Category: Family

  • From tears of sorrow to tears of joy

    I began the day in tears thinking about missing my own dear Mom. One word that described my mother would be “Encourager.” My Mom was my biggest cheerleader. If she only knew how far I’ve come along with my dream of writing and publishing … she’d be waving those imaginary pom-poms and saying, “You go, girl. I am so proud of you!”

    But she isn’t here to wish a Happy Mother’s Day. On July 23, 1990 (a very sad day indeed) God chose to bring her home to him. How could such a good woman, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter be taken from us at such a young age? Yet I know that God’s “thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isaiah 55:8).

    I wasn’t even sure I could hold it together enough to attend church, but I’m happy to say that the day ended with me feeling thankful and blessed! Our church orchestra and choir played and sang awesome music. God knew just what I needed to hear — He is all we need (Sing to the King). I spent time after the service chatting with some friends.

    I felt blessed beyond measure on all counts by the end of the day. God is indeed awesome! God filled in the gaps of missing my own Mom with other’s love and generosity …

    • Amanda, our daughter, came to the house bearing cool gifts for me (she has excellent taste!). Steve’s (my husband) mother came over to visit.
    • The 4 of us enjoyed a picnic on the deck under beautiful sunny skies
    • Andrew, our son, and his wife called from Minnesota and wished me Happy Mother’s Day. I also received a lovingly hand-crafted card and bookmark from the family.
    • Steve grilled yummy steaks and asparagus on the grill
    • Chat time on our patio swing
    • Later, Amanda, Steve and I toured on our motorcycles up north and walked around Long Lake Park. The 2 photography geeks took photos of spring bursting forth.

    ***

    Sing to the King

    Come, let us sing a song
    A song declaring that we belong to Jesus,
    He is all we need.
    Lift up a heart of praise,
    Sing now with voices raised to Jesus,
    Sing to the King.

  • Friend, we need each other!

    “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)    Friends

    This quote has always intrigued me. Just what does iron have to do with people and friendships? So I did a little checking on the subject matter and thought I’d share with you a few thoughts.

    1.)  What constitutes a good friend?  Honesty. Concern. Love. Remaining non-judgmental. Knowing when to back off and allow God to direct. I remember a time when I felt overwhelmed with my to-do list and didn’t hesitate to unload on Sharry. She reminded me that I didn’t have to always be the one to orchestrate family gatherings and suggested it was time for others to step in. I listened to her sage advice and stepped aside. Another family member hosted the event which relieved me of the bulk of the work.

    2.)  Why should I choose carefully?  Being around and involved with good people — people with like values and motives is healthy. Good friends keep me accountable to do and say what is right. When my children were growing up, I continually prayed for friends (even one good one) who would be a positive influence and help steer them in the right direction. Unfortunately, they didn’t always choose wisely which led to disappointments.

    Has someone spoken to you about a certain attitude or action they’ve noticed about you? Does it cause you concern or stress? Can you take this matter to God and ask him if this is something you need to deal with or something to set aside?

    * more to follow in next post …

  • Rejoice!

    Daffodils
    Daffodils

    “The world seems sad mid winter’s gloom.

    But all’s well when the jonquils bloom.”

    This is so true. Winter (at least in the mid-west) can last forever. My spirits sag dramatically when the sun doesn’t shine for days. As soon as I glimpse the first crocus or yellow daffodil, hope springs forth!

    Jonquil stands for the word “desire.” Desire for new beginnings, fresh starts, and warm temperatures reign paramount. Whether it be a do-over with a sour relationship or a jump start to a neglected project such as organizing my office space — nothing is impossible if taken one baby step at a time.

    Dear God, thank you for creating seasons, newly budded plants and trees. They remind me that you never give up on your children and continue to love unconditionally. Thank you for the many blessings, both seen and unseen, that you’ve given me, my family and friends.

    Are you feeling blue and downcast today? You are not alone. Can you focus on one positive thing that happened in the last 24 hours and thank God for this?

    “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

  • The Language of Flowers review

    The Language of Flowers, by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

    This story shows the complexity and brokenness of human nature through the eyes of a young girl. Victoria was abandoned at birth by her mother. She never knew her mother or her father. Jerked from foster care to foster care, she understandably lacks stability, love and self-esteem.

    Year after year her insecurity and hesitancy to attach to any human being grows. Any human touch causes Victoria nausea and potential vomiting. Until she meets Elizabeth at age 10. Elizabeth is a vineyard owner and becomes her temporary guardian. This home is finally where Victoria begins to feel what real love might feel like.

    I realize the book is not categorized as inspirational/religious, but I saw unconditional love played out in the part of Elizabeth. Elizabeth told Victoria repeatedly that there was nothing she could do to cause her to give her up or to not love her. Victoria still tries the limits of this love on more than one occasion. Yet Elizabeth never withdraws her love or gives up on winning her back again. Just like God never gives up on us no matter how many times we mess up. He’s always willing to take us back under his wing of protection.

    Then came the fire, hospitalization for Victoria, and Elizabeth disappeared from Victoria’s life. Unfortunately, she’s left with no choice, so it’s back into the flawed foster child system where she stays until she becomes emancipated from a group home.

    A form of redemption came into Victoria’s life when she met Renata, owner of Bloom flower shop. Renata hires Victoria to work for her at the flower shop. Renata seems to understand Victoria’s complexity and need for her own space. Victoria begins to bloom and blossom as she creates arrangements according to the client’s needs — almost to a magical point. Client’s personal relationships improved according to the flowers Victoria’s arranged and delivered. Hence, the flower shop prospered and Victoria matures.

    The author goes into great detail about plants and flowers describing their unique meanings. I looked forward to learning, along with Victoria, the history and thinking behind each flower and grew to love flowers even more as I read the story. “The Victorian language of flowers was used to convey romantic expressions: honeysuckle for devotion, aster for patience, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it’s been more useful in communicating grief, mistrust, and solitude.”

    The main character, Victoria, deals with deep-rooted woundedness and unresolved self-esteem issues her entire life. She resists anyone who tries to get close to her emotionally or physically by acting out in uncivil ways. As a reader, I personally felt the pain of the underdog, the unwanted, unloved and pushed aside in society. I wanted to reach out and adopt Victoria myself!

    The Language of Flowers deals with complex human nature and social issues. I found the book to be very intriguing and swept me right along from start to finish.

  • Harmony

    Harmony — what most of us strive for in our everyday life. What many are unable to grasp. The opposite of harmony might be stress or frustration.

    When two or more individuals sit together in a room, a sense of harmony is either felt or not. If harmony is felt, productivity rises. Camaraderie boosts self-esteem and a sense of belonging reigns.

    I look forward to being captivated for an overnight retreat with a group of fellow writer friends. Some I know; others I do not. We’ll be together for 24 hours participating in various activities such as:

    • Goal setting
    • Journaling
    • Writing
    • Self-editing
    • Critiquing

    Will it be hard work? Yes. But, ‘twill be worth it!

    All the people invited and attending will be of the same mind. The same attitude of goal seeking with an attempt to better themselves and learn more of the craft of writing. Do we all write the same type of pieces? No … some write fiction, others non-fiction, screenplays or poetry. We are created different, but similar in many respects.

    Like-mindedness. Unity. Compatibility. Respect. Artistic talents.  These qualities achieved by thinking highly of others and not thinking too highly of self. Most possess sensitive spirits; some harbor bruised lives and egos. Yet, we carry on the mission and passion God instilled in our hearts long ago. Desiring to put down on paper what God has taught us. Eager to share personal knowledge and words of wisdom from having walked dusty, bumpy trails.

    In the book of Galatians, Paul tells believers in Christ about the fruits of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). These are traits God is pleased with and would smile upon.

    This is what I see manifest when I rub shoulders with my fellow harmonious comrades.  It’s almost like being with family; except with friends, I can choose them!

    “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” — Psalm 139:14.

    ***

  • 21-Rifle Salute

    Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta-Michigan
    Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta-Michigan

    Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a military funeral memorial for a friend’s brother at Fort Custer National Cemetery. I was impressed by the orderly (almost reverent) way in which the United States flag was handled and meticulously folded. Every inch was precisely hand-pressed before the flag was presented to his widow. The sound of taps was heard in the distance as a bagpiper played Amazing Grace.          

    All stood at attention when an honor guard squad shot three rounds in the air. One shot for his birth, the second shot honoring his military service, and the last round for his death.

    This individual’s time on earth ceased when he breathed his last breath. But for those of us who heard the shells clink-clink on the pavement — we still inhale and exhale.

    Family and friends chuckled as his sister reminisced about brother-sister antics while growing up. Others reflected on his fix-it ability and honorable service to his country and the community. Without a doubt, this man was loved and gave of himself to many people.

    Their words caused me to consider my own life and motivation for doing what I do. What struck me was the finality of life. I’ll admit that the thought is somewhat frightening. I only have one chance to make a difference here on earth. Am I using my time wisely? I still have time to speak a kind word, make a new friend, and forgive a wrong.

    Missionary C.T. Studd wrote a poem entitled Only One Life reflecting on life issues such as:

    • Brevity of life
    • Cleaving to God’s holy will
    • Asking: do I live for self or in His will?

    We’ve only one life ~ it soon will be past ~ Only what’s done for Christ will last

    “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” –                     (2 Corinthians 5:10).

    ***

  • “What do you want me to do for you?”

    My reading for the day takes me to the story of a blind beggar who receives his sight (Luke 18:35–43). Day after day the beggar sat beside the road. One day a crowd passed by. He asked what all the commotion was about and was told, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”     eye glasses

    The beggar knew in his heart he needed to get near Jesus — one way or the other. But he couldn’t see to make his way in Jesus’ direction.

    So he did the next best thing, he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The people around him told him to be quiet. They were annoyed with his constant noise making having only their own agenda in mind. He ignored them and continued to shout out Jesus’ name in hopes that his pleas would capture the Son of David’s attention. And his persistence paid off.

    Jesus stopped and asked the beggar, “What do you want me to do for you?” Now that sounds like a leading question if I ever heard one.

    “Lord, I want to see.”

    Jesus said, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God.

    This story makes me think about my own life. God gave me the gift of sight, so I don’t need to ask for eyes to see. But there are things that disturb me that I should be asking for on a daily basis. For instance … the ability to see people through God’s eyes feeling their pain and trying to understand and relate to their needs.

    It helps to remember that God works in supernatural ways and is still the God of the impossible. I must believe he is almighty and willing and able to restore healthy relationships to unity and joy.

    Thank you, God, that you are mighty. You care about me and desire unity in this strained relationship. You created both of us uniquely. Help me to be patient for your perfect timing in restoration. Give me wise words when we are together so I will not hinder the process. Thank you for forgiving me when I sin and falter time and again.

    Is there something that is troubling your soul? Something you’ve been asking God to do for you for a long time? Can you tell him and hold nothing back? Bare your soul to the God of the universe who wants to be your counselor. Allow him to comfort and answer that thing which plagues your soul causing distress and lack of sleep.

    ***

  • God calls me “Beloved”

    “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:8–9)

    I often forget that God does not operate on the same timetable as I do. My timetable focus is narrow and short-sighted — unlike God’s. I catch myself wondering out loud, Why doesn’t this or that happen right now? I need this to happen now. I want it now. God, can’t you see this relationship is messed up and needs fixing.

    Then, I step back and acknowledge that, of course, God knows. He cares when I cry and when I hurt deep down. One day to him is like many, many years. He’s got it all figured out and knows the beginning from the end. Unlike me.

    In the second chapter of Peter, God calls me a dear friend. Beloved. Such terms of endearment I do not always deserve, yet he remains longsuffering toward me. Knowing this brings refreshment and renewal to my soul. If God is still on my side, then I can go on. I choose to endure and be faithful to my family and friend commitments. God shows up exactly when he needs to show up. Not a minute too late or too soon.

    Dear God, forgive me for being impatient. Help me to remember that you created the sun, moon and the stars and each one of us. You hold the whole world in your grasp. I love being called “beloved.” You love me and care what I care about.

    Are you waiting for some big event to take place? Maybe it’s waiting for that special person to ask your hand in marriage. Maybe, your heart aches for a wayward spouse or child who’s chosen a different path than you’d hoped for. Don’t despair. Can you shift that heavy burden over to God’s shoulders — strong shoulders that can handle anything?

    ***

  • The God of All Creation

    “You blanketed earth with ocean, covered the mountains with deep waters; then you roared and the water ran away — your thunder crash put it to flight …  you set boundaries between earth and sea; never again will earth be flooded.” (Psalm 104:6–9; The Msg)

    Grand Haven pier (Michigan)
    Grand Haven pier (Michigan)

    Father, God, you are great and greatly to be praised!   

    All of creation stands ready at your beck and call. You didn’t just create beauty, but you continue to maintain control over land and sea. This created world brings joy and contentment to my heart in the midst of a confused and sometimes dark world.

    You also created each of us human beings uniquely. No two are exactly alike. We each have a story to tell. My story is different from my sister’s story, from my neighbor’s story and so on. That’s why it’s important to tell others my story of salvation and lessons learned along the walkway with God. I must share with my children and children’s children so they can be strengthened and encouraged to carry on.

    Help me, God, to live in the present. I realize that each day carries with it troubles of its own. My desire is to live in today and not borrow tomorrow’s troubles. Thank you for saving my soul and watching over each of us.

    Is there something troubling you today and causing you to remain immobile? Can you step aside for a period of time and tell God your heartache? He created you and he loves you best.

    ***

  • Happy Birthday to my Son

    It’s hard to believe my “baby” boy is 33 years old today! It seems like just yesterday when he began to eat solid food, say his first words and took those first unsteady steps. I distinctly remember when he was riding in the front seat of our truck (there was no back seat) and he spied a truck just ahead of us and proclaimed,

    “F – O – R – D; truck!”

    He was so pleased with himself as he practiced letters he was learning, that I didn’t have the heart to tell him that wasn’t quite right!

    My Mom was right when she encouraged me to enjoy those early years because sooner than you think, they’ll be grown and out of the house. Now he’s married and has three little ones of his own! My … how those years seemed to fly.

    Son, we’ve been through good times and bad. Ups and downs. As in every family, not every day was a perfect day. But we managed to weather our experiences together as we grew and learned. Tears, pain, and lots of prayer goes into parenting, but I wouldn’t trade our children and grandchildren for any amount of money.

    Some days it takes a conscious effort to love our children unconditionally regardless of their behavior — just like God loves you and me. God loves and forgives us when we don’t deserve loving or forgiving. But that’s what God does, isn’t it?

    Your Dad and I are so proud of you — for what you stand for and for what you’ve become. A faithful husband and loving dad, and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ … a son whom we love and enjoy talking to and spending time with. Thank you, God, for protecting and strengthening Andrew in the faith. We are blessed beyond measure have MUCH to celebrate in 2012.

    ***