Encouraging Deep Roots

I've been super organized this year and on Monday morning was able to get all of my fall decorating done. Usually it doesn't happen until sometime in mid-September. I think the cool temperatures have definitely put me in the mood for autumn decor. We had a family picnic at my sister and brother-in-law's home and had a wonderful time. It was the first time in a very long time when we all got together and just had fun. The past couple of years have been very hard as we dealt with things with my mother-in-law and father-in-law. So it was nice to just enjoy each other's company. I'm plugging away, canning tomatoes, and today's plan is to pick up another half bushel and do tomato sauce. I love this time of year and being able to preserve fresh food. I try and get out and walk each day and I've also been doing some crafting and sewing.  This morning I was wide awake at 3 a.m. (ugh) and made my way downstairs to have my quiet time. As I'm sitting in my recliner...

  I received a text this week from a woman from a local agency who works with those who are in need. She said they had a client who was looking for a church connection and could use some mentoring. She wanted to know if this was something I would be interested in. Of course, I said, "Yes!" and to be honest, was thinking that it was neat that she thought I would be a good mentor to this young lady. But then she said something that made me laugh out loud. She said, "She really could use a mother figure in her life." So my so-called mentoring  skills  were really more about me having a mom-vibe! 😀 I admit it. I do exude "mom" probably to all I meet. In fact, my sister-in-law said I'm like Kanga in Winnie the Pooh. I know I'm happy when I'm caring for others. In fact, I recently did a personality/work assessment that said one of my natural gifts is coming alongside others and helping them accomplish what they need to get done.  Anyway, I've de...

This past weekend Dan and I traveled across the state to attend the Celebration of Life service for my stepfather.  Both Dan and my brother-in-law were asked to read some scripture, say a few words and pray. Then others shared their memories. My stepfather was a kind man who impacted many lives. It was a special time of remembrance and he will be missed. I was especially thankful that I got to spend some time with my sister and brother-in-law. We only see each other once a year or so and it was wonderful to catch up. While it was a wonderful weekend, it was also difficult as we all processed the hard road of having broken families. My sister and I felt like we were intruding on his children's grief  and not feeling like we really belonged there. Our stepdad came into our lives when we were older, but he treated us as if we were his own and we loved him. But I'm certain his children have also struggled through the years from having a dad who divorced their mom and married ...

We are on vacation for the next few weeks and have been trying to do a few different things than our normal hiking trips. We love to hike and will still incorporate that into the weeks, but also wanted to do a few fun things that make it actually feel like vacation. We started the week by driving 2 1/2 hours to go to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Now to be honest, I actually thought I wouldn't enjoy this as much as the guys did. I was wrong. This was 6 floors of exhibits, music, and memories from my growing up years. I loved every minute of this place and it was well worth the money. Dan and Stephen loved "The Garage" which was a floor dedicated to instruments and being able to play them all. They had a studio where you could play with a live band and they jumped right in to play. Of course, they have both played for years so did great. It was so fun! On Tuesday, Dan and I went hiking on a local trail and did a 6 mile hike on a very hot and humid day. I love that there ...

There is a song we sing in church from time to time. It's called Blessed Be Your Name and talks about being able to praise God no matter what our circumstances. I remember the first day I was back in our church after my mother's death and sobbing through the whole thing. 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 Every blessing You 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 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 You pour out I'll turn back to praise When the darkness closes in...

My mother-in-law's graveside service was yesterday afternoon and as I reflected on it afterwards, it seemed to perfectly suit who she was. Her entire life centered around her family and each of the children, their spouses, and then any of the grandchildren who were comfortable doing so, got up and said a few words about how they impacted their life. Her youngest son and my son played songs they wrote. We sang one of her favorite hymns. It was a sweet time. The words used to describe her were joy-filled, patient, and kind. She brought art, music, books and beauty into her family's life. She loved them equally and unconditionally. She believed they could do anything. She instilled confidence in them. She loved and was loved, and that was expressed beautiful yesterday. Her family's love for her is her legacy. My nephew, who couldn't be there, wrote something and I thought it was a beautiful tribute and a fitting way to end this blog post as it expresses very eloquently wha...

We received a phone call early yesterday morning, letting us know that mother-in-law had passed away. While we are sad, we are so very thankful that she is no longer in pain. Who she was as a person had slipped away a few years ago as she struggled with advanced dementia and Alzheimer's. I am also thankful that the siblings and spouses spent Sunday afternoon and evening together at her bedside and were able to remember the good things, enjoy one another's company and say our goodbyes. We weren't sure how long she would last and I am so happy that we spent our Easter that way. She leaves behind children and grandchildren who loved her. Her family meant the world to her and everything in her life centered around them. She introduced them to music and art and beauty. We all have wonderful memories of her and her art pieces in our houses. We will be having a small graveside service in two weeks. I will miss her unending patience and kindness and her attentive interest in whatev...