Companionship, Coffee, and Comfort

I must make a confession here; before starting to write this post, I decided to catch up on some other blogs. So now, I'm really not feeling very spiritual or Christ-centered, after reading the recent posts from my friend at Life and Godliness.

However, to try to redeem myself, I must tell you that the last couple of weeks I've been working on my annual Christmas letter/poem, and it always reminds me of the many blessings I've enjoyed, and especially how thankful I am for my family and good friends. I've also been concerned about the spiritual needs of my adopted daughter and her children. I was talking to her the other day, and I said, "I really want R.J. and Nyla to grasp the real meaning of Christmas". Nichole said, "Oh, they know! I asked R.J. the other day if he knew when Christmas was and he said, yes, it is in December on 2-5 (he said the numbers one at a time). Then I asked him if he knew what Christmas was. Immediately he said it is Jesus's birth." So Nichole said, I was glad that he thought about Jesus first, not Santa Claus or presents.

Now, back to my original theme for this post. Ever since last year, I have been wanting a Keurig coffee maker. I just felt it was probably an extravagance, and I didn't really need it. A couple weeks ago Nichole, who was working at Kohl's, said that she had been checking out Keurig coffee makers all day and bagging them up, because they were on sale. Well, of course by the time she told me they were no longer on sale. BUT, she said they would be on sale again the day after Thanksgiving.

Well, I have made it my policy for many years now, not to go shopping on Black Friday. But I told Lynn that the coffee makers were going to be on sale. So my best friend and companion for life, my hubby, said, why don't you get one and let it be my Christmas present to you. So at 8:00 am on Black Friday, I made my way to Kohl's. The crowds really weren't very bad by that time, as most people had gone shopping at midnight and were going home to bed. AND, they still had coffee makers left--and I had a coupon for an additional 15% off!!

I brought it home, and it was still in the box. So a couple days later, Lynn said, "when are you going to open your coffee maker?" I said that I thought it was for Christmas. He said, I don't want you to wait, you need to enjoy it now.

I just want to say, I am so very much enjoying my Keurig. I can sit in my comfy chair, read, and have a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate, all of which are ready in just one minute. It seems to please my loving companion to see me thoroughly enjoying his gift. Last night he had been working hard, and came in for a break, and I was able to make him a hot cup of tea in just one minute! What can I say--Life is good!

Finally--A Real Home!

Almost 3 years ago now, I started writing to a young woman, Nichole, who was in prison. Those of you who have followed my blog have seen posts about her from time to time. I got in contact with her grandma, Colleen, and we became good friends. I also was in contact with her 2 kids, R.J. and Nyla. Over those years, I not only wrote, but I started going to visit her about every 2-3 months. After I got to know her grandma she would go with me to see her. In the last several months before her release, I began to think of her as my "adopted daughter" and she started calling me her "adopted mom". (Her own mother has chosen to have no contact with her for over 5 years.)

Nichole was released in August, and had been staying at a sort of "half-way house" the last couple months. However, she now has a job, and as of November 7th she is now in her own apartment. She is so excited, and it's so good to see her finally getting established in her own place.

The picture above is of her living/dining area. When I first saw the empty apartment, I thought it wasn't going to be very big! But this room is actually nice size, and has good lighting, and holds all the furniture that she needs. The beautiful dining table was given to her by a friend of mine. The dining chairs (which go with the table beautifully!), along with some lamps were given to her by my sister. Four other small tables, including the bedside table by her bed were donated.

This just shows one corner of her living area with the lamp and table. That closet that you see has some wonderful shelving, so she's been able to set up a pantry in there.

Behind this partition you can see her kitchen; it is very small, but will be adequate for her. She has a stove and frig, and does have a microwave also.

I couldn't really get a good pic of the bedroom. On the wall at the foot of her bed is a really large closet with shelves. The door to the room is on the left hand side and then to the right of the door is a little alcove where she has a dresser.

She has custody of her 2 children, but they are not with her full time right now. She has them on her days off from work. But she will need to figure out child care, etc and sort of get on her feet. They are with their father the rest of the time, which is where they had been prior to her release. (I went to her place yesterday; the kids were there and Nyla was sleeping, but R.J. was so excited! He said "Grandma Donna, we have a new house!)

I could not be more proud of her, and excited for her. I don't think any of us (unless we've been there) can understand what a big adjustment it is to get used to living on the "outside" after having been in prison for so long. She has done extremely well. She goes to church with us when she's not working, and she spends a lot of time with her grandma.

It has been a blessing for me to see her progress, both in getting established with a job and a place to live, as well as seeing her growth spiritually. She has a bubbly, out-going personality, and has endeared herself to almost everyone she's met. I'm happy to be able to call her my "daughter".

Thanksgiving Thoughts

It seems to me sometimes, in this fast-paced world we live in, that Thanksgiving sort of gets lost in the push for Christmas. I'm seeing Christmas decorations, and gift displays, and already hearing Christmas music in the stores.

Don't get me wrong--I love the Christmas season. I just feel I should take time to dwell on my blessings and all that I have to be thankful for. I am of course thankful for all of the things that are common to many--my wonderful family, my friends, a loving husband who provides well for me, my pastor and a church where the Word of God is taught, and most of all a personal relationship with my Lord and Savior.

Beyond that, I'm so very thankful for my eyesight. I have wet macular degeration in my right eye, which requires an injection every month to keep it at an acceptable level of sight. But I am so very grateful that there is medicine available for this, and that my left eye has not been affected. It is truly a blessing from the Lord.

I've come across some Thanksgiving quotes and wanted to share a few here.

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them. (J.F. Kennedy)

He who thanks from the lips, thanks but in part; the full true Thanksgiving comes from the heart. (J. A. Shedd)

Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and true homage comes form the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds. ( T. Roosevelt)

No one is more impoverished than the one who has no gratitude. Gratitude is a currency we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy. (Fred D. V. Amburgh)

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. (Melody Beattie)

(I think this last one says so much what my heart feels)

For, after all, put it as we may to ourselves, we are all of us, from birth to death, guests at a table that we did not spread. The sun, the earth, love, friends, our very breath are parts of the banquet--Shall we not think of the day as a chance to come nearer our Host, and to find out something of Him who has fed us for so long?

I trust you will have a blessed Thanksgiving, as you recall the ways you've been blessed this past year.

(I am having a problem with my personal computer, so I am allowing comments to post without approval for now. Hopefully I have set it correctly to do that. I did add a word verification.)

Heart-felt Gratitude

I know, I know! Thanksgiving is almost a month away. But I've been thinking a lot lately about how blessed I am at this point in my life. God has blessed me in so many ways and I am so thankful.

One of the things that prompted me to write this post at this time was a little article I read; it was written by the editor-in-chief of Guidepost magazine, Edward Grinnan. I trust it will be OK to quote him in my post, as you could also read it in the November issue of the magazine.

He said: "One of the pleasures of growing older is the perspective it brings to the store of blessings that multiply in your life; growing older means growing more grateful. Of course there is loss and heartache and disappointment too. But it is against these adversities that our blessings stand in high relief, the joy of family and friends and faith and work, and gratitude for the gifts each new day holds. These are the things that make us whole, and with which, as I daily remind myself, I am so richly and undeservedly blessed. Even in these dark and troubled times I find more to be thankful for than not--much more. Gratitude is a practice of the soul that helps us live happier lives and grow closer to God, and our blessings are the living evidence of His grace."

PSALM 100
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us and we are His, we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.

A Special Visit

I have been trying to arrange a visit for Nichole's kids for a long time. It seemed like every time I tried to set a date, something would come up that they couldn't go. I was beginning to think that the aunt who is keeping them didn't want them to go for some reason.

Nichole's counselor really wanted her to have a visit from the kids to see how they respond to her, before she gets released. So I finally had a "comin-to-Jesus" talk with the aunt and with the kids dad, and said Nichole really needs to see her kids. Do you have any conflict on July 6th? They said they had no conflict and we arranged for me to take the kids and their dad to see Nichole.

She had not seen her kids for almost one year; at that time they were 1 y/o and 2 y/o. (in the picture above)

They are now 2 and 3 years old, and as you can see from the pictures, have really changed.

I thought this was so adorable. Nyla has a look that says, "Do we really have to do this?"

We had a great visit, and the kids did warm up to Nichole, although it took them a little time, especially Nyla. As you can possibly tell, R.J. is very out-going and responded well to her. But Nlya did sit on Nichole's lap while we attempted to play Candy Land.

We visited for 2 hours (which is the limit) and then started home. It's a 3 hour drive from the kids home to the prison, so I knew they were getting a little tired. We stopped as soon as we left the prison and ate lunch; it was about 2:30pm and we hadn't eaten lunch, although we had some snacks at the prison. At the Burger King, Nyla wanted me to hold her. I think it might have just been a little overwhelming for her.

They slept for most of the way home, but were restless and a little grumpy the last 50 miles. I'm not used to being around little kids that much, but gave them some books, animal crackers and drinks in sippy cups, and we did very well. (I had seen them several different times, so they kind of know me).

I was so pleased that I was finally able to take the kids. I know Nichole was so excited and loved every minute of it. (She e-mailed me and said, 'after you left I felt kind of sad and overwhelmed, and I had to sit down and cry a minute'.) But she was so, so grateful that I was finally able to bring the kids to see her.

Matthew 25: 34-40 Then the King will say...For I was hungry...I was thirsty...Iwas a stranger and you took me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we ...see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, yu did for me'.

Maintaining Eyesight

About 2 1/2 years ago I was diagnosed with wet AMD--Age-related Macular Degeneration. At the time that I was diagnosed, I was legally blind in my right eye. (My left eye is normal). Fortunately, there is a medication that they can inject in the eye to slow the progress of this disease, and sometimes it improves vision. In my case, it improved my vision initially, from 20/200 to 20/50. However, for about the last year I've had to get an injection every 4-5 weeks to maintain that level of vision.

Today, I had another procedure done, called Photodynamic Therapy. This used to be the only option available, before they found that Avastin and/or Lucentis would help this condition. My Doctor felt that by having this procedure today, it would seal off the blood vessel at the retina and then I won't have to have injections every month; I might possibly need an injection once or twice a year.

The procedure itself isn't painful. I had some tests to check my vision, and then they inject a dye which targets the abnormal vessel. They then shine a laser on that part of the eye and this process seals the blood vessel, keeping it from leaking into the eye.

The dye, however makes your skin extremely photo-sensitive. They told me I would need a hat, sunglasses and gloves (and long sleeves) when leaving the office, to prevent sunburn. My good friend, Rebecca, had taken me for this procedure, and also loaned me the beautiful hat! Thus, leaving the office I was decked out in my movie star outfit!

It was a cloudy day, so possibly this was overkill. But the nurse had told me a couple horror stories of people who got sunburns, and said that even on a cloudy day I should cover up. It will take 4-5 days for this dye, and consequently the photo-sensitivity to get out of my system.

As you might have guessed, I plan to lay low, read, scrapbook, maybe even put together the puzzle on my dining room table (although I'm finding I'm not a very good puzzle person, so I might have to give that up).

I am very thankful that these procedures are available. I am still able to read and do all of the things I enjoy doing, so this has been a real blessing.

Blessed Be Your Name

I just returned from Oklahoma City, where my son lives. Many of you are already aware of some of the challenges I have faced with my son, Tim. I've written previous blogs about him here and here.

We had a really wonderful visit. Although I would hope my faith remains strong, sometimes I still tend to worry that Tim will fall back into his old ways or start associating with old friends. I am so grateful that his faith seems very strong, and he is very determined to stay on the right path and find God's purpose for his life. Because of his diabetes and his life style, he was near death several times; so he knows that God kept him alive for a reason.


I stayed in an extended stay hotel. They have a little kichenette, so I was able to have my own breakfast there in the room. I usually stay with a friend when I go to OKC, but I wanted to be able to come and go freely, and to spend the majority of my time with Tim and with his grandma, my mother-in-law, Gloria.

I haven't had a picture taken with Tim in a long time. He has put on some weight and says he's in the "worst shape of his life". That isn't really true, but he does want to start working out and try to get into better physical shape.

G-Ma Lavin is 85 years old. She is nearly blind and has a hearing aid. But she is a spunky, independent lady! Tim has been spending Sunday afternoons with her since he's been out of jail. They really are enjoying each other's company, and it's a win-win situation for both of them. We spent quite a bit of time with her while I was there, taking her out to eat, going to the grocery store, bank, etc. She still lives alone in her own home. Her favorite phrase is, "I'm waiting for Jesus".

On Saturday, Tim and I spent the whole day together. We ran a few errands in the morning, ate lunch, and then went to the Science Museum of Oklahoma. (It used to be called the Omniplex). It is actually more geared for kids, with hands on experiments, etc, but we enjoyed it. We also watched an IMAX movie on the Ocean. That was really interesting and I love the feeling that you are right there in the scene.

After eating dinner together, we went to a movie. It was at the dollar theatre (which is now $2.00). It would not have been my choice but Tim thought it was good.

On Sunday we had lunch with my cousin's family. Donnie is a wonderful pianist and Tim asked her to play a couple songs for him. ( Claire De Lune and some others). We had a good visit with them and their daughter and her family. They are really the only family we have in that area.

Tim and I had some wonderful spiritual discussions, and we talked about things he would like to do. He still has about another 6 months to a year of probation, but he is looking forward to what the Lord might have for him. He wants to learn spanish as he feels that there is a great opportunity for ministry to spanish-speaking people in our country.

While I was there, I heard this song on the radio. I just thought that it really described my feelings, with all that has gone on in Tim's life, and the path he is on now.

BLESSED BE YOUR NAME

Blessed be Your name, in the land that is plentiful,

where your streams of abundance flow,

Blessed be Your name.

Blessed be Your name, when I'm found in the desert place,

though I walk through the wilderness

Blessed be Your name.

Blessed be your name, when the sun's shining down on me

When the world's all as it should be,

Blessed be Your name.

Blessed be Your name, on the road marked with suffering,

though there's pain in the offering

Blessed be Your name.

Every blessing your pour out, I'll turn back to praise

When the darkness closes in Lord, still I will say,

Blessed be the name of the Lord,

Blessed be Your glorious name!

Blessed Quietness!

(Disclaimer: This turned out to be longer than I thought it would be, so feel free to skip this one)

Last year I planned our Anniversary weekend. I thought it was wonderful--Bed & Breakfast, sight-seeing, etc. My hubby...not so much! The breakfast wasn't big enough, and he's really not into sight-seeing. So it was definitely less than exciting for him.

RIGHT then, I told him I would let him plan the 2009 anniversary trip. Let me just say, it can be dangerous when you let your hubby make the decisions! We booked a cabin at Chain of Lakes near Albion, Indiana. Originally, I thought to myself, OK, this will be good. A nice little cabin in the woods. Then reality set in. He said we needed to take all of our linens, dishes, and food, pretty much everything we would need. I told him it sounded like camping, and I'm really not into camping. (A nice hotel with a mint on the pillow is more my style!). And the fact that we would be doing the cooking didn't appeal for what was supposed to be a vacation. He insisted it wasn't camping (he said a tent and a sleeping bag is camping!). Being the positive person that I am, I decided this would be a great adventure.

When we arrived at the cabin, about 4 pm on Thursday, I wasn't so much impressed. In fact my first thought was 'you've got to be kidding!' But I was also thinking how lovely it might have been had we gone a week or so earlier; at that time the trees would have been beautiful. When I went inside it was quite cold, and I realized the only source of heat was a wood-burning stove. Every once in a while my husband can be a real comedian; he said, "Do they teach girl scouts to make fires?" I replied they probably did. He said "were you a girl scout?" I said "NO! Building the fire is definitely your department!

They have 18 family cabins there; they also have camp grounds for people with campers. Even though it was cold and rainy, the camping areas were packed with campers! I was surprised, but then realized this was the last weekend it would be open until Spring.

This picture sort of got out of order--which happens sometimes, even when I'm trying to be organized. There was a screened-in porch that had this swing; hubby and I sat out there on Friday and had coffee, even though it rained that entire day! We used it again a couple of times during the weekend.

This is the wood-burning stove, which we kept going the entire weekend. A couple of times it got a little TOO warm, so we would open a door or a window. I really do enjoy a fireplace, and haven't had one since I left Oklahoma; so I began to "warm up" to our little cabin in the woods and enjoy the time away with Lynn and just relaxing by the fire, reading etc. Even though it's hard for me to be away from my computer for 3 days, it was a good time of rest and relaxation. (Also, our cell phones didn't work at the cabin.)

We went out to the big town of Albion on Thursday evening to eat supper, after we got settled and got a fire going. We ate at the Kountry Kitchen, a little family-type restaurant. The food was really good--we had some great fish and home fries.

Lynn did take some work along to do; he has a label maker and made labels for these little drawers in these cabinets--probably 30 small drawers in each one and he had 4 of these little cabinets. He also spent time organizing his thoughts about what all he still needs to buy and pack for his Haiti trip. However, he really was able to relax, and rest, taking several naps. It's good for him to get away as he doesn't relax much at home.

I should have cleaned up a little before I took this picture of our kitchen. We also did have what they called a modern bathroom. It was VERY small but had the essentials--a commode, a sink and a hot shower.

For lunch Friday we went to the Quiet Corner Tea Room. I had been here a couple of times before and love this little place. It was only about 15 minutes from our cabin. The atmosphere is quiet and cozy, and the food was delicious! I had an egg salad sandwich, 9-bean soup and bread pudding--yum! Lynn had chicken salad sandwich with the soup and pumpkin pie. I of course also had the Chai tea, which is their specialty.

A sweet couple, don't ya think?

They have these cute little teapots at various places around the restaurant; I thought this one was worthy of a pic!

This is the lake at Chain of Lakes. It actually had been sunny a little before I took this, but as you can see, it was a bit cloudy. There is just something about water that is always peaceful and relaxing for me.

Lynn and I took a couple walks on Saturday, and I also did a more aerobic walk--about 3 miles. You can just picture how beautiful this might have been a week earlier. As it was, there were lots of fallen leaves to shuffle through.

One thing that we did, both evenings, was look through some old hymn books and sing some of the old hymns. He enjoyed looking at the names of the people who had written them and the copyright dates. We sang several Fanny Crosby songs. That was a really special time of worship and praise for us.

Even though, initially I had my doubts about this weekend, it turned out to be lovely, relaxing, restful, peaceful, and a time when we could just spend time together. My thanks to my hubby for planning a wonderful anniversary

get-away.

Birthday Blessings!

Wow! I am overwhelmed! So much for turning 65 "quietly"! In the last few days I have received a total of 27 birthday cards, two gift certificates, and two monetary gifts. I've also received several birthday greetings on Facebook. It has actually been wonderful to read all the sweet (and funny) cards, and to read all the wonderful comments. Apparently there are those who think more highly of me than they ought to think.

I feel very humbled and blessed, and I so much appreciate all of you who have sent greetings. It was unexpected and a great surprise. I will have to say, I have a very strong suspicion that a little birthday elf was behind all of this. What do YOU think Brenda?

Lynn is taking me out to dinner tonight (my choice, and I think it will be Texas Road House); I haven't seen my cake yet, but he did ask me what kind I like, so I have a feeling it is also yet to come. So-o-o, it could look something like this.

I have enjoyed sending birthday cards, and sometimes gifts, over the past couple of years. It is something that has been fun. I think (and now I know from personal experience) that even in this age of e-mail, facebook, etc., people still like to get cards by snail mail. I have felt that it is one way I can be an encouragement to others. So thanks to all of you who have encouraged me.

Psalm 139:13, 14, 16 For You have created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well....All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.

These verses have always amazed me. That the Lord had my life planned before I was even born! In the last few weeks several people have commented to me that they think I am so kind, and thoughtful and generous. However, I know that I have done nothing by myself. Whatever I have been able to do, it is because the Lord is at work in me and has given me the time, ability, and resources. My prayer, especially since I retired, is that He would use me to be a blessing and encouragement to others. I have experienced His immeasurable love, kindness, grace, and blessing in my life, and so I want to show His love and kindness to others.

Thank you for making my 65th birthday such a blessed and fun day. God bless you all!