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 whirlwind week with the kids - being a missionary to my own family!

 I spent last week with Ellie, Zeke and Anna while Gwen, Tim and Lia were on their yearly mission trip.  It was a super fun, busy, and yet very relaxing week for me. While I am actually spending the week as a fill in for mom and dad, I always feel as if it is my own mission trip.  I have a daily reminder to pray for the students and adults who are with Gwen and Tim and I love knowing exactly what they are doing each day.  The kids take the prayer time we have each day very seriously and some very specific prayers were shared.  I especially know that these times with my grandchildren are precious.  So many memories are made.  The time actually flies by and I can't believe when we come to the end of the 8 days.  

Over the eight days we visited 4 playgrounds, 1 skatepark, 3 stores, 5 fast food restaurants, 1 breakfast restaurant, a nail salon, an outdoor dance program and art show,  and 1 bowling alley and the favorite ice cream place - the TeePee. We also played so many rounds of Hues and Clues and also Disney Trivia.  Ellie had three dance practices and we all swam every day but the last day (which was a very cool 72 degrees).  There were so many crafts, thanks to the daily gifts that Gwen prepared for the kids.  We did beading (which was much harder than you might think), decorated bird feeders, magic art (which was really magic), did some detective decoding, made some origami animals, did some fashion designing, and colored some sun catchers.   I tried to get these photo collages with pictures from each day and they are pretty close. Here is the fist Saturday.

And then Sunday.  After church we stopped at the store and picked up some treats for the week.  And we also played lots of games. On Monday we went out for ice cream and we also visited the Dollar Tree for some treats. Tuesday and Wednesday were HOT! I was so thankful for their pool and we spent lots of time in the water.  

 

On Thursday we all had a pedicure.  Gwen had tried to get me in for a pedicure before this week but they were booked!  So I decided to take all of the younger kids - including Zeke!  It was his first experience and he loved it.  He said his feet felt really good.  It was only Anna's second or third time for an actual pedicure experience so it was lots of fun. We visited the "Big park" (as the kids call it) and the Skate Park before having our pedicure and finished it off with Culvers for lunch.

On Friday we ate breakfast at a restaurant, visited another playground (my favorite). Eating breakfast out was Ken's favorite thing to do and we had started taking each of the kids out by themselves for a special treat. Sadly because of Covid and then Ken's sickness, Anna never got a turn.  But this reminds me of those special times. In the afternoon we went bowling.  I USED to be a really good bowler.  Sigh.  I never came close to 100.  Zeke was pleased to win both games and both Ellie and Anna did really well.  It reminded me how much I miss bowling!

Our last day together started off watching Ellie dance in an outdoor performance for the local Art Fair in Grayslake.  The Spotlight group shared some of the recital dances. It was a wonderfully cool 72 degrees and actually nice to sit in the sun and watch the show.  Ellie did such a wonderful job and I am always so impressed by the quality of these performances.  This studio is amazing.   After the show we stopped at Burger King for lunch and the kids got crowns!

One of the last things I did was help Anna hang her bird feeder on one of the many trees in their backyard.  She was delighted that a bird found the feeder and was eating some of the seed.  I was enjoying the cool breezes in their sunroom when Gwen, Tim and Lia got home.  I was sad to leave, but also glad to be home.  

The kids have all grown up so much.  I had as much fun as the kids at all of these activities.  It was so neat to hear the kids play "Concentration" in the back seat of the car.  And I learned about a new finger game called "Sticks".  (This game actually has a math component so the kids are adding and subtracting while they play! It is really cool).  We had many great conversations and I am amazed at the depth of their thinking, the creativity of their ideas and just how thoughtful and kind they are.  I am so proud of them.  

On Sunday morning I had the opportunity to teach in the Rock Kids program.  There were 10 younger kids (3yrs -Kindergarten) and we were teaching the story of Ruth.  Now this is usually a very hard story for kids to really understand.  But this curriculum is just fantastic.  The kids were "gleaning" yellow feathers from the ground after the "harvesters" had left some of the feathers for the "Ruths" to pick up.  From this story the kids learned that God gives us hope even in bad situations.  We talked about kindness and caring.  And the kids made a basket to put some "wheat" in.  So much fun.  

It is a wonderful thing to feel like a missionary.  Being able to bring the message of the Gospel to those around you.  When I was adding the bird seed to Anna's birdfeeder, I was thinking about all of the seeds that I had been able to sow into Ellie, Zeke and Anna during this week.  What a blessing to be also have sown some seeds to those kids in Rock.  More importantly, I heard the message loud and clear.  There is hope in Jesus. In every circumstance. We all need this message today.   So much more happens during a mission trip than just whatever activities are planned.  Relationships are built.  Stories are shared.  And then people learn about Jesus.  It really is a time of being the hands and feet and the "skin" of the Gospel.  I was so blessed to be a small part in this mission time in my family.  So, so blessed.  

I ended the week filled with hope for the future.  When you see children and youth so on fire to serve Jesus and to share and care for others, your hope for future of our country soars.  I encourage you to look around and find the ones that are marching out into the darkness around us with the light of Jesus.  The world doesn't look as bad or as hopeless then.  I don't think there is anything that shines brighter than a faith-filled child.  Be like them!  Let your light shine!

Jesus, thank you for filling me with hope and joy and peace.  Holy Spirit, remind all of the children and youth and adults touched by this past weeks mission experience that Jesus loves them.  Keep them close during these next weeks as they go back to their normal life.  Jesus give us courage and boldness to shine our light into the darkness around us.  Thank you Jesus for your love.  Amen

  

My heart, as a grandma, for James...

 I can't believe that James will soon be 8 months old.  The time has just gone by so quickly.  I love that I have gotten to watch him grown and change each week.  His personality is just exploding as he begins to move around and explore everything.  He is curious, strong and very determined!  Now that he can sit up from his tummy, he is a much happier little boy.  More than once, he has pulled up to his knees and even one time to his feet!  So it won't be long till he is running after Grace.  

With each of my grandchildren, I have asked Jesus to show me how to pray for them - specifically - even before they were born.  From those prayers and pages of my journal, I have created a "Name Frame" that reflects the things that I have been and will be praying for them.  Recently, I blogged about Lia's frame.  Many times the words on each of the kids frames, come into my mind as a reminder for me to pray specific things.  I spent most of early January working on the frame for James.  In looking at my journals, the first things I wrote about Jimmy before he was born, were about food!  I saw him as a chef with lots of food items.  This didn't surprise me since Doug has been in the kitchen (or backyard) cooking since he was really small.  But then I remembered the Johnny Appleseed story.  I understood that Jesus was saying that James would spread the truth of God's word, which would be real food.  Just like Johnny Appleseed, I believe that James will make new paths and go in new directions, as he shares his life.  He will be blazing new trails that many others will follow.  He will make these new paths, walking in the footprints of so many of our ancestors.  The word "innovator" was in my journals, over and over.  Someone who introduces new ideas or new methods.  I truly believe that Jimmy is a world changer!  It seems like an enormous amount for a small baby.  But God's plans and purposes for each of us are just as big and far reaching.  It seems to me that we just don't ask for the big picture for ourselves, or our children or grandchildren.  So I am thankful that I have a big vision for each of my children and grandchildren.   It gives this grandma much to pray over, much to think about and much to be thankful for.  

Over the years many have asked me how I have decided what goes into these frames.  Simply, pray and ask.  I know that sounds almost to easy.  But that is how these frames came to be.  Its not to late to think about this for yourself, or your family.  Take sometime and listen (with a pen and journal) and you might be surprised at just how clearly you begin to see God's plans.  And because I suspect that some might wonder about my other grandchildren's frames.... here they are!

Jesus, thank you for loving us so much that you have a distinct plan and purpose for each of us.  Holy Spirit, remind us as we pray, of the exact things we need to pray.  Children are such a joy and blessing.  Help us to grasp the depth of your big picture.  Keep us out of the what ifs and whys.  Amen

Mothers Day.... from my current perspective

I have been thinking about this post for a couple of weeks.  With Mother's Day approaching, there has been a flood of commercials, store displays and floral reminders that mom's need to be thanked and/or appreciated on this one day.  I decided to begin this blog with pictures of my special babies that made me a mom.  Gwen was two months old in the first picture.  It was actually taken on July 4th and although you can't tell (because the picture was very faded by the time we scanned it) her outfit was blue with red trim.  Perfect for that day.  I also managed to miss blogging for her (gasp) 40th birthday last Saturday.  Somehow I feel as if I aged more than a few years myself on that day.  It is hard to not feel really old when you have a 40 year old!  The second picture is Doug at three months.  Again, really faded but Gwen actually picked out his outfit for the picture.  She loved the clown and I remember she was very specific that he should wear this because it was yellow and yellow was happy.  One thing is certain, I could not be more thankful for these two special people!  

I know that I am one of the "fortunate ones" - those moms that get to see their grown, adult children often.  As a matter of fact, I actually see both of my kids at least once a week.  I know that this is not the norm and I feel the blessing of watching my children parent their own children, up close and real.  I love the times when I get to watch from the sidelines (so to speak) as they deal with some small issue or discipline matter.  Most of all I love to watch them loving on their kids.  Seeing even the older kids climb onto Gwen's lap for a hug or wanting hugs and kisses as she is leaving the house for work can almost bring this grandma to tears.  And there is nothing sweeter than seeing your grown son cuddling with his toddler daughter and watching her run to give him hugs and kisses before he leaves for work.  These are my most cherished "presents" from my children.  And they are not just one day a year.  

For the last several years, I have had a message that I knew needed to be shared with others, through the medium of a book.  Actually, this blog was sort of the beginning of that calling to write in a more formal way.  I have a clear vision of exactly what the book will be, what needs to be included in that book, and the purpose of the book.  I haven't talked much about writing with many people.  I confess that the reason for my silence is mostly fear.  I fear well meaning advice or discouragement.  I fear hearing that it is impossible to accomplish this.  Gwen reminded me today that none of those things matter.  I have a message that I know needs to be shared, and I have a clear direction on how to share it (book form).  Nothing else matters.    I have started this project. and actually have a pretty good framework for the rest of the book.   If I had to sum up the purpose and/or message of this writing in one short sentence it would be........"Your prayers influence your future generations".  

On this mother's day, I am so thankful for my own mother.  I was blessed to have her advice, her love and her laughter for 56 years (she died just short of her 96th birthday).  On my last visit with her, she encouraged me to hold my grandchildren close.  She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with all of her heart.  And she prayed daily for all of them.  Her biggest fear was not being a "good mother" since her own mother had died when she was only two years old.  Her legacy - her family - are the evidence that she did not need to worry about this. She excelled at loving us all. 

And I am so thankful for my Grandmother, Nora, my mother's mother.  This photo is a blessing, the only photo of my mom with her mother.  Just look at the love on Nora's face for her little girl.  She knew, in this photo, that she was going to die.  She had already been sick before my mother was born.  Yet I am convinced that she prayed for my mom and her sisters.  For me and my siblings and even for my children and grandchildren.  

God had such an amazing plan for families.  He knew that each family tree would create branches and those branches would hold fruit filled with seeds to grow more family trees. Ken and I spent most of last weekend outside, soaking up the spring weather.  As we took a drive through an nearby Arboretum, I was thinking about God's plan for families revealed in nature.  There were so many little seedling trees scattered under the branches of the towering oaks, pines and birches.  And there were also the remains of the dead and dying trees, right along side of those new young ones.  It was so comforting and peaceful.  It was the affirmation that God's plan will not be stopped.  No matter what the circumstances, no matter what disaster befalls a family, not death or separation,  not rain storm or winter blizzard.  God's plan, his destiny would be seen.  His promises are true and He is faithful to complete his work.  

So there you have my thoughts on Mother's Day.  I receive the best gift I could ever get just being with my children, their spouses and their children.  And I know that my grandmother and my mother have had a direct influence on my life today.  So this "Hallmark Holiday" Sunday may pass by without any celebration at all in my house, but Monday I will be at Gwen's house and Tuesday I will be at Doug's house.  So my calendar is filled with lots of "Mothers Day" and "Grandma Day" and that is all I need!   

No matter what circumstance you are in, far from loved ones or as just beside you, no matter if your mother is no longer here, take a moment and appreciate God's great plan for you.  There is a purpose and a plan for your life that included your mother.  Make this Mother's Day about you and Jesus.  Thank Him for his great plan for your life that included your mother!  

Jesus, thank you for the love and care of a mother.  Holy Spirit, help us all to find your plan as we look around us in nature.  Give us eyes to see your love for us.  Thank you for our family tree and for all of that "great cloud of witnesses" that surrounds you.  Thank you Jesus for grafting us into your family!  Amen  

Called but not qualified

I have been thinking about this picture all day today.   I have started to write a blog post several times over the last week, but they are sitting in the "draft" mode and most likely, I will never publish them.  Nothing that I have put on paper has seemed to be just right.  After my last blog I was determined to blog more and to put all of my thoughts out there.  No matter what.  But that is so much harder than it sounds. 

This picture represents one of my very first memories.  I don't actually remember having this picture taken when I was three years old.  But I do remember that outfit.  The jumper was a deep blue and the trim on the ribbon was red.  The embroidery on the blouse was also red and the little bow was red.  I don't know why I remember this so well, but I am sure about the colors - even though the picture is black and white.  I've been thinking about this picture after spending some one-on-one time with Anna on Monday.  Gwen had a crazy, busy day so she asked if I would come and pick Anna up after  preschool.  I was quite happy to get just a bit of time to be with Anna without the older kids around.  As the youngest of four, Anna is usually not that much of a conversationalist.  When you get her alone, it is just the opposite!  What an amazing little girl, who will be four years old next week.  She was happy to tell me all about her day in preschool.  She even shared that her teacher was "really bummed" that she forgot to sing the dinosaur song. What an amazing little girl - she seems much older than three going on four all of a sudden.  She was very excited to ride in my car and insisted on hanging her "pack pack" (her back pack) on the hook in the back seat.  On my way home from their house, I was reflecting on my time with Anna, and wondering just how much she will remember of days like this.  And that led me to think about this picture.  Memories are really funny things. 

Somewhere around the time that this picture was taken, I had a life changing dream.  In this dream, Jesus and I were walking in a beautiful garden.  There were all kinds of flowers and birds and trees. Even as a little girl, I remembered how incredible the place was.  We were walking on a path that seemed to just go on forever.  Jesus was holding my hand.  Even now, when I think about this dream, I can feel his hand holding mine.  Jesus had a very important message for me.  A very simple message.  Jesus was the Son of God and he had died on the cross to take away all the bad things we had done.  And he did not stay dead.  He came alive again and is in heaven with God.  Easter is not about the candy and the Easter bunny.  It is a true story about Jesus.  I was supposed to tell everyone about Jesus. 

I can't explain this dream.  While my family attended church, we did not really ever talk about things like this.  I don't remember ever having a conversation with anyone about Jesus, the cross or Easter prior to this dream.  I do remember talking to my mom AFTER this dream and telling her I was going to tell everyone about Jesus.  Her response was to tell me that we don't talk about this to other people.  It was not something I should share with anyone else.  So, I did not go and tell everyone about Jesus at that time.  It was many, many years later when I realized that the dream was really the point when Jesus called me to be a truth teller and a sharer.  I just never felt qualified to do that!
In total truth telling, I don't feel very qualified right now!

It really is a mystery how God really doesn't look around for the most qualified people to do His work.   It is also interesting how many times He calls on children to carry out his plans.  Lets face it, if we are qualified to do a job, we often don't have to have any help.  When you can accomplish something in your own strength and power, you don't really need God, do you?   Once I acknowledged this call on my life, and also just how unqualified I was for this task, it was quite easy to call out to Jesus for help.  It has been a slow process towards acting on that first call on my life. 

This blog is just part of me finally fulfilling that first call on my life.  I am telling everyone who reads this blog that Jesus is real.  He really died on that cross for you and for me.  And He really rose from the dead and is now in heaven with God the Father.  If you believe in Him you will be saved.  It is that simple.  There is nothing that you have to do.  Jesus has done it all for you. 

There are so many very qualified people out there, with training and theological degrees.  There are well known, world traveling evangelists that are much more qualified than me to carry this message.  Tonight I am very thankful for the means to write this blog and the method to transmit it out into cyberspace.  Only Jesus could have planned to use someone as unqualified as me to share this message.   I am sure that each person reading this blog, has a destiny and calling unique to you.  That is just who God is.  He loves us each so much.  We are all pieces in the puzzle of His plan.  We each have an important destiny to fulfill.  Don't hesitate is you feel unqualified for the calling.  Remember, nothing is impossible with God!

;Jesus, thank you for this very powerful memory through this picture that brought me back to the dream that needed to be shared today.  Holy Spirit, give us all clarity as we consider what Jesus is asking of us.  Help us to know your presence with us.  Jesus thank you for being patient with us as we walk on towards your calling. Thank you Jesus for children.  Amen

The prayers of a little girl....

Today I am having the special opportunity to be with Ellie, Zeke and Anna.  Gwen, Tim and Lia (who unbelievably is old enough to GO on the youth retreat with her mom and dad.....sigh) are away for a couple of days on a retreat.  So, it is just the younger kids and me, roughing it at home.  After a dinner of frozen pizza, a bath that was longer than it should have been, a bedtime snack, it was finally time to tuck those sweeties into bed.  Anna was first.  She insisted on "reading" to me her current favorite book (which she has memorized).  I loved that at this page she "read" SPRINKLES instead of freckles!  After the book, I asked her if she wanted me to pray or if she wanted to pray.  She immediately said that she wanted to pray.  She took a very long time and in whispered prayers that I couldn't hear, really poured out her requests to Jesus.  She told me that she really needed to pray for her "other" grandpa (Tim's dad) because he had a big line on his body and the doctors are giving him medicine.  But Jesus needed to make him all better. (As an aside, Tim's dad has recently had a major surgery for pancreatic cancer.) She prayed for her mommy and daddy and Lia and all the kids that are on "treat" to have a good time and be safe.  And then she prayed some more quiet prayers, just between her and Jesus. 

Let me tell you, there is nothing in the world better than the prayers of a little three year old.  What a powerful reminder that Jesus hears all of our requests.  That he knows even the things that we just whisper to him.  What a wonderful thing it is to sit next to a fresh from the bathtub, sweetheart as she sings Jesus Loves Me!

I really needed this time with the kids, more than I realized.  Lately, with all of our home remodeling, I confess that I haven't been spending as much quiet time as usual.  I have not really been very good at just stopping and spending time with Jesus.  Anna reminded me tonight that it is good to slow down and just rest and then pour out those whispered prayers.   I am thankful that I will have some time this weekend to do just that.

A friend asked me this week what I had been hearing from the Lord.  The message that has been in the front of my mind is that this is a time for us to be quickly connected to Jesus.  As I started to blog about Anna's prayer tonight, I realized that this might seem like a bit of a contradiction to that thought.  But it is really NOT a contradiction!  The key is WHEN you slow down and actually make that time to pray, you can be QUICKLY  in that intimate, one on one conversation with Jesus. 

I love that prayer can be part of everything we do.  When I think about this, I am reminded of the movie "Fiddler on the Roof".  (One of my all time favorite movies).  Through out the movie, Tevye (the main character) is constantly in prayer - no matter what he is doing.  There is a constant conversation between him and God. 

I want to do a better job of staying in that place of such an intimate connection to Jesus, that no matter the place, or the circumstance, a conversation can happen.  I believe that will be my goal for this month.  Won't you join me in this process? 

Jesus, thank you for this special time away from my routine.  Holy Spirit, remind me to open up the line of communication with Jesus through out the day.  Give us all those prompts to whisper our deepest needs to Jesus.  Thank you for always being with us, Jesus, even when we don't remember.  And Jesus, thank you for hearing all of our prayers!  Amen

Thinking about my legacy......

Over the last week or so I have been really stuck on the thought of "Legacy".  Exactly what is a legacy and why is it so important?  So one day I was scrolling through Facebook and one of my friends had posted this piece......

WHAT IS LEGACY?
by Susan V. Bosak
Chair, Legacy Project
...


The concept of legacy is a powerful life tool for all ages and a catalyst for social change
Legacy is about life and living. It's about learning from the past, living in the present, and building for the future.
Where do you think it's best to plant a young tree: a clearing in an old-growth forest or an open field? Ecologists tell us that a young tree grows better when it's planted in an area with older trees. The reason, it seems, is that the roots of the young tree are able to follow the pathways created by former trees and implant themselves more deeply. Over time, the roots of many trees may actually graft themselves to one another, creating an intricate, interdependent foundation hidden under the ground. In this way, stronger trees share resources with weaker ones so that the whole forest becomes healthier. That's legacy: an interconnection across time, with a need for those who have come before us and a responsibility to those who come after us.
Elizabeth Elizabeth Tiam-Fook

Yes, I loved this so much.  I love the idea that a legacy is about our life and how we are living it.  It is about knowing and learning from our past and the generations of our past and then living in a way that is building for the future.  I have been so drawn to this concept of leaving a legacy for my children and grandchildren.  And after reading that short paragraph, I have a much better understanding of how I should be thinking about my legacy.  

 I believe that one aspect of my legacy has to do with children and their importance in the kingdom and FOR the kingdom.  I spent much of the last 35 or so years either working with children, writing about children, speaking about children or being with children.  My earliest testimony at age 4 is evidence for me that Jesus knows about children and speaks to children.  I am convinced that somewhere along the way, the western church has lost and/or forgotten this verse pictured above.  People have been sold a bill of goods that says all we have to do is entertain the kids - keep them busy - so that the adults can learn/worship without distraction.  Sometimes you might hear that children learn better at their own level so it is best to keep them away from "adult" worship.  It seems so funny to me whenever I hear these arguments, since that is exactly what was happening just before Jesus spoke these words!  The disciples were telling the moms and dads to keep their kids away, that Jesus had "adult" things to do and speak.  Certainly he was much to busy to spend time with the kids.

I don't only see this as unfortunate for the children, it is sad and such a loss for the entire congregation.  When we exclude children from any part of our worship experience, we are cutting off those roots of legacy.  How do we expect children to connect with Jesus and come into an active and vital worship life if they are not allowed to be "planted" in our corporate worship times, surrounded by the legacy of older saints.  It should come as no surprise that so many preteen/teenage children choose to emulate their friends and schoolmates who "worship" video games or sports, and find church boring and not relevant when we suddenly decide they are "adults" and should worship with us. They don't have roots that have taken hold in those pathways of the older people.  The good news is that each one of us, regardless of the customs or traditions of our local church, can make a difference in the life of children around us.  We can have conversations with our neighbor children, our nieces or nephews, children in our churches.  We can really live out that scripture above..... we can welcome a child into worship.    We can smile and acknowledge them.  We can offer to sit by them (and give mom or dad some much needed assistance).  We can appreciate ALL the people that Jesus is talking about in this verse.  Those with special needs (who may be aged as an adult but have very childlike behavior).  Those with disabilities. Those struggling with dementia. Those who might not understand the "rules" of behavior of your particular church.  The person who has just met Jesus. The homeless or needy.  Really, the list goes on and on.  The point is that Jesus welcomes ALL of his children.  From birth to death.   When you consider the story of the tree and where it should be planted, this makes sense.  Let's all change the legacy we are leaving.  Let us all be those strong, sturdy, deep-rooted trees that welcome those new plantings and shelter them with love and care.   Yes, this is my Advent challenge to you.  See yourself as a tree and find a new young tree to nurture.  You will be building a lasting legacy.

Jesus, thank you for Facebook that brings your thoughts and ideas to mind.  Thank you for reminding me of your heart for us.  What an amazing love you have for your children - no matter what their physical age or ability. Holy Spirit, keep this thought in our minds as we walk through this Advent season.  A time when we are all waiting for the arrival of Jesus.  Give us grace to show your love to those around us.  Amen 

Funny what triggers a memory!

I have had quite an interesting couple of days.  First of all, it has been less than desirable weather.  And that is more than an understatement!  We have had snow, wind, more snow, and sub-zero temperatures with serious wind chills.  I drove up to Gwen's house in really nasty driving.  It was the kind of drive where the roads are snow covered and you can't see any lane markings.  It was also very icy under that layer of snow.  When you approached intersections you never knew if you were going to stop...,...or slide right through.  The good thing about this trip is that it takes place at 5:30am!  Which  means that the roads are mostly empty.  I made it to Gwen's about a half hour later than normal and Gwen had a LONG commute to work!  But I had another wonderful day with the kids.  After getting the older girls on the bus, Zeke announced that it was a "pajama day".  He did not want to get dressed!  I had to agree with Zeke, it was a good day to just stay in your jammies and huddle under a blanket.  Zeke is quite a kid.  He plays for hours by himself.  On this day, this was his "toy" of choice......

A boy and his balloon!  Who needs toys of any kind when you have a five cent (or less) balloon.  For a while Zeke and I played a bit of "balloon volleyball" and Zeke's rules included that the balloon could not touch the floor!  But for most of the time, Zeke was just happy to be batting that balloon around.  There is something so wonderful about seeing the simple joy of a little boy having fun.  You just have to smile!  And along with this entertainment, I had this cute face to look at....

It is wonderful to see Anna really becoming her own sweet little person.  She has several words now and gives amazing "loves" where she leans into your neck and even pats your back with her hand.  She knows the motions to "The Wheels On The Bus" and loves making her wipers "SWISH". (If you don't know this cute little kids song, it's worth watching on youtube)  There is just so much joy in being with these kids.  It is so good for my spirit.  

In spite of the cold today (and I mean COLD as in close all the schools and libraries and put out warnings about the dangers of being out in the cold), my small prayer group decided to meet.  And because I was already out, I went to spend a couple hours with Susie.  I have been so thankful for the free time that I have had.  Being off of work has been such a "BLESSING" (and yes I know that I have used that phrase, once again.  But just as I said in my last blog, this has been a comfort to me in my mourning).  I know that IF I had been working, it would have been very difficult, if not impossible in the last months.  I love that I have been able to be a support for Doug and Susie. I have had freedom to be with them, which has been good for me also!  Today when I was watching Sammy and Kylie enjoying their new dog beds, I had a sudden flash of this picture...of my childhood dog.

For Trixie's entire life (which was my life from age 3 until age 20), she slept in this metal dog bed.  She did not have a "memory foam mattress" but did have a nice thick, old rug and several blankets.  At "the lake" she had a cardboard box under one of the couches.  You can see that her face is very grey in this picture.  This picture was taken sometime in the last 5 years of her life.  Yes, it is interesting when a simple thing, brings back a long ago memory.  I am so grateful for Sammy, Kylie and Chandler.  I can get my "doggie fix" without actually HAVING a dog in my house!  Today, it was Sammy and Kylie that brought me joy along with this memory!

Joy seems to be the current word that is bouncing around in my spirit.  Just like that balloon, I have little bubbles of joy seemingly bursting out of no where.  It doesn't make much sense.  And I seem to be taken by surprise when it happens.  There are many verses that talk about Jesus bringing joy.  At times it feels so "out of place" that I have a hard time embracing that joy.  But joy seems to be the perfect partner for the hope that Jesus has been bringing into me since Lucas died.  Because I have been really accepting and embracing hope, that joy is right there.  Isn't it wonderful that the Holy Spirit knew that without that hope, the joy would be lost.  I am so thankful for the gift of hope that has already been living in my spirit.  And here is the really amazing thing, tonight as I am writing this blog, I realize that I am filled with even more hope than I had yesterday!  That joy came with even more hope!  What a wonderful and caring God we have!  

Jesus, thank you.  I am so grateful for your love and care and the way that you meet my needs in such real concrete ways.  Thank you for bringing me joy in the midst of grief.  And Holy Spirit, thank you for knowing that I needed hope to receive joy.  Continue to breathe hope into Doug and Susie and all of my family.  Jesus, there are many who are in the midst of grief.  Bless them with hope and fill them with bubbles of joy.  Amen  

Staying in the LIGHT of the SON!

This is sweet Lucas, who looks like he is waving hello!  He is also "catching some rays" - that is laying on a "Bili Blanket"!  This is an amazing newer invention (which has been around for at least 8 years since Lia had one of these) that allows you to be at home with your baby that needs photo therapy for an elevated Bilirubin level that causes jaundice in newborns.

And here is Doug (daddy of Lucas) also catching some rays.....in an incubator in the NICU.  Yes, this was 32 years ago and things were a bit different then.  When I took the picture of Lucas this morning, Doug and I were just laughing at his pose.  We have a "professional" picture of Doug in that exact pose!  It was his official hospital picture (which they do not even do any more).  And it was taken on the day that he finally went home from the hospital.  So he was NOT newborn, but several weeks old.  And we always laughed at that picture, wondering why the photographer left his arm like that.  Well, just try and get little Lucas to put his arm down!  As quickly as we moved it down, he put it right back up like that. Isn't it interesting how many different little things we actually inherit from our parents?  Apparently this is a very comfortable position!

Yes, Lucas has jaundice.  All of my children and grandchildren have had this.  It is not that uncommon.  But it is still no fun, when you are the mommy and daddy (or grandma).  You worry about your little one.  And the bad news is that this jaundice makes these babies sleepy and the lights just add to that.  So they don't want to eat very well.  So life with these newborns can be very challenging.  Doug and Susie are doing well with this.  As did Gwen and Tim.  It is so amazing to see your children really "all grown up" as parents themselves.

I stopped over to visit Lucas (and Doug and Susie) this morning after my Women's small group.  I had asked my friends to pray for Lucas (and his mommy and daddy) for this jaundice issue.  It was so good to get a report later today, that his level had actually dropped slightly, and most importantly had not gone UP!  As they were praying I kept thinking about his name - Lucas.   Lucas means illumination or light!  Yes, he is a child of THE light! I love that today, as he is getting some extra light from that blanket, he was also getting covered by the light of Jesus through those prayers.  Jesus is THE light and I know that Jesus will take care of that Jaundice.   Just as Jesus is taking care of Lucas.  There is nothing better to a Grandma than knowing that Jesus is in charge!

Once again, I just need to add that there is really something amazing about gathering together with a small group of people to just worship and pray.  In just a short time, my little group has seen some amazing answers to prayers.  There have been jobs found, healings, other "suddenlys" that have surprised us all.  We have been able to encourage and support one another through some very difficult situations.  There have been weddings, births, sickness and even deaths, but in it all, Jesus has been there. I can't think of anything that is more important to me than this group of people.

So my encouragement to you today, is to find your group if you do not have one now!  It is so worth the time commitment to join this kind of a group.   I will be praying for each person reading this blog to find a place (or start a group yourself!),   You will be blessed!

Jesus, thank you for reminding me that you are taking care of Lucas.   Thank you for my friends who stand with me in difficult situations and celebrate with me in joyful times.   Holy Spirit, help us all to draw closer to our brothers and sisters in Christ, so that we can be built up and support each other.   Thank you for my children and grandchildren.   Jesus, you are the Light of the World!  Thank you for your light!   Amen

Assurance that my weekend was important!

 I was so surprised when I saw this come on my email today!  It just made me chuckle!

This is what I have been doing for the last couple of days!  I have been dog sitting for Doug and Susie, who are occupied at the hospital with their brand new baby!  So yes, I have been noticing the joy that Sammy and Kylie have on a walk, outside playing with a ball, or just running around the yard.  Given that we have a wonderful new baby (who looks very much like his daddy!), and then these two sweet doggies, there has been lots of joy!

Yesterday when I was visiting with new baby Lucas, I took his blanket and hat home with me.  I presented these "gifts" to Sammy and Kylie so they could get acquainted with the new baby "smell".  Kylie took the hat and would not let it go.  Sammy was quite happy to claim the blanket, which he added to his bed.  Later in the evening the dogs switched places (which they often do) and Sammy moved the hat onto his favorite blue blanket that he had rolled into a bed.  When I woke up this morning both dogs had their baby objects with them.  Doug and Susie are bringing little Lucas home tonight, and I am praying that Sammy and Kylie have been calm and welcoming on their arrival!

All day today this email from the morning just kept coming to mind.  It is sure worth a chuckle or two.  I felt as if Jesus was speaking right into my exact situation through this!  I just love it when this happens.  How can you not know the wonder of Jesus' care and concern when something like this comes up that exactly meets the situation that you are in!   I was so happy to be able to watch Sammy and Kylie for Doug and Susie. So it was my pleasure and joy to be able to relieve their worry about the dogs during this happy time.  Yes, it was a busy, happy weekend.  But right now, I am so thankful to be home, in my own bed.  And I am thankful for the safe, healthy delivery of baby Lucas.  While I was snuggling little Lucas this afternoon, Doug and Susie and I were talking about the upcoming holidays.  It was so much fun to anticipate Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations with 5 kids!  Last year we only had 3 kids (Anna was born in January)!  Yes, there will be much fun and lots of noise this year!  Lets face it, 6 adults, 5 kids and 3 dogs is quite a bunch! But we are a big happy bunch!  And just as suggested in the email above, we will be "letting our wild spirit run free and not be stuck in a rut!"   

Jesus, thank you so much for the reminder of what is really important.  Thank you so much for children and animals that show us the pure joy and wonder you want for us.  Thank you for your creation that stops us in our tracks! 

Thank you for this amazing sunset from Doug and Susie's backyard.  I would have missed seeing this if I had not been outside with Sammy and Kylie!  What an amazing gift!   Help us all stop to see the amazing things that are right under our noses!    Amen

Growing in admiration for both my mother AND my daughter!

Okay, so this picture may seem a bit out of place today.  But you will understand better why I selected this picture as you keep reading.   First of all, this picture is from 1980 November when Gwen was 18 months old.  I had taken her to Minnesota to visit my mom and dad.  I love this picture of the three of them.  It is one of my favorites.

So, as you know from my last blog, I spent the weekend at Gwen and Tim's watching their four children.  I had a really wonderful time being with them and got to have some time with each one.  They are really great kids and I had no issues at all over the two days and nights that I spent with them.  They cooperated, slept well, ate well and played hard!  But just let me add, I AM TIRED!  I slept about the same amount as I usually do (with maybe a couple of added interruptions), and we didn't leave the house at all (except to walk to the park), so I am at a loss as to why I am feeling this way!  Except to say that taking care of four children is hard work!  It is hard work at any age, but at 60 - yes it is tiring.

Last night Anna woke up at an unusual time and seemed hungry.  So I gave her a bottle.  For the next 40 minutes I listened to her "playing" in her crib.  She was not crying, she was just "talking".  I don't know exactly what she was looking at (it was dark in her room) or playing with (she had nothing in her crib except her pacifier) but she was just happily vocalizing from her crib.  She eventually went to sleep.  But during that time that I was listening to her, I got to thinking about my mom and dad.  There was a particular event/time that my mom always talked about as being very challenging but also very rewarding for her.  My sister needed to go to Mayo Clinic for some life saving surgery and she lived in Montana at the time.  My parents lived in the Minneapolis area. Unfortunately, my sister's then husband did not make very wise choices and he did not want to take care of their children during this surgery.  My sister's children were ages 9, 7, not yet 3, and just turned 1.  So my mom and dad brought my sister to their home, took her to Rochester for the surgery, and then cared for her four daughters during her hospitalization and recovery.  I was thinking about how much stress that was for all of them - my sister and my parents.  First for my sister......wow!  You are experiencing your own trauma but then you have the worry of your children.  For my parents, not only did they have the concern for their daughter but they had the care of these kids.  But here is what my mom would always say about this time taking care of Elise, Chris, Sara and Staci.  I remember her sort of telling a story on herself about her experience with disposable diapers.  She really had never used them and couldn't figure out how they worked. (This was in 1978 so disposables were quite new!). And having two in diapers was not something that my mom had ever done. The main thing she always talked about from this event was how my dad really stepped up to the plate.  I really think this might have been one of the first times that he was around with little kids.  During all the years that we were growing up, he traveled for his job and was not home much.  We were all spaced far apart and my mom and dad never really had two babies in the house at the same time! At the time of my sister's surgery, my dad had just retired and they had relocated into a smaller house in Minnesota.  Mom told how Dad had fashioned gates for the stairs on the first day that they had the kids.  Dad also took the older two girls under his wing and often took them shopping for groceries or out on errands.  And he would always get them special treats.   I am sure that this time was stressful for them and I know that they must have been tired.  But when my mom talked about this time, she always had a smile on her face.  My sister did well during her surgery and recovery and my parents were thankful that they were able to be there and help her during this crisis.  I think that my sister and her kids spent a couple of months with my parents.  This memory did cause me to admire my parents and see them in a different way than I had before.  They really rose to the occasion and managed very well.

Yes, I was feeling very thankful that it was not an "emergency" that brought me to Gwen's house.  It was a chance for Gwen and Tim to minister and share their gifts and talents with youth from their church.  And it was not a couple of months, it was a couple of days.   But Gwen and Tim do this "parenting of four small children" EVERYDAY!   Yes, it does increase your understanding when you "do" their life for a couple of days.  When Gwen says she is tired, SHE IS TIRED!  When they say they are busy, THEY ARE BUSY!  But I know that they are also filled with the love and joy from those precious children.  There are hugs, kisses and more hugs through out the day.  Zeke likes to do "cannonball" hugs (where he runs across the room and throws himself at you!) And he is not a little boy!  I just loved  hearing  "Grandma Lyn, come here!" When I answered his call, Zeke said "Grandma Lyn, I love you, have good sleep!"  God knew what he was doing when he gives babies to those who are younger and stronger.  And I admire Gwen and Tim for parenting their children with love and most importantly, with Jesus.

Last night, as I watched Lia, Ellie and Zeke in the "big bath tub" splashing around in mounds of bubbles, I couldn't have been happier.  Anna was already sleeping in her crib and we were all laughing at the soap bubble fun.  It was one of those times that I didn't think to get out my camera.  But I have those memories stored up and I won't forget this.  I felt bathed in the warmth and love of these children.   And I am blessed.

Isn't it interesting how Jesus helps us appreciate where we are in our own life through memories and thoughts of other generations?  I love that I can see my mom and dad in a new light, after caring for my own grandchildren.  And I can reflect on the times I had with my own children as I watch them with their children.  Can't we all look back on memories of our family - both good and bad memories - and grow in understanding as we see these events through different eyes.   I am so thankful that this memory of my mom and dad was "re-framed" by my own experiences this weekend.

Jesus, thank you for connecting me once again to both my mother and my daughter through this memory.  Thank you for times in the night to pray and listen to your voice.  Thank you for laughter and hugs and kisses.  Thank you for family and connections between the generations.  And thank you for a warm, comfy bed!  Amen

Day 15 - Putting thoughts on paper

I remember exactly where I was when I first did an outline for this booklet.  It was on the 19 hour flight back from Africa in 2004.  As I said in my last blog, that trip changed everything for me.  Instead of just DOING programs for children, suddenly this message needed to be shared with the adults. 

I realized while writing down the words in this little booklet (click here to read the booklet) that it was the youth leaders, the parents, the pastors, the leaders that most needed to hear and embrace this message.  If I had to give a short synopsis of this booklet it can be found in the conclusion .............

 

Much focus is placed on youth and youth ministry. Yet, if the churches were building a strong and solid foundation for the youngest child in the body, the youth ministry would be happening and the youth would be leading this ministry.

Children who have a personal relationship with Jesus and are taught to hear and respond to the voice of Jesus, who are encouraged to share, who are filled with the Spirit, and empowered to serve, can change the entire dynamic of a church family.

These are the children who can walk boldly into their world - the schools, the playgrounds and the sports fields - and bring others into the kingdom. They are not the FUTURE of the church - they ARE the church.

So, the booklet was written.  Copies were made and the booklet was read- at least by a few people.  However, I am not so sure that there was any real impact from this book.  I know that it is another one of those lessons in seed sowing.  I felt that the words needed to be said.  So I did that. 

 

From the perspective of my testimony, however,  the years leading up to this were a very confusing and challenging time for me.  I had resigned from all of my duties doing Children's Ministry.  I made that decision after much prayer and discussion.  It was a time when I really felt adrift with no clear direction.  I wasn't sure exactly WHAT was going on.  But when I was sitting on that plane making that outline, everything seemed to make sense.  Certainly it was good to provide the programs that would meet the needs of the children.  But far more important was the message of this booklet.  The mindset of the adults needed to be changed.  If that happened, then in the future many more children would benefit. 

 

However, once you have been "pigeon holed" into a position, it is very difficult to get out.  Over and over, it was assumed that I should be with the children.  And even harder for me, was that I have not seen much change in the attitude of most of the church towards children. 

 

But, here's the thing.  In looking back at the past 10 years, I know that I have grown so much.  Right now I can say that this time of turmoil and unrest and no fulfillment has been so good for me.  I love that we all can learn during these times of walking in the valleys of discouragement.  While it is wonderful to be up on those mountains of success, I think more is gained during those hard times. 

So my story for tonight is all about walking through some tough times when things didn't go the way I thought they should.  And it was a time when I felt that I had missed my own destiny. The truth about these years is that Jesus was working on me during these years.  And He was walking with me through that valley.  I am grateful for the last 10 years.  And I am also thankful that the valley has ended and I am walking up that mountain! 

 

Jesus, thank you for always giving us exactly what we need, even when it seems to be the opposite of what we thought we wanted.  Holy Spirit, thank you for walking with us when we go through these dark and discouraging times.  Thank you for you plan and purpose for us!   Amen