Approximately five years ago, I was searching for a truly humble pastor. I discovered in my search, “Pastor Eun “Cloud” Poy. He was and continues to be the most humble person that I have ever met. He loves God and people. I have been blessed to have him for my pastor for the past five years. When our grandson Lucas was diagnosed with cancer, he fervently prayed for him. I am truly grateful for this pastor. While being assigned to this and two other churches, he met and married his perfect mate, Lisa. Lisa, is a ray of sunshine and full of happy energy. She also loves God and people. Together, they spread love and care to all their lives touch.

Last Sunday, he preached his last sermon here in Boyne City and last night, Pastor Cloud and Lisa hosted a “garden party” they called it, to thank the congregations of the three churches for loving them.

The following week, they will by moving to Southern Michigan to pastor in a larger community and have only one congregation. Even though, we are saddened to see them go, this is a wonderful opportunity for them. We wish them well as they extend their love to wherever the Lord directs them. They will be extremely missed!

Yes, I and Leonard, were truly lucky (blessed) to have known these two wonderful people!

I will admit that the internet and media can be an avenue of enjoyment and some knowledge. As amazing as these sources may be, they certainly have their downfalls.

During the past year and a half, I have been quite disturbed by what my eyes have seen. The revelation that many can be driven to fear and hatred by the influence of this technology. The lashing out at others through perceived truth. We read something and think it’s fact, only to find out later that it is not. I have listened to video, television and radio and heard from my very own ears, bias and the twisting of truth. In regard to the Corona virus, wear a mask, don’t wear a mask, vaccinate, don’t vaccinate. These have caused division and yes, hatred between people. How can this be? Technology and media…and yet, I have hope.

No, not in the media, but in the only true source of hope. THE very Truth of all ages. My God, and my Savior, Jesus Christ. Everything else is fleeting.

What I am angered most by this last year and a half is the fear that has been so widespread. The media has spread the false assumption that you can save yourself from disease or death. We don’t have that power.

I look to the Truth that has never changed through all the ages that states:

“Since no one has power over the wind to contain it, so no one has the power over the time of their death.”Ecclesiastes 8:8

“Can any of you by worrying, add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:25

“The LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you. … The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Yes, we are lucky to have this God who goes before us, is ever present with us and never changes. I know, lucky is not the right word. Lucky is my own equivalent to be gifted and blessed by God. Please, please do not fear, because we have a God who holds us in the palm of His hand! 🙂

Time sure waits for no man. I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since I received the title of “Grandma”. What a blessing it has been and continues to be.We truly are the Lucky ones!

I, call it “altering”. “L” calls it being a “kitchen rebel”. Either case, changing up recipes or cooking items a little differently than normal is something that I often do. This weekend was no exception.

Leonard has been scowering the hills and dales for the elusive morel mushroom. Finally, he has run across a few. He wanted to have morel mushroom, sausage and pepper pizza. I tried to accommodate.

Today, I tried a rhubarb custard cake with slivered almonds. The almonds were a nice touch. I didn’t take a pic of this, but it was really yummy even without a dollop of Cool Whip.

If you know Leonard, you know that he doesn’t get too attached to people–just a select few. One of those few was Jon. He was always eager to help Leonard with welding or wiring or any bit of repair for the many vehicles, snowplow blades, boats, ect. Leonard enjoyed Jon’s company and was so impressed with his mechanical skills. Although, not knowing him well, I still enjoyed Jon the brief moments that I saw him. He was just a pleasant man. I’m so saddened for Leonard that he lost his good friend. Yes, he was Lucky to have him for a friend. Rest in peace, Jon.

As Sunday is Mother’s Day, it causes me to ponder my own mother, my mother-in-law and so many other mothers that have made an impact on my life. For myself, motherhood was the best thing that ever happened to me. I’ve so enjoyed being a mother and have felt so blessed that God gave me easy and enjoyable kids in my life. They were and continue to be a joy in my life. The song by Mark Harris “Find Your Wings” has been a song that has described how I’ve felt for my kids when they were first leaving the nest and also now. As life has moved on and I have prayed these things for my kids, I have seen them manifest in their lives. I’ve witnessed them have courage and dare to do great things, and moments that have made life so sweet. I’ve seen them reach for the sky. They truly are living and I thank God for the answer to that prayer. I hope that they know that as I had tears so many times as I’ve seen seen them take off and I’ve been on the sidelines cheering them on. I’ve been so proud of the places their flights have taken them. I pray that they have felt my love and cheers!

Our nephew, Carl recently wrote a book called “The Silent Majority” “Freedom in His Great Name”.

My sister-in-law drove to our house to drop it off for “L” to read. He started reading it at about 5 p.m. could not put it down until 3:00 a.m. I have never witnessed him to be so engrossed in a book! He got up the next day, started reading again at 9:30 a.m. continuing until he completed it. He suggested that I read it also.

I do read a lot, although my taste is mostly for Christian non-fiction or self-improvement books. Not that I haven’t, but I rarely read fiction. So, I wasn’t super excited to read it, other than the fact that I try to be encouraging/supportive to those I know.

I started reading and I also was captivated by his style of writing. I hope that he is able to publish it so that others can read it as well. I guess that it is the first book in a trilogy. “L” characterized it as “spellbinding”. It was not what I expected, but it WAS very good!

1st Day:

We took a drive up the Lelanaw Peninsula. Leland, Fish town, Northport, Lelanaw State Park, Sutton’s Bay, Traverse City were some of our spots. Even with quite a breeze, it was quite a fun day.

2nd Day of our Anniversary weekend. Just headed out traveled up M-27 stopping at Wolverine, Indian River, Topinabee, having a picnic lunch in Cheboygan. After lunch, we took M-123 up to Paradise, checked out the Upper and Lower falls of Tahquamenon, came back through Newberry and then took “2” back to the bridge. It was a lot of driving, but a very fun day.

3rd day of our Anniversary weekend: Maxine and Cliff came over and played “Scrabble and Yahtzee”. Video chatted with Andy, Luke and Brian.

4th day of our Anniversary weekend and our actual Anniversary. To celebrate today, we went to the “Iron Pig Smokehouse” in Gaylord. It was a nice lunch. Lucky that he still chooses me after 41 years. 🙂