Christmas wrap up for 2022

I so love having these family photos from our gatherings.  I love seeing just how much the kids grow and change.  Christmas was so much fun.  We managed to avoid the bitter cold and snowy days by our previously planned date to celebrate of the 26th!  It was a great day weather-wise and everyone was healthy (which we do NOT take for granted)!  

 

We always make sure that one of the first things we do, is set up for the "photo shoot".  It is almost impossible to wrangle everyone once the present opening begins.   This year Micah, Lia's boyfriend, joined us for the Christmas celebration.  Our number keeps growing as the kids get older!

It is a good thing that Gwen and Tim have the "world's biggest sectional" since it fits most of us!  

It was so much fun just watching all the opening of presents. I receive the "Grandma and Jimmy" frame to complete the set of frames on my wall!  Susie began making these for me in 2008, when she created the first "Grandma and Lia" frame.  She has gifted me one for every grandchild since!  These precious keepsake frames mean the world to me.  I now have seven frames to look at each day!

It was a great day for some outdoor fun, so Grace, Anna and Zeke spent over an hour outside sledding.  Gwen and Tim have some perfect hills so no driving is necessary to get to a good place to sled.  

Warming up afterwards required some hot cocoa.  Just made the day even more fun.  Jimmy seemed to enjoy the dogs as much as the presents.  Sunny (who has as much energy as a toddler) and Jimmy, raced around the room chasing after each other.  Both Sunny and Jimmy were ready for a bit of "containment" so Sunny went to her crate and Jimmy....

And everyone had a turn at entertaining Jimmy!  It was so much fun seeing the excitement of the kids.  They love being together and everyone had a great time.  We played a few rounds of a new game "Would you Rather" and that brought many laughs.  We didn't take our usual dinner time photo- we simply forgot.  With all twelve of us gathered around their table set with their Avent wreath burning, the story of my "almost burning down our house on Christmas" was once again shared.  And we laughed (all of us adults) that the kids did not even know what an "entertainment center" was!  Our family Advent wreath story involves a plastic wreath, some (very) short candles, the top of an entertainment center, and a busy mom (AKA me) making a Christmas breakfast in the kitchen while the entertainment center burned! Just a little!  Thankfully, Ken noticed the flames before much damage was done.  We had a large burn mark on the top of that piece of furniture for all the years we owned it!  And also a great story to tell every Christmas for the last 37 years.  

The years go by so fast.  In a blink of an eye, the kids are all growing up.  It won't be long before my little family will grow so large it might be difficult to fit easily into a photo.  I can not express fully just how thankful I am for the love and care and concern I am so blessed  to receive from my family.  Over the last few weeks, I have read, heard and seen so many stories of families that are torn apart by conflicts and hurts. My prayer goes out to those who do not have family nearby or at all.  There is something about Christmas that makes family seem so important.  For me, it is all about sharing the love that makes the holiday so special.  It is the small little kindness' that happen that bring smiles and tears to so many.  It is the "secret santa" gifts, the ornament exchanges, the cookies shared and the candy eaten that express the truth of Christmas. It is the lights on trees and houses and yards that dispel the darkness of the winter night.  It is the smiles of strangers, the door held open for you, the extra hug that warm my heart.  It is the glowing candles in a darkened church and the singing of familiar carols and the ringing of the bell near the Salvation Army kettle.  Yes, this is the love of Jesus pouring forth  into our dark world.  Jesus said "I am the light of the world" and then said "You are the light of the world".  As we celebrate Jesus' birth, we shine forth our light into the world.  That is what Christmas is really all about.  May we all continue to shine forth brightly into the new year.  

Jesus, thank you for reminding us that you are the light of the world.  Holy Spirit, help us to see the light that overcomes the darkness that seems to be all around us.  Remind us to shine brightly and to not "hide our light under a bushel".  Keep us aware of others who might need that extra measure of kindness.  Give us courage and boldness to smile, to hug and to help.  Amen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weekend away with the kids.....

We spent the last couple of days with all the kids (and grandkids also) at one of our favorite places - Timber Ridge Lodge.  This fun time is for me one of the best times of the year.... we get so much fun crammed into just a couple of days.  This place is a business gold mine, since they have really thought out family get-aways.   The rooms are all 1 or 2 bedroom suite rooms that also have a pull out couch.  There is a large dining table and an (almost) full size kitchen.  We discovered that they don't have an oven - only a stove top.  So no frozen pizza  for the kids.  But they do have a microwave also.  The highlight is the indoor water park that is really perfect for kids preteen and younger.  The toddler area is perfect for really young ones and there is also a lazy river.  Ken especially liked the "adults only" hot tub!  There is also an indoor/outdoor hot tub that kids are allowed to use.

I snapped this picture of Lia, Ellie, Anna and I and you can tell by our squints that the sun was very bright!  You can also see the snow in the background!  It is interesting to be outside yet still warm in the water, even when it is snowing!  

We got to spend lots of time together, eating, playing games and laughing! I confess that I participated in a game with the kids that had something to do with sushi (?) but I sure didn't understand the rules or even how the game was played. I just kept saving any random cards and discarding whatever was left.  The kids had a great time and I think Tim won.  It was still a fun filled time - even if Grandma was very confused.  I love this photo of the five kids together, watching a quick video before heading off to bed.

After the kids were in bed, the adults spent time playing a rousing game of Trivial Pursuit.  The guys managed to eek out a win, even though the girls were close behind. I was happy to actually answer one question correctly.

Hours pass quickly during water park fun, with hardly a break to grab something to eat or drink.  Lia took Anna on the tube slide over and over again.  As fast as they came zooming down, they were headed back up the stairs for another run.  

  

What a wonderful time we all had!  We were especially thankful that Ken was feeling great and able to enjoy the time.  Just a few weeks ago, it seemed unlikely that this event would even happen.  It is really a miracle that we were blessed to have this chance to be together. 

By the end of the day, we all felt a bit like Grace, who fell asleep on Susie's lap.  She insisted she  wanted to go back into the water, but could hardly keep her eyes open.  In spite of all the noise and commotion going on around her, she managed to catch a short nap.

This trip to the water park has become a yearly event for our family.  It is one of those "traditions" that the kids just beg to continue.  Just for fun, here is a picture from our first ever trip to Timber Ridge in 2011.  Lia was 4 and Ellie was a month shy of 2.  You can't quite see Grace's swim suit in the very first picture of this blog (because of her floaty) - but she is wearing the same suit that Ellie has on in this photo!  Gotta love those hand me down clothes!  Not only the clothes get recycled, so do the events!

Bonus picture of Grace with her suit more visible! Almost exactly the same age as Ellie was above!

I am just so thankful today, sitting here looking back on this years trip, but also thinking of all of the years of fun we have had.  I am thankful for digital photos and ways to easily find pictures when you want to.  I am so thankful for the medicine and doctors to help us stay healthy and active, so that we can enjoy our grandchildren.  

We have had our share of worries and concerns in 2019.   This weekend has reminded me that spending time doing what you love is the most important thing.  Being with the people that matter to you, sharing love - yep that is the best.  Just writing this blog as brought me so much joy.  Joy and love can sure cancel out worry and concern.  This trip was just what Ken and I needed.  We are going into March feeling much less worried and far less concerned and much more joyful and so, so loved!  I'd say that was a really good couple of days!

Jesus, thank you so much for times of fun and laughter.  Holy Spirit, help us remember when we are worried and concerned that you are always with us.  Give us grace and courage to let our families know when we need more hugs and more time together.  Keep us watchful of others so that we can share your love and bring joy to others.  Amen 

So much to be thankful for......

We have a very lovely Thanksgiving this year.  Gwen and Tim and the kids spent Thanksgiving day with us.  As usual, they spent the night so Gwen and I can shop till we drop!  We all watched the Macy's parade and then the National Dog Show (which has become a yearly tradition for us!)  Both Gwen and I made several on-line purchases this year, and with the closing of ToysRUs, we only had five stores to visit on Thanksgiving evening!  We were home and in bed before 9:00pm!  This year we only had one stop on Black Friday morning, and we didn't have to leave the house until 5:45am.  We were done shopping and back home before the kids were even awake. Tim spent the entire time working on our home improvement projects.  Among other things, he finished our kitchen back splash, did some work on our baseboards and trim and painted the foyer!  Needless to say, Ken and I are very thankful for Tim's help with all updates!

We continued our Thanksgiving celebration at Doug and Susie's house for a traditional Thanksgiving meal.  Doug smoked a turkey again this year, which are always delicious.

And for a little family humor, when Doug says that he is "in the backyard smoking" it does not mean that he has taken up cigarettes!  Most likely he has some good meat in the smoker!

The cousins had a great time together.  Grace is getting old enough that all of sudden she can enter into all the fun activities of the big kids.  Susie had bought a craft kit for the kids to make foam turkeys.  Grace was right there doing her own turkey (with a little help from mom).  By the time I took this picture............

Grace was much more interested in taking the turkey apart than holding it up for a picture!  You just gotta love those almost two year olds!

Even the four legged members of our family had a good time.  Zeke made sure that both Sammy and Kylie got lots of attention.

Grandpa made sure that Chandler got his share of attention, and Grandpa got a good rest himself!
The kids had so much fun making cookies with Susie.  Even Grace was able to join in and have a hand in the cookie making

 With a little help from her cousins, Grace helped stir, roll, cut and decorate her own cookies!

Of course all of us were able to eat the cookies!  And we were thankful for them!

My favorite part of Thanksgiving was going around the table and each of us sharing one thing we were thankful for.  Lia was thankful for her family.  I was thankful for a warm house to gather together.  Anna was thankful for the world!  Doug was thankful for a job and all the provision it brings.  Susie was thankful for good food.  We all decided that Grace was thankful for mommy and daddy.  Ellie was thankful for family and friends.  Tim was thankful for his children.  Ken was thankful for Tim and his help and for all of us and for me especially.  Gwen was thankful for a fun family that gets along.  Zeke was thankful for his life.  Susie ended our thankful time, saying that we all are thankful for Jesus!  

Every year it seems like the holidays just fly by faster than the year before.  I am especially thankful this year that there are more days in November after the holiday so that I have more days to reflect and be thankful!

Yes, I am blessed.  The biggest blessing of these family gatherings is all of the love that is shared.  The wonderful and amazing thing about love is that the more you give away, the more love you have! That is the best thought to carry us into the Christmas season.  Yep, that is going to be my Advent goal.  Seeing how much love I can give away!!  Will you join me?

Jesus, thank you for your great love for us.  It is your love that allows us to love others.  Holy Spirit keep us mindful of those that might especially need more love during the weeks ahead.  Give us courage and obedient hearts to share love with those who might need it the most.  Thank you Jesus for family, friends and fun.  Mostly, again, thank you for your love.  Amen

Family bowling day.....winds of change.

It was a beautiful sunny day today - except for the crazy wind!  These high winds actually started during the night last night.  At one point Ken even commented that it sounded like "blizzard wind".  I believe that we would have had a genuine blizzard if the temperature was 20 degrees colder and if there had been precipitation.  The wind blew all day.  Even though it was close to 40 degrees, it felt much colder.  In typical Chicago weather, you never know how to dress or what kind of coat/jacket to wear.  It certainly felt like March was coming in like a lion!!  A roaring lion at that.

Anna's birthday was a bit ago, but for her family get together, she decided we should go bowling!

The last time we bowled together (which was last year for Lia's birthday - I think), Anna was really not interested in the game.  But four is so much older than three when it comes to these events!
We have found a really nice place to bowl sort of equal distance for all of us.  So we meet there for a fun lunch time bowl. 

Grace was so interested in all the lights, the large screen monitors all over the place, the flashing lights - really all of what makes a bowling alley a bowling alley.  I just love seeing the kids together and we had a wonderful time.  Watching Anna actually bowling today reminded me just how quickly these little ones grow up.  Last year at our bowling outing, Grace sat in her car seat, not at all interested in what was happening.  Oh the difference a year makes!

Last weeks news was flooded with stories about Billy Graham after his death.   Rev. Graham's life and legacy are so amazing.  I read that he has preached the Gospel to more people than anyone else, EVER!  What an awesome party there must be going on in heaven right now.  The song that has been on my mind is Thank You for Giving to the Lord, by Ray Bolz.  The point of this song is that each one of us will have made an impact on many people that we do not even know about.  Imagine just how many people will be there to thank Rev. Billy Graham.  The lose of Rev. Graham was certainly felt around the world.  And there has been a shift in the Spiritual realm also.  Many, many people are believing that there will be a new wave of evangelism and new powerful preachers will step up to fill the void left by his death.  Yes, winds of change are blowing.  If there was ever a time when the United States needed those winds to blow, it is now in 2018.  I had an interesting conversation with someone who is especially concerned about the issues and problems facing inner city youth.  After a long discussion, it became clear that knowing about all the problems does not get you any closer to solving them!  With such a large and complex issue like this one, there is no quick and easy solution.  While I applaud the desire to make a difference and to see things change, I also can see the enormity of the problems!  I went to bed, thinking about that conversation.  I woke up with an assurance that Jesus was the only answer to that situation. Yes, we need those winds of change to blow across our inner cities, and change the hearts of the people.

In my small group we have been discussing the opposite of "love" is not "hate" - it is FEAR.  Fear is the root of all that comes against love.  Every emotion, every action, every deed that is not love, comes from a place of fear.  All of us - our families, our neighborhoods, our cities, our countries - need more love!  And God is love! As the seasons change, as March comes blowing in like a lion, as Billy Graham has graduated into glory, let us all pray for a powerful move of God.  Let there be open doors for evangelism and even more important than open doors, let there be open hearts to receive the love of Jesus.

"There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear.."  1John 4:18

Jesus, thank you for reminding me that you are what is needed.  Holy Spirit, show each of us our part of this amazing plan for our world.  Give us all courage and boldness to share Jesus with those around us.  Draw us closer to you Jesus, especially when the problems seem so overwhelming.  Thank you for children, for family and for fun times.  And Jesus, thank you for winds of change.  Amen

Thanksgiving recap... now on to Christmas!

We had a busy and wonderful week over Thanksgiving!  Quite honestly, it has gotten harder and harder to make the time to sit down and write these blogs.  It is certainly not for lack of things to share.   I thought I would kick off with this adorable "thanks" turkey that Susie had for the kids to create when we celebrated together.  I love this so much.  We did the traditional sharing around the table also, of our thankfulness and it was especially easy to be thankful with Grace sitting happily with the family in her highchair!  It has been a very thankful 10 months for us. 

We celebrated in our "traditional" way this year, which is somewhat "un-traditional".  Gwen and Tim and the kids came to our house on Thanksgiving day.  However, we do not celebrate this in the traditional way.  Oh, we watch the Macy's parade followed by the kids very favorite thing - the dog show!  We have lots of snack foods out.  We do eat a meal together - but not turkey.  It is our tradition to have lasagna for lunch.  I know it sounds a bit odd, but it works for our family.  This is because during that parade and dog show the adults are seriously scanning the huge amount of sale flyers that are enclosed in the ridiculously expensive papers that were purchased early that morning.  (When I say expensive, I mean it!  I needed a twenty dollar bill to make that purchase)  Now I know that many of you have strong opinions about shopping on the holiday, how unfair it is for the workers, etc, but I want to tell you that for Gwen and I this is a very real and important part of Thanksgiving.  There were plenty of years that we got up at 3 or 4 morning to go shopping.  The worst years were when some stores opened at midnight.  There was no sleeping for us those years.  I know that it is a hot topic but just let me say that it works great for Gwen and I.  This year we left the house at 3:00pm and hit five stores.  We were home before 9:00pm.  We got plenty of sleep and then left the house around 5:00am for the second round of stores on Black Friday.  We were especially thankful this year that the weather was moderately warm and we only stood outside in lines twice - once on Thursday and once on Friday.

Gwen and Tim and the kids always spend the night at our house on Thanksgiving night.  This is a big treat for the kids, who otherwise would not have the chance to have a "sleep over" with Grandma and Grandpa. 

Our Thanksgiving tradition continues with our real "Thanksgiving" happening on Friday at Doug and Susie's house.  Doug always smokes the turkey outside and it is always yummy. This years bird was a whopping 26 lbs!  We took family pictures at their house, but since these will most likely be in my Christmas Cards this year, I decided to keep them under wraps for now.  It was a glorious day on Friday with highs in the 50's so we took the kids and the dogs to the park.  Grace got to go on the swings and the slide and even ride the bouncy horse.  After our meal was consumed and all the clean up was done, Susie made cookies with the kids.  

Grace had her first taste of my Grandmother Johnson's recipe for "Butter Butter Cookies".  Needless to say, we all enjoyed these tasty treats.  As a special bonus this year, Gwen and Tim and the kids spent Friday night with a "sleep over" at Doug and Susie's house.  Really a wonderful thanks filled few days.

I think tonight I am feeling especially grateful for my family.  Our adult children all get along.  There seems to be plenty of laughing and talking and lots of hugs.  Even the three dogs got along well.  Unfortunately, not every family has this same report.  I know of several families who experienced much less wonderful holiday times with adult children who just can not get along.  There are also families where the adult children can not get along with their parents.  My heart is heavy for these families.  For often petty and selfish reasons, they are missing sharing time with those who should be the closest to them.  I believe that my family has learned the power and strength we have when we draw together.  The loss of a precious son, grandson, nephew and cousin helped us learn this lesson.  Each of our loved ones is a treasure that could be lost at any moment.  So time together is the most important gift we give each other.  So we choose to celebrate and be thankful together!

During the next weeks, as we are approaching Christmas, my prayer is for much reconciliation and thankfulness for families that have been hurt by conflict.  The love of Jesus is so needed!  Won't you please join me in a prayer for love, peace and joy between sisters and brothers and children and parents? 

Jesus, thank you for your great love for us.  Holy Spirit, remind us all to treasure our family members - even those with whom we disagree.  Keep our hearts tender to those closest to us.  Give us an extra measure of grace and peace during stressful times.   Jesus, help us to keep love a central focus of our family.  Thank you for special times to step out of our routines and be thankful.  Amen

A guessing game....and the answer is love!

Some things in life are just guessing games.  Yesterday our family had a really fun guessing game as we all took a guess at the gender of Doug and Susie's anticipated baby.  As you can see from our "ballot" there was only one lone person on the boy side and the rest of us all guessed girl.  That is except for Doug and Ken!  They both refused to participate in the guessing.  Ken told someone that the baby would be human  and that was the only guess he would make!  And he wanted to vote for that.  Needless to say we were all delighted that the baby is a girl!  Susie is especially excited.

This is such a wonderful time, filled with anticipation for our family.  The time between now and when this baby is born will pass both very quickly AND very slowly!  That is certainly true of the last two years since we lost baby Lucas.  In some ways it seems like it was just a short while ago, yet in other ways this has been the longest two years that I have ever experienced.  If I have learned one thing in these hard two years, it is that we are called to live PRESENT in each day.  You can't live in the past and you can't just be longing for the future.  Jesus made that very clear so many times in the Bible.  We are instructed to keep our thoughts (and our worries) on today.  We are also told NOT to worry - since he has everything under control.

I've tried to stay totally out of the presidential election controversy over the last months.  It was certainly another example of a guessing game. And now there are so many people who seem to be living outside of the present.  There are protests and riots over things that simply have not yet happened and may never happen.  Now more than ever we all just need to be present in today, asking Jesus what our tasks are for today.  He's got everything under control. We need to stop the assuming what will happen in the future and stop the entire guessing game of the next four years.

The great topper of my weekend was a wonderful time, actually getting to meet and listen to Dr. Brian Simmons - the man responsible for The Passion Translation.  I have quoted from this translation many times on this blog.  My daily devotional times almost always include The Passion Translation, which speaks directly to my spirit as I read.  The interesting thing about this event was that it was also sort of a guessing game as to whether or not the meeting would happen!  The leader of the ministry sponsoring Dr, Simmons actually had a medical emergency hours before this event was to take place.

I confess that my prayers were not only for the total health and well being of the leader, but also that this meeting would actually happen!  I have been eagerly waiting for a chance to meet Pr. Simmons.  Thankfully although the leader did need to spend time under medical care, the meeting went on as planned, thanks to a wonderful group of support staff in this ministry.  What a wonderful night hearing not only the powerful testimony of this man and his wife, but also being encouraged and blessed through his words shared with us.  There were so many amazing thoughts in that two hour talk..... but here are just a couple of things to ponder.

*Everything springs from love.  Love is the epicenter of who God is and what He does. His Love for us - His Bride is revealed in the Song of Songs.

*The Hebrew word for singing is a homonym which also means to prune.  It is our worship that prunes us.  The dead things are severed from us when we worship.

*John 17 will be a highlighted chapter in the year 2017.  (I think I will be spending a bit of time meditating on this chapter)

Oh, there was so much more!  I am so thankful that I got to meet this man and listen to him for this very short time.   Love was the overwhelming topic of this meeting.  Love was the very center of our family time and our anticipation for that new baby girl.  Love is the answer to the controversy and the turmoil in our country post election.  Love.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself.

Jesus, thank you for speaking so clearly in the Bible about love.  Holy Spirit, help us to start each day  knowing that we are loved by You.  Remind us all to love before anything else.  Keep us mindful of our neighbors and mindful of Your great love for us.  Thank you Jesus for my newest little granddaughter!  Amen

Lineage and Legacy...........and love

For some reason today, I just kept thinking about my mom.  It is really interesting when this happens.  It seems to come out of nowhere and then suddenly I am thinking about how much I miss her.  This picture was taken in the 1990's (I would have to do some serious looking to find out the exact date).  She has been gone now for almost 5 years but it some ways, it seems like just yesterday I was talking to her on the phone.  The interesting thing is that there is no special "date trigger" or event that has brought her to my mind.  I just woke up thinking about her and she has been on my mind all day.  A couple weeks ago Gwen and I were talking about her, kind of out of the blue.  The previous day Lia had commented to Gwen that these cookies........

reminded her of the cookies that Great Grandma Nona always had at her house.  The cookies Lia was talking about were actually Vienna Fingers, but these taste a lot like them.  It was so good to know that Lia really remembers mom and that these memories, most likely, will not go away.  And I am especially glad that it is the little things that Lia remembers.  

It was interesting, that one the conversations at my small group today was our lineage and legacy.  One of my friends had gotten a new book by Bobby Conner Lineage-Line and Legacy after hearing him speak at a conference last week.   Our discussion today reminded me of all of the ways that my mom has left a legacy for me and for my children and grandchildren.  There is wisdom in thinking about this topic and setting our sights on the kind of legacy that we want to leave - not only for our family but also for the Kingdom!  The title of this book really struck me also because of this..

I think I have blogged about these very special name frames that I have created for each of my grandchildren.  Each one contains a prophetic message that was given to me especially for them.  This is Anna's frame.  The message for her was very clear and very simple.... her life was a legacy of love and is in the lineage of the King of Kings!  Her destiny includes bringing the kingdom of heaven to earth!  When I was on my way home from group today, I was thinking about this frame.  I am so thankful that part of my legacy.....through Anna..... is LOVE!  There is nothing better or greater than that.  If Anna only leaves a legacy of love in this world, that would be enough.  And isn't that really what God's kingdom is all about?  All over the world, people pray the Lord's prayer every day.  We teach it to young children.  

Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  

Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil.

For yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, forever.  Amen

God is LOVE and that is His kingdom! All of us are charged with leaving a legacy of love to the world.  With all of the political drama going on right now, it is difficult to see the love.  But as Christians, we need to keep our focus on what is really important.  And today, more than any other day, sharing love with our families, with our neighbors AND with those with whom we don't agree! Love.  It is that simple.  A wonderful legacy.

My mom left that legacy.  A wonderful, sweet legacy of love that will be carried on into her generations.  And I am so thankful that Lia will remember that love.

Jesus, thank you for memories and pictures and books that point the way to your truths each day.  Thank you for your great love for us that brought you here to the earth and to the cross.  Holy Spirit, nudge us every day when we need to share your love with others.  Help us to know your love for us. Amen 

Spending time with the family!

Last weekend our family got together to celebrate Anna's birthday with an "experience" that everyone could enjoy.  Given that Anna is only 2 it was not easy coming up with something that all of the kids would like (and the adults) that would be appropriate for Anna.  Thankfully, Gwen has just discovered this really amazing public library that actually has (almost) a Children's Museum as part of their kids area!  And it is FREE!  Can you imagine that?  There were so many activities for the all of the kids, as well as a really big library of children's books.  As a plus for the adults, they were having an art exhibition from local elementary and middle schools featuring art work of all kinds. It was really fun to wander around and see all of the really amazing art produced by these young kids. The older kids were able to explore without much adult supervision.  Anna had a wonderful time.  This little shopping area actually had a conveyor belt and cash register to "check out" your items, as well as that amazing little shopping basket.  There was a large airplane slide that could be "flown" by a pilot and co-pilot and Zeke spent most of his time taking passengers on marvelous adventures - mostly to Florida (the only place that Zeke has ever gone on an airplane!) that was also a slide! Anna found the dress up area and wore a crown for a part of the day. There were art projects and lego's and a light table and a really cool light bright'ish wall with giant pegs.  And of course there were IPads and computers.  We spent a very enjoyable 2 hours watching all of the kids have a great time.  Afterwards we all went to a local burger restaurant for lunch.  It was a wonderful, fun filled day of laughter and just being together.  Next weekend is Ellie's birthday and plans are already underway for our family "experience" day to celebrate her big 7th birthday!

So it is kind of ironic that I decided to use that picture of Anna from our day, since the actual point of this blog is about NOT getting STUFF!  Susie and Doug actually had the idea to find an "experience" to celebrate birthdays rather than giving gifts.  Each of us has a lot of "stuff" and what we all get the most enjoyment out of, is spending time together.  As I mentioned in a previous blog, I have accepted the Lenten Challenge to get rid of one item each day from my closet and/or cupboard during these 40 days leading up to Easter.  This really small "sacrifice" has just reminded me how much I have to be grateful for!  Here is the first bag of "stuff" going to the donation center......

along with the chair it is leaning against!  That very old chair had seen its better days and was well worn.  Ken's dad had used this chair for many, many years and we got it in 2009 when he moved to Florida.  It has been in my scrapbooking room since then and I spent many, many hours in that chair over the last 7 years.  It was time that it found a new home!  That bag represents about 1/2 of the 40 day challenge. I have already started a new bag and have added items each day.  This is a wonderful way to change your focus and to remember what Easter is all about.

We are a blessed people here in the United States.  Most of us have access to clean drinking water at the touch of our hand. Our children have schools with windows and doors and roofs - and teachers and books.  We have libraries that are filled not only with books, but sometimes wonderful objects to help kids explore.  There are sidewalks and paved paths to walk on for miles and miles.  We have parks, forest preserves, green spaces and countrysides to visit.  A large percentage of us have amazing powerful computers that we carry around with us everywhere (our cell phones)!  Internet access is everywhere these days with free WIFI in every store and/or building you enter.  Our closets are full and our cupboards are overflowing.  Yet, among us there are the homeless and the poor and the sick and the needy.  Yesterday as I was adding an item to that bag I realized that just giving stuff is not enough.  It is something......but it is not enough.  The lesson I have learned from being together with my family is really simple.  TIME IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THINGS!  So, my new challenge to myself is to find ways to share time with others in addition to donating those objects.  Time to stop and chat with a store clerk.  Time to see a friend that you just haven't connected with in a very long time.  Time to help at the local thrift shop.  Time to pack some meals at Feed My Starving Children.  Time to serve food at the local shelter.  Time to send some hand written notes and cards to people who need to know you care.  Time to connect with extended family members who you rarely see.  You get the idea.  Just time.  Giving my time.

You know what.....this is all about love.  People will know your love when you spend your time on them.  And we know that Jesus taught over and over about showing love to others.  I was reminded of this verse as I was writing this blog.......
If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.    1 Corinthians 13:3

Yes, I learned a valuable lesson at the library on Saturday and I am finding a lesson in my Lenten challenge.  I am ending tonight feeling so thankful for a warm house and hot food and a loving family.  My tomorrow will include looking for ways to show my love through my time.  Will you join me in this challenge?

Jesus, thank you for the reminder that giving things we possess is not enough.  Holy Spirit, help us to see all of the ways that we can show your love to the world.  Open our eyes to the small things that we can do..... the ways we can use our time..... to change our world.   Thank you Jesus for your great love for us!  Help us to remember that you see our love by the time we spend with you also!  Amen

Family tree.....rooted in Love!

We had a very blessed Christmas celebration.  It was not the exact celebrate that we had planned, but it was wonderful.  We all gathered at Gwen and Tim's house in the morning and we spent the day together.  We ate.  We laughed.  We opened presents.  We ate some more.  We played games.  We talked.  We ate again.  And we laughed some more.  We made cookies and we ate some more!  And we played more games!  Yes, it was a wonderful and very full day.  

Last year I blogged about this amazing tree that we received from Gwen and Tim and the kids as a Christmas gift.  This year we received the LOVE!  These amazing metal decorations were made in Haiti out of used steel oil drums.   They are hammered and the detail is wonderful.  So last year's tree is now grounded and rooted in love!  And that sure reminds me of our family.

Making the day even more special were these amazing gifts from Doug and Susie.  Over the years, Susie has made a large frame for me with pictures of "Grandma and ......" for each of the grandchildren.  This year I received a frame for Anna and I and we also received this frame of Lucas with the family.  I know that this was most likely very difficult for Susie to spend time choosing pictures and assembling this frame.  And that makes it even more special to me.  Now our wall of frames is complete.  I think these frames represent the love that is the grounding force of our family.

Susie and Doug pressed through, and completed these difficult projects out of love.  I feel the love every time I look at these frames and each time I see those wall hangings.  

Today the weather was........well awful.  It started with a cold wind and rain/sleet.  And then there was more sleet and more wind.  And then it began to snow and sleet.  It actually built up to more than 2 inches of sleet/snow covering the ice that had formed on everything.  Yes, it was really an icky day. I canceled the plans I had to spend the day with Gwen and the kids and instead, spent the entire day in the nice warm house.  It was nice to have a day to just let the holiday celebrations "sink" into my spirit.  There were so many great memories - so many little snapshots of joy and hope. And mixed in was the reality of missing Lucas, who is always in our thoughts.  And there was so much love.

Our family has made a shift away from giving THINGS and towards ACTIVITIES that we can share.  If we have learned one thing during this last year, it is the power of just being together.  One of the things we did yesterday was "calendar coordination"!  We planned events out into the next few months.  And we made sure that there were lots of dates on the calendar.  We have much to look forward to.  Again, so much love.

I can't think of anything more important to sow into my family tree than a legacy of love.  Jesus IS love and when we share in activities together, we are sharing the love of Jesus in very real ways.  Susie and Doug brought ornaments to make together with the kids. It was so much fun watching them create Santas and Snowmen!  Watching the kids play games together - including the adults - was such an expression of love.  Doug and Zeke playing a rousing game of Hungry, Hungry Hippos.  Susie and Lia and Ellie playing a silly game of Twister.  Gwen and I playing Shopkins Bingo with Lia and Ellie.  It may seem so "ordinary" but today it feels "special" to me.  

In my "musings" today, I was thinking about these Bible verses....

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.  They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.    Isaiah 61:1-3

Yes, this Christmas was a picture of these verses for our family.  Lots of joy instead of mourning.  And our family tree is a planting of the Lord for a display of His splendor.  I know that without Jesus, our family would not be doing these "ordinary" things with so much joy.  It is because of Jesus that we celebrate His great love by sharing together in hope and joy.  It is Jesus who has turned our ashes into beauty.  And I am so grateful for Christmas and the chance to see his love in action.  

Jesus, thank you so much family and fun and fellowship together as we celebrate your birthday.  Holy Spirit, remind us all that your love brings light instead of darkness.  Jesus, thank you for hope instead of despair.  Amen 

When you feel like you ended up in exactly the correct spot....

On my current Nanny job, the little girl usually takes good naps.  This gives me several hours of each day with not much to do.  On Monday I was scanning the floor to ceiling bookshelves in the "playroom" (which obviously was an office at one time) and I saw this book.  It is a weighty tome about 3" thick.  It contained some amazing pictures of the Chicago fire and also some photos from before the fire.  As I was paging through, I realized that this was a true encyclopedia with  entries for most of the towns around me.  So I searched for my town.  And there it was.

Now I don't expect you to actually be able to read the little tiny text.  I enjoyed the entire entry, but the reason this was so interesting for me was one paragraph.... The last full paragraph on the page.   It seems that my town was a "quiet vacation spot" from city life.   And then the last sentence of that paragraph...."Montgomery Ward established a vacation home for employees in 1918".  This was so interesting to me since my dad was an employee of Montgomery Ward for 43 years!   I actually moved to Illinois when my dad was transferred here (actually the last of many times Wards moved my family during those 43 years).  When Ken and I purchased our home, my dad was quite interested in the "country" town that we selected.  And 37 years ago, this was a small country town.  We had horses stabled across the creek behind our house and several people raised chickens.  It was certainly not a typical suburban town.  My dad loved the small town hardware store in town.  It was the kind of place that had so much "junk" (which my dad would just say was great stuff) and boxes on the shelves that might have been there for years and years.  There were also people who worked in that store that could understand exactly what you needed when you came with a plumbing problem, or needed a certain kind of screw.  My dad spent many hours just "looking" in that store.  And he really liked our house.  So I found it interesting that this was a vacation spot for Montgomery Ward employees.  Yes, things have changed in the 37 years that we have been here.  The horses are gone, and so are the chickens.  The growth of the town has been something.  The population when we moved here was 4,000 and I believe that our current population is 13,300.  That wonderful Hardware store is now an Ace Hardware and has moved into a shopping center.  Not the same at all.  But I remember the first time that Ken and I came out here to look at the model homes.  First of all, it seemed so far away from everything that we knew.  But we were getting tired of the traffic and congestion that surrounded us nearer to the city.  I remember feeling "settled" when we moved here.  I can't really explain why seeing this one sentence in this book brought me down this path, but here I am.  

Over the last couple of months I have been doing a lot of thinking about where I am going, but here is another reminder that I seem to be in exactly the right place.  Today I had an amazing vision during my worship time.  I saw a very large angel towering over our house.  He was holding a large banner that said "HOPE".  And the word that I heard was that I have somehow let go of the hope that was in my spirit after Lucas died.  The message was clear.  Because I could not hold on to hope, Jesus has sent a ministering angel to me, that is holding up that banner of hope for me and my family.  And more than that, HIS banner over me is LOVE.  Jesus is a banner of love over us all.  So in the last week I have been in a tunnel of safety, there has been a river of life flowing through that tunnel and I am floating on towards that destination, AND there is a banner of hope and love flying over me.  WOW!  This has been a wonderful week that includes this reminder that I am exactly where I was supposed to be.  Yes, this gives me reason to breathe out and rest.  The good news is that this banner of hope is flying over all of us.  Right now there is so much fear and uncertainty in our world.  There is tension that fills the airways and you can't miss it no where you look.  We all need to know that even when we can't seem to hope, there is hope rising over us.  And more than that, Jesus is the banner of love that covers us all.  He IS the peace that fills us.  So if you can identify with my struggles over the last few months, if you are feeling hopeless and fearful, close your eyes and imagine that banner of hope sailing above you.  Bask in the banner of love and just rest.  

Jesus, thank you for such a great week.  I love that you give us exactly what we need and you know how to speak so that we will listen.  Holy Spirit, thank you for the peace that passes understanding.  Thank you for flying that banner of hope when I couldn't hold on to hope.  And Jesus, thank you for being that banner of love.  Amen