An unpleasant circumstance has re-entered my life after many years of dormancy, which I cannot air publicly. The circumstance (as it shall be know in this post) has the potential to make my life (and those of some of my loved ones) a bit, shall we say, challenging and most unpleasant. I'm sorry. I know I'm being way too vague. But suffice it to say that this circumstance is going to challenge me to love the unlovable when my very being wants to not love.
Then, I got to thinking. About me. How unlovable I was (and still am, sometimes). And how a loving God sent His Son to suffer the most agonizing of deaths for me. Sinful, unlovable me. It changes my perspective about the circumstance and I pray that I will be able to show love and kindness and patience when presented with the opportunity to do so.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Funny Valentines
There was a time in my life when all I wanted for Valentine's Day was to be romanced with flowers, dinner, maybe some jewelry. Tonight we babysat for one of our sons so he and his wife (our precious DIL) could have some romantic time together away from the kids and daily routine.
Paul and I had a blast. The kids were wired, thanks to our filling them up with heart-shaped donuts, pizza and soda. Now, we're so tired that I can't even think about anything else but blissful sleep!
We have a reprieve tomorrow night but then it's Round Two on Saturday night so one of our other sons and his sweet wife to enjoy the romance of the Valentine holiday. And that's ok. It's their time to connect with each other and our time to connect with our grandchildren. Just as back in our younger days, Paul's precious parents watched the kids so we could spend time together.
Miss you, Mom and Dad, and thankful for your legacy of love and Godliness.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven! ~Ecclesiastes 3:1
Paul and I had a blast. The kids were wired, thanks to our filling them up with heart-shaped donuts, pizza and soda. Now, we're so tired that I can't even think about anything else but blissful sleep!
We have a reprieve tomorrow night but then it's Round Two on Saturday night so one of our other sons and his sweet wife to enjoy the romance of the Valentine holiday. And that's ok. It's their time to connect with each other and our time to connect with our grandchildren. Just as back in our younger days, Paul's precious parents watched the kids so we could spend time together.
Miss you, Mom and Dad, and thankful for your legacy of love and Godliness.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven! ~Ecclesiastes 3:1
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
It's Been A Long Time!
Almost two years have past since my last post. So much has happened in my little life. Let's see - my health has improved vastly as I have lost a considerable amount of weight. I discovered Pinterest! Ha! Funny how this is a life-altering event, isn't it? You Pinterest fans will understand. I went back into the workforce! Yes, I'm no longer a stay-at-home granny but my family is still my whole life. I just have to work it around regular business hours!
I decided to go back into the work force for a couple reasons. One, my husband's work status has been kind of 'iffy' lately and I fet he needed the support. Oh, we prayed about it, of course. And I was willing to do whatever the Lord had for me.
So a job landed in my lap. One that I didn't even think would come about. It is stress-free. My boss is a perfect boss. What more can I say? This job has made returning to full-time work doable. The commute is annoying to say the least but I get to talk to the Lord asking Him to please remove all this traffic out of my way. Seriously, though, I do get some prayer time in - just can't close my eyes or lower my head!
The second reason is a spinoff of the first. Because of my husband's tenuous job situation, we were seriously considering moving out of New Jersey. Not too far but far enough that I would be traumatized being away from my children and grandchildren. They're just so much a part of our lives and we love them beyond measure. My working will keep us in the Garden State longer than planned.
So that's it for now. I'm home today (another story) and need to go fetch a certain grandgirl from school and spend the day with her and her sister.
I decided to go back into the work force for a couple reasons. One, my husband's work status has been kind of 'iffy' lately and I fet he needed the support. Oh, we prayed about it, of course. And I was willing to do whatever the Lord had for me.
So a job landed in my lap. One that I didn't even think would come about. It is stress-free. My boss is a perfect boss. What more can I say? This job has made returning to full-time work doable. The commute is annoying to say the least but I get to talk to the Lord asking Him to please remove all this traffic out of my way. Seriously, though, I do get some prayer time in - just can't close my eyes or lower my head!
The second reason is a spinoff of the first. Because of my husband's tenuous job situation, we were seriously considering moving out of New Jersey. Not too far but far enough that I would be traumatized being away from my children and grandchildren. They're just so much a part of our lives and we love them beyond measure. My working will keep us in the Garden State longer than planned.
So that's it for now. I'm home today (another story) and need to go fetch a certain grandgirl from school and spend the day with her and her sister.
Weather Whimsy
Last Friday, I took a day off because we were to spend a longish weekend with our best friends out in South Central Pennsylvania or "Pennsyltucky". We never got to go because were fell victim to the rantings of the media about the BIG storm, Nemo, headed our way. With all due respect and sympathies to New England, it was a bust in our part of New Jersey as well as the part of Pennsylvania where our friends live.
But we shall not be deterred and have already made plans to reschedule that long-awaited and much-needed visit with friends.
But we shall not be deterred and have already made plans to reschedule that long-awaited and much-needed visit with friends.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Joy and Sorrow
Other life events came our way in the past couple years since I last posted. One is the addition of two more grandchildren! Such joy! When I find their pictures, I'll post them on The Granny Chronicles. My photos are a little disorganized at the moment. Anyway, they are two sweet little boys: Lemuel who is 7 and Reuel who is 5. So precious and so thankful to add them to my Grands!
The other is bittersweet. Paul lost both his parents last year. Dad went home to be the Lord in April and Mom just couldn't take life without him. She went home three months and one day later in July. They had been married for almost 65 years. We miss them so very much and look forward to the time when we will see them again. Heaven's just a little sweeter, now.
The other is bittersweet. Paul lost both his parents last year. Dad went home to be the Lord in April and Mom just couldn't take life without him. She went home three months and one day later in July. They had been married for almost 65 years. We miss them so very much and look forward to the time when we will see them again. Heaven's just a little sweeter, now.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Being a Grandparent Changes You
When my sons were small, it seemed like I was constantly cleaning up after them. Wiping away tiny fingerpints or spilled milk, picking up errant toys and beathing a sigh of frustration because of it. That's all changed now. Of course, partly because they're all grown up and on their own (well, all but one).
And partly because, now when I see tiny fingerprints or an errant toy, it's because my granchildren have been visiting. Sometimes, days after they are gone, I will find some reminder that they were here - a toy car under the sofa or little fingerprint smudges on a kitchen chair. Instead of breathing a sigh of frustration, I smile. The sweet memory of their presence lingers and my heart is glad.
Paul and I were babysitting the other day and we had brought the kids a treat of powdered donuts. As we were preparing to head home, I noticed a little powdered donut handprint on my parka which had been hanging on the back of a kitchen chair. My thoughtful daughter-in-law offered to clean it but I declined. I actually wanted to leave it there for a while and enjoy the memory.
I know it must sound silly but that's just me. Some of the things that used to frustrate me no longer do. Being a grandparent changes you. Changes you for the good.
And partly because, now when I see tiny fingerprints or an errant toy, it's because my granchildren have been visiting. Sometimes, days after they are gone, I will find some reminder that they were here - a toy car under the sofa or little fingerprint smudges on a kitchen chair. Instead of breathing a sigh of frustration, I smile. The sweet memory of their presence lingers and my heart is glad.
Paul and I were babysitting the other day and we had brought the kids a treat of powdered donuts. As we were preparing to head home, I noticed a little powdered donut handprint on my parka which had been hanging on the back of a kitchen chair. My thoughtful daughter-in-law offered to clean it but I declined. I actually wanted to leave it there for a while and enjoy the memory.
I know it must sound silly but that's just me. Some of the things that used to frustrate me no longer do. Being a grandparent changes you. Changes you for the good.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The Waiting Game - Part 2
Recently, aside from the subject of this series, there were a couple life events I was anxiously awaiting: 1) the birth of our precious grandson, Alexander and 2) our impending move into a new home.
As you know, baby Alexander is here and he is so sweet and delicious! I can't get enough of cuddling him. Newborns are wonderful like that - they just want to be held and cuddled. Then, before you know it, the cuddle stage is over and they want to begin exploring their world. *snif*
As for our move, I don't think I've blogged about it at all but the fact is, we're moving. The interminable wait was for when that move might happen. We knew it was going to take place this spring and I have actually been packing since right after Christmas. Now we have a date and that makes me somewhat happier. Somewhat.
But I digress. Now, before I reveal my other life-changing event, I must provide you with some background. It's sounds just like the word 'wait' but it's spelling and meaning are totally different.
Weight. Yeah, that's the ugly word. I never had a problem with my weight. I was pretty thin through my childhood and teen years. Even my post-pregnancy weight was shed in quick order. Well, except for one of our sons who weighed almost 11 lbs. at birth. Recovery from that one took a bit longer.
Then, after I reached the age of 40, something changed. I gradually started putting on weight and couldn't seem to get rid of it. Was it my age? Goodness! Forty-years old seems so young to me now! Was I overeating because of the deaths of my mother and brother? Perhaps a bit but not enough to justify the weight gain and it was short-term anyway.
After more thought, I was just sure it had to be because I went back to work full-time and led a much more sedentary life-style. I was just too tired to be as active as I had been. That had to be the reason!
I was to discover later that it was not.
As you know, baby Alexander is here and he is so sweet and delicious! I can't get enough of cuddling him. Newborns are wonderful like that - they just want to be held and cuddled. Then, before you know it, the cuddle stage is over and they want to begin exploring their world. *snif*
As for our move, I don't think I've blogged about it at all but the fact is, we're moving. The interminable wait was for when that move might happen. We knew it was going to take place this spring and I have actually been packing since right after Christmas. Now we have a date and that makes me somewhat happier. Somewhat.
But I digress. Now, before I reveal my other life-changing event, I must provide you with some background. It's sounds just like the word 'wait' but it's spelling and meaning are totally different.
Weight. Yeah, that's the ugly word. I never had a problem with my weight. I was pretty thin through my childhood and teen years. Even my post-pregnancy weight was shed in quick order. Well, except for one of our sons who weighed almost 11 lbs. at birth. Recovery from that one took a bit longer.
Then, after I reached the age of 40, something changed. I gradually started putting on weight and couldn't seem to get rid of it. Was it my age? Goodness! Forty-years old seems so young to me now! Was I overeating because of the deaths of my mother and brother? Perhaps a bit but not enough to justify the weight gain and it was short-term anyway.
After more thought, I was just sure it had to be because I went back to work full-time and led a much more sedentary life-style. I was just too tired to be as active as I had been. That had to be the reason!
I was to discover later that it was not.
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Waiting Game - Part 1
I've been thinking lately about waiting and how all through our lives we are presented with opportunities to do just that - wait. As a child, it may have been waiting for Christmas morning or a birthday party. As a teenager, it was waiting for that special someone to call (since girls didn't telephone boys back in my day) or it could have been waiting to graduate high school. Waiting for marriage, a baby's birth, and so on. You get the picture.
It seems our lives are intertwined with waiting for something to happen - always eager for that next life event, that next adventure. For instance, I'm so eager to tell you about a recent event in my life that I'm not sure what to say next. So I'll just have to, well, wait!
It seems our lives are intertwined with waiting for something to happen - always eager for that next life event, that next adventure. For instance, I'm so eager to tell you about a recent event in my life that I'm not sure what to say next. So I'll just have to, well, wait!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Because You Never Know When You're Making A Memory
Today was a busy grand-girl day. I spent time with three-year old Maeve in the morning (even managing a cousin play-date with our Ryleigh); then, swapped Maeve for her big sister, Amelie, in the afternoon. It was a whirlwind day and I loved every minute of it!
Amelie and I were spending a pleasant afternoon making crafts and snacking on ready-to-eat Jello when she said: "Granny, remember that day when we made Jello and whipped cream? That was so much fun!"
Her sweet statement made such an impact on me and my heart was touched at her remembrance. Sometimes moments that are seemingly insignificant to us, are significant memories to a grandchild.
Amelie and I were spending a pleasant afternoon making crafts and snacking on ready-to-eat Jello when she said: "Granny, remember that day when we made Jello and whipped cream? That was so much fun!"
Her sweet statement made such an impact on me and my heart was touched at her remembrance. Sometimes moments that are seemingly insignificant to us, are significant memories to a grandchild.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The Arrival Of A New Grandbaby and The ONE Time I Didn't Have My Cell Phone!
This past Friday, March 4, started out normal. The day was sunny and pleasant and I felt better than I had in a long time. In the morning, I had an appointment and the rest of the day was slated for regular household tasks.
After lunch, I decided to treat Lucious to a trip to the dog park. It had been a while since we were there and the both of us needed to get out and enjoy the weather. When we got to the park, I realized I forgot my cell phone. I make it a practice to NEVER forget my cell phone but that day, I did. When I got home about an hour later, there were four missed calls and two voice-mail messages. Since I rarely get a large influx of calls, I immediately became alarmed.
The first voice-mail message was from my expectant daughter-in-law. She sweetly informed me that she was planning to have the baby - TODAY. I returned her call before I did anything else except rush out the door to the car, praying that there would be no traffic and understanding, helpful policemen should I get stopped for speeding!
The whole time I was driving, I kept chiding myself for going to the dog park and forgetting my cell phone. I was also worrying about getting to my son's home safely and in a timely matter. New Jersey's Interstate 295, in the area where I live, can be pretty troublesome most of the time. I kept worrying about one thing right after another. I was even making up things to worry about! Then, I remembered something. Just the previous day, a Godly young woman who I've know since she was a child, posted this as her status on Facebook: "replace your worry with worship". And that small but powerful thought instantly came to mind.
Immediately, I stopped (my brain, not my car) and began to focus on the Lord Jesus. Instead of continuing to worry about all the things that could go wrong and chastising myself for my faults, I prayed. Wouldn't you think I would have known this by now? I'm thinking the Lord knows our propensity to forget sometimes. Then, He uses someone - in advance of the problem! - to say just the right words that calmed my heart and mind. Thank you, Lord!
Anyway, an even greater miracle occurred just before 10pm that *normal* Friday - our precious grandson was born. He's beautiful and healthy! Mom and baby are doing well. What more could I ask?
After lunch, I decided to treat Lucious to a trip to the dog park. It had been a while since we were there and the both of us needed to get out and enjoy the weather. When we got to the park, I realized I forgot my cell phone. I make it a practice to NEVER forget my cell phone but that day, I did. When I got home about an hour later, there were four missed calls and two voice-mail messages. Since I rarely get a large influx of calls, I immediately became alarmed.
The first voice-mail message was from my expectant daughter-in-law. She sweetly informed me that she was planning to have the baby - TODAY. I returned her call before I did anything else except rush out the door to the car, praying that there would be no traffic and understanding, helpful policemen should I get stopped for speeding!
The whole time I was driving, I kept chiding myself for going to the dog park and forgetting my cell phone. I was also worrying about getting to my son's home safely and in a timely matter. New Jersey's Interstate 295, in the area where I live, can be pretty troublesome most of the time. I kept worrying about one thing right after another. I was even making up things to worry about! Then, I remembered something. Just the previous day, a Godly young woman who I've know since she was a child, posted this as her status on Facebook: "replace your worry with worship". And that small but powerful thought instantly came to mind.
Immediately, I stopped (my brain, not my car) and began to focus on the Lord Jesus. Instead of continuing to worry about all the things that could go wrong and chastising myself for my faults, I prayed. Wouldn't you think I would have known this by now? I'm thinking the Lord knows our propensity to forget sometimes. Then, He uses someone - in advance of the problem! - to say just the right words that calmed my heart and mind. Thank you, Lord!
Anyway, an even greater miracle occurred just before 10pm that *normal* Friday - our precious grandson was born. He's beautiful and healthy! Mom and baby are doing well. What more could I ask?
Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD;
for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psalm 106:1
for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psalm 106:1
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