Monday, July 8, 2013

The Blessing(and Heartache) of a Family

 "A family is like an oak tree. A few blows wouldn't bring the tree crashing down. But it would require a lot of healing and love to ensure stability." (Source)

It's interesting how family members respond and react to each other, sometimes even sad or frustrating.

We had our ups and downs throughout her younger years, but I had always hoped that, as the only daughter I'd ever have, she and I would eventually become close.

It didn't happen. With the entering of a half-brother and later the sudden passing of her full-brother, the bonding didn't occur...with either her father, nor her stepmother...myself.

She grew up, married, started a family, and had her own life...a busy life. 

I ached for a close relationship, but the more I strove to bring us closer together, the futher she pushed me away. Every now and then, she reappeared and would spend an hour, maybe even the day, with us. Then, we didn't see her or her beloved family for months, or even years. 

I'm saddened, but I'll take what I can get...a small pocket of time, creating memories that will linger forever in my mind.

The 4th of July weekend was a whirlwind of activity for me and my family! There were lots of fun surprises and special times with family members. Some healing also took place, as long unseen family were re-united. Some family members weren't able to join us, which also made this celebrated holiday bittersweet.

On the 4th, we spent the day at my aunt and uncle's 
lake cottage...yes, we aren't the only lakers in our family!
It is a much smaller lake and also much quieter.
We visited with our Pennsylvania relatives, who came for the week. 
    On the 6th, we participated in a flotilla parade with our pontoon boat.


 Granddaughter 1 and grandson love jet-skiing!


 The grandkids also enjoy tubing.



 They even got me out on a jet-ski!


 Jet-skiing and knee-boarding . . .


 . . .is a family affair.


 Granddaughter 2 and Grandson love roasting marshmallows


 The kids and grandkids

The only person missing was my son, who had to work and could not be home for the holidays.


I could either let the hurt and frustation of the past affect the present or move past it, forgive, and appreciate each moment we do have together. I choose the latter.
 
 "When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude." Gilbert Chesterton,


Continuing to count my blessings, one by one at   "Multitude on Mondays".
1,402 - Spending time with out-of-state relatives, as well as close family.
1,403 - Freedom in Christ ...that does not require a set of rules or good works to be saved.
 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galations 5:1)
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast."(Ephesians 2:8-9)
1,404 - Spending the day with my stepdaughter and her family.
1,405 - The freedom to worship and live for Christ in the USA.
1,406 - The Founding Fathers, who chose to put God in the Pledge of Allegiance and the U.S. Constitution, among other original documents.
1,406 - Pretty and colorful fireworks display.
1,407 - A new song I learned in church
1,408 - A day to rest and prepare for a busy new week ahead.
1,409 - Spending some time talking and reminiscing with our neighbors, a lovely older couple.
1,410 - Working with some awesome, caring people at my job.
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Monday, July 1, 2013

God's Amazing Grace

 
In church on Sunday, we sang Chris Tomlin's version of "Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone." But we sang the original lyrics, which I didn't realize he had changed in his version of the song. 

Of course the first few verses most of us know:
Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I'm found.
Was blind, but now, I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
 
Then the original lyrics are:
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come
'Tis grace that brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home
(I love this!! There have been many dangers in my life and especially in my son's life this past week. Someone had broken into his apartment and stole some of his roommates things. Nothing of his was taken and he was not at home. He also had a couple of accidents, one at work and one at home, that weren't serious, but could have been. Through all these situations, God brought my son "safe thus far", just as this verse says. I am so very thankful for His care and protection!)

When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we first be- gun

I also love this verse, which Tomlin changes in his version. I think of heaven and no time limits and pure sun! My favorite time of year is summer and I love it when the sun is shining, so this gives me great comfort.

I like the lyrics that Tomlin wrote, especially the chorus. . .
 My chains are gone, I've been set free.
My God, my Savior has ransomed me.
And like a flood, His mercy rains.
Unending love, amazing grace.
 
But I wish he had kept the original verses. They have such true meaning and depth for me. 

As we go through the week and many of us celebrate the independence of our nation, may we remember His wonderful grace upon us!! Where would we be without it?
 
Continuing to count my blessings, one by one at   "Multitude on Mondays".
1,391 - An awesome day with my best friend from college days.
1,392 - My ladies Bible study group. Such lovely, fun women!
1,393 - Some very gloomy, rainy weather for several days.
1,394 - A few rough days, but the Lord got me through.
1,395 - Attending a 2-day Christian music festival.
 1,396 - Being blessed by musicians, like Kari Jobe and TobyMac.
1,397 - Fresh strawberries that made a delicious shortcake.
1,398 -  Catching a 16 inch bass off of our pier!
1,399 -  A nice, relaxing weekend.  
1,400 - God, protecting my son from any great harm this past week.
1,401 - A great sermon on the subject of grace at church this past Sunday.

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Friday, June 28, 2013

Do You Pray With Your Spouse?


“Couples who pray together, stay together”
 Study after study has shown that the old adage is true.
 Couples that pray together daily have a significantly lower divorce rate.
But, at least for me and my husband, this has been one of the most difficult things to do on a regular, daily basis.

I realize that much of this is due to our individual upbringings. My husband was raised in a very dysfunctional and less than Spirit-filled home. I very much doubt that there was ever family prayer, let alone, his parents praying together. The fact that he is willing to pray with me is a blessing! I grew up in a very structured Christian home. My mom was the spiritual leader, but I always felt that she longed for my father to take that role. He never did. 

Throughout our 26 years of marriage, I have attempted to start both family and couples prayer time at home. Usually it starts out awkwardly. Eventually, we just pray less and less together, till we completely stop altogether. I don't think it's ever intentional to totally stop praying, but the daily activites of life distracts us, we get discouraged, or we just forget. I will admit, on a few occasions, when I've been upset with my husband, that I have avoided praying with him. Those are the most difficult times for me to pray. 
Lately, though, we have been more diligent in making it a habit to pray before bed each night. We take turns, every other night, so each can get a little break from leading in prayer. Surprisingly and joyfully, there seemed to be a bit of a breakthrough the other night. The prayers seemed to flow more easily and we found ourselves talking on a more intimate level, following our prayer time. I'm not saying it's always going to go so easily, but it was refreshing to finally feel more at ease, for once. It made it worth all of the effort we have put into committing to praying as much as possible on a regular basis.
  
Benefits of praying together:

- Prayer Promotes Unity

-  Prayer Promotes Emotional Intimacy 

- Prayer Invites God Into Your Relationship 

- Prayer improves relationships

source: Focus on the Family
 
Below are some articles/posts and materials that may benefit anyone who desires to improve their prayer life as a couple.
 The Alabaster Jar
 Blog post by Jolene Engle, "Why I Used to Hate Praying With My Husband"

This and several other books on prayer for married couples are available. Go Here for more information.
 

Go HERE for ideas, as you start to pray with your spouse.
  photo prayer_zps2b3e26d0.jpg

HERE is an article to read, if you have a spouse that refuses to pray with you.

Do you pray with your spouse?
Why or why not? I would love to hear back from you! 
Just leave a comment at the bottom of this post.
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Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Capture and Savor Each Moment

"I'm convinced that the whole world is better when we,
as individuals,
capture and savor each moment as the gift that it is,
embrace the challenge or joy of it,
and thereby transform it
with the magic of creative posibility.
Life, for the most part, is what we make of it.
We have been given a responsibility
to live it fully, joyfully, completely,
and richly
in whatever span of time God grants us
on this earth."
(Luci Swindoll)
Continuing to count my blessings, one by one at   "Multitude on Mondays".
1,381 - The moments I find to take a picture almost every day of God's creation.
1,382 - Enjoying all the different animals that I get to see daily, now that we are living on a lake.
1,383 - Fishing has been good.
1,384 - The weather has been, for the most part, really nice, too!
1,385 - Learning to not let daily occurrences get me down, but, just like the Luci Swindoll quote above, remember that "Life, for the most part, is what we make of it."
1,386 - Watching my dog chase the neighborhood squirrel up a tree, and then the squirrel getting bold and chattering down at him.

1,387 - It almost looks like they are carrying on a conversation (maybe more of an argument)!


1,388 - Finally, my dog hears me calling him and gives up the fight to "get the squirrel." Looks like the squirrel won! LOL!!

1,389 - A wonderful new coffee shop opening up near my house!!
1,390 - We FINALLY officially can drive our new pontoon boat out on the water! We purchased it before Memorial Day, but have had many issues! I definitely learned patience the past few weeks!




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