In my life this week…
We bid farewell to wonderful man. My husband’s grandfather passed away at the age of 96. It was a blessing to be able to go and celebrate his life with family and to hear so many stories about him, some of which we’d never heard before.
My brother-in-law sang this song during the service:
I wish I had his actual recording to share, because he rocked it…particularly at the end on “Fly to Jesus”. So beautiful! I’ll always think of Grandpa when I hear this song. In fact, I imagine he was in heaven singing along…or maybe just dancing to it with Grandma. I hope my kiddos always remember stopping by and singing with Grandpa when we were in town. During our last visit, just after Christmas, the kids sang their Christmas program for him and then he joined in on singing Jingle Bells with us.
I’m celebrating…
A little one’s half-birthday with our traditional “Yes Day”.
Her requests were really quite simple…
- a menu of mini donunts, hot dogs with mac & cheese, and breakfast for dinner
- blowing out 5 candles on her hot dog
- game after game of Sleeping Queens
- wearing PJs all day (even out on errands!)
- a root beer float
- watching Secret of the Wings
- enjoying rice krispy ice cream cone treats
- and having me sit in the back seat, sandwiched between her and her sister, on our drive to Grandma’s.
I love our Yes Days because they are a wonderful reminder for me. A reminder to pay attention to how many times I say yes to my kiddos…or more accurately, how many times I don’t, when I should. On an ordinary day would I have played Sleeping Queens 4 times? Probably not. I would have played once, maybe twice, and then come up with excuses…the laundry needs done, I’ve got dishes to do, I need to clean the bathroom, it’s time to get lunch. When in reality, it wouldn’t hurt for any one of those things to be delayed just 15 minutes! The kids love having a special day where they get to call all the shots, but more importantly, I love having a reminder to say “Yes!” to more of those important little moments that I will never again get back.
I’m reading…
The Face of Heaven by Murray Pura. It’s the story of an Amish man who enlists in the Civil War, and his sweetheart who becomes a battlefield nurse. Both risk being shunned by their families, but are nevertheless compelled to take a stand against the injustice of slavery. It’s a wonderful story with the perfect blend of historical events, action-packed battle scenes, a display of the characters’ faith in God, forgiveness, suspense, and a touch of romance.
If you like historical fiction, I also recommend Pura’s other book in his Snapshots of History series, The Wings of Morning, which is set in 1917, during America’s participation in World War I. And I’m so looking forward to his next book in this series, which is to be released later this spring!
In the meantime, do you have any other Christian fiction books that you’d recommmend?
I’m inspired by…
The following two blog posts that I read this week:
God Made a Mother and You – So Farmer On! – If you’re mama, definitely take the time to read this! But first, did you see the “Farmer” Super Bowl commercial?
When Mama Ain’t Happy… - We didn’t watch the Super Bowl and therefore (luckily) weren’t exposed to the questionable ads, but Lisa-Jo’s words ring so true. We are the “shelter from the storm…the warriors who will battle for our children’s hearts, souls, attention, innnocence, and memories.”
I’m excited about…
Doing monthly missions with the kids! You can join in too! Every month on her blog, Amanda will be introducing her kids to a ministry or organization that helps, protects or loves on kids and families in poverty and extreme need, and then finding ways to support the ministry that month, whether it involves raising money, sending cards, or simply praying.
This month’s mission is Sweet Sleep, an organization that provides beds and mosquito nets for beds to Moldova, Africa and Haiti. You can read more about the organization and find out how Amanda introduced it to her kids here.
Now tell me about you! What were you enjoying this week?
Related posts:
Cindy I’m so sorry to hear about your loss and will keep your family in my prayers.
I am intrigued by the book you are reading and am adding it to my list of books to read. It’s not a Christian book but I just finished reading 419. My mother-in-law bought it at Christmas to read and pass to my sister-in-law and I. It was a good book although a few parts were slow. I enjoy books that give glimpses into life in different parts of the world whether in current times or at some point in history – although even knowing that the stories themselves are fiction I am often left troubled at how many people have to live. Have you ever read What is the What? A really good book.