Family and fun the first part of July

James has been such a joy for our family.  I have been trying to soak in as many memories as I can with him.  Gwen was able to visit and get her own share of baby love.  Grace just love seeing "the cousins" and because of distance and busy schedules, the kids don't get much time together.  So fun is on the docket when we are together.

We took a walk to the park and I managed to snap this picture of the moms with their kids!  They all love being together so much and it is great to see their friendships grow.  Covid has been hard on everyone but you can sure see it in the youngest kids.  Everyone is so glad for these family times.  I snapped this photo on the way to the park..

Anna and Grace have such a sweet relationship.  Their interests are very similar and they just love being together.  I can see some wonderful times together in the future

I got to spend part of the 4th of July with Doug and Susie, going to a local parade.  Ken and I had been at this parade with them in 2018 and 2019.  Ken really loved parades and it was good to celebrate, once again after Covid, at this parade.  James slept through the entre parade and Gracie loved getting the candy!  She could barely carry her bag of loot on the way home.  

We took some pictures after the parade when we got back to their house.  I love these yearly photos so much!  They just reflect how much the kids have grown and also all the changes in our family.  

Our last 4th of July pictures in 2019 were Ken and I with Grace.  Now we have added James but lost Ken.  So thankful for these pictures that mark the passage of time.  

Just after the busy 4th weekend, Susie and I took Grace and James back to Blackberry Farms.  I took Grace there on the day that James was born.  She was so excited to show Mommy and James around the park.  

It was a nice day, cooler and cloudy.  We spent a really nice couple of hours, feeding the animals, riding the pony, taking a hayride and riding the train.  It was the first real "outing" like this with James and he slept the entire time.  

While I was looking at my photos for these upcoming blogs, I found this really wonderful picture of James.

There are so many things I love about this picture.  It was just a casual picture I took of James when he had first started smiling.  When I was looking at this picture I noticed the placemat behind me on the table.  This was not a posed picture at all and I never noticed the placemat. Until long after the picture was taken.  To me it looks like Lucas is looking out over James.  James will grow up knowing his big brother Lucas, just as Grace does.  There is no "right or wrong" way for a family to move on after the death of a baby.  Or for that matter, the death of the grandpa.  I am so thankful that Jesus has walked all of us through grief that comes when you least expect it.  One thing I have learned in this process, all of the people in our "family tree" have sown into our lives in some way.  No matter how far away from us they are, there were seeds planted that carry on through generations.  There are connections that are a part of us.  I am so thankful that generations ago, my family decided to follow Jesus.  And because of that Spiritual seed, the Holy Spirit stirred me into my own faith walk.  Through the highs and the lows, through sickness and health, through death and new life, Jesus is with me.  And I know that those ancestors that I never met, along with those that I knew including Lucas, are celebrating with Jesus right now.  What I love most about this picture is that James is reaching out.  You can see his hand in the foreground of the picture.  He is reaching out into the future.  With all of those Spiritual seeds in his generations, I can't wait to see where he goes!  

Jesus, thank you for your leading and guiding every day.  Holy Spirit, remind us that you have a plan and purpose for each of us that was our destiny before we were even in our mothers womb.  Give us all patience and peace when we feel lost, alone or hurting.  Thank you Jesus for the comfort of the Holy Spirit.  Thank you for family and fun times.  Give us wisdom as we walk every day toward that destination that you have promised us.  Amen

Right before your eyes.....

 I had my eyes checked this week - something that I have not had done for a couple of years.  I wear gas perm contact lens that are also bifocals.  They are pretty expensive and they last well.  I have been fortunate that my prescription has not changed much so I can get away with a two year span between check ups.  My eyes got a clean bill of health from the doctor!  As a matter of fact there will be only a very slight difference between my new contacts and the ones that I have been wearing for these last two years. All in all, it was an expensive and necessary visit to the eye doctor.

From the eye doctor, I went to visit my newly married friend at her "new to her" home.  She happens to now live in Elk Grove Village!  A hometown for Ken and I!  It was fun to drive her around and show her the schools we attended and also our family homes.  Amazing how much has changed in that town - yet so much is still the same. 

From there I went to see Lia perform in a production for a CYT (Christian Youth Theater) camp that she attended.  I simply can not believe how much the leaders can accomplish with groups of kids in only 5 days!

Lia had some speaking parts, some singing parts and also dance parts.  In addition to the group dances, she had a solo ballet dance with a boy teen camper.   I know that she is truly a "teen" now at 13 years old, but seeing her up on that stage, she seemed SOOOOO old!   While she will tell you that she is a "pretty good dancer" (which is really an understatement) she will also say that she can not sing!  That is FALSE.  She has a wonderful voice.  Thinking about her performance, I was reminded of the movie "Sister Act".  There is a scene where a very timid singing is encouraged to let her voice be heard!  And that is exactly how I felt after seeing Lia!  She needs a boost of confidence to really sing out.  

Earlier in the week, I spent a couple days with Grace.  Both days were HOT and HUMID and there were rain storms on both days.  So we had a lot of indoor time.  It was fun to see Grace discover the dry erase markers and her white board.  She loves to color and draw and this was a new medium for her.  She actually sat for almost an hour using all the colors of markers.  Erasing is half the fun! I can't believe how old she seems - all of a sudden.  Every day there is something new.

Right before my (recently checked out) eyes, my grandchildren are growing up.  Watching Lia with her friends, singing and dancing, I couldn't help but reflect on the prophetic word I had for her when she was born.  She would speak God's word, proclaim the truth, and lead the people.  She was a little bird with a big voice!  She is often the smallest in any group she is in.  But watching her on that stage, I could see how she would have a big influence on her generation.  I just can't wait to watch where she goes and the people that she reaches in the years ahead.    

Each of my grandchildren has a special prophetic word that I have been praying for them.  Grace's word has two really interesting parts.  First that she will be a "giant slayer".  Able to fight those really big things that we all face, through the power of Jesus.  Second, that she will be a worshiper!  Bringing songs of Jesus to the nations.  So when I hear her singing in her crib after a nap, and seeing her creative expressions through block building or coloring, it's not hard to imagine her stepping into all that I have been praying for her. 

It seems like only yesterday that I was praying for my first little grand baby to be - Lia.  In a blink of an eye, the time has passed.  Even as I write this blog, I am reminded how important it is to be praying for our children, grandchildren and even beyond that.  Our prayers do matter.   We can have influence over our future generations through the prayers we pray right now.  Spend a couple of minutes right now, thanking Jesus for all that he has done in your family lines in the past, in the present AND in the future.  It is pretty amazing to watch your prayers come to life through your grandchildren.

Jesus, thank you for your plans and purposes for all of us.  Holy Spirit, remind us to take a moment to look beyond our current situations.  Help us to see the past through your eyes.  Give us peace, comfort and courage to pray into the future, even as we walk through our present with you.  Thank you Jesus for you great love.  Amen

Sharing from one generation to the next and to the next....

Beginning again.  I started a blog post on Sunday but never finished it.  So yesterday I purposed to finish it and get it published.  After working on it for two hours, I tried to publish and it would not work.  I tried to save the post and exit to try again.  When I exited, the post was totally gone.  Sigh.  About four hours of work, just gone. This is very frustrating since the program generally saves your work every few minutes.  For some reason, the save was not working either (which I clearly didn't know).  But, I have learned my lesson and I will SAVE manually many times while typing each post.
So, to begin again.  

It's hard to get back into the swing of things when you return from vacation.  And the last couple of weeks have seemed very busy.  On Monday, Gwen and I took the kids to a new Jump place that was closer to my house than theirs.  The kids love these places and get tired of the same old thing, so a new place is always fun.  We watched the kids climb, jump and slide for a couple hours and then took them to lunch.  We went to one of Gwen's favorite places from her childhood - Colonial Ice Cream. Unfortunately the building is new, but the business is the same.  Gwen and I were reminiscing about the many, many times we went to Colonial after youth group and/or church activities.  There is something special about seeing the grandchildren enjoying the same things that your kids did.  It was just a little bit of sharing one generation to the next and then to the next! 

Over the last several years, I have spent a great deal of time thinking about and documenting (scrapbooking) my ancestors.  Having grandchildren really changes how you think about your place on the family tree.  In so many different ways, there have been lessons learned and new insights as I have discovered the deep spiritual heritage sown by long ago relatives.  On arriving home from our recent vacation, I was surprised by this package in the mail....

These two books were sent to me by a distant cousin of my mother.  Both books are written in German and were published in the 1850's.  One contains an inscription by my grandfather, Arnold Toensing and the other by his sister, Lydia Toensing.  The cousin, Delwin Mahn, who sent me these books, has no children or grandchildren.  So I am sure that he is trying to keep these very precious items in the family.  I am delighted to have the book belonging to my grandfather, and will be sure that it is passed along to the next generation.   Holding the book in my hand that belonged to my mother's aunt Lydia, caused me to really stop and think.  

Aunt Lyd was particularly important to my mom.  Next to her Aunt Anna (who helped raise her after her mom died) she was closer to Aunt Lyd than any of her other aunts.   Aunt Lyd's daughter Jeanette (my mom's cousin) was the same age as mom and they would spend many summers and vacations together.  

I couldn't help but think of this picture.  This is the only picture my mom ever had of her with her mother.  Pictured are Aunt Lyd and Jeanette on the far left, then my mom with her Dad and Mom, and the four kids are Delwin (Jeanette's brother) and my mom's sisters Beatrice, Phyllis and Eunice.  The owners of those two books - in one picture!  My grandfather and his sister.  Sadly, my grandmother Nora died around a year after this picture was taken.  My grandfather's family stepped in to help a young widower with 4 little girls (ages 8, 6, 5 and 2).  Considering this was 1917, not an easy thing.  

The most interesting thing about this story to me, is that I actually have memories of Aunt Lydia!

For my mom, one of the best parts of moving to St. Paul was that we would be close to Jeanette.  And we certainly did get to spend lots of time at her house. It was such fun to meet and get to know Jeanette (who was so much like my mom).   My grandfather and Aunt Anna had both died before I was 3 years old.  So I only have a few memories of them.  Every little grade schooler wants grandparents and I was always sad that I didn't even really have stories of my grandparents, let alone memories.  So being with Aunt Lyd was really special for me.  I even remember visiting her at her "apartment" in a senior living facility.  It was very sad when she died when I was around 8 years old.  

But here I am, holding a book that actually belonged to a very young Lydia.  And while the book is special for me, I would love to find one of Jeanette's children to pass this book along.  Sadly, our family has lost touch with all of them, so I am hoping that internet connections will be made to get this book to those that might treasure it the most. 

I am sure that in the early 1900's no one was thinking about saving things for future generations.  Times were so different and life was so much harder.  Even photographs were few and far between.  Only done for very special occasions.  I am so thankful for the pictures that we do have.  It makes sharing these stories with my grandchildren, so much easier.  Every time I think about ending this blog, I am reminded that WORDS are important.  Pictures are great, but if you don't know anything about the scene, it is pretty meaningless.  That is why it is so important to journal along with scrapbooking.   I am in possession of a very old scrapbook of un-labled pictures from Ken's side of the family.  No one knows who these people are.  Clearly they are relatives, but exactly who, is a mystery.  By the time Ken's dad gave me the album, he had no idea who the pictures were of.  And in the age of Instagram and digital pictures it is my fear that so many of these pictures will remain with no identification and no story.  So I will continue to blog and tell stories about pictures, to preserve in some small way, a bit of our family heritage.  

So after amazing views off of mountain summits, I have come back down to earth.  Down where blogs sometimes don't save and vanish at a push of a button.  Back to normal life.  But that panoramic view of the clouds and sky and valleys left an impression on me.  No matter what small thing goes wrong, there is always a blessing around the corner.  I love spending time with my grandchildren.  I love finding connections to my ancestors.  And I love that I can share stories and memories with all of you and with my family to make sure that at least some pictures have words with them..  

Storytelling is an important art and it has been lost for the most part.  The entire Bible is stories that share the great spiritual heritage we have been given.  Each one of us has stories to tell and we need to discover ways to share with those around us.  I am sure that there are many reading this who just might be bloggers or writers but you have never started out!  Make today a day so sharing.  There is so much love and so many powerful lessons when we start telling our stories.  

Jesus, thank you for the plan you have had for families since Adam and Eve.  Thank you for photos and computers and all the amazing developments that we take for granted.  Holy Spirit, nudge us all to share stories of your presence in our life and give us courage and boldness to speak!  Keep us all aware of the importance of being connected - to each other and to our ancestors.  Thank you for surprise packages that come with memories.  Amen

When DNA results don't tell your story.....

This picture from 1912 is my maternal grandfather with all of his siblings at the funeral of their father.  My grandfather, Arnold Toensing, is second from the left, back row, in this picture.  Aunt Anna (who was like a grandma to my family) is on the right in the front row.  My grandfather and Aunt Anna both died before I was three years old.  I have a couple very sketchy memories of them.  However I have very clear memories of Aunt Lydia, pictured on the far left.  We visited her several times after we moved to St. Paul when I was six years old.  It is interesting to look at a picture and see people that you have heard so much about, but never met and you KNOW that you are related to them.

Well, a few months ago I decided to do an Ancestry DNA test.  I thought I knew exactly what would show up on this test since I have clear family tree records.  I know that my dad was 100% Swedish (both his parents came to the US directly from Sweden) and I know that my mom's mother was 100% Norwegian and her dad (pictured above) was 100% German.  Therefore, my DNA should be 75% Scandinavian and 25% German.  Apparently, you really can't believe your DNA tests!

My results actually do not show any German at all!  What????  I have the most detailed information about the Toensing family, including photos of relatives that still live in family homes in Germany.  My mom knew all about the Toensing family since both her dad and Aunt Anna told many, many stories of their parents immigration to the United States along with four of their siblings!  Yes, four of those people pictured above were actually born in Germany.  So what gives???

Well, to start off, my sister Julie has also done this DNA test and believe it or not, we do not share enough DNA to be siblings.  We have several first cousins, out of our 34 first cousins, that have also done this test and at least one of these does NOT show up at all as a relative of my sister.  We have totally different results.  And strangely enough, she DOES have German included in her results. 

However, in spite of this DNA result, I know that my German ancestors sowed many Spiritual seeds into my life.  I am so thankful for the detailed written and photographic evidences I have of my true heritage.  The son of one of my mom's cousins actually has traced the entire Toensing family tree.  He has visited relatives in Germany and also in South Africa.  The photo above was given to me, along with many others, by this man.   More than that, I am blessed with the knowledge through oral history (stories told to my mother and then retold to me) of the faith journey of our family.  I love that I know the connection - one generation to the next - and the way that the faith journey of these past generations are influencing me today.  This has given me a renewed desire to write, to tell and retell all of the precious memories from the generations before me, so that they are not lost to my children and grandchildren.  Exactly what I wrote about in my last blog post. 

I actually decided to do the DNA test after Ken did his.  Since he is adopted, we were more curious about what the DNA would show.  There was nothing very exciting on his results and no close relatives were found.  After seeing my results I really don't put much stock on the results of these tests anyway. 

So now I have another reason to continue to do this blog.  These posts about my daily life and memories of the past are being done for the future.  I am hopeful that there will be a time when my grandchildren will be interested enough to look through these posts and find a connection to their long ago generations.  I am praying that they will see the fruitfulness and the faithfulness of Jesus in my life when they read these words!

Jesus, thank you so much for photos and stories from the past that keep us connected to our ancestors.  Holy Spirit, help us to remember the importance of oral story telling, as well as written and photographic memories.  Jesus, thank you for the spiritual heritage that is woven into my family.  Amen

A birthday and awaiting a birth.....

Today was an exciting day for our family!  It was the celebration of Anna's third birthday.  I can hardly believe that she is already three years old.  Gwen sent me this picture from after the party.

It was a Peppa Pig extravaganza!  Anna loves Peppa Pig and I found this Peppa Pig rain coat, which she loves.  She also was quite pleased with the Frozen rain boots that she has wanted for a long time.  She was distressed when all of her siblings had rain boots and she did not.  So Grandma Lyn came to the rescue and found these.   Lia was so happy to provide face painting and temporary tatoos for all of the kids.  It was a wild and crazy couple of hours but Ken and I wouldn't have missed it for anything!  Well, almost anything...... which brings me to the awaiting a birth!

Doug and Susie are still waiting for the arrival of their precious little one.  We are all getting anxious to meet her.  We had talked about the possibility of not being able to be at Anna's party if this baby decided to come today.  Sadly, that did not happen.  Anna's actual birthday is Monday, so she just might end up sharing a birthday with her cousin!  Nothing we can do but sit and wait!  One thing is sure, Jesus knows the exact right time for this baby to be born.  

You know, it is really good to spend time with a bunch of kids and their parents.  Especially if you are really old, like me!  There was so much energy in the house today.  There were 21 kids between the ages of 2 months and 10 years!  Plus their parents!  Additionally there were some other adults that Anna wanted invited to her party - thankfully that included grandparents!   So there was a lot of noise and lots of activity.  Anna's favorite spot was playing with the pink play dough that Gwen had made.  The big kids spent a great deal of time upstairs.  It is really nice to be around these young families. 

How wonderful it was to look around at all of the kids and to know that they are all being raised knowing about Jesus.  It is such a great feeling knowing that Gwen and Tim have surrounded their family with a support system of like minded friends.  There were many churches represented in the group, but the main thing is that they all love Jesus.  It is so nice to see kids who don't know each other, come together at this kind of event and all get along and have fun.  Yes, those parents have their hands full.  But all I could think about was this verse....Psalm 127:3-5a

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.  Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth.  Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.  

So I decided to look at these verses in the Passion Translation, and I am so glad that I did!

Children are God's love-gift; they are heaven's generous reward.  Children born to a young couple will one day rise to protect and provide for their parents.  Happy will be the couple who has many of them!  A household full of children will not bring shame on your name, but victory when you face your enemies.  For your kids will have influence and honor to prevail on your behalf!

Doesn't that just give a deeper and clearer meaning to those verses?  Today was one of those times when I sit back and marvel at my children, now adults with their own families.  Each season of life has challenges and rewards.  These young families have sleepless nights, stacks of laundry and dishes that never end.  There are struggles with time management, activities and work schedules.  Yet, they are parenting some wonderful kids who will have influence and honor.  And there is so much joy and energy in their lives.  In the grandparenting season, there are a host of challenges also.  There are health concerns, retirement concerns, job concerns, financial concerns.  And there are worries about our children and grandchildren.  But the rewards are wonderful.  Today was one of those rewards.  Sharing across generations.  Participating in the joy and the fun.  

It is always easy to look at the troubles and to retreat into darkness when things are going badly.  But it is so worth it to see the rewards that far out number the challenges.  Even with all of the muck of everyday life, there are bright and happy spots to focus on.  The trick is to watch for the reward!  

I think that this is a better challenge then just being thankful.  This is looking for the blessing beyond the thanksgiving.  Yes, I will be making time to watch for the reward every day.  And remembering that there is more than just being thankful.

Jesus, thank you for Anna and this wonderful day to celebrate her life.  Give our family great grace as we wait for Doug and Susie's baby to come.  Holy Spirit, help us all to look beyond the challenges to see the great rewards no matter what season of life we are in.  Thank you for your plan for the family that includes blessings shared between generations.  Amen

When your past suddenly impacts your today....

This is a picture of a portrait made sometime in the 1850's in Germany.  This couple is Johan Fredrick Tonsing and Anna Elizabeth Tonsing, my great-great grandparents.  And, believe it or not, I was talking about them today at my small group meeting!  Here is how that came about....

Have you ever thought about some of your ancestors and thought, "boy, would I love to meet them." When I look at this picture, that thought is in the forefront of my mind.  I try to imagine what their life was like in Germany in the early part of the nineteenth century.  It is only from the stories I heard from my mom, that I can piece together a bit about who they were and how they lived.  The most important fact I know about them, was that they were willing to send their children off to distant lands, with the purpose of spreading the message of Jesus.  My great grandfather and his brother came to the United States, not only for a new life and an adventure.  They came to start new churches and to spread their faith in Jesus.  At the same time, their sister and her husband set off to minister to the Zulu tribes in what is now South Africa.   Just this past week, I was contacted by an online ancestor search company with information that connects my family tree with an extensive tree from South Africa.  And Marie Elizabeth Tonsing Otte is that connector person.  Marie is the daughter of these people in this picture, who long ago settled in South Africa.

So today, my small group welcomed a visitor, who lives in our area.  His name is George Miller and he is originally from South Africa.  It was certainly one of those divine appointments and we were so blessed to hear a bit of his story.  He has connections to so many of the respected leaders that our group follows, reads, and listens to and he is such a powerful man of God.  He and his wife have been in the United States for 27 years and during those years served with many ministries.  Sadly, his wife passed away about 2 years ago and he is currently in a time of transition.  But when you meet a man like this, you can just feel the wisdom and strength that his life journey has birthed into him.  Many, many times today he shared that his wife had really been the spiritual powerhouse and he just sort of followed along.  I believe that he was really selling himself short with that statement.  After the meeting, I mentioned my family connection to South Africa. We had a great discussion about the power of those spiritual seeds sown in our generations.

I asked George what he was feeling for 2017 and he said two things.  CHANGE and we must CHANGE OUR THINKING!  Isn't that a large chunk to chew on?  Of course the message was that with all the changes happening around us, we must be open to change.  But more than that, we must change our thinking and understand that our thoughts are not God's thoughts.   On the way home from group, I was reflecting on these two things.  And I was thinking about Johan and Anna.  They had to accept change and encourage and allow their children to set off of the "ends of the earth".  They had no way of really knowing what that would mean - for them or their children.  They read and believed the Bible and knew the great commission - Matthew 28:19 -  "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"   And so they did that, having the mind of Christ.

And then I was thinking about how hard change is for me. Also, how difficult it is being in times of transition - when you just really don't know what is ahead.   It was good to have the reminder today, that God has a really big plan for each of us.  Even if we can't see how the pieces might connect today, there will be a time when we will finally see the big picture. Having George with our group today reminded us that there are connections for each of us that bring us closer together.  It is really amazing when you get a glimpse of how God works, when you hear someone elses story.  It builds your own confidence that your story has a purpose.  Be encouraged today to tell someone your story!  We need each other so much.  Let God make those connections and then change won't feel so scary and so BIG.  Ask Jesus to change your thinking - to add wisdom and knowledge and creative thinking into your day.  Together we can all face 2017 with joy and peace and confidence in Jesus!

Jesus, thank you for bringing George to our group today.  Continue to meet his needs and bless him as he seeks a new path with you.  Thank you Holy Spirit, for reminding me of the spiritual heritage of my past generations.  Give us all courage to face changes and the wisdom to change our thinking.  Thank you Jesus for good friends who stand with us.  Amen

When an empty house holds years and years of memories....

Today I wandered through an empty house that holds so many memories.  We are preparing Ken's parents house for sale.  They bought the house in 1972 and moved into the house in 1973.  That is a long, long time.  After the death of Ken's dad in April, we have known that the sale of the house was on the horizon.  Today, the reality of this process hit me.  As I stood in the living room I was thinking back on all of the different "looks" that the room had over the years.  I was remembering so many family gatherings, so many "drop in" times, so many, many times.  Today I had a very quick flashback to the day that Ken's mom turned 50. The reason I remember that day is because it was also the day Ken and I got (officially) engaged - I got my ring.  We stood in the middle of that room and told mom and dad that we were getting married.  So many memories, so many milestones. 

This was actually one of the last "family gathering" days that we had with Ken's mom and dad.  It was their 65th Wedding Anniversary in  2007.  Ken's mom was already not doing very well physically and had oxygen (that she often refused to use).  She died just about a year and half later, in April of 2009. Ken's dad moved to Florida and the house was rented to our nephew and his wife.  But now, it is time for a new family to make this house their home.  

Ken and I got a couple of boxes of "stuff" that belonged to his dad.  One of the things that I stopped and held in my hands for a bit, was this strap that was dad's favorite and was often on any dulcimer that he was currently playing.  

Yes, it is this very strap that was on this dulcimer in 1980 (I know the year since that is Gwen at 18 months old!).  Isn't it interesting what brings back those memories?  I was really surprised today, that I got so nostalgic.  I was not expecting this at all.  I think it is all a part of my new "normal" dealing with grief and loss every day.  Things that may not have hit me quite so hard, now seem to slam into my spirit.  Time marches on.  Everything changes.  Children grow up and have children of their own. 

And we face losses - some expected and some very unexpected.  And all of this happens in our homes.   

Just last week I was talking with a group of my friends about the promise of the commandment to "honor your mother and father"  for a long prosperous life.  There are many ways that plays out.  I am just very thankful that Ken and I were able to have our parents in our lives for as long as we did.  We were blessed that our children grew up knowing them.  And have an amazing legacy of memories of shared times together.  

I am so very thankful today.  Thankful for all that Ken's mom and dad planted in their family.  During family gatherings, Ken's mom used to love to say "all this because one day I went roller skating!"  So it was another day of realizing the "generational shift" and understanding once more the deep importance of family.  

Jesus, thank you for this reminder to appreciate past generations.  Holy Spirit, help us all to honor those above us in the generations.  Jesus, bless the house that surrounded our family and bring in the exact right people to once again fill up that house.  Thank you for your love and care for our family.  Amen

Nothing better.........

I know that I have blogged about A&W before, but yesterday Ken and I had a "frosty mug"!  I couldn't pass up this picture of the ice rising up from the mug.  Seriously, nothing tastes better.  Every time I visit an A&W, I think of my mom.  She just loved root beer or a root beer float especially.  And the sun was actually shining.  And it was warmer.  So, yes, I guess Spring has arrived.  (See my last blog post) Therefore, a celebration was in order!

I happened to notice these two really sweet photo's of Ken with his two Grandma's, taken when he was just over a year old.  I have to say, I just love being a Grandma.  There is something so special when you hold those little ones on your lap.  The idea of being connected from generation to generation has been on my mind in the last weeks.  Being able to sow into my grandchildren is a real gift.  

The conference I attended had speakers who are considered the "generals" -  The older generation of women who felt called to pour into all the younger women.  I think I mentioned that one of the speakers actually celebrated her 75th birthday during the conference.  As I said, I love being a grandma,  so I realize that I am in that "older generation".   

Then yesterday, this showed up on The Passion Translation Facebook page......

I had a dream two nights ago.
We were in a stadium with tens of thousands of Christians. Moms, dads, grandparents, and lots of children. It was beautiful! Lots of families enjoying themselves and I was one of the speakers for this Christian event.  The speaker before me was quite old, and somewhat careless with her words. I was surprised that she was not more careful with what she was saying. Then I heard her say about all the kids that were there: "Children are to be seen and... not heard."

My heart was so heavy as the faces of the children present flashed before me, they were hurt, deeply hurt. Then it was my turn to take the mic and I simply said, "The Children MUST be heard! The children have a VOICE that must be heard!" I then knelt down in front of one child after another and looked into their eyes and said, "You have a voice for this day. You have a voice that must be heard."
I awoke with the strong sense that we are on the verge of a "children's revival." The praises of our children have the power to silence the voice of the enemy. May the children's voices be heard in our land again!

Psalm 8:2 The Passion Translation

"You have built a stronghold by the songs of babies.

Strength rises up

With the chorus of singing children.

This kind of praise

Has the power to shut Satan’s mouth.

Childlike worship will silence

The madness of those who oppose you."

This just resonated with my spirit.  So many years ago, I had the strong revelation that I was to speak that Jesus had a plan, purpose and destiny for children.  Not for some point in the future after they are all grown up.  Nothing has excited me as much as this post.  I have been wondering exactly what was ahead for me, and this has given me a small glimpse.  I am praying into this for my grandchildren.  And for all the children!  This is my encouragement to you to read over this dream from Brian Simmons.  Take it in.  Meditate on this and pray for this "children's revival" to break out!  Pray that the voices of the children will be heard in our land!

Jesus, thank you for The Passion Translation and Brian Simmons.  Thank you for reminding me that grandchildren are a blessing.  Holy Spirit, remind us to pray for the children.  Jesus, your heart is to release the sounds of praise from the children.  Give us all ears to hear those sounds, and hearts to support this revival of the children.  Amen

Seeds sown in the generations.....

When I got to Gwen's house on Tuesday morning, the first thing that Zeke asked me was "Where are your Grandpas?"   Now this was a strange question.  So I tried to do some investigation to find out if he possibly was talking about HIS grandpa (Ken).  But, no, he was quite sure he wanted to know about MY Grandpas.  I don't know where this question came from, but Zeke really wanted an answer.  So I told him that both of my Grandpas had died.  Then he asked about my mom and dad.  I told him that they had both died also.  He stopped for a moment and then said "Are they in heaven with Jesus?"  When I answered yes, he smiled and said, "Okay, that's good."  And that was that.

Accept that I could not get this conversation out of my mind all week.  And then tonight I found this picture.  On the right is my "Grandpa Johnson" (my dad's father) and on the right is my "Grandpa Toensing" (my mom's father).  Included in the picture are my sister Karen and brother Jerry.  This photo was taken when my dads parents visited just before he went into the Navy in WWII.  My mom had moved back home with her dad and aunt since my father was shipping out.  I believe that  this might be the only photo of these two men together.  It was taken in 1943.  Shortly after my father returned from the war, in early 1946, my Grandpa Johnson died.  This was years before I was born.  Yet, this week I have been thinking about him and piecing together bits about him that I have heard over the years.  Here are a few things that I know about him...

1.  He came to the United States as an indentured servant from Sweden and worked on a farm as a farmhand.  He met my Grandmother (who had also come from Sweden as an indentured servant) in the United States and actually completed her term of indenture so that they could get married.
2.  He had a farm and really believed that farming was the only valuable way to make a living.
3.  He did not want my dad to go high school (he didn't think it was necessary) and he really did not want my dad to go to work with Electronics (radios and other new inventions).
4.  He spoke very little English and only read the Swedish newspaper.  He was not happy that my mom could not speak anything except English!  (He felt that if she was Norwegian and German, at least she should be able to speak one of those languages)

I can't help but feel that I missed out on so much because I never really knew my grandpas.  I so wish that I had gotten to know these two men.

This is Ken and Zeke last weekend at the waterpark.  I think that being with his grandpa is what brought the thought to Zeke about my grandpas!  It was so fun to see Ken with the grandchildren.  I love that Ken and I have the chance to really sow into our kids and grandchildren.  We are blessed to be able to see them often and spend time with them.  And I love that I get to have conversations with each of them that remind me of this special relationship.  Just like this conversation with Zeke about grandpas.  Later in the morning, Anna was sleeping and Zeke was sitting next to me.  I asked him to tell me about his grandpas.  He smiled and then started to tell me about "Papa" (Tim's dad) and "Grandpa" (Ken).  He told me that Papa played ball with him.  And that he took naps on the couch.  He told me that Grandpa laughed a lot and went in the lazy river with him. Also Grandpa has a car just like daddy's (not really, but close) and that Papa has a BIG van!  Isn't it interesting that at 3 he is already noticing what car they drive???  Boys!!!!  He talked for some time about each grandpa and it was so fun to listen to him.

And then, just a bit later that day, Zeke played and sang to me (which I already blogged!).  I am so thankful for the chance that I have to not only give to my grandchildren, but also to receive from them.  Yes, I missed out on many things because I didn't have my grandparents in my life.  But they both sowed seeds into my father and mother that were then planted into my life.  The most important seed is the one that assures me that they are together in heaven with Jesus.  What a precious gift it is to know that my Christian faith is part of my lineage.  And I love that I can see those seeds growing in my grandchildren.

So follow my lead today.  Take a moment and look back.  Look at your grandparents and see the things that have been planted in your family tree.  Look at your family now and see the evidence of things that you are banking for the future.

Jesus,  thank you for reminding me that your plan is for each generation to sow into the next.  It is an honor and privilege to be able to have an impact on the future.  Thank you for my generations and all that you have given to me through them.  Family is such an amazing gift!  Help us all to look deeper into our generations to see and appreciate each leaf on our family tree.  Amen

Adding to the family circle......

This picture is Ken with Gwen and Doug, just after Doug came home from the hospital.  I couldn't help but think of this picture today, after I took this photo!  

This is Ken with Doug and his new son, Lucas Jacob Rowley!  He was born on November 1, 2014, 7lbs 6oz and 19.5".   Susie and Lucas are both happy and healthy!

What a wonderful day this has been!  I was pretty sure that Doug and Susie were having a boy, but they had not found out the gender of the baby before he was born.  I have to say it is a bit funny to think of "Lucas Rowley" since that was our boys name when I was pregnant with Gwen!  A few weeks before Doug was born, Ken suddenly announced that he did not like the name Lucas!  So there was a mad rush to come up with a boys name that he would agree to.  Needless to say, we ended up with Douglas and I have always been happy with that name.  But hearing Lucas Rowley, just brought back that memory.  It is really interesting to see Doug as a dad.  I just can't wait to get to know Lucas.

Just yesterday I saw a post about the increasing awareness of our destiny.     I loved this post!  I believe that in the days ahead I will be seeing a bit more of the destiny for this new little one!

Awaken to Destiny! by Veronica Kilrain

You’ve heard the voice of the Lord calling you into destiny. Dreams placed in your heart have laid dormant becoming a distant memory of the past. Destiny seems delayed and you’ve near on given up believing those dreams.

Hope is here! Holy Spirit says, “I am re-kindling and re-firing the hopes and dreams of your past! Are you prepared to trust Me and walk with Me like a child? I have great plans for you, plans to prosper you and to work through you in ways to date you’ve not yet seen! I am breaking off disappointment as the Word goes forth from my prophetic voices in this hour! My Holy Spirit of fire is burning away thoughts of old which have hindered the revealing of My Glory in your life. Heaven’s heart beat will be heard in yours as you wait upon Me with expectation!”

I saw the number 60 which represents completion of the flesh. You’re at the end of yourself -it’s a beautiful place to be. Surrender is key! Refreshment and hope are yours as you open your heart again and dare to dream big!

God dreams are always big dreams! They need to be in order for him to fulfill them in you. He’s the God of more than enough and he’s ever increasing! Dormant for decades- the dust is being blown off dreams!  Now is the time for re-fire! He is refueling and rekindling dreams in you.

Deep calls unto deep!  God is calling you into his presence in greater intimacy.  Wholly focused and yearning for him. No longer satisfied with a little taste. Hungry for a feast! Filled to overflowing with Holy Spirit power! He’s calling you into a deep encounter with His presence. In his presence is the fullness of joy and at his right hand pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11) As you wait and rest there will be a supernatural strengthening. The Holy Spirit will breathe life on those past dreams as you pick them up in your hand and give them back to Him.

There is a fresh awakening of past mantles to be picked up in this hour. Those of 100 years ago. Inquire of him what he has for you to operate in this fresh season.

Esther’s are coming forth in this hour! Women and children who are sold out to Jesus and not afraid to say so! They will release freedom with holy ghost power in this hour. The goodness and kindness of God will be demonstrated and the true nature of God’s heart will be revealed in this hour. Millions of hearts will be radically saved as their eyes are opened and they receive the gift of Salvation. Jesus will be revealed in all His majesty and all His splendor and there will be a great awakening as the global harvest is pulled in by faithful hearts. Multi -faceted colors will shine off the people of God revealing Christ as the light of the world. The transforming power of the  love of God will be a splendid display of the Glory of God.

There’s a great invitation to feast at the table of God. To be wined and dined with him. From this intimacy you will release the sound of Heaven that will awaken millions of lives to destiny!

What a great thing that we can be awakened to our destiny!  I am praying that each of you reading this will take a minute to think about the post above.   I plan to meditate on this, and then see what the Holy Spirit brings to me for Lucas!  

Jesus, thank you for your care and presence during the birth of Lucas.  Thank you for blessing Doug and Susie with this new precious boy.  Holy Spirit, I know that there is a destiny and plan already in place for Lucas.  Thank you for helping us all grow in understanding of our own destiny.  Thank you for joy and hope that comes with a new baby!  Amen

Amazing what you find when you are cleaning!

These are my Great-Great-Great Grandparents Lars Mikkelson Rokne and Martha Bardsdatter Osgjerd Rokne.  Lars lived from 1795 - 1852 and Martha lived 1801-1857.  They lived in the Voss area of Norway.  In 1850 they immigrated to the United States with their 6 children.  In the family record book that I discovered today, I was surprised to learn that they settled in Chicago when they arrived in the United States.  However, as it was noted in the personal journal of Lars, they discovered that there was a serious Cholera epidemic in Chicago when they arrived.  So they decided to go to the home of a cousin who lived in Woodstock, Illinois!  During the time they lived in Woodstock, Lars worked as a Teacher in the Norwegian school and as a Pastor's assistant in the Norwegian Church.  According to this family record book, he was most likely the worship leader since his journal is filled with hymns.   They actually lived in this area for more than 2 years, until the death of Lars. (I never realized that I most likely have a relative buried somewhere near Woodstock - very close to where I live) At that point, Martha and some of her children, relocated to a community in Iowa, very near the border of Minnesota and Iowa.  She died about 5 years later and is buried in a local cemetery in Big Canoe, Iowa which is near Decorah.

For today, I'm stopping at that.  Let me just say, somehow I missed that my ancestors came to settle in the Chicago area when they came from Norway.  I think that part of the reason that I never really knew this story, is because this line of my family tree is my Mom's mother's family.  And you might recall that my maternal grandmother died when my mom was only two years old.  So she wasn't around to share these stories.  My mom often spoke about how sad it was that she really never got to know any of her relatives on her mom's side.  And I know that she didn't really know the story I just shared.

I was not really surprised to find this today.  In prayer I have been hearing quite a bit about all the seeds that have been sown into me through my past generations.  I love that today I discovered that my 3 times great grandpa was a church worker.  And more than that, he was a worshiper.  It is really something to consider all of the prayers that he might have prayed for his children and grandchildren.  And possibly even beyond that.  It is giving me the added push to begin today, sowing prayers into my future generations.

At a great meeting last night, I was hearing that I needed prayer for my eyesight.  Now I actually have an appointment on Wednesday for my yearly eye exam.  And I confess that I have been having much more trouble reading lately than I should (if my bifocal contacts were actually the correct strength).  I felt that the "eyesight" that I was hearing about might have actually been my SPIRITUAL eyes.  My discovery today just confirms that thought.  The Holy Spirit led me to this book and information today.  I am seeing more clearly the impact of the past on ME and the impact that I can have on the future generations in my family.  This is feeling like a gift today.  I love that I feel a connection to these long distant people, and I know that I will spend some time looking around Woodstock the next time I pass through there.  And there is more to this story, and additional family ties to St. Paul, Minnesota.

Remembering my last post, I am encouraging you all to stop and take a look at your past generations.  Consider that relative who might have been sowing those important spiritual seeds into your life.  Even if you can't now see anything from your ancestors, begin today sowing into the future. And ask the Holy Spirit to increase your spiritual eyesight.  You just might be surprised at what you find!

Jesus, thank you for even more revelation about my family.  Holy Spirit, thank you for giving me increased perspective on the seeds that have been sown into my generations.  Give us all a nudge to consider those from our past who contributed to our spiritual growth.  Thank you for people who take the time to preserve family history for future generations through books and journals.  Amen

"Undiscovered Treasures" in our own backyard

On Sunday, Ken and I had a chance to visit the Volo Bog.  For those who might not be familiar with a bog, here is the Webster definition:  area of marshy ground: an area of wet marshy ground, largely consisting of accumulated decomposing plant material. It supports vegetation such as cranberries and moss and may ultimately turn into peat.   This is a simply amazing place, but I suggest that you make sure and wear  good shoes (it is a long, long walk to cover most of the blog) and also bring a hat and sunscreen!  There are these really interesting "floating" walkways that sway and move as you walk on them.  So, you feel as if you are going to sink into the bog as you walk along.  We saw so many really neat things, including two Sandhill Cranes that were walking slowly through the reeds. 

This kind of fuzzy picture is still really pretty cool!  The best part of this bog is that it is only about 5 minutes from Gwen's house!  So we can go back many, many times.  It was a really great reminder for me, that often there are many "undiscovered treasures" right in our own back yard.  I think that this really hit me with all the vacation planning I have been doing over the last week.  While it is so wonderful to travel and visit new places, we should not overlook the wonders in our own area.   I remember being so surprised when I found out that there are many people who live in the Chicago area that have never been to Brookfield Zoo, or the Museum of Science and Industry, or the Art Institute!  So Ken and I decided that we would visit all the different attractions in Chicago and make sure that our kids also got to experience them.  And Ken and I keep discovering new things! 

As we were walking out of the bog, I saw this old tree stump.

 It was really interesting.  Most of it had been just slowly dissolving, as the elements and the animals wore it away.  I stood there and imagined the very large tree that once stood in that spot.   There was something about the fact that nothing had been disturbed by human hands. With the light streaming through the trees, it was easy to look up and "see" in my minds eye, the tree that had been.  All that was left was this crumbling, broken hunk of tree stump. 

I've been thinking about this tree.  I love that even now, it is useful.  It provides potential homes for many various small animals and birds.  Additionally, it has become part of the ecosystem of the bog. Now, look at the forefront of the picture.  There are many new plants growing up around this stump.  I am sure that there is a new tree, that will soon stand in the place of that one.  A new tree, springing up from the roots of the old one. 

I love that picture!   It is such a great reminder that our family tree continues to grow and grow.  I remember my mom sadly realizing that she was the last of her generation on the family tree.  It was so easy to remind her that the tree had lots of new sprouts with her 9 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.  This made her smile and then laugh.  She told me that she would never have imagined that her family tree would be SOOOOOOO big!  

I love that Jesus planned families and generations.  And then there are examples all throughout nature that remind us that even as we lose those loved ones off of our family tree, everything that they are contributed to our family, continues on.  The prayers, the declarations, the vows, all of that continues.  The Bible says in Luke 1:50  "His (God's) mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.  What a great gift.  As I have blogged before, it is just further incentive to me and spurs me on to pray into my FUTURE generations.  I remember when I really began to understand that PRAYERS ARE ETERNAL!  It is such a powerful thing and one that each person had to grab.  God's time is not our time.  When we speak a word through a prayer or declaration, it is spoken into eternity.  If this seems beyond what you can grasp, just take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal this truth into your spirit. 

Jesus, thank you for using nature to speak truth into my spirit.  Thank you for revealing your amazing qualities to us when we ask.  Holy Spirit, remind us each day to see things from your ETERNAL perspective.   Give us all courage to ask for more revelation and give us the willingness to be still so that we can hear your answer.   Amen

Birthday from the past....filled with gratitude

Today we celebrated Ellie's 5th birthday.  She had a wonderful party at a gymnastics and jump place with all of her friends.   It was so fun watching all of the kids running through the activities.  Zeke was certainly the most brave of all of the kids.  Even though he is only 2 years old, he climbed on the rope and swung out over the pit of foam blocks and let go!  Neither Lia or Ellie would do this!  Zeke is most assuredly all boy.  When I watched Ellie blow our her candles, I couldn't help but flash back to the day in this picture.  Because Doug and Ellie share a birthday, I suppose that is why I was thinking about this picture from Doug's 5th birthday in 1987.  (Yep, that's right, my "baby" is 32!)

If you look at the picture you will notice that Doug is in a hospital bed.  In fact, this was the last time that he was ever hospitalized.  In addition to his "normal" urinary problems, he had a severe case of scarlet fever.  During this hospital stay they "desensitized" him to a brand new medicine by giving him very small amounts gradually through his IV.  This long process, along with this "formulary" drug (which Doug took for the next 18 months) played a part in Doug's road to health.  Doug claims to not have any memory of this day, but Gwen remembers it well.  For me, the memory of this day is mostly that it was his LAST hospital stay! 

I am feeling so thankful tonight.  I know that Jesus is the one that brought Doug to total health.  While the medicine played a part in the process, it was ultimately Jesus that protected and worked in Doug.  When I look at my children and grandchildren, I am filled with gratitude.   What a blessing it is to see our kids and grand kids walking out their destiny.  As I have been doing this blog, I have looked at my ancestors.  I have seen how their prayers, their choices and their faith have impacted my life.  And today I was thinking about my future generations.  It is a privilege to know that my prayers can have an effect in the future.  What a powerful reminder to speak life into our family - present and future.  

Jesus, thank you for birthday celebrations, for good health, for family and friends.  Thank you for working in our generations.   Bless Ellie and Doug as they begin another new year of life.   Let them both draw closer to you in the next year.  Thank you for my past generations that sowed seeds of faith and life.  Bless my children, grandchildren and all my future generations with your presence and your peace.  Amen

Great reminder of why I love scrapbooking...

So today was another day spent as "Grandma Lyn" at Gwen's house.  I am so blessed by these special Monday time off days.  I get to cuddle that new sweetie Anna and I get to see and spend time with Lia, Ellie and Zeke.  Oh how I love these kids!  Today, while Zeke did NOT nap, Ellie and I (and Anna, who was sleeping in my arms) looked at scrapbooks.  This makes my heart happy and blesses me on some many levels.  Ellie loves to look at her mom's completed scrapbooks.   She goes through them page by page and recounts who is in each picture.  Today almost everyone was Ellie (whether it was or not!).  But I was seeing the importance of these albums that take hours and hours to complete.   Such powerful memories.

I was thinking back to a time when Gwen spent hours and hours looking at our photo albums.   They were always kept on a low shelf so that the kids could reach them.  They were looked at over and over and over.   And these scrapbooks are so much better than just a magnetic photo album.   There are words that will someday be just as important as the photos.  For me, the journaling part of scrapbooking is sometimes the hardest thing.  Yet I know that it is so important to make sure that in the future, anyone who looks at these albums will know exactly WHO is in the pictures and WHERE they were taken as well as WHEN.  Just this weekend I pulled out a very old leather photo album that is falling apart.  There are pages and pages crammed full of black and white photos.  Some are very old - from the early 1900's.  The bad news is that there is no one alive who knows who the people are in these photos.  There are no names and we have no idea where these photos were taken.  All I know about this album is that it belonged to Ken's great grandmother Kelly.  I received this album from Ken's mom about a year before she died.  She couldn't identify any of the people either.  And now we are one more generation away from anyone who could bring meaning to these pictures.   I spent a couple of minutes looking at that album.  I turned the pages carefully and ran my fingers over the pictures.  There were babies and cute little boys and girls and young couples.  There were some family pictures including one family with a little boy that was disabled (he had braces on his legs and a cane is in the pictures).  I sure wish I had the key to these photos and the place these people have in our family tree. 

So, with this in mind, I will press on with my scrapbooking.  Not only do I get great enjoyment from this activity, but I am blessed knowing that, if in the future someone finds these books, they will know exactly who we are.  I am glad that I have these two reminders today.  The old photo album and the little almost 5 year old Ellie who loves to look at these scrapbooks.  Both are an inspiration to me.

Jesus, thank you for family and photos and memories.  Holy Spirit, thank you for connecting me to past generations and helping me to see the future through Ellie.   Jesus help us all to see and understand better the connections we have in our generations.   Thank you for bringing more revelation with each day.  Thank you for grandchildren and smiles and hugs.  And thank you for days off from work.  Amen

Celebrating a great daddy (and son-in-law!)

I have done a lot of blogging about Gwen and the kids, but I really haven't said much about Tim!  Today was a really special day for Ellie and Tim.  It was "My Guy and Me" at Ellie's preschool.   This is a special day when the preschoolers get to show their special guy, exactly what happens in school.  And then they get to share a Pizza dinner!  Tim is a very involved daddy like so many young men today.  He cares for the kids, changes diapers and gets up during the night.  It's not unusual for Tim to take one or two of the kids grocery shopping.  And Tim is quite the cook and an amazing baker!  (An interesting fact of our family is that Gwen does NOT like to cook and bake and Doug does!  So it is not surprising that Tim is also the chef of their family!)

I remember the first time I met Tim.  It was at a Concordia College Wind Symphony concert.  Gwen introduced Ken and I to her new friend.  This was in October and when Gwen wanted to invite Tim to our house over Christmas break, I was not surprised.  It didn't take me long to understand what Gwen saw in Tim.  He has a quiet strength that you can see in his eyes.  One time he got snowbound at our house during a college break and he was the one outside shoveling the lawn so that we could park 3 of the 5 cars there.    And I loved that he sat with me and worked on a jigsaw puzzle.  He is very much like Doug and they got along right away.  It was clear that Tim fits in our family.

You know, when your kids are little you try to envision their future mates.  It is quite a scary thing for a mom!  You have no control over this decision.  As we got to know Tim, I could see God's hand in this match.  Gwen and Tim are very much a picture of opposites attract.  And more than that, each of them has strengths that balance a weakness in the other.  I love that they are raising their kids to know and love Jesus.  I love that they each have a very deep and personal relationship with Jesus that shines through.  One of my favorite memories of Tim is from a mission trip that we went on to Toronto.  He walked right up to a homeless man, sitting on a park bench, and gave him his lunch.  And then he stood there and talked with him.  The youth are drawn to Tim and Gwen.  It is a wonderful thing to see the impact that this couple is having on young men and women who are going on to change their world.  And I love how they are nurturing their own children and encouraging them in their specific giftings.

Yes, I know that Ken and I are very blessed.  Both of our kids found the ideal mate and we are so proud of each of them.   Gwen, Tim, Doug and Susie - we love you!

Jesus, thank you so much for Tim and the wonderful husband and father he is.  Holy Spirit continue to pour your presence and power over and through Gwen and Tim.  Bless Doug and Susie and reveal your peace and love to them.  Jesus, thank you for continuing to bless my generations through my children and grandchildren.   Amen