Saturday, December 29, 2012

Our Four Little Blessings

 
2012 ~ Our Grandchildren
 
 
Each of our grandchildren brings their own special light into our world,
and these are just a few of the moments captured that shows
the sparkle and the joy we have received from them this year.
 
 ~
Benjamin Samuel
Ben turned 1 on December 20th, and his combination of
quiet contemplation and joyous outbursts delights us all.
He whispers his name for Lauren as "Papa"
and he melts in my arms when I hold him.
 
~
Maya Christine
Maya turned 4 in April, and her nurturing nature along with
her exuberance for creating with paper, scissors and glitter
bring joy to our hearts.
She loves sled rides with Lauren
and she loves to have me tell her stories at nap time.
 
~
Eli Lawrence
Eli turned 4 in March, and his devotion to his family
and his love of all things related to super heroes, spies and legos
bring smiles to our faces each time we are with him.
He likes to be Grandpa's helper
and brings out the child in me when we play hide and seek together.
 
~
Jack Christian
Jack turned 9 in November, and his thoughtful and outgoing
nature and his penchant for sports & reading
are wonderful to see in our oldest grandchild.
He likes to do projects with Lauren
and he warms my heart as he reads his books to me.
 
 
It has been a year of blessings and great joy with our
delightful grandchildren,
and we thank the Lord for filling our lives with them.
We also thank Him for our 2 daughters and sons-in-law,
Erin & John, and Sara & Mark,
who gave us these 4 sweet grandchildren
and are wonderful parents to them.
 
On another note,
Lauren and I celebrated our 37th anniversary yesterday!
This is what I posted on Facebook yesterday:
 
"Thirty-seven years ago, fresh out of college, I married my best friend on a snowy day in Iowa. Shortly after, on our way to Torrington, WY for my new teaching job, we got into a blizzard and had to spend New Year's Eve and Day in Potter, NE in a tiny motel room with our young Irish Setter, Copper. The nearby cafe owner opened up for those of us stranded at the motel, and we had our first buffalo burgers. We arrived in Torrington safe and sound after having to take a detour through Cheyenne. We were young and ready for an adventure! Happy Anniversary, Lauren!"
 
And we continue on the adventures God has given us, with 33 years in Montana now, 
and 2 daughters, their spouses, and 4 grandchildren filling our lives
 with more joy than we could ever imagine.
  

Monday, December 10, 2012

The Christmas Scale



I love this...it is by Ann Voscamp on  A Holy Experience, and I want to pass it on.
 
Ann wrote: "Have you heard the unexpected song you hear when you pause?"
 
Be sure to listen all the way to the end, and to be twice blessed, be sure to go to A Holy Experience and read Ann's post. She has such a way with words that brings a person to the knee of the Father. Ann is the author of the book One Thousand Gifts.
 
"It's hard to believe that the greatest message the world will every hear is contained in one simple scale."
 
 
 

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Christmas Flash Mob by Journey of Faith

Be sure to watch this all the way through...
 

 
Jesus is still is the real reason we celebrate Christmas!

O Come, Let Us Adore Him




 
The old bench is now under the pergola, decorated for Christmas and dusted with snow.
It is snowing again today. Sideways. So a cup of tea or hot cocoa and some baking
will warm our hearts and wrap us with the joy of being at home on a snowy day.
 
It seems like a snowy day puts me in the mood to ready our home for Christmas,
and Christmas carols playing in the background bring the story of Christ's birth to heart.
 
This video of O Come, All Ye Faithful
is actually a still photo with the voice of Chris Tomlin.
 
 
O Come All Ye Faithful
Music & Lyrics by John Francis Wade
Arranged by Chris Tomlin

O come all ye faithful
Joyful and triumphant
O come ye o come ye
To Bethlehem
Come and behold Him
Born the King of angels

O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord

Sing choirs of angels
Sing in exultation
O sing all ye citizens
Of heaven above
Glory to God
All glory in the highest

O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord

Christ the Lord
You are the Lord

Yea Lord, we greet Thee
Born this happy morning
Jesus to Thee be all
Glory giv'n
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing

O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord

You are the Lord
You are the Lord
You are the Lord

We'll praise Your name forever
We'll praise Your name forever
We'll praise Your name forever
Christ the Lord

Glory in the highest

We'll praise Your name forever
We'll praise Your name forever
We'll praise Your name forever
Christ the Lord




Monday, December 3, 2012

Be still...

This old bench has been in our yard for several years,
and this picture was taken at our old house in the winter.
It now has a new home under our pergola this winter,
providing a spot under the white Christmas lights,
reminding us to pause and remember why we celebrate Christmas.
We remember that...
 
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was with God in the beginning...
 
The Word became flesh
and made His dwelling among us.
We have seen His glory,
the glory of the One and Only,
who came from the Father,
full of grace and truth.
John 1:1-2, 14
 

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

The Everlasting Arms



 
A sweet baby boy gone to be with Jesus
Before he took his first breath,

Held briefly in the arms of his parents

Now held by the Lord of the heartbroken,

Forever loved,

Forever held in their hearts,

Tender words of love whispered in his ears,

Tears of sadness washing down their cheeks,

A grandmother’s heart breaks for her daughter

Her arms ache for this sweet little boy,

Jesus, the Lord of the heartbroken

Jesus, the One who holds him now.

~
For my dear friend, who trusts Jesus to hold her
sweet little grandson until she holds him again
 
"‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain,
for the old order of things has passed away.”


Revelation 21:4

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Giving Thanks

Here are just a few free printables I found on Pinterest recently...
 
Pinned Image
Give Thanks ~ Beautifully Rooted
 
 
Pinned Image
I Am Thankful...  ~ Silverbox Creative Studio
 
 
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Thanksgiving Collection 2012  ~ the tomkat studio


Pinned Image
Shanty-2-Chic

and...

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Pizzazzerie
 
 
 
These and more are available to purchase for downloading...
 
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Thanksgiving downloads ~ Dear Lillie
 
 
and this inspirational recipe can be found at Everyday Occasions
 
Pinned Image
 
 
I'll leave you with this photo of the chapel west of our home...
 
 

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Whom Shall I Fear

This morning, I was encouraged by a song a friend shared that lifted my spirit and reminded me of God's promises. It is by Chris Tomlin (with Ed Cash), and he has done what he does so well; he has given us the hope of God in His promises.
Please go to The Everyday Word for God's Word to go with this song, and for the lyrics of this song.
(This is my other blog, and I would love to have you join me and follow it!)
 
 

Monday, November 5, 2012

Burdens or Rest?

 
Please visit me @ my other blog,
The Everyday Word, to read this post.
I'd love to have you stop over and share what you think
of this sweet little kitty and the Word of God today.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

The Everyday Word ~ My New Blog

So often I go about my day doing the everyday tasks that must be done
without thinking about how God's Word
relates even to these ordinary, everyday moments.
As I was doing laundry yesterday, I thought about how I could
connect the everyday moments of my life with the Word of God
using photos of these moments and sharing them.
 

 
The Everyday Word does not mean that the Word of God is everyday,
for it is powerful and sovereign, far from everyday.
Nor does The Everyday Word mean that I will post every day,
although I might.
 
The Everyday part means the commonplace, ordinary, or normal things we do,
and the Word part means connecting these things with the Word of God.

I'm not a good photographer and my photos will not be perfect, but that isn't the point here.
My purpose is to point and shoot my little camera as I do the ordinary
and combine it with the extraordinary Word of God.

I'll still be here at Nana's House,
and I hope you will visit me @
The Everyday Word


Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.


Psalm 51:7-12

Monday, October 29, 2012

A 4-Year-Old's Perspective

 

Maya came for a visit the other day, and asked if she could use our camera.
I am always curious as to what she will photograph,
and I take comfort in knowing I can delete the ones that may show me unfavorably!
She snapped this 4-year-old's view of a lamp in our living room,
and I was struck by the perspective as well as the lighting,
almost as if it was done in sepia.
It was perfect for the blog!
So, I share it here and will show it to her when she comes on our day together,
and we will talk about Matthew 5:14-16.
Sometimes a 4-year-old's perspective is best!
 
 
You are the light of the world.

A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.

Instead they put it on its stand,

and it gives light to everyone in the house.  
 
In the same way, let your light shine before others,

that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.


Matthew 5:14-16


 

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Nat King Cole ~ Autumn Leaves

 
Autumn Leaves
by Nat King Cole
 
Sit back and enjoy the music and the scenery!
 

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

A Me-and-Lucy Day

It’s just me and Lucy today.
Yesterday, my sweet little Ben was here, and he and Lucy, our golden retriever,
 kept on eye on each other, Lucy wanting to shower Ben with doggy kisses
and
Ben wanting to touch her ears and grab her toys.
There have been lots of wonderful days with our grandchildren lately,
and I bask in those days.
But today, it’s just me and Lucy, and I am also basking in this day.
Today, there may be laundry to do, (I am woefully behind…was that the washer bell??)
The ever-present tasks of dishes, cleaning and everyday tasks still call to me,
but for a moment in this quiet morning,
Lucy and I played her version of fetch outside (aka keep-awa
y-from-Laurie),
and I spoiled her with a treat in her Kong,
after which she settled down for a morning nap.


There is something about a day with Lucy that shows me how to take life as it comes.

Lucy teaches me to:
trust that I will be provided for,
keep my eyes on the ball,
take a nap as needed,
be ever-watchful for the opportunity to give and receive love,
and find joy in the simple things.
 In the quiet of the house,
with the soft scent of  a fall candle and a cup of tea,
I sit with the Word of the One who loves me and you.
As I sit here thinking over God’s incredible love,
I am filled with the sense of knowing that my life’s cup is full,
and that is more than enough for me.

Thanks, Lucy, for reminding me.
Thanks, Lord, for loving me.
 

Billy Graham on Life, Marriage, and Freedom

Thank you, Billy Graham, for your everfaithful adherence to the truth.
Throughout your ministry, you've shared the love of God to all who would listen,
and you seldom, if ever, strayed into politics.
But sometimes there is a need to speak out, and that time is now.
 
Recently, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association took out the following ad
in the Wall Street Journal, and it testifies to your strong beliefs
in marriage, life, and our religious freedom.
This issues are crucial.
 
 
Thank you, Billy Graham, for pointing Christians back towards God's truths.
May you continue to do so even with your 94th birthday near.
 

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Our New Bookshelves

When we downsized to our little cottage, storage and organization became a priority.
We knew we needed bookshelves, a place where we could store our mail sorting baskets,
toys for the Grands, a place for magazines and projects, and books, of course.
After living here for awhile, we began to get a sense of what we needed to meet those needs,
and Lauren got to work on designing this 2-piece bookshelf. We had a friend build it, and
 Lauren added the trim and painted it to match the trim in our bedroom.
 

 
 
 
We use these baskets to sort our mail...

 
 

and the blue and green boxes store magazines and projects.

 
 
 

The 3 large baskets store toys for our grandkids...

 
 
 
 
and we do have a few books on the shelves.

 

We have the bookshelves in our bedroom, where they are easy to access,
and I am so pleased with the look and the functionality they have.
We can tweak the items on the shelves to suit our needs as they occur,
adding decorative items with the seasons or on a whim.
Having good storage is so essential in a smaller place, and these shelves
take the place of 4 areas we had in our old house for some of these items.
We hope to build a similar one for our basement when we finish it,
 but that is a project for another time!
 

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Rain! Sleet! Snow!

Rain! Sleet! Snow!
 
We are doing The Happy Dance this morning, so grateful to get the moisture God is bringing to us.
The temps have gone from 80 degrees yesterday to the current 39; and it is a beautiful fall day!
 
Maya is here for the day, so we have been busy with activities.
 
Lauren brought her some pumpkin activity sheets from his office,
and she was delighted.
 
 
Take this picture, Nana!
 
 
And this one!
 
 
It's tea party(apple juice) and pumpkin muffins time!
 
 
 
 Then it was time for a little silliness!
 
 
To balance the tea party girliness,
Maya played sword fighting and did cycling on the Wii;
the ever-faithful Tiger and Lion cheered her on!
 
After such a busy morning, I think it is time for warm bowls of soup for lunch!
 

Monday, August 27, 2012

Put on Love



Pinned Image
 
 
So, chosen by God for this new life of love,
dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you:
compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.
And regardless of what else you put on, wear love.
It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

Colossians 3:12&14
The Message
 
This weekend I read a devotional by Dr. David Jeremiah about love,
the last part of 4 devotionals called Your Spiritual Wardrobe. Dr. Jeremiah wrote:
 
"Every experience in life is a love scene,
 and Christians are to love as Jesus loves."
 
A good word picture is to think of ourselves we dress each day as putting on love,
showing that we love others by our service and kindness to them. 
But it isn't always an easy task.
 
Things get in the way, like...
~ a neighbor who doesn't respect our privacy
~a teenager who sneers at us as we pass by
~ a spouse who is indifferent to our needs
~ a clerk who is unfriendly and rude
~ a child who is fussy and throwing a temper
 
These are just a few of the things that keep us from wanting to show love
or any of the other things mentioned in Colossians. But it is possible to do.
We can't do it under our own strength, but by the strength given to us by God.
 
 
I like what C.S. Lewis said about loving others:
“Do not waste time bothering whether you ‘love’ your neighbor; act as if you did. As soon as we do this we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him.”
C.S. Lewis
 



Book Review ~ The Fight of Our Lives

The Fight of Our Lives
by William J. Bennett & Seth Leibsohn
Thomas Nelson Publisher


I have read several books by William Bennett, and this book, The Fight of Our Lives, Knowing the Enemy, Speaking the Truth, and Choosing to Win the War Against Radical Islam, was thought provoking and a change from the books I usually read. With so much currently going on in our nation, the presidential election and constant media coverage of the campaigns, as well as the headlines that grab our attention, the war on terror seems to be droned out at times, and our country has turned our focus from fighting this cultural war to other issues, issues that are no less important, yet we still must focus on what is indeed of great national concern.

Bennett and Leibsohn take a look at radical Islam with a focus on the "nature of the threat we face and the nature of the response we do not currently possess. It is a focus more on us than our enemy." (quoted from the Introduction)
Our country seems to be more interested in religious tolerance, even though this is very important, and political correctness, than seeing the truth of what is plainly there to see: radical Islam is bent on destroying us.

I recommend this book even if it doesn't sound like something you would want to read; it isn't a feel-good book, but it does remind us that we have much to be concerned about for our nation's survival.
For me, it is also a reminder that even as I am aware of the issues going on for our nation, God is sovereign, and I put must my faith and trust in Him.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .

Saturday, August 25, 2012

A Day at the Park

Jack and Eli had a sleepover at our house last night,
and this morning the four of us went to a favorite park,
where we all enjoyed the cooler weather and fresh air.
 
 
Eli had fun on the slides...
 
 
 
and jungle gym...

 
 
and posed on the stone wall surrounding the tennis courts.

 
 
Jack is learning to play tennis...
 
 
 
and he and Lauren had a great time on the courts...
 
 
 
as well as also posing on the stone wall.
 
 
 
Jack is 8 and Eli is 4...

 
 
and they bring smiles to our faces every day.

 
 
 

Monday, August 20, 2012

God's Masterpiece





For we are God’s masterpiece.
He has created us anew in Christ Jesus,
 so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10

I read this devotional from Max Lucado this morning after I captured a photo of this beautiful dragonfly on my porch.
 I wanted to share it with you.
Enjoy!

Why does God love you so much?
For the same reason the artist loves his paintings. 
You are His idea!
Ephesians 2:10 confirms that we are
“God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus,
so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
In the movie Hook, Peter Pan had become old and
looked nothing like the Peter the lost boys knew. 
In the midst of the boys shouting that this was NOT Peter,
 one of the smallest boys pulled him down to his level.
 He places his hands on Peter’s face,
moved the skin around and reshaped his face.
The boy looked into Peter’s eyes and said, “There you are, Peter!!

Shh. Listen. Do you hear?
God is saying the same words to you.

 
There you are! There you are!


He’s seeing you and loving the you He sees.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

What Brain Injury Survivors Want You to Know


A friend recently shared this information with me and I asked her if I could share it here. One of
their daughters, who is in her twenties, suffers from a brain injury from a fall a few years ago, and
 because I had surgery for Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia 3 years ago, I, too, dealt with
some of these problems and was so glad when friends and family tried to understand. Over the past 3
 years, I have gradually seen improvement, even though I continue to have a few neurological
 problems that I may always have, but my young friend and so many other people have brain injuries
 that continue to be difficult to deal with. While my condition is most likely congenital,
so many people, such as my young friend, suffer from a brain injury caused
by an accident or some other trauma.

So I pass this information on in hopes that it may help someone who
has a friend or family member who is a brain injury survivor understand
what he or she is going through.

Lost & Found: What Brain Injury Survivors Want You to Know 

Barbara J. Webster, Lash & Associates

I need a lot more rest than I used to. I’m not being lazy. I get physical fatigue as well as a “brain fatigue.” It is very difficult and tiring for my brain to think, process, and organize. Fatigue makes it even harder to think.
My stamina fluctuates, even though I may look good or “all better” on the outside. Cognition is a fragile function for a brain injury survivor. Some days are better than others. Pushing too hard usually leads to setbacks, sometimes to illness.
Brain injury rehabilitation takes a very long time; it is usually measured in years. It continues long after formal rehabilitation has ended. Please resist expecting me to be who I was, even though I look better.
I am not being difficult if I resist social situations. Crowds, confusion, and loud sounds quickly overload my brain, it doesn’t filter sounds as well as it used to. Limiting my exposure is a coping strategy, not a behavioral problem.
If there is more than one person talking, I may seem uninterested in the conversation. That is because I have trouble following all the different “lines” of discussion. It is exhausting to keep trying to piece it all together. I’m not dumb or rude; my brain is getting overloaded!
If we are talking and I tell you that I need to stop, I need to stop NOW! And it is not because I’m avoiding the subject, it’s just that I need time to process our discussion and “take a break” from all the thinking. Later I will be able to rejoin the conversation and really be present for the subject and for you.
Try to notice the circumstances if a behavior problem arises. “Behavior problems” are often an indication of my inability to cope with a specific situation and not a mental health issue. I may be frustrated, in pain, overtired or there may be too much confusion or noise for my brain to filter.
Patience is the best gift you can give me. It allows me to work deliberately and at my own pace, allowing me to rebuild pathways in my brain. Rushing and multi-tasking inhibit cognition.
Please listen to me with patience. Try not to interrupt. Allow me to find my words and follow my thoughts. It will help me rebuild my language skills.
Please have patience with my memory. Know that not remembering does not mean that I don’t care.
Please don’t be condescending or talk to me like I am a child. I’m not stupid, my brain is injured and it doesn’t work as well as it used to. Try to think of me as if my brain were in a cast.
If I seem “rigid,” needing to do tasks the same way all the time; it is because I am retraining my brain. It’s like learning main roads before you can learn the shortcuts. Repeating tasks in the same sequence is a rehabilitation strategy.
If I seem “stuck,” my brain may be stuck in the processing of information. Coaching me, suggesting other options or asking what you can do to help may help me figure it out. Taking over and doing it for me will not be constructive and it will make me feel inadequate. (It may also be an indication that I need to take a break.)
You may not be able to help me do something if helping requires me to frequently interrupt what I am doing to give you directives. I work best on my own, one step at a time and at my own pace.
If I repeat actions, like checking to see if the doors are locked or the stove is turned off, it may seem like I have OCD — obsessive-compulsive disorder — but I may not. It may be that I am having trouble registering what I am doing in my brain. Repetitions enhance memory. (It can also be a cue that I need to stop and rest.)
If I seem sensitive, it could be emotional lability as a result of the injury or it may be a reflection of the extraordinary effort it takes to do things now. Tasks that used to feel “automatic” and take minimal effort, now take much longer, require the implementation of numerous strategies and are huge accomplishments for me.
We need cheerleaders now, as we start over, just like children do when they are growing up. Please help me and encourage all efforts. Please don’t be negative or critical. I am doing the best I can.
Don’t confuse Hope for Denial. We are learning more and more about the amazing brain and there are remarkable stories about healing in the news every day. No one can know for certain what our potential is. We need Hope to be able to employ the many, many coping mechanisms, accommodations and strategies needed to navigate our new lives. Everything single thing in our lives is extraordinarily difficult for us now. It would be easy to give up without Hope.