As clear as tho it happened yesterday, I remember standing to the right of my desk in my first grade classroom. We were singing the hymn, what has now become a favorite, “This is My Father’s World.” My teacher, Mrs. Juarez, sang each verse with us, from our Abeka work book. While I do not remember who the class mates were that stood to my right or left, I know for sure I was wearing my favorite Buster Brown, brown leather t-strap shoes and all was right with the world.

This is my Father’s world,
And to my list’ning ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world:
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas—
His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world:
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world:
He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world:
Oh, let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world,
The battle is not done:
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heav’n be one.

How little I knew of what was to come. That little 6 yr old brown eyed girl had no knowledge of the heart break and sadness, sickness, war, disease and poverty that was on the horizon, or what had already happened in our world. No, life was simple and I could see his goodness in my existence.

But here I am at 42, and things are no longer as easy as wearing my favorite shoes. Often I find myself gazing heavenward, still believing this is His world, but wondering what in the world is He planning? In my own little place here, among friends and family, there is unreasonable illness, friends in poverty barely providing for their family, death of loved
ones – just to name a few afflictions. And do I dare even mention on a wider scale – the evil in our world that threatens our very existence, wars and shootings and plots against everything good and right and holy.

While sin and death are still a part of this world, His world, we will not escape the heartbreak. I don’t pretend to understand exactly what He is waiting for – I’d prefer He come back now – but, I do know He will keep His promise. He will come again. And with His return, everything that was so wrong will be made right. In the meantime, He promises to be with us in our grief and our pain. He is with us in the here and now of this world He created – He will not leave us alone without hope or comfort.

In the mean time -Matthew 5 makes big promises we can cling to for dear life.

3Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Thank you Heavenly Father for meeting us here, in this world you created – and for always being present in the middle of our questions and our needs. For all of us who believe, we join our hearts together and say, “Come back soon.” Amen.

Two women who are so special to me, my Mum and Grandma B.

My sweet Grandmother turned 93 years young yesterday.   I wasn’t able to travel north this time for the celebration, but I’m thankful my mom and dad were able to be there!

It seems like yesterday we were visiting my grandparents’ home in Goderich, Ontario.  But, it wasn’t yesterday – it was probably 35 years ago…

A confident homemaker and loving wife, my Grandma was a master in the kitchen and around the house – her cooking, baking and sewing – I only dream of accomplishing so well.  Her hospitality as a pastor’s wife was well known in the community, and likely around many of the churches in Southern Ontario.    Without a doubt, I can tell you she was an example of the Proverbs 31 woman.

25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
²⁶ She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
²⁷ She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

Though her body has aged a little, much about my Grandma has remained the same.  My Grandma B is, and has always been, a beautiful godly woman. She is joyful and content, with a gentle smile and an encouraging word.

She has arrived at 93 with grace that the Lord has given, and I can only hope I might do the same.

Mom took part of one of my cakes to Grandma to share with her, so she could see what I’ve been up to with all of this cake-a-week business!  I can’t tell you how thrilled and proud I am to know she had a little taste of my baking and approved!   Here she is with a piece of the cake I sent!  🙂

I’ve been staring at photos from the party that happened earlier today, just slightly jealous that I couldn’t be there.  But, it makes me feel a little better to share the photos of my family honoring her today, here on my blog!  Its like I was almost there!  Thankfully, we will head north this fall and we will get to visit Grandma (and all the other family, too!) then.

Happy Birthday, Grandma!  We’ll see you soon!

then

and now…  (not that much has changed, right?!)

In the fall of 1992 I was beginning my senior year at Bowling Green High School.  It was only my second year at the school, and my third high school to attend.  Needless to say it was a little rough on the emotions.

Senior Year is a big deal.  There are firsts and lasts.  beginnings and endings.  opportunities offered and doors closed.    Some of those occasions I remember clearly, and some I’ve forgotten by now.  But there is one part of my year that stands alone from everything else.

That year I met my best friend.  Like so many other life-events, you don’t know it is important until long after the fact.

I suppose we had actually met earlier in the spring of 1992 in our junior year, but our friendship began to blossom our senior year.  I can’t really tell you exactly how it happened – I can’t even recall how or when we met. It may have been because of common experiences, or similar family values, or because we spent a lot of time in choir together. But, regardless of all that, our friendship began- and I believe my life is so much different because of it.

Twenty five years is a really long time to be friends.  Most of that time our friendship has endured long-distance.  Long phone calls.  texts. emails.  Our face to face visits have been too few.  But, our relationship remains strong.  I’ve often thought that we could actually be on the phone with each other, and not actually talk, and still know what the other person was meaning to say. That’s how long-term friendships work, I guess.

All those memes you see on social media about friendship; they may seem silly, but they’re kind of true.  She is the friend who chooses to be my friend, in spite of my faults – who knows how to sing my song to me even when I’ve forgotten – who believes in me and inspires me to be better – who gets me into trouble, or keeps me from getting into trouble, or both – who knows the majority of my history and still doesn’t mind admitting she’s my friend.

Most of all, I’m really a better person because she chooses to put up with me.  I’ve watched this dear friend walk some of the most painful roads, filled with hurt and confusion.  She’s held her head high.  She’s worked hard and given herself away. She’s survived and even thrived.  She’s not only survived, she’s successful.  She’s a magnificent mother, daughter, sister and she’s my friend.  There is no one who inspires me more.  no one.

And it is her birthday today.  My dear friend, Chiara – Happy birthday, friend!  Your love and friendship means the world to me!  Here’s to our friendship of 25 years ( its the only real gift I have to give you) – and here’s to 25 more!

Love, me.