MY FRENCH CONNECTION

WORDS AND DEEDS... like seeds and harvest

2009-10-19T22:20:00.000-07:00

>~>~>A picture is worth a thousand word <~<~<

I know...it's so cliché...

This one is special to me because when my daughter was the same age as this little guy, I took a picture of her doing the same thing... imitating Daddy.

Until little ones start school, they're ours and they are all about us... everything goes in and takes root. By the time they enter Kindergarden either the field is covered with good seeds or it will grow after the seeds others will sow. Their minds will soak everything up like a sponge. They will pick up mannerism and much more.

I find myself today looking back at my mother... seeds are still sprouting...

Nothing is more powerful than living up to our words when it comes to influence.

Pretty speeches without actions melt away like ice cubes in the sun.

If we make a mistake? Well there is no going back but we get up and do better.

When we see the results later on in life, that's a sweet reward and there is no feeling like it.

There are children who do not have good role models at home. When kids walk into our lives, love 'em up, let them know they are special, they matter, they are important. We all have opportunities to inject some wholesome values and invest in a child.

We never stop sowing. Sometimes I think we forget the impact of a seemingly insignificant word or deed. Everything produces... something.

The results of natural laws are inevitable, it's a matter of time. We easily acknowledge that because our eyes see it.

The hearts and minds of those around us are subject to laws as well...

CUT & PASTE / NEEDLE & THREAD - Back to basics

2009-06-30T23:00:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago, I picked up one of my favorite hobbies, picture books. It takes a lot of cutting, trimming and gluing, but the results are well worth it (at least according to those who looked at them). More recently I tried my hand at little girls summer skirts and dresses. That came more out of necessity, first for Naomi, then to make money. It gives me great enjoyment. In the beginning I was sewing by hand! Then I shopped and bought a Brother electronic sewing machine. Now even jeans are turning into skirts, and summer dresses are quick to make. Ha! What a blast! If I can say this and be modest, my pieces are turning quite nice. Now selling, which way will be the best for me? Not sure yet. That's another subject.

But all this got me thinking about life today, instant this and instant that, pre-made this and pre-made that. Not only are the end results many times less than great, but this instant business in fact cheats us of the good feeling we get when something we spent time on turns out awesome.

We need, I need to go back to basics. I'm doing it. Well maybe it is like the salmons going upstream... but the difference is that we won't die but in fact we'll live a better, fuller life. People are hungry for it and don't even know it. Our world is so caught up in fake everything. Open up your heart, open your door, invite someone in and share a little of your life. Be real.

I'm just hungry for the real deal if you please. No potato chips, I'll be hungry in no time again.

Other words for real: genuine, bona fide, heartfelt. Nothing compares to the real thing.

When I received the Holy Ghost, it was the real thing. I'm going back to where I first believed, to where I first met Jesus. Back to the basics.

Interesting fact: Portuguese and Spanish origin, real literally means 'royal'(adjective used as a noun).

APRIL SHOWERS...

2009-04-03T15:20:00.000-07:00

We've had much sunshine already. This is Southern California after all. But rain is still needed.

Gilles over in Canada - annonces "Spring is here". Yes... I love April showers. Take a closer look with a click, raindrops adorn this highly scented beauty.

These peaches will not suffer, it's only drops of water and the sun is already out. Welcome!!!

There is just something about wet grass... I love it. The air is fresh and clean, nature is vibrant.

I remember the story of Thumbelina... She would be right at home in these little pools...

See the tiny white blossom hiding in the beautiful green leaves? Navel oranges... this winter.

I guess after being indoors by force for what seemed ages, I'm just thrilled to get around and enjoy nature right here. So if you'll pardon me, I'll just gush a little about it!

Sitting on the swing I soak in the tender scene of birds feeding their young ones.

Breathe.... Mmm... the air smells of rosemary and pink jasmine.The bumble bees are here, hummingbirds dart to and fro like mini fighter jets, yellow and red finches flock to the feeders, the doves have brought a few friends, and yes, there are butterflies!

Our newly adopted cat - she adopted us - big with kittens, stretches out demanding petting and BunBun is munching on is favorite treat besides cilantro, geraniums, bougainvillea flowers, petunias and bowers vine. I feed it to him every day - spoiled rabbit!

Life is good, simple pleasures often bring much peace. Pierre in Montréal snapped some great shots of children taking over a merry-go-round. Simple pleasures... Like glistening rain drops in the sunshine.

Have you stopped today to feast on the beauty our Heavenly Father surrounds us with? I did. And then I thanked Him...

THE PROCESS - How long?

2009-02-26T15:11:00.000-08:00

Funny thing how we can get used to something we thought we never would, knowing that it's only for a while. Until things change. These times of deep changes are always the start of something better. "Nobody likes changes but a wet baby". But even the wet baby will most likely voice a loud complaint while going thru the process.

Process - now there is a word encompassing endless possibilities, twists and turns, surprises and unexpected sequence of events - a word full of promises, if we allow for it to finish. That is to say, if we wait. Another difficult word...

A while ago I bought tiny clay pots with little pellets of dry soil and divers small bulbs - anemones, crocuses and hyacinths. I followed the directions on the labels, not sure how it would turn out. After all they didn't look like much all dried up... shriveled up...

I planted a few, gave them a home on the windowsill in my dining room. Others are here at work, by the kitchen window. And guess what? The bulbs are sprouting, pushing thru the dirt!

It took a while, and I almost tossed some of them out, thinking they just might have stayed dried too long. No, it was part of the process. The process took longer than I was willing to wait. Good thing I gave it a few more days.

Going thru the process... I don't like it. I can do it, it will only last for a while. It's gonna be fine. The grain of wheat has to be buried and die for the stalk to emerge, in the fullness of time...

I have a notion to dig up some science books and read again how in nature some processes take several years. Why, we are all still a work in progress! Just look in the mirror, the mirror in your heart...

A LIL' BIT - And a whole lot with it!

2009-01-29T12:40:00.000-08:00

This was too cute not to tell you. Naomi, three years old, was telling us her name. "Daddy calls me Naomi O My. Mommy calls me Mimi. My Grandma calls me Eva Naomi, Tati calls me Pumpkin and Baby, Tonton and Nancy call me Mimi, and Grandmaman (that's me) calls me Naomi Lil' Bit".
Naomi Lil' Bit? "Yes, Naomi Lil' Bit".

I thought about it and couldn't figure out what she was really saying, even though the words were clear. Naomi Lil' Bit? What does it mean?

Well, it is the sweetest thing. When she gives me a hug, I always say "Hey Naomi, you lil' bitty one" - Yes! Naomi lil' bit!
Of all the things children say, this is a little bit of Heaven to me. I love it!

She will always be Naomi Lil' Bit, my precious little grand daughter.

35 YEARS AGO... It's a boy!

2008-11-09T06:05:00.000-08:00

Barely married a little over a year, just moved 4 days earlier, away from both family and friends and it was time for you to make your grand entrance into this world. Don-André Samuel Roseberry - 8 pounds - 20 inches.
We named you after both your grandfathers and your maternal great-grandfather, my grandpapa.
The first baby in the family (on my side) and a boy!

My Grandpapa was just besides himself when you first visited him in Switzerland. He was delighted that we gave you his name! He had a unique way of pronouncing Don André - like in Don Quixote. It always made us laugh. He gave you "horsey rides" on his knees. You were like a dazzling sunset in his last years.

I didn't know much about motherhood... your Grandmaman was a lifesaver! She adored you and baked special apple pies for you... little bitty ones. When we were on this side of the globe, she sent you "Made in Switzerland" shoes and huge Lego sets, and hand knitt sweaters.
My father, your Grandpapa, loved to take you (and your brother) to the Café and let you order your own grenadine "une rouge ou une verte?" You always choose the same kind, but it was a big moment for you every time. He taught you how to use a knife to sharpen a pencil, how to light a match... away from the body.

And you had a Tati... she was also my Tati. Not having any brothers or sisters, I shared her with you :)
Now, Tati thought you were the most beautiful baby, and later the most handsome little boy. She spoiled you with fancy clothes, fancy toys, fancy food... and a little transistor radio. During a stay at her house, every day after lunch you sat in the highchair at the table while we washed the dishes. And every day you took this little radio apart and put it back together again. No, it didn't work, but you would fit all the pieces inside to where you could place the back panel on and close it. "Remarkable" she would say.

And a remarkable little boy you were. Puzzles, books, Legos, marbles, small cast iron cars were some favorites things. Off course they were daily walks, daily time spent together over an activity or a game. And talks about nature, faraway places an people. And talks about History and family history. And book reading, just the way I was raised.
I could I forget those fun times with your bicycle? When you first learned, you didn't have it quite down how to stop... so you hollered "Attention!" and jumped off!!! Amazing you never got hurt!
Now you pull one of those contraptions with a little girl sitting inside... And your two boys ride their own bikes with Mommy.

There were difficult times in your childhood and later in your teens... But you stood strong in your morales values.

I thank my parents and my whole family for instilling in me what I tried my best to teach you.
I thank God for keeping us until by His Grace we found our way to His House and a new life began.
I thank God for your, my son - son #1.
I thank God for the day He filled you with the Holy Ghost and you took hold of the Truth.
I thank God for the desire He placed in your heart to serve Him.

35 year ago I gazed into your eyes and I was proud. Today I am proud.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DON-ANDRE SAMUEL ROSEBERRY

With all my love,

Mom

WHEN CHILDREN HURT - Love it away

2008-10-07T09:20:00.000-07:00

"I need Pepto..."
"Ooooh, I wanna go to your house..."
"My stomach hurts..."
"Are we going to OC Fair again next time? "

Missi's words on Sunday at lunch time - for the last few weeks (name changed for privacy). Should she even know what Pepto Bismol is? Take it on a regular basis? Off course not. But she does. She is stressed out, not sick with indigestion or anything.

The family moved and she is reacting to the new environment. Their living conditions were not the best, but the new ones are worst. The parents are doing what they can - they now rent a master bedroom - versus a small cramped room in a house with one small bathroom for everyone. But the neighborhood... the pretty park at the corner is not a place for young girls, some people rent space in the living room... outside their room and bath the place is quite a shamble... too much to cope with for a sweet, neat, sharp little girl.

She loves coming to church. "I can't wait !" She just had a Birthday - 9 years old. She is "little Mama" and helps Daddy when Mommy is at work. Quite a girl. I know it's a pretty good life compare to some, but how does it stack up with "our" children? Jesus is looking down and His Hand is over her. There are many just like her. This is where the Church of the Living God steps in - with love, hugs, kisses and prayer. What an awesome privilege we have, with it is a responsibility that none of us can afford to ignore - because Jesus is looking down.

I read this on Mervi's blog this morning:

A good excuse for the heart
Is to bend down and help someone.
http://www.passthisway.blogspot.com/

UNSPECTACULAR - You're it!

2008-10-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

Something new -
Jolene tagged me - http://www.jolenejmendoza.blogspot.com/
Meme terms & conditions
1. link the person who tagged you
2. mention the rules on your blog
3. list 6 unspectacular things about you
4. tag 6 other bloggers

Here are 6 things about me:

1.- I love to sit outside under a big umbrella and listen to the rain
2.- French baguette with a bar of milk chocolate... Mmmm...
3.- I like doing the dishes (normal daily load - not 3 courses dinner party of 6 LOL)
4.- Sparkling mirrors and faucets are a pet peeve of mine
5.- I don't like shopping in big stores unless I know exactly what I'm looking for.
6.- I "save" harmless moths, bugs, spiders etc... and throw them back outside if they get in the house

Tena -http://inhistime.wordpress.com/
Karen - http://khopper.blogspot.com/
Shannon - http://www.xcelonline.com/eph456
Carol - http://writeathome.wordpress.com/
Noel - http://faithmotivatesmiracles.blogspot.com/
Gayla - http://gaylasgabfest.blogspot.com/

TIME - Mine or yours?

2008-08-30T21:36:00.001-07:00

What does her future hold?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Playtime on Sunday afternoon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This little boy is a year older now, not strong enough to make the right choices.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Time is running out for our world. Time is running out for the children of the world. It is not my time or your time - it's God's time. Let's give it!

DEEP WATERS - Count me in

2008-08-19T23:35:00.000-07:00

(This is Crystal Cove, my program is not letting me download new pictures.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Late this afternoon we went to Newport at the Little Corona del Mar beach. It's a small place with tide pools, lots of great spots to sit, perfect to watch the frothy waves unfurl and crash endlessly on the rocks. Many times, as it was the case today, you will see scuba divers, professional photographers, young families with a pooch or two. It is a picturesque beach.
If it wasn't for the occasional jet, you might think yourself to be somewhere away from crowded sunny California. When you first get in the water, it seems that there are too many pebbles, but take a few steps and, there, you're in the sand.

When we finished playing, I went and sat alone on a rock as the tide was coming in. After a while I could not see the pebbles in the water ahead of me. The powerful rolling waves covered everything.

You need to get in deep enough, most of the time the edge is uncomfortable. Eventually you'll want to get out.

You need to get in deep enough for the "pebbles" to disappear. In shallow water, they stick out. Not very inviting.

You need to get in deep enough to let the powerful waves carry you. As long as you are in control, it's hard work and it will wear you out.

FENDER BENDER - Better coverage

2008-07-22T23:32:00.000-07:00

Monday, I never look forward to Mondays. I like to spend time at home, linger. But everybody has to make a living!
So I was on the road, almost at my destination.
I was driving easy, going thru Canyon Lake and coming to a stop when, BAM!!! Everything went crashing in the car, CDs flying, the sunroof opened - I had been hit. When I got out of the car and saw the vehicle behind me, I thought that mine would look the same. The whole front end was on the ground, lights hanging etc... the young lady appeared shook up. Then behind her was the culprit, a third party, a small truck, teenagers driving too fast, not paying attention to traffic. They had hit her and propelled her unto me. When I finally looked at the back of the Camry, WHAT? I could not see any real damage. A closer look revealed deep scratches on the bumper and a small indent. Nothing to speak of. I was astonished. When someone took pictures, they could not believe it. It didn't seems possible that THIS car was in THAT accident! But it was! I was driving it!
After complying with the police officer, I was on my way.
Don't tell me that God does not work miracles! Both vehicles looked pretty bad - not mine. Thank you Lord for your protection. I'm glad I had spent plenty of time with my Friend earlier in the day... The young lady had said to me " I want a car like yours", but I know it was the Coverage that made the difference.

CHANGES - Life goes on

2008-07-21T23:45:00.000-07:00

**********************************************
The last ones
Grandma's sisters
Christine, Ritha and Wilma

So we had a Memorial for Grandpa and Grandma. A celebration of the lives of Bill and Maxine Robinson.
We heard Bluegrass. Grandpa recorded a couple of CD's. He was President of the Bluegrass Association and a marvelous musician. Owned enough guitars to open shop - over a dozen in all, harmonicas too. And how he could sing! His music room was his castle and the garden his second passion!
Grandma was the queen of secondhand store and bought to give. And she read. Books were close to a "hand extension". Purchased on sale of course! Horses were the second love of her life after her family.

**********************************************

The new generation
Second degree cousins
Brianna and Kevin

This is what really caught my attention. The only two little ones attending were dancing. Great grand children, dancing to the sound of Grandpa singing and playing bluegrass - he would have loved it.

**********************************************

***The grand children - Robert, Nicole, Jeremy and Crystal***

To be continued...

10 YEARS OLD - Happy Birthday Jacob

2008-07-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

Jacob,
What do you say about a boy like you? Some of your favorite things are reading, playing word games, talking about articles from the National Geographic, discussing facts and scientific stuff, Bible truths, making up jokes and play on words - brain stuff !!!

Do you remember that day at Denny's? Tati, Trevor and you had a "hangman" tournament - I took turns coloring with Samuel.
I love to see your beaming smile. You are an amazing boy!!!
You surprised me so much the other day working on a crossword puzzle in Discover magazine. That's grown up material !!! I'm not ashamed to say that you knew more answers than me. I love it! We've got to work on that one some more. You love going to the zoo, visiting historical places. But let's not forget Legos - that still a boy's fun toy. Your Daddy and Tonton grew up on it.
Thank you for always lending a helping hand - we call it work LOL but you really enjoy it. Don't grow up to fast my love, it will happen by itself. Keep God and His Word in the forefront of you thoughts, talk to Him of your dreams and trust in Him for you needs. I know, it's a bit "grown up" but you are big enough inside.
When your mother was in the hospital for 3 months and you stayed with me, we worshipped the Lord everyday,you would raise your hands. Your first word was "LAH" for hallelujah - precious.
My prayer for you is that God's hand will be on you and that you would serve Him always.
I love you Jacob André Roseberry,
Grandmaman

ON THE LIGHT SIDE - French humor

2008-07-10T17:48:00.000-07:00

With Gas the Way it is this isn't far from the truth.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A thief in Paris planned to steal some paintings
from the Louvre.

After careful planning, he got past security,
stole the paintings, and made it safely to his van.
However, he was captured only two blocks away
when his van ran out of gas.

When asked how he could mastermind such a crime
and then make such an obvious error, he replied,
"Monsieur, that is the reason I stole the
paintings."
"I had no Monet to buy Degas to make the Van Gogh."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
See if you have De Gaulle to send this on to
someone else.

I sent it to you because I figured I had nothing
Toulouse.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
This is not deep, but sometimes a good play on words is a lot of fun! E-mailed to me by my son Don-André. Thank you!!!

CHANGES - What next?

2008-06-30T21:35:00.000-07:00

After a very short illness, Crystal's paternal grandmother passed away last Tuesday. 3 months was all she had since the diagnose in March. The last few weeks, the whole family moved in and stayed by her bedside around the clock.
Much of my spare time was either on the phone with my daughter, or there with her.It seems I went days without even opening my laptop.
Drastic changes on my job required much time and effort to implement new routines. Many nights with only a couple of hours of sleep was not what I had in mind for "changes" in my life.
Then ice cream, hoagie rolls, french bread and chocolate became staples in my diet, along with bottled Frappuccinos.

But change is coming!

To be continued...

JUST WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR... And some...

2008-05-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

I needed a few cups and saucers for a special project. Samuel and I made a quick stop at the second hand store to search for tea cups. In no time, we came out with some very nice finds.

These were just what I was looking for. I was thankful.
Three were put to use that day, the blue one is in my cabinet for now.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On Tuesday I had made a stop before getting home from work, and picked up a different kind of "finds".

Stater Bros had these huge sweet strawberries. After service Wednesday night, Crystal and I felt like a bowl of cereal with some of those luscious fruits. She poured cereal, milk, washed a few srawberries, cut them up, place them on top and stirred the whole thing. I came right behind her and repeated the same actions except, when I picked up the biggest strawberry, there was something shiny - plastic? No, wings!!!
I love dragonflies, grew up with myriads of them in the summer time, but not in my strawberries! This is just about the actual size of these enormous fruits.

HOORAY FOR SAMUEL - 9 years old!!!

2008-05-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

☆☆☆☆ HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMUEL BENJAMIN ROSEBERRY ☆☆☆☆
☆☆☆☆ A SMILE SAYS MORE THAN A THOUSAND WORDS☆☆☆☆

The birth of a baby is a miracle. For Samuel's birth, it was a series of miracles, from even before his birth. For three months, doctors doubted, predicted a grim outcome, even kept encouraging my daughter-in-law to terminate the pregnancy to save her own life! But God... Much power in the word " but". But God had another plan. For the first six months of his life, it was all uphill. Then God came thru again and surgery was not necessary. When Samuel had a major concussion, a skull fracture several inches long, God took care of him and healed him. Today is more than a birthday! It's a celebration of the power of God, right there in this little boy. I love him, I love him, I love him!!! Thank you Master for what You have done!

MY DAUGHTER HAS A BIRTHDAY - I love you Crystal

2008-04-18T22:37:00.000-07:00

A year already since your last birthday? I won't say how old you are - but old you're not!
May 5th was to be the day, but you came on April 19th. A baby girl, that's something. How fun to dress you up! And that hair! It wouldn't stay down for nothing! Look at you today, you are a beautiful, talented young women. Going to school, working - teacher for now (and a great one) until your studies are done. You sang "I am a promise, I am a possibility" when you were little. You still sing! Don't ever stop! Keep bringing kids! You are fun and you care, they love you!
"Great big bundle of potentiality"... to be anything God wants you to be...
I am proud of you my daughter. I hope you'll receive what you desire in your heart of hearts. There is One Who has nothing but the best for you. Trust Him, have faith.

❅ ❅I hope you'll have peace, for without it, nothing is pleasant ❅ ❅

My favorite most recent picture - Aunt and niece - two peas in a pod

❅ ❅Your favorite seasonal little flowers - a planter full for you ❅❅

❅ ❅ ❅Your favorite little girl ❅ ❅ ~ ~ ❅ ❅ Naomi and her Tati ❅ ❅ ❅

❅ ❅ ❅ You've got style! ❅ ❅ ❅ Hip but classy - that's you!!! ❅ ❅ ❅

❅ HAPPY BIRTHDAY CRYSTAL-ANDRÉA ❅ MY FAVORITE GIRL!!! ❅

AFTERNOON AT THE PARK - Samuel

2008-03-28T16:50:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, Samuel called me at home. "Grandmaman, can you pick me up at school, I want to go feed the ducks." Wednesday is the only day of the week I am able to do it. So I did. He had a plan, go to lunch at IN-N-OUT, his favorite place, go to the store and get bread, bring bottles of water. Easy enough.
. Spending time with the ones you love... its an investment sure to bring high returns.
Just look at him, unforgettable grin! What a blast he was having!

We had a wonderful time. And what a gentleman he was. How simple it is to please him. He'll not be this way long. He is very young for his age.
☆ Samuel Benjamin Roseberry ☆ King of the Hill ☆ Big Guy! ☆

He recently started some sessions on Wednesdays right after school... He told me he has fun there, so that's good. No more afternoons at the park, for the time being that is. Now I'll go to Jacob's school on Wednesdays.
I remember as a child I felt my heart about to burst when I knew we were going to see our relatives - certain ones in particular. Everyone lived 2, 3 or 4 hours away and the trip was always too long. I cherish the love that Samuel lavishes on me, and I'm so glad that our homes are close to each other - for now.

GOD'S FAMILY - One more sister

2008-03-03T21:02:00.000-08:00

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mary and Crystal ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In February, we went to Ladies Conference in Visalia. Crystal and I took Mary as our guest. She really was our guest of honor. It was our privilege to take her. She was beaming. When we first arrived at the Marriott Hotel, Mary kept looking and saying "Look at all the Apostolic Pentecostal Women!" and then "There's more coming!".
By the time we went to bed, I said to her "Alright, quit talking about the Apostolic Pentecostal Women, you are one of them!". And she is!
Let me back up a little. When Mary received the Holy Ghost a year ago, the Lord impressed on my heart to take her to the Ladies Conference.
Last month I felt to give her money to by whatever she would like to take on the trip. It has been an absolute joy to watch her bloom right before our eyes. She bought skirts, jackets, sweaters, blouses, vests, boots and all that a lady needs to be a lady.
Crystal invited her to choose a purse out of her closet before we left, and Mary picked a small black leather one.
Our stay in the hotel room was just delightful - we laughed until we could not laugh any more. Our guest slept like a baby - rose up early - made coffee with the bottle of Evian water - and woke us up "It's 7:30!" - "It's okay Mary, we have the alarm set". We took naps, went shopping, ate out, hung out with the ladies from our church - we had a blast with an Apostolic Pentecostal Woman!
When the caterpillar emerges from the cocoon, now a butterfly, it's the process - everything was there - only a matter of time.
Our sister was going thru changes on the inside, it was time for her wings to show.
God is the Master of changes, the Maker of new things, the Creator of beauty. He and He alone can transform, because first, He formed.

✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ~HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARCELA~ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿

2008-02-29T00:15:00.000-08:00

✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿ ✿
These sunflowers are what I hope you will see in your yard from the kitchen window this summer!!!

✿ ✿ ✿ My beautiful daughter-in-law Marcela with Naomi ✿ ✿ ✿

I love this picture - Luau summer 2006 - she looks so European!
February 29 birthdays are special. Is this why she looks so young?
I love you Marcela and wish you a wonderful day full or surprises.

THE COLOR RED - He loves me

2008-02-18T20:55:00.000-08:00

Sunday evening I went strait home after church. Early enough to enjoy being home before bed time - yes!!!
There was a knock on the door. I was already changed for the night. Who might that be? "I'll be right there", I said.
When I opened the door - there stood Samuel with a bouquet of red tulips in his hand. "It's for you", he said. He gave me the best hug and his face was beaming. He kissed me with such love and tenderness... I was overwhelmed!!!
"These are beautiful, thank you. Want to visit for a while?". "No, we're having a fire tonight". I was hoping he would ask me to come over as he usually does, but he didn't. That's alright - I got my heart pumped with red tulips!
There is just something about a little boy's love - a special little boy. I'm thankful that he has allowed me in his heart and that he showers me with his love. Jesus has a special kind of love for special people. And He lets me help Him.

HOWDY! - From one cowgirl to another

2008-02-08T15:37:00.000-08:00

I love this picture of Crystal and my granddaughter!

Mimi came in, got a cowboy hat and said "Howdy!" Then she grabbed the other hat, gave it and said "Hee Haw" and there it is!
Sis Tena, go ahead! Wear that hat!!!

MIMI - It' a special day in your world

2008-01-26T08:15:00.000-08:00

❁ HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAOMI ❁ TODAY WE'RE HAVING A PARTY ❁

❁ ~ ❁ ~ ❁ ~ ❁ ~ ❁ ~ TWO YEARS OLD ~ ❁ ~ ❁ ~ ❁ ~ ❁ ~ ❁

It is amazing how fast this little grand baby girl is growing up.
The funny thing about her name - Naomi - she calls herself Mimi.
I love it, it's very french, usually short for Mireille.

Mimi and her entourage - Don-André, Marcela, Jacob and Samuel

RED BOOTS - Child's world

2008-01-10T00:18:00.001-08:00

I thought it would be nice to let every one take a look at Samuel's shinny, pointy, red boots. He picked them himself, besides red he had an absolute request - pointy.

BIRTHDAY - I love you son, I love you

2008-01-08T23:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my youngest son's birthday. Alan-Jean Blue Roseberry. When he was born, my best friend said it was an adventurer's name. Jean is John in french. It has caused some funny situations! I was unaware - 31 years ago - that it is a girl's name in english. Well, he is A.J. to many and Mr Blue has popped up here and there. To his older brother's children, he is Tonton.
He was off to a challenging start health wise, within a few weeks - and nearly died a few months later. Then other handicaps came his way.
In elementary school, Mrs. Zimmerman was a remarkable teacher. She said to me: These a big hurdles, but once he gets over them, they will be no holding him back. She was right. Some of his challenges, handicaps, are strong points now. I thank God for helping him. I didn't walk with God yet, but His hand was already upon him.
He is not living for the Lord, at the moment. But in the past, he did. And I know that God is not done.

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≈♡≈♡≈≈♡≈♡≈Alan-Jean and Nancy - New Year's Day♡≈♡≈♡≈♡≈

Can I encourage you and tell you that whatever God starts, He will finish. Each of us has the power of choice - we are free will creatures. Bro Stoneking preaches "Love slaves". It is a personal decision to go under the potter's hand or not. No one can be forced or stopped. In the mean time, God never stops reaching for those who have strayed away.
Faith can move mountains, faith believes when no one else does, faith is looking through God's eyes, unconditional love. God loves each of us enough to go to Calvary. That gives me enough faith to see my son back in church, it is God's will!

What will it be?

2008-01-03T23:52:00.000-08:00

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It must be the prospect of another birthday soon or maybe just the general feeling all around me, but I am thinking about heritage, legacy.

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I have in my possession a ladies watch that belong to my grandfather's grandmother... plates from the early 1800's... several pieces of furniture from the same era... all part of who I am. The table where I am sitting speaks to me of my roots - hand made in the mid-1800's - used by my mother's grandparents.
No one before me walked with the Lord in my family (that I know of).
How different everything would have been if God had been part of our heritage.
After me, will it be pictures? Certainly. Letters, cards, book autographs? Yes. Hand knitted or crocheted pretties? Yes. Dolls, china, crystal? Some.
What about my walk with God?
Last night we heard about the Bible as the most precious heritage. Funny how the Lord speaks to us to make sure that we get it clear. I got it. I'm thinking. Speak Master, help me to hear and heed.

WOODEN TRAINS - Follow the leader

2008-01-01T22:30:00.000-08:00

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A few days ago, all I really wanted was to stay put at home. It gnawed at me, and gnawed at me - go to the second hand store. We had some things to return, but I didn't want to do that either. Okay, Crystal will go. I'll take Samuel somewhere - to the second hand store. He was having a difficult day. He deals with autism. He is 8 years old.
Over came my little grandson. After all, I should look for some used gear to go to the snow next month, I said. Fine, we'll look for a small electric train like my Christmas one, I agreed.
Upon arriving to the store, we checked quickly the snow boots - none. Opposite side of the place is the toys section. Wait Samuel, we have to stop by the cards and such because I need some for crafts. None.
Now, the toys. Okay.
There it was - 3 big clear plastic bags with wooden tracks and trains !!! Do you know how long I have wanted to get more tracks for my house? And I've been looking. A loooong time ! You see, Samuel loves to play with trains, actually it is a passion, a very real world to him. He can spend hours in it.
We started with one set 2 years ago, and last summer I found a large set with lots of tracks and some trains. But we always run out when we set it up. And I wanted to have lots of track to make lots of turns and underpasses and overpasses and all that good stuff. WOW !!! We scored !!! All the pieces were brand new, and cost me less than the last set I bought. One more stop on the way home to by a new storage tote with lid. We settled on one for ornaments, on sale - and just disposed of the cardboard inserts. It all barely fits in it.
Samuel was beaming as we started the set up. We decided to use all the pieces - and we did. He made a circle - close to the "town" for the train museum and 2 strait tracks for "repairs". The set-up stretched over 12 feet !
So what is so special about all this wooden tracks and trains? Well, I didn't want to go - I didn't really need anything - but I could not ignore the gentle prodding to "go anyway". See I've felt this many times before. But never for toys, not a few days after Christmas!
I love "follow the Leader" living !!! Thank you Lord !!!

MUCH STUFF IN THE CLOSET - Who is it for?

2007-11-25T22:30:00.000-08:00

It is always amazing to me how God works and prepares our hearts.

On Saturday night as I climb in the bed under the covers, a thought cross my mind and I spoke it out loud for my daughter to hear. What if it wasn't warm in the bed? How awful a feeling to be cold during the night. I felt so blessed to have such a warm bed, goose down comforter - pillow top and all. The thought didn't leave me for quite a while. How sad... night time... in bed ... cold.

This afternoon during the course of a lively conversation, waking up cold during the night came up. It was told to me just as I had felt it the evening before. No one said anything. Of course you know what I did. We had a couple of extra bedding sets in the closet...
Tonight, someone will not wake up because of the cold. Someone will snuggle up in a nice warm comforter and sleep tight.

Here is how it all comes together. For the last few months I have been very bothered by the stuff in our closets. I didn't want to just get rid of it, I needed direction. And it came. So we have been giving it away, one big storage tote at a time. Some things we felt to keep... Can't wait to see who they are for!!!

COLD NIGHT - Warm heart

2007-11-23T22:43:00.000-08:00

The day after Thanksgiving, my daughter always puts up Christmas lights. White ones. She'll staple "icicles" all around the edge of the roof. Single strands will go on the top of the fence, in a couple of small trees like stars and on the play house to outline the roof. It makes it looks like a fairyland. This year she bought a few strands of "snow flakes".

A short while ago she plugged in the outdoor extension and laid the lights network on the grass. Just then, BunBuns came from the darkness and took a pose right there. It was so cute!!! I didn't have a chance to get a picture though. But I'll remember forever how beautiful he looked. His fat white belly, his ears erected at attention and his round hind parts with a little bit of tail showing. He sat just a few seconds but how special that was. I know, I'm a hopeless nature lover, and I love it !!!

She needs me. More staples.
Wow!!! It is nippy outside! Great!!! We do no get snow here, but I love some cold weather. You can see your breath ... you have to get the sweaters, scarves and the big jackets out ... you get to curl up with a warm throw ... make hot tea or chocolate ... bake everything ... it's winter time !
It's been a good day, thank you Lord for a special finishing touch.

P.S. Right when she was done and ready to come in, all the lights went out. Guess we'll have to look at it tomorrow.

Well, this the next day, Saturday. We checked the lights - blown strands.So we went to the store to buy several new ones. Ended up the snowflakes were causing the problem and blowing fuses over and over again.

So no snowflakes. No lights on the play house either. Too bad, it was really pretty. Not a complaint, just a fact. I am thankful for what we have and I love the way it looks.

THE PRIVILEDGE OF GIVING - And when you receive...

2007-11-21T22:20:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago we started collecting coats for our "Operation Homeless" as we did last year. My red, warm, hooded winter coat went last year and never got replaced. As soon as it was announced, I knew that I would purchase a lot of jackets and coats to give away this time.
I made a trip to the thrift store. They wouldn't take my large bill even though I planned on spending most of it, if not all. So I walked into the nearest store, a "99 cents" store. Asked for change," No, because everybody comes here to make change", the man said. The store is between two thrift stores. After telling the clerk briefly why I needed it, he asked "How much do you need?" How much do you have, I replied. He counted his bills, lots of small ones and gave me just about all of it. I offered for him to hold on to my large bill until I returned, but he refused. I ran back to the thrift store. The right kind of jackets seemed to be all lined up for me. I was done in a jiffy. The girl rang me up - four dollars short. Back to the "99 cents" store to get more money. He gave it to me! I bought the coats and filled the trunk of my car with them. All that happened so quickly, I was besides myself. I am still elated writing about it!!!
Besides my purchase, I was able to invite some people and everyone was watching. God really knows how to show off!!!
Guess what, I'm making another trip for some more!
There is nothing like working for God, being right where you are supposed to be, when you are supposed to, doing what you are supposed to, the way you are supposed to.
That was the giving part. The receiving part? In my closet hangs a brand new, super warm, soft, hooded (fake) leopard coat. For several years I have said that I would like one.

SHOWCASE - Fit for a King

2007-11-14T09:56:00.000-08:00

This little Bower's Vine is the delight of bumble bees. They go way deep, brushing against all that little fuzzy stuff, right at the entrance of the deep rose colored gorge where the treasured nectar hides . I watch from a few inches away, and the big girls disappear in there! And every time, I am still fascinated. They back out and go to the next stop. They never visit the same flower twice in a row! At least in one sitting, and I cannot tell them apart.
This was not the case for this other small wonder. All summer long, butterflies visited BunBun's "kingdom" (9/29/07-The molting rabbit). Viewing the photos of the same kind of butterfly in a large format, I noticed a small notch missing from the right wing. This too, amazes me.
Take a look at these two pictures (8/28/07-Dried... ) in this blog, and (11/06/07-God's...) in " Looking in". Quite a survivor this little fellow!
Observing nature always makes me think of it's Creator. I delight in His work and I want Him to delight in me.

♥ HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY! ♥

2007-11-09T13:45:00.000-08:00

♡ I don't know how
♡ to sing you a song,
♡ But I learned how
♡ to blow the flute!
♡ It may not be a tune,
♡ But I'm doing it for you.

♥ Look Daddy! I'm strong! One day I'll be just as strong as you! ♥

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♡♡ ♡♡ ♥ Daddy, see how much I look like you ? ♥ ♡♡ ♡♡

♥ I look up to you. I want to please you. I want to be like you. ♥

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡

♡♡ HAPPY BIRTHDAY DON-ANDRÉ ♡ ♡ ♡ WITH LOVE, MOM ♡♡

BLESSED - A state of mind

2007-11-06T15:00:00.000-08:00

Not much, but the kids enjoy it. - Not much, but the birds love it.
Food, water, shelter, all my feather friends need, there, provided.

I am so blessed today!
For now I know the way!
God's been good to me!
I'm not what I used to be!

I've got a chance to go
Where milk and honey flow
It's mine the Savior said
If His Word I'd obey

One more thing to do
Bring souls, not a few
Share His love with all
For the Truth stand tall

Our Heavenly Father!!! Whatever we need, He makes sure that it's there for us. But it's so much more than needs! It is His desire that we would be blessed abundantly. All the glory goes to God. It's a witness of His goodness to those around us who do not know Him.

But whatever state I am in Paul said, I am content. My joy does not come from material things, that's a bonus!

A DIFFERENT PACE - Going with the flow

2007-10-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

My daughter has several "favorite" flowers. One of them I could never grow successfully. No matter what I did, they died on me. But every years I'd plant some again. Today I'll "plant" a beautiful picture with a bonus, a little ladybug - another favorite.

Here Crystal, these will last you for as long I you want them too.

Until a couple of years ago, gardening was my ultimate thing to do, weather permitting. I would turn all the lights on inside the house and open the shades to stay out late in the spring time, sick with planting fever. In the summertime I'd get up before sunrise to enjoy the stillness and savor the sweet scent of the garden in full bloom. Of course I'd slip bak into bed most days! And I took naps on the swing, ahhh!!! On rainy days, I sat under the big umbrella, curled up in a comfy chair. I just about lived outside. I still would, but it's not possible right now. I miss it. Soon again...

♡ ♡ HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ♡ ♡

2007-10-18T13:50:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago our family grew by one. My son Don-André married Marcela. This is a special day. Thank God for my daughter-in-law and my beautiful grandchildren, Jacob, Samuel and Naomi. Thank you Lord for Your Hand of protection and provision and for the many miracles You have done.

♡♡♡ I LOVE YOU ♡♡♡

GLOOMY DAY - My cup of sunshine

2007-10-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

I'm only human, I'm just a woman,
Lord help me believe in all that I am and all I can be,
Show me the stairway, that I have to climb,
And Lord for my sake, teach me to take, one day at a time.

ONE DAY AT A TIME, SWEET JESUS, THAT’S ALL I’M ASKING OF YOU,
LORD GIVE ME THE STRENGTH TO DO EACH DAY, WHAT I HAVE TO DO,
YESTERDAY’S GONE SWEET JESUS, AND TOMORROW MAY NEVER BE MINE,
SO HELP ME TODAY, SHOW ME THE WAY, ONE DAY AT A TIME.

Lord I know You remember, when you walked among men,
And Jesus I know you're looking below and it's worse now than then,
Pushing and shoving, and crowding my mind,
So Lord for my sake, teach me to take, one day at a time.

Beautiful old song. My prayer today.
I may not have the words just right, correct me if you know them.

MEMORIES OF ANOTHER PLACE, ANOTHER TIME - Still the same after all these years.

2007-10-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

♥En francais...
Back in August, I wrote a little story about carefree days in Switzerland. I thought it would be nice to show the river Thièle lined by beautiful poplars. Quite a change between summer time and winter. The swans stay all year round. In the winter season,
they move in town and live on the river banks under the main bridge. They are protected and add much charm to the area.
It's solid ice. But not for skating. They have outdoor skating rinks.
My mother always talked about how during very cold winters, the edges of the Lake of Neuchâtel would freeze up in waves. Well... it's pretty close. I am well adapted!!!
The pictures are from 2005 "La Matelote" - Sailing club - Yverdon - Switzerland. www.lamatelote.ch
♥Pour mes amis de langue française.
Il ya quelque mois, j' avais écrit une petite histoire à propos des peupliers dans la ville d'Yverdon et ses environs. Le vent (qui souffle la plupart du temps) produit un son distinct dans le feuillage frémissant. Les photos sont de ce petit coin. Une amie me dit que les memoires sont un trésor impuisable. Nous pouvons revivre ces moments et les visiter aussi souvent que l'on désire.

THE SCARF - Seed of compassion

2007-10-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

Early fall wind was blowing in swirls of red, gold and brown. I loved the rustling sound of leaves, dancing like flowers on the sidewalk. The trees had lost their fullness and stood as giant stick people. It was getting colder every day. I walked briskly across the street to catch the bus. One glance at my watch - too late - I'll have to take the next one. At least it wouldn't be long. In Geneva, buses runs practically night and day, just a few moments apart during rush hour. In fact, sometimes the bus doesn't even stop because it's full, and a couple of minutes later another one follows. It's actually much more convenient to take the bus - no need to look for parking, stress over traffic or schedule. And there are stops everywhere.

As I waited, a frail elderly man slowly approach the station. I smiled and he smiled back. I asked him where he was going, and we began talking. My bus came and went. Other buses with divers destinations came and went. People got off, people got on. I wasn't in any hurry to go home anymore, this man had my attention. Besides, nobody was waiting for me. I was single. Come to find out, he was by himself too. He told me how he lost his wife and lived in a small furnished room. Yes, he had children, and even grandchildren, "all grown up", he said. Busy with their careers, not really in touch with him. His clothes, and shoes were of good quality. He wore an overcoat, a little worn but well tailored. He was clean with a close shave. I could see the the vestiges of a handsome, well groomed gentleman. Now stood before me an old man, forgotten - or maybe just a burden pushed aside.

"Are you hungry?" I asked while thinking to myself, it's about that time. Why not? Then I said to him: "Let's go get a bite to eat, my treat." I knew of a cozy little Mom & Pop restaurant nearby, so to dinner we went.
After that, we had a date once a week. He never asked for money, or anything else. Just someone to talk to. I learned about his life, his wife, their children. He loved them all. Now, he didn't even know for sure where they were . But he had been living in the same place for a long time.

Something happened to me. The thought kept coming to my mind over and over again - this could be my grandpapa. He is somebody's father, somebody's grandfather. This could be my grandpapa... Lonely, forgotten old man. I looked forward to our dinners. Winter would soon be here in full force, it was already dark early, raining off and on, cold. Then snow would fall, covering everything with a beautiful white ethereal blanket. How fun, muffled sounds, roasted chestnuts vendors, icicles, frosted windows... Then the holiday season, family gatherings, homemade goodies, warms embraces, late night fires with friends, gifts...

I wasn't much of a knitter in my younger years. But I bought yarn and needles and embarked on a work of love. A scarf. It took some time and a lot of taking apart and starting over until I got it right. It was maroon, long, thick and soft, knitted in the simplest stitch, with fringes on the end.
I was so excited to bring it to my next dinner date with the old man. Sure enough, he was at the bus stop, waiting. He took the bag offered to him and slowly pulled the scarf out. He wrapped it around his neck and his face shined with joy. This was our last dinner together.

It was still almost a month until Christmas. But I never saw the old man again. I looked for him in all the places were we had been and all around the avenues and boulevards near my work place. To no avail, he had vanished. No one had seen him and he didn't turn out in any rescue mission in the city.

The Master Gardener planted a seed that fall. My heart was forever changed.

HANDS - Silent words

2007-10-07T16:45:00.000-07:00

The first hands in my life were those of Dr. Fréco. He delivered me in my parents home. He was our family physician and made many house calls during my childhood. My grandmaman had a terrible time with something in her back. For years she went from one doctor to another, with never more than a temporary relief. Until one summer, while vacationing at our house, she had another bad spell. Dr. Fréco had planned a home visit to check on me and the mumps. The touch of his hands was soothing. He straightened her back and the pain was gone for good! She told the story until the end of her life.

My mother's little sister "Tati", painted on porcelain. Entire dinner sets and tea sets were adorn with delicate blossoms. Scenery depicting days gone by and architectural beauties were applied in monochromatic tones on plates. Bouquets and flowering branches decorated vases, chargers, unusual glass bottles. She painted ravishing roses on canvas and silk. Stock cards and paper place mats could turn out a masterpiece if it fancied her to draw and nothing else was readily available. She had a knack for crafting with velvet, brocade and gold leafing. Her home was furnished with antiques from all over Europe. She owned a boutique filled with clothing bought from collections viewed in Paris, Rome, Munich, Vienna. She was beautiful and her surroundings reflected her love for art. She was an artiste, and painted until she no longer could.

My grandpapa had the largest hands I have ever seen. He had the frame of a tall man, but his growth was stunted after a childhood fall down a staircase. He developed a hump in his left upper back, more noticeable as the years went by. His shirts and suits always needed tailoring to shorten the sleeves. That's probably why his hands appeared even larger. He could work on the most delicate projects. He repaired our watches, clocks, miniature doll house furniture, transistor radios and of course any electrical or mechanical device. In his old days, his eyesight failed him. But I remember watching him eat peas with a fork, blueberries with a small dessert spoon. The silverware looked out of proportion, but he used it with deftness. At my wedding, he played a tune on the cups, glasses and plates. It was a riot.

My cousin Marianne, took classic guitar lessons. I was fascinated by her long slender fingers and her olive complexion. She took after our great-great-great grandmother, from Ottoman descent. She was my best friend and confident for many years.
I admired her, specially her gracefulness. She studied to be a special education teacher - and became an outstanding one. Her hands were like butterflies.

My favorite man in the world was my Uncl' Alphonse, one of my father's brothers, my godfather. His hands were rugged as farmers hands are, but with a gentleness about them in the way he tended the young shoots in the vineyard, the livestock in the barn and "Pierrot " his horse. He cared for kittens and dogs, the fruit of the earth and handled everything with respect.

My mother had the most tender hands, quite large for a women, but as light as a feather. She made heavenly pie crusts and pastries, weightless meringues and anise cookies, superb cakes with frothy mocha frosting. She canned, made preserves, jams and jellies, dried herbs bouquets for winter comfort cooking. She knitted without patterns, everything from hats to gloves, dresses, pullovers and knee high socks with intricate designs. Her fingers swiftly working a thin cotton thread with a crochet hook, she produced laces for table runners and handkerchiefs, doilies for framing and all sorts of elaborate gifts for friends and family. There was also embroidery and needle point. Even folding and ironing clothes looked like a work of love for every crease was precise. She played the violin. And she sewed... just for the asking.
At home, except when she read a book before bed, my mother's hands were never idle. More often than not, she was busy for someone else's enjoyment. She was a giver, gentle in all her ways.

My granddaughter Naomi, "Mimi", has little baby hands (even though she is growing fast). The other day, she caressed my shoulder and my arm in the most loving way. It was as a whisper of love, and her eyes were speaking from her heart. Is this how the brush of angel's wings feels?

These hands have spoken to me and enriched my life.

Today, I know Jesus. My hands belong to Him.

We are His hands on earth. Reach out and touch someone. Share Him.

... the Savior's hands. My life is in His hands.

IN THE GARDEN - ... the desires of your heart

2007-10-04T22:44:00.000-07:00

Quelques mots en français pour les amis qui visitent de loin.
Les dernières semaines ont été difficiles pour moi. Suite d'une maladie, il voilà que je prenne des pillules qui m'interdisaient d'aller au soleil, et de passer beaucoup de temps dehors. Alors là, c'était comme demander à un papillon de ne visiter qu'une seule fleur!!! Démoralisant pour le moins dire...
La photo - Et oui... c'est une vue de mon petit coin prise depuis sous l'ombrelle où j'aime me reposer. Il y a du plaisir sans fin... au jardin.

Simple pleasures in the garden.

My two youngest children have a little joke going on: What to do with Mom if she wasn't able to get around any more - sit her comfortably in the garden with pots, plants, soil, seeds and things - check on her once in the while. Where is Mom? Oh, outside in the garden. They forgot to mention: books about birds and insects, binoculars and camera. But it's pretty close. Of course there's got to be a bunny running around and a dog and a kitty too. Simple pleasures.

This is the view from my favorite spot in the garden. The swing seems to be everybody else's favorite spot!!!
It's my place, and mine to share with all who would. Come and sit a while. Feel the peace. Sleep if you'd like. The birds will sing their lullaby.

If nature is your thing, forget time, God will meet with you there as He does with me. Thank you Lord for this little spot.

THE MOLTING RABBIT - Loved

2007-09-29T21:35:00.000-07:00

Our pet rabbit "BunBun" runs in the yard freely since he got out a couple of years ago. He is so happy, I could never put in back in a cage again. He has hideouts, a large underground burrow and favorite spots for napping. He his literally "king of the yard" since it was replanted to suit him. No, not replanted, it's more like pare down! What is there now are plants and shrubs he does not eat and a few large pots too high for him to reach. Some have survived his repeated attacks, kept on growing back, and I guess he finally gave up. But when he gets upset for not getting enough attention or whatever annoys him, he'll chump something - just for spite- leaving the evidence on the ground. It always comes back just as big and he does it again. We go round and round with that. It's our pet rabbit...

All the kids love him. All the neighbors know him. It's funny to see him sit in the middle of the grass and all at once jump up or roll, or sit on his hind legs, or run to make friends with one of the kitties that visit his kingdom.

Well lately, he has been looking strange. He is molting. He's all patchy, he looks like he has cotton balls sticking to part of his back and there is clumps of fur coming off all over. Very unattractive bunny.

I was sitting for a bit in the shade watching the birds at the feeders. A few butterflies and bees were going from one nectar rich blossom to another with an occasional huge bumble bee buzzing around. I love bumble bees, they're just so neat. They always remind me of a fortress war plane. All a once BunBun came running around the corner and stopped in the middle of the path. He stood on his hind legs, looked at me and commenced to do a cleaning job on his ears. I spoke to him out loud: "You are such a pretty rabbit, you're so cute, I love you little guy". Yes, I was gushing over the little fellow. My mind said: "He is sooo ugly right now". True. But he is mine and I love him. He is the best bunny rabbit to me.

That's how God loves us. All the time.

THE RAG DOLL - Object lesson

2007-09-25T22:05:00.000-07:00

In 1960, my mother taught me a lesson. It wasn't until many years later that I understood how great of a teacher she really was.

Raising an only child, everything was a one time deal - no second chance to do it again with brother or sister - and all the special days were that much more precious.
Lisette was my rag doll. My mom made her. She was big enough to fill my arms, big enough to get her dressed easily and sit in a baby chair. She looked pretty, a smile on her face, nice hair that didn't tangle, her body was firm and when I closed my eyes she was real. Lisette's wardrobe was hand made out of fabric remnants from our own clothes. She had summer dresses in colorful prints and madras, hand knitted stockings and gloves, pinafores with eyelets trims, skirts and sweaters, flannel nightgowns, and a rust colored winter coat with big buttons. A little girl's dream... playing mommy... matching clothes.

Door to door peddlers were common in those days. We bought small household supplies from a couple of them. "They are trying to make a living" my mother would say. Once, or maybe twice a year, a gypsy lady came to our door with a large bag of goods. That's when we bought shoes laces, black shoe polish "Kiwi" brand, boxes of large matches, wooden clothespins and such. Yes, they sold those little things at the "Echo" corner market literally steps away. But this lady was trying to make a little money to feed her growing family, and we helped her. It seemed (thru the eyes of of child), that she always had a new baby or was expecting one. It was the case this time.

With her that day, she had two children, two girls. I remember the oldest one, about my age, she was keeping the little one in check, already helping with carrying things to sell. During the course of the conversation the subject of time for resting and playing came up. By the answers given, it didn't sound like it was in this family's agenda - ever. The lady was saying how having a new baby actually forced her to have a vacation because she had to stay in the hospital a while (back then it was at least a week). As for playing, well, nobody had time for that... I felt sad listening to what sounded like a life all in gray. Pretty soon it was time to go the gypsy lady said. That's when my mother mentioned that sometimes people move away. I knew were she was going with that - we were moving!!! Our friends and neighbors knew it, and dinners and gatherings had been going on more often than usual. But this was hard news for this peddler. She let out a cry and took my mother's hands with tears rolling down her face. "Oh no! You can't leave!". Then we all hugged each other. After a while, the crying stopped and it was good- bye. That's when I said "Wait!". I ran to my room and came back with Lisette, my doll, and gave it to the oldest girl. She looked at me and smiled, took the doll and held her close to her heart. They walked away and the door was shut.

Before the little group was out of sight, I said I wanted to go outside and get my doll back. Gently my mother told me "No, you gave it away, it's hers now".

Many years later, I was moved out and lived in Geneva. Mom came to visit and see were I worked and lived. She talked to me about the day I gave Lisette away. She said that it was a special doll, she was even named after her. She told me that she didn't want me to give it away. But how could she let me take it back when she was trying to teach me?

WOW!!! Talk about living up to what you preach...

BLUE PEOPLE - The color of God

2007-09-07T19:51:00.000-07:00

These "Blue People", are officially called Tuaregs. You will find them on their camels, traveling in the Sahara. They are a great semi-nomadic people, their ware is light, their food frugal, their culture ancient. They are unique from other nomadic tribes living in the world's largest desert (over 3 millions square miles), and best know for their salt trading caravans and goat herding.
They often refer to themselves as "The People Of The Veil". The men are the ones who wear it at all times. It does not come off, not even among family members. To dye the cotton from which these veils are made, they use natural dyes. A lot of blue - indigo blue. After a time of wearing such apparel, the skin takes on a blue tint, thus the surname "Blue People" given to them.

So were the Tuaregs.

Growing up, I was fascinated by their simple lifestyle, their dignity, and mostly by that unmistakable skin color. I thought it was pretty neat in the 20th century, and it wasn't somewhere in the jungle, but right in our backyard so to speak, one could actually meet them in an oasis.

Modern day ways, technology, conflicts, wars, restricted traveling rights, global warming and other factors have contributed to the decline of this great people. Some make a living as tour guides for western tourists, speak to them of their history. Others have turn to oil and gas operations promising to be more lucrative than any trading. You might say it was inevitable, times have changed, they needed to adjust... It's too bad, I find it kind of sad.

God's people have always been separated, it's in the Word. We are a peculiar people, a holy people.

Today, living for Jesus, we ought to have a certain unmistakable "tint". This world is a desert and we are the nomads. Do they know who we are by our "tint"? God's presence must emanate from us as we encounter people in the world. Immediately, they must know that something is different. I want God's spirit to permeate every aspect of my life and to be saturated by the Holy Ghost. We live and interact in the world and it's colors, but God's color will stay if we are "dyed" thru and thru. I want to be "true blue" for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

DRIED LEAVES AND SUCH - A clear message

2007-08-28T22:44:00.000-07:00

I love teaching my grandchildren the little that I know about nature.
For the most part, what I know, I learned it from the elders in my life.

The first and foremost of my teachers was my father. He was raised on a farm and had an immense respect for nature. He grew up helping with the hogs, cows, chickens, rabbits, horses, the vegetable garden and the vineyard. During WWI, his father was gone to the Prussian front so it was up to the kids to help my grandmother keep up with all the chores. My father remained a farmer at heart all his life, even after living in the city and working a job that demanded wearing a suit and tie.

We took walks as a family almost everyday. Long ones always on Sunday, unless the snow fell too thick or it rained too hard.
I learned so much during those walks. My father knew the name of every kind of tree, he could recognize any leaves, any seed or grain, even tell me about types of rocks and stones and their origins. He loved everything in nature, even the soil.

My parents and I picked wild berries in the summer, wild mushrooms in the fall, wild greens in the springs. With our harvest, my mother would prepare delicious evening meals to round up the day. Afterwards we'd go over our findings and decide on the ones "for keeps". My dad would tell stories and talks about his childhood. We'd place tender twigs, buds, flowers, leaves, seeds or any other gift from nature found that day between blotting papers with a weight on top, usually one of the many volumes from our well stocked book shelves.
Several weeks later, after these treasures dried up enough, came the part of affixing them in my 'Nature Scrapbook'. My mother always helped me write the captions under each of these botanical beauties. I loved it.

It was clear to me, that love for nature. The message stayed with me. It was backed up by a lifestyle.

Let me check and make sure that the message I give is clear and that my lifestyle says the same thing.

I know... I represent the King and His Word, and the Church.

THE BODY - 1+?=1

2007-08-21T19:50:00.000-07:00

I have a cup, a mug to be exact, in my kitchen cupboard. It dates of several years ago when I managed an account for AT&T at the infancy of it's partnership with Lucent Technology. In other words, I've had it for a long time.
On one side of it is a picture of a large sail boat, the crew each at their post, working the winds. Each one is needed. Each was chosen to be on board.
On the other side is a quote: "Teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to produce uncommon results".
I've always loved that quote, I didn't know there was more to it. It reads like this:

Teamwork is the ability
To work together
Towards a common vision.

The ability to direct
Individual accomplishments
Towards organizational objectives.

It is the fuel that allows
Common people to obtain
Uncommon results.
(Mac Anderson - Simple Truth)

It may be an old quote, old story for some, but it still is true. Each one is a part and becomes part of the whole. Sounds a lot like the Church to me. All members in particular, part of ONE, the Body. So, how many can you add to one to make ONE? As many as the Lord has called. It takes all of us to make a whole.

Ephesians 4:16 "From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted BY THAT WHICH EVERY JOINTS SUPPLIETH, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto edifying of itself in love". KJV

WIND IN THE POPLARS - The speed of time

2007-08-08T22:40:00.000-07:00

When I was a child, we often went on vacation in Switzerland where my mother was from. Actually, it seems that it was several times a year. Yverdon, where my maternal grandparents lived, lays at the end of the Lake of Neuchâtel. The banks of the river Thièle that spills itself into the lake are lined with poplars.There are rows of poplars in the fields nearby . Many of the two lanes roads on the outskirts of town are lined with poplars. The wind blowing thru these trees makes a soothing rustling sound. It is an inseparable part of my fondest memories.

Today I went for a walk in my neighborhood park. The third time around the track, I noticed a sound. It was the soothing rustling sound of the wind blowing in the trees. In a flash, my mind took me back in time. It was just a few seasons ago, I was on summer vacation, going to the local Farmers Market downtown Yverdon. My grandmaman always bought everything fresh, everyday. That was the way we did things then. Today, I have grandchildren of my own, Jacob is 9 years old, Samuel is 8 and Naomi "Mimi" is 19 months old. I want them to have precious memories of days together, for next week,next month, and when they grow up. That'll be tomorrow!!! Where did the years go? How can time go so fast? The older I get, the faster it goes. My grandparents use to say that to us grandkids.

Memories of my childhood, in the 50's, 60's,was it really that long ago?

What is our life? Nothing but a vapor says the Word of God. What will you do with your life?

WHALE WATCHING - Keep your eyes on the Rock

2007-08-05T21:31:00.000-07:00

Last week, my daughter and I took a short vacation in Morro Bay. One thing we wanted to do for sure, was to go whale watching. This is the time of the year when they feed in these parts of the coast. We took tablets to prevent motion sickness and on to the boat we went. The swells were pretty good, very little wind, some fog. I will tell you that we did see whales, a mother and her calf feeding. And did we have a show! These creatures are most graceful. They were slapping their tails and spewing from their spouts. We were also entertained by a band of seals acting like dolphins, lots of otters, even a family with a pup, and several comical sea lions. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. But my daughter Crystal did get sea sick (along with half of the people on the boat). The skipper said he wasn't too surprised, not much of a horizon to focus on.

Isn't it like living for Jesus? You've got to keep your eyes focused on Him. Sometimes it's so foggy you cannot see where you 're going, you can't even feel Him. But He is here. His Words is here. The ups and the downs of life can make you feel "seasick". Look ahead, don't look down at your feet that's where the dirt is.

Too much fog in Morro Bay to keep our eyes on the Morro Rock. It's never too foggy to keep our eyes on the Rock of Ages.

THE CITY GATES - No fairy tale

2007-07-29T00:12:00.000-07:00

When I lived in North Africa with my parents, in the city of Constantine-Algeria, to be exact, times were unstable.It had been a french colony and now the people wanted their autonomy. Constantine sits up in the mountains, at the edge of the Sahara desert, a fortified city with walls and gates.
It was summer and we had been on vacation with friends in the coastal resort of Bône, enjoying the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. On the trip back home, one of our friend's car broke down. We waited there on the side of the road while the men worked under the hood. The sun was going down, everybody was getting nervous. After all, it was civil war. This was not a good place to be sitting.

A military truck and a jeep came by and stopped. They were on their way in, patrolling the road from the coast to Constantine.The soldiers urged us to get back to the city before dark, before the closing of the gates. Once the gates were closed, it was no small thing to get in, if you could get in at all. My father and the other men in our group all worked for an official department and carried official papers. The soldiers agreed to clear the way at the gate with the machine gun clad guards, up in the tower. I remember the uneasy feeling that came on our group once the darkness fell in the hills. Then fear crept in for some of us. Night had come, and it was really dark. We could hear a lot of things, couldn't see anything. Fighting was going on. This was a dangerous place to be.
Eventually the car was fixed and our little caravan started again, making it's way slowly towards the city. At the gates, the guards had been informed and they let us in. We were safe. Everything was okay.THE END - like a fairy tale - all is well that ends well.

Last night, just about 24 hours ago, I had my family on my mind. We are all on the road to the city so to speak. Everybody wants to get there and for everything to be okay. But it's not like my story, once the gates are closed, that's it, can't get in the city. The reality of it is sometimes far from us. This is not a fairy tale. I am just as guilty as the next person in the fact that It seems so far. But every time I pause and get ahold of it, it is anguish to my heart because I am not sure that we'll all get there. I've got to be saved first, my family and friends too and what about all those that I pass here and there? God help me, help us to make our election sure and to get a burden for the lost.

Do you know what I heard at church today? "The Lord is coming soon"

THE FIRST STEP - Where is the sacrifice?

2007-07-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

It all depends on how you look at it. Frightening or exciting. Same as the glass full or empty. Only those who try succeed. Even the concept of success depends on how you look at it. If you don't try, you won't fail. But, you for sure will not succeed. You do what you can, only you know if you gave it all.
What! Hold back because of fear? Where did the fear come from?
Very young children/toddlers are not afraid to take the first step. They'll climb up, climb down, jump, or reach to pet that dog. Sure you have to teach them, not to hold them back, but to enable them to go ahead with the knowledge (tools) they need to make it a fun experience. They'll want to do it again.

Now that I've said it, let me try it.

The central air unit stopped working yesterday evening. 92° in the house at 10 PM. Needless to say it was a very long night! All fans on full blast, all windows and doors open, pretty much to no avail. By 4 AM the temperature had dropped to 81°. Not too bad.
Now, it's 7 AM. It's cool outside. I step out on the patio. Ahhh! It feels great. But not for long. In a few hours it will be in the three digits again. The prospect of the discomfort of a day without central air makes me feel nauseated already. I check the fuse box one more time and reset everything. Turn the switch on, and yes! The big fan is going. Get back inside, check the vents, it's blowing cold air. Thank God!

Where is the sacrifice? I'm not talking about living with or without central air. My mind is on our forefathers. They lived a life of sacrifice for the cause of revival. Times have changed. Technology is incredibly advanced. In these parts of the world, there is an overabundance of goods and endless choices in everything money can buy. In the natural, life is easier than ever.

Where is the sacrifice? What is easy for you to give up, may be difficult for someone else. What comes naturally to you, may be a real effort for another.
Time, money, comfort, security, whatever it may be, it will cost you and I.

Don't be scared of sacrificing. Great will your joy be when God rewards you. To win a soul, isn't that worth a sacrifice?