Breakfast in honor of my mom.......

I woke up this morning and all I could think about was this breakfast.  It may not look like much, but peanut butter toast and hot cocoa was my breakfast for YEARS when I was growing up.  And it was one of my mom's favorite things.  We often had this "snack" late at night (while we were up playing cards or Yahtzee).  I am not sure if it is the "September" thing and back to school, or the cooler weather (although it has actually been HOT this week) that brought this into my mind.  Whatever the reason, I made my hot cocoa and toast and sat down at the table, all the while thinking about my mom.  Yes, it was one of those times when I was so missing her!  It would have been so nice to be able to pick up the phone and give her a call.  I don't think you ever stop missing your mom.  On Monday, while I was at Gwen's, I was talking with Ellie.  Somehow we got around to talking about Great Grandma Nona.  She was telling me that she remembered her and that she thought she was having a good time in heaven with Baby Lucas.  Then she said that she missed her.  I said I missed her also since she was my mommy!  I wish I could have taken a picture of Ellie's face.  She was stunned.  She said, "Great Grandma Nona was your MOMMY???"  She had never made that connection.  I suppose that this conversation with Ellie may be part of the reason I was thinking about this breakfast.

Isn't it interesting how two things just "go together?"  Some people would never think that peanut butter toast would taste good when dunked into a cup of hot cocoa.  But let me tell you, it is a real treat.  The peanut butter gets warm and gooey and the combo of chocolate with peanut butter is always good (think Reese's Peanut Butter Cups).  If you haven't ever tried this, I suggest that you do.  It is really good.  There are lots of other things that make good "partners".  French fries and ketchup, mashed potatoes and gravy, biscuits and gravy, the list could go on and on.  But it is those times that you find two things that should NOT go together.....but they do....that is so interesting.  My very favorite of these unlikely pairs is potato chips and ice cream!  

I've been thinking about my very special small group.  This group of ladies have been so important to me over the last year.  And we are really an "unlikely" group.  We have been assembled through some very unusual connections.   We are different ages, have different backgrounds, different jobs, our children are different ages.  Some of our kids are still very young and some of us have grandchildren.  Even our church backgrounds are very different.  But when this group of women prays, things happen.  We have seen answers to prayer, been supported and loved and learned and grown through each other in ways that are just amazing.  The presence of Jesus is so strong during our meetings and usually we just follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.   I didn't know most of these ladies just a year ago, yet today, I can say they are my closest friends.  They know my hopes, my dreams, and my heart.  I can count on these gals to pray when I send out a text to the group.   It is wonderful how Jesus can mold us and change us to become one cohesive group.  A mish-mash of different people that Jesus has assembled together.  And it is the BEST!

My wandering thoughts today have brought me to this point.  Never dismiss something because it doesn't seem to "go together".  Whether it is a food pair or people in a group.  Don't be quick to decide that it won't work.  I can assure you that peanut butter toast and hot cocoa is great...and a unlikely group of people can turn into a great support system and prayer warrior friends.

Jesus, thank you for knowing exactly what we need and when we need it.  Thank you for memories and reminders of loved ones who are now with you.  Holy Spirit, help us to stay open when you present us with new and different situations and combinations.  Thank you for great food and great friends.  And Jesus, thank you for my mom.  Amen

Quality Time is really the best present!

Yesterday was a continuation of the celebration of my birthday!  Gwen and I took Lia and Ellie for a "girls day" that included a pedicure (Ellie's first) and then a painting party!

Everyone was so relaxed and happy after the "spa treatment" we got at the nail salon!  Lia picked out a purple polish and Ellie got pink sparkles (of course)!  Gwen and I went with a bit more subdued colors (Ellie had picked out a bright red for me, but I went with a more neutral shade!)  The painting party was run by the same company (Art Raves) that Gwen and I painted with previously.  They do this family paint at an ice cream shop on Saturday afternoons.  Really a neat activity. The good news is that each persons painting are just an "interpretation" of the sample painting, so each expresses the individuals personality. What could be a bit stressful (for all of us "non artists") becomes a relaxing and fun activity.   I just loved spending time with my girls!   It really is the best present ever!

I don't know why it is so hard for us to understand that one of the best things we can offer to Jesus is our time and attention.  Most of us know and appreciate that time with our loved ones is just wonderful.  I remember when I first learned about "quiet time" that it seemed like an impossible chore to set aside 30 minutes a day to read the Bible and pray.  I really couldn't imagine finding that time in my really busy schedule.  A wise older person suggested that I start with just 5 minutes a day and add an extra minute when I felt that I needed to.  And then I found that it helped me focus to have music playing.  And then I started adding special songs to the time.  And I got a couple of devotional books to use.  My time kind of bled over in to my commute time and that became my worship time.  The Holy Spirit is amazing in making any time we devote to Jesus so good that we just want to spend more and more time with Him!  It is a wonderful truth of the Christian life.  As I said above, I don't know why this is surprising when spending time together with people we love makes us hungry for more time with them!  

Yes, spending this special time with Lia and Ellie and Gwen did remind me of how important it is to set aside this quality time.  That realization reminded me that Jesus desires those special times with us.  Isn't it wonderful how the Holy Spirit can issue a "wake up" call through our lives?  I am going to be more aware of the time I set aside to be with Jesus during the coming weeks.  It might be time to add a minute or two to my schedule!  How about you?

Jesus, thank you for Lia and Ellie and Gwen.  What a wonderful treat it was to spend this special time with them.  Thank you for the reminder that you desire time with us!  Holy Spirit help us all to set aside this special time to be with Jesus.  Help us all to care for all of our relationships through sharing quality time with those we love.   Amen

Walking in someone else's shoes............

Isn't it just sweet when a little one puts on someone else's shoes and walks around?  Today Anna was wearing Lia's shoes and doing quite well walking around in them.  I was thinking about that old saying that you can't judge someone else unless you have walked in their shoes.  

Today is 9/11....... a day that most of us (over the age of 20 or so) will never forget.  One of those moments in time that each person knows exactly where they were and what they were doing when they first heard and/or saw those images that are forever in our minds..... a plane into a building...another plane into another building..... seeing them fall....a plane into another building....a plane into a field........ and then the aftermath of all of that.  The silent sky.  The TERROR.  

And then the years pass.  Life goes on.... but that event of 9/11 was somehow never far away.  This summer we visited New York and I blogged about the 9/11 memorials and museum.  

Here's another picture of the memorial.  Standing right over some of those names.  Those names.  This summer, as I looked at those names, all I could think about were the families of these people.  Those mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, friends, grandparents, aunts, uncles... you know... the "loved ones" of all of the victims.  I remember in the days after 9/11, thinking about the families effected by this tragedy.  But I didn't really understand because I had "not walked in their shoes".

Isn't that true of so many different things?  People with cancer..... I can't really understand...I've never walked in their shoes.  You get the idea.  These are the groups that you don't ever want to be a part of. My family joined one of those groups last November, with the death of Lucas.  When I was standing there, looking at those names, it was just so real to me.  And I know it was because unfortunately, I had walked in those shoes of loss of a loved one.  An unexpected loss.  In 2015 I understood more..differently... than I did in 2001.

Yes, I think it is good to practice a pause.  What I am talking about is taking time to pause and consider.  Think about the situation, the person, the THING...whatever it is.... walk in their shoes.  Sometimes those shoes may seem small or maybe even really big.  Sometimes they just don't fit at all and you have to just very carefully try to hold your balance.   I didn't really do that on 9/11.  I remember just feeling a sense of relief that no one in my immediate circle was effected directly by this event.   But this summer, standing there, in that exact spot, the shoe fit.

Here is the thing about that pause I was talking about.  If during that pause we would just ask the Holy Spirit to show us exactly what that "shoe" is, you know, the one we should be walking in, we would do a better job at relating much more quickly.  I know that I forget so often, to even pause.  And then when I do, I don't ask for insight nearly enough.  I think this applies even on social media.  Facebook can be brutal with "instant" responses.  Let's all stop...pause...and let the Holy Spirit speak to us right now about 9/11.  I can say, for sure, this will not end in terror.  Peace, love, hope, faith, and even trust will be the result!

Jesus, thank you for reminding me that your love and care for us covers over anything!  Even 9/11!  What a comfort it is to know that you are as close as a pause.  Holy Spirit, help us to use this pause every day in all situations.  Be with all of those who lost loved ones in 9/11.  Fill us all with your peace and renewed hope in the assurance that Jesus reigns!  Amen

Held in His hand!

I don't think there is anything cuter than little hands.  I received this super sweet Birthday Card today from the twins that I nanny!  It was so nice of the mommy to trace their hands and make this card for me.  Little Abbott and Violet are just 8 months old.  I spent some time today holding those little hands!  They like to pinch and pull hair and always seem to go for the eyes!  But they are sure cute baby patties!

I am so thankful for the provision of this nanny position.  Every time that I have needed to find a new job, Jesus has directed me to just the right spot.  Yes, I have had to spend time actually LOOKING for the job and I have had to wade through my share of spam emails and fake requests for my information.  But I know that each of my nanny positions were "hand picked" for me!  There is no doubt that Jesus has had me held in His hand.

Is there anything better than knowing that we are not just being "guided" but that Jesus is actually holding our hand?  As a parent (and grandparent) it is always a bit nerve racking when you let that preschooler walk WITHOUT holding their hand.  What a security it is when you have a firm hold of that hand.  And it is also security for that little child!  There will be no running into the street, or getting to far ahead.  And the best thing is that you have to walk where ever the person holding your hand takes you.  That is a great thing.

I can't get this song out of my head right now...........

He's got the whole world in his hands,

He's got the whole world in his hands,

He's got the whole world in his hands,

He's got the whole world in his hands.

He's got my brothers and my sisters in his hands,

He's got my brothers and my sisters in his hands,

He's got my brothers and my sisters in his hands,

He's got the whole world in his hands.

He's got the sun and the rain in his hands,

He's got the moon and the stars in his hands,

He's got the wind and the clouds in his hands,

He's got the whole world in his hands.

He's got the rivers and the mountains in his hands,

He's got the oceans and the seas in his hands,

He's got you and he's got me in his hands,

He's got the whole world in his hands.

He's got everybody here in his hands,

He's got everybody there in his hands,

He's got everybody everywhere in his hands,

He's got the whole world in his hands. 

I am so thankful that he has ME in his hand...and more than that, that He is holding my hand!  

Jesus, thank you for little hands to hold, for reminders of your great love.  Holy Spirit, help us all to be as little children and let Jesus hold our hands. Help us to go along willingly.  Keep us from fighting against your divine direction. Thank you for guiding and directing me when I most needed it.  What a wonderful gift your provision is for us.  Amen

When you feel "SEW" old!

Last week I bought this project.  Don't ask me why.....it might have been my upcoming birthday.  I have done some projects like this in the past, but not for years and years.  I happened to see a bag of embroidery floss for under a dollar on a clearance rack when I was shopping.  So I bought it!  Then, a few days later, I saw this bookmark on a clearance rack at another store for $1.23.  So I bought it!  I decided to put the two items together and started this project.  Sometime yesterday (on my actual birthday) I realized that doing this project made me feel.....well VERY OLD!  For some reason it just seems like something that a "grandma" sitting in a rocking chair, would be doing.  That or knitting!  I know that there are plenty of young people who do embroidery, but possibly because it was my birthday, it just seemed like a pastime for a very old person!  I am going to finish this project and I am actually enjoying it very much!  I guess you can't fight aging.

Today we celebrated my birthday with a get together at our house.  Having the kids and grandchildren here really makes our house seem SMALL!  It was a great day, in spite of the rain (while I was trying to grill lunch).  We did get a walk to the playground in (which made Zeke a very happy boy).  We all went - even Ken - Doug, Susie and Kylie and Sammy also!  It was a hot and humid walk and it started rain after a very short visit.  But we did get to the park

Later Gwen and Tim and the kids walked to the bridge.  It was a fun walk, looking for fish in the little creek.  We saw a few frogs, threw in some sticks and rocks, and even saw a couple small fish!  I snapped this picture of Gwen's family.  

It was a great day.  I was thinking about getting older, family, and the last year.  Of course, every time we are together, we are missing Lucas.  Actually, we are missing Lucas every day. Susie recently got a wonderful tattoo in memory of Lucas.   Even though time passes, we will never lose Lucas.  He is a part of our family.  I am so thankful for family.  Close family and distant cousins.  People that I haven't seen for years and these sweeties that I got to hug and kiss today.  Each member of my family has had a part in creating who I have become in these 61 years.  My mom, my dad, my siblings.... helped to shape my very being.  And I am so blessed to have Jesus filling my life with His hope, love and peace. 

 I picked up one of my favorite daily devotional books..."My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers and opened to the reading for September 6.........  the verse is John 7:38 (my river verse, of course)....  and I especially loved this part....

A river is victoriously persistent, it overcomes all barriers.   Into your life an obstacle comes and you do not seem to be of any use.  Keep paying attention to the source, to God, and he will either take you around the obstacle or remove it.  Never put your eyes on the obstacle or the difficulty.  That large rock is of no mind to the river.  Never allow anything - no difficulty, no obstacle to come between you and Jesus.  No experience, no emotion, no event - NOTHING can keep you from the one source of your life - Jesus.

Yes, Lucas' death was certainly a barrier in the river for me.  But, just as this devotion points out, the river keeps on flowing, and really pays no attention to the large rocks or even total blockages in the path.  The river just flows over or around or even under and continues on.  I am so, so grateful that Jesus has continued to be that life giving source for me and my family.  What a wonderful gift!  Just what I needed for my birthday!

Jesus, thank you for reminding me that your great love flow into us and through us no matter what our circumstances.  Holy Spirit, thank you for nudging me toward this devotion, just when I needed it.  Thank you for family, for food and for fellowship and fun.  

When a billboard almost makes you stop in your tracks.........

I really needed to read and re-read this post above from the Passion Translation after seeing a large billboard while I was running some errands the other day.  I actually took a picture of the billboard so that I could share it on this blog.  But I really didn't want that sign to be the "advertisement" for my blog post.  So in contemplating what message needed to cover over the entire post about the sign, I decided that this message from John 1:1 was just perfect.   Here is the billboard I saw....

I could not believe the message of this sign.  This is not MY God!  Yes, I worship the God of Abraham, Moses and Jesus.....but it ends there!  My God - Yahweh- is not the god of Muhammad.  And the idea that there will be any way to "gain peace" when you acknowledge this LIE that the god of Islam is Yahweh, is just crazy.   I was most offended by the placement of the name JESUS on this billboard.  I know that this is just an attempt to confuse and blind the eyes of people who don't understand how false this is.  It is just using Jesus to gain acceptance.  And it is so wrong.  I was reminded of this while I was "ranting" about the billboard.......

And when you KNOW Jesus, you don't add anything to that.  There is no "newer revelation" - no Muhammad, no Buddha, no special angel, no other thing.  Jesus is ALL that we need.  Not only for peace but for hope and joy and love and life.  Yes, I made the right decision in choosing the quote that began this blog.  Jesus - the Living Expression - was with God!  

Okay,  I believe that I am through with my rant for the day.  Please join me in praying that the Holy Spirit will speak TRUTH into everyone who sees and considers that billboard.  Pray for all those who follow Mohammad to have an encounter with Jesus that changes their life.  And if you are reading this blog, and you don't know the truth about Jesus, I encourage you to ask Jesus to show you who he is.  Your life will never be the same and I can guarantee that you WILL know peace - the peace that passes all understanding!  

Jesus, thank you for reminding me that you reign over this world and that includes that billboard.  You are the way, the truth and the life and your truth will be revealed!  Thank you for peace, even during rants!  Amen

Peek a Boo!

Is there anything better than a giggle of a baby?  Today I had my two adorable nanny charges giggling at me as we played peek a boo.  These moments are certainly a boost when caring for 8 month old twins.  Yes, being a nanny for these baby twins is quite a lot for this "old lady".  But I am so thankful for this job and how well it has fit into my life.  I love that this is only a part time job.  I love that it is CLOSE to home (in the same town).  I love that the schedule fits my schedule and allows me to still be a grandma!  And I love being with babies.

I was thinking about this really sweet time I had with Gwen and Anna.......

 Gwen was reading this really sweet book called Hoot with Anna and I was sitting across the room!
Every time that Gwen held the book up to Anna's eyes, I would say "Peek A Boo" and  she would just giggle and giggle!

It was the sweetest thing.  I can't tell you how wonderful it is to see the amazement and discovery when little ones play.  And mixing a wonderful play time with reading is even better!  

I had a great time yesterday with Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna.  Gwen was at a meeting for her teaching position so I had charge of the kids.  She expected to be home in time to do "school" for Lia and Ellie, but her meeting ran late.  So this grandma got to "substitute" teach for the day.  I was not nearly as efficient as Gwen and we didn't get through all of the material before she got home, but it was still quite an experience for me.  During Ellie's science material I learned that the Florida Everglades is the only place on earth where there are crocodiles and alligators! How amazing is that?  And in a "read aloud" book for Lia I learned all about a "plain church" in New England in colonial times.  And when Anna woke up early from her nap, I learned just how difficult it is for Gwen to accomplish this school thing with a toddler and a 4 year old who also need attention.  Wow, I give her a lot of credit for taking on this task.  I was shocked at how much Ellie has learned in the 29 days of home school!  She told me facts about animals from her Science book.  She told me about the book that she already finished (Charlotte's Web) and read all of her sight words to me.  Lia is currently reading about Mayans and Incans, and Ellie and I read all about the Nile river and how important it was to Ancient Egypt.  This one little three hour session really showed me just how thankful I am that Gwen and Tim made this monumental decision to home school.  It is exciting to think about how much these kids will gain through this experience.  

So back to the peek a boo.....  On Sunday, during a worship time, I actually was thinking about peek a boo.  There was something in a song that brought my mind to this....really....I'm not making this up!  The words were "I never have to look around to see you are right there by my side. Even when I look away, you are always near to me."   And then I was thinking about the process of playing peek a boo with babies.  The purpose of this little game is to help them learn object permanence.  And that is exactly what we need to know about Jesus!  He is always there....even when we can't see him!  Yes, we all need to remember that during the times that we don't feel Jesus near to us, He is!  Just like in the game of peek a boo, we can learn (and remind ourselves) that Jesus is permanently with us!  Yes, peek a boo is a great thing!  I am so thankful for everything I am learning through children!  

Jesus, thank you for always being with us - even when we can't seem to realize it.  Thank you for the reminder to trust your permanence with us!  Thank you for providing the opportunity for Lia and Ellie to be home schooled.  And thank you for Gwen's willingness to carry this out!  Holy Spirit help us all to be open to learning and growing, even through things designed for children - or through the children themselves!  What a great lesson peek a boo is!  Amen