Christmas and end of 2019

 We have had an interesting Christmas season this year with all of us experiencing change of plans because of sickness.  I think that is why when we finally managed our family Christmas on the 29th, we were so incredibly thankful to be together.  Gwen's family had three different events cancel.  Doug's family also had parties cancel.  So having all 11 of us healthy was reason to celebrate.  I got the "crud" on the 22nd.  I really didn't feel all that bad, just very hoarse and I did have a fever.  We canceled our plans for the 23rd (maybe next year we will make it to Chicago Chriskindle market) and by late in the day on Christmas Eve, I was feeling better.  We decided to go to church at 9:00pm with Gwen, Tim and the kids.  It was especially fun since I really didn't think we were going to make it anywhere for services.  I was thankful to be on the mend to enjoy the candlelight service.

Ken and I spent Christmas day mostly just watching movies and favorite shows.  I cooked a ham and both Ken and I think it was the best ham we have had in a very long time.  Doesn't that figure?  If we were having a crowd of people over, the ham would have been dry and tasteless.  This ham dinner was a wonderful, flavorful cap to our lazy day.  Our kids have a tradition of staying home so that their kids can enjoy Christmas without having to go anywhere.  I really believe this is a wonderful tradition and am so thankful that they have held on to this special family time.  

Shortly after arriving at Gwen and Tim's for our Christmas Celebration, we took our yearly family pictures.  In past years we have not taken pictures until later in the day, which has not always been the best decision.  This year the kids were willing to sit for pictures, knowing that present opening would happen after the pictures were done.

It is interesting what you see in a photo that was missed at the time you were actually taking the pictures.  My heart did a bit of a flip when I looked at the picture of Ken and I with the kids.  Anna is holding tightly to Lucas bear.  This is very fitting since Lucas would have most likely been filling that spot next to Anna.  Anna was 9 months old when Lucas was born and there will always be an empty spot between Anna and Grace.  And this year we were also missing one of our three family doggies.  Sadly Sammy, Doug and Susie's first pet together, suddenly died the week before Christmas.  Their older dog Kylie is quite confused by Sammy's absence and stays close to Doug.  We didn't even notice her sitting beside Doug and Susie in their family picture, but it is very fitting this year.  

The kids were very patient waiting to start the gift opening.  Even with all five of them, it was really a not so crazy, present opening.  Everyone had lots of fun, there was plenty of torn paper and toy assembly in the hours after.  We had a wonderful dinner followed by some crazy video games.  I even manged to WIN one game, which is truly amazing.  Even Grace was playing along, drawing pictures on her mom's phone.  Such a great family time together.    

For several years, Gwen and Tim and the kids have chosen a gift for us from their church's Kenyan and Haitian Market.  We have received amazing art made from oil drums.  There have been beautiful ornaments made from grass and reeds.  This years star is made from rolled paper.

I so love these precious gifts that help support people who so desperately are trying to earn money to provide for their families.  I especially love that this is a star.....  All I could think of were these words from the familiar carol..

Star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright.

Westward leading still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.

Glorious now behold Him arise

King and God and Sacrifice!

Alleluia, Alleluia,

Heaven to earth rejoice.

So I am leaving 2019, still proceeding.  Going onward, seeking guidance from the perfect light of Jesus.  There is nothing better than knowing that the little baby we celebrate is now filled with glory and reigning as King and God as the sacrifice for us.  It is reason to shout alleluia and to rejoice with all of heaven and earth.  Yes, a fitting end to 2019!

Jesus, our glorious King and God, all we can do is thank you.  Thank you for knowing exactly what we would need to find you in this dark world.  Holy Spirit, thank you for showing us the way to go.  Thank you for shining your light around us and through us.  Keep us close to you as we walk on in the next year.  Give us hope to quench our doubts, faith to empower our steps, and joy to fill our hearts.  Amen.  

Unexpected change of plans...

It is never a good thing when a little one has a stomach bug and a fever.  It is especially bad when this happens the day before your family Christmas celebration is supposed to take place.  Yes, Grace got the dreaded winter yuck and we made a decision to postpone our Christmas gathering until after Christmas.  We just wanted everyone, especially Grace, to be able to enjoy our time together.  All this to say, Ken and I found ourselves with no plans yesterday.  Around lunch time, Gwen called and asked if we would be interested in going to Great America "Holiday in the Park" with their family.  Their family has a membership to the park (since they live so close and the kids love the rides) and there was a special deal with discounted tickets that day.  Gwen said that they decided to go since our Christmas celebration was canceled and the weather happened to be WARM.  Of course, this is Chicago, so by warm, I  mean 40 degrees.  Considering it was the first day of winter, that is actually very unseasonably warm.  With the prospect of a great light show to photograph, Ken was happy to go.  So with very little forethought, we jumped in the car and met Gwen, Tim and the kids just after the park opened at 2:00pm.  As we were walking up to the ticket area, a women in a wheelchair noticed our group and called Gwen over.  She actually had decided it was too cold for her to be out for so long and she handed Gwen a free ticket and said she had decided to go back to her car.  It seemed unlikely that this paper ticket was actually a valid entry ticket, but we took it to the ticket booth and surprisingly it was really a free ticket!  So Ken and I both got into the park for $20 and we did not have to pay for parking either since Gwen and Tim have parking passes.  It really made the entire event seem very special.  We could not have planned a nicer day, weather wise, and at such a low cost for us to join them. 

We took the iconic picture with the carousel in the background and it was really funny to see ice floating on the pool behind us.  Our plans included seeing a show, that would provide a warm place to sit for awhile after several hours walking around outside.  Then there was a parade and a special tree lighting ceremony of the large tree that we are standing in front of in this picture. 

This is the tree before the tree lighting!  It is really a big, big tree and it is hard to see the scale from these pictures.  

We loved the Christmas musical show.  It was a really wonderful half hour of singing and dancing.  The most surprising thing was the last portion of the program was all traditional Christmas Carols.  It was so good to hear the name of Jesus loudly proclaimed.  We came out of the show, into the dark and the park was glowing with all of the light displays.  The parade and tree lighting were great.

This picture does not do the tree justice.  It was lovely.  

We went to several other areas of the park, all had amazing light displays.  Unfortunately my phone battery died (a combination of an old phone and the cold makes my battery life lousy!  Sidenote....I really need a new phone).  Ken and I decided it was time to go when I couldn't feel my toes and my fingers were tingling from the cold.  We had not really put much thought into our attire for this event and I didn't wear my boots (which would have been much warmer) and I only had thin gloves.  Nevertheless, it was a wonderful few hours spent in a very unexpected way.

It is always difficult when plans change last minute.  Especially when it is for a long anticipated event.  But lets face it, life can just happen and sometimes things don't go as planned.  I was thinking about all of the small blessings that filled this day for Ken and I in spite of the change of plans.  First of all, the weather could not have been any better for an outdoor activity like this.  Breathing in the fresh air and doing all that walking was wonderful.  Secondly the free ticket was just such a blessing.  Even though spending the extra $20 would not have been a big deal for us (the experience was certainly worth more than that), it was so unexpected.  Just another way I felt that little touch of love from the Lord.  A few days ago I was mentioning to Ken that I really missed going to a Christmas concert this year.  We actually missed one concert because of a different "unexpected change of plans".  What a blessing it was to see and hear this amazing performance of Christmas music.  A special blessing for me was the tree lighting.   I don't think I ever really mentioned this to anyone, but I have always thought it would be fun to see a big tree lighting and actually be a part of the crowd watching that happen.  And there I was, surrounded by crowds of people, yet with my own people, watching light chasing away the darkness as the tree exploded with dazzling brightness.  What a blessing it was that Gwen and Tim thought to invite us to this event. I realize that not everyone is as blessed as Ken and I, with adult children who include us in so many family things. Many don't live close enough to their extended family to have these memory making times.  I am just so thankful.

Christmas is all about sharing the love and joy of Jesus with others.  I don't think there is any better gift I could get then a day like this one.  Kids do get sick and plans do have to change at times.  But in the midst of all of that, there are so many small blessings to be found if you just take the time to look for them.  I know that I needed that reminder.  If you have had plans change, things cancel or been disappointed with yourself or others during this season, I encourage you to just stop and look for the small blessings.  Each small thing is a nugget of love and joy just waiting to be passed on and shared.  Look for those little things and be blessed!  Merry Christmas

Jesus, thank you for the reminder that there is always something to be thankful for, even in the midst of changes.  Holy Spirit, give us eyes to see the small blessings that surround us.  Help us remember to find the joy in every situation and to share that love and joy with others.  Thank you for coming to us as a tiny baby.  Amen

The same message, just a different way

I just realized that, even though I had said that I was going to do whatever I could to make this Advent season more relaxed and calm. I seemed to have failed.  My last couple of weeks have been really full and I have even gotten home really late some nights.  I know that 9:00pm doesn't sound late, but at my age (and getting up at 5:30am), that IS really late.  Yet, as I was thinking about this blog, it became clear to me that my schedule these past weeks has been all about Advent and doing what is really important.  I have attended several Christmas gatherings, that all have brought me much joy and laughter.  So, in spite of the way my calendar might look, I have been more focused on the true meaning of Christmas. 

This week I spent Tuesday with Gwen and the kids since it was their home school co-op Christmas program.  That lovely young lady, Lia, in the picture above (who is almost as tall as me) sang with her choir.  I have to admit that sitting in the pew, hearing her sing brought me back to some of Gwen's early programs.  Let's face it, there is nothing better than Christmas songs, sung by children.  Earlier in the day, all of the kids were busy making Christmas cards for their co-op friends.  Ellie decided that they should make crayons to include in the cards.  So she worked on finding all of the broken crayons around the house, peeling the papers off and deciding which colors to mix together in the crayon mold.  She managed to make enough for all of her friends, as well as all of Anna and Zeke's friends.

Before long, Ellie decided that she also wanted to create beaded crosses for her friends, so Lia and I helped her sort out specific colors from large vats of beads.  Zeke and Anna worked had making cards for their friends.

And then Ellie decided that she also needed to color a picture for each of her friends.  

While this was going on, Lia decided to make cookies for all of her choir and her friends.  

As I watched these kids spending time on these hand made goodies for their friends, I was thinking about the love and care that they were putting into each project.  This wasn't some small trinket or toy from the store, by their parents.  Each gift had a hand made card and an item that had required some effort and thought.  That is what the season is supposed to be about.  It was a day well spent for me.  One that filled my soul with peace and calm and love and joy.  

One of the best early "Christmas" presents that I received last week, came flying into my life via a Facebook message.  I was invited to join a Facebook group, started by someone that I had never heard of until that day.  Turns out, we are related!  Not only that, he lives less than 5 miles from my house. Dave Anderson has been doing much research on his own family tree and decided that he would like to find out more about his "Johnson" relatives - all descendants of Axel and Betty Johnson - my grandparents.  It turns out that Dave's grandfather was a nephew of Axel Johnson and came from the same town in Sweden to settle in western Minnesota at the same time as my grandfather.  

Axel and Betty Johnson

Now I know that you might be thinking that this is a really distant relation, but for me, having any relative living so close is quite fun.  Not only that, he has been sent boxes and boxes of pictures and family documents from Sweden that he is trying to sort and identify.  Most were sent to Sweden by those families who all settled in western Minnesota before 1900.  I saw pictures of my aunts and uncles that I had never seen before.  I am so thankful that Dave is taking the time to sort through all of this stuff.  Not only is he sorting it, he is connecting us through pictures and stories.  He has a heart to keep these memories from being lost.  Thanks to this Facebook group, in the last week I have connected with several of my cousins.  I had a phone conversation with a cousin that I know I have never talked to as an adult.  During the phone call she referred to me as "Lynnie" and said that she only remembered me as a little girl.  That short call brought me so much joy.  This genealogy stuff is really interesting, the idea of seeing a family tree is wonderful, but it is the stories that are so important.  

I have shared on this blog that I believe that all of us have been given a unique destiny.  Part of this destiny, is a spiritual heritage that has played a part in who we are and the direction our lives have taken.  Over the last several years, I have become more and more convinced that this is a message that needs to be shared.  This blog has been part of that prompting by the Holy Spirit to share that message.  Additionally, I have begun writing a book with the central message that our prayers can and will impact our future generations. This fictional based on facts book is focused on my mother's parents.  I don't think it is an accident that I am now looking at my dad's parents and learning more about God's plan for our family line through them.  Getting to meet Dave and his wife was quite a gift for me.  Through Dave's work,  I heard the message from the Holy Spirit, loudly and clearly, that I must keep on sharing.  Yes, it was the same message I heard so long ago, just delivered in a different way.      

Yes, it is really amazing to look at my grandkids and think about their great great grandparents.  These loving, caring, young children carry a piece of Axel and Betty and Arnold and Nora in their spirits.  The spiritual heritage that was centered on their love for Jesus, has been sown into this distant generation.  There is so much hope in this message.  We can make a difference in the future as we pray for those who are yet to come.   Tonight I want anyone who reads this blog to know that you matter.  Not only for right now, but also for generations to come.  Don't let the stories from your family get lost or forgotten.  Make it a point to tell and retell those family stories.  Take lots of pictures and preserve those photos with journaling that tell the story. (A shout out for scrapbooking!)

 This is a great season to begin doing this.  As we tell and retell the Christmas story, let us all remember to share family memories.

Jesus, thank you so much for this season.  Holy Spirit, keep our hearts open to love and care for all those around us.  Give us courage to smile and talk to those we meet on the street.  Help us to keep Christmas memories alive in our family.  Thank you for photos and documents that help us know the past and appreciate our family heritage.  Thank you Jesus, for children and Christmas carols.  Amen 

    

Having a servant's heart starts young for some....

This past Sunday was a super fun day for me.   I had been watching Gwen's kids while Gwen and Tim attended an out of town wedding of a former youth member from their church.  It just happened to fall on this special Sunday -  the Rock Soup Kitchen.  The Rock is the Children's ministry of Fellowship of Faith.  I have heard about this event for many years, but I have never actually witnessed it.  All I can say is WOW!  Instead of just TALKING about being a servant to the children, they give them an actual, meaningful way to serve their church family.  Members create homemade soups and bring them in crock pots.  The children are given jobs, appropriate for their ages.  I loved that Pr. Dave encouraged the congregation to "allow the kids to serve you!"  He went on to explain that often adults just jump in to "help" thinking that they can do a faster or better job.  But especially on this day, it was important for the kids to be able to SERVE.  Lia and I got to sit back and be served, since she is now out of ROCK and in BOULDER (the Middle school/High school ministry). 

Our first treat were these adorable turkeys that Anna's class had made.  Such a cute addition to the meal.  

Zeke's class was in charge of the drinks and also the bowls and spoons.  Each of the kids had a chance to do most of the jobs in each age group.  

Ellie's class got to serve the soup.  She got to serve some wonderful homemade Green Chili Enchilada soup.  There were so many varieties that it was hard to pick which wonderful smelling soup you would try.  I actually picked the Ham and Bean soup in the first picture and it was delicious!

They had the recipes near each soup so that you could make them at home.

Anna's class was also in charge of collecting the dirty dishes to take them to kitchen.  Quite a big job for these 4's and Kindergartners.   All of the kids did a wonderful job of smiling and asking if there was anyone who needed anything.  I was extremely proud of our three servants.

I can't think of a better way to help the children feel a part of the church than to help serve.  The large crowd of people eating this soup reflected the congregations willing participation in this event.  This is just one of several ways that even these young children have a chance to serve throughout the year.  

Many of you know that Children's Ministry has been my passion forever.  I invested many, many years of service with children and youth in all kinds of ways.  Because of this, I have witnessed so many children grow into adults who love and serve Jesus.  I believe that there is nothing that Jesus loves more, than seeing children serving others.  Leaving Children's Ministry was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made.  But, as with so many things, there is a season for everything.  And my season of serving in that way was done.  I am so thankful that I get to watch (from the sidelines) as Gwen has stepped into a new role as Children's Ministry Director at Fellowship of Faith.  Gwen and Tim have been serving with the Bolder Youth Ministry for many years and they will continue to serve there.  Gwen has been helping in ROCK for several years and  this opportunity came at exactly the right season for her and it was clearly a God-orchestrated event.  Don't you just love how Jesus knows how to bless you?  This is such a blessing for me to see Gwen pour ideas and vision into an already great program.  

So, this Thanksgiving (or really any time) watch for ways to let those that are younger than you, serve and bless you.  I know that sometimes it is hard to accept help, but remember that you might be helping grow a servant heart.  Let that young boy hold the door open for you.  Or let that sweet teenage girl help you on the stairs.  Being served will bless you also.

Jesus, thank you for your servant heart that even washed the feet of your friends.  Holy Spirit, help us all to not only look for ways to serve others  but give us soft hearts to be willing to accept help and let others serve us.  Thank you for great ideas that help our children learn and grow.  Continue to speak to us all with new and creative ideas to help us reach our world.  Thank you for your great love for us.  Amen

My "Active Senior Lifestyle"......

I really hate when people say they are "so busy"!  As a matter of fact, Gwen and I were recently talking about a sermon from a very long time ago that we both remembered.  Pastor Del said that "busy" was "Being Under Satan's Yolk".  It has always stuck with me.  So I will not say that I have been so busy.  But I will say that our family has had many activities in the last few months that have left me feeling sort of behind on tasks that normally get done. 

Beginning in late September when my family participated in our extended family reunion.  I love this photo from the event that Susie captured of just our family.  This was certainly an out of the ordinary event that was added to our calendar this year.  

October included several things that I have previously blogged - my weekend with Gwen and Tim's kids while they were on retreat.   A trip to both Brookfield zoo and Cosley Zoo.  And there was Halloween.  

I loved watching all of our grand kids hit the streets to Trick or Treat on a beautiful, warm fall Sunday, the day that Gwen's neighborhood celebrates.  Accompanied by MANY friends, no coats were necessary and there were many happy children, full of candy.  

And then winter came to Illinois.  On Halloween (October 31) we woke to plenty of snow.  And it snowed all day.  There were many unhappy kids around who did not get to trick or treat in the warm fall weather.  We only had about 1/4 the number of kids as normal at our house.  During that snowstorm, I was happily helping set up for a conference at a nearby hotel.  Chicago HUB is a ministry that I have supported for many years.  I volunteered to help with registration for their yearly conference so I (thankfully) missed most of the snow.  In spite of the snow, more than 750 people came to worship together and hear some incredible speakers.  

I missed the second morning of the conference, to be with our family to celebrate Lucas' fifth birthday together.  I made this plaque for Doug and Susie and Grace.  I love that we know that Lucas is with Jesus and we will see him again, and we will always have him in our hearts.  

I returned to the conference and spent three more wonderful days getting filled up with great worship and wonderful teaching.  Because I spent time at the registration table, I got to meet so many new friends and also connect with people I haven't seen for many years.  I was surprised to learn that over 400 of the people who came to this event were new to HUB.  There were so many young people and so much energy.  Even though I was pretty tired by the end of this conference, it was so worth it.  

Last week was just a "normal" week for me.  I spent time with Gwen and the kids.  Participated in my Bible Study group.  Watched Grace on Tuesday and Thursday.  Went with Ken to a doctor appointment on Wednesday and had work done on my car on Friday. (I was so glad to finally have the correct part installed so that my check engine light will no longer be shining at me!)  I have been putting the finishing touches on my Operation Christmas Child boxes that need to be dropped off in about a week.  My boxes are always done in honor of Lucas.  Each box contains items that will help six little boys learn about God's love and just who Jesus is.  

The weather has stayed unseasonably cold.  On Thursday, Grace and I made banana bread using my mom's recipe.  It is so fun to watch her experience new things.  She loved to stir and mash the bananas. I love that I can share this part of my mom with Grace and I know that my mom would be so pleased.   It just seemed like good weather to have the oven on!  Yes, winter is upon us.

This weekend has been a wonderful time for me to catch up on so many things.  I spent some time cleaning up my scrap room after packing my boxes for Operation Christmas Child.  I ordered some photos printed for my upcoming scrap weekend, and I prepared my album with paper.  I got food shopping done, laundry completed and have actually managed to cook several meals.  Right now I am relaxing to the wafting aroma of chili, simmering in the crock pot. So all is right in my world.  

November is thankfulness time.  And I am so thankful today.   For family that keeps me active and involved in so many ways.  For friends that surround me with prayers, with care and with laughs.

I am thankful for ministry opportunities - for Chicago HUB Ministries.  For united worship with people of all races, denominations, countries and backgrounds.  And I am so thankful for all of you reading this blog.  I never, ever imagined that I could chat with you about my everyday life, even though I have never met you!  I love that I can share about Jesus and how much my life has changed because of my relationship with Him.  It is my prayer that you can "read between the lines" of this blog and know the great grace and love and blessing my family has experienced through Jesus.  I would love to know your story and to hear about your day to day life.  Please know that I love to read your comments and I am thinking about you and praying for you with each blog that is posted. 

Jesus, thank you for showering me with your love and kindness.  Holy Spirit, help us all to know that you are just waiting for us to call out to you.  Give us courage and boldness to share about you Jesus.  Thank you for all the new ways that we can reach the world with your Gospel Message.  Amen

A day at the Cosley Zoo...and a perspective shift.

Any time that we get to be all together and do something fun, it is a good day!  Last Saturday was a that kind of a good day.  The weather was really nice - a pleasant fall day.  We were wearing some kind of outer wear, but it was really warm enough to have it unzipped - or in Zeke's case totally off!  That boy is always warm!  We have had this day planned for a really long time - think last Christmas when Gwen and Tim gifted this trip to Grace!  Finding a good day for all of us when there are no birthdays around is really tough.  And we actually planned this for the fall rather than go in the heat of summer.  Grace really loved it and Cosley is exactly the right amount of things for her to see.  She told me this week that her favorite thing was the Llamas.  I was surprised that she remembered seeing them. 

When we were looking at my pictures on my phone, she easily identified this photo!  As a matter of fact, I said "oh look at the donkeys" and she said "Grandma, those are llamas!"  So I guess she remembered them!  

The kids had fun playing in the natural playground area and on the bales of hay that were stacked near the pumpkins for sale.  And, of course, we took the photo on the steps of the caboose!  

This is a must get photo every time we visit Cosley since we have ALWAYS taken a photo here.  This is from a visit to Cosley in 1983!  That is Doug at about 18 months old and Gwen at about 4 1/2!  

They have made some changes to the caboose but it is still in the same exact spot.  The animals have also changed a bit over the years, but it is still pretty much the same as in those early years.  

There is something so wonderful about revisiting these places with the grandchildren and the adult kids.  I never imagined when I took that picture in 1983, that 36 years later I would be standing in that same spot taking a picture of our growing family.  This has certainly been a few weeks of these kind of memories.  First Brookfield Zoo and then Cosley.  So much fun and so many new memories.  

I have seen so many articles about the advantages for children who get to spend time with their grandparents.  This week I read an article about the benefits to the grand parent!  One noted result was a great decline in dementia in people who babysat their grandchildren on a regular basis.  I guess this is certainly something for which I can thank my kids!  I wouldn't trade this time with the  grand kids for anything!  

This week at my small group we were talking about just how HARD everything seems now.  While it is true that looking at social media or watching the news is very depressing, it is important to remember that Jesus reigns!  Spending time just in quiet, reading the Bible, listening to praise music or just resting certainly helps to change your perspective on things.  

 I just love when my devotional matches exactly where I am each day!  This one really hit home.  Even when it seems really hard, in good times or in those not so good times, Jesus is there with us.  Most of all, He is always waiting for us!  I love the first line of the second paragraph.  Which one of us doesn't doubt that God is with us at times.  What a great reminder that even when it might FEEL like Jesus is not with us, HE IS!     

Jesus, thank you  for speaking to us with exactly the words we need at exactly the right time.  Holy Spirit help us all to not get so caught up in our day to day activities that we forget that you are with us.  When times seem especially hard and we are struggling, help us to remember that you are by our side always.  Thank you for good times with family.  And thank you for Llamas!  Amen

Fall is here....free day at the Zoo

Last Thursday Ken and I met Gwen and the kids at the Brookfield Zoo!  It has been a long time since we have visited the zoo and it was a really nice day for us.  Cold but sunny.  Yet another perk of home school is visiting places like this during the week when there are no crowds.  There were a few school groups, but basically it was pretty empty.

The zoo was decorated for Halloween and the kids loved seeing all the various pumpkins - they could have done without the giant spiders, however.  We used the map "walking tour" that basically took you by all of the animals without back tracking.  I skipped the Australia House (bats that are loose and flying around) and I did not go in the bird house room with the flying birds everywhere.  As Lia will tell you, "Grandma has a bird phobia and doesn't like them!"  We saw all the animals that the kids wanted to see.  Most of the animals were outside, even the giraffes.  

 Gwen had promised the kids a special treat of the Dolphin Show.  Anna had no memory of ever seeing this, so it was especially fun watching her experiencing this.   The room was mostly empty and it was so much fun watching the kids during the show.  I managed to capture this dolphin hitting the ball in a jump!

It was fun to listen to the kids sharing facts about all of the animals.  It is pretty clear that they have all been paying attention to their science lessons.  We stopped to have lunch and decided to eat outside.  We were treated to yet another "bird" experience with the  Peacocks and Peahens who were very anxious for us to share our food!  They parked themselves right next to me and the kids found this especially funny since I had told them how much I did not like birds of any kind!  I guess you have to expect this at the zoo!

This was another very thankful day for me.  Just so thankful to be outside in the wonderful fall weather, walking under the canopy of changing color leaves.  The air was crisp and the sun was warm.  So thankful to be able to be with the kids on these adventures.  And I am so thankful for zoos that protect and aid in the survival of so many animals.  It is such a blessing to be able to see animals from all over the world and to know that they are being helped.  

I was remembering how very grateful I was that my mom was able to finally travel and spend time with my kids after my dad died.  On one of her visits to our house, we went to the zoo.  She had never been and it was really exciting for her.  I love this picture of Gwen and Doug with my mom.  She loved tulips especially and I remember her saying how much she liked this picture.  Although she is not looking at the camera, you can just feel the love in this picture!  

Love must be the word of the day for me today.  My daily devotion was about the unfailing love of God for us.   That unfailing love is so needed in today's troubled news and all that bombards us on social media.  I love the Passion Translation of Psalm 23:6

"So why would I fear the future?  For I am being pursued only by your goodness and unfailing love.

Then afterwords - when my life is through, I'll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you!"

So today, I will bask in that unfailing love of God and by so very thankful for the love of my precious family.  If you are feeling a bit down or depressed today, take time to go outside and just breathe in that crisp fall air.  Or look up at the blue sky.  Or see the sun shining.  Or feel the rain on your face.  It really doesn't matter what the weather is like where you are, just be aware of God's unfailing love for you.  Things will look brighter when you let that really sink in to you spirit and soul.  Just take time to bask in His love for you today!

Jesus, thank you for the reminder that your love for us is unfailing.  Keep our minds, our eyes and our hearts turned towards your love.  Holy Spirit, remind us to take time to be with our family when those opportunities arise.  Most of all, nudge us to be out in your creation, soaking in some of your unfailing love.  Thank you Jesus!  Amen

Weekend being Grandma...

This past weekend I spent with these three cuties.  Gwen and Tim and Lia were away for their youth group Fall Retreat.  It is always interesting to have just three of the four kids. Ellie really rises to the role of "leader" and "helper" when Lia is not in the picture.  We actually managed to be up and ready for church with no problem.  We even got there with time to spare!  For these kids, if it is Sunday, then you go to church. 

There was lots of time to play games.  I don't remember exactly how many games of Sorry we played, but it was a lot!  Zeke and I played many, many rounds of Battleship and boy does he have a good ability to find those battleships.  Ellie and Zeke also played Battleship a number of times.  We finished off the weekend with a very long game of Monopoly.  We were still in the middle of the game when Gwen, Tim and Lia got home.  Again, even Anna was playing.  She had a hard time "reading" the dice but figured out that she could just count the dots.  So after that, we were not allowed to help her.  She was quite the Monopoly mogul and managed to purchase the most property.  She even had houses on several of her lots.  

I have mentioned that Gwen home schools the kids. I know that there is a lot of controversy over this decision - public school vs home school.  This weekend highlighted for me one of the very big advantages of home school.  These kids play together ALL THE TIME!  They are used to being together and they just include each other in whatever activity is happening.  Anna is only 5 and really might be considered too young to play these games.  But with help and guidance from her siblings, she did just fine.   I see how very different Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna view their friends.  There doesn't seem to be any division according to what grade someone is in or how old they are.  All of the ages of kids play together.  It reminds me of the old "one room school house" approach.  Even at their Home School Co-Op the kids are very loosely grouped - mostly by an age range.  Often the kids don't even really know what "grade" their friends are in!  It makes for a wonderful and fun time doing activities with all of the kids together.  

The retreat that Gwen, Tim and Lia went on had a focus on family legacy.  This is a subject that is near and dear to my heart.  During this weekend I found myself watching and listening to Ellie, Zeke and Anna, thinking about who they are becoming.  I love that Jesus has given me a prophetic picture of each of them even before they were born.  And now I can see glimpses of those characteristics in each of them.  Ellie is such a strong girl.  Diagnosed with Dyslexia and ADHD, she has had to overcome some really big obstacles in her ten years.  But she has really thrived.  I was thinking about the word I had for Ellie....

She is really growing into that Warrior!  It is a bit hard to see, but the words across the bottom say "stands on high places and takes back the land".  She has already climbed many mountains, just to read and be able to learn.  I can see Jesus' plan to use this in the future.  She is the most loving and caring girl and one of the most creative people I have ever known.  She really has a heart for anyone who has any kind of struggle.  I can't wait to see how her gifts and talents continue to grow in the years ahead.  

Zeke is such an amazing boy.  He is only eight but sometimes you can almost see the wheels turning in his head as he tries to figure out how something works. He is very good at math and seems to be able to do his math problems "in his head".   Looking at the words that are on this frame, I can already see coming forth in Zeke.  He is so kind and loving.  And more than once I have been surprised by the very insightful things that he has said.  He loves to sing and just this weekend it filled me with joy to hear him singing along with a Christian song on the radio in my car.  He certainly has the makings of a priest of the Lord.

 And then there is Anna.  She is such an interesting mix of both Gwen and Tim and I can also see bits and pieces of each of her siblings.  One thing is for sure, she is her own special person.  Because she is the youngest she is often left on her own.  And this doesn't bother Anna at all.  She plays by herself for hours.  She is wise well beyond her five years.  She has long, long stories to tell and often sings as she plays.  There is nothing better than listening to her chatting with her dolls and then singing a song to them.  I noticed this weekend how much she reminds me of my mom.  She was born many years after my mom died, but I am certain that Anna has that legacy of great grandma Nona within her.

I can't tell you exactly what it is about Anna that reminds me of mom, but there is just something there. When I look in her eyes there is a depth of understanding that goes way beyond her years.  I can't wait to see exactly how Jesus uses Anna in the kingdom.  

I am so blessed to have these weekend times with the kids to watch them grow and change.  I get to seem them every week, but those days are often filled with normal day-to-day things like school.  So I make sure to really soak up every bit of the time I can when I get to just be grandma.  

Jesus, thank you so much for revelation and words of encouragement for my generations.  Holy Spirit, remind us every day that you are speaking to us and want to speak through us to others.  Quiet our spirits Lord so that we can hear you.  Help us to make time away from the distractions of life to be with you.  Thank you for your legacy of love.  Amen 

When you touch a piece of your own history....

Our family spent last weekend in Des Moines, Iowa visiting with some of my extended family for a reunion.  It was so good to be with family that we haven't seen since 2011.  We gathered at a hotel meeting room and just sat and talked and shared so many memories.  Our kids camped at nearby campgrounds but still spent plenty of time at the hotel.  We had hoped to get as many of my mom and dad's descendants as possible in attendance, but schedules just didn't allow for some to attend.  We were missing one of my brothers.  We were missing three of the grandchildren.  And only 9 of the 27 great grandchildren made the reunion. And none of the 3 great-great grandchildren attended either.  

But those of us who were there sure had a great time.  None of the family actually live in Des Moines, but it was a really good meeting spot.  The majority of us drove about 4 hours to get there.  My niece Amy got the prize for coming the farthest... she lives in Arizona!  

It was so good to get to visit with my brother-in-law Roy.  At 86 years old  he got the "prize" (if you can call it that) for being the oldest member of the family.  I shared with him that I have very few memories that do not include him!  My sister Karen began dating Roy when I was only 4 years old.  So Roy has always been a part of my memories.  Roy has been working hard on our family tree and has so much information gathered.  He brought me a large portrait of my paternal grandparents that had been gifted to my sister Karen some years ago.  This is a much smaller image of that portrait of my grandparents, Axel and Betty Johnson.  

 The most amazing thing Roy gave me is a letter that had been in my sister Karen's possession. He recently found this letter when he moved into a senior living apartment and he knew that it would be meaningful for me.  This letter was written July 25, 1916 to my great aunt Anna Toensing.  It was written by my grandmother, Nora - my mom's mother - who died in April of 2017.  Aunt Anna moved in to her brothers home after his wife died to help raise his four daughters.  She was the only "mother" that my mom ever knew.  

Holding this letter in my hands was amazing.  Reading it was incredible.  My grandmother talks about her illness, about the doctor visits and her hope that she will recover soon.  Sadly, that did not happen.  I love that it mentions "the baby is walking now"!  That baby was my mom.  I know that my mom would have loved this letter, although I don't think she ever saw it.  I love the very ordinary things that Nora shares in this letter.  She talks about needing to can the many blueberries that are on their property.  She has socks that need darning.  And she apologizes for missing the funeral of Arnold's (my grandfather) brother, Fred (who died in March of 1916).  She says that the winter was especially bad with lots of snow and very cold.  She sounds so desperate to just feel better and to be able to do all the things that a mother of four small daughters needed to do.   I can imagine Aunt Anna, reading this letter and wanting to help in some way.  Shortly after this letter was sent, my grandfather made the decision to sell his farm and move his family to St. Paul.  This was both so that my grandmother could get medical care, but also so that his extended family would be there to help with the four young daughters.  

This is the only picture that my mom ever had of her with her mother.  It was taken in the fall of 1916, not long after the letter was written.  You can see in the picture just how thin and frail Nora was as she looked lovingly at my mom who was about 15 months old..  Mom was one month shy of two years old when her mother died.  

Yet, here I am, in 2019, ONE HUNDRED AND THREE YEARS LATER,  holding four pieces of paper that Nora had once held in her hand.  The writing looks so similar to my mom's handwriting.  

I am feeling a connection to my grandmother that I have never felt before.  Tracing the words on the page, and knowing the outcome of her story, I am moved to tears.  It now seems so important to keep those handwritten notes from my children that are in my jewelry box.  It has also shown me, again, just how important it is to put words on a page.  While I know that these blogs are not "handwritten", I am convinced that they will live on, long after I am gone.  The journaling that I do in my scrapbooks, along with preserving the photos, has taken on a whole new meaning.  Someday, the everyday things that I am sharing might be especially meaningful to someone down my family tree.  

Sitting here, holding those very old, faded and yellowing sheets of paper in my hand, I am trying to imagine a time in the future when a great grandchild, or a great-great grandchild might be looking at these blogs and feel a connection to me that they had never known.  It sure gives a great deal of weight to the words that I choose to put on paper.  The most important message of all of this is that we ARE connected to our generations.  Those before us and those after us.  It gives importance and meaning to the idea that we need to pray for our generations yet to come.  I want to leave a spiritual legacy for my generations.  A legacy of loving Jesus and a life bathed in the truth of the Bible.  It is my hope and prayer that even the everyday words and the sharing give a clear picture of the importance of my personal relationship with Jesus.  Nothing else matters.  

Most importantly for all of us, it is not too late.  Draw your family close - it doesn't matter what might have driven you apart in the past.  Seek out ways to connect and share.  We can all begin today building that legacy for the future.  Each of us has the ability to impact those around us.  We can smile at someone, help a friend in need, or volunteer.  Big things and small things, it just doesn't matter.  Take even one small step today, thinking about your legacy.  Let us all make this world a better place - not only for us but for those who will come after...... 

Jesus, thank you for loving my family.  Holy Spirit, help us to see and know when our actions are influences in the world.  Thank you for placing reminders in my hands of your working in my family so many years ago. Give us courage and boldness to share our testimony with others.  Let us love the world with your love, Jesus.  Amen

Facing challenges, in so many different ways

It was a bit of a challenge for our family to just find a time to get together to celebrate my
 birthday!  We finally found a Sunday that we could all be together from noon to 3:00pm.  We had hoped to have a picnic (something that we have been trying to do for years), but the weather was rainy and cool.  So we opted to meet at a fast food place for lunch and then pray that the weather cleared so we could visit a new playground.  As you can see from this picture, we did, in fact, make it to the park and it was a really wonderful time. 

Gwen and Tim had driven by this large park many times, but had never stopped.  It has some really interesting climbing obstacle course like equipment. The kids had a blast!  Even the "adult" kids!

Everybody, with the exception of Grandma and Grandpa tried out this very tricky course.  There was plenty of other slides, swings and climbers for all of the kids to have a great time.  Even though it was sort of spitting rain at times, and it was a bit chilly, we all still had so much fun.  We will most likely be trying that park again - hopefully for a picnic!

So, yes, it was a challenge to find a time to meet.  And then the park had several challenging obstacles.  But we faced those things and even conquered them.  September had certainly seemed to have more than its fair share of challenging things come up for me.  Some of these things have just been sort of small and just plain distracting things.  My car had a tire with a slow leak that needed to be taken care of.  The challenge of this was that our tire warranty was with Sears. And Sears is now closed.  So we ended up having to buy a new tire.  Not a big thing, but still a challenge we were not expecting.  Ken has had a ton of doctor appointments and with each one there has been a change in his medicine.  Again, not a big deal, but challenging when you are trying to sort pills for a week.  And just keeping track of the doses is a challenge.  On a personal note, I joined a gym (thanks to the Silver Sneaker program through Medicare Advantage) and it has certainly been a challenge for me!  Ken and I went to a water aerobics class and after the class was half over, I was pretty done!  My arm muscles were really sore the next day.  Which tells me that I clearly need this challenge very much!  I am happy that Ken and I will be facing these "challenges" at the gym several days a week.  Hopefully there will be some conquering in the future.  

On a spiritual note, I have been very challenged by a new Bible Study I am doing with some of Gwen's friends.  I wasn't exactly sure how I felt about studying Gideon, but the group seemed to want to do this study.

As you can see on the cover, the study is helping us to better understand our weakness so that we can see God's strength.  The first video of this study contained so much great information and had so many direct challenges for me.  Thirty years ago, I was called into Children's Ministry.  I had no college degree.  I had no experience in teaching.  I seemed like an unlikely person to be called to work with children.  But, nevertheless, I developed a heart and passion and a vision for programming that was radically different than what was the norm at that time.  The foundation of everything that came out of that ministry was that God has a plan and purpose for every child and they can hear his voice and be used by Jesus, while they are still children!   The first day of this study challenged me to not forget the call that Jesus put on my life so long ago.   Every day of the study has brought more little snippets and reminders that have challenged me.  So I am working through this study, forging ahead and praying that at the end of the study, I will have conquered some of these challenges. 

My last blog was about my birthday and thinking about the year ahead.  I talked about the things that I hoped to accomplish and what I thought the year might look like.   I felt pretty good about that blog post.......until I picked up my daily devotional and read this...

Have you ever felt like Jesus was looking over your shoulder and then reacting to something you had said?  Well, this was for sure a wake up call for me!  Don't ask for a blueprint of the next year.  Just focus on each day and be flexible!  Boy is that ever a challenge for me.  Don't you just love when a devotion you see and/or read fits with exactly where you are?  

So many challenges, so so many.   I am just very thankful today that I can actually see some challenges conquered.  I can see some that I have at least walked into.  And I can also appreciate the challenges that I am hesitating on, praying about and working towards.  Yes, just as my Bible study says...my weakness and God's strength.  If you are in the midst of a bucket load of challenges, sort of like me, take courage!  You and I are not alone in this struggle. It was so fun watching the adults help the kids on that obstacle course in the park.  Helping a  little hand or foot find the right hold, sometimes giving verbal instructions or encouragement to a timid child.    I am so thankful that I know that Jesus is right here with  me and I have the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me through whatever is ahead.  I am thankful for this platform that allows me to share my hopes and dreams, my thoughts and also my challenges.  Life is so much better when you live it in truth and openness.  Thank you all for being a part of this!

Jesus, you are the best friend anyone could have.  Thank you for caring about me and listening to my ramblings.  Holy Spirit, you are always ready to lead and guide me when I am searching for a solution to a challenge.   Remind us all that we are your children and we can hear your voice.  Give us courage to walk on, even when it is new or fearful.  Jesus, I love you.  Amen