Discoveries on a walk by the river....

This afternoon Ken and I decided to take a walk (think photo shoot for Ken) along the Fox River near our home.  It was one of those truly beautiful days.  Pleasantly warm (in the 70's), blue skies, white puffy clouds, soft breezes.  A perfect day for a walk by the river.   I admit that I was not all that anxious to go on this walk.  I am on my feet most of every work day, and lately, on Saturday and Sunday all I want to do is lay and rest.  But, I agreed to go on this walk.  It was good to be out in nature.   As we started across a bridge over the river, we stopped to look down at this very interesting swirling water caused by the current around the pillars of the bridge.  Suddenly, Ken motioned me to stop and be quiet.  There, just a couple of feet from us, just under the railing on the bridge support, was this amazing little bird.   There were flocks of these birds (which we have not been able to identify) and they were "fishing" by skimming the water of the river.  They would swoop down and skim along, then suddenly soar up.  They have a really distinctive yellow chest and a long "V" shaped tail.   This little bird was very aware of us, but just sat there.  You could hear chorus of bird songs coming from under the bridge and it was clear that the birds were swooping down under the bridge.  They must have had nests on the rails of the bridge.  This little bird was a "nest watcher".  He or she was keeping track of all the activity going on as people passed over their home, walking or biking over that bridge. 

I love the picture of the quiet, patient waiting.  Just doing a very necessary job.  While everyone else was off eating and playing.  It reminded me of my post last night.  Contentment.  Isn't it wonderful how Jesus speaks to us in nature?  I love how he knew exactly what I needed to see, to be reminded of my lesson from yesterday.   Several times another bird would "stop by" and check on that bird.  At first we thought there might be something wrong with this guy because it was sitting so still.  But before long, off it flew to join in the swoop and skim.   And another bird took over the "nest watching duty".  Yes, I want to be that contented little bird, just doing it's job. 

A little further down the trail we came upon this old small lighthouse tower.  I saw this from quite a distance and thought it was just lovely.  As I got closer,  all I could see were the pattern of the cracks through out the entire structure. 

It's sort of amazing that this tower is still standing.  There are some very wide gaps in some of the cracks and it is clear that some cracks have already been repaired (see the white lines on the top half of the tower).  I love this picture!  It is such a great reminder of the beauty that exists in our problems, our scars, our defects.  I love that Jesus is in the process of closely examining us so that all of those "cracks" that appear as we walk through life, can be filled up and repaired, as He fills us up.  I know that there are plenty of times when I am thinking that people are not really seeing the real me.  They are only looking at the distant view.  I guess that I might look pretty okay from far away.  But if you were to get closer....really get to know me..... you would see lots and lots of cracks and scars.  And here's the thing.  I know that all those problems, just disappear because of Jesus living inside of me.  The best part is that Jesus doesn't see those cracks anymore either!  Because of his love, and his grace, covered with his blood, I am whole and secure.  I don't have to be afraid of falling apart.  I love that some of those scars are still a bit visible to other people.  Each of these little fissures are part of my testimony.  There is a road map of my life story told in those lines. 

 

Yes, I am very grateful for the walk this afternoon.  I will heed the reminder to be still and practice contentment as I do my job.  I will also be more willing to let my "scars" show a bit more, when people get close to me.  It is a good reminder to be willing to share my story....my testimony...with those who might notice the telltale signs of a repair job in my life. 

 

Jesus, thank you for the wonders of nature.  Holy Spirit, thank you for this blog.  Just thinking about my day and sharing my life has allowed me to learn so much!  Thank you!  What a great gift it is to see and understand more deeply, all that you are doing in me.   Jesus, bless all who read this blog and encourage them to be willing to see and share their own scars.  Holy Spirit, give me the opportunity to share all that Jesus has done for me.   Amen

When you discover that an old adage is true....and seeking contentment!

This has been quite a week.  First of all, Ken's passport arrived so we will be taking that vacation to celebrate our 40th Anniversary!  The bad news is that our travel dates are just 2 weeks away and we are finding that many of the hotels are booked!  I'm sure that it will work out and we will be quite happy with wherever we end up staying, but it is much more stressful than I would like.  Alas, I am a planner and a list maker and there is no time to plan OR make lists!  Yes, it will be a trip that is much more "fly by the seat of our pants" than usual.  But a vacation is a vacation and I can't wait!

I don't normally share much from Ken's life, but I can't let this pass without some acknowledgment and comments.

I've mentioned that Ken has a job that is really almost his "dream" job.  For the last 11 years, he has been doing this dream job and we still don't know how he got hired for this job!  He loves to tell people that he "breaks pencils" when he is asked about his career.  In fact, breaking pencils is part of his job!  He spends his days doing mechanical tests on products for Papermate and Sharpie.  I am sure that most of you did not know that you missed it.......but last Wednesday was "World Metrology Day".   To quote Webster's - "Metrology is the science of measurement."  Ken is in his element when he talks about Metrology!  He prepared a big presentation with videos, demos and discussions and it was presented on Wednesday to celebrate World Metrology Day.  Now this is the kind of thing that could have come and gone, without much comment.  So it was quite a surprise for Ken to find out that he had been given a very special award and recognition throughout his entire company!  And this is not a small company!  This is Newell Rubbermaid!  (Rubbermaid, Papermate, Sharpie, Graco, Calphalon plus about 20 other brands).  Seriously, I am sure that almost everyone has some Newell Rubbermaid product in their home!  This is a big deal.  And I am very proud of Ken.  But, here's the thing, Ken just acts like this is no big deal! 

I can't help but stop and think about the old adage that "you marry your father".   My dad never really got honored by his company, although he worked at Montgomery Wards for 43 years.  I remember very clearly, hearing his boss say that the training program for service repairmen that my dad developed had "revolutionized their service departments".  But the thing was, it just didn't matter to my dad.  He just loved doing his job!  He spent hours and hours showing young guys how to fix appliances.  He was so happy in his "work pants", down on the floor, with his head inside some appliance. And even better for him, was teaching someone else how to do what he loved!    Ken just loves this "science of measurement".  He loves planning and doing the tests.  He loves the analysis of the data.  He loves working with all of the engineers.  And loves talking about metrology.  But being honored simply doesn't matter to him.  Neither Ken or my dad went to college yet they are two of the most intelligent people I have ever known.  And they were just happy to be doing their jobs. Contentment.

Boy, what a lesson.  Just being content with where you are and what you are doing. And not looking for any recognition.  Happy and content.   I know that I don't succeed in this.   I have lots to learn.  What a blessing it is get a renewed perspective on this very important character quality.  I know that in the coming weeks I will be thinking about contentment.   The Bible has a lot to say about contentment.  And I know that being satisfied and joyful are not only the definition of contentment but also the RESULT of contentment.   What a wonderful reminder, contained in an unexpected surprising award.  Congratulations to Ken!

Jesus, thank you so much for Ken.  You knew exactly what I needed in a husband when you brought us together.  Thank you for the reminder that contentment is the path to joy and satisfaction in our life.  Holy Spirit, help me to breath and heed this reminder, when there are tense moments in my life.  Jesus you are the source of contentment!  Amen

Looking for the bad guy....

This was an interesting couple of weeks at work.  Our theme was "Fairy Tales" and we read so many stories that our little three year olds had never heard before!  It was really fun to hear and see these familiar tales through new eyes.  Yesterday and today I helped our little ones create their own "house of sticks" and then add the three little pigs!  Anytime they get to paint with glue and then use a glue stick is a good day in our class.   As I was chatting with each child as they created their house of sticks, we recounted the story.  Several of them also wanted to tell me all of the stories we had focused on, with the favorites being Little Red Riding Hood and Jack in the Beanstalk.  The interesting thing about this art project was that as soon as we added the three little pigs to this paper, EVERY  SINGLE kid wanted to know where the big bad wolf was!   Since we made a wolf last week, we did not include one on this project.  I couldn't believe that they all were looking for the wolf. 

This afternoon I was thinking about this.  Isn't it just like so many times when we are looking for the "bad guy" in whatever situation we are in?  Of imaging all the very bad things that we are sure are just around the corner?  There is a message here!  At first I thought it was a BAD thing that the kids wanted the wolf in the picture.   But then I realized that the story of the three little pigs, isn't a very good story without the wolf.  If you think about it, all it would be is a story of three brothers who couldn't agree on how to build a house.  And the unfortunate thing is that they would all most likely have a similar outcome with or without the wolf.  The house of straw wouldn't last, nor would the house of sticks. Only the house of bricks would last.  This reminded me of one of favorite Christian kids songs The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock taken from Matthew 7:24-27.  These verses contain Jesus' directions to be sure and build your house on the Rock, with a firm foundation rather than on sand.  The message of this story is much deeper than the 3 little pigs.   Jesus was talking about having HIM as the foundation of our life.  And then when we face storms in our life, or the very real attacks of the ever present "big bad wolf" - Satan- we will not be shaken.  We are safe and secure on the solid foundation with Jesus as our Saviour. 

I am so glad that my little ones helped me remember a couple of really important truths today.
1.  There is a "Big Bad Wolf" in our story  2.  It's good to build a BRICK house (Or really a house on THE Rock!)  3.  It's also good to stick together!  I just love when the day to day stuff in my life brings me to new revelation and understanding.   I had never really thought about how important my foundation was when those attacks of the enemy occur.  It's good to consider isn't it? 

Jesus, thank you so much for the words you spoke reminding us to build our house on the rock.  Holy Spirit, it is your prompting and reminders that bring me deeper into truth.  Thank you for these little children that open my eyes and keep me on my toes.  Bless us all as we seek to go deeper into your truths, Jesus.   Amen.

Those important little things.....

This picture is one of my very all time favorite pictures.  There is an entire series of multiple blog posts about this picture, but for tonight, lets just say, "It is the little things that are so important"!   You see, this picture was taken at a point when Gwen and I were entering into a new season.  She was moving out of the house and going away to college.  It was a scary and uncertain time for both of us.  At the last minute, (literally the week before her classes were to begin) it was determined that she needed to live on campus.  So, suddenly, she was going to be gone.  I can tell you that I wasn't really ready for this change. To just add to the unsettled time, I was starting a new full time job, after working part time for the previous 7 years.  I love this picture because it reminds me of this special time that Gwen and I had together before all these changes.  The very important little thing about this was WHERE this picture was taken.  It was truly a "God thing" that we ended up, on a mission trip, to Bemidji Minnesota and Lake Itasca.  This was my mom's childhood home and a very special place for her.  I thought about this connection so very often.  It was as if I was just beginning to understand that "shift" taking place in the generational tree. 

On Monday, when I was at Gwen's house, we were talking about a wonderful special little thing.  Gwen and Tim moved to a new home about a year ago.  It was very difficult for them to leave their first home and all the memories that were made in that house.  One of the hardest things for Gwen, was leaving the beautiful Lilac bush near their front door.  They had also planted some very special tulips around their mailbox.  Gwen loves tulips!   When they moved into their current home, it was June and it was hot.  I do remember Gwen calling me, very excited to tell me there were rose bushes near their back deck.  What a great surprise!  But the REALLY special thing happened this spring.  First, we noticed that there were daffodils popping up in the front landscape.  Then, there were the tulips.  Lots of them.  It made me smile to see how Jesus was providing a very important little thing for Gwen.  This week, the bush by their front door broke out in wonderful blooms!  Its a lilac bush!  Amazing!  Right by the front door.  It was certainly another evidence of just how caring and loving Jesus is toward us.  Now Gwen would tell you that a lilac bush was not a big thing.  There are so many really BIG things about this new house that are such a blessing.  But I could tell that Jesus had seen a special place in Gwen's heart that would have really missed that Lilac bush.  So, there it was.  Just outside the door.  

I love that we all can be assured that Jesus is looking out for us.  He knows us and he knows exactly what we need.  Whether it is a really BIG thing or something that seems so small.  There is so much comfort in this!   I love that I was reminded of this picture after talking about the Lilacs!  The best thing about this picture, is looking back, I can really see that NOTHING changed for Gwen and I.  We stayed close during her college years.  And, as you can tell by these blogs, we are still very close.   I am so blessed by Gwen!  I had a wonderful relationship with my mom and I am thankful for exactly where I am today.  Somehow it makes it so much easier to look ahead and see the changes that will be coming.  They don't seem so big or scary after this. 

Jesus, thank you for tulips and lilacs and special times together with those we love.  Thank you for all the ways that you care for us and show us your love.  Holy Spirit, help us all to see and appreciate the many, many little things in our life.   Thank you for family and flowers and fun.  Amen

Celebrating another anniversary....One year of this Blog!

Yes, today is actually my 40th Wedding Anniversary. (See yesterdays Blog)  It is also the 1st Anniversary of this Blog!

 

This really doesn't seem possible!  I can't believe that I have somehow managed to put words on the page for a full year.  Quite honestly (and remember I promised honesty when I started this blog), I really didn't know how long I would be doing this blog.  But I can assure you that I have no plans to stop writing.   And here's why. I have been so blessed by the readers of this blog.  The wonderful comments, the numbers who faithfully read every blog, and the ones who send me a message and ask why I haven't blogged for a few days.  I have mentioned a couple of times some of the stats on this blog, but in honor of the anniversary, here are few more. 

 

*TOTAL BLOG READS...........14,997 (Yes, almost 15,000) This just amazes me.  I know some really big and important blogs have over a million hits, but I just never expected this many reads.

 

*TOP 10 AUDIENCE COUNTRIES.........US, Sweden, Russia, Indonesia, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Kenya, Netherlands, Serbia.    I just can't wrap my head around this.  And the truth is that my blog has been read in 44 Countries!   Now this is not about me.  I know that.  I am just so amazed that somehow, people in these other countries, find my blog.  The only explanation is that the Holy Spirit draws exactly the right people to my blog.  I am shocked at how many of these people choose to "follow" my blog and get email notification when I post.   Really???  They care about my ramblings and my family and the odd things that happen in my life?  They want to hear what Jesus has been speaking to me?????  Frankly, I am just dumbstruck at this.   I might have said this before but isn't it amazing that I have managed to "speak" to people in 44 countries.....all over the world? Without ever leaving my bedroom in Illinois?  I just love that we are so blessed to be living in the age of the Internet.  And I love that Jesus has given me a way to fulfill, in a small way, my destiny to "Go to the Nations". 

 

*MOST READ BLOG "What I learned in Vacation Bible School" from July 13, 2013.  I don't know what key word, or exactly what is in that post, but almost every week, there is a new hit on that page.  In close second is "Celebrating an amazing life" from February 10, 2014.  This blog was to honor a dear friend from Kenya who passed away. This was just about me sharing my emotions on that day.  But it somehow touched people 1/2 a world away.  I am so blessed by these dear people. 

 

*MOST USED BROWSER TO ACCESS BLOG.....Firefox.  I was surprised at this stat.  I assumed it would be Safari or Internet Explorer.  And the list contains names I can't even pronounce.  Interesting! 

 

For me, I have really learned how much my present has been influenced by my ancestors.  I have learned how much my life is exactly what Jesus has planned.  I am who I am because of the prayers and the actions of my great -great grandparents.  And this has caused me to look forward to the future.  It doesn't seem silly or ridiculous anymore to pray for each of the future spouses for my grandchildren.  I am so blessed with a new understanding of the power of prayer.  Not just in the here and now, but the eternal purpose of prayers spoken in faith.  

 

This blog has been life giving for me.  I have learned so much  about my parents, my siblings, my grandparents and great-grandparents.  This might seem silly, but by writing down stories and memories, I suddenly saw and understood things that I had never really SEEN before.  What a gift!

 

Thank you for reading.  Thank you for commenting.  Thank you for being such a blessing to me. 

 

Jesus, bless each person who takes the time to read this blog.  Holy Spirit thank you for directing me to write exactly what you wanted.  Bless us all as we learn and grow each day.  Help us all to hold on to the truths you bring to light.  Thank you for prompting me to write this blog. And thank you for Gwen and her strong encouragement to me to write this Blog.  Amen

Can't believe it has been 40 years....

These are my three favorite pictures from our wedding on May 18, 1974.  Yes, that's right, 40 years ago.  Where did the time go????  I was 19 (going to be 20 in 3 months) and Ken was just 22.  I really didn't care much about the wedding.  I was not one of those girls who had been planning my wedding for years and years.  In fact, I really hadn't thought much about it.  Our family did not have "BIG" weddings with sit down dinners.  As a matter of fact, I had never been to any wedding with a formal "reception".  So it seemed quite normal to plan a simple cake and punch reception at the church.  However, everyone in Illinois seemed to think it was very odd.   I could not imagine spending so much money on a wedding.  Yes, it was 1974, but it was still very unusual to order your wedding dress out of a "bargain list" from Montgomery Ward catalogue.  I thought nothing of this.  It looked like something I might like, it was on sale for $19 and it came in my size.  So I ordered it.  When it arrived, I loved it.  I never had a single alteration.  It was as if it was made for me.   I love daisies and planned to have them as my flowers.  And this dress had daisy trim all over.  I truly believe that this dress was not an accident.  My mom and I made candy and cookies for the reception.  We made mints and other small finger foods.   The church was the most important part for me.  For several months I had been attending a church several towns away.  I was not happy at the church my mom and dad were attending.  As a matter of fact, one of the first "adult" decisions I ever made was to go to a different church than my parents.  I loved the pastor.  He had been a campus pastor and it showed in the way that he related to both me and Ken.  It was a good decision.   On the day of our wedding it was foggy,  rainy and cold. Not the weather you expect in May.  Not much different than our weather this past week.  As we were all getting ready to go to the church, it became clear that there was no room in any car for me! So I ended up driving my own car (with my wedding dress beside me) to the church!  We never quite lived down the fact that the church roof leaked on the "Grooms" side of the church (and all over his relatives).  But just as our ceremony ended, the sun came out and it was a beautiful late afternoon. 

Today I was thinking about the last 40 years.  We certainly have had some "foggy" times in our marriage.  We have had our share of storms and rain and even some "out of season" times.  But I can truly say that the last years have been some of the "sunniest" and "warmest" years of our 40!  There is a lot to be said for having the very hard and very time consuming job of raising children over and done!  And now there is time and finances to travel.  We have discovered some interesting new hobbies in the last years (kayaking, biking, photography, scrapbooking).  On our 25th anniversary we took our first ever "alone" vacation to Florida.   That certainly was the beginning of some wonderful trips exploring every part of Florida.  Yes, the last years have really been quite good ones!  And now we are starting to think a bit about retirement and what those years might look like.  And while we can't quite agree - YET - I am sure that we will find new adventures ahead.  

I have a very bad habit.  At times, when I am reading a book, especially a very long book, I sneak a peak at the last chapter.  And sometimes I even read magazines from the back to the front.  Really!  Haven't you noticed that there is always a bunch of ads and meaningless stuff in the first 1/4 or so of most magazines.  The good stuff is always in the last half!  But today, I am really thankful that I can't jump ahead and find out what is coming ahead for Ken and I.  It seems to be going by so fast!  Actually, there are times I would just like time to slow down a bit.  I love exactly where we are right now!  We have two wonderful grown up children, both happily married.  We have four amazing grandchildren (and one more expected this year!)  Both Ken and I are happy to be working and yet also happy to know that there is an end in sight to our working!  Yep, life is pretty good right now!

Jesus, thank you so much for Ken and all that you have provided in the last 40 years.  Holy Spirit, thank you for guiding and directing us through every season and whatever came along.  Jesus, thank you for your plan and purpose for us that is still being revealed.  You are an amazing, loving God who planned for families.  Tonight I am so grateful for my family.   Amen

Happy Birthday Zeke and why I am planning more Bible reading!

Today is a Happy Birthday to my sweet little Zeke!  He is three years old today!  I love this picture of him, with his Thomas the Tank Engine shirt.  This little guy is crazy for trains.  If you are driving in the car with him, and he sees railroad tracks, he demands that you find the train!  He doesn't get the fact that you can't just make trains appear.  And it is a very good day for Zeke if you happen to have more than one train pass by on the way to school.   It is no surprise that his Birthday Party on Saturday will feature a "Thomas" theme.  Zeke's birth was a special day for us. My mom died in April of 2011 and on May 15, 2011, what would have been my mom's 96th birthday, Zeke was born.  Both Gwen and I feel that this connection to my mom is very special.  Zeke will always share a birthday with his Great Grandma Nona.  Even if he never got to meet her, she will always be a part of his life.  Lia and Ellie will help him know all about her.   Just this week, Ellie told me that they had been looking at "Great Grandma Nona's book" (A special scrapbook that Gwen made for the kids) with their babysitter.   Zeke has a smile that will melt your heart.  There is something so deep and endearing about him.  Everyone loves Zeke.  He is a BIG boy for his age, but so gentle and caring.  Several of the little girls in his preschool class claim him as their boy friend.   I can't wait to see what is ahead for this boy! 

On another exciting front, I received my new (renewed) passport today in the mail!  I have blogged about the very discouraging process (which, by the way, was 6 weeks ago) and the "average" time to receive your renewal is 3 to 4 weeks.  So, I am not sure WHY it has taken so long.  I am just very grateful to now have my passport.  HOWEVER, it will not do me any good if Ken's doesn't arrive in the next few days!  Our vacation is planned for a couple of weeks from now, and our plans will need to change it his doesn't arrive!   So, prayers appreciated for the arrival of Ken's passport!

Okay, moving on...............   This week Gwen and I have been talking about some really interesting Biblical things.  Specifically Nephilim.  Now I happened to mention something about Genesis 6, in passing, and Gwen thought I was kidding!  I was surprised that she had never heard of the Nephilim. And quite honestly, it DOES sound a bit like something that would not be in the Bible.  While the topic is interesting, the reason I am mentioning it in this blog, is the effect this discussion had!   Isn't it just like the Holy Spirit to use something as simple as a passing comment to spark a week of discussions?  I have had a couple of conversations about this. And Gwen talked to her Bible Study group about it.  And here it is, showing up in my blog.   For me, the entire topic of the Nephilim just affirms that nothing is outside of God's sphere.  It also reminds me that there is a whole lot in the Bible that is easy to overlook.  What a great reminder that we should all be spending more time in the Bible.  Just reading the Bible really isn't enough.  As Gwen told me, she has read Genesis 6 many, many times.  But somehow she just missed the Nephilim.  I am so thankful that we can trust that the Holy Spirit will help us to see and understand Scripture - even if it is long after we actually have read it.   And the good news is that we can ask the Holy Spirit to bring clarity to us, as we spend time reading the Bible.   What a great reminder.  

Jesus, thank you for Zeke and the wonder and joy that a three year brings to every day!  Thank you for reminding me of my mom and the chance to celebrate her life.  Holy Spirit, thank you for using a passing comment to fuel a weeks worth of interesting discussions.  Thank you, even more, for  reminding me to read and study the Bible.  Jesus, thank you for Gwen and wonderful discussions.  Amen