It is amazing to witness big changes!

 Last night I got to attend a Park District drama production of the show "Grease".  Ellie, at 14 and a high school freshmen, had decided to try out for a musical after discovering that it somehow fit into her very busy dance schedule.  She was delighted to be cast as a "Pink Lady".  Over the last couple of months she has learned her lines, learned and practiced all the dances included in the production and attended rehearsals.  She was so confident, such a great dancer and really enjoyed herself up on that stage! She played the part of a Pink Lady to a tee!

If you would have told me that Ellie would be ASKING to be in a play or musical, I would never have believed it.  Watching her last night was a testament to just how much Ellie and has grown and changed.  I know that being in dance and the yearly recitals have certainly helped her gain confidence.  But there is so much more to this!  Ellie is homeschooled and she did not know any of these kids when she auditioned for this production.  That did not matter one bit to Ellie.  If she sets her mind to something, she will go for it.  Now she has lots of new friends.  I am so proud of her!

I was remembering when Ellie was in Kindergarten in public school, she and Lia were in two different plays.  The first was in the fall of the year and Ellie was five.  The play was Aladdin and Ellie would not wear the costume on stage!  The director was happy to have her just be there, which was wonderful.  this was after that performance in 2014.   

Then in the spring of 2015, Ellie and Lia were in the production of Cinderella.  Ellie was a mouse and this time she actually wore the costume and went on stage!  She looked scared to death, but she was there!

I was so blessed to be able to see last nights show.  Ellie had friends and family cheering her on!

As a parent, I remember how worried I was about my kids as they were growing up.  Watching your grandchildren is no different.  Ellie had many struggles over the years with Sensory processing, ADHD, and Severe Dyslexia.  Thanks to years of hard work, therapy and so much family support, she is thriving. What growth and transformation for Ellie!  She is an incredible young women and I can't wait to see how far she goes in the years ahead.  

I saw a post this morning from a young mother, who was talking about her "village" - the group of people that were surrounding her family to help raise their children.  There were so many comments from young parents who do NOT have that support, and it broke my heart.  It does take a village to raise children.  There are always struggles.  There are often hard and difficult times.  Sickness, job responsibilities, car troubles, sleepless nights.... you name it!  Those early years with children are hard.  I am so thankful that I get to be part of a village for both my daughter's and son's families!  That means I get to really know my grandkids and experience these wonderful transitions as they grow into adults.

I am sure some of you are wondering how this might apply to your situation.  Here's the thing.  You can find a village if you don't have one.  Villages have people of all ages!  Church is a wonderful place to do this.  I know that I am "Grandma Lyn" to a whole host of kids and parents at my church!  You just have to be willing to help out.  In this season of Thanksgiving, look around and see where you might join or enlarge your own "village".  Maybe this is finding someone who has no place to go on Thanksgiving and inviting them to share your family dinner.  It might be bringing a treat to a neighbor that you haven't seen much lately.  Or inviting an old friend over for a cup of tea/coffee and conversation.  Don't miss out on the chance to brighten someone's day.  Smile at the drive through worker when you get that morning coffee.  It doesn't have to be much, and you just never know when that small gesture might make a big difference to someone who is feeling down and alone.  Start everyday with the thought, "How can I share a kindness with someone today?"  The best part of doing this, is that one sharing will be blessed as much as the one receiving!

Jesus, thank you so much for my villages!  Holy Spirit, remind us all to look around for that one person who might need a smile or kind word.  Give us courage and boldness to step out and be that "village" for someone in need.  Thank you for friends and family who celebrate our successes with us, and stand with us when things are difficult.  Thank you for welcoming us into your family, Jesus!  Amen

Wrap up of October and into November!

It has been a very full week!  As I was thinking about writing about the events of the last week, it is certainly one of those times when it seems like way more than a week!  Sunday was the beginning of the fun times, since Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna all get to Trick or Treat on the Sunday before Halloween (thanks to their community which has done this for many years) And on a side note, can I say that this is such a great practice!  The hours are during the afternoon.  Everyone is home to be a part of the fun.  And, as an extra perk, the last couple of years the Sunday has had great weather and Halloween - not so much!

I can't believe how creative the kids are when it comes to these costumes.  Zeke has been waiting to be "an alien carrying a human".  Ellie was Rapunzel (and Samuel, her boyfriend was Flynn Ryder), Lia was a cow and Anna was a super cute cheerleader.  It was only in the 40's and kind of windy, but it still proved to be a far superior weather day when compared with Halloween! As usual, there were friends a plenty along for the Sunday trick or treating.  I counted 19 kids and 9 adults when they left.  I (thankfully) stayed home to keep the dogs company.

On Monday, I snapped this picture of Chandler and Anna and I.  

Chandler is an older dog (he will soon be 14 years old) and he seems to really appreciate being with someone almost as old as him!  He climbs on the back of the sofa and wraps his head around mine.  I do love that dog, almost as much as Ken did!  

Tuesday was actually Halloween!  I met Susie's mom and dad to go to Grace's school for the Halloween Parade!  We were continually checking for a text or email that might notify that the parade was canceled, but it never came.  We stood outside at the school in a real, honest to goodness snow storm.  It was 30 degrees and the snow was being driven by 40 mile an hour winds.  The parents/grandparents were covered in the snow before the parade ever started.  Luckily, they had the kids all wear their coats over their costumes (which made for a not so exciting parade) but the kids seemed to love it!  

You can sort of see the snow in this picture.  That is one very happy Gracie who shouted to her friends, "That's my Yiayia and Papa and Grandma!".  It certainly made the cold and snow all worth it!  

As soon as the kids got home, we set out getting several layers of clothes on them, under their costumes!  We even managed to get a winter coat under Jimmy's Fireman outfit.  

Grace ended up wearing a winter hat under her Witches hat (which helped it to stay on in the brisk winds).  She decided to wear her winter coat and gloves and we managed to get gloves on Jimmy also.  It had stopped snowing for the most part, but it was still really cold!  I sent everyone else out trick or treating and I manned the door!  There were a surprisingly large number of kids and parents braving the awful weather.  I had to fill the treat bowl several times from the bags in the kitchen.  Jimmy was done after about an hour (and a bucket so full he couldn't carry it).  Susie and Grace went back out for another 45 minutes just before another snow shower moved in.  I drove home - slowly - in another round of snow.  All in all, there was a measurable inch of snow by Wednesday morning.  

Wednesday is All Saints Day, a day to remember all those who have gone before us.  It is also Lucas' birthday.  This year, more than any other, it seems like a very odd passage of time.  This was his 9th birthday.   Our family always takes time to go the cemetery and remember Lucas.

Even though it was still cold, at least the sun was partially shining.  It is always good to take this time and reflect on the impact Lucas has had on each of us.  I had several of my friends reach out to me when they remembered Lucas.  Grace made the yarn heart and the turtle stepping stone for Lucas.  As she is getting old, she often talks about Lucas,  Its hard to explain to children when adults don't even understand!  But it seems fitting that this time falls on All Saints Day.  I remember my mom especially loved the hymn "For All The Saints" that was always sung on All Saints Day. This hymn actually has 8 verses - but I will just share a couple... (I usually would include a link to a video of this hymn, but after listening to some of the available videos, I decided to just use the lyrics!)

For all the Saints, who from their labors rest. All who by faith , before the world confessed. Your name of Jesus, be forever blessed.  Alleluia, Alleluia.

 Oh blessed communion, fellowship divine.  We feebly struggle, they in glory shine!  Yet all are one within your great design.  Alleluia, Alleluia

But then there breaks a yet more glorious day.  The saints triumphant rise in bright array. The King of Glory passes on His way.  Alleluia, Alleluia 

From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast.  Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Alleluia, Alleluia.

What a picture of those that have gone before us.  They are shining in glory - we feebly struggle.  Yet, we are all part of this fellowship with them.  They rise in the presence of Jesus, in a new day.  Yes, a great picture, painted in these lyrics.  And I can see my own loved ones in that "countless host". Among them I see Lucas, bathed in the glory, shining brightly, filled with the light of Jesus.  

Jesus, thank you for reminding me that our life on earth is just a small part of the eternal life we have with you.  Holy Spirit, comfort all those who mourn and grieve today.  Hold them close and bring peace whatever the circumstances are.  Thank you for hymns and poems that help us to express our deepest thoughts.  Give us all the faith of children.  What a wonderful hope and joy we have in you Jesus.  Amen

It is Fall for sure!

The weather has certainly turned colder, all of sudden.  We have been having some "frost" warnings and the morning temps have been in the 40's for the most part.  So one thing is sure, it is FALL!    After getting Gracie ready for school, we often walk to the bus stop. On this day, Grace wanted me to fix her hair in a special style - something that I am not very good at, but she sure looked cute!

If there is one certainty I have when spending time with Jimmy, it is being outside!  That kid just loves it no matter what the weather is like.  It is a very sad day when it rains since this Grandma just doesn't go out in the rain!  Last week, on what seemed to be a nice sunny morning, Jimmy and I went to the backyard to play.  This is what we discovered....

You may not be able to tell, but Jimmy is holding a big piece of ice that was on one of the toys in the backyard! 

As a two year old, this was new territory for him!  He had no idea why there was ice on there and when he held it, he kept saying, "Its so cold!"   I'm sure he will be amazed by the snow this winter.  Even though it was chilly, Jimmy wanted to walk to the park, so we did.  This was the first time that I have let him actually walk by himself.  Previously we have taken the stroller or wagon.  It's just another "growing up" fast thing!

walking TO the park was just fine.  On the way home he stopped and sat down and refused to walk anymore.  I finally convinced him to run the rest of the way home, which was more exercise than I am used to, but we made it safely home.

I finished off that week with a four day conference with HUB Ministries.  I have been attending these conferences for over 20 years and they are always a blessing.  I have gotten to hear many different speakers and learned so much from these concentrated times.  This conference was just as jammed packed with amazing speakers, wonderful worship and great fellowship. I am still looking over my many  notes and digesting all that I heard over these long days.  It was a rainy and cold weekend, so it was good to stay inside!

However, the Saturday of my conference was a Marathon/Half Marathon event for Tim, Gwen and Lia.  Usually I go to the start/finish line and cheer on the many runners.  However this year was an actual downpour!  Gwen and Tim left everyone at home that was NOT running the race.  And I stayed back at my conference also!  As I have already pointed out, this Grandma does not do rain!  Even though they sloshed through knee deep water at times and got soaking wet and muddy in the process, Tim finished the marathon and Gwen and Lia finished the half marathon!  I am so proud of their determination to train and then run this race under these awful conditions!

This week, one of my daily devotions, talked about "an attitude of strong determination." The scripture used was Philippians 3:13-14....

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

It is the picture of a runner, racing towards the finish line  at the end of the long race, straining forward in strong determination. That is true grit on display.  In my book, all the runners in this race showed that determination and grit!    

So, here we are, more than halfway through October.  It is just a month to Thanksgiving and then another month to Christmas.  I was doing a bit of shopping today and actually bought some of the first Christmas presents for this year.  Usually I am much further ahead on that front than I am this year. I have decided that rather than lament the late start to my shopping, I will just practice some of that determination and press on!  I am confident I will accomplish what is needed!  

Jesus, thank you for the change of seasons.  Holy Spirit, remind us all that you are with us even as things change around us.  Keep us mindful of your presence with us.  Jesus we pray for peace in our world.  Give us courage and boldness to walk each day in the assurance of your love.  Amen

  


 

Fall retreat weekend recap

 I spent this last weekend with Anna while Gwen, Tim, Lia, Ellie and Zeke were away at Fall Retreat.  It was Gwen and Tim's 11th year leading this retreat weekend for the youth of their church.  I have seen the passage of time as the kids have grown up and instead of staying home with Grandma Lyn, they have gone on the trip.  This year was the second year that it was just Anna and Grandma.  We talked about the fact that we will only have one more year after this year - Anna is in 4th Grade and she will go on this trip as a 6th Grader.  It makes me feel so old!  

We had so much fun together.  We talked about so many things.  We shopped and we ate special meals together.  We played some games and made some crafts.  About the only thing we didn't get to was baking!  But there will be time for that in the future!  Sunny and Chandler (their two beagles) required much more attention than Anna!  Sunny is still adjusting to being a family dog after being rescued  as a part of the Envigo Beagle rescue.  While she is 2 years old, in many ways she acts like a puppy.  And the much older Chandler (he is a senior dog at almost 14)  has very little time for her shenanigan's.  Anna is great with the dogs and feeds and helps care for them.  Grandma is a sorry fill in as far as the dogs are concerned.  This is the first year that we didn't spend much time outside.  It was our first really COLD weekend and it was also cloudy and rainy.  I believe it was the first year that I didn't visit a playground!  Another mark of the aging of the kids.  Anna was happy to stay in, making some beaded bracelets, do some crafts and apply some press on nails! 

We created these posters from a kit with stickers and gems, and then wrote information about our picture.  My creation is now hanging on my fridge!  

A week ago, Susie and I got together at my house to scrap for the weekend.  Our normal scrap weekend at the hotel could not happen, so we decided to make do with just the two of us.  I am currently working on 2020, which has proven to be somewhat difficult to do.  The combination of Covid and the change in our family routines and Ken's illness and death made it hard to put pictures on the page and find the words to explain the events shown.  I was certainly thinking about these photos of Anna and I from the fall retreat in 2020.

The mask around her neck and our "outside" dining are certainly reminders of 2020.  But she was so young!  And so was I!  My hair is a bit grayer and there are a few more wrinkles and saggy skin.  I so treasure this time with each of my grandkids.  As I age, it seems to be more and more important to me.  

I also got to help in Rock (Sunday School) on Sunday.  I forget how much I love those little kids.  It always brings me so much joy to watch them grab onto a concept or just remember a story or verse.  The current Sermon Series at my church is on the 10 commandments.  We are only up to the third commandment and I have been amazed at the insight and new connections that I am learning each week.  It is hard to imagine that at 69 years old, I am still learning and seeing new revelation each week from the Bible.  One thing that I know from watching Anna, being with those Rock kiddos and every time I am with each of my grandkids, there is ALWAYS something new to learn!  I am so thankful that we never get to old for new revelation.

It is said that grandparents who help care for grandchildren, are healthier and stay more active later in life.  I believe that is true for me.  I looked outside today at the crisp, sunny fall day and decided it was time to put away my outdoor patio for the season.  A look at the predicted weather ahead for the next couple of weeks showed lots of rain and much colder weather.  So I set about getting the job done! 

Within and hour and a half, I had the job done.  While it is sad to know that winter is on the way, I am so thankful for the 6 months that I got to enjoy the outdoors protected from the bugs!  My kids seem to think that I should have help to do this, but as long as I am able to accomplish these things, I plan to!  Hopefully, thanks to time with those grandkids, I will be able to for many more years!  

 Jesus, thank you for reminding me that getting older does not mean you stop learning and growing.  Thank you for bringing new meaning to Bible passages that I have read for years and years.  Holy Spirit, give all of us older adults courage and boldness to step out and connect with people of all ages.  Give us opportunities to share and learn from each other.  Thank you Jesus that you never leave us and you care for us all.  Amen

Reflections from the last couple of weeks...

I am working on my 2020 scrapbook right now.  It has been somewhat challenging for more than one reason.  I mean, we all know what 2020 was like - in general.  Covid, isolation, masks, and so much more.  But in our family, 2020 was also a year filled with hospital stays, illness, cancer diagnosis, and so much more.  This week marked three years since Ken's death. I came across this photo while printing for scrapbooking.  This day - July 17, 2020 - was the last time that Ken wanted to take photos.  As you can see, he was not able to stand so we had a chair with us.  I remember that day  actually happened because I knew just how depressed Ken was about not being able to take photos.  I drove to a not- to- distant park that had a (somewhat) clear horizon view so that Ken could snap some pictures of the sunset.  

The irony of this being a sunset photo is not lost on me.  It was certainly the sunset time of Ken's life.  He wasn't very happy that day.  He couldn't get the shot that he wanted.  Nothing was right about it and I could not do anything to help the situation.  But, I am so thankful that we made the trip that evening.  

It is true that none of us know when we might have that "sunset" moment.  For me the last month has been much harder this year than last year.  I don't know the reason for this, but I have come to think it might have something to do with my recent DNA discovery.  There has been some grief associated with that, for sure, and it seems to have increased my feelings around losing Ken.  Time is a strange thing.  Sometimes it feels very "new" that Ken is gone, but then other times it feels like a very long time ago.  Each new day holds new memories and new experiences and they do continue to build up.  Last week, I watched Jimmy zooming up and down the sidewalk on his "balance" bike.  Ken would have loved this so much!

Also, Jimmy has been asking to watch videos of motorcycle racing and I know that Ken would just be very happy sitting with Jimmy watching all things motorcycle.  These things bring a new kind of sadness and missing Ken that I wasn't expecting.  

This reflection has begun a sort of "new" season for me, which is very good timing with the onset of Autumn.   In this season I want to spend time looking ahead and planning for new things.  I am a list maker and so there will be lists involved in this.  There are many "undone" projects and plans that will find a home on this new list.  It is my prayer that there will also be many that are crossed off as they are completed!

In church, we are hearing a new sermon series titled "Different Life".  The overarching theme, as a follower of Jesus, our life is different!  The opening Bible Plan (on the Bible App) devotion said this..

If you are born from above you're different.  There's just no getting around it.  When the Spirit of God takes hold of someone, he changes them.  From top to bottom, inside and out.  Hear, soul and mind, you're just going to be different than you were before.  The Bible uses all kinds of language to describe this; Holy, remnant, chosen, sanctified, children of God, and more.  If you are born of God, there is something different about you.  And that's a good thing!

If you are interested in seeing more about this Different Life series, you can watch it on YouTube at Fellowship of Faith McHenry Il and find the Bible plan on the Bible App.  

The timing of this series certainly fits this "new" season for me.  I am so grateful to be shifting my focus while looking ahead, grounded in just how different my life is and most importantly WHY my life is different.  

 Jesus, thank you so much for knowing exactly what I need to hear!  Holy Spirit, thank you for being comfort during those times of grief and sadness.  Give us courage and boldness to reach out to our friends and family when we are feeling overwhelmed.  Thank you for leading and guiding us into new seasons and giving us help along the way.  Thank you for the change of seasons that remind us that life is ever changing.  Thank you for loving us.  Amen

Another birthday.... how is possible that I am 69 years old?

On Labor Day, my entire family came over to help me celebrate my 69th birthday.  It was actually the following Wednesday, but I was actually born on Labor Day so it appropriate!  Even though Micah (Lia's boyfriend) and Samuel (Ellie's boyfriend) couldn't join us, we are still a large group these days!  Doug and Susie brought Doug's "smoked" meat - pulled pork and chicken - two of my favorites.  Lia made a 7up cake, again one of my favorites.  The kids colored/wrote me such sweet cards.  I actually get teary seeing them sitting on the mantle.  One thing is sure, there is always fun when we are together.  I love that we always take a picture of me with the grandkids.  It is such an amazing way to watch them all grow.

It was a HOT day for September 4th, but the kids played in the park behind my back yard.  Lia was the resident bubble blower and all the kids chased bubbles.  Zeke and Jimmy played a bit of Frisbee. 

It wasn't long before the heat drove us all inside.  I might not have room at a table for all of us to sit down together, but we all manage to eat in the same room!  Some might be at the coffee table, sitting on chairs, or eating on the couch.  It still feels like a family dinner to me! You do what you have to do when you live in a small house.    I love to see the kids find their favorite ways to entertain themselves here at Grandma's house.  I have a couple of storage cubes with a few toys and art things.  Anna had brought her new favorite game card game (I think it is called Taco, Goat, Cheese, Pizza) which was enjoyed by several groups of people!

Jimmy did really well in spite of the many, many things around my house that are not totally "child proof".  He was fascinated by my stairs and wanted to go up and down. (The stairs are gated at their house).  He has also just had a growth spurt that allows him to reach the light switches, and there are plenty of new switches to discover at my house.  Either Gwen or Susie snapped this photo of Jimmy and I and you can tell he is saying "cheese"!

It actually got a bit cloudy and somewhat cooler in the afternoon, so we all took a walk to the local playground in my subdivision.  This playground was not here when Gwen and Doug were little, but all of the grandkids remember coming to this park.  

All of the kids had a great time.  Grace managed the monkey bars with ease.  Jimmy climbed and climbed and went on the slides over and over.  Anna, Grace and Zeke played "Wood Chips" which is a grade school game that this grandma just doesn't understand.  Lia tried to explain it to me and what I heard is sort of a version of Marco Polo except not in the swimming pool and also involves sort of a tag thing.  Anyway, the kids get it!  On the way home we walked to the "bridge" over the small creek that runs behind our subdivision.  On the way, I snapped this photo of Zeke and Jimmy.  I just love these special cousin memories!

On my actual birthday, I was at Doug and Susie's with Jimmy and Grace.  Doug was actually out of town for work, so Susie got dinner delivered!  She came home with cupcakes and we had a nice dinner and desert.  Grace always wants me to stay for dinner, so this was special treat!  It was a wonderful conclusion of my birthday celebrations. I didn't get any pictures that day, but it will still be a special memory for me.  

For the last year, I have been part of a newly formed ministry, Sunbeams Uganda.  If you click on the link, you can see all that has happening in a small, very rural village, Kijjude in Central Uganda.  When you are focusing on a people group that has so little resources, so little opportunities, so many needs it can be overwhelming.  The Sunbeams team in the USA is small, but dedicated to bringing the light of Jesus into this village.  Kelly, the founder of the ministry, along with Mark (who is Ugandan) had a dream to encourage, equip, and empower the people of this village and it all started with bringing fresh, clean water through the digging of a community bore hole.  In the last year Sunbeams has purchased a plot of land and is in the process of building a Christian primary school.  The children who are able to go to school (who have families that can afford the school fees) it is a four kilometer (about 2.5 miles) walk, through jungle to school! There is now a sewing school in operation and over 70 women have been given a chance to provide for their families through sewing.  Sunbeams has provided bibles and chairs for the local church, as well as provided Bible studies and seminars.  Doctors and dentists have come to the village and provided much needed services to families that would not have been able to travel to receive care.  This is all pretty miraculous, considering this has all happened in just over a year.  The Sunbeams Christian Primary School is still a work in progress.  There is much to be accomplished but the prayer is to be completed and open for classes to begin in January, 2024. (which is the normal beginning of the school year in Uganda).  There is a newly built  playground on the grounds of the school, something these kids did not have before.

  

The United States is truly the land of opportunity.  We take so much for granted here.  My grandkids have nice houses, clothes and shoes, available dentist and doctors, and the ability to make their dreams come to life.  I know that Jesus has a plan and destiny for each one of these precious people.  The hope and encouragement that this village needs is Jesus. Sunbeams can't succeed in this mission without the support of people like you.  Please take a moment and click on the website link above and see more about the very needed outreach for the hundreds of people who call Kijjude home. Please pray with us that the many (big) hopes and dreams we have, will be successful!  

 Jesus, thank you for children and playgrounds.  Holy Spirit, remind us that age doesn't matter at all in the Kingdom of heaven.  We are all children of God.  Give us courage and boldness to step out and share our faith.  Keep us mindful of the great needs of those near to us, in our own neighborhoods and cities and also those half way around the world.  Give us hearts and hands that are willing to share from the bounty you have given to us.  Thank you for health and family.  Amen

 

When a movie is more than you think......and sometimes it is okay when your internet goes out!

It is a real treat to get to do things with just one of the Grandkids.  This past week I got to have lunch with Anna and then take her to a movie.  All of the other kids have already seen the Barbie movie and most of Anna's closest friends had also seen it.  So Anna was feeling a bit left out.  Gwen gave the go ahead (even though Anna is a bit young for this movie) since Gwen has seen it.  Even after telling Anna that she would most likely not understand all that was going on in the movie, she still wanted to see it. There was nothing "bad" about it, it was just a more adult themed movie.  We went at a very slow time (middle of the afternoon) and we were literally the only people in the theater.  It was a private showing! As expected, Anna was more excited about actually being at the theater, having the snacks she had stashed in her purse and the bucket of popcorn I purchased, than the actual movie.  She admitted that she really "didn't get it" and I tried to help her understand some parts of the movie.  What I don't understand is why a movie about a kids toy is made!  Clearly they knew their market and this movie is very popular with the 20-45 year olds.  As is always the case, Jesus can sure bring some interesting spiritual things to the surface through these ordinary movies.  Anna and I had some great conversations about going along with the crowd (peer pressure), knowing God's plans and purposes for each of us (letting other people try to sway your plans), understanding your unique gifts (trying to be like everyone else).  I am glad that I saw this movie.  Sometimes you just can't believe what sources tell you about a movie until you see for yourself what it is all about.  This time with Anna was special and memorable!

This week, while at Doug and Susie's, their internet went out.  Jimmy and I had already spent several hours outside while Grace was at school.  I knew that Grace would be tired when we picked her up at the bus stop after school, and she would enjoy time to relax and unwind.  The standard afterschool routine is a bit of TV.  But the sudden message..... "Check your internet connection - no internet" flashed on the screen, that routine was out window.  So Grace and Jimmy happily played in the back yard until Susie got home.  It was good to talk with Grace about her day and school and actually get her to share a few things.   As we were talking about the day, Grace excitedly screamed, "THE ICE CREAM TRUCK!"  Sure enough, off in the distance, was the faint music of that "kid's best friend" colorful, noisy vehicle. Susie sent Grace flying out the front door to stop the truck and I corralled Jimmy.  Money in hand, with the truck stopped in front of their house, the magical treats were obtained! 

Let's face it, Ice cream is good for the soul.  It is especially good when you are facing a day with no internet (which means no TV in some households).  What Grace was much more upset about, was no internet meant that she could not show off her new Chromebook from school.  She was so excited to show me all the programs she used.   But alas, that will have to wait for another week, after the internet is fixed.  So a special treat of an (overpriced) ice cream bar, that just tastes so much better when it comes off of the music playing truck, covers up the loss of the internet!  If we had been inside, watching television, we would never have heard the music of the ice cream truck and the kids would have missed out on the special treat.  It was only the second time Grace had ever gotten a treat off the truck, and she was thrilled!  It was totally new to Jimmy.  So, yes, sometimes it is okay when the internet goes out!  

I cherish these small, special times with each of the grandchildren.  I am so blessed!  I do not take these times for granted.  There are so many of my friends who are separated from their children and grandchildren by long distances or sadly, conflicts or other circumstances.  I try to remember each day, to find the message from Jesus I need for that day.  This is especially true in these everyday times with the kids. I know that the Barbie Movie was not supposed to carry any spiritual message, yet in the days after seeing it, there were clear messages to me in my daily devotions.  I loved how the Lord spoke to me, about the importance of an occasional special treat when things are not going well.  Since that day, I have been  remembering all the times that something as small and/or trivial as that ice cream bar has happened when I most needed it (and least expected it).  Isn't God just amazing?  

The best advise I ever received about parenting came from my sister Karen.  When Gwen was just a baby, she told me "Don't sweat the small stuff - and most things are small!"  This was great advice that carried me through all my years raising my kids.  I think good grandparenting advice would be "Don't miss out on those small things - they are really big memories in the making."  Maybe that advice is not just for parents and grandparents, but everyone!  Go to that movie that you have heard about.  Take time to go to lunch with that special person.  Play outside, even when you have already spent time outside.  When facing a challenge and/or a problem, look for the small joys.  Listen for the music and most importantly, share that ice cream treat!  

Jesus, thank you for a very special week of small but wonderful memories.  Holy Spirit, remind us all that most stuff is just small stuff. When things are hard, give us courage to stop and wait for answers.  Thank you for speaking to us through movies, through the birds and the trees and the sunshine.  Help us to slow down and see all of the small things that are becoming big memories.  Thank you for loving us so much!  Amen