Thoughts of 33 years ago today!

My third daughter was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka at Joseph Frazier hospital thirty-three years ago today. Where have the years gone? She is a lover of God and family. I am amazed at her determination to walk upright even in difficult situations. My heart is filled with awe and pride that she is my offspring. How did God do that in spite of who I am? I love who she was as a child and I love who she is as an adult. She is a great wife and mother and her family does called her blessed. Her compassion never fails and she serves with a great heart and attitude; one that inspires others to raise their own standards. May she find the necessary grace and strength to rise to new heights this year and may her life exemplify Jesus in all she does. Happy Birthday, you are a treasure and we celebrate YOU!

Thoughts of Loss

Papa's brother passed into the portals of heaven last evening. It is bittersweet! He is enjoying the rewards of eternal life with Jesus Christ and we are still here striving to be more Christ-like even in loss. He was a very strong opinionated man, strict ethics, high morals and sometimes even legalistic. One of the qualities I admired about him the most was the legacy he forged in his children. The bible says our children qualify or disqualify us and well if you look at his off-spring they speak volumes of good stuff about their Dad. Papa always said his brother had excellent taste in women and I think that somehow filtered into my being picked to be Papa's wife. One of his best qualities was the ability to forgive even when he did not want to...in the end the Christ in him would win out and he would stop judging others and grant the priceless gift of forgiveness. May we all become better at this. We became family out of a difficult time but remained family out of personal choice on both sides to be accepted and loved. We will miss Ron, we loved him and we know he loved us! Our prayers for added grace during this season of transition for his immediate familyl.

Thoughts of pain and age, etc.

After a busy Thanksgiving week-end with lots of guests, I find myself with an ache in my shoulder. The intensity of the pain is unbelievable; I am having trouble putting my arm in my sleeve and raising my arm above my head. I don't feel old in my head, but the body is another story all together. I was blessed by Papa's revelation last year that our spirits never age, Hallelujah! It would be terrible to wear out all at once. Papa is trouping through everyday himself. His eyesight has deteriorated and there are some challenges ahead. God is still God and we trust in HIS infinite care of our lives. Can't wait for the awesome testimony that will come out of this ordeal. Look out, we will be more than conqueror's. How do I know this.... because God's word declares it to be so. Everything that comes our way is a testimony in the making. Praise God for HIS never ending care of our lives. Pain is fleeting, but life in Christ is eternal.

Challenging Thoughts!

Went to a spiritual renewal seminar where a clip of Brene' Brown's was shown. Very challenging to consider our own response to shame....what drives our behavior? I am trying to live authentically in a world that is less than enthused about absolutes. Trying to process through the facts that were presented and find the truth that God wants me to walk out in my own life. I am so grateful to the Spiritual Team at the local hospital for making these ministry days available. I left challenged, renewed in my calling to serve others and refreshed by the fellowship of others. God is able to make all grace abound and I am often so in need of "all grace". Having found myself living in HIS favor I want to give thanks for HIS unfailing faithfulness in every situation. May my life reflect HIS nature and not my own. Wow, God what a challenge, for you to increase in me so that I might decrease and become lost in the shadow of WHO you are.

Thoughts of Popa

The call came early Saturday morning, Popa was in the hospital and not expected to live for more than three days. A hurried suitcase packed and tickets obtained and we were off to Arizona. Arrived late at night, stopped by the hospital. Popa wanted his son to stay for awhile. So, daughter no. 1 and I went to Applebees for the first real meal of the day just short of midnight. Lucky us, it was karoke night and the talented singers stayed home. Picked up Craig and headed to the hotel. Short night of sleep and back to the hospital to greet Popa and Grandma Mary for the day. Hard decision to be made and Popa was moved out of ICU up to 5C to wait for the sentence of death to play out. Hard to watch and wait for a loved one to take his last breath. Hard to watch the family dynamics play out. Wonderful opportunity for goodbyes to be said. Popa's son stayed at the hospital all night with his step-mom. Our daughter had to leave the next day to return to her own family and just about 9:25 p.m. Popa breathed his last breath. The mayhem of planning viewings, rosaries and funerals took up our time for the next few days and then following a funeral in Sun City West, Popa's body was flown back home to Stockton for a second funeral. My husband, son of Popa gave the eulogy quite eloquently, I might add. Lots of drama and lets face it trauma when you lose a loved one. Trying to recuperate, rejoicing that he is with the Lord and planning to continue to live our lives with purpose and meaning that goes beyond the grave. Popa will be missed. We loved him and we came to know that he loved us.

Never enough time!

Never enough time to spend all the time with the kids, grandkids, family and friends we want. Never enough time to get all the things done I had planned to do. Never enough time to enjoy the quietness of the day. Never enough time to do all the crafting I enjoy. Never enough time to see all the sights and wonders of the world we live in. I realize I must make the time for what is really important or it slips away too. Grateful to know the ONE who is not bound by time and is available all the time. God is good. We have loved being in Oregon this summer, realized how quickly time is passing and how big our grandchildren are getting. We have loved watching them play in the backyard, run on the soccer field and catch passes at their football game. Life is full and rich and we are truly blessed. So, thankful for each moment spent loving and being loved. Eternally thankful for the love of God!

Calmer Thoughts!

Life is full of ups and downs! It's the down times that cause most people to trip up. I hope that as I age I can roll with the punches and enjoy even the toughest of times. I am currently in unchartered waters but trying to enjoy the tide. Riding the waves has always been a bit a of a challenge for me as I get seasick; really seasick. Like just walking out on the dock makes my stomach turn. So, what does a queasy person do when there is movement all around her? I have said for years I wanted to be made into the likeness of Christ, I am not sure that I should have signed up for that. That means my life is not my own, I must love the unlovely, be compassionate when I would rather not be, and serve with my whole being.....even if the recipient does not respond in like fashion. UGH? REALLY? If HE is the God of storm, surely HE has plan. I will trust HIM and find HIM faithful to lead and to guide me around, over, under or through this season of life. My thoughts are calm because I know who is in control, not because the waves of life have ceased.