Slee-ep in Heavenly Peace

Tidings of Comfort and Joy

These are a few of my favorite shots of my grandkids, a major part of my comfort and joy- my delight!! It's for those bold enough to look up this blog, and for the Christmas letters I e-mailed without pictures!

Christmas: Peace and a Sword.

Dec. 17, 2007
Luke 2: 35 “Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.”
This prophesy was delivered to Mary from Simeon upon her presentation of the Baby Jesus in the temple.
It was right after his proclamation that Jesus was his salvation, and a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of God’s people Israel. His confirmation to Mary that what the angels and sheperds had said was true: that this was the Christ, Emmanuel, God with us!
In today’s glitzy culture, with its Merry Little Christmas songs and commercialism, we forget that the Lord came with Peace AND a sword. That the pathway to His salvation was one wrought with death, as the innocent babies were slaughtered in an attempt to stop Him. And even in the one who would be our forerunner, so to speak, in birthing Christ; even in Mary, who the angel declared as blessed among women, there was also to be a sword that would pierce her soul.
I was having a hard time the beginning of December, it being the birthday and anniversary of David. We would have been married 30 years now had he lived. It was something I always assumed would happen. It was another death- the death of a dream. And then I heard a sermon by my old favorite, Jack Hayford on the slaughter of the children when Herod found out the wise men had tricked him. (They were, after all, wise) How God, told Joseph and Mary to flee. How sometimes we can’t stop injustice. How sometimes Hell gets its evil way. But in that, Jack pointed out, although it seems as if the forces of hell are winning out, the sacrifice was allowed to make way for a far greater deliverance. That deliverance was of the whole world from the clutches of hell. Not to the destruction of the kingdoms of men, but first- to each man’s heart, where they let Him in!
Not delivering us from the sword, but bringing something beautiful to us out of the ashes. An eternal life for death. A new hope where despair had been. A peace and power to comfort where God’s comfort has filled us.
And the real miracle of Christmas happened to me, to such an extent that the old songs of Christmas were resurrected for me. Songs now richer and fuller than ever before. Because the sword has revealed so much, and I love God so much more now. An inexplanable, yet palapable understanding of “joy unspeakable and full of Glory” comes to me when I worship Him.
I now know that David is hearing the same angelic hosts that broke through the sky that night and that I will one day sing with him and all my loved ones:

“Glory to God in the Highest and on Earth, Peace, goodwill toward men!”

“Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘til He appeared and the soul felt its worth. The thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new a glorious morn. Fall on your knees, oh hear the angel’s voices, O night divine, o night, when Christ was born.”

This Christmas, may you find comfort in knowing that Christmas doesn’t have to be all glitter, jingle bells and good feelings. May you find hope in my story. May you know that, though you suffer, still the Christ child comes. May you be able to believe that God will bring new life to you if you let Him in. And may you find comfort in knowing that though the pregnancy is long and the travail is difficult, the promise will be birthed!!

Lastly, may the true meaning of Christmas fill you with Joy. The Lord has come! He’s come for you- and He’s willing to come into your darkness!

“Joy to the world, the Lord has come, Let earth receive her king.
Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing’
And heaven and nature sing,and Heaven,and,Heaven,and nature sing!"

Santa, friend or foe?

"Come on, let's go see Santa!" Bowden and Lucy thought it was a great idea, until they saw the huge ball-of-red old man.
"But he's really nice, he's good," I yelled vainly as Bowden raced away, back down the candy cane path as fast as his little legs could take him. Lucy, surveying the scene, decided that Bowden was right, she would have nothing to do with that fat, red stranger, either.
"Let's put baby Jack on his lap, look, guys, Baby Jack is sitting with Santa. Come see him!" I shouted again, while Sarah went to retrieve her scattered flock.
Meantime, Santa spoke gently, and I said "Hi Jackie!" and Jackie flashed a contented grin. I'm not even sure if Jack even looked at the sweet bearded man holding him. I think he felt cozy in the giant red blanket, and firm, but gently white glove that held him.
But I keep looking at that picture. The sweet old man, perfect for the part,if they were looking for Santa in his very old latter years. His eyes really do have a twinkle when he smiles, his beard is real, but long and with thinning straight wisps at the end, like a worn out feather. His cheeks were the perfect roundness for Santa, with just the right amount of pink to be highlighted by his massive red suit.(this was a FAT Santa) And,like icing on the cake, his smile really did turn up like a bow! Mostly, though , this old man emanated a gentleness befitting of a loving Santa. Jackie sensed it,and was completely at ease.
I have a picture, but it won't scan.
Suffice it to say,that the more I looked at these 2 faces, the very young innocence of the 5 month old baby, and the smile-crinkled, gentle face of an old man
the more I was struck with the wonder of God's gift of Christmas, to those with the innocence to receive it.
How often we are afraid of the unknown. How often God sends us gifts wrapped in strange and "unconventional" packages and we go running. Bowden, of course, had an explanation for why he had to run later. We do too, don't we. Lucy, I suspect, followed his lead. We do that, too.
When the supernatural breaks into the natural, the first reaction is often fear.
" And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid."
But God understands, and calls us to gather courage and keep looking and listening,
"then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all the people.
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2: 10-11
Don't be afraid of His messages,and don't be dissuaded by the odd package that might deliver them; for in them is your joy, in them is your salvation.
Think about it!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

A potty story

My grandson, Bowden, was on the toilet, and called to me to come. I assumed it was for help with wiping, as he's not yet mastered that one.
But,no. He was bent over on the toilet, pretty much in a jackknife dive position. On the floor beneath him was a book. I came in and said, "Yes, Bowden." He calmly stated, "I like to read while going poop!"
Well, since the book was closed, out of reach, and reading to him usually means being read to; AND since his announcement tickled me so.....
Well, what would any good Grandma do?
"Would you like me to read this book to you, Bowden?'"
"U-huh"
And so I sat, on the bathroom floor, because don't you know, I like to read while going poop, too.
And my grandson's poop doesn't stink to me!!!

Belated thanks

Hi All,
I have so much to give thanks for, and here it's the Thanksgiving season, and I didn't even post. New job, for which I'm grateful, very grateful- but being new has been keeping me very busy. Have had Sarah and Josh and my precious grandchildren, minus one- for the holidays. That has been delightful.
We had our first Thanksgiving on the Fusano side that wasn't at my parent's house. They've been threatening it for years, but didn't want to give it up. But my brother Beany and Cherie hosted it- at their beautiful home in Camarillo and it turned out great! Thanks to Cherie and Beany for all their hard work!

It's late. I needed a breather from report cards and seeing my grandkids and reading about family on blogs is a way I reward myself and cheer up from computer work. ( all our report cards are now done on computer-I can thank God that I don't have to work hard at writing legibly.)
Mostly, it has been a joy having the babies and kids here. I am so thankful for them, and for the fact that my grandchildren are being raised in such loving and competent hands! God bless you, Tates- one and all!!!!

A mazing Musical Opening

I don't know if this will work, and it's few minutes, but well worth it in my opinion!
thanks to cousin Paul(Menard) for hooking me up!
If interested, go to:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2yzze_hilsong-conference-2007-opening_dating

The Seeker

I saw a fun movie the other day. Called "The Seeker." In it was a great analogy about the need for us to know who we really are, and just what power we possess.
Also the power struggle between light and darkness.
There was a very good scene in it that beautifully portrays these truths:
"In Him was life, and the life was the Light of Man." 1John 4:9
"And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not ccomprehend it." John
I read the definition for the word used for comprehend ,in the original language: KATALAMBANO: seize, comprehend, overcome, gain control of, perceive, lay hold of with the mind, quench, extinguish, snuff out the light by stiffling it."
Guess what folks- the darkness can't do any of the above to the Light.
"And this is the message that we have heard from Him and declare to you-
That God is light and in Him is NO DARKNESS at all."
Smith Wigglesworth, (a name that Bowden and I think is funny)
said this about that, "Let the Holy Spirit be light in you to lighten even the light that is in you, and no darkness will befall you. You will be kept in the middle of the road."
Why walk in light?
So you know where you're going! AND
"And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.."
and so that you are not lost(wandering in darkness, without God) or lonely(without deep, meaningful, relationship) " We declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with Jesus Christ, His Son." 1 John 1:3
So that you can walk in the destiny divinely planned for you: Prov. 4:18
"But the path of the just is like the shining sun, shining even brighter unto the Perfect Day."
And HOW? Transparent lives, accountable for wrongs, to God and someone else: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.'(darkness)1 John 1:9
" If we say that we have fellowship with Him (that we are in relationship with God), and we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ ,His son, cleanses up from all sin."

A Bad Week?

So, I hit a car! I really felt like I couldn't post this week with the stress of a "special needs child" who's running around my room-literally, my dad back in the hospital,(Again, seems okay now, but must run more tests) the sudden death of my cousin's boy- brilliant kid, Greg Muff, and me- broadsiding a car.
Tired, stressed,spent a couple hours trying to find a sub for the funeral, blah, blah, blah
My forty day fast from grumbling, complaining, criticizing and judging is over. I took 40 in hopes of really breaking all of the above. I hope that I am doing better in these areas,as I believe they are among the greatest roadblocks to the highest of Christian values- to Love God with one's heart, soul, mind and strength, and the second, being like it- to love one's neighbor as oneself.
I was challenged to trust that God had me at the school I'm supposed to be at right now, that He had perfect timing and was working things out. That I'd asked Him, and He'd directed my steps.
And guess what. I began thanking Him for this job instead of stressing and looking all over for a way out. And it began to get better. And better,
Until a miracle happened. The class from hell became a class I love to teach! The majority of the behavior issues dissipated- save my "special" child, but even there, more help was sent to deal with him. God does amazing things for those who praise Him!
And the car accident- well, the next day, instead of having all the soreness I thought I'd have, I felt better. A slight headache, minor neck soreness, but nothing more than sleeping on the wrong pillow would give me.
I began to realize, when I chose to thank Him, how greatly He protected me!
MY cousins, I just ache for. Sometimes there's these deaths that defy our reason and understanding of what's right and good. I have learned however, that in those times, when I praise Him for His goodness, and His love, even in the midst of what I can't understand- it's then that I recieve the comfort that defies reason, and somehow glimpse the goodness that makes me fall more in Love with Jesus than ever before.
I pray that for my dear cousins!
P.S. Pink, if you're reading this, I couldn't figure out how to get the downloads of the girls weekend onto this here blog!!!! But I won't complain! Just gotta ask someone younger and brighter than me!

Fusano girl's weekend

It's late and I miss my camera,now that I finally figured out how to post pictures, but I'm doing this one for Pink!
Pink!! One of my favorite cousins, who, like a sister, is just as comfortable to talk to after years as she was when we were kids, talking everyday. Oh, I had another memory- but everyone's not in the room!
The Fusano girls weekend was great!
How great was it? If you measured it in food, I gained 41/2 pounds! (Well, okay, maybe it's from the last 2 weeks, but that's only because I probably cr----ed out about 10 pounds in the bathroom each day to make room for more food) Whoa- it's true, just thinking about you guys and I revert to talking like that. Sorry to all my refined friends, but it was the FUSANO girl's weekend!
I really wish I had a picture of it right now. But Pink- Good ole' Pink, has promised to send me some. Then I'll post more.
In the meantime, you can see my cousing Linda "Loody" at, say it with me, guys...
www.flowersmadesimple.net
My cousin Linda, who is not only gorgeous and fun, but knows how to teach flower arrangements, did the most fun demo there,

Which leads me to the question I've been pondering since the weekend? Where, why, and how did so many of our family members get their nick-names? And how clueless am I? When did Linda get Loody? I think I was told that this weekend, but I'm not sure.
We seemed to have solved the Clipper mystery, although there still remains some question regarding a sort of strange chicken dance. Which raises another question: How many different stories can we get for the origin of one name? And how many guys do we need to ask?
How did Pink get Pink? Some names are tracable- unless somebody just made up a good enough reason for it to fit, and everybody just went with that. "Oh, yeah, she had pink cheeks when she was born. Yea, that must've been it, Yeah that's right." In reality she may have said the word when she was 2 years old asking for a pink crayon, and somebody parroted her. Or maybe she wore pink 3 days in a row.
Some are due to someones initial mispronounciation, others to how beautifully they can tell a story, like poetry, or art. Others out of butt-cracks showing, or mistakes made. My daughter's best friend Lisa has about 5 of them, some just given to add to the confusion.
I think I know Lem's, originally, Lemon, but there might be other versions out there.
But as for me, I think, lovingly now of my cousin Linda, saying,"wwwdot.." and waiting for our cry- And, I don't know,, it just makes me want to call her, "www"

Just Checking in, and boasting of a Faithful God

Just checking in. I'm tired from running across the country this summer, blessed to see my precious babies, and great kids, but tired.
Just got settled, taking a leave of absence to sub, a move that God's hand was definitely in. I'm too tired to explain how, how what was impossible became possible, but I have to say this: God meets us where we're at. In trying to have the faith required to believe for Him to work it out, I had some sleepless evenings, and some fear and doubt. Took 'em to the One who knows it all anyway and declared that "I do believe, help me in my unbelief" ( I actually did paraphrased versions of that scripture- like- God, I'm scared, but I give that to you and I feel overwhelmed and don't see how this will work, but I declare that I trust you, you will direct my path, you are faithful and good.) Which is why I wasn't gonna write my real version, too long.
But please excuse me, I'm tired, albeit very grateful to the Faithful One.
And just wanted to check in.

P.S. I'll post Philadelphia soon!

Showing off Selah

Here I am across the country with my kids and beautiful grandbaby!!!
It just amazes me how each one of them can be the most beautiful thing in the world. And how they can steal your heart.
I love her soooo much!!!!!

High-jacked!

Got on the plane yesterday morning at 7 A.M. with a large coffee in hand and candy bars in my purse. I was ready for the morning movie. Fortunately, I also had my Bible and journal.

Being of late a Martha-type, keep busy person, I got right down to the "business" of doing my daily Bible reading and praying routine. I didn't even pull out my journal, figuring to get in my psalms reading, a couple chapters covered, and the prayer for all the kids, parents, blah, blah, blah.....

I started before the plane took off. I wanted to get that done so I could then relax and enjoy the flight. I only stopped for the thrill of the lift off, which is something I can't seem to get over, and the occasional peering out the window at the landscape below and the glory of the clouds billowing and covering the sky in a vast, living carpet.

The Highjacking was something I wasn't even aware of until today, after I saw the most tasteful framing of a saying by Ralph Waldo Emerson in the Amish goods. It says,
"Let us be silent that we might hear the whisper of God."
Scrolled on a light olive colored background with a strong black frame, in between 2 simple Willows, it struck me. "It is so true!" I gushed to the unsuspecting Amish saleslady.(If you know me, you know I can gush :<)) "It happened to me on the plane!!! There was no TV, no radio, no movie, and God was speaking to me so much through the Psalms!!" I was met with a polite stare.
"You can have it in a different colored frame," she responded.
"It was from Psalm 84, mostly," I proffered, hoping the familiarity of it might spark a glimmer of recognition in her.
Her response was to pull out some others that I might like. She did agree it was a good saying.

But it so dwarfs what actually happened! I didn't have a "good saying" time, I had a divine encounter!! A strangly divine encounter, in the midst of 100's of strangers on a crowded flight. I got so excited over what God was speaking to my heart that I had to pull out my journal and scrambled out thoughts as they came(and befoe they left:,) madly for some 7 pages! Three hours later I was so enamored with His love and so excited for what He's shown me, I barely gave it a thought that we'd never had a movie!

I was Highjacked by God!

God is so good! He speaks to us in His word in such personal ways, if we will only , put aside the business of our lives, seek Him, and take the time to listen.
As I stared at the splendor of His skies, the beauty of His landscape, and the vastness of His world, I was able to meditate on the spendor, the beauty and the vastness of the Love that He has planted in His Holy Word!


I'm hoping to post some of what He's shown me, but not tonight.
Tonight was my first day back with the Paul-Wentzellson's- and today I was highjacked by my precious beautiful little dewdrop- baby Selah! (see, I gush)


John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God! He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made."
The glory of the universe is but a reflection of the Glory of God!

V 14 "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."

After the parade

Idyllwild 4th-Camp Maranatha!!! (And my favorite Awana!

And when in L.A. have we had our own family- like celebrities- dancing in the 4th of July parade? (of course, I could've joined the San Fernando Curves group:<) )

Our Camp Maranatha featured, not only broomed marchers and chanters, but the youngest parade participant- baby Jack. You can tell he'll never forget the day!
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Idyllwild 4th of July Parade

It was really a fun parade. Made me realize why people would love to live in a small town. But not too small- as I was impressed with the variety of clubs and activities that were involved. But the biggest draw- coming up, next post!!!!!

Where'd your lines go, Nanny?

So I was "Cuddling" with my 4 yr. old grandson on the couch and we were having a nice talk. And he got a wondering look on his face and asked, "Where'd your lines go, Nanny?" "What lines?" I ask. "The ones on your face," says he, as he lightly rubs my cheek. Then it hits me, the wrinkles. The wrinkles that had made me feel so old in the last few years' pictures, the ones you can see in the picture above if you enlarge it.
Go ahead, I'm not ashamed! In fact, when Bowden looked for them, as if missing an old friend, I was suddenly, well- happy about them. Almost proud.
Of course his comment made me smile, and he was contented to see those lines back on my face like he remembered.
It's stuck with me all day. Later, I explained to Bowden that those lines are lines I got specially for him, and Lucy and all my grandkids, to show them how much I love them!
At first it felt a bit like a fib. But later, as I contemplated just why the whole thing tickled me so much, my mom's advice when I was just a girl came to me. She had told me to be careful to smile more than frown, because whatever kind of expression I wore now would be what my wrinkles would look like when I was old.
My wrinkles had made me feel older up until now. But now, when I realize that they are a point of affection to my little grandson, and I see that they are mostly the smiling lines that my precious little ones constantly elicit in me, I am suddenly very happy to have those wrinkles. And I realize that it's the farthest thing from a fib- they are a gift, reminding me of how much joy my children and grandchildren have brought into my life! Thanks kids- and thank You, God, for my lines of joy!!

Where

On Death and Life

I saw a sparrow this morning. Flicking his little head this way and that. Perched precariously close to the dog on the back of the lawn chair. And I thought of how perfectly formed he was; how smooth and blended his colors; how his little species all carry that same perfect look.
"His eye is on the sparrow..." the old spiritual goes. And yet....
Some end up on the ground, torn apart by the dog.
His eye is on the sparrow- but today Jaqueline Matchum's funeral, the end of a bitter battle, cancer ravaging her, morphine the only relief from the physical pain.(I had to amend my last statement, as all accounts told of a body in pain, but a woman of faith, who, when she was awake, was calling for more worship, laughing and singing as she awaited her homecoming to her Lord)
His eye is on the sparrow. How much more does He care for me? That's what Jesus said.
What's up with that?
The theories run the gamet, from the old, "It's all God's will," to "God's will is for all to be healed, and sickness is not from Him."
Most of us hold to some sort of middle ground.
Bird species go extinct. The devout environmentalists would not attribute it to God's will. How much does God get blamed for that is our choice, or the devil's?
My mind frantically searched for the truth that He's taught me.
Scripture says, "It is not God's will that any perish, but that all come to the saving knowledge of the truth." But many perish.
Who was Jesus talking to when he said, "My Father in heaven is watching you." Was it only to His own, those who call on His name? Scripture also says, "Be sober, be viligant, for your adversary, the devil, roams about like a lion, SEEKING whom he will devour.” Seeking! His eye is looking towards us also, this scripture addressing those who are God's believers. Still the dilemma. Jesus said that for this reason he came to earth, to destroy the works of the devil. Death, disease, are from the fall, hence, from the devil. Jesus came to give life and life abundantly. He preached a new, different Kingdom than that which we’ve labored under, the Kingdom of God. How did He demonstrate that? By healing the sick and delivering those who were oppressed by the devil.
But still the dilemma. Jaqueline was His own. Her family was serving God, she was a powerful teacher of the youth, a wonderful partner in it with her husband, and an inspiring prophetic voice to our whole church, calling out, calling forth what God was doing, preparing the way for the Lord to come in more power, for revival.
Like John the Baptist. Hmmmmm. John the Baptist, who was killed. Jesus also said, “Unless a seed fall into the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.”
My death, in part has been to figuring this one out. In part, His call to me in getting through my grief, is to trust in His goodness when I can't understand how bad things happen to good people.
“Unless a seed fall to the ground and die, it remains alone.” Jaqueline wasn't alone, but yet God desires to multiply life. Maybe, like John the Baptist, the call to us all is, "He must increase, I must decrease." Our pastor passed out the CD of Jaqueline's 2 sermons to the church in her last 2 years. A friend commented, "Wow, like her voice being heard from the dead!" Because of her death, her words of life will be heard by so many more, and heeded so much more deeply!
What does the Bible say about death? I spent the morning looking and it seems that we weren't promised an escape from the horrors of death.. It just transcends it .
“ Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world and death through sin, and this death spread to all men, because all have sinned. But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. " and it also says:....” more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ."” Romans 5:12
And in regards to getting out of it: NOT. “It is appointed to man once to die…”
And it says:
"Foolish ones, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. And what you sow, you don't sow the body that shall be but mere grain. But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed it's own body.... So also is the resurrection of the dead.
The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption.”
.
Though we contend for healing and life, we lose some battles. But even in the loss, we seem to win. God is able to redeem any situation, to bring life out of death, and to bring hope out of despair.
“So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.
O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
It’ as if I’ve been asking,” God, I'm asking if you are watching us all the time, how come such horrible things happen?” And as I read, it's as if He's responding, “Don’t you get it? Come here, step out of time for a minute, and look from My eternal perspective. You are going to be moving out of a temporary struggle and into the eternal joy, peace and Celebration as you have never thought possible. For- ever!”
Selah Paix was born- the day that Jaqueline died. Selah Paid! I screamed for joy when I finally got the call! It felt like it would never come, waiting for hour after hour, and Rosie in labor for 12 or more hours. And the pain. A very strange dichotomy. A waiting for life and a waiting for death.
Did they pass each other on the way?
I'm sitting in the back row of the Church, waiting for the call, yet aching for the Matcham family
And I'm feeling that familiar wave of regret that David couldn't be here. Time to see Selah. When the thought came, yes he can! See Selah, Or did, before she was delivered. When we worship, we are connecting with the very throne-room of God. “Seeing as we have such a great crowd of witnesses surrounding us...." But I’ve always wondered how can he see us, and not be sad?
Because he can see outside of time. Because he knows how temporary this is, and how merciful and loving, just and righteous God is. God, who will put all things right. God, the Great equalizer, the Great Redeemer!
And as for Rosie, in her labor for the newborn perfect "Sparrow", I consider, or Rosie would probably consider " that the sufferings (of labor) of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory (beautiful baby girl) that is to be revealed in us.... For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.
Not only that, but be also who have the firstfruits groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body." Rom. 8:22
But while we're here, "What shall we say to these things: If God be for us, who shall be against us?
He who did not spare His own son, but willingly gave Himself for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall persecution, nakedness, or peril, or sword;
...Yet in all these things we are more than conquerers through Him who loved us.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come; Nor height nor depth nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Rom 8:31-39
And suddenly it makes sense, "I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me."

So much to do, so little time.
But how can I be stressed in the middle of so much joy?
I've doubled my grandchild population in less than a month!!
Seems odd to brag over something I really have nothing to do with, save having "Spawned" the ones that had the babies. ( that word reminds me of Josh Tate- in a good way Josh) I'm the spawner of the spawners!
"I keep using that word, I do not think it means what I think it means...." Quote from one of my favorite movies-guess which. Paraphrased quote. Is that an oxymoron? Am I feeling like a moron?
It's just been so long since I posted- and I am sooo blessed by my 2 beautiful little grandchildren- Selah Paix and John Fox- but I seem too tired to make any sense.
Report cards mostly done- other stuff to do- I'm just too tired.
Good night all!

MY trip to Pennsylvania was wonderful, because of a wonderful new little baby girl, and w wonderful kids-Rosie and Justin. My Jewish friend just told me Mosle Tov on our baby. You go, guys. You go, God! What a perfect, precious little human she is. And she smiles already. She responsively smiles on cue. Sorry, I can't post pictures here of her, but I want to show you the intersting town of Lancaster. The buildings were fascinating to me, with their various stone and brickwork and siamese-twin like manner of being thrown together. If you look closely, you can discern litte walkways between some of them. Those ole founding father people didn't bother with "Codes" You go, ole founding father people!

So, now one's not.....

That was a quickly outdated post!
All of my kids WERE pregnant, but today Selah Paix Paulson Wentzell made her appearance. She is reportedly beautiful, healthy, eating well, crying well, (Sarah heard her)and snug in her Mama's arms.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, ROSIE! Congratulations, Justin!!!
I can't wait to see her!

Allll of my kids are pregnant!!!

So, it's true, they all are! Every one of them. I thought I was funny (as only I can think) when i told someone that all of my kids were too pregnant to go on the family reunion camp out, but then Sarah, being the true trooper that she is, showed up for one night. So I can't make that statement after all. They both don't seem too pregnant for anything much, for which I am so grateful!
God has blessed them both with healthy, happy pregnancies, and great attitudes. I am so proud of my girls, and thankful for their health and the health of my grand babies!!!
Note: these shots are from eary March or end of Feb. While I'm sorry I don't have the current comps, it is fun to see how much the bellies have ballooned in the last couple of months!
Reverently yours,
The REAL Nanny

More of Easter??!

Having found the fun in posting pictures,and having some great ones, I am not content with what I did at Easter. I am in serious danger of becoming "obnoxious Grandma"
(I'm sure some think I already passed the serious mark) Oh well, it's my blog and I'll post-if-I-wanna.. you would post too if it happened to you!
THE HUNT!





THE FIND!



AND THE BOOTY!

Easter at Umpie and GG's

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These are the "before" shots. Easter bunnies are busy at work, wielding their magic.
Bowden is "the man"
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