Times of transition..........

On Wednesday I got to watch this fine young man transition OUT of preschool and into Kindergarten!  I really can't believe that this guy is 5 years old already and has completed 3 years of preschool.  Gloryland, the preschool that he attends, is also where his mommy (Gwen) works as a teacher for 4 year olds!  Lia actually started in this school way back in the fall of 2008 when she was just 2 years old.  Part of the tradition at Gloryland is "walking the bridge" at the end of the year.  The kids each transition into their new level as they leave their present teacher at the bridge!

Here is Zeke making that big walk across that bridge.  It was after a wonderful program that included several songs by the children.  The big day finished with lots of goodbyes in their classrooms, some special treats and popsicles!  Zeke's teacher clearly knows those 4/5 year old boys because Zeke's favorite treat was this.....

a "mushstash" pencil!  Zeke thought this was the most amazing thing!  And so did Tim!  He spent some time with this under his nose also!  You just have to love those little boys!  

There were also some little ones who were not terribly happy to be leaving thier special teachers and classrooms.  I saw more than one mom and/or dad with a weepy child. And more than one mom and/or dad with some tissues for themselves!   Because, let's face it, change is difficult!  These times of transition seem to come at us out of the blue.  I mean, we all know that the end of the year is coming.  That those kids are growing up.  On one hand we are so excited to see all the new accomplishments, but the flip side of that is the longing for them to just stay right where they are.  

I mentioned in an earlier blog that Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna had been raising some butterflies.  Yesterday was their fly away day......

I got this picture from Lia (taken on her much older phone) but you can see the butterfly on the flower.  Yes, they all flew away.  And the kids were very sad to see them go.  Lia told me that later in the day she actually saw one of the butterflies back in their yard.  It is good for these young ones to begin to think about and understand that change and transitions into new things are just part of life.  

One of my very favorite Bible verses is Matthew 18:3....... "And Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven."  Yes, this is clear direction that we have to change!  And it is interesting that instead of being more grown up, we are instructed to become like kids!  I just love how The Passion Translation says this verse...

"Learn this well:  Unless you dramatically change your way of thinking and become teachable, learn about heaven's kingdom realm with the wide-eyed wonder of a child, you will never be able to enter in.  Whoever continually humbles himself to become like this gentle child is the greatest one in heaven's kingdom realm."  

If that doesn't make you think about changes, I don't know what will!  This is the transition that is the most important.  Notice that what needs to change is our "way of thinking".   When you THINK that whatever that new thing is that is coming into your life will be wonderful, it usually is!  Our way of thinking needs to be from a heavenly perspective.   The good news of that verse is that we just have to become teachable after we change our way of thinking.   Since we know that Jesus is in control and He is leading us on, and will always be with us, change should not bother us.  And when we are feeling unsettled and uncertain as we face transitions, the peace of Jesus is always available to us.  We just have to ask!    

Jesus, thank you for your Word that gives us answers and direction when we need it.  Thank you for your peace in times of change in our life.  Help us to embrace change and remember to see things from a heavenly perspective.  Holy Spirit guide us into that "wide-eyed wonder" and keep us humble and gentle.  Thank you for growth and new things!  Amen

Times of transitions......

When you wake up, and it is cold and rainy and dark and gloomy, it is hard to feel good.  I know I have blogged a lot about the weather over the last months.  And I should NOT be complaining because it was not snowing.  I noticed on my newsfeed on Facebook this morning, that several of my friends had snow in their areas.  Driving up to Gwen's in a downpour rain storm was no fun.  And it is no fun getting kids and backpacks and all the stuff that you need, along with a baby and all of that stuff, inside...........in the middle of a downpour.   But as I was waiting to drop off Ellie and Zeke in their respective rooms for preschool, I noticed something.   There were lots and lots of really happy kids running around.  They were wearing raincoats (that in some cases were a bit too big), rain boots, and many held fun and fancy umbrellas.  They were so glad to finally have rain so that they could use all of these wonderful accessories.  I couldn't pass up this picture, outside of Ellie's classroom.  And the truly ironic part of this picture is that Ellie did NOT wear boots today!  And anyone who knows Ellie, knows that she has been known to wear those rain boots when it is 70 and sunny.  Or 30 and snowy.  But for some reason, today she choose to wear her "heels" (her dress up shoes that have a small heel). 

Anna was being very good this morning, and took a long nap.  So I had plenty of time to think and pray.   What a gift this special time is!  (I am so thankful for this day off that was intended to help Gwen, but has also turned out to be such an amazing time for me, on so many levels).  One of the first things that came to my mind was that I had seen  rows of snow boots for many months, but this was the first time there had been RAIN boots. So I am celebrating that there has been a transition!  Yes, in the physical...from snow to rain.  From winter to spring. From snow boots to rain boots.  But can't you just "feel" the transition in the Spiritual also?   I can't quite describe it, or put my finger on it, but to me to feels like a shift has happened.  

To be honest, this year has not been a "beautiful spring".  There have hardly been any flowers around yet.  The trees haven't bloomed yet. (Still waiting on our tree to bloom).  But today I was thinking how wonderful the rain really is.  Both the physical rain and the Spiritual rain.  Most years the rain is just sort of an annoyance in the early spring.  This year the rain is so much more.  It says that there will be NO MORE SNOW!  In the Spiritual, the rain of the Holy Spirit this year seems to also have that same feel.....no more darkness and cold.  I don't know about you, but in worship and/or prayer there seems to be an anticipation and excitement that is just different.  It feels a lot like those little preschoolers must have felt this morning.   You know, excited and happy and glowing and free - just because it was raining.   I can't wait to see what is coming! 

Jesus, thank you so much for rain!  Thank you for washing us clean in your blood.  Thank you for that Spiritual rain that the Holy Spirit brings to us.  Jesus keep us all expectant and excited about what you have in store for us.  Remind us to celebrate each day like those kids. Give us courage and grace to run in the rain and jump in the puddles.    Amen

Wow, things are very different now than 10 years ago!

Today I was with some great friends.  It was a wonderful time of talking, worship, prayer and discussion.  One question posed to the group was "how are things different now than they were 10 years ago?"    Well, this really got me thinking. 

This picture is from Christmas, 2003.  It is significant with regards to where I was in February 2004 - 10 years ago.  In this photo I am looking at a world atlas.  And 2004 was the year of the world for me.  In February of that year I was preparing for a very big trip to Africa.  It was a trip that I couldn't really believe was actually going to happen.  When I first had an "inkling" that I was supposed to make this trip, there was no way that I thought it would ever happen.  There were multiple things that could make this trip impossible for me.  Ken needed to be okay with this trip and the finances for this trip had to come from somewhere.   I decided to send out letters to family and friends requesting not only their financial support, but more importantly, their prayers.  And I was shocked and surprised when the money was provided to pay for my trip.   I was given favor at work and was able to take the 3 weeks off.  I had accumulated enough vacation time that my salary continued during this time off.   And Ken agreed that I should go.  When the last visa was delivered, I realized that this dream was actually happening.  I would be going to Kenya and Uganda via Amsterdam.   Never have I been more sure that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!  I remind myself of this event whenever I have a tough situation that just seems so impossible.  

 

Yes, 2004 was a life changing year for me.   And I am not in the same place I was then.  But, in some ways, I feel like 2014 feels just as "impossible" as 2004.  Then I was sure of the destination, but so unsure of the way to get there.  In 2014, I know that the only way I will get to where I need to be is because Jesus gets me there.  What is so unclear is the destination!   I feel a lot like I need to find the map to give me a glimpse of Jesus' plan for me this year.   

 

The good news about this musing is that this seems to be a year of transition for EVERYONE!  So I am not alone in this.   It is always good to know that you have friends surrounding you, who will stand with you and help you find the route to the elusive destination.   And the best news is that Jesus wants to reveal this information to me.  I just need to be still and listen and pay attention.  I am sure it will become clearer in the days ahead.

 

Jesus, thank you for this amazing reminder of your love and care for me.  Holy Spirit, help us all to listen and absorb the information that you are giving us.  Jesus, thank you for community and friends.  Amen

Getting in the Christmas mood! Wonderful!

It has been a great couple of days.  It seems that the Christmas spirit has finally landed, full force in my heart.  It started on Thursday.....

I was going to wait to post a picture of this bulletin board when it was totally finished, but I just couldn't wait to share.  These cute little green hands represent my favorite little three year olds at work.  The red hand on the right is "Ms. Lyn"!  I love how the glitter names look like a garland wrapping around the tree.  I love how excited the kids were to see their hands making up the tree.  Really, how can you NOT get into Christmas with so much "cuteness" all around??? Wonderful

 

Then, on Thursday night, a good friend invited me to her church Women's Christmas program.  It was so much fun to get dressed up and be with adults!  And to be with my good friends!  And to eat a marvelous meal!  And to see a great program! AND to get to sing Christmas carols!  Wonderful.

 

Then, today I had the day off.  Enough said.  Wonderful.

 

I actually did some Christmas shopping.  The stores were crazy busy, the people were bustling around, and the Christmas music was playing.  Wonderful.

 

I got to have lunch with Ken.  Something that we don't often do.  Wonderful.

 

Then, the capper of the day...Ken and I went to an amazing program at Gwen and Tim's church.  It was a Christmas concert featuring the youth from their Fuse Ministry.  In addition to getting to hold and hug my very precious grandchildren, I got to hear Gwen sing.  And then we heard some really wonderful Christmas music.  I think I have to give this a DOUBLE wonderful!

 

I am so thankful for the current path that Jesus has revealed for me.  I realized today that I have been sort of stuck in a rut for the last 2 or 3 years.  Nobody likes change - especially me.  And it is not comfortable as the change is happening.  Things feel like they are shaking.  In the past, I know my reaction was to turn around and run back to the familiar.  Or to freeze and hide my head.  So I am thankful that with the help of Jesus and the encouragement of family and friends, this time I am walking forward.  Today, for the first time, I feel calm and stable.  And I feel very "Christmas-y"! 

 

So my encouragement to all of you out there is to press on!  Walk on!  Keep on - Keeping on!  Don't run away from change - run into the change.  The faster you run, the sooner the change will be over! 

 

Jesus, thank you for all that you do for me every day.  Thank you for who you are and all that you did on the cross.  Thank you for your love and care and your blessing.  Holy Spirit, thank you for speaking louder when I wasn't listening, for giving bigger signs when I wasn't seeing.  Thank you for my work "little ones" and those sweet green hands on the bulletin board.  Thank you for Gwen and Tim and the way that they live their faith in You.  Bless Fellowship of Faith and the Fuse Ministry.  Amen