Reflections Of A Mother

Reflections Of A Mother

I gave you life, but cannot live it for you.
I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn.
I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you.
I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it.
I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you.
I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you beautiful inside.
I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you.
I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you.
I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honor.
I can advise you about friends, but cannot choose them for you.
I can advise you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure.
I can tell you the facts of life, but I can't build your reputation.
I can tell you about drink, but I can't say "no" for you.
I can warn you about drugs, but I can't prevent you from using them.
I can tell you about lofty goals, but I can't achieve them for you.
I can teach you about kindness, but I can't force you to be gracious.
I can warn you about sins, but I cannot make you moral.
I can love you as a child, but I cannot place you in God's family.
I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.
I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life.

This poem struck a cord with me when I first read it several months ago. The author understands the difficult position of the parent who desires to instill godly character into their children while at the same time understanding that ultimately, the result lies in the hands of their offspring. Each child will, Lord willing, grow into adulthood and decide for themselves what their character will be, who they will follow and what choices they will make. What seems so cut and dry when our babies are small, at times becomes an overwhelming realization that we don't have as much control as we once thought we did. There are times when life seems to hang in the balance as we pray and wait to see if our young adults will stay the course and choose to honor Christ.

I'm sure it is the prayer of each Mother and Father who desire to honor God, that our children will choose the right path in a fallen world and keep to the "straight and narrow". What joy and sorrows we can encounter as we help our children navigate the shifting sands of this world. God give us the wisdom and strength to consistently point our children to you, the only rock.

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds..." Heb 10:23-24

"I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth." 3 John 1:4

Source: I'm sorry I don't know the author of the poem, Reflections Of A Mother. It can be located at: http://www.storybin.com/wisdom/wisdom141.shtml

Thanks To Those Who Have Served

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen."

When you read this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our troops around the world. Also, for those who have lost loved ones while protecting our freedom.

The Smallest Island

I am always inspired when I visit Tim Challies blog. I especially appreciated his April 23rd post titled:

Even The Smallest Island.

..."It could well be that the greatest sin I face today is in allowing small sins to pass by scarcely noticed, all the while rejoicing that I do not succumb to the greater sins. Yet if I allow the small sins to pass through my heart and I allow them to take root, it is only a matter of time before small things lead to big things." Tim

Serving One Another

Serving One Another

Fellowship is an interchange of mutual care and concern through the agency of our spiritual gifts. Some of the ways that interchange manifests itself are when we:

Ø Confess our faults to one another (James 5:16)
Ø Edify one another (1 Thes. 5:11; Rom. 14:19)
Ø Bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2)
Ø Pray for one another (James 5:16)
Ø Are kind to one another (Eph. 4:32)
Ø Submit to one another (Eph. 5:21)
Ø Show hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9)
Ø Serve one another (Gal. 5:13; 1 Peter 4:10)
Ø Comfort one another (1 Thes. 4:18; 5:11)
Ø Restore one another (Gal. 6:1)
Ø Forgive one another (2Cor. 2:7; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13)
Ø Admonish one another (Rom. 15:14; Col. 3:16)
Ø Teach one another (Col. 3:16)
Ø Exhort one another (Heb. 3:13; 10:25
Ø Love one another (Rom. 13:8; 1 Thes. 3:12; 4:9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11)

Favorite New Strawberry Dessert

I thought I'd share my favorite new dessert as of late. With strawberries in season and usually on "special" at the local supermarket...I have enjoyed making this easy and "showy" treat. I purchase a ready made angel food cake, 2 or 3 pkg strawberries, and ingredients to make the Romanoff Dip. Early in the day I cut the angel food cake in bite sized cubes and return to the original plastic container until serving time. I also make up the recipe of Romanoff dip and stick it in the frig so flavors have a chance to blend. Then I wash, dry, hull, and quarter (or cut in half-depending on desired size you want) the strawberries... being careful to pick out the "showiest" ones to leave whole for topping each individual dessert. I lightly sprinkle the cut berries with about one teaspoon of sugar, stir and then refrigerate until serving time.

This dessert is very impressive when served in a stemmed glass with layers as follows: layer bite sized angel food cake, topped with cut strawberries, and a large spoonfull of Romanoff Sauce and then repeat. The top spoonfull of Romanoff sauce should resemble a pile of soft whipped cream in the center as shown. Top with a whole strawberry. Enjoy!!!

LaMadeleine’s Strawberries Romanoff

Mix and set aside:
½ c. sour cream
3 T. brown sugar
1 T. Brandy
In a separate bowl, beat cream until it starts to thicken…add sugar and whip until thick:
½ c. heavy cream
3 T. sugar
Serve with:
4 cups (2 Pints) fresh strawberries
Using a rubber spatula, fold the cream carefully into the sour cream mixture until well blended. Just before serving, rinse the berries and trim off the green stems with a sharp paring knife. Put the berries into stemmed wine glasses and top with the Romanoff sauce. Serves 4.
From: LaMadeleine Restaurant Cookbook

Personal MeMe

Clare has asked me to join her in a personal meme. So, here it goes:

1. Three words to describe you? Honest, Creative, Photographer

2. Your favorite color? Blues & Greens

3. Describe your style? Comfortable, Traditional, Sentimental

4. Favorite recreational activity? Photography, Blogging, Taking walks, eating out with family or friends :-)
5. Pets? Not any more. We recently had to put our two elderly Maltese to sleep.

6. Favorite Hymn? Amazing Grace (Or the new version... Grace Like Rain by Todd Agnew :-)

7. Favorite Scripture? I have SO many... but I guess it would be: "I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth." 3 John 1:3-5

8. Favorite Quotation? Can't say I have a "favorite"... but I love the reminder: "Preach the Gospel always-if necessary, use words." St. Francis of Assisi

9. Dress/Skirt? I love to wear skirts.

11. Favorite CD? The three personal worship CDs I made last year.

12. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Oooh, this is a hard one. There are several places I would like to visit: Hawaii, Europe, The Holy Land.... I always enjoy going "home" to Ohio to visit with family... and now to PA to see our daughter and SIL!
13. Lake, Ocean, River? Mountains are first choice...preferably by a lake or stream!
14. Diamonds or Pearls? ??Like them both.

If anyone else wants to join in... let me know under "comments" so I can visit and learn more about you.

Gas Prices Too High...Consider This

Do you think a gallon of gas is expensive?

Just put things a bit in perspective.

Diet Coke 12 oz $0.50..........$5.34
Lipton Ice Tea 16 oz $1.19 .........$9. 52 per gallon
Ocean Spray 16 oz $1.25.......... $10.00 per gallon
Gatorade 20 oz $1.59..........$10.17 per gallon
Diet Snapple 16 oz $1.29..........$10.32 per gallon
Whiteout 7 oz $1.39..........$25.42 per gallon
Brake Fluid 12 oz $3.15..........$33.60 per gallon
Scope 1.5 oz $0.99..........$84.48 per gallon
Pepto Bismol 4 oz $3.85..........$123.20 per gallon
Vick's Nyquil 6 oz $8.35..........$178.13 per gallon

And this is the REAL KICKER...
Evian water 9 oz $1.49....... ...$21.19 per gallon?! $21.19 for WATER - and the buyers don't even know the source. (Did I mention that Evian spelled backwards is Naive?)

So, the next time you're at the pump, be glad your car doesn't run on water, Scope, or Whiteout, or heaven forbid Pepto Bismal or Nyquil!

Can The Spam

Can The Spam!!

I saw this "message" on a recent visit to Ginger's blog. Thanks Girl, this was Too Funny!!!!

Recipes & Celebrations

Mother & Daughters...

My Mother's Day Celebration was spread out over a few weeks this year... lucky me!

Sadly, Ashley lives half way across the country so we did not get to see her and SIL in person...however she and Casey are sweet to phone often and they sent a beautiful card and monetary gift for me to purchase"something special". So, on behalf of Ashley and Casey...we are now the proud owners of a new, electric Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt/Sorbet/Ice Cream Maker. I have been having fun experimenting with different recipes and will post some in the future!! I'm sure this won't really help in the fight I'm having with my "marturing Middle Age spread". But, Oh Well! We are really looking forward to their visit in a few weeks. I'll have to try out some of the new recipes while they are here in town!!

Megan, Brad and I celebrated Mother's Day a week early due to the fact that we would be moving her out of town on June 13th. She treated us to a wonderful evening out at a chic, upscale Italian restaurant. We had great service and even better food! It was fun to sit out on the Patio, enjoy the evening air and spend time together visiting. I felt very spoiled! I have been lamenting the fact that I didn't have my camera with me to capture a few pictures. I will miss our weekly lunch dates now that she is out of town. Thanks Megan, it was a lovely evening!

Since we helped Megan move on Mother's Day, Erin and Micah were kind enough to reschedule a special meal Erin had been planning for Mother's Day. Last Friday evening we went to their home for lovely meal Erin had worked hard to prepare. Fine china and flowers graced the table along with salad, rolls, potatoes, steak, special sauce, sparkling punch and cheesecake. Thanks Erin for all your hard work and for making me feel very special. The meal and entire evening was wonderful!!
Of course... to the man that made this whole "motherhood" thing possible in the first place... Thanks Bradley, I love you! He went over the top this year and purchased the laptop computer we have been wanting to get. Now I am mobile!! I've already taken it out on it's maiden voyage to Panera Bread... a great back-up for the frequent time we loose Internet service at home! Thanks Honey!!

Erin shared her recipes with me and said I could pass them on to you! :-) Thanks Sweetie!

Tangy Lemon Cheesecake
2-1/2 c. crushed gingersnaps (about 40 cookies)
1/3 c. butter, melted

Filling:
3 packages (8oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 c. sugar
3 eggs
1 T. lemon juice
1 T vanilla extract

Sauce:
½ c. sugar
2 T. cornstarch
¾ c. water
2 T. butter
¼ c. lemon juice
1 T. grated lemon peel

In a small bowl, combine cookie crumbs and butter; mix well. Press onto the bottom and 2 in. up the sides of a greased 9-in. spring-form pan; set aside. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low just until combined. Add lemon juice and vanilla; beat just until blended. Pour into crust. Bake at 350* for 35-40 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. In a sauce-pan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir in water until smooth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook and stir over medium heat for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in butter, lemon juice and peel. Refrigerate cheesecake and sauce overnight. Serve sauce over cheesecake. Garnish with mint leaves and fresh berries. Yield: 12 servings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Filet Mignon
For 2: Heat olive oil in a pan. Saute one clove garlic (minced), green onion, rosemary, pepper and salt. Add filets. Cook 5-9 minutes on each side over medium heat, or until reaches desired doneness. Remove filet mignons to serving platter. Add 1/4 c. dry white wine to skillet, scraping up garlic and other seasonings in bottom of pan. Drizzle over filet mignons.
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Boursin Cheese
(“Mean Chef” on RecipeZaar.com)
Makes 2 cups:

2 cloves garlic
8 oz. butter, softened
2 (8oz) pkgs cream cheese, softened
½ t. salt
½ t. chopped fresh basil
½ t. marjoram, fresh or dried
½ t. chopped green onions
¼ t. thyme, fresh or dried
½ t. fresh ground black pepper
1 t. dill weed

Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and process until smooth and well-combined.
Spoon mixture into a small serving bowl and chill overnight.
Serve at room temperature.
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Potato Gratin with Boursin

2 c. heavy cream
5 oz. boursin cheese (about 1/4 of recipe above)
3 lbs red potatoes, peeled [I didn't peel], thinly sliced
Salt and pepper

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Grease 9x13 baking dish
3. Stir cream and boursin in heavy saucepan over medium heat until cheese melts and mixture is smooth.
4. Arrange 1/2 of potatoes in baking dish, season with salt and pepper and pour 1/2 of cream mixture over.
5. Repeat
6. Bake until top is golden and potatoes are tender, about 1 hour.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mock Champagne Punch

1 qt. white grape juice, chilled
1 qt. ginger ale, chilled
Strawberries or raspberries

Combine grape juice and ginger ale; pour into a punch bowl or glasses. Garnish with berries. Yield: 16 (1/2 c.) servings

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Outback Ranch Dressing

1 t. dry ranch dressing mix
1 c. mayo
1/2 c. buttermilk
1/4 t. black pepper
1 med-lg clove garlic, minced
Dash red pepper, or more if you like spicy!

Mix well or blend in blender. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Classes For Men... Registration Now Open

Summer Classes for Men at

ADULT LEARNING CENTER

REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED by

Monday, May 28, 2007

NOTE: DUE TO THE COMPLEXITY AND DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THEIR CONTENTS,

CLASS SIZES WILL BE LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS MAXIMUM .

Class 1

How To Fill Up The Ice Cube Trays--Step by Step,

with Slide Presentation.

Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours

beginning at 7:00 PM.

Class 2

The Toilet Paper Roll--Does It Change Itself?

Round Table Discussion.

Meets 2 weeks, Saturday 12:00 for 2 hours.

Class 3
Dinner Dishes--Can They Levitate and Fly Into The Kitchen Sink?

Examples on Video.

Meets 4 weeks, Saturday 10:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 4

Fundamental Differences Between The Laundry Hamper and The Floor

--Pictures and Explanatory Graphics.

Meets Saturdays at 2:00 PM for 3 weeks.

Class 5

Is It Possible To Urinate Using The Technique Of

Lifting The Seat and Avoiding The Floor,

Walls and Nearby Bathtub?

Group Practice
Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours

beginning at 7:00 PM

Class 6

Loss Of Identity--Losing The Remote To Your Significant Other.

Help Line Support and Support Groups.

Meets 4 Weeks, Friday and Sunday 7:00 PM

Class 7
Learning How To Find Things--
Starting With Looking In The Right Places And
Not Turning The House Upside Down While Screaming.
Open Forum.
Monday at 8:00 PM, 2 hours.

Class 8

Health Watch--Bringing Her Flowers Is Not Harmful To Your Health.

Graphics and Audio Tapes.

Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 9

Real Men Ask For Directions When Lost

--Real Life Testimonials.

Tuesdays at 6:00 PM Location to be determined.

Class 10

Is It Genetically Impossible To Sit Quietly While She Parallel Parks?

Driving Simulations.

4 weeks, Saturday's noon, 2 hours.

Class 11

Learning to Live--Basic Differences Between Mother and Wife.

Online Classes and role-playing.

Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, location to be determined

Class 12

How to be the Ideal Shopping Companion

Relaxation Exercises, Meditation and Breathing Techniques.

Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours

beginning at 7:00 PM.

Class 13

How to Fight Cerebral Atrophy--Remembering Birthdays, Anniversaries and Other Important Dates and Calling When You're Going To Be Late.

Cerebral Shock Therapy Sessions and Full Lobotomies Offered.

Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 14

The Stove/Oven--What It Is and How It Is Used.

Live Demonstration.

Tuesdays at 6:00 PM, location to be determined.

Upon completion of any of the above courses, diplomas will be issued to the survivors.

(Source: My Dear Hubby :-)

Mom's & Daughters

Ok... I'm on a roll.... Since last post addressed "Men"... I'll give equal time to us ladies.

I couldn't resist posting this Cathy Comic from the funny section of the paper last week. As the Mother of three grown daughters... this just hit way too close to home. HA! I dedicate this post to all Mothers & Daughters...and to the Men who live with us! Especially to those who have survived the turbulent years and made it to the "friendship stage"! Raising girls... it can be such a roller coaster ride!!

2007 by Cathy Guise*wite - Dist. By Uni*versal Pre*ss Syn*dicate

Trust And Move On...

I recently received this daily devotional via email and it struck a cord with me. There are currently things in my life that I need to move forward with... and for various reasons I am choosing to remain "still". I connected with Steve's comment; "But we cannot allow our stillness to make us immobile...The conditions will never feel perfect nor will we ever feel fully prepared." Can anyone else relate to remaining dead center on certain areas of your life? Is it a trust issue... a control issue... a fear issue...?

"Lord... help us to be still in You, rely on You, gather our strength and understanding from You. However, when it's time to move forward, please help us to be bold and step out...fully trusting that You have gone ahead of us and prepared the way. Thank you for your faithfulness!! Amen"

Trust And Move On
Moses received clear instruction as God spoke to him from the burning bush;

"I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt"
(Exodus 3:10).

Moses debated with God regarding his assignment and pushed God to the limit of His patience: "The Lord's anger burned against Moses" (Exodus 4:14). But once he began to follow, Moses maintained a close relationship with God and witnessed His mighty Hand in many different ways. God worked through Moses to bring plagues against the Egyptians and to miraculously bring the Israelites out of Egypt. As Pharaoh released the Israelites and they began their journey into the desert, Moses witnessed more of God's power;

"By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light" (Exodus 13:21).

But as the Israelites approached the Red Sea, "Pharaoh and his officials changed their mind" (Exodus 14:5). Every chariot in Egypt was sent to bring the Israelites back. With no escape route in sight, and the Egyptian army closing in, the people cried out to God. Moses tried to calm the people, "The Lord will fight for you: you need only to be still" (Exodus 14:14), but being still was not in God's plan.

"Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.'" Exodus 14:15-16

God had been in close communion with Moses. He had given His direction and demonstrated His awesome power. Now at this moment of crisis, God expected Moses to know what to do:

"Why are you crying out to Me...move on!"

We must diligently seek His will in stillness and prepare our life to follow where He leads; "be still and know that He is God" (Psalm 46:10). But we cannot allow our stillness to make us immobile:

"Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap." (Ecclesiastes 11:4)

The conditions will never feel perfect nor will we ever feel fully prepared (beware of a never-ending mission analysis which paralyzes us from action). In the end we must remember:

"If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

There will always come a time when God expects us to demonstrate our faith in what He has provided. Let's prepare for that time by drawing near and learning to trust in HIS ability. Let's live with an active faith such that when we know His power, know His provision and know His direction, we are able to trust and move on." Devotional Source: Steve Troxel @ God's Daily Word Ministries

( http://www.gdwm.org/ )

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLEY!!

Happy Birthday Ashley!!

May 19th

Tomorrow marks a special day for our family...your arrival!! How did these 21 years fly by so fast??!! It seems like only yesterday that Daddy snapped this picture of us napping the afternoon we brought you home from the hospital!
You filled our home with smiles and laughter!

And fun memories...One of my favorite pictures of you... a full tummy, but hanging on to your pancake for dear life!
Our little ballerina...full of life and dancing...Growing into a lovely young lady...
High School Graduation... A Proud Moment!
We're so glad you chose Casey...
...to be the newest member of our family!

We wish we could be together on your 21st Birthday.
Always remember how much you are loved!!
Happy Birthday Baby!

Church Bulletin Bloopers

The last few posts have been on the "serious" side... so I think we need to lighten things up a bit. A few "Church Bulletin Bloopers" might do the job.

1. "Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children."
2. "Ushers will eat latecomers."
3. "The Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done."
4. "The Pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday morning."
5. "The audience is asked to remain seated until the end of the recession."
6. "Low Self-Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 to 8:30 PM. Please use the back door."
7. "Pastor is on vacation. Massages can be given to church secretary."
8. "The third verse of Blessed Assurance will be sung without musical accomplishment."
9. "The Rev. Merriwether spoke briefly, much to the delight of the audience."
10. "The pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, 'Break Forth Into Joy.'"
11. "Next Sunday Mrs. Vinson will be soloist for the morning service. The pastor will then speak on 'It's a Terrible Experience'."
12. "Due to the Rector's illness, Wednesday's healing services will be discontinued until further notice."
13. "Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM. Please use large double door at the side entrance."
14. "Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community."
15. "The eighth graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the church basement on Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy."
16. "A song fest was hell at the Methodist church Wednesday."
17. "Today's Sermon: 'How Much Can a Man Drink?' with hymns from a full choir."
18. On a church bulletin during the minister's illness: "God is good - Dr. Hargreaves is better."
19. "Potluck supper: prayer and medication to follow."
20. "The outreach committee has enlisted 25 visitors to make calls on people who are not afflicted with any church."
21. "Eight new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones."
22. "The choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir."
23. "Our next song is "Angels We Have Heard Get High."
24. "Don't let worry kill you--let the church help."
25. "Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community."
26. "For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs."
27. "Jean will be leading a weight-management series Wednesday nights. She's used the program herself and has been growing like crazy!"
28. "The rosebud on the altar this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Rev. and Mrs. Julius Belzer."
29. "This afternoon there will be a meeting in the South and North ends of the church. Children will be baptized at both ends."
30. "Tuesday at 4:00 P.M. there will be an ice cream social. All ladies giving milk will please come early."
31. "Thursday at 5:00 PM there will be a meeting of the Little Mother's Club. All ladies wishing to become "Little Mothers" will meet with the Pastor in his study."
33. "This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar."
34. "The service will close with "Little Drops of Water." One of the ladies will start quietly and the rest of the congregation will join in."
35. "Next Sunday a special collection will be taken to defray the cost of the new carpet. All those wishing to do something on the carpet will come forward and do so."
36. "The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They can be seen in the church basement Saturday."
37. "Thursday night--Potluck supper. Prayer and medication to follow."
38. "The Lutheran men's group will meet at 6 p.m. Steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, bread and dessert will be served for a nominal feel."
39. "A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow."
40. "At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice."
41. "The preacher will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, "Break Forth With Joy."
42. "Today... Christian Youth Fellowship Sexuality Course, 8 p.m. Please park in the rear parking lot for this activity."
43. "During the absence of our pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when A.B. Doe supplied our pulpit."
44. "The Rev. Adams spoke briefly, much to the delight of his audience."

Letting Go

Letting Go….
I have been writing this post in my mind for weeks; composing it, changing it, deleting it, scorning it, celebrating it... much like the event it describes. This post is the acknowledgment of a big life change; and much like the event in real life, change often comes with a mixed bag of emotions.

We spent Mother’s Day and yesterday helping Megan move several hours away where she will be continuing her education. She is living with best girlfriend, Rachel, and hubby, Michael. Meg has transferred her job at the bank to a new location and will be venturing out to start a new life.

I guess no matter how old your children get, the process of “letting go” can be a challenge. The dichotomy of the situation is that from their birth we nurture, train, protect and invest in our kids with the full knowledge that we are working ourselves out of a job. We are preparing them to launch out on their own and carry forth as productive members of society. So, although the day of launching should be one to be celebrated, there is always an element to it that makes me feel like I want to go hide somewhere to lick my wounds. Serious business… this process of riding the roller coaster we call “life”. I suppose this means that hubby and I are now officially “empty-nesters”. Aren’t we supposed to be buying an RV or something right about now?

SO…. To Megan…
Congratulations on a successful move! Our prayers continue to lift you up; that you would grow in Christ and draw near to Him, that every day you would gain a deeper understanding of His Love and Faithfulness, and that you would hold fast to the foundation that has been laid. We love you and are praying for guidance, safety and success in each area of your life. Praying for the Success that comes from growing in wisdom and in Christ’s love…after that, everything else will fall in to place. We love you, our “Muffy in The Middle”.

It's Official... She's all Registered!!

Meg & best bud, Rachel

The family cat is not so sure she appreciates being displaced from "her closet"

to make way for Megan's shoe collection!!

Rachel, Michael, Meg and Josh

Josh & Megan...it's hard to leave loved ones behind...

Best Wishes Meg...We Love You!!

Mother's Day - My Three "Moms"

Mother’s Day… My Three "Moms"

This year I have a special keenness to my thoughts on our upcoming celebration of Mother’s Day. I have been blessed. Blessed with three women in my life whom I call “Mom”. Allow me to introduce them.

My Mother – To others she was known as “Dee”, but to me she was always “Mom”. She was the first woman in my life…married to the first Man in my life. She gave me birth and taught me about life. She poured herself into raising my brother, sister and I. She loved us and we knew it. She loved my Dad and their special bond was evident to all. She also loved Jesus, and it showed. I still remember her sincere rejoicing when I, as an 8 year old girl, ran to her after accepting Christ on that hot August day during church camp. She gave me a firm foundation, a loving home, a wonderful example of a godly woman I could emulate. She planted the inspiration in me to be a “worker at home” and to make my future family my focus. She quietly showed selflessness by example. From her I learned the joy of life…and the sorrow of loss through death. I was 14 years old when the Lord called my Mother home. She was young, and I wasn’t ready to let go of her yet. Even so, through her battle with cancer, I watched her live out Psalms 31:14 “But as for me, I trust in Thee, O Lord. I say, ‘Thou art my God.’ My times are in Thy hand.” And 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” And now, 35 years later, I am still honored to “rise up, and bless her”. I love you Mom.
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My Mom – To others she is known as Linda, but to me she is now “Mom”. She married my Dad in 1972 and doubled the size of her family with the words “I do”! I respect her for accepting the challenge of raising six children with ages ranging from 2 – 16 years. Not an easy task for a widowed 32 year old to take on! As many of you may know, a blended family has a special set of challenges to overcome on the road to “family unity”. Our challenges were great, at times our tears were many as we learned to “grow up” and grow together in Christ. The Lord had a special purpose in bringing us all together! We have learned “…that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Rom 8:28) We continue to drink deeply of God’s faithfulness in our lives! There are so many things I praise God for in Mom’s life. Her spiritual growth and love for the Lord is evident to all. She speaks often of her love of God and thankfulness for His faithfulness and grace in her life. She is an encouragement to those around her. Her enthusiastic trust in Him is catching! I love to hear her laugh!! She is a mentor and friend to many women and I, like them, respect her. She loves my Dad. I am often challenged in my own life when I watch the way she cares for and serves my Dad. She enjoys her family and lets us know it! And now, 35 years after meeting her, I want to use this opportunity to “rise up, and bless her”. I love you Mom.

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My “Mother-In-Love” – To others she is know as Arlene, but to me she is “Mom”. She is the mother of my husband. She did a fine job of raising her son to be a man of godly character. Several years ago I crossed stitched this poem and gave it to her:

To “His” Mother
Mother-in-law they say, and yet,
Somehow I simply can’t forget
‘Twas you who watched his baby ways
Who taught him his first hymn of praise;
Who smiled on him with living pride
When he first toddled by your side.
Mother-in-law but oh, “twas you,
Who taught him to be kind and true.
When he was tired, almost asleep,
‘Twas to your arms he used to creep.
And when he bruised his tiny knee,
‘Twas you who kissed it tenderly.
Mother-in-law they say, and yet,
Somehow I never shall forget.
How very much I owe
To you, who taught him how to grow.
You trained your son to look above,
You made of him the man I love.
And so I think of that today,
Ah! Then with thankful heart I’ll say,
“Our Mother”

I am thankful for the godly example I see in my Mother-in-love. She has a quiet strength of character that comes from years of walking with the Lord. He has seen fit to use her mightily in the ministry of Christian Women’s Club. Not only is she involved at the local club level, but as a key note speaker who shares her testimony across the country. She has a servant’s heart and uses it to serve her family well. Although she may not realize it, she is such an inspiration to me in my job of homemaking. Her home is a study in organizational skills. Since I am a “recovering pack rat”, I am constantly inspired by her peaceful and orderly home. She works hard at preparing fresh and healthy meals. Practicing good stewardship for the health of her family is a priority for her. I am honored to call her “Mom”. And now, 31 years after meeting her, I want to use this opportunity to “rise up, and bless her”. I love you Mom.

Credits: "Mother's Prayer" poem by: Peggy Wellman
Photos: Personal collection

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIN!!!

You are our first born and we are blessed by God's gift to our family!

You are precious...

You are a gift...

You are loved...

It has been a joy to watch you grow...

And mature into a beautiful young woman.
We are thankful that God choose to add you to our family! And now... we are also thankful that you chose Micah to join our family as well! You have done a wonderful job of making a nice home for him and striving to be a godly wife and homemaker.

Happy Birthday Sweetie!!

Love, Dad & Mom