Never back down, I've got my "God Suit On".... ...

I always wait anxiously for the Bible Boot Camp week at Gwen and Tim's church.  This is so much more than a traditional VBS program.  Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna just can't wait for this week to arrive.  Zeke has a count down calendar and keeps close track of just how much longer he has to wait until Boot Camp finally arrives.  Zeke especially asked me to be sure and come to watch (which I have done most of the last few years).  There is something really special for me to actually see Gwen leading/teaching this program.  We were talking about the many, many years I was the one doing the planning, leading and teaching at VBS.  It is really wonderful to see her just continuing on with this valuable ministry for the kids.  This years theme was the Armour of God from Ephesians 6:10-18. 

I never actually managed to get a picture of all four kids together.  Lia actually was a crew leader and Ellie was a junior crew leader.  And this year was Anna's first year "with the big kids" (they have the preschool separate from the older kids).  Zeke was just very excited to finally be a Bible Boot Camp. I love the energy and the music and most of all I love the message of these days.     

The very first song of the day - that sets the theme for the entire weeks message was called "God Suit On".  I love this song!  It is really worth listening to this and really hearing the lyrics.  Quite frankly I think that most of us adults need to hear this song and learn this lesson.  I sure needed it!  This song starts ....."when I wake".  And isn't that true.  We all need to - every day -  start off remembering that there is a battle we are in each day.  And we have a "God suit" that will carry us through the day.  It was the "Good News Shoes" day when I visited.  So the focus was on going and sharing about Jesus.  I loved this so much!  The Children's Ministry leader, Becky Williams, shared her own testimony from this summer - doing Bible Boot Camp in Turkey!  Really amazing photos and wonderful story.  Gwen had one of the youth share about her mission trip experiences.  What a powerful testimony for all of these children.  In addition to these "far off places" the kids were reminded that they can share right now.  On the playgrounds, at school, with their neighbors and even with their families.  They can share on vacation, at the amusement park or at the store.   Every day also includes a bible verse and these kids are really learning and remembering these verses.  So they end this week knowing five important verses and filled with a great message to carry into their daily life.  To top this all off, they also do a service project each night that often involves the entire family.  The project assigned on the day I visited, was to create a "Birthday goody bag" to be given to the local food pantry.  These will be given to the families so these children can get a small gift on their birthdays.  What a fantastic way to give the Bible Boot Camp kids a chance to share something that they all have received themselves.  

While I was standing in the back of the room, just observing all that was happening, someone asked me how it felt to see Gwen singing and dancing around with the kids.  WONDERFUL!  That is how it felt.  I was remembering seeing Gwen participating in VBS as a crew leader.  And now I can imagine Lia and Ellie and Zeke and Anna standing up front, with a microphone sharing with a new group of kids about the love of Jesus.  

If you have any doubt that these kinds of experiences are valuable for children, just listen again to "God Suit On". Let this song touch you the way that it has touched my heart.  Share this song with a child in your world.  Better yet, share this song with your friends and family.  Join me in my silly dance as I shout................

  10, 9, 8, 7, 6 -  Got my hands in the air and your praise on my lips!

  5, 4, 3, 2 1  Never back down, I've got my God Suit On!

Jesus, thank you for your Word that is living and active.  Thank you for blessing us with music and song writers who give creative melodies to your powerful messages.  Holy Spirit, remind us all to start each day getting ready for the battles that are in each day by putting on your armour.  Thank you Jesus for knowing exactly what we need.  Amen

Right before your eyes.....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A week from the 1880's to the present - with stops in between!

I told the kids that this was really my happy place!  Swimming - in a lake!  I couldn't help but reflect on all of the time I spent in the water at Lake Maud during my growing up years.  I was telling the kids that I remembered Great Grandma Nona bringing a sandwich down to the dock because I refused to get out of the water for lunch.  I lived in my swimming suit for most of the summer.  So having the chance to swim with the kids for a couple of hours, was such a treat.  This is one of the many beaches near to Gwen's house.  The kids really prefer to swim in pools, but I love lake swimming. Such a nice start to this week for me.

At the end of the week, Ken and I traveled a couple hours away to Parke County Indiana that has 31 covered bridges.  We have been talking about visiting these bridges for a couple of years.  Every time we planned a trip the weather would not cooperate.  After traveling the narrow gravel roads to get to some of these bridges, we could understand why you would not want to visit in rain/flood conditions.

We actually got to 12 of the bridges for Ken to photograph.  We saw another 4 bridges off in the distance (you would have to walk through fields and forests to get to these).  We traveled over roads that you could hardly call roads - they were more dirt paths. We cut through some farm property.  Got detoured by "road work" (which was really necessary). Had not great cell phone coverage which made using our google directions difficult. Walked through mud, dirt, high weeds, rocks, and other muck.  BUT..... we saw some amazing things.

Some of these bridges were built in the 1800's.  So amazing to consider how long these have been in use.  The wood work was so interesting.  We learned that most flowing water in Indiana is called a "creek" while in Illinois most would be called rivers.  There were so many different wild flowers near these bridges.  I had lot of time to stop and look at them.

I had plenty of time to listen to the flowing water and just catch my breath.   It was such a nice couple of days away.  We relaxed at the hotel, swam in the pool and sat in the hot tub.   Certainly proves that you don't have to travel very far to really "Get Away"!  

On Wednesday my small group had a visit from Corrie ten Boom (thanks to an amazing presentation by a local women).  Corrie is one of those "great cloud of witnesses" that I can't wait to meet someday.  Her story, her faith and her life have been an influence on my own spiritual journey.  One of my most cherished memories is being in the National Holocaust Memorial in Washington, DC and seeing her name on the display of people who aided the Jews during World War II.  There was a large group of Jewish children and youth on a tour and they had stopped along side of me to listen as the tour guide told them about the people named on this display.    One of the children asked if these people were Jewish. The tour guide (who was a holocaust survivor) told them that most were Christians.  You could hear the surprise among the group.  The guide then told a bit of Corrie's story and many of the group were crying after hearing of her sacrifices.  What a testimony that is still having an impact.

It is interesting how Jesus takes our everyday activities and brings them together to bring revelation, learning and growth.  I did not realize how much I missed lake swimming until this time with the kids.  I had a chance to share some of my memories of Lake Maud with my grand kids.  Then, hearing Corrie's story again,  I was reminded that our testimonies live on, long after we are gone.  

The transforming power of Jesus in each of our lives, can bring that same transformation to others as these stories are retold.  Spending hours outside, by flowing water, surrounded by the sounds of birds, hearing bees buzzing around those lovely wild flowers filled my heart, soul and spirit with fresh energy.  Energy to put words on pages.  Energy to share whenever I get the chance.  

I am convinced that our prayers and our personal stories can influence and affect future generations. Just as those covered bridges from over a hundred years ago tell a story, so our ancestors can speak to us.  Every picture, every story told around a dinner table, every memory can reveal God's faithfulness and provision.  Every smile or kind word to a stranger, every shared laugh, every caring word to a friend, becomes a powerful tool to reach a hurting heart with the love and forgiveness of Jesus.  

Instead of lamenting the many times I have failed to share, or missed a chance to help, I will press on!  Moving forward, just like those flowing rivers.  Bringing what ever I have to those around me.  Don't sell yourself short!  We all have an important story to tell.  A story that each one of us knows well.  It is the story of our own life.  Be encouraged!  Tell someone today!  Share a testimony that will live on.  And most of all, take time today to hear the water flowing and the birds singing.  See the sunshine in the blue sky.  Really see and hear these things.  You will be energized!

Jesus, thank you so much for working in MY plans to let me know the truth of YOUR plans for my life.  Help us all, Holy Spirit, to slow down and hear your whispers.  Show us our happy places and remind us of your provision to us.  Keep our eyes focused on you Jesus.  Give us courage and boldness to tell our stories of your faithfulness to us.  Amen

Finally back blogging...Happy 4th of July!

I know that it has been a long time since I blogged - six weeks!  It was a very busy 6 weeks, however the fact that I was busy, is not the reason for the blog silence.  I made a very clear decision to step back from this blog and re-evaluate.  That included thinking/praying about the reasons for this blog.  Looking back at some past blogs.   Looking into the future a bit.  Among other things!  It was a good time to rest and let events happen.  In addition to all my "normal" busyness - being with my grand kids and life in general - here is a recap of what kept me away during these weeks.

1.  A brief visit with my sister Julie.
2.  Anna's preschool graduation.
3.  Dance recitals for Lia, Ellie and Anna.
4.  Lia's Birthday.
5.  Zeke's Birthday party.
6.  A full week with Ellie, Zeke and Anna while Gwen, Tim and Lia were on a Mission Trip.
(During that week Ken was in Florida visiting with his sisters)
7. Short trip to a nearby lake for a walk/photo session
8.  A wedding of my friend Diane.

And finally, the 4th of July!  Ken and I had a wonderful holiday.  We got up early and went with Doug and Susie and Grace to an early parade in a nearby town.  We were very thankful that they moved the start time to 9:00am since it was VERY HOT!  Grace was delighted to pick up all of the candy that was tossed to her, but the best things was the Ice Pops that several groups gave out!  And the water bottles!  After the parade, we spent a bit of time at Doug and Susie's and got to watch Grace in her new pool.

She was so excited to go down the slide into the water.  It was fun to watch her slide, over and over.  I'm sure she took a good nap after all that excitement before it was even noon.

Ken and I decided to go to the local fireworks display.  Something that we haven't done for years.  Last year we had decided to try a nearby parking garage roof, but the event was rained out.  This year was clear so we saw the entire show from 7 floors up.  Actually the hour before our town's display began,  we watched all around the horizon as various communities had slightly earlier start times.  No matter what direction you looked, there were tons of fireworks. 

Getting out of the garage and home was much easier than being in all the traffic right by the park.  So we called this a major win.  I am sure we will be going back there again next year.

One of the reasons for the brief break from blogging, is my sadness at the decline in the number of people who are seeing my blog.  This has been because Google stopped sharing any posts from the Blogger platform.  I lost a good number of my international readers who followed me through Google.  I suspect that many of my new readers also came from that search engine.  I watched as my readership fell from the hundreds and sometimes thousands into the teens.  However, as I have reflected back on the reasons that I began this blog, I am convinced that I need to continue to write and share my life in this way.  Sometimes it is the smallest things that reach people and effect changes.  Although this blog may not be read by that many people, I am convinced that the people who need to read my words, will find them.  I spent several years before I began this blog in 2013, feeling frustrated and stifled.  I felt as if I had been given things to share and yet I didn't have anywhere to share!  When I started this blog, it was as if the floodgates opened and so much poured out.  I was reminded of my life verse from John 7:38.... "rivers of living water will flow from within them".   I am amazed when I go back and look at some of my posts.  Clearly these were God-given words and not mine.  Today I am feeling ashamed that the number of readers caused me to back off this blog.  It was giving way to much power to Google.... when God is in charge of who sees theses words!   Yes, lesson learned. When God calls you to something, don't stop just because it gets hard or uncomfortable.  Just keep on going.  I saw this yesterday from the diary of John Wesley....

Sunday A.M.  May 5 - Preached in St. Anne's. Was asked not to come back anymore.

Sunday P.M. May 5 - Preached in St. John's.  Deacons said "Get out and stay out"

Sunday A.M. May 12 - Preached in St. Jude's. Can't go back there either.

Sunday A.M. May 19 - Preached on street. Kicked off of street

Sunday A.M. June 2 - Preached out at the edge of town.  Kicked off of highway.

Sunday P.M. June 2- Preached in a pasture. Ten Thousand people came out to hear me.  

If God calls you to share, I guess you just have to keep on sharing and let Him bring the people!

Jesus, thank you for using this past few weeks to remind me that this blog is about you.  It is all about my relationship with you.  Help me keep my eyes focused on your kingdom and off of the cares of this world.  Remind us all that you are much bigger than anything that is happening in the world around us.  Thank you for the plans and purposes you have for all of us.  Amen

No matter how you look at it, 45 years is a long time!

Yesterday was one of the "milestone" days for Ken and I.  It was our 45th Wedding Anniversary.  Normally, you only think about 25 and 50 as being BIG anniversaries.  But for me, somehow this feels like a note-worthy occasion.  It could be because this entire year sort of feels, well BIG to me.  Let's see, first Gwen turned 40.  That's a big deal.  Lia, our first grandchild, turns 13 in a couple of weeks.  Having a teenage grandchild seems impossible.  Last week in the mail I received my Medicare card.  Yes, in a couple of months I turn 65.  I guess that is all part of the reason why 45 seemed like an event.  

Ken had just turned 22 and I was only 19 when we got married. . That seems REALLY young to me now.  (Thinking about Lia being 13 and that would only be 6 years away for her.....yeah, that is a heart stopper).  I never lived away from home (with my parents) until after our wedding.  I did not go away to college.  I did not have my own apartment.  It wasn't that unusual in 1974.  I had several high school friends who got married the summer after we graduated.  I was two years out of high school.  I did not FEEL young at the time.  I remember my sister Karen talking to my mom and dad about me being really young to get married.  Mom and dad were not at all worried.  They loved Ken and felt we were a good match.  Apparently, they were correct. 

Ken and I spent the first five years of our marriage really having a good time.  We lived in three different apartments.  Had a whole bunch of friends.  We went to lots of parties. We bought and sold several cars and motorcycles.  Took several vacations.  And finally bought a house.  And, in sort of textbook style, also got a dog!  Then, a few months later, Gwen was born.  Three years after that, Doug came along. 

I have been a stay at home mom. I ran a home day care business.  I worked full time and part time.  I arranged to work school hours.  I transitioned  back to full time work when Gwen went to college.  And finally, after lots of years, I stopped working to be able to spend time with my grandchildren. 
I can honestly say each of these phases of my life has been a blessing.  Looking back, it is easy to see God's hand on each of my jobs.  There was flexibility when you would not expect it.  I had above average earnings during financially challenging times.  When the field I had been working took a nosedive (mortgage banking), God arranged for me to move into a totally different field and I became a church secretary.  Something I did for almost 20 years.  When that job was ending, Gwen suggested that I might like to be a nanny, since I loved working with children.  So my last five years of  paid work  and now being with my grandchildren are actually sort of a "back to the beginning" for me. My time with the kids is very much like being a stay at home mom.  Yes, I feel like I have come full circle.  And it is a wonderful, big circle, full of God's love and provision. 

I wouldn't be telling the truth if I didn't say that there were some tough moments in the last 45 years.  In our first 5 years, Ken worked second shift and I worked normal hours.  So we didn't really see each other as much as most newly married couples.  We also had several years that Ken traveled for his job.  During those years, he would often be gone for several weeks at a time.  And this also happened to be during the years I was working full time and the kids were young.  The first five years of Doug's life were also difficult since he had health issues which included multiple hospital stays.  Both Ken and I had job losses and transitions that certainly were not comfortable.  Standing with our family through the loss of our precious Lucas.  But through it all, we persevered. 

The Bible study I am currently working on has this thought as the main focus from Romans 5:3-5....
Suffering produces Perseverance, Perseverance produces character and Character produces Hope.

It wasn't until I was writing this blog that I realized just how well this fits my life!  Yes, those tough times were "suffered through" by both Ken and I.  We did "persevere" over and over.  And I can truly say that every marriage/family/sibling produces character as you learn to give and take.  And in the end there is hope.  Hope that looks ahead to more good years together.  Hope that sees God's plan and destiny unfold for Gwen and Tim and Doug and Susie.  Hope that supports Lia, Ellie, Zeke, Anna, and Grace as they find their path.  Hope for more laughter, more fun, and even more additions to our family.  And most of all, the hope and assurance of heaven.  Yes, it has been a wonderful 45 years.

Jesus, thank you for your great provision for Ken and I.  Holy Spirit, remind us all of the truth of those Romans verses - especially during those times of suffering.  Pour out your grace and wisdom and strength so that we can hold on.  Help us to see your love and care and recognize your plan to grow and change us along the way.  Most of all, hold out your banner of hope over us.  Give us all a fresh infusion of hope.  Thank you for who you are Jesus.  Amen

Mothers Day.... from my current perspective

I have been thinking about this post for a couple of weeks.  With Mother's Day approaching, there has been a flood of commercials, store displays and floral reminders that mom's need to be thanked and/or appreciated on this one day.  I decided to begin this blog with pictures of my special babies that made me a mom.  Gwen was two months old in the first picture.  It was actually taken on July 4th and although you can't tell (because the picture was very faded by the time we scanned it) her outfit was blue with red trim.  Perfect for that day.  I also managed to miss blogging for her (gasp) 40th birthday last Saturday.  Somehow I feel as if I aged more than a few years myself on that day.  It is hard to not feel really old when you have a 40 year old!  The second picture is Doug at three months.  Again, really faded but Gwen actually picked out his outfit for the picture.  She loved the clown and I remember she was very specific that he should wear this because it was yellow and yellow was happy.  One thing is certain, I could not be more thankful for these two special people!  

I know that I am one of the "fortunate ones" - those moms that get to see their grown, adult children often.  As a matter of fact, I actually see both of my kids at least once a week.  I know that this is not the norm and I feel the blessing of watching my children parent their own children, up close and real.  I love the times when I get to watch from the sidelines (so to speak) as they deal with some small issue or discipline matter.  Most of all I love to watch them loving on their kids.  Seeing even the older kids climb onto Gwen's lap for a hug or wanting hugs and kisses as she is leaving the house for work can almost bring this grandma to tears.  And there is nothing sweeter than seeing your grown son cuddling with his toddler daughter and watching her run to give him hugs and kisses before he leaves for work.  These are my most cherished "presents" from my children.  And they are not just one day a year.  

For the last several years, I have had a message that I knew needed to be shared with others, through the medium of a book.  Actually, this blog was sort of the beginning of that calling to write in a more formal way.  I have a clear vision of exactly what the book will be, what needs to be included in that book, and the purpose of the book.  I haven't talked much about writing with many people.  I confess that the reason for my silence is mostly fear.  I fear well meaning advice or discouragement.  I fear hearing that it is impossible to accomplish this.  Gwen reminded me today that none of those things matter.  I have a message that I know needs to be shared, and I have a clear direction on how to share it (book form).  Nothing else matters.    I have started this project. and actually have a pretty good framework for the rest of the book.   If I had to sum up the purpose and/or message of this writing in one short sentence it would be........"Your prayers influence your future generations".  

On this mother's day, I am so thankful for my own mother.  I was blessed to have her advice, her love and her laughter for 56 years (she died just short of her 96th birthday).  On my last visit with her, she encouraged me to hold my grandchildren close.  She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with all of her heart.  And she prayed daily for all of them.  Her biggest fear was not being a "good mother" since her own mother had died when she was only two years old.  Her legacy - her family - are the evidence that she did not need to worry about this. She excelled at loving us all. 

And I am so thankful for my Grandmother, Nora, my mother's mother.  This photo is a blessing, the only photo of my mom with her mother.  Just look at the love on Nora's face for her little girl.  She knew, in this photo, that she was going to die.  She had already been sick before my mother was born.  Yet I am convinced that she prayed for my mom and her sisters.  For me and my siblings and even for my children and grandchildren.  

God had such an amazing plan for families.  He knew that each family tree would create branches and those branches would hold fruit filled with seeds to grow more family trees. Ken and I spent most of last weekend outside, soaking up the spring weather.  As we took a drive through an nearby Arboretum, I was thinking about God's plan for families revealed in nature.  There were so many little seedling trees scattered under the branches of the towering oaks, pines and birches.  And there were also the remains of the dead and dying trees, right along side of those new young ones.  It was so comforting and peaceful.  It was the affirmation that God's plan will not be stopped.  No matter what the circumstances, no matter what disaster befalls a family, not death or separation,  not rain storm or winter blizzard.  God's plan, his destiny would be seen.  His promises are true and He is faithful to complete his work.  

So there you have my thoughts on Mother's Day.  I receive the best gift I could ever get just being with my children, their spouses and their children.  And I know that my grandmother and my mother have had a direct influence on my life today.  So this "Hallmark Holiday" Sunday may pass by without any celebration at all in my house, but Monday I will be at Gwen's house and Tuesday I will be at Doug's house.  So my calendar is filled with lots of "Mothers Day" and "Grandma Day" and that is all I need!   

No matter what circumstance you are in, far from loved ones or as just beside you, no matter if your mother is no longer here, take a moment and appreciate God's great plan for you.  There is a purpose and a plan for your life that included your mother.  Make this Mother's Day about you and Jesus.  Thank Him for his great plan for your life that included your mother!  

Jesus, thank you for the love and care of a mother.  Holy Spirit, help us all to find your plan as we look around us in nature.  Give us eyes to see your love for us.  Thank you for our family tree and for all of that "great cloud of witnesses" that surrounds you.  Thank you Jesus for grafting us into your family!  Amen  

Easter followup....is spring finally here?

Just gotta love this picture of Ken and I with all of our wonderful grandchildren on Easter.  There is just something about these special times that makes my heart so happy!  I love that I can put the yearly Easter pictures side by side and watch the kids grow up.  The girls dresses had butterfly's - a perfect Easter symbol of resurrection.  We had a wonderful day together.  It was a sunny and warm day, perfect for an outdoor egg hunt.  A great dinner was followed up with a trip to the local playground.  Susie snapped this "selfie" of our entire group!

I love that Gracie and Ellie are wearing bunny ears headband from their Easter baskets and Zeke has on his sunglasses from his basket and so does Lia!. So much fun and so many wonderful memories to capture and hold on to. 

Taking the time to capture these moments is just what my current Bible Study is encouraging me to do!  The problem for me is so many memories and so little time to actually capture them in writing!
In just a couple of weeks since Easter we have had two snowstorm/ winter storm warnings.  What?? Doesn't it look like spring in these pictures?  Yep, but if you live in Chicago, the weather can turn on a dime.  And this year, it did.  Add to the snow, we have had days and days of rain that have led to major flooding. The temperatures have been mostly in the 40's.  None of this has helped it feel much like spring.  I have been telling Ken that I am going to put away my winter snow boots.  But he has cautioned me against doing so. Yesterday I finally decided to take a chance and put them in the back of the closet.  Hopefully, spring is finally here and there will be no more snow for us.  Because Spring has seemed so far off, I am capturing every little moment!  This week the rain finally ended and our tree began to bloom.

Our yard is filled with the heavenly aroma of apple blossoms.  Yesterday the tree was covered with bees.  There had to be hundreds on our tree.  I stood there for a moment and just appreciated nature and the provision that God had so artfully designed.  I could almost taste some of that honey!  Those bees are endangered and so needed to pollinate our food supply.  Yes, this was a little moment that I captured.

Another special moment in these last few days.  A trip to the Chicago Botanic Garden and so many wonderful blooms everywhere.  I especially loved this cascade of purple blooms (I failed to get the name).  They just look so happy to me - so hopeful.  Sitting in the garden, surrounded by the colorful flowers all around me, hearing the birds chirping, and the frogs singing their songs, it was possible to think that winter has past and the springtime has come.  Even as I typed those words, I was singing Dance with Me by Paul Wilbur.  You can hear those words around 2:15 in that song.  I love that older worship song.  It is a great reminder for us to take time to "dance" with Jesus and to reflect on the the hope and expectation we can all have when we realize the cold darkness we once lived in, those times of despair and heartache can be eased when we spend time getting close to Jesus.  I don't think it is an accident that Easter is a springtime celebration.  The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate springtime event.  He put an end to our winter and brought us into His glorious springtime of new life.    I am so thankful to be recording these lovely moments right now so that I do not forget them!  Happy Spring!

Jesus, thank you for trees and flowers and buzzing bees and family fun moments. Holy Spirit, remind us all to keep track of the small things that bring us hope and love and faith.  Thank you Jesus, that you will say yes when I stop and ask for a dance.  Thank you Jesus for your love.  Amen