Christmas 2009

I spent a very quiet day today with my wonderful husband. We had a delicious steak dinner and relaxed. Because of the ice, it just didn't make sense to try to go anywhere. Tomorrow family members will be here to celebrate and I look forward to that "busyness." I haven't written in awhile and I'm not sure why--guess the time just went by quickly. God has been helping me to take my focus off "my problems" and try to think of others--particularly in my prayer life. I have a whole list of people that need prayer. I also note that many have problems that are far more serious than my own. I plan to spend more days quietly at home this winter--I often do less in winter but have made some conscious choices that will keep me at home and I hope to work on crafts/pictures and some cleaning/organizing projects. I also hope to have the energy to invite people over for dinner or dessert in the quiet winter months. God's blessings for 2010 on everyone reading this. May we love, serve, and model Jesus to the people we meet.

Joy

My husband and I just finished off the production of It's a Wonderful Life that we were involved with--he playing the part of George Bailey and I directing. It was fun seeing a project come to life and interacting with the other participants.

About Thursday of this week circumstances seemed to look better (after a really terribly trying week) and I seem to have found my joy. I am so sorry to admit that I have been despondent the past 2 1/2 months. I was adjusting to new meds, I had the flu for a couple of weeks, and circumstances were very bleak. Problems kept piling up one on top of the other and I was having difficulty with all this. I know that "joy" comes from the Lord and that in spite of the circumstances He is doing good in my life and those around me but I really was struggling. I'm thankful to God for lifting my cloud and giving me this season--however short it may be--to not be concerned about problems.

I am just now going to get ready to do my preparations for Christmas. I haven't done any decorating, shopping, or even planning. I want to enjoy this time and not rush around "doing" so we'll see how I can do just taking my time. I love decorating the house and want it to be fun and not a chore.

Thank you Jesus for restoring my feeling of joy. I know I had the joy of the Lord all the time but I wasn't feeling any joy in my heart!

Thanksgiving and November's end

My husband hunted this year for the first time in over 30 years. He was able to get his two deer that he had licenses for. So I will be cooking venison again after many years. People have been helpful telling me how they fix it so we'll see how we like the different recipes.

Thanksgiving has come and gone. This was a hard one for me because of things I am struggling with and some things that happened right before our dinner. I did enjoy having the family members here that could come. Some things are such a tradition (being together with certain people at the same place and having some of the same foods) that I'm sure we would miss them terribly as they are part of the fabric of our being. I know that I have many many things to be thankful for and I need to begin showing my gratitude to God more often.

God is still "trying" to teach me things--like that He is in control; I am not. There are many things that I can't do anything about. Those are the things that are hard to just let be and wait for God to work.

A verse in our Sunday School class today spoke to me from Psalm 112:7--"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord." I think I will start reading the Psalms daily--maybe in The Message. Maybe God can speak to this heart that seems so sad lately.

Deer Day

Tomorrow is November 15--deer day. It is like a holiday here in Michigan. This one falls on a Sunday but during the week often school is cancelled so people can hunt. This has been a beautiful sunny week but I have been sick and spent most of it in bed. I didn't worry about my work. I didn't worry about my worries. I just slept away the sickness--it was refreshing to not think about problems and tasks. Of course, it is not fun to be sick but a relief from other things.

Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day and then the season of parties, gifts, plans begins. Everyone stays busy until after Christmas and then you can't wait until January to just rest and get caught up on things you neglected during the holiday season.

I haven't planned anything yet for Thanksgiving or Christmas. I think I will be slow this year. Maybe all my presents will be money or gift cards. Those are quite easy and everyone seems to like them. I love to shop for grandchildren but they are getting older and harder to buy for. This year may be different.

I am directing the show It's a Wonderful Life. It is a great story and helps us to remember to be grateful for what we have and the opportunities that we all have to be a positive influence in other peoples lives. I have had a difficult time the last couple of months and pray that the next few will be easier and that I will learn whatever lessons God has had for me to learn in the recent weeks.

Halloween

Tonight is Halloween. I usually love it--as I like to dress up. However, tonight I am thinking about Satan and all the evil there is in this world. He is trying to devour people, families. He continues to attack my family--and I do not like it!! I KNOW that God is in control and I am trying so very hard to give everything I am concerned about to Him. It seems like every day there is a new worry about someone or something. Maybe I am being tested. Will I pass this test??

AUTUMN

It is time for me to now acknowledge that Fall or Autumn is here. While I still look forward to warm, sunny days, the falling leaves and cooler temps make me realize that yes, it is autumn. I actually went shopping for a winter coat and some dressier pants to wear when I can no longer wear my Capris and flirty skirts. I have nice boots and plenty of scarves, mittens so when the inevitable arrives, I am ready to keep warm.

I'm still struggling with giving situations to God. My stressing over them does nothing to help other people or myself. In Bible study we have been studying how to serve, follow and love our husbands. Good reminders to help us keep that relationship first--and to give it our time and attention. I have an awesome husband--and he deserves more of my efforts!

Soccer tournaments are coming up this week and girls basketball starting soon. Sports events will begin to take a little more time now than the Saturday soccer game. I will also be busy soon involved with two upcoming productions--one being It's a Wonderful Life for the holiday season. These are always fun and a nice diversion from the regular responsibilities.

Cold and Wet

The change in the weather has been abrupt and it has stayed cold and wet. Finding warm clothes, shoes, jackets, etc. became important. I'm still hoping for warm days and flip flops to come back!

Families are still struggling and I am remembering to commit things to God more quickly. I still get stressed but am working on this. Apparently, I am "practicing learning" each of the lessons I'm learning in Bible study!! I'm anxious to get on to the next topics of study but I'm sure there are major lessons there also.

With the cold I want to cuddle up under the blanket and do quiet things and not work in all the corners of the home as I do in the summer. Guess I will get used to the changes and start becoming more productive.

I want to make soups and other comfort foods--I did make my first pot of soup this week--and it was delicious. Usually I have several varieties in the freezer so I can take out a different one each day to serve with lunch. I'm not there yet!!

Lately I've been the one to be a sounding board for others that I serve with about problems in our organization--particularly between people. God is helping me be a good listener. Perhaps I can show them Jesus in these situations?

It looks like I will be teaching junior high students in Sunday School soon. It may be a temporary assignment or I might be doing it for awhile. I don't know what the material is yet but perhaps I can love on some of these young people. I hope I can a positive person in their lives and let them know how much Jesus loves them!

October

Concerned

It is Sunday evening. Yesterday I had a granddaughter turn 16 and another turns 14 tomorrow. That is exciting to see them growing into young women!! I am still burdened with concerns of others--families that are struggling--most in more ways than one. Problems between spouses, with children, financial and other. It is hard to let these go but I need to learn to trust God more and turn to Him at every turn. Perhaps I need to "practice" what I am learning in my Bible study?! I need to let go of my Martha--fretting over every little thing and be like Mary "choosing what is better." I pray that God will help me to turn EVERYTHING over to Him and just rest in Him. My worry doesn't seem to help any at all. It just gets me in a dither. Lord I trust YOU to take care of all my concerns.

Just coming off one of the busiest weeks I can remember. It has taken me about one and a half days to recooperate! There were many fun things this week--they were just all lumped together. I got to see every person in my family (there are 19 of us) except one granddaughter--who is turning 16 today--that couldn't come with her family because of a conflict. Although I didn't have all my children in the "nest" together--I spent time with all of them. Maybe that is why I can feel so centered now. We started our new Bible study--what a blessing to study together with other women. We are trying to get a heart that thirsts after God and working on our quiet time. I'm learning!! A wonderful special luncheon for widows this week also was a highlight. We pray that each lady felt special and God's love coming through the wonderful women that cooked and served them a special meal. A grandson just surprised us on his way to dinner and then homecoming bringing his date to meet us. That was a fun surprise!!

I'm very happy to know that tomorrow is Sunday again and I can be rejuvenated by time with fellow Christians. My friends with the problems are working on them and we trust God is directing them each step and they will make decisions that will positively impact their lives and the lives of their families. God is so so good!

September

Well, I was anxious for school to begin because I like the routine. This week was the first week of school for the children and it was anything but routine! The school part was fine but there were so many other "incidentals" and most of them were not pleasant. I find myself stressed and worried and running from this to that. I know that I need to trust God more and look to Him. Usually the "incidents" are not so bad after a few hours or the next day. It is just making it through the moments!! God must be trying to teach me something. Also, I am so burdened down by the problems of several of my younger friends/family members who are facing such turmoil in their lives. We did have a lovely successful dinner at our church last evening. There were many new faces there. Tomorrow ten people will be baptized by immersion and that is always a joyous occasion! I'm always happy to go to church and worship with my friends and be reminded of what God is doing in people's lives. God please help me to look to YOU and not to the circumstances as they seem to be at a given moment!

A Woman After God's Own Heart

I'm currently reading A Woman After God's Own Heart--Elizabeth George--in preparation for a Bible study of the same name in September. In 1 Samuel 13:14 we find that David, in spite of his many failures as we also have, was a man after God's own heart. Wow!! Psalm 37:4 says we should delight ourselves in the Lord and He will give us the desires of our heart.

I will be so thrilled to regularly study the Bible again with the ladies!! I'm reading, praying about whom to invite and just trying to get my heart ready--a very BIG order.

I am sad to see the summer vacation end as it is my favorite time of year but will relish the regular routine that usually comes with school resuming. For many years as a teacher and then a school administrator, I lived on these rhythms and I guess I'm still in that same frame of mind. Oh, blessed routine!! I welcome you!!!

Jerks (Selfish people)

I've just completed reading "Don't Let Jerks Get the Best of You" by Dr. Paul Meier. This is a heavy book. I find myself analyzing myself and almost everyone I know!! (mostly family members) There are 1st degree jerks (everyone is one of these sometime except the most "spiritually" mature of the universe.) Second degree jerks are pretty nasty (very selfish) Nth degree jerks don't even feel guilty when they abuse others. Dr. Meier is an Christian MD and a psychiatrist. He is a partner in the Minirth Meier Clinics. Some of us are masochists who set ourselves up to be hurt, victimized, or taken advantage of. (I don't see me here)

This book really makes you think about your family of origin, traumatic experiences you may have had in your life, and your immediate family. I'm still reeling from a lot of it but it is a very interesting and informative book! I would highly recommend it. Now I hope I can go on to some "lighter" fare. I'm so thankful for great books that teach us so much and can inspire us to change!

Giving Your Life for Jesus--No Compromise

Every year I try to read some biographies. I am currently reading the biography of Keith Green, a Christian musician and songwriter from the 80's. This book has been in our library for probably 20 years. I am only beginning to read it and I can't put it down!! This guy was radical. He was only a believer for a few years before he tragically died but he had been searching for most of his young life. I can't wait to finish this book and find out how it ends.

It is so inspiring to read about any of the great people of our world. I don't just read about Christians. I read about journalists, political people, etc. I believe that biographies give us insight into others and the world around us.

The Secret Place

Just recently did a Bible study on Matthew 6--"Keeping a Secret Life." Something happens in the secret place. In the secret life God comes to restore my soul! The secret life with God, will give me power in my life. I must be intentional about spending this time with God. There will be an audience of one there. I will be made righteous with God in the secret place. When it feels like all hell is coming against me, I must break heaven loose in my secret place.

Home Again and Settling In

It's hard to believe all this time has passed so quickly and July is almost over. We have celebrated two family birthdays--fun, fun!!

Just returned from 6 days in Indiana. It was nice to get away from the routines of home and just lay back and relax. We spent the time at a baseball world series. Our team won the championship. Games were exciting. Down time was quiet --just shopping, fixing meals, or grabbing a burger.

It is always wonderful to return to your home--it is the place where you can be yourself and you feel a part of the surroundings. I am enjoying the unpacking, laundry, cleaning etc as my life does not have a lot of commitments at this time. I hope I can keep it like this for the rest of the summer at least.

Sad Days

Tonight I am having difficulty. I just want to cry. First there is a friend that is dying. Of course, we know he will be with Jesus shortly but I grieve for his wife and family. Second a miscommunication of times/events caused a problem for some family members--I know tomorrow or the next day it won't matter but I'm allowing it to worry and sadden me tonight. Thirdly, incorrect dates may cause some difficulty and problems --again for family. Three little things (well someone dying is NOT a little thing) I just don't know if all three things together are causing my sadness and difficulty concentrating and enjoying the evening.

Lord, please help me to give all these things (and several others!) to you and allow you to carry them. I need your perfect peace--and maybe some comfort now. Thank you!

Balance and Routines

The past few days I have had the chance to catch up on some rest and on a few jobs around home that have been sorely neglected. June was a busy month with lots of extra responsibilities with grandchildren, travel baseball, and the children's musical. Baseball is still in full swing and the musical opens this weekend but some other things have slowed down.

I'm beginning to be able to think about the normal routines. I sorely miss Bible studies and the time studying and fellowshiping with the other ladies. Something is really missing. We don't normally do a regular study in the summer but often have periodic drop in sessions. I guess it is time for that to occur. I don't feel balanced when I'm not studying with others, keeping up on things around the house or having time to think or dream. I pray that the rest of the summer will be slower paced and some of these things can come back into our lives.

Children often get bored or so they say when it is quiet and things are routine. However, we all need structure, routines, and some quiet in our lives. We can get so busy with activities (like the children) that when it slows down we don't know what to do. I so long for the quiet to read, dream, and think. How about you?

America My Heritage, My Homeland

This is the time of year we celebrate our freedom. I do love and appreciate my country. I will be attending a party today and one tomorrow--including fireworks at one. God I am thankful to live in this wonderful country!

The last few weeks have been a busy blur. I feel unbalanced I havn't had time to do the normal routines. I am trying to get back to that place now that things have settled down some.

We have had some HOT days and summer is really here in Michigan. Baseball is still in full swing and will go for all of July.

I am music directing a children's play which opens next weekend. It has been great fun working with all of the young people--but especially my precious granddaughter. Music and drama are our passions--but she also is a great dancer. (not this two left footed, untrained grandma)

Fathers Day

Tomorrow is Fathers' Day. Due to a crisis in our family, one of the fathers cannot be with his wife and children. This is difficult for them. As "mom" and "grandma" I hurt for them. But there will be other Fathers' Days/holidays and we can just look to the future with hope. I learned this years ago when my only daughter would not be at our mother/daughter banquet--probably by her choice. But I told myself that there would be other banquets and indeed there were many other happier times.

Life is a series of ups and downs. Pain and sorrow. Life and death. We cannot always be at the top of the mountain although we wish we could. God helps us through the ups and downs, the pain and sorrow, life and death, and takes our hand and leads us through the valleys.

I am looking forward to worshiping with my church family tomorrow. God bless all fathers and guide them into being an example for their children.

God's Work

"Throw yourselves into the work of the Master; confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort." I Corinthians 15:58 The Message.

What a terrific verse--one to remember. Sometimes we do get "weary in well doing" and wonder if what we are doing is worthwhile. Everything we do is for Him, so we can't lose if we cheerfully do whatever God brings us each day. So much of what we do is routine, or prep work for something else but it is all valuable. Lord, help me to remember that all of my work is holy and for your glory.

Crescendo of Praise

". . . Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. It controls our thoughts, minds, hearts, and spirits.

. . . This precious gift has been given to man alone that he might thereby remind himself that God has created man for the express purpose of praising and extolling God."
Martin Luther

" A crescendo of voices in Heaven sang out, The kingdom of the world is now the Kingdom of our God and his Messiah! He will rule forever and ever." Revelation 11:15 The Message

Last night at play rehearsal the children sang one of their songs for the first time. It was beautiful!! It sounded like angels. Thank you God for the treasure of music--to hear and to express our emotions!!

Lazy, Rainy Days

Today is a lazy, rainy day. I don't know if I can get anything done at all. My body just isn't motivated to do the projects I need to do around the house. I am watching my three year old grandson and will take dinner to his family later today. I have that all planned--and partly made from yesterday but what else will I do? I sent up a quick prayer to God that He would show me what He had for me to do today. I know that every day is worthwhile and that there are things we can accomplish--often they aren't on our "to do" list. God please help me to see what it is that you have for me today.

Baseball and other things

At this time of year, many of us are very involved in the sports lives of our children and grandchildren. For us, high school baseball is the main thing--along with soccer, little league, and softball. It takes lot of ourtime but is such fun to watch young people enjoying themselves like this.

I am always thrilled to see young men working in teams and supporting, encouraging, and loving each other. As Christians, that is how we should be with our fellow believers. We should spur each other on to good works. These young men support each other, even when they are not playing very well. Before you know it, at the next game or the one after that, that young man again rises to the challenge--because of the encouragement of his teammates. What a wonderful opportunity these teens have to learn how to function as a team and how to support one another.

May 26, 2009

I think that today I will start blogging. My husband has been a pastor at the same church for 30 years. We live in the country (near a resort area--lots of lakes and rivers) Our children are grown and we have 11 beautiful grandchildren.

Where I live it is really just coming into the nice weather and everything grass, trees, etc. are green and luscious. We have a late spring--but it is well worth it.

Some of the things I enjoy are music, drama, teaching, crafting, and reading. I love to sing. I am involved with community theatre. I love to teach the Bible and spend time with other ladies crafting at my church or alone.

I really would love to inspire other women--pastors' wives and Christian ladies to give their time and energy to serving Christ and His church.