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Just a bit of dirt

I love spending time away viewing God's beauty all around me. More than that, I love the lessons He can teach through simple, unusual occurrences. Take, for example, an evening at Cannon Beach, Oregon near Haystack Rock. There I was, minding my own business taking millions of pictures of rocks and starfish and seagulls eating crab for supper when I spotted someone in a long, white dress splotching around in the surf. "Kind of unusual," I thought to myself, then sat back to watch for a minute; taking in what I would never ever dare to do--get my wedding dress dirty! Yet there she was, big smile on her face, holding tightly to the new hub posing for picture after picture courtesy The Wedding Photographer. Meanwhile, the sand, dirt and water from the shore began to creep up the crinolin and silky-white dress, until the entire body looked at bit...well...limp and full of sand, dirt and water. Wow! What a picture of marriage, I thought. And life. Oh, how we like to look good on the outside (at least I do!--that's why I could never take myself in a white wedding dress to the beach!) All clean, white, put-together. Yet often our lives are anything but. You know what I mean?

Here's the truth: Jesus, God's one and only Son washed away all that dirt and filth. As I examine my life and confess my sins, He is faithful to forgive and cleanse me from all of the mess! I am free--even to wear a long, white dress while splotching in the surf!

It's a New Year!

Well, I think I've done pretty much one of the hardest things ever. Hard for me, that is.  I took a leave of absence. You need to understand: I'm a "golden retriever." I do anything and everything for anyone and everyone. I try to please everyone, even at the expense of taking care of myself. It's called "martyr" in some circles. Well, the Lord is trying His hardest to break me of this thing. So, at His urging; umm...His "hit me over the head so I will do the thing" prompting, I did it. I spoke to the office, my good friends, and they are giving me six weeks or so to take care of myself. Further, I want to see what God has in mind, because I sense that He's changing things up a bit. I am confident that He has plans for me and for the LAMP staff, and I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN as I sift through this. Please pray with me, would you? God, our faithful God, will hear all your prayers. Thanks!

4 hours and counting

...to 2011. I can't say I'm sad to see the end of 2010. Yet I need to look at the good things as well. Things like the better relationship with my bro and sis-in-law. And, we are no longer in the "Squeeze Generation." (Or rather, our "squeezing" is over, at least.)  We've learned a ton this year through all of the stresses and challenges, the living and the dying. I'm sure there's so much more to learn as we continue to process it all.  Mom always reminded me, "God hasn't promised skies always blue, flower-strewn pathways all our life through..."

I do want to take a minute to say goodbye to "Grandpa," (Craig's father). We've learned a lot from him while he was here. Grandpa came to Gretna on Valentine's Day, 2008, moving into assisted living close to our home. I am really impressed by all of the trips Craig made to ensure coffee was made, coffee cake was cut and all of the necessities were stocked. Even though his visits were short, he gave all he had to give, and he gave faithfully. In turn, I believe that God worked forgiveness in his heart, as only He can do. Although there were difficulties, hospitalizations, uncomfortable "unfiltered" discussions and lots of loneliness, I am sad to see him go. I know that's what he wanted--to finally be with Kay. Rest in peace, Grandpa.

Looking ahead...I choose to trust in my Father, who knows what's best for me, even when times seem hard. I hope I can spend more quality time with Him this year. I'm looking forward to the addition to our family...little baby Johnson in August. I'm looking forward to visiting Seattle again, and celebrating RN graduation, and helping Beck and Chris move in, and babysitting for Johanna (and telling her more about Jesus), and visiting my friends in Big Trout Lake, (and who knows, maybe going somewhere else, too). Most of all, I am praying that God's plan unravels for me and for you. The year 2010 was an indication that on this side of heaven, life's a battle. Thank God it doesn't belong to us--the Lord is fighting on your behalf...and mine!

Happy New Year!

Cozy fire and sleeping kitties

Where does the time go? God has brought me through so many things this year, it feels like I woke up and it's almost Christmas! (Which it is...but still...) Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas. I just don't like all the extra work it is. These last few days I have enjoyed sitting in front of the fireplace (burning real wood, I might add), and reading, sleeping, or watching football. What I'd love to do is just put up my tree, and see how much energy I have after that. What I'd enjoy is to spend time with my family making cut-out cookies and puppy chow without feeling exhausted. What I'd really like is to sit before the fire with hot...well, hot something...and read, hang out with the sleepy cats, and watch the Badgers and the Packers win.

Hey, I think it's time to do all those things I enjoy. If I have time, I'll send out Christmas cards and write that "interesting, witty, yet certainly-not-bragging" Christmas newsletter. If I have time, I'll put some lights outside. If I have time, I'll go out and shop for that special gift-you-always-wanted--but-not-really. In the meantime...

Yeah, in the meantime, I plan to spend as much time as possible my husband of 32 years. And with my 14 month-old grandduaghter, who's struggling with a rare blood disorder. I'll spend as much time as possible with her mom, who's been cooped up in the house for weeks with a sick toddler who doesn't want to sleep. I'll spend as much time as possible with son Andrew and daughter-in-love Michelle, and Seattle daughter Maribeth (when she gets home~!)  Because I've realized this year--and God help me remember--that it's not how much stuff you get done, and it's not how perfect the house looks. No, it's all about the time you take to share the Jesus-in-you with your family and friends. And, it's about realizing how blessed you are that you're a child of the King of the Universe, and there's nothing...nothing...that He can't handle.

Happy Thanksgiving! Be blessed, not stressed, my much-loved family and friends!

Celebrating 32 Years

After a few months of a very hectic, busy, stressful summer, I finally spent a whole month at home. It was kind of weird, but good just the same. I loved spending time with the kitties, hanging out with the my sweet granddaughter and great kids, feeding the last of the summer birds, (especially enjoying the several hummers that we've had), pulling weeds, trimming bushes, and getting back into a routine. 

Craig and I celebrate 32 years of marriage
This is "high tea" at The Empress, Victoria, BC
(fulfills a life-long dream of mine)

HOWEVER, I knew it wouldn't last long. Craig and I had a trip planned to celebrate 32 years together. We spent a week in Washington/Victoria, BC visiting Maribeth, checking out potential retirement spots, and just having a good time together. I am SO THANKFUL for the beautiful weather! 



Beautiful downtown and the Space Needle
from the rooftop of MB's apartment



Doc

Towards the end of our trip, I quietly asked my dear hubby if I could stay another week in Seattle at MB's. I felt I could use a little relaxation and down time following the busy-ness of the week before. Besides, the last time I was in Seattle I did a lot of work helping with the move. I was looking forward to visiting the new areas that Maribeth had explored and learning a little more about her new life in Washington. I needed to meet the new "grand-kitty" too...Doc (also known as Monkey). He's a special little guy with some disabilities, but he's acclimating very well to his new loving environment.



Maribeth and Mom in Seattle near her apartment

I thank God for the ability to travel, for good health, for special times with family and friends, for the beauty of His creation, and many other things--too numerous to count. Thank you, Lord, for this time of refreshing!

Time to Move On (Cuz Time DOES Move on!)

I'm in a place where I haven't been for (nearly) 30 years...alone with my husband. It's time to reconnect, I'd say. I'm pretty sure neither one of us knows how to do this. I mean. THIRTY YEARS! More than half of my life has been spent with babies/toddlers/pre-schoolers/primary-graders/junior highers (awkward!)/high-schoolers/collegiates/young adults. Whew! What a ride! I AM SO BLESSED! I wouldn't have traded one second of it. In fact, as I look back, I see that everything...yes, EVERYTHING...has been used by God to shape me into the mother/wife/woman I've become. Wow! HOW DOES HE DO THAT?!?


What I feel I want to do now is give "advice." Give "encouragement." ("Clap" so-to-speak.) I'm too old to dance (not really, but I never was very good at it. Stupid German background... er, love you Mom and Dad!), but I'm not too old to clap along with the music. To stand on the stage of life and hoot and hollar and help the youngsters of these days to keep their eyes on Jesus, the Author, AND PERFECTOR (His words, not mine) of our faith. With God's help.
Oh, and if anyone is wondering, the hair is going natural. (well, mostly.) It's time to be REAL during this "movin' on time."