Thoughts Along the Journey

It is with a heavy heart that I begin this post. It seems as if, in the past 24 hours or so, I have learned of so many situations in which people are in desperate need of God's intervention. I am one of those people who wants to "make it all better" for everyone. I want to fix their problems and keep them happy. The reality is, though, that I just can't do that. There are friends with employment concerns. There are friends in intense emotional situations. There are acquaintances who are struggling with incredible physical needs. I am aware of a person who is in dire need of financial provision. Friends are dealing with loss of loved ones. We are dealing with the recent death of my husband's grandmother. One of my kids is learning the realities of "not everyone wants to be your friend," and it's hurtful. I saw an article in today's paper that there are people in Haiti literally eating cookies made of dirt, just because they cannot affor...

I'm finally taking time to sit down and catch my breath. Ever since we received the news of Grandma's passing, I feel like I've been in "fast forward" mode. My first introduction to Keith's grandmother was almost twenty years ago. It was the summer of 1988. Keith and I were both getting ready to do our ministerial internships for Bible college. We had chosen to do them at a large church in the Detroit metro area. His family had kindly offered for me to stay at his grandmother's home for the summer. She had been living alone since his grandfather's passing in 1984. She had quite a "punny" sense of humor, his grandma. And a funny little chuckle when she thought she'd said something funny. But I'm a bit that way myself, so I could appreciate it! She was on the go quite a bit, between church activities, shopping, and golf. We really didn't see each other too much, except for the occasional evening when we both happened to be at home. ...

1918-2008

I had this really heartfelt post all ready to go, regarding today being the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. But sometimes, life has a way of invading our plans. We found out this afternoon that my husband's grandmother passed away. She has been ill for quite some time. Still, this is a loss we all feel. She left behind a legacy of service to the Lord. For that I am truly thankful. When I am able, I will post a tribute. It's too fresh right now. All I ask is that you keep her family in your prayers. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15

Feeling a bit under the weather today (and our weather is COLD!). But I had to let you all know our family's news. I am going to be an aunt again! Our sister-in-law is expecting her third child in late August!

Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song. ~Pope John Paul II

I heard a teaching on the radio last week that has really stuck with me. I don't remember the name of the woman who did the teaching, or the name of the program. I know it was a series she is teaching on Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel. The teacher was stressing how we all have longings and unfulfilled desires in our lives. And we question why God hasn't given those things to us, when they are good things that we are sure He would want for us (i.e., as in the biblical story: children). But she brought out something that I had never thought of. If we are measuring how much (or even if ) God loves us by what He gives us, then that is really the wrong perspective. And even more warped is the idea that we will love God more if He gives us what we want! The teacher called that the mindset of a "paid lover." Isn't it true? If I measured my husband's love by how many flowers he has bought me, or how many other gifts he has given me over the years, that woul...

Today is the big 4-1 birthday. Kind of anti-climactic, after hitting the 4-0 last year, I guess. But all the same, it has been a nice day. My hubby and kiddos gave me some really nice gifts and cards this morning. I enjoyed some time to just watch a Walton's episode on DVD. (I have often been compared to Elizabeth...) Had some yummy caramel truffle coffee, using my new coffeemaker. Received some sweet cards and e-cards, and many well-wishes. Had phone calls from two of my favorite people in the world: my mom and my hubby's mom. Overall, it has been a great day so far! Okay. Now I realize I usually post stuff like the following cartoon on my other blog. But since my sons often read that blog, I felt this was a better place for it. I know it's a bit on the "naughty" side of things. But, hey! It's my birthday! I'm entitled, right? :o)

Any of you who visit my blog on a regular, or even semi-regular, basis know that over the past couple of months, this blog has been pretty quiet. I have my occasional devotional-type post, and that's about it. I read others' blogs and am often amazed at how personal and transparent they are. I feel like I really get to "know" them. I pray for their requests. I laugh at their funny real-life anecdotes. I sympathize with their tough times. I rejoice in the good things they experience. But this blog...well, I've just kind of drawn back into myself for awhile. I feel like one of those hermit crabs, moving from shell to shell--never staying out long enough for anyone to get a good look at the "real" me. (Comparing myself to a crab could be a bit scary, too!) :o) There is quite a bit I want to post here today, but I'm not sure how far I'll get. It just depends on how far I feel I can creep out of the latest shell, without feeling too vulnerable. One th...

Awhile back, while going through "blogs of note," I found this great blog called, "Being Five." It is a comic strip drawn by the blogger. Very cute, and very kid-friendly. Just thought I'd pass along the info. so you can check it out. You can find the blog here .

I heard an excellent sermon this morning, and I was so challenged by it. I want to share those challenges with you, my readers. Maybe throughout the year, we can all share ways we are living up to these challenges...keep each other accountable, maybe. Both are found in Scripture: "On the third day there was a marriage at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; Jesus also was invited to the marriage, with his disciples. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, 'They have no wine.' And Jesus said to her, 'O woman, what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come.' His mother said to the servants, 'Do whatever he tells you.' Now six stone jars were standing there, for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, 'Fill the jars with water.' And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, 'Now draw some out, and take it to the steward of the feast.' So they t...