Just a Daisy in the Meadow

Saturday I was introduced to this neat discussion board called A Page in the Life of a Mom . . .

Weldon helping Wayne catch up to the rest of us . . .

Sail on . . .

Joy showed us how to make a daisy chain . . .

Loraine’s favorite pastime, picking flowers . . .

Another card coming up . . . :)  Like it???

Looks kinda dead still, doesn’t it? . . . . Spring is a bit late in coming this year . . . But soon it will BURST with new life . . .

This pic is for my pregnant friends . . .I don’t know about you, but when I am pregnant, most times I feel kinda blah and “dead” like . . . BUT JUST WAIT!!! . . . What’s about to happen is breathtaking . . . What an awesome God . . . Creator . . . to make life just so . . .

Blessings - Aimee

The choices we make daily . . . will decide our outlook on life in a “few” years . . . these ladies made wise ones . . .and we have a Godly example of contentedness and cheerfulness in our midst . . .

Yesterday I was challenged to be content in a new way. And I quote from yesterday’s sermon, “Our reason to be content is not because we have enough, but because God has said that He will provide enough!” Remember . . . God’s ways are so much higher than our ways . . . and we so, so often think that we don’t have enough . . .

Let your conversation (Lifestyle, the way we live our lives) be without covetousness;

and be content with such things as ye have:

For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper,

And I will not fear what man shall do unto me. - Heb 13:5-6

Quoting again here, “So it seems apparent to me, that true contentment lies not it just being satisfied with what I have, but from resting in the knowledge that God will always be sufficient for me, and has already provided what He knows I need.”

“Let me illustrate it this way

(take the large can)

This is sort of like our expectations.

I come to God’s throne of grace with my petition.

-after all, God said that He will give liberally

And God pours some blessings into my life.

(Pour blue cup full into large can)

(look in can, Look back at ceiling)

Uh God, I have six children to feed.

(look in can, Look back at ceiling)

And uh God, the van’s tires have hit the tread wear mark.

(look in can, Look back at ceiling)

We need to order school supplies for next year.

(look in can, Look back at ceiling)

We need a piano for the children to learn how to play.

Etcetera!!!

Notice what happens, we notice what is missing and focus on that far more than on what He has given, and we long for more because we have expectations.

Not much contentment here.

Now let’s see what happens from a different perspective.

(take the small can)

Heavenly Father, you know what We need to live. I know that you have promised to never leave us or forsake us, and Lord, this week we need to get some groceries, and we need to pay the heat. If you could provide the necessary funds for these we would be grateful.

(pour the same amount of water into the smaller can)

Thank you Lord! . . . For the electricity too . . .For the special donuts on Thursday! . . .For the money to fill up the gas tank again! . . .For the healthy smiles on my children’s faces! . . .For the vehicles smooth running again this week. . . .For the food on our table . . .

You get the picture.

Which one do you think is content with the blessing they have received?

I believe that we often perceive the size of our needs to be greater than what God knows them to be.

It belongs to us to change the size of our desires, and not to demand a fuller bucket. “ (There are exceptions . . . there are times God prompts us to ask for big things . . .)

Ok, now you got a bit of my husbands sermon yesterday . . . no he is not an ordained preacher, but is in a bit of leadership training . . .and at our church some of the lay members are called to preach on occasion.

“The poor and needy seek water,

but there is none,

their tongues fail for thirst.

I the Lord will hear them;

I the God of Israel, will not forsake them.

I will open rivers in desolate heights,

and fountains in the midst of the valleys ;

I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land spring of water . . . ” Isaiah 41:17,18

Oh, Lord, today I am so needy . . . help me focus on what I can do for others, to brighten their day . . .

(and so this came to my mind . . . now don’t you wish, you’d let me know that you read my ramblings . . . I do hope though that those of you that I did mention and don’t come here very often will “happen” upon this post . . . cause you have blessed my heart . . . )

This is kinda random . . . nothing alphabetical about it . . . and I didn’t mean to leave anyone out . . . this brain can only remember so much . . . and much of it is full of “baby fuzz”

Marie . . . you will always have a special place in my heart . . . I remember going over to your house and watching you put the finishing touches to a wonderful supper, playing with cousins and just being in your home . . . and I too grieve with you in your sorrow . . .

Angela - you are a sweet little mama, not letting those storms in your life make you bitter, but allowing God to transform it into something beautiful . . . .

Carrie, you will always be a favorite cousin . . . we’d use “Stewarts path” through he cornfield to get to your place . . .remember the times of playing “house” and jumping off the roof of you guy’s shed . . . You are a wonderful fun\lovin’ mom!

Dear Aunt Elva . . . always getting teased . . . another link to the past loved ones gone on before, I love your pictures of the olden days when we cousins were little, God knew we’d get much enjoyment out of those . . . take courage and live on . . .

Dear Cheryl . . . we go way back of course, to the days of pigtails and Sunday school . . . old friends are the BEST . . .you cheer me, by just being you, flexible and so comfortable to be around and share one’s heart with!

And oh, Krista, what can I say . . . it was hard to “give you up” to Lonnie and in those latter years, you watched me “drift” away . . . You were the first one of our class to become a mother and the adjustments of all that . . . you are a friend though the thick and the thin . . .

Juanita . . . you who have closely watched and cheered these years of my mothering . . . your hugs and prayers and smiles are precious . . . may God grant you, your own family . . .

Judi . . . from the very first your songs ministered to me there in the Four Seasons cabin, your dedication to the Lord and long hours of prayer on behalf of others . . . you’ve often brightened and lightened my load just by caring . . . thank- you for being a shoulder I can cry on . . .

Aunt Frances . . . stories of Pop and Grandmother you pass on to us youngsters . . . love and care for us your nieces and nephews, cards and phone calls . . .

Aunt Mollie . . . Early morning walks and talks on our dirt road . . . your flowerbed bank blooming each summer . . .

Aunt Edith . . . letters in the mail, handwritten

Lez . . . such a faithful reader and commenter . . . words and “company” do cheer a body so . . .

Dorene . . . whenever we sing the song “Come to Bible School” pictures of your dad and my Summer Bible school days flood my memory . . . I have a basket woven by your mom . . . have you picked up that talent . . . you are a blessing, allowing God to use your hands and heart for some little needy one\ones

Elaine . . . experiencing once again that word full of joy and dread, pregnancy . . . God bless you, my sister . . .

Cretora . . . I love your openness and honesty . . . I love reading from ladies in my season of life who have their hands full and homeschool, you cheer me girl . . .

Wilson . . . remember . . . . remember now your Creator, in the days of your youth and manhood, . . . remember our water fights (chickenwater and mudpuddle water . . .) ah, you were a fun guy . . .

Matthew . . . (I can’t get used to calling you Matt) I remember those schooldays and watching you struggle against the odds, praying for your dad . . . keep up the fight

Richard . . . I remember you as such a young and innocent boy . . . now with many questions and doubts . . . God doesn’t change . . .

Julie . . . from bear paws to youth group to Faith Builders . . . oh yeah . . .you are one of the most friendly, hospitable people I know . . .

Cheryl Y - I thank you for being a friend to my sis . . . a woman of God

Heidi . . . what a joy you are to me . . . filling the place as best you can of my long ago friends and acquaintances who live somewhere far away in another state that I can’t see often enough . . .

Cheryl W - It’s a joy to have many friends whether you’ve met them or not . . . God’s blessings on your life and day, today!

Martha F. - thanks for opening up and writing . . . I love your smiles and chuckles, your zest for life . . .

Sylvia H. - a special admiration for contacting me, a stranger and sharing a bit of yourself

Donna K - Such a gentle, gracious lady . . . you remind me of a special aunt of mine . . . I remember your times of sharing with the “bakery crew” . . . your an example to follow . . .

Aunt Donna - so creative . . . and brave raising all those boys and homeschooling them yourself . . .my “hat’s off to you”!

Cheryl T. - an encourager . . . willing to go out of your way to pray and minister to others

Dorcas S. - filling many a day with laughter and humor, as I follow along and read the episodes of your life. I appreciated the writing class this past fall . . .

Barb K. - a “new” friend, sharing in the joys and trials of mothering . . . reveling together in the enjoyment of Ladies Retreats each year . . . thanks for caring and praying . . .

Nettie - Seeing God at work in and around your life is an inspiration and challenge to “Let God” reach in deeper in my life . . .

Carolyn - through the years, you have been persistent on reaching out to me and keeping in contact . . . you are a gal after my own heart . . .

Joy - you are your name, joy . . . and David, you are strong in spirit . . . Weldon, you take after them both . . . Trenton, patient and enduring, Dawnita - full of joy and smiles

Ginny - yeah just to know that you are also walking down the path of number six, trying to keep all “them ducks in a row”, is a lift to me . . . Blessings my friend . . .

Monica - God does have a plan . . . He has a purpose for your life . . . You are a BRIGTHT light for him!!! It made me cry to see you and your sisters reach out and minister to the young moms in your church fellowship . . .

Rachel Z - just knowing that I am not alone, that others go through these baby days with much need of strength and wisdom( and God sees them though) . . . is sweet to the soul . . .

Kristina - Shall we go camping again . . . in the valley . . . in the rain what fun memories with you and your family . . . I am blessed to know you . . .

Aunt Doris Jean - what a dear, entertaining my school children on your vacations up here . . . cheerful as the summer is green when there’s plenty of rain!

Aunt Jeannie - a welcomer to this in-law . . . thanks for accepting me into your family

Dianne - a rememberer of birthdays . . . tangible greetings from the old-fashioned mail-box

Carita - a jewel of a young lady . . . you will make a wonderful wife and mother . . .

Michelle B. - a lover of children, one who stands up for Jesus bravely amidst family and friends, one who welcomed me warmly when I moved to this community . . .

Michelle F. - you truely are an inspiration to me to keep on training, and loving, and growing . . .

Sharon - my sisters old classmate and now my friend and “neighbor” It’s a joy to visit with you and see you . . . a taste of home You are a blessing . . .

Deborah - mother of many little ones, God bless you REAL good, someday maybe we can meet again

Deb - you are a special joy in that you were brave enough to let me know that you’re “out there” It’s fun to have some of the same friends as my older sister

Naomi - day in and day out, you care for your children . . . that does not go unnoticed . . .

Kaylouann - you joy and thrive on fixing food, some of us need encouragement in that, thanks for letting us see into your life, and for being our friend . . .

Lavonne - Enjoying each moment of being a mom . . . such tender loving care!

And of course a few words to my Honey . . . You are a listener . . . one who walks with me . . . always takes my calls and makes me feel loved . . . you cheer me on in stormy weather, and try to hold the umbrella over me to keep out the worst . . . I love you . . .

And to you all, . . .my friends . . . I thank - you . . . you have inspired and encouraged me in one way or another just by being you . . .

God bless you!!! . . . and may He brighten your day and lighten your load . . . - Aimee

Even though our church was called off because of the cold weather we still managed to travel across the country and have a wonderful warm weekend with friends! . . .  warm hospitality, warm hearts, lots of laughter and children and love.  The close quarters really wasn’t all that bad . . . I’d do it again in a heartbeat! 

We went out for breakfast,

My friend and I,

Leaving children and husband behind,

(To see what they could find . . .)

Getting up in the wee hours of day

Were we crazy or what?

No, just trying not to get that way . . .

It helps . . . friends do care,

Our joys and sorrows they share . . . .

I am blessed!!!

LeRoy Yoder . . . home with Jesus . . . welcomed by friends and loved ones . . . enthralled in that land of glory . . . singing and shouting with the saints . . . kneeing before the throne . . . talking with God . . .

Just thinking about it makes me homesick . . .

“When the saints go marching in . . . Oh, Lord, I want to be in that number, when the saints go marching in.”

“Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and forever.” - Revelation 5:13b

“HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come . . .” - Rev. 4:8b

Japheth made a little poster for in his store with these words on it. “#2 Question - Is this the day I die?” (It comes from the book Safely Home by Randy Alcorn . . .)

. . . It is to help people remember the #1 Question. Can you guess what that would be?

Tomorrow we’re going to visit Japheth’s friend Chris . . . They met at Driver’s Ed. class and have been good friends and have kept in touch ever since. He’s had cancer many times and now this time may be the last. . . They were planning to come visit us this weekend, but he’s in too much pain, so we are going there. He’s been given at the most six months. What do ya say to a dying friend . . . What do ya say to the one who’ll be left alone with two little children . . .

  
Final moments with their son and brother.

Grandpa Hess

Bill