Category: Family

Ooooops! I forgot to post yesterday! We have had illness in the family, and that has been very stressful. When things do not go well for the family, I believe our whole day is offset. In the back of our mind, we are trying to make things ‘right’. What power there is in the family. Just a few kind words, just a tiny bit of love can make such a huge difference. I am aware of those who did, or do not have this in their home. I am ever so grateful for the loving and secure environment that my childhood home fostered. When we finally bought our own home, I penned this song to ‘dedicate’ our home to those principles, and to serve as a reminder to me to always do that which will invite the spirit of the Lord to be felt in our home.

Within these walls lies Heaven’s harmony.
Behind these doors grown love in plenty.
Under our roof there’s peace all around.
Our house is where true happiness is found.

Our house, our house, God bless our home,
With safety, peace and love.
Our house, our house, God bless our home,
With Thy sweet spirit from above.

At home we practice sharing happily.
We care for all our blessings thankfully.
And think of others, often, lovingly.
Our home’s a bit of Heaven’s Harmony.

Our house, our house, God bless our home,
With safety, peace and love.
Our house, our house, God bless our home,
With Thy sweet spirit from above.

It was a very fine day in February
When useful Miss Jones became useless Mary.
She cleaned her house and watered her yard;
Did her own canning. She worked mighty hard.
She played the piano, and knitted some too;
And, man what a cook! Sure satisfied you.
Then one day it caught her, quite by surprise.
Was it her legs, or was it her eyes?
Was it her neck, her arm, or her back?
Something’s always bound to crack.
Next thing you know, you’re flat on your back.
For it’s “ashes to ashes and dust to dust.”
Sooner or later, we all rust.
But what about the years that they’ve lived?
The knowledge and wisdom they’re willing to give?
Not to mention the love they’ve given us.
How come we’re too busy to repay the trust?
To say that they’re useless don’t say much for us.
So remember, sooner or later, it’s your turn to rust.

A couple of weeks ago I posted a poem written by my 10-year old Grand Daughter. Well, I’m at it again today! She wrote little verses for everyone in the family and distributed them at Christmas. They are so thoughtful and tender; something that ought to be a life-time treasure. How important it is for us to slow down enough to appreciate those we live with and to let them know.

To Aaron (Dad):
With a head and heart clear and brave,
My Father, so much love he gave.
So nice and thoughtful, brave and true,
The perfect Father–that is you.

To Taryn (Mom):
You are the best Mom ever.
I will love you lots forever.
Been there for me in times of need.
The best Mom ever, indeed!

To Ammon (Brother):
Honest, steadfast, sturdy faith,
For wonderful is your rightful place.
Up the stairs to Heaven’s end,
A brother and a perfect friend.

To Asa (Brother):
My dear Asa, AI love you.
Merry Christmas from me to you.
You’re so nice and sweet and kind,
Such good in you, I hope you find.

To Jetta (Sister):
My little Jetta, small and sweet
Tiny hands and tiny feet.
Merry Christmas, little one,
My tiny golden ray of sun.

Some of our most memorable times are connected with Christmastime. In my mind’s eye I can see Mom and Dad sitting in our living room filled with the traditional decorations that seemed to carry an excitement all by themselves. There was an unforgettable warm, peaceful feeling that still lingers in my mind every holiday season. What are some of the ways you capture these memories to let them be relished year after year?

Sacred memories that touch our minds, sometimes fade into the dust,
Unless we store and cherish them, they wither and they rust.
Let’s take the time to write them down, each day when they occur.
Meditate, appreciate and remember how they were.

Sacred memories, like my mother’s last living, dying words:
“Son, be good to your family.” are words forever heard.
Or my father when he died and returned beyond death’s veil.
He told me to search for truth along life’s thorny trail.

Sacred memories keep us safe through life’s joys and life’s woes.
Sweet, warm memories of our loved ones warm us as cold winds blow,
From brilliant rainbows to buffalo swimming rivers at first light
Coming through the morning mist to everyone’s delight.

We each save special memories, we can store in mind and heart.
They come in joy and sorrow; write them down. That’s how we start.
Meditate on those that lift us, as we fast, search and pray
And thank God for sacred memories! Gather more each passing day.

Sometimes I think it’s just not fair,
That I am here and you are there.
The way I’d like the day to be,
Is always have you here with me.
Then I could hug you all the day,
And always have the chance to say,
I Love You!

Looking through old photographs
Opens up my memory….
Here I see a baby small,
Now I see you start to crawl.
See the Teddy birthday cake,
And the first real steps you take.
There you are…1st day of school.
Here’s you wading in the pool.
Now you’re dressed like Superman.
Look at you in Disneyland.
Now I see you growing tall.
My little boy is not so small.
Years have come and years have gone–
Happy, sad and growing song.
Where are all the babies now?
Time has taken them somehow.
To see them small; to see them laugh,
I can hold a photograph.

With the coming of autumn, I feel a warm peace descend, like the gentle falling of the warmly colored leaves. I become nostalgic and often immerse myself in memories. One pleasant remembrance goes back to a time when my 3 children were small and lived here with us. Sitting on their bedside as the day concluded, reading stories, and singing lullabies were times to be treasured. This poem speaks of that:

A song to rest you unto sleep
A prayer the Lord will always keep…
Keep you in my inner heart
Always there to be a part.
Guard you from the many snares,
Not to find you unaware,
Light your pathways day and night,
Guide you with an inner light
Help you always find a smile,
Time to show love all the while.
All good things to come your way.
This I hope for. This I pray.
Peace and plenty come to you,
Many blessings, not a few.
Knowledge of my love for you,
Ever present, ever true.

So this is what we choose to use as our first post, because family and children are so very important to us..we wrote this when our children were leaving their babyhood stage, and weren’t sure we liked that.  It is called–

Handprints on the Glass