tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89695223607677044172024-03-05T01:17:06.626-05:00Joy In The JourneyLife is a journey; with Christ as my Shepherd, there's joy in the journeyMargarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-53684858621891667202013-01-23T15:51:00.001-05:002013-01-23T15:51:49.034-05:00Trials...Overcome or Overcoming?While currently studying James at church, we've been discussing trials/tests/temptations and what that all means to the believer. Every human being alive will at some time face trials. If we haven't yet, we will soon. We are always faced with the choice to give into sinful temptations (be overcome) of resentment and unforgiveness during our trial or to praise God (overcoming) for allowing Him to grow our faith.
Here's the thing...it's not the circumstances or how others treat us that determines how our lives will turn out. It's how I RESPOND to it/them. Circumstances and people do not have the power to control me and make me the victim. Understanding that I allow myself to be a victim helps me to grasp that God's grace is sufficient for all my circumstances. That realization helps me to rise above and move beyond what is happening to me, to let go of those people who are hurting me and to let the power of the Spirit wash over my responses.
By choosing grace, I choose freedom!
"I do not have to be a victim or a prisoner of circumstances or people that have hurt me. By God's grace, I can walk in peace, wholeness and joy, even in the midst of the tribulations of this world."- Nancy Leigh DeMossMargarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-41011487199857931642013-01-18T13:46:00.000-05:002013-01-18T13:46:04.109-05:00ReflectionsThe year 2012 passed by in a blur. A whole year gone without one new blog. It's time to get back to it.
So much happened in that year. In January, we moved out of our house of 15 years. Because it sold so fast, we moved into my mom's house in Tipp City while she was wintering in AZ. We lived there for 3 months before moving into a rental house in Pleasant Hill the end of March. We built a new house in Troy and moved into it the middle of August. We love living closer to town and having less outside maintenance. I did not want to enter the latter half of my life with being tied to material things. My goal is to be able to speak into other people's lives and have time for those who need me, (think granddaughters).
Speaking of, we had another granddaughter (Baylie Logan) born in August. Sweetness. I love taking care of them 2 days a week while their mother is in school. It is satisfying to be in a place where I can be at home and available.
Nicole graduated with her master's degree in social work in May and is living at home until she can find a job in that field. It's exciting to see growth and her passion for those who are victims and need someone to intercede for them. That's Nicole!
Colin and Paige got married in November. What fun to have another daughter. She's the sweetest thing ever. Far too sweet for our outspoken, loud family. They are busy being in love and setting up their new home.
Brooke...ahhh Brooke. So many years of praying, despair, praying, interceding, praying, begging, praying...you get the picture. She was running from God as fast as she could, but we can never outrun God. He finally got a hold of her at True Woman in September. She confessed, repented and submitted to Him as Lord of her heart and life. What a joy it has been to see her growing in holiness. You know, it's times like those that make you question what went wrong as a parent, but just like we can't take credit for their salvation, we can't take blame for their sinful choices. And prayer? It works! She was excited to share her faith publicly by baptism on January 6, 2012.
Laina has grown into a young lady overnight. She got rid of her braces and started wearing contacts, all of which dramatically changes her looks. She does her school faithfully and works part time at Culvers.
My prayer for the coming year? That my time spent with God would be because I delight in Him and not to get a task crossed off my daily list. That my responses to the inevitable life situations would bring glory to God. That I would be quicker to seek forgiveness and to grant forgiveness.
Thankfully...Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-85941019629632423112011-08-10T11:36:00.000-04:002011-08-10T11:36:39.738-04:00Give Them WingsAs a mother of adult/semi-adult children, I have already released some of my kids and have more on the verge of flying. When I realize these aren't my children (God has only loaned them to me for a time), it makes it easier to let them go. It is especially encouraging to see them making wise and good choices, to see them bearing fruit. It is also just as devastating to watch when those choices are sinful; I want to protect them from the consequences that are sure to follow.<br />
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So, how do I give them wings?<br />
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It is a fact; children will face hardships and trials. How can I, as a Mom, help them to face life with strength?<br />
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They watch how I deal with difficult circumstances. When I face situations with despair and much hand-wringing, I am teaching them to do the same. Kids are very "in tune" with my reactions. Digging into God's Word on a daily basis, praying and seeking God's wisdom will help me to glorify God even in the hard times and leave a lasting impression on my children. <br />
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It is not helping my children to sugar-coat life for them. If there is a situation happening, they can sense something is going on. I need to share with them information that is appropriate to their age and discuss tough times with them. Showing them in a practical way how Godly people deal with life's circumstances will prepare them for the future.<br />
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My kids need to learn problem-solving skills. It is my instinct to want to protect them from troubles or to stay in control by making decisions for them, but it is in their best interest to let them go through stress and to learn how to make wise choices. I am not equipping them for the future when I jump in and solve their issues. One very practical aspect of this is when they are having squabbles between themselves. They need to learn how to apply Matthew 18 and to know how Christians solve their issues. My job is to be there reassuring them of my love and support.<br />
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When I show my kids how to love and care for other people, it will probably make their problems look less dramatic. There is always someone who is going through more than we are. Those are opportunities to show them that often-times God is seen most clearly in the valleys of life. Learning to cope with adversity in a God-honoring way, will help them grow into mature and capable adults.<br />
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I have prayed more in the last several years than all my preceding years put together. Because the truth is, God loves these children more than I can imagine. It is His will that they serve and glorify Him. And so, I turn them over to Him through prayer over and over again.<br />
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With the power of the Holy Spirit, I give them wings...<br />
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Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-4227654257010275862011-07-25T21:43:00.000-04:002011-07-25T21:43:56.265-04:00Psalm 77: 1-15I cry aloud to God,<br />
aloud to God, and He will hear me.<br />
In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord;<br />
in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying;<br />
my soul refuses to be comforted.<br />
When I remember God, I moan;<br />
when I meditate, my spirit faints.<br />
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You hold my eyelids open;<br />
I am so troubled that I cannot speak.<br />
I consider the days of old, the years long ago.<br />
I said, "Let me remember my song in the night;<br />
let me meditate in my heart."<br />
Then my spirit made a diligent search:<br />
"Will the Lord spurn forever,<br />
and never again be favorable?<br />
Has his steadfast love forever ceased?<br />
Are his promises at an end for all time?<br />
Has God forgotten to be gracious?<br />
Has he in anger shut up his compassion?"<br />
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Then I said, "I will appeal to this,<br />
to the years of the right hand of the Most High."<br />
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I will remember the deeds of the LORD;<br />
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.<br />
I will ponder all your work,<br />
and meditate on your mighty deeds.<br />
Your way, O God, is holy.<br />
What god is great like our God?<br />
You are the God who works wonders;<br />
you have made known your might among the peoples.<br />
You with your arm redeemed your people,<br />
the children of Jacob and Joseph.<br />
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The title of this Psalm in my Bible is "In the Day of Trouble I Seek the Lord". Where else can people go but to the Lord when there is trouble. How hopeless my life would be without Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I found great solace in the Psalms and other portions of Scripture today. I know, because of His Word, that His steadfast love and His promises last forever to those who call upon Him.Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-12536385455021843752011-04-28T10:26:00.000-04:002011-04-28T10:26:45.146-04:00True RepentanceRepent: to feel such sorrow for sin as to be disposed to turn away from it.<br />
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In Acts 26:20, Luke is recording Paul's conversion to following Christ and his subsequent call to others "that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance". John the Baptist uses similar words in Matthew 3:8, "Bear fruit in keeping with repentance". (also found in Luke 3:8)<br />
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What does "performing deeds in keeping with repentance" mean?<br />
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True repentance means that our lives will no longer be dominated by sin. As Christians, we will still sin, but it will not control and direct our lives. As unbelievers, we have no way to repent unless we are chosen and called by God and convicted by the Holy Spirit. As moral beings, we may be sorry for some things we've done and have regrets, but that is not repentance.<br />
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The evidence of true repentance will be godly sorrow. A false repentance may very well understand the destruction that sin can cause, but if their happiness depends on continuation of this sin, they will persist in embracing it.<br />
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True repentance understands how God views sin, how detestable sin is and how deserving of eternal death. When we view our sin in relation to God, it should cause us to weep and to hate the effects of it. For the believer, it is truly an amazing thing to know God can and does forgive sin. True repentance causes us to dwell, not on the fact that we are saved, but that we are not condemned. Humility is a key component in the truly repentant.<br />
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What does genuine repentance look like?<br />
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First, there will be a conscious choice to turn away from sin. You will know that "the old has passed away; behold the new has come". The desire to continue in sin will be gone. Not out of fear of punishment, but because you genuinely hate sin.<br />
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Second, Godly repentance will produce a change in behavior. It will lead to confession and the desire to make things right. Conviction about wrong behavior is only part of the equation. Seeking restoration and attempting to undo the wrongs that have been done are evidences of true repentance.<br />
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Third, true repentance will be evidenced in a changed person. The new person can never go back and be the old person again. Perseverance towards heaven will be assured.<br />
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What does false repentance look like?<br />
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First, they may sorrow over sin, but only because of the havoc it has caused, only because their happiness has been interrupted. They may be afraid of being found out and being disgraced. They may be sorry for that they have done because of the effects on other people. Feelings of remorse and being sorry are not repentance because those feelings are based on selfish motives.<br />
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Second, ungodly repentance leaves the will to sin and the condition of the heart unchanged. They will try to hide their past with lies and excuses, covering up with apologies and trying to smooth things over. There will be a constant attempt to cover up sin. There will not be an open-hearted, unreserved, unashamed, genuine, undisguised honesty. Worldly sorrow will be present, but not a godly sorrow.<br />
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Third, there will be an incomplete change in conduct. What has changed will only be temporary.<br />
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Back to the question, what are deeds in keeping with repentance?<br />
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I believe it is biblical conduct that shows a reformed heart, the evidence of sincerity. Just like we can tell what kind of tree it is by the fruit it produces, so true repentance is evident by Godly conduct. WE cannot say we are sorry for our sins, but do nothing to change our lives. Our life will now confirm the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. This visible fruit of the Spirit will be seen in a life that is lived righteous and holy, a life that becomes more and more like Jesus Christ.<br />
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Genuine repentance produces change! Genuine repentance produces humility, begs forgiveness, makes up no excuses and rights wrongs. Confession, repentance and bearing fruit are the natural out-pourings of true faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ. We cannot be transformed into His image until we get real about wanting God to change us and make us like Jesus.Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-9245446077943690652011-02-04T10:35:00.000-05:002011-02-04T10:35:29.029-05:00Facebook FlingI am in a love/hate relationship with facebook. I love certain aspects of it, but hate others.<br />
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I love being able to stay in touch and keep up with my friends (which, by the way, is not necessarily everyone who is my "friend"), to see photos of people I love (which, by the way, is not everyone who is my "friend") and reconnecting with high school chums. Those are things I love about facebook.<br />
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I hate it that people can (and do) use it as a means of hurting other people. They post veiled comments, "innocent" innuendos as status updates and/or outright provocation. I hate the ease of being able to write the first thing that pops into my head without stopping to examine my heart for motive or realizing the consequences of what I've just said to hundreds of people. Some things can "look" so innocent, but knowing the background changes everything.<br />
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I truly wonder if I realize that James 3:5-15 refers to not only what comes out of my mouth, but what also comes out of my fingers. What I write can bless my Lord and Father and it can also curse the people who are made in His likeness. The things I say (in writing) reflect my character and thus my heart.<br />
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And so...I'm trying to figure out how to use facebook without a) hurting someone and b) getting hurt.<br />
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Thus, my minimal usage in the last couple months.Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-6385905532669826392011-01-18T15:29:00.000-05:002011-01-18T15:29:37.865-05:00Teens in the HomeI recently read a statistic that said 33% of parents say they sometimes have major disagreements with their kids. 33%? Seriously? I would have expected that number to be a lot higher. I concluded that the remaining 67% are either disconnected from their teenagers (i.e., don't care, no guidelines), or they are super-controlling, or their kids are adept at lying or hiding.<br />
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I confess...I hate verbal confrontation and will sometimes ignore things to avoid it. I know that avoidance is not the answer and is not the biblical way to parent. Conflict is a part of life and if I avoid it with my kids, I am not teaching them how to handle issues biblically. Verbal disagreements are one way of telling my kids that it's ok for them to have their own thoughts and feelings and even to express them. It can be a teaching tool for how to do that with respect and honor. And that I will love them no matter what. <br />
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There does come a time when the old "because I'm the mom, that's why" is no longer effective. If I can remember a few practical steps for having a disagreement with one of my teenagers, I can avoid some of the minefields of living with teens.<br />
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1. Establish boundaries before or after the conflict, not in the middle of it. Assure them that it's normal to feel differently than me about certain issues, but that we both have to honor & respect each other even in disagreements. They need to know that ultimately, I, as the parent, will be held accountable before God. <br />
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2. Don't take everything that comes out my kids' mouths personally. They are trying to establish their own identities. Give them some room to do that, keeping in mind the boundary of honor & respect.<br />
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3. Remain calm- no matter what! Do NOT holler back at them. *sigh* This is most definitely my biggest area of failure. Many times I've looked back at a conflict and realized the ridiculousness of verbal volleying with one of my kids. My teens really need me to be stable. They WILL try to push my buttons. It's always best if I spend more time listening than talking.<br />
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4. Be willing to compromise if the issue is negotiable, but stand my ground if it is not. Think biblical non-negotiables.<br />
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5. If the conflict is too heated, it's best to both walk away for a time.<br />
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6. Never, ever, EVER react to anything that comes out of their mouths. Sometimes they just want to test me. I'm getting quite good at non-reacting. :)<br />
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7. After the conflict, make sure my teenager knows how very much I love them.<br />
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8. Don't bring up every issue that annoys me. Stick to the subject at hand.<br />
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9. Do not use words such as, "always", "never", etc.<br />
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10. Do not ever, EVER compare kids! EVER!<br />
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One of the most powerful parenting tools I have is my relationship with my kids. I think deep down inside, my children want me to be their parent not their friend. The friend thing will come later, if I've handled the conflicts in a God-honoring way.<br />
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The part of having teens in the home that I really enjoy is being able to have adult conversations with them, to volley ideas back and forth and to discuss biblical ideas and where they are at spiritually. They are a real joy!Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-51985751640541952412011-01-10T08:47:00.002-05:002011-01-10T09:40:35.912-05:00New BeginningsI am my own worst enemy.<br /><br />I have a ton of things in my head to write about, but I don't even get started unless I have it all mapped out ahead of time. Why don't I just sit down and write? I think it has something to do with perfectionism, something about not even starting until I can finish well. I've always struggled with that, even in my daily chores. I've had to train myself to just do it even if it's only 15 minutes.<br /><br />A new year excites me. It feels like a clean slate, a time of new beginnings. The last several months of last year were spent feeling defeated by the enemy. Life is just messy at times and, I felt like I was drowning in the confusion & chaos of it. Where was the victory that I, as a believer, was supposed to be living in?<br /><br />A song I used to sing (in my days of 4-part harmony) keeps echoing through my memory:<br /><br />Lift me up above the shadows, plant my feet on higher ground;<br />Lift me up above the clouds, Lord, where the pure sunshine is found.<br />Lift me up above my weakness, lift me up into Thy strength,<br />Lift me up above the shadows, till I stand with Thee at length.<br /><br />Lift me up above the shadows, out of sorrow into joy;<br />Lift me up above my grief, Lord, give me gold for my alloy;<br />Then, when death must claim my spirit and the storms of life are past,<br />Lift me up above the shadows, till in heaven I stand at last.<br /><br />That's where I want to stand...above the shadows. Life is still messy, but a sovereign God knows that. When I really realize how in control He is, and that I don't need to be, I live in sunshine even when there are shadows all around me.<br /><br />Ahhhh...new beginnings...a clean heart...renewed fellowship with Jesus...strength in submission to God's authority.<br /><br />(Man, I'd love to sing that song again in harmony with soprano, tenor & bass!!)Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-58330344178042166042010-09-24T15:43:00.002-04:002010-09-24T15:47:44.615-04:00AwayWhile Momma's away....the mice do play!!!<br /><br />I have one pretty amazing daughter wouldn't you say!!Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-85941123243063139242010-08-25T08:58:00.002-04:002010-08-25T09:05:12.035-04:00The Child-Centered HomeA child-centered home is one in which the interests and activities of the child/children are at the center of where the adult members revolve. The adults in the family submit their schedules, activities and conversations to that of the child.<br /><br />It is extremely important for children to learn at a very young age (probably younger than we even realize) that they are a part of something much bigger and greater than themselves. Children learn very quickly how much influence they have.<br /><br />The most basic, God-ordained relationship is not the parent/child, but instead the husband/wife relationship. In our world today, that is often not the case. Parents seem to be living FOR their children. Everything- schedules, conversations, activities, goals, interests- has been about the kids. They face the empty nest years with panic because the foundation of their relationship has revolved around the children; they suddenly realize that all they have is their meaningless husband/wife relationship. So many couples are bewildered, after being married 7-10 years, at the lack of love they “feel”. They wake up and realize their lives have completely revolved around the kids, that the children are dictating the schedule, including how much time the parents spend together as a couple. They have become so child-centered that they don't have time for each other. The marriage will suffer and maybe even end because of it.<br /><br />What are some possible signs of a child-centered home? Notice the word 'possible'. Not all of these things are bad, but when they are out-of-balance, they are fairly good indicators.<br />~Allowing kids to interrupt adult conversation<br />~Hovering over your kids-they will hurt themselves and break things; give them some space.<br />~Refusing to leave kids with sitters or if you do, micro-managing the sitter<br />~Permitting children to manipulate to get their own way<br />~Making excuses for disobedient behavior<br />~Letting them dictate meal times and bedtime. To a degree, kids' physical needs are different than an adults, but your whole world need not grind to a halt for the sake of a few minutes. They probably won't die if they must wait to eat or go to bed.<br />~Allowing child's schedule to dictate the entire family's schedule. Be very cautious of activities that consistently keep your family from Sunday worship.<br />~Refusing to let them cry<br />~Becoming your child's friend instead of authority figure<br /><br />Your child will become very adept at making you feel guilty for not keeping him/her the center of attention. Very young children will cry when you walk away from them. Older kids will whine and complain about what they don't get to do. I've never yet seen a child die from crying. It's okay to push aside your feelings of guilt; your children will survive and be better for it. John Rosemond once wrote, "Some parents act as if they took a wedding vow that says, 'I take thee to be my husband/wife, until children do us part.'" Sad, but so often true. Your child has joined your home for a few brief years, but your marriage will be there long after they're gone, IF you've given it priority.<br /><br />A marriage-centered home (with Christ at the very core) is crucial in those years when there are many little feet running around. What we don't realize is that the very thing we want our children to have-a secure home environment-will happen only when they realize they live with a mom and dad who love each other. This knowledge will produce the stability your kids are looking for. Children need to see parents who know how to live and love together.<br /><br />It is so easy to become parents and put our marriages on the back burner. It is crucial for our children to take their proper place in the home. (Our children are very used to the phrase, “Dad's the king; Mom's the queen; deal with it”). That happens when we are intentional about our marriages. It is important to connect daily. Even 15 minutes of “Mom & Dad time” when he gets home from work is vital to this connection. Dating regularly is critical to a growing relationship. Why do we date before marriage and quit after the wedding? It doesn't have to be some big thing; coffee or ice cream & a walk is wonderful. Do fun things together, whatever that might be for you. Be affectionate to each other with physical touch. Your kids might act grossed out and tell you to “get a room”, but down inside they feel secure at knowing they have parents who love each other. Be interested in what interests your spouse. Not because you necessarily are, but because you love him.<br /><br />We should be training our children to leave the home and when that time comes, we should be looking forward to it. If we consider our marriages to be the most basic, God-ordained relationship, we will be okay with an empty nest. (Personally, I'm very excited about that prospect). :)Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-43359768155685309492010-08-08T23:15:00.001-04:002010-08-08T23:15:45.630-04:00SlackerIt is time to blog again!! I will...I promise.Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-32376083719867695442010-04-02T09:00:00.002-04:002010-04-02T09:44:13.269-04:00The Power of the CrossI cannot get the words of this Keith & Kristyn Getty hymn out of my mind this morning, nor do I want to.<br /><br />Verse 1: Oh, to see the dawn of the darkest day;<br /> Christ on the road to Calvary.<br /> Tried by sinful men, torn and beaten, then<br /> Nailed to a cross of wood.<br /><br />Verse 2: Oh, to see the pain written on your face,<br /> Bearing the awesome weight of sin.<br /> Every bitter thought, every evil deed<br /> Crowning Your blood-stained brow.<br /><br />Verse 3: Now the daylight flees; now the ground beneath<br /> Quakes as its Maker bows His head.<br /> Curtain torn in two, dead are raised to life;<br /> "Finished!", the victory cry.<br /><br />Chorus: This, the power of the cross:<br /> Christ became sin for us;<br /> Took the blame, bore the wrath,<br /> We stand forgiven at the cross.<br /><br />Verse 4: Oh, to see my name written in the wounds,<br /> For through Your suffering I am free.<br /> Death is crushed to death; life is mine to live,<br /> Won through Your selfless love.<br /><br />Chorus: This, the power of the cross:<br /> Son of God, slain for us.<br /> What a love! What a cost!<br /> We stand forgiven at the cross.<br /><br />Jesus was delivered to His tormentors to be scourged. Our human, finite minds cannot grasp the awfulness of what that was. The Roman scourge was an instrument of torture. It was made out of the sinew of oxen and intertwined with bits of bone; every time that lash came down on the back of our Lord these bones inflicted deep lacerations and tore the flesh off. No doubt Jesus was tied to a column of some sort for this beating. This picture of my Savior leaves me horrified and weeping over His body. As a believer, can I truly grasp such agonizing love? As a believer, I can claim the verse in Isaiah 53, "With His stripes we are healed"! What hope and love wells up in me!<br /><br />I go to commune with Him tonight knowing and sorrowing that my sin cost Him so dearly- and yet! rejoicing in my deliverance and knowing I am complete in Him. Because He was numbered among the transgressors and because I am truly saved, I am numbered among the believers in Christ.<br /><br />Where are you in regards to the cross? Are you content to follow from behind, curious but not committed? Are you ok with contemplating Christ but never communing with Him? Have your sins kept you separated from Him? Is your heart at rest? Can you live contentedly without the present enjoyment in the Savior? Do you sorrow over the hardness of your heart? If yes, then <span style="font-weight:bold;">Go To The Cross</span>! It is only there that you will find answers. No matter how hard, how insensitive, how dead you have become, you can be made clean in the fountain that flows with His shed blood. By His stripes, you are healed and by His power over death you are made alive! <br /><br />Hosea 10: 12- "...For it is time to seek the Lord..."<br /><br />It's Friday, but Sunday is coming!Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-34771819425729529712010-02-24T09:11:00.002-05:002010-02-24T09:55:34.598-05:00A Most Important QuestionWhat must I do to be saved?<br /><br />That question was asked by the 1st century jailer of Paul & Silas and it still remains for us to ask today. We are troubled by our failures and our consciences bother us; we wonder what can rescue us from our fallen condition.<br /><br />Their answer to the jailer was quite simple: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved".<br /><br />What does that mean to us today? We must turn away from our race towards hell & destruction and turn TO God in Christ. Turning from our life of selfishness is to repent of the sins that have kept us from belief; turning to God in Christ is trusting in Christ as an actual person who completed His God-sent mission of an awful, violent death on the cross to release the penalty of sin.<br /><br />We are the prodigal son/daughter who realizes that we can't do this thing called life on our own and we turn back and run to the Father's open arms. We cannot continue to run to God and run to sin at the same time.<br /><br />Does that mean we will never sin again? Absolutely not! But it will be against our better judgment and deepest longings. Sin will no longer dominate us. As a child of God, we will be obedient to repentance and will put our complete faith and trust in Him and His Word.<br /><br />How do we know if we are thus saved? Faith is a gift that God gives us; we can't grow our own faith, but we can grow in godliness. The evidence of our salvation will be lived out in us through the filling of the Holy Spirit. A continual examination of our hearts will be needed to see if we are growing or not. Disciplining ourselves to studying God's word is necessary so that we can rightly discern the condition of our hearts. Are our lives filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & discipline? Or are they characterized by immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, strife, jealousy, anger, etc?<br /><br />Salvation is past, present and future. We <span style="font-weight:bold;">have been saved</span> from the punishment of our sins; we <span style="font-weight:bold;">are being saved</span> from the power of sin and we <span style="font-weight:bold;">will be saved</span> when we are with Christ bowing at the feet of our heavenly Father.<br /><br />What must <span style="font-weight:bold;">YOU</span> do to be saved?Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-24224537203798732652010-02-04T17:15:00.013-05:002010-02-22T10:44:23.779-05:00A Mom's HeartHow does a mom blog about some of the most momentous occasions in her life? I don't know how many times I've had a new blog window open, only to sit and stare at an empty white box; the words just wouldn't come. Last year held more changes than any year I can remember so far.<br /><br />Last April 1, Adam & Heidi announced their engagement with an August 1 wedding date. Yikes! Four months to prepare. We did it and it was gorgeous, exciting, fulfilling and fun.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkxXtv5z-IP0ny1EgUjvjDZ1mlCYcLUMpta1oEboJLpRaa_30mpMdWKWPm9LL3axNc8uIvZGirNUXlLpghV1yUf3naeLvJHdDYrsK8ApDhpMpKjOJWDaAw6dZStvlrPS2-AFQNM5B-RJu/s1600-h/Adam+%26+Heidi+(273).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkxXtv5z-IP0ny1EgUjvjDZ1mlCYcLUMpta1oEboJLpRaa_30mpMdWKWPm9LL3axNc8uIvZGirNUXlLpghV1yUf3naeLvJHdDYrsK8ApDhpMpKjOJWDaAw6dZStvlrPS2-AFQNM5B-RJu/s320/Adam+%26+Heidi+(273).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434517536520954354" /></a><br />Words are a feeble attempt to describe my heart...my mom heart. It's hard to comprehend my first-born son being a husband.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLfGYrd3iUXxXUddbxVI06KA5NOUIlq2PTt910_0nszICvgQT291Wb8vSHBeu3nyuce8yl7xt3-F6SMVbu0xhH__nC1ne7Y5xEmwcJhkE7T9Z5hYkzvcHmzTJHsg-NAT3MacWCP9Jpe_r/s1600-h/Adam+%26+Heidi+(34).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLfGYrd3iUXxXUddbxVI06KA5NOUIlq2PTt910_0nszICvgQT291Wb8vSHBeu3nyuce8yl7xt3-F6SMVbu0xhH__nC1ne7Y5xEmwcJhkE7T9Z5hYkzvcHmzTJHsg-NAT3MacWCP9Jpe_r/s320/Adam+%26+Heidi+(34).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434518256699930162" /></a><br />My prayer is that as he faces the challenges that are sure to come, he will frequently fall on his knees before an Almighty, Holy God petitioning for the Spirit to give him the capacity to love his wife as Christ loves the church.<br /><br />I love Heidi with the love a mom has for a daughter.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHKrO3SAGrNRWQfPUV1seSzhuEJAUU-UuWpfgCyqpagSjSjNCJ29DZa63f6qymbn3UWAwq_ytaakeJOsMmzm6TGr2tt7m7K9q3YXilH2yGKnDZ_cI3I5usKL7ZgbmOQugpPaMvd-QbFWc/s1600-h/Adam+%26+Heidi+(135).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHKrO3SAGrNRWQfPUV1seSzhuEJAUU-UuWpfgCyqpagSjSjNCJ29DZa63f6qymbn3UWAwq_ytaakeJOsMmzm6TGr2tt7m7K9q3YXilH2yGKnDZ_cI3I5usKL7ZgbmOQugpPaMvd-QbFWc/s320/Adam+%26+Heidi+(135).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434519122660686722" /></a><br />I pray that whatever circumstances she is faced with that God, through the work of the Spirit, will help her to reverence, with an awe-filled respect, the man He has given to her.<br /><br />It was with great joy that Jerald & I were able to pronounce a parental blessing on their union.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUFdLiydw_uG3S2IvuUjtyngJlQVjuuWaYyBrx2CeIlrgK5a0jiTTSPrM7QAmo5_mzTiBGEg-L1YN0nHqtaLIXPEjJE8_hNF-5VQSi-zBcAbOT0jZgF6C5IAlrC0szzGK1LVOGOtp5UUm/s1600-h/Adam+%26+Heidi+(304).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUFdLiydw_uG3S2IvuUjtyngJlQVjuuWaYyBrx2CeIlrgK5a0jiTTSPrM7QAmo5_mzTiBGEg-L1YN0nHqtaLIXPEjJE8_hNF-5VQSi-zBcAbOT0jZgF6C5IAlrC0szzGK1LVOGOtp5UUm/s320/Adam+%26+Heidi+(304).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434520250056835490" /></a><br /><br />Also on April 1, Colin had an accident at work that put a bolt through his hand.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJ_-ewO21787wnWfRmo6zepsWhLlN9zXnm_3ErjJxlAGQi89ZymOeVIbI4LQY6F9ot1aronDO031Vbk9WzcRntIHOU8X25w4MXwQJDtJk4bF97xnbwzQJ-P1ZM_IYuv2LNuJee-jamdPi/s1600-h/Colin+Yost+018.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 217px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJ_-ewO21787wnWfRmo6zepsWhLlN9zXnm_3ErjJxlAGQi89ZymOeVIbI4LQY6F9ot1aronDO031Vbk9WzcRntIHOU8X25w4MXwQJDtJk4bF97xnbwzQJ-P1ZM_IYuv2LNuJee-jamdPi/s320/Colin+Yost+018.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434520989138607698" /></a><br />Talk about jolting a heart to get that call. It just hurts to know my kids are in that much pain...hurts my mom heart. Praise God he's doing well, although the scar is very visible and he hasn't gotten complete mobility back.<br /><br />In September, Nicole started school at Azusa Pacific University in the northeast corner of Los Angeles.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXib93kBRSSeBB5r8m9Un4tEy9otKRGJdnN67KyXjeLAZDNPhasknoYKq81B8OXELGeWbErFN8_-Ro8D3F5FW4r-LJYcdtY10ityNUJqJBAKA7I0qRC-2GBOIG6PBjXSicYJ7jGy70h5jV/s1600-h/IMG_1204.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXib93kBRSSeBB5r8m9Un4tEy9otKRGJdnN67KyXjeLAZDNPhasknoYKq81B8OXELGeWbErFN8_-Ro8D3F5FW4r-LJYcdtY10ityNUJqJBAKA7I0qRC-2GBOIG6PBjXSicYJ7jGy70h5jV/s320/IMG_1204.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434522621149333250" /></a><br />We are extremely excited for this opportunity Nicole has to spread her wings and see what God has in store for her.<br /><br />We decided to take the family and drive with her to California.<br />It was a very pleasurable 2 1/2 day drive. We were able to see God's awesome and diverse creation.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzJlAZTEd1ZuDjmKIWX_ASfwXjLMwJ88E-7k5bvxzAanNedplZI0bLQuZCp9hdrTIwLUBn9tAAg43cheMrnhcfn11QkZJCFdgL-Zrc_SJuW_NTP1-AHPtzOMDM3kq6s14mEdZNhy2Qvux/s1600-h/IMG_1132.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzJlAZTEd1ZuDjmKIWX_ASfwXjLMwJ88E-7k5bvxzAanNedplZI0bLQuZCp9hdrTIwLUBn9tAAg43cheMrnhcfn11QkZJCFdgL-Zrc_SJuW_NTP1-AHPtzOMDM3kq6s14mEdZNhy2Qvux/s320/IMG_1132.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434524644208865506" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PqsoaywhcgpW4l-WrLMMIbKmAK422c80FyLugkqgS00Zubu-iOeDWGIuZ2Tk7broPZzVDfyx8w-mAu3Fb2TXzYm7awRgnFdtar3XfV9nLx-PUi02Mah_lUz2at2AXAzwrydan_FqtPTL/s1600-h/IMG_1052.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PqsoaywhcgpW4l-WrLMMIbKmAK422c80FyLugkqgS00Zubu-iOeDWGIuZ2Tk7broPZzVDfyx8w-mAu3Fb2TXzYm7awRgnFdtar3XfV9nLx-PUi02Mah_lUz2at2AXAzwrydan_FqtPTL/s320/IMG_1052.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434524634540463618" /></a><br /><br />The first weekend we helped her get settled in<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57-l8ix-qZtJaKul-gBRNR4fBeY0C1Apn0fs5w9qAOmYwz_KAU031ZTG5QYhMx-oKiklbUVmxM6HSQtSRmn-g_eC_XCAU_S3lfpKJJQUiZnHFcJ-nHEZCI7PLi67hk7gYJdWpCbhOnoOr/s1600-h/IMG_1197.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57-l8ix-qZtJaKul-gBRNR4fBeY0C1Apn0fs5w9qAOmYwz_KAU031ZTG5QYhMx-oKiklbUVmxM6HSQtSRmn-g_eC_XCAU_S3lfpKJJQUiZnHFcJ-nHEZCI7PLi67hk7gYJdWpCbhOnoOr/s320/IMG_1197.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434526215901588658" /></a><br /><br />and spent orientation with her.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LpUpXiVKRvzUChgD4plBNH2CroA8o_dXhfcZ4vCpIzi9dhig5LU5a3aHrhA462tbNjcgztQ6_I9GcJVd8p6JZ8_cwauZtSutx6V9IXBV_Y_HmLqyYfzlvKgWGSHUhzVtudblRGGgegNe/s1600-h/IMG_1184.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LpUpXiVKRvzUChgD4plBNH2CroA8o_dXhfcZ4vCpIzi9dhig5LU5a3aHrhA462tbNjcgztQ6_I9GcJVd8p6JZ8_cwauZtSutx6V9IXBV_Y_HmLqyYfzlvKgWGSHUhzVtudblRGGgegNe/s320/IMG_1184.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434526204032077794" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNnjnGnmAWIJXSDV2WUo2GtsNfJqwU4-PbWzLLcvh7eHYSq2XBKxgyH6SXnX-gzPmpHgP21N9dB_ngOSHLoY09FmPK3ymDfXDSSOwk7pTxCS6EX1PgqFG3kdEmFaJU96uweyF3W5FMC7L/s1600-h/IMG_1158.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNnjnGnmAWIJXSDV2WUo2GtsNfJqwU4-PbWzLLcvh7eHYSq2XBKxgyH6SXnX-gzPmpHgP21N9dB_ngOSHLoY09FmPK3ymDfXDSSOwk7pTxCS6EX1PgqFG3kdEmFaJU96uweyF3W5FMC7L/s320/IMG_1158.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434526201194047442" /></a><br /> <br />We got to meet her 3 roomies; how comforting and reassuring to my heart...my mom heart to see her ready to tackle whatever God has in store.<br /><br />After leaving Nicole there, we headed to the condo on the beach that we had rented for a week.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPi1ifVjIXZL-xTzM05ZKbHp1bqMAVaoXaKI61wVNEXwn6f7NYpspaQXRLOk2XBssc4uy5igXrwygBGZyWAZLOYHZGHT02OnIjdQbTjpY6Ph3AVtlmao28un-QOZ3pjP_NpT_D3YvoFTst/s1600-h/IMG_1234.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPi1ifVjIXZL-xTzM05ZKbHp1bqMAVaoXaKI61wVNEXwn6f7NYpspaQXRLOk2XBssc4uy5igXrwygBGZyWAZLOYHZGHT02OnIjdQbTjpY6Ph3AVtlmao28un-QOZ3pjP_NpT_D3YvoFTst/s320/IMG_1234.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434533632082649042" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisz_Togc0AJr15U39VJINMm4qpksZlppANl_szFu33l_X6rV35Az1vX3CUu_20GMU1n9wL-LNTuVjxTGpLuUr-nr_Du4L571GJbeeV9IKFwe6ZSrvaD0X6bcqDbJ8vCRQ1WTo5W9zgaXEl/s1600-h/IMG_1226.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisz_Togc0AJr15U39VJINMm4qpksZlppANl_szFu33l_X6rV35Az1vX3CUu_20GMU1n9wL-LNTuVjxTGpLuUr-nr_Du4L571GJbeeV9IKFwe6ZSrvaD0X6bcqDbJ8vCRQ1WTo5W9zgaXEl/s320/IMG_1226.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434531589753515970" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUUURVaghrbys13jLlVtbAHX8efSSGw7I2iPuJnG5hi543rf5yFXT_Qng0bYlllC1WaTKjsBh8kcdEpqMrgMMhdZewp_8F85gsFZ15TD9uGznCWBf_8L1qo6V9FlLrCT7oJe9llvE9ES_/s1600-h/IMG_1240.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUUURVaghrbys13jLlVtbAHX8efSSGw7I2iPuJnG5hi543rf5yFXT_Qng0bYlllC1WaTKjsBh8kcdEpqMrgMMhdZewp_8F85gsFZ15TD9uGznCWBf_8L1qo6V9FlLrCT7oJe9llvE9ES_/s320/IMG_1240.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434531616202318578" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihb22r3u14B4TNAhtUrEaMSAKCWYV9haDruUo59UsVO3cgsYN4c77CLT0D24zzcoN93hzAHhqP8YkFJDEHzSisnc-3RA3U5tGa7FCgezW42EfEKLtjvd4SwcIsmzbH2g_zEVRDLgSljFVx/s1600-h/IMG_1239.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihb22r3u14B4TNAhtUrEaMSAKCWYV9haDruUo59UsVO3cgsYN4c77CLT0D24zzcoN93hzAHhqP8YkFJDEHzSisnc-3RA3U5tGa7FCgezW42EfEKLtjvd4SwcIsmzbH2g_zEVRDLgSljFVx/s320/IMG_1239.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434531610960265090" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_M95wBaTjIQqRxTHrk1ipH7Cw1HfAtplzzCCkW8nZ7QG_nXSvLc1axL3JsbmYwrxrh5rmpdz9JYLqSpk7FdiMPQY0MsDxZDrGk0Rag6I_wvv1frz1WnHucPWMOnCC6CluO5js8BJ66U8/s1600-h/IMG_1259.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_M95wBaTjIQqRxTHrk1ipH7Cw1HfAtplzzCCkW8nZ7QG_nXSvLc1axL3JsbmYwrxrh5rmpdz9JYLqSpk7FdiMPQY0MsDxZDrGk0Rag6I_wvv1frz1WnHucPWMOnCC6CluO5js8BJ66U8/s320/IMG_1259.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434531595296650002" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomOtWV1C9xSgxTvCXsO4CRocttbaYvroWPHmVHypGudBLrW5-z2i0srREZzLPqA4JcVq2vYtGNFk6SO57KuwBAGhjGD1JitAOFMSxCwNwaEfx6cvAm8M-ImQiEnKj0P3v0JTr374gKxv2/s1600-h/IMG_1263.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomOtWV1C9xSgxTvCXsO4CRocttbaYvroWPHmVHypGudBLrW5-z2i0srREZzLPqA4JcVq2vYtGNFk6SO57KuwBAGhjGD1JitAOFMSxCwNwaEfx6cvAm8M-ImQiEnKj0P3v0JTr374gKxv2/s320/IMG_1263.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434533621446932722" /></a><br /><br />What a joy it was to my heart...my mom heart to see the family have such a great time together.<br /><br />On top of an extremely full year, I now get to look forward to more changes. This May, we are looking forward to welcoming our new granddaughter into the family. My heart will soon become...my "nana" heart.<br />And THAT will be a blog all of its own.Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-22884266081586727842009-12-01T12:36:00.000-05:002009-12-01T12:37:45.639-05:00The Superior Wife SyndromeI recently read a book excerpt in Reader's Digest with the title, The Superior Wife Syndrome; the sub-title was: Why Women Do Everything So Well and Why-For the Sake of Our Marriages-We've Got to Stop. <br />THAT definitely piqued my interest. <br />The excerpt said:<br />"After being married for a while, and especially after having children, a large number of husbands deliberately surrender family concerns and responsibilities and begin to expect their wives to take charge. And in many marriages, that assignment eventually includes nearly everything. It's as if husbands raise the art of oblivion to new heights; they can fiddle, while wives burn through most of the tasks of adult life. Some wives claim that they have taken control of family life because 'it seems like I have no choice, it's just a natural occurrence', as a 42-year-old woman puts it. Others confess to being impressed that their husbands are able to function in the world at all...'I'm amazed he's still alive', says one wife."<br /><br />Do you think husbands are deliberately surrendering control of the family? or<br />Do you think wives are taking that control by default because the husband is in la-la land?<br />Do you think wives are taking control because they feel they can do a better job?<br />Do husbands let go of leadership because they are too lazy to deal with it?<br />Are husbands truly oblivious to what needs done?<br />Is it unsubmissive for a wife to ask her husband to help?<br />What is the solution to a marriage with leadership issues?Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-49822753854456431122009-10-11T21:32:00.002-04:002009-10-11T21:43:38.152-04:00BlankI don't know how many times I've opened a new post tab only to sit staring blankly at the white box. It's not because nothing (double negative there) interesting has happened in my life in the last 4 months. There's plenty of thoughts here, but the idea of trying to organize it all and get it into something comprehensible leaves me completely overwhelmed. So, I'm still here and maybe one of these days I can get it all figured out.<br /><br />In the meantime, I am of all people most blessed. The things that God has revealed to me about His love, grace and mercy in the last few months are unfathomable.Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-73519799248944834282009-06-19T13:34:00.036-04:002009-06-19T15:27:10.808-04:00Memory LaneMy mom's birthday is June 1 and every year it is a challenge to come up with a gift. She doesn't need any more "stuff" inside or out. This year, my sister came up with a brilliant idea. We would all (mom & her kids) spend the weekend walking down memory lane with our mom. Gail, my sister, hosted us since she still lives in the area where we were raised. Some of us arrived Friday evening; others came Saturday morning and still others Sunday morning.<br /><br />Saturday morning, Jerald led devotions about Godly fathers and fathering, which included several memories of my dad. It was a great way to start our weekend of reminiscing. <br />After breakfast, we all piled into a 12-passenger van that we had rented.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtI7vebsjMpwXxVjOxox-R2s0nLA0HxF3mBi9x0bnHdD9piSKGuhwSA9oMdRe1ca7ymuvAZvjzmj1MuDrR1XiybnHSeZue8IJYqPdzkMN8of4BlFuWN4n7VudfeQl46CMNkwog0vq9xB4t/s1600-h/IMG_0133.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtI7vebsjMpwXxVjOxox-R2s0nLA0HxF3mBi9x0bnHdD9piSKGuhwSA9oMdRe1ca7ymuvAZvjzmj1MuDrR1XiybnHSeZue8IJYqPdzkMN8of4BlFuWN4n7VudfeQl46CMNkwog0vq9xB4t/s320/IMG_0133.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349093953275576210" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcP-GpEB0yW-kd94eYLO7GyqfKv_x9vJoZsZS-ojDhy92oxvQT24tTonplEtPBmmVrzqJmUsCdwK2F0Ak2zXmq_ou0E6Tm27nXpkoXcKoryXMRtfJtVxo9xjcA_kFdV9cLA0h1u-iyk8Md/s1600-h/IMG_0132.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcP-GpEB0yW-kd94eYLO7GyqfKv_x9vJoZsZS-ojDhy92oxvQT24tTonplEtPBmmVrzqJmUsCdwK2F0Ak2zXmq_ou0E6Tm27nXpkoXcKoryXMRtfJtVxo9xjcA_kFdV9cLA0h1u-iyk8Md/s320/IMG_0132.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349094215604671618" /></a><br /><br />Our first stop was the elementary school that all 6 of us attended. After stepping into the hallway, my first-born sister commented that she believed she had stood outside every single one of those doors as punishment for some misdeed. We had fun remembering our grade school teachers, which ones we liked and which ones were mean. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures there.<br /><br />Our next stop was the farmhouse that we moved to when I was 3.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0GdtgBOpSxmxNab3hGXFp2A1Qds4Dolsu_YOEjzV4XPxYTBi2FRWMbfpkR58U4zdcVj4S4yI43zpWxZPZ3vEOwidNyeTEyiwaaTh3znUiTmgLw36rwzycjgjArX8PhnVRDtTg72LJLsA/s1600-h/IMG_0057.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0GdtgBOpSxmxNab3hGXFp2A1Qds4Dolsu_YOEjzV4XPxYTBi2FRWMbfpkR58U4zdcVj4S4yI43zpWxZPZ3vEOwidNyeTEyiwaaTh3znUiTmgLw36rwzycjgjArX8PhnVRDtTg72LJLsA/s320/IMG_0057.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349094854318682050" /></a><br />On the outside it looks very much like it did when I moved out 28 years ago.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24-cJDo-KtRpZhYZ5Bfxs8OTRyNgNQfyocO9qnzOPF8SVKHlE2PPf0boOSZst8BuQDq17KLRda1TCin1QRYk-wfjep6cqiopP654Sqn5AAmg6lx6VLrEf_3RLz2UOfVUBk8ZgFq4yeoWb/s1600-h/IMG_0056.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24-cJDo-KtRpZhYZ5Bfxs8OTRyNgNQfyocO9qnzOPF8SVKHlE2PPf0boOSZst8BuQDq17KLRda1TCin1QRYk-wfjep6cqiopP654Sqn5AAmg6lx6VLrEf_3RLz2UOfVUBk8ZgFq4yeoWb/s320/IMG_0056.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349095078257231394" /></a><br />I lived there until I got married at 18. Our dad held down a day job and farmed the 70 acres in the evening with us kids helping out during the day. My farming career of driving the tractor came to an abrupt halt when I failed to go around a gully and drove INTO it. Needless to say, my dad wasn't exactly a happy camper when he got home and found the tractor there. <br />I remember a happy childhood of playing in the barn, making tunnels with hay bales, teasing my li'l sis, riding bike up and down the lane; but, we also worked. We mowed with a push mower, hoed corn out of the beans, did chores, cleaned, gardened, etc. <br />I tried to show my mom how big I remember the gardens (yes, with an 's') being, but she assured me that it wasn't quite the way I had it pictured.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEY5cT3QmdrCQJcZ3i3sK5XEhlePyuuENQ2apkH2y4h_F7Qcu5nWdkbDWa0Tyr7t8Tz4z11vpuIqdlt9GcCGIdBHpS8Op3InZZ2P9DJEOGbNNE1sh9SdINFa8jwnE-O_YeWZDv5wvFioC/s1600-h/IMG_0076.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEY5cT3QmdrCQJcZ3i3sK5XEhlePyuuENQ2apkH2y4h_F7Qcu5nWdkbDWa0Tyr7t8Tz4z11vpuIqdlt9GcCGIdBHpS8Op3InZZ2P9DJEOGbNNE1sh9SdINFa8jwnE-O_YeWZDv5wvFioC/s320/IMG_0076.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349095812564459154" /></a><br />This is five of us kids with mom; my oldest brother wasn't able to go until Sunday.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PuhdEVVRWAuiQTqa4eWeJV9pLmAcE8b4Kg6NbmpagpxDsCbDF9KlWZVGthTYB6moX-juO3mJiPBmS1KXKW08db31hWWg5KKRhOxfXWhVrzOICgpifZ_aNCbtnanNq55N1y5ETxZabHCv/s1600-h/IMG_0073.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PuhdEVVRWAuiQTqa4eWeJV9pLmAcE8b4Kg6NbmpagpxDsCbDF9KlWZVGthTYB6moX-juO3mJiPBmS1KXKW08db31hWWg5KKRhOxfXWhVrzOICgpifZ_aNCbtnanNq55N1y5ETxZabHCv/s320/IMG_0073.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349096320078825426" /></a><br /><br />The cellar door- the icky, old, spooky cellar; half of it was cement flooring and the other half dirt.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Y0NdymrzyL6fI4PT1Xa1ewzVmIX7spjpWRh601oqCiji1yR-MyjVDRYXJYb6uriSPRwnUlajZtr-Tc_JjDIAILkCGpeH9teemEdizL47KiXTuNVffVO3DIrH5OnmEA59_m5N7zww6GeY/s1600-h/IMG_0065.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Y0NdymrzyL6fI4PT1Xa1ewzVmIX7spjpWRh601oqCiji1yR-MyjVDRYXJYb6uriSPRwnUlajZtr-Tc_JjDIAILkCGpeH9teemEdizL47KiXTuNVffVO3DIrH5OnmEA59_m5N7zww6GeY/s320/IMG_0065.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349096810365094610" /></a><br /><br />The back of the house-<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVyUJ4KgMMy8845ko9ZjSFC_IpToFI3jEyAnIs88fJONMlqlexBhFTYPt0LFfJPO8K_RspDLSrUgs5Gz0DGjqaghwju3WIWoUsbuf2b1g4JCqB72Frad8A5y0S3EbbV7gydvvtl-h4BAp/s1600-h/IMG_0063.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVyUJ4KgMMy8845ko9ZjSFC_IpToFI3jEyAnIs88fJONMlqlexBhFTYPt0LFfJPO8K_RspDLSrUgs5Gz0DGjqaghwju3WIWoUsbuf2b1g4JCqB72Frad8A5y0S3EbbV7gydvvtl-h4BAp/s320/IMG_0063.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349097322355043602" /></a><br /><br />The shed where we parked our car (yes, without an 's') before dad built the garage on the house.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNS00zQYA8S4pa-ZB_NcU-71of1Fru_Ows43ihSeDDga0kRLQ79HfuLbnGqbQz5PGPmbct7wgaVfC0KZ-g6QF3I_IqUPr3_LSymCVhA1GQhefGwbEwfIdZRI8iW-upa2__oQNG85G4DULf/s1600-h/IMG_0059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNS00zQYA8S4pa-ZB_NcU-71of1Fru_Ows43ihSeDDga0kRLQ79HfuLbnGqbQz5PGPmbct7wgaVfC0KZ-g6QF3I_IqUPr3_LSymCVhA1GQhefGwbEwfIdZRI8iW-upa2__oQNG85G4DULf/s320/IMG_0059.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349097929823080898" /></a><br /><br />The spot where my oldest sister and her husband were married almost 35 years ago.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIE7EeCL-99wFBTGso9W33Y_nvvwHEHDkiy8MPTI_Tfa6azGFpwFBVhSoT7sBVjBMTerVYJCmoiSKLEJbV2rdXHkkRGYNtdN32O6gLQ14PCA7LxPlBmUiMKFXrAzie9iAmwQSqtvCBgYd/s1600-h/IMG_0089.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIE7EeCL-99wFBTGso9W33Y_nvvwHEHDkiy8MPTI_Tfa6azGFpwFBVhSoT7sBVjBMTerVYJCmoiSKLEJbV2rdXHkkRGYNtdN32O6gLQ14PCA7LxPlBmUiMKFXrAzie9iAmwQSqtvCBgYd/s320/IMG_0089.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349098353187851250" /></a><br /><br />The amiable and very patient in-laws-<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr19_AqZcJubRvPGOk5BuqhF_E8slrsJ_bleKbEZFlzNZ7T7WkjKFF05MRUZV_PaUscqoJmzvki_bchg3zxEKrqssganMg_vROdVr3zpAEQ7PeareueA89WpkvcW0XGJiZmCYqMeTiitnG/s1600-h/IMG_0085.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr19_AqZcJubRvPGOk5BuqhF_E8slrsJ_bleKbEZFlzNZ7T7WkjKFF05MRUZV_PaUscqoJmzvki_bchg3zxEKrqssganMg_vROdVr3zpAEQ7PeareueA89WpkvcW0XGJiZmCYqMeTiitnG/s320/IMG_0085.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349098635228544850" /></a><br /><br />After the farm, we went to the house that my dad built- the place I was born and lived for about 3 years. My memories are a little sketchy, but pieces of it are very clear. Weird how a person can remember some things and not others. I lived here when the Palm Sunday tornadoes went through.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbaP0KtOJM7DK1DjUoKZw08GBMq4Of72hbraulDbrGNTSt3PPqH6fGU3yQYMe-Jo6603-EUHcDny5fdJT97nA9JxLVIb1aLNouI9jE_meEozqcPXblhDNGnoXw3m-2xWouvpgAHgBq3bKC/s1600-h/IMG_0105.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbaP0KtOJM7DK1DjUoKZw08GBMq4Of72hbraulDbrGNTSt3PPqH6fGU3yQYMe-Jo6603-EUHcDny5fdJT97nA9JxLVIb1aLNouI9jE_meEozqcPXblhDNGnoXw3m-2xWouvpgAHgBq3bKC/s320/IMG_0105.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349099582814412546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibv5u78jp5PacEQP2rCCu8Vk-mgiiO6AtPkB3Z7SDNTcRy3mZ4YIsUeFx0N55ibsuAfmMPA1z4OQsjy3r2p63XqGcsbzsTiO-mmSYirM-AO3cPz1ClDKr_MRVAR0bd5q4jzgc-nPpZBgtb/s1600-h/IMG_0091.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibv5u78jp5PacEQP2rCCu8Vk-mgiiO6AtPkB3Z7SDNTcRy3mZ4YIsUeFx0N55ibsuAfmMPA1z4OQsjy3r2p63XqGcsbzsTiO-mmSYirM-AO3cPz1ClDKr_MRVAR0bd5q4jzgc-nPpZBgtb/s320/IMG_0091.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349099885374725442" /></a><br /><br />Our next-door neighbors were very close friends and cousins, so even after we moved a couple miles away, we came back and spent many, many hours playing in these woods.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3CGN6810i6pj5BBULpvfMRd-_rQR-weCuqu2PyxT0eY2hyphenhyphen9E3y0ufc6gSHdootd7pg7LZoNcG9JyWZk6o3bSdFrfZskMX4V3asM1a7d2qBR91XPyMLO4DT5wgTgt991NLWi15vSDOhhG/s1600-h/IMG_0101.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3CGN6810i6pj5BBULpvfMRd-_rQR-weCuqu2PyxT0eY2hyphenhyphen9E3y0ufc6gSHdootd7pg7LZoNcG9JyWZk6o3bSdFrfZskMX4V3asM1a7d2qBR91XPyMLO4DT5wgTgt991NLWi15vSDOhhG/s320/IMG_0101.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349100755576348946" /></a><br /><br />The kitchen looks about the same.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9HkvtKhX-6hvr3t4P5gGzyGNnpIHXaxhbQuW4PefRGEWPto3s8Jjrkz0Qn3oEkmrD1rllaUtNBaS5_nQPj1deKdllAPFfhK9aJbm0VMe-FL5PnOCDTM832NhBBtKLWugoFYyZtiA5wrP/s1600-h/IMG_0092.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9HkvtKhX-6hvr3t4P5gGzyGNnpIHXaxhbQuW4PefRGEWPto3s8Jjrkz0Qn3oEkmrD1rllaUtNBaS5_nQPj1deKdllAPFfhK9aJbm0VMe-FL5PnOCDTM832NhBBtKLWugoFYyZtiA5wrP/s320/IMG_0092.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349101060404409714" /></a><br /><br />The couple who live there now (the daughter of my dad's boss) so graciously opened their home and hearts to us. They added this awesome sun room that looks out over the woods. Tranquility...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExr36T_D1YL6Qo_103Iti6ehotwNU36JT04jg0b2-YlRRhPjJJpkIe3k-jYEBFbIAhB36UTZ5rF9fqxS6BviaQrv7n9NHAvW18XFPm3lj0k-B-qVb9fz09hXSApY9gU4K8l36GXHgkDH6/s1600-h/IMG_0100.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExr36T_D1YL6Qo_103Iti6ehotwNU36JT04jg0b2-YlRRhPjJJpkIe3k-jYEBFbIAhB36UTZ5rF9fqxS6BviaQrv7n9NHAvW18XFPm3lj0k-B-qVb9fz09hXSApY9gU4K8l36GXHgkDH6/s320/IMG_0100.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349101620069389378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-a83Qt_MLdfzVB7-8rT8suApGxKUZUFdFitn4ROy8KsivpNk-LauGWecdIGIWPQK4La3RKdJ3N-lU4-novS08YRzFnWh-MPrW9VD4ww8GJwG9r8JV9u7JK_TCdL6XozbIUnwQBbzekxuY/s1600-h/IMG_0096.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-a83Qt_MLdfzVB7-8rT8suApGxKUZUFdFitn4ROy8KsivpNk-LauGWecdIGIWPQK4La3RKdJ3N-lU4-novS08YRzFnWh-MPrW9VD4ww8GJwG9r8JV9u7JK_TCdL6XozbIUnwQBbzekxuY/s320/IMG_0096.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349101831515178530" /></a><br /><br />Our next stop was the church that I attended with my family before getting married and the cemetery next door where my dad was buried 21 years ago.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaxbD-LK0B-HiKsSTjvTJM1XMuNh0Q7A8xixUNNX5fUL8wx9VA4fPL8L18i90sdZI5HiYhUUlN38u4fT0IS-cQnzV_HNaCgsyowClmccDOvIx0w9tGqB3cXMQDQLFLnuqUEan903G4F6p/s1600-h/IMG_0118.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaxbD-LK0B-HiKsSTjvTJM1XMuNh0Q7A8xixUNNX5fUL8wx9VA4fPL8L18i90sdZI5HiYhUUlN38u4fT0IS-cQnzV_HNaCgsyowClmccDOvIx0w9tGqB3cXMQDQLFLnuqUEan903G4F6p/s320/IMG_0118.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349102366209983378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKTAs4oFT-4ICcDQXckH-_Fu5WcxVSPwcUDeMM60jNVtspF9SXKYia0TGBcPZAWQcqtpCwshuIEGewHrMspKKRu0rIGx31BNvoAi0BQDC9FYZmQGHxgPBdcyZwIumkjySXng0MQi0aqD-/s1600-h/IMG_0125.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKTAs4oFT-4ICcDQXckH-_Fu5WcxVSPwcUDeMM60jNVtspF9SXKYia0TGBcPZAWQcqtpCwshuIEGewHrMspKKRu0rIGx31BNvoAi0BQDC9FYZmQGHxgPBdcyZwIumkjySXng0MQi0aqD-/s320/IMG_0125.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349105860337758658" /></a><br /><br />Don't even ask how we got inside...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQNo_vIQ4UwFnkQHV9YKQ8evj3QVH2h2rKAQLbEUCoUz8DbmVFyRNWnZC_XqTUrWmmU65tUL4if342RZ3wxSoSskX7Zi_GyTUjKM8it1n_azMGEhxIUImI4K773m3Ill3XR_nPpZDHarx/s1600-h/IMG_0127.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQNo_vIQ4UwFnkQHV9YKQ8evj3QVH2h2rKAQLbEUCoUz8DbmVFyRNWnZC_XqTUrWmmU65tUL4if342RZ3wxSoSskX7Zi_GyTUjKM8it1n_azMGEhxIUImI4K773m3Ill3XR_nPpZDHarx/s320/IMG_0127.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349103486760051506" /></a><br />The four of us<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2ifrSfaj_UXOFn32KjprXY8ePDpVYhnMRwjwpxiDWysa3BCeGtbNUBgHI33UBk4og5h7N_O-2Ok9TGXTI7pkbDxDh_WLss84_tBuVwOCVFzNAPfYHAq3KIQnf93jxS4yASMGi9ci03_a/s1600-h/IMG_0130.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2ifrSfaj_UXOFn32KjprXY8ePDpVYhnMRwjwpxiDWysa3BCeGtbNUBgHI33UBk4og5h7N_O-2Ok9TGXTI7pkbDxDh_WLss84_tBuVwOCVFzNAPfYHAq3KIQnf93jxS4yASMGi9ci03_a/s320/IMG_0130.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349103233333185266" /></a><br />My sister, Gail, and her husband. Thanks to all her planning and hospitality, we got to experience a wonderful weekend.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vKt62twa1loaeQR4jQZMMLt7X1Ok4WFQ1Tu0m_UMcPCHYQ7oAu34okkddSd8AXzVkuI2tnKd33Nd_zL_ZNi64aLgeUGWT5cE6BGaGVBbCERDMR21zZG0y9MXbGkTki3ouXSse9mbqdbH/s1600-h/IMG_0131.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vKt62twa1loaeQR4jQZMMLt7X1Ok4WFQ1Tu0m_UMcPCHYQ7oAu34okkddSd8AXzVkuI2tnKd33Nd_zL_ZNi64aLgeUGWT5cE6BGaGVBbCERDMR21zZG0y9MXbGkTki3ouXSse9mbqdbH/s320/IMG_0131.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349105556737842018" /></a><br /><br />On December 22, 1987, my dad was killed in an accident on his way home from work. I still miss him, acutely at times; but I am so thankful for the heritage he left. I do not remember him saying an unkind word about anybody, even though he would have had plenty of opportunity. He was strict, but loving, fun and funny. I hate it that my own kids will never get to experience his teasing and humor. I often wonder what he would have to say about all this gb turmoil; I think I know because of the character he had.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiu8NpsK-W9ZXhtp-uBBFm8iRq6raHEnxktmlXEunKQcAlxJu5YK701fJfzEo38-Ap1AOagr9jNT2MrkDgCm4esCuryEVF4CRuFNlJLRS9ndiXPv6LHFN2Sytv8SwJxvYZlx6DCB-hYiI0/s1600-h/IMG_0111.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiu8NpsK-W9ZXhtp-uBBFm8iRq6raHEnxktmlXEunKQcAlxJu5YK701fJfzEo38-Ap1AOagr9jNT2MrkDgCm4esCuryEVF4CRuFNlJLRS9ndiXPv6LHFN2Sytv8SwJxvYZlx6DCB-hYiI0/s320/IMG_0111.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349105103131876610" /></a><br /><br />The same pump (probably the same cup) I used as an excuse to skip church and be outside.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfougbU5w7JYTIbNF_U4UPW4Pf-cFNu-84BWml9P2POxRwxUDkfq4Mdyza_wKbiM2vaK3aZcg4bOI10F5s2sTAYm3uQjyrbEGGby9SQOBj0pXWIT0AIK9hwdX7t9QwH0b58meu1PZZhs-W/s1600-h/IMG_0122.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfougbU5w7JYTIbNF_U4UPW4Pf-cFNu-84BWml9P2POxRwxUDkfq4Mdyza_wKbiM2vaK3aZcg4bOI10F5s2sTAYm3uQjyrbEGGby9SQOBj0pXWIT0AIK9hwdX7t9QwH0b58meu1PZZhs-W/s320/IMG_0122.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349113718253627122" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8ambblryrdLaPhAKFOcBCD4cCzF45H8X_bt6HhkBXQ-7qfsMHedngxw79yRbXR-71ee5LVoPSpSO9VXPrBzJv4jp_W1ktIZlepN0SrdCU53OdCCdrOhiF3WENgYV3LdU7wqRFnZ35CzF/s1600-h/IMG_0123.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8ambblryrdLaPhAKFOcBCD4cCzF45H8X_bt6HhkBXQ-7qfsMHedngxw79yRbXR-71ee5LVoPSpSO9VXPrBzJv4jp_W1ktIZlepN0SrdCU53OdCCdrOhiF3WENgYV3LdU7wqRFnZ35CzF/s320/IMG_0123.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349113936004224274" /></a><br /><br />From the church, we drove around on familiar roads, talking, remembering, laughing and ending up back at my sister's just in time for dinner. Her son and his wife fixed, served and cleaned up dinner for us.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKQdNypAfa5VS_UYBwAdQRXiJLOcpKOVXvQO5A0797KTuWcdE9vwarTSIq-ykTEUmM0jje1_WnW6XAn2i_a9yukFotOyiVmaqsAAMGSI2j6XVJPdiP0Ozk5JLfh0XY-guuZ4cejvIvFIJ/s1600-h/IMG_0134.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKQdNypAfa5VS_UYBwAdQRXiJLOcpKOVXvQO5A0797KTuWcdE9vwarTSIq-ykTEUmM0jje1_WnW6XAn2i_a9yukFotOyiVmaqsAAMGSI2j6XVJPdiP0Ozk5JLfh0XY-guuZ4cejvIvFIJ/s320/IMG_0134.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349114639406449762" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpUkwF2t5xOI_jTXnXThXkKliCrHMyVF2NxjiJLtHJv2-VXqwW5nms8L1gueGsQ2FRQYZz0p3giMcEUrOkbB7K6s7WGVr_gSm367aODjhYugYZS1au-tMiyA3ztwBScsGtkZ-tuT-PvcP/s1600-h/IMG_0136.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpUkwF2t5xOI_jTXnXThXkKliCrHMyVF2NxjiJLtHJv2-VXqwW5nms8L1gueGsQ2FRQYZz0p3giMcEUrOkbB7K6s7WGVr_gSm367aODjhYugYZS1au-tMiyA3ztwBScsGtkZ-tuT-PvcP/s320/IMG_0136.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349115066708451698" /></a><br /><br />My youngest sister had to go home Saturday night and my brother and his wife joined us on Sunday. After a relaxing morning of conversation and coffee and another yummy meal, we went to the farm where my mom lived from 1st grade to marriage at 16.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz24Mgff1BoedZnHon7CWFiTSlze3DFo1aVvmx01zlzOxuM7fwnwgEhu4bL7BFYQrFnyVWtpuyCjNQFDDYka25p0AHoJ-Be8nwT_v09I78LnWgHe6DEhELQwWmbIi10c1pJq7d26ogJv39/s1600-h/IMG_0137.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz24Mgff1BoedZnHon7CWFiTSlze3DFo1aVvmx01zlzOxuM7fwnwgEhu4bL7BFYQrFnyVWtpuyCjNQFDDYka25p0AHoJ-Be8nwT_v09I78LnWgHe6DEhELQwWmbIi10c1pJq7d26ogJv39/s320/IMG_0137.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349115904756201746" /></a><br />The people who live there now<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXamVgMS-XTex0aoRnErILWbWc9tG9khj30JQWFznzUWXzcZWAUmIpP8W-ZHhgiofxrMS41pJFiqVbCgn_Vqy9GxKET1uUqRj7suDyCWDdrDr9HW9STgKb4dhA8MWWko1eJjgWQmnTK6c/s1600-h/IMG_0139.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXamVgMS-XTex0aoRnErILWbWc9tG9khj30JQWFznzUWXzcZWAUmIpP8W-ZHhgiofxrMS41pJFiqVbCgn_Vqy9GxKET1uUqRj7suDyCWDdrDr9HW9STgKb4dhA8MWWko1eJjgWQmnTK6c/s320/IMG_0139.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349116359258795618" /></a><br /><br />My mom used to walk to this little two-room school. It had a wall right down the middle with the classroom on one side and the gym on the other.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdxwLYoQ0znFFWVGVkxN8lPqHuLrblZW0wm8K0cXB_PT44igk1wBOjvHRzgWubBvF80q_5iigZt-x0_FMWkGetVQoLMAUoOX1kmVOZHE_U6rneiVK0IhntUtZwJrSq179ZyV6KzTeVekw/s1600-h/IMG_0150.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdxwLYoQ0znFFWVGVkxN8lPqHuLrblZW0wm8K0cXB_PT44igk1wBOjvHRzgWubBvF80q_5iigZt-x0_FMWkGetVQoLMAUoOX1kmVOZHE_U6rneiVK0IhntUtZwJrSq179ZyV6KzTeVekw/s320/IMG_0150.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349117661502722050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySwiLa1By_XNQNL2-RaOc5MigbnY2VUnsDSThDhaLcTvJBnJ2a8HbW9wu7QDxW_e8NckTMDn0sIObad7XJr5AKBDsnjbs4oMcLiSTNb5gxttslQ9vflw5ZpddGxH6PqfHlYR673ck1Tsu/s1600-h/IMG_0144.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySwiLa1By_XNQNL2-RaOc5MigbnY2VUnsDSThDhaLcTvJBnJ2a8HbW9wu7QDxW_e8NckTMDn0sIObad7XJr5AKBDsnjbs4oMcLiSTNb5gxttslQ9vflw5ZpddGxH6PqfHlYR673ck1Tsu/s320/IMG_0144.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349117918375602546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEeFEVzAogxAjpBhyphenhyphensSvKinA5K41uoEZ6myS9UVJr1W56mOtYWl442CuF_lnDVKcGm0BUCWxc5jjfeIP8Z1838a8DoSr-_pWcYpDRam1bz6jIJXAP9SgsrfJpl1STL4DamiNVTS7BuDtN/s1600-h/IMG_0146.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEeFEVzAogxAjpBhyphenhyphensSvKinA5K41uoEZ6myS9UVJr1W56mOtYWl442CuF_lnDVKcGm0BUCWxc5jjfeIP8Z1838a8DoSr-_pWcYpDRam1bz6jIJXAP9SgsrfJpl1STL4DamiNVTS7BuDtN/s320/IMG_0146.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349118287038439554" /></a><br /><br />It was an amazing and fun weekend together. Mom decided that it was one of the best birthday gifts she had ever received. And now, waiting for next year...Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-78163065576360613742009-06-02T08:50:00.002-04:002009-06-02T09:40:13.152-04:00Spring CleaningNow that summer is right around the corner, I will blog about the thoughts that have been rumbling through my brain for the last two months.<br /><br />There are two things I clearly remember from my childhood: spring cleaning and fall cleaning. I was raised in an era when in order to be a successful housewife one must completely purge the home twice a year. I have to admit that, as a child, I hated those times of completely emptying the rooms, taking down all the drapes, clearing off all the shelves and washing everything- and I mean everything! My absolute least favorite job was washing down the walls and ceiling. I remember liking the end product- the smell of clean, the organization, the freshness- but not the journey it took to get there.<br /><br />Recently, (a couple months ago now), I was going through this spring cleaning process in our closet and I got to thinking about my spiritual closet- my heart. I don't enjoy the process of cleaning out my heart, but the end result of sweet communion with my Jesus is indescribable. This process is much like cleaning out my own closet- examination of what's in there, pulling out the ugly, the unusable, decluttering, sweeping out the dust, dirt and cobwebs and allowing only beautiful things inside.<br /><br />God wants to lovingly lead me to focus on the several bad habits that have piled up, the cobwebs of sin and rebellion that have been woven, the dust of unconfessed hurt and anger. These things have wintered in my heart and it's time to do some spring cleaning. When I allow the Spirit to convict and let God lead me in confession and repentance, I feel like my newly cleaned and organized closet. Getting rid of my unwanted habits and sin will leave me with a peaceful and joy-filled heart. I no longer have to search through the dirt of depravity, looking around the dust and stench of decay. I now enjoy the fresh scent of pleasing God in all I say, do, think and feel.<br /><br />With summer on the way, now seems like a good time to meditate on one specific area in this quest of purging the heart. My church has given me a wonderful starting point to the topic on my mind. What a blessing it is to fellowship with a body of believers who think the heart is what matters. The following excerpt was in several of the recent bulletins: <br /><br />"SUMMER PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE--Ladies, are you aware you can serve your brothers in Christ simply by the way you dress during summer months? We encourage you to consider this at all times, but especially as we gather together to worship. What a gift to men if they do not have to fight the battle of the eyes and mind when they gather with their sisters in Christ! We praise God for your desire to see Jesus magnified!"<br /><br />Why do we even need to be reminded of this? Do we truly not understand that when we cannot even bend over without exposing a part of ourselves, we make the struggle ten thousand times worse for our brothers in Christ? Or when we show enough to distract the mind from glorifying Christ to lusting, we are the cause of sin in another believer? What goes through our minds when we stand in front of a mirror and analyze our clothing choices? Why are we Christian ladies reminded of this over and over and over and we still expose ourselves? I do not believe we can claim ignorance any longer. We have been taught enough; I am now without excuse and so are you. Maybe we should come at this from the negative aspect: what is immodesty?<br /><br />Immodesty- indecent, shameless, vain, not properly restrained, boastful, arrogant.<br /><br />Our source of rebellion in this area is not from the culture around us or the standards of the world. (It's easy to look around and think that at least we dress more modestly than "they" do- that is still rebellion). <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The source of our rebellion lies deep within the hearts of each one of us.</span> <br /><br />If your heart is lacking peace and joy, perhaps it's time to do a little spring cleaning.Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-54193820404689633442009-05-16T22:30:00.002-04:002009-05-16T22:48:45.837-04:00Please Pray with Mefor the husband/father who lost his wife and 2 children in a house fire late last night.<br /><br />We've known this family all our lives. They are from Flora,Indiana, (where Jerald was from).<br /><br />Brian & Leah Wagoner had a son, Harrison (almost 8) and a daughter, Sophia (4). Brian's dad was our dentist for many years and I worked with Leah's mother for several years.<br /><br />Indiana had a very severe electrical storm last night which they believe struck the house and started a fire. Leah and both children died in the fire. Brian's hands were burned, but not too bad. They are strong Christians, but how...how is Brian supposed to go on? I guess I'm showing how weak my faith really is, but why? I know in my head that God is sovereign and good, but my heart still can't understand why God wants it to be this way. I hurt so much for the grandparents/parents, Brian, their friends...<br /><br />And so, even though you don't know this family, would you still remember to pray for them? please?Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-64539954109575987392009-05-11T10:22:00.003-04:002009-05-11T10:45:01.957-04:00Mother's Day WeekendEvery year my kids get me something for Mother's Day even though I insist that they shouldn't. This year it was a beautiful diamond bracelet which I love, but I really mean it when I say it is enough to have 5 beautiful children who love Jesus and have submitted their hearts to His leadership. For a mother to know that her children are walking with the Lord is gift enough.<br /><br />We had a fun and busy weekend with my family. As a Christmas gift, my mom pays for the whole family (I think there were 40+ this year) to go to a state park in Indiana for the weekend. The last two years we have went to Pokagon and stayed in the inn. It's a fun time for the kids to be together and the adults to catch up.<br /> <br />On Sunday, we helped some friends set up for their daughter's wedding. It was a beautiful wedding, full of God's goodness and love. The couple had saved their first kiss for this special day. I love weddings that glorify Christ; they always make me want to go home and pay more attention to the vows I made on my wedding day.<br /><br />A Happy belated Mother's Day wish to all you moms!Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-69159233596117089462009-05-07T08:59:00.002-04:002009-05-07T09:05:00.574-04:00FrustrationThere are thoughts running around in my head that are driving me crazy, but I can't seem to be able to sit down, corral them together and write something that would make sense. It's making me a bit frustrated, but I'm thinking that maybe God knows my heart does not have the right attitude about one aspect of my thoughts. And so, I will wait and pray and renew my mind. God may give me permission and then again, He may not.Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-69750631212929314182009-04-30T09:58:00.003-04:002009-04-30T10:13:58.810-04:00Never Mind, LordSometimes I wonder if I'm like the man who was driving down the street in a panic because he had an important meeting and couldn't find a parking space. Looking up to heaven, he said, "Lord, take pity on me. If you find me a parking space, I promise to go to church every Sunday for the rest of my life and give up swearing."<br />Miraculously, a spot opened right in front of the building.<br />The man looked up and said, "Never mind. I found one."<br /><br />I pray and seek the face of God; He faithfully answers and I act like it was my own doing.<br /><br />"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding". Prov. 3:5Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-13848182136666276872009-04-21T09:43:00.007-04:002009-04-21T10:06:55.774-04:00Recommended ReadingNot much time to blog these days what with college plans, wedding plans, therapy visits plus the usual to keep our home running smoothly. We leave at 6:20a on Wednesday to take Nicole to LA to visit Azusa Pacific University.<br /><br />I know it's a little odd to recommend my own daughter's blog, but sometimes my kids' wisdom can blow me away. It's definitely worth reading and sharing with your own daughters. So, check <a href="http://theflameinallofus94.blogspot.com/">this</a> out.Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-66438478362048892432009-04-07T08:14:00.003-04:002009-04-07T09:27:01.223-04:00Plans"For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart."- Jer. 29:11-13<br /><br />"I know the plans that I have for you" versus "I know the plans that I have scheduled in my planner". Last week taught me that there is a vast difference between the two. The best of planning on my part may not always line up with the best God has for me.<br /><br />My schedule for last week:<br />~Monday- skating lessons for Brooke from 2:30-4:45<br />~Tuesday- skating at 2:15<br />~Wednesday- Mom's group & errands<br />~Thursday- Women's study, grocery & errands<br />~Friday- prepare meal for ADDICT ministries<br /><br />God's schedule for last week:<br />~Monday- skating 2:30-4:00<br />~Tuesday- no skating<br />~Wednesday- Mom's group and emergency room<br />~Thursday- Emergency room and surgery<br />~Friday- home & emotionally spent<br /><br />Monday, Brooke was skating when she fell on the ice and broke her chin open. We decided to try a butterfly bandage rather than stitches. It turned out to be the right decision, although I am the most deficient in the medical aspect of mothering. I hate, hate, hate the idea that my kids might be in pain. I couldn't even watch when they would get their immunizations. Anyway, that pretty much ended skating for that day and it canceled skating for the next day. Her heart was broken because that was the last skating opportunity until June. (They take the ice off for soccer.)<br /><br />Wednesday morning I went to Mom's group and was almost home when I got a phone call that Colin hurt his hand at work and they were taking him by squad to the hospital. I drove to the farm and got there in time to ride in the ambulance with him to Upper Valley. He was changing a tire on a trailer when the jack slipped out. The trailer fell on his right hand causing the u-bolt that secures the axle to go completely through his hand about 3/4" below the knuckle on the index finger. He yelled for help while jacking the trailer up with his left hand. (He's my hero!)<br /><br />After taking xrays, Upper Valley wanted him to go to the Hand & Orthopedic Center at Southview Hospital, so they took him by transport to the ER there. I did very well staying with him the whole time until they needed to numb his hand to cleanse and sanitize the hole where the bolt went through. Jerald got to hold his hand for that one.<br /><br />The xray showed his knuckle in 4-5 pieces and tendon damage to his index finger. After a MOST miserable night in the ER (the hospital had NO available rooms), they took him for surgery Thursday at noon and he had surgery at 3:00p. The surgeon came out at 4:30 and said they were able to use pins and put the knuckle back together. Here's the miraculous part: all the doctors and the surgeon who looked at the xray said he had tendon damage and if they couldn't repair it, they would have to take a tendon from his wrist and graft it in. After the surgery, the surgeon told us there was no tendon damage. Do I believe in the power of prayer? Absolutely!!<br /><br />We were back home by 5p Thursday night. Friday, I was emotionally and physically exhausted! We were able to keep the pain controlled with Percocet. Now we are looking at about 6 weeks of occupational therapy twice a week. Yesterday was his first appointment. They removed the surgical dressing, cleaned the hand really well and created a less burdensome splint.<br /><br />Colin has been the best patient a mom could ask for. He's very undemanding, very patient with me, extremely grateful for everything and anything I do. I have actually enjoyed serving him in this way.<br /><br />My mom (bless her) fixed my food for the Friday night meal.<br /><br />Right in the middle of all this, Adam & Heidi got engaged and will be getting married August 1st. <br /><br />AND, we are taking Nicole to CA in 2 weeks to visit Azusa Pacific University in LA.<br /><br />This week, as I created my schedule, I did so with a little less boldness and more prayer. I do not know what my life will be like tomorrow. If the LORD wills, I will live and also do this or that. (James 4:14 & 15) I'm trying to appreciate today and the blessings it holds.<br /><br />I'm reminded every day of Proverbs 19:21- "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but the counsel of the LORD, it will stand".Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8969522360767704417.post-22845825914115905132009-03-18T09:10:00.010-04:002009-03-18T23:06:57.849-04:00Family LifeAfter many months of a "normal" schedule, we've had to rewrite what normal is. The new normal consists of Jerald traveling...a LOT. The LORD has taught me many things about flexibility through experience. I used to get very anxious when my well-thought-out schedule had to be rearranged. It hardly fazes me any more. :)<br /><br />A month ago Jerald was in Mexico for a few days. That was a little unnerving with the restlessness of the drug cartel. He was quite glad to arrive safely at home. The week after that he was in Las Vegas for 4 days. He's been there several times before and still can't find the fascination that others have for that city. Get this- he had a lady walk up to him as he was going to meet some other guys and ask him if he was alone. The nerve! I asked him if he told her, "No, I carry my wife in my heart everywhere I go." The next week he was in Pennsylvania for a couple days and then he was actually home for a week. Today he is going to Chicago until tomorrow night and next week is California.<br /><br />For those who always asks just what exactly Jerald does, here's a brief description: He is an electrical engineer for a company (Trimble) in Huber Heights that designs and manufactures GPS and lasers for excavators, pavers, and agricultural use. Jerald is the System Technical Manager for a joint venture with Caterpillar & Trimble. His job is to make sure that the components and the machines are connected properly along with being responsible for making sure that all aspects (like user interface, operation, etc.) are consistent. If you want any more details, you will have to talk to him. :) Needless to say, I think he is one of the smartest people I know!<br /><br />I was recently asked how I handle him being gone so much. I must say it is definitely easier with the children being older, but I give all the credit to God. I believe that when I support and encourage my husband in the talents God has given him, God will pour out His grace on our family and help us in an extra way when Jerald is gone. My husband loves, loves, loves his job and I am so very grateful for that. I want to be his help mate in this area by blessing him in his work. <br /> <br />On to other family news...the week Jerald was home we took a quick trip to Florida with Nicole to visit Warner University in Lake Wales. We left on Wednesday and got home on Sunday. We did get to spend a few hours on the beach.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCZ1Giyo_T-qRfMy1vnR_7ptNKB4ylvVa-63m0MF-NZ201-sqEecYBAxgiUOEUwGFxfmXFG-xZit63pdL0zO5duEiFLSjTcz8P8CGfEmYAuK-hEK-b53zE_nkuscHm529UW4JraMk2uxJ/s1600-h/006.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCZ1Giyo_T-qRfMy1vnR_7ptNKB4ylvVa-63m0MF-NZ201-sqEecYBAxgiUOEUwGFxfmXFG-xZit63pdL0zO5duEiFLSjTcz8P8CGfEmYAuK-hEK-b53zE_nkuscHm529UW4JraMk2uxJ/s320/006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314528213595070482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTzrQVAjuIUgs2IH79_tPu9GSbv5buUYxBTbhaYMAu0N3x-7l3VYWLfKbzGNAvMWbS3QEttpTGAr64HyUnXDzawUmtMKCEqBqa6XoYcAONKqrKg-mHoaavFO0EbK65KiB1orSu5h8Rnbi/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTzrQVAjuIUgs2IH79_tPu9GSbv5buUYxBTbhaYMAu0N3x-7l3VYWLfKbzGNAvMWbS3QEttpTGAr64HyUnXDzawUmtMKCEqBqa6XoYcAONKqrKg-mHoaavFO0EbK65KiB1orSu5h8Rnbi/s320/007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314528222807953186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuthU2YTtCHJGbmsnS5-TSftXaKW6RynJKU7a1d-qRf4GHti4hyphenhyphenDhctgYaFBiY6Reb4qGtewjbEefb6z6UkCGMu6ofdvErfsEAoJranYu86oHQZe0EhpuiLdwrQN-d-_J3Y2zjJL-mYg9M/s1600-h/014.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuthU2YTtCHJGbmsnS5-TSftXaKW6RynJKU7a1d-qRf4GHti4hyphenhyphenDhctgYaFBiY6Reb4qGtewjbEefb6z6UkCGMu6ofdvErfsEAoJranYu86oHQZe0EhpuiLdwrQN-d-_J3Y2zjJL-mYg9M/s320/014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314528228186969986" /></a> The college was a bust, but the trip was not. We enjoyed getting to spend time with just Nicole. She did say, though, that it would be very lonely to be an only child.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXtqM8_5XTmiWUXYh1nKMXB2Z_smgaFiwGixkv25ehnX_wad8N_kS4oGJfnlQogVjxvbpl7G8lkf0rtcCdKsXtDvD_8d_OWzGUGNlZze7SL_z4h2y29XpNUQ1c-WxCvOKG6_8jMALg1K5/s1600-h/015.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXtqM8_5XTmiWUXYh1nKMXB2Z_smgaFiwGixkv25ehnX_wad8N_kS4oGJfnlQogVjxvbpl7G8lkf0rtcCdKsXtDvD_8d_OWzGUGNlZze7SL_z4h2y29XpNUQ1c-WxCvOKG6_8jMALg1K5/s320/015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314528240514240626" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We are getting excited to see the end of some of the school books. We hope to be wrapped up no later than the end of May. Sometimes I feel it would be so nice to continue through the summer in a couple subjects, but when it gets right down to it, I really enjoy my summer break. (And the kids do, too.)<br /><br />Lately, I've been doing some sewing for a friend who doesn't sew...things like making a dress for serving in a wedding, making a bridesmaid dress from a size 22 to a size 14 and making 2 pairs of pants into skirts. I'm going to do a little on her bridesmaids dresses for her wedding coming up in May along with making corn salsa for the reception.<br /><br />Brooke is home again after being in Indiana for 2 weeks. Boy, I miss her when she's gone. Especially when she does things like cook dinner while I sew. Last night she made chicken and vegetable potpie and bread. Wow!<br /><br />Laina likes to get her school work done so she can get outside as quickly as possible on these nice days. She loves spending time with her cats.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QR0BBT7dFm8NrntZGv8tTrg8PYt5le22t4HmJCUHyUwqKtgdPPjxIskaDpKHJXR3UpjuvTj778aQNQ7FQtyN560SFzSDI8e2AoCVLT6FsJPkE4CuoggVOMpKPQ59wMiQfqzT9M_dxIi9/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QR0BBT7dFm8NrntZGv8tTrg8PYt5le22t4HmJCUHyUwqKtgdPPjxIskaDpKHJXR3UpjuvTj778aQNQ7FQtyN560SFzSDI8e2AoCVLT6FsJPkE4CuoggVOMpKPQ59wMiQfqzT9M_dxIi9/s320/003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314569536535109426" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />That's a little peak into our lives.Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16401269943832775858noreply@blogger.com8