A whirlwind day at Disney....

Since our Florida family time had us flying into and out of Orlando, Gwen and Tim decided to take the kids (and Grandma) to Disney for a one day, whirlwind trip to the Magic Kingdom.  Our plan was to leave our "Paradise" vacation rental after sunset and drive to Orlando to a hotel near to Disney.  We arrived at the hotel pretty late, but that last sunset on the beach was worth it!  We got up early the next morning and got a fairly close parking spot (we didn't need the shuttle to the monorail), took the monorail to the entrance and saw the opening show!  We actually arrived at the park at 8:30am and didn't leave the park until 11:30pm.  Yes, it was a very long and very HOT day.  

I did a lot of sitting in the shade while the rest of the crew went on various attractions.  I did go on a few things and I especially enjoyed watching the kids see the characters.  Stich was really neat and he reacted to Lia showing him her "Stich" earrings!  

In Cinderella's castle the girls got to see her glass slipper.  And then it was on to meet some princesses!  

Zeke's day was complete with riding all of the rollercoaster type rides in the park, including Space Mountain, Big Thunder Railroad, and one which they waited an hour to get on.... I don't remember the name of that one.  We all went on Small World and Little Mermaid and the People Mover.  

During the hottest part of the day we all went to the Tiki Room - a rather outdated, but fun presentation of lots of mechanical birds that sing.  The room was air conditioned and you could sit down for a few minutes, so it was worth it.  After that, I found a kind of hidden bench in the shade and parked myself there, while the others went off to various rides.  Little did we know, that bench was a prime spot to see the parades and shows!  I had an up close view as the parades went by.  I even got a wave from Mickey!

I was really that close!  Additionally, the shows were just through the trees and I managed to see (from the side) and hear all of the shows that included Olaf, Elsa and Anna as well as some fireworks!  When the rest of the crew had assembled at my bench, Ellie was delighted to see Marie from Aristocats since that was the backpack that she had picked!  Gwen was able to get a video of Ellie showing Marie her backpack and getting a big response from her.  

We stayed through the last show which included an amazing display on the walls of the castle, the lights and the fireworks and also a special "Fly by" of Tinkerbell.  

After the fireworks, the park was open for a couple more hours.  So it was off to sit on yet another bench while the kids went back for more attractions.  I think they did Space Mountain another time.  It was dark and much cooler by that time, and very enjoyable to people watch.  We left the park after hitting the shops for a few souvenirs.  We had a short wait for the monorail back to the parking lot, but got back to our hotel before midnight.  The good news was that we didn't have to get up early the next morning since our flight left in the afternoon!  

This was actually my 3rd visit to Disney World.  My first trip was in 1976 when the park was very new.  Ken and I had come to Florida for his Grandpa Baker's funeral.  We decided at the last minute to take a side trip to Disney.  It was only the Magic Kingdom at that time and I remember that we had actual ticket books and each attraction took different amounts of tickets.  We did the Haunted Mansion, Small World and The Hall of Presidents.  We also saw The Hall of Tomorrow (which I think has been renamed) but I can remember being really amazed at all of the animatronics.  I don't have a single picture from that trip.  My 2nd visit was in 1995.

Ken and I took Gwen and Doug and we actually stayed in the park at one of the resorts.  We had park hopper passes and visited them all!  Lots of good memories from that trip.  Doug actually went water skiing on Disney Lake!  

My observations at Disney on this trip were that it was a great family place.  They have had lots of years of experience to make this as little wait time as possible at every turn.  There was plenty of food and water available and lots of shade and places to sit.  The park was clean and well maintained.  The people were friendly and helpful.  I was surprised at how easy it was to navigate around the park and how easy it was to find out wait times for various attractions.  And the fireworks were some of the best I have ever seen anywhere.  It was spectacular.

I know that there is a lot of controversy over Disney right now.  And many people think that you should shield your kids from everything that is "fantasy".  Just like so many things in the world right now, you really can't help but have your kids exposed to this.  The important thing is that there is an understanding about the fiction verses the truth.  I know that Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna know that Disney is about made up stories.  They also know that some of the recent Disney movies are based on long held cultural stories that have been told for generations.  I also know that each of these kids has a firm understanding of Jesus and the truth of the Bible.  For me, spending time seeing the kids so happy was just a treat.  

  

I had plenty of time to see God's hand moving during my bench-sitting.  I spoke to so many different people.  Had wonderful conversations with some folks visiting from England.  I also met a nice young family who had moved to Orlando from Pakistan three years ago.  They bring their daughter to the park often after dinner (they have a membership) to see the parades.  I met another grandma at the park with her grandchildren.  The youngest one was tired and needed a rest on the bench.  So many people to pray for!  I am so thankful for the opportunity to spend the day seeing so many happy people.

It was a stellar end to our vacation.  I think it was exactly what Ken would have wanted.  

Jesus, thank you for the reminder that we can be IN the world without being OF the world.  Holy Spirit, it was amazing to witness the creativity you have given to humans.  Thank you for families and the joy and wonder of children.  Jesus, give us all courage to walk into the world with boldness to share your love and kindness with others.  Amen

 

Long awaited time in the sun to remember Ken

This is my entire family, at sunset on Casey Key, Florida. Just before Ken died in September of 2020, he asked that our entire family gather at our house.  He was very clear that everyone needed to be there - including the grandchildren.  He carefully told us all exactly what his wishes were upon his death and just how he wanted us to remember him.  He asked that we go, as a family, to his very favorite spot - Casey Key, Florida.  So many of his best, early memories were from that location.  He had so many wonderful times with his Grandma and Grandpa Baker, who lived just inland from Casey Key.  His family had been going to Casey Key since the early 1950's to vacation and his grandparents made it home in the late 1950's after retirement.  After this family meeting, Ken told me that his biggest regret was that we had never taken the family to Casey Key.  Even though we traveled often to Florida, we never made this a destination. Several times we spent a day or stopped on our way to a different location.  So even for me, this was a new experience.  

These are some early pictures of Ken on Casey Key.  In the top picture, Ken is around 2 years old.   The second picture is of Grandma Baker and a slightly older Ken (along with a cousin) sitting on Casey Key Beach.  The next photo is Ken at probably 5 or 6 years old, fishing on the beach.  The bottom photo is Doug, fishing on that same beach.  Like father, like son.

Our week on Casey Key was spent in a true fantasy home that was like being at a fancy resort.  There was room for everyone, four glorious balconies (two sunrise and two sunset) - it was so much more than I expected.  There was a pool and hot tub plus a three hole putting green, which the kids adored.

The home included a private walkway to the beach as well as a waterfront dock on the bay side.  

We had so many wonderful times on the beach, in the pool, eating dinners together and playing games.  Needless to say, the days were long and the amount of pictures taken staggering!  It is really hard to select just a few to really remember the time.

We swam at the beach everyday.  We swam in the pool everyday.  We walked the beach at sunset.  Everyone looked for shells and sharks teeth.  And Doug fished.  We ate lots of good food.  We celebrated Gwen's birthday (which happened to fall in the middle of the week) We took a special trip to Ken's favorite restaurant, Pop's Sunset Grill. 

We only had two brief periods of rain during the entire time we were on Casey Key (other than the night we arrived in a really big rain storm).  Both short rains brought glorious rainbows.  One we saw on the beach and the other we saw over the bay.  

 This was certainly a memorable trip for me.  It was truly the best way to celebrate and remember Ken.   I just imagined all of the photo's he would have been taking. I spent a great deal of time just thanking God.  What an amazing legacy Ken and I have in our family.  Even now, looking back on this trip, I can see God's provision in so many ways.  First, the location was perfect.  I had looked for over 7 months, trying to find a home big enough to work for all of us. Then finding one available at a time that we could all do.  It was a Christmas miracle when the host of this home emailed me that they had a few weeks of cancelations.  This week worked for all of us.  Things just fell into place.  All of our travel worked out well.  No one was sick during (or before) the trip. Everyone had an amazing time.  

On one of the last days of our time on Casey Key, I asked the kids to take a drive to see Grandma and Grandpa Baker's house.  The most "God-incident" happened as we were parked in the street across from this house.  Doug's car was blocking a driveway and the women who lived in that house, Michelle,  asked what we were doing.  It turns out that she is the 4th generation of her family living in her house.  Her family knew the Baker's well and also knew the Meddock family (Ken's great uncle Charlie) that lived next door.  Since her dad was born in 1946 and always lived in that house, I am sure that he would remember Ken. Michelle said that it certainly must have been God that told her to turn around and go home when she was out running some errands that day.  If she wouldn't have done that, I would not have met her.  I promised to send her some of the pictures I have of this house, over the years and also some photos of Versal and Les Baker and Charlie and Elva Meddock. It felt like such a real connection to Ken and his grandparents.  The first time I saw this house was in May of 1976.  Ken and I traveled to Florida for Grandpa Baker's funeral.  So it seemed fitting that I saw this house again, in 2022 during a trip to celebrate Ken's life.  

We took the entire crew to the jetty.  Ken's very favorite spot.  As usual, it was really crowded there.  But we stopped to remember Ken.  Susie had written this poem to honor Ken, and she shared it here.

A man of few words.

Who loved fiercely and immensely.

He could make you smile 

And cared so much for family.

Tee shirt, shorts and tall socks

a typical attire

Friends, old and new

He always did admire

Riding his motorcycle 

around the great United States,

and after a long while,

a Miata was also great.

At family get togethers

a nap he liked to take.

But you always knew his joy for you

by the smile on his face.

Food, ah food

a most definite favorite of his.

Cheeseburger, steak, hot dog, meat

And don't forget the cheese whiz!

Being a grandpa 

was such a wonderous joy.

I've never seen him happier,

Although he seemed a bit coy

Going to the beach

And sitting in the sand. 

Taking travels with Grandma

And walking hand in hand.

As I sit here now

looking at the ocean,

I remember him so fondly. 

I wish I had a magic potion.

He lives in heaven now

with so many that went before.

I hope they are partying hard

In the land of forevermore.

In Loving memory of Kenneth Alan Rowley - by Susie Rowley

Ken's last trip to Casey Key and the Jetty in January of 2019.

  

  

Babysitting (for Gwen and Tim) from ONE to four to ONE!

What a fun time I just had with this cutie! There is nothing better than spending one on one time with your grandchildren. This time with Anna was a real treat. 

You can really get a clear idea of the passage of time through pictures.  The top picture is from this weekend - Anna and I together, having a great time while Gwen and Tim (and Lia, Ellie, and Zeke) are on a Youth Retreat.  The bottom picture is the very first time I watched Lia in 2008 when Gwen and Tim were on a Youth Mission Trip.  Since 2008, I have either been with on a Mission trip to watch a child or watched Gwen and Tim's children at home while they served on youth retreats/missions.  But this year marked an important change.  I am now back to only having one child to watch!  This was the first youth activity that Zeke could attend (he will be a middle schooler in the fall.)  So it was just a special Anna and Grandma time.  For the last 14 years, at least once a year (three times a year recently) I have done my own "mission" taking care of my grandchildren so that Gwen and Tim can serve where they are called.

Anna had a very special time all planned out for us.  This included a special "check in" to the "Johnson Hotel", where I was given a special guest room.  She had really gone all out and put special things I might need in the guest room (even a Bible) and extra things in the bathroom.  She was very excited.  

The first activity on Anna's agenda was for us to create another "needle felting" project.  If you missed a couple blogs ago, we learned this new craft.  I had purchased this project that day and Anna was waiting to complete it when I could help her out.  We managed together to create this wonderful kitty.  Anna was so happy with it and it was such a small project.  We had a movie night and Anna got to pick the movie.  In typical "youngest" fashion, she pointed out that she "never" (okay, rarely) gets to pick what movie is chosen.  I was a bit hesitant about her choice, but I have to say, I genuinely enjoyed that movie.  I can't remember the name of this kid movie, but it was roughly about some kids of Super Heros, who had their own special powers.  It sparked lots of good conversations and we both agreed it was worth watching.  

After a good nights sleep, we went for a "fancy" breakfast out in a restaurant.   Anna is a wonderful conversationalist and also noticed how hard the waitress was working. I am amazed at how aware Anna is and just how much she has to say.  What a pleasant meal it was! 

Anna has been asking to go shopping to spend some gift cards she has been saving, as well as some "tooth fairy" money.  So, we started out at the ever kid-friendly Dollar Tree.  She was able to get 6 very special items and spend her teeth money.  As a special surprise, I took her to one of the kids favorite playgrounds.  It had rained heavily all day on Friday.  So early on Saturday morning it was still a bit wet, but it was warm and the sun was shining!

Anna had a great time, running and playing.  She was surprised to discover that she has grown a couple of inches since her last visit to this play space and she could now reach one of those "rings that slide on a track". (I am not sure what that is called, but it is the top picture on the right).  So we both spent a wonderful hour in the much needed sunshine and fresh air.  

We visited a couple more stores for Anna to finish all of her important purchases.  She managed to easily spend her Easter Basket gift card from Aunt Susie and Uncle Doug on very "girly" purchases of hand cream, lip balm. hand sanitizers and a special holder for that sanitizer.  She was one happy girl for sure.  

No shopping spree with an 8 year old girl is complete without visiting Claire's.  She was able to find exactly what she wanted and we ended our shopping day with one very happy Anna.

When we arrived home, Anna was surprised to find her seed project on the ground, after it sprouted its first leaf and grew out of the ziplock that had been it's home.  It sure is amazing to see these Lima beans grow roots and then sprout and grow up toward the sun!   Even those seeds needed that warm sun today.  It was special that I got to see the growth of those seeds as I was thinking about just how much Anna has grown up. 

We did a bit of organizing in Anna's room and then had plenty of time to get outside and take a long walk.  We explored all over their yard and watched for any "wildlife" we might see.  We sure heard a bunch of frogs but only saw squirrels and an occasional bunny.  

On our walk in their neighborhood, the frog sounds were almost deafening.  We tried really hard to actually find a frog, but no success.  When we got back home, there was only a couple of hours left until the family returned home.  We played many rounds of "War" and I managed to actually win one. I read many stories out of some big "collection" books.  Anna would have sat and listened to more, but I got her to agree on another game instead. She decided on Blokus and we played a few games. 

I learned that Anna really likes Blokus. One of the reasons she likes this game is because she got to play it "every night" with Tim when he was working from home, due to Covid restrictions.  Isn't it interesting that something that we so often saw as hard and so bad, allowed for this special time with Tim when he didn't have a long commute.  It doesn't take very much to find good things from what was a very bad situation.  

So this grandma came home with a smile on my face.  Even though we are back to our (usual) April rainy weather, I still have that sunny feeling that this special time brings.  I have been thinking about the desire to always be moving forward.  I am not sure exactly where that desire comes from, but I know I have certainly felt that at times.  It is terrible to feel stuck and for so many of us, the pandemic has made us feel like being stuck in a nightmare.  We were isolated and limited and it was hard to not be fearful.  All we could do was pray to move on - to move forward out of this horrible situation.  Yet, in this event, in some ways, I am moving backwards to a time of one on one with my grandkids.  And in this case, backwards is not terrible.  I realized today that it is really important to move forward and find one on one time with each of the kids.  There it is - the moving forward that I am looking for. 

Over the past year or so, I have been wondering if the things that I had thought I was to accomplish and haven't yet done, are really FOR ME.  Those things that I thought the Lord was directing me towards but somehow they have not come to pass.  I know I am not alone in feeling sort of "done" as we age.  I have entered a new season of life as a widow.  So in many ways, I have less keeping me from doing all of those things I once could say "I don't have time for this".  Over the last several months, I have been prayerfully considering a long list of "not yet accomplished" things.  I am convinced that this is something that we all should do often.  Sometimes we get so caught up in just doing things that we don't stop and reflect and pray about them.  Or sometimes we get so used to NOT doing the things that we forget to pray about them.  So, moving forward (there it is again - that moving forward thing) I plan to be more intentional about this list.  I will take time to prioritize each item and most importantly, this will help me remember to be in prayer about them.  Yes, this moving forward thing is good. 

Jesus, thank you for the revelation you bring to us as we reflect on our everyday activities.  Help us to hear your voice, Holy Spirit, as we encounter those long lists of undone accomplishments.  Give us courage and boldness to step into those areas that may feel scary or hard.  Thank you for the love and laughter of children.  Help us Jesus, to know you are walking with us as we move forward.  Amen

What a spectacular week - Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter!

Everyone knew that 2022 was going to be different than the last couple of years.  We finally had some sense that the pandemic might really end.  It also looked like it might be spring on the horizon (or so we thought).  For me the entire week, from Palm Sunday to Easter, was an unexpected, wonderful, amazing time.  Easter ended with about an inch of snow overnight.  So we might have to wait a bit for that springtime.  These sweet faces bring me so much joy.  It was truly a season to remember.  

This picture reminds me of some of the very high points of the week for me.  Beginning on Palm Sunday.  The top left picture might not look like a "typical" Palm Sunday celebration. You can't see any palm branches waving.  But what it IS, is so much more.  My church has always had a "Palm Sunday Pilgrimage".  The entire congregation is encouraged to walk to church on that Sunday.  This helps to appreciate exactly what Jesus and his followers were experiencing on that first Palm Sunday.  Jerusalem was seeing thousands (maybe millions) of people flood in for the upcoming festival.  It was a big party.  And that is exactly what we had that day at church.  After walking in with over 50 children, youth and adults,  the service was a true celebration.  The most meaningful Palm Sunday I have ever had. 

The top right picture is another "unusual" service.  In past years with Lia and Zeke's first Communion, I have blogged about this Maundy Thursday service that is like no other.  This year was Ellie's first Communion.  Every family gathers at their own table, and during the Communion time, the oldest at each table serves everyone.  So, this year, I got to give Ellie her first Communion.  A truly amazing and awe inspiring time.  

The bottom left picture was Good Friday.  Most people would recognize this service as what you would expect.  The story of Jesus' last week was retold and as the story progressed, candles were extinguished until only the Christ Candle was left burning.  As the service concluded, Anna sang "This Little Light of Mine" as she carried that candle out of the church.  We were left sitting in the darkness of the hour.  I have never felt the finality of that darkness more than that night.  But more importantly, as we all know, Friday might be dark, but Sunday is on the way!  The Easter Celebration began with Anna once again singing "This Little Light of Mine" as she brought the Christ Candle back into the Sanctuary.  And a wonderful celebration it was!  He is risen!  He is risen indeed!

The bottom left is, of course, my family.  Being together and being entirely us.  We had a wonderful day doing all of the usual Easter stuff.  

The kids had their traditional egg hunt but this year Lia hid the eggs for the younger kids.  After she was done, only her eggs remained (each of the kids gets a special color egg making it easy for them to find their own eggs).  Tim was busy cooking dinner, so I volunteered to hide the eggs for Lia.  When the egg hunt was done, Lia could not find 4 of her eggs.  And this grandma had no idea where I had hidden them!  I took special notice of the places I thought she would never look, and she easily found those eggs.  But the elusive four eggs were nowhere to be found.  Gwen finally decided that squirrels must have taken them!  Which, given their property, might actually be possible!  Maybe sometime over the next few months, those eggs might show up?  One thing is certain, Grandma will not be hiding eggs again!

On the drive home I was reflecting on the amazing week.  It actually took my breath away.  There were so many "God moments" and breath taking times that it was hard to take it all in.  I experienced this season in new ways that I am still taking time to digest.  It is  good to know that I am not too old to grow and learn.  The entire way home, I found myself singing, "This Little Light of Mine" and thinking about all of the verses of that song...

This little light of mine!  I'm going to let it shine.  All around the neighborhood, I'm going to let it shine. Hide it under a bushel -NO!  I'm going to let it shine. Don't let Satan blow it out! I'm going to let it shine,  Let it shine till Jesus comes! I'm going to let it shine.

That is is good way to begin this new season.  Letting my light shine.  What a great reminder for all of us.  Let us shine more and argue less.  Let us shine more and worry less.  Let us shine more and take sides less.  Let us shine more!

Jesus, thank you for continuing to challenge me and encourage me to grow and learn.  Holy Spirit help us all to live in the joy and wonder of Easter as we move ahead.  Remind us that Sunday is coming when we are stuck in the darkness of Friday.  Give us courage to shine when we are faced with tough situations.  Give us boldness to shine in the strongest opposition.  Jesus thank you for you love!  Amen

Is it really April or is it still winter?

The first weekend of April, I finally got to help Doug celebrate his early March birthday!  It was a tradition for Ken and I to take Doug out for some good barbeque on his birthday.  Ken's favorite spot was Uncle Bub's and Doug also enjoys this.  It is a bit of long drive for us, but it is worth it!  However, on this day in early April, IT WAS SNOWING!  Not at all what we expected.  Still, so good to finally taste the wonderful food.  This was James first time in a restaurant and he did great!  As Doug said, "His head is on a swivel!"  He looked around and happily ate whatever small bits he was given.  Grace loved her food and even got ice cream for dessert!  This was my first time back at Uncle Bubs since Ken died which was a bit bittersweet.  It was a wonderful dinner and so fun to be together.

While my weeks are always busy, I usually have my weekends free.  But since April 1st, that has changed.  I realized that my Saturdays are booked until June 25!  I really don't know how that happened, but I am gearing up for some good times.

I got invited to accompany Ellie's Girl Scout troop on a recent excursion to a sheep farm and needlecrafting store.  I think that I had as much fun (or maybe even more) than the girls did. Anna got invited on the trip since the troop leader's younger daughter was also joining the fun.  Again, it was not typical April weather - it was cold and windy!  Cold enough for winter coats, hats and gloves.  

Esther's Place, in Big Rock, Illinoi is quite an amazing place.  They have a yarn store "in town" (I use this term very loosely since Big Rock is very small - think population of 1,000 and most of that is nearby farms).  They own a sheep farm nearby and actually process the wool from the sheep into this amazing yarns which are sold in the store.  All of the yarns are dyed with natural materials. The store is an explosion of color and textures.  Simply amazing. The activity includes going to the farm and meeting the sheep! 

Both Anna and Ellie had fun feeding the sheep some grain.  These sheep are wonderfully cared for and you can tell they are well loved.  The Ram was bleating away at us the entire time we were there.  Several of these sheep will soon be new mommies and you could recognize their waddle! The sheep also are wearing their "big coats" and will soon have their yearly shearing.  Really neat to see the farm and the other animals also (a very friendly chicken, some not-so-nice ponies that were rescued, and one special sheep that was hand raised after being rejected by her mom).   We also got to see the greenhouse where all of their organic vegetables are getting their start.  

Then it was back to the store to complete a really fun Needle felting project. Part of the package deal included a very fancy hot cocoa treat served in fancy teacups.  Anna said it reminded her of Fancy Nancy. 

When the projects were completed, they were amazing.  If I hadn't done one myself I would not have believed how easy this was.  It is really different holding materials that you know came from the very sheep that you just fed! 

We finished off the day with a wonderful lunch at a nearby kid-friendly fast food.  Time spent with the grandkids is simply the best.  Hands down.  

The timing of this trip was perfect.  Just as we approach Easter.  I can not stop thinking about those sheep.

During a recent Bible Study, we learned that the "headers" in our Bibles are very different in our western countries than in Eastern countries.  The headers are the extra titles that break up the text throughout the Bible.  Luke 15 begins with the header "The parable of the lost sheep".  And that story of the shepherd leaving the 99 to find the 1 lost sheep, is how most of us know that story.  We see that story about US.  In the Eastern mindset (how Jesus thought and taught) this story is the story of the "Good Shepherd".  It is all about who God is and his character.  Jesus is the good shepherd.  He does care about the one who is lost.  This one powerful truth - just thinking about the perspective of a story - has changed the way I read my Bible everyday.  I am now reading to find God's character first and then seeing how that might apply to me.  Take my word for it!  It is worth trying!

Those sheep I saw that day, have a very good shepherd who tends well to them.  They are happy and well fed and well cared for.  A visit to a sheep farm after this powerful Bible study was just what I needed.  And the Good Shepherd knew that!  

Jesus, thank you for time with family, for cuddles with grandchildren.  Thank you for good food and fellowship around a table.  Thank you for farms and animals and those who tend them.  Holy Spirit, remind us to shift out thinking, to seek a new perspective.  Give us eyes to see and ears to hear what you might be saying to us.  Thank you for being our good shepherd.  Amen

 

Memories in the mail...

 On Monday I came home to a box on my porch.  This was a surprise since I knew that I had not ordered anything.  And what a surprise it was.  My niece Staci had sent me some precious items that were discovered while clearing my sister Julie's home after her death.  Sometimes when you give a gift you never know the impact that it might have.  This surprise box included a small gift I sent my sister for Christmas in 2007.  

I had no memory of sending Julie this little book.  At our family gathering after Julie's funeral, my niece mentioned remembering a small book that I had gifted to Julie one Christmas. This was a mystery to me because my sister and I did not exchange presents.   It was an important gift for Julie that year, and she was very emotional on receiving it.  Now, several weeks later, Staci discovered this book among Julie's treasures and wanted me to have it.  As soon as I saw the date, I realized why this book might have been so special to Julie.  Our sister Karen had suddenly passed away in April of 2007.  It was a shocking loss for all of us.  So this gift, from one sister to another, was extra special for sure.  Both of us were grieving and this had touched Julie in her grief.  I have no idea why I sent Julie this small book.  This is one of those times that I am so grateful that I followed the prompting of the Spirit to gift this book.  It is an example of getting a glimpse of the power of a small thing.  

The second thing that was contained in my "surprise" box was this family picture tree.  I actually made this for my mom.  The pictures on the first side of the frame were from my parents 25th wedding anniversary.  The pictures on the reverse side were from a family picture that Karen had arranged when we all gathered for my niece's wedding.  My mom loved this unique display and it was always displayed in her living room.  I am very thankful that Julie saved this item when she was helping to clear my mom's apartment when she died.  And now, it is back with me.  And I am grateful.  

This whole grief journey is just that..... a journey.  You just never know when you might have a sudden turn, a stopover or even a long delay.   I was certainly at a different point when my sister Karen died.  I had already lost my dad, and I had never really thought about my grief.  Because my mom was still alive when Karen died, I was very concerned about her and didn't work through my own grief around her death.  When my mom died in 2011, it was the beginning of my grief work.  During that time, I learned that I had buried many of my feelings about losing my dad.  Karen's sudden death had left me considering my own mortality in ways that I had never done.  And I felt the loss of my mom so deeply, even though she had lived a very long life (she was 95, almost 96 when she died).  I was getting older myself.  Losing my grandson Lucas in 2014 was devastating for our entire family. Jump ahead to where I am currently.  In the last 18 months, I have lost my husband (in September, 2020) and then in January, 2022, my last sister died.  And I am even older!  Today I am so much more able to acknowledge those moments of grief and have ways to work through them.  I am thankful to have many caring friends and my family around me. I have lots of people willing to listen and pray with me when I hit those rough spots.  Moreover, I have been able to find joy and peace.  Along with that, I am excited about the future.  Death is surely a part of life and I know I am not alone in dealing with losses.  Coming into the Easter season we can be filled with the assurance of Jesus' defeat of the grave! 

So today I am loving have these precious memories.  Additionally my nieces gifted me a memorial necklace that includes my sisters thumbprint.  I am feeling so blessed and so thankful.  I will be more aware of that prompt to send that card, buy that small gift, make that phone call.  You just never know that lasting impact of a small gesture.  Take my lead and do that small thing.  It just may come back to you as blessing in the future.

Jesus, thank you for your love and care, even when we are in times of grief and loss.  Holy Spirit, keep us aware of those promptings that might seem like such a small thing at the time.  Thank you for bringing memories back to me.  Jesus remind us all that you have defeated death for us.  Help all who grieve find support and guidance from those around them.  Thank you Jesus for your love.  Amen

Time for another birthday celebration... and a song that touches my soul

Ellie shares a birthday with Doug and this year our celebration got delayed a few days.  It didn't really matter that much to 13 year old Ellie that a few days passed between the actual day and our time together.

 Her gifts were a wonderful mix of things that bridged the time between childhood and young adult.  She has been sewing for many years and this year requested fabric, patterns, patches and threads, which I was happy to provide.  She loves American Girl dolls and asked for some special clothes for her dolls including a Girl Scout uniform and a Ballet costume- two things very near and dear to Ellie's heart.  

All of these gifts  represent well the things that Ellie loves.  She has said for years that she will be a fashion designer when she "grows up".  Dressing those American Girl dolls is certainly part of Ellie's expression of interest in fashion and design.  She has been a girl scout for several years and has embraced that yearly cookie sale.  I haven't asked her for a total number sold this year, but at one Saturday sale outside of grocery store, she told me she sold 300 boxes! I brought home way to many boxes myself!  It seems that if I blink, these grandchildren grow up in seconds.  Here is Ellie, a teenager!  I can't wait to watch her grow and change in the years ahead!

Even with the high price of gas, I've been doing a bit of driving lately.  After some of the covid restrictions have been lifted, I've had the urge to get out of the house.  I've also had the chance to connect with some friends that I have really been missing.  During one of those drives, I heard on song on the radio that really touched me.  It is a a song with a simple (and well known) message.  But when I heard it, I heard it with very different meaning.  The song, The Commission by Cain  brought me back to when I was about four years old.  Click the link and listen to the song, then I will tell you the story. 

Right around this time of year, in 1959, I had a dream that has shaped my life.  You know that there is a message in a dream when you just don't let go of it.  I have vivid memories of this dream - even now over 60 years later.  In the dream, I was walking down a path in the most beautiful garden I have ever seen and Jesus was walking with me.  He was holding my hand (a feeling I can not forget) and talking with me.  Jesus told me that the story of Good Friday and Easter was true.  He had died, but he was alive now.  And then he said, "Go and tell everyone what I have told you! Easter is not about candy and the Easter Bunny.  I died for you and I love you and I am with you always."  Needless to say, when I told my mom the dream (I was very excited) - she told me "We don't talk about these things."   So, because I was 4, I followed my mom's direction.  I never told anyone about the dream.  And I never told anyone about Jesus either.  For a very long time.  Like 25 years or so.  When I first heard the song "The Commission", it was as if I was back in that dream.  There is one line in the song that says... "you have a purpose and I have a plan".  That line took my breath away.  The words plan and purpose have been part of my life and have shaped my messages about Jesus.  In so many ways, it feels like this song was speaking directly to me.  What a great reminder for me - for all of us - that we have a message to share with the world.  It doesn't matter if you are 4 or 40 or even  67 or maybe 90 - we can tell the world about Jesus.  I hope that this song speaks to you today.  It has been an encouragement to me that I have a message worth sharing.  And so do you.... 

Jesus, thank you for loving children and trusting your messages to even the littlest ones.  Thank you for churches, for teachers and leaders, for pastors and parents that share the truth of the Bible with the world.  Give us courage and boldness to speak to others.  Give us wisdom and grace to know how and when to share.  Thank you for your plans and purposes for each of us.  Amen