Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Seasons














This was taken last Thursday evening, down the road.
Yesterday it was cold and rainy out, and this morning the rain woke me up again.
I don't mind being woken up by the weather, but yesterday sure had twinges of autumn in it.
Micah is moving home Sunday because his classes start on Monday.

I really don't think I'm ready for fall to begin.
After all, I still have to do the spring cleaning on the garage.


Saturday, August 20, 2016

Saturday in the Office

...is a normal thing for me, especially when it's been a full week.

Last week with its funerals and all boards meetings, with its company visiting and weekend milestone parties we got to attend, well that was one crazy week.

This week there are visits and Spiritual Direction offered. A church wiener roast and a wedding anniversary to celebrate. But mostly I think this week has been about restoration and sabbath after last week.

I've been told, by people who love me, that I work too hard. That I put too much into the things that I do. That's a fair judgement I think. There is a part of me that loves the hard seasons. Probably in warped ways, I feel fulfilled when I am busy working.  Again in warped ways (I think) sometimes days off just slow me down and I mentally circle the tower until I can get back to work the next day.

It's also the season of life we are in now. Kids are gone so there is much more time available and I can do with it what I like, and it seems I like work.

But thankfully I really enjoy the days off after a tough and busy season. I really do live into the rest days then.

So today I am in the office, trying to sort out my words for tomorrow. Monday we will rest again. Maybe start to talk about our holiday time, yet to be enjoyed this year.


Aging and life changes and work and rest, constantly seem to need attention. Constantly need adjustments as we go. So you never have it figured out with a sense of finality it seems.

The constant in my life is love. Lauralea and our kids and their kids. Family.  Big loves there.

I love these people I serve and care for here in this field.  I love this place and these people with all their challenges and needs.  The older, tired ones, the sick ones, the driven ones, the young ones, the little ones who come up to me at church wiener roasts and boldly state, "You're my pastor at church, I'm in grade two..."  and the ones too uncertain of things so they write me emails with deep life questions. I love that.

And though I don't want it ever to sound cliche, God. Our connection grows with each year. I love who we are becoming together. I love more and more that we will have eternity to share together. I so look forward to that.

Usually on my birthday I'll take a good chunk of the day for prayer and maybe fasting and He and I will just spend time together. But this year I was able to celebrate it with the most beautiful granddaughters that ever lived (To date!)

But during the day He (God) offered me his blessing on my family if I wanted it. Just like that. Because He loves me.  I thought He had blessed lots already, but my reply was yes, please bless them all. More and more and more.

And when you serve a God of love like that who gives birthday gifts like that, what's not to love?












Friday, August 05, 2016

My Birthday Party


Turning 53

Well, turning 53 hasn't been too bad so far!
I get to celebrate it with the granddaughters this year and thats gift enough. :)








Monday, August 01, 2016

Little Rebekah

Rebekah Joy
Another grandchild, gift of God.