Surprising responses...

This "Blog Book" arrived in the mail today.  I have ordered one every year since I started this blog in 2013.  Twenty nineteen is the seventh book on the shelf.  This last year has been a very tough year of blogging for me.  I paged  through this book and was quite amazed at some of the blogs.  I really thought that I hadn't written very much.  Yet, here it is, in book format, proof that I have continued to write.  I spent several days in the first week of 2020 thinking that I would just stop blogging.  That reflection was started by the process of ordering this book.  And then came that "muddy puddle" experience with Gracie that brought forth my first blog of 2020.

I don't think that there has been another blog in the last year, that has gotten the response that this blog generated.  I had posts, messages, private DM's, emails all saying the same thing!  People affirming the words I wrote about 2020.  That feeling of being so "done" and not really knowing what was ahead, were common to so many people.  I had someone from an "unknown region" send an email to my blog connected account, saying how much they appreciated knowing that they were not alone.  It was a surprise for sure.  Sitting in my little room, all alone and putting words on a screen can sometimes feel very lonely.  I always wonder "why am I doing this?"  I often think, "does anyone even read this?"  It is certainly hard to share when you have no ability to gauge the response of the listener.  I confess that part of the reason that I have continued to blog is for my own benefit.  These blogs represent a piece of our family history.  The stories and photos that are included may, one day, be important to my children and grandchildren.  That is why I have taken the time and spent the money to have the blogs put into paper format in these books.   But then the Lord reminds me that there is so much more going on through this blog.

At the end of the year, I went back and reviewed the statistics of my blog.  I looked at the "audience" by country.  I also looked at which posts were viewed most often.  It was so interesting.  I have a couple of older blogs that continue to be read over and over.   The top countries to read my blog in 2019 (besides the United States) were Russia, Kenya, Germany, France, Ukraine, Portugal, Sweden, United Kingdom,Indonesia and "unknown regions".  That unknown region category is new in the last couple of years.  I am not really sure if this represents China or Middle Eastern countries that might have restrictions on internet viewing.  But almost every one of my blogs is read by people in that place.  At one time I had a list of all of the countries that had appeared on my blog, but sadly, I lost that list.  I remember that there many, many countries - some I had to look up to find out where they were. Since 2018 my readership went from the thousands on each blog to less than a hundred.  This happened when Google stopped auto sharing Blogger blog posts.  I know that many people who had been reading just couldn't find my blog any longer.  I considered stopping my blog at that point.  But every time that thought crosses my mind, I seem to have a blog that touches so many people. 

One of those very old posts that is viewed over and over is called "Disciples who make Disciples" from July of 2016.  It was a post about the Bible Boot Camp at Gwen's church which is their vacation Bible school.  That year the kids learned about refugees in various countries.  I noticed that Turkey shows up when this blog is read.  One of my most read blogs ever is titled "What I learned at Vacation Bible School - Today" from July of 2013.  Over and over, this shows up as a blog being read now.  Clearly, the subject of Vacation Bible School is popular.  Among my most read posts is the blog I wrote after the death of my 10 day old grandson Lucas in 2014.  I don't remember writing that post, I know it was a struggle.  But I am so thankful that I pressed on and shared in the post titled "From Joy to Sorrow to Hope".  So many people have told me just how much that blog spoke to them. 

It has taken me a while to remember that Jesus is bringing the exact right people to my blog, at the exact right time for them. My job - my concern - is only that I continue to share what the Holy Spirit puts on my heart to share.  I just need to continue to pray that those people will see Jesus through my writing.  So, thank you to all who take the time to read these words.  I am so grateful for the comments and the responses that let me know you are out there.  It makes this writing thing so much less lonely.  As always, I am praying that you will be blessed by the words on the page.  Now, on to another posting....

Jesus, thank you so much for your continued encouragement to share these words.  Holy Spirit help us all to feel your presence with us, no matter what our circumstances are.  Give me courage and boldness to continue to share on this platform.  Thank you Jesus, for your great love for us.  Amen

Words for 2020... and beyond

So last week we had more weird Chicago weather.  First it was quite cold.  Then it warmed up and it rained.  By warmed up, I mean that it was in the 40's.  When you have an almost three year old, cooped up in the house for what seems like days on end, you take advantage of a break in the weather to go outside!  Grace has become quite fascinated by Peppa Pig videos.  She noticed the puddles and asked to wear her rain boots so that she could "jump in muddy puddles!"  This is something that happens in almost every Peppa episode.  So, with winter coat, hat and gloves AND rain boots, we went for a walk in her neighborhood.  She was delighted to find a couple of puddles (not really muddy) to jump in.  She was so excited.  It sort of made me stop and think about my inner feelings about the new year, the new decade and quite frankly - my age!

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to always find such joy in the middle of  a storm?  This picture is just another reminder why Jesus told us all we need to be like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven.  Kids seem to find the fun and the good no matter what.  The desire to run and play and explore trumps how bad the circumstances are.  I want  to be able to harness that desire in 2020 and the next decade.  I have waited to post this blog until I had actually arrived at a "word" for 2020.  But here it is, twelve days into the new year and I have not settled on a word that feels right to me.  I mentioned last week that I have actually been doing more looking back rather than looking ahead in this year.  That looking back has not been about chronicling all the GOOD from the past, rather it has been more about the regrets.  Somewhere in this musing about the new year, I was reminded of the song Gods Not Done by Tauren Wells.  Towards the end of the song there is a bridge that says...

He's got a plan, this is part of it.  He's going to finish what he started.

He's not done,  God's not done writing your story.  

No, he's not done, God's not done with you.

It was one of those moments where I stopped and said, "Okay God, I'm listening".  It took a few weeks, but I got the message.  The thing is, I suspect there are many more people out there who are feeling the same way that I was.  I don't know if it is my age, the idea of a new decade, or what.  But all I felt looking at the new year, was DONE!  And then this song came back - loudly into my thoughts.  Being reminded that God wasn't done with me was a gift, even when all I felt was a bit tired and not really looking forward much,  It was more than just a reminder, it was the kick in the pants moment for me to stop all the bad inner dialogue I had been having.  You know what I mean, don't you?  Those thoughts that run through your head that you know are not Godly.  The thoughts that age really does matter and you missed your chance, you are too old now.  That is all rubbish.  

The truth is in that song.  God is not done with any of us.  God knew us before we were born and He knows our story.  It is His plan to finish that story in His timing.  

My word for 2020 and for the entire decade is EXPECTANT!  I can't wait to find out what is in my story in the years ahead.  Having an expectant heart means that I will look for the "muddy puddles" in the midst of the rainstorm.  When I find them, I will jump for joy.  I will celebrate the goodness of God in bringing forth the rain that created those puddles.  It also will be an encouragement to remember that God is the bringer of all good things.  The sunshine on the warm summer days, when things are going well.  As well as the light in those dark times.   

I don't know exactly what the year ahead will be like.  But today for today, I am much lighter and much more peaceful, knowing that God's got a plan for me and I don't have to figure it out.  

Jesus, thank you so much for being with us all, everyday as we walk through our day to day life.  Thank you Holy Spirit, for the reminders you bring to us through songs, through stories and through other people.  Keep us all aware of the childlike faith that keeps us close to you.  Give us eyes to see the joy in the midst of the storm.  Thank you for loving us..  Amen

Christmas and end of 2019

 We have had an interesting Christmas season this year with all of us experiencing change of plans because of sickness.  I think that is why when we finally managed our family Christmas on the 29th, we were so incredibly thankful to be together.  Gwen's family had three different events cancel.  Doug's family also had parties cancel.  So having all 11 of us healthy was reason to celebrate.  I got the "crud" on the 22nd.  I really didn't feel all that bad, just very hoarse and I did have a fever.  We canceled our plans for the 23rd (maybe next year we will make it to Chicago Chriskindle market) and by late in the day on Christmas Eve, I was feeling better.  We decided to go to church at 9:00pm with Gwen, Tim and the kids.  It was especially fun since I really didn't think we were going to make it anywhere for services.  I was thankful to be on the mend to enjoy the candlelight service.

Ken and I spent Christmas day mostly just watching movies and favorite shows.  I cooked a ham and both Ken and I think it was the best ham we have had in a very long time.  Doesn't that figure?  If we were having a crowd of people over, the ham would have been dry and tasteless.  This ham dinner was a wonderful, flavorful cap to our lazy day.  Our kids have a tradition of staying home so that their kids can enjoy Christmas without having to go anywhere.  I really believe this is a wonderful tradition and am so thankful that they have held on to this special family time.  

Shortly after arriving at Gwen and Tim's for our Christmas Celebration, we took our yearly family pictures.  In past years we have not taken pictures until later in the day, which has not always been the best decision.  This year the kids were willing to sit for pictures, knowing that present opening would happen after the pictures were done.

It is interesting what you see in a photo that was missed at the time you were actually taking the pictures.  My heart did a bit of a flip when I looked at the picture of Ken and I with the kids.  Anna is holding tightly to Lucas bear.  This is very fitting since Lucas would have most likely been filling that spot next to Anna.  Anna was 9 months old when Lucas was born and there will always be an empty spot between Anna and Grace.  And this year we were also missing one of our three family doggies.  Sadly Sammy, Doug and Susie's first pet together, suddenly died the week before Christmas.  Their older dog Kylie is quite confused by Sammy's absence and stays close to Doug.  We didn't even notice her sitting beside Doug and Susie in their family picture, but it is very fitting this year.  

The kids were very patient waiting to start the gift opening.  Even with all five of them, it was really a not so crazy, present opening.  Everyone had lots of fun, there was plenty of torn paper and toy assembly in the hours after.  We had a wonderful dinner followed by some crazy video games.  I even manged to WIN one game, which is truly amazing.  Even Grace was playing along, drawing pictures on her mom's phone.  Such a great family time together.    

For several years, Gwen and Tim and the kids have chosen a gift for us from their church's Kenyan and Haitian Market.  We have received amazing art made from oil drums.  There have been beautiful ornaments made from grass and reeds.  This years star is made from rolled paper.

I so love these precious gifts that help support people who so desperately are trying to earn money to provide for their families.  I especially love that this is a star.....  All I could think of were these words from the familiar carol..

Star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright.

Westward leading still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.

Glorious now behold Him arise

King and God and Sacrifice!

Alleluia, Alleluia,

Heaven to earth rejoice.

So I am leaving 2019, still proceeding.  Going onward, seeking guidance from the perfect light of Jesus.  There is nothing better than knowing that the little baby we celebrate is now filled with glory and reigning as King and God as the sacrifice for us.  It is reason to shout alleluia and to rejoice with all of heaven and earth.  Yes, a fitting end to 2019!

Jesus, our glorious King and God, all we can do is thank you.  Thank you for knowing exactly what we would need to find you in this dark world.  Holy Spirit, thank you for showing us the way to go.  Thank you for shining your light around us and through us.  Keep us close to you as we walk on in the next year.  Give us hope to quench our doubts, faith to empower our steps, and joy to fill our hearts.  Amen.  

Unexpected change of plans...

It is never a good thing when a little one has a stomach bug and a fever.  It is especially bad when this happens the day before your family Christmas celebration is supposed to take place.  Yes, Grace got the dreaded winter yuck and we made a decision to postpone our Christmas gathering until after Christmas.  We just wanted everyone, especially Grace, to be able to enjoy our time together.  All this to say, Ken and I found ourselves with no plans yesterday.  Around lunch time, Gwen called and asked if we would be interested in going to Great America "Holiday in the Park" with their family.  Their family has a membership to the park (since they live so close and the kids love the rides) and there was a special deal with discounted tickets that day.  Gwen said that they decided to go since our Christmas celebration was canceled and the weather happened to be WARM.  Of course, this is Chicago, so by warm, I  mean 40 degrees.  Considering it was the first day of winter, that is actually very unseasonably warm.  With the prospect of a great light show to photograph, Ken was happy to go.  So with very little forethought, we jumped in the car and met Gwen, Tim and the kids just after the park opened at 2:00pm.  As we were walking up to the ticket area, a women in a wheelchair noticed our group and called Gwen over.  She actually had decided it was too cold for her to be out for so long and she handed Gwen a free ticket and said she had decided to go back to her car.  It seemed unlikely that this paper ticket was actually a valid entry ticket, but we took it to the ticket booth and surprisingly it was really a free ticket!  So Ken and I both got into the park for $20 and we did not have to pay for parking either since Gwen and Tim have parking passes.  It really made the entire event seem very special.  We could not have planned a nicer day, weather wise, and at such a low cost for us to join them. 

We took the iconic picture with the carousel in the background and it was really funny to see ice floating on the pool behind us.  Our plans included seeing a show, that would provide a warm place to sit for awhile after several hours walking around outside.  Then there was a parade and a special tree lighting ceremony of the large tree that we are standing in front of in this picture. 

This is the tree before the tree lighting!  It is really a big, big tree and it is hard to see the scale from these pictures.  

We loved the Christmas musical show.  It was a really wonderful half hour of singing and dancing.  The most surprising thing was the last portion of the program was all traditional Christmas Carols.  It was so good to hear the name of Jesus loudly proclaimed.  We came out of the show, into the dark and the park was glowing with all of the light displays.  The parade and tree lighting were great.

This picture does not do the tree justice.  It was lovely.  

We went to several other areas of the park, all had amazing light displays.  Unfortunately my phone battery died (a combination of an old phone and the cold makes my battery life lousy!  Sidenote....I really need a new phone).  Ken and I decided it was time to go when I couldn't feel my toes and my fingers were tingling from the cold.  We had not really put much thought into our attire for this event and I didn't wear my boots (which would have been much warmer) and I only had thin gloves.  Nevertheless, it was a wonderful few hours spent in a very unexpected way.

It is always difficult when plans change last minute.  Especially when it is for a long anticipated event.  But lets face it, life can just happen and sometimes things don't go as planned.  I was thinking about all of the small blessings that filled this day for Ken and I in spite of the change of plans.  First of all, the weather could not have been any better for an outdoor activity like this.  Breathing in the fresh air and doing all that walking was wonderful.  Secondly the free ticket was just such a blessing.  Even though spending the extra $20 would not have been a big deal for us (the experience was certainly worth more than that), it was so unexpected.  Just another way I felt that little touch of love from the Lord.  A few days ago I was mentioning to Ken that I really missed going to a Christmas concert this year.  We actually missed one concert because of a different "unexpected change of plans".  What a blessing it was to see and hear this amazing performance of Christmas music.  A special blessing for me was the tree lighting.   I don't think I ever really mentioned this to anyone, but I have always thought it would be fun to see a big tree lighting and actually be a part of the crowd watching that happen.  And there I was, surrounded by crowds of people, yet with my own people, watching light chasing away the darkness as the tree exploded with dazzling brightness.  What a blessing it was that Gwen and Tim thought to invite us to this event. I realize that not everyone is as blessed as Ken and I, with adult children who include us in so many family things. Many don't live close enough to their extended family to have these memory making times.  I am just so thankful.

Christmas is all about sharing the love and joy of Jesus with others.  I don't think there is any better gift I could get then a day like this one.  Kids do get sick and plans do have to change at times.  But in the midst of all of that, there are so many small blessings to be found if you just take the time to look for them.  I know that I needed that reminder.  If you have had plans change, things cancel or been disappointed with yourself or others during this season, I encourage you to just stop and look for the small blessings.  Each small thing is a nugget of love and joy just waiting to be passed on and shared.  Look for those little things and be blessed!  Merry Christmas

Jesus, thank you for the reminder that there is always something to be thankful for, even in the midst of changes.  Holy Spirit, give us eyes to see the small blessings that surround us.  Help us remember to find the joy in every situation and to share that love and joy with others.  Thank you for coming to us as a tiny baby.  Amen

The same message, just a different way

I just realized that, even though I had said that I was going to do whatever I could to make this Advent season more relaxed and calm. I seemed to have failed.  My last couple of weeks have been really full and I have even gotten home really late some nights.  I know that 9:00pm doesn't sound late, but at my age (and getting up at 5:30am), that IS really late.  Yet, as I was thinking about this blog, it became clear to me that my schedule these past weeks has been all about Advent and doing what is really important.  I have attended several Christmas gatherings, that all have brought me much joy and laughter.  So, in spite of the way my calendar might look, I have been more focused on the true meaning of Christmas. 

This week I spent Tuesday with Gwen and the kids since it was their home school co-op Christmas program.  That lovely young lady, Lia, in the picture above (who is almost as tall as me) sang with her choir.  I have to admit that sitting in the pew, hearing her sing brought me back to some of Gwen's early programs.  Let's face it, there is nothing better than Christmas songs, sung by children.  Earlier in the day, all of the kids were busy making Christmas cards for their co-op friends.  Ellie decided that they should make crayons to include in the cards.  So she worked on finding all of the broken crayons around the house, peeling the papers off and deciding which colors to mix together in the crayon mold.  She managed to make enough for all of her friends, as well as all of Anna and Zeke's friends.

Before long, Ellie decided that she also wanted to create beaded crosses for her friends, so Lia and I helped her sort out specific colors from large vats of beads.  Zeke and Anna worked had making cards for their friends.

And then Ellie decided that she also needed to color a picture for each of her friends.  

While this was going on, Lia decided to make cookies for all of her choir and her friends.  

As I watched these kids spending time on these hand made goodies for their friends, I was thinking about the love and care that they were putting into each project.  This wasn't some small trinket or toy from the store, by their parents.  Each gift had a hand made card and an item that had required some effort and thought.  That is what the season is supposed to be about.  It was a day well spent for me.  One that filled my soul with peace and calm and love and joy.  

One of the best early "Christmas" presents that I received last week, came flying into my life via a Facebook message.  I was invited to join a Facebook group, started by someone that I had never heard of until that day.  Turns out, we are related!  Not only that, he lives less than 5 miles from my house. Dave Anderson has been doing much research on his own family tree and decided that he would like to find out more about his "Johnson" relatives - all descendants of Axel and Betty Johnson - my grandparents.  It turns out that Dave's grandfather was a nephew of Axel Johnson and came from the same town in Sweden to settle in western Minnesota at the same time as my grandfather.  

Axel and Betty Johnson

Now I know that you might be thinking that this is a really distant relation, but for me, having any relative living so close is quite fun.  Not only that, he has been sent boxes and boxes of pictures and family documents from Sweden that he is trying to sort and identify.  Most were sent to Sweden by those families who all settled in western Minnesota before 1900.  I saw pictures of my aunts and uncles that I had never seen before.  I am so thankful that Dave is taking the time to sort through all of this stuff.  Not only is he sorting it, he is connecting us through pictures and stories.  He has a heart to keep these memories from being lost.  Thanks to this Facebook group, in the last week I have connected with several of my cousins.  I had a phone conversation with a cousin that I know I have never talked to as an adult.  During the phone call she referred to me as "Lynnie" and said that she only remembered me as a little girl.  That short call brought me so much joy.  This genealogy stuff is really interesting, the idea of seeing a family tree is wonderful, but it is the stories that are so important.  

I have shared on this blog that I believe that all of us have been given a unique destiny.  Part of this destiny, is a spiritual heritage that has played a part in who we are and the direction our lives have taken.  Over the last several years, I have become more and more convinced that this is a message that needs to be shared.  This blog has been part of that prompting by the Holy Spirit to share that message.  Additionally, I have begun writing a book with the central message that our prayers can and will impact our future generations. This fictional based on facts book is focused on my mother's parents.  I don't think it is an accident that I am now looking at my dad's parents and learning more about God's plan for our family line through them.  Getting to meet Dave and his wife was quite a gift for me.  Through Dave's work,  I heard the message from the Holy Spirit, loudly and clearly, that I must keep on sharing.  Yes, it was the same message I heard so long ago, just delivered in a different way.      

Yes, it is really amazing to look at my grandkids and think about their great great grandparents.  These loving, caring, young children carry a piece of Axel and Betty and Arnold and Nora in their spirits.  The spiritual heritage that was centered on their love for Jesus, has been sown into this distant generation.  There is so much hope in this message.  We can make a difference in the future as we pray for those who are yet to come.   Tonight I want anyone who reads this blog to know that you matter.  Not only for right now, but also for generations to come.  Don't let the stories from your family get lost or forgotten.  Make it a point to tell and retell those family stories.  Take lots of pictures and preserve those photos with journaling that tell the story. (A shout out for scrapbooking!)

 This is a great season to begin doing this.  As we tell and retell the Christmas story, let us all remember to share family memories.

Jesus, thank you so much for this season.  Holy Spirit, keep our hearts open to love and care for all those around us.  Give us courage to smile and talk to those we meet on the street.  Help us to keep Christmas memories alive in our family.  Thank you for photos and documents that help us know the past and appreciate our family heritage.  Thank you Jesus, for children and Christmas carols.  Amen 

    

Having a servant's heart starts young for some....

This past Sunday was a super fun day for me.   I had been watching Gwen's kids while Gwen and Tim attended an out of town wedding of a former youth member from their church.  It just happened to fall on this special Sunday -  the Rock Soup Kitchen.  The Rock is the Children's ministry of Fellowship of Faith.  I have heard about this event for many years, but I have never actually witnessed it.  All I can say is WOW!  Instead of just TALKING about being a servant to the children, they give them an actual, meaningful way to serve their church family.  Members create homemade soups and bring them in crock pots.  The children are given jobs, appropriate for their ages.  I loved that Pr. Dave encouraged the congregation to "allow the kids to serve you!"  He went on to explain that often adults just jump in to "help" thinking that they can do a faster or better job.  But especially on this day, it was important for the kids to be able to SERVE.  Lia and I got to sit back and be served, since she is now out of ROCK and in BOULDER (the Middle school/High school ministry). 

Our first treat were these adorable turkeys that Anna's class had made.  Such a cute addition to the meal.  

Zeke's class was in charge of the drinks and also the bowls and spoons.  Each of the kids had a chance to do most of the jobs in each age group.  

Ellie's class got to serve the soup.  She got to serve some wonderful homemade Green Chili Enchilada soup.  There were so many varieties that it was hard to pick which wonderful smelling soup you would try.  I actually picked the Ham and Bean soup in the first picture and it was delicious!

They had the recipes near each soup so that you could make them at home.

Anna's class was also in charge of collecting the dirty dishes to take them to kitchen.  Quite a big job for these 4's and Kindergartners.   All of the kids did a wonderful job of smiling and asking if there was anyone who needed anything.  I was extremely proud of our three servants.

I can't think of a better way to help the children feel a part of the church than to help serve.  The large crowd of people eating this soup reflected the congregations willing participation in this event.  This is just one of several ways that even these young children have a chance to serve throughout the year.  

Many of you know that Children's Ministry has been my passion forever.  I invested many, many years of service with children and youth in all kinds of ways.  Because of this, I have witnessed so many children grow into adults who love and serve Jesus.  I believe that there is nothing that Jesus loves more, than seeing children serving others.  Leaving Children's Ministry was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made.  But, as with so many things, there is a season for everything.  And my season of serving in that way was done.  I am so thankful that I get to watch (from the sidelines) as Gwen has stepped into a new role as Children's Ministry Director at Fellowship of Faith.  Gwen and Tim have been serving with the Bolder Youth Ministry for many years and they will continue to serve there.  Gwen has been helping in ROCK for several years and  this opportunity came at exactly the right season for her and it was clearly a God-orchestrated event.  Don't you just love how Jesus knows how to bless you?  This is such a blessing for me to see Gwen pour ideas and vision into an already great program.  

So, this Thanksgiving (or really any time) watch for ways to let those that are younger than you, serve and bless you.  I know that sometimes it is hard to accept help, but remember that you might be helping grow a servant heart.  Let that young boy hold the door open for you.  Or let that sweet teenage girl help you on the stairs.  Being served will bless you also.

Jesus, thank you for your servant heart that even washed the feet of your friends.  Holy Spirit, help us all to not only look for ways to serve others  but give us soft hearts to be willing to accept help and let others serve us.  Thank you for great ideas that help our children learn and grow.  Continue to speak to us all with new and creative ideas to help us reach our world.  Thank you for your great love for us.  Amen

My "Active Senior Lifestyle"......

I really hate when people say they are "so busy"!  As a matter of fact, Gwen and I were recently talking about a sermon from a very long time ago that we both remembered.  Pastor Del said that "busy" was "Being Under Satan's Yolk".  It has always stuck with me.  So I will not say that I have been so busy.  But I will say that our family has had many activities in the last few months that have left me feeling sort of behind on tasks that normally get done. 

Beginning in late September when my family participated in our extended family reunion.  I love this photo from the event that Susie captured of just our family.  This was certainly an out of the ordinary event that was added to our calendar this year.  

October included several things that I have previously blogged - my weekend with Gwen and Tim's kids while they were on retreat.   A trip to both Brookfield zoo and Cosley Zoo.  And there was Halloween.  

I loved watching all of our grand kids hit the streets to Trick or Treat on a beautiful, warm fall Sunday, the day that Gwen's neighborhood celebrates.  Accompanied by MANY friends, no coats were necessary and there were many happy children, full of candy.  

And then winter came to Illinois.  On Halloween (October 31) we woke to plenty of snow.  And it snowed all day.  There were many unhappy kids around who did not get to trick or treat in the warm fall weather.  We only had about 1/4 the number of kids as normal at our house.  During that snowstorm, I was happily helping set up for a conference at a nearby hotel.  Chicago HUB is a ministry that I have supported for many years.  I volunteered to help with registration for their yearly conference so I (thankfully) missed most of the snow.  In spite of the snow, more than 750 people came to worship together and hear some incredible speakers.  

I missed the second morning of the conference, to be with our family to celebrate Lucas' fifth birthday together.  I made this plaque for Doug and Susie and Grace.  I love that we know that Lucas is with Jesus and we will see him again, and we will always have him in our hearts.  

I returned to the conference and spent three more wonderful days getting filled up with great worship and wonderful teaching.  Because I spent time at the registration table, I got to meet so many new friends and also connect with people I haven't seen for many years.  I was surprised to learn that over 400 of the people who came to this event were new to HUB.  There were so many young people and so much energy.  Even though I was pretty tired by the end of this conference, it was so worth it.  

Last week was just a "normal" week for me.  I spent time with Gwen and the kids.  Participated in my Bible Study group.  Watched Grace on Tuesday and Thursday.  Went with Ken to a doctor appointment on Wednesday and had work done on my car on Friday. (I was so glad to finally have the correct part installed so that my check engine light will no longer be shining at me!)  I have been putting the finishing touches on my Operation Christmas Child boxes that need to be dropped off in about a week.  My boxes are always done in honor of Lucas.  Each box contains items that will help six little boys learn about God's love and just who Jesus is.  

The weather has stayed unseasonably cold.  On Thursday, Grace and I made banana bread using my mom's recipe.  It is so fun to watch her experience new things.  She loved to stir and mash the bananas. I love that I can share this part of my mom with Grace and I know that my mom would be so pleased.   It just seemed like good weather to have the oven on!  Yes, winter is upon us.

This weekend has been a wonderful time for me to catch up on so many things.  I spent some time cleaning up my scrap room after packing my boxes for Operation Christmas Child.  I ordered some photos printed for my upcoming scrap weekend, and I prepared my album with paper.  I got food shopping done, laundry completed and have actually managed to cook several meals.  Right now I am relaxing to the wafting aroma of chili, simmering in the crock pot. So all is right in my world.  

November is thankfulness time.  And I am so thankful today.   For family that keeps me active and involved in so many ways.  For friends that surround me with prayers, with care and with laughs.

I am thankful for ministry opportunities - for Chicago HUB Ministries.  For united worship with people of all races, denominations, countries and backgrounds.  And I am so thankful for all of you reading this blog.  I never, ever imagined that I could chat with you about my everyday life, even though I have never met you!  I love that I can share about Jesus and how much my life has changed because of my relationship with Him.  It is my prayer that you can "read between the lines" of this blog and know the great grace and love and blessing my family has experienced through Jesus.  I would love to know your story and to hear about your day to day life.  Please know that I love to read your comments and I am thinking about you and praying for you with each blog that is posted. 

Jesus, thank you for showering me with your love and kindness.  Holy Spirit, help us all to know that you are just waiting for us to call out to you.  Give us courage and boldness to share about you Jesus.  Thank you for all the new ways that we can reach the world with your Gospel Message.  Amen