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Parenthood

Parenting: A lifelong journey. I, personally can only strive to be as wise as my parents were.

It has been a joy watching my own children and grandchildren develop and grow into amazing human beings. Yet, I find that “once a Mom, always a Mom” has been what rules my life, and definitely consumes my thought life. Despite the fact that my daughter and son have their own families to care for and have for many years been out on their own. In my mind, they are still those precious little ones that came to me for comfort, direction, friendship-love.

I have been told that I have empathy for others. I suppose this is true to some extent. I am always concerned with how something effects others. How will this make them feel? At times, this does not have the desired effect. I have tried, since my kids have flown the coup, not to advice, instruct or interfere unless asked. Do I do this perfectly? No. What came to my awareness just recently, is this…that in my concern for the well being of my children…what I thought was empathy and love, made them feel as if I didn’t have confidence in them. After all, as adults, it is their journey. The ups and downs in their lives are theirs to tackle. Not mine. We all are constantly growing through the experiences we have in life. My concern over my children, which comes out in the form of worry, is not beneficial. It changes nothing, except taking up varying degrees of space in my heart and mind. They have both been making decisions for many years and have surpassed anything that I could ever dream for either of them. I am proud of who they are. They have and are continuing to impact those around them in a positive way. Yes, as am I, they are continuing to grow and learn through each experience they have. Whether that be when life is going smoothly or something other than.

Does this mean my love for them has lessened, as I strive not to be a worrier? Definitely not! Does this mean that if they asked me for something or some form of help, that I would not drop everything and do whatever was in my power to assist? Definitely not! What I must remember, is that when my help is not solicited, I can remain unshaken by things in their life. For in this life, there will be trouble. There will be blessings. May they know that my love for them is unmeasurable.

I have always been so impressed with my Dad. He had a job that he was basically a computer in human form. When computers were just starting to be purchased and put in place by manufacturing plants, he was willing to learn about them. Others that worked in his office, refused. Not my Dad, because he always did what he could do to work hard and progress with the changing times. He was always teachable.

I pray that I am that wise. That I remain teachable. I have probably learned more from my kids than anyone else, other than Jesus, of course. They both attain wisdom beyond their years.

Sometimes, we just need someone to speak a word and God will use that to bring awareness to us. We need Him to open our eyes to how we are perceived and with each word, each thought, we are either speaking life or speaking death. May I speak life.

“Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid. – Proverbs 12:1

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True Knowledge

We all are learning everyday, but what are we learning? The internet has a vast array of information, but is it knowledge? Some read books, some listen to podcasts, some depend on their schooling. Some their own intuition. Others, social media, the news. Our phones have caused a disconnect. Families are drawn apart by their addictions to these gadgets. Where is conversation? Conversation unites. Comments on a social media post, divides. We believe what we view on these man-made devices. All of these things are created by man and we tend to worship them and treat what we read, see, and listen to as fact.

We are what we allow to filtrate our brains. In Proverbs, it states that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”. How many people actually believe this? In this Proverb, it also states “but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

In Scripture, the term “fools” refers to one who is arrogant and self-sufficient. One who orders himself as if there is no God.

But, what does “the fear of the Lord” mean?

God says that IF you accept HIS words and IF you treasure His words within you, THEN – by doing these things, you will incline your heart to wisdom.

AND

IF you apply your heart to understanding, asking HIM for understanding and crying out for insight and searching HIS Words as you were searching for a buried treasure or for the all mighty dollar.

THEN you will understand what it means to fear the Lord and you will gain knowledge of God.

“The knowledge of God” verses man’s wisdom can no way compare!

Some people ignorantly believe that the Bible was written by man. If you have ever been led by God’s Spirit, you know, that you know, that you know, that this is false thinking. Yes, the actual penning of the Bible was through men, but inspired by God. I have heard God speak to me through the Bible so frequently, that there is no doubt.

I think people say this, because they don’t want to submit to a higher power. They are arrogant of their own knowledge. They think that they have “it all figured out”.

Or, they feel let down by how someone who used the title of “Christian” acted. Or, something horrific happened in their life and God didn’t do what they thought He should have done, so they don’t believe in Him. Life didn’t turn out like they planned, so…

The truth of the matter is: Whether you want to rely on your own understanding or whether you rely on the One who actually is the author of all, is a choice that we make, every moment of everyday.

In these days, with AI growing so rapidly, we won’t know what’s true or not. Will we believe what man put into a computer or will we believe the only Source of true knowledge?

In my own life, every time, I rely on my own understanding, it never turns out well. I need the wisdom of the God who created me and who knows the beginning from the end. The only One who truly knows Me. Not what others see, but what is in my heart.

I, personally, don’t understand why people would rely on man-made wisdom rather than God’s.

It saddens me that people will forgo peace by not wanting to look to their Creator.

It is the start of a new year, won’t you join me in this expedition of true wisdom, from the Source?

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Christmas time for this Mum

My daughter often invites us to her home on late Christmas afternoon. This gives them as a family, time to relax and enjoy Christmas morning.

When I prepare for a holiday, I usually go way overboard. Cooking enough for an army.

My daughter seems to have this same trait. Although, she prepares an array of fancy appetizers and a luscious meal! Making you feel like royalty with the care and extravagance she extends.

When I became a parent, I felt it was the most joyous time of my life and yet felt really inadequate for the job at hand. Honestly! I had a hard time when my kids got their wings. Witnessing them tackle the joys and sorrows of this life, continually tear at a Mum’s heartstrings. At times, her heart grows so full with love and admiration, she feels she cannot contain it. At others, standing on the sidelines as they walk through rocky trails. Oh, a Mum’s heart. God blessed me with two amazing children. He created them to be who they are despite my inadequacies. Thank you Lord, for gracing me with this precious gift.— And to think, when I was early married, I had no desire for children. God’s ways and plans are so much more than we could ever imagine.

I am not really someone who desires a lot of “things”. So, the exchanging of gifts at Christmas, to me is more about gifting others than receiving myself.

Even so, my precious daughter gifted me with her own artwork, a mustard seed necklace and words so sweet that made this Mum’s tears flow.

I so love this!
I feel she gives me too much credit.
I will wear this as a reminder❤️

Looking up Queen Anne’s Lace, I also found this:

“Queen Anne’s Lace is believed to symbolize sanctuary and protection. Its delicate white flowers are said to represent purity and the divine presence in everyday life.

While Queen Anne’s Lace is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, its qualities align with many themes found in biblical teachings. The flower’s simple beauty, resilience, and purity can be seen as representations of the virtues encouraged in Christianity. Its white color resonates with the biblical association of white with purity, righteousness, and holiness.

In a broader sense, Queen Anne’s Lace’s adaptability and natural beauty can be linked to God’s creation and His provision for all living things. In Matthew 6:28-30, Jesus speaks of the lilies of the field, urging believers not to worry about material needs, as God provides for even the flowers. Queen Anne’s Lace, in its wild and abundant growth, can symbolize faith in divine provision and trust”.

I have seen and lived through a lot of hard things in this life, but my God has walked me through, providing what I have needed, even in times when I totally didn’t or don’t have a clue. He is not surprised when it takes me so long to “get” things. By His grace, He is so patient with me. I could not step forward each day without Him. And then…He brings me blessings overflowing through the love of my children, a touch from a friend, and at times strangers that He places in my path.

Yes, on Christmas, we celebrate the birthday of our Precious Savior who, as the preacher said,”Did not come to condemn us but to rescue us” I am so thankful for that rescue!

I am so thankful that along our journey, He gives us these special moments that engrave in our hearts.

We continue to be the Luckyones blessed by God.

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Death

In the course of over a year, many we have known and loved have passed away. This is heartbreaking for those of us who remain. Wishes for more time with those we love. For what they meant to us and hopes for what they would be in the future.

The Bible states that because of Christ’s sacrifice, that He removed the fear of death, but many of us still fear death. We do whatever we can to avoid it. Even within the hardships, we enjoy this life we have known.

I imagine that if we truly believed that God loves us as it states in Romans 8:38, that His love will hold us, we would not fear.

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. “Romans 8:38

We, who are believers in Christ, are called to die to self and sin. Die to the natural things of the flesh. Live and follow Christ. I think that often, we are thankful for Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Allowing us to know that when we leave this earth that we will be with Him, where there is no more death or sorrow. Yet, we fail to realize that when we accept Christ as our Savior, we have already died from this life and are basically just waiting for the time when He takes us to the next step with our new body that is like His. We all are already living in eternity.

When I was younger, there was a comedian, Flip Wilson whose trademark line was, “the devil made me do it”. We all thought it was funny, but there is an amount of sad truth in this statement. If “the devil makes me do it” then, I am living for the devil and not Christ. I think this is hardest for us, that we no longer live for ourselves, but for Christ. This is a moment by moment struggle between how we were born (in sin) in this physical world where self is preeminent and releasing every situation to Christ. Sometimes, we fear doing this, because we fear that He will take away something we love.

The fact remains that at some point, we will all leave this earth. Why do we live with the illusion that we won’t? There have been times in my life when loved ones have faced death and being that it was “in their face” so to speak, they were forced to think about leaving this life. Yet, on a daily basis, we are facing death all day long, and we don’t think about it. “That’s not going to happen to me, I have time to do this or that”, but do we?

My neighbor, just one year older than I, was just watching a football game and had a massive heart attack. As Jesus said about the coming of the age, “We do not know the day or the hour”, this is true for Christ’s return and also for our time here on earth.

I have to admit, that often, I live this life not in the reality of what is true. That I have died to myself. That Jesus is not a sideline to my life. That He IS my life. My lifeline. May I remember always that Christ came to save the dead. That was me and continues to be me when I don’t die to this world.

We still grieve those we loved that have already made that transition. For they are special and have been in our life for a purpose and for us to love. I am thankful that God loved us so much that He has given us the gift of those to love.

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Words

I hope this finds you enjoying your days. Unfortunately, I have been a bit disheartened with myself this week.

Being kind and sensitive with others has always been my desire. In Ephesians, it instructs us to “let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them”.

This week, I started blabbing about how I feel about a certain issue based on what I had experienced. While doing this, I offended someone I care about who experienced this frame of time very differently. Was I being sensitive to this person? Was what I was saying good and helpful? Or an encouragement? I would have to say, “No” At the time, I didn’t think about this. I was not trying to make anyone upset, but I did.

I am thankful that the Lord does not leave us alone when we do wrong. He spoke to my heart until I asked forgiveness from Him and from my friend. I pray that she does forgive me.

In James, he states that we are to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger”. Just two days later from my first discouragement, I was quick to speak on a matter. Then, a little while later, the Lord reminded me that I had misspoke and what I had said was untrue. I was so embarrassed by this because I couldn’t believe that I had forgotten a simple thing that I had done just maybe an hour before.

Also in Ephesians, it tells us to be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but wise. Making the most of your time, for the days are evil.

Our words matter. Our thoughts matter. As I’ve stated before, this is a struggle between the flesh and the Spirit. Between not leaning on my own understanding. I pray as I continue to have His Spirit renew my mind, I will be more of an encourager, more of a listener, and maybe one day—be slow to speak. :/

Proverbs also says “the tongue has the power of life and death, those who love to talk, reap the consequences.” (NLT)

My prayer for the coming days, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.“

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Faith and Prayers

I’ve always been a believer in the power of prayer. That God could do anything, if we just asked. I still believe this to be true. I’ve been doing a personal study on a book entitled, “When God Doesn’t Fix It”. This study, along with some life experiences have challenged some of my thinking.

Many times, I have asked God for solutions and He has answered those prayers in positive ways that I would never have expected. What happens though, when things we ask for don’t turn out as we had hoped?

We can passively say, “It wasn’t within His will”. There is truth in statement, we feel… UNTIL..

The diagnosis-a sickness that causes you to not even remember what healthy looked like- a broken relationship-a loved ones ongoing addiction-loss of someone dear- job loss-the list goes on. At these times, passively stating, “Well, it’s God’s will just doesn’t cut it, even though this is ultimately true.

In prayer, as well with every other area of our lives, it seems to be a struggle with self vs submission. I’m learning that it isn’t about the final outcome. It is our journey of submission. Sometimes, it is our brokenness that will help others.

I have to ask myself: Are my prayers focused on just my desires? Or can I look beyond my desires and remember that I am here to further the Kingdom of God? For that IS our mission. That IS the will of God. Remembering that even when He doesn’t “fix it”, He is faithful. He is good.

It is about putting my hand in His. Through the pain, through the struggles, through the blessings. As we submit everything to Him, His will is lived through us to touch a dying world.

What I ask myself and you, is this. Do I have faith in just faith? That what I ask for will be answered because I believe? OR Do I have faith in the One who holds my hand -the One who holds the universe together and doesn’t want anyone to perish? That any pain that I have in this life will further His Kingdom? Do I truly believe that God is Good, All the time? I DO! Even if I cannot see it at the present time, that it is good.

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

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Let Your Yes Be Yes

I am grateful for yet another beautiful day! 

Most of you don’t know me, but if you do…You know that my faith in the Trinity is firm and what I know of God’s will, I am firm and unwavering. That being said, there are times when our Holy Spirit has to remind me of what I know is true.

When I am dealing with people, I am not as firm. Tending to be like those “flailing inflatable, tube men. I have a desire to get along and be flexible. This is not always advantageous.

Take today, for instance. My husband had to go to the VA in Gaylord. It was a beautiful drive looking at the colors. Since my husband’s bypass heart surgery at the end of January, we have had difficulty with communication. He used to be able to decipher “Karen-eze” but since January- not so much. He wanted to cash some checks and he prefers East Jordan 4Front over Boyne City. We had talked about after his appointment coming back through East Jordan. When he talked about it, he asked me what I thought. My response was, “whatever you would like to do”. In my thought process, I was being flexible to whatever he wanted. When he failed to turn to go to East Jordan, I was confused. I thought that he had just decided not to cash his checks. Just before we got home, I asked him about it and he said that I made it sound like that wasn’t something I wanted to do. I was confused-he was confused. Oh my!

Almost immediately, our Spirit reminded me of Scripture that says, “Let what you say be simply ‘yes’ or ‘no’ anything more than this comes from evil” Mattew 5:37

Had I simply said, “yes” all confusion would have been gone. No frustration.

Satan likes it when we have miscommunication, confusion, fear or anything else that brings us down or draws us away from Christ. We always have to be on our guard. This may not seem like a big deal and that is what the devil wants us to think. He wants us to not think about the little things so that bit by bit, he will have the upperhand. 

How about you? Is there anything in your life that the devil is trying to slither into? Let us keep our ears open to hear our Advocate and Helper. 

Have a great week trusting our Lord! 🙂

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After Bible Study Adventures

It has been a span of time since my last post. It seems that summer has just flown right by.

We continued to do summer adventures after Bible Study. These all proved to be relaxing and fun.

Some of the excursions included: Elk Rapids, Whiting’s Park, Ellsworth Pavilion, Stonehedge Garden, Otis Pottery, Our adventure on my sister-in-law, Louise’s birthday included a picnic and going to the Charlevoix/Emmet County Fair. It is always a fun and relaxing time to spend time with these special ladies. Also, accidently put a pic of my brother, Nelson at the Portside Arts Fair in this gallery.

These ladies have been my friends through many ups and downs of life. I can count on them for prayer, encouragement, laughter and more.

Yes, I am a Lucky One, blessed by God. 🙂

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Mild Thoughts for Today

Most people have a favorite thing. My favorite thing? Without a doubt, people, other than God of course. God has created each person so magnificently. The diversity of people is not, as some might think, a bad thing. How each person’s personality is wisely crafted by their Creator. It is an awesome thing! We were designed to need, encourage and be a part of the bigger picture. Sadly, so often, we think the world revolves around just us and our little world.

I believe that is why it is such a joy to me when I stumble across a friend,(as I did this week) an old coworker, a relative, a stranger on the street. Each of so much more value than could ever be imagined or any material thing this life has to offer.

Being that I truly love people, when one of those dear to me leaves this world…it is so hard for me. As it is for most, I think.

I remember when my Dad passed, the first of many that are close to my heart. I remember thinking, “How can life just go on like nothing happened?” This would not be the last time that I felt this way.

For some reason, once I know someone’s birthday/anniversary, when it comes to that day. Those people pop into my head and I spend a little time reminiscing, regardless if that person remains on this earth or not. I feel this is a gift from the Holy Spirit. There are things in my house that were gifts or pictures or maybe a book that was given to me that when I look at those things, they also cause me to reflect on the person who gave it to me. God has blessed me with so many wonderful people in my life.

This past week, Leonard’s two siblings that no longer live on this earth had birthdays. His sister, Phyllis. I admired her. She was crafty, witty, fun. She was such a natural with everything. I remember how excited she was to find a dress she liked for Brian and Jinn’s wedding. What a special memory. One time, she helped Brian make some brownies and he got the recipe from her. The recipe name? “Aunt Phyllis’ Best Brownies”. She loved both my kids, Brian and Tina and loved them so naturally.

Leonard’s brother, Dale’s birthday was the day after Phyllis’. My heart went out to Dale because he seemed to never fit in. Yet, to me, he was always kind and respectful. When Leonard’s Mom passed away, he gave me her Bible and said that he thought their Mom would want me to have it and he knew that I would use it. In the front it was handwritten that it was a gift to their Mom from Phyllis and Gordon. I asked Phyllis, if she would like to keep it and she told me she wanted me to have it.

During the summer, after Thursday morning Bible study, one of my other sister-in-laws, Louise, likes to go on local adventures with friends. She graciously always includes me. 🙂

This week, we are going to go on a picnic and an art walk. In honor of Phyllis, Dale and their Mom (even though her birthday is in May), I am bringing “Aunt Phyllis’ Best Brownies” to honor my sister-in-law, whom I can still hear her laugh. I am also bringing Leonard’s Mom’s Bible to Bible Study to honor Dale for his sentiment to me, knowing that their Mom’s Bible would be special to me.

I read Ecclesiastes this week. It’s kind of a sobering book because Solomon says that everything is meaningless. I heard that the context is better explained “everything is fleeting”. This is true. Good times are fleeting, bad times are fleeting. Life goes so quickly, so unexpectedly. A lot of times, not as we wish.

May we always be grateful for those we love, those we have loved, those we don’t even know, for we all need each other. If you know me, I will always remember you.

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Just a Light-hearted Post

Lucky has been stuck inside quite a bit recently. I saw a couple wild blackcaps and decided to go blackberry picking around our house and take Lucky with me. Thinking it would be a fun event for her.

Not quite ready

You don’t have to ask her twice to join you regardless of how mundane the task.

As it turns out, deer beds, the sights, sounds and occasional chipmunks to chase are much more exciting for a dog than a human’s idea of a smooth, calm berry picking adventure. This human had to keep pulling her back to keep her within the boundaries that would keep things from going amuck.

Our picking resulted in quite a minute amount. Not enough to do anything with. The tease of a couple berries lured me in only to be disappointed with the harvest.

When we were trudging back, I thought to myself, that I’m a bit like Lucky.

I’m so excited and distracted by a lot of the things of this world, only later to be disappointed by the outcome. I too, don’t want to be told, “No, don’t chase” that thing. Sometimes, we don’t want to stay within the parameters that God has set. Or, we want to jump ahead in our own timing, only to find that we come up sparse. We want to make decisions for ourselves with no restraints.

Just as Lucky cannot do her own thing for it will end in an unpleasant result. I too, cannot do my own thing, but need the guidance and boundaries of my Father to not end up with less than He designed for me.

Despite Lucky not being able to go her own way, she was happy to be outside with me.

Similarly, I am happy when I stay within the boundaries that God has set for me.

In a few days, when the timing is right, I will venture out again. Until then, I am thankful for how the Spirit teaches me through the mundane things about the better things.