Where did the time go? I still remember planning for this day 34 years ago. I prayed that my baby would would be born on a Sunday because there was less traffic in Bangkok, and the Bangkok Nursing Home (British Hospital) was clear across town from our home. We dropped Sharon (almost 4 years old), off with friends that Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. and headed for the hospital.
My regular doctor was on vacation, so an elderly European doctor was there, who was, by the way, hard of hearing. He never heard my replies to his questions, which frustrated this laboring mom no end!! Now I can laugh about that.
Philip Samuel Helsel was born at 2:30 p.m.
Every year my children lived at home, on their birthdays, we looked at their birth book. Cards, letters, lists, and yes, pictures of their births. I would tell them how special their day was for me and their dad, how much they were planned for and wanted, and how much they have changed my life.
Even though they aren't home...I still think about those 2 days that rocked my world. And I am thankful for God's provisions, protection, and for His amazing gifts to two unsuitable, unprepared parents.
Happy Birthday, Phil.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Sunday, October 14, 2012
A Post from Indiana
I am on "vacation"...with my daughter and her family. It's been awhile since I've been here. Compared to the desert-like weather where I live, it is a bit humid
Yesterday some folks came by for a little "Catch up with Karen" session which Sharon organized. I am thankful for these friends of many years. We laughed about our craziness in years past, talked about the stress of our lives, and felt the love we've had for each other for so long. Many of us keep in touch on Facebook, but it's great to sit together for face-to-face time. God has used each one of them in my life. I remember some of the lessons I learned from them, and have watched how God has worked to grow them into the people they are.
I am enjoying 3 vivacious grandsons. I love cuddling with Chase who is always the first one up. He can be like a little teddy bear when he wants. He and Niko went shopping with me yesterday. I've been invited to go to their school for lunch sometime this week. Don't have to ask me twice!
Getting away from a daily routine is important. I tend to be an isolator, so seeing so many friends and my family is vital. I can tell, however, that traveling just keeps getting more complicated, and recovery from jet lag takes longer the older I get. It does have it's funny moments, however.
Waiting for the flight from Portland to Denver, an elderly lady and her husband were talking to a stranger sitting near them - about airport security. The woman was delighted because she had "pulled one over" on security. She went through the full-body scanner and something showed up. She was held briefly while they went through the picture and a pat down...then she heard one on the phone talking about her situation. He said, "Well, it shows something, but there's nothing there. I think it's just the sequins on her shirt."
She smiled triumphantly as she said, "I always carry some loose change in my bra, but they never found it!"
Yesterday some folks came by for a little "Catch up with Karen" session which Sharon organized. I am thankful for these friends of many years. We laughed about our craziness in years past, talked about the stress of our lives, and felt the love we've had for each other for so long. Many of us keep in touch on Facebook, but it's great to sit together for face-to-face time. God has used each one of them in my life. I remember some of the lessons I learned from them, and have watched how God has worked to grow them into the people they are.
I am enjoying 3 vivacious grandsons. I love cuddling with Chase who is always the first one up. He can be like a little teddy bear when he wants. He and Niko went shopping with me yesterday. I've been invited to go to their school for lunch sometime this week. Don't have to ask me twice!
Getting away from a daily routine is important. I tend to be an isolator, so seeing so many friends and my family is vital. I can tell, however, that traveling just keeps getting more complicated, and recovery from jet lag takes longer the older I get. It does have it's funny moments, however.
Waiting for the flight from Portland to Denver, an elderly lady and her husband were talking to a stranger sitting near them - about airport security. The woman was delighted because she had "pulled one over" on security. She went through the full-body scanner and something showed up. She was held briefly while they went through the picture and a pat down...then she heard one on the phone talking about her situation. He said, "Well, it shows something, but there's nothing there. I think it's just the sequins on her shirt."
She smiled triumphantly as she said, "I always carry some loose change in my bra, but they never found it!"
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Next TRUST LESSON
Getting ready to go on a trip and will be away from from Marvin for about 2 weeks. It is another lesson in trust.
About a month ago I went through a time of letting go...a time of coming to grips with what I know in my head, but don't always act on: I am not God. Duh.
But when it comes to the care of my husband and my desire to keep him around longer, it's not easy to let go.
God reminded me in several important ways that He is God and I am not. He holds the power of Life and Death; I do not. So...now I'm going to be practicing.
It reminds me of the time when Sharon went to boarding school in 7th grade -1,000 miles from us. God said, "Can you go with her?" "No." He whispered back, "Can I go with her?" "Yes." I thought I learned that lesson, but obviously it's one that has to be repeated throughout our lifetime.
Why don't lessons stick? I mean, we end up having to go back over things repeatedly.
The scripture says He knows we are dust...and this is how DUST IS! It is blown every which way by every wind. Only when the oil of the Spirit is poured out, when our tears water that dust, can it become clay and be molded into something usable. When it's placed in the kiln and fired up, it becomes even stronger.
BLESSINGS on your trust journey today.
About a month ago I went through a time of letting go...a time of coming to grips with what I know in my head, but don't always act on: I am not God. Duh.
But when it comes to the care of my husband and my desire to keep him around longer, it's not easy to let go.
God reminded me in several important ways that He is God and I am not. He holds the power of Life and Death; I do not. So...now I'm going to be practicing.
It reminds me of the time when Sharon went to boarding school in 7th grade -1,000 miles from us. God said, "Can you go with her?" "No." He whispered back, "Can I go with her?" "Yes." I thought I learned that lesson, but obviously it's one that has to be repeated throughout our lifetime.
Why don't lessons stick? I mean, we end up having to go back over things repeatedly.
The scripture says He knows we are dust...and this is how DUST IS! It is blown every which way by every wind. Only when the oil of the Spirit is poured out, when our tears water that dust, can it become clay and be molded into something usable. When it's placed in the kiln and fired up, it becomes even stronger.
BLESSINGS on your trust journey today.
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