Summer comes to a close

It was a race to the finish, but today marks the end of our summer vacation. We started slow yet finished strong. One of our last vacation days was spent at a lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Gorgeous weather, great water, family fun all around.

At the end of our day we witnessed two amazing creations of the Lord. One was an eagle's nest with two bald eagles in it! The second was a golden eagle that swooped down and grabbed a fish directly in front of us. The majesty and beauty of both....amazing. We sadly say goodbye to our summer yet look forward to the new year.

"Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, The will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." Is. 40:31

The Sweetness

I'm not sure where the month of August went. I haven't posted since the beginning of the month and a few people have commented to me on it. Time to get back on the blog highway...

As all of you do, I come into contact and discussion with many people on many different levels. Several people I know at the moment are struggling with serious, life threatening illnesses of friends and family. I had one of those days recently where are the end of the day I was just blown away and emptied by the amount of grief I had come into contact with during the day. I am thankful that all the people who took time to share with me know the Lord. I don't know how those who have not received him do it. I will continue to pray to that end.

All the thoughts and feelings of friends dealing with grief were still circling my head as I was driving my children home from the water slides. I realized I had tuned them out until I heard my 4 year olds sweet voice singing many verses to Jesus Loves the Little Children....Every verse she put in a different group of people. Jesus loves the mommies, Jesus Loves the Daddy's, Jesus loves the sisters.... I realized God was using her to answer all the petitions I had put forth the night before.

I love it when he answers in such a sweet way!

The Mystery of Autism

Many of us have differing experiences with Autism. There are those who have a child who is Autistic. There are those who are friends of those families. There are those who have siblings who are Autistic. Caring and nuturing these precious children of God is challenging. I recently read an article from a homeschool company who has an autistic daughter. I thought you might appreciate these thoughts:

Dear Friends,

For the last three months 8-year-old Krissy has brought sunshine and laughter to our home. Better still, through her autism she has brought us fresh insights into our responses to God's sovereignty.

The symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations. But one of the most heartbreaking characteristics is the remoteness, a seeming complete disregard for the thoughts of others.

When fireworks startle a typical toddler, he will quickly seek the face of those he trusts. If they are happy and at ease, he will relax. An autistic child cannot do this and therefore has less ability to cope with the uncertainties life throws at him.

A child who is unable to sense his parent's serenity during change may respond violently to something as simple as a modification in daily routine. Likewise the same child will not be aware of the parent's alarm as that child eases the family pet out the second floor window.

While society presents a case for how liberating it would be to be free of the thoughts and opinions of those around us, autism presents us with a different view. Difficulty interpreting tone of voice or facial expressions and not learning to watch other people's faces for cues about appropriate behavior will result in impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication and severely limited activities and interests.

Sadly, in many ways, we display autistic behavior toward our Almighty Creator. When we find ourselves unable to respond appropriately to the irregularities of this life, or when we passionately cling to our possessions and schedules, it is probably because we are not "looking to God's face" to help us interpret His plans for our lives.

The autistic child is often described as being in his "own world." As we make every effort to draw Krissy out of that world we are daily thankful that God is relentlessly doing the same in our own lives.

May your hearts be full of hope as you work to prepare your children for eternity,
Timberdoodle Co
Dan, Deb, Joy, Hope, Grace, Abel, Pearl and special guest Krissy

Hiking the Mountains

My two sons and I spent last Monday morning hiking one of the mountains in our area (Bishops Peak). It was hot! It was time well spent, though. It is different just spending time with the boys. Their energy, talk, humor, and spirit is different from 'the girls'. We have made a habit this summer of trying to hike once a week, swim once a week, and we now have added a bike ride. It has been good.

I was talking loosely with the boys on Romans 5:3-5. "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proved character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." With the boys I was talking about perseverance but this morning I was focusing on what that scripture says about hope. "...hope does not disappoint." I realize the I am good at following the above reference but stop short on the disappointment part. If we hope than it does not disappoint. Does that mean we aren't disappointed? No, it just means because of the love of God we have His spirit and that should frame our disappointments. That is what really proves our character.

Emu and you...

OK...now the neighbors are calling Patty Smith and I Emu whisperers! It is true. We had an Emu in our neighborhood on Friday morning. Our local paper covered it. Unfortunately, the reporting wasn't quite correct. No, animal services did NOT show up. The care and capture all took place with neighbors and myself. We live in a great community! Who knew we would spend our Friday morning with an EMU?!

How Hot Is It?

I spent the weekend in 110 degree weather in LA. My daughter was in a soccer tournament. WOW. I am amazed at those little girls stamina and endurance. They lasted three games in less than 24 hours which included a 4:30am fire alarm evacuation Saturday night. These girls are my heroes at the moment.

I knew I shouldn't have picked patience...

In our Fruits of the Spirit bible study for next year I drew the short straw and am teaching on patience. The lecture gals have all had good laughs (and insight) as to how the Lord is going to teach them about their particular fruit. My 'fruit' seems to need to be picked every day! I haven't had a day go by in weeks in which this character trait hasn't come flying to the forefront. I have spent the last 10 days disconnected. I don't mind if it is of my choosing, but when it is the cable companies fault - aagghhh. I use technology in all aspects of my life. I haven't been all that patient with this blip. Needless to say we are back up and running, whew.....

I spent 22 minutes talking to a recorded voice last week. That is how our cable company filters its calls. At the end of those 22 minutes I finally screamed, "I want to talk to a live person." In which the recorded voice responded, "I'm sorry. I do not recognize your reply." AAGGGHHHH!!!!

I'm thankful for a Lord and saviour who can listen to my 22 minutes of rambling and NEVER replies, "I do not recognize you!." Praise the Lord for His undeniable, unending patience.

Happy Birthday Jacob!

Yes, we celebrate the brother's birthdays just two weeks apart. Our beloved Jacob turns 7 today! There is something special in turning 7. The Lord our God created the heavens and the earth in 6 days and rested with a, "...and it is good." We are resting today with our Jacob. The Lord has done good work in him and it is good!!

Sorry I haven't posted in a week or so. My ISP is having problems. Hope to be back up in a day or two....stay tuned.

Joey's Birthday

My son turns 11 today...he is knocking on the door of manhood. "and behold a voice out of the heavens said, 'this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased'". (and so am I)!

July 4th and Eagle Scouts

This July 4th seems a little different for me. The long weekend started with a garage sale in which much of our 'baby' items were sold or given away. Our family has entered the phase when the youngest is moving up the ladder a little. It actually made me think of our oldest (who will be 11 this week). The youngest might be moving out of 'baby and toddlerhood', but the oldest is moving closer to entering 'young manhood'. One of his pursuits is scouting. The emblem in this post is a life goal for him. Not only for him to earn it but then to live it.

His troop and many friends had the heartwarming opportunity to witness two family friends receive their Eagle Scout Medals at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Sunday. Words really don't describe what an accomplishment this is. It isn't really an accomplishment of tasks as the world would define it. It is an accomplishment of the heart, mind and soul. It is looking beyond yourself to others. It is about learning life skills of truth, integrity, and honor. It is about leading with eyes forward yet reaching backwards with your hand. It is about taking steps large enough to lead those around you onward but not so big that the smallest can't find the steps.

Congratulations to Matt Gould and Seth Weeks! As the Scoutmaster said, "we always look to encourage the next generation to be a little better than our own. In these two young men, that was accomplished."

Patriotism...

"True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth." Eleanor Roosevelt


"He who love not his home and his country which he has seen, how shall he love humanity in general which he has not seen?" William Ralph Inge


hmmm...

Summer Must Mean Pool Time

Summer at our home means lots of pool and water time. Thankfully we have a local public pool which my kids call home most of the summer! Their favorite activity on Sunday afternoons is to swim with dad. I think it has something to do with the Ice Cream he treats them to afterward!!

Psalm 18:33-36

I love to go back through my bible and see all the notes I have written. This note jumped out at me recently. "He makes my feet like hinds' feet, and sets me upon my high places. He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of our salvation, and Your right hand upholds me; And Your gentleness makes me great. You enlarge my steps under me, and my feet have not slipped." I first read the allegory of 'Hinds Feet on High Places' back in high school. It was a study on a backpacking trip. I've never forgotten it and this scripture is another one of my favorites. Have you ever just sat back and pondered these verses? They are really quite amazing.

How Do Others Know We are Christians?

Isaiah 49:15-16 says, "...even these forget, but I will not forget you. Behold I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands; Your walls are continually before Me." As I have been pondering this scripture with my bible study crew I've also been contemplating God's marks on my life. God said we are inscribed on His hand, but how does someone know that the Lord is inscribed on my heart? What do they see in myself and others that shows the Lord? What do you think? I have an illustration of the mighty hand of the Lord (even in the small stuff) for you.

Some of my family were travelling back on the East Coast for a few days. On their return journey they had to take several forms of public transportation to access the International Airport. Just as they were boarding the last bus (with all luggage etc...in tow) my brother-in-law drew in a deep sharp breath and realized he had left his backpack on the metro they had just deboarded. Quick plans which involved him sprinting back up to the platform, talking withMetro security, removing luggage from the bus they were about to board etc...ensued. While family members waited and revamped plans he boarded another metro trying to track down this backpack. Why was he so concerned? Well, all his camera equipment, IPOD, and headphones were in the backpack. At this point in the story the backpack is zooming around the Washington DC area. Discouragement set in.

He found his way back to the family and they made their way to the airport and the flight back home. He realized on the plane that his car keys (which he needed to be able drive the 3 hours home from the Bay Area) were also in his backpack. Very fortunately, his phone and wallet were connected to him and they were able to make other car arrangements.

After a very long day of travel and frustration they made it back home. A little sleep and a return trip to the airport (yes, 3 more hours) for my brother in law to pick up their car. As he was travelling back up to the Bay Area my sister receives a call from her sister-in-law. Someone had found the backpack! How did she know? Well, there wasn't any Id in the backpack (which is highly unusual for my bro in law as he is a seasoned traveller). There was a phone number and his bible! The phone number was his nieces phone in New York. The man who had the pack phoned her and she took it from there.

Now the rest of the story....My bro in law contacted the man. He is a believer! He couldn't locate any ID but saw the bible and assumed the owner knew the Lord! He wasn't comfortable returning the pack to Metro (that sure is bothersome) and chose to track down the owner himself. He did and has sent it to my brother in law.

It is just stuff....temporal value at best. The Lord used a believer to protect the belongings and encourage all of us. 1 Cor 3:12-13 says, "Now if any man builds on the foundation with Gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay straw each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work." Praise the Lord!!

Say Hello to Spunky

Here are some pics of the newest Grant Family member. Her name is Spunky. Yes, we already have a cat and a dog and bird. We used to have a hampster (but that is for a different post!). Spunky is a reward for our children after a year of homeschooling. We don't always reward with pets. The timing is right for the family as we are not travelling this summer. She is 11 weeks old and full of spunk. Hence the name. She is full of activity yet quiet at night. You gotta love that! The kids were ecstatic when they came home from the last day of school and found our new kitten. Well, after they were assured our beloved Smokey kitty had not died!

The Mystery of Blogging

I'm jumping on board the Blog highway. It is time for this 40 something mom of 4 and wife of 1 to create a space of 'Mom Musings and Mysterys.' I've been contemplating this for some time and the summer seems like the perfect time to publish some musings. Come join me for the ride! I look forward to your thoughts as well.