Welcome James Kenneth Rowley! Such a Joy!

 The long wait has finally ended!  James Kenneth Rowley was born on May 24, 2021.  His name was a surprise for everyone, since Doug and Susie had not made a final decision until he was actually born.  I still can't get over the surprise that this name brought.  Doug and Susie had decided on this name since it was in honor to Susie's dad (Steve's middle name is James) and Kenneth is, of course, to honor Ken.  But sometime in the first day I remembered the very first picture we have of Ken. 

Ken was adopted and he had spent several weeks in the hospital before he went home with the Rowley's.  The nurses had named him after the two doctors who had delivered him by C-section (not very common in 1952).  Those doctors first names were James and Joseph.  Ken's very first name was James.  Doug and Susie did not remember this fact at all.  It was such a God moment for me.  Truly our new little James is a gift to our family and one that Ken would have treasured.  

I had the wonderful pleasure of being with Grace while Susie, Doug and James were in the hospital.  Grace recently "graduated" from 3 year old preschool and one of the special awards from her school was a day at Blackberry Farms.  This is an amazing place with animals, activities and reinactments that were sure to please a preschooler!  And it happened to fall during the time I was watching her.  So off we went to Blackberry Farms!

Grace got to ride the Merry Go Round, and a REAL pony!  We rode the train, we saw lots of animals including her very favorite - a pig!  She was very facinated with the ladies who were carding, spinning and weaving sheeps wool.  We spent a long time watching the process.  Grace's preschool is actually held at this amazing location so she had experience seeing the animals during the year.  At the end of the day, Grandma delighted her with a candy stick treat.  

I got a chance to visit with Susie, Doug and James in the hospital the day after he was born.  All of us were thankful that the COVID restrictions had begun to ease and a few visitors were allowed to come during very limited hours.  So all of the grandparents had a chance to meet James when he was first born.

The next day, I got to witness the homecoming and see Grace's reaction to her new brother.  It was such an amazing event and I feel blessed to have been there.  Kylie and Grace were so gentle when Doug let them see James in his car seat.  Grace was so excited!  She could hardly stand the wait to get to actually hold her brother.

This picture will always be one of my very favorites.  You simply can not deny the total happiness and joy on the face of this big sister.  And James looks cozy and calm.  

It has been such an up and down time since Ken's death, which was exactly 8 months before this picture of Grace and James.  For me, it seems like James birth has propelled me into a new season.  Certainly helpful in this change is the easing of COVID restrictions.  The weather is now very warm and we are truly in the grip of summer.  One of the many articles I have read after the death of a spouse, talked about living through the first year after the death.  The advice given was to mark the changing of the seasons and see the joy in each one.  For me that included the colors of the leaves last fall.  The softly falling snow in the winter and the eruption of the spring flowers.  And as we are moving into summer, I will celebrate the warmth and joy of all of the grand kids as they run and play outside.  What a wonderful summer is ahead,

Jesus has been so present and so real to me during these past eight months. In spite of the huge loss, I have managed to stay on an even keel.  I am so thankful for family and friends who have given me so much support.  My small group has been around me and we always talk about "holding up each other's sheilds",  based on the picture of Roman soldiers standing with their sheilds locked, each one being able to have a ligher load to carry.  I will never underestimate the power of others to carry us when we feel like we might not be able to go on.  It has never been more obvious how much we need each other, than when we were forced apart during COVID.  I am so looking forward to catching up with friends I have not seen, going on trips again, and really enjoying time with my family.  I am so hopeful and encouraged for the time ahead.

Jesus, thank you for new life and the plans and destiny that you have for James.  Holy Spirit, be the encouragment for all who are experiencing loss.  Surround us with your love and presence.  Thank you for bringing us through the trying pandemic.  Give us courage to go out and bring your love to those around us.  Thank you Lord.  Amen

Dance Recital Weekend - this year!

 Ths past weekend, I spent the day with Gwen watching the Dance Connection yearly recital.  So much thanks needs to go to Bridget Blake, the Director/Owner of this studio.  During Covid she has worked tirelessly to make dance something that the kids could depend on, even in the midst of quarentine.  She arranged zoom classes and figured out how to bring the kids safely back to the studio as soon as possible.  This is so much more than just a dance studio - it is a family.  This recital marked Lia's 12th  dance recital, Ellies sixth and Anna'a fourth. The one thing that was really not able to be practiced or planned was the weaather, and it was less than ideal!  Saturday was COLD, WINDY and RAINY!  The entire event was held outdoors in an open tent.  I felt so sorry for the dancers in their thin costumes, as Gwen and I sat huddled under two blankets wearing several layers of clothes and sweaters.  But the kids danced like it was 80 and sunny.  There was energy and grace along with precision and joy.  Of course there was also reluctance from the smallest dancers, to even go on the stage!  It just made your heart so full and was such a welcome normal event.  

Anna danced so well!  She had a jazz dance and a tap dance.  I am so amazed at how well these kids do, even the really little ones!  The dances are not easy and there are so many steps to remember.  She danced with so much confidence!

Ellie has had some years where she has chosen to not dance.  But recently, she has really liked Ballet and Lyrical dance.  She has done so well in both and also made so many great friends.  She is moving up next year to a new, harder level that will take lots of work.  But she is dedicated to keeping on in dance.

This only represents a portion of Lia's dances.  I really don't know how she remembers all of these complex dances.  She had a Tap, Lyrical, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Student Teacher, and 2 Spotlight dances!  Yes, that is 8 different dances.  It was the first time we have seen her dance "on Pointe" and it was breathtaking.  Both Gwen and I were teary watching her dance.  These 12 years of watching her dance seem to have passed in a flash.  Wasn't it only just a short time ago that she was in that front row of dancers in "Pre Ballet"?  

This was Lia's first dance recital costume.  Driving home, (with my car heater blasting to try to warm up), I was thinking about this very first recital. Ken and I went and Lia was so tired after doing two big dances in one day, she could hardly keep her eyes open. Ken had picked out a special "Penguin Pillow Pet" for her.  

It was so good to be able to walk to a shelf, and pull off a scrapbook from 2010 and find this picture. Certainly makes the time and effort to do these books worthwhile!  Ken was so proud to see Lia up on that big stage. There was a tired 3 almost 4 year old.  And now, there was a poised, talented, confident almost 15 year old!  Dance has strengthened her body, soul and spirit.  She has become close to girls that she has danced with for these 12 years.  She has looked up to and admired and wanted to be like the student teachers and teachers she has learned from.  The care and compassion that was shown to her as she grew and learned each new dance, she is now showing to those little ones that SHE student teaches.  Watching her almost float across the stage brought tears to my eyes.  As of right now, Lia is thinking that dance will be her college direction.  She is only just finishing her freshman year of high school, and that might change.  After this past weekend, that path seems quite likely.  

As I have been reflecting on watching my precious girls dance, there has been an important backdrop to this event.  I am so thankful that these girls are dancing filled with the love of Jesus in their hearts.  The time that they spend at dance is balanced by time learning and growing at church. Church is also home and family to them.  Before they were born, Jesus gave me a glimpse of His plans for each of them.  And it is so amazing to continue to pray for the fulfilment of these plans.  I see Lia as a leader of her peers, bringing so many to know the Lord.  Ellie has the heart of a warior - fighting for those she loves on her knees in prayer.  Anna will bring the kingdom of heaven to earth through a legacy of love.  Yes, I am so grateful that I get to walk along side of my children and grandchildren on this path into the future.  

Sometimes it is not easy to see Jesus at work today.  Things seem so dark and distant from what you read in the Bible.  All you need to do is find a way to surround yourself with the love, laughter and joy of a bunch of kids, dancing with all their might. Then, even with dark skies and rain falling and the wind whipping around you, the sun will come out in your heart.  I also encourage you to stop and ask Jesus to show you how to pray for those around you.  It might even be a coworker or a neighbor.  Or a child or grandchild or niece or nephew.  I remember once hearing this... "General prayers are answered generally.  But when you pray specific prayers your get specific answers".  

I missed telling Ken all about the dance recital.  But I was thankful to have that long ago memory of his love for Lia, shown through a penguin pillow.  

Jesus, help us all to look through the noise and darkness of our world today to find your love and your grace that is all around us.  Holy Spirit, guiard the hearts of our children and youth who face so many temtations today.  Thank you Jesus for giving creative ideas to business owners, to families, to so many during this pandemic.  Thank you for your protection and love.  Amen  

Remembering Ken on his Birthday and celebrating Zeke's Birthday!

 Friday would have been Ken's 69th Birthday and Doug suggested that we remember him with his very favorite barbeque - Uncle Bubs.  So Doug went on the rather long drive and picked up enough food to feed a small army.  I went to their house to spare Susie a car ride to my house (so close to baby due date!)  Grace was delighted to have dinner with me and we had fun remembering Grandpa.  It was such a beautiful evening that we ate outside.  

It was fun to hear Grace talk about Ken.  She has a few memories of him and Doug and Susie will continue to remind her all about her Grandpa.  She remembered him napping whenever we were together (which is accurate).  And she also remembered the time that Doug brought a "really big burger" for Grandpa and he ate the whole thing! This is also true and was actually the last really good meal that Ken ate.  I love Uncle Bubs so this was a real treat for me. Doug and Susie sent me home with enough food for several more meals.  It was a good way to remember Ken and to honor him on his birthday.  Ken loved to bring Dunkin Donuts to work on his birthday and always made sure to have plenty to go around.  I was trying to remember how many years he had done this, and thinking back, it was as long as I have known him!  Every place he worked, got donuts on his birthday.  I think I will need to purchase some Dunkin Donuts soon!

This is our families really busy time.  Between Gwen's birthday, Mother's Day, Ken's birthday and my Wedding Anniversary, we have added Zeke's birthday (which is actually also my mom's birthday) and Lia's birtday is on the 28th!  And very soon we will be adding, yet another birthday to these busy weeks.  I love being with the kids on their birthday and always try to find a special present for them. This year Zeke was requesting all things Fortnite.  All I know about Fortnite is that it is some kind of video game that includes needing "peels", all of which means nothing to me.  But I managed to find all Fortnite related items for Zeke, who turned 10 years old!  

And from his reaction to his presents, I did good and he was very happy. His presents included wireless gaming headphones, which I confess were more of a present for everyone else in the household who will not have to LISTEN to Fortnite anymore!  I actually celebrated with Zeke earlier in the week because the yearly Dance Recital fell on his actual birthday.  I knew that the day of the recital would be very busy so it was fun to spread out his celebration a little bit.  

It is sure interesting going through this grief process.  Most of the time, I don't feel like I am really in a grief process.  Many people asked me if I had a hard day on Ken's birthday.  For me, it isn't the big things (like Ken's birthday) but all of a sudden, some small thing will trigger a reaction for me.  If you haven't gone through the loss of someone close to you, this may seem strange to you.   Mostly I think that Ken's declining health gave me a long window of time to come to grips with how limited his time would be.  And because of that, I was in a very different place at his death.  I am much more aware now, of trying to be present in every day.  Finding gratefulness has helped to keep me grounded and also given me freedom to look ahead.  Coming out of the pandemic has been a breath of fresh air for me, as I feel as if some kind of normal is returning.  In a way, COVID has helped me transition to this new phase of my life since everything is different now for everyone!  Knowing that Jesus is in control helps me the most.  There is a real freedom from worry about the future when you know that our days are numbered by God.  Taking time everyday to read the Bible, to pray and to seek guidance for that day has brought peace and joy to me.  If I were to give advice to someone struggleing with loss or grief, my encouragement would be to draw close to Jesus.  If you don't know how to do that, or if it seems difficult because of your circumstances, just begin by telling Jesus!  Even the simplest prayer - "Jesus I want to know you" - will open the way.  When you ask, He will answer!  Trust me, you will be amazed at the way it happens.  Feel free to reach out to me if you want to know more!  

Jesus, thank you that you are ready to answer even that very simple prayer.  Holy Spirit, help us all to find our direction, our peace and our joy in drawing closer to Jesus.  Give us courage to admit that we might need help or guidance.  Give us wisdom to follow your plans each day.  Jesus free us from our pride that keeps us from being honest about our feelings.  Thank you for memories and birthdays!  Amen

Great family time and an old piece of mail makes me cry!

 

I had a great day yesterday as we had our last family get together before the arrival of Doug and Susie's new baby (due very soon).  The kids were happy to be together, as usual, and Doug grilled and smoked some good food.  Of course the meal ended with delicous cake and special cupcakes.  I took home a treat of chocolate covered strawberrys, which were wonderful.  Tim was missed, having stayed home, working on projects that really need to be finished.  With their very busy schedule, he needs every moment of the weekend to complete these projects.  I can't help but reflect on how special these times together are, with the COVID pandemic winding down.  We will never take for granted being able to spend time together.  It is always bittersweet missing Ken during these get togethers.  

Today is Mothers Day and we certainly celebrated that yesterday.  I was sharing with the kids, that I had found a letter during some cleaning, that had made me cry!  It was certainly a timely find.  It was a letter Gwen mailed to me from college in 1998.  It was early in her Sophmore year, and the letter was filled with all the interesting stories about her friends and excatly what they were going to do the following weekend.  She talked about some of her classes and her job at the campus day care center.  

Just ordinary stuff for sure.  But the letter ended with this paragraph and it had me in tears......

What a precious Mothers Day gift that Gwen sent me twenty two and a half years ago.  She would not have had any idea just how much this would mean to me, so far off in the future.  It is a reminder that we should  not stop sending those hand written notes!  You just never know how much joy will come at unexpected times.  

The time just seems to be flying by.  I got through April well,  usually a month that causes me to feel a bit down.  My mom, dad, sister, mother-in-law, father-in-law, and grandmother all died in April.  As a matter of fact, in April 2020, I was actually sort of holding my breath, fearing Ken having a health crisis.  But the month passed without incident.  At times it seems like Ken has been gone for a very long time, but at other times, it feels very new.  I am incredibly grateful for my friends and family that have all been watching over me.  I have been making an effort to get out, to meet new people and continue to process this new season of my life.  Waiting for a new baby in the family is certainly a plus!  I have been so very blessed.  It seems at every turn there is evidence of Jesus watching over me.  Finding the letter from Gwen on Mothers Day weekend, is just an example.  God knows exactly what we need, even more than we do.  If there is someone who has come to your mind, but you just haven't reached out to them, I encourage you to do so!  And write those cards, send those small notes along with making that phone call.  Isn't God just amazing?  I am so thankful.  

Jesus, thank you for putting that letter into my hands at the exact right time.  Holy Spirit, remind us all to answer those small nudges that you give us to reach out to those around us.  Jesus, give us courage and boldness to share our faith with others. Thank you for the blessing of mothers.  Amen

Best part of any day is time with the kids!

I have been finding the blessings in each and every day.  It hasn't been difficult because I have had plenty of time spent with the grands.  Spring has come to Chicago.  My flowering tree has sprung into full bloom, in spite of freezing weather over the last week.  We even had a day with some persistant snow flurries,  But, in spite of that, I am filled with hopefulness and joy.  

Being with Grace one day a week has been so good.  She has changed from a toddler to an imaginative preschooler.  I love her ability to pretend and make stories happen no matter what we are doing.  She is very ready for her new baby brother, who she says will be coming in the "summer".  I have a feeling that in a just a few short weeks she will realize that summer has come a bit ahead of time in her house!

I love the fact that in addition to my weekly visits with Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna, I get some extra time when Gwen and Tim lead youth retreats for their church.  Over the years, it has been bitter sweet with each of the kids getting older and therefore GOING on those retreats with Gwen and Tim.  This year only Zeke and Anna were with me.  And during that time, Anna was lamenting the time when (very soon according to Zeke) he would also be gone and she would be the "youngest, only child".  I reminded Anna that I was also the youngest of my siblings and there were some perks to that.  I am sure that when that time comes, we will find plenty of fun things to make it not so bad.

We got to a couple of playgrounds during my stay.  Most were teeming with kids.  Such a wonderful sight and so unusual during the last year of COVID scare.  Zeke had a baseball clinic, and it was so fun watching him play.  He is surely an athletic kid that manages to do well at what ever sport he attempts.  

This was a short retreat, but these kids managed to try to squeeze in every activity that we could.  So a movie night was in order, complete with popcorn and warm blankets.  I reminded them that the summer mission trip is not that far away, so we will have plenty of time for all the fun things.  

My list of hope-giving blessings included so many things.  I had a special breakfast out with a good friend one day.  It was just so good to actually SEE her face and share a meal.  One day I met a new neighbor!  What a blessing it is to have someone who is near my age moving in right next door.  Very unexpected and so wonderful.  Recently I had dinner with some new friends and then attended their book club meeting.  It was so fun to be with new people and see my world expanding.  A few weeks ago, Susie and I spent the weekend away scrapbooking.  Both of us were glad to get some much needed progress on our projects.  It was also great to be away (even though it was local) and spend time together.  We managed to get in a couple of (socially distanced) swimming sessions, which I loved.  It has been so long since I have had a time away like this.  I truly cherished every second of that time.  One day, as I was recording my daily blessings, I added the school buses that I had encountered all over during my errands.  It is amazing to know that most of the kids are finally back in school, at least part of the time.  It is seeming very likely that soon, we could see even more of the restrictions around the pandemic being lifted.  I confess that I am waiting anxiously for travel and possibly some conferences to attend.  

I know that the Bible tells us to think on good things.  That when we do this, it will keep our thinking sraight.  And thinking about all of these blessings is certainly helping my thinking.  I have been reading through Isaiah for the last few weeks and I am always amazed by the new things that I see each time I do this.  There has been encouragment and help in this study, through a sermon series at Fellowship of Faith, led by Pr. Dave.  I have loved digging deeper into Isiah, even though I would have told you that it was my most read Old Testament book besides Psalms.  I know that so much of my renewed good thinking has come from this study.  So here is one more encouragment to make it a point to really read and study scripture.  There is no better time than now, to help renew our minds with good thoughts and more scripture.

Jesus, thank you that you left us all the instructions that we need through the Bible.  Holy Spirit, help us remember to keep our thinking straight.  Give us courage to delve into even the parts that we don't understand.  Thank you Jesus for providing good teachers through pastors and fellow "travelers" along our life path.  Keep those blessings coming to each day.  Amen

 

He is Risen! Wonderful Easter celebration!

What a glorious and wonderful Easter celebration my family had this year.  We were all very aware that we completely missed Easter 2020.  I found myself trying to remember what we had done for Easter last year, what the kids had worn on that day, where we had been.  And then, the realization hit - thanks to COVID we did not have any family time last year.  Quite frankly, due to Ken's illness beginning in January of 2020, most of last year is a bit of a blur.  Then you add COVID quarantine on top of that blur and it is possible to kind of lose 2020.  We certainly missed Ken during our time together this year.  The wonderful weather, amazing church service, and fun time with the kids made this a memorable time.  We will not forget Easter of 2021.  

The weather was just perfect.  It was sunny and warm, exactly like you would want an Easter to be.  We have had our fair share of very cold and even snowy ones.  This day was perfect for being outside and running around looking for those Easter eggs.  

All of us, even the adults had a great time walking around the yard, during the egg hunt.  This year the kids each had different eggs, so it was much easier to help them.  Tim did a great job making it extra hard for the older kids to find their eggs and it actually took them a fair amount of time to find them.  

Just being together was something to celebrate.  We are so thankful that we (the adults) have all managed to get our Covid vaccines before the arrival of Baby Boy Rowley (expected in late May).  And knowing that we are all safer now, sure makes our times together less stressful.  I am extremely thankful to NOT have to decide if it is worth the risk to go to the store for food.  I used a lot of food delivery and contactless pickup in the previous months.  Knowing that I am more protected is really a gift.  

The Easter morning church service was exactly what I needed.  I have been going to church via "live stream" for most of the past year. I am so thankful that this option was there.  It has allowed me to continue to worship, even though we were stuck at home.   Actually being in the church, surrounded by my family, and the bigger "church family", pouring out praise and worship to the Risen King,;;;;;;; well it filled my soul and my spirit.  It was an awe-inspiring service.  I encourage you all to watch it here - Fellowship of Faith Easter Service   I really feel like I have turned a corner.  I know that the last six months have been a time of adjustment to being on my own.  And, while I know that I will face continued times of grief and uncertainty, the path ahead seems much clearer now.  Certainly the spring weather, the increased hours of sunshine, the decrease in the fears and worry over Covid is a part of this.  But I am convinced that working through a Bible Study on "The Quest", has helped me break out of the standstill position I was in. That Bible study plus this Easter worship proved to be the catalyst for change for me.   I love feeling expectant for the year ahead.  I am not sure what it will look like for me, but I am convinced that I am moving forward and it is so good.  

We all need more good news.  Overall, this past year has been HARD!  The news was never good.  I am working to start and end everyone of my days finding the good news of that day.  All you have to do is look for it!  Good things are happening out there.  I plan to use the next few blogs, to fill the airspace out there with positive, helpful, wonderful things.  I would love to hear from all of you.  Help me fill the world with hope and positivity.  Let's all bring more sunlight, more good news to others.  

Jesus, thank you for being the Risen, Reigning King of Kings!  Thank you for loving us so much that you suffered and died for us.  Holy Spirit give us courage to see beyond the darkness and to find the light.  Thank you for filling our hearts with your love.  Help us continue to look for the "Good News".  Jesus, you are that good news!  Amen

Wonderful start to springtime... and God surprises!

Friday was quite a great day!  Gwen and Doug came with the kids and we spent a few hours getting things a bit more organized in the camera room.  When we were all done, there were two large garbage bags of trash, 4 large garbage bags and lots of extra items to go to Goodwill and Doug and Gwen each took home a boxful of stuff.  There is also a very large pile of  treasures that needs to be sorted, organized and priced as we get ready to try to sell some of Ken's photography things.  The best part of the day was watching the kids have so much fun together.  Gwen found a paper bag with some gemstones that Ken had used for some photography and we let each of the kids choose a rock of their own.  Zeke got a couple of Ken's old hats, including this Cubs hat he is wearing in this picture!  It feels good to pass on Ken's things to the kids and the grandkids.  

I love the winter season seems to be ending and it also seems that the pandemic season is coming to an end as more people get vaccinated.  I am so thankful that going out to the store doesn't require hours of thought, deciding if it is really necessary to risk being in public.  In the last couple of weeks I have actually gone to many different stores, I met a friend at a restaurant for lunch,  I went to a forest preserve and walked a trail and I got to watch Grace while Doug and Susie actually WENT to work!

Grace and I had so much fun together.  I had really forgotten how much fun it was to just play with her all day.  It was pretty chilly on that day, but we still took a long walk around their neighborhood.  Since the last time I was there, houses have sprung up all around!  There is building going on right by their house and they will soon have new neighbors!  It was so much fun to see the cranes, backhoes, and other equipment and we got to watch some men building a fence.  Grace has grown up so much and I couldn't help but lament a bit about all the time I have missed with her, thanks to "the germs" (as Grace says!)  

I love this new magnetic pattern block set that Grace has.  She constructed this picture and then told me a big story to go with it!  If you are wondering, this is some boats floating on the water.  The yellow are some pirate ships and the orange squares are the rain.  There are red helicopters that are coming to the rescue.  Such a big imagination and so much fun.  I loved that I got to have breakfast, lunch and dinner with Gracie.  Even still, it was hard to leave at the end of the day.  

On Wednesday morning, I was casually scrolling through my emails and almost deleted an email from a name I did not recognize that had attachments.  But then I noticed the subject line said "Gratitude".  This picture was the first attachment!  One of the Operation Christmas Child boxes that I packed in November of 2019 was received by Sebastian, a little boy in Chili!  Because of the pandemic, these boxes were not distributed until just this month. I knew immediately that it was a 2019 box because of the picture I had included, as well as the destination of the box.  His mother was the sender of the email.  She is a single mom who brings Sebastian to a Bible school in her city.  Both of them have had COVID, but thankfully they recovered well.  

All of these things just bring to my mind how amazing God's timing is.  It was exactly the right time for Gwen and Doug to help me with the further clean out.  The weather is looking up and it's time for some spring cleaning.  There is still time for me to focus on being with Grace, before her new brother arrives!  And it was exactly the right time for Sebastian to receive that box.  It might have been over 16 months since it was assembled, but I am convinced that God knows the timing!

Over the last few months, I have been doing much thinking and praying about what is ahead for me. Even though it might seem to me that I have accomplished nothing for the Lord in the last few years, Jesus was sure to show me just how wrong that thought is.  Just by packing these small gifts, children are reached for Jesus, all over the world.  So I have certainly had a shift in my thinking.  Instead of looking at the "big" things that I should be doing, I am going to concentrate on whatever is right in front of me, one day at  a time.   I had several people who contacted me after my last blog, asking if I was really okay.  Apparently my words sounded concerning. But truthfully, I am really doing fine.  Certainly it was hard to navigate losing a spouse during a pandemic.  But there is so much thankfulness in my heart.  I am blessed to have a wonderful home, amazing family and many friends walking with me during this time.  Hopefully, the next months will be even more "open" and I can truly begin making some plans for the future.  

It is all about the small things.  Those days spent with family.  The fun times playing with the kids.  Those small things done, knowing it is up to Jesus to make them count.  It is a season of Hope.  We have been in Lent, the days of preparation for Easter.  I was thinking about one of my all time favorite songs,  Dance With Me by Paul Wilbur.  One line of the song says, "Winter has passed and Springtime has come."  This is a beautiful song about our relationship with Jesus.  Such a perfect song for today.  Take a couple of minutes and listen to this stirring song.  Yes, the winter has passed, so has the darkness, the fear, the sickness.... all because of Jesus.  Be blessed today by the "song of all songs."

Jesus, thank you for all of these amazing things.  For family, for friends, for seasons changing.  Holy Spirit, remind us all that winter has passed and we are moving into a new season.  Jesus, remind us that you are always with us, even when it seems dark and cold.  Give us renewed energy to look ahead and the courage to walk wherever you lead.  Amen