Looking back. . .

At the end of this another Mother's Day, I smile at the fact there was time for two special gatherings.  The first was at the home of my mother-in-law and included a great meal with 6 of her 10 children present, as well as a few grandchildren and great grandchildren, too.  About mid-afternoon our son joined us as we drove the hour to Williston to be with our daughter and her family.  We checked out the new "Culvers" restaurant and enjoyed being together.  It has been a good day, yet would not be complete without a tribute to the one I called, "Mom".  Instead of writing something new this year, I am sharing some writings from the past.  What a blessing she was in my life!

 

05/10/08 Memories Of Mom

It's that special time of year when our attention turns to those who answer to the name of “Mom”. My own role in that capacity began just over 29 years ago with the birth of our daughter, Rebekah. Three years later our son, Ryan, came into the picture. Back then, my mother lived close by, helping me get used to the role and providing an excellent example to follow. What we didn't know then was how short a time we would have her with us. God took her from this life at the age of 68, leaving a void I am especially reminded of when Mother's Day rolls around each year.

Just this week I came across a Bible presented to her by her own mother at the time she was a sophomore in high school. As I looked through the pages, I noticed there were various verses highlighted. It was interesting to find many of the passages are among my favorites, as well. Romans 8:28 was one of the passages. It reads, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose”. Having lost her father at the age of eleven, and her only sister when she was sixteen, this verse likely gave her the assurance of the fact, even in the hard times of our lives, God is present and working. It is a lesson I have clung to often in my life, even when God took Mom from us so unexpectedly. 

Another passage, Psalm 121, had markings by the words, “My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth” and “The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil; he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” Years after her death, these verses would be ones her granddaughter would choose to teach her little boy at a time he was frightened. What a blessing to see how God's Word remains constant and true through the years.

As you approach Mother's Day, take time to remember your mom. If she is close by, make time for a visit and an extra hug. If she lives far away, be sure to call and let her know how special she is. If you are like me, and Mom has moved on to a new life, take the opportunity to thank God for the years you were given with her. Although she may be gone from this life, think of her as a part of the “great host of witnesses” cheering you on. Know as she does, she looks forward to the day you will once again be together.

 

******************************************************************************************************************************

 

05/12/12 Happy Mother's Day!

Once a year a special day rolls around, bringing with it a mixture of emotions. Mother's Day means celebrating the fact there are two people in this world who call me “Mom”. My husband and I were blessed to have first a daughter and then a son. Lots of memories come to mind, and it's fun to page through the photo albums documenting them. Today we were able to gather as a family, to which our son-in-law, two grandsons and a granddaughter have been added. We are counting down the days to the arrival of grandbaby #4, and our daughter indicated she thought Mother's Day would be a fine day to have a baby. Although the official due date isn't until May 31, anyone who is a mother can relate to those cumbersome last few weeks of a pregnancy.

At the same time we are basking in the joy of being family, my mind wanders to another time and another place when I was a little girl and another woman was “Mommy”. I see myself sitting on a stool at the end of the kitchen counter, “helping” with the baking projects. Other times the same stool was my perch while Mom patiently combed the tangles out of my long hair. Inch by inch she would tenderly separate a section and gently comb it smooth. This, in turn, makes we wonder just how many times her fingers worked their magic in forming a long braid on either side of my head before sending me off to school or out to play. Growing up on a farm gave me lots of opportunity to explore and stretch my imagination, and Mom was always there to cheer me on.

As others talk about what to get their mothers, I'm reminded it has been over 20 years since I've had the opportunity to celebrate Mother's Day with mine. God took her home in 1992 at the age of 68. In my opinion, this was far too young, but someday I'm sure He will be able to explain how it fit into His divine plan. I'm thankful my mother planted in me a faith which looks forward to one day being reunited with her in a heavenly realm far beyond this life as we know it here on earth. Somehow I can picture her being able to watch as our lives unfold, and sense she can still hear when I need to talk something out or quietly express, “I love you, Mom!” and “Thanks for all you did for me over the years!”

Tomorrow I will thank God for the mother He gave me. At the same time I will thank Him for the children who are the reason I can claim the title for myself. With the role comes many challenges, but far more blessings. I will remember the advice of a mother who claimed every day was a new opportunity to ask Jesus into your life, and seek to live, as she did, daily for Him. “Happy Mother's Day, Mom!”

 

*****************************************************************************************************************************

 

05/11/13 Bittersweet

Once a year it rolls around, and once again the feelings rage battle in my soul. For over twenty years now I've had to celebrate Mother's Day without having a mother to hug, call, or buy a gift and card for. While others are struggling to figure out what to get their mother, I can only wish mine were here so I could have the privilege once again. The best I can do is look at pictures and remember the wonderful woman she was, and the
amazing impact her life had on mine.

 

She was only 68 when God took her from us, and looking back, there are so many questions I could have asked about her life. At the time, however, I was busy raising my own children, and the opportunity never seemed to present itself. Besides, her grandmother had lived to be 101, and her mother was still going strong in her 90's. Who would have ever thought her life span would be cut so short.

 

Although she is not present in body, so often I sense her near, cheering me on when days are tough and rejoicing with me as I watch my own family grow. Planted here and there in my life are reminders of who she was. Each time I bake, I think of her as I smell the vanilla bottle. It was a ritual we went through every time I “helped” her bake as a child. I also have the aluminum containers she used for storing flour and sugar, as well as the glass juicer for doing lemons, and often wonder how many times her hands used them before they became a part of my kitchen. When I'm folding pillowcases or sewing on a button, I remember the careful way she taught me to do it “just right”. Many people have told me I look like my mom, but I especially see her in my hands. God also passed on quite a number of her features through me to my daughter, and there are times I find myself smiling as I catch a glimpse of Mom in her.
 

And so tomorrow I will enjoy the sweetness of having my children and grandchildren with me. We will enjoy time with Bert's mother and more of the family as we celebrated this day we call “Mother's Day”. If it is like most years, there will be lots of smiles and laughter, but for a few minutes I will find myself alone, wiping a tear from my eye as I think of Mom and tell her in spirit how much I still love her. One of these years, we will once again be able to celebrate together. Until then, I will thank God for the years we had together here on earth, and strive to follow the example she left me of what it is to be a godly woman.

There is a passage in the Bible which is often referred to as “The virtuous woman”. You can find it at the end of the book of Proverbs, chapter 31 and verses 10-31. Much of the description matches who my mother was, and because of this she was loved and respected by many in our community and beyond. Why God chose her to be the one to give me life, I'm not sure. It was a blessing which has helped me throughout my life, and given me the determination to be the kind of person she was. So along with my “Happy Mother's Day, Mom!” I will also say “Thank You, God, for blessing me with her!”

***********************************************************************************************************************

 05/10/14 Perspective

So often over the past week, the reminders have been there. . .special cards, bouquets of flowers and countless ideas of items one might purchase to honor your mom for Mother's Day. Although it is a special time to celebrate with my own children and grandchildren, it is also a time I find myself mourning the fact I no longer have to purchase them, as my mother left this earth at the age of 68, back in 1992.

Each year, as the day approaches, I find myself looking for other women to honor. There are two aunts remaining in my family tree. One is my dad's sister, and the other is the wife of my mother's brother. Both were a very special part of my growing up years, and continue to be mentors and friends in my life. 

Another special mom in my life is my mother-in-law, who always has enough room for one more to love. With nine of her ten children married, the family count is nearing the one hundred mark. I recently came across a letter she wrote to me following the death of my mother. She acknowledged the fact she could never replace my dear, precious mother, but assured me she would be there for me if ever I needed a “pep talk or whatever” and to let her know where she could be of help. One cannot count the number of times I have taken her up on this offer.

When thinking of special mothers, my best friend also comes to mind. Together we faced learning the ropes of motherhood, and now we are both blessed to be grandmothers. Although she lives in the next state, it is comforting to know she is only a phone call away whenever there are joys or sorrows to be shared.

Today, as I was once again thinking of my own mother, it came to mind how young I was at the time of her unexpected death. She died four days after an aneurysm in her brain burst. Doing the math, I was only 35 when she passed away. Interestingly, this is the age my daughter is now. A little more math, and I determined my mother was 33 at the time I was born, which is my son's current age. It gave me a new perspective on her life, as I considered it in relation to the present ages of my own children.

Why is it some lives are cut short and others, like my grandmother and great grandmother, are allowed to extend past the century mark? At the time of my mother's death, I found myself asking the question “Why?” repeatedly and often. At the same time, it was my mother who had raised me to walk in faith with God and to live by the words of the Bible. Therefore, who was I to question His sovereignty and the span of life given her? Psalm 139:16 reminded me all the days planned for her were written in God's book before even one of them came to be.

A song which gave me comfort during the days following my mother's death is one entitled, “When Answers Aren't Enough”. It was written by Scott Wesley Brown and Greg Nelson. To this day, I like to share the words with people who have experienced a sudden and unexpected loss. Perhaps they are words you can use today, or tuck them away for a point in time they will speak to your heart. Meanwhile, if your mother is still with you, be sure to let her know how special she is and how much she is loved. As for me, I will be asking Jesus to deliver my Mother's Day love!

You have faced the mountains of desperation, you have climbed, you have fought, you have won.

But this valley that lies coldly before you, casts a shadow you cannot overcome.

And just when you think you had it all together, you knew ev'ry verse to get you through,

But this time all the sorrow broke more than just your heart, and reciting all those verses just won't do.

When answers aren't enough, there is Jesus.

He is more than just an answer to your prayer.

And your heart will find a safe and peaceful refuge.

When answers aren't enough, He is there.

Instead of asking, “Why did it happen?”

Think of where it could lead you from here.

And as your pain is slowly easin', you can find a greater reason

To live your life triumphant through the tears.

When answers aren't enough, there is Jesus.

He is more than just an answer to your prayer.

And your heart will find a safe and peaceful refuge.

When answers aren't enough, He is there.

 

 

 

The Broken Shells

Earlier this week my friend sent me a link through Facebook telling about a writing contest being sponsored by a radio station.  She encouraged me to enter, and so it was I found myself scrolling through some of the writings I've done in the past.  Since the theme of the writing was to be "grace", one entitled "The Broken Shells" caught my attention.

The writing fit the theme requirement, but wasn't quite long enough.  With a little expanding on the original writing, the word count was up to the necessary length and my submission was made.  According to the rules, the original group of winners would be determined by popular vote on an online posting, with the finalists being judged by a qualified panel of judges.  Winners will receive time with an acquisition editor from Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group.

It has always been my desire to have some of my writings published, and yet the countless options out there overwhelm my brain.  Could this be a way God will use to help me out in the process?  Only He knows and it is in His hands I place the outcome!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Should you like to be a part of the voting process, simply follow this link to read and vote for my contest submission:

http://myfaithradio.com/2015/the-broken-shells/

Feeling At Home

As we prepare to leave our "home away from home", it has brought joy to my heart to once again see how lovingly God worked to provide me with a place filled with reminders of Crosby and the special people in my life. 

Much as I enjoy a "comfy chair" in our living room in Crosby, there has been an equally comfortable one here in Bismarck.  Although it lacks the benefit of being a recliner, it worked just fine when I needed a place to curl up and escape the bustle of the world.  I didn't even have to get used to a new color!

When it came time to retire into the bedroom, there was another uncanny similarity between the look at home and the new one.  Not only was the dark pine headboard a common thread, but also the green and rose colored theme of the bedspreads.  On the round table next to the bed a Jim Shore lamp was there to remind me of my sister, who has a collection of his work.



 

Other indications of the fact our tastes were similar included the use of ivy greenery.  Back in Crosby it adorns the space above my living room curtains.  In Bismarck it was found surrounding a mirror in the living room, as well as above the bathroom mirrors.



 

 

 

 

 The poem on a wall hanging was similar to the one which graces the door of my refrigerator:

 

 



What more could there be to remind me of home?  Special things with a connection to special people:

Afghans similar to the ones my mother made were right inside the door. 

 

 

Hummingbirds and butterflies to remind me of my dear Aunt Mabel

 

 

A wreath made of cups and saucers. . .a reminder of my grandmother and mom who both had collections.

 

 

Seeing a deer makes me think of my dad, who not only was a deer hunter, but also one who cared for and raised a fawn left deserted in the field one year.

 

 

A lantern very similar to this one once belonged to my grandmother and is now a part of my treasures.

 

 

This unique wall hanging is made with vintage metal shoe stretchers.  Seeing them reminded me of stories my grandmother would tell of her father being a cobbler in Norway.

 

 

 

 Hanging in the patio door window were several reminders of home. . .an eagle like my father-in-law used to collect, a crocheted doily in a ring similar to one which hung in our bedroom window for years, and a gold leaf like the one my mother brought back from one of her Alaska trips.

      Good reminders everywhere!

Soon it will be time to say good-bye to all these special things, but thoughts of them will always be a reminder of how much God cares for each one of His children.  Yes, He cared enough to surround me with special things, but better yet, He sent His one and only Son to die on a cross for the forgiveness of my sins. . .and yours, too.  This wooden plaque spells out the same reminder as a plastic canvas one does in our TV room back home:  

 

JESUS. . .do you see Him and recognize Him in your life?   

How often do we focus on the wrong things and not see Him at all?

Open your eyes to see Him at work in your life today! 

 



 

Paths of Friendship

The term "friend" can be used in a variety of ways.  In some cases it reflects a relationship which has carried from childhood and through the years.  Such is the case with many of my dearest friends.  Even when we haven't seen each other in months, or even years, the connection is sweet and we can pick up right where we left off.

Family connections also grow into friendships, with some being extra special because of a lifetime of experiences shared.  Sometimes we are blessed to live in the same community as these special people, and other times the trip down friendship road requires many miles of travel time.     

On FaceBook, a "friend" is someone who has gained access to your personal information by way of a request.  This person could be a long time friend, an acquaintance from your hometown, or even someone you have never met in person who has found a connection to your profile.  It isn't the same as face-to-face friendship, but serves a purpose in this whirlwind world we live in.

An extra special kind of friendship is one which God brings into your life for a season of time.  Such was the case with my dear friend, Louise.  Although I had always known who she was, I really didn't know her in a personal way.  She was the hard working lady who always wore an "Aunt Jemima" style head scarf.  Little did I know how much she would impact my life over the short two year span bridged between my retirement and her death.

It began with her friendly wave as I walked past her Main Street apartment.  Since the building had previously been an attorney's office, it still had the full length glass door in front.  From the vantage point of her cozy recliner, she was able to watch the comings and goings of people passing by, and loved when people stopped to visit.  How thankful I am for the first time I did. . .and each subsequent visit thereafter!

Over the course of our friendship I learned many things about her life.  She grew up on a farm and learned the value of hard work from her parents.  While her sister stayed mostly in the house helping their mother, it was she who helped her dad with the chores.  She walked to school, or in the winter got to ride curled up in blankets in the horse drawn sleigh.  The country church in their neighborhood had closed many years ago, yet it was important to have all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren baptized in the font which had originally been donated by her family.

As she grew up, work needs led her to help with neighboring families and then on to work in the cafe in a nearby town.  Eventually she moved on to new opportunities in the "bigger community" nearby, which was our own hometown of Crosby, ND.  Her work began at the "Palace of Sweets" and then moved across the street to the "Crystal Cafe".  Eventually she married and had four children, first two boys, then a daughter and lastly another son.  While managing her own home, she continued to help out wherever needed, moving from cafe work to bar tending to school lunchroom, and eventually on to our local nursing home as a meal assistant.  When rules changed requiring a CNA certification to do the work, she went back to school and passed the test at the age of 80.

It became a pattern in my life to try stop in for a visit most days.  She was a wealth of knowledge and could remember the names of most people who had ever walked the streets of our community.  She knew who they married, who their kids were, plus, should they move away, would keep track of where they moved to and what they were doing.  She had a knack for remembering birthdays, even though she never wanted to reveal her own age.  Thankfully, we were able to surprise her last summer with a special gathering in honor of her 90th birthday.

Our visits included reminiscing about the past, discussing the here and now and often wondering about the future.  We agreed it would be beneficial to return to a simpler lifestyle and both longed for a more peaceful world.  Acknowledging it wasn't possible to change another person's heart, we agreed to do our best to spread sunshine instead of gloom, hoping our attitude might catch on.

With her admittance to the hospital in December and our move to Bismarck in January, our visits became less often, and looking back, it was as if God was preparing me for her departure from this life as we know it.  Our many visits assure me she is among those waiting to welcome me to heaven someday, and until then I will be eternally grateful for the time God allowed our paths to cross.

Taking the Wrong Road

Living in a new community is interesting, and sometimes challenging.  Although we have had family living in Bismarck for a long time and have doctored here for years, there is something about actually taking up residence which has its own style of adventure.

Take today, for instance.  The Republican Legislative Spouses group met at the Heritage Center for their weekly gathering.  What a wonderful collection of artifacts from North Dakota.  If you are ever visiting, be sure to put it on your list of places to explore.  Since it is located next to the Capitol building, there was no problem getting there.  Afterwards I had a bit of shopping to do, and had no problem navigating the drive to the mall.

Leaving the mall, however, I needed to map in my mind how to get across town to the credit union to deposit some of the money I had received for dues at the meeting.  [Yes, my banking blood came in handy when the treasurer broke a bone in her foot and needed a replacement!]  The plan was to make my way over to to "Washington" and from there head across to "Divide" which would lead me to where the credit union is located.

It was then I made one small error.  I opted to take "Main" to get to "Washington", only to discover it doesn't connect with the street, but rather is one which passes over it.  At this point, I felt I needed to get turned around and back to "Washington".  But how?  I could see the Interstate ahead, and knew I needed to turn prior to reaching it, so turned at a stoplight.  I was delighted to find myself on a road weaving along the edge of the Missouri River.

While it was a beautiful drive, there were unfortunately no roads leading off in the direction I felt I needed to go.  Finally, after thinking I had ventured much to far, I came to a street name I recognized. "Burnt Boat Drive" was a welcome sight, as it was one I remembered seeing on a previous visit to the credit union.  As it turned out, it led directly to the credit union, and I had stumbled upon a short cut with very few traffic lights. . .or perhaps a better position would be to say God led me through uncharted territory to bring me where I needed to be.

Tomorrow morning some of the Legislative spouses are beginning a Bible Study on the life of Moses.  As I thought about it tonight, this is exactly what happened in his life.  His story had many unexpected twists and turns before he finally came forth to lead God's people out of Egypt.  It makes me wonder how many times I have judged someone for their seemingly "wrong choices" when in fact it may be something God has allowed in their path to prepare them for great things in the future.  [Did you remember the part where Moses actually murdered someone?]

As it turned out, my wrong street choices taught me more than one lesson today!  First, there is a nice little river drive I can take if I ever need to get from the mall to the credit union. And second, never question the path someone might be on.  God knows better than we do the proper routes to take, and even the best way to get us back on track if we stray.

"Send me Your light and Your faithful care,

let them lead me;

let them bring me to Your holy mountain,

To the place where You dwell."

Psalm 43:3

Reflections on Week One

Looking back on our first week in Bismarck for the 2015 Legislative Session, there are several words which come to mind.  Interesting, exciting and fascinating are a few words on my list, and when asking Bert he used the words educational and invigorating.  He also commented on the people.  So many new names, faces and personalities to figure out.  What amazed me was finding out how "down to earth" the majority of them were.  Yes, we live in a great state and have a wonderful bunch of people in leadership!

It was especially comforting to find out each session is started with a prayer asking God's guidance and direction.  There is an optional Prayer Breakfast every Wednesday morning, to which this week twenty of the legislators chose to attend.  The opening session in which our governor gave his "State of the State" address, included both an invocation and benediction given by the National Guard Chaplain, as well as a musical selection called, "I Can Tell the World", sung by a local high school chorale group.

The words of the song very clearly told the basis for our blessings. . .a Lord who meets our needs and gives joy to our soul.  Refreshing might be added to my list of words!  If you would like to hear the song performed by the University of Utah Singers, you can follow this link:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDX6B1XDXtw

Naturally, I took a lot of pictures.  There are perhaps too many to share on one blog, but I wanted to include a few which captured Representative Bert Anderson during his first few days.  He admits he has much to learn, but something tells me it's going to be a fun experience for both of us!

Checking over some documents

Sharing with a fellow legislator from our district

Enjoying a good laugh

 

A "sweet spot" smile

 

The men to Bert's right are the Senator and the other Representative from our district.

Wherever we went, Bert used the "gift of gab" he inherited from his father.

Whether he was talking to a parking lot attendant or, as he was here, one

of the ND Supreme Court Justices, he found value in what they had to say.

 

He even stopped to try help a fellow legislator whose drawer was stuck!

 

Suit and tie. . .a new look for this carpenter.

 

 

An appropriate prayer graces the top of the dresser on our "home away from home".  We are making it our continued prayer as we head into Week #2!

 

 

A Different Direction

When New Years Eve rolls around, what memories surface in your life?  Time for a party?  Gathering with friends and family?  Resolutions to make, only to soon be broken?  To me, New Years brings about a longing to be with special people doing fun things.  This dates back to my high school years when New Years Eve meant gathering at someone's home for an evening of fellowship, game playing, and sharing in the countdown to midnight.  There was always plenty to eat, and Dr. Pepper would satisfy my thirst.

After marriage and moving from my Lutheran heritage into the Assembly of God church, a "new to me" tradition became a part of our lives.  It was called the "Watch Night Service".  There might be a special speaker or perhaps a film was shown.  [Movies were taboo, but a film was acceptable! : ) ]  There was always a break in the activities to allow time for food and fellowship, with the countdown to midnight focused on devoting your life more fully to the Lord.

Over time, this tradition gave way to gathering in homes for times of fellowship.  The last several years, however, the night has been rather uneventful in our world.  A quiet night at home, with maybe a movie to watch or simply "watching the ball drop" on TV.  This year, I was determined to host a gathering of friends, but somehow things went in a different direction.

Tuesday morning I received a phone call from my daughter.  Her four children had been taking turns being sick over the past month and it finally caught up with Mommy.  Was there any way I could take them for a day so she could rest?  As a mother and grandmother, my only reply was, "Of course I can!"  Daddy would take off with the kids at the same time I left our house, and we would meet at the halfway point for the exchange.  We enjoyed a busy day and a half with them before their parents came to retrieve them, arriving in time to share an evening meal together before heading home.

Looking back, I was thankful I hadn't made any definite plans to have friends over for New Years Eve.  Besides being available for the grandchildren, I also had a husband who was still dealing with a cough and cold which had moved into his sinuses.  Somehow, I do believe God knew we would need a quiet evening at home to end the year.

Today, I started the year by reading from Sarah Young's devotional, "Jesus Calling", which I received as a Christmas gift from a dear friend.  The book is written as if Jesus is talking to you, and today He assured me He has a plan for my life.  One of the Scripture references was Jeremiah 29:11.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future."

 

It is reassuring to know God has a plan.  When the plan turns out to be different than the one I had in mind, it's nice to know He is seeing a bigger picture and therefore can give better direction. 

 

How many times throughout the Bible were people's plans changed because God had a different direction for them to pursue?  Think about Joseph, whose home had just been visited by fascinating and wise men from a far off country.  He likely was thinking about the next carpentry project he needed to tackle when, out of the blue, he's headed off to Egypt with the child, Jesus and His mother, Mary.

 

The other reminder given in the "Jesus Calling" devotional has to do with maintaining a teachable spirit, one eager to be changed.  "Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year", it says.  The verse referenced is Romans 12:2.

 

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--

His good, pleasing and perfect will."

 

What does 2015 have in store?  For us, it will be filled with changes as we venture off into the world of North Dakota state politics.  Somehow, it is part of the Lord's plan, and knowing so makes the change easier to face.  Transforming and renewing are waiting in the wings.  "Lord, help me start the year with a teachable spirit!"