From the house and lineage of Brubacher

If I take just a moment to think about my extended family, specifically my mom’s side – The Brubacher Clan – I’m overwhelmed with memories- memories that are full of emotions, sounds, tastes and experiences. As I type this I’m literally thinking, “I have no idea where to start or how to convey what I want to say…” but here goes…

The Brubacher family -Reuben and Annie’s family began in 1943 when they were married at a very young age, and their heritage was the Mennonite tradition. Eventually Brethren, and then Baptist – my grandparents raised their family with their faith and God at the very center of life. Later as an adult my Grandpa went to seminary, became a Baptist Pastor and was a shepherd to many congregations in Ontario, Canada over the years.

Both Reuben and Annie have gone on to Heaven now. What they left behind is remarkable. I saw it today when I got my own statement from their estate. I read it like a genealogy from the Gospel of Matthew… “Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers…”

Ours went like this: “The residual beneficiaries of the estate are…. Marvin Ray Brubacher, Donald Lee Brubacher, Rose Young, Sharon Harris, Nancy Switzer, David Brubacher, Ernest Jeffrey Brubacher, Heather Joy Weber, Andrew James Brubacher, Marilyn Young Bosley, Melody Young Day, Daniel Lee Brubacher, David Mark Brubacher, Jonathan Scott Brubacher, Lee Julian Brubacher, Donald James Brubacher, Paul Reuben Harris, Stefanie Anne Ritchie, Mark David Switzer, Kristi Sharon Waun, Angela Jean Pierik, Jenna Elizabeth Ibrahim, Michael David Brubacher and Kara Anne DeKat.

I look at these names and I can’t help but see a lot of people- my aunts, uncles, and cousins whom I love dearly. And then I see in my mind’s eye those people’s spouses and children too. But I can also see all of us as Grandma and Grandpa’s offspring – all of us following Jesus in different ways just like they did. Many giving their lives in His service just like Reuben and Annie did.

Okay – so, here’s the cool thing! Even if these weren’t my people – even if I didn’t get to be a part of the great big, crazy, fun, loud Brubacher family, I have something better! I know it seems impossible that there might be something better. But the truth is: I’ve been adopted into God’s family. Isn’t that amazing?

Right now at my church we are singing a Community Scripture Song together from Galatians 4:4-7. At face value it is fun to sing but, at its core the message is life-changing!

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

I write these words with a heart of thanksgiving – for my earthly family – and for my Heavenly Father who sent his Son so that I could be adopted into His family. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift! AMEN.

friends and loved ones · home schooling · Uncategorized

time flies when you’re having fun

Featured melodyannday3 Comments

Eighteen years ago this July, (July 6th, 2006 to be exact) Isaac Harris Day came into this world. In some ways if feels like just a few years ago. Life with Isaac as our boy, the middle child of the family has flown by.

This past weekend we celebrated his graduation from high school. And what a party it was. Friends and family came to congratulate him; the joy and love was overwhelming! I can say this without hesitation – I could not be more proud of the young man he is becoming! He’s full of good humor, super smart and best of all – he is kind!

He always gets annoyed with me, because I constantly say to him, “Isaac, I think you’ve grown again!” To which he says, “Mooo-ooom! Stop saying that! I’m not growing”.

But he is!

I’m his mom! I know.

I’ve told a few people this short anecdote, but I thought I’d tell you guys too! Back in the fall, around the end of November, I took Isaac to the pediatrician to change a prescription. They did all the normal things – check your height, weight, blood pressure. At that time his height was 6’1.5″. He had already passed quite a few of his friends, not to mention his dad and his Uncle John who aren’t exactly short.

Over Christmas break Isaac slept. a lot. I didn’t know anyone could sleep as much as he did sometimes. And he complained of his back hurting. I just figured he’d lifted something wrong while he was helping his grandaddy with some yard work.

Well, January rolled around and we went back for a followup at the pediatrician. Same rigamarole – weight, height, blood pressure – and the nurse looked at me and said- “Man, you’re tall!” to which I replied, “Exactly how tall is he?” and she said, “Six foot three and a half!” I was dumbfounded. And also a little happy that I was vindicated!

Isaac grew two inches in basically two months.

And that’s not the only way he is growing. I’ve seen my sweet boy mature : we’ve watched him deal with disappointment, make good choices and really good grades too. He’s becoming an adult, and the best version of himself – and we couldn’t be more proud. But, best of all, our boy loves Jesus. He shows signs of fruit growing in his character – and thats so exciting to watch.

I write that all to say : my heart is full. My gentle giant son, Isaac, has finished his home schooling career and he’s off to college in the fall as a mechanical engineering major. (He’ll be living at home, for now, which is just fine with this mama.) And that is A LOT to celebrate!

Thank you Lord, for your goodness to our family and your love for our boy Isaac!

green thumb envy...

Showers of Blessing

Featured melodyannday2 Comments

There’s a hymn I remember from my childhood- I can still hear the solid reliable three part harmony ringing out in the sanctuary and my mom accompanying on the piano. Or maybe she was singing. Anyway, the words come to mind almost every time it rains in the spring.

The chorus went like this: “Showers of blessing, showers of blessing we need, Mercy drops round us are falling, But for the showers we plead.”

When it comes to rain at this time of year, in our part of the country, we don’t have to plead for showers. The rain falls and brings us lush green everywhere. And who doesn’t enjoy the fresh sound of water drops falling from the leaves after the storm has passed?

There is mercy in the showers, and the drops. Often we are looking for more, and sometimes we wish for less. But honestly – it’s all a part of the blessings we receive. And I love the beauty in knowing the rain falls in just the right amounts at just the right time.

I hope you enjoy the beauty of rain from my own yard, and remember as you look, God’s goodness is in each droplet.