Category: a bit of history

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

Laughter, my son

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It wasn’t funny when we arrived at the hospital on July 6, 2006.  There was a bit of anxiety hanging in the little room where we waited.  The baby boy needed to come today, the doctor had decided.

And when the nurse came to tell us, I’d have to stay in that same room to be induced, a room which was fully equipped, but felt more like a closet, no one chuckled.

From start to finish,  four hours and forty minutes which were a roller coaster of feelings and emotions; I did not giggle.

When it was time, and the nurse called for the doctor because we knew IT WAS TIME, he came in and said, “There’s no way its time.  That baby hasn’t even dropped yet.”

But, with two quick pushes, Isaac surprised us all.  There was my healthy baby boy.  Peace and joy, with fresh-baby-sweetness were all rolled up in that bundle.  I remember in those moments how we all laughed.

And he hasn’t stopped making us laugh since.

With a tender heart and a contagious smile, you’ve brought so much joy to us.  I’m glad God gave you to our family!

We love you, Isaac!  happy eighth birthday!

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a bit of history

The Beatitudes, on guitar

melodyannday4 Comments

It is 6 years ago this July, that I did something crazy.

Okay, let’s rewind a bit, because you’ll need more background than that.

In March of 2008, the children’s director at our church came to me and asked if I’d consider leading the kids’ praise time at VBS.  Fun songs about Jesus, with lots of kids, high energy, major commotion:  I said “Sure, sounds right up my ally!”

As I got the plans rolling, picked out some cool tunes, made a list of kids who might help me, I ran into a problem.  I didn’t just want, I NEEDED a guitar player.  The way our sanctuary was set up, I could not lead the worship time from the keys.  And guess what?  I couldn’t find a strong, confidently rhythmic player.  This piano player’s heart began to feel a bit of panic… okay a lot of panic.

Enter : Wade Williams.

Our worship pastor at the time, Wade, who was an amazing guitar player couldn’t help me out that week.  But he did offer this:  “Sounds like a good time to learn guitar!”

Keep in mind: it’s March.  VBS is in three months.    I’m pretty sure I looked at Wade like he was crazy.  But he insisted that he was confident that I could do it.  Of course, Wade was known for getting people into things they didn’t know they wanted to do.  He probably also knew that I could learn a few things from the guitar player I live with, but still…

Who does this?  Who picks up an instrument, intending to learn it well enough to lead worship (which means singing and playing at the same time) in three months time?

Well.  I did.  And I guess more importantly, the Holy Spirit did it in me.  I’m not foolish enough to think I did it all on my own.  In the end, my friend, Rebecca, did come along side to help with the playing and singing – but, I managed – and quite enthusiastically too!

Here I am again – a few years later, getting ready for VBS, choosing my songs, practicing with my kids’ praise team, planning motions and all that good stuff.

One of the songs we are learning for VBS is called, “The Beatitudes Song”  from an album put out by The Church At Brook Hills, which is called “The Great God and His Big Story.”  It is a new favorite at our house.  The lyrics are taken from Matthew chapter 5.

Blessed are the poor in Spirit, those who see the sin in their hearts.
Blessed are the ones who are weeping, cause sin has torn the whole world apart.

Blessed are the meek and humble, God will freely give them all things
Blessed are the ones who are hunger and thirst for justice and wait on their king.

Blessed are the merciful whose sins are forgiven so they can forgive.
Blessed are the pure in heart, God will show His face to them.

Blessed are the ones who make peace, loving others with the Savior’s love.
Blessed are those bullied for their faith. Great in God’s kingdom will be their reward.

Chorus:
We are the salt of the earth so we’re gonna shake, shake, shake, like a salt shaker.
We are the light of the world so we’re gonna shine, shine, shine til the night’s no more.

These words sing out the truth from God’s word:  We are blessed when we give ourselves out of love, for His sake.  Being salt and light can mean a lot of things; it might even mean learning to play the guitar for VBS. In my heart I say, “Here’s to many more outlandish opportunities for following Jesus!”   I’m pretty sure Wade would heartily agree!

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

a list: things I loved about my trip to Canada

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I’ve been away from home for a few days, visiting my grandparents in Strathroy, Ontario.  Because I lived there as a child and I don’t always remember things as they actually were, I’m always surprised when I visit: These old stomping grounds still hold a piece of my heart.  Anyway – I really enjoyed my time up north and thought I’d share a list about my trip…

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10.   I like crossing the border, especially when the wait with customs isn’t too long.  It’s sort of magical – it feels different the minute you step over.  Yes, Canada and the U.S. are two very different places.

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9.  The biscuits.  I LOVE Peek Freans.  There are lots of different types of cookies to have with your tea – but there is nothing better than these.

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8.  My Grandparents:  I rarely see them.  This time I was alone, without my hubby and kiddos, so I was able to spend a little time with them undistracted.  And that was special.

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7.  Mark and Amy.  My cousin and his wife are way above par when it comes to hospitality – and I got to stay two nights with them.  Vitamix smoothies in the morning and mojitos with fresh mint in the evenings, and lots of good conversation and laughter in between!  (this is a photo of me and Amy… sorry, Mark!  forgot to snap your photo!)

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6. The cream buns.  This is extra special and will probably get its own separate blog post, but – Amy, who has taken the time to learn how to make Grandma’s Cream buns, taught me how to make them this week.  And I can’t wait to make them on my own at home for a special occasion.

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5. These guys.  I got to be with my parents.  I haven’t had this much time, just me and my folks, in a really long time – and it was amazing to get to be together.  My heart needed that.

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4.  My extended Brubacher family.  I love who I am and where I come from ; these Brubachers are a part of me.  We are big and loud – and being together is so much fun.  I was able to connect with so many people that I love and it was wonderful! (This photo is all of the cousins with their spouses – some of my favorite people on the planet are in this photo. Only my sister, my cousins Ang, Dave and their spouses are missing, oh, and Michael.)

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3. Grandma, Celebrating 90.  Living far away I rarely get to be there for the little things, let alone the big deals.  I’m so grateful I was able to be there for my Grandma’s birthday celebration.    It was a very special day.

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2.  And there’s this.  I presented the completed, printed and published family cookbook to Grandma, which is dedicated to her.  What a broad spectrum of emotions!  I was beyond elated to share it with everyone, completely relieved that we had delivered such a beautiful book, but, a tiny bit sad because my partner in crime, Ang, couldn’t be there to celebrate.

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1.  Most of all: these people.  Because being apart reminds me just how much I love them!  And I get to go home to them today!  🙂  Yay!

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

beautiful cup

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If you are a part of the Brubacher clan, from my generation or older, you probably recognize the cup in the picture above.  Its one of Grandma B’s tea cups and saucers.  I have a love affair with this delicate pink pattern.  Grandma gave me one of my very own cups and saucers and I have it stored away in a spot at home where it will not be broken by small hands.  But, when I’m at my mum’s, we drink tea there often – and I, I get to drink from the cup.  It makes the tea taste wonderful.

This cup holds a lot of memories – dinners around the table with family, wonderful conversation, fantastic meals I won’t ever forget.  But one thing in particular I hold close, along with this cup.  Scripture.  With every meal that I was ever fortunate enough to partake of at my grandparents’ home, God’s Word was read. always.  no matter what.

You know, I think that’s why that cup is so special, even more now than before. As 2012 is beginning, I am faced with changes, with uncertainty, even fear.  People I love are staring pain straight in the face. and it. is. hard.  But, I can hear some of those Words we read together, ringing in my ears…

And isn’t that what He intended?  He took a cup of pain and agony, sorrow far beyond our own terrible imaginations, and drank it down, so that in these times our hearts can sip a bit of comfort and peace.

from Psalm 23:4 : Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil;For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

from Lamentations 3: 22-24 : Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24 “ The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“ Therefore I hope in Him!”

from Isaiah 53:4-6: Surely He has borne our griefs  And carried our sorrows;  Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

from John 14:26-27: 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Oh and there are so many more for my heart to drink in… it is a healing balm for all who are suffering, a calm for every anxious and weary soul.  It is the most beautiful cup.

Thank you Heavenly Father, that you gave Your Son – that He drank such a bitter cup – so that we could drink in life -giving love, hope, peace, joy and so much more.  May I find refreshment today in this cup You have given to me.  amen.

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Okay, it is a fairly old song by now with simple lyrics that I remember listening to as a girl.  Back then I think got it…  but the words of the chorus mean a lot right now…

There is a Savior

There is a Savior
What joys express
His eyes are mercy
His Word is rest
For each tomorrow
For yesterday
There is a Savior
Who lights our way.

***Dedicated to my sweet Aunt Jean and Uncle Ernie with much love and hope.  md***

written January 4, 2012.

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

all things new

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Here I am, standing at the doorstep of 2014.

I won’t lie to you, I’m ready to leave 2013 behind.  I’ve learned and experienced a lot this year. Super mega highs and deepest valley lows.  How my heart has been changed, and still, I’m ready for all things new.

fresh mercies.  whole and untainted beginnings.  full and brimming portions of His hope.

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:  The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;[b]his mercies never come to an end;  they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him,  to the soul who seeks him.

2014 promises a calendar of 365 new mornings, overflowing with his love and faithfulness.  And I am grateful for such a provision from His hand.

May the Lord be gracious to each of you and yours in the coming year.

md.

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

So long, 2013!  We won’t forget you anytime soon!

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a bit of history

hope for the shepherds

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One minute it was love and happiness, voices of laughter drifting past my ears while I folded laundry.  The next, there were shrieks of anger followed by footsteps stomping up the stairs and “MOM!”  and there he was standing in my doorway.  My sweet Isaac, wild-eyed, tears streaming and frustration.

We sat on my bed for a minute as he unfolded his heart and told me the story. There was a game, and sharing needed to be involved and, he could not…  because like most of our hearts, selfishness sits on the throne fair and square.  I whispered to him the beginning of “our verse,” the one we all know around here. I put my face close to his and held him.  “Be devoted…” I said quietly, his shoulders still shaking, tears flowing, heart breaking.  But, he shook his head ‘yes’.    “…to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” He knew.

We all know. Around here we are aware some days more than others.  Our hearts are dark and ugly. We are hardened and rough around the edges.

Often there seems to be no way to escape the ways of my sinful, dirty heart.  I’ve had plenty of my own stomping-up-stairs, shoulders shaking, heart breaking, selfish moments lately.  Plenty of them, in fact.  My son’s heart and mine are a pair ; we are so much alike.

But this morning, I was reminded.  Today we lit the shepherd’s candle for advent – I think it is my favorite.

I find significant relief with the knowledge that God sent word of His Son’s birth to a group of rough and ragged shepherds.  Unkept, uneducated, unworthy.  The shepherds,  least likely and  least lovable in society, He chose to tell them first, and in such an extravagant way – a glorious choir of angels.

Hope for my own condition is made plain right here in Luke 2:

 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

The God of the universe, sent a Savior to us. Jesus, God’s Son, was a most precious and costly gift.  And He came to earth for the likes of shepherds, and the likes of me and my sinful heart, and for my sweet boy too.  undeserving.  unlovely.  But today as that candle was lit, my heart was revived.  He came so long ago,  he came for the least of these.  and He came for me.

a bit of history

truck stop words

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There are many moments from my childhood that stand out… some that I am still learning from,  many that I seem to be reliving nowadays with the help of my children. But there is one…

It was a 76 truck stop, probably somewhere between Danville, IL and Tampa, FL where this particular memory takes place.  I was about 6 years old.  We were on vacation, my mom, dad, sister, GG and I.  After a very long and tiring day of driving we pulled off the interstate to find some dinner.

We sat down and prepared to order our dinner.  When the waitress came to the table, she worked her way around taking my order last.  To my parents’ horror I said something like this, ” I want a grilled cheese sandwich with chocolate milk… And hurry up about it!”   I was hungry after all…

I was immediately escorted to the restroom for a discussion with my mother.   I learned that my words and how I say them to people are very important.  As a follower of Christ I should be treating others with love and care, no matter what.  Needless to say, an apology to the waitress was in order.

In my head I know too well that words are permanent. They can be hurtful and there are no returns or exchanges.  Once they are out there- its done.  Wouldn’t you think by now, thirty years later that I would have this lesson down?  You know, in time to teach my own children by example.

from James 3:

“Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”

If only I had focused on this Scripture this morning…  before I lost my patience and moved through my house like a wildfire,  causing devastation with my tongue.   I threw many angry, impatient words around and within minutes everyone in my house was crying.  I was in a hurry after all…

from Proverbs:

“Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

Its hard for me to dig down deep and think about the reality of my morning.  I am more aware than ever that the power of life and death are in the tongue.  So, there are two choices for me:  I can choose to live by the power of the Holy Spirit, speaking life-giving words that will bring peace, healing and comfort to our household and those around us.  Or I can continue on in my own flesh, using language that will lead down a path of darkness and sin.  Clearly, I really only have one choice…

I am thankful for sweet children and a Heavenly Father who have readily forgiven me.  I’m hopeful that each morning I’ll remember to make my choice – at the beginning of the day, prepared to live in the peace that only comes from Him.   Maybe I’ve finally found the way to live out that lesson I began learning so long ago at the 76 Truck Stop.

(written October 6, 2010)

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

tune my heart…

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Every Columbus Day, which also happens to be Canadian Thanksgiving, my family and I begin a season of giving thanks.  We celebrate in a lot of different ways;  several of our traditions we have been doing since Emily was tiny.

But, no matter how we choose to act out our thanks, it seems to bring our hearts together, singing songs of His goodness.

Tonight, as I was sorting thru a few of my photos, I realized it has been a while since I’ve recited my own heart’s gratefulness.  So,  I thought I’d rehearse some of my best blessings, here…  DSC_0141

Another year of life to celebrate, more meaningful to me than years passed…

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Anniversary tulips from the man who knows and loves me well…

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Exploration and laughter with cousins, sometimes in tents

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Little fingers and hearts and minds discovering God’s world.

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Painting buddies
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Good friends worthy of adventure

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DSC_0085and last, but not least – these three, representing so much of His goodness in my life.

Thank you, LORD!!!

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

peanut buster parfait

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(me and my dad, january 2013)

I got a phone call shortly after dinner tonight.  It was my dad.  Today is his birthday and we had already had our “birthday” chat.  But, he was calling for one reason and one reason only.  He wanted me to know something important.  My dad was calling to tell me that he was at Dairy Queen – about to have a peanut buster parfait.

The Peanut Buster Parfait is an important part of  history for me and my dad.  I remember the first time that we went to have the sundae at DQ.  It was in Findlay, OH right after our move there.  My dad, my sister Marilyn and I went to the local establishment on a particular occasion.  We were in the middle of a rough time.  My mom had just been in a terrible car accident and she was in the hospital.  All three of us were a bit distraught, in need of distraction and Dairy Queen fit the bill.  This was the beginning of something very important for us : the daddy-daughter date.   Needless to say it holds a very special place in our hearts.

Ever since then, its been the go-to place for my dad and I. Especially when I was in school at BGSU, we would regularly go to the Myle’s Dairy Queen near campus.  It was our time together.  I knew if I called my dad and said, “Hey!  You wanna meet me?” he’d be there.  It was rare for him to turn me down.

But, I moved far away and got married and grew up.  Not so many opportunities for DQ these days.

My dad’s call tonight, on his birthday, reminded me of something.  No matter how far I move away, or how old I get, I will always be his daughter.  Space and time will never change that fact.  He’s my dad and he loves me.

This is true about my Heavenly Father too.  No matter where I go, what I do, His love for me is a fact.  It does not change; it can not be altered.  He is my dad and I am his daughter.  I cannot out grow, out live or use up His care for me.  That is the best news that I have heard all day.   My dad’s call reminded me just how much I’m loved – by my earthly father and my Heavenly Father too.

There are so many verses that are well known, that tell us just how much God loves his children.  I could never fit them all on here.  But, today  I’ve been thinking of this simple little song – all day.  Funny how it fits here, now.

He Knows My Name…
I have a maker, He formed my heart.  Before even time began, my life was in His hands.
I have a Father, He calls me his own.  He’ll never leave me, no matter where I go.
He knows my name. He knows my ev’ry thought.  He sees each tear that falls and hears me when I call.

happy birthday dad!  next time you’re in town, DQ’s on me!

(One of my favorites, written originally on March 8, 2011.)


a bit of history · friends and loved ones

my cup

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(This post was written, during my first month of blogging, three years ago on October 1, 2010 – But, it is more true than ever!)

Friday morning.  Its a special Friday – the one on the calendar that is sandwiched between my anniversary and my birthday.  I’m sitting here in my living room with my cup.  Its my favorite coffee cup.  It fits me perfectly.  A china cup with a cherry red background and white floral pattern… best of all it has hot coffee in it – with lots of cream and a bit of sugar.

On this very important Friday, just before I turn 35 and just after I have celebrated 11 years with my incredible husband, I can’t help but look into my mug and see my blessings.  I am overwhelmed, I have so much to be thankful for.

Thankful because it could have been very different.  Step back in time just over 12 years ago.  Poor choices and a declining walk with the Savior put me in a very difficult and unhappy place.  I found myself grieving the end of a relationship, in pain, confused and disappointed.  My heart had become  hard and my life was very dark.

I will never forget lying on the couch, in the family room of my parents’ home, creating a puddle of tears, completely devastated at the mess my life and my heart had become.  And my mom came to me – we listened to worship music.  She sat next to me with my head in her lap and read Scripture to me and stroked my hair.  If ever the Holy Spirit has come  to me wrapped in flesh, it was that day, as my mom. (thank you, mom…)

Over and over again we listened to one song – the last line spoke to me : “Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.”  It was as if He were whispering a sweet and gentle promise in my ears.  I knew there was hope- I could begin again with this assurance : He had a plan for me.  and it was better.

And so, a few months later, His plan began to unfold.  I graduated from college and moved  here, where I met my sweet husband.  We were married not long after and the rest is history.  Its my history – filled with pain and blessing.

Let me be clear:  We are not rich by the world’s standards.  Our house is not large, we do not drive a fancy car, my wardrobe is mostly from Target.  Life is not always easy.  But my blessings are innumerable – they overflow from the depths of my heart as I think of them.

Their names are Michael, Emily, Isaac and Mackenzie.  They are my parents and my husband’s parents.  Its the restored relationship I’ve experienced with my sister and her family.  Its my extended family that reaches from Los Angeles to Oklahoma to Huntsville, Ontario ; the godly heritage that comes from these family lines is woven into the very fabric of my life.  I can’t even begin to mention friends that are nearby, and friends who are even closer to my heart, but live so far away.  And this is just the beginning…

I find myself realizing that I am not blessed because of wealth or means.  I am blessed because I am on the path He has chosen for me.  And as I think of all the ways that He cares for me and shows me His love for me, my heart is moved.  My cup runneth over!

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, even the God of our Salvation!  Psalm 68:19

amen.

md