I had planned to be with my daughter to help her out while she waited for her upcoming birth of our 4th grandchild. As it happened, I arrived on the due date. A week later, she was still 'due'. Unfortunatley, I was only there for the week and then had to return home. It was killing me that I had to leave but I did. Arrangements were made for her mother-in-law to come and stay so that there was no issue with someone looking after the other kids when she finally went into labor. Of couse, that turns out to be the night I leave. A call at 10 pm tells me that her water just broke and they are off to the hospital. Wouldn't you know it! I was only gone six hours and the deed is about to be done - but without me being there! How disappointed am I? Much! Now, sitting here, filling in my blog, I count the minutes and wonder what she is going through, how is my son-in-law doing, how is my new grandchild? Of course, even if I was there, I would not know these things either until all is over but somehow, being there, seems even more important now.
This is perhaps our last grandchild to be born. I so wanted to be there and yet I know I will have years ahead of me to enjoy this new one. I look forward to getting to know her. Holding and hugging, cradling and caring, loving and enjoying. Yet I so wanted to say I was there for her birth. Oh, I know it's not that big of a deal but somehow right now, it feels like it. Whether it is an hour or a few, I will stay up and wait for the news as if I WAS there! Come on, baby! Welcome to our world! We love you, already!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Sunshiny day Jan 29 2010
I went for a walk this morning. It actually feels like Spring. No snow, green grass, birds singing, blue sky, sunshine and a stillness all about. I don't mind the snow at all but being here (where at the moment there is no snow) is a-b-s-o-l-u-t-e-l-y- BEAUTIFUL! Yes, beautiful. I could swap one province for another at this moment. However, I know once I go home I will get back into the routine of snow and winter coats and boots, etc. etc. etc. All the trappings of winter in the north country! I think I said once before that I love the four seasons but right now, I am sure glad it feels like spring. Especially as I wait for our fourth grandchild to arrive. It seems to add a 'lightness' to everything (if you know what I mean?).
No news yet about a new grandbaby. Aren't we impatient? We want to grow up fast, get our license, drive a car, move out, meet someone, get engaged, get married, have a child and then one or two more. Then we are waiting for them to move out so we can get on with the second part of our lives, only to end up waiting for them to come home (with family in hand) and start the process all over again. What's the rush? It's what they call LIFE.
I guess the second part of our life is still being a part of the lives of our children and their childen, but in a different way. You may separate for awhile but you come back together again. Then, as we grow old, they take the role of 'parent' and look after us. Hopefully that is not for a long while yet! It is probably a good thing to keep in mind that you should look after your children well as they will one day be looking after you and will take their cues from how you treated them!
Well, today I am just musing about my early parenthood experiences and seeing how well they are being played out in my daughter's life and her family. I certainly can't take all the credit but hopefully there are a few things that she does with her family that she picked up from her mom. It's a wonderful thing to watch!
No news yet about a new grandbaby. Aren't we impatient? We want to grow up fast, get our license, drive a car, move out, meet someone, get engaged, get married, have a child and then one or two more. Then we are waiting for them to move out so we can get on with the second part of our lives, only to end up waiting for them to come home (with family in hand) and start the process all over again. What's the rush? It's what they call LIFE.
I guess the second part of our life is still being a part of the lives of our children and their childen, but in a different way. You may separate for awhile but you come back together again. Then, as we grow old, they take the role of 'parent' and look after us. Hopefully that is not for a long while yet! It is probably a good thing to keep in mind that you should look after your children well as they will one day be looking after you and will take their cues from how you treated them!
Well, today I am just musing about my early parenthood experiences and seeing how well they are being played out in my daughter's life and her family. I certainly can't take all the credit but hopefully there are a few things that she does with her family that she picked up from her mom. It's a wonderful thing to watch!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
TIME
It's amazing how time appears different to us when different things are happening in our lives. Sometimes it feels like time is going by too quickly. Other times it feels like the minutes or day will never pass. What is with that??? Waiting for my granddaughter to be born and now into 'overtime' according to the due date, it feels like the week is slowing going by in one way and then on the other hand, it feels like it is racing by and with no baby, I will soon have to be leaving without ever getting the chance to actually help out and/or hold my new granddaughter. Somtimes I am feeling like I am enjoying this 'quiet' time before the baby comes and talking with my daughter and enjoying my other three grandkids. Other times, I am anxious for the baby to come and want to 'get with it' and start setting up the crib, changing diapers, washing etc, etc. Time can be whatever you want it to be, I guess.
Scripture says that there is a season for everything under the sun. Guess there is a time for 'patiently' waiting as well. Enjoying the moments as they come as 'it will be, what it will be'. Right?
I was leafing through a book that is my my daughter's downstairs cabinet. It is by Henry Nouwen called "Can You Drink The Cup". The author was telling about his recollections as a young boy of his parents (and uncle, aunties) drinking a glass of wine with their meal. One uncle made it into quite a ritual. He (and they) would hold it in their hands, swirl it, look at it, smell the aroma, then take a small sip. They would comment on the flavor, the body, etc. He says "One thing he learned from it all: drinking wine is more than just drinking. You have to know what you are drinking, and you have to be able to talk about it. Similarly, just living life is not enough. We must know what we are living. A life that is not reflected upon isn't worth living. It belongs to the essense of being human that we contemplate our life, think about it, discuss it, evaluate it, and form opinions about it. Half of living is reflecting on what is being lived." I guess that is what I am doing. Continually assessing where I am at, what I am spending my time thinking about or doing. How much effort I am spending on useless or worthless or time consuming wasteful things AND more importantly, how much time I spend on things that are valuable and important to me and if they are helpful to others.
Well, guess I will spend less time wondering if my time is being spent appropriately and usefully and just 'enjoying the moment' for the 'time' being! Will let you know how this all turns out in a later blog.
Scripture says that there is a season for everything under the sun. Guess there is a time for 'patiently' waiting as well. Enjoying the moments as they come as 'it will be, what it will be'. Right?
I was leafing through a book that is my my daughter's downstairs cabinet. It is by Henry Nouwen called "Can You Drink The Cup". The author was telling about his recollections as a young boy of his parents (and uncle, aunties) drinking a glass of wine with their meal. One uncle made it into quite a ritual. He (and they) would hold it in their hands, swirl it, look at it, smell the aroma, then take a small sip. They would comment on the flavor, the body, etc. He says "One thing he learned from it all: drinking wine is more than just drinking. You have to know what you are drinking, and you have to be able to talk about it. Similarly, just living life is not enough. We must know what we are living. A life that is not reflected upon isn't worth living. It belongs to the essense of being human that we contemplate our life, think about it, discuss it, evaluate it, and form opinions about it. Half of living is reflecting on what is being lived." I guess that is what I am doing. Continually assessing where I am at, what I am spending my time thinking about or doing. How much effort I am spending on useless or worthless or time consuming wasteful things AND more importantly, how much time I spend on things that are valuable and important to me and if they are helpful to others.
Well, guess I will spend less time wondering if my time is being spent appropriately and usefully and just 'enjoying the moment' for the 'time' being! Will let you know how this all turns out in a later blog.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Amazing Life
Isn't it amazing the whole thing about having a baby? I was in the OB office the other day with my daughter. It was interesting to see the varied moms-to-be and their accompanying spouse, friend, mother, or grandmother. All different stages of pregnancy and some even had their babies and were there for their checkups. I watched one older gramma who was in a wheelchair but sitting with her daughter? granddaughter? Nevertheless, it was very interesting to think of the whole life process while I watched her, the one she was with and the young children and new babies there. Different stages of life. I was wondering what the older woman was thinking. Did it remind her of her pregnancies? Did it bring good or bad memories? Did it make her think of how short life is? How quickly time flies by. It made me think of the same thing. We have lived through a lot already and want to share that with the new generation who is not really as interested in the changes as we would want them to be. Nevertheless, they will live through the same kind of changes in their lives in the coming years. Again...amazing. Begs the question...what's it all about? and why? Answers to follow (literally)!
Monday, January 25, 2010
So tired, tired of waiting
Everything is in order to have a baby ... except for the baby! We are waiting patiently for our daughter to 'start the process of labor' and she apparently has other things on her mind. So, we wait. Not that I mind as it is giving us time to chat and once the baby comes, well, my work will just begin. It means, picking up kids and dropping them off at appts and school and soccer and music, etc, etc, etc. So, in the meantime, we wait. Expectantly, but patiently. This is one thing we don't have too much control over. It probably is a good thing.
It is nice to be with the kids and hear what they are doing in school. Also to see how they change even in a short while since Christmas. Oh boy, they are growing up. Of course, them growing up does not mean that I am getting older. The two are NOT connected. It is amazng to see how different the three g'kids are in their actions, behavior and thinking.Guess that is what makes each of us unique. I love watching how they are changing and appreciate the changes so much more than when our own was growing up. Guess you don't notice it quite as much when you are IN it. Know what I mean?
Well, I'll keep trying to post. Somehow it is not as important to do so when I am involved in this live changing activity all around me. Ah motherhood!
It is nice to be with the kids and hear what they are doing in school. Also to see how they change even in a short while since Christmas. Oh boy, they are growing up. Of course, them growing up does not mean that I am getting older. The two are NOT connected. It is amazng to see how different the three g'kids are in their actions, behavior and thinking.Guess that is what makes each of us unique. I love watching how they are changing and appreciate the changes so much more than when our own was growing up. Guess you don't notice it quite as much when you are IN it. Know what I mean?
Well, I'll keep trying to post. Somehow it is not as important to do so when I am involved in this live changing activity all around me. Ah motherhood!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Grandparenting - It's a Hoot!
Time Consuming
Do you remember the day we thought that computers were going to save time? Don't you find that funny now? I think they have actually caused us to be a lot busier. They definitely have made me more impatient than I used to be. I want it NOW. Do you find yourself tapping your fingers on the table when you are waiting for the computer to find your destination. Don't you often want to just grab the computer and somehow insert your hand into it to extract what you are looking for? This reminds me of when I first started typing. It was on the old Remington (manual). Wow, that was a long time ago. Anyway, shortly after, they got these 'electric' typewriters on which you did not need to throw the carriage when you finished a line (in other words, a carriage return). I was always throwing the 'imaginary carriage'. It took some time to get out of that habit. We all know that typing becomes automatic after awhile. Your fingers just head to the right keys (usually!) and away you go! There was no searching, or googling, or surfing, or posting or downloading or dragging or pasting (unless it was cut and paste after you printed)! Now you can do so much more and you always try to as well - which is why it takes longer. I am learning to do Powerpoint and I just never seem to be satisfied with what I have. I always want to add 'one more thing' or 'correct one more thing'. Maybe it is just me? All that being said, it is amazing that we can find so much information right at our fingertips, sitting at home in front of this little white window! Or that we can forward our pictures and letters and greeting cards, etc, etc, to our friends and family and even strangers. I guess we should not forget though about 'personal contact' - in your face or more politely, "in person" contact. We need to do that even more often now as we get tied to our computers or tv's. Make it a daily habit to see a friend "in person". It's not that easy!
On another note, totally unrelated....I was reading Philip Yancy's book "The Jesus I Never Knew" and he said an interesting thing. Quote: "When I switched on my computer this morning, Microsoft Windows flashed the date, implicitly acknowledging that, whatever you may believe about it, the birth of Jesus was so important that it split history into two parts. Everything that has happened on this planet falls into a category of before Christ or after Christ." Unquote. Interesting. Just a little food for thought.
Well, better practise what I preach and go and visit a friend. Take care.
Psalm 73:Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
On another note, totally unrelated....I was reading Philip Yancy's book "The Jesus I Never Knew" and he said an interesting thing. Quote: "When I switched on my computer this morning, Microsoft Windows flashed the date, implicitly acknowledging that, whatever you may believe about it, the birth of Jesus was so important that it split history into two parts. Everything that has happened on this planet falls into a category of before Christ or after Christ." Unquote. Interesting. Just a little food for thought.
Well, better practise what I preach and go and visit a friend. Take care.
Psalm 73:Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Confused Advertising
I was watching tv tonite. Have you ever seen the commercial for Uncle Ben's rice? The one where the microwave beeps and the girl with the tights and bra comes running down the steps of her yuppy apartment and retrieves her 'meal in a bowl' for supper. Honestly, a bowl of rice is going to fill her up? Looking at her though, it may be all that she ever eats. There is no fat on that woman. However, that is not my point. The fact is that you get to see the microwave clock show 1:59 and then it rings. Later on they tell you that you can have this delicious, nutritious meal in 2 minutes in the microwave. I'm not sure about you, but my microwave winds down to 0 and then says END. I believe that is for the convenience of the consumer who does not therefore have to do calculations as to how much time is left. Example: I put the rice in for 2 minutes and it is showing 56 seconds so that is ahhhh... 60 seconds for the remaining minute and ahhhhh... 4 seconds left from the first minute so that means 64 seconds in total left! No, they do it so you know exactly how much time is left and then it rings with 0 left so that you know it is done!!! Isn't that false advertising or is it just massaging things to make it easier for the ad to give you the info that they want you to know. Maybe it is smart. I know it just caught my eye tonite. One of those illogical things that rub you the wrong way? Nothing too big, just annoying.
Have you noticed how many more commercials are on tv these days? Someone told me that for a 30 minute show in the 60's there was 5 minutes of commercials. Now we have 12 minutes of commercial. Some shows put them at the beginning and near the end and thus fewer during the show. Others (to me anyway) seem to stagger them every 7-8 minutes during the 30 minute show. It is annoying! Here's another thing I have noticed. It used to be that the show would come on at say, 7 pm. The name of the show came on, a key line and then off to a commercial. Now, the show comes on exactly at 7 pm and plays the intro full with a bit of the show and then goes to commercial. There's no running to the bathroom after the last show. You have to wait and get 'interested' in the next show before they give you the 'break' of a commercial. Life is challenging eh what?
Ok, sounds like I am complaining but not really. I am just observing these things. Just wondered if anyone else had noticed.
Have you noticed how many more commercials are on tv these days? Someone told me that for a 30 minute show in the 60's there was 5 minutes of commercials. Now we have 12 minutes of commercial. Some shows put them at the beginning and near the end and thus fewer during the show. Others (to me anyway) seem to stagger them every 7-8 minutes during the 30 minute show. It is annoying! Here's another thing I have noticed. It used to be that the show would come on at say, 7 pm. The name of the show came on, a key line and then off to a commercial. Now, the show comes on exactly at 7 pm and plays the intro full with a bit of the show and then goes to commercial. There's no running to the bathroom after the last show. You have to wait and get 'interested' in the next show before they give you the 'break' of a commercial. Life is challenging eh what?
Ok, sounds like I am complaining but not really. I am just observing these things. Just wondered if anyone else had noticed.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Still searching...
Well, here I am again. I still have not figured out how I get here. I am in and out of menus and then all of a sudden, here I am. My friend is not able to post her comment even though it says she can. It was discouraging to not see any comments but then again, this really is for me and I have already made my comment.
Tonite we had our small group meeting. What a hoot! It was a serious topic but I think there was something in the juice because we all had the giggles. Well, I should say we ladies had the giggles. The guys just watched in amazement. What is it about men that they don't understand our jokes and don't even try to but are disappointed (it shows on their face) when we don't get theirs! Oh we go to a lot of trouble to try and understand them but I am not sure we get the favor returned. Maybe that is the intrigue of the sexes. Bet I am not the first one to say that.
Anyway, we were talking about persecution. Not one of us had experienced it. What a great country we live in. But like I said in a previous blog, you don't have to be whipped or killed to be persecuted. It comes in all shapes and sizes. As a Christian you might get the 'do goody' comments or the snickers but all in all, it is pretty easy to be a Christian. One lady commented that when she became a Christian and told her family, she basically lost her sister. They were not in the same frame of mind anymore and began to have less and less in common. Many years later they are still not in touch with each other. Now that is sad. Christian or not, family is family. There must have been other things to talk about. Even Christians don't talk about God all the time. Yet it seems like a 'wall' goes up when you say you are one. Is it because they might not 'talk the talk' or what they perceive is the talk? Or are they perhaps searching themselves and haven't found the answers but don't want someone to tell them the answer either. I am not sure. When I became a Christian I didn't change overnight but I sure gave a lot of thought to the things I was doing. I was forced to make some lifestyle changes. Not because I 'had' to (well maybe a little bit) but mostly because I honestly 'wanted' to. Some things just did not feel right anymore. Being a Christian is a day-to-day experience and you are always learning, adjusting, changing, maturing. It's a 'life long' process. I don't think we will ever 'be there' till we 'are there'!
Something I never thought I was very good at was meeting new people. My mom always said 'it doesn't hurt to smile or say hello'. That used to bug me when I was young. But I see great wisdom in her comment now. I have been practising what mom preached. It's amazing how many people are won over with love rather than criticism. We are to care for others (as we hope they would care for us). I think there is a 'golden rule' in there somewhere. Since I became a Christian I have always tried to be ready to give a good reason why I am. It isn't something that people ask you very often. Sometimes I have to bring the conversation around that way and even then, not everyone wants to know! Amazing. Anyway, the Good Book does say to be prepared. Another thing it says that I like is in Romans 12:11-13. If you don't mind...I will quote it: Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practise hospitality." I think that pretty well sums up what my mom would say is just good manners and proper behavior.
Sometimes it is hard to be nice to the guy who cuts you off in traffic, or steps in front of you at the grocery store line. But in the end, it doesn't really matter except for the way YOU respond to it. So...I get it. Mom was always big on politeness. I have mellowed over the years and I am beginning to think she was right, oops I guess I know she was right. It never hurts anyone to smile and say hello.
See you next time...I hope.
Tonite we had our small group meeting. What a hoot! It was a serious topic but I think there was something in the juice because we all had the giggles. Well, I should say we ladies had the giggles. The guys just watched in amazement. What is it about men that they don't understand our jokes and don't even try to but are disappointed (it shows on their face) when we don't get theirs! Oh we go to a lot of trouble to try and understand them but I am not sure we get the favor returned. Maybe that is the intrigue of the sexes. Bet I am not the first one to say that.
Anyway, we were talking about persecution. Not one of us had experienced it. What a great country we live in. But like I said in a previous blog, you don't have to be whipped or killed to be persecuted. It comes in all shapes and sizes. As a Christian you might get the 'do goody' comments or the snickers but all in all, it is pretty easy to be a Christian. One lady commented that when she became a Christian and told her family, she basically lost her sister. They were not in the same frame of mind anymore and began to have less and less in common. Many years later they are still not in touch with each other. Now that is sad. Christian or not, family is family. There must have been other things to talk about. Even Christians don't talk about God all the time. Yet it seems like a 'wall' goes up when you say you are one. Is it because they might not 'talk the talk' or what they perceive is the talk? Or are they perhaps searching themselves and haven't found the answers but don't want someone to tell them the answer either. I am not sure. When I became a Christian I didn't change overnight but I sure gave a lot of thought to the things I was doing. I was forced to make some lifestyle changes. Not because I 'had' to (well maybe a little bit) but mostly because I honestly 'wanted' to. Some things just did not feel right anymore. Being a Christian is a day-to-day experience and you are always learning, adjusting, changing, maturing. It's a 'life long' process. I don't think we will ever 'be there' till we 'are there'!
Something I never thought I was very good at was meeting new people. My mom always said 'it doesn't hurt to smile or say hello'. That used to bug me when I was young. But I see great wisdom in her comment now. I have been practising what mom preached. It's amazing how many people are won over with love rather than criticism. We are to care for others (as we hope they would care for us). I think there is a 'golden rule' in there somewhere. Since I became a Christian I have always tried to be ready to give a good reason why I am. It isn't something that people ask you very often. Sometimes I have to bring the conversation around that way and even then, not everyone wants to know! Amazing. Anyway, the Good Book does say to be prepared. Another thing it says that I like is in Romans 12:11-13. If you don't mind...I will quote it: Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practise hospitality." I think that pretty well sums up what my mom would say is just good manners and proper behavior.
Sometimes it is hard to be nice to the guy who cuts you off in traffic, or steps in front of you at the grocery store line. But in the end, it doesn't really matter except for the way YOU respond to it. So...I get it. Mom was always big on politeness. I have mellowed over the years and I am beginning to think she was right, oops I guess I know she was right. It never hurts anyone to smile and say hello.
See you next time...I hope.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Lost in Techno
I set this blog up a few days ago. It has taken me that long to find it again. I am not even sure how I got here. It was more of trying this and that and thankfully, I ended up with the right destination. Will I find it again? No one knows for sure, especially me.
I have never said I know everything about computers or their programs. However, I did think I knew more than what I recently displayed. Our kids know way more than us. For one thing, they are not afraid of trying anything. 'What can go wrong?' That's their thinking. Mine is more 'What can't go wrong?' With me, nothing is safe. Fortuntely, I seem to be able to work my way through things but oh that can be a long trip sometimes! I guess what I need to do is spend a little more time reading some instructions.
A friend of mine said she responded to my blog but so far I can't see it. It is somewhere 'out there' in cyberspace I guess. I will have to phone her and find out what she said. That will be different as we usually do most of our talking by email! Maybe there is something good in all of this after all.
Well, I guess that is all I have to say for today. I am happy I actually found my site again. It's not 'like home' yet but I think I might feel like coming here more often - especially now that I think I know where it is.
Isaiah 50:10 Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.
I have never said I know everything about computers or their programs. However, I did think I knew more than what I recently displayed. Our kids know way more than us. For one thing, they are not afraid of trying anything. 'What can go wrong?' That's their thinking. Mine is more 'What can't go wrong?' With me, nothing is safe. Fortuntely, I seem to be able to work my way through things but oh that can be a long trip sometimes! I guess what I need to do is spend a little more time reading some instructions.
A friend of mine said she responded to my blog but so far I can't see it. It is somewhere 'out there' in cyberspace I guess. I will have to phone her and find out what she said. That will be different as we usually do most of our talking by email! Maybe there is something good in all of this after all.
Well, I guess that is all I have to say for today. I am happy I actually found my site again. It's not 'like home' yet but I think I might feel like coming here more often - especially now that I think I know where it is.
Isaiah 50:10 Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Persecution?
Great teaching today in church. It always amazes me to see so many people sitting quietly and actually paying attention to what the speaker is saying. As if they really did want to understand and apply it to their lives. Persecution. That was on today's menu. Not necessarily the kind you hear of on the news with the unfortunate death, torture, imprisonment or exclusion for those who proclaim to be followers of Christ. No, more the kind of indirect persecution. The sarcastic comments, the humor, the belittling and the exclusion from conversation because they feel you might say something too 'churchy' or they feel you are a bit of a bigot because of your definite viewpoints. I say 'let them come' at me. I mah not defend my faith with exact wording or specific scripture verses but "I know, that I know, that I know"- if you know what I mean! I welcome discussion about it. I may not change your mind or persuade you to a faith in Christ but I will promise to try - and do it lovingly, too.
Anyway, I was just pleased to be in church and to see friends and others who are searching as well. It's great to have a 'common interest' that we can all share. It's like a BIG family. I love it.
Oh, unlike my husband who loves talking to every new person he meets, I prefer to talk one at a time and sometimes need to be 'encouraged' to step out of my comfort zone and meet new ones. Still, I think I do an ok job of meeting people 'in general'. I don't feel I have to meet everyone.
That being said, a year or so ago I did introduce myself to a new woman who I did not know and through a general conversation, I ended up sitting with her and praying for her. We are now very good friends. I guess God had a plan. It always amazes me as to how puts us together.
Are all Christians great? I don't think so - we all have our little quirks and some personalities just don't blend as nicely together. But if we all believe in Christ and his teachings, then we are all a part of the same family and hey, even siblings fight!
Ok, on to other things. Here's something I have no answers for. Why do some people suffer more than others? I have a great friend who seems to be always struggling with health issues. She is a good person - may I say a great person? Why does she have to go through so much? Why did my other friend's husband have to get cancer and die at such a young age? I guess there are answers and they will be answered but just not right now. My job is just to keep on, keep in touch, keep focused on Him and basically, keep the faith. I am so glad I have a lot of friends who keep me on the straight and narrow and are faithful in prayer.
Well, I can see I do go on and on so need to draw this to a good closure. Thanks for listening (or reading). Hope you can offer some insights if you chose. If not, I will continue on as happily as before. I trust God will find you where you are (hiding? or with your eyes closed, or head hidden like a ostrich?) or perhaps arms wide open and looking for Him. May you rest in them. Isaiah 40:31 "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Take care.
Anyway, I was just pleased to be in church and to see friends and others who are searching as well. It's great to have a 'common interest' that we can all share. It's like a BIG family. I love it.
Oh, unlike my husband who loves talking to every new person he meets, I prefer to talk one at a time and sometimes need to be 'encouraged' to step out of my comfort zone and meet new ones. Still, I think I do an ok job of meeting people 'in general'. I don't feel I have to meet everyone.
That being said, a year or so ago I did introduce myself to a new woman who I did not know and through a general conversation, I ended up sitting with her and praying for her. We are now very good friends. I guess God had a plan. It always amazes me as to how puts us together.
Are all Christians great? I don't think so - we all have our little quirks and some personalities just don't blend as nicely together. But if we all believe in Christ and his teachings, then we are all a part of the same family and hey, even siblings fight!
Ok, on to other things. Here's something I have no answers for. Why do some people suffer more than others? I have a great friend who seems to be always struggling with health issues. She is a good person - may I say a great person? Why does she have to go through so much? Why did my other friend's husband have to get cancer and die at such a young age? I guess there are answers and they will be answered but just not right now. My job is just to keep on, keep in touch, keep focused on Him and basically, keep the faith. I am so glad I have a lot of friends who keep me on the straight and narrow and are faithful in prayer.
Well, I can see I do go on and on so need to draw this to a good closure. Thanks for listening (or reading). Hope you can offer some insights if you chose. If not, I will continue on as happily as before. I trust God will find you where you are (hiding? or with your eyes closed, or head hidden like a ostrich?) or perhaps arms wide open and looking for Him. May you rest in them. Isaiah 40:31 "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Take care.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Let's Begin
Blogging. It seems like veryone is doing it, so why not me? Blogging I mean. Isn't it just like speaking to yourself? It can't be hard or can it? Initially, I thought it was easy but right from the get-go, I decided I really do want to say something of worth. How can that be? Do I mean to say that I don't always say things of worth? Ok, I guess I can let others decide on that! It's up to the rest of you to decide whether you want to check in or not. This blog is finally something just for ME!
It is harder than you might think. Random thoughts are always in my mind but anything of worth? Well, that might be a different story. That is not to say that I don't think of important things...I do! It's just that what arrives on this paper might not be of interest to you - only me.
Well, let me tell you a bit about myself. I am a young gramma (as my blog states). We have one daughter and son in law and three grandchildren (with one new one due in one week). That will be exciting. Who is having 4 kids these days except moviestars! Well, guess we are! My daughter is a hard worker, she works part time, looks after kids and is involved in her church. She has more energy than me but then she is 20 years younger! That says it all!
My husband and I are both retired from our 'career' jobs but continue to take on part time jobs that interest us. Things we would never have done when we were young but now just want to get a 'feel' for what it would be like. We are very happy with our lives. I have two brothers (and wives) who also are retired and travel around the country (3-6 months in USA and the rest here in Canada). Doing things while they are still physically able. Us? Well, we don't have the same urge to travel as much. We like it here in Alberta, we like the 4 seasons and we like our church family and all our volunteer involvements. Right now, we are happy to stay put.
Our daughter and kids live in another city so we want to travel to see them every 3-4 months also. Don't want those grandkids forgetting about us. It's true about grandkids - you love them more (almost) than your own kids. Guess it is because you are not 'as responsible' for them as you were your own. Raising them is left to your own children. We just have to love them. That, my friend, is so easy to do. Especially when you have grandkids are great as ours!
Ok, well, maybe this is a good start for the first blog. Who knows what I will end up thinking about later. No guarantees whether it is later today, or later in the week, or later in the month. Remember, this blog is for me anyway. Perhaps you can tune in again just to see if I ever have any real important thoughts!
It is harder than you might think. Random thoughts are always in my mind but anything of worth? Well, that might be a different story. That is not to say that I don't think of important things...I do! It's just that what arrives on this paper might not be of interest to you - only me.
Well, let me tell you a bit about myself. I am a young gramma (as my blog states). We have one daughter and son in law and three grandchildren (with one new one due in one week). That will be exciting. Who is having 4 kids these days except moviestars! Well, guess we are! My daughter is a hard worker, she works part time, looks after kids and is involved in her church. She has more energy than me but then she is 20 years younger! That says it all!
My husband and I are both retired from our 'career' jobs but continue to take on part time jobs that interest us. Things we would never have done when we were young but now just want to get a 'feel' for what it would be like. We are very happy with our lives. I have two brothers (and wives) who also are retired and travel around the country (3-6 months in USA and the rest here in Canada). Doing things while they are still physically able. Us? Well, we don't have the same urge to travel as much. We like it here in Alberta, we like the 4 seasons and we like our church family and all our volunteer involvements. Right now, we are happy to stay put.
Our daughter and kids live in another city so we want to travel to see them every 3-4 months also. Don't want those grandkids forgetting about us. It's true about grandkids - you love them more (almost) than your own kids. Guess it is because you are not 'as responsible' for them as you were your own. Raising them is left to your own children. We just have to love them. That, my friend, is so easy to do. Especially when you have grandkids are great as ours!
Ok, well, maybe this is a good start for the first blog. Who knows what I will end up thinking about later. No guarantees whether it is later today, or later in the week, or later in the month. Remember, this blog is for me anyway. Perhaps you can tune in again just to see if I ever have any real important thoughts!
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