Farewell to 2014...words for 2015

Farewell 2014

a year of events that spanned a wide range of emotions...

times when words weren't right,

and I wished my heart could convey the perfect response...

Words for 2015

as I look ahead with optimism:

FAITH

ANTICIPATION

MOMENTS

PRESENCE

JOY

LOVE

Wishing all of these to my family and friends!

Cherishing Moments...Our 2014 Christmas Greeting

This Christmas may "presence" be more meaningful than "presents"...

May memories be made, and moments be cherished with those you love...

May you be filled with anticipation and thankfulness...

and

May GOD's gift of JESUS fill all the empty spaces and bring you joy!

Summer's End

 It's been a wonderful summer!  Near perfect weather conditions (perhaps God's apology for the horrific winter we endured!) I went out to lunch A LOT! :) Loved the leisurely time to reconnect with friends and be intentionally present. I had many good family moments and conversations, experiencing growth, and deepening relationships with God and with others. I consciously enjoyed the time I have with my mom, even when that means patiently answering questions as if it was the first time.

The beauty of creation and the art of capturing snapshots to reflect on, a summer well lived, reaching its end.

Activities change with the seasons, but praying my heart's focus stays true on what matters most.

The question of "goodbyes"...

I wonder often if I'd known the "goodbye" was going to be so final, 

if I'd known then that reconnecting later on was unlikely...

would I have acted differently?

hugged a bit tighter?

said something more profound than "goodbye"?

Connections I thought would stand the test of time have broken off and fallen away, 

much like this piece of bluff on Lake Michigan's shoreline...

In its breaking off, was there sound and spray that someone noticed, 

or did it simply slip away?

If I'd known....

I wonder....

It's Fathers' Day again, Daddy

Honoring you in my heart

thankful for the life you gave me

remembering your smile, your voice, your presence

unconditional love

empathy

listening

quiet steadfast faith

a legacy I hope to live and continue

wishing I could call you

to tell you how much I love you, Daddy!

This Mother's Heart...

I've been mulling this post over in my mind for quite a while, thinking back over my nearly quarter century of being a mother. When I was pregnant with Jessica, a friend recommended that I read the book A Mother's Heart by Jean Fleming. I don't remember specifics from the book, but I remember feeling that my heart was changed as I anticipated what it would mean to be a mother.  I carried my daughters close to my heart inside my body for 9 months, and will continue to, outside my body, for their lifetime.
My daughters are grown now, but my heart is just as engaged with them as when they were small.

This mother's heart feels needed when advice is sought.

This mother's heart swells with happiness when they are happy.

This mother's heart hurts when they are hurting.

This mother's heart quickens to protect when they are threatened.

This mother's heart is privileged to pray for and with them at any time of the day or night.

This mother's heart loves them more than they know, always.

Holy Week Reflections

Maundy Thursday is my most favorite service at Blackhawk Church...

It is a special time of reflection, music, prayer, communion and worship that I cherish.

Tonight I took a huge step toward forgiveness, 

knowing it is a process of prayer, and tears,

"letting go", healing and being thankful...

my heart feels ready to journey on 

I have so many memories of Holy Weeks growing up as a pastor's daughter.

My most vivid ones in Plymouth Congregational Church in Dodgeville 

with the beautiful stained glass windows,

 and singing hymns and anthems from the choir loft...

going along when Dad took communion to elderly members of our church, 

hearing the ancient words and deep meaning in the sacrament...

feeling the darkness and silence of Good Friday...

as an adult I've learned to appreciate the "day in between"

before the exquisite joy of the Risen Savior

Easter was Dad's favorite holiday...

and it remains mine as well.