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

Thinking about Ken today while visiting one of his favorite spots!

The spring weather was calling out to me today so I decided to visit the Morton Arboretum for the first time since Ken died.  They are still doing timed entry only, but I was able to get a time for today.  Although it is about 55 degrees, the arboretum was eerily empty.     I only saw about 10 people during the entire two hours that I was there.  I drove the entire place, stopping at some of Ken's favorite areas.  Last March we had gone to the arboretum the week before everything shut down.  Ken loved to take photos of the daffodils.  Last year they were not even up yet.  Today I saw many green shoots without any flowers.  I did find these Snowdrops as I was walking on some trails.  

It was very odd to NOT see the "Trolls".  I knew that they had been removed, but as I was driving around, I found myself looking for them as I approached the spots where they had been.  

Ken and I brought Gwen and the kids to see the five large troll statues in 2018.  We thought that they were to be removed in early 2019, but it was decided that they would stay up longer.  Ken was sad that he didn't get out "one last time" to photograph them.  But COVID shut down the arboretum while they were being removed.  

I stopped and decided to walk a trail on Frost Hill in the Pine woods.  This first picture is one of Ken's favorite spots to stop.  There are some incredible sunset views from this spot.  

I walked this trail and the smell of the pines was just heavenly.  It was so good to be out getting some fresh air.  I was totally alone up on the hill.  I never saw another person during my half hour walk.  

I saw many areas where they had done "controlled burns" to refresh the undergrowth.  There were also many downed trees and I did see (in the distance) some of the workers clearing away some branches.  

The sky was so blue and the woods were so amazing.  It was the perfect day to be out in nature.  Again, I just couldn't understand how I had the place all to myself.  It seemed like a perfect gift, especially for me.  

On my way out of the arboretum, I saw a couple of snow piles.  And in that brief moment, I realized that we are still in the season of winter.  It is Chicago after all, and snow happens often in late March and even April.  

    

 I am so thankful that I had this wonderful, taste of spring day to get out and breathe some fresh air.  Most of all, I am so thankful for the chance to visit Ken's favorite spots.  We have been members of the Arboretum for over five years.  Ken was part of the MAPS group (Morton Arboretum Photography Society) and he spent so much time here, doing what he loved most - taking pictures.  

Going through this grief thing is really interesting.  I am surrounded by all the things that made up our life together for 46 years.  Ken's photos are displayed on the walls.  His camera room is still (mostly) exactly as he left it.  While I have made a couple of changes, these are small things.  Ken loved the Spring season so much.  He hated winter and waited for any sign that spring was ahead.  I think that is why he loved daffodils and tulips so much.  I can picture him now, in that place of constant beauty, no snow, no rain, no tears.  He is happy and smiling and there is a camera around his neck.   I can only imagine all the amazing things he is capturing through that lens.  Today, being at the Arboretum, was almost like walking behind him, as I had done for so many years.  Watching as he "sized up" the perfect shot.  Sometimes knowing what he saw, often not really seeing it until I actually saw the finished photo. Yes, I felt very close to Ken today, and very close to Jesus.  

On my walk, I was thinking of an old song that we often sang at Praise Services at my church.  It was based on this verse....

"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace, the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands"   Isaiah 55:12

My time in the Arboretum today was exactly like this verse.  I could almost hear the trees clapping their hands.. And I went out in joy, feeling great peace.

Jesus, thank you for speaking through creation.  Holy Spirit you bring comfort to us when we don't even realize that we need it.  Help us all to go outside and breathe in fresh air.  Keep our eyes trained on you and remind us to see joy in nature as spring comes.  Jesus help to quiet us so that we can be refreshed and filled just by being outdoors.  Thank you Jesus for loving us so well.  Amen

Starting March with Birthday fun and great weather

 

Here we go with another birthday!  Ellie turned 12!  That is so hard to imagine.  It seems that she was born just a short time ago.  She is pretty fond of "Hamilton" and you can see that in her gifts.  Her very excited expression reading her card is the promise it contained to see a "real" show as soon as Covid allows.  And we hope it can be Hamilton.  If not, it will be some other wonderful, on the stage presentation.  I took Lia when she was this age, and it is one of the best memories we have.  If not for Covid we would have already purchased tickets.  At least we have the HOPE of going soon.  

We actually had a family get together to sort of "celebrate" birthdays that we have missed.  It was so good to be together.  We all needed it.  

Grace came over to my house and played for a couple hours also last week.  It is soooo good to be getting somewhat back to normal.  I will be getting my second vaccine next week, as will Susie.  We have hope that Doug will be able to get his vaccines before the baby arrives in May.  Being able to resume some of our more "normal" activities has helped to make 2021 feel so much better than 2020.

It is such a blessing that the weather has changed and it seems that Spring has come.  Most of the snow has melted and we have had weather that you would have to call "balmy".  The birds are returning and I love listening to the bird songs early in the morning.  There is certainly a sense that times are changing.  I have been on a mission to start planning for the future.  Even though we still have so many restrictions in place, I am feeling the need to think about the places I want to visit.  I am quite anxious to have a "normal" scrapbooking weekend.  But sadly, most of our group are still feeling more comfortable being at home.  We are so hopeful that by the end of summer, we will be able to plan to be together.  

Ken's passing during this time of quarantine has made it very difficult for me to move into a new season.  Sometimes I try to imagine what these last 5 months would have looked like if I could have visited my friends, gone out for coffee, attended meetings and conferences and planned travel.  Truthfully, I feel like I am still stuck in 2020, for the most part.  I don't know about you, but I have been making myself go out, even when I don't have a real need to do so.  It is very easy to just get so used to being inside that you don't make the effort to even go out.  I am hopeful that the new, warmer weather will be an added incentive to leave the house.  

During the Lenten season I have been really seeking direction from the Lord that would help me look ahead and make plans.  The very frustrating thing for me was the lack of hearing anything at all.  I have certainly been in this place many times before, but it seemed so silly now.  In the past I have blamed busyness and activity as the reason that I just can't get quiet enough to really hear and get that sense of direction.  But if 2020 and 2021 have been one thing, it is QUIET!  Usually so, so quiet.  And then today, I saw this....  

   If God's voice seems silent, maybe he is whispering.  God whispers because he is so close to you!

Thinking about the closeness of God, and the comfort of that, sure puts things in perspective.  For now I will rest in the quiet.  And I will listen more carefully for that whisper of God.  If you are like me and longing to hear, wanting to have some clear direction, consider with me the closeness of God.  Train your ears to listen for that whisper.  One thing is certain, NOTHING can keep God from being close to us.  Not Covid, not an executive order, not fears, not whatever is happening around us.  Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.  Yes, he is close and he is whispering!

Jesus,  thank you for the reminder that you are close to me.  Holy Spirit, we so need that reminder that you are close to us and speaking to us.  Thank you for the changing of the seasons, the warmth of spring and the promise of new life.  Jesus help us to listen for your whispers.  Give us courage and boldness to continue to walk ahead.  Thank you Jesus.  Amen

It has been a very long February.....

I know that February is the shortest month of the year, but in 2021 it has seemed so LONG!  On February 2, the groundhog predicted 6 more weeks of winter and it sure looks like he was correct.  For the first time this winter, we have had snow, snow and more snow.  Topping that off, it has been COLD!  Not just chilly, but down right cold.  Below zero type cold.   I really have no excuse for not blogging much, other than there is not much to blog about!  

Actually, the end of January and the beginning of February mark two very special birthdays in our family.  Anna turned 7 and Grace turned 4.  Because, thanks to Covid, almost everything is being done on line, I ordered a balloon delivery for both girls.  Anna's birthday was first, and I was actually at their house when they were delivered. 

It really is the small things when you are young.  She was delighted with these.  So much fun to see and be a part of her excitement. Because Gwen and Tim's family have all had Covid, Gwen decided to look into a "real" party for a few of Anna's friends.  Gwen found a trampoline park that actually has been renting out the entire facility for private parties.  So instead of a crazy, crowded and scary jump park, Anna and her friends and Lia, Ellie, and Zeke had the place to themselves.  It was a jumping great time on Anna's actual birthday!  

Even Tim got into the fun and it was so good to see the kids actually out and having fun.  There were just a few extra kids added to this party, and everyone had such a fun time.  It was a safe place with only 10 kids.  I am so thankful for birthday fun with the kids.

Grace's birthday was next.  I arranged for her balloons to arrive on her actual birthday.  Doug and Susie planned a Zoom party for Grace on the Saturday after her birthday. Since Susie is pregnant, the Zoom party is the safest option for their family.  Again, so thankful that there are options during this crazy pandemic!

Grace was just as excited about her balloons.  It was so fun to chat with her about her birthday.  I didn't get any pictures of her party, although I did "attend" the Zoom event.  It was so fun to get to "meet" her friends from preschool and to see how much all of her friends had grown in the last year.  I did get to visit with Grace one day last week and we played outside for a few minutes.  

Even though it was only around 12 degrees, we had a great time. Grace found lots of icicles and we made snow angels and climbed the snow hills.  Even a short visit does the soul good and I felt refreshed after spending these few minutes with Grace.  

The biggest news of the last couple of weeks - I managed to get my first Covid vaccine yesterday.

I really don't know how I got the appointment, other than to say it was clearly a God thing.  I had been trying to find open appointments over the past two weeks, even setting an alarm and waking at midnight to try to find available times within 50 miles of my house.  Although I am healthy, I am over 65 and therefor qualified for a vaccine.  Because of Susie's pregnancy, there is a bit more push for our family to get vaccinated before the baby comes.  I just happened to look at 11;30 in the morning one day, and there were appointments available less than 10 miles from my home.  I jumped on it, and got my appointment.   I am very thankful.  I haven't had any reaction at all after the first shot and will be counting the days until I can get the second shot - already scheduled for March 12.  

So that is what has been happening in our family these last couple of weeks.  For me personally, this has been a really great time of refocusing on the things that are really important.  I have been doing more Bible reading, more Bible study and also just spending more time away from Social Media, news, current events - well, you get the idea.  I have been working on some projects and also doing a jigsaw puzzle.  The most interesting thing, is my struggle around grieving.  I don't know exactly what I thought these months would look like after Ken's death, but this was not it.   There are no books/information about how to handle grief along with Covid.  Since I have promised total truth telling on this blog, the reality is that I have felt really settled and at peace during this time.  So much so, that I actually feel a bit guilty that I am not doing worse right now.  People expect that losing a partner of 46 years would send you into a tailspin.  But it has not been like that for me.  I think that Ken's illness' over the last three years has prepared me for this time.  While the last four months have had a lot of details to work through, it has not been traumatic.  I know that having my kids help and support has been a major part of the ease of this time.  Also not having financial concern brings things to a different place.  For these things I am so thankful.  Mostly, I know that being grounded in Jesus and having assurance of His care and provision has given me that peace I am feeling.  I know that every person has their own journey and their own grief experience.  If I have one piece of advice about grief, it would be to see each person as an individual and not to assume how they are doing.   I have felt that my current "peace and calm" is kind of hard for some people to deal with.  They don't know how to react when I tell them I am doing well.  As a matter of fact, a few people just assume I am lying about my feelings.   Honestly, other than the stress from Covid with making any plans to travel, I don't have much stress.  It is funny how this makes some people so uncomfortable.  I couldn't tell you what is ahead for me.  I really don't know.  But I am not alone in feeling this way.  Because all of us have more or less put our life on hold this last year, everyone is pretty much feeling the same way. Most of us just want some "normal".  The thing I have come to accept in the last months has been that normal doesn't exist anymore.  We are always moving forward and the past is in the past.  While we may resume more activities, we may travel, we may have more freedom to move around our communities, nothing will ever look like it was before Covid.  And that is good.  Each day is a new day.  Let's all just celebrate every new day with joy and thanksgiving. Then we will be filled with that peace that passes understanding.

Jesus, thank you for your constant presence with us.  Holy Spirit, keep our eyes trained on Jesus and our minds set on things above.  Remind us that we are in the world, not of the world.  Give us courage and boldness to continue to walk on in joy and thankfulness.  Give us grace with others who may not be in the same place as we are.  Help us to show your love, Jesus, to those around us.  Amen

When cleaning a closet brings an unexpected surprise....

I have had lots of free time on my hands during this month, thanks to a  quarentine.  Although I tested negative, since I was directly exposed and had some very mild cold like symptoms, I decided  to be safe and stay home.  With all that said, I have been cleaning some boxes out of my scraproom closet.  I found some really intersting items, including my original Barbie doll and clothes.  The best thing I found was a large ziplock bag full of slides that were my dads.  Ken used to have a very expensive slide scanner, but it was beyond me where it was.  I started looking on Amazon and found a slide scanner that works with your smart phone and only cost $20.  It was to good to pass up.  

This gem was one of the first slides I scanned.  I know that I have never seen this before.  This is my mom and dad standing in front of our lake home at Lake Maud and I am guessing it was taken when I was a preschooler.  My dad looks really thin and it is pretty clear that had been sick and that happened around 1956-57.  This is such a great photo!  I love that my mom is holding my dads favoite camera.  

I spent several hours going through the slides.  There were many slides that had people that I could not identify.  There were many slide of places that had no identifiying features. I was in several photos with people that I have no idea who they are.  But then came upon these two photos.  

This picture is one that clearly brings perspective to the large age spacing in my family.  The toddler in the water on the left is my niece Amy.  I am the older girl on the right.  We were sitting in the water at Lake Maud. I have talked about my parents being grandparents as long as I can remember.  This picture pretty much demonstates that.  We never lived close enough to Karen and Roy and their kids for Amy and I to have a close relationship.  Something I always regretted.  

And then I saw this photo.  I think it was taken in 1967 or 1968.  That precious doggy Trixie was my dog for my entire childhood.  I remember my dad bringing home Trixie in a box when I was around 4 years old.  Trixie was a part of my life until after Ken and I got married.  Trixie lived to the ripe old age of 17.  In this picture you can see that Trixie was part Daschund but you can also see that she was part Cocker Spaniel (take a look at her fluffy ears!)  I love watching my grand kids with their dogs and this 

brought back so many good memories. I was 13 in this photo.  

And then I found this family photo which I believe was taken around Christmas of 1968.  Again because these were slides, I don't remember ever seeing them.  I remember that I once tried to find Christmas pictures from each year and I was missing so many years.  This was one of those years. My brother Greg was in college and my brother Jerry was just home for Christmas.  

Finding these slides and finally getting to actually see all of these pictures has really given me a push to continue to scrap and journal my pictures.  I keep thinking about all those photos that I can not identify.  It is so sad that there is really no one that can look at those photos and help me identify the "who",  "where", "when", or "why" of these pictures.  

Just writing those questions brings me to the new Bible Study I began this week and (so far) it has been so good..  This study, called "The Quest" is right up my alley.   The goal of this study is to build intimacy with Jesus and it uses journalling as a key component of each days activities.  The hour long introduction video had so many good points that I spent a long time just looking over my notes.  I especially loved this point...."Quiet time should be the loudest time of the day."  The idea behind this is that we should bring all of our questions to God during our quiet time.  Then we heard five questions that GOD asks of his people in the Bible.  

1.  Where are you?

2.  Who told you that?

3.  What are you seeking?

4.  Why are you afraid?

5.  How much more will the Father care for you?

I am excited to begin this quest, to be on a path of seeking more treasure from the Bible, and a closer walk with Jesus.  This study fits right into my word for 2021.   My word was "The Bible is the Answer."  All of 2020 seemed like a confused, twisted and shaking mess.  For everyone.  No matter where you live (GLOBAL pandemic), no matter what your economic or family status, no matter your age, race, religon, political party (which seemed so overwhelmingly divisive), life as normal seemed to be gone forever.  And my answer to all the "what do I do?" questions I asked Jesus, came through loud and clear.  The Bible is the answer. I can't wait to continue on the Quest, praying for some answers to calm the confusion, some peace and calm to quell the shaking, and some wisdom to move ahead in 2021.  

If an in depth Bible Study is not for you, I encourage you to find a way to add even a five minute quiet time to every day.  There are so many resources for quick and easy devotions.  Even just take a Bible and randomly open and read a passage or two. Stop and ask all those questions you have.  Take time to listen for Jesus' answer.    I am convinced that you will be blessed!  

Jesus, thank you for always hearing our questions, even when we don't loudly ask them during our quiet times.  Thank you for your leading, Holy Spirit, as we walk through each day.  Remind us to go back to the basics when things seem out of control.  And Jesus, your Word is the basic that we all need.  Thank you for the access we have to the Bible.  Holy Spirit, continue to bring the Bible to all people around the world.  Give courage and boldness to those who are working to translate the Bible into more languages.  Remind us everyday to be thankful for all that you provide.  Amen