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End of July All Ready!

Wow! It seems like July just flew on by!

We haven’t done any great summer thing but we have been busy.

Our summer has consisted of gardening and I’m still way behind; garage sales, berry picking, making pies,small town concerts, family reunion, fishing. Did I mention fishing? Well, it seems we do that a lot.

A Loon

Leonard keeps laughing at me for saying,”Let’s do a summery thing”. Our summery thing this week was to grill some of our fish at a park. I packed up a picnic lunch and some fish and we headed for Petoskey. Leonard wanted to go to Bayfront park where they have the little waterfall . There were no grills there, so we ended up going a street up where they always fish for salmon.

A pretty spot

Our fish turned out fantastic and it was a pleasant outing. While we were waiting for the grill to heat up, I sat in the pavilion. There was a young girl studying her Bible. I asked if she was studying by subject and she said “no”. She shared with me that she’s part of a youth group and the leader was on vacation and had asked if anyone would want to run the meeting that week and she was excited to do it. She shared with me the content she was sharing. In our conversation, I shared with her about cancer striking twice in my son’s family. When she left, she shared her name and asked my name and my kid’s names as she wanted to pray for them. It just so touched my heart!

Watched the circus with Isaac and had the opportunity to hang out with him again the next day!

Whatever our hearts find to do, the Lord brings joy to it. Whether it be gardening, fishing, bringing pleasure to my husband for baking pie or chance encounter with a special teenager ( of course I don’t believe that was by chance), we continue to be the Lucky Ones! God has been so good to us.

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Doesn’t Take Much

There are many things that cause me to ponder. It really doesn’t take much to cause me to do so.

Today, is no exception. I ran into a young man that I worked with yesterday. It was good to see him, although I have to admit that while I was talking with him, I was distracted. You see, I,(from the prompting of my husband), have decided to quit dye-ing my hair. Currently, it is an unusual shade of very blonde, mixed with dark brown, mixed with white and I am sure, a bit of gray. Also, the beautician stated that it would be less noticeable if I grew it out a bit. As I reflect on the image in the mirror, I do begin to doubt her comment. In any case, I was distracted by what I was perceiving this young man was thinking. I felt that he was thinking, “Wow! She’s gone downhill in just a little over a year!! ) By the way, I am ashamed to say, that I think of this every time I see someone I haven’t seen in awhile. These thoughts cause me to be focused on myself. Hmmm.

How contrary to what I truly believe matters in this life. My whole life, I have believed that beauty from within rather than the outer image is truly important. Yet, here I am, wasting thoughts on such a thing at this stage of life.

I did tell this young man, that as I reflect on all the people that I have come in contact with it brings me a smile because they are who have made me who I am. I bid him farewell, told him it was good to see him, for it was…but, of course, this caused me to ponder a bit more.

In my reflection, the following are some thoughts that came to mind.

I am sure that you have heard the quote, “No man is an island,an entire of itself, every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.”

Many people believe that they are here for themselves—what they do, does not effect anyone else or very few. Yet, I believe that everything that anyone does, effects everyone.

As I stated to this young man, everyone that I have been in contact with, causes me to smile. Each are either a blessing to my heart, a lesson to be learned, they have brought me to who I am today.

There are many people that I have loved to be around. That I have had pure joy in experiencing their uniqueness and feel so fortunate to have known them. There are others that for one reason or another have been a thorn in my side (so to speak). Maybe they have irritated me or caused me pain or the pain of a loved one. Maybe there was someone who cut me off while driving, or caused some other thing that I found to be an annoyance. May-be they didn’t agree with my point of view or see things clearly the “right way”.  🙂  Notice, this was all about “ME”. Others, have been so wise in their ways, that I have just been taken aback.

Many people don’t like Christianity because it is a religion. Well, Jesus didn’t like religion either. He was all about the heart.

At Bible Study,we were talking about the Greatest Commandments that Jesus spoke of when the “religious” people asked Him which of commandments was the best and most know what He said. “ To love the Lord, your God with all of your heart, with all of your soul and with all of your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

You may say, I do that. I love God, I love people. I believe that God wants us to see people as He sees people. If I truly love God, I will love my neighbor…but wait a minute… He says, “Love your neighbor as Yourself!” Okay, now, this is a bit different. When someone cuts me off while driving…will I get angry? If I do, then it is about me, but if I think about him. Maybe he wasn’t a jerk after all. Maybe, he was late picking up his kid, or work or whatever. How would I feel if someone was angry with me, if I cut someone off because I didn’t see them or for whatever reason.

Who is it that you get angry with? Someone who has hurt you? Someone who has hurt someone you love? These are the very people that we are instructed to love and pray for. This is a hard thing and something that we can’t do in our own strength. In these incidents, we must ask the Holy Spirit to bring us God’s love to truly love.

Back to the things that this man caused me to ponder, just by my own statement. There have been many times in my life where I have been put in situations with extremely difficult people. I can honestly say, that these too are ones that cause me to smile. For, I am thankful for them. They have caused me to sometimes, complain to God about them. God in His wisdom, has caused me to see the other side of these people and created a love in my heart for them. Each one taught me a lesson about myself, life and God Himself. So, yes, I am thankful.

I read in Isaiah this morning, “This is what the Lord says -your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.”

Have I always paid attention to the Lord’s commands? No, maybe I thought I was at the time, but no. I am so thankful that we have a God that continues to reach out to us and draw Him to Himself, to teach us and direct us in the way I should go. I can attest that when I do, I do have peace like a river.

That peace causes us both to be “The Lucky Ones”.

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Family Moments

My son, daughter-in-law and two grandsons were able to go to Korea for three weeks. It had been five years since they had been there to visit family. We watched their dog and two cats while they were gone. I was so happy for them to visit and have many fun adventures while there.

On July 4th, Leonard kayaked down the Jordan with his friend. I went to the parade in Boyne City and saw several people I used to work with. What a blessing that was! Tina contacted me and asked if I’d like to go on the pontoon with them. We had a nice time.

On Thursday, Brian and family were jetlagged from their trip to Korea. Leonard and I drove their animals down to them. Ever so brief, but so good to see them.

I have to admit, I do have to get better at using the timer for photos!🙄

We also celebrated Hyunjin’s birthday.❤️

Yesterday, we attended our Olstrom reunion. It was so nice to see cousins! It was a great time!❤️

Brian and Hyunjin got me some Snoopy stuff while in Korea. Notice that it says “lucky “ on it. 😊

It does not matter whether we see each other often or not. The connections that we do take the time to make, are what matters. These connections continue to make us the “Lucky Ones” and I am thankful!

My daughter and grandson are making memories as bicycling buddies.
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Am I Materialistic?

Over the years, I have received gifts for Christmas, birthdays and the like. Each gift that I receive, I treasure- as it brings that person to mind and causes me to reflect on how much that person means to me.

I feel that Leonard has some sort of unique gravitational pull that causes him to never break something that I have no sentimental value. Rather, somehow he manages to break those things that I hold dear. Leonard doesn’t normally wash dishes or help with housework, yet on the rare occasion that he does–something that I value gets broken.

I had thought that he had eliminated most things of value. Like I already stated, he does not normally do any housework. I thought I would ask him for help today. So, I listed every task that I need to do on index cards. Each room was a different card. I didn’t need help in the bedrooms, so I made six index cards. I asked him to pick three. Which he agreed to, but I felt that it made him a bit angry. He feels anything within the confines of the house is considered “woman’s work”. Still, he agreed and commenced to help me clean. I have never met anyone that has to take a break after every task. Still, I was fortunate enough to have him help, so as long as he did it, I didn’t care how long it took.

After his second or third break, he informed me that he had the cards for the three biggest rooms in the house. So, no fair. Especially, since we have our son’s animals, he feels that we don’t need to clean until they are gone. (Interesting concept). I was thankful, that he kept at it, and I only had to do a few items on his index cards after mine were done.

We had brought our hummingbird feeder to the table on the deck to re-fill and somehow Leonard managed to bump it and break the hummingbird feeder. While he was complaining about the work that was needing done, he bumped the broom on a picture I had hanging on the wall, breaking the frame. I wasn’t angry, but was a bit disappointed.

What lesson can I learn from this? 43 years of roles that are established, should not be messed with. Am I materialistic when I do not want items that I do have, to be broken?Sometimes it is a challenge to remember that we are the lucky ones. Yet, we are and I need to be thankful. This is what life is all about, overlooking the faults of others for none of us are above mishaps.

If I took a step back, I could say that it is actually a bit funny. So, step back, I will and continue to be the lucky one. 🙂

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My sister-in-law, even at 75+ years old, continues to be involved in children’s lives at the Ellsworth community school. She substitues teaching in all levels, does an after school program and attendendes all sporting events, ect. Being that she is so involved during the school year, she has more free time in the summer. So, after our Thursday Bible studies each week, she plans some form of excursion. She calls them stay-cations.

This last week after Bible study, we checked out the new “Friske Market” in Atwood. The revitalized market is humongous! After lunch we went to “Banks Township Park”. This is where Leonard and family spent their Independence Day celebrations. So, it has sentimental value for my sister-in-law. This was followed up by visiting Antrim Creek Nautral Area. You can check the area and directions out here. Tranquil would be the best way that I can describe this area. Often, people go here to rock hunt. Every outing seems to be rounded out with ice cream of some sort. This week, we stopped at “Fudgies” in Central Lake. I had the caramel-sea salt and it was fabulous! I am lucky to have a sister-in-law that likes to explore.

My son and family were able to go to Korea to visit family and many of the tourist attractions. They are having a great time, for which I am thankful. They have not had a visit in five years. While they are gone, we are taking care of their dog and two cats. It is a bit of an adjustment for us, especially having them for a month, but it is okay.

Leonard and I went fishing for the first time this year on Deer Lake. The Lord provided us with two Perch, two Bluegill and one Catfish/Bullhead. Yesterday, we fished on Six Mile Lake. We went in the afternoon, which is not prime fish time. Yet, again the Lord provided. It was a fun, sunny, peaceful afternoon. We caught many fish with the majority returning to the lake home, yet we were able to come home with two Bluegill and one Bass.

Yes, we continue to be “The Lucky Ones”

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Time Flies

Isaac is our first of three grandsons. Andrew is just 6 months younger and Lucas will be ten in September. I am so thankful for each of these three boys.

Saturday, Isaac turned 12. I feel that it is happening quicker than when I had my own kids at home.

Isaac is responsible, funny, respectful and has a sweet disposition. He is such a joy to spend time with.

They were quite busy this weekend, but stopped by so that we could share in his birthday festivities.

On his actual birthday, he had a sleepover with friends, go carts, put-put golf, trampoline fun, going out on their pontoon and more. Seems like a pretty “lucky” guy!😉

I am thankful.

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April 2023

April 2023, we have had some beautiful sunny days and snow and rain and clouds and days of summer-like warmth. There have been other days that have just been down and out cold!!! Isn’t that how life is? Days where you are going along and everything is sunny and bright and then… there is the cold shoulder of someone you love, Or you get a health diagnosis or lost your job or, or, any one of many other situations that will bring us down.

I choose to focus on the fact that we ARE the Lucky Ones. Those blessed by God, Himself.

Last weekend, we went and saw the movie, “Nefarious” with another couple. I was excited to double date until I really started thinking about what this movie was about. Aprehension set in. Yet, we went on the double date, had a nice dinner at Outback and went to the movie. Sometimes, it was a bit hard to watch, but there was a lot of truth in it. It was such a joy to spend time with this other couple.

Last week, my friend since third grade was in the area and we were able to find time for lunch. Yesterday, this friend and another friend from school were all able to meet for dinner. (We usually also have another classmate in these encounters, unfortunately, she had not returned from being a “snowbird”)We had much conversation, For myself, it was a most enjoyable time. I feel that these times are gifts from God that touch my soul and bring me joy. I am quite grateful for their friendship.

Our son and daughter-in-law, amidst the things that are going on in their world, were able to check out a movie. This blesses my heart.

Today, we went out to dinner to celebrate our 43rd wedding anniversary. We dined at the “Thirsty Sturgeon” which was most enjoyable. We asked a gentleman outside of the restaurant to take a pic. He ended up taking 4 of them!

I am thankful that we have been together for 43 years of marriage. Yet, to be honest, there has been many dark days as well as sunny days. I am always thankful for the sunny days and realize that the dark days are just part of life. We continue to be…

The Lucky Ones! 🙂

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” Retirement?”

I have worked all of my life and was always limited by time. Was this an excuse to not get involved in anythimg? I am not sure, but what I do know is this… I enjoy freedom. 🙂

Could I afford to retire? No, not at all. Yet, God in His Provision continues to provide. I don’t really think retirement is Scriptural. What I do think, is that even though I retired from a life of income which had me tied to a system that made me think that I couldn’t retire, to a life of faith. Yes, I retired from the “9 to5” but, to have the freedom to go places and meet needs or even to enjoy another’s company. I don’t call that retirement. I call that a mission field.

Yes, at first, I struggled with time on my hands and I so miss the people that I worked with. I believe I was meant to be at all the places I worked at that very time because the Lord placed me there. To either, learn from, teach, or meet people to plant seeds along my path. God places us where we need to be if we will be quiet enough to listen.

When I “retired” in June, my sister-in-law invited me to a ladies Bible study that meets weekly. I have met some amazing, beautiful women. I love seeing the beauty that God has bestowed uniquely on each of these women.Some share, some don’t, but we are a community of ladies that love the Lord. I feel very blessed that I am a part of this group. We all go through ups and downs in this life and God in His wisdom created us to need each other. There was a book that I read a few years ago called”There’s A Crack in Your Armor” by Perry Stone. A lot of that book, I don’t recall but, the story of a pastor visiting a mother in the hospital that her son had been in a car accident, has continued to stick with me.

He tells the story in the very first part of this talk he is giving : https://youtu.be/aQJtx1tzA2U

We women of faith get our strength from the Lord, yet sometimes we do get “A crack in our armor” and this is when it is such a blessing to have those around us that will stand in the gap for us. I am thankful for those who have stepped in the gap for me and I feel it a priviledge to stand in the gap for others.

I enjoy not having to “be somewhere” and being free to tag along when someone invites or just to hear a bit of their life. When I was working outside the home, I felt rushed in my time with the Lord. Now, the blessings that I recieve from spending hours in the Word and prayer is something that has brought be through when life gets … well, like life.

No, I am not retired…I am in the mission field and Leonard and I continue to be the lucky ones—blessed by God!

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Easter ‘23

There are so many things to be thankful for, we definitely are the lucky ones. Lucky that God loved us so much that He sent His sinless Son to the cross. The cross that allows us the privilege of coming to the throne of God. The enormous sacrifice that Jesus paid so that when we stand before God, He sees Jesus.

We are also so privileged to have children and grandchildren that love us!

Even though our son,daughter-in-law and two grandsons were not with us for Easter, our hearts were intertwined.

Love these guys!❤️

We were lucky enough to be able to have my daughter and family over for Easter. So thankful!

Beautiful day. I like to make desserts for every holiday.

May we always thank God for His goodness to us, which continues to make us The Lucky Ones.

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We Don’t Like To Suffer

We all want to go through life enjoying every moment and free as a bird. Yet, that is not how life is. Jesus warned us that in this life we would have trouble. So why are we surprised when it comes knocking at our door? Do we just want to believe the things that He said that are enjoyable and ignore the things that seem unpleasant?

Some believe in “Karma”…if you do good, good will come to you. If you do bad, bad will come to you. From what I’ve experienced in life, I can’t believe in that. That’s not to say, that you don’t reap what you sow. That is entirely different. I have to admit that I’ve reaped consequences of what I’ve sown, even if intentions were good.

I missed church this last weekend, but just today I listened to the online version. It was an excellent sermon that really got me to pondering. The pastor mentioned knowing the Word of God, so that we can know how to fight the enemy. We need to know “what is written…the Word of God”. I am so thankful for the Word of God. I have to admit, that since I have been retired, I don’t get as much done. I enjoy spending 2-3 hours reading and hearing from God. Sometimes, He reprimands me, sometimes He brings me comfort, sometimes, I just shake my head and say, “You are so right!”. (Of course He IS ).

I have been reflecting on my life as a whole. When I lived at home with my parents, siblings and grandmother: this was a really hard time. We worked the farm, took care of my grandmother and our main focus was just to get through each day. I did not attend a single sporting event, dance or the like because there was work to be done at home. My grandmother was an extremely hard situation. She caused much conflict and yet, I learned much from that experience. Patience! Little did I know how much God was preparing me for more hardship. My mother had severe mental illness and taking care of her was quite challenging at times. Leonard and my relationship through the years have had many dark places. Yet, God has given me what I needed to carry through and to stay faithful to what He wanted me to do.

We have been through many hardships with both of our kids and currently are walking beside them both as they go through their individual sufferings. I have to admit, that it is during these valleys that I have drawn closer to God and even in the midst of heartache, I can see His goodness to me and others. I have never been one to ask “why”. I guess that it is not my place to ask. I know there is always a reason.

When the pastor mentioned Proverbs 3:5,6, it brought back memories of when we first found out that our grandson had cancer. During that difficult time, these very words kept going through my mind. God gave me these words that brought me comfort many times when he was going through treatment. From my experience, I found that when I did lean on my own understanding, I was filled with fear. Yet, when I just looked to Jesus and focused on Him, He gave me peace to go on.Some days, I had to do this again and again. To be able to go through the day without feelings of devastation. He continues to use this very verse when I put my thoughts on the situations in our lives.

It also brought me to remember that when we came back from Seattle when our grandson was first diagnosed…my dear sister in Christ gave me a song. She said that she thought the Lord wanted her to share it with me. At the time, it upset me a bit because I did not want to think that we were right where we were suppose to be. Yet, this song has brought me much peace as I have “just been held”. Maybe this song can bring you comfort too. You can listen here:

https://youtu.be/tIZitK6_IMQ

This also confirmed to me the importance of acting on what the Lord tells you. I am so thankful that she lives her life listening to the Lord’s prompting.

. My Dad said that the Lord had shown him so much mercy despite his many physical ailments. May I say the same, because He has.No, we don’t like suffering, but from my experience it brings us closer to the Lord and I am so thankful for that! He has walked beside me, through me, with me. I pray that I will always live with grattitude in my heart