We made the trek across state to board a ferry this week.  It was breathtaking to see the Statue of Liberty loom closer, as our boat splashed across the harbor.  I wanted to see her from every angle.  I wanted to take advantage of this momentous occasion to read every word printed about the process she went through to materialize on our shore.  However, my family was not in the mood to wait for mom to digest it all.  So, we did the best we could to compromise.   They went to the NY Yankees game and I stayed at Ellis Island to peruse to my heart’s content!

My great-grandfather came to America when he was 12 years old.  It blows my mind to think of the courage it must have taken for his mom to be willing to put him on the boat in Sweden.  But he came and saved up his money to bring the rest of the family over later.  Talk about brave!

History was made as the immigrants waited to see if they would be admitted to the land of promise.  The mammoth hall they entered when they stepped onto the new land was filled with a myriad of voices and languages.  There they went through medical examinations, were questioned about their financial stability, and often detained when their stories didn’t meet with approval.  I wonder if I would have the fortitude to undergo the cross-examining.  I sure take a lot for granted.

That brings me back to Lady Liberty.  I am so grateful for what she stands for.  Emma Lazarus wrote a poem to celebrate the freedoms we offer.

 "Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

We live in a country where people are given the options of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  And we defend it.  That was evidenced in the onslaught of 9/11.  And continues to be seen in the way our men and women have given themselves to serve, defend and protect our freedoms. 

Thank you.

Thank you for fighting, when it seemed like no one cared.

Thank you for going, when it didn’t seem to be the popular thing to do.

Thank you for standing strong, when you felt like you were alone.

We notice and we appreciate you.  May you find Christ’s presence and comfort with every step.

God bless America.  America bless God.

Two newspaper articles last weekend highlighted the need for father figures. 

On Friday, Tom McMahon noted that a father’s presence prevents worse case scenarios from happening in the lives of his children.  (“Fathers:  You Are Important,” The Post-Journal, 20 June 2008, sec. D-1)

On Saturday, Melissa Trujillo reported the story of 17 girls in Gloucester, MA. who “may have made a pact to have babies and raise them together.”  (“Teenage Pregnancy Pact Shocks Massachusetts Fishing Town,” The Post-Journal, 21 June 2008, sec. A-3)

I wish those young moms (all 16 or younger) knew how important a dad is for their babies.  Dads have a significant position of influence.  When a dad is involved in a child’s life, there is a role model in the flesh.  He is a realistic hero who is willing to admit shortcomings and say, “I’m sorry.”  A dad roughhouses with his kids but is willing to be gentle, too.  A dad is worthy of imitation because he shows that character counts.  He models integrity in treating his family with the same respect he extends to other people.  A dad is someone to look up to, as he looks up to his heavenly Father.  A dad is willing to be a servant, especially on his knees in prayer for each of his family.

Yes, a child needs a dad.  A dad who will be available every day, and who will instill a strong sense of identity by affirming the child’s worth as an individual and by being willing to say, “I’m proud of you!”

I love you Dad!

Sally

“Father, before I received Christ I was Your enemy.  I was on the wrong side in the war between Satan and You.  I was born with a fallen nature, born into the wrong kingdom as part of the opposition.  And unwittingly, when I knew enough to choose, I repeatedly chose for sin and against You!  Unknowingly I signed on with the rebel prince-the god of this world, the prince of the power of the air.  Colossians 1:21; Romans 5:10” 31 Days of Power by Ruth Myers, page 100.

This paragraph struck me in a way I had never thought about my human nature before.  The inclination toward sin was with me from my first day on earth.  I was given a choice to reject that sin nature and join God’s army.

Thank You Lord, for giving us a choice.  We weren’t doomed to a life of greed and selfishness.  You gave us a better way, through adoption into Your family.  Ephesians 2:19. 

That’s Amazing Grace!

Sally

Isn’t it amazing how pictures can bring back thoughts of yesteryears?  I finished a scrapbook for my daughter last night and marvel at the stages of life we’ve journeyed.  That tiny baby that was my constant companion is now a young lady with gifts and dreams of her own.  I know the Lord intended parents to raise our children to be independent and responsible individuals, but did it have to go by so fast?  Wasn’t it just yesterday that she was playing school with her dolls; yet now she’s over halfway through school?

I cherish those pictures.  They remind me of playtime and laughter, and the discovery of special things in life.  We took time to be together.  We found joy in play.  And we found safety in the wobbly growing times.  It reminds me of a thought I once found in a scrapbookers’ think tank.

“I hope my children look back on today

And see a mother who had time to play.

There will be years for cleaning and cooking…

For children grow up while we’re not looking.”

Make a memory today!

Sally 

The schools in New York have a week and a half left for testing.  My teens are happily making plans for bonfires and overnighters and summer jobs.  I saw one teacher at the grocery store who couldn’t wait for school to get out…maybe even more so than the students!

The youth group is having a fundraiser from 3 to 10:00 tonight.  The Pizza Hut on Fairmount Avenue will donate 20% to their trip to the International Youth Convention in San Antonio.  What a bargain!  We get to eat pizza and help out the youth at the same time!

I’m thrilled that our two will be joining the trip.  Not only will they expand their horizons and see beautiful territory, they will reap the benefits of food for their souls.  Psalm 34:8 (NLT) says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.  Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!”  How will today’s youth know God’s goodness if we never provide those opportunities to see Him for themselves?  My experiences at youth conventions in Cincinnati, Ohio, Indianapolis, Indiana and Seattle, Washington were great contributions to my formative years.  Now it’s time for the next generation!

Sally

Garage Sale Season is upon us!  Oh Happy Day!  It is so much fun finding a bargain!  My friend, Missy Jansen even wrote a chapter in her book with tips for finding those treasures.  She calls those tips, “The Art of Rummaging!”

Today we went to the Frewsburg Yard Sales.  It’s nice to just park the car and wander.  Hubby found replacements for his old golf clubs.  I found candles and baskets and tea stuff.  The best thing we found?  At one house, a lady gave me her popcorn popper.  It was missing the very parts that I still had!  Wow!  How awesome is that?!  God is the Giver of all good gifts!

I have been helping sort donations at our community center for the thrift store, and it has made me more conscientious about my stuff.  How well do I take care of it?  How much do I need?  Where do I put it all?  Yes, I am guilty of letting my space get overrun by clutter.  So the questions Missy poses in her book are good reminders to keep my needs and wants in balance.   She has also helped me hone my skills at finding a great bargain!  Look at this adorable tea set that I got for a quarter!  Oh, Happy Day!

I forgot to rewind the VCR.  My last exercise time had been interrupted halfway, so now I watched while the sequence backed up.  But the more I watched, the less I wanted to do the routine.  It was exhausting to think about all of the work that would be laid out in the next 45 minutes!

Second Chronicles 15:7 tells us “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."

The rewards of exercise are numerous.  Better energy levels, a toned up body and increased endorphin release...these all help to get your heart pumping!  Some of the rewards of spiritual discipline are perseverance, character development and a deeper reliance on God.  So plant your seat firmly in that chair when it’s tempting to run off and do other things!  Interruptions will always be for important things.  But we still need to exercise our brain as we rewind the stories in God’s Word.

The Bible.  It does a Body good!

Check out this article on helping someone who is grieving.  After attending a funeral yesterday, I found this to be great advice!

Sally

My current pets are fish.  My kids call them boring.  I call them “easy.”  The goldfish have all been named by the kids…interesting names like “Big Fin.”  The best fish ever created by the Lord though, has to be the Algae Eater.  He is appropriately named “Shadow” because of his inclination to hide behind the plants.  The Algae Eater is the best invention because he keeps the tank clean, thereby reducing my tank-cleaning work immeasurably.  I have learned that fish are a soothing addition to any environment because of the tranquil life they lead.

As a child, I had a puppy and a pony, and learned to take care of someone else’s needs.  I found that each animal has its’ own personality, and can be a great companion. 

However, one thing I will never forget is to stay out of the way of a stampede!  When a ten year old is paired against running horses, the horse will always win.  I had hoof marks on my stomach to prove it!

To find other posts in this group writing project, check out Robert Hruzek’s Blog and the High Callings Post!

Sally

It’s official.  I now feel old.

Our popcorn popper finally bit the dust.  One batch was fine.  The next batch wouldn’t get hot enough to pop.  So I decided to pop the oiled kernels on the stove.  You know, the way we did when we were kids?  My teens asked what I was doing.  All they’ve ever known was a Stir Crazy with the rotating arm.  Or a bag of microwave popcorn.  But that doesn’t really count as popcorn, right?!

#1 Son looked incredulous.  Like it couldn’t be done.  But he sure liked the way it tasted!  #1 Daughter didn’t want to try it.  Like it couldn’t be any good.  She likes microwave popcorn just fine, thank you.

Hmmpf.  I think I’ll go get my cane and take a nap!

Sally

The Drive-In Theater became our destination Saturday night.  It was an impromptu decision, actually.  Either spend the evening in different parts of the house, or find something we could all agree to do.  We batted around some other options…play mini golf, go for a hike… In the end, the movies won out.

Why haven’t we done this sooner?  The waiting stage between ticket purchase and dusk turned out to be a great conversation time.  We talked about visiting colleges and planning vacations.  We snacked and snuggled in.  

Here are some things we learned to be better prepared for the next time.

1.  Don’t go on Saturday night!  We were zombies Sunday morning while trying to get alert for Sunday School!  

2.  Bring a pizza!  It was interesting watching other families have their tailgate parties.  It also saves some time getting ready, when you don’t have to get supper on ahead of time.

3.  Bring lots of blankets and pillows.  We turned the van around and watched with the hatch up.  Without the seats, the floor gets hard!  Two of us sat in sports chairs outside, where the night air cooled down considerably.

It was fun to create a new family memory.  Those are cherished moments as our children are swiftly turning into young adults.  

I would love to hear some of your favorite family times!

Blessings,

Sally