Just a couple of kids, is how we started out. Married in 1980 without a clue, but through the ebb and flow of life, here we are! The lucky ones! We raised two totally awesome kids! Our son and our daughter, along with their spouses have extended our legacy with three fun and and yes, awesome grandsons.
Knowing that I have Osteoporosis, I know I need to walk more. Despite this, I find it a bit boring. I have wanted a walking partner but Leonard has no interest.
I talked Leonard into getting a dog. He was not real excited about it, but agreed. I didn’t want to spend a crazy amount for a dog. I could have done that and picked the exact color and breed, but… When we make friends with people, we don’t become friends by their outer appearance or anything exterior thing about them. We become friends by a connection in our hearts. My daughter, Tina is such an animal lover and has much knowledge and intuition about dogs. She went and met her first and said that she was 100% the right dog for us. I am thankful for her intuition!
When they brought her out to meet us, she ran up to Leonard first and she touched his heart. He said, “I like her! Yup, she’s the one!”
This dog was found in a gas station bathroom. Her teeth have been filed off. The officer said that people take small dogs to use for bait to train dogs for fighting. That they file their teeth down so that they can’t fight back. She said that maybe someone felt guilty and put her in that bathroom to keep her from being killed.
We don’t really know what happened to her. This is just speculation. Yet, I am sure the officer has seen a lot and with her experience, she’s probably pretty accurate.
Being that she’s only approximately 6 months old, they didn’t name her. Leonard wanted to call her “Bob”. That just didn’t seem right. Being that we are the Lucky Ones, I decided to call her “Lucky Girl”.
My daughter thought that was appropriate. Since from all that she went through, now she is in a home where she will be loved and cared for.
LuckyGirl is such a sweet girl. Affectionate, calm, loving.
Beauty comes from the heart and this gal has a lot of heart!
I have found a new friend!
Meet LuckyGirl SnugglesSnuggling on Leonard’s arm on her way to her new homeMeet LuckyGirl
When I started this blog, I titled it “l and k the lucky ones” because my husband always says that I’m the lucky one to be married to him. He then follows up saying that we are both lucky. If you follow my blog, you know that I often state that we continue to be the lucky ones.
When I first met Leonard, hunting and fishing were not part of his routine. Sometime around his thirtieth birthday, that began to change. Since that time, he lives and breathes hunting. He says that there were a couple years that he did not harvest a deer, but for me, it seems that he has not missed a year. He is extremely faithful, not pausing in the precious hunt. Morning, mid-day and evening, rain, snow, any element, you can find him in his deer blind. Some days, he comes back with white fingers and frozen toes. Some, hunt for sport, some for that trophy buck and then there is Leonard. He takes this hunting very seriously. He is not hunting for sport, albeit if he comes across a big buck, he will aim for it. Still, this is not his motivation. He is motivated by providing for us. He always says whether fishing or hunting that he is looking for groceries.
I have to say, that I am quite thankful that he is such an advid hunter…yes, the lucky one. 🙂 I realize that some people are not fans of venison. Growing up on a farm, where we had beef readily available, I was not either. The fact remained, that when we were young and our kids were living at home, we did whatever we could to save money. Venison was a frugal alternative. Especially, since Leonard is not extravagant in his guns or ammunition. He does not waste. At present, I am so used to venison and enjoy the meals that we make with it and especially these days when you can’t trust where the meat has been in the store.
This year, hunting has been a struggle for Leonard. He had been hunting from October first all the way through until November 30th. His spirit was low as he would faithfully go everyday and not even see a deer and even when it snowed, he didn’t see tracks. Discouragement was at an all time high.
On November 30th, the final day of firearm season, I was sharing with the Lord how discouraged Leonard was and if it would be possible for Leonard to at least see something. He came in from hunting and decided to go to the senior center for lunch. I met him there after Bible study, so we went home separately. When I returned home, he came in and said, “I shot one. I have to wait a bit, so it doesn’t run away. He asked me to pray that he didn’t hit a deer only for it to run away.” (He would feel horrible if that happened). He also asked the Lord to help him find it.
It seems that he had saw the deer in our field from the county road as he was driving home…remember, he hadn’t been seeing anything all season. Then, he came in, got his gun and drove over the hill from our house. The deer was several yards away, but had noticed him. So, Leonard shot free hand and hit him from so far away. It was a really long shot!!!! He came home and asked me to pray and also ask me to help him track the deer.
As it turns out, the deer went a bit in our woods, but we were able to find it. I praised God for His Provision and asked Leonard if he had thanked the Lord and he said, “Yes, have YOU!?” Several times as we were bringing the deer home, I heard Leonard thanking the Lord.
Our Lord is such an awesome God that not only does he provide for us to sustain but he also provides encouragement for a discouraged hunter who only wants to provide for his family. Because we serve an awesome God, we continue to be the lucky ones! 🙂
Thanksgiving…I know it’s just one day. At times, this day, finds only the two of us having dinner together, at others, their are more. I enjoy preparing the Thanksgiving feast for as many that join us.
This year, we had two of my sister-in-laws, a brother-in-law, my son, daughter-in-law and two of my grandsons and their dog, “Hope”. It was a nice day, where the meal turned out well and good conversation and games were had by all.
On a day where we should reflect on all we have…sometimes, we don’t. You know, when our kids are young, we teach them to share and be kind to others. For myself, I must heed my own direction. When our children get families of their own, then WE have to share. This year, my daughter, her husband and my grandson went to Grand Rapids to spend Thanksgiving with her in-laws. At first, I was disappointed, and of course, I would have loved to have had them here, but as I reflected on thankfulness, the Lord brought a few things to mind.
For several years, my daughter and her family have had Thanksgiving with us.
I am sure, my daughter’s in-laws would have loved to have had them there on the years that they were with us.
My daughter comes over and sees us on birthdays and other holidays.
If I am to treat others as I want to be treated, I must share.
Isn’t it funny how selfish we can be on a day where we should be thankful. For me, most days I am quite thankful for the goodness of God to me. He has shown me so much kindess. This is not a once a year occurence. So, as I have been reflecting all month and being grateful. I am also grateful that my daughter’s in-laws had the opportunity to be with my daughter’s special family.
I did, however get some grandma/grandpa hugs.
Yes, let us give thanks. Today, tomorrow, everyday. For a day does not go by where we have nothing to be thankful for.
I believe that we should be grateful for everything that we have and experience. Does that mean that I always think of how incredibly blessed I am? Not usually, but I try. You know that saying, “You have brought nothing into this world and you will take nothing out.” That pretty much sums it up.
God gave us breath when we entered this world and He will take it, when it is our time. So, I am grateful for breath and life; for friends and family; for good times, for bad times and everything in between. For the beauty of creation, with it’s array of colors and textures. You cannot help but marvel.
Today, I met with some women that have retired from Honeywell. Some, I did not know, some it so touched my heart to see them again. I am grateful for those who set up this “get-together”. Many of these ladies worked there 30+ years. Not one said that they regretted retiring. Many said they miss the people. I echo that sentiment. It was such a good group of people there. I hope that still holds true.
The ladies that I worked with, I will always be grateful for the friendship we shared. Wisdom imparted and camaraderie with ones that will forever remain in my heart. Today, I am grateful for THIS day. Today, I am grateful for the opportunity to see some dear friends. Today, I am grateful for the many acquaintances I have made through the years. This day, I choose to be so extremely grateful for those things that may not be seen but are of the heart. Today, I am grateful that the God of the universe cares enough for me to arrange these encounters.
In my early days, I made a lot of bad choices. As a result, I struggled with guilt and remorse. After listening to a “Billy Graham Crusade” on television, I called and prayed with someone and received Christ as my Savior. I enbarked on a life to please my Savior.
Once you acknowledge, associate or wear the name Christian, you put your life on display. You become vulnerable to ridicule, judgement, ect. For the person who does not believe, there is not this same level of judgement. “Live and let live” Do as you please in your own eyes. It is not the same for a Christian, for you wear the name of Christ. People expect you to be perfect or you are a hypocrite.
Yes, we are complete in Christ, but that is where Christians and non-Christians alike err in their thinking. It is “in Him” that we are complete. I had fallen into this for many years, I knew that Jesus loved me and gave the ultimate sacrifice for me. Death sentence that I deserved. Not according to the world’s standard, but according to God’s. His standard is the only one that I need to be concerned about. I tried to please Him the only way that I knew in my limited understanding of the Scriptures. We are complete because we have His name, nothing that we have done.
As life has taken many twists and turns, God has been with me through that whole time. Well, of course He’s there. He’s everywhere and sees all. 🙂 The problem that I have acquired as I have traveled this life is when I rely on my own understanding. This is a moment by moment decision. It has caused me to stumble, to maybe seem like a hypocrite. If anyone has thought this of me, I pray that from this moment on, that they will see Christ in me. When I rely on what’s natural, this causes me to live in sin, but when I give myself to Jesus, it is right. When I pray to my Father, sometimes He answers with a “yes”, sometimes with a “no”, and sometimes “not right now, for there is a better time.” All I know from my experience, is that the more I talk to Him, the more peace I have.
This month, the pastor is teaching on the “Ten Commandments”. Today, I felt that I needed to hear what He had to say. He was talking about the 3rd commandment where it states not to take the Lord your God’s name in vain. I don’t do that…or so I thought. He made the point that how I act, effects God’s name. If I use His name carelessly, if my life does not portray Christ, I’m using His name in vain.That I need to honor the Family name in my conduct. There is much Power in the name of Jesus. I pray that I don’t lessen it by how I portray Him to the world. The following, is a song by Rich Mullins,which are my sentiments… give it a listen! 🙂 Part of the lyrics state, “And I believe what I believe is what makes me what I am. I did not make it, no it is making me. It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man.”
I also believe this. My belief in God, makes me who I am. IT is what makes me who I am. No, I have not always lived in a way that I want to live, because I relied on my own understanding. I need God! Every moment of everyday. I cannot live this life without His direction.
I wish that I would have been a better example for my kids and continue with that same hope. I pray that as I look into the light of the face of Jesus, that I may radiate that love to them. I also pray that anyone that knows me, knows that my desire is for them to know how much I love them.
I and some other ladies recently went to the “Ark Encounter” in Kentucky. It is the exact dimensions of Noah’s Ark. It was an awesome experience. Some like to think that the people listed in the Bible are mythical, yet here there is much archaeological evidence to the contrary. Just as a Creator intricately designs nature, the details of the Ark cannot be explained away. In my own life, how situations have been connected can have no other explanation than to be divinely orchestrated. This was an awesome experience. If you ever get a chance to visit, I would highly recommend it.
I like to celebrate World Smile Day every year. Mainly, I like smiles but also, I like that the purpose of World Smile day is to do an act of kindness to make someone smile. How can you go wrong with an act of kindness?
Today, I tried to make a video of pie making. I went all the way through, hit something and off it went. So, I remade a video just explaining the process.
I do like to experiment a bit with cooking. Leonard calls me a cooking rebel. That’s pretty funny, as I’m not very rebellious. Yet, it’s fun to try different things. Even though he is a picky eater, he is always game for the things I try. Continuing to be the lucky ones.
Today, is my brother’s birthday. We always meet up for each other’s special day. It was such a beautiful day to share lunch by the water. A woodpecker and some geese joined us. Or should I say, we joined them.
It blesses my heart to spend time with those close to me. I was my brother’s first fan when he would perform on a flat bed trailer in our yard. He has been all over the world performing. Yet, I don’t think he’ll have a more sincere fan. I’m so proud of him for who he is.
Mostly, I’m thankful that he always keeps in touch. He’ll reach out if he hasn’t heard from me.
I definitely am one of the lucky ones to have him for a brother! ❤️
Looks like I should have worn sunglasses 😎!Woodpecker Geese enjoying the water and weather
One thing I miss since I have been retired is conversation and connection with people. Leonard likes to do “his own thing”. Which causes me to have a lot of alone time. God did not make me that way. I like interaction.
Sunday, I was feeling a bit lonely and decided to bake. I made a video of a recipe that I tried. Maybe it was just so that I could hear talking. Hope you like it. 🙂
It sure feels like autumn today. Some people enjoy this season which provides an array of colors, smells of cocoa and pumpkin spice. Some, on the other hand, dread it. For at times, the sun is dwindling and they know what the next season will be.
For me, I enjoy autumn, even though I prefer summer with the warm temperatures and the feeling of summer break. Always wanting to “go somewhere” and do “summery things”. Even though summer is actually my favorite, I enjoy all the seasons. In Michigan, the weather can change as quickly as you can proclaim it.
All the seasons have an element for us to enjoy. Well, you know all the benefits of summer. It seems summer is made for play. Then comes fall, with cooler temps and arrays of vibrant color and harvesting of crops. Winter, sparkling like diamonds along a billowy cloud…Snow is beautiful to behold, yet it brings with it, cold temps and more work, and makes us thankful when we have a home and heat to keep out the blustery winds. Spring, seems to be forever coming, but with it brings new life, new hope.
I liken the seasons to life. We have seasons where everything is sunny and fun, ones where we dread the inevitable. There are seasons of growth and seasons of death. Seasons where it’s all you can do to just get by. I like to live in the season of “spring” which always promises hope. We don’t know when we will be brought back to dust, so I pray for whatever season you are in, that you will enjoy each moment.
Lately, I have been enjoying the season of harvest as God has provided more bounty than I could imagine. At this time, I have been doing a lot of canning. Here are a few of the many jars that I have canned:Potatoes, spaghetti sauce, jalepenos, beets, green beans, applesauce, tomato soup, squash. It brings me much joy to use apples from the last tree my Dad planted. I have been enjoying the produce which brings to remembrance the season when my Dad was on this earth. He loved the earth and farming and growing. He loved me.
Heart shaped potato 🙂Apples from my Dad’s treeCanned potatoes
I like to try different things. Here, I am trying to make tomato soup. Everything for me, is a work in progress. 🙂
I have quit watching the news. Why do we need to know about things that we can’t do anything about? Disaster sells. When on occasion that I have watched, I have paid attention to the fact that it isn’t news, it’s full of people’s opinions. They try to tell you what to believe rather than letting you hear actual news and letting you come to your own conclusion. Especially with politics. Both sides claim the other sides are liars. Which in that case, are both probably true. Yet, the media over and over say, “so and so FALSELY claimed “. If you have to tell me that every couple seconds rather than letting me decide for myself then I tend to believe what they are saying rather than that reporter. I just don’t believe any of it anymore.
That being said, one thing I do believe is the Bible as it is always true. Always has been, always will be. Unchanging, it does not bend to popular opinion or money of sponsors. It is the very words of our Creator. He is not surprised by the evil in our world that is the result of the Fall. Yet, He is continually drawing us to Himself.
Christ is always interceding for us! That is so amazing. I love this verse which states: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?-Romans 8:35
Continuing on in Romans 8:37, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Jesus loves me. Jesus loves you. Nothing can separate us from that. He told us that this world is not our home. We are to live according to His kingdom. Yes, in this life there will be devastating events, death, earthquakes, wars. He told us these things would be. In this life we would have trouble. Yet, He also said He wouldn’t forsake us. He would give us strength and walk by our side in the hard times. Even in death from this life. Yet, He also promised that if we believed in Him we would share in His glory. This is what I listen to.
God has given us this time to learn about Him and to love our neighbors. In creation, we see the care of our Father. The details are amazing. He cares about our relationships and our well being. We are His image here on earth to reach out to those in need.
Sometimes, that image extends to beyond our 4 walls. At other times and seasons, it is within our own households.
Recently, my kindness has been within my own household.
I was able to treat my daughter and grandson to lunch!God continue to create Showing kindness to my hub. Making a peace pie for him to enjoy.Attempting to bring joy to family members at a family reunion. French silk pie with peanut butter crumbles under and atop homemade whipped cream with chocolate curl garnish.Another pie for family. Cream cheese apple with caramel Moments with a long time friend/extended cousin and maid of honor when I was married Without a green thumb, trying to help flowers that Tina planted for her wedding sustainMore flowers that Tina planted 11 years agoBeautiful park spotWater is always a blessing as it reminds me of God’s Spirit flowing in us.Beautiful More creativity in the beauty of details This vehicle the man told us was used in WWIIFinding small adventures with my life partner We’ve grown old together Theo, Tina’s furry friend, brings much joyMore of God’s create work. I wonder what storms this rock had to go through for this beautyWays that I see and share God’s glory!
In all things Christ remains. He is who gives me my very next breath, who I can cling to in blessing or in hardship…for this, I am extremely grateful. Continuing to be the lucky ones! 😊
We Are the Lucky Ones 