Note to Self

This is the song that rang in my ears and some thoughts that ran through my mind this morning as I was driving to an appointment just a short distance away this morning...
Why is it sometimes so easy to BELIEVE what you believe and other times not so easy. For me, it is me, myself, and I! Self tends to worry, doubt, and be our own worst enemy. I BELIEVE every word of this beautiful song. I have a maker, He formed my heart. Before even time began, my life was in His hands. He knows my name, He knows my every thought, He sees each tear that falls, and He hears me when I call. He is my Father, He calls me His own. He'll never leave me, no matter where I go.
My last post was on prayer and that prayer changes things. I BELIEVE that too! Sometimes rather than pray first, I let myself get in the way. The self that tends to worry, doubt, and is my enemy, not my friend. Then I go to my Father, the one who formed my heart, the one who holds my life in His hands. The one who knows my every thought, sees each tear that falls, and hears me when I call. It is then and only then that this overwhelming peace that He promises floods my soul and allows me to truly BELIEVE what I believe.
So, note to self: Get out of the way and let God be all that He is, has been, and ever will be - my maker, my Father, and the one who said He will never leave me, nor forsake me.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7

Prayer Changes Things

This little saying sits on the end table in the room where I have my morning devotions as a reminder of what I truly already know to be true - prayer changes things. I had a couple very stressful days this past week and typically I am not one who stresses out easily. Especially at work, I do the best job I can and then don't allow myself to get too stressed. It's been very busy this month and sometimes when that happens, mistakes are made. I made a big one! I mistakenly put the wrong information in two envelopes that were confidential - yikes! It was brought to my attention just before I left work on Wednesday and I was a mess. Thursday morning the little saying on my end table seemed to be slanted even more directly toward me than usual and, of course, I prayed that God would work it out to the best end possible. Without going into all the details, by noon on Thursday I was able to retrieve both pieces that were sent incorrectly. I know for sure it was an answer to prayer - prayer changes things! I still felt very bad the mistake happened at all but I was more at ease by the end of the day. That was until the evening hours when my daughter and I were texting and she informed me of a matter concerning our grandson that was disturbing. I urged her to have him checked out by the doctor the next day. We were able to arrange for me to watch baby sis while Daddy took C to the doctor. This put the stress from the day before in perspective. We prayed for C on and off throughout the night. My husband was very concerned too, but at peace. I was not quite there yet. In the morning the scripture I read was in Matthew 5:45, "He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." That verse wasn't particularly settling until I read through the devotional. At the very end it said, "Trust Him today and rejoice in His mercies whether it's sunny or raining." Okay, Lord, that's what I'll do. I know in my heart that trials come and that He is always there, He is sovereign. These are the things that drive us closer to Him. The report was good with extra special comfort from the doctor whose own son experienced the very exact thing and it was temporary. I am thanking the Lord for His goodness to us and that His mercies are new every morning!

"Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, 

for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Ps. 25:4-5

Upsetting the Apple Cart

It's been a while so I thought I'd blog about a story I heard on the radio while listening to Dr. David Jeremiah preach. He tells of three Chicago businessmen who were in a rush to catch their flight back to their families in Chicago. As they ran frantically through the concourse, they knocked over a cart of apples that a young girl was selling. They kept going, not wanting to miss their flight that they were already late for. They handed in their tickets and got on the plane, all but one of them. He told the other two he just couldn't leave, he had to go back and help the girl with the apples. As he did, he saw many other travelers pass her by and not one stopped to help. As they dodged people across the busy terminal and she groped around trying to recover the apples, he noticed she was blind. After each apple had been recovered he apologized for upsetting the apple cart and gave her $40 to make up for the apples that were bruised because of it. He began to walk away when she called out to him, "Mister, are you Jesus?"

This gave me pause as we often hear, "You may be the only Jesus someone else ever sees." What a blessing to have someone see Jesus in me. What a burden for them not to.

1.11.11

Isn't that a great date!!! All ones and how appropriate to blog some things about our #1 daughter!

Isn't she lovely!

Happy Birthday Meg! Born on 1/11/79 and now 32 years old! We will always remember that early frigid January morning as we headed to the hospital for your birth-day. It was 6 degrees below zero and Dad had to scrape frost off the inside of the windshield! Eight days beyond your "due date," we were all very ready. You were born that afternoon at the exact minute God planned for you, not one second late and all was well in the world! What a beautiful baby, perfect in every way!

We wonder, where did those years go? Everyone asks that question but, seriously, they flew by so quickly! The good news is life goes on and even gets better! We now not only enjoy you but the two beautiful blessings you and Ryan have given to us. Meg, you know how crazy we are about your kids and you probably think they are #1 in our hearts, but the truth is you still are and always will be! We love your independent spirit, your total devotion to family, your love for the Lord, and your love and friendship to others. We enjoy your flare and tendency to take a walk on the wild side with style. Coming from conservative and ultra conservative parents (you know which is which!) when it comes to dress, it's refreshing. Even if Dad says your animal prints are "weird" - deep down you know he loves it!
Here are a couple pictures of our first vacation as a family just a few months past your first birthday. We took you to St. Augustine, Florida, a much warmer climate. That year it was chilly but nothing like the January day you were born! (Isn't Dad so cute with his mustache and short-shorts... ha ha!)

We just want to wish you the very happiest birthday in the world and SO SO many more! Keep sprinkling joy wherever you go and "walk humbly with your God."
We love you so much! ~ Mom & Dad ~

"He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8

A Look @ '10 Again

Another year gone by... here's a quick review:

~Mom spent a few weeks in rehab in January following hip replacement surgery. She is such a trooper, she takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'!

~Madelyn turned 1 in March and Collin turned 3!

~The Bozichs came for Easter

~In May, Gary turned 60! He's still the handsome prince charming I married almost 37 years ago!

~Jan came to Michigan over Memorial weekend and we had a memorable celebration in honor of Mom's 80th birthday!

~The McPhails and McGuires both celebrated their first wedding anniversary in June.

~We spent close to a week in Washington, D.C. with the Bozichs and Elise in August. It was fun, hot, educational, and exhausting! We are already talking about going again.

~Miss Madelyn gave us a scare in September that landed her overnight at Children's Hospital. Thankfully, it turned out fine. Collin spent the night with us so that was fun.

~Bryan announced that Cara said YES!!! We are looking forward to their July wedding!

~In October, after 21 years and at age 93, Gran Fran moved from Flat Rock to Riverview. It's been tough but we're hoping she settles in and is happy there.~In November, Kara & Gordy announced they are expecting their first child in July!

~We enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast with the Andersons, Bozichs, McGuires, McPhails, and Mrowcas! We truly have so much to be thankful for.

~Sadly, both Dick's sister, Judy, and Ryan's Grandpa Franzel passed away. They were much loved and will be greatly missed.

~In December we focused on Christmas and it was wonderful!

Looking forward to the New Year with great anticipation for all the Lord has in store for us!

A day in the life...

When you're a child you don't really understand that everyday life is pretty much carefree. I decided to enjoy that kind of day today. Collin spent the night and pulled it off without a hitch! He made it almost to the end of "Home Alone 2" before asking to watch the "All About" video (construction, trucks, cars, etc., his favorite!)

He tuckered out around 10:30 p.m. Each time, and it was often, that he said "Graaaa-meeee" this or "Graaaa-meeee" that, I enjoyed hearing it, including in the middle of the night and out of a sound sleep! He said, "Graaaa-meeee" we forgot to make popcorn when we watched "Home Alone." Apparently, that was part of his plan when he talked to his Mommy about spending the night here. I assured him we would make popcorn the next day and he fell quickly back to sleep on the bed we made for him on the floor. He climbed up on the couch with me as morning drew near and slipped off a couple times but said 'okay, good night' both times when I told him he had to go back to sleep. He slept till 8:00 a.m., a good night's rest for both of us...ahhhh! He ate a two-egg cheese omelet for breakfast and 1/2 a chocolate glazed donut Papa brought back from the coffee shop.

We made cookies, colored, played a game, read a book, watched more movies, put puzzles together. It was nice to enjoy a day of vacation like a child!

We went for a brisk walk with Papa and the dialogue was continuous. Two statements that stand out - "Papa, I love you" and a little later, "Grammy, my butt is itching!" haha

No real down time for this guy. He put a puzzle together while I made lunch. We had salad but all he really wanted was more of the cookies we made!

More "Home Alone 2" and puzzles while resting before Mommy came to end our overnight stay and day together. We had so much fun, can't wait till baby sis is old enough to join us! Now I think I'll take a nap!

Christmas 2010

Better late than never, huh! This is really the first chance I've had to sit down and journal our Christmas. It was wonderful!!! We are blessed to have a loving family who enjoys nothing more than being together. I know that is true for many but not for all and I never want to take it for granted. I did like many others and put the camera down as much as I could make myself so I could enjoy people through my eyes rather than the lens of my camera. I did manage to capture some of our special moments though...

Collin & Madelyn with their sweet gifts from Aunt Jannie & Uncle Dave.

Opening gifts on Christmas Eve Day with Michael & Andi...

He likes it!

and he liked the bottoms too, I think he was saying YES!!!

Cool comfies to lounge around in.

A Nike college sweatshirt for "Pops" which are his favorites but difficult to find these days.  A definite bell-ringer!

Collin & Madelyn at Gabby's on Christmas Eve.

Their home, so beautifully decorated.

and the best part, the people ~ Michael & Andi

Madelyn & Mommy

Our hosts, Dick & Barb (a.k.a. Gabby)

Barb, Kara, & Kelly and their ever-present smiles :)

Stephen, the college hunk (sorry Steve but it's true!)

Gordy, who was responsible for Gary being a satisfied Yankee Swap recipient!

Barb and I both bought something for each other that we already had for ourselves, and we're happy!

Soon the tree will come down, the decorations will be safely stored away until next year. The normal day-to-day routine of life resumes. Our pastor's message yesterday was the last Christmas message of the season. He encouraged us to 'do something Christmasy' all year long, not just at Christmas. We are hoping the Christmas spirit lives on in each one of us all throughout the year. 

Happy New Year!!!