Category: Grandchildren

  • How Well Are You Taking Care of YOU?

    Are you taking care of you? Really taking care of you? Looks like this COVID-19 virus plans to hang around for a while longer. Now more than ever is a good time to begin to care for your own mind, body, and soul. Because if you don’t take care of you, no one else will. And that leaves no one to take care of your loved ones. No time like the present to begin.

    As a young mom, I remember the first time I heard an airplane stewardess explain the proper use of an oxygen mask. Since I’d never flown before, I listened intently wanting to be sure I knew exactly what to do in the event of a plane crash. She instructed us to first place the mask over our own face and mouth prior to helping a child or an elderly person. After a mask was securely fastened to our own face, then we should place the mask over the child’s face. Put my own mask on first? Did I hear her correctly? Isn’t that selfish not placing my child’s wellbeing into consideration first?

    As I pondered the instructions, it dawned on me that if I did not take proper care of attending to my own oxygen needs, I would not be alive to help a dependent child or elderly person in an adjacent seat. The same guidelines apply here today. By attending to my basic needs, I’ll be available to help others in need. So it is with life.

    I see the correlation between taking care of my body, mind, and soul. When I do this, I’m able to be a part of witnessing and enjoying my children, grandchildren, and family grow older and prosper. It makes sense to take care of our bodies in order to be alive, fit, and available for others. If you do not take care of you, then who will? Taking care of you is not a selfish endeavor, but a wise and necessary one.

    Jewish commentator, Rabbi Hirsch, interprets Psalm 23:1 this way: “The Lord is my shepherd therefore I suffer no want. I do not miss what I do not have. I do not feel its lack, since it is God, my shepherd, who had seen fit to withhold it from me. He shows me His love by denying me that which I desire, but which if I was to have, it would cause me harm.”

    *In what ways do you feel you’re taking care of you during these uncertain, trying times? Maybe taking a walk outside observing fall colors or even a trip to a special store? What refuels your emotional/spiritual tank?

    *Can you think of one or two ways that you can begin to take care of you better?

    ** excerpt taken from Life is: Good, Fragile, Precious—Loving yourself so you can love others book; Day #5.

    *****

  • Complete

    Five-Minute Friday – COMPLETE                 

    You need a man to complete you
    After all, without a man—you’re only 1
    Now that you have a man,
    You need a child or 2.
    After 2 children—
    Well, now you’re complete.

    I’m tired, busy, broke,
    But do I feel complete?
    Content, yet weary, most days
    When day is done—I ask myself,
    There must be more, isn’t there?
    Family, work, church, friends—
    What more could I desire?

    That God-shaped hole in all of us appeared.
    Something felt backwards.
    As dearly as I love my children, grandchildren, family, friends, home …
    My priorities were messed up.
    Circumstances showed me the proper order:
    God, spouse, family and friends, then work and so on.
    A man, child, home or pet does not make me complete.
    Only God can fill my every longing deep within my soul.
    I stand complete in Him!!!

    Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you

    *****

    This post is part of the weekly Five-Minute Friday link-up!
    The prompt this week is: Complete
    The assignment: Write for five minutes on the word of the week. This is meant to be a free write, which means: no editing, no over-thinking, no worrying about perfect grammar or punctuation. Just write.

  • I’m Back !!!

    Greetings & Salutations!

    Been so long busy preparing and traveling on our year-long Great Loop journey that I am sorry I’ve neglected this blog. In the interim, I hope you’ll find, read, comment on our blog link at www.TravelsOfSanctuary.com. Our blog will give you a clue as to what my husband Steve and I have been doing for the last six months.

    Steve & Teresa on the deck of Sanctuary
    Steve & Teresa on the deck of Sanctuary

    This is day #179 of a potential 365-day trip. Doing the math, I calculate that 182 days will be one-half way through. I can honestly say I am not the same person when Steve and I began on September 3, 2016 back at Lakeshore Yacht Harbour, Muskegon, Michigan.

    I’ve been honest with everyone—we are living aboard my dream boat on Steve’s dream trip. We’ve weathered ups and downs. In case you wonder if every day feels like living in Paradise; the answer is no. Many are wonderful and we see beautiful sights such as sunsets, manatees, and Key deer.  I can move my body geographically to a warm location, but with the body also comes my mind and soul. All my previous deficiencies and hang ups come along with me. My fears, doubts, worry (I know that I am not supposed to worry), probably even multiplied—they did not automatically magically disappear (wouldn’t that have been sweet?)

    Circumstances of life and known people stayed behind for a time. New circumstances, geography, people took their place while on this year long journey. I’m thankful for stay-over visitors we have from time to time.  My main source of communication, interaction needs to be found in my husband of 40 years. Other Looper boaters and my surroundings change constantly and sometimes daily. Lately, the mantra I repeat is:

    I cannot do this, Lord! I cannot do this without You!

    Depending on the day, I may be referring to:

    • Being stranded on the boat for a few days and nights without leaving while rocking and rolling in a storm trying to remain brave and not get seasick
    • Washing another dirty dish by hand
    • High temperatures and humidity feeling ready to pass out
    • Not seeing my children/grandchildren/friends for months at time
    • Lack of exercise aboard due to not much square footage and no car to take me away. We rely predominately on our own two feet or bicycles

    I constantly remind myself that He is my all in all. The great I AM. Learning to lean into Him as I combat impatience, loneliness, frustration, anger, and physical limitations. God gives me the choice and will to praise His name and be thankful for my many blessings of which there are many if I look around me. God is still in control.

    How do you handle loneliness? Frustration and anger? Have you been in a situation where you are at the end of your resources and had to call out to God in desperation? Maybe you are there right now. I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment or question. We can both grow together spiritually.

    Blessings to you & your family, Teresa

    I leave you with a few choice words from Colossians 3:15, Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

    *****

  • Joy-filled Birthday

    This year was a big milestone. A really big one, the big 60! Oh my. To say it seems BIG, but to write it. Well, just seems bigger. But, you know, I’m okay with it now. A big birthday bash was thrown in my honor. Not just for reaching 60, but I wanted it to be a celebration of life and living. Living seven years past brain tumor surgery. I want all to know that I am MOST GRATEFUL that God chose to spare me to live more days, more years beyond major surgery.  

    My Family Libs chalk birthday artMy son and family drove from Minnesota just to be with me. A HUGE thank you goes out to family members and dear friends who were present or wished me birthday greetings. I am indeed blessed.

    My grandchildren drew pictures with pink hearts and wrote words on the sidewalk with chalk. I’m feeling loved. And I’m feeling very blessed. I pray this little Light of mine will shine brightly in the days, years to follow.

    Here’s what my granddaughter wrote on the sidewalk:

    Family with me:

    Me (Liberty)
    Mom (Bethany)
    Dad (Andrew)
    Elijah
    Zeek
    Ean
    Nana (Teresa)
    Grandpa (Steve)
    Amanda

    The End

    *****

     

  • Book lover corner

    “It is a great thing to start life with a small number of really good books which are your very own,”—Arthur Conan Doyle.

    Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely LOVE books. Fiction, non-fiction, memoir, mystery, funny & serious books. I give them away and let people borrow from my extensive, unorganized library. You might hear me say,

    “Take care of this one. Treat it gently; like family.”

    As an early married gal, I read all I could about engagements and then married life. Love languages of men and women. During my child rearing years, I tended toward non-fiction, self help type of books. How to potty train in one week. Then, we moved to the turbulent teen years. What to do when you teen doesn’t like you any more (not even a little bit)? Later, as our children grew and moved out, I stared at the empty nest years. How to keep our marriage flame burning brightly. Happy days came when our first born son and his wife were blessed with our first grandchild, Liberty Hope. How do I creatively grandparent from far away?

    Seasons come and go in your life and in mine. One of the keys I’ve found is to be flexible. Having a positive attitude and eagerness to embrace a new chapter in life also is helpful.    image001 (Copy)

    Over the last several years, I’ve been investigating various genres of books. After attending various writer conferences, I’ve learned some benefits of exposing myself to all sorts of writing.

    But the most widely used and appreciated book throughout my entire life would have to be the Bible. The Word of God. Scripture. There are many different titles/references to this Holy Book. Whatever you choose to call this inspired and God-breathed book, I’ve found it to be the answer to any question that might surface during a lifetime. Whether you’re angry, sad, doubtful, happy, searching, or confused, ask God to lead you to the passage that will speak to your specific heart need.

    • What is the burning question(s) in your mind right now?

  • Visits with Family

    Liberty & Ean time
    Liberty & Ean time

    Together we:

    Talk
    Walk
    Laugh
    Play
    Draw
    Color
    Boat
    Observe
    Remember

     

    Cruising down the river (Copy)

  • The work of His hand

    “Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand” – Isaiah 64:8.

    Liberty holding baby Elijah's hand
    Liberty holding baby Elijah’s hand

    I am nothing, He is all. I do nothing of my own. He does it. — Mother Teresa of Calcutta

    Further reading: Isaiah 64:5-10

     

  • Joys of Grandparenting

    Grandparenting

    Questions
    Witty sayings
    Laughable remarks
    More questions

    Inexpressible joy
    Weary muscles
    Unconditional boundless love

    Would I trade for money?
    Not a chance!

     

  • Beauty and Majesty on Mackinac Island

    I just returned from a dream-come-true mini vacation. Three days on Mackinac Island, located in the State of Michigan between the states’s upper and Lower Peninsula.

    The island is a national historic landmark and a motor-free environment since 1898. Only walkers, bicycles, and horses are permitted. The experience is truly stepping back in time. To top it all off, the 3.8 square miles in land (eight miles in circumference), the island is totally surrounded by water accessible only by boat or airplane. In the winter, snowmobiles are allowed if Lake Huron is frozen. More than 80% of the island remains preserved as Mackinac Island State Park.     purple flowers on Mackinaw Island (Copy)

    Whenever I visit the Island, it’s a brand-new experience for me. Riding the ferry over, I still marvel at the majestic landscape, hotels, and homes as we approach the dock. The distinct smell of horses hits my nose first. Followed by sweet smells of fudge, candy, and popcorn. Clothing and trinket shops abound.

    It’s only natural for me to get caught up in the pursuit of finding just the right souvenir. Will it be a shirt, hat, jacket or other item? Would this fit my grandchild? Or, so & so would love this!

    I see this/that and I either say out loud or to myself, Liberty, Elijah, and Ezekiel would have fun riding on a horse-drawn carriage. My daughter, sister, and nieces would love shopping in this jewelry or clothing shop. Look at those beautiful flowers — wouldn’t my Mom love to see those? And, she’d known exactly what they are called.  

    But there’s always a problem. Actually two problems.

    1. I want to bring back some token of the trip for everyone I know! And it’s difficult to know where to draw the line.
    2. I also would like family members and my friends to be there with me. Is that crazy or what?

    Whenever I see beauty or experience something unique or out-of-the-ordinary, this is where my mind goes. If only given enough time and money.

    Am I odd to wish my loved ones were there with me? Does anyone else ever think like this?

    Mackinaw Island Marina
    Mackinaw Island Marina

  • Be thankful along the way

    “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” –
    1 Thessalonians 5:18.

    I am calling you to a life of thankfulness. I want all your moments to be punctuated with thanksgiving –  (Jesus Calling).    Be thankful along the way (Copy)

    Unfortunately, there are many examples where I failed to thank God for all my blessings. I find myself complaining about petty items.

    The weather is too hot or too cold. We need more rain or there’s been too much rain. This meat is too spicy or too bland. They get more time off to do what they want to do. Or, their grandchildren live close by and mine don’t. She’s further ahead in her writing career, or he has more accepted magazine articles than I do.

    Instead, I need to be thankful for:
    * Sufficient food on the table
    *  Employment opportunity
    *  Grandchildren alive & well
    *  The gift of writing
    *  My own platform to proclaim my story

    I am right where God intended me to be. He placed me in this family for a reason(s).

    Dear God, forgive me for daydreaming and wondering what the grass on the other side might be like. 

    “You may think the grass is greener on the other side. But if you take the time to water your own grass, it would be just as green” – unknown.