Where She Trods And Lingers

Your Flight Is Boarding...

How many times have you sat on a plane and mindlessly watched as the attendant cheerfully told you the same thing she says to every passenger that's ever sat where you're sitting? We'd all much rather doze off!

"In case of a drop in cabin air pressure due to altitude increase or rapid decrease, your oxygen masks will drop down. Please be sure to put yours on FIRST before you attempt to help anyone else!"

Blah, blah, blah.  Do we really need to see this demonstration again?  

It would appear that such information is only necessary for a plane ride and we all know that the chances of crashing are 1 in 3.4 million of the 78 major world airlines!  So most likely,  no one is really interested in her little speech...and we've all heard it over and over again, right?

BUT what if that tidbit of advice could save our marriages, our relationships or the demon-possessed guy that decided to walk next to you as you entered a restaurant and he had about three conversations going, at once, with himself,  ABOUT YOUR BUTT AND HOW HE'S NOT BLACK...and on and on...?

When pressure begins to build, God has made a way for us to release it.  In the natural, it's called exhaling.  Our bodies rid us of the toxic gas, carbon dioxide.  But the only way to get rid of this toxicity is to breathe out.  Breathe in and breathe out.

Because we are a spirit, we breathe real LIFE through a connection to Him in his Word, 'realationships' that keep us accountable and encourage us as well as daily worship (not in that order and I am sure there are more 'oxygenating' ingredients like prayer, sharing Jesus and so forth'!).  
Without these 'elements' regenerating us, we are poisoned with lies, discouragement and hopelessness. The end results are devastating not only to ourselves, but to those we love.

But too many of us are holding our breath.  Why do we hold on to the last breath we took and expect that we can keep giving life to those around us?  It's just not possible. We must exhale and fill our lungs with fresh oxygen...because there is so much more to live for and it's all worth it.








As Jacob and Jenna drove off yesterday, I was swept away in emotion.  For five months we poured our lives into each other and though there were intense moments and conflicts, as there will be when seven people live together, we loved each other.  We celebrated together, cried and hugged often (maybe I did most of the crying...), graced one another every day and sometimes we didn't do too well, but God's Spirit breathed His life on our time together and it worked.

We adopted Jenna as a daughter and Norah as another grandbaby, this wee one that unraveled us daily with her exuberance for living in every moment, all the while verbally exclaiming, "I'm here.  Enjoy me.  I am a delight and joy!"  And she is!  

My lungs need fresh air to move forward.  I can't breathe as my fingers pound the keys and the tears trickle uncontrollably down my cheeks.

On this Monday before Thanksgiving, breathe deeply. This may be a tough year.  There may be memories of pain that would love to choke you, robbing you of a new season of joy.  Take a deep breath and ask the giving  God to breathe His Spirit on you...





This is my prayer as I wake each day now:

Lord Jesus, breathe Your life into my lungs so I can push forward to love ALL THOSE YOU SEND OUR WAY.  Help me THIS Thanksgiving as my family is scattered and I feel like pieces of me are in Florida, New York, upper Texas, Kentucky, South Carolina and Houston. Establish Your kingdom in each of these places, always keeping our hearts close, despite the distance.

As you soar towards this holiday, may He fill your lungs with His breathe and may His Spirit satisfy you. 

What if she had changed her mind?

Thoughts like this one have been swirling around in my head all week.  What were the days like before she boarded that huge ship?  What fears did she have to overcome after her ticket was purchased? Was she excited?  Courageous by nature?  How difficult was it to say goodbye to her parents, not knowing if she'd ever see them again?--and she never did see them again.  Did she know how God orchestrated her circumstances and directed her to Ellis Island that cool fall day?   Did she consider the impact her leaving Ireland would have a decade later?  A century later?   

It is a mistake to look too far ahead.

Only one link of the chain of destiny can be handled at a time.

~ Winston Churchill

In answer to a prayer for the last two and a half years about my relationship with my mother, a crack in the door of our hearts has opened and we're connecting.  I never gave much thought to how I am the fruit of a choice made over a hundred years ago by a Catholic girl following family to a new country.  I wonder:  how amazing is it that one hundred and twelve years later, her travel and story would bring a mother and daughter closer?

My grandmother's name was Mary McPartland.  She was born in Leitrum, Ireland in 1884, and as a young woman of sixteen, she traveled alone across the ocean to be united with her five older siblings already living in Buffalo, N.Y.  The ship she traveled on, the SS City of Rome, made its last journey that fall before being scrapped in 1902, it breaking down twice on its way to America with her on board.  She stayed in the steerage section of the ship with about one thousand other '3rd class' passengers.    

I wish I could have met her.  She died the year before my mother met my father.  I know so little about her.  Still so many unanswered questions.

But, for now, I am grateful to be drawing nearer to my mother.  She lights up, even smiles when I bring up her mother and her siblings.  She tells the same stories over and over, but she's talking, remembering and I am learning how to love my mother.

Thankful Thursday and Joy on the journey!

Back in June of 2009, I wrote a post here about my nephew and a situation I asked prayer for.

After four years of fighting for the truth, my nephew, Anthony Bell and his family have received justice.  I imagine they couldn't be more delighted.  Tony's attorney has been suspended and he will receive the $15,000 he took from Tony.  Read about his former attorney's suspension here.

Read the story about Tony here.

I am so thankful that my nephew is being recompensed for this injustice.  I also want to thank everyone that prayed for him.

When I think of being thankful on this Thursday before Easter, I am reminded by Tony's story that justice comes at a cost.  Even if it takes four years to finally be rewarded for your innocence, it comes.  Though, I'm sure, at times, it didn't look like anyone cared or wanted to see things made right, Tony and his family did.  They were persistent, diligently going to work, Tony giving a portion of his paycheck to his boss every week, believing that justice would come.  People were strategic in bringing things to the light and finally he has his reward.  It came.



For Jesus, justice came when he rose from the dead, defeating the devil and restoring mankind to a right relationship with the Father.  It cost him his life, given freely for mankind, me, despite the fact that I didn't know him or care that He gave that offering on my behalf.  I believe Jesus' prayer that day, "not my will be done, but Yours" was with such confidence and hope that people would receive His gift of eternal life that he looked past the pain and suffering he would endure as the nails were pounded into his hands and feet.  He knew justice would be served and we would be free.  It came and we are free.

To my brother and his family, I know I have no idea of all that you've gone through for the last four years.  I salute your fortitude, the courage to stand up against injustice, all the hours spent driving back and forth to Cleveland, answering all the questions, the interrogation of your son...everything you did to fight for your son.  It is heroic. 

May God richly bless you for your heart of love for your son and your family. 
I love you.
Happy Easter.

A new Year and reflecting...

Whew...Initially, I didn't think I'd ever be able to get back to writing here because the sorrow I'd seen in Haiti was so overwhelming and even now, if I see my pictures from the trip, my heart begins to weigh heavy in my chest and I almost can't bear the memories.  For the week after I returned, I felt like I WAS stuck there because I was editing photos and each picture took me back to that moment. 

But the holidays came on the heels of my return and that meant I needed to shift gears.  My mother has a way of making it impossible to forget that the decorations need to go up as soon as the calendar turns to December.  She'll ask over and over, not because she's nagging but because she's forgotten that twenty minutes ago she asked me when the tree was going up or when are we  going to bake cookies and am I going to make a cheesecake for Christmas and what am I making for the Christmas dinner? 

These are the every day questions that need answering until the decorations are up and the cookies are frosted and the addresses are given so she can mail her cards.  It's just what happens when you're turning eighty-three and there isn't anything spectacular on television and your children far away don't call often and nothing happens anymore to spark your life.  Yet, she's alive, still thinking, asking, planning and interested...and  that is cause to celebrate, decorate and enjoy one more Christmas with mom.

As soon as I returned from Haiti, I took my camera in to be cleaned.  I was told it would be ready in ten to fourteen days.  That was fine, I figured.  It would be back in time for Christmas.  Well, after ten days I began to call every day.  Then, on day fourteen, I was asked to take some photos for a family who had lost their daughter and wanted some shots from the memorial service to remember the day.  I immediately contacted Best Buy to see if the camera was back yet   No camera, despite telling them I needed it for a funeral service.  The following day, I called again and they told me it wasn't ready and they informed me that the part they needed was on order from Thailand and with the problems from the Tsunami they had no idea when it would be ready..  I hung up and began to pray, mostly for my heart to let go of fretting about it~!

Less than thirty minutes later, Best Buy called and apologized.  The manager said he'd heard about my situation and was deeply sorry.  He also informed me that they were giving me a BRAND NEW CAMERA!  I was beside myself with delight. 

 Note to self:  trust Daddy! 

He has good things in store for those who fear Him and trust Him!  We hopped in the car, headed over and got me an upgrade, complete with video, which I didn't have and a new zoom stabilizer lens!

He is my joy!  He delights to bless His kids and I am living proof!

I also had committed to making my gifts, along with orders to fill in order to help my Love head to Orlando for the SHINE 2012 event for AMTC.  That meant long hours at the sewing machine and prayer for wisdom on how to make things I'd never made before. 

I watched Daddy hold me near Him and I learned better how to listen, especially after everyone went to bed and I could actually think clearly...peace and quiet!

We had a Christmas party with over forty people.  The topper for that night was heading out with at least a dozen others to go door to door caroling.  One neighbor I'd never seen, was sitting in her car when we began and when we sang, "We wish you a Merry Christmas", she got out of her car and told us that was the most Christmas spirit she'd had all year!  That was awesome! 

Christmas eve we headed to church.  Our pastor reminded us that our life is God's gift to us; what we do with it is our gift to Him. 

Then on Christmas morning, the gang (our older sons, along with Josh's girlfriend and her two little ones) headed over for breakfast.  A pleasant morning opening gifts.  My favorite part was when the big boys opened the same gifts from me and were shocked.  I'd made them each a soft guitar case, covered with canvas so they could paint it to their liking!  That was one of those projects Daddy HAD to help me with...and He did! 

My sister and her family came over for dinner, we played the White Elephant gift game and then they headed out.  Long, but great day. 

Yet another party to plan for:  New Year's was on the way!  We bought balloons, made party hats, put up the mirrored ball, I sprinkled glitter EVERYWHERE...down the sidewalk to the street, along the front walkway, on the entrance carpet, on tables, spread confetti on the tables, and hung "Happy New Year" all over the house, too!  We put up a canopy out back, complete with flood lights and had a bonfire to boot!  There were only about twenty five people that night and the midnite light show was unbelievable.  I think firecrackers, fireworks and such went on for an hour straight! People were so grateful because the 4th of July had no fireworks due to the drought and the fire hazards!!!  Our home is high on a hill, so we had a spectacular view!  But I was ready at 12:05 for everyone to leave~

Then on the 2nd of January, Love boarded a plane to Florida and returns on Monday.  The boys and I got to go to a house on the river in the town of Seguin.  Click here to see some photos from that trip.

Wow, this month has zoomed past, leaving me little time to process my trip.  But, honestly, I am thankful for the gift of each day and because I've had time to recuperate, I am excited to go back and ask Daddy what I need to do now with the experiences I've had.

To wrap up what I believe sums up my month since Haiti is what I observed this past week while sitting on the dock looking out on the river.  I saw the water moving, sometimes more swiftly than other times, but it didn't change the reflection of the sky and trees.  It wasn't as clear when the current was swift, but it was still reflecting what was above it!  My life is going to reflect something.  What is it that I am reflecting?  May the current not change His image in my life, no matter how fast it moves.

This Christmas...

~gaze upon the Star that leads you to The Savior of all mankind, Jesus Christ.

~quietly treasure in your heart, as Mary did, the amazing things the Lord has done for you this past year...

~celebrate the home you live in and reflect on Jesus' humble birth place.

~sing along with the angels: 

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all

   whom God favors.  "Luke 2:14

~never forget that Jesus told us to come to Him as a child, no matter how old we are!  He delights in us enjoying the things children enjoy; simple pleasures.

~lavish on others from the abundance of blessings you've been given by our gracious God...

"for the Law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:17)

~worship Him as the wise men did so long ago and give Him your very best gift, your heart.

~remember Christmas isn't about giving gifts, it's about Jesus being born to die for your sins; there is no other reason for this celebration.

~take time to notice the little ones...*

~keep in mind that big gifts sometimes come in small sizes...(a bed set for the twins 'guy house' daddy built two years ago!  Complete with a fitted sheet, a pillowcase, and a bedspread!)

~taste and see that the Lord is good (and so are cookies made from scratch!)...

~pray for family far away from you and the Father's heart, reminding Daddy God of His promise to send His angels to care for those who will receive salvation...our loved ones!
Hebrews 1:14

~allow the Spirit of God to set your heart ablaze with His love

May the graciousness of our God overwhelm you as you celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! 

"Look! The virgin will conceive a child!

She will give birth to a son,

and he will be called Immanuel

(meaning, God is with us)."  Matthew 1:23

*this little girl was sitting so sweetly in a Dollar Tree cart with her puppy next to her just as sweet and calm...I had to take a picture!

It's a Thursday...I am thankful.

Short synopsis of December 10th for all my family up north...

We don't have snow~just cool winds blowing and sunshine drifting in and out of the clouds.

Today I began to read "Cheaper By the Dozen" to the boys along with my niece and let me tell you-it's nothing like the movies. By far, it's much more interesting and inspiring. We knocked out four chapters and the giggles were abundant. Such a cute story so far.

While sitting at the computer attempting to write an email, I heard a 'thud' coming from outside and I knew it was a result of a child falling off the trampoline. My feet hit the floor and I ran as Jef followed behind me. There, on the ground, in tears, was my niece saying she couldn't feel her legs.

(She is quite the drama queen, although with the sound of the thud, it could have been true!)

Love ordered me to pray immediately cuz my hand was on her hip and side, so after I finished, she calmed down and she really did feel her legs, so we helped her up and brought her into the house. As she sat in the chair calming down, Isaac says, "I fell too!" That kind of broke up the moment and we laughed cuz here he was standing there like nothing had happened...

Praise God, she's fine, but my heartbeat took quite a while to slow back to a normal rate!

Then the phone began to make ear-splitting sounds, then made a very loud busy signal, so I called Time Warner and they're coming Sunday afternoon to fix the problem.

Then there's the missing glasses...mine and dad's! We are beginning to think that the water bugs here are far-sighted and are stealing them.

My highlight was my nephew running to me and saying he'll miss me as they headed home.

Oh, there was the medication problem that took a while to sort out with the WalMart pharmacy, the postal prescription people and the doctor's office...whew! It would be fine if dad didn't get his emotions all in a tizzy! It always turns out fine, it's just the process that is so taxing at times. I sense I'm growing in grace!

I uploaded pix from Nov. and Dec. tonite. As I reflected on all the changes we've walked through in the last two months, I am amazed. Things are finally settling down and almost all the boxes are unpacked, pictures on the walls and decorations throughout. We've even planned a 70's polyester themed New Year's Eve party. That ought to be an interesting night.

Thought I'd include a collage of my dad...enjoy! He's a trip.

Just looking at these makes me laugh and rejoice at the chance to spend every day of the rest of his life with him and mom...I'll post a collage of her soon, too!

Have a great weekend, in case I fail to get the chance to post...and, oh, would you drop me a comment? It would be nice to connect with all those readers out there that peruse but don't post...

What a Summer So Far!

Summer has arrived and yet it's been 'summer' here for over three months already!
We've had temps over 100 for atleast a week; the lows have been in the mid 70's, so any outside work has to be done then...
Last week the boys and I did a lot of biking, visited a local park and they swam and I burned calories! Clothes are fitting better! Yippee.
Love and I stopped at Half-Price Books and picked up a book, 'Intimate Issues' and let me tell you, it's what I've been praying for...dealing with my thoughts, attitudes and issues with sex. Don't get me wrong...I love being intimate with my great lover, I've just been praying about certain thoughts that hinder me and the stage of marriage we're at and the physical/physiological issues of my health, etc...(tmi, right?)
I am sooooo grateful we found it and the coolest thing was that it only cost $3! This discreetly written book addresses issues that women deal with and give Biblical truths that will change one's life, IF one is willing to pull the weeds that may be seeded deep in one's soul. I'm likin' it, and I would encourage every woman to read this book, even if you have a great sex life!

We finally took the plunge--we bought a pool...not an in ground one, mind you, but a bubble one! What a gift for Father's day to the whole family!
We started putting it up Sat. afternoon and didn't finally get it filled until Sunday afternoon! But it was well worth the time. The boys, at 9:42 a.m., are still asleep...(reading this over, it's 10 am and they're still asleep!!!)
I so needed something, anything to wear out their energy! I just couldn't seem to give twin ten yr. olds enough activities to tire them out-(They had no trouble wearing me out, tho!)...until now!

Father's day was magnificent....we were awakened with a booming, "Happy Father's Day' and two little boys dressed in their baker's aprons carrying a table leaf laden with two plates. They made scrambled eggs and toasted bagels and made sandwiches for us! We agreed that these are the days! And that we like this tradition!!!
Then the older boys came and Dan cooked on the grill...Jef had marinated steak meat in fajita seasoning all nite and that was delicious!

Everyone swam, I took pix, then it was mom's turn to just lay on an air mattress and relax!
They ended the day by going to see 'Up' and mom rested at home...earlier in the day, I was carrying my coffee and a table cloth out to the yard, and turned my ankle in a small hole and fell...so it was pretty sore, but I am thankful it didn't break and it did not even swell!!! Thank you, Jesus. Besides, I didn't want to infringe on 'daddy time'! Of course, they had to finish off a perfect day with ice cream...now I'm glad I didn't go...that is one of my weaknesses!!!

Oh, I forgot...I painted my kitchen last week, too!!! Been such a busy week. I'd been talking about painting for a year and when I found oops paint for $5 a gallon, despite the splash of color I wouldn't necessarily have chosen, I couldn't resist...total cost of painting...$35! Just gotta keep your eyes open for deals...I love sunflowers and my daughter told me I'm determined to have a sunflower kitchen everywhere I go...! Yup!

Have a great week!