Happy Thanksgiving to all!

 

Thursday, Day 351:  As most of you know by now, today is my favorite day of the year!  What’s not to love about Thanksgiving Day?  It is a time spent with family, being thankful for your blessings, enjoying a wonderful feast of family favorites (I also enjoy alliteration, if you couldn’t tell), and sharing a day of relaxation and laughter.  I read a little article to Ricky about 13 topics you should never discuss around the Thanksgiving dinner table.  When I finished, he commented that we usually talk about all of them!  That is one of the things that I’ve always loved about the family table…it is a time to share our thoughts and stories. 

This Thanksgiving is extra special because it is our first one with Jesse.  A baby always adds joy to any occasion.  He is old enough to be able to eat a little table food, so I look forward to trying a few out on him.  (And I made sure to have some pickles for him.)  He is a busy little guy, ready to play with all of the doting adults in the family.  (I promise to post pictures in the coming days!)

So today, I am thankful for Thanksgiving Day!  May all of you enjoy this special day with family!

For Dennis

Wednesday, Day 343:  Thirty-seven years ago today I married the love of my life.  I was amazed (and still am) that this wonderful man actually chose me as his wife.  Some folks couldn’t see it, because our personalities are so different.  But our differences fit together to make us stronger as a couple. 

We have certainly had problems in our lives.  We have faced challenges together from without and within.  We have had to learn to adjust to many difficult situations, which has put a strain on our relationship at times.  But we’ve always been totally committed to our marriage and have weathered every storm, with God’s help.  We are now nearing a new stage in life…one that we look forward to, but one that will also bring new challenges.  I joyfully anticipate the years ahead that we can spend together:  working on our house, spending time with our grandchildren, having more time to devote to our service to others, and hopefully getting to see more of this land we live in.  I am so very thankful for my husband, Dennis!  The words of this song say it so well:

For all those times you stood by meFor all the truth that you made me see

For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
For every dream you made come true
For all the love I found in you
I'll be forever thankful baby
You're the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You're the one who saw me through it all

You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love I had it all
I'm grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe I don't know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because I was loved by you

You were always there for me
The tender wind that carried me
A light in the dark shining your love into my life
You've been my inspiration
Through the lies you were the truth
My world is a better place because of you

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'cuz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

("Because You Love Me" written by Diane Warren, sung by Celine Dion)

"I Can Only Imagine"

Day 327:  Ron gave a really good lesson yesterday on heaven.  He used an analogy about the bible being like a small gap in a privacy fence that allows us a peak into it.  It got me to thinking about heaven and what I think about the most.

Heaven is described as being a beautiful place.  I am one who really appreciates beauty.  I love seeing the beauty of nature, beautiful images in print or onscreen, beautiful designs in architecture and other things that man has created.  And yet, it isn't the beauty of heaven that I think of and long for.

When we have a meeting like we did a week ago, people always mention how the singing and fellowship give us a small taste of what heaven will be like.  Being with beloved Christian friends and family forever...never being parted...is a wonderful thought!  And yet, it isn't what I think of and long for.

We often talk about how we will no longer suffer any pain or sorrow in heaven.  We won't grow old.  As I watch so many of the people I love go through the sufferings of old age, the thought of that ending and no longer being a consideration is such a comfort.  And yet, it isn't the thing that I most long for.

When I think of heaven and my soul yearns for it, it is being in the presence of Jesus that I long for!  Being able to see Him face to face and to know Him as He is fills my heart with unspeakable joy.  Being in the presence of God and feeling His love completely envelope me is what I desire most of all.  I read a book by Ted Dekker once that gave a good analogy about this.  (His books are really weird and I usually don't really understand all of his imagery, but this one point was well conceived.)  There was a lake in which people could immerse themselves, which flooded them with an all encompassing feeling of love.  To me, that is what heaven will be like.  I have felt love in this life that made me feel like my heart would burst from overflowing.  I have had tears flow down my face from overwhelming love.  But feeling the love of God, IN PERSON, and living in it FOREVER...I can't imagine anything better!  And THAT is what I am most thankful for.

 

I can only imagine what it will be like

When I walk, by your side

I can only imagine what my eyes will see

When your face is before me

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

Surrounded by your glory

What will my heart feel

Will I dance for you Jesus

Or in awe of you be still

Will I stand in your presence

Or to my knees will I fall

Will I sing hallelujah

Will I be able to speak at all

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

"Honour all men"

In my reading this morning, I came across this verse:  "Honour all men.  Love the brotherhood.  Fear God.  Honour the king." (1 Peter 2:17).  Now I've read this passage MANY times, but never really focused on the first part much.  I looked up the word "honour".  It means to prize, to fix a valuation upon, to revere...to value.  Such a short statement and so easy to understand the meaning.  But how often do we REALLY do this?  Do we truly value each person that we meet?  By observing the actions around me...and those performed BY me...I don't think we do.

When we are going about our business and someone calls us on the phone, do we reject the call or get aggravated at the interruption?  How much value are we placing on the person making that call?  When we get angry at some "slight", either by people we know or a stranger who cuts us off in traffic or a sales person or waiter who is rude, do we really think about their value as a person?  When we choose to rush home on Sunday, because we really have other things that we need or want to do, rather than taking an opportunity to engage in sweet fellowship one with another, how much value are do we place on our brothers and sisters in Christ?

There are so many ways that we can either show esteem for people or show a lack thereof.  We can avert our eyes and walk the other way when we see homeless people, or we can acknowledge their humanity and see if we can make their day a little better.  We can dismiss those who have been in trouble with the law as not worthy of value, or we can treat them with kindness and compassion.  We can look down our nose at those of other races or ethnic groups or socioeconomic status, or we can treat all people with respect.

I hope to pay more attention and try to not just "show" but also truly extend honor to those around me...especially when it has NOT been shown to me.  (Matt. 5:43-48)  If we all work on doing this, what a kinder world we would have!

Happy Birthday Dennis!

 

Tuesday, Day 307:  Today is Dennis’ 62^nd birthday.  We have looked forward to this year for a long time...it is the age in which he plans to retire.  He still has another 5 ½ months until that takes place, but the countdown has begun. 

I’m thankful for the 25 years that he has worked at the post office, and that his health (and feet!) have held up to it.  I’m thankful that for the last few years, he has had a good postmaster…one that appreciates him and takes care of him.  And I’m thankful that after working so hard to provide for our family for the past 37 years, his time on the job is drawing to a close.  He has hiked through miles of woods, planted tens of thousands of trees, put out forest fires, and more as a forester.  He put in LONG hard days as a deliveryman for UPS.  He did whatever jobs he could find when times got really rough.  Finally he has walked THOUSANDS of miles delivering the mail. 

We continue to mark off the “lasts” of his career.  As soon as he awakened this morning, he said, “This is the last birthday I’ll have to work.”  And for that, I am very thankful!



"Hall of Fame"

Wednesday, Day 294:  Today I am thankful for all of the wonderful Christian women who have made an important impact on my life.  The first was my Granny. 

I’ve talked about her a lot, so I’ll just say she provided me a good role model for being a Christian wife and mother.  Then there was Lucille Lackey, who gave me a place to come and talk when I was troubled as a teen.  She showed me that age didn't matter when it comes to friendship. 

Of course, I can’t do a list like this without mentioning Vicki Fields, who has been a second mother to me;

 as well as my mother-in-law, Maxine Gerrald, who taught me so much about cooking and canning and caring for my family. 

There is Glenda Siemens, who is such a sweet example of Christian love and hospitality.

Loita Hathaway, who exemplifies hospitality as well as anyone I know. 

Then there’s Johnnie Trekell, who in spite of her “disabilities”, ministers to everyone that she sees in need. 

Verlie Young was such a wonderful example of a scholarly and hospitable woman…who also loved life and loved to laugh. 

The list is too long to be able to mention all of the women who mentored me along the way, but I’m very grateful for each and every one…and hope that I can pay it forward in some small way!

Titus 2:3-5  The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,  To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the world Thy Hand hath made...

Well, things are pretty much back to normal now, and I'm enjoying being back home.  I LOVE going on trips, but I also love being back in my house...and with my family.  This was the first time we were able to spend a whole week away on our girls' trip.  It made it so much easier to travel the distance that we did, and gave us extra time to enjoy the sights, but I'm not used to being gone from Dennis that long!

I have discovered that I absolutely love the beach!  I've never thought of myself as the beach type, but now I understand why folks go so crazy over it.  There is something so peaceful and mesmerizing about the ocean.  Even though there are some obvious annoyances (the heat and humidity and the sand that gets in everything), they are a small price to pay for the beauty and relaxing properties of the sea.  I could have spent many more hours playing in the waves or just watching the changing colors.  It was so cool to see the effect of the changing light on the water:  from the pinks and golds of the sunrise, to the emerald green during full sunlight, to the silvery blue when the clouds moved in and the golden bronze of sunset.  I never tired of watching the waves build as they came in, until they broke over in foamy whitecaps.  I loved feeling the buoyancy of the water as it lifted me up and pushed me towards the shore with each wave.  I don't know if it is because our first sensations of life are of being suspended in fluid, or if it is something else that makes being in the water such a relaxing and pleasurable experience.

I also really enjoyed seeing and interacting with the various sea creatures.  Who doesn't just love seeing dolphins?!  They are such friendly animals and always seem to be smiling.  I got a kick out of watching all of the water birds...especially the pelicans.  (Is it possible to look at a pelican and not smile?)  Being able to hold a live starfish and feel its little tube feet as it tried to move across my hand was amazing!  And visiting the turtle rescue was a special treat for me...I love turtles!

This has been such an amazing year for me!  Being able to travel to so many places and see so many new things has been a wonderful blessing.  From the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota, to the lush green forests of Idaho, to the majestic Tetons and rushing waterfalls of Yellowstone, to the emerald green beaches of South Padre.  I've seen snowstorms in Nebraska and Wyoming and rainbows over the Gulf.  I am constantly amazed at the absolute beauty and variety of God's creation!  No matter where I travel, there is always something to see that is interesting and lovely.  I hope that I am allowed to see even more of this vast and gorgeous land in which we live!

Psalms 95:3-6  For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

A Day at Port Isabel and Another Gorgeous Sunset

Thursday, Day 274:  We had a little less strenuous day yesterday.  We slept in and took it easy until time to go on our dolphin tour at noon.  I loved it!  Even though it was during the heat of the day, the breeze off the bay was very pleasant.  The guide threw out a fishing net and caught some fish for us to see and hold:  starfish, crabs (no one wanted to hold them!), a flounder and a puffer fish.  It was cool to hold a live starfish and feel it “crawling” across your palm.  We saw several dolphins up close.  It was great!

We visited a few shops in Port Isabel and ate a late lunch at Pirate’s Landing.  We visited a small museum and then crossed back over onto the island.  By then we were all pretty tired, so we went back to our condo to cool off and nap the rest of the afternoon. 

We enjoyed the sunset on the Laguna Madre nature walk the night before so much that we decided to go back again.  It was so enjoyable to watch all of the water birds fishing and coming in to roost.  There was another beautiful sunset tonight, and the fish were competing to see which one could jump the highest.

After it got dark we decided to go get a treat.  Town had pretty much rolled up its sidewalks already, so we ended up at the DQ.  Then we spent a quiet evening reading and watching tv, rounded out with moonlit walk on the beach…pure satisfaction.  I am thankful for a day of beauty and relaxation!

Labor Day Weekend 2014

2014

 

What a great Labor Day weekend!  We started attending the Youngs' annual gathering in 2000.  Things have changed over the years, and we've lost loved ones along the way.  However, the love and laughter and good fellowship and food are the constants that keep us coming back for more. 

We weren't able to make the last two years in Valliant.  Since Kay decided to host it in Haslet this year, however, it made it impossible NOT to go!  The kids (Sheila, Ricky and Brandon) and I drove over Saturday morning.  The guys were already busy grilling up some mighty tasty burgers and dogs for lunch.  The dessert table was already filling up with the inevitable delicious selections (including Wallace's FAMOUS banana pudding).  Folks kept trickling in as the time for lunch drew closer.  It was fun to catch up with everyone as they arrived.  There were so many that it was hard to get around to everyone!

We served up a Mexican feast for supper (after smoking the place up good from a boil-over in the oven!).  There was about every kind of enchilada you can think of...along with pulled pork carnitas, corn casseroles, Mexican salads, and of course, chips and salsa.  Kay always surprises us with one of her unique dessert specialties.  This year it was cheesecake drizzled with jalapeno jelly with a slice of jalapeno for garnish.  YUM!

There were games being played around the room by ALL ages.  I saw the most exciting game of Candyland ever (thanks to Jamie and Phillip).  Of course, there was the ubiquitous game of 42 taking place in the corner.  Big and little girls came together for some Bananagrams.  But mostly there was just folks grouping together to visit...catching up with those we don't see very often, sharing recent stories and life events, talking to like-minded loved ones about what is in our hearts. 

Of course, the weekend wouldn't be complete without homemade ice cream!  It was moved to Saturday night this year, rather than Sunday night.  Every time we enjoy this tasty frozen treat, I think of the story that Dell always told of his black lab.  They always had more ice cream than could be eaten, so they would dump out the leftovers in the back yard.  His dog ran over and gobbled down as much as he could hold (in typical canine fashion).  Then they noticed he stopped, laid his head down on the ground and covered it with his paws.  He was suffering from brain freeze!  I love that story!

At one point, I glanced up at the food line and saw Sheila, Stacey, Leslie, Chelsey, and a few other young ladies.  The years rushed backward to when they were all teenagers together.  It just seems like yesterday...seeing the shy ones coming out of their shells as they reconnected with each other, watching the inevitable pranks that occurred every year, and basking in the joy of living that emanated from them as they enjoyed their time together.

Every year, the Young family include something in the weekend to raise money for someone in need.  This year, pink bracelets were "sold" to raise money (and awareness) for Debbie, who attends the Henrietta Creek congregation and has been fighting cancer this year.  For every dollar donated, a matching dollar was donated to send to Costa Rica to help with the clinic that is being built there...a total of $1000.

We enjoyed two wonderful assemblies at Henrietta Creek on Sunday.  Ken gave us a great lesson on reviving the dead, then Keith followed that afternoon with a wonderful lesson on the gospel.  The singing was amazing!  That new building was filled and the sound of all the joyful voices was breathtaking!

As things were winding down last night, I got a little misty eyed (as I usually do).  I watched Wallace as he and Linda were heading out.  This year was a struggle for him, as his health declines.  Then I watched Daddy walk towards the exit, stooped over as he carried his dishes out.  It made me very aware of the ones who are no longer there:  Dell, Verlie, Toby, Ed, et al.  I thought about the others that would be leaving us within the next few years.  I struggled to hold back the tears.  However, as I see all of the younger families coming on, with all of their beautiful children, I realize that this great tradition will live on.  And those who have "gone on" are still very much alive in our hearts...and in the faces of their children, and grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

2004

2007 - Wallace

2007 - Kay

2007 crowd

2007 - Verlie and Doris

My deepest heartfelt thanks go out to Kay and Kit and their kids for keeping this wonderful tradition alive.  Thanks, also, to the congregation at Henrietta Creek for all of their hard work and efforts that made the weekend possible.  Finally, thanks to all of my dear friends and loved ones who made the effort to drive down (or up or over) and share this wonderful time of fellowship and fun.  This weekend was a true blessing!




2007 - cheering on the softball game
 



2008 - girl time
 

2011 - enjoying good food

Happy Birthday Jessica!

Wednesday, Day 259:  Today is Jessica’s 27^th birthday.  Although I’ve only known her for the past nine or ten years, she is still an integral part of our family.  I remember the first time I met her at a camp meeting.  Sherry McGrew introduced her to me and I told her she needed to meet my daughter, Sheila.  I thought they would probably hit it off.  Boy, did they ever!  Within a year or so of meeting, she was moving down here to live with us.  I don’t know if I’ve ever seen two better friends than she and Sheila have become. 

I thought I was satisfied having one daughter.  (I’ve mentioned before how I’m more of a “guy” person.)  But having these two around is even better.  I love our time together…and especially our trips with Paula every year!  (Just another 12 days until our next one!!!) 

When Dennis and I were planning our family, I always wanted four children.  After being miserable for 9 months of pregnancy with Ricky and then complications after his birth, I decided it was time to quit.  But when Jessica entered our lives, I finally was blessed with that 4^th child that I always wanted!

This pic is a few years old, but I still like it!

Baby Kisses

Monday, Day 257:  It was good to visit with everyone at Henrietta Creek yesterday!  I’m afraid that I didn’t get around to spending time with everyone…I was a little preoccupied with Jesse.  Most that I did talk to were gracious about it though…allowances are usually granted for doting grandmothers.  It was wonderful to spend the day with our special little guy!  Even though I know (in my head) that he can’t possibly remember me, he still acts like he’s happy to see me.  I believe (in my heart) that there is a definite connection there.  I have enough love for him that he can’t help but feel it and respond to it!

I was able to hold him through a lot during the morning assembly.  (It has been a LONG time since I wrestled with a baby during a lesson!)  He was good, but he was BUSY!  I found that if I held him close and softly kissed him on the cheek that he would sit still with a sweet little smile for a few minutes.  I gave him LOTS of kisses!  Then at one point he returned the favor and gave me big old sloppy baby kisses! 

Afterward, we went to Schlotzsky’s for lunch.  Toward the end of our meal Stephen decided to see what Jesse would do with a dill pickle wedge.  Turns out that he loved it!!!  He would suck on it and never grimaced or made any kind of face.  Guess there is some Gerrald in him!  (Leland and Everett both LOVED dill pickles!) 

Jesse was getting pretty tired by time for the 2:00 assembly, but (in typical “Stephen fashion”) he refused to take a nap.  So Mandy had to spend most of her time walking or rocking him.  (I sure remember those days!)  We just had a singing for that service.  After it was over, and we spent some more time visiting with the crowd (Jesse and Phill & Jennifer’s youngest were really intrigued with each other!), we all headed over to Daddy and Bobbie’s.  This was the first time that they had ever seen Jesse.  Jesse loved being able to get down on the floor and “crawl” around.  (He still does the military crawl, but he gets where he wants to go!)  It was a great day!  This family is totally smitten with our little guy!

So after a day of fun with Jesse (and his parents, of course!), I am very thankful for those special baby kisses…and hugs, and smiles, and giggles, etc…..

Home Sweet Home

Thurs, Day 253:  When we bought this house, we didn’t plan to stay in it permanently.  We liked it, but it wasn’t exactly what we wanted in a few areas and hoped to be able to “upgrade” eventually.  We have been looking for something else over the past few weeks.  (We’ve actually been looking online for over a year.)  I never have liked the thought of taking on a larger mortgage…especially right when we are about to retire.  After looking at a couple of houses in our price range, I began to realize that we aren’t going to find what we are looking for.  So yesterday, I started thinking creatively about how we could turn this house into what we want…and I believe it will work.  I’ve always liked this house…from the first time I looked at it.  I don’t like the kitchen, but I think we can make it much more efficient by tearing everything out and redoing it.  I really want a guest room AND an office, and I’ve figured out a way to do that…by building on a sunroom where our patio is.  (All that house shopping has paid off there…some of the houses I liked the best had done that very thing!)  Our bedroom lacks adequate closet space, so Dennis figured out a way to build a second closet…so we’ll have one for each of us.  We are looking at some major remodeling, but I believe it will be cheaper than buying something else.  We live in a good neighborhood and a good location for our needs.  Our house will be paid off in about 12 years.  Dennis has rewired most of the house.  (It had aluminum wiring when we bought it, so he’s been replacing it with copper…and adding extra plugs and such.)  We’ve already replaced the a/c.  Once Dennis retires, he will have plenty of time to do the necessary work.  (Everyone keeps asking me what he plans to do when he retires!)  AND we won’t have to move!  (I HATE moving!!!)

So today, I am thankful for my house.  It is about 50 years old, but it is solid.  It needs some major work done, but it will be fun to finally fix up a house the way we want it.  Plus, after living here for the past 8 years, it is HOME.

Is Suicide a Selfish Act, or Not?

Let me begin by saying that I don’t usually like to get involved in “disagreements” on social media.  I see them as negative and a waste of time.  However, I read an article today that someone had posted; and I disagree so strongly and feel like the title is so harmful, that I am compelled to sound off on the subject.  My intent is not to hurt anyone!  I realize that others may strongly disagree with my opinion.  I've put a lot of thought into whether I should post this or not, and my conscience will not allow me to remain silent.

The name of the article was “There’s Nothing Selfish about Suicide”.  It was written by a child and adolescent psychotherapist, so it must be true…right?  (That could get me started on a whole ‘nother subject…that of believing everything we read!)

Is suicide a selfish act or not?  The dictionary defines the word “selfish” as being chiefly concerned with one's own interest, advantage, etc, especially to the total exclusion of the interests of others; relating to or characterized by self-interest.  I agree that being suicidal is a symptom of deep depression.  As the writer of the article states, “Suicide is a decision made out of desperation, hopelessness, isolation and loneliness. The black hole that is clinical depression is all-consuming. Feeling like a burden to loved ones, feeling like there is no way out, feeling trapped and feeling isolated are all common among people who suffer from depression.”

However, having witnessed the aftermath of suicide (which the author describes very well), I can’t agree with her conclusions.  I’m very concerned about the “non-judgmental” society in which we live and the consequences of people not believing that they are accountable for their actions.  I’m not getting into the debate over what is the “eternal outcome” of one who kills themselves.  I believe God is the ONLY one who can make that determination.  I’m talking about what happens here…in this life.  I’ve watched attitudes about suicide go from being the “unpardonable sin” to being the supreme act of selfLESSness.  You know what else I’ve seen?  The suicide rate has dramatically risen over the past decade…by nearly 30 percent!

I have watched what happens to the family of those who commit suicide…seeing the unimaginable pain and guilt and horror faced by the ones who are left behind.  I know someone who has been suicidal that has also watched this process.  They have made the statement that NOT wanting to inflict that on their loved ones has, at times, been the only thing that kept them from going through with the act.  If society completely removes the “stigma” from suicide and makes it an acceptable way to deal with pain and depression, then I believe we will continue to see the rates climb. 

Let me say that I am very compassionate towards those who suffer from clinical depression.  My heart breaks for someone who feels (USUALLY erroneously) that they have nothing left to live for.  My heart also breaks for family members who have to continue to live with the pain and guilt and suffering that occurs when a loved one kills themselves.  I am not a psychologist or psychiatrist or therapist.  I don’t know how to bring someone out of that black hole of depression.  However, I do know that depression is always focused inward.  When a person wants to end their life, it is because THEY no longer want to, or feel like they CAN, live with their pain.  If they can look outside of themselves long enough to see what they would be doing to others, I truly believe that they could be motivated to find another way to deal with their depression.  So yes, I do believe that suicide is a selfish decision.  I believe that proposing anything different is just giving permission to those who are struggling with those thoughts to feel justified in acting on them.  The article stated that believing suicide is a selfish act will only hurt others.  I believe it may save their lives.

The End of an Era

Ten years ago, we decided to leave East Texas.  We had thought a lot about where we wanted to live, and North Central Texas seemed to be the best choice for us.  Mom's health was really failing, and I needed to be closer to help out.  I love the country around here.  Plus Mineral Wells has always been a second home to me.  After making a couple of visits to the Highway church, we chose it as our home congregation.  We were impressed with the loving welcome we received during our visits.

After we moved here, one special couple made us feel like we were truly at home.  We sat on the row behind them, so we were able to visit with them each week.  Mary impressed us with her sweetness AND  spunkiness.  Although she was in her mid-70's, she kept talking about wanting to canoe down the Brazos River with us some day.  Jim was quiet and soft spoken, but he had a keen (and dry!) wit.  He was truly a gentle man.  There was a 2-year-old at our congregation who had been abused and was currently living with relatives.  She was non-verbal and was very shy...especially around men.  I should say around men, except for Jim.  He was the only man that she would go to for a long time.  His quiet, gentle manner earned her trust...as it did with everyone else.

We have gone through some rough times over the past 9 years that we've lived here.  A constant during all that time was the love and support of Jim and Mary.  I'll never forget the time they showed up on our doorstep with cake in their hands and tears in their eyes telling us how much they loved having us here...and how they never wanted us to leave.  After my hysterectomy, they showed up at lunchtime one day and told us they were taking us out to lunch.  When the girls bought their house, Jim and Mary gave them the money needed to buy a refrigerator.  These are just a few examples showing what kind of people they were.

Jim was already on oxygen part-time when we moved here.  It wasn't long before he required it fulltime.  He continued to take care of all of his own car maintenance and yard work (and his yard was several acres!).  It was like pulling teeth to try to get them to ALLOW people to help them whenever they moved (which they did twice during the past 9 years).  Mary was in fairly good health, but had bad knees which made her slow getting around.  Not long after we moved here, she fell and broke her hip.  It took her a LONG time to recover from that and it was the start of her decline.  Not long after that, their daughter Angie's health started to decline rapidly.  They nursed and cared for her until she finally lost her battle to a nasty infection.  That took so much out of this sweet couple.  Then a couple of years ago, Jim started having problems with blood clots in his leg which ultimately led to it being amputated.  Losing his independence was very hard on Jim.  He was just starting to regain a little of it, with the help of a scooter and handicap-equipped van, when his health took a nose dive.  During this same time, Mary fell again and broke her other hip.  One or the other of them was in the hospital a large percentage of the time over that last year or so of Jim's life.  Then on February 18 of this year, his battle with the pains and ills of this life ended.  We really worried about Mary, but she seemed to handle his passing very well.  It was so difficult for her to try to care for him and watch him suffer.  I know her heart was broken, though, after almost 63 years of marriage. 
Over the past 5 months, we have all watched Mary's health decline.  She continued to live alone in their house in the country and refused to allow anyone to pick her up to drive her to church.  She faithfully drove herself twice every Lord's Day.  Her steps kept getting slower and more feeble.  Her smile was still present, but wasn't as bright.  Then two weeks ago, she drove herself to the hospital in pain.  They discovered an intestinal blockage which required surgery.  She didn't want to have it done, but others insisted since she couldn't survive without it.  She ended up spending 13 agonizing days in ICU before finally being "released".  I spent most of the afternoon with her Monday.  I truly didn't think she would survive the day.  They called in the family, so I left...allowing them their time alone with their mother, grandmother, and aunt.  I called to check on her yesterday morning and was told that her vital signs had stabilized and she was more quiet and at peace.  Then I received "the call" early yesterday afternoon. 

I am truly going to miss our dear Jim and Mary.  Highway will never be the same without them.  Their kindness, their humor, their strong faith will always be remembered with love.  Even through the tears of grief, I can't help but smile.  They are both at peace, no longer in pain or grief.  Plus I have a strong hope that I'll see them again some day!  I love you, Jim and Mary.  You will be greatly missed!

Grim Reaper or Entrance into Paradise?

Sunday, Day 228:  This morning’s assembly was very emotional, but comforting.  Layne had written his lesson title on the board, so we knew he was going to be speaking about death…and our feelings about it.  So most of the song leaders lead songs about heaven and being ready to leave the sorrows and pain of this life.  Of course, Mary was much on my mind and in my heart, so there were quite a few tears shed.  She is fighting that battle right now and it can go either way.  I know that she is ready, though.  My selfishness doesn’t want to lose her, but my heart longs for her suffering to be over and for her to be at peace; which is basically what the lesson was about.  As Christians we shouldn’t fear or dread death, but we should, like the apostle Paul, see it as gain.  I think we, as a society, have placed way too much importance on trying to live as long as we can…and trying to keep our loved one “alive” as long as possible.  We are all appointed to die, none of us can escape (unless Jesus comes back during our lifetime).   Our days are numbered.  Why should we dread being one step closer to being with our Lord?  So today I am thankful that we don’t have to fear death…that we can look forward to something better.  I hope and pray that I can face that time with grace and peace.

1 Corinthians 15:51-58 Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

"I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an Honest Man. ~George Washington

Wednesday, Day 217:  Last night we watched (again) “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.”  I love Frank Capra movies!  We live in such a corrupt and cynical world, and it is so refreshing to watch a movie full of idealism and decency.  Current movies and TV shows try to portray life “as it really is” with all its violence and immorality and dishonesty.  We are constantly bombarded with images of corruption and greed and selfishness that make up our political system.  How nice it is to go back to the optimistic and compassionate views of Mr. Capra.  (I realize that the movie was controversial in its time and was thought to portray a pessimistic view of our government.  However, I believe it simply contrasts the corruption that is a real part of the system with the idealism that one honest man can make a difference for the better.) 

I love the speech that Jefferson Smith gives during his filibuster…especially the following:  “There's no place out there for graft, or greed, or lies, or compromise with human liberties. And if that's what the grown-ups have done with this world that was given to them, then we'd better get those boys' camps started fast and see what the kids can do…Great principles don't get lost once they come to light. They're right here; you just have to see them again!"

So today I am thankful for idealism and for those who have chosen to portray the beauty and goodness in life.  Would to God that more people would stand up for truth and virtue!  We need a good many “Mr. Smiths” in our nation!

Happy 4th of July!

Friday, Day 205:   Today I am thankful for this country that we live in.  I recognize the problems we face today in this nation.  I don’t always agree with the direction that it is going.  But I am very thankful to have been born into a country that supports the freedom of its citizens.  I’m thankful that I can speak my beliefs freely.  I’m thankful that no one tries to force me to follow a “state religion.”  I’m thankful for the protection that it provides us through its laws and law enforcers.  I’m thankful for all of the “amenities” that we have in this country:  our system of fire departments, highways departments, libraries and museums, parks and forests and lakes that preserved and available for public usage, and the list goes on and on.  And I’m thankful that we have the right to select our own leaders every few years.  For all of its shortcomings, its mistakes and its imperfections, I’m still very thankful to be a citizen of the good ol’ US of A!

Happy Birthday Sheila!

Wednesday, Day 196:  Twenty eight years ago I received one of the most precious gifts of my life:  my baby girl, Sheila.  I was always more of a “guy person”, so I wasn’t sure what I’d do with a little girl.  I’ve never been “girly” myself and didn’t know how to teach a little girl all those things that most mom’s do.  We were a male dominated family, so most of our activities were hunting, fishing, camping, shooting and such like.  It wasn’t until Sheila became a teenager that we started spending “girl time” together.  Even though I had never really enjoyed shopping, when I did it with my girl, it was FUN!

As my little girl grew into a woman, I discovered that she was more than just a daughter…she was my best friend.  I have thoroughly enjoyed watching her grow and mature into an amazing woman…smart, capable, compassionate, and virtuous.  She has proven herself time and time again in the workplace…winning the respect and affection of her employers.  She is constantly trying to improve herself…currently studying long and hard to take the Series 7 (and Series 63)  exams to better serve her current employer.  She also makes time to be a CASA, and a good one.  She recently had an attorney ad litem commend her in court for a job well done (believe me, that just DOESN’T happen!).  She is currently waiting to be assigned a child with Big Brothers Big Sisters, so she can be more personally involved in a child’s life.  She is one of the most giving people I know.  But she isn’t all work and no play…she knows how to have fun!  Everything is more fun when I do it with my girl.  She has thrown some of the best parties I’ve ever been to.  Our mother/daughter trips have provided some of the best times I’ve ever had.

I’m sorry if I’m sounding too “braggy”.  I don’t mean for this to sound like I’m taking responsibility for the woman that Sheila has become.  I don’t claim credit for who she is.  She was born with certain God-given abilities.  She takes after her dad in MANY ways, which has served her well.  Then she has taken what she’s been given and multiplied it. 

So today, I am very thankful for having the blessing of such a wonderful daughter and friend!

Pr 31:29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.  30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Half Way Point

Thursday, Day 183:  I’m half way through my 365 days of thanksgiving!  I have to admit that each day becomes more challenging.  Even though I have done a few “repeats”, I am trying to find something different each day.  Plus, rather than just grabbing something out of the air, I’m trying to notice something that I see or experience each day for which to give thanks.  So this next 182 days is going to be exponentially more difficult.  But that is part of the challenge…to GROW in my thankfulness.

I want to interject a little something here for those who may have thought to themselves that I’m not directing my thanksgiving to God.  (No one has complained about this to my knowledge, but I’m sure SOMEONE has thought it.)  It is true that I don’t mention in every post, or even in most of them, that I’m thankful to God for all of these blessings.  However, I recognize and acknowledge that ALL good and perfect gifts come from God.  (James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.)  If there has been any doubt, let it be eliminated!

That being said, today I want to give thanks for God adopting me as His child…and giving me all the blessings that I receive.  That is such an awesome principle in my mind!  That the creator of EVERYTHING, One who is all-powerful and all-knowing, chose to make me a part of His family…and loves me the way (only deeper) that I love my three kids…that He cares about what happens to me on a daily basis and intervenes when He sees best…that He sacrificed His ONLY BEGOTTEN SON so that I could be a child of His.  Please believe me when I say that all of my praise and thanksgiving go to my God and Father!

Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Sisterhood of the traveling book

I am so excited about something I am a part of that I had to share!  I have talked about my current favorite author, Lisa Wingate, before in this blog.  She created this "sisterhood" for her new books being released.  There are 23 groups of 5 "sisters" each.  She mails out one of her new books (before they are released) to the first sister of each group.  They have the book for a couple of weeks to read and promote in their community.  While they are reading the book, they are to jot notes in the margins when they come across something that particularly inspires them or that they relate to.  They also take pictures of themselves reading the book (or just the book) in different settings.  When they finish, they mail the book on to the next sister...until it finally makes its way back to Lisa.  There is also a facebook page where all of the sisters can communicate with the whole group and share their pictures.  I've watched the process from afar (on facebook) and thought how much fun it would be to take part in it.  During the last selection process, I was chosen!  The book is supposed to be making its way to me this week.  (I'm #2 on the list in group 17.)  I can't wait to receive "our" copy of "The Story Keeper."  I love Lisa's books, and this will make reading one even more special! 

Our Dream Vacation, part 2

 

After our day spent in the Buffalo Bill museum in Cody, we headed back into Yellowstone for two more days.  We pretty much made the whole "north loop" that first day.  By the time we got to the northeast entrance, it was getting late, so we decided to go back to Cody through Montana to save time.  It turned out to be a gorgeous drive.  We chose to return the next day by the same route, so we could enter the Lamar Valley (in the upper northeast corner of the park) in the morning...hoping to have a better chance at seeing wildlife.  That turned into our "perfect last day" (see previous post).  We'd also been told where to go for the best chance of seeing wolves, but we didn't have any luck there.  They are still in their dens with their cubs this time of year, so sightings are few and far between.  During those last two days we visited the Mammoth Springs and Tower Falls and viewed Yellowstone Falls from a different vantage point.  We weren't too impressed with Mammoth Springs until we reached one certain area...which was beautiful!  Tower Falls was gorgeous, and Yellowstone Falls are amazing from any angle!  The Memorial Day crowd was starting to show up in the park, so it was time to say good-bye to Yellowstone.  We had dreamed of going there our whole lives, and it didn't disappoint!

On our last day in Cody, we decided to sleep in and then do our souvenir shopping.  When we arrived at our regular breakfast café, they were packed.  So our waitress asked another couple if we could share their table.  That made for some very interesting conversation.  We discussed what all we'd seen in the park, and they shared some of their stories.  Then they told us how to find the herd of wild mustangs east of town.  That evening, after we finished our shopping, we drove out looking for them.  We got off on a ROUGH dirt road where we thought they would be, but we never found them (although we did come across a nice pronghorn buck resting beside the road).  We could see a rain coming, so we decided it would be a good idea to head back to town and rest up before our long drive the next day.

We got up early Sunday morning, worshipped in our room, and then loaded up and headed south.  It was about a 9 hour drive to Denver, where we had our next reservation.  We saw a LOT of antelope on our drive, plus we passed through a beautiful canyon.  We had to go through 3 tunnels in quick succession, to get to the other side of the mountain.  There was a cool, old railroad tunnel running along the other side of the river...very scenic.

Getting into Denver wasn't very pleasant.  Traffic was awful, and then a hail storm hit!  We were very glad to get into our room that evening.  We rested up a bit, went to Pappadeaux for some amazing shrimp, and turned in early to get ready for another hard day of driving. 

We had originally planned to drive through New Mexico, stopping half way home for the night.  We discovered a shorter route, so we changed plans and drove through the ugly part of Colorado, through the panhandle of Oklahoma and stopped in Childress for the night.  That left us with just a 3 hour trip the next morning and we were HOME!!! 

Geese taking flight at the LeHardy rapids

Yellowstone Falls (again)

Mammoth Springs

Tower Falls

Black bear getting a good back scratch!

Prismatic pool

                                                                     


Nice pronghorn on side of road

I think this was the 2nd of 3 tunnels we passed through on this stretch.

 

Old railroad tunnel

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