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

Out with the old and in with the new.... and in with the old also!

 

Yesterday I  realized that my Keurig coffee pot had totally lost it.  Everytime after I made one cup of coffee, instead of shutting off and going to warm, it would begin to make a second cup of coffee.  I finally figured this out after finding coffee spills all over my counter.  It is really no surprise that this pot has bitten the dust since it was actually Ken's coffee pot at his work for several years.  I think we bought our original Keurigs in 2014.  We bought two - one for home and one for Ken's work.  After he retired, we stored this pot until our home unit quit working.  I think that was some time in 2018.  And, lets face it, 2020 was extra hard on this coffee pot!  Instead of one or two cups in the morning, I was making coffee ALL DAY!  So, I will be picking up my pot on Sunday morning - curbside, social distance pick up.  Until then, I am making coffee with TWO cups to avoid the counter situation.  I really think that this is a fitting way to end 2020.  Out with the old and in with new!  

Because my family is celebrating Christmas tomorrow (Yes, I know that it is 2021, but I am just thankful to be celebrating!) I have tried to stay in the Christmas spirit.  In my mail yesterday were several Christmas cards and letters.  Some of these were sent over three weeks ago - thanks Chicago area USPS!  I can't help feeling that I got those cards on exactly the right day.  I received a very special card and letter.

To catch you up, when my family moved to St. Paul in 1960, my very first friend was Sue.  She lived kind of kitty corner to us and we were only 6 month apart in age.  However because of the school cut off date, she was a year behind me in school.  We spent so many hours together and her mom was always my "go to" mom if I ever had a problem when my mom was at work.  Because my older siblings were in Junior High, our school hours were different.  When my mom left for work I would always go to Sue's house to wait until it was time for the bus.  I especially loved this because Sue had younger siblings and her mom would "let" me give the baby his bottle!  This was my first real time actually taking care of younger kids.  And I loved it so much.  Her family moved out of our neighborhood when I was in 3rd or 4th grade, but she lived close enough that we had many play dates and sleep overs.  We kept in touch via mail after I moved to the Chicago area.  We both married around the same time and our kids are also very similar ages.  In those busy child rearing years, we mostly communicated in yearly Christmas letters.  Since I was back in the Twin Cities often to see my mom and dad, we would often talk on the phone when I was there.  The last time I actually saw her was in 1987 when she drove to my mom's house to visit when the kids and I were visiting my mom. 

Our Christmas communitcation had kept us current with our jobs, our children and grand children.  In the last couple of years I have not sent out Christmas cards.  And I didn't receive a card from her for the last couple of years either.  I had actually been thinking about writing her letter this year, to share about Ken's death.  And then her card arrived yesterday.  Her husband passed away in January of 2019.  She gave me her phone number and said she would love to catch up.  We spent a wonderful couple of hours on the phone yesterday afternoon.  It is crazy how much we have in common.  If it were not for COVID we would have already been planning a trip to see each other.  What an amazing gift and a wonderful way to end 2020.  It was certainly bringing in the OLD to end the year!

I just can't get over how good Jesus is to bring these small bits of encouragement to us when we most need them.  Sue and I have so much shared childhood history.  It was interesting to hear some of her memories that I sure didn't remember!  More than anything else, I am hearing Jesus tell me that 2021 will be a year for me to connect with the past and to remember and record those memories.  I have known for many years that I have been called to write.  Hence this blog.  I began writing these blogs in 2013.  It hardly seems possible that I have been doing this for 7 years!  So I am going forward into 2021 with expectation for all that might be ahead.  Pretty sure that I can't imagine what 2021 will be like.  Yes, things will be different for me without Ken.  The last three years have been hard with Ken having so many health challenges  And then 2020 has been filled with Covid and everything that brought.   Not lying, I am  ready to have coffee with friends - actually at a cafe.  And I am so ready to be able to be with my small groups, not over zoom.  Mostly I am ready to be with my family and to give hugs and kisses whenever I want!  I want to not have to think about being "safe" when I get in the car.  But also I am more than ready for new adventures.  You can be sure I will be bringing you along for the ride!

Jesus, thank you so much for reconnecting me with old friends.  Help us all to look ahead with the assurance that you have carried us in the past and will continue to carry us into the future.  Holy Spirit, remind us how far we have come and then give us a vision for where you are bringing us in 2021. Fill us with your hope, your peace and your joy as we begin this new year.  Amen

Progress - walking out of a difficult time

I really can't believe that it is the 21st of February.  I have lost most of January and most of February with Ken's health crisis.  But the very good news is that we are walking out of the crisis and back into our more normal routines. 

Ken actually drove over the last few days.  It felt really good to be a passenger once again!  I am not used to being the sole driver of the family.  And it was good for Ken to know that he was okay behind the wheel.  We thought that his IV antibiotics would be continued until at least the end of February.  So it was a (pleasant) surprise when the doctor's office called and summoned Ken back to the treatment center to have his IV removed.

The doctor transitioned Ken to oral antibiotics that are kinder on his system.  He will need to stay on these for a month, but it is progress!  This morning Ken stood in the shower for about half an hour.  That first shower after 6 weeks is pure heaven.  This morning Gwen and Doug both came over and all the grand kids had a a chance to play together.  It was a wonderful time to celebrate how well Ken is doing.  

During this blur of hospitals and doctors and IV's and worry, I have been so blessed by my wonderful friends.  This week a dear friend stopped by with homemade Chicken soup and crackers, which came with this adorable card..

I can't tell you what a  treat it was to have something delicious prepared for dinner, that I know also came with  many prayers.  Both Ken and I feel the power of the prayers of so many that have miraculously advanced his recovery so quickly.  

If there is one thing that I have had the time for in the last 6 weeks, it has been looking at magazines in waiting rooms through out the hospital.  I have scanned through some publications that I would never consider purchasing (or even looking at) if the situation was any different.  However, I picked up this magazine for the first time and was so impressed!

I confess that I am an HGTV fan and over the last weeks, that channel was playing often in Ken's room.  I love Chip and Joanna Gaines.  Of all the home improvement shows on that network, theirs is by far the best.  Their family focus and God focus come through in so many ways.  And this magazine was amazing.  I plan to get a subscription - something I never thought I would do.  There was so much more than decorating tips.  The interviews, the articles and even the ads are things that I want to spent my time thinking about, looking at and remembering.  I took a photo of one page that I just didn't want to lose.  

These are monthly prompts for journaling that will help to keep your focus where it needs to be.  While she doesn't talk about this from a Christian perspective, it is clear from each prompt that all the ideas reflect principles that are Biblical.  I love that through this "secular" publication, Joanna is reaching so many people in ways that will allow the Holy Spirit to touch them.  What an amazing gift.  I loved this family before I read this magazine, and more so now.  Finding this magazine was certainly a "God moment" for me.  Just one of many small things that kept my focus exactly where it needed to be.  

When you are doing the ordinary routines of life, it is easy to miss the ways that Jesus is watching out for you and your family.  But when you are in the midst of a crisis, those touches from the Lord become flashing beacons in the darkness around you.  From that first night and the Bible verse that was so perfect (see my last blog) to finding this magazine on a waiting room table, there have been countless, wonderful glimpses of the protecting, caring hand of God on Ken and our entire family.  I know that it is miraculous that Doug, Gwen and I did NOT get sick ourselves during this time.  We used tons of hand washing and sanitizer but still - the hospital was filled with so much flu and so many nasty viruses.  I know it was supernatural protection.  And none of the grand kids got sick either.  There were so many times I found parking spots right in front of the door to the hospital.  I could go on and on.  I found myself often reciting (silently) Psalm 23 - along with the reminder that we are WALKING THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death.  I am so thankful for all of the scriptures and songs that I have memorized that truly came into my mind (by the power of the Holy Spirit) at just the right moment.  Yes, God is so good.  I am very thankful.

Jesus, thank you for knowing exactly what we need and when we need it.  Holy Spirit, thank you for reminding us even when we don't ask.  Thank you for prompting the prayers of others for us when we can't even pray ourselves.  Jesus, thank you for friends who meet us just where we most need them.  And thank you for Chip and Joanna Gaines and their family.  Bless their business to reach many for your glory.   Amen  

We all need somebody to lean on....

This week my small group gathered for our annual Christmas luncheon.  It was a wonderful time of sharing, as usual.  Most of our group has been together for more than two years, but we have added a few more friends along the way.  We were missing a couple of gals on Wednesday, but here is a picture of us after our celebration...

As I was preparing to write this blog, all I could think about was a very old song from 1972  - Lean On Me by Bill Withers.   Here are the lyrics to that song.  I think I should recommend that my group makes this our theme song..... (But instead of CALL ME it should say TEXT ME)!

Sometimes in our lives, We all have pain, we all have sorrow,

But if we are wise, we know that there is always tomorrow.

Lean on me when you're not strong, I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on.

For it won't be long, Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on.

Please swallow your pride, If I have things you need to borrow

For no one can fill those of your needs, that you won't let show.

Just call on my brother, when you need a hand. We all need somebody to lean on.

I just might have a problem that you'll understand, We all need somebody to lean on.

If there is a load you have to bear. That you can't carry.

I'm right up the road, I'll share your load. If you just call me.

I can't express just how true the words of this song are for our group, how much they apply.  Each one of us has our ups and downs - our pain and sorrow and our joys.  But in that, we all know that we can lean on each other.  Because we are such a diverse group of women, we understand so many different problems and situations.  It is an amazing thing to see how the Lord put our group together, because he knew that we would all need each other in different ways and at different times. Each bringing something so valuable and unique to the group.  

In Ephesians 6, Paul details the Armor of God.  in verse 13 it says....

Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Part of that armor is the shield of faith,  described in verse 16  - with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  

My friends and I have discovered that sometimes that shield of faith is really heavy.  When you are in midst of tough circumstances, when you have grown weary and been struggling on for so very long, when things seem hopeless - it is really hard to have enough faith to be protected from the attacks of the enemy.  So, we have decided that, just like the Roman soldiers did, we would "Lock our shields" together.  Together we are much stronger and we can all "lean on each other" when times get tough.  

Earlier I said that the song should say "text" instead of "call" - and that is just so true.  Our group has a group text that carries prayer requests, urgent cries for help (which we simply have to text 911 to our group and prayers will immediately begin) wonderful good news, answered prayers, and often you see the phrase "Shields locked" show up!  Simply put, that phrase says that we are standing with each other - we are helping carry that hard load - whatever it is.  To us, it means that when you have a deep need, all the rest of the group will encircle you with their shields of faith raised to help protect you. This year, we were so blessed by one gal with this physical reminder of that phrase.  

I am convinced that everyone needs somebody to lean on.  If you don't have a small group or even just one or two close friends, I encourage you to seek it out.    Being isolated is one of the ways that satan has to knock us down.  It is so worth it to find people with whom you can be open and honest.  Jesus never intended for us to be lone warriors.  We are all so much better when we are surrounded by those locked shields.  Yep, I am going to be humming "Lean on me" in the days ahead!

Jesus, thank you so much for the blessing of close friends.  Thank you for drawing us all together and being the creator of our small group.  Holy Spirit, reach out to those that feeling lonely and those that don't have a support group.  Lead them to exactly the right place for them to meet others who they can lean on.  Jesus thank you for caring for us and knowing that we need friends.  Amen  

Keeping my mind where it belongs......

I was skimming through my Facebook feed this afternoon and came across a picture one of my Facebook friends had shared. It was a picture that included my dear friend LeeAnn, who died in 2000.   I spent a few minutes looking at that photo and then I retreated to my favorite chair in my scrapbook room.  I glanced up at the wall and there was this framed verse.  It is actually a "Manuscripture" that was hand drawn.  LeeAnn actually gifted this to me in 1992 and it has a handwritten note from her on the back of the frame.  What a powerful and important gift that personal note is to me.  This is LeeAnn and I from sometime in 1985.  LeeAnn knew that I really needed peace during that time and she was there to direct me to the source of perfect peace!

As I was looking for this picture I found several dozen pictures of us with our kids.  Her oldest was just a bit older than Gwen and we were pregnant together with our second kids.  We had "opposite" gender kids, but that didn't stop the four of them from having a wonderful time together.  I know that somewhere (I couldn't find the exact picture) I have a photo of Gwen and LeeAnn's daughter MollyAnn playing dolls together.  We took side by side photos of Molly and Doug (they were three months apart).  As the kids grew up, we saw less and less of each other - especially after she moved about 20 minutes away.  But we still got together for very early morning coffee and chats or whenever we could manage a few minutes away from our responsibilities.  

Have you ever met someone and just "KNOWN" that you are supposed to be friends?  It was that way with LeeAnn and I.  She came to my house looking for daycare for her little boy for just a couple hours a few times a week.  When she sat down at my kitchen table and we began to visit, I knew that she was from somewhere close to Minnesota.  I could recognize her "accent"!  She was so surprised that I knew that and then that I even was familiar with her home (which was actually in North Dakota not very far from my family home on Lake Maud.)  From that first visit, we just got each other.  She was my support and listening ear during all of Doug's health issues (She was a nurse).   I am so incredibly thankful to have not only this beautiful framed verse, but also LeeAnn's words to me.  

Isn't it interesting how something like this can make such a difference to someone?  It is not only the "Big Name" and "Well Known" people that can make an impact on others.  Last night I heard a message that has been on my heart all day today.  It was a reminder that while the largest bone in our body is very important (it is the femur - the thigh bone) because it carries all of our weight, the smallest bone in our body is also very important.  The smallest bone is the stapes.  It is in our inner ear and is essential to our hearing and balance.  Because we are identified at the "body of Christ", we know that every part of that body plays an important role.  The message last night was to remember this important fact......  

If you feel like you are small and unnoticed and even feel like you are in a dark place...remember the stapes.  The smallest bone is just as important as the largest bone.  In fact, that stapes represents our ability to hear.  We know that "...faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ" (Romans 10:17)  A very important part of the body indeed!  So don't lament that your place is not one of notice and acclaim.  Those places actually carry a lot of weight, which is not easy.  Rejoice that your place is tiny and that your influence seems small.  God has so much more for those of us "small ones"!  We just need to keep our minds on WHO is important!  And then we will hear his voice clearly and can have a great influence on those around us.  

Yes, I was reminded today to share my heart in writing to those special ones around me.  LeeAnn had no idea that I would see this frame 16 years after her death and remember her influence on my life.  She was just following her heart to give and bless others.  I am so thankful that Jesus puts people in our life that give us a chance to share the amazing Good News.  I will not let any more days go by without sharing!  Won't you join me and bless someone today.  

Jesus, thank you for friends that enrich our life and show us the way when we can't see.  Thank you for the reminder that size simply doesn't matter.  Neither does our place in the body of Christ.  When we are yours, we matter!  And you love us!  Holy Spirit, nudge us to share with those closest to us.  Give us words and actions that will bring joy and blessing to them.  Amen

When a "Daily Devotion" just fits!

I have a couple of favorite daily devotion books that I have used for years and years.  I often find myself going back to this tried and true book by Oswald Chambers.  I have always loved that the devotion for my birthday is taken from John 7:38.  That verse is my "life verse".  It is the verse that is associated with my name meaning.  That verse says  "Whoever believes in me as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them".  I have read and re-read that days devotion over and over again.  It just speaks into my spirit in such a powerful way.  Today, however, I read the September 7th entry. All I can say is WOW!

This entry begins with the verse John 4:14. "The water I give will become in him a spring of water".
And here are a couple of sentences from the devotion......
*The picture our Lord gives is not a channel but a fountain
*As we receive from Jesus, He will pour out through us
*If life is not flowing out of you, you are to blame, something has obstructed the flow

And I love the last lines of this day's reading...."Never look at this from the standpoint of "who am I".  In the history of God's work you will nearly always find that it has started from the obscure, the unknown, the ignored but the one that is steadfastly true to Jesus Christ."

Today at my small group we were talking about the Holy Spirit and about these exact verses.  We were also reflecting on the key to this entire "rivers of living water flowing out of us".  That key is that we have to have a close relationship with Jesus so that we are getting filled up to overflowing!  So tonight when I picked up this devotional and saw today's topic, it made me sit up and take notice.  As I got to the end of the reading, I just sat and pondered that last line.  Oswald Chambers was making a case for this passage (and the one on September 6) being for EVERYONE!  Not just for the church worker.  Or the pastor.  Or the evangelist.  Not just for the bold person who can easily share their faith with others.  This pouring out of the life of Jesus happens through ALL of us.  That is pretty amazing isn't it.  And if you are thinking that there is nothing flowing out of you right now, Chambers makes the reason really clear.  It is because you have some kind of obstruction in your life that is stopping that flow.  And the answer to clearing up the obstruction is a simple one - get closer to Jesus.

A really interesting thing happened in our meeting this morning.  After all this discussion about the Holy Spirit, we began to pray together.  And suddenly, the heavens opened up and there was a downpour rain!  It was as if Jesus had heard our discussion and He was just pouring out more for all of us.  The rain continued through the entire time that we prayed.  And as our prayer time ended and we were visiting together, the sun came out!  It was a wonderful reminder for me that Jesus is ready to pour out more for us if we just ask.

We had a wonderful birthday celebration after that prayer time.  I am so blessed by these wonderful women who support me through prayer and friendship.  It is easy to feel like we are just not that important in God's plan.  To think that we don't matter.  And to feel that we have nothing to offer and no purpose to serve.  But this devotion just reinforced for me what I feel with this small group.  Jesus uses each of us.  We can never know who we might touch in our daily life.  And I loved the reminder that all we need to do is stay close to Jesus.

Sometimes we all need a wake up call.  We need to open our eyes and see all that Jesus has put around us.  The people, the places that we can let that river flow!  Today for me, it was at my small group.  And it was also the place that I got even more filled up so that I more to share!

My day included receiving these really amazing flowers from my friend.  I love that these are called "Sunset Roses".  They have the colors of the sky!  Yes, this has been an amazing few days of birthday celebrations.  I am so thankful and I am so blessed! It is a fitting end to today and to this blog.

My prayer for all of you reading today is to grow in the understanding of this river of living water that we all carry.  What an amazing and wonderful God we serve that blesses us in the big things and in the little things through our friends and our family and through amazing flowers.  

Jesus, thank you for all of your blessings.  For the rain that reminds us of your presence with us.  For devotion books that point the way to your truth.  For friends who stand with us in good times and bad.  For your amazing creation.  Thank you for your love.  Amen

Looking ahead - to this weekend and to the future!

This mess of bags and containers and things is all that I have packed for my scrapbooking weekend!  Every time that I think I am more organized, I look at a picture like this and know that while I might be better than I used to be - I still have a long way to go!  I always look longingly at those pictures of the "perfect craft rooms".  I think about how nice it would be to have a space that looked like those perfectly organized spaces with everything so neatly in place.  But the truth is, if I had a space like that, it would be very difficult to pick up and go off to a weekend away with my scrap buddies!  The way I have my things, it is easy to just pick up and go!  And there is a lot to be said for that.  It may look messy, but I can find everything and MOST times, I don't forget anything that is really important.  The very best part of these times away is the fellowship.  The time to just sit and talk and share with this wonderful group of gals is refreshing and renewing.

I've been thinking about friends a lot this week.  My small group had a great gathering on Wednesday to celebrate a visitor from out of state, as well as a 60th birthday of one of the gals.  It was such a sweet time of fellowship, with prayer and sharing and of course food!  I am so thankful for this group for so many reasons!  The prayer support is just amazing.  Additionally, I just love these wonderful ladies so much.  It is really something to feel such a "kindred spirit" with people who, in so many ways, are nothing at all like yourself!  It is at that point that you say - "It has got to be GOD!"  We have been drawn together by a desire to grow closer to Jesus.  And there is an openness and freedom to share that has built trust among us.  I can honestly say that this group of women have my back.  They don't judge me.  There is acceptance and love.  And true caring and concern.  What a gift!

With my own birthday approaching in a couple of weeks, I've also been thinking about moving into this new stage of life - retirement.  I think that Ken would say that I've been retired for awhile since I haven't had a PAID job for several months.  But the transition into a more REAL retirement is what has been on my mind.  How many commercials do I have to see for Medicare Supplemental Insurance or Life Insurance for "final expenses" before I can scream ENOUGH!  Quite honestly, between the political garbage and these annoying advertisements, I have about had it with TV!  Ken and I have certainly been talking about retirement - we don't have our heads in the sand.  But it has not been an easy topic around our house.  Ken's primary desire is to move AWAY from snow and cold.  My primary desire is to stay right here.  Surrounded by our children and grandchildren.  AND my good friends.  While this argument has been going on for many years, we are no closer to a solution to this problem.  I truly believe that this is my biggest concern right now, because there doesn't seem to be a logical answer to this situation.  And I have to remind myself that Jesus is in control of the future.  I just did a blog about NOT worrying about tomorrow.  So I will make a choice to not dwell on the seemingly unsolvable dilemma regarding our retirement. And I will celebrate today.

I have heard that you can always tell what is most important to someone by looking at where they spend their time and what the focus of their life is all about.  For some people it might be their work or their career.  For others it might be sports or a hobby.  Or it might be exercise or fitness that commands all of your "spare time".  For me, it is most certainly my faith, my family and my friends!  This is certainly what these blogs are all about.   Every way that I spend my time has some connection to those three things.  There is such a strength in knowing that!   For me, the best part of my weekend away preserving pictures in albums, is that there is a total overlap of these three!  FAITH - FAMILY- FRIENDS!

It is interesting how each persons story is filled with those "important" things in their life.  For some people their "glory days" were the time they spent in college.  Or for some it might be when they are at the very height of their careers.  I've been thinking about what my "story" would look like if I had to make it short and simple.  This thought has actually stopped me in my tracks (so to speak) and I have been sitting here at the keyboard just lost in thought.  And yes, it always come back to those three things.....Faith - Family and Friends!  I guess that is the topic for another blog!

So yes, I am looking ahead to this fun weekend away with family and friends, doing something that I just love - scrapbooking!  And I will be reminding myself that today has enough cares of its own and I don't need to worry about tomorrow.  My encouragement and wish for you all is that you can find a time to spend on what is most important to you!  Meet up with that friend.  Go visit that family member you haven''t seen in so long.  Take a few minutes to walk by yourself in the woods.  Look up at the sky.  Look down at the flowers.  Stop and be thankful for today.  It is a sure cure for worry!

Jesus, thank you for the reminder to us all that we need to step out of the routines of life and find joy in our world.  Holy Spirit, help us all to look around and be thankful for the small things.  Keep our focus on what is really important and help us to renew our thinking!  Thank you Jesus for the reminder of what is really important to me!   Amen

Sometimes you just need a friend............

These two furry cuties are Ruby and Chandler.  Chandler belongs to Gwen's family.  For the last couple of weeks, Ruby (who belongs to friends of Gwen's family) has been "visiting" while her family vacationed.  Now Ruby is an older dog.  I appreciate that she doesn't have quite as much "spunk" as Chandler - let's face it, I can relate!  And Chandler, while not a puppy, is still a bit of an active adult.  Ruby mostly just slept in her kennel.  The door was never closed, but she seemed happy in the security of her kennel.  Chandler seemed to just ignore Ruby.  But that was LAST week.  After more days at Gwen's, Ruby was warming up.  Or possibly thought this was her new home.  But either way, she was much more active.  She wandered in the kitchen.  She stuck her nose out the door when I was letting Chandler outside.  She tried to get some food from Anna's highchair.  All very normal "doggy" stuff.  And then, after lunch, I let Chandler outside.  When he came back inside, poor Ruby (who was minding her own business in the middle of the floor) didn't know what to do with him!  Chandler wanted to play and tried to engage Ruby in every way he could think of.

You can see in this picture that Chandler's tail is wagging like crazy and you can also see the look on Ruby's face!   I love this picture.  Ruby is just not having any of Chandler's prodding.  And you gotta love that Ruby never got angry with Chandler.  I finally sent Chandler to the couch to spare poor Ruby!  I actually believe that I heard Chandler sigh as he walked away.  He really just wanted a friend to play with him!

Don't we all have those times when we would just love to have a friend around?  I can sure relate to this.  I am so blessed to have many good friends who are just a phone call away.  Sometimes it is enough to engage in a long phone conversation.  Sometimes you need a meet up at a local coffee shop for a beverage and a chat.  Sometimes you might need a good night out to really catch up. Over the last few months, even the text messages and voice mails have been so important to me.  Yes, I depend on my friends for support and comfort and wisdom and so much more.  

One of the first hymns that I ever learned and for many years, I called it my "favorite Hymn", is "What A Friend We Have in Jesus".   It was also one of my mom's favorites.  And on mother's day, my niece mentioned that she could hear her mom (my sister) singing that hymn!  So, yes this song is a family favorite.  Here are the lyrics to this old favorite................

What a friend we have in Jesus, 

all our sins and griefs to bear! 

What a privilege to carry 

everything to God in prayer! 

O what peace we often forfeit, 

O what needless pain we bear, 

all because we do not carry 

everything to God in prayer. 

 Have we trials and temptations? 

Is there trouble anywhere? 

We should never be discouraged; 

take it to the Lord in prayer. 

Can we find a friend so faithful 

who will all our sorrows share? 

Jesus knows our every weakness; 

take it to the Lord in prayer. 

 Are we weak and heavy laden, 

cumbered with a load of care? 

Precious Savior, still our refuge; 

take it to the Lord in prayer. 

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? 

Take it to the Lord in prayer! 

In his arms he'll take and shield thee; 

thou wilt find a solace there.

Yes, I am so thankful for this special friend - Jesus!  I need this friend everyday. And He is always with me.  And the really amazing thing is that each of my friends brings more of Jesus to me.  Yes, I am blessed that my friends also have Jesus as their friend.  There is such a multiplication of the presence of Jesus, when 2 or 3 are together!  

"Where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them!"  Matthew 18:20

I am so thankful for Ruby and Chandler and this reminder. Yes, sometimes you just need a friend.....or two...or more.  And I always need Jesus!  

Jesus, thank you for your presence with us and in us that we can share with others.  Holy Spirit, continue to remind us how very present Jesus is with us.  Thank you for pets and the joy that they bring to families.  And Jesus, thank you for friends.  Amen

Hope for today.....

This morning a dear friend gifted this statue to me.  She said that it reminded her of my blog about Lucas.  And I confess, it is so special. I love that hope is seen rising from the hand of a child.  As a matter of fact, it almost looks like the hope will actually pick him up and send him soaring.  I love this image.  It does remind me of Lucas.  And it reminds me that there is enough hope to help me rise above everything right now.

You know, I really needed this visual image of "hope" today.  I can talk about hope.  I can believe in hope.  But it is really hard to hang on to hope.  I love this image!  Because I need hope that is big enough to carry me right now.  I am so glad that this friend stepped out and took a chance on a special gift for me.  This will be a cherished reminder on my mantel for a long time.

Later in the day, I had an interesting phone call that was the culmination of a few weeks of internet searches.  I have blogged before about these people.... My four times great grandparents.

As a matter of fact, when I blogged about them, I found the book with the information that started my recent search.  You can read their story in my blog post from September 22, 2014.  I actually began looking for the cemetery where Lars Rockne may be buried.  Since he died in 1852 it was not an easy find.  I ended up at the McHenry County Historical Society.  They have volunteer researchers who dig through their records to try to find the information that you need.  I gave him all of the information that I had (all contained in the family record book of the Rockne family) and really hoped that we would find something.  There is a very old "Scandinavian Cemetery" that dates to around that era, but there was no record of Lars Rockne.  My conversation today, sadly confirmed my fears that there is no record of Lars in the township or county records.  Considering that there were only several hundred people in the area, and the records were not very well maintained, this is no surprise.  The Norwegian Lutheran Church where Lars was buried was gone in the early 1900's.  The cemetery that was near the church was "moved" to the Scandinavian Cemetery.  However, it is extremely possible that Lars grave was never marked or recorded.   And he died of Cholera during an epidemic.  So he may have been buried away from the actual cemetery.  I will be receiving some pictures and documents from the Historical Society that will show me the location of the old church. I will be visiting that location at some time in the future.  

This couple journeyed across an ocean, and half way across a continent in the HOPE of a new and better life for themselves and their children.  And even though he only lived 2 years in America and she only lived 7 years, their descendants fill a very large family tree.  They trusted that Jesus would take care of them and lead them.  They experienced much loss and hardship.  But they held on to hope.  I love that this reminder came today.  

Jesus, thank you for good friends that find the exact right way to touch our heart.  Your hope, Jesus, is what sustains us during this time of sadness and grief.  Thank you for hope that rises over us and lifts us out of heaviness and darkness.   Thank you for volunteers who help us make sense out of our history.  What an important reminder that our past generations moved forward with hope.  Holy Spirit, thank you for helping me hold on to hope.  Amen

Doesn't matter how old you are!

In a spare moment this morning, while watching those precious grandchildren, I picked up this book off of the coffee table.  Honestly, I didn't remember purchasing this book, but there it was - in ink - that this book was gifted to Lia on December 24, 2010 by Grandma Lyn and Grandpa.  That was a long time ago...almost 4 years.  And Lia was just 4 1/2 at that time.  And here is Lia from today!  A very grown up 8 1/2 year old.  Full of fun, full of live and full of love.  What a cutie!

Later, while Anna was napping, I picked up this book, one more time.   I was so impressed by these one page devotions.   Just perfect for Lia.  And just perfect for me!

There were so many that I read that really hit home for me today.  Isn't it wonderful that Jesus can use even kids books to speak to us?  I just loved this "Royal Connections".   It uses the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to discuss having Christian friends.  What a wonderful tie to a Bible story.  I especially love the last part of these devotions - "I know I am loved because.....".  Every devotion has this last line with an appropriate response.  This one says...God sends friends who love him, too!  I guess that really spoke to me today because I was thinking about my small group and how much I love those gals.  

Don't we ALL need to hear these thoughts EVERY DAY?  I need to know I am loved because...  with a special Word from Jesus.  Yes, that is really powerful.   I can tell you that reading that little devotional book today just lifted my spirit and filled me with an amazing sense of the presence of Jesus.  I saw things like....."God has a plan for my life",  "God is always with me".  Yes, sometimes it is good to go back to the basics.  I confess that "daily devotion" time has not always been easy for me.  I struggled with trying to find a balance of stories and just the Bible.  And I have been so blessed by the many, many devotional books that I have found.  Today, I am thankful for this little Princess book that "Celebrates the Love that God has for You"!  So my encouragement to you today is to find a devotional book that will help you focus on Jesus.  Don't get bogged down in the details, Just read and let Jesus speak into exactly where you are. I can assure you that He will speak!

Jesus, thank you for the reminder that you will speak to us through many different means.  Thank you for this book for little girls that will show them every day that they are loved.  How amazing it is to know that you arrange for us to have friends that also know you!  Thank you for all of my wonderful friends.  Thank you for Lia and all that she brings to our family.  Amen

Facebook.....more than it seems

There is a lot of stuff out there about how BAD social media is, in so many ways.  While some of the points might be true, there is a lot of GOOD stuff about Facebook also!  Tonight I want to share something that has really touched my life through Facebook.  I have 121 friends on Facebook.  Not a big number, but not a small number either.  And here is the thing.  There are a few of these "friends" that I have never met in person, yet they are really some of the most important people to me.

Well, here's a little personal story tonight.  This goes along with truth telling and it is also an important part of my testimony.   Way back in 1991, I met a wonderful couple, Bob and Sue.  Now here's the thing, these two people helped me make sense of my life, when nothing in my life seemed to jive.  At the time, Sue was working as a nurse and often missed the meetings that brought us together.  But every time she was there, she helped me see Jesus and brought understanding to me.  Bob and Sue spoke into my spirit and helped me grow up into a disciple of Jesus.  Bob was an Elder at our church and when my daughter Gwen was confirmed, Bob was the Elder that prayed for her.  He spoke a verse to her that continues to speak to her today.  It was a sad day for me when Bob and Sue moved out of the area, but I knew that they were following God's call on their life.   Sue and I continued to stay in touch via "snail mail" and I loved hearing about all that was happening for them. It was very sad learning that Sue had cancer.  And while I celebrated that Sue was in heaven with Jesus when she died, it was still a sad day for me.   Now here is today's REAL story.  I don't know exactly how I started following Kathleen Mate-Thiede David Thiede.  David Thiede is Bob and Sue's son and Kathleen is his wife.  When I  first found her page, I was immediately interested.  There was so much encouragement and hope and joy in her posts.  She was sharing and posting and praying for so many people.  It didn't take long for me to ask to be her friend.  I really don't know why she accepted my request.  I am sure that she doesn't have any idea (even today) how I found her.  We do have a few mutual friends, so that is most likely what made her friend me.   Very soon, through her posts, it became clear that she was not well. Yet her posts were filled with thankfulness and hope.  It is clear that Kathleen and David have an amazing relationship filled with love. Very often when reading her posts, I will get a flash of Bob and Sue.  Recently she posted a picture on a "throw back Thursday"  that included Bob and Sue. It was certainly a wonderful memory jog for me to see Bob and Sue as I remember them.   I didn't quite know the depth of Kathleen's illness until just recently.  Another one of her friends started a fund raising page for Kathleen....fund for Kathleen Thiede.  On this page you can read about her complex medical issues, as well as understand their great financial need.  

If there is one thing I have learned over the years, it is very hard to be humble enough to ask for help.  I am so thankful for Kathleen's friend that started this page.  I can tell you that this couple has a real need and this is not a scam.  Tonight I am just so thankful for Facebook and this connection.  And I am praying that some of you, reading this blog, will be motivated to help these wonderful people take care of their pressing medical needs.  I have been so blessed and felt so supported by this amazing lady that I have never met.  When she says she is praying, I feel those prayers.  What a gift she is to me and so many others.  And Jesus is calling me to stand with them as they seek your support.  

Jesus, thank you for connecting me with Kathleen and David.  Thank you for the connections that we make through Facebook.  Holy Spirit, you put this on my heart  so I am trusting you will motivate others to participate in what Jesus is doing today.  Bless Kathleen and David with the assurance of your love and care tonight. Jesus, bring restoration and health and healing to Kathleen!  Thank you for all who read this blog.  Amen

Long time friends, baby shower and Baptism birthdays.......

Today I was driving on a road quite close to my house, when I saw something really unexpected.  It was an object on TOP of a car......it was a DOG SLED!  You know, the kind of thing that they use in the Iditarod? What were they doing with a dog sled, in Illinois, IN MAY?  I confess that I had a moment of contemplating if there was snow in our forecast.  I mean, it is Illinois and it has been in the 30's.  And it IS May.  Yes, it was very unexpected.  And in the last couple of days I have been looking for those unexpected things.  I'll let you know if I figure out any hidden meaning in this dog sled sighting!  (Possibly it goes along with my message from "Paddlefoot?)

 

Today was one of those really great, exciting days.   I had the wonderful pleasure of attending a baby shower for Gwen's best friend since 6th grade, Brenda.   It was certainly a time of celebrating and also a bit of remembering.  I calculated that Gwen and Brenda have been friends for 24 years.  WOW does that ever make me feel old!  I spent part of the day holding my sweet little Anna, and it was so wonderful contemplating all the fun Anna and this expected baby boy will have at future parties.  It is so good to gather together with friends and family and mark these important events.

 



It was also an important day for Ellie!  It is her "Baptism Birthday"!  Five years ago she was welcomed into the Covenant of God's family and sealed with the cross of Christ. 

 I love looking at these picture of Ellie's Baptism day.   She wore Gwen's Baptism dress and was so cute!  While I was going through the photo file, I discovered this photo......

This is Brenda holding Ellie, and her husband Rick, five years ago.  Today we celebrated their coming baby.   I can't help but think how wonderful this is!  I love that Anna and their baby will be only months apart.  There is something so powerful in seeing your kids and their friends, grow up and have their own kids.  Brenda spent so much time with Gwen that she really seems like part of our family.  I confess, it made me quite teary.  I can't wait to meet this new little one.

 

I am so thankful that Gwen and Tim have made it a priority to remember and celebrate the Baptism birthdays of their kids.  It is a time when the kids talk about what Baptism is all about.  They light their candle and remember that Jesus is the light of the world.   It is a special day for them.  Wouldn't we all benefit if we added in this extra special day of celebrating by remembering our Baptism birthday?  I plan to celebrate my special day this year....on November 7th.  I want to encourage you to find your own Baptism birth date and make it a priority this year.  Celebrate this very important day in your life.  Celebrate with family and friends..... and cake! 

 

Jesus, thank you for old friends and new life.  Thank you for the new life that we have in you.  Holy Spirit, thank you for your working in Baptism.  Jesus, bless Brenda and Rick and their baby.  Bring your peace and presence during these final weeks before the birth.  Thank you, Jesus, for Ellie and all that you are doing in and through her.  Help us all to remember and celebrate our Baptism Birthdays with joy.   Amen

 



Passover Celebration with friends....

Tonight I had the great honor of attending a Passover Seder.  It was a simply wonderful time.  I love seeing this important celebration from a Christian perspective.   I was thinking of those pictures that are "optical illusions" when there are really two very different pictures, and once you see one, you can't NOT see it.  Like this.....

This Passover celebration is like those pictures!  Once you see Jesus and how much he is represented in this Seder, it's hard to NOT see Him.   And when you add the New Testament celebration of Communion into the picture, it is simply amazing.   All through out the meal I was remembering my dream of a few weeks ago and the revelation I had last Sunday night.   I was imagining all of those chosen people of God, sitting down at tables all over the earth, saying the same words.   I am praying that the veils will be removed from their eyes and they would see their Messiah.   At the end of the meal, my friends and I were just talking and laughing and singing some spontaneous praise songs.  And I felt led to share the dream and the words I had from last Sunday.   My friend leading the Seder had a thoughtful look on his face.  And then he said, "well that sounds a lot like Isaiah 25:6-9.  

 

On the mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine- the best of meats and the finest of wines.  On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all people, the sheet that covers all nations.  He will swallow up death forever.  The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces.  He will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth.   The Lord has spoken.   In that day they will say, "Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us.  This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation."

 

Isn't that amazing?   It does sound a bit like my dream.  And from that verse, we prayed for all those people celebrating Seders around the world.  It was an awesome way to end this celebration.   You know, I almost didn't go to this dinner.   But late yesterday I knew that I needed to be there.   I am so thankful for that prompting of the Holy Spirit that nudged me to exactly where I needed to be today.  

 

This will be a wonderful Holy Week and Easter.  Even though there is SNOW in the forecast for tomorrow and tomorrow night! (Can you believe it???)  Jesus,  I am so thankful for the path that you have me on during this season.   Thank you, for Spring and new life and resurrection power.  Thank you for friends and for ancient celebrations that connect us to past generations and  help us look to the future.   Holy Spirit, bring that Passover miracle!  Amen



The end of a "sugary" day.... good food, good work, good friends!

This is going to be just a really quick post about my very long day........ It was the kid's Christmas Party today at my work.  So we had a room full of over excited, over stimulated, over junk-fooded, crazy kids!  Yes, it was a busy, busy day that sure had some "moments"!  Here is a shot of the "snacks" at the party!  Yep, cookies, donuts, chips, more cookies, cheese and crackers and yes fruit.

Most of the kids only ate a cookie or two and some of the fruit, but there were several that cleaned their plates!  It was most certainly a "sugar overload".  (And most of the kids hardly touched their lunch either).  But hey, Christmas only comes one time a year, right?

Okay, I have been working on "expecting the unexpected" and I sure had some more "unexpected" things happen today. 

1.  I started the morning by dropping a container of white finger paint onto a tile floor.  The lid popped off and I had GLOBS of thick white paint all over me!  Down my pants leg and covering the front of my fleece and the right sleeve.  And did I mention that I was wearing BLACK corduroy pants and a BLACK fleece?  And I was "dressed up" for the parents who would be attending the party that started at 9:30.  The unexpected part of this story is that with lots of water and paper towels, the white finger paint vanished from my clothes.  I mean totally gone!  Now THAT is really unexpected!

2.  I received so many wonderful cards and gifts from the children today..... I was totally overwhelmed.  I have only been working at this job since mid-October and was not expecting this at all.  I am not the "teacher" in the room, just the assistant.  This was an unexpected thing that makes me so thankful for this job!

3.  It is very hard not to get excited and happy about Christmas when you are surrounded by 15 or 16 little faces, all filled with joy and happiness over a simple little party.  Yes, I was not expecting to feel so HAPPY today.  It was a surprise.  A very pleasant surprise, I might add.

4.  Tonight I got to spend the evening with some very dear friends.  You know that feeling that you are so tired and you don't want to go anywhere or do anything?  Well, I had that feeling earlier tonight.  But I pressed through, went out to meet with my friends and I was so blessed!  The unexpected part of this is that, on the way home I had several very clear revelations and answers to prayers that I have been seeking for weeks.  This was an unexpected ending to this day.  (I am sure I'll be sharing more about this in the days ahead!)

Jesus, thank you for the "miracle" of finger paint that dissolves away with water.  Thank you for the kindness and generosity of the families I work with every day.  Thank you for joy, for wonderful sugary snacks, for Christmas time and for children.  Thank you for good friends, amazing prayers, and wonderful revelations.   Amen

Day 8 - Thankful for people who know me - REALLY know me!

Today I had coffee with a very dear friend that I have known for over 25 years.  It is always good to spend time just catching up.  Even though we live less than a mile from each other, we don't seem to see each other very often.  This morning she blessed me with a "belated birthday" gift of a new CD.  That in itself, is reason to be thankful.  But here's the thing.  She bought this CD for me because there was a specific song that spoke to her- FOR ME!  Not only did I not already own this CD, but I had never heard the song that she said was for me.  The song is by Matt Redman and it is called "I Need You Now".  Here are the lyrics.....

  On this thirsty desert ground,
in a dry and barren land,
I bow down  I need You now

You will call and I will come
To Your river I will run
I bow down I need You now

 

Oh, living water. Oh, God, my Savior,
If I ever needed You, I need You now
Oh, living water, Oh, God, my Healer,
If I ever needed You, I need You now

 

You're the start and You're the end
You complete what You begin
I bow down, I need You now

You will call and I will come
To Your river I will run
I bow down, I need You now

 

Just like the desert needs the blessing of the rain
Just like the winter, waiting for the sun again
I need you now
Just like a river as it reaches for the sea
Just like a song, it needs the sound of melody
I need you nowI need You now

If I ever needed You, I need You now

Just like the desert needs the blessing of the rain
Just like the winter, waiting for the sun again
I need You now

Oh, living water. Oh, God, my Savior,
If I ever needed You, I need You now
Oh, living water, Oh, God, my Healer,
If I ever needed You, I need You now

 

This is the CD that this song is on.

 

Yes, this song is most definitely for me, right now.  When I listened to it, it was like a resounding cry from within my spirit.  Have you ever experienced that with a song?  It just resonated in my heart and I felt as if Matt Redman had gotten into my head and heard my very personal cry to Jesus. 

 

But more than the song, is the fact that this friend was sensitive to the Holy Spirit and knew me so well, that she knew that this song was for me.  Isn't that amazing?  If there was ever a time when I wanted to tell the world WHY it is a good idea to be open and transparent with those you call friends, this is it.  If Becky didn't really know and understand me, she would not have had the ability to hear this message.  You know, there was a time in my life when I had very high and thick walls built up around my heart.  I really didn't let very many people in.  I had decided to be what the world thought I should be.  I am so thankful that Jesus and the Holy Spirit broke down those walls.  Being free of those walls allowed me to enter into friendships and family relationships is a new and deeper way.  And without those walls, I could go deeper and higher with Jesus.  It's scary to think about this kind of openness, but it is so, so worth it.  I encourage you to stop and ask the Holy Spirit if there are any walls that you may have built up around your heart and spirit.  It's worth the process to be really free of this hidden hindrance to all that Jesus has destined for you! 

 

Jesus, thank you for the amazing work you have done in my life and the process that you are still leading me through.   Holy Spirit would you speak clearly and help those that are willing to break down those hidden walls that are keeping not only people but also YOU out.  Bless my dear friend and remind her that you are so pleased with her!

Thank you for the amazing blessing of our brothers and sisters in faith.  Amen