in to our local 'discount store', (you know the one) when they are offering cut flowers (also one of my favorite things) on 'clearance' --marked 1/2 price!
It has been SO 'grey' outside this week, either raining, or looking like it's going to rain any minute, all week...I have the most gorgeous bouquet of pink tulips on my kitchen table. They make me smile! It makes me feel sort of smug: having that cheerful greeting sitting there, with the view of 'grey', just beyond, outside our kitchen window!
Tulips are just sort of wispy to me, not so formal as the other favorite flower of mine: roses...of course, that's about the extent of my 'flower' knowledge...pretty limited, I know!
At present, my wonderful husband is playing "Mr. Fix-It" for the second Saturday night in a row! Hilarious, to me, because he would be the first to admit that just isn't his 'thing'...what can I say?
Last Saturday, we took a quick trip to get a front-porch light fixture, and came home with 7 (yes, seven)...of which, he installed 3 before bed time that night! Front porch light--looks fabulous...of course, you can see all the way down the block now!!!
Today, we just stopped in the place where we purchased our kitchen sink, and asked about a problem we were having...they told us we could pay someone about $80 or they could sell us a few tools and the part we needed to fix it ourselves (and suggested a web-site to answer questions!--ya gotta love technology!). The first 'phase of that project is already finished. I'm so proud of him! Trying new things...learning new things...hilarious!
Speaking of learning new things. I was challenged last summer to learn to knit...One of my friends at a local assisted living facility told me to buy and read a 'how to knit book' and she would encourage me and answer questions as I learned...
So, I purchased a book called, I thought, appropriately: The Cool Girls Guide to Knitting, (because I'm just so cool!)...it is a great book, my friend did exactly what she promised...answered my questions, and encouraged me!!!
It's official: I have a lot of fun knitting! And, I'm learning new things with each 'project'. My friend, my encourager, recently passed away. I miss her. I just miss her...this happens...but she helped me a lot!
And, yesterday, I met a new friend. This lady owns a yarn store! A good friend of mine recently took up knitting as well. So, we can share this hobby together--shopping for yarn, and listening to 'knitting jokes'--hilarious to me! But oh, so much fun... and oh, a sort of stress-release with benefits! I look forward to the places this new found source of fun will take me! New projects to consider, new friends to make, new colors and textures and patterns to experiment with...I think it's time for me to stop typing and go, pick up my knitting needles!!!
Till next time--I'll put out a challenge to you, my friend, learn something new...and have FUN learning!!!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Hilarity Rules!
I want to write about our recent trip to visit our daughter in Florida, but I can't seem to get the images to upload...I had a short conversation with her tonight. I feel relatively safe writing about her, because she doesn't read this blog:D She knows me pretty well, though, and she's a lot like me!
We did have a really good visit with her during the time we were in Orlando. It was really cold though, so we got to purchase really good looking gear to walk around the parks in!
The first day, we rode roller coasters and 'fun' rides all day. A band that plays in the 'back lot' of studios helped the twins celebrate their birthday by calling them up front and then they sang to them...only a little embarrassing when you're 14! We stopped by Magic Kingdom in the evening to see the castle (my husband's favorite view is from Main St. looking toward the castle!). It was decorated for Christmas with a gazillion little tiny lights all over it...and the lights shining 'on it' changed from all colors of icy blue to lavender to purple...GORGEOUS! And, because it was Madi & Mal's 14th birthday, we ended the day at their favorite place to eat: Olive Garden. funny!
The next day, not so cold, we went to EPCOT...had lunch in Mexico, a mid-afternoon snack in France and supper right before the fireworks in England. You've got to love going to each of those country's displays...it's all so so so so, well, Disney!
Our last day together, we got to see her apartment, shop for groceries for her and a few other things...ate some more, too!
Mostly what we did the whole time we were together was laugh our heads off! We took her her car...and then flew home, so before we got there, she asked if we'd bought her a gps. Her brilliant father told her 'yes'...and so, his gift to her was a 2010 Wal Mart edition of a Rand McNally road atlas and some high lighters! She was less than thrilled! Until later that evening when she actually opened her Christmas presents and there was a really gps...nuvi ( I think)...now she can get where she needs to be, and someone is telling her when to turn!
She really loves living there. Meeting lots of people. Weather is nice. It's a city, so there's lots of things to do...not to mention she can come and go in the parks on her days off, if she chooses! So, moving back home is not something she really wants to think about right now...but in my heart, I know she misses our family.
Our girls are pretty close, even though there's an age difference...(the older girls were 9 & 11 when the babies were born) they are becoming really good friends. They are also 'growing up' and 'maturing'...but together, the four of them have been through a LOT of things--hilarious things (I always say: Hilarity Rules!), some ordinary things (day to day) and really tough, emotional things (like the population of our household shrink by 1/2 in about 6 months time).
They've shared experiences that only they can talk about, that's true of most families, I know...I just feel like I've got a front row seat to watch their lives unfold! To watch them become really good friends, to depend on each other and do life together! How exciting!
Truly, truly blessed!
We did have a really good visit with her during the time we were in Orlando. It was really cold though, so we got to purchase really good looking gear to walk around the parks in!
The first day, we rode roller coasters and 'fun' rides all day. A band that plays in the 'back lot' of studios helped the twins celebrate their birthday by calling them up front and then they sang to them...only a little embarrassing when you're 14! We stopped by Magic Kingdom in the evening to see the castle (my husband's favorite view is from Main St. looking toward the castle!). It was decorated for Christmas with a gazillion little tiny lights all over it...and the lights shining 'on it' changed from all colors of icy blue to lavender to purple...GORGEOUS! And, because it was Madi & Mal's 14th birthday, we ended the day at their favorite place to eat: Olive Garden. funny!
The next day, not so cold, we went to EPCOT...had lunch in Mexico, a mid-afternoon snack in France and supper right before the fireworks in England. You've got to love going to each of those country's displays...it's all so so so so, well, Disney!
Our last day together, we got to see her apartment, shop for groceries for her and a few other things...ate some more, too!
Mostly what we did the whole time we were together was laugh our heads off! We took her her car...and then flew home, so before we got there, she asked if we'd bought her a gps. Her brilliant father told her 'yes'...and so, his gift to her was a 2010 Wal Mart edition of a Rand McNally road atlas and some high lighters! She was less than thrilled! Until later that evening when she actually opened her Christmas presents and there was a really gps...nuvi ( I think)...now she can get where she needs to be, and someone is telling her when to turn!
She really loves living there. Meeting lots of people. Weather is nice. It's a city, so there's lots of things to do...not to mention she can come and go in the parks on her days off, if she chooses! So, moving back home is not something she really wants to think about right now...but in my heart, I know she misses our family.
Our girls are pretty close, even though there's an age difference...(the older girls were 9 & 11 when the babies were born) they are becoming really good friends. They are also 'growing up' and 'maturing'...but together, the four of them have been through a LOT of things--hilarious things (I always say: Hilarity Rules!), some ordinary things (day to day) and really tough, emotional things (like the population of our household shrink by 1/2 in about 6 months time).
They've shared experiences that only they can talk about, that's true of most families, I know...I just feel like I've got a front row seat to watch their lives unfold! To watch them become really good friends, to depend on each other and do life together! How exciting!
Truly, truly blessed!
Monday, January 18, 2010
A Day in the Life....During Our 'Day Off' from School!
No school today. That means: sleeping in, eating out with dad...and hanging out...because we stayed home, I got help with laundry! Help, that is, getting the laundry 'down the chute'!
It may take a couple of days to catch up!--I don't mind though...laundry is my life. Of course, that's what I jokingly say, but the truth is, laundry is just a fact of life, and it is always there...always. Sometimes, there's only a very 'small' pile left at the end of the day...but it's always there!
Pioneers had the right idea: not so many clothes, you don't have so much laundry. hmmmm...something to consider, but I don't think that would happen in 2010, not in this culture, anyway!
Oh, well, on to more important things!
One of the girls had an unexpected 'visitor' today. The door bell rang and a boy of about 14 or so was standing outside! I had to admire his courage, he introduced himself, asked if Mallory could play basketball...and came in to wait for her to appear from upstairs.
Sweet.
Since this had never happened before, (not since puberty set in and 'boyfriends' are discussed) I was caught a little off guard. I left this boy in the foyer, waiting for Mal...and a few minutes later, went back to check on him...No boy. No Mal.
He'd gone upstairs. I was so proud of myself, I was actually nice, because it dawned on me (small miracle!) I had never had the need to explain 'this set of house rules' to the twins before!
And so, I called them down, and explained that he could make himself at home on this first floor, BUT, the upstairs is like a girls' dorm, and strictly OFF limits...they both apologized and sat in the family room to talk!
All the time this is going on, I'm giving Holly a play-by-play via text-ing...she's laughing her head off, and I'm trying to be the 'mom'...it all worked out well--I think!
The kids played basket ball, Holly got to taste the fact that she's 'getting old'...and the whole episode opened up a much needed dialogue between the twins and me about the fact that decisions they make now could affect the rest of their lives!
As I write this, I'm reminded of my Sunday school lesson text this past Sunday. We talked about Jacob & Leah's daughter, Dinah, 'who went out to visit the women of the land'...this one breaks my heart, because I believe it speaks volumes to our culture today and the things we allow, and sometimes even encourage our kids to get involved in. For Dinah, it didn't turn out very well ...and it turned out even worse for the man that took advantage of her, and actually all the men in their town... Great & Inspiring reading, if you're up to it: Genesis 34.
It may take a couple of days to catch up!--I don't mind though...laundry is my life. Of course, that's what I jokingly say, but the truth is, laundry is just a fact of life, and it is always there...always. Sometimes, there's only a very 'small' pile left at the end of the day...but it's always there!
Pioneers had the right idea: not so many clothes, you don't have so much laundry. hmmmm...something to consider, but I don't think that would happen in 2010, not in this culture, anyway!
Oh, well, on to more important things!
One of the girls had an unexpected 'visitor' today. The door bell rang and a boy of about 14 or so was standing outside! I had to admire his courage, he introduced himself, asked if Mallory could play basketball...and came in to wait for her to appear from upstairs.
Sweet.
Since this had never happened before, (not since puberty set in and 'boyfriends' are discussed) I was caught a little off guard. I left this boy in the foyer, waiting for Mal...and a few minutes later, went back to check on him...No boy. No Mal.
He'd gone upstairs. I was so proud of myself, I was actually nice, because it dawned on me (small miracle!) I had never had the need to explain 'this set of house rules' to the twins before!
And so, I called them down, and explained that he could make himself at home on this first floor, BUT, the upstairs is like a girls' dorm, and strictly OFF limits...they both apologized and sat in the family room to talk!
All the time this is going on, I'm giving Holly a play-by-play via text-ing...she's laughing her head off, and I'm trying to be the 'mom'...it all worked out well--I think!
The kids played basket ball, Holly got to taste the fact that she's 'getting old'...and the whole episode opened up a much needed dialogue between the twins and me about the fact that decisions they make now could affect the rest of their lives!
As I write this, I'm reminded of my Sunday school lesson text this past Sunday. We talked about Jacob & Leah's daughter, Dinah, 'who went out to visit the women of the land'...this one breaks my heart, because I believe it speaks volumes to our culture today and the things we allow, and sometimes even encourage our kids to get involved in. For Dinah, it didn't turn out very well ...and it turned out even worse for the man that took advantage of her, and actually all the men in their town... Great & Inspiring reading, if you're up to it: Genesis 34.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Happy Birthday...
Nine years ago today, we quietly welcomed our fifth daughter in to the world!
She only celebrated 3 birthdays on this earth before going to Heaven. So, her birthday parties were always filled with family and cake and icing and presents...and usually ended in a sleepy, sticky mess...sweet mess, though!
I've known for a few weeks that there was no way I would be in any shape to 'start' the new session of Grief Share tonight with the rest of our church's Wednesday evening programming, so we will start it in two weeks. I'm so thankful today for that decision.
I woke up thinking it's gonna be a good day. And, over all it IS. But, tears are just under the surface, and I've felt this 'yuk' in the pit of my stomach all day. Just sad. I'm just sad. But, because I've been here (remembering my baby on her birthday without her here to kiss and hug and talk with...) before--6 times now--I know the sadness only lasts a little while longer.
Soon, the girls will start laughing and memories will flood in on the emotions of it all, good memories...
God is still in His Heaven, and He is faithful and just and My Comfort and My Refuge and My Strength and My JOY!
For what ever reason, I'm to go on living, and I'm to go on spreading the Word!--Giving the 'reason' for the hope that I have!
The reason: Jesus. There's power in that Name!--And, I praise HIM for it!
So, this day's gonna get better...and Heaven is that much sweeter because of HOPE I have in Jesus!
She only celebrated 3 birthdays on this earth before going to Heaven. So, her birthday parties were always filled with family and cake and icing and presents...and usually ended in a sleepy, sticky mess...sweet mess, though!
I've known for a few weeks that there was no way I would be in any shape to 'start' the new session of Grief Share tonight with the rest of our church's Wednesday evening programming, so we will start it in two weeks. I'm so thankful today for that decision.
I woke up thinking it's gonna be a good day. And, over all it IS. But, tears are just under the surface, and I've felt this 'yuk' in the pit of my stomach all day. Just sad. I'm just sad. But, because I've been here (remembering my baby on her birthday without her here to kiss and hug and talk with...) before--6 times now--I know the sadness only lasts a little while longer.
Soon, the girls will start laughing and memories will flood in on the emotions of it all, good memories...
God is still in His Heaven, and He is faithful and just and My Comfort and My Refuge and My Strength and My JOY!
For what ever reason, I'm to go on living, and I'm to go on spreading the Word!--Giving the 'reason' for the hope that I have!
The reason: Jesus. There's power in that Name!--And, I praise HIM for it!
So, this day's gonna get better...and Heaven is that much sweeter because of HOPE I have in Jesus!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
It's January 10...It's January 10, 2010!!!
I know you already know what day it is...But January 10 is a significant day to me. Only me, really, but in the life of our family, it was pivotal 14 years ago!
On this day, 14 years ago, our family went from being the "All American Family: dad, mom, 2 kids and a dog" to a LARGE family of 6 and a dog. It was on this day, 14 years ago that I got to go to the hospital to pick up our new born baby twin girls. What a day that was! There was SO much snow on the drive to the hospital. The babies were so sweet, I fell instantly in love with them. And, brought them home in their little car/punkin' seats! The older girls were thrilled! They were 9 & 11 at the time, so the each had a new, real live, baby doll!!! It was a perfect set up actually, because I didn't have to recover from the birthing process, I felt great, and the girls were a huge help. Randy & I would get up for feedings, he'd do the bottles while I changed diapers and then we'd rock and sing to the babies til they were back to sleep. What an adventure!!!! What a blessing!!! What a change in our lives, forever.
I'm pretty sure my mom & sister thought we'd lost our minds! It didn't take long before they were just as much in love with the girls as we were! And, Randy's folks just loved babies, so that was not a problem for them, ever! Our church family went crazy at the time...we just showed up with these little babies! And, today they are still so very much fun! Hilarious, actually!
Because of the way the 'circle of life' goes in our family, they are aunts at this time in their lives, which is such a plus! They both love little kids, to a point, then they want to do their own stuff...but they do know a lot about little kids, and they do know how to laugh!
I'm excited about 2010. There's a lot to do this year, a lot to experience and a lot to accomplish for the kingdom of our God! Just as it was 14 years ago, I'm excited about the prospect of what God has in store for this time in my life! Just as I said back then, and it just keeps echoing through my days: Fasten Your Seat Belt, Marsh, it's the time of yOUR life!!! Enjoy, this great Adventure called LIFE!!!!
On this day, 14 years ago, our family went from being the "All American Family: dad, mom, 2 kids and a dog" to a LARGE family of 6 and a dog. It was on this day, 14 years ago that I got to go to the hospital to pick up our new born baby twin girls. What a day that was! There was SO much snow on the drive to the hospital. The babies were so sweet, I fell instantly in love with them. And, brought them home in their little car/punkin' seats! The older girls were thrilled! They were 9 & 11 at the time, so the each had a new, real live, baby doll!!! It was a perfect set up actually, because I didn't have to recover from the birthing process, I felt great, and the girls were a huge help. Randy & I would get up for feedings, he'd do the bottles while I changed diapers and then we'd rock and sing to the babies til they were back to sleep. What an adventure!!!! What a blessing!!! What a change in our lives, forever.
I'm pretty sure my mom & sister thought we'd lost our minds! It didn't take long before they were just as much in love with the girls as we were! And, Randy's folks just loved babies, so that was not a problem for them, ever! Our church family went crazy at the time...we just showed up with these little babies! And, today they are still so very much fun! Hilarious, actually!
Because of the way the 'circle of life' goes in our family, they are aunts at this time in their lives, which is such a plus! They both love little kids, to a point, then they want to do their own stuff...but they do know a lot about little kids, and they do know how to laugh!
I'm excited about 2010. There's a lot to do this year, a lot to experience and a lot to accomplish for the kingdom of our God! Just as it was 14 years ago, I'm excited about the prospect of what God has in store for this time in my life! Just as I said back then, and it just keeps echoing through my days: Fasten Your Seat Belt, Marsh, it's the time of yOUR life!!! Enjoy, this great Adventure called LIFE!!!!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Looking forward, glancing back for just a moment...
Hmmmmmm.Did you have a Merry Christmas? It was wonderful here...quiet...a little slower paced than years past...but merry, indeed!
2010 will be here in a few short hours...I contemplate the New Year like a clean slate.--a fresh start, if you will, with a new journal and new pens (thanks, PC!) and a refreshed out look on life (thank You, Lord!)
Looking back over 2009, I can't believe all that has happened in our little 'corner of the world'! One of my goals for 2009 was to 'wait on the Lord'--to purpose not to become anxious. While I failed at this a lot of the time, it truly did make a difference as I look back because of the way things worked out. Waiting on Him, in His presence has made all the difference!--He is faithful!
January found the twins attending school in a 'temporary location' (at a local church) due to renovations for their middle school builidng. The girls became busy with gymnastics during this month. Holly started her 'last' semester at EIU. Randy & I began 'team meetings' for the Great Banquet.
By February, we were in 'full swing' with Bible studies and our second session of facilitating Grief Share. Randy & Holly began planning a vacation for us. Baby Ally, only two months old, got pneumonia and was in the hospital over Valentines' Day:( Madison & Mallory were by this time preparing for a recital, and loving it!
In March, Randy & I attended Great Banquet week ends, his for men, mine for women. What an experience! Mom & Jim got home from spending time in Florida for winter months! Holly began exploring options for post graduation ...and vacation plans were coming together for summer time!
In April, the Oil Belt Ladies' retreat, which was really a one day event happened. Lynn Reece from Louisville, KY spoke, and the day was just amazing. The team for this day was so fun to work with, and so faithful to honor God in their dealings! Randy & I celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary, which doesn't seem possible, til we consider the fact that we are, indeed, grandparents!
May, 2009 found us at Holly's graduation ceremony. I only cried when she walked in with her golden 'honor cords' around her neck..a goal since she was much younger! The twins gymnastics recital happened a couple of weeks later, and Holly moved home from school to spend the summer with us...and work at a local gym. Madi & Mal were glad to be out of school, too...and loved the fact that they could start enjoying the local city pool each day for swimming and working on that tan!
In June, the twins went to their first Jr High church camp experienceand LOVED IT!!! And, I got to teach in VBS!!!--God gave me such a gift in helpers, and the kids were amazing...good times! Also in June, we packed our bags to head south for vacation!
The five of us spent the week of July 4 in a condo in Destin, FL where we just enjoyed the beach and the sun and quiet! Didn't do a lot of the 'touristy' stuff...just relaxed!
In August, Randy & I attended a picnic to mark my 30th class reunion...fun to reconnect with old friends! Shortly after that, Randy packed up my car and moved Holly to Disney World...which seems fitting now that I think about it, 'professional vacationer' would be her father's career of choice...so, she's in a great place to vacation AND work! Madison & Mallory got to start school in their newly remodeled Middle School, and it truly IS gorgeous.
September started off great as we joined many good friends for our annual 'reunion' in Missouri for Labor Day week end! Alayna & Wes even joined us this year! Madison & Mallory decided they would like to join the basketball team.
In October, our oldest daughter celebrated her 25th birthday (that doesn't make me feel old at all:D) and our grandson, Will turned 4 years old, complete with pirate costuming! He continues to be such a delight...actually, hilarious! For those who live in our home, though, October found us attending practices, games, Bible studies, Grief Share and again, Great Banquet team meetings...the men's week end was the last full week end in October. The women's week end was the first full week end in November. What a difference these week ends make...truly an amazing amazing experience!
November was a busy month, anticipating holidays, and moving Holly home, and then, that sort of changed a little, as Holly decided to stay in Florida for now. Things stayed 'up in the air' for a little bit of time. (and, I'm sorry to say, I became very sad to consider the season without all our kids here) But, November became such a precious month in the life of our whole family, as Ally turned one year old, and our nephew married the woman of his dreams! Gorgeous wedding...and so much fun!
And, then December came. And with it, the sadness continued. Randy & I shared an amazing trip to shop for Christmas presents, which got me in the mood to wrap presents. We purposed to put up decorations, silently I didn't want to at all, but did it. As it turns out, a truly amazing thing happened...
I had 'put away' all the sentimental decorations after we lost Macy Jo. So, this year, on purpose, I got out those 'old, put away' things. Ornaments that have all our girls' 'baby pictures' on them, and ornaments they made when they were pre-schoolers...a bouquet of flowers from Holly's first birthday cake...a doll my grandma gave Alayna for herbfirst Christmas...we kept things really simple...
and then it happened...I decided to get out the old Santas. I forgot how friendly the family room gets with these 40 or 50 likenesses sitting around appropriately. I KNOW Santa isn't the reason for the season. I know this, but something about the red fur and the white beard and rosy cheeks just make me smile!--And, feel like I'm finally 'home' in our own HOME!!!-- A really good 'new normal', and isn't that always the goal? Contentment in our 'new normal'?--Change is the only constant in this world... but, it truly was a Merry Christmas...indeed!
2010 will be here in a few short hours...I contemplate the New Year like a clean slate.--a fresh start, if you will, with a new journal and new pens (thanks, PC!) and a refreshed out look on life (thank You, Lord!)
Looking back over 2009, I can't believe all that has happened in our little 'corner of the world'! One of my goals for 2009 was to 'wait on the Lord'--to purpose not to become anxious. While I failed at this a lot of the time, it truly did make a difference as I look back because of the way things worked out. Waiting on Him, in His presence has made all the difference!--He is faithful!
January found the twins attending school in a 'temporary location' (at a local church) due to renovations for their middle school builidng. The girls became busy with gymnastics during this month. Holly started her 'last' semester at EIU. Randy & I began 'team meetings' for the Great Banquet.
By February, we were in 'full swing' with Bible studies and our second session of facilitating Grief Share. Randy & Holly began planning a vacation for us. Baby Ally, only two months old, got pneumonia and was in the hospital over Valentines' Day:( Madison & Mallory were by this time preparing for a recital, and loving it!
In March, Randy & I attended Great Banquet week ends, his for men, mine for women. What an experience! Mom & Jim got home from spending time in Florida for winter months! Holly began exploring options for post graduation ...and vacation plans were coming together for summer time!
In April, the Oil Belt Ladies' retreat, which was really a one day event happened. Lynn Reece from Louisville, KY spoke, and the day was just amazing. The team for this day was so fun to work with, and so faithful to honor God in their dealings! Randy & I celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary, which doesn't seem possible, til we consider the fact that we are, indeed, grandparents!
May, 2009 found us at Holly's graduation ceremony. I only cried when she walked in with her golden 'honor cords' around her neck..a goal since she was much younger! The twins gymnastics recital happened a couple of weeks later, and Holly moved home from school to spend the summer with us...and work at a local gym. Madi & Mal were glad to be out of school, too...and loved the fact that they could start enjoying the local city pool each day for swimming and working on that tan!
In June, the twins went to their first Jr High church camp experienceand LOVED IT!!! And, I got to teach in VBS!!!--God gave me such a gift in helpers, and the kids were amazing...good times! Also in June, we packed our bags to head south for vacation!
The five of us spent the week of July 4 in a condo in Destin, FL where we just enjoyed the beach and the sun and quiet! Didn't do a lot of the 'touristy' stuff...just relaxed!
In August, Randy & I attended a picnic to mark my 30th class reunion...fun to reconnect with old friends! Shortly after that, Randy packed up my car and moved Holly to Disney World...which seems fitting now that I think about it, 'professional vacationer' would be her father's career of choice...so, she's in a great place to vacation AND work! Madison & Mallory got to start school in their newly remodeled Middle School, and it truly IS gorgeous.
September started off great as we joined many good friends for our annual 'reunion' in Missouri for Labor Day week end! Alayna & Wes even joined us this year! Madison & Mallory decided they would like to join the basketball team.
In October, our oldest daughter celebrated her 25th birthday (that doesn't make me feel old at all:D) and our grandson, Will turned 4 years old, complete with pirate costuming! He continues to be such a delight...actually, hilarious! For those who live in our home, though, October found us attending practices, games, Bible studies, Grief Share and again, Great Banquet team meetings...the men's week end was the last full week end in October. The women's week end was the first full week end in November. What a difference these week ends make...truly an amazing amazing experience!
November was a busy month, anticipating holidays, and moving Holly home, and then, that sort of changed a little, as Holly decided to stay in Florida for now. Things stayed 'up in the air' for a little bit of time. (and, I'm sorry to say, I became very sad to consider the season without all our kids here) But, November became such a precious month in the life of our whole family, as Ally turned one year old, and our nephew married the woman of his dreams! Gorgeous wedding...and so much fun!
And, then December came. And with it, the sadness continued. Randy & I shared an amazing trip to shop for Christmas presents, which got me in the mood to wrap presents. We purposed to put up decorations, silently I didn't want to at all, but did it. As it turns out, a truly amazing thing happened...
I had 'put away' all the sentimental decorations after we lost Macy Jo. So, this year, on purpose, I got out those 'old, put away' things. Ornaments that have all our girls' 'baby pictures' on them, and ornaments they made when they were pre-schoolers...a bouquet of flowers from Holly's first birthday cake...a doll my grandma gave Alayna for herbfirst Christmas...we kept things really simple...
and then it happened...I decided to get out the old Santas. I forgot how friendly the family room gets with these 40 or 50 likenesses sitting around appropriately. I KNOW Santa isn't the reason for the season. I know this, but something about the red fur and the white beard and rosy cheeks just make me smile!--And, feel like I'm finally 'home' in our own HOME!!!-- A really good 'new normal', and isn't that always the goal? Contentment in our 'new normal'?--Change is the only constant in this world... but, it truly was a Merry Christmas...indeed!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The Journey Continues...and is almost Complete!
In more ways than one, the Journey is almost complete. This year, if you are a 'reader of this blog' this is NOT news, our church has taken the Journey through the New Testament as a congregation!
And, so, our 'reading together' time is almost finished. We are a little over 1/2 way finished with Revelation (the last book in the New Testament) and the year ends in roughly 11 days. And, so those are the 'more than one way' that the Journey is almost complete.
Of course, life's journey isn't over, and even when we pass to eternity, it's only begun! The journey through God's Word is a never-ending journey, as well. I firmly believe that it is impossible to 'love God with all your heart mind soul & strength' and ignore His word to us...it must be as life-blood to us, as believers!
As we've drawn closer to the end of the book this December, I've had a lot of questions. Mostly about my own ability to understand and apply what I'm reading in the book of Revelation. I would have to admit that I've often thought of that portion of scripture with an anxiousness....too complicated, too shrouded in imagery and numbers and signs, too lofty, too many details and too hard to understand are among the reasons I've quietly side-stepped the 'book' before now.
Along with choosing to take the Journey this year, I also have been teaching in our Sunday school class from the portion of scripture reading we do each week. To find myself approaching the Book of Revelation was no small matter for me. Only a LOT intimidating. I'm not going to offer some long theological explanation for what I've found there. However, I will share with you what I've discovered, and this with the help of a Faithful, Loving Heavenly Father!
The book of Revelation is a book about how to worship an eternal, Holy God! It is a glimpse of what the actual end will look like. It gives us not only hope, because we belong to God, but it also gives us the very reason that people shy away from it. (too hard to understand, too complicated, too many images, etc., etc., etc.) I honestly believe that Satan uses those excuses to keep us from reading it--to keep us from attaining the blessing that is promised to those who read the words contained there. He also knows that he will be defeated, and that truth is explicitly depicted there...we, who belong to Jesus, have absolutely nothing to fear. Fear, however, is one of Satan's greatest tools for tripping up those who proclaim Christ. If he can keep us from opening up God's Word, and in particular, the book of Revelation, that helps him succeed in seperating us from truth.
The book talks about 'those that overcome'...to be an 'overcomer' we must:
Accept the gift of salvation from the sacrifice that Christ made by dying on the cross
Live out the truth of God's Word (that means reading it and applying it to our lives!)
Daily sacrifice our own will for the Will of Christ...
Let's be found faithful! Faithful to God's word, all of it!
And, so, our 'reading together' time is almost finished. We are a little over 1/2 way finished with Revelation (the last book in the New Testament) and the year ends in roughly 11 days. And, so those are the 'more than one way' that the Journey is almost complete.
Of course, life's journey isn't over, and even when we pass to eternity, it's only begun! The journey through God's Word is a never-ending journey, as well. I firmly believe that it is impossible to 'love God with all your heart mind soul & strength' and ignore His word to us...it must be as life-blood to us, as believers!
As we've drawn closer to the end of the book this December, I've had a lot of questions. Mostly about my own ability to understand and apply what I'm reading in the book of Revelation. I would have to admit that I've often thought of that portion of scripture with an anxiousness....too complicated, too shrouded in imagery and numbers and signs, too lofty, too many details and too hard to understand are among the reasons I've quietly side-stepped the 'book' before now.
Along with choosing to take the Journey this year, I also have been teaching in our Sunday school class from the portion of scripture reading we do each week. To find myself approaching the Book of Revelation was no small matter for me. Only a LOT intimidating. I'm not going to offer some long theological explanation for what I've found there. However, I will share with you what I've discovered, and this with the help of a Faithful, Loving Heavenly Father!
The book of Revelation is a book about how to worship an eternal, Holy God! It is a glimpse of what the actual end will look like. It gives us not only hope, because we belong to God, but it also gives us the very reason that people shy away from it. (too hard to understand, too complicated, too many images, etc., etc., etc.) I honestly believe that Satan uses those excuses to keep us from reading it--to keep us from attaining the blessing that is promised to those who read the words contained there. He also knows that he will be defeated, and that truth is explicitly depicted there...we, who belong to Jesus, have absolutely nothing to fear. Fear, however, is one of Satan's greatest tools for tripping up those who proclaim Christ. If he can keep us from opening up God's Word, and in particular, the book of Revelation, that helps him succeed in seperating us from truth.
The book talks about 'those that overcome'...to be an 'overcomer' we must:
Accept the gift of salvation from the sacrifice that Christ made by dying on the cross
Live out the truth of God's Word (that means reading it and applying it to our lives!)
Daily sacrifice our own will for the Will of Christ...
Let's be found faithful! Faithful to God's word, all of it!
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