White as Snow

by Leon Olguin/ Kelly Willard
White as snow, white as snow
Though my sins were as scarlet
Lord, I know, Lord, I know
That I'm clean and forgiven

Through the power of Your blood
Through the wonder of Your love
Through faith in You
I know that I can be
White as snow

Though I am not a big fan of cold weather, there is an unmatched beauty in a snow covered landscape. Freshly fallen snow is nothing short of enchanting, especially deep, fresh snow.

The fence by Mom's driveway caught my eye this morning. The snow clung to the fence, yet drooped over the edges. I like to refer to it as a "winter hangover". There has been enough moisture to stick the snowflakes together, yet not enough to turn them into an icy crust.

I found these loops especially interesting. The snow has actually fallen off the fence railing and looks almost like a hanging ribbon. "The power of God..." He can take the tiniest of snowflakes, gather them together, and fashion incredible snow sculptures. If I'm willing to take a close look, I find that although snow is always cold, it is rarely boring.

A Christmas Carol

Before Christmas is too far behind us, a little Christmas carol. (Really I just don't want to wait another whole year to post this.) The little Christmas Tea at my brother's residence was without Christmas carols this year. Anyone know of a good way to learn harmonica? It's always been a dream of mine.



Whenever I visit my brother, I find myself studying his expression and wondering what he is really thinking...

Videos...

Now that James has replaced my CD drawer...

Allen, the first one is for you. I'm just sorry I don't have a better copy of the whole song.

Lies and Slander

You shall not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.
Exodus 23:1

Mark Twain said, "A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes," but in our modern world of electronic technology a lie can travel to the moon and back before truth even has a chance to reach for its shoes.

Why would anyone circulate a lie in the cloak of confession?

My mind is spinning. My heart is heavy...

The Raggedy Man

by James Whitcomb Riley

O The Raggedy Man! He works fer Pa;
An' he's the goodest man ever you saw!
He comes to our house every day,
An' waters the horses, an' feeds 'em hay;
An' he opens the shed - an' we all ist laugh
When he drives out our little old wobble-ly calf;
An' nen - ef our hired girl says he can -
He milks the cow fer 'Lizabuth Ann. -
Ain't he a' awful good Raggedy Man?
Raggedy! Raggedy! Raggedy Man!

W'y, the Raggedy Man -he's ist so good,
He splits the kindlin' an' chops the wood;
An' nen he spades in our garden, too,
An' does most things 'at boys can't do. -
He clumbed clean up in our big tree
An' shooked a' apple down fer me -
An' 'nother 'n' too, fer 'Lizabuth Ann -
An' 'nuther 'n' too, fer The Raggedy Man. -
Ain't he a' awful kind Raggedy Man?
Raggedy! Raggedy! Raggedy Man!

An' The Raggedy Man, he knows most rhymes,
An' tells 'em, ef I be good, sometimes:
Knows 'bout Giunts, an' Griffuns, an' Elves,
An' the Squidgicum-Squees 'at swallers the'rselves:
An', rite by the pump in our pasture-lot,
He showed me the hole 'at the Wunks is got,
'At lives 'way deep in the ground, an' can
Turn into me, er 'Lizabeth Ann!
Er Ma, er Pa, er The Raggedy Man!
Ain't he a funny old Raggedy Man?
Raggedy! Raggedy! Raggedy Man!

The Raggedy Man - one time, when he
Wuz makin' a little bow-'n'-orry fer me,
Says "When you're big like your Pa is,
Air you go' to keep a fine store like his -
An' be a rich merchunt - an' wear fine clothes? -
Er what air you go' to be, goodness knows?"
An' nen he laughed at 'Lizabuth Ann,
An' I says "'M go' to be a nice Raggedy Man!"
I'm ist go' to be a nice Raggedy Man!
Raggedy! Raggedy! Raggedy Man!

When I looked up the poem, I found it to be much longer than the version in our children's book of poetry so I only copied the verses I recall Dad reading. I think I know why he liked The Raggedy Man poem; I think it reminded him of his Grampa Shafer. It will forever remind me of sitting next to my own daddy on a cold winter night while he read us poems and stories before putting us to bed at night. "Hey, Rachel! Hold still and get your head out of the way!"

Tired

There are days when being a parent is sheer joy and other times when the responsibility of offspring is nothing short of utter exhaustion. Gone are the days of babies and toddlers (yes, they are exhausting too). Now is the time where everything we ever hoped to teach our children is put to the test. Now is the time when bad choices, failures and setbacks cut like a knife. Now is the time when my heart aches to see my children shunned and discouraged. Now is the time when I want more than ever to see them succeed and hurt more than ever when it doesn't appear to be happening.

I tried to explain this to one of my children just the other day, but I know he really has no clue. He has no child of his own and therefore, how could I even hope to make him understand? How could I even begin to help him see that every action of the child, every unkind word or deed perpetrated by him or upon him is felt intensely by his parents. It is a love that even I, a mom, have difficulty comprehending.

God tapped on my shoulder, He whispered in my ear. Not literally, of course, but I felt and heard Him just the same. "Yes, being a parent is painful, but now you know and understand just a little bit better how I hurt for you..." Does God really hurt like this? Does He really understand? Does it make Him tired too?

My son, be wise, and make my heart glad,
That I may answer him who reproaches me.
Proverbs 27:11

The Snowy Deep

Yesterday I stayed inside and watched the snow fall from a warm, cozy house, but today I ventured out into the deep. Lake effect snow falls in "bands" and our little town has been blessed abundantly the last few days. I do think there is even more snow up in town, a few miles south, than here at home. At any rate, it is deep, but light and fluffy and therefore fairly easy to move.

This morning I dressed two little girls in jackets, boots, hats and mittens, piled them into the car, and set off for town where we picked up Colton before heading to preschool. I was late for Ladies' Prayer at church (again). I wore my boots too but remembered to tuck my slippers into my purse. I wore them at church...

Today I took my camera along too, just in case anything out there caught my eye. I didn't notice any "Christmas tree carcasses" (thanks, Priscilla), but found this vegetable stand amusing. They appear to be sold out... I purpose to enjoy the excitement of the season and make the best of whatever God blesses us with in the way of snow. Now I need to go check that wood stove and see if I should throw another log on the fire.

Lake Effect Snow and the Three Little Kittens

You may or may not have heard of "lake effect" snow. It's a pretty common term around the Great Lakes, so common that we often pay little attention when the words are used. It can mean nothing more than, "Hey, we might get a little snow" to "We will be literally buried in white stuff." We are thankful for snow tires and boots when the "snow machine" gets rolling. (Oh, and snow plows too!) Sure is pretty out there.

My cats have decided that being inside is rather nice and find all kinds of comfy hideouts, mostly upstairs where there is no rambunctious little dog, and no little girls to chase or try to pet them. Sofie has lost her place on the back of the couch as Oreo has decided to move in and doesn't prefer company.

If you are taking prayer requests, please pray for a local family who lost a 20 yr. old son suddenly to cardiac arrest at a New Year's Eve party. He was not long ago salutatorian of the graduating class and was a student at a prestigious college. The other day I mentioned how words can help to heal or destroy, and his family struggles with this issue now as unknowing people throw around ideas and accusations never realizing that his own father also suffered from a congenital heart defect and died very young near 17 years ago. (I happen to remember that day.) My heart is breaking for those who are left behind as I continue to pray the Lord teaches me to use my words carefully.

The Journal

I wanted to share part of Dad's journal with you, but wasn't sure if my sisters would want to find the photo I posted without a warning, so I am linking to it here. I am blessed and hope it may bless you also.

Taming the Tongue

But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
James 3:8

Extenuating circumstances have left me contemplating the power of the tongue and how quickly words can destroy character and reputation. Words can be a healing balm or a deadly poison. Once released, poisonous words seep deep into the heart and soul, set on a course to destroy. They can never be totally undone or erased no matter how sorry the speaker may be.

Words reveal the condition of the heart, as Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." The mouth is a leaky seal releasing the contents of the soul. Where the heart is given to God, blessings will come forth, but where lies and deceit reside, cursing will pour out.

As you may have guessed, we are struggling with the effects of an unbridled tongue and seeking the wisdom of God in how to deal with the situation. It would be easy, in some ways, to lash back, but that is not a real solution as we are not seeking to alienate, but restore. (At least that is what we want to want. The truth is, sometimes it is difficult to pray a blessing on those who hurt us. That is, none the less, what Jesus desires us to do, and we want to follow Him)

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

An Early Birthday Party

Josiah's birthday is Monday and he will be twenty-two. Jim is heading back to Minnesota tomorrow morning and so last night Bethany decided we needed to celebrate today. (It was a surprise party for all of us.)
I made a pistachio cake with chocolate swirled throughout and and drizzled over the top. This is a cake we typically save for Christmas time and it was perfect for today's celebration at Mom's house.
This was our final gathering before Jim heads back toward Minnesota tomorrow morning and so, of course, I had to get a photo. Josh is missing as he was taking a nap, but it seems that someone is always absent when we try to get a group picture.

There is Nothing New

That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 1:9

It has been an exceedingly long week and I am looking forward to Sunday when a new week begins and the old schedule resumes. In with the new, and back to the old. Kind of funny way to look at it, but the holidays have worn me out and left me longing for what often has seemed mundane and redundant. Next week I will drag myself out of bed before dawn, sit in my blue chair with a small child on my knee as I chase the sleep from my eyes, and venture out into the cold to nursery school twice a day three times a week.

I have made no New Year's resolutions this time around, but am eager for our church's annual fast to begin. I must have gained a hundred pounds in the past week. I need an escape from the cookies, cakes, and candies I had so carefully avoided throughout so much of the year but have fallen head over heels for since Christmas Eve. Coffee has crept back in also this past month and my night time sleep has been suffering for all the sugar and caffeine.

Ahh, maybe I do have a New Year's resolution and it just proves the fact that "there is nothing new under the sun"...

Dear Lord...

Dear Lord,

This New Year I ask that you give me more wisdom and insight; wisdom to know what to do or say when circumstances and situations are beyond my knowing, and insight to see ahead of time when trouble is looming down the road, especially trouble that can be avoided.

I don't want to throw stones, Lord, and I truly want to believe the best, but sometimes the best is not reality. Sometimes I am naive, sometimes I am blind, sometimes I have looked the other way when I should have been paying attention. Sometimes I have simply done what I thought was best instead of seeking Your advice. Please forgive me, Lord, and show me how to deal with what is now before me.

Beams and specks... help me to know the difference...

Shine the light of Your word on my path that I might follow in Your footsteps instead of making my own way in the world.

Pour Your love in and through me that I might love those you bring into my life. Sometimes it is hard, Lord, especially when they give so many reasons to be hurt or angry instead.

Teach me to judge the thoughts and intents of my own heart, to give to You that which causes my heart to become hard and callous, and to become pliable in Your Hand.

May I learn to trust you more each day, to thank you for each blessing you bestow, and to cherish every breath.

May I treasure every loved one, forgive their mistakes and misdeeds, and remember that even they won't be around forever.

And please Lord, keep the memory of my dad alive in my heart and mind. Please tell him that I love him and we're taking care of Mom.

Amen.

Happy New Year and a Blogger Surprise

Yesterday I stayed home; today we needed cat food. The bag was empty, so putting it off was not an option. I headed to Webster, ran my errands, and stopped to visit my mom. (She was working on a puzzle.)
When I returned home, I found a package on the kitchen table. The label told me it had come from my blog friends, Tracy and Denis, who came to visit us this past summer. Inside the box are some yummy chocolate covered treats, Marion berry jam, and a picture book of the Pacific Northwest Coast. (James thinks it looks like a great place to visit...) I am supposed to "share" but I haven't yet decided if that is really a necessity. :)

I hope you all have a Happy New Year!

Dinner Guests

"The Vonage device cannot contact the Vonage network."

This was not exactly the kind of message I wanted to hear when I picked up my telephone yesterday morning. I was expecting company for dinner and we had not yet totally finalized our plans. Telephones are quite helpful in these situations and yet I found myself without one. Service was sporadic and while it was working, I found the cell number I had for Heather was not correct. I sent her a message on Facebook, hoped for the best, and waited while the phone service went out again, this time for hours.

What to do? There was not much I could do about the telephone connection, so I decided to put a roast in the crock pot, wash the badly neglected kitchen floor, and give the dog a bath. Ben and Hannah helped me put away folded clothes and vacuumed the rugs and floors. I cut up and cooked a pumpkin for pie and then decided to have cookies and ice cream for dessert instead.

In the end Heather was able to call me (thanks to some help from Nate and Cheney) and our friends arrived for dinner a little after 6 pm. Nathan and Josiah came too and enjoyed a game of Scattergories with Cheney, Ben and Hannah while the adults chatted. Davin made his wishes known with his eyes. They say "it's all in the eyes" and I think it must be true. He wanted that drink and he thought the cookies looked mighty good too. And, as usual, thought James highly entertaining.

I am looking forward to spending some time with our friends who moved back to New Jersey six years ago and will soon be returning to this area.

Memories

High winds whipped across the dark and snowy landscape as I snuggled down into bed last night. Some are frightened, or at least unnerved by the wind, but most often I find myself lulled to sleep by the relentless sound of a winter blizzard.

As I lay listening in the darkness, memories crept in and I once again found tears rolling down and soaking my hair and ears. My dad, out "scrounging" wood for the fireplace. My dad, brushing snow off his little truck before leaving for work on a dark winter morning. My dad, sipping hot coffee in front of the wood stove on a cold, blustery morning...

Every time I closed my eyes a new memory would flood my mind; walking to the junior high school every morning for three years, the same school Dad attended when he wrote his first journal, hiding from the freezing cold in the backyard woodshed or in the evergreens, Dad throwing an extra blanket on my bed on extra cold nights.

In spite of the tears that creep from the corners of my eyes, there is still a strange comfort in those childhood memories. We had a warm house on cold winter days, full of wonderful smells and good things to eat, a daddy who would pull into the driveway each night and tell stories of his day at work and maybe draw us some pictures or play his harmonica, and a mom who was there throughout each day to love and encourage us, look out for us when we were sick, and love the daddy who worked so hard to provide for us a home.

They are good memories of days gone by, days that will return over and over in my mind. I guess those days are never really gone forever if they live on in the hearts and minds of the children who lived them. Once again I am blessed.

PS. The photo is borrowed.

Snow Buddy Knows

I woke this morning to the sound of a snowplow going down the road. What a surprise to find a world of white when yesterday was wet and green. It was a great morning for sitting by the fire with a cup of hot coffee and a basket of laundry to fold. It was a good day for running the vacuum cleaner and putting things away. It was a wonderful day for an afternoon nap.
Ben and Hannah are off to a Progressive Dinner with a local church youth group and James is gone to the nursing home in Penfield. The house is quiet aside from the occasion groan or snore from a cat or dog and the crackling of the fire. Every once in a while I hear the wind pick up outside. The forecast calls for more snow and wind. It will be a good night to throw an extra blanket on the bed. On cold nights I am thankful for the bed warmer who sleeps just on the other side of me. When I get cold, I snuggle in a little closer to him.

Is it Thursday Yet?

Thirteen Thoughts on Christmas...













1. Christmas is really about remembering Christ's birth; that God actually clothed himself in human flesh and came into this world to offer us hope.
2. Jesus tends to get forgotten in the commercialization of the holidays.
3. There is a child-like wonder in hearing the story of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem during a candle light Christmas eve service.
4. I miss having nativity pageants, plays, concerts, and contadas at church.
5. I love old Christmas carols, the ones we used to sing in church, and "Away in the Manger" is still my favorite.
6. Giving and receiving gifts is fun, but I'm beginning to think it needs to be done in increments.
7. Shopping on the day after Christmas is more fun than shopping before.
8. Maybe we should exchange gifts on New Years...
9. I want to give more to those who can't give back.
10. Cutout cookies should be made early in the month and enjoyed by children each day after lunch.
11. A family Christmas party sounds like a good idea; a Bible reading, some music, white elephant gifts, and a few snacks and games.
12. Real trees smell better than fake ones.
13. I miss my Dad.

The Printing Press

Christmas has come and gone for another year. The big project for me began just four weeks ago when I found Dad's first journal in the attic at my parent's house. After reading it myself, I knew it needed to be copied and shared with my family.

Christmas is really about Christ and how the God of the Old Testament loved us so much that He clothed Himself in human flesh, was born in a stable, grew and sacrificed Himself on our behalf. Along our way through life, He is there. Sometimes He walks quietly alongside us and other times He makes Himself known in ways so obvious that it is impossible to deny He is there. Such was the case with Dad's journal.

I spent many evenings deciphering words on the pages, written sometimes in pencil so light I had to squint to see it. When the copying was complete I found I missed those evenings spent with my fifteen year old father. He loved the Irondequoit Bay, spent many days working on a farm, and woke up late for school more often than early. He shared hopes and dreams as well as frustrations and heartbreak. I came to know him in a new way.

I printed page after page of journal, folded and set them in order. There were last minute additions, like the ship he drew inside the front cover, and a few typos I missed (It says 2009 instead of 1947 in one entry). I left Dad's spelling errors in order to preserve the authenticity and here and there left my own italicized explanation of people and placed mentioned.

James stayed home on Wednesday to bind the pages together and make covers for eleven books. They turned out beautiful and we were able to give one to each of my children, both my sisters and my mom, and still have one for James and me.

I am grateful for a God who loves me so much that He gave us a Christmas present from Dad sixty-two years ago. He knew we would be blessed all these years later when we spent our first holiday without our precious earthly father.

A Little Christmas Music

If you frequent Bethany's blog, you may know that Josh likes Christmas music. It makes him want to dance. His dancing makes us smile. Tomorrow will be fun.

Merry Christmas, everyone!