Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Today
Today I am thankful for...large white moon against a purple evening sky; the smell of sweet peas blooming in a bunch; 2 gladiolas finally blooming reminding me of Grandpa Sacry and my wedding day; lavendar that lived; several deer playing in the field; Zip looking silly as he watches a stray cat; a respectful, tender, caring husband; laughter; crisp, almost fall air; new mowed lawn; memories of a beautiful summer with Grandkids; Spencer's chuckle, Rachel's sweet tears and Michael's business-like manner all in the same day; cell phones; the Holy Spirit's assurance; devotions lead by T; Ken's helping Dad and Marlene; Carla's encouraging comments; Pray-as-you-go; Phillip Yancey; a finished quilt; a helpful, non-judgemental husband when Zip locked the keys in the car; that I remembered to exercise; a new well cover finished and painted; grandkids, grandkids (in the bible if it's said 3 times it means it's really important), both Terra and Logan calling today, siblings, nieces and nephews...why am I so blessed. Yes, Karen, I am rich..
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Dinky
For as long as I can remember both my parents, on occasion, called me "Dinky." I really don't know why. When I asked them they said because I was so little. When I look at pictures of myself and my closest siblings I don't appear to be so little.
I also grew up feeling like I was pretty and very sweet. But when I look at pictures of me when I was small I see that I really wasn't that pretty and I especially was not pretty compared to Susan who was only 18 months older than me and strikingly beautiful. Or Dennis, for that matter, who was very pretty for a boy. I was, in fact, kind of ordinary. So I wonder... I grew up believing I was very special, very loved and lovely and that my parents were so grateful that I was alive. What a priceless gift!
I've recently had opportunity to be around all of my grandchildren. I am frankly amazed at how unique, special, charming, intelligent, loving, talented they each are. Each one is completely different from the others. I look at each one and my heart overflows. I cannot make my eyes see any other way. One of my favorite times in life is when I have one of them to just BE with.
I believe God is the same way with each of us. We are loved because we are God's creation, a part of God. God's eyes cannot (oh, dear! Can I say "cannot" about anything when referring to God?) see it any other way. I wonder if God has a special name for each of us. "Precious", "Treasure", "Delightful"
The name "Dinky" can not necessarily be taken as a good thing. But I took it that way. I suppose it was the way it was said. Or how they said it when they wanted me to know they felt warmth and a special attachment to me. I'd like to hear God's voice. I'd like to just really know. But, I suppose for now, I'll just have to believe.
I also grew up feeling like I was pretty and very sweet. But when I look at pictures of me when I was small I see that I really wasn't that pretty and I especially was not pretty compared to Susan who was only 18 months older than me and strikingly beautiful. Or Dennis, for that matter, who was very pretty for a boy. I was, in fact, kind of ordinary. So I wonder... I grew up believing I was very special, very loved and lovely and that my parents were so grateful that I was alive. What a priceless gift!
I've recently had opportunity to be around all of my grandchildren. I am frankly amazed at how unique, special, charming, intelligent, loving, talented they each are. Each one is completely different from the others. I look at each one and my heart overflows. I cannot make my eyes see any other way. One of my favorite times in life is when I have one of them to just BE with.
I believe God is the same way with each of us. We are loved because we are God's creation, a part of God. God's eyes cannot (oh, dear! Can I say "cannot" about anything when referring to God?) see it any other way. I wonder if God has a special name for each of us. "Precious", "Treasure", "Delightful"
The name "Dinky" can not necessarily be taken as a good thing. But I took it that way. I suppose it was the way it was said. Or how they said it when they wanted me to know they felt warmth and a special attachment to me. I'd like to hear God's voice. I'd like to just really know. But, I suppose for now, I'll just have to believe.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Joy
Today I am jealous of Diane. I just looked at her facebook and I felt an overwhelming jealousy. Her beautiful children are home and my house is empty.
It is the first day that everyone is gone. Part of me has enjoyed this day so much. I've cleaned campers to return, washed sheets, made stacks of things to return, written a few thank you's, mostly organized. My fridges are now clean and organized. It feels so good to be catching up. I wonder if I ever caught up when I had kids at home, especially when they were little. And, having Terra's family here for a month I wonder how young parents ever accomplish anything but just keeping up with the kids. It reminded me of when Matt was a baby and nursed for a half hour every 2 hours. I called Mom to complain that I wasn't getting anything done. Her response was, "What do you have to do that is more important than feeding Matt?" I couldn't think of a thing. And, today, when I'm missing all my grandkids so much I think she was definitely right. I've loved the last 4 weeks. Each day had it's difficulties and it certainly wasn't easy. But if any of my kids said, today, "We need to spend a month in your home." I would definitely jump for joy. I could spend this whole blog writing all the things I enjoyed. So many hugs every day, laughter, creativity, reading with them, jumping on the tramp, swinging, listening, mostly listening - yes, that's the favorite. It feeds my soul. Thank you God for creating families and for letting me have part of mine near for a bit. A treasured gift.
It is the first day that everyone is gone. Part of me has enjoyed this day so much. I've cleaned campers to return, washed sheets, made stacks of things to return, written a few thank you's, mostly organized. My fridges are now clean and organized. It feels so good to be catching up. I wonder if I ever caught up when I had kids at home, especially when they were little. And, having Terra's family here for a month I wonder how young parents ever accomplish anything but just keeping up with the kids. It reminded me of when Matt was a baby and nursed for a half hour every 2 hours. I called Mom to complain that I wasn't getting anything done. Her response was, "What do you have to do that is more important than feeding Matt?" I couldn't think of a thing. And, today, when I'm missing all my grandkids so much I think she was definitely right. I've loved the last 4 weeks. Each day had it's difficulties and it certainly wasn't easy. But if any of my kids said, today, "We need to spend a month in your home." I would definitely jump for joy. I could spend this whole blog writing all the things I enjoyed. So many hugs every day, laughter, creativity, reading with them, jumping on the tramp, swinging, listening, mostly listening - yes, that's the favorite. It feeds my soul. Thank you God for creating families and for letting me have part of mine near for a bit. A treasured gift.
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