16 yo granddaughter Sarah has come over the last two days to learn how to sew a Civil War (or I should say "War between the States) re-enactment dress. Last year her sister Kitty was able to be an "ice angel" at the Brooksville Massacre re-enactment, and they have several other homeschooling friends who are also involved, so Sarah was ready to try. With the re-enactment coming up Saturday, we knew we better kick it in high gear.
We shopped for appropriately homespun fabric and trims (although we did concede to a zipper) and cut the dress out yesterday. I knew that table tennis/pool table was taking up huge space for a reason! As we went along, I felt I should tell her about the "real" way to do certain steps, learned many years ago in Home Ec class. I did not want to fail to expose her to the "right" way, but then off we went on Grandmama's shortcuts! I found out she is a common sense sewer like me, so we were a good fit.
Today, I had to leave with dh for a few hours just as she came to the zipper. I gave her basic guidelines, and when I got home, she had done a beautiful job of setting in the zipper! As we neared the end of the whole process, she said she had learned two things it took me a while to learn years ago: 1) sometimes pinning things up is really shorter than trying to hold things in place; and 2) the iron is your friend -- keep it handy!
So dh took her home a few minutes ago with an adorable Prairie Muffin dress, simple, practical, yet beautiful, and her "ice angel" apron, which we made without a pattern (a perfect exercise to demonstrate the practicality of math). I think I feel as satisfied with a job well done today as she does -- after all, investing my life into a darling granddaughter's is about as satisfying as it gets. Thank you, Beth and Eddie for allowing us the time, and especially, thank you, Lord.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Monday, January 15, 2007
Incredible Era . . .
(My, oh my, I am wordy today! Well, it's on my heart.) My husband and I just finished reading a remarkable book which has solidified our thinking in some important areas of life. We have begun realizing more and more what an incredible era we have been blessed to live in, by the sovereignty of our faithful Heavenly Father. Our parents were born at the beginning of the depression, and both of our fathers saw (very) active duty in WWII. We were amongst the first of the Boomers – post-WWII babies. Although my family was very poor all during my childhood, we were never hungry. We had an automobile, and by the time I was a teen, we were able to afford a used TV. We lived frugally, but we were not urchins.
The years my husband and I spent in “full-time” (notice the quotes) ministry were very tight financially. Our children learned frugality from the cradle up, also. But they had a good childhood (they say today), and we even took a vacation or two.
What am I saying? It is an incredible era when poor folks can have a good life, all needs met, no starvation. Most of history has been hard for the world’s population, but America has had unprecedented bounty since WWII. I believe our generation (Boomers) has lived through a time which may not be repeated in America’s history. I believe we have been prosperous in many ways, due to the last remnants of the influence of our godly forbears. If we are not faithful with that heritage, our grandchildren will not see that good America that I knew as a child.
My husband and I turn 60 years old this year. This antiquity gives us a certain perspective – so much has changed and seems to be changing with exponential quickness. The book we finished is Mark Steyn’s “America Alone – the End of the World as We Know It.” It is a fascinating and eye-opening read. Facts are facts. Numbers are numbers. God’s people need to be about the business of strengthening and encouraging Christian families if we appreciate America as we know it. We need to be vigorous in vision, beyond the ends of our noses. The church today is as wrapped up in the “now” as the world. Where will this leave our children? We had better prepare them for life as the Remnant, or we will answer to their Shepherd. God help us to be faithful.
The years my husband and I spent in “full-time” (notice the quotes) ministry were very tight financially. Our children learned frugality from the cradle up, also. But they had a good childhood (they say today), and we even took a vacation or two.
What am I saying? It is an incredible era when poor folks can have a good life, all needs met, no starvation. Most of history has been hard for the world’s population, but America has had unprecedented bounty since WWII. I believe our generation (Boomers) has lived through a time which may not be repeated in America’s history. I believe we have been prosperous in many ways, due to the last remnants of the influence of our godly forbears. If we are not faithful with that heritage, our grandchildren will not see that good America that I knew as a child.
My husband and I turn 60 years old this year. This antiquity gives us a certain perspective – so much has changed and seems to be changing with exponential quickness. The book we finished is Mark Steyn’s “America Alone – the End of the World as We Know It.” It is a fascinating and eye-opening read. Facts are facts. Numbers are numbers. God’s people need to be about the business of strengthening and encouraging Christian families if we appreciate America as we know it. We need to be vigorous in vision, beyond the ends of our noses. The church today is as wrapped up in the “now” as the world. Where will this leave our children? We had better prepare them for life as the Remnant, or we will answer to their Shepherd. God help us to be faithful.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Oh, now I remember . . .!
Oh, yeah, now I remember . . . why I don’t live in Orlando! Dh and I went to Orlando today on an inspection job. It’s about an hour away and entails some of the most horrific traffic – Disney World and other parks, as well as regular rush hour stuff. We were stuck on the interstate creeping along for miles. Then of course there was the “normal” traffic on the side roads, and stop-and-go, etc. Dh and I looked at each other repeatedly with that knowing glance, happy to know that we would be back to our little paradise in the country soon. Lord, I promise I will go anywhere you send me, but please, not to a big city!
When we had finally braved the fray and got close to home, it was almost 9:30 p.m., and we remembered the grandchildren were practicing their bluegrass band at son-in-law Robert’s general store. He is having a musical evening at the country store tomorrow night, and he asked the grandchildren to be one of the acts. So we passed our house (where resides our soft, fluffy bed) and headed there. What a blessing to a grandmother’s heart when they cheered as we walked in! “Grandmama, we need you! It’s chaos when you aren’t here!” Aww, I am still needed! What a nice feeling! So dh left me to come home with grandchildren, and we got to practicing.
It is an absolute ball to be with them when we go through a program of bluegrass, folk, Celtic, and gospel songs. The younger ones are getting good enough to join the olders, and the little cousins are always adorable doing their Roy Rogers “The Bible Tells Me So”. 12 year old Daniel is getting to be quite the emcee/announcer/jokester, and the older ones are quite polished now (as polished as bluegrass gets!). We are hoping their sweet faith in their Lord shines through and they will be a blessing to the community folks who love to eat BBQ at Robert’s. God is already using this precious next generation to bring joy to so many who never see cheerful young people. It should be a good time tomorrow!
When we had finally braved the fray and got close to home, it was almost 9:30 p.m., and we remembered the grandchildren were practicing their bluegrass band at son-in-law Robert’s general store. He is having a musical evening at the country store tomorrow night, and he asked the grandchildren to be one of the acts. So we passed our house (where resides our soft, fluffy bed) and headed there. What a blessing to a grandmother’s heart when they cheered as we walked in! “Grandmama, we need you! It’s chaos when you aren’t here!” Aww, I am still needed! What a nice feeling! So dh left me to come home with grandchildren, and we got to practicing.
It is an absolute ball to be with them when we go through a program of bluegrass, folk, Celtic, and gospel songs. The younger ones are getting good enough to join the olders, and the little cousins are always adorable doing their Roy Rogers “The Bible Tells Me So”. 12 year old Daniel is getting to be quite the emcee/announcer/jokester, and the older ones are quite polished now (as polished as bluegrass gets!). We are hoping their sweet faith in their Lord shines through and they will be a blessing to the community folks who love to eat BBQ at Robert’s. God is already using this precious next generation to bring joy to so many who never see cheerful young people. It should be a good time tomorrow!
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Thou crownest the year with thy goodness . . .
He certainly does! I have always appreciated that phrase from Psalm 65:11 when contemplating the beginning of a new year, but this year, it was a real blessing to look back and consider how the Lord crowned the past year, 2006, with His special, providential goodness. A Vision Forum e-newsletter sent just before the end of the year had a wonderful suggestion – chronicle the year just past so your family can always look back on the faithful providence of God.
Our daughters’ families (who compose the majority of our homechurch members) came to our home for New Year’s Eve, and we did just that. Each family sat at a different table with the questions in hand and went through them, talking over the significant events, travels, joys, and heartaches of the year. Dh and I finished early, since it is just we two, and what a blessing it was to hear families talking, remembering, excited about uncovering and recording memories.
Praises were offered by all of us for how the Lord spared Baby Samuel, born at home with respiratory problems, and then brought him home well and happy after 10 days in the hospital. How thankful we are to have his smiling little face around! And everyone added thanksgiving for the two other precious babies born to the family this year – Savannah and Emma Jane, who became grandbaby #21.
Of course, the Lord always reminds us of His loving care and comfort through the difficult times. Daughter M has written a touching testimony of God’s faithfulness through her miscarriage of Baby 6 in May. Some day soon, I will post it here, with her permission. How excited we were today when she called to tell us the sonogram of Baby 7 indicates that another little brother should make his appearance in May!
We finished a few minutes before midnight, and as we gathered to join hands and sing the Doxology as the new year came in, I couldn’t help but think of the passage in Psalm 78 that instructs us to make known to our children and their children His wonderful works, so that they might 1) set their hope in God, and 2) not forget His works, and 3) keep His commandments. What more can we wish for our children and grandchildren when we are gone on to Heaven? The Lord has laid this mission so strongly on our hearts for our remaining years on earth. If we will be faithful to relate His goodness, He will be sure they don't forget. Lord, help us to be faithful.
Our daughters’ families (who compose the majority of our homechurch members) came to our home for New Year’s Eve, and we did just that. Each family sat at a different table with the questions in hand and went through them, talking over the significant events, travels, joys, and heartaches of the year. Dh and I finished early, since it is just we two, and what a blessing it was to hear families talking, remembering, excited about uncovering and recording memories.
Praises were offered by all of us for how the Lord spared Baby Samuel, born at home with respiratory problems, and then brought him home well and happy after 10 days in the hospital. How thankful we are to have his smiling little face around! And everyone added thanksgiving for the two other precious babies born to the family this year – Savannah and Emma Jane, who became grandbaby #21.
Of course, the Lord always reminds us of His loving care and comfort through the difficult times. Daughter M has written a touching testimony of God’s faithfulness through her miscarriage of Baby 6 in May. Some day soon, I will post it here, with her permission. How excited we were today when she called to tell us the sonogram of Baby 7 indicates that another little brother should make his appearance in May!
We finished a few minutes before midnight, and as we gathered to join hands and sing the Doxology as the new year came in, I couldn’t help but think of the passage in Psalm 78 that instructs us to make known to our children and their children His wonderful works, so that they might 1) set their hope in God, and 2) not forget His works, and 3) keep His commandments. What more can we wish for our children and grandchildren when we are gone on to Heaven? The Lord has laid this mission so strongly on our hearts for our remaining years on earth. If we will be faithful to relate His goodness, He will be sure they don't forget. Lord, help us to be faithful.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Goodness!
Well, I had a lovely post all about reflecting on the past year, and I mistakenly shut down the blog before publishing it. Does anyone know how to recover it? I can't discover a solution, but to rewrite it. Guess I will have to get over my frustration and recompose it. Hmmmm . . .
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Finally back . . .
My dear son-in-law Ed is my go-to man for technology. Dh bought me a new computer before the end of the year (the story of the old one is . . . umm . . . embarrassing -- maybe for a later time), and Eddie came over tonight to set up the transfer of stuff from the old computer.
He was long gone when it finally finished, so I tried (and tried) to enable the "disabled" files. Finally, I was able to get my web access opened, and here I am! It sure is nice having everything already on the computer, although I can tell a few things will need to be reinstalled, etc. Thanks, Eddie. You are a dear son-in-law.
Anyway, it is nice to be back. Christmas has been lovely -- we will finish the season on New Year's Day, when my large extended family is at our home for our "big family" Christmas get-together. The Lord willing, my Daddy and Mother will be here -- quite a production, since he must come over an hour from the VA nursing home in Tampa, but we all want to see him and spend time with him. He is so fragile, and has come so close to going Home in the last couple of years, but the Lord has a special reason for leaving this tough old Marine here with us.
Our sweet children surprised us with a special gift -- I feel a sentimental post coming on about it before too long. When our Christmas play is over, I will be chomping at the bit to get on here with flying fingers. Hopefully, remembering Paul's admonition to Timothy concerning those who should be wise women of God, "And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." (I Tim. 5:13)
What a temptation the Net can be! Wandering about from "house to house", leaving our calling undone, leaving things in print which we ought not. Thank you, Lord, for a good Word to live by in these days of easy access to the "back fence". Keep a watch on my lips, O Lord. (Ps 141:3) Okay, 2007, here we come! To God be the glory.
He was long gone when it finally finished, so I tried (and tried) to enable the "disabled" files. Finally, I was able to get my web access opened, and here I am! It sure is nice having everything already on the computer, although I can tell a few things will need to be reinstalled, etc. Thanks, Eddie. You are a dear son-in-law.
Anyway, it is nice to be back. Christmas has been lovely -- we will finish the season on New Year's Day, when my large extended family is at our home for our "big family" Christmas get-together. The Lord willing, my Daddy and Mother will be here -- quite a production, since he must come over an hour from the VA nursing home in Tampa, but we all want to see him and spend time with him. He is so fragile, and has come so close to going Home in the last couple of years, but the Lord has a special reason for leaving this tough old Marine here with us.
Our sweet children surprised us with a special gift -- I feel a sentimental post coming on about it before too long. When our Christmas play is over, I will be chomping at the bit to get on here with flying fingers. Hopefully, remembering Paul's admonition to Timothy concerning those who should be wise women of God, "And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." (I Tim. 5:13)
What a temptation the Net can be! Wandering about from "house to house", leaving our calling undone, leaving things in print which we ought not. Thank you, Lord, for a good Word to live by in these days of easy access to the "back fence". Keep a watch on my lips, O Lord. (Ps 141:3) Okay, 2007, here we come! To God be the glory.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Are you finished??
Well, one daughter sent an email around this morning on our family loop, listing what she was giving the grandchildren, hoping to avoid duplications. It made me get out my master list (with 21 grandchildren, you need a master list) and check for duplicates (there was one) and update what had been received, what was still in transit, and a few last-minute actual "going-to-the-store-and-buying" items.
So, are you ready? With my dread of shopping, I consider the Internet the best invention in decades. My daughters take more after my husband, the shopaholic (rather, I should say, the bargainaholic), although they do their fair share of online shopping.
We still have some items to get for our Christmas play (feathers for angel wings, fake blood), although it may need to be postponed til the Sunday after Christmas, since there has been a round of flu/colds, etc. through the family, and practice has been non-existent. Wish I could record and post it here -- they are so precious. The older children love drama and music, so they work as diligently as I do to produce something special each Christmas.
Last year, we got a "terrorist" converted -- you should have seen the audience jump when the oldest grandson burst into the room shouting like a terrorist! This year, we had promised a "cowboy Christmas" for the middle grandsons, but they compromised for a sappy sentimental Civil-War era melodrama, since they would get to wear fake blood and carry guns. I must say, these are pretty good productions!
So, I guess this little reminder means I better get up from here and get to town for last-minute items! I have actually talked dh into leaving his office for a few hours to go with me. Well, are you ready?
So, are you ready? With my dread of shopping, I consider the Internet the best invention in decades. My daughters take more after my husband, the shopaholic (rather, I should say, the bargainaholic), although they do their fair share of online shopping.
We still have some items to get for our Christmas play (feathers for angel wings, fake blood), although it may need to be postponed til the Sunday after Christmas, since there has been a round of flu/colds, etc. through the family, and practice has been non-existent. Wish I could record and post it here -- they are so precious. The older children love drama and music, so they work as diligently as I do to produce something special each Christmas.
Last year, we got a "terrorist" converted -- you should have seen the audience jump when the oldest grandson burst into the room shouting like a terrorist! This year, we had promised a "cowboy Christmas" for the middle grandsons, but they compromised for a sappy sentimental Civil-War era melodrama, since they would get to wear fake blood and carry guns. I must say, these are pretty good productions!
So, I guess this little reminder means I better get up from here and get to town for last-minute items! I have actually talked dh into leaving his office for a few hours to go with me. Well, are you ready?
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