Remembering September 11, 2001

As I turned into the school parking lot, KSBJ's Susan O'Donnell reported a plane had crashed into New York City skyscraper. 

"That's weird," I thought, "How can a pilot not see a tall building?"

After dropping off my son, I pulled into a parking spot to review my lesson before heading over to Evelyn's to lead Bible study. My cell phone rang. It was Raeann, and she was screaming. Another plane had hit a NYC building.

What is going on?

America was under attack. 

When I arrived at Evelyn's, she said there's nothing she'd rather do that morning than study the Bible. We read the account of Noah from Genesis.  God made a covenant with Noah never to destroy every living thing as He had done.  The rainbow is a sign of His covenant promise. After Bible study, I returned to the Christian school where I worked as the yearbook adviser and librarian.

Terrorists had crashed passenger planes into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. A third hijacked plane crashed into the Pentagon. The fourth hijacked plane crashed in a Pennsylvania field. The Twin Towers collapsed as many Americans watched on television. People hurried to churches to pray. Prayer meetings were held all over Houston and across the nation. At our home church, we watched President George W. Bush address the nation. We prayed for the victims, the church in New York City, repentance, and peace. President Bush proclaimed Friday, September 14, as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance. Our Christian school secondary students met to pray in the sanctuary, while the elementary children prayed in their classrooms.  In President Bush's address to Congress, he said, "Whether we bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done."

*****

 

Surrounded by stained glass and maternal family members, I sat in the sanctuary of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, the church of my grandparents, Anna and Louis. It was the place where they dedicated their babies to the Lord, and later, were confirmed. That particular morning was the tenth anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. Being in a house of worship brought me comfort. 

Over and over, I reflected that this was my grandmother's church. This is my mother's home church. And then, the Holy Spirit's reminder..."This is where your spiritual walk began." With that realization, and the horrific memories of September 11, 2001, the choir began to sing "Jesus Loves Me", a familiar childhood Sunday school song. I was undone with emotion.

How sweet the Lord to orchestrate my days and take me back to my spiritual roots on that day of remembrance. I quickly jotted down my memories of this spiritually significant morning. I did not want to forget. 

I never want to forget. 

 

I never want to forget what happened to our nation that tragic September morning. I never want to forget the images and the stories that emerged from the rubble. I never want to forget that our first responders run into the danger when everyone else flees. I never want to forget the sacrifice of our military men and women and their families.  I never want to forget the company of godly women who met that morning to study God's Word and pray. And I never want to forget that God is good. He is faithful to His promises and loving to all He has made. 

 

God bless you and yours, and God bless America. 

What are your memories of 9-11?

D.E.A.P. (Drop Everything and Play)

"You see that cardboard box over there?", I said to my husband. "You're gonna turn it into a puppet theater."

"I am?", he replied.

"You are. Here...I printed several sets of building instructions. It has to be finished before Joy gets here Friday."

So with the "honey-do" project assigned, the wheels in my husband's engineering-mind start turning. Dale came up with his own plan using a dish barrel box (18" x 18" x 28"), utility knife, hot glue gun, and/ or packaging tape, 2 cans blue spray paint, and one dish towel.


Instructions:

1. For window, draw rectangle for opening approximately 14 inches wide and 10 inches high and 2 inches from top of box. 

2. Using utility knife, cut only along top, right, and left sides of rectangle.

3. To make shelf, lightly score along bottom edge of rectangle, and fold flap out.

4. Draw line across the outside of flap 3 inches from fold.

5. Draw another line across the inside of flap 6 inches from fold.

6. Lightly score both lines.

7. Fold along lines. Glue flap to box, making sure shelf is level.

8. On opposite side of window, cut door.

9. Spray paint box and allow to dry.

10. Cut dish towel in half. Hot glue each half inside window to make curtain.

11. Seal flaps on top of box with hot glue.


Joy loved playing in the puppet theater. She still does, and so do her siblings. It's also served as a restaurant, a store, and a reading nook. A cardboard box and imagination goes a long way.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "It is a happy talent to know how to play."

Sometimes you have to set life's serious things aside and step away from the pressures, anxiety, and distractions. Sometimes you have to leave the dishes in the sink and take a play break. Sometimes you have to drop everything...and build a puppet theater.

Make time to play. It will refresh your spirit.

What would you and your kids do with a cardboard box?

Welcome to "Mimi & Grandpa Camp"

Every summer, my husband and I host our grandchildren for several days of jam-packed FUN. We call it "Mimi & Grandpa Camp." We pitch a tent in the living room, and that's where they sleep. All of them. I plan different outings each summer, along with crafts, music, games, cooking, and Bible story activities.  Here's a list of things we've done:

• Observe sharks, stingrays, seals, and penguins at Moody Gardens Aquarium, Galveston
• Miniature golf and bumper boats
• Swimming and water basketball in our backyard pool
• Story time at the public library
• Ride the carousel at the mall
• Make homemade ice cream.
• Choose new hairstyles for Saige and Caroline at the American Girl's doll salon.
•  Paint pottery for their mom's birthday
• Tie dye shirts using neon colors- lime, orange, and fuchsia.
• Jump, slide, and giggle in the bounce houses at Jump N Jungle
• Play Bingo. Winner gets a dollar store prize!
• Watch movies and eat popcorn. Mary Poppins is a favorite.
• Scrapbook
• Sing Scripture songs to memorize Bible verses.
• Read Bible stories.
• Make puppets and put on a show.
• Praise dance until we drop!

Even if you're not a "Mimi" (or a "Nana"), I hope these ideas help inspire you to fill your summer with fun and special memories with your kids.


What summer activities do you like to do with your children or grandchildren?

Trinidad Memories & Moms

My husband's work assignment moved us to the Caribbean nation of Trinidad & Tobago. Although we lived in Trinidad less than 2 years, our lives were enriched by our experiences there and the lovely people we met. We're grateful our parents were able to visit. In honor of Mother's Day, here are a few special memories!

Dale's parents, Bill and Norma, visited us in 2007. We took them to one of our favorite restaurants, Battimamzelle (Trini word for "dragonfly"). Battimamzelle specializes in Caribbean cuisine.

We drove to Maracas Bay for a walk on the beach and enjoyed Richard's shark & bake. 

Maracas Beach

Scarlet ibis in flight at Caroni Swamp.

On our way to Asa Wright Nature Center, we followed bad directions, took the wrong road, and ended up lost. We laughed about it, and finally found our way to Asa Wright. We enjoyed the Discovery Nature Trail guided tour. After our hike, we watched birds from the veranda. Asa Wright Nature Center is home to over 150 bird species.

 

A view of the Atlantic Ocean at Balandra Bay

I love the leatherback turtles of Grande Riviere! These magnificent and endangered creatures grow up to seven feet long and weigh as much as 2000 pounds. We observed the leatherbacks nesting on this protected beach. It was an awesome experience.

My mom, Lorraine, visited us in 2008. Here we are at Maracas Bay Lookout. 

We took the ferry to Tobago and stayed a couple of days at Coco Reef, a beachfront resort. The sunsets were breathtaking!

While in Tobago, we hiked the scenic trail to Argyle Falls.

Our parents met some of our dear friends as well. Friends who will always hold a place in our hearts. May God bless you and the special people with whom you share wonderful memories!

Waiting for the Daffodils

Daffodils bloom as the new spring awakens from its slumber. Anticipating my first daffodils sighting, I'm reminded God is faithful. As the cycle of seasons turns, I know the LORD will cause the seed to die, and He will call forth new life. 

A daffodil symbolizes regard for someone. God is faithful, and every year, because of His regard for me, He provides these yellow blooms. I can count on it. Deuteronomy 7: 9 says, "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant  of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands."

Daffodils also symbolize rebirth and new beginnings. Thirty years ago, my life changed forever when my first husband, Michael, passed into eternal life. On that day, the daffodils in my mother-in-law's garden were a gentle reminder of a my new beginning. At age 26, I woke up a widow. Against the dark canvas of death, those sun-shiny blossoms painted the promise that all things would be made new. 

Daffodils are God's sweet gift that bring delight to my soul.  I'm grateful. In these thirty years, I've lived a good life. My husband, Dale, and I will soon celebrate our twenty-seven year marriage.  Together, we raised a son who has grown to be a loving husband and father. We blessed to have a daughter-in-law who is a fabulous wife and mother.  Our four grandchildren bring us joy. 

I commemorate this anniversary appreciating the goodness and faithfulness of my God. And I will remember those who suffer loss and grief. May you sense the LORD'S compassion today.

Father God, you are good, faithful, and loving. Thank you for your gifts, and for always being with me. You have been my protector, my provider, and my peace. Remember, LORD, those who suffer loss, grief, and despair. Hear their cries, and sustain them. Comfort those who mourn with your unfailing love, and fill them with your peace. Restore hope and joy. In the name of Jesus, your Son, amen.

What reminds you of God's faithfulness?

Significant Ornaments: Island Life

My husband's work assignment transported us to Trinidad and Tobago, a two-islands nation located off the northeast coast of Venezuela. We traded our "life in the suburbs" comfort for the land where the steel pan originated.

Days after arriving in Trinidad, the earth shook under our feet. Our first (and not the last) earthquake. What was I doing here? Surely, the Lord did not bring me here to kill me. At the end of that stress filled day, Creator God provided a glorious sunset!

We desired to experience as much as possible.  We marveled the leatherback turtles nesting at Grand Riviere, and the scarlet ibises (the national bird of T&T) roosting in the deep green mangroves of Caroni Swamp. We sipped coconut water out of its shell. We savored doubles (two flat pieces of fried bread filled with curried chickpeas), and shark & bake. I learned to play "Amazing Grace," and "The Entertainer" on the steel pan.

New things, life-changing things, were born. I started my first blog - Callaloo Tales: Our Adventures in the Caribbean and Beyond. I planted a "Praying Grandmothers" group.

We're grateful for the opportunity to live among the expats and the locals and experience different cultures.  The friends we made touched our lives forever, and we will never be the same. 


For our 2006 significant ornament, I purchased a Trinidad-shaped souvenir key chain, and tied red, green, and gold Christmas ribbon around it.


My Trinidadian friend, Lee, gave me the "palm tree" pottery ornament when we repatriated in 2008.

What special ornaments hang on your Christmas tree?































Out of the Fire...

Something explosive cracked above our heads. As my husband investigated, neighbors rushed to our front door, informing me our house was on fire. Lightning hit the roof, and the attic burned. Volunteer fire fighters rushed to the scene. Dale and I stood watching in disbelief. Thankfully, the blaze was extinguished and no one suffered injuries.

 

Displaced for five and a half months during reconstruction gave us a new appreciation for home and for the fire fighters who risked their lives to save it.

 

That experience of loss and rebuilding led us to begin a new Christmas tradition - the significant ornament - to symbolize the most meaningful event of that particular year. I purchased a panda fire fighter ornament. It was 1997. Years later, we have a box full of special tree ornaments- each with a story.





 As I pull each significant ornament out of its storage, I remember the stories. As the fire fighting panda is unwrapped and hung, I whisper a prayer for first responders.

Thank you, Lord, for brave men and women who risk their lives to protect people and property in crisis times. Bless them with wisdom, strength, and courage. Protect them from harm and injury. Protect their families. Meet their every physical, emotional, and spiritual need. Comfort those who mourn loved ones lost in the line of duty. In the Name of Jesus, who gives life and peace...amen.

Reflections from a Former Island Girl

Where, oh where, is my steel pan sheet music? I want to play.  I need to play. It's been too long.

When hubby and I lived in the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, I took steel pan lessons. I loved it.  And, I've missed it. But, I've lost skill.

I'm hosting an 80th birthday party for my mom. I want to play 'Happy Birthday" on my steel pan. Practice is required. I can do this. I will do this.

My steel pan teacher,  Lydia would be happy I play. Thank you, Lydia, wherever you are. You enriched my life.

Mimi & Granpa Camp 2014: Acrylics Art

As I planned for our third annual "Mimi & Grandpa Camp," I searched for interesting craft ideas for little boys. I thought our grandson would enjoy this airplane craft (and I was right!). It's from Parents.com. All you need is wooden clothes pins, wooden crafts sticks, glue, foam, acrylic paints, and brushes. My husband assembled the airplanes beforehand. He cut the stabilizer from a foam cube. By adding a magnet strip to the underside, the airplane becomes a handy fridge magnet.

 

 

 After the grandkids painted planes, Joy painted faces. This was not my idea; but, I liked it! Neither child had skin sensitivity issues caused by the acrylic paint. However, I learned after the fact, there is paint formulated to use on skin. So, I recommend face paint (rather than acrylic) if you try this at your next birthday party. The   paint easily came off hours later as the children swam.

 

Sparkles get a butterfly.

 

Buddy requested a shark.

 

I have more Mimi & Grandpa Camp ideas to share, so visit me again. Blessings to you and yours!

 



Mimi & Grandpa Camp 2014: Day 1

My husband and I started a fun tradition with our grandchildren- Mimi & Grandpa Camp. We plan outings, crafts, cooking activities, and other fun things to make special memories. In our living room, we set up a tent where our grands sleep.

Our Day 1 highlights included a trip to Houston's Memorial City Mall where we ate Chick Fil A, and  rode the carousel and the train. Grandpa took our little Buddy to the indoor play area, while I took the girls to the American Girl Store's hair salon. The girls chose their dolls' hairstyles.

 Saige's new hairstyle

 Caroline gets her new look.

Very pretty!

Back at our house, we swam, and ate chicken spaghetti for dinner. It's one dish they all love! And because it's one of their favorites, I make it often!

Here's the recipe:

Chicken Spaghetti

8 oz. spaghetti

1 - 1 1/4 pounds cooked chicken. I like using rotisserie chicken.

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can cream of celery soup

1/2 - 3/4 cup sliced and sautéed mushrooms. Or, you can use a small can of mushrooms. Mushrooms are optional.

1 cup ( or less) sour cream (regular or reduced-fat)

1/2 cup milk

1 - 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

2 teaspoons Old Bay spice

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Mix soups, sour cream, milk, cheese, and spices in saucepan. Add chicken and mushrooms. Using low heat, bring to simmer. Stir until cheese is melted and mixture is hot and bubbly. Pour over cooked spaghetti, and mix well. Serve with fresh fruit, and green salad or raw veggies (such as broccoli or carrots).

Check back again for more "Mimi & Grandpa Camp" highlights!















Blessing Madison

Blessing others invokes God's favor and protection on them. I wrote this blessing for my niece, Madison. I desired to speak affirming words expressing my hope and prayer for her future.  I read it during her high school graduation celebration.



Congratulations on your high school graduation and all your accomplishments. As Moses blessed the tribes of Israel before they entered the Promised Land, I bless you today as you enter a new season of promise, possibility, and potential.

I bless you with wisdom that you may live a long and honorable life.

I bless you with strength and courage to stand firm in your faith without compromise.

I bless you with self-control to keep your head in every situation always remaining watchful and alert.

I bless you with speech that is gentle, encourages, and lovingly speaks the truth.

I bless you with a passion to pray powerfully, continually, and with thanksgiving.

I bless you with peace when life's storms threaten to blow you off course and overwhelm you.

I bless you with generosity that you may be an extravagant giver of love, mercy, kindness, grace, and forgiveness.

Madison, you have known God's Word from infancy. The LORD your God loves you with an everlasting love. He is faithful to His promises. He will never leave you. He is your protector, provider, refuge, salvation, and peace. He is your Great I AM. May Yahweh bless you and protect you; may Yahweh make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; may Yahweh look with favor on you and give you peace.

Now, Madison, go rock your world for Jesus!

I love you!
Aunt Lori



Who can you bless (first names only, please) and what good things do you desire for this person?

"Flat Liz" & "Flat Stanley"

My North Dakota cousins, Cassie and Abbey, visited us during Spring Break.  Their mom, Liz, wanted to visit also, but her work schedule didn't allow it.

In order to include her mom, and inspired by the children's book, Flat Stanley, by Jeff Brown, Cassie created "Flat Liz." Later, Cassie compiled a digital book about their Texas adventure with "Flat Liz."

"Flat Liz" flew to Texas with Cassie and Abbey. Flat Liz's Lone Star State experience included:

 Galveston Island



 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

 

 Corndogs & Fried Pickles

 

Johnson Space Center

 

and a Blue Bell ice cream tasting party!

 

"Flat Liz" also went on a road trip to San Antonio where she visited The Alamo, strolled along the River Walk, and met more cousins.

 

There's no denying "Flat Liz" had a fun-filled and memorable trip to Texas. But, all good things must come to an end. Tucked safely away in Cassie's purse, "Flat Liz" returned to North Dakota.

 

"Flat Stanley" did not remain flat, and neither did "Flat Liz." After being flattened when a bulletin board fell on him, Stanley Lambchop returned to his real shape. And "Flat Liz" returned to hers.

 

Arms that embrace...

Words that encourage...

a Heart full of Love...

a new Name...

 

GRANDMOTHER.

 

Becoming a grandmother. It still overwhelms me. Congratulations, cousin! Grandparenting is one of life's most wonderful seasons. There are so many fun things to do with the grandchildren...laughing, dancing, singing, praying, listening, playing, and reading.

 

Dr. Seuss, Ramona, Amelia Bedelia, and Flat Stanley. But above all these, may this little one, born in the image of God, grow to know the Author and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus Christ.

 

 

Stanley Lambchop accomplished much as "Flat Stanley." He became a kite his brother, Arthur, flew. Stanley's family mailed him to visit friends. See Flat Stanley for additional ideas. It's a great way to chronicle your children's school year or summer.

 

Where would you take "Flat Stanley"?

 

 

 

 

 

 





Beach Vows

After reading an article about weddings in Seventeen magazine, I decided I wanted to get married on a beach at sunset. Jeans and bare feet would suit me fine. Somewhere. Someday.

I never let that dream go.

Fast forward the calendar thirty-five years. Our 25th wedding anniversary was about 18 months away. It was time to make my teenage dream come true. To celebrate our silver anniversary, we would renew our vows on a beach.

The destination- Oahu, Hawaii. Seven days. With our son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren.

We planned and saved for over a year. We determined to stick to a budget. Going into debt was not an option. That's not how we roll.

I chose Oahu, because I wanted to visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial; and I've already been to Maui and Kawaii.

I selected Aloha Forever Weddings as our coordinator. Rev. Mark and Diane Yasuhara have been married over 40 years, and performed with Billy Graham crusades.

Our vow renewal ceremony was a Waialae Beach Park. It's a secluded and quiet beach, located near Honolulu. Accompanied by the autoharp, Rev. Mark sang the Hawaiian Wedding Song, and prayed in Hawaiian and English. Placid waves provided soothing background music. After the ceremony, Rev. Mark sang "Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us" also in Hawaiian and English. I splurged on a photographer and videographer to record our special memories. It was a lovely experience. Rev. Mark made it so, and by the time we said good-bye, he felt like family.

 

 

 

During our visit, we went to Pearl Harbor, Waimea Valley, Halona Blowhole, Kailua Beach Park (my favorite beach), the North Shore, Haleiwa, and Hanaua Bay. We attended a luau, and watched fireworks on Waikiki Beach. One day, we had lunch at Rainbow Drive-in. This eating establishment specializes in Hawaiian plate lunches, and was featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.

It was a trip of a lifetime, and enjoying it with my family was more than teen-age self ever hoped for!


What's your "trip of a lifetime" destination? Why?

Resurrection Rolls



"Jesus is not here; He has risen, just as He said..."

Matthew 28: 6

 

 

At Easter season, the grandkids and I make resurrection rolls. It's a fun way to remind us  the tomb is empty, and Jesus is alive. You need one can crescent roll dough, one bag  of large marshmallows, melted butter, and a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.

 



 

The marshmallow represents Christ's body.

Dip the marshmallow in the melted butter. 

 

Roll the marshmallow in the cinnamon and sugar mixture.

These represent the oils and spices used to anoint Christ's body.

 

 

Take a marshmallow snack break!

 

 

 Take one triangle section of crescent roll dough.

This represents the tomb.

Wrap the dough around marshmallow, sealing the seams well.

  

 

 Bake according to crescent roll package directions.

 

 

After baking, the resurrection rolls should look like this...

 

 

 ...and not this. If rolls aren't sealed well, you've got a sticky mess!

And then you have to explain  Jesus really did not melt...



 

After cooling, break open the tomb. Christ is risen!

Eat the rolls (they taste like cinnamon rolls), and celebrate God's amazing love!

 

 



What are some of your Easter traditions?

 





Memories from Mimi's House

My paternal grandparents, Chester and Pearl, lived in Trinity County, TX. Papaw worked at the mill, and Mimi was a housewife. They raised four kids, and attended church every Sunday. As a child, I spent a lot of time visiting them. Here are a few memories from  Mimi's house:

• Papaw's stack of paperback hymnals. He loved to attend church "singings."
• Shopping at Perry Brothers- a five-and-dime variety store. It smelled "old."
• My older cousins pushing me in the rope swing.
• Mimi's quilt frame and lots of quilts. She made a quilt for each grandchild. She gave me "bonnet girl."
• Piecing fabric scraps together at Mimi's "Singer" sewing machine.
• Shelling peas.
• Fried okra and banana pudding.
• A large garden and pecan trees.
• Playing "store." My cousins and I "sold" the knick-knacks that crowded her shelves and wrote sales slips from the receipt book purchased from Perry Brothers.
• Old tombstones and country cemeteries nestled deep in the piney woods of east Texas.
• Attending church with my grandparents.
• The aluminum Christmas tree and rotating color wheel. You can buy it on ebay. But why would you want to?

What memories do you have from your grandparents' house?