The Gift of Reading and Writing

The thing I find the hardest to comprehend is how she’s gone through life not being able to read. No Trixie Belden or Nancy Drew. No Love Comes Softly, no frivolous magazines! I can’t imagine never reading a story to my children or my grandchildren.

Her world is small. The map in her mind is the town she lives in, with no way of understanding how it fits into a bigger map. Conversations are limited to family, homemaking and what she’s heard. Old Recipes were memorized long ago and new ones deserve a quick call to review. She recognizes groceries by color and packaging. She’s never written on a calendar or organized a photo album. She has never written a card.

It hit me one day when she asked me to write a thank you card to each of her children. I obliged and, wanting to make each card special, asked her what specific things she would like me to say to each son or daughter. Her response was, “You know.” In other words, as a mother to a mother . . . you must surely know what you would want to thank your grown children for.

At first I was flustered. And then it slowly came to me that she really has never expressed what she's held inside, in words. Maybe that is why on those rare occasions when she prays out loud, she cries. For the first time, I put myself into her shoes and my heart hurt for her, at what she has missed.

I came to recognize how reading is a stepping stool to help me sort my thoughts. It’s a guide, a starting point, to read what’s on my own heart and then express those words. I realized that it’s a gift to use and practice. The woman I mention has an excuse, but most of us don’t. So, take a chance, and don’t be afraid to use the gift of reading and writing.

Numbering our Days

She was born in the cold Siberian wasteland in 1917. Her parents couldn’t give her the luxury of schooling past one year, because she was the oldest and had to help with the care of younger siblings. Moving across the ocean as a 12-year-old and pioneering the Chaco didn’t improve her chances of learning to read and write. Besides being at an age where she would not have fit in anymore, she was also needed at home.
She married young and gave birth to ten children. She raised nine, working alongside her husband on the land and tending to family needs.
Now, as we visit her, she spreads her hands, and asks, “Wo sind die Tage? Wo sind die Jahre?” She’s wondering where the days and years have gone? They passed by so quickly.

Little Lacey doesn’t know that, although she is great-grandchild number 52, she was admired as though she was her first. We have not seen such a big smile on her face in a long time.

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12

Three Meals, Nine Ways

When I do my weekly grocery shopping I think about possibilities for dinner, but most of the time I decide in the morning of the day of, what I will make.
There have been times, however, when it was necessary to think ahead and freeze meals. If you work and want to prepare homemade meals, it’s probably a given. Even so, we go through phases and stages such as preparing for coming home from the hospital, baseball seasons, driving the kids all over town for various lessons and games, preparing for family coming home or going away and leaving part of the family at home. Sometimes you just need to be more organized than other times.
I thought I would share a tad about taking a few hours to make freezer meals. It takes a bit of planning, but in the end, you save money and time. Planning meals creates less waste, because your meals are divided out according to servings and it saves a lot of clean up on the days that you serve something that you just re-heat.

So here’s one idea. You will need about 5 – 10 lbs of lean ground beef, depending on the size of your family. In these photos I used 5 pounds. I like to go to a local butcher and get it fresh and then divide it into three parts.

Part #1 – Mix up a batch of mini meatballs (1 ½ - 2 lbs will make about 75) (recipe) Bake them for 20 minutes, cool and divide into three small ziplock bags. These can quickly be added to meals such as your favorite spaghetti sauce, mushroom sauce (recipe) or covered with an apricot glaze.

Part # 2 – Place meat in large cooking pot, brown and make your favorite chili sauce. Let this simmer on low, while you continue. Cool and divide chili into three containers. This can be used for a meal of soft tacos (recipe), cornbread with chili or chili soup (recipe).

For part #3 – Cook ½ cup – 1 cup brown or white rice and mix a meat filling that will be divided up for three meals – filled peppers, porcupine balls and cabbage rolls, (recipe). I use the same filling and sauce for all three recipes.

I add a can of tomato soup to the sauce in the recipe or if you like you can just used tomato soup. I cook all three meals in roasters for about 60 – 75 minutes at 350F. Then I divide them into foil or Pyrex dishes to freeze. When I freeze meals, I like to know that they are cooked and only need to be heated.

If you have more time, add a large lasagna. Intersperse these meals with a crockpot meal, pizza, stir fries or pailards - all of which can be on the table quickly if the ingredients are on hand.

Haitian Orphans Rescued

On Monday night, January 18, the Lord allowed 26 Haitian children from the Three Angels Orphanage to come home to their American and Canadian families. Kristal sent me this link, since several of these families attend the same church our kids do. I watched the video with tears of joy! The emotions attached to this miracle are almost indescribable! See the celebration by clicking on the site below and thank God as we continue to pray.

Missionary Flights International - Mission Aviation to Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas - "We Are Bringing Our Babies Home!"

The Second Mile

If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Matthew 5:41

Have you ever wondered where the term, going the extra mile, comes from? According to Frederick Bruner’s commentary on Matthew, during the time of the Roman Rule, a soldier could command a Jewish citizen to carry his load for one mile, and he was legally bound to do it. Now Jesus told his disciples that if this should happen, they should do an extra mile. In other words, “Do more than expected.”

In our town we've had church youth groups get involved in random acts of kindness. I’ve been in my car, maybe stopped at a light, and someone came running to my window to hand me a can of soda. We live in a funny world now where even acts of kindness are looked upon suspiciously. It’s not normal to show kindness, when nothing is expected in return.

Max Lucado, in talking about second milers, explains going the extra mile, as passing from slave to volunteer. “This is the joy of the second mile.” People who go the extra mile are not continually dreaming of Friday, the next holiday or even how they can reach top of the ladder first. They are not just trading favors. This takes self denial, but in doing so they find freedom.

How can I become a second miler? Jesus showed us by His example of a true servant’s attitude. Going the second mile involves doing something that is not expected of me and it may mean doing something for which I cannot get repaid.

A Little Visitor

The little Miss and her Daddy came by and stayed for lunch so Mommy could get a rest. I was thrilled! Daddy's big hands figured out the ins and outs of the carseat with belts that look too big for her, while she sat back with not a care in the world. She continued her good behaviour while I quickly put some sandwiches in the oven to grill and totally enjoyed her first visit at Grammy's. We had a little cuddle and then she nicely went back into her carseat.

Is this what it's like? No driving to the airport . No need to get a bedroom ready. Just a quick hello and an easy goodbye . . . because I will see her again tomorrow. I think I can get used to this.

Speaking of tomorrow . . . Happy Birthday, Kari! I wish you good nights and many sweet smiles and moments as a new Mom. May God bless you with the desires of your heart.

What Was It Like Back Then?

When we checked into the hospital to have our first baby, they set me up in the labor room, where they monitored my contractions and tried to keep me as comfortable as possible. A number of hours later, when it was time to push, they rushed me into the delivery room, telling me not to push, until I was set up there. This room was the “sterile room” – I think they called it the case room. Everyone, including the dad to be, wore gowns and hospital boots etc.

Once the baby was born, weighed, checked out and cuddled, they wheeled me out into the hall so that we could make our phonecalls on the payphone that was located there. Then they took me to a room on the maternity ward. A room shared with three other women. The shower was down the hall.

Babies were kept in the nursery during the night and during visiting hours. Visitors could see all the babies through the large nursery room window. The newest born would most likely be at the front and of course their names would be on their bassinets. By the time I had our third child, we could make special arrangements for the baby’s siblings to come and visit in the lounge, but not in the room.

There was a curfew as to how long the husband could stay. I think it was ten or eleven o’clock. During the night, the nurses watched all the babies and would bring them to their mom when they needed a feed.

I still remember the first morning when I woke up, seeing the bassinet beside my bed. In actuality I had hardly slept because I had expected her during the night. After a while, the nurse came in and asked if I’d fed her yet. I was startled. I was supposed to feed her? How? I had never picked up a newborn in my life; I had never even changed a diaper. This is where many “first times” came into my life.

At that time moms stayed in the hospital for three to four days, and longer if the baby got jaundiced. During this time nurses were there to help you with feeding and showed you how to bathe your baby if you wanted them to. When we checked out, we took our baby home, holding her in my arms or in a box.

I guess after that it was pretty well the same as it is now. Life revolved around a baby’s sleeping and eating for a while.

I didn’t realize how much things had changed until I sat down and started writing. When did our ways become old fashioned? I am not saying that it was better. Some things have definitely improved. Some things we did sound funny now. It just feels strange to be on this end now, the place where we talk about how we used to do it. I did not know it would come so quickly.

Yet, I am in awe of the love and sacrifice that a new mom and dad have and will always have for their little one, so dependent on them. The love of parents is an amazing gift, one that brings you through all the changes and challenges ahead. And at this point I can only add that becoming parents was a blessing beyond what I could have imagined and becoming grandparents truly is grand!

It's a Girl!

There is no call more precious than the one I got while on my walk this morning. The announcement of a healthy baby had me feeling like I was walking on air all day long.

This time it was the proud dad who got to give the details that make a Mom smile. He took her to the hospital during the night and she was born just after seven. She weighed in at 8 lbs, 6 oz. and her name is Lacey Danielle. She is tall for her age, 22 inches.

We got to go and hold her for a bit. She reminds me of the baby boy I held 26 years ago. I fell in love instantly with her pouty look. I love that she is a bit chubby and it looks like she will have dark curly hair just like her mom.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made . . . Psalm 139:13

I got out a crib that great-grandfather made for the girl’s dolls. It’s just the right size for a newborn and it may just be comforting to be able to carry the crib to where the action is. We’ll see. Maybe she will just want to play with dolls before we know it. I can hardly wait.

Shells, Ribbons and Pearls

We were having dinner with Kari and Ben when the subject of jewelry came up. In the conversation Kari came up with the idea that maybe Dad should buy her jewelry and Ben could buy mine! This is because she appreciates nice jewelry! She can glow with excitement at the mention of Tiffany's. I, on the other hand, have frustrated my dear H with the whole, “I’d rather have fashion jewelry” thing. Not that I don't appreciate some special timeless things, but I really like the easy, inexpensive come and go jewelry that changes things up.
So, I browse through the latest jewelry racks and get excited about a pair of earrings that go well with a certain dress, or a different twist on cute a necklace. So, for a fun post I thought I'd share what I've seen done with necklaces. Things anyone can do.

I bought a few yards of ribbon, got out some of my longer chains and changed them up a bit.

This is a choker made with a string of shells. I looped it several times, twisted it and then added the ribbon to tie it in the back.

A longer chain can also be folded once and tied with a coordinating color of ribbon.

I have an extra long sparkly chain from Indonesia and have enjoyed wearing it looped twice (still long) but looping it several times and adding the ribbon, gives it a totally new look.

This final collage may not quite do the idea justice, but I like the idea of mixing the old with the new. Pearls, really a timeless classic, have found their way back in again, and I like their simple elegance and reminders of the past. Who says you can't be classy and trendy at the same time?

A Backward Glance

On our recent trip home from LA, I purchased the January 2010 issue of Good Housekeeping and quickly found out that this magazine is celebrating a Big Birthday - 125 years of housekeeping tips, recipes, decorating, stories and advice on raising kids, money, organizing, budgeting etc.

The editor did some reflecting on what it was like 125 years ago and tells us that “on May 2, 1885, Clark W. Bryan published the first edition of Good Housekeeping . . . it’s mission: to produce and perpetuate perfection… as [it] may be obtained in the household.”

Although she does go on to say that today it’s not so much about perfection, I still had to smile and be surprised that a magazine with this name has lasted this long. I think it’s wonderful that a secular magazine took on the task of inspiring women, according to the New York Tribune (1985) "with noble suggestions for the making of happy and healthful homes." It would be fun to see some of those earlier editions.

For example, an ivory soap ad went as follows:

Said Mrs. Brown to Mrs Green,
“What makes your garments look so clean?
No speck of dirt on them is seen
To mar your linen’s glossy sheen.
Your woolen dress that was so soiled,
I thought that it was surely spoiled,
Now looks as spick and span as though
It never had been spattered so!
This fine old lace is firm and white;
Your silk hose keep their colors bright;
Your shawl, your gloves, are spotless too;
That old print gown seems really new!
In vain my laundress boils and rubs
The clothes, and labors at her tubs.
My newest garments soon look worn,
Get streaked and lusterless and torn.

Said Mrs. Green in turn, “My dear,
Poor soap has spoiled your clothes, I fear,
Compelled your laundress first to boil,
Then spend her days in fruitless toil.
My laundress uses IVORY SOAP
And in its cakes for you there’s hope.
What in my clothes so pleases you,
To Ivory Soap is wholly due.”

What I do wonder about is, what is a laundress?
Ha, I guess my Whirlpool Cabrio has taken her place.

Morning Thoughts

I woke up from the alarm and thought it had to be a mistake! Seven thirty came too quickly, once again. As I stumbled to the bathroom, my next thought was that no one should have to get up while it is still dark. I can’t believe people jog, eat breakfast and go to work in the dark. At least by the time I get out for my walk, it is light.

But I guess no one is asking me . . . and the world does need to keep turning, so I am grateful for my hubby who always gets up without complaining. He’s a born provider, looking out for the needs of those he loves. He doesn't only work hard, but he gives unselfishly. He’s careful, knowing money does not grow on trees, but when we decide to help someone out and each of us comes up with a sum – his amount is always bigger than mine.

This reminds me of a verse that we learned with our Sunday School class of young boys a long time ago. (Words spoken by Jesus)
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38

Christmas Clean-Up

What goes up, must come down. That’s always the sad reality of Christmas. At least the peripheral stuff. The true meaning and joy of Christmas is there to stay while everything else has to be cleaned up, exchanged and used up.

This week I’m hauling out my boxes. Over the years I’ve realized that the best thing is to always put everything back into the same box it came from. With that in mind, when I clear off space to decorate in November, I put those items into the co-ordinating box that I take that decor out of. So now, when I take down the décor, say, on the fireplace, the items that go on the fireplace during the year are inside the fireplace decor box. I don’t have to find them elsewhere. Maybe this is something everyone has always done, but it took me longer to figure out.

Another time saver is it to put the extension cable and lights with each garland. If the lights can stay on, even better, but it’s nice not to have to look for extension cables next time. If you don’t do this someone in the house will find some use for them during the year and you may not find them when you need them.

As I take things down, I use the opportunity to dust or wipe down places that I don’t do on a regular basis. For example, wiping down the banister and spindles is as good a time as ever when you’re already taking down the garland. High, hard to reach places, windows and ledges can use a quick dusting or cleaning while you’re up there.

And you thought you could just take everything down lickety split? Well, you can do that too.

Pregnant with Anticipation

It’s been a while since we were told
That in the New Year
There’d be a new child to hold.
My heart leapt for joy -
I cried at this wonderful news.

Now the waiting has changed meaning,
From a wait that looks into infinity
To a wait that expects any time.
And the any time anticipation
Makes every moment a possibility.

He has assembled the furniture.
The car seat is buckled in tight.
Maybe he even read instructions,
Because this time it has to be right.
I see a twinkle in his eyes.

She’s wondering how life will change.
I watch as she sits up straighter,
Shifting in her seat to get comfortable.
Inspite of her breathing getting harder,
Her hands caress her rounded tummy.

I recall. I can almost feel those silent sighs -
Leaving a life of just the two of us
And waiting for this mystery, this miracle
That wove our lives together.
A part of him and a part of me, forever.

Two lives joined to create another,
Hidden from sight by all – yet
Fearfully and wonderfully made.
Each step ordained by a Master Weaver,
Each day before it comes to be.

So we wait in wonder in this process.
We remember and cannot help but give praise
As we watch our children become parents.
How precious are His thoughts and ways
How vast the sum of them!

(thoughts interwoven with verses from Psalm 139: 13-17)

What Do You See?

What you see defines who you are.
Max Lucado

"Your eyes are the windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dark cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have.”
Matthew 6:22-23

It has been said that if you look long and hard enough, you can always find something to complain about. We make a choice as to whether we complain about the one fruit we can’t have or appreciate all that we can have. During those times when we don’t understand or when we are afraid, God's Word encourages us to look at what is unseen and to see as God wants us to see because in faith we cling to the hope that God is at work even when we see no color. In other words, things are not always as they appear.

These thoughts, coming from a devotional by Max Lucado, reminded me of a story about Elisha. As the story goes, the king of Aram was at war against the king of Israel and was not succeeding because Elisha ( a man of God) was giving the king of Israel a heads up about the plans or where-abouts of the Aramean army, their enemy. The Aramean king began to think that someone in his army was being disloyal, so when he questioned his officers they told him about Elisha. Upon finding out where he was staying the king of Aram sent his army by night to surround that city. When Elisha’s servant got up in the morning and saw the Aramean army of horses and chariots, he called out, “Oh my lord, what shall we do?” Elisha answered, “Don’t be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so he may see. “ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (2 Kings 6:8-17)

It's a New Year. A new page. Am I looking at a drab winter picture or do I see the sun sparkling on the snow? Will I complain about the line ups, or use the time to chat with someone and smile at the cashier? My prayer is that I will learn to allow God to open my eyes to see beyond a given situation and catch a glimpse of what He is doing. May I look for the color.

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