A Happy Anniversary with My Best Friend

 

December was our 38th anniversary, and we celebrated by going for a drive to Red Lodge, a small mountain town that sits at the foot of the Beartooth Mountains and is only 60 miles from our home. It had been a while since we had been there; in fact, it has been a long while since we had gone anywhere, and Lauren recognized my need to get out of the house, out of town, and out in the open, where the sun was shining on the snow and the air was fresh with a bit of chill.

 

We didn't bring our camera, but I found a few photos online that represent our drive. There are quite a few farms and ranches as well as homes dotted here and there. The roads were clear, and the snow made the scenery magical.

 

This photo shows the hills and fields we saw as we got closer to Red Lodge.

 

 

This is a photo of the Beartooth Mountains. You can see the "bear's tooth" for which the mountains are named.

 

 

We were only able to drive a few miles south of Red Lodge on the Beartooth Highway, as it is closed all winter due to the high snowfalls. This photo does not show the winter snows, but you can see that when there is lots of snow, driving the switchbacks that climb the mountains would be impossible.

 

We had lunch at our favorite restaurant and did a little shopping, but it was taking in the beauty and majesty of God's creation with my best earthly friend that made it the specially day that it was. What a blessing the Lord gave to me so many years ago, and I know that we both are looking forward to many more years together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(all pictures are from the web)

 

A Kindergartener's Surprise for Her Parents

Five-year-old Claire was born to two deaf parents, and American Sign Language was her first language. So while 60 of her peers used generic hand motions during their Christmas concert, Claire chose to use ASL, much to her parents’ surprise.

This brought such wonderful memories back to me, as I grew up around deaf relatives

 and I loved reading their expressions as well as their signing.

Little Claire is just delightful, especially as she acts as a typical little girl with her expressions as the program gets longer. 

I hope you enjoy this video  as she surprises her parents and delights the audience!

Ode to Joy

In lieu of the fact that my post-writing days are few,

you may have noticed I have been posting

little tidbits that come my way.

This is one of those posts,

and I think you will be blessed by it.

 

Ode to Joy

 

source 

 

Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart

November

 

A month of thankfulness ~

 

~ the joy of family get-togethers around the table

 

~ a cozy blanket with a good book and a beloved child

 

~ a warm fire with a cup of tea in the evening light

 

~ the last of the falling leaves and harvest of fields

 

~ the first of white snowflakes and the making of snowmen

 

~ woolen sweaters and mittens and rosy cheeks

 

~ the delightful smell of roast turkey, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie

 

 most of all,

 

 my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

 

 

 

 

You may remember this beautiful song by Don Moen,

 

Give Thanks

written by Henry Smith

 

(YouTube)

 

 

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One,
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One,
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
And now let the weak say "I am strong",
Let the poor say "I am rich",
Because of what the Lord, has done for us

And now let the weak say "I am strong",
Let the poor say "I am rich",
Because of what the Lord, has done for us
Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks unto the Holy One,
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks unto the Holy One,
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say "I am strong",
Let the poor say "I am rich",
Because of what the Lord, has done for us
And now let the weak say "I am strong",
Let the poor say "I am rich",
Because of what the Lord, has done for us
Give Thanks!
Give Thanks!
Give Thanks!

Who You Are

click arrows to enlarge

 

For my daughters, my granddaughter, my sister, my nieces, my aunt...

 

and for all of the women who are His daughters...

 

I pray you will be blessed.

(I forgot to say that a friend shared this on Facebook recently,
and I cannot find the source. If anyone knows the source,
please let me know so that I may credit it.
Thank you.)

A Letter From Fred ~ A Love Song

I first saw this on Facebook, and I want to share it in case you haven't seen it.

It is beautiful and touching.

The Facebook link came originally from Jim Daly of Focus on the Family.

I would like to quote from Mr. Daly's blog, as he says it so well:

  

Fred Stobaugh is 96 years old, and he misses the woman he spent 75 years of his life with: his wife Lorraine. So when he read in the paper that Green Shoe Studio held an online songwriting contest just six weeks after Lorraine’s death, Fred (who’s not a musician) submitted via postal mail the handwritten lyrics to a love song he wrote as a tribute to his late wife – “Oh Sweet Lorraine.”
 
The simple words of love after a life well-lived touched the core of the younger men and women running the contest at the studio. They recorded Fred’s song with professional musicians. In the video, you have an opportunity to listen to the song for the first time along with Fred – and it will be difficult to keep the tears from flowing.

You can read more of Jim Daly's blog post here: http://community.focusonthefamily.com/b/jim-daly/archive/2013/08/27/video-a-96-year-old-man-the-wife-he-misses-and-a-love-song.aspx

video from You Tube

Born to Sing!

Our grandsons Jack and Eli have been hanging out with me this week, and

I have noticed one trait they both have - they burst out in song as they are playing.

I asked them where they hear these songs; does their mom play them on the radio?

They both informed me that they learn them from Erin as she sings around the house, which they say she does quite a lot.

 

Then, as if I should know this, Jack said,

 

"Nana, we were BORN to sing!"

 

 

I have been writing a few of the grands quotes on our chalkboard,

so it was Jack's turn with this one.

 

(heartlight)

 

Behold Our God

We sang this song recently at our church,
and I loved both the music and the lyrics.
Just let the words and music fill your hearts and minds
as they bring Him glory.

 

 

 

 

Behold Our God

Who has held the oceans in His hands?

Who has numbered every grain of sand?

Kings and nations tremble at His voice

All creation rises to rejoice

(Chorus)

Behold our God seated on His throne

Come let us adore Him

Behold our King nothing can compare

Come let us adore Him!

 

Who has given counsel to the Lord?

Who can question any of His Words?

Who can teach the One who knows all things?

Who can fathom all His wondrous deeds?

 

Who has felt the nails upon His hands

Bearing all the guilt of sinful man?

God eternal humbled to the grave

Jesus, Savior risen now to reign!

 

Men: You will reign forever!

Women: Let Your glory fill the earth

 

 

 2011 Sovereigns Grace Worship (ASCAP)/Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)

Concert Flash Mob in our Neighborhood!

 

The clouds were getting heavy and the threat of rain was imminent.

It was Tuesday night, and our neighborhood has free concerts each

Tuesday night and we didn't want to miss this one.

 

This one was special, because one of our own was performing.

His name is Chris Smith, and he is a singer/songwriter from here

and he lives in our neighborhood. *

 

So the concert was going, and on the third song, magic happened.

The children were already dancing, when from the crowd the adults came;

 

one,

 

then two,

 

then several came from their seats and began to dance to Chris's song, "Tonight".

 

Our daughter Sara and her husband Mark joined them.

Mark is the guy who walks up near the beginning in a plaid shirt and sunglasses,

and Sara comes shortly after him in a black t-shirt and denim capris; she has blond hair.

 

So fun!

 

They had practiced several times in secret,

and my job was to watch Maya and Ben for them during practices.

 

Lauren was as surprised as the rest of the crowd because I didn't let him in on the secret!

 

Chris handled the surprise as any professional singer would, and the smile on his face was priceless. The concert was fantastic, and the rain held off until the first hour had passed, but after that it poured and we had to run for home.

 

It was the last concert for the summer.

What a wonderful ending to a perfect season of music!

 

 

*Chris Smith (CR)  has released a full-length album called

Life in Between, (available on ITunes)  and his song This Way Home

was chosen as the promotional song

for HGTV's House Hunters International.

He is also the worship team coordinator for a local church where

Erin and her family go.

 

A glorious sky, a glorious God

There will be fireworks tonight,

and they will no doubt be beautiful.

 

But after a very hot day,

God brought a much-needed rain to our area,

and this photo shows how the sky looked afterwards.

 

 

 

Even though Mark's head is cut off in this photo, (Oops, sorry, Mark!)

this is Mark, Maya and Ben in the kids' parade in our neighborhood.

 

 

Maya and Lauren by our flag...

 

 

Benjamin feeding himself chocolate ice cream...

 

 

Maya enjoying her ice cream

 

It was a wonderful day to celebrate our nation's birthday,

to remember why we celebrate it,

and to be reminded Who our nation is under.

 

(Pinterest)

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The Promise of the Lilacs

 

The lilacs at our Dear Old House were blooming last Sunday when we stopped by,

and I just had to snip a few to bring home.

 

 

 

Though we do still own the house,

it looks like new owners will have it soon, if all works out.

I knew they would not move in time to have the lilacs, and so,

 a few just had to come home for us and also a few for our daughters,

since it was Mother's Day.

 

 

The Pillow on the porch chair says,

Home Sweet Home.

 

What a perfect day to bring home to our new house

 a little remembrance from our old house.

 

The Dear Old House will soon be filled with the activities of a new, young family,

and I thank the Lord for bringing them to this wonderful home.

The rooms will come to life with the warmth of furniture and toys,

and the voices of those who now call this place home.

The yard will come to life with summer fun, perhaps a child that will grow

to love climbing the crabapple tree in the center of the backyard,

or swing on a swing set and dig in the garden dirt.

And next spring, they will smell the delightful smell of the lilacs

that were growing there long before us.

 

Spring is like that, full of promise of the things to come.

Just as the lilacs were a promise to us that spring was here

and the flowers, vegetables, and lawn were coming to life,

our God promises us life.

 

Life in abundance.

 

 

 

I am come that they might have life,

and that they might have it more abundantly.

                                                                                                                     John 10:10b KJV

 

Eli turns 5!

Our sweet grandson Eli turned 5 on March 22nd,

with a new bike from his mom and dad,

 and all the fun a 5-year-old can have!

 

 

 

 

Eli chose Angry Birds as his theme, which I had heard of, but am quite clueless as to what it is all about. Even now. Even though they tried to explain it to me. I call it Nana TMI (Too Much Information). So the cake is a replica of the Angry Birds thing, and the cousins even made an Angry Birds thing in the basement and shot at it via a large slingshot and balls. They loved it all!

 

 

Happy Birthday to Eli,

Happy Birthday to you!

Five candles to blow out!

 

 

 

 

Eli and Maya literally had a ball rolling in the giant "Hamster" ball!

 

 

 

 

Jack and Ben hung out together; they have a mutual admiration for each other...

 

 

 

Here is a collage of our daughter Erin, son-in-law John,

and sons Jack and Eli, and a few snaps of the big day.

 

 

 

My dear Eli, it is hard to believe that you are already 5 years old, and that you will go to kindergarten this coming fall, but I see it in the way you walk and the way you smile; you are growing up and heading off to school next year, even if I am not ready for that to happen. But for now, please allow me to hold you a little closer, sneak in a few kisses, and ruffle your hair as a preschooler.

 

The training wheels will come off soon enough!

 

 

 

The Story of Easter

I saw this giveaway on Pinterest this morning...

 

 

 

and I know my grandchildren would enjoy it.

You can read about it at the blog Gretchen Louise .

 

I think I will purchase one, just in case, you know, because the chances

of winning are small, and it would be nice to have one on hand.

 

This is the first time I have visited this blog, and I must say,

I like it! Gretchen Louise describes herself in this picture:

 

 

If you go to her blog, be sure to click on her link and read about her.

She has a heart for Christ and describes herself on Pinterest this way...

 

"I'm a follower of Jesus, wife to my farmer, mommy to our little ones

& webmaster of Kindred Grace. I love dark chocolate & old books.

But I have a penchant for pinning aprons, laundry & pink houses."

 

Happy Spring!

 

 

 

March

 

Yep, that was today!

 

Perfectly Imperfect

I found this photo on Houzz recently, and I was drawn to the paint colors that were used.

The way they flow from room to room even though the colors vary.

The white trim ties it all together beautifully.

These paint colors remind me of what we used in our Dear old House.

 

Contemporary Hall design by Burlington Architect Smith & Vansant Architects PC
(click on photo for Houzz post or on the architect information for that site.)

 

I have a story to tell you.

 

When we sold our DOH, it was on a lease-to-own agreement for 1 year.

To shorten this part of the story, it didn't work out, and we have the house back.

I really don't mind, because I wasn't done with it yet

and it wasn't done with us.

 

No, we haven't moved back nor will we, but we are doing a bit of sprucing up,

getting it ready to sell again. Lauren has been putting in countless hours of repair,

redoing and repainting. I have joined him when I can.

 

Last weekend, we were there and the sun was shining in to each room,

bringing the warmth and light that has always been one of the best features

of this house. I was painting doors with the traditional white paint that is used on all

 of the trim and doors, a job that can be a bit tedious, to be sure.

 

But as I was painting, noticing each little chip and scrape, the worn hinges and the patina of the brass doorknobs and plates, it came to me;

 

This old house is becoming

perfectly imperfect.

 

In the years we have had it, we did our best to revive it and give it back its personality,

removing that which did not belong in a 1908 house, at least as far as its basic design and layout. We made her into a warm, sunny home, and now we are finishing her the best we can. Lauren has repainted some rooms in the colors we had used, similar to the house in the photo above.

We changed a few colors to give her a fresh face in rooms that needed it.

 

I told Lauren that the house wasn't done with him, that it wanted him to put a few more finishing touches on her, to make her more 
 perfectly imperfect.

 

This Dear Old House is quite plain in her design, but the old hardwood floors,

wavy windows and wide trim and baseboards have a story we hope will always be told,

to a new family who sees her for the beauty she has.

 

One of my favorite Bible verses is Philippians 1:6; it is one of the first verses

God gave me when I came to Christ. It reminds me that I am not finished,

that he is not done with me yet, that He is continuing to do a good work in me

so that on the day Christ comes, I will be ready and complete.

 

Until then, I am perfectly imperfect.

As we all are.

… He who began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion
until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Benjamin Carson's Amazing Speech at the National Prayer Breakfast

This was a wonderful speech. If you don't have time to watch the whole speech, start at about minute 18. I caught the last hour of a movie on Dr. Benjamin Carson's life this week, (Gifted Hands) and it was wonderful. What a humble, godly man.

God's Help is Like the Mountain Switchbacks

We live about 60 miles from Red Lodge, MT, which sits at the base of the beautiful Beartooth Mountains. It is a true western town with a mix of all types of outdoor activities: skiing, camping, rodeos, hiking, fishing, and lots more. It is billed as "The Gateway to Yellowstone Park via the Beartooth Highway." Indeed, it is a beautiful drive through this part of Montana up to the summit  into Wyoming and over to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone Park.

 

Red Lodge, MT

 

The photo above shows the setting of Red Lodge, with a rodeo parade taking place.
There are lots of fun shops, eateries, and Bed and Breakfast Inns I love to visit.

 

But the real pull to Red Lodge are the Beartooths, and it is well worth the 
drive up the switchbacks of the Beartooth Highway.

These as just a few of the pictures I found on the Beartooth Highway website.

 

 

 

The highway is closed in the winter months for obvious reasons,
and this photo shows it in the spring after the roads are plowed...

 Beartooth Highway
 

 

I have never driven the switchbacks myself,
 but I do enjoy being a passenger and taking in the view.
Many people travel this highway every year, by car, RV, motorcycle, bicycle, or,

 in the case of the annual Peaks to Prairie Adventure Race, 
participants run from the pass at the summit to Red Lodge (about 9 miles),
and then bike another leg and then boat to Billings.

At least the running is downhill!

 

But when we are at the base of the mountain, the Beartooths seem to be overwhelmingly difficult to drive over without the help of switchbacks. The road climbs slowly and it turns one direction to the opposite direction, making the climb easier to do. This "switchbacking" makes the climb not only easier, but the views are fantastic, with each turn a new, awe-inspiring view of the mountains.

 

If I were to walk the Beartooth Highway, it would be an arduous task, and I am sure I would want to give up before reaching the peak.

 

Life seems like that sometimes.

 

The "mountains" we climb may not be the Beartooths,

but they may be overwhelming at times.

These mountains may be as mundane as

a week's laundry to do,

a test to study for,

or the pile of paperwork on a desk.

Or, these mountains may be so big

that we cannot see the peak because of the clouds,

the summit where we may claim victory seems out of reach

due to difficulties and hardships such as;

illness,

divorce,

the death of a loved one,

and overwhelming financial problems,

just to name a few.

 

But God, in His infinite wisdom, knows we cannot climb these mountains

without His help. He will lead us up these mountains as the switchbacks

lead travelers up the Beartooth Highway.

He will provide the way through His word.

 

When I worked at one of the elementary schools in our former town,

I would be sure to drive a couple of blocks out of the way so that I could

see the distant mountains. This view would refresh me and remind me of this scripture:

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip—
    He who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, He who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    He will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121:1-8 

(photo)

 

Dreaming for spring...

The calendar says February...

 

and the days have been going back and forth from

 cold and snowy to warming up in the forties.

 

My heart and mind wander to thoughts of spring,

too early,

but enjoyable just the same.

 

I am sharing a little spring color from photos

I found on Pinterest...

 

Enjoy!