Not quite the December I expected....

I am sure that I am not the only one reflecting on the last few weeks and saying, "This is NOT what I was expecting!"   This has been an unusual lead up to Christmas for me this year.  As a matter of fact, here it is December 29th and my living room is still filled with unopened presents under my tree. 

 Our family celebration has been delayed until January 1st, because of illness.  I know that we are not the only family experiencing the re-scheduling nightmare of trying to find a time that works for everyone.  Thankfully, as of this moment, everyone is healthy and it looks like our celebration will actually happen next Monday.  All of the grandkids have had great Christmas celebrations with their immediate families.  Grace and Jimmy actually got to celebrate with Susie's family also.  Gwen and Tim and kids will celebrate with Tim's family tomorrow.  So, not what we were expecting, but thankful all of the sickness seems to have ended.

The hardest, unexpected thing of the last few weeks was the death of an old friend.  While we had not been close the last few years, there were years that I spent hours and hours every week with her.  Kay Fick and her husband Rich Fick had a ministry, Cyrus Ministries International, that I was a part of from 1991-2014.  During those years, we worshiped and prayed together, laughed together, cried together, learned together and supported each other.  In 2004, I had the privilege of traveling to Kenya and Uganda with Rich and Kay.  In the later years, when the ministry moved to Big Rock, IL, I would often be called on to lead the meetings when Rich and Kay traveled out of the country.  I accompanied Kay many times, when she was called to speak and lead at Women's retreats. Many, many people came to Big Rock for prayer and ministry.  There were many nights of worship, led by Kay on her guitar.  I am sure that I spent more time with Kay during those years than anyone except my family.  Our kids are the same ages and they spent time together as teenagers.  Yes, we had a very close relationship.  Rich passed away very suddenly in 2019, a loss that I think I am still processing.  Kay's rather quick illness and death will be something that again, takes me a long time to fully work through.  

I found these pictures taken during our Africa trip. The first picture of  me, Rich and Kay was taken in a home in western Kenya.  Kay and I often laughed about this picture.  We had both had a really difficult time sitting for this photo.  The pastor who owned this home, insisted that we sit for this picture.  What you can NOT tell from the photo is that way it smelled in this house!  They had just coated the walls, inside and out with cow dung to help waterproof the walls and roof.  It was  a very, very pungent aroma to be sure!  

The next photo is Kay and I with the Women's board of Cyrus Ministries Kenya.  These women were so kind to us and although we couldn't speak their language and they didn't speak English, they understood prayer!  Kay was a prayer warrior and intercessor like none other.  When you had a need, she was in prayer for you.  With certainty, I can say that the presence of Jesus flowed through Kay wherever she was and whatever the circumstance.  

This next photo was taken in Uganda. I was thankful to have Kay by my side on this trip.  It was a life changing experience for me, for sure.  

 The service to celebrate her life was wonderful and her kids shared her life and testimony with poise and grace.  The service ended with Silent Night which was Kay's favorite Christmas Carol.  It also included verses, including this one, that were special to Kay....

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.   Romans 13:15 

I am truly sorry that I didn't get a chance to actually tell her how much she meant to me.  I understand that this is something that is often said, but let me assure you, it is true!   If there is someone that has touched your life in some way, someone that has made an impact on you, TELL THEM NOW!  Don't wait until tomorrow.  Write a note, send a text or email, send a card.  Whatever.  Just don't let time and busyness get in the way. You will never be sorry that you did this.  Let's all make this happen before 2024 begins.  We will all be blessed in this.

Jesus, thank you for the hope that we have in you.  Thank you for restoring health to all who are sick this season.  Give us grace and peace when our plans change.  Holy Spirit, bring to mind those people that we need to acknowledge in the days ahead.  Give us courage and boldness to step out and share our feelings, even when it is difficult.  Thank you Jesus for the joy that fills this season remembering your birth on earth.  Keep us in that joy, even in difficult seasons.  Amen 

Advent - Waiting for Christmas

 This week at Doug and Susie's house, I noticed their Nativity set on the dining room table.  Grace had set it up, all by herself.  At first I wondered about the placement of the figures.  But when I asked her why they were like this she said, "Well, they all want to see Jesus!  They are circled around him so that they can all get close to him! The angel wants to pray for him.  The kings want to be able to give him their gifts!"   I don't know if there is a better way to set up a Nativity!

Advent is such a wonderful time and it really is all about wanting to see Jesus and get closer to him.  Grace has the best idea.  I love that sometimes the kids understand the story better than we do.  

Grace had a really busy time last weekend.  First, Grace and I went to see "Elf, the Musical".  It was an extra special treat since Grace got to spend the night with me after the play.

Even though we got home way after Grace's bedtime, I had promised her an ice cream treat.  So, before bed she got her treat.

I got her home in the morning on Sunday.  Susie and Grace had tickets to another play that day!  Grace is one very blessed six year old that saw two live performances in one weekend.  Susie and Grace went to the Paramount Theater and saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  

Because Doug was out of town, I stayed with Jimmy.  It is always fun to see exactly what Jimmy will decide to play with.  On this day I took out the play dough.  He had extra fun when he discovered the scissors.

After that, he decided he wanted to play with his "computer" which is (wisely) kept on top of the refrigerator.  

At two and half he is still a bit rough with these electronic toys.  But he is getting the hang of using the pen that comes with this.  He mostly just wants to turn it off and on and put the pen in and out of the holder.  But to him, its great fun.  We ended the day, celebrating Susie's birthday (which is really in a week).  We had her favorite, Olive Garden, which is also a special treat for me!

I have had two different Christmas gatherings yesterday.  The first was with my prayer group.  I have been meeting with some of these ladies since 2013.  We have picked up a few new gals in the last years.  We don't live in the same town or go to the same church, but these friends represent so much prayer power! We are all different ages, single, married and widowed.  Kid's at home or grown and married.  Some of us have no grandchildren, some have several and one of us has 20 grandkids!  We are not the same in many ways, but we all love Jesus and know that prayer works.

We have supported each other through some very difficult times of sickness and death.  We have rejoiced with weddings of children, new grandbabies and new opportunities.  Our text prayer chain is long and detailed.  But we have seen some marvelous answers to prayer as well as powerful testimonies of God's provision.  Our times together, face to face have become less frequent than in the past.  But we have kept the strong connection that comes when you join together in prayer.  It was a wonderful time of catching up, hearing some amazing stories of family miracles and testimonies and also praying for each other.  

After this great breakfast with friends, I went immediately to an afternoon gathering of another amazing group of prayer loving friends.  I didn't think to snap a photo at this gathering, sadly.  On my way home I was singing along (loudly) to some radio Christmas carols and feeling so happy and so blessed.  I actually got stuck in a really long traffic jam caused by an accident and had a quite significant delay in getting home.  But it just didn't matter to me yesterday.  I  was drawing up close to Jesus, just like the figures in Grace's nativity, while singing about that very story.  Like so many things, it is all about your perspective.  

If you don't already, I would greatly encourage you to find an Advent devotional that will help you to see Jesus and get closer to him.  The carols and songs of Christmas are a great way to do this also.  Don't worry about whether or not your voice is "good".  Just turn that music up and sing your heart out.  You will be blessed!

Jesus, thank you for the messages we get from children.  Thank you for their pure hearts that "tell it like it is".  Give us all the courage to set aside time to focus on you, Jesus.  Thank you for time spent with our families and friends during this season.  Holy Spirit, remind us that our prayers matter.  Amen

A thankful Thanksgiving..

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is over already.  This month has just flown by and I feel as if the rest of the year is going to speed by also.  I am not just using words when I say this was the best Thanksgiving.  Of course, anytime with family is good, but this one just seemed to be extra "thankful" for me. 

Gwen, Tim and the kids always come to my house on Thanksgiving.  They spend the night and then we shop on "Black Friday".  Every year it has been less and less shopping for us.  This year we hit only four stores.  And there were no crowds and very few people out.  It seems that this shopping day may be coming to an end with all the online sales.  We always all go to Doug and Susie's house on Friday, and Doug smokes a turkey!

When you have this happy bunch all together, and a table full of good food, how can you NOT be thankful?

The kids always have so much fun together.  Watching Jimmy and Zeke play together is just so special.  And Anna and Grace always play so well.  I managed to squeeze in a couple of games with Zeke, Anna and Grace while Jimmy was napping.  

One of the girls favorite things to do, is Just Dance.  I got tired just watching them! 

I can't help but reflect on just how blessed I am.  Last week, Doug changed the oil in my car.  He has been making sure that I keep up on all the car maintenance since Ken died.  This time, he washed all the windows on the inside and cleaned and treated the interior.  It felt like stepping into a new car for me!  While Tim was spending Thanksgiving at my house, he was not just watching TV.  He changed out all my old light switches in the upstairs (he had previously done the entire downstairs).  He changed out the very old lights in two closets for LED fixtures and installed new switches to replace the old pull chains.  He also put some new shelves in my laundry closet giving more much needed storage.  He did a few more small tasks for me, that are really BIG things for this senior citizen.   I am just so thankful for my family.  They make sure I am well cared for.   

As I was driving home on Thanksgiving, feeling so full and so loved, I couldn't help but reflect back on the Thanksgivings from my childhood.  I actually couldn't really remember any Thanksgivings until I was in high school!  I think that we never really celebrated much on Thanksgiving.  Last week on Wednesday, I was remembering exactly where I was, 60 years ago - November 22, 1963.  I have very clear memories of that day.  I was in Fourth Grade.  My teacher was called to the office.  When she left the room and told us all to put our heads on our desk.  When she came back, she was crying.  She told us that the President of the United States had been shot and killed.  When we left school that day, we didn't know when we be back in school.  It ended up that we didn't go back to school until after Thanksgiving.  I have clear memories of watching the funeral on television.  It is so odd, to know exactly where you were and what you were doing on a particular day - sixty years ago.  It is those bad, trauma days that we often remember.  

I think this is why it is so important to end EVERY day with thanksgiving for that day.  We need to keep every bit of good and pleasant things, before us, so that we remember the GOOD days more than the bad.  I am very thankful that I have a long list of "Good Day" memories that do balance out those days of trauma.  And I plan to make extra sure that I continue to fill up my "thankfulness" tank with lots of good things.  I love how this verse reads from the Message translation....

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious - the best and not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly, things to praise, not things to curse.  Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard, and saw and realized.  Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.   Philippians 4:8-9

I love thinking about God "working" me into His harmonies!  Isn't that just lovely?  I want to be a part of God's songs!  So I will set about being thankful and focusing on the good and true things, rather than all that is swirling around in the world!  Won't you join me?

Jesus, thank you for the reminder that thankfulness actually help us!  Holy Spirit help us cultivate the habit of seeing the good things from each day.  Give us strength to find that good, even when things seem filled with bad.  Encourage us, Jesus to praise you in our thankfulness.  Help us to be those that spread joy and peace where ever we go.  Thank you for families and friends.  Amen

 

It is amazing to witness big changes!

 Last night I got to attend a Park District drama production of the show "Grease".  Ellie, at 14 and a high school freshmen, had decided to try out for a musical after discovering that it somehow fit into her very busy dance schedule.  She was delighted to be cast as a "Pink Lady".  Over the last couple of months she has learned her lines, learned and practiced all the dances included in the production and attended rehearsals.  She was so confident, such a great dancer and really enjoyed herself up on that stage! She played the part of a Pink Lady to a tee!

If you would have told me that Ellie would be ASKING to be in a play or musical, I would never have believed it.  Watching her last night was a testament to just how much Ellie and has grown and changed.  I know that being in dance and the yearly recitals have certainly helped her gain confidence.  But there is so much more to this!  Ellie is homeschooled and she did not know any of these kids when she auditioned for this production.  That did not matter one bit to Ellie.  If she sets her mind to something, she will go for it.  Now she has lots of new friends.  I am so proud of her!

I was remembering when Ellie was in Kindergarten in public school, she and Lia were in two different plays.  The first was in the fall of the year and Ellie was five.  The play was Aladdin and Ellie would not wear the costume on stage!  The director was happy to have her just be there, which was wonderful.  this was after that performance in 2014.   

Then in the spring of 2015, Ellie and Lia were in the production of Cinderella.  Ellie was a mouse and this time she actually wore the costume and went on stage!  She looked scared to death, but she was there!

I was so blessed to be able to see last nights show.  Ellie had friends and family cheering her on!

As a parent, I remember how worried I was about my kids as they were growing up.  Watching your grandchildren is no different.  Ellie had many struggles over the years with Sensory processing, ADHD, and Severe Dyslexia.  Thanks to years of hard work, therapy and so much family support, she is thriving. What growth and transformation for Ellie!  She is an incredible young women and I can't wait to see how far she goes in the years ahead.  

I saw a post this morning from a young mother, who was talking about her "village" - the group of people that were surrounding her family to help raise their children.  There were so many comments from young parents who do NOT have that support, and it broke my heart.  It does take a village to raise children.  There are always struggles.  There are often hard and difficult times.  Sickness, job responsibilities, car troubles, sleepless nights.... you name it!  Those early years with children are hard.  I am so thankful that I get to be part of a village for both my daughter's and son's families!  That means I get to really know my grandkids and experience these wonderful transitions as they grow into adults.

I am sure some of you are wondering how this might apply to your situation.  Here's the thing.  You can find a village if you don't have one.  Villages have people of all ages!  Church is a wonderful place to do this.  I know that I am "Grandma Lyn" to a whole host of kids and parents at my church!  You just have to be willing to help out.  In this season of Thanksgiving, look around and see where you might join or enlarge your own "village".  Maybe this is finding someone who has no place to go on Thanksgiving and inviting them to share your family dinner.  It might be bringing a treat to a neighbor that you haven't seen much lately.  Or inviting an old friend over for a cup of tea/coffee and conversation.  Don't miss out on the chance to brighten someone's day.  Smile at the drive through worker when you get that morning coffee.  It doesn't have to be much, and you just never know when that small gesture might make a big difference to someone who is feeling down and alone.  Start everyday with the thought, "How can I share a kindness with someone today?"  The best part of doing this, is that one sharing will be blessed as much as the one receiving!

Jesus, thank you so much for my villages!  Holy Spirit, remind us all to look around for that one person who might need a smile or kind word.  Give us courage and boldness to step out and be that "village" for someone in need.  Thank you for friends and family who celebrate our successes with us, and stand with us when things are difficult.  Thank you for welcoming us into your family, Jesus!  Amen

Wrap up of October and into November!

It has been a very full week!  As I was thinking about writing about the events of the last week, it is certainly one of those times when it seems like way more than a week!  Sunday was the beginning of the fun times, since Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna all get to Trick or Treat on the Sunday before Halloween (thanks to their community which has done this for many years) And on a side note, can I say that this is such a great practice!  The hours are during the afternoon.  Everyone is home to be a part of the fun.  And, as an extra perk, the last couple of years the Sunday has had great weather and Halloween - not so much!

I can't believe how creative the kids are when it comes to these costumes.  Zeke has been waiting to be "an alien carrying a human".  Ellie was Rapunzel (and Samuel, her boyfriend was Flynn Ryder), Lia was a cow and Anna was a super cute cheerleader.  It was only in the 40's and kind of windy, but it still proved to be a far superior weather day when compared with Halloween! As usual, there were friends a plenty along for the Sunday trick or treating.  I counted 19 kids and 9 adults when they left.  I (thankfully) stayed home to keep the dogs company.

On Monday, I snapped this picture of Chandler and Anna and I.  

Chandler is an older dog (he will soon be 14 years old) and he seems to really appreciate being with someone almost as old as him!  He climbs on the back of the sofa and wraps his head around mine.  I do love that dog, almost as much as Ken did!  

Tuesday was actually Halloween!  I met Susie's mom and dad to go to Grace's school for the Halloween Parade!  We were continually checking for a text or email that might notify that the parade was canceled, but it never came.  We stood outside at the school in a real, honest to goodness snow storm.  It was 30 degrees and the snow was being driven by 40 mile an hour winds.  The parents/grandparents were covered in the snow before the parade ever started.  Luckily, they had the kids all wear their coats over their costumes (which made for a not so exciting parade) but the kids seemed to love it!  

You can sort of see the snow in this picture.  That is one very happy Gracie who shouted to her friends, "That's my Yiayia and Papa and Grandma!".  It certainly made the cold and snow all worth it!  

As soon as the kids got home, we set out getting several layers of clothes on them, under their costumes!  We even managed to get a winter coat under Jimmy's Fireman outfit.  

Grace ended up wearing a winter hat under her Witches hat (which helped it to stay on in the brisk winds).  She decided to wear her winter coat and gloves and we managed to get gloves on Jimmy also.  It had stopped snowing for the most part, but it was still really cold!  I sent everyone else out trick or treating and I manned the door!  There were a surprisingly large number of kids and parents braving the awful weather.  I had to fill the treat bowl several times from the bags in the kitchen.  Jimmy was done after about an hour (and a bucket so full he couldn't carry it).  Susie and Grace went back out for another 45 minutes just before another snow shower moved in.  I drove home - slowly - in another round of snow.  All in all, there was a measurable inch of snow by Wednesday morning.  

Wednesday is All Saints Day, a day to remember all those who have gone before us.  It is also Lucas' birthday.  This year, more than any other, it seems like a very odd passage of time.  This was his 9th birthday.   Our family always takes time to go the cemetery and remember Lucas.

Even though it was still cold, at least the sun was partially shining.  It is always good to take this time and reflect on the impact Lucas has had on each of us.  I had several of my friends reach out to me when they remembered Lucas.  Grace made the yarn heart and the turtle stepping stone for Lucas.  As she is getting old, she often talks about Lucas,  Its hard to explain to children when adults don't even understand!  But it seems fitting that this time falls on All Saints Day.  I remember my mom especially loved the hymn "For All The Saints" that was always sung on All Saints Day. This hymn actually has 8 verses - but I will just share a couple... (I usually would include a link to a video of this hymn, but after listening to some of the available videos, I decided to just use the lyrics!)

For all the Saints, who from their labors rest. All who by faith , before the world confessed. Your name of Jesus, be forever blessed.  Alleluia, Alleluia.

 Oh blessed communion, fellowship divine.  We feebly struggle, they in glory shine!  Yet all are one within your great design.  Alleluia, Alleluia

But then there breaks a yet more glorious day.  The saints triumphant rise in bright array. The King of Glory passes on His way.  Alleluia, Alleluia 

From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast.  Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Alleluia, Alleluia.

What a picture of those that have gone before us.  They are shining in glory - we feebly struggle.  Yet, we are all part of this fellowship with them.  They rise in the presence of Jesus, in a new day.  Yes, a great picture, painted in these lyrics.  And I can see my own loved ones in that "countless host". Among them I see Lucas, bathed in the glory, shining brightly, filled with the light of Jesus.  

Jesus, thank you for reminding me that our life on earth is just a small part of the eternal life we have with you.  Holy Spirit, comfort all those who mourn and grieve today.  Hold them close and bring peace whatever the circumstances are.  Thank you for hymns and poems that help us to express our deepest thoughts.  Give us all the faith of children.  What a wonderful hope and joy we have in you Jesus.  Amen

It is Fall for sure!

The weather has certainly turned colder, all of sudden.  We have been having some "frost" warnings and the morning temps have been in the 40's for the most part.  So one thing is sure, it is FALL!    After getting Gracie ready for school, we often walk to the bus stop. On this day, Grace wanted me to fix her hair in a special style - something that I am not very good at, but she sure looked cute!

If there is one certainty I have when spending time with Jimmy, it is being outside!  That kid just loves it no matter what the weather is like.  It is a very sad day when it rains since this Grandma just doesn't go out in the rain!  Last week, on what seemed to be a nice sunny morning, Jimmy and I went to the backyard to play.  This is what we discovered....

You may not be able to tell, but Jimmy is holding a big piece of ice that was on one of the toys in the backyard! 

As a two year old, this was new territory for him!  He had no idea why there was ice on there and when he held it, he kept saying, "Its so cold!"   I'm sure he will be amazed by the snow this winter.  Even though it was chilly, Jimmy wanted to walk to the park, so we did.  This was the first time that I have let him actually walk by himself.  Previously we have taken the stroller or wagon.  It's just another "growing up" fast thing!

walking TO the park was just fine.  On the way home he stopped and sat down and refused to walk anymore.  I finally convinced him to run the rest of the way home, which was more exercise than I am used to, but we made it safely home.

I finished off that week with a four day conference with HUB Ministries.  I have been attending these conferences for over 20 years and they are always a blessing.  I have gotten to hear many different speakers and learned so much from these concentrated times.  This conference was just as jammed packed with amazing speakers, wonderful worship and great fellowship. I am still looking over my many  notes and digesting all that I heard over these long days.  It was a rainy and cold weekend, so it was good to stay inside!

However, the Saturday of my conference was a Marathon/Half Marathon event for Tim, Gwen and Lia.  Usually I go to the start/finish line and cheer on the many runners.  However this year was an actual downpour!  Gwen and Tim left everyone at home that was NOT running the race.  And I stayed back at my conference also!  As I have already pointed out, this Grandma does not do rain!  Even though they sloshed through knee deep water at times and got soaking wet and muddy in the process, Tim finished the marathon and Gwen and Lia finished the half marathon!  I am so proud of their determination to train and then run this race under these awful conditions!

This week, one of my daily devotions, talked about "an attitude of strong determination." The scripture used was Philippians 3:13-14....

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

It is the picture of a runner, racing towards the finish line  at the end of the long race, straining forward in strong determination. That is true grit on display.  In my book, all the runners in this race showed that determination and grit!    

So, here we are, more than halfway through October.  It is just a month to Thanksgiving and then another month to Christmas.  I was doing a bit of shopping today and actually bought some of the first Christmas presents for this year.  Usually I am much further ahead on that front than I am this year. I have decided that rather than lament the late start to my shopping, I will just practice some of that determination and press on!  I am confident I will accomplish what is needed!  

Jesus, thank you for the change of seasons.  Holy Spirit, remind us all that you are with us even as things change around us.  Keep us mindful of your presence with us.  Jesus we pray for peace in our world.  Give us courage and boldness to walk each day in the assurance of your love.  Amen

  


 

Fall retreat weekend recap

 I spent this last weekend with Anna while Gwen, Tim, Lia, Ellie and Zeke were away at Fall Retreat.  It was Gwen and Tim's 11th year leading this retreat weekend for the youth of their church.  I have seen the passage of time as the kids have grown up and instead of staying home with Grandma Lyn, they have gone on the trip.  This year was the second year that it was just Anna and Grandma.  We talked about the fact that we will only have one more year after this year - Anna is in 4th Grade and she will go on this trip as a 6th Grader.  It makes me feel so old!  

We had so much fun together.  We talked about so many things.  We shopped and we ate special meals together.  We played some games and made some crafts.  About the only thing we didn't get to was baking!  But there will be time for that in the future!  Sunny and Chandler (their two beagles) required much more attention than Anna!  Sunny is still adjusting to being a family dog after being rescued  as a part of the Envigo Beagle rescue.  While she is 2 years old, in many ways she acts like a puppy.  And the much older Chandler (he is a senior dog at almost 14)  has very little time for her shenanigan's.  Anna is great with the dogs and feeds and helps care for them.  Grandma is a sorry fill in as far as the dogs are concerned.  This is the first year that we didn't spend much time outside.  It was our first really COLD weekend and it was also cloudy and rainy.  I believe it was the first year that I didn't visit a playground!  Another mark of the aging of the kids.  Anna was happy to stay in, making some beaded bracelets, do some crafts and apply some press on nails! 

We created these posters from a kit with stickers and gems, and then wrote information about our picture.  My creation is now hanging on my fridge!  

A week ago, Susie and I got together at my house to scrap for the weekend.  Our normal scrap weekend at the hotel could not happen, so we decided to make do with just the two of us.  I am currently working on 2020, which has proven to be somewhat difficult to do.  The combination of Covid and the change in our family routines and Ken's illness and death made it hard to put pictures on the page and find the words to explain the events shown.  I was certainly thinking about these photos of Anna and I from the fall retreat in 2020.

The mask around her neck and our "outside" dining are certainly reminders of 2020.  But she was so young!  And so was I!  My hair is a bit grayer and there are a few more wrinkles and saggy skin.  I so treasure this time with each of my grandkids.  As I age, it seems to be more and more important to me.  

I also got to help in Rock (Sunday School) on Sunday.  I forget how much I love those little kids.  It always brings me so much joy to watch them grab onto a concept or just remember a story or verse.  The current Sermon Series at my church is on the 10 commandments.  We are only up to the third commandment and I have been amazed at the insight and new connections that I am learning each week.  It is hard to imagine that at 69 years old, I am still learning and seeing new revelation each week from the Bible.  One thing that I know from watching Anna, being with those Rock kiddos and every time I am with each of my grandkids, there is ALWAYS something new to learn!  I am so thankful that we never get to old for new revelation.

It is said that grandparents who help care for grandchildren, are healthier and stay more active later in life.  I believe that is true for me.  I looked outside today at the crisp, sunny fall day and decided it was time to put away my outdoor patio for the season.  A look at the predicted weather ahead for the next couple of weeks showed lots of rain and much colder weather.  So I set about getting the job done! 

Within and hour and a half, I had the job done.  While it is sad to know that winter is on the way, I am so thankful for the 6 months that I got to enjoy the outdoors protected from the bugs!  My kids seem to think that I should have help to do this, but as long as I am able to accomplish these things, I plan to!  Hopefully, thanks to time with those grandkids, I will be able to for many more years!  

 Jesus, thank you for reminding me that getting older does not mean you stop learning and growing.  Thank you for bringing new meaning to Bible passages that I have read for years and years.  Holy Spirit, give all of us older adults courage and boldness to step out and connect with people of all ages.  Give us opportunities to share and learn from each other.  Thank you Jesus that you never leave us and you care for us all.  Amen

Reflections from the last couple of weeks...

I am working on my 2020 scrapbook right now.  It has been somewhat challenging for more than one reason.  I mean, we all know what 2020 was like - in general.  Covid, isolation, masks, and so much more.  But in our family, 2020 was also a year filled with hospital stays, illness, cancer diagnosis, and so much more.  This week marked three years since Ken's death. I came across this photo while printing for scrapbooking.  This day - July 17, 2020 - was the last time that Ken wanted to take photos.  As you can see, he was not able to stand so we had a chair with us.  I remember that day  actually happened because I knew just how depressed Ken was about not being able to take photos.  I drove to a not- to- distant park that had a (somewhat) clear horizon view so that Ken could snap some pictures of the sunset.  

The irony of this being a sunset photo is not lost on me.  It was certainly the sunset time of Ken's life.  He wasn't very happy that day.  He couldn't get the shot that he wanted.  Nothing was right about it and I could not do anything to help the situation.  But, I am so thankful that we made the trip that evening.  

It is true that none of us know when we might have that "sunset" moment.  For me the last month has been much harder this year than last year.  I don't know the reason for this, but I have come to think it might have something to do with my recent DNA discovery.  There has been some grief associated with that, for sure, and it seems to have increased my feelings around losing Ken.  Time is a strange thing.  Sometimes it feels very "new" that Ken is gone, but then other times it feels like a very long time ago.  Each new day holds new memories and new experiences and they do continue to build up.  Last week, I watched Jimmy zooming up and down the sidewalk on his "balance" bike.  Ken would have loved this so much!

Also, Jimmy has been asking to watch videos of motorcycle racing and I know that Ken would just be very happy sitting with Jimmy watching all things motorcycle.  These things bring a new kind of sadness and missing Ken that I wasn't expecting.  

This reflection has begun a sort of "new" season for me, which is very good timing with the onset of Autumn.   In this season I want to spend time looking ahead and planning for new things.  I am a list maker and so there will be lists involved in this.  There are many "undone" projects and plans that will find a home on this new list.  It is my prayer that there will also be many that are crossed off as they are completed!

In church, we are hearing a new sermon series titled "Different Life".  The overarching theme, as a follower of Jesus, our life is different!  The opening Bible Plan (on the Bible App) devotion said this..

If you are born from above you're different.  There's just no getting around it.  When the Spirit of God takes hold of someone, he changes them.  From top to bottom, inside and out.  Hear, soul and mind, you're just going to be different than you were before.  The Bible uses all kinds of language to describe this; Holy, remnant, chosen, sanctified, children of God, and more.  If you are born of God, there is something different about you.  And that's a good thing!

If you are interested in seeing more about this Different Life series, you can watch it on YouTube at Fellowship of Faith McHenry Il and find the Bible plan on the Bible App.  

The timing of this series certainly fits this "new" season for me.  I am so grateful to be shifting my focus while looking ahead, grounded in just how different my life is and most importantly WHY my life is different.  

 Jesus, thank you so much for knowing exactly what I need to hear!  Holy Spirit, thank you for being comfort during those times of grief and sadness.  Give us courage and boldness to reach out to our friends and family when we are feeling overwhelmed.  Thank you for leading and guiding us into new seasons and giving us help along the way.  Thank you for the change of seasons that remind us that life is ever changing.  Thank you for loving us.  Amen