mom's truth

A window on my Soul.......

2012-01-20T15:24:00.000-08:00

If we could actually pull up a little sash type window that would connect directly to a picture of our soul, what would mine look like??? how about yours???
We are currently doing a great new Bible Study in our Tues. morning Women's class on the Book of James. Beth Moore is doing the teaching, but she is giving us lots of fun study time...Last night I awoke in the night thinking about one of the reference verses she was using --Psalm 12:2 "They lie to one another, they speak with flattering lips and deceptive hearts." What a horrible picture of a life and a heart. I imagine, if we could look into a window going in a "split-divided heart", it would have a pile of trash on one side, and on the other side, a bit of beauty....but that pile of trash or "snakey-slimey" looking stuff, is just intolerable to me....I don't want any of that ugly stuff there. I want as my husband always has said to me, to let my yes be yes and my no be no.. Our tongues can become so cruel and deceptive, can't they? One of the verses we are studying in the first chapter of James, says that this kind of duplicity ---a double minded man--- is "unstable in all his ways"...I always want to say the truth...not my perception..but the real truth. That means I don't assume I know all the curcumstances, and glibly give my opinion and judgements, to the world regarding someone elses turf and life.
"Be sure your sin will find you out"--- I think that could includes lying, being cruel, bullying for our own benefit, or to make ourselves look good, gossiping, betraying friends, refusing to resolve conflict, refusing to talk thru problems, leaving commitments and obligations when and how we choose to--seemingly without conscience, being a respector of persons, not being willing to stand up for truth and right against the crowd, refusing to apply the Scripture we already know to our life every day, acting as if we alone know truth, responding to others with arrogance, and self-righteousness, pretending that all is well, when it is not, being unwilling to apologize, being unwilling to forgive....do any of these sound familiar to you???--they do to me...O Lord, help me to walk close to You and listen to You and be willing to obey You.....for You ARE are able to look into a window of my soul, and You are not fooled. We can easily talk ourselves into believing lies....if it is to our benefit...May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer. I need help, how about you?.....I don't want someone to pull the following verse out, and give it to me....it is a sad one--it breaks my heart..

Psalm 55:
"If an ENEMY were insulting me, I could endure it;
if a FOE were raising himself against me, I could hide from him.
But it is YOU, a man (woman) like myself, my COMPANION, my CLOSE FRIEND, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God."
It is such a horrible picture of a person being betrayed........God, please do not let me do this to anyone that I love!!!!....How's the Window of your soul? If I am honest, mine can ALWAYS use some Cleaning??? I know that very few people will ever read this....I just needed to write it down....for those few who do, please know that I love you....

Getting OLD---Getting WISE

2011-10-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

· Getting OLD
· Getting WISE
· Lord, Please Help me to grow OLD and WISE !
When we think of OLD, we many times think WISE, but as I am aging, I am realizing that this may RARELY be the case…Instead, many times, OLD just means that we become very “clutchy” (is that a word?) about how WE think life should be laid out.
If we have been a Mean, Bully type person our whole life , Loudly, giving our opinions, and pushing people around, either verbally or physically, without thought of consequences , we often become even more Cruel and Insensitive to others differing opinions or methods of doing something as we get OLD.
If we have been Judgmental and Opinionated all of our lives, we feel even more entitled, called and empowered (because of our “AGE”, and the fact that we DO know “everything”) to tell anyone and everyone the “right -way” to do things, even though we may really have no expertise in the area that we are presently targeting.
If we have most of our lives, freely told people around us --“embellished, or false tales” of others’ “actions or faults” ,and have done that by “cozying” up to others and asking “ Probing, Negative-type, questions about the motives or behavior of others, we will undoubtedly, by this OLD age, have become an absolute Master at spreading Rumors….It is a bit like a politician……When we put someone else down, it is often to make ourselves look better…
If, in our younger years, we have usually made it a practice to behave Stubbornly about issues that we don’t like, undoubtedly…..we will become very hard to deal with in our old age. Nurses have a name for this, “NON-Compliant”—very difficult patients, and unfortunately, they are (WE ARE) in our communities and churches…
These are terrifying thoughts to me, because I do not want to grow OLD like this….In the past five years I have seen a number of OLD both men and women display these frightening attitudes under the guise of “WISDOM”, and Righteousness….It has been a horrific sight…and has left much damage.
I have watched grown men, whom I had had some respect for, turn into ungodly, angry people. I have watched the lives of some younger servants of God be terribly discouraged and nearly shredded by these so called OLD SAINTS..Why am I saying this????
I think, because @ 65, I am trying to measure my thoughts and words much more carefully – these are now officially, OLD years… I know how Opinionated and Judgmental I have been throughout my lifetime, and I don’t want my life to characterize such horrible behavior in the years left that Jesus may give to me.
I am SO THANKFUL for the MANY truly OLD—WISE people that I have watched thru many years, really model the way to END WELL…..They are my HEROES!!!
Words both encouraging and damaging ,when spoken, can never be reclaimed….MAYBE we can “ease their sting” with heart wrenching apologies, but their influence on the thoughts and actions of others, is forever traveling….it’s like gossip and cutting words, actually have LEGS….
I am trying to keep pouring the words of Colossians 3 thru my mind….I should memorize it!!---because within its’ truth, is the way for me to LIVE—like Jesus wants me to….as a young person and an OLD person…Lord, HELP ME to grow WISE and OLD at the same time… and forgive me when I am not!!!.….
My favorite part of this chapter are verses 12 -14
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, and Patience. Bear with each other and Forgive as the Lord Forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on LOVE which binds them all together in perfect unity.

2010-02-25T14:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my 40 Year Old Son.....

Andrew Edward Rudd

born March 5, 1970 in Elkhart General Hospital. We took that long drive from Winona Lake, where dad was in Seminary, at a pretty good clip that snowy morning. It was a 40 minute drive, but even fast driving did not speed up your very long rough entry into this beautiful world. Your were scheduled to be born on FEB th, but decided to hold off your entry for one full month--which did give us a little anxiety about getting you there on time.

To your late arrival, you added the fact that weighed 9lb.3oz and absolutely would not turn yourself around and come out the normal head first, but insisted on coming our in a frank breech position....

We waited all day --till 4 for you to arrive--while many curious nursing students checked our what a breech delivery would look like--at least until I finally told them that woul be all the visitors until you were in the world. Your dad got to watch the delivery thru a glass window as an anethesiologist put me out and then helped push and pull you out of your tight little home...

From that day, till this you have been an incredible blessing to your dad and I. So many memories I hold over forty years of your life--your shyness, food pickiness, cutting your hair in the beatles style, your great love for creative play, your ability to learn to read at 3, your incredible love for your brothers--always protecting them and guiding them to love Jesus, and then your love and care of your sister almost 12 years your junior, your love for music, your adventuresomeness, your willingness to try new venues as your grew older, your speaking ability, your LOVE of swimming, of reading,of running, of people, of school-- (after highschool), of moviemaking, of traveling, of solving problems, of God's Word--tons of it memorized, of getting more degrees, of caring about and for others, of gourmet cooking, of the Cabin, of the tales of your grandparents' and ancestors' lives, of your mom and dad ,of your wonderful precious wife, Lynn, of the gifts of your incredible children Jaelyn and Addison, of the way you have loved your in-laws.

And now here you are 40 years old !!! Knowing what we do about the genes and longevity of your family, you may have another 40 years to live on this earth. I know you will always choose to do the very best for yourself and all those that you influence. Walking with Jesus is always the key to making it well in life and I know you are very aware of that.

Your dad and I love you way more than we ever dreamed we could love anyone on the day your were born. We are praying for your growth and happiness and walk with God throughout the rest of life that He may give you...We are so proud that you are our son!!!

Happy Happy Birthday to our wonderful son!!!

Your mom who loves you incredibly...

June at Home 09

2009-08-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

Liam 10

Addison would rather be playing!!!

Fun at Mac Donalds

Ginger

Willow

Will

IIsaac

Elyse, Alisha, Emma, Annie

Liam and Friends off to Camp Barakel

Emma off of Camp

Liam ready for camp

Samuel William Rudd @4

First Try at the "Big Jump" 09

They made it!!

Missing two to be photoshopped in!

Addison and Emma help cook..

The missing two..

Emma Elisabeth Rudd @ 12

All Oldest children ----Andy,Grandpa Andy and Grandma Marge

Jaelyn Elisabeth Rudd @ 10

Ginger @ 6

Isaac Bruce Rudd @4

The Little Table

Andrew and Lynn 17 years together!!

Great Grandpa Andy @ 90 and Maya @3

Sophia @ 1 with Ang--plus!

The boat became a slide!

09 Rudd Cousins Camp

2009-08-01T16:26:00.000-07:00

What shall we have on our trip home??

The place where we may have started the tick attack!!

Sleepy kids on the way home...

A minor surgery on Ginger..

Annual Cedarville icecream shop!

Grandpa's obstacle course...

Flying High!!

Echo Island and the secret fort...

Into the "Deep Woods" with Grandpa

My oldest girls!! Jaelyn and Emma

The results of their hard work at camp!!
Artists at work!

The speed demons????

The July of Parties 09

2009-08-01T15:51:00.001-07:00

Ready for the deacons and families!

My dear sisters of Women Alive Sunday School Class Life Group. This class was born out of a study we did on "Women Mentoring Women" about 15 years ago. Every dear woman that has come and gone has taught me so much about loving and being a true follower of Jesus...and we do laugh a lot--did I say that???

Some of the wonderful deacons' wives wating to eat. We had 52 altogether--lots of splashing in the pool. These women forgot their suits!!

Isaac getting very brave!

Will with his super jump!

This little house was given to us by Jeff and Jory Carey. The little kids really really love it!!

The four youngest grandchildren Will Isaac Maya and Sophia!!

And May Goes ON!!

2009-05-17T20:07:00.000-07:00

Grandparents Day and school concerts and plays go along with Isaac and Will learning to ride their two wheel bikes with out training wheels and Emma, Bill and Maya celebrating their birthdays in a very tiny slot of time!!

Can it Be 5 Months????

2009-05-16T10:56:00.000-07:00

God has been so good to us in these months--I am so thankful for his healing physically and emotionally and for the mercy He gives us every day. I am really trying to learn Mercy OVER Judgment!! It's hard for all of us to learn this.....

With 10 grandchildren and 7 of them having birthdays withing 2 months--plus a number of adults joining the aging game, we have had lots of parties and celebrations!! Willow started ahead of the two month frame in January turning 8 years old...then it started in March: --Jaelyn turned 10 and had her golden birthday on the 10th. Sophia turned 1 on the 28th. Ryan also had a big one on Feb 28th when he turned 30!!! Andrew was also 39 on the 5th of March. April 4th was Isaac and Will's golden birthday of 4 years old..Emma our oldest grand-daughter turned 12 on the 27th, she also did a wonderful job in the state gymnastics meet. This may be her final year with gymnastice--she has learned so much and accomplished great things...

Maya turned 3 on the second of May and had a Princess Birthday party with 3 other little girls her age. Finally, Bill and Ginger had birthdays on the 6th of May. We also had our first grand-nephew born on that day to Joy and Philip--"Abraham Lampiris Kirkland"...In the middle of all these parties, we celebrated Easter and got to have Jaelyn and Addison for a week--hence the dinasour photos, and I got to visit my sister in Antigua for a week , oh and I forgot, I had foot surgery in Febuary--making life more complicated that I had planned!!...I won't wait so long next time--this was a lot of parties....Today I am going to three more, all at one-0'clock!! The sign in the photos is from the Perry Church that we were at for a honeymoon of 10 years--one of my favorite verses from my favorite chapter of the Bible--Isaiah 40. Does anyone recognize the houses there??? Hope your 5 months were greatly blessed too!!!

The Second Half of the Celebration

2008-12-06T18:50:00.000-08:00

Just before Thanksgiving Day, most of the Rudd clan (minus the Andrew Rudds from Ohio who were keeping close to Lynn's dear father battling advanced lung cancer) and most of the Kirkland clan (minus Ken, Nan, Stephen and Hilda)gathered to celebrate both Thanksgiving and Dad's 90th!! It was very wild and very fun. We had 10 children--8 of whom were 7 and younger and 15 adults. Emma and Liam really missed Jaelyn and Addie!!

We ate, talked, played games and really had a special time. Dad and Mom loved every moment and I think we were actually able to get 90 cards!! Thank you all so much for helping us with that feat!! This is how it looked!!

A Life Well Lived

2008-11-19T17:56:00.000-08:00

Not everyone is able to have that said about them after living 90 years on this earth, but my daddy--Andrew George Lampiris is definitely a candidate for that phrase. November 18th started the very first day of his 91st year. We have been partying since last Friday when my sister, dad, mom and I made a treck back to the roots of my father's birthplace in Chicago IL. The time was spent visiting brothers-two still living of five, my dad being the patriarch. They in turn brought cousins, neices and nephews with them to my Uncle Fred's home where we celebrated into the late night. They had every kind of food known to man there.!!!

Dad loved it all.

Saturday morning, we met dad's brother Eddie's daughter and listened to and told lots of fun memories over a very hearty breakfast. We arrived back in Muskegon about five and kept the party going on Sunday am with a huge cake to share with all the Calvary Cafe friends. Tuesday was dinner and dominoes at the Rudd Rough Inn--although the Inn has had quite a lovely upgrade, so we may have to change the name!!

More celebrations are planned for Thanksgiving and the day after. All of our children except Andy's family (his dear father-in-love, Garry is very ill with a cancer battle and they are needed there!) and three of Nan's children and their families will be coming to wind up the very incredible celebration.

My father was born to a Greek immigrant and a very young girl named Emma Lennon who had never been outside the city limits of Chicago. He has grown into one of finest, most wise men I have known. Is he perfect??--no, but he loves the Lord and he really loves his family. His family's welfare, and closeness to God mean more to him than anything on the this earth. He comes to life when the great grandchildren are around. I thank the Lord everyday for giving him to us for all these years--he has truly helped me know what is really important in life.

On the day after his birthday, I say Thank you for dear dad for
"A Life Well Lived!"

May the Lord give you many more healthy years!!

Very Refreshing People

2008-09-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

Do you have any of these special people in your life? You know, the kind who are continually giving and never asking for anything out of you that you cannot give. Through 40 years of ministry, we have had so many of these precious servants of Jesus who are constantly ministering to us and their brothers and sisters in the body at Calvary. Jim and Barb Yates are some of the most seasoned and now they very much need our love and prayers. The first photo was taken in May when Barb was crowned 2008 Muskegon County Mother of the Year!!

Another lovely family is the Beals Family of Wolf Lake! Every year they bravely invite the whole pastoral staff with their families to a cookout that is incredibly, uniquely delicious!!! That is almost 30 people not including their own family of 6. This year was no exception---It was wonderful--thank you again so so much. I could go on and on about so many dear saints who are constantly thinking about the needs of others--maybe I will start to highlight a "servant of the week"???? :-)

The second group of photos are of the gorgeous place that we ate in--it was like the Garden of Eden.

The perfectly manicured lawn!!!

2008-09-10T06:37:00.001-07:00

2008-09-10T05:37:00.000-07:00

Twenty seven years ago in January, my dear husband rushed me to the doctor in Lansing from Perry MI, because I was having some very unusual problems. My "problem" it turned out was that I was pregnant at 35,~~~ five years after our third son Daniel and at a time that we would never have any more children!!! After laying flat in bed for three months, the pregnancy became more normal. But within those very pregnant months, we traveled from Perry MI to Huntington WV to candidate at a church there and then on to Iowa to perform the wedding of Marcia Frier and Eric Strattan on July 4th. Daniel was their "ring BEAR"--he thought.

We left Perry MI to go to that church on August 29th of 1981 and on this date, September 10th in 1981, our dear daughter Angela Joy was born. There were many funny stories surrounding the birth, but one of the funniest was to see Bill and the Doc (with a very country accent) standing beside my bed in the labor room in their suits and ties and the Doc slowly saying,

"one more push and we'll head to the delivery room" ---but one more push and Angela was here. I didn't believe them that she was a girl after having had three wonderful sons!! She has been a blessing to all of us thru these years. Thank you God and keep her walking close and relying on You ALWAYS!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Have a wonderful day my sweet daughter!!

Annual G and G Camp

2008-08-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

The New Look at Treasure Island~~~
On a perfectly beautiful day, the ground was suddenly covered with marble sized hail. Bill nor I had ever seen any thing like it in our lifetime!
A small piece of ice hail

Emma 11--at their favorite place--the local hotel pool!!
Willow 7
Explorers

The mighty grand-daddy!
New Deck on the front!

Liam 9
Addison 7

Jaelyn 9
The CATFISH
Mackinaw Bay View

Great-great granfather Ed Rudd's two brothers:
Mike and Gordon Rudd

Workout after the ice cream!

Nightly Ice Cream Parlor!
Sloppy Ice Cream Gazebo

Up for the JUMP

THE JUMP
The Rock Dock Builders
Exploring

Finished Dock

Part of the Big Rock that has been newly found after many years.
Tough Paddle Boys
The New Look

Just one week ago we returned from our annual G and G Camp (granny and gramps) --- The weather was wonderful, the five oldest grandchildren were spectacular and God was so good and kind to us as always. Girls slept upstairs, boys in the bunk room--We studied Creation, Fall, Redemption Restoration for nightime and you can see what we did all day for three glorious days!!!

For Better or Worse........

2008-07-21T18:25:00.001-07:00

Sixty-three years ago today Andrew George Lampiris and Marjorie Elizabeth Curtis were united in Holy Matrimony in front of the same parlor windows that Ethel Leona Pearce and Wilbert Curtis had exchanged their vows.
July 21, 1945--the Second World War was just about ending and Andy and Margie met in the USO in Sault Ste Marie, MI where Margie played the piano for the soldiers and sailors guarding the Soo Locks.
Andy, however was not guarding the Soo
Locks!! After serving five years in the Pacific in New Guinea and Australia, he was sent to Miami for two weeks of R&R. In February, after that short vacation, he was sent back to Chicago where he was placed in charge of prisoners of war from both Japan and Germany. They boarded these prisoners onto trucks and trains and took them up the Wisconsin coast to the Upper Penninsula of MI to a Prisoner of War Camp in Raco, MI. Almost noone in the area even realized that they were housing prisoners right down the road from their rural farms.
When Andy came into the Soo, and walked into the USO where Margie was serving cookies, she almost immediately whispered to her girlfriend,"He's the one --I'm going to marry that man." They were an unlikely pair--- They really came from different worlds--He was a Catholic from Chicago and she was a Presbyterian from Dafter, MI--a very small farming area outside of the Soo.
But they were very much in love and by July of that same year they were married. Margie finished her time working at the Soo Locks Tower and Andy was released from the Army after 6 years of service. They moved to Chicago and had to live with his parents for two years before they could find an apartment.

This is the house we bought when I was five years old. This is my brother Andy at age 5 1/2, I was almost 8 and my sister Nancy was born that year in October--1954.

My parents first Christmas in 1945---Chicago.
Every summer, my dear dad put my brother and sister, mom and myself on a train and we went to stay on the farm for about 6 weeks. He stayed back in the hot city and worked for us!!

I think this is about 10 years ago at their home in Florida. My sister Nan and myself.

They have not only been kind loving parents, but they have made choices to love each other till death do us part!!!

I love them both and thank the Lord for giving them to me!!!

Happy Anniversary to you.......................................................

The Sea of Gallilee?????

2008-07-18T06:26:00.000-07:00

Summer is flying by so very quickly and it is my very favorite time of year. I am happy to wake to birds singing and sunshine pouring in the window!! Yesterday our dear friends of 36 years came for 24 hours from China!!

They have been there almost 10 years and they are our age. They are definitely not in the track for accumulating wealth and stuff. There eyes are looking at very needy people. Pray for them--if you read this Don and Shirley Emerson. They are celebrating their 40th anniversary tomorrow!!

Sunday we were scheduled to have a 46 person baptism at 10:30 at the lake. At about 7:30 Jonathan called from the beach saying the tents would not stay up and sand was blowing everywhere--could Bill please hurry and come because there were a lot of Eyores there and he needed some positive voices!! The sound and set up guys had worked so hard, but we had forgotten to pray about the wind!! The sun was beautiful and warm, but the white caps were strong and high! The Lord took care of everything--it was fantastic to see those dear parts of the family show publically that they wanted to walk with Jesus. Pray for them--God knows who they are. I really felt like we were on the shore where Jesus taught on the Sea of Gallilee. When we were in Israel, we got to be there and even go out in a boat where Bill was able to speak in the same place that Jesus had been--what an awesome privilege!! The people sitting around Lake Michigan looked like I picture those incredible times with Jesus. Only Gallilee had a lot of stones and rocks and we had lucious sand--everywhere!!!

Two of those baptized, were Emma and Liam and they got to be baptized by their dad, David. I am very thankful for each of our precious children and grandchildren. I know that I have no greater joy in life but to see them walk in Truth. And in this day of confusion--I am even more thankful for Jesus who said He was the Way the Truth and the Life!!! He is definitely my Life and Strength!!! I love Him more than paper can hold!!!

We could not make life without Him!!

A Happier Summer

2008-07-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

July is moving so quickly--it almost seems impossible!! At this time last year our year of grief was just starting and we had no idea of how sad it would become. The tears and pain come less frequently, but some of what has occurred is still so incomprehensible!! But this is a new year of my life--the 62nd!!! Wow how very old.

This last week has been wonderful for us with all 22 of our family with us!! Andy and Lynn leave at 5 in the morning for North Canton --Lynn is very anxious to see her very ill father--Garry. He is one of the dearest most faithful men of Jesus that I know. He is battling lung and thyroid cancer.

Some of the fun things we enjoyed together were 3 birthdays Katie, Liam and myself, the fourth of July, lots of swimming, fireworks with a great view and just being together with 10 cousins. Bill and I are incredibly blessed by our dear Lord. Our children, like us are far from perfect, but they are so so special and we love them dearly!!! In photos it went like this.....

Sophie Arrives!!!

2008-03-29T19:03:00.000-07:00

It has been almost 9 months since I have been able to write anything here that the world could actually view. It has probably been the hardest 9 months of my life. Lifelong friends--many I have loved as my family-- have so very sadly left us and many without even any sadness or goodbyes. It has been unbearably painful and almost contagious or hysterical--but I am learning to put it in perspective--I am not dead, nor am I in a wheelchair, I have not had a child die and my dear elderly parents are with me. I have the greatest husband on the earth ,8 wonderful children and "almost" in law children and now yesterday our 8th precious grand-daughter was born. Sophia Marie Elise Corbin weighed in at 6# 9 oz about 11 days earlier than programed. A very quick and safe delivery and mother and baby were doing well when I left the hospital at about 2:00 today. We are so grateful to the dear Lord for his mercy and love to us--shown immensely through His dear people at Calvary and in our family. I have not been able to write here for so long, but I felt free tonight and thought I would give it a try. If we let people's words or opinions about us paralyze us with grief and sadness, then what use are we for the Kingdom--right? I am still praying that these dear ones will change their thought patterns--I love them dearly--it is better to think optimistically, right???

Very few people will ever read this, but to those of you who have refused to believe some peoples' harsh judgments and criticisms, we thank you for that. We love you and are praying that God will bring great blessing on you. God is the one who sees our hearts and knows the motives of why we do anything in our lives. He is the one who will be the Judge of each of us. I am so thankful for that, even though it can be so painful to have others judge us and create thoughts in their minds and then finally believe that what they think is actually a reality. I am sure we all do this at times, but it is something (one of my many sins) I am really trying to avoid after all this sadness. I really want to let God be the judge of everyone!

After all of that would you like to see our precious Sophia?? I guess she is at the top of this page!

God has been so good through these nine months--His mercy is everlasting and his love limitless--even in the midst of suffering. I Peter has been such a great encouragement. I love the Book!!! I feel as though I am writing a letter, so I will close with I love you too---Good Night!

Image VS. Substance

2007-08-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

I do believe that July of this year has been one of most bitter-sweet I have ever experienced. My birthday was surely the worst I have ever had--the sadness was more than I can talk about. Not that I want to quit celebrating birthdays--I am grateful to God for each new year He gives --getting older is wonderful to me!!!--except the "no gymnatics" part. I would love to do flips with Emma, but I know that would not be a smart move.

In the middle of all this sadness, I sometimes feel like people all around me are living as if they are "on a drama stage" --not realizing that they are real live people. The contrast of IMAGE versus SUBSTANCE keeps pouring through my mind. We are all so driven by this greedy culture. Our county is so controlled by night time and daytime Soaps on TV, what is done in the movies and what is advertized for us to have to be happy on the TV and in other media--and we seem to think that those "IMAGE" people are real humans--living real lives. It frightens me that many younger people are building NO Character or Substance into their lives. So much is so very shallow. This seems to be "final result" of MY generations' "ME FIRST ATTITUDE" --- "What will I Get out of this?" An indoctrination that we have all lived with for 40+ years in our Western society. It seems to be exponentially ( I don't that is spelled correctly) rolling along and hitting it's peak. I'm not sure all of us--including me--are really concentrating on Loving God and Loving Others--it's really all about ME. True LOVING is so much more about GIVING than most of us can comprehend. What would we do without Jesus' example!!??

Those of you who are reading this, undoubtedly know me, or you wouldn't be bothering to read this. Please be assured that I am praying constantly for YOU that you won't allow the society we live in to squeeze you into its' selfish mold. I hope you will pray that for me too.--Please, God spare us from our own selfishness.

This building project that we are working on is amazing and just keeps on growing. Right now we are looking directly in the garage from the place where our dining room table usually sits. The walls all had to be taken out!! Today the electrician-started in with "YOU NEED this --this and this." He insisted we put in undercounter lighting for the cupboards. That was the limit in my mind. I said "we can feed two kids for a year for the cost of that--NO WAY!" It's so so easy to just keep looking at the grass on the other side of the fence and think that it is so much sweeter!!! A LIE from the PIT! There is usually no grass--let alone healthier grass!

I know YOU won't be fooled.....:-)

On the "sweet side" of the bitter/sweet---We have had a wonderful time with our children , grandchildren and extended family this month.

Many fun times at the pool. Andy and Daniel were working on an independent film for 2 weeks, so Lynn was the chief childcare person. I think there were lots of parties at our house while we were gone on vacation.

Bill and I had about ten days at the cabin and then travelled with my parents to Florida for my nephew Stephen's wedding on my parents 62nd wedding anniversary.

Our nephew Nicolas also got engaged to Rebecca and a wedding is planned for December before my sister Nan and her husband Ken go back to Antigua in January. Stephen married Hilda who is Hispanic and they did some fun interesting traditions at the wedding. Like a lasso at the altar.!!

After the celebrations we took a very relaxing ride out into the Gulf of Mexico from Tarpon Springs. We took mom and dad there for a Greek dinner for their anniversary, but ended up at a very American restaurant!

I am so grateful to our dear Lord that He gives us peace in the midst of chaos--only He can do that!

There were many other tales this month, but I know you are already exhausted!!!

2007-06-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

God Gave us three beautiful days to enjoy His blessing of an amazing family!!

We are Partied OUT

2007-06-14T18:11:00.001-07:00

For our 40th Anniversary, our wonderful thoughtful grownup children took us to a very big lovely lodge in the woods near Traverse City. 17 of us ate, talked, sang,swam, played and totally enjoyed each other for 3 fun packed days. On Sunday afternoon, they took us to a very secluded restaurant on the east Traverse Bay, where everyone took turns keeping the twins and Maya happy after dinner. We never would have guessed that they would plan anything so elaborate. They refused to let us cook, clean or help in any way--it was incredibly relaxing for us and very sacrificial for all of them in every way. I love you all!!

A Party Day

2007-06-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

When Emma was very small I used to take her in the car and tell her we were going to have a "party in the car". Everyone loves parties, don't we. This day has surely been a party day for us. Liam started us out by finishing his soccer season undefeated!! His coach, David, told the team that not very many people ever get to be on a team that was undefeated for the whole season. His coaching really has made difference in the way they played this year. Great-grandpa Andy was able to come today despite the very muggy weather. He loves watching and is coaching them all the time. When he was young, in the 1920's he played soccer on a team in Chicago with a bunch of Swedish immigrants. I asked if he could understand them and he said they all spoke English. I am really surprised that soccer was here in the US that early.

From the soccer game we proceeded to drop off Grandpa Andy, run home, work on sermons, clean the pool and get ready for Sunday. Then off to Shannon's open house--Then to Kelly Corbin's wedding where Maya was the flowergirl. She was pulled down the aisle and it went well. You may recognize the officiant and 3 of our four beautiful daughters!!! Lynn is missing! :-( Maya and her momma had a great time.

We concluded the day with another open house--back for the reception dinner--and one final open house.. Now it's time for bed, cause Sunday is coming!! It is a busy but wonderful day to remind us of our dear Lord's coming back to life from the dead. He is RISEN INDEED!~!!

We are so EXCITED

2007-06-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

In just 9 days, Bill and I will have been married for 40 years!! But in just 7 or so days, we will get to see our two sweet grandchildren who live way way to far away. Our very thoughtful children are taking us all to a chalet in the woods near Traverse City for three days starting the 8th. Jaelyn and Addie hopefully will be coming soon and then we will have a few more days with them after our time at the chalet when Bill and I will take the four oldest up to our family cabin in Cedarville MI. We will be packing every minute with as much fun as we can. I am so so lonesome for these sweethearts. I am so very blessed to have so many of the family so close. God is merciful to me--his mercies are new every morning.

I am hoping their dad is going to bring us some videos of their soccer games--and we should hear all about the end of the year activities at school!!! I am so excited!!

Miss Maya the Flowergirl

2007-06-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

I think she is saying--"I'm really trying!!"

8:30 pm Friday night

We just had a panic cry from Ryan and Ang to ask if we could please come and pick up Maya at the downtown Holiday Inn. Maya is going to be the flowergirl in her aunt Kelly's wedding tomorrow and the rehearsal was a little too grueling for her, so she asked to come to Bampa and Go Go's house. Bampa is up putting her to bed and her parents will pick her up later. She is wearing a dress made from the wedding gown of her grandma Sue Corbin. We have been coaxing her to walk down the aisle, but I believe she will be pulled down in a lovely wagon by the ringbearer.Ang can let you know how it goes.

The Red Caboose Boys

2007-06-01T17:24:00.000-07:00

For almost 33 years we have had a favorite book in our home called The Little Red Caboose Always Goes Last. Do any of you recall it?? When David was under 2 years old, he would sit in the Otolaryngologist's (sp?)office and very convincingly pretend to read the book loudly--word for word. People would ask me if he could really read it!! We have continued to read it to all of our little grandchildren and have gotten each family a copy of it for themselves.

Isaac and Will are now enthralled with it and Maya is starting to get excited about it. The original book is very large--about 24"X 14" , so it really keeps their attention. Every--usually--we keep Isaac and Will from Tues night at 7--to Wed morning just before lunch. We try to do field trips with them and last week we took them to the Little Red Caboose in Muskegon. Need I say --they were thrilled, but even more thrilled with the big lake freighter they saw right accross the street. They were also frightened last Tuesday night by the barage of very large jets we had going over our house. They usually love them and start yelling "airplane, airplane". The airport has also been one of our fieldtrips. They are a handful but very fun--Daniel and Andrea are doing a great job with them!!

2007-06-01T17:19:00.001-07:00

Mommaglo is alive..............

Hello, I am alive!

Wow it has been almost two years since I have hit this blog. I first created it to journal a little of some of my personal thoughts--then I realized "what are you thinking woman???, do you really want the whole world to know your most intimate thoughts???" Today, however I decided I would start using this great space to let anyone who wants to, get to know the incredible family that Jesus has blessed me with. I will start today with Emma and Liam, since they just had their last day of school today and were honored for some of their accomplishments in this morning's assembly. Liam was given the character quality of "Faith" and given some very high awards for his fitness level and for the fact that he had run 30 MILES!!! I am amazed. Emma made ALL A's this year with her very busy schedule, plus was awarded special awards for her fitness level also. She did 52 push-ups non-stop. Her character quality was "Self-control" I suppose that is why she was able to do all those push-ups.

Since they have just had their last day at school, I am hoping to get to see them more. Liam finishes soccer on Saturday and his team is undefeated--His dad is the coach. They are fun to watch--it's not such a big field to run on. That used to worry me so much when my sons had to run so so hard!!

Emma has a dance recital on the weekend of the 14,15,16th that we will get to attend. She just finished her gynastics season and was INCREDIBLE. I can't believe she does what she does!! My other 5 wonderful grandchildren will be featured soon--They are all incredible.
Labels: grandkids 1

Off to the Hill Tribes

2006-01-19T12:37:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow morning we leave for the hill tribe country of Thailand. I am almost 60 years old and never dreamed I would be feeling like Indiana Jones at this point of my life. What an incredible privilege we have to share the Word of God with these precious gentle people. They have no idea of the crazy, materialistic life we live in our beautiful country and they have very little hope and comfort that we get constantly from out wonderful Lord because they know so very little about Him and what He has taught us. It is so good to think about the rudiments of our faith and again realize what an incredible God we serve. He has been so intentional about the whole history of man and yet we still don't trust Him about such small problems of our life. It has been very encouraging for me to think through all this. I am just pray that their ears, hearts and minds will be able to comprehend what the Lord wants them to. If you are reading this and understand what I am saying--please pray for us--we desperately need God's Holy Spirit to be controlling all of us.

If my children are reading this--I love you all so so much. Remember what I always ask you to promise??You are loved and prayed for constantly.
Mommaglo

having your soul fixed

2006-01-17T17:07:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been incredibly relieved to have your soul back? Tonight I am a free woman--after doing something so horrible and insensitive--something that I hate someone else doing to me. It took my sweet friend and daughter to help me even see what was happening.
I feel like my shoulders are not heavy, that I have been thru a wonderful shower of sweet smelling gardinias. God is so wonderful to forgive us every day of our lives--at least He has to do that for me, because i alway seem to need it.
I am about to mount up on wings like eagles so I better take some of that energy and keep packing for Thailand. If you read this--please pray for us.!!

no one knows i am here

2006-01-16T07:17:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 07, 2005

noone knows i'm here!!
One of my most important needs is to have a time where no one knows where I am or is telling me what to do. I realize that this is a great display of my independent nature--but I really do need that time and this will be the perfect place to get it--because noone knows I'm here on line :-). Having privacy is one of the reasons we bought this house 16 1/2 years ago. It had a totally fenced in backyard with a pool . The pool we had prayed for for about 20 years and the fence to breathe behind was very appreciated. The fence is now gone--it had been made from someone's barn wood--was very worn out even though we had painted and stained it MANY times. In it's place is a new fence that my dear children helped my husband to put up. It's one of the reasons I don't want to sell this house. I want my grandchildren to play safely behind this fence--away from the pool if they cannot swim yet.I can think of many reasons I do want to sell this house, but after seeing where my dear sister is living, I vowed I would never complain about my house again--then on the planeride back from the Carribbean Cruise, I added a whole addition to the back of the house!!! Sorry, Lord!

2006-01-16T06:50:00.000-08:00

Only four more days and we are going to the other side of the world to teach the wonderful Word of God to people who cannot read or write but are hungry to hear about the Savior they are thankful for. I feel that many of these people live in the "uttermost parts of the world"!! It is extremely primitive. We are so priviledged to have this opportunity to love them in many ways--but it is so frightening to me to feel that I have this great mission but am so so inadequate for the job. Joan and I are going to have to teach thru 2 interpretors--English to Thai to Acka. We need the dear Holy Spirit of God to take the words we say and make them understandable to these young believers.

We are also teaching 70 children at night--I have found some great stories and I think we may only need one interpretor for them because they learn to speak Thai in their schools. We have all kinds of fun presents we are bringing them, but they need so much--at least according to our living standards they need so much more.
We will be in Bankok, Chaingmai and Chaingrai Thailand for 10 days. Besides the teaching, we will be able to visit 2 orphanages with some gifts and see if any of these children are adoptable. If you are reading this and I doubt that many can or will because "no one knows I am here"??---please pray for us.

we are almost snowed in

2005-12-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

It is breath-takingly beautiful outside this am. I took photos of the back property to send to mom and dad. I am so afraid it's going to be so cold for Dad here, but I want them closer knowing the fragility of Daddy. He is going today to the heart Doc because his legs are swelling quite a bit. They have lightened his activity at his heart rehab--he wouldn't tell then how very tired it was making him. It is so hard for him to be inactive.

I am realizing more and more what a great loss we have all experienced in not having my dear mother Linda praying constantly for all of us. With this many people it seems like it could take your whole day just to pray for each child and grandchild. They are so incredible ---all of them-someone told me the other day that all of my family were "perfect"!!!! If they only knew that all of us struggle with many things.

Lynn is feeling the terrible loss of a young person's violent death today. It makes me once again remember how important it is to know Christ. I pray the boy did--how very very sad for his family and school friends. She had just helped him write a paper on gangs---they are suspecting that this death was gang related. Wish I could work with kids in some kind of place like Teen Challenge. We had such an opportunity when we were on Clinton, but never could take it.

This is the slowest day I have had for weeks, I hoped to get Emma and Liam today, but a snow day was not called. I have to finish up the shopping and pray lots for the program and the people in it. I know they are exhausted!! Hope I can find this blog next time!!

a very long day

2005-11-29T17:20:00.000-08:00

God is so so good--it's like He helps me to float thru the day when I feel like a can't take one more step. Today was a major clean up day after having 17 people in the house for about 5 days. We had such a great time though. I miss them--If I could just hire a cook and housekeeper I could do this all the time.
Only 5 more days and Angels Aware will be done!! God has given such incredible help--they are so organized and willing--their attitudes are incredible and they are such lovely women. I am so humbled by and proud of them.
My dear sister seems to be doing well-- they will move into the very small--but very clean apartment under their present home for 6 months and then see where they are. It is a big answer to prayer for me. I love her so much !!
God is my Refuge and Help--a very present help in time of need--