ThanksLiving

In everything give thanks for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:18

Daily continual blessings ---
           >the People in my life --

                          my wonderful husband who supports all my efforts

                                    our children

For yearly traditions - T'Giving Eve Brunch at Wild Fork

                                                                                                                                                                     their mates

                                                 our grandchildren

Stopping by the Santa House in Utica Square

For holiday celebrations

For physical needs - food, warm home, clothing

For my extended family who take me back to my roots

We started off our holiday week with a visit from Sandy, my sister-in law,
my niece, Angie and her baby June

For  old friends who knew me back when

For new ones who bring freshness and newness

For being able to travel to be with family

(Our T'giving trip was smooth travel the whole way with quick security TSE Pre check -
 and helpful shuttles - even the Donor Alliance limousine that Marshall booked for us!)

For the Word that brings me life -- guiding me and getting me through the day-

For my Job -- though it sometimes makes me too tired for other things  it keeps my mind active and provides so well for our additional needs.

For the challenges that keep me stretching -- the people ones, the health ones even the $$$ ones

For ministries and missions in my life giving me deeper purpose.

For every EVERY, EVERY need that is being met by Jesus.

I find when I start my day with thankfulness -- everything that day takes on a different perspective.  It puts all my worries and concerns in the proper perspective.

Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation  Psalm 100:5

On My Way Out

How do you want to go out??  What do you envision as your last moments on this earth?  Forgive me if that sounds macabre – but all this will end at some point for each of us.  It’s a fact of our eternal life.

A fellow teacher passed suddenly this summer to the sweet sounds of her beautiful daughters singing “Praise God from whom all blessings flow”  These young women of faith were celebrating the Godly life of their mother – cut short at just 60 years.  .  . knowing how much they had been blessed!!

Terry and I recently watched a Netflix drama about Mary, Jesus mother, called “Full of Grace”.  We know so little of Mary and so much is left to speculation.  
When we were in Ephesus – our guide showed us the mountain – side village that it is believed to be where John cared for Mary.    I could just imagine that as I looked  up into those hills and saw the smoke curl upward from one of the cottages. 
 In my study of John this summer – the commentator I read mentioned how little is heard of John in those years just after Jesus resurrection – perhaps because he saw his immediate ministry that of caring for his Master’s mother.  

Of course that --and the movie- are both just speculation. 

The movie showed her last days spent reflecting on those pivotal  times of her life with Jesus and sharing  of her love for her Son and his passion to reach people.

The apostles would ask her what to do with this Church of His. Her comments were always – “Remember where you were when He called you” 

In her  final moments a  few of the disciples are with her and having communion – as the bread crossed her lips it reminded me of Matt. 25:29  where Jesus says I will not drink this again with you until we drink  it anew in my Father’s Kingdom –

I don’t know if that is as it really happened – I know that this feast was frequent among the early Believers. 

As we watched this scene, I told Terry – that’s the way I want to go out – sharing in His Feast and just slide right into my place at the Heavenly  table as I move into my new Home and Jesus hands me the wine.

Happy Birthday to My Man!

You are the Keeper of Our Visions

The Dad who challenges all of us to think deeper

The Fantastic Papa who loves to create fun.

The Proud Papa who eagerly welcomes each and every newborn and bonds early.

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The Man Who Dreams Big and Builds It

The Creator of Crazy Stories, Songs and Dino Play Days - you rock the Goobers the Gorilla costume!
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Everyday I see you rise above the challenges of your health issues and crazy busy schedule to make certain that I'm okay -- that our kids and Grands are covered in prayer.

If there's a tremor or storm -- calling Bethany to see where she and the kids are is first priorty.

Discussing life stuff with Marshall for long hours is one of your joys.

You keep me centered -- Babe, I'm so happy we get to celebrate you this week

Happy Birthday, Sydney Kate!

Sydney Kate - today is your day!  You've been anticipating this all month and being 4 fits you to a T.  It always seems like such a long time till your birthday and that's the way it was for us as we awaited your birth.

From the first your big sister has always had a protective position in your life as you watch her for cues and she is always on the ready to tell you exactly what she wanted you to do.

Little brother watches you now and is your little buddy in play.  He's always ready for a celebration and to join in with you and Campbell in whatever you're about at the moment.

You're the cuddler -- the one quick with lots of loving positives for all of us.

You ordered a chocolate strawberry birthday cake -- wanted a Tea Party birthday and hosted your little friends to berry tea, cake balls and dress up from the costume closet with oodles of faux jewelry and boas.  Your party planner big sis was all about making your celebration a hit.

You're a girley girl who loves dresses and have always had a fashion sense.







You make up stories about your make-believe friends and recently told your momma your parents had died and that you were now living with someone else.  You told us tonight that Baby Rosie now calls YOU "Nana".  She's still your "go-to" favorite of all time.  We're always anxious to take your stories further as we question you about what's going on in your world each day.

 Since you were tiny you gave the cutest expressions that always revealed what your concerns were at the moment -- giving so much with your eyes and grin.

"and who do I thank for this ridiculous head gear ?-- it doesn't go with my outfit - besides that - it's backwards!!!

Sydney you take us to our "happy place" as we watch the wonder of it all in your eyes.

R & R

Nine weeks of school down!  Time has flown and the school year has been great!  We're using Fall Break to catch up on a few of those projects that we didn't complete in the heat of the Summer.

Having time with our Grands has been wonderful and we've been able to work in a couple of sleepovers and our Sunday Night Family Time is something we look forward to all week.

C & Daddy's Transportation Project for her school parade.

Campbell is growing so quickly and being in Kindergarten has opened up a whole new world.

Sydney goes to preschool 4 days a week and teachers say is a model student.   She is trying out soccer. Syd's turning 4 Sunday after waiting through every other family birthday party -- finally gets her own.

Jack now goes to Mothers Day Out and is quite the big boy!  He quickly grasps everything and keeping up with his two sisters is his one objective for the day.  It's a "monkey see --- monkey do" world right now and we have to be vigilant to make sure that he is safe.

Clara is at her child development center 3-5 days a week  now as Mommy has a new job and the teachers LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her!
She will be coming to OK for her very first visit this Christmas!  We can't wait!

Marking Time

 

I have seen the documentaries on tv for the last week, it’s the 15^th anniversary of that dreadful day.

I was in my classroom – going about my day when Terry called and said to  turn on the tv  The rest of the day was a blur of video reeling the horrific events.   Our lives in America were forever changed.  Over and over on billboards you saw the phrase “God Bless America!”  Flags were flown from everywhere – the back of pick-ups – in classrooms and front yards. 

So many lives lost – so much destruction and our focus was turned to a new enemy.  Terrorism was cropping up in the mid-east and we set about as a nation to stop it. Over the past fifteen years - one regime gets taken down and another crops up --  Our focus is now on defeating ISIS.  Fear breeds in our discussions, news reports and in our hearts as radicals now are cropping up in America.

Reading stories of the persecuted Church – they remind us that in the darkest of times the light of Jesus shines brightest in conversion both of self and others.  Brothers and Sisters in distant lands who have been incarcerated for years, talk about the strong and beautiful relationship they had with Jesus during this time. 
In the worst of times suddenly there is a new focus on Jesus.  Yes, as Israel did, we must fight the enemy -- but in all of this frenzy of our times – Love is Greater – for those who are different from us --- for the enemy within and without.

Jesus still is the only way.
Greater is HE that is in YOU than he that is in the world (Satan)
This verse from 1 John 5 restores my peace and gives me HOPE.

A New Day

In the aftermath of cancer - one truth has become clearer and more evident.  We are not certain of the time that we have left on earth.  I had lived the past 66 years certain that I would live at least as long as my mother and be the healthy person that I've always been.

Going through cancer has given me the greater appreciation for the days or DAY that I do have.  I have become keenly aware that life can be cut short in a heartbeat - literally.   

I weigh the idea of retiring -- I don't want to miss precious time with the Grands that  I cannot recapture or to miss being with Terry making memories and sharing life.
Is teaching this next generation something of service that Jesus wants me to do.  If so, I want to make sure that from this point on,  I plant the seeds of HOPE deeper in my students.

I look at my Bible and remember the truths that I have learned and taught.  I feel that before I see my Jesus -- I want to soak in more of HIS Word. . . not that I am cramming for a final -- but that there is so much more of it that I want to apply and enjoy and lean on. 

The Psalmist wrote - "Teach us to number our days that we an gain a heart of wisdom."

Someone wrote on her FB status recently --- she didn't plan to get old so quickly.  That struck a chord with me.  Looking back -- marking time -- it has always seemed that everyone else had aged -- but I hadn't.  These last 18 months -- I have definitely felt all 66 of my years.


This morning we sang "It is well with my soul"  - it's an old song -- Every time I sing it -- I recommit to Jesus everything that is unclear and uncertain- knowing that HE's got this.

GOD IS SO GOOD and HE woke me up this morning and that must mean he has something for me to do THIS day.

Happy First Birthday, Clara Mary

Happy Birthday, sweet baby girl!!

Clara where did the last year go?  

We got to meet you when you were just a week old and this weekend we got to celebrate your first year. . . it seemed to pass so quickly (for Papa and me, anyway).

You have taught your mommy and daddy the ropes as all firstborn newborns do.  You broke them in well.

  You’ve been a good teacher -- with your sweet laid-back spirit and winning smile. you engage everyone with your grin and the twinkle in your eye.

You have grown so quickly and are so in love with people.  You flirt -- You blow kisses, wrinkle up your nose in the cutest way and wave to everyone you meet.

You’ve learned so many words, love to say “da da”  all the time and adore your momma!

Your mommy and daddy couldn’t be more in love  with you!

Your Pappa is your special person and you look for ways to get his attention flashing those cute little eyes.

Clara Mary, your birth brought so much happiness and promise of life and health to all of us.  You are God's grace gift and His reminder of miracles.

Happy Birthday Mathew B. Good

Sydney

So many memories of the years we've been family . . .

. . .meeting you for the first time after Bethany and Marshall tried to scare you about all my questions - calling me The Inquisitor

. . .all the wonderful meals you've grilled up for our family dinners -- 

. . .your shopping for it, hosting and making sure that every need is met  

. . .chasing all over Chicago with you as B ran the Chicago marathon hopping off and on the L trying to locate her mile markers

. . .your choice of music and 

. . . the family videos you create for our Bell/Good holidays together

BUT MOST OF ALL . . . 

We LOVE watching you care for your family  . . .

Campbell

Jack

I love that for the past 6 years you have sung the same song every night to your little ones.

You make adventures for your kiddos like trips to Braum's (I won't remind you of the diaper fiasco) or book trips to Borders

We recognize the sense of teamwork in you two as you raise your little ones.

No matter how hard your day or how weary you are when you come through that door, we see you switch into "daddy mode" and do power hour, meals, baths and bedtimes as if you had all the energy in the world.

It's touching to watch Jackers trail you all over the house the minute he hears you come through the door.

Your life is busy with your responsibilities in the medical field -- you make critical decisions and care for your patients with expertise -- we respect and appreciate the physician you are.  We love hearing people in Tulsa brag on you.  .  . but most of all you're a fantastic father and husband.

We are so glad these past 12 years you have been a part of our family circle. Happy Birthday, Mat!