I am really not into St Patricks Day too much, but I married into an authentic Irish family, so I at least send cards to my inlaws, etc. That always makes me think of how my mother and father inlaw left Ireland shortly after being married and traveled to Canada in search of a new job. The rest is history, but I know how terribly hard it was for them and how their character was defined because of what they went through. (Irish stew should be our dinner tonight, but I make it so much, because we love it, that it would not be special!!)
I am so thankful that my in laws and my parents have always trusted the Lord for everything in their lives. What a heritage to come from and to be able to have memories from. I can't imagine life any other way. I know the prayers of these dear people (and their parents before them) have sustained me in this journey of life.
Which makes me think of the specific prayers I am praying for my kids right now. Justin is in Afghanistan and has had some struggles in his personal life while he has been there. So, we have prayed and prayed that first he would grow as a Christian and know who he is in Christ. Jennifer has been without him through her entire pregnancy and is about to deliver in 3 weeks. Of course, we have been praying for safety, health, and adjustment time for her. Joe has also been struggling in his personal life with habits and marriage, etc. We have been praying that God would show Himself to Joe and that Joe would realize the need in his life for a relationship with Jesus. Our Nicole is full of talent and also a great Mom. I watch her struggle with her relationship with Jesus as well and I pray that she will grow this year to know Jesus in a new way, to have an intimate relationship with Him that she cannot do without. That will make her talents, her marriage, her mothering all renewed and refreshed thru Jesus. Ryan is our baby, about to be a man. He has his own ideas about life right now and does not need God. We know how dangerous of a position he has put himself in, so we are praying for protection for him and asking God to lead Ryan to Himself. It is mentally exhausting to hold our children up in prayer. I guess that is why I am so tired all the time. :)
I am so glad God is in control and that I can rest in His arms and remember from my past how He has led me thus far.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday nights are fun
It has been a great week. David has no leads on a new job yet, but God has provided graciously and we are blessed.
There have been so many times this week that I have been able to worship God in the most unexpected times and places. I cannot fathom His great love and feel so blessed that He continues to show me grace and mercy in my life. I have struggled with some issues in my life, but each and every time my devotional or playing at the piano, or listening to the radio has given me just the words I needed to hear to know and reaffirm that God is in control.
I babysat Addison today. She is the most precious child. She smiles and smiles, (and loves to eat). She has about 4 teeth and crawls all over the house. She found a toilet roll today and had it all rolled out in about 30 seconds while I was drying my hair. That was a good picture!! Then Jenni dropped Nora off. Nora and Addison love to see each other, kisses abound.
We went out to eat with Joe, Nicole, Addison, Jenni and Nora to Buffalo Wild Wings. We had a great time. We have such a good time with our kids. We are so proud of them and love to watch them with their children. As I watch them, I know that the most important decisions they can make in their life is to follow Christ. I know, it will not be easy, but so worth it. At the time we are living life, sometimes we don't realize how important it is to do what God wants us to. But how I know that each and every decision will form the rest of your life. May God help us all, to know Him better and desire what He wants for our lives. Love, and God's blessings to you, Kim
There have been so many times this week that I have been able to worship God in the most unexpected times and places. I cannot fathom His great love and feel so blessed that He continues to show me grace and mercy in my life. I have struggled with some issues in my life, but each and every time my devotional or playing at the piano, or listening to the radio has given me just the words I needed to hear to know and reaffirm that God is in control.
I babysat Addison today. She is the most precious child. She smiles and smiles, (and loves to eat). She has about 4 teeth and crawls all over the house. She found a toilet roll today and had it all rolled out in about 30 seconds while I was drying my hair. That was a good picture!! Then Jenni dropped Nora off. Nora and Addison love to see each other, kisses abound.
We went out to eat with Joe, Nicole, Addison, Jenni and Nora to Buffalo Wild Wings. We had a great time. We have such a good time with our kids. We are so proud of them and love to watch them with their children. As I watch them, I know that the most important decisions they can make in their life is to follow Christ. I know, it will not be easy, but so worth it. At the time we are living life, sometimes we don't realize how important it is to do what God wants us to. But how I know that each and every decision will form the rest of your life. May God help us all, to know Him better and desire what He wants for our lives. Love, and God's blessings to you, Kim
Monday, March 2, 2009
Surprises!!
It was a great weekend. Aren't surprise birthdays fun? We surprised our good friend, Bruce Main, for his 60th birthday. Melanie gathered a few of us at her house in Sugar Grove and he had no idea. It was such a great evening of renewing friendships. I love to sit back at parties such as that and watch the interaction between such good friends. I realized that alot of the things I learned about adult friendships, I learned from Bruce and Trish Main. They are such good friends and have such good qualities of friendship instilled in them. Every time we are with them, it is as if we were never apart. That is a wonderful feeling and we know that we could call them anytime about anything. Such a blessing in our lives.
Not really a surprise, but Sunday was Jenni's 24th birthday. She got a nice surprise and was called off work that day. So she was able to spend the day however she wanted. That's what birthdays are for!!! I had to work though, but I caught up with her about 4:00 after she had enjoyed some alone time shopping just for herself. David fixed our supper, her birthday supper and then it was time for her to go home. She teasingly said that for her birthday she wished someone would drive her home. (She lives in Minier, about a 25 minute drive, and she is 8 months pregnant--tires very easily, legs are about worn out!!) I SURPRISED her and said sure we will. So, I drove her home, after a quick stop at Culver's for a birthday ice cream treat, and her Dad followed us in our car, so he could bring me home. Being in the car alone with one of your children, however old they are, is such a great place for conversation, usually uninhibited conversation. In my old age, I am finallly learning to take full advantage of those times.
My other surprise of the weekend came tonight, (not really the weekend, but sounds good for story telling :) ) I had planned on taking my mom shopping tonight after work. We had decided to go together and get a vanity table for my grandaughter Adrianna's 9th birthday, which we will be celebrating this Saturday. So I picked up Mom went directly to Target, and bought our item. She used her Discover card for her half. I dropped her off at her house and not even 45 minutes later she called and said "What am I going to get Adrianna for her birthday?" I guess I am calling this a surprise, because it is still a surprise to me that she cannot remember things just like this. So I gently reminded her that we had just been to Target and she used her charge card. She was flustered because she did not have the receipt. My mistake....I should have given her the receipt to help her remember. Beleive me, that won't be the last of it. She will call again and ask the same thing. When she gets to the party, she might not remember that her package is already here and paid for. Dementia is so scary and we all feel so helpless in how to help her. We have given her calendars, post it notes, and all kinds of reminders, but they don't always work. It's funny how there are some things she never forgets, like her hair appointments for instance, and she plays the organ wonderfully. Oh well, she is happy, can dress herself, and can take herself to the bathroom, which we are daily thankful for. (She just called again, and asked if she used her Discover card tonight.)
Speaking of surprises, again, as in most blogs I write, I am wondering what surprise the Lord has around the corner for me. I can never be sure what will be along my path, but I am sure of WHO will be there with me.
Not really a surprise, but Sunday was Jenni's 24th birthday. She got a nice surprise and was called off work that day. So she was able to spend the day however she wanted. That's what birthdays are for!!! I had to work though, but I caught up with her about 4:00 after she had enjoyed some alone time shopping just for herself. David fixed our supper, her birthday supper and then it was time for her to go home. She teasingly said that for her birthday she wished someone would drive her home. (She lives in Minier, about a 25 minute drive, and she is 8 months pregnant--tires very easily, legs are about worn out!!) I SURPRISED her and said sure we will. So, I drove her home, after a quick stop at Culver's for a birthday ice cream treat, and her Dad followed us in our car, so he could bring me home. Being in the car alone with one of your children, however old they are, is such a great place for conversation, usually uninhibited conversation. In my old age, I am finallly learning to take full advantage of those times.
My other surprise of the weekend came tonight, (not really the weekend, but sounds good for story telling :) ) I had planned on taking my mom shopping tonight after work. We had decided to go together and get a vanity table for my grandaughter Adrianna's 9th birthday, which we will be celebrating this Saturday. So I picked up Mom went directly to Target, and bought our item. She used her Discover card for her half. I dropped her off at her house and not even 45 minutes later she called and said "What am I going to get Adrianna for her birthday?" I guess I am calling this a surprise, because it is still a surprise to me that she cannot remember things just like this. So I gently reminded her that we had just been to Target and she used her charge card. She was flustered because she did not have the receipt. My mistake....I should have given her the receipt to help her remember. Beleive me, that won't be the last of it. She will call again and ask the same thing. When she gets to the party, she might not remember that her package is already here and paid for. Dementia is so scary and we all feel so helpless in how to help her. We have given her calendars, post it notes, and all kinds of reminders, but they don't always work. It's funny how there are some things she never forgets, like her hair appointments for instance, and she plays the organ wonderfully. Oh well, she is happy, can dress herself, and can take herself to the bathroom, which we are daily thankful for. (She just called again, and asked if she used her Discover card tonight.)
Speaking of surprises, again, as in most blogs I write, I am wondering what surprise the Lord has around the corner for me. I can never be sure what will be along my path, but I am sure of WHO will be there with me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)