Earth's Final Resting Place

Yesterday was the day that would have, in years gone by, 

 brought me to tears just thinking about it.

However, as the day dawned glorious and sunny,

it felt like all of heaven was rejoicing.

We drove caravan style behind the funeral coach to the cemetery.

Six grandsons carried their Oma to her final resting place.

We gathered to listen to words of hope given by the pastor from Mom's church.

Mom's children, grandchildren, great-granchildren,

extended family and some of Abe's family.

A somber time, yet a reality of life. 

The song by Chris Tomlin played 

while everyone had a chance to say a final "auf wiedersehen" 

and place a rose on the casket.

I will post the words to this amazing song.

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain

I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

'Till we meet again, mom,

I love you!

❤❤❤

At Home in Heaven

After a 7 year battle with Alzheimer's, my mom slipped away from us on Sunday afternoon. Her life was one of joy and sorrow meeting time and again, but her faith remained constant in the One who led her all the way! Oh, how beautiful heaven must be for her now! Auf wiedersehen to a mom, Oma and great-Oma who loved well and was well loved! 

I will write more in days to come. I'm just not there right now. This is just to give a glimpse into these days. I so much appreciate knowing that even my blogging friends have come to love her. 
 

For 2022

World renowned vocalist, Andrea Bocelli, and his family hosted a podcast in his home called, "The Heart of Christmas" in which he was asked about his faith. What he said was very simple, and yet struck me as a profound way of expressing why he believes in God. 

Andrea shared that "faith begins in a person's life when a person asks, what is the reason for life?" He looks at faith as a crossroads. "If you don't want to have faith in God, then you must necessarily have faith in another god called 'by chance'. The second god was one I never liked."  He goes on to give an example of someone standing before Michelangelo's pieta and asking, who made this? Being told who it was, he says, "I don't believe it ... I have never seen this artist." This person prefers to believe that it just happened, maybe from the way the rain fell on it. Andrea goes on to say that life is such a miracle that he cannot attribute it to chance.  Therefore he believes in God.

As we enter a New Year filled with apprehension, unable to make specific plans, I believe that many are asking, what does all of this  mean? Where are things headed?  Do we want to think that we are left to chance or that God has a given us an opportunity to trust Him. 

I believe that we can have peace, knowing that we are not left to chance, but that God desires for us to trust that He is good and that good will win. There will come a day when we will see clearly the answers to the 'why questions' we have. For now, all we need to know is that He is with us and for us. Placing our life is in His hands is the safest place to be. 

I will say about the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust. Psalm 91:2

With love and prayers, wishing you (those beautiful dots on my visitor map) a very happy New Year! 

Happy Fifth Birthday, Jack

Dear Jack, 

I can hardly believe this day has come,

a day to look back on your first five years of life!

The call that came early one morning,

the joy of cradling the baby boy of our son,

a brother to three sisters

and eleventh in the line of cousins -

youngest and dearly loved in every way!

It seems a season has passed us by,

a season of life's firsts for the last time.

Falling asleep in our arms,

exploring the toybox belonging to each grandchild for a time,

swinging the backyard swing hung for our first,

and walks in the stroller to feed the ducks.

Worn books - read a few hundred times,

yet always new to the new beholder.

Playing with yeast doughs, rolling cookies,

doing puzzles, raking leaves, playing ball,

and pre-school pick-ups

with conversations in the car

using that precious developing vocabulary

I wish to hold on to.

So we celebrated five the way we do

for the last time.

You chose a stuffie to fill, 

added a sound and tucked in a heart.

It seemed we ducked in and out 

rather quickly, but it was just right.

 We are so grateful for the gift of you,

that sparkle in your eyes,

the joy of watching you learn,

exploring the gifts God has given you.

Digging, measuring, hammering, 

dancing, singing 

and especially your tender spirit.

With a treasure of dreams stored in our hearts

for all the days and years to come,

we want you to know we love you

and will pray for you always.

Papa and Mimi

First Family Christmas in this House

Outside the wind was blowing and everyone was quick to get in the door.

Joyful anticipation and thankfulness filled the air.

Remembering so clearly the distancing we had to do last year

made this year so much more special!

Tehya was on the phone with her family in Indonesia

and tried to get them into the photo as well. =)

My H and I had already chatted with them and watched them open the parcel sent off months ago.

It is so good to be able to communicate like this,

one thing that has improved greatly in the past few years. 

We had had a pre-christmas party with Tehya earlier 

because she had other plans for Christmas. 

Circumstances changed, so she was still with us on this day.

She has a way of winning everyone's hearts,

including the littlest ones. 

They just adore their older cousin! 

Our time began with appies early afternoon.

We sat down and the kids took turns reading through the Christmas story.

Then we initiated a new gift opening chair.

It is large enough for two and I had to put this one in.

One can't open before the other if the gifts are the same, right?

Teddy's most special gift from her parents was the tiniest,

cutest kitten (meowing in our laundry room)

but she still had a big smile for what she opened here. 

Lacey, our expressive, ever gracious and kind girl.

I can hardly get over how handsome and grown up Landon is getting to be! 

When did this happen?

And then Natalie, who's always ready with a smile.

The boys got right into helping Jack put together his trucks.

We usually serve dinner buffet style, 

but this time we served family style.

I didn't get any feedback on that, but it was worth a try.

After dinner the girls helped me clean up,

the kids went downstairs,

and it was time for the grown up gift exchange.

My most favorite moment of the year.

Then it was time for trifle and cookies.

I love how Koen cares for Jack, sitting beside him, or playing with him

even though he is six years older.

Funny thing, no one had to be begged to eat dessert. 

And as I write this, 

I'm thinking about our baby Jack turning five tomorrow,

but that will be a post for another day. 

The candles burned down and our long awaited day came to an end.

Hearts full of gratefulness for all of our gifts,

one of the greatest being family.

❤❤❤

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

 Once again, a year has passed.

The house is decorated,

gifts are wrapped,

the table is set,

dishes are planned.

Anticipation bubbles over.

Maybe  just a taste of the feeling God had

on that night long ago

when a stable provided a cradle,

an angel choir proclaimed His birth

and humble shepherds went in search of His gift.

I know that by the end of tomorrow 

I'll wish the day had not gone so fast.

Yet, I will have peace

because the only gift that lasts 

is the hope born for us on Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas!