December Daze

This lighted picture is a favorite gift I received this Christmas

December is a beautiful time of year for reflection and preparation for the holidays.

It is also a month of tension, overwhelming stress at times and lots of making lists and checking them twice planning sessions. Every year I think I'm ahead of the deadlines and that this month will afford me the pleasure of taking in some local events or having leisurely evenings to listen to Christmas music and sip on rich coffee.

But the extra stops at the store for groceries to make that snack I need to get in the mail the next day, or a last minute gift I forgot I needed-wanted of course- to buy, steals from the time I'd like to devote to idyllic moments of the season. This is small compared to others who are experiencing an illness or death that takes priority over the well planned out schedule leading up to the holiday.

Sometimes stresses mount for me until I'm feeling vulnerable and wimpy.  This season I discovered again how those times of weakness are opportunities for  God's sweet presence to sustain and strengthen me. As I draw more aside to ask for his help and look for his words of peace, he has abundantly poured his help upon me.

Here are some of the words He's spoken to me:

-Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Certain expectations I had set were changed to a more practical approach or a different thought would steer me to do a more simple, doable action and I was so often reminded of that Voice of instruction and loving counsel.

-In one restless night when things felt overwhelming I asked for humor to lighten the next day somehow. It was fun to see how God arranged that to happen and provided a belly laugh hilarity. It was even more encouraging to realize afterward, that I had experienced the Lover of my soul answering a simple prayer.

-2 Corinthians 2:18
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
That was my prayer that day and just reflecting on the whole chapter raised my sights to the glory of the Lord.  The word glory or a form of it is used 12 times in this chapter. I am encouraged as I reflect on who He is and who I am becoming in Him.

-Psalm 16:11
You will make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasure at your right hand.
Again the assurance and promise that I will be directed into what will bring life to me this day. And joy is what sustains me.  His presence is always with me.

-Psalms 51:8a
Let me hear joy and gladness;
How simple a prayer, but how it sets me up to anticipate fun and contentment in the busyness.  Without His joy and gladness I can be dragged into depression and gloom.  Thank you for your joyful heart, Father.  For how you sing over me with joy and how you delight in your children.

More ways He shares His love to me:

The carols of the season have been meaningful and uplifting to listen to-whether by radio, the Pandora station or my collection of CDS I've collected over the years. The messages of hope and the fun lyrics can lighten my mood.  Favorites: the Pentatonix- anything.  If you are not familiar with this a capella group, take a listen.  A CD, Christmas Gaither Vocal Band, has some unusual songs I never heard anywhere else- "Come and See What's Happenin' in the Barn" and "Christmas in the Country".  Then there's country flair, blues and salsa to my CD, Christmas on the Border, with foot stomping music.

The lights that brighten the nighttime bring cheer, and the words and visits with family and friends are like a massage to my soul.

Thank you, Father, for your love poured out this time of year and your sustaining grace to help me embrace it all. Thank you for the everlasting gift of Jesus and his sacrifice for sin that started it all. May you always be front and center in all I do.

Holiday Greetings!

All but 2 of our beautiful grandchildren

Hello to friends and family! Happy Holidays!

I'm taking the internet route to bring you our yearly update. It's virtually the easiest way to communicate.  How did we do life before online conveniences, our cell phones and instant access to knowledge? 

No big changes to report this year, other than I've visited the social security office twice and am making decisions I feel too young to make. Kevin is a few years behind, in fact just a brand new 60s-er. He had a month of celebrations with several small gatherings of friends and a day and overnight with me at the beach along Lake Michigan. It was a late September day with cool breezes tugging at our sweatshirts and jeans and a bright sun warming our backs as we sat in the sand. I had never experienced the Lake with waves the height of ocean crests. It satisfied my sea-loving heart and an extra bonus was having the beach mostly to ourselves. We stayed at a Airbnb with a 15 minute walk away from Warren Dunes. While there, the tallest dune begged to be climbed and we succumbed, in spite of our bodies' protests the entire way up.  I highly recommend a fall time visit to the Lake!

March began with a trip to Virginia to celebrate my Dad's 90th birthday. It was a simple, yet wonderful time with family. We are thankful for the good health Dad enjoys.  He still creates furniture in the woodshop of the retirement community they live in! Anyone need a walker fixed? Call Omar.  He even has a spare for you to use while yours is in repair. Dad freely expresses his love for Jesus and it's a pleasure to be with him and Lena.

Memorial Day weekend brought a trip to CA to visit Austin, Ashley, Rowan(3) and Wesley (1). It was my first visit to CA and we enjoyed a few wonderful days together in the Sacramento area, which included a visit to the Jesus Culture church where they attend. 

July 4th was the highlight of the year as all our children and grandchildren were together for a day at our house. The weather was frightfully hot and foiled some of our plan to be outside most of the day.. But we made use of the outdoor space for bocce ball competitions for the youth and adults and a bouncy house for the younger kids. We hired our neighbors to cater the evening meal of BBQ chicken and fixins' and homemade ice cream. Every kind of bed from sleeper sofa to pack 'n play was put to use for the families who stayed over during that week. I had prepared some meals ahead, and for others we visited favorite restaurants in town. Evenings were filled with fun games of Up and Down the River and 4 Up, 4 Down. Most of the grandkids are old enough to play with the adults now which means a large reach for the dealer to hand out cards to all the players around the big table. What a blessing to be together and I'm thankful for all the awesome people I get to call family!

Josh and Kira have three high schoolers in their household- Brayden, Jill and Elle. Cody, their oldest, has his own place.  Dan and Kristina, our one local family, have one teenager, Aubrey, 12 year old Shawn and 8 year old Rebecca. 

Jodi and kids (Ian 10, Dominic 8 and Noah 3) remained here longer, and I got to travel with them back to Florida for a week. Amanda and Auron (11), Elika (8) and Zane (3) remained for an extended stay for the rest of the summer. Lots of cousin and grandkid time! Dads (Emmanuel and A.J.), came and went as work schedules allowed.

Kevin continues at his job with Tri-State Compressed Air, and I returned to work at the GC Library after my summer break. Kevin devotes weekly time to caring for his parents who live in the retirement village in town. They have health challenges, but keep as active as possible, participating in some of the activities the village provides.

Our church is attracting younger families now, and it is exciting to be a part of what God is doing among us.  Kevin and I hosted a small group this Fall for step parents. I highly recommend any of Ron Deal's materials for how to successfully navigate a second time marriage and all the challenges that go with it, for kids and parents. Ron's message is practical and full of God's grace. 

October found us on another trip to VA where we spent time with Amanda and her family in Williamsburg and a long weekend with Dad and Lena and most of my siblings. Family ties can't be beat!

This month Kevin and I were privileged to be part of a gathering of Schrock siblings in southern Indiana. It is a joy to be connected to Joe's family.  His parents live in a house with 24 hour home care and the care of Joe's sister who lives nearby. 

Aside from these highlights, life is full of the usual work schedules, visits with friends, and learning more about trusting in and surrendering to our Lord Jesus Christ.  It's a lifetime adventure.

The Lord bless and keep you;  the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face to you and give you peace. Num. 6:24-26

Our love,

Ruth and Kevin

November Reflections

I'm reflecting over the last month and here are some things to note that were significant or things I learned.

Thoughts on sleep:
Does anyone else find it hard to get to bed to sleep the recommended 7-8 hours a night.  I'm in bed a decent time, but the allure of  quiet moments to do what I want to do , trumps the need to get a good night's sleep.  It's finally time to catch up on emails on my phone, or follow those Pinterest notices that put suggestive thoughts into my head. I have time to browse on Amazon and put things in my cart-there's always a reason to shop-birthdays coming up, time to replenish supplies...And the Google searches to satisfy some question that I didn't have time to pursue earlier.  Of course, several links later I am head deep into some article or blogger's expressions. As I turn off the light to go sleep the stimuli of whatever I was doing won't go away and I lie with eyes closed begging for slumber to overtake me. I listen to the grandmother's clock in the next room chiming away each quarter hour of those necessary sleep benefits, and I berate my delinquency.   You'd think I'd learn to ward off those temptations and actually obey the adult voice of wisdom. I keep working on this one.

This month finished up an 8 week step-parenting small group we hosted. I highly recommend any materials from Ron Deal. He has worked with a myriad of remarried families and knows those of us in that category very well. Be prepared to sniffle through some of his sessions as his gentle spirit offers hope and needed encouragement. Step parents are prone to rejection and conflict, children suffer through great losses from their past, and marriage the second time around slides right over the honeymoon stage looking for the merry-go-round, but instead lands on the teeter totter. Ron's assurance of God's mercy and forgiveness, the rewards coming for the non-quitters and his practical steps to navigate the sea of opposition will provide balance for the  journey. Rewards include giving children a positive view of a marriage that thrives and endures. Success comes over time, giving each family member the time they need to accept their circumstances and warm up to those that call them family.

Tis the season.  I am so thankful for online shopping!  No lines to wait in, post office visits, or miles to drive to find just the right gift. Plus I can review the items before I buy them. Best money spent ever,  paying a yearly fee for Amazon  Prime. It still is a challenge to keep stress and anxiety at bay, while I choose each Christmas gift for each person and to plan far enough ahead to mail out the packages for the things I don't buy online. I'll be finished by the end of November this year and that feels good.

I took online shopping to a new level this week. National news declared the Wednesday before Thanksgiving not only the worse traveling day of the year, but the worse grocery shopping day of the year. I decided to give the local grocer a chance to prove their delivery efficiency as I clicked the grocery list items into my virtual cart. The process of selecting groceries was smooth and, oh, so easy. The first delivery is free and the added 5% tip seemed reasonable for the convenient service.  It rounded out to a good experience- pros outweighed the glitches of which there were two. I chose the delivery drop off time; the driver came an hour too early. Glitch number one.  Kevin happened to come home from work early that day, so someone was here to accept the groceries, but he had no clue of my smart shopping. When the doorbell rang he peered inconspicuously through the blinds to identify the car in the driveway. It wasn't familiar and few things can make my husband more disgruntled than a solicitor or survey taker. He had decided to ignore the door.  Thankfully, the driver didn't give up easy (they need to wait a full 10 mins. he later explained) and finally, Kevin decided to find out who had arrived. There stood a young man carrying sacks from the grocery store and an insulated tote bag.  He must have the wrong house; nope, the address checks out. Then it must be a mistake; nope, Ruth's name is on the order. Now convinced, Kevin brought the groceries into the house and set them on the counter, wisely waiting to put them away until I could confirm their correctness. When I later emptied the sacks I discovered the second glitch--regular chocolate chips instead of minis.  I can live with that. Avoiding grocery cart side-swiping in a crowded store and long lines at checkout was a win for me.  I will try it again, soon.

November is the colorful month outdoors. This year I added color to my grooming with nail strips from Color Street.  My daughter hosted a Facebook party and I indulged, for myself, and knocked off some Christmas gifts. Check them out.  I'm not in for time-consuming maintenance of nail care.  That's why I like Color Street.  It does take time to learn how to apply the color, but it is fairly long- lasting once on your nails, and it only requires regular acetone to take off the polish.

One last thought:  My Bible Study in Mark is getting me more acquainted with Jesus and his mission, not just during his life on earth, but for us in 2018. It took a long time for the disciples to understand that Jesus was the Messiah and then to accept that this would mean something far different from what they were expecting. Jesus kept revealing himself to them and showing them God's heart of love for people. His miracles demonstrated his mission to set captives free and bring life to those in need. All along he planned to groom these chosen men to continue the work he had initiated. And that's still his call and desire for each of us who follow him. Those who repent and receive his life pass it on until all have heard the good news. Are we listening in order to understand more of the one we follow? So we stay on the path and not give in to temptation to stop off and stay at Good Enough, or take the short cut the devil offers. Do we welcome his download of love to give to the needy around us? Am I serious about losing my life for his sake, which means not gaining the world?  I won't set my sights on pursing the world's wealth, importance or acceptance. Even when it would be so much easier to let society influence my beliefs.  Only by staying immersed in His Word, being filled with His Spirit, communing with other Jesus followers and praying for His help will we be able to stand firm to the end.

I wish you a joyous December!

13 Days in Ferguson-a book review

Seeing, hearing and experiencing the tragic event of Michael Brown's shooting and the riots that followed from Ron Johnson's eyes is exciting and sobering. After five days of protestors marching, violence, looting and vandalism following the shooting in Ferguson, Ron, captain of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, was called in to restore peace.

This memoir shows the conflicted emotions of a African American policeman caught in the middle; in the middle of an angry community of his own people and the local police. Told with in-the-moment-emotions and play-by-play actions, we see the heart and actions of a man who was overcome with responsibility, yet willing to stand for what he believed was right and what he believed would bring a different kind of resolution than sheer force and dominating authority. Ron believed he was guided by divine wisdom, even though he was filled with doubts and the results for peace did not come quickly.

The writing is fast-paced and told in the present tense. I have gained a better understanding of life for African Americans.  I am awed by a man who hasn't let the pain of his own past create anger and partiality, but rather to increase his ability to see individuals in the midst of mobsters and victims. Ron's courage to make decisions that put him at odds with his officers is truly heroic.

I'm thankful Ron Johnson was on assignment in Ferguson, August 2014. He was led to listen and to identify with the protestors. He challenges all of us to change our point of view.
"See people as people...abandon labels...we have to keep reaching-until our hands are no longer empty...until we can hold on to each other."

This book was given to me from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

One Blood: A book review

One Blood, by John Perkins, is a call to the church. A call to bring black and white Christians together to show the unity Christ intends for his church.

At 87 years old, Perkins wants to pass on to the church principles for Biblical reconciliation that he has dedicated his life to. He believes we are at a unique moment in history.  Out of the current upheaval, confusion and anger in our nation, new conversations are beginning.

God created only one race--the human race. Churches need to intentionally capture the vision of oneness with diversity, just as Pentecost gave one message in different languages, and Revelation pictures multitudes of worshippers from every nation, tribes, peoples and tongues.

The book's chapters lead us through lamenting and confessing our racism, acts of repentance, commitment to change, extending forgiveness, our weapon of prayer, and the powerful love of God we experience personally and then give to one another. Stories of churches that are modeling unity by building healthy multiethnicity and economic diversity, are scattered between chapters.

Perkin's personal story of persistent love inspires me.  Abandoned by his father when young, John knows the pain of broken relationships. He strives to never give up on a friendship in spite of disagreements. Conflict affords an opportunity for discussion and through negotiation a friendship is born. John is rich in true friendships, black and white.

I like John's forthright yet humble sharing. His perspective on suffering is profound. His people in slavery were able to accept pain and suffering as Jesus did. They found God's grace to love and forgive their oppressors. They fought for the nation's freedom alongside white folks in war.  They did not become haters of a nation that failed to live up to its promises. As they gained new freedoms they did not seek to retaliate. They chose hope and wanted to move forward to make a difference. They utilized God's power to show them how to suffer well and to trust Him to make it right.

John prays for young people today who have allowed hatred to turn to violence. He wants to remind them that advances in the past did not come through violence, and that  God fights for those who trust His purposes. God's people are still to love their enemies and to turn the other cheek. We need to overcome fear. "Our power is on our knees before our God."

I am challenged. I want to love more as Jesus did. Are there ways cultural prejudice has shaped my understanding of the Bible? I want to learn how I can work towards reconciliation and better understand minorities in my community.  Reading this book is a start.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Alive in Spring and Anticipating Summer

A blogger I follow asks her followers, periodically, what's keeping you alive right now?

Of course, as a believer, the answer is Jesus, right?  And that is definitely the truth for me. How bereft I would be without the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit and the knowledge that He is making all things work together for my good.

So within that wonderful, holy habitat, what has given me enjoyment, focus, and new discoveries lately?

-those quirky librarians I work with
Whether it's playing board games over lunch or planning the next lobby display, I am surrounded by creative minds, all younger than I am. The campus newspaper is currently running ads for the library asking readers to vote for their favorite out of context quotes from library staff. These quotes have been collected over the academic year and literally make no sense without knowing the background setting. They've become quite popular on campus.  We're also displaying "rare" library artifacts in the front lobby. Things like an electric eraser, floppy disks, an old microfilm reader, a puppet from the juvenile section, and other odds and ends. They are given made up names and displayed like museum pieces with placards to describe their imaginary functions.  Funny and original!

-Nancy Pearcy's book, Love Thy Body
Nancy shares an understanding of how our culture has drifted from a Biblical world view to a post-modern, agnostic belief that the mind and emotions have control over physical matters, specifically how the human body is viewed. When people operate in this belief system, there are no binaries for gender,  life is determined by when personhood is recognized, not by the presence of gestation and fetus and why homosexuality is now acceptable.  Nancy also discusses euthanasia and family arrangements.  What does it mean to be human?  What makes us valuable? Nancy makes a convincing case for how Christianity teaches a holistic view of body, biology and sexuality. This is on my list to read over and to internalize more carefully the truths in Nancy's well written book.

-busyness of planning for a family visit
July 4th will be a day to celebrate family as all our kids and families will be here together-in one place for the first time in several years!  Meal planning and preparing ahead keeps the weekends busy with baking, arranging bedrooms and cleaning.  We've hired our wonderful neighbors to cater the meal that day- BBQ chicken, potato salad, and homemade ice cream.  Another neighbor rents bouncy houses and we're using his services to provide a play option for the kids.  This is keeping me beyond alive! #keepingmeupatnights   #keepingmebeggingforgrace

-summer time off from work
I love that my job affords me about 6 weeks off during the summer months.  It won't be a summer to lounge and catch up on projects, as there will be kids and grandkids here the whole time I'm off, but it will be time away from the library and time to make memories with grands.

-DAB Daily Audio Bible
A friend shared this wonderful app with me. Brian has developed a large community of followers who enjoy listening to his daily reading of scripture.  He follows a read-through-the-Bible-plan, and I'm able to keep up with the plan whether reading or listening to the daily recordings. This has been a lifesaver as I can listen early morning when I first wake up in bed, or as I'm getting dressed and doing makeup and hair.  Or as I do my exercise walk. With the craziness of my busy household and schedule, I have been blessed to hear the Word and be inspired by it. Thank you, Brian.  You can discover this resource, too!

-Jen Hatmaker's podcasts
Jen interviews friends, authors, comedians and many more in her weekly podcasts.  I can't listen as often as I'd like to, but I've been slowly making my way through her archives.  Very enjoyable, inspiring and fun.  You may want to check them out!

Whatever your summer holds, enjoy each day and savor the good times.

Breaking Cover-a book review

Michelle grew up in a conservative family in a little town in central Florida.  National Geographic magazines at a neighbor's house piqued her interest in cultures far different from her own.  From missionaries who visited her country church and through student-led mission trips, she also encountered foreign language and countries. Following her passion for foreign cultures, she pursued a master's degree in Arab Studies and a political science degree.

Michelle's love for the Middle East started when she met and married, Joseph Assad, who was born in Egypt. Almost on a whim, or as Michele says, she heeded a deep urging from God, she is led to a send a resume to the CIA. Joseph and she both become agents and the book describes the grueling assignments they serve in Iraq and other war zone countries, of which she still does not have the freedom to disclose the location. Besides living close to danger, another obstacle was being a woman.

Her CIA training helped prepare her in some close calls. Cut off from family and friends because of the secretive missions, she battled loneliness and the nature of the work was wearing and difficult. After ten years in the CIA, God's directed them to leave.  A door opened for them to work as freelance security consultants. Michelle felt a call to tell her story.

Perhaps one of the most significant stories in the book for me was the last adventure Michelle shares about the rescue she and Joseph led for Syrian and Iraqi Christians displaced by ISIS invasion.  The story showcases their passion and love for suffering believers and their honed skills through experience and training that gave them the tenacity and wisdom to accomplish the mission. 

I enjoyed reading the book, but had trouble with Michelle's style of writing that felt self-serving at times; yet she also gives credit to God for the advantages that have unfolded in her life. 

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.