Remembering my 55th year

A package came in the mail on Wednesday that brought me to tears.  The thoughts from over the miles and sweet words from a dear friend.

I splurged for my morning coffee and savored the quiet of the early morning with my fur babies.

But had to quickly dumped them off my lap when I got a call that I needed to head to the courthouse with a paper to file with a judge for signing.  We are learning how the law works when tenants do not follow the lease they signed.  Each step of the process is a learning curve and next steps are falling into place for an outcome that we did not want to see happen.  Everyone has choices they get to make...but the consequences...yes, you do not get to choose those.  Harder still...when help has been given and words have been ignored.  It is a constant reminder to me to heed the counsel of those that God brings into your life.  The older I get, the more I understand the book of Proverbs and why God included it in His love letter to us.

Lunch on the go as I anticipated another hour drive to another house.  I may or may not have licked the container clean as I sat in traffic on 275 N.

My sissy came to visit and brought these beautiful flowers.  We got some unexpected time to sit and visit.

No call to go to the other rental house, meant I was able to bake a yummy apple dessert for a church friend as they gather as a family to celebrate the life of his Dad.

A special birthday message and song from Dad!

A birthday supper with my dear husband.  He indulged my craving for a Tex-Mex treat.

A birthday gift to make my life easier...a bigger monitor, keyboard, and mouse...as I try to keep up with all the office work for our investment property.  It also makes blogging a lot easier.  Even at 55 years...there is still much to learn.  Some things take me longer "to get"...and there are several tools that are helpful. 

 My Ted is attempting to teach me the "how" and "what" of a variety of things.  I know teaching others can be frustrating!  All lessons are not easy.  Often "old dogs" need extra time to learn certain new tricks.

Pictures through the week...

are an interesting mix these days!  Back in the good old days, you didn't think of "wasting" the camera film on these type of pictures!  In these days of technology in my hand and a delete button at the ready, I find myself capturing an interesting variety of pictures to share with my children or friends via text messages.  The endless need for meal ideas and the success of a good recipe calls for a share "so you can see how yummy it will turn out" and "this one is a do again according to my hubby"!  Steak bites cooked in garlic butter and zucchini with tomatoes and onion.  Ted and I have been eating simply.

A bowl of on the stove popcorn looks so inviting!

My tea making stages made such a pretty and colorful design.  Yep, it is the small things in life that can bring a sigh of contentment.  I am actively working on those type of thoughts amid the busy that hits out of nowhere in any given day or hour.

Leftover chicken over a caesar salad mix.

Tried a new recipe with tuna served with a salad.  These were yummy in the air-fryer and could be done with chicken and that would be good too!

We had beautiful weather that made sourdough bread making fantastic for a few days.  The day I made it for my sis, the bread did not rise as well and...well...you can see that I was on the struggle bus with the wrap job too!  She graciously received it.  It tasted good, but not as fluffy as the previous two.  Bummer.  I will try again!  Sisters know and they laugh with you...and sometimes at you!

Neighbors taking a stroll.  The fawn still has visible spots.

Spinach salad with warm bacon dressing...and hard sourdough that makes fantastic croutons when sautéed in olive oil and salt and pepper.

Re-working the bedroom into an office space and my co-workers love the seat with a view outside.

Salmon and salad!

Can you guess what I am using these bottles for?  I thought I was clever...for now.

When you have little buddies who come to hang out with you for the day and need to get some wiggles out before it rains...you offer to pay them to pick up sticks that fell in the big storm earlier in the week.  I was thankful for their willingness!  They wanted to do a fire and roast marshmallows, but when it is climbing to 90 degrees and humid, you offer another day option!

We had a back to school lunch with special treats throughout the day. French bread pizza was a hit.

Cherry lime-aids for a fun treat.

They played and read and watched a movie.  Then we created and crafted before supper.  They chose a word to help focus on during the school year and then water-colored it to hang at home to see each morning.  Loved the words they chose after we talked about it...Helpful, Creative, Wise, Patience.  They followed directions to measure and mix their own slime and we all played with that for a good hour.  We didn't get to the puzzle...yet!

I believe I needed their company just as much as their Mom needed the quiet to focus on getting ready for the new school year.  Year two of not getting ready to be in the classroom was not as hard this time, and I am thankful to be able to be a help to my friend who is just starting out.  Still trying to use my talents and abilities to help others while learning my new job.
 

Give us this day...our daily bread...

Fresh out of the oven...this sourdough loaf is crackling and smells wonderful!

With beautiful, cool weather and low humidity...sourdough making turns out super good!

And still warm...with some "goat cheese" delivered by Brad and Mari...perfect!

I took the opportunity to make a loaf for a friend today and delivered it fresh out of the oven.  It was worth the effort to share a blessing and a smile today!
 

God gives us exactly what we need for each day!

When the path that I feared

Is the way He has set

And I long to give in and retreat.

Still to Jesus I hold

As I face every step

For the Lord He will give me His peace.

Bless the Lord! He will give me His peace.

Bless the Lord! He will give me His peace.

And if I should remain in the valley today,

Bless the Lord, He will give mе His peace.

When thе road that I tread

Fills my heart with despair

And it seems that my grief has no end.

Still to Jesus I hold

Who will walk with me there

And the Lord He will give me His strength.

Bless the Lord! He will give me his strength.

Bless the Lord! He will give me his strength.

And if I should remain in the valley today,

Bless the Lord, He will give me His strength.

On the road that You walked

With the weight of the cross

All my pain and my sorrow You held.

So to you I shall hold

You redeem every loss

For my Lord, you have given yourself.

Bless the Lord! For He gives me Himself.

Bless the Lord! For He gives me Himself.

And if I should remain in the valley today,

Bless the Lord! For He gives me Himself.

The notes from the late night thoughts at Mom's beside

What I have learned from my mother in 55 years…

physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, academically, socially

As a child/teenager/adult... 

how to walk, talk, share, be kind, how to take care of self, manners, about Jesus, countless songs, how to pray, how to obey, how to cook and bake, how to clean a house, how to take care of a baby (when Sean was born), how to paint (church), how to collate papers (church), set the table, clear the table, wash and dry dishes, how to serve meals, how to curl my hair, how to apply makeup, importance of hygiene, how to use what you have, how to make things special (birthday-meal), what to do when you have company, make a grocery list, how to shop, enjoy coffee, how to speak with grown-ups, how to wait patiently and not interrupt, matching clothes, how to do laundry, fold, and iron, organize for a trip, how to answer a phone, how to be respectful, always say thank you, do work neatly and completely, how to sing properly, fostered a love of serving others, it’s ok to cry, how to be genuine, to appreciate nice things (steward) and value what you have (frugal), how to hold your head up and keep going no matter what people say, how to trust God all the time (daily needs, scary heart issues, sad times and loss, poor health, unknowns of life), how to tell a story, to care for children, to teach using a variety of methods and activities (junior church, vbs, ss, camp, school)

Things she would say or the idea that was communicated...

Just because you don’t feel good, doesn’t mean you have the right to be nasty to others.

Be nice!  If you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all.

Wash your hands...with soap and water.

I am praying for you.

You are older and you know better.

I love you.  I’m proud of all you kids.

I just needed to hear your voice.

Use your gifts and talents to help others.

Your most important ministry is being a wife and mother.

What can I do to help you?

Laugh till you cry!

Places we lived as a family....

Minnesota- Minneapolis, Adrian, Pine Island

Illinois- Peoria, Loves Park/Rockford

Michigan- Grand Haven

Places Mom lived...

Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Canada, Wisconsin, Florida

Dad and Mom lived with Ted and I for a short time when they moved back from 

Canada.  We shared hours of conversations around the table and in the living room.

Losses...

Her Dad in a plane crash when she was 11 years old

Her Mom who was 94 years old living far away in Idaho

Their still-born son Timothy Dwight

Her grandparents

Her boyfriend’s (Dad) parents while she and dad were in college

Her Aunt Midge and Uncle Stuart

Her brother Gerry

Work memories...

We worked at Jim Maloof Realtors in Peoria, IL, when I was a teenager.  I got Mom the job!

We worked at Lakeshore Baptist Academy together when I was in college and after I had my degree.

Mom stepped in to teach at 37th Street in Rochester, MN, when difficulty arose.  That was my first introduction to teaching and helping Mom in the classroom.

Mom taught school in Grand Haven, MI, with her dear friend Jill as her aide. I learned and laughed with them the semester I had to sit out of college, as I tutored and aided.

Mom taught in Rockford, IL and often the kids and I would go help set up the classroom at the beginning of the year or do the monthly change over.

So many songs remind me of Mom...but this is the one that hits hard on my heart!

Is the face that I see in the mirror

The one I want others to see?

Do I show in the way that I walk in my life

The love that You've shown me?

My heart's desire is to be like You

In all that I do, all I am.

Do they see Jesus in me?

Do they recognize Your face?

Do I communicate Your love and Your grace?

Do I reflect who You are

In the way I choose to be?

Do they see Jesus in me?

It's amazing that You'd ever use me,

But use me the way You will.

Help me to hold out a heart of compassionate grace,

A heart that Your spirit fills.

May I show forgiveness and mercy,

The same way you've shown it to me.

Now I want to show all the world who You are.

The reason I live and breathe,

So You'll be the One that they see,

When they see me!

Do they see Jesus in me?

Do they recognize Your face?

Do I communicate Your love and Your grace?

Do I reflect who You are

In the way I choose to be?

Do they see Jesus in me?

Sharing my thoughts that I shared at Mom's service

Today is a day that I went to pick up the phone to call Mom to tell her about the cool, fall day in Michigan that called for coffee and a chat with her...but she will not answer her phone...so I scrolled through pictures.

When I have been faced with a question about “What should I do in this situation? Or “What is appropriate to do?”  My husband, Ted, has often asked me the question, “What would your Mother do?’  I would then stop and quickly scroll through the memories of all the years watching my Mother help my Father, give unselfishly to friends and loved ones, and serve in various ministries.  In quiet confidence, I would then decide how to handle myself in various circumstances.  

Mom spent time daily with her Heavenly Father and she followed His ways as He faithfully showed her truth.  She often shared with me what she had learned and struggled through herself. Mom demonstrated that consistency throughout my 54 almost 55 years with her.  I am so thankful for those times of counsel.  During a particularly hard time in my life as a young wife and new mother, Mom told me “Your greatest ministry right now is your husband and children.”  She spoke truth that brought peace to my heart and pointed to contentment found in God’s plan.  Mom knew life was hard and messy! Mom knew loss.  She knew pain.  She knew fear.  She knew grief.  She knew joy.  Mothers know…best…because they have experienced so many things in life.  I valued her words knowing they were humbly offered.  We were blessed with a mother who had accepted the Lord as her Savior and was blessed with wisdom and love from God.  I learned that Mothers who spend time daily with their Lord and Master are given discretion to minister to their families in unique ways.

As I had the honor and privilege to keep the night watch when I arrived in Florida on June 22, I spent each night remembering the countless hours and ways she invested in caring for and ministering to others alongside Dad faithfully…she showed me how to be the help-meet God has called me to be.  She demonstrated great patience and care as she taught her three children ALL the needful things for ALL of life.  A feat I learned to appreciate as I muddled and Mom often laughed through the hard toddler days.  Mom shared Jesus with us in so many different ways.  It was at her knee that I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior.  My eternal destiny is settled and I know I will see her someday in Heaven. She prayed for each one of us…her children, her sons and daughter-in-loves, her grandchildren…and their future spouses and children.   Her love for her grand-children bubbled out whenever she had the opportunity to be with them, talk with them, and hear life updates.  Her love for her family and friends has touched so many across the years…and today. 

My life has been blessed by our Mother who gave of herself to the very end.  The conversations I had with her…not knowing they were to be the last ones here on earth were full of concern for how our children were doing, Dad’s strength in ministry, heartache for friends going through hard times physically, thankfulness for God’s care, and trying to rise above how much her hands hurt that prevented her from doing all the things she loved doing. “But I can pray!”   God orchestrated events in our life…long before Mom’s cancer diagnosis to give me an opportunity to be with Mom and Dad at the right times.  

A year ago, I was here at MV visiting and heard my Dad in chapel share several thoughts from Psalms that led to “All is well.  All will be well.  All must be well…because God is in control!  He is always with us!”  I thought God was using those words to encourage other decisions.  Little did I know, that those were the words that would bring the greatest comfort to my heart on August 4, 2023,  again on June 17, 2024, and finally on June 27, 2024. Our dear Mother taught me to trust God’s will and way as I watched her live each day…and as I watched her take her last breath on earth. 

A reminder in song on Sunday, August 18, 2024

A dear lady shared a video of Dad singing the special music for their service this morning..."Beulah Land" and tonight on the way to our small group the clouds brought the tune to my heart again.

I'm kind of homesick for a country

To which I've never been before.

No sad goodbyes will there be spoken

For time won't matter anymore.

Beulah Land (Beulah Land) I'm longing for you (I'm longing for you)

And some day (And some day) on thee I'll stand (Someday we will stand)

There my home (There my home) shall be eternal (Eternal)

Beulah Land, sweet Beulah Land

I'm looking now, just across the river

To where my faith, shall end in sight (Shall end in sight)

There's just a few more days to labor.

Then I will take my heavenly flight.

Beulah Land (Beulah Land) I'm longing for you (I'm longing for you)

And some day (And some day) on thee I'll stand (Someday we will stand)

There my home (There my home) shall be eternal

Beulah Land, sweet Beulah Land

Beulah Land, oh it's Beulah Land

Oh Beulah Land, sweet Beulah Land

The clouds have always made me think of Heaven.  The beautiful configurations that the sun comes shining through at various angles.  I realize that I can't even imagine how beautiful Heaven is!  But my heart is full when I think of all our dear loved ones beyond the gates of pearl walking on the streets of gold.  

What sights they are beholding through eyes...with no tears!

 

Happy 26 years to us!

Sunday after church we went to a favorite place in Howell called Diamonds.  We did not know the Melon Festival was going for the weekend, so it was busy...in the downtown.  We walked right in to a table by the window and had fun watching people.

Warm bread!

We were smart and split a meal.  When the waitress delivered it to our table...the chef split it to two plates!  It was so yummy and just the perfect amount.  I forgot to get a picture of Ted eating his favorite soup and I got a salad.

We were planning for dessert!  This time we did something we have never done before...pot de cream!  It was fantastic!  We were glad we split a meal...it has taken us awhile to learn that trick.  

Facebook memories showed a few different anniversary reminders of years gone by..."Do you notice a trend here?" Ted asked.  Ha!  We like to try new places that have food!  Time at the table...talking face to face and sharing delicious food.  We were thinking back to all the different ways we have spent our anniversary since 1998...Route 66, Lakeland Campground, Lake Geneva, SilverLake sand dunes, Galena, Posterville-Bolivia, taking Ashlynn to college in Tennessee, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan....with family, without family, at home, out on the town...time to visit each anniversary and remember, my curiosity is peaked now!

2015...BlackRock off M-59 just the two of us!

2014...on the water of Lake St. Clair just the two of us!

2013...Kensington Grill with the three chair-fillers across the table from us!
 

Just a normal day of...

spending time with God's Word...so I can share when I am called upon to do so...and finding a little note from years ago from a friend to remind me that God knows my heart as I just go about the daily tasks of doing.  He makes the appointments and gives the assignments that He deems important!  

listening constantly to music than reminds me of what is most important in life...

back to back tutoring sessions...

cleaning carpets...

making a yummy, new recipe for supper...
 

a Friday night date night...

grabbing a coffee on an errand run...

another yummy recipe...

doing the yard mowing...

watering the flowers and getting an unexpected treat!

This is how I dealt with the new, now empty nest this week.