Two can accomplish more than twice as much as one, for the results can be much better. Ecclesiastes 4:9

I could not be who I am

 nor do what I do,

 if it wasn't for my two.

This man means so much to me. 

He is my better half. 

My rock, my stabilizer, 

the man who encourages me, 

loves me, 

supports me, 

and gives his all for not only me, 

but his kids and grandkids. 

I love you Michael! 

Thanks for all you do, 

all you are, 

for giving when you have nothing left to give, 

yet keep on giving. 

You complete me. 

I love you with every part of my being.

Happy Mother's Day

Thinking of my mom today, and wishing I was with her. So many memories and so much to be thankful for. Most of all, I want to thank my mom for her unconditional love.

(Mom 2013)

"Love is patient and kind." 

(Me 4 years)

Mom, thank-you for your constant patience and kindness. I don't ever remember a time where you became impatient with me and it resulting in you being unkind. The memory that comes to mind is one from elementary school. I walked home for lunch as we often did. I told you I forgot it was my day to share a science experiment with the class. As a mom myself, I'm afraid I would have been a little more than irritated and not shown much patience or kindness. But I never sensed any of that from you. You took the time to help me think of something I could do. You helped me learn the properties and reactions of talcum powder and water and we experimented with other substances until we came up with an interesting experiment.  

(Me and Mom 1980)

"Love is not jealous or boastful or proud  or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

It would take too long to post memories of all the attributes of unconditional love, but Mom you embody them all and the greatest gift you ever gave me was showing me God's amazing grace and love in everything you did. So thankful to God that He gave me to you.
I love you Mom.

Health

Boring title, I know. Years ago my sister warned me that as we aged, I was not allowed to talk about health problems, aches and pains, etc. Neither of us was allowed, as she said it was a sure sign of being "old." My grandma passed away at 80. She never complained about her numerous ailments. She had a younger sister who did. She told me once (or more than once) that if her sister, Rose, would quit complaining her life would be so much better. "I love my sister, but hearing about her aches and pains constantly is depressing. Makes me want to not spend time with her." Grandma was a wise woman. So is my sister.

Having said that, I'm not about to complain....at least not about my health. What I will tell you is for some time we have not been able to afford health insurance. Imagine that. We finally gave in and applied for the laughable, I mean affordable care act insurance. I don't know how anyone could call it affordable.

One of my prescriptions, I have not been taking regularly as it is too expensive. I was happy to have it refilled now that we have insurance. At the pharmacy, I handed the clerk my new insurance card. After inputing my information into his computer, he apologized. "I'm sorry, Ma'am, but your insurance doesn't cover this medication." He turned to the pharmicist to ask if there was a generic alternative. Turns out there is not. That's unfortunate. I will have to work for 4 days a month to pay for this medication. Guess I will go back to taking as little as possible of it, to stretch it out and hope it works enough.

Sigh.

Guess I shouldn't complain about health issues or health insurance. Thanks Grandma and Carolyn.

Truthfully,

Joanne

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thes. 5:18

Dropped

Recently a friend inquired whether or not I felt like God had dropped me. She wasn't accusing, insinuating, or even believing this. She merely wanted to know if that is how I felt. Tears filled my eyes, as it so frequently happens these days.

I reassured my friend that I did NOT feel like God had dropped me. Two days prior, a memory popped into my mind. I cried that day too, at least a few times.

Twenty-five years ago, I took my youngest child to church for the first time. She was two weeks old. After service, I picked her up from the nursery, then went to gather the other four from their various classrooms. Somehow, as I was stepping down the concrete steps to the gym, I lost my footing. It's amazing how quickly things go through your mind in a moment of distress. As I tumbled, I wondered if my dress would end up over my head with everyone watching. Not really. I thought of that later. The only thought I had was protecting my newborn baby and not letting go of her. I couldn't catch myself or break my fall. Both arms remained wrapped around this precious child.

I quickly gathered myself and picked the two of us up off the floor. Amazingly,  were both unhurt, except for a bit of my pride. A week or so later, I was praying. I was struggling with feeling unimportant, unloved, and neglected. In His still small voice the Lord asked me, "have you ever dropped one of your little ones?" Instantly I remembered falling down the stairs, and yet, I did not drop my little one. He told me He too would never drop one of His little ones and I was one of His own. He brought to mind a verse in scripture,

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you. See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me."

A week before my friend asked me if I felt God dropped me, I was at a low point. The Lord graciously dropped this reminder into my heart. I had forgotten about both the incident and His promise. What a blessed reassurance to know that He feels the same loving card towards me as I do about my own. I can trust that He is always looking out for me and will never let me go.

Truthfully,

Joanne

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Little Things

Sometimes we complain about how difficult life is or let the little things get us down. A few minutes ago, as I was putting on my pajamas , I looked down. I was wearing my last clean pair of socks. I had just removed my last clean shirt. Ugh! What will I wear tomorrow? I have an appointment.

Normally, I'd run downstairs and throw in a load of laundry. These days it's not that easy. Earlier I ran a couple of loads of laundry, as I usually do. My daughter and her husband rent our basement.To give them privacy and space, I try not to do laundry at night. It's enough that I'm down there most days doing a load or two or three.

As I was rummaging through my closet to see if I could find a spare shirt, I was reminded of a time when I didn't own a washing machine. I was 19 years old and a brand new mommy. I would fill a pillowcase with dirty laundry. Lugging the bag over one shoulder, and baby in the other arm, I'd walk two blocks to the laundromat. I purchased individual packets of soap from the dispensing machines. It was fine that I couldn't afford to buy a big bottle of detergent. I would never have been able to carry it.

Thinking back to this time, I realize I have nothing to complain about as far as laundry goes. Sure, it might be inconvenient to intrude on my daughter and her family, but I do own a washer and dryer, and multiple bottles of detergent and fabric softener. I don't have to drag my dirty laundry down the street and pay for every single load to wash and dry.  Thankful for the little things today.

Truthfully,

Joanne

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19

New Day

So happy. I finished well. I actually miss being in class Go figure. 

In other news, have you ever had a day where you thought to yourself, "when was the last time I had a good cry?" That used to be me. My story now is, "I cannot for the life of me remember a day when I didn't dissolve into tears at least once." For someone who does not cry easily or frequently, I can't seem to stop the flow. 

I started this post last week. I never finished it. I don't intend to finish it now. Instead, I direct you to my daughter's blog. From there you can follow her family's journey and read about Jonathan. 

https://wholeheartmiracle.wordpress.com/2017/04/08/the-road-ahead/

Truthfully,

Joanne

You are the God of miracles and wonders! You still demonstrate your awesome power. Ps. 77:14

A Psalm

 I cry to the Lord; I call and call to him. Oh, that he would listen.  I am in deep trouble and I need his help so much. All night long I pray, lifting my hands to heaven, pleading. There can be no joy for me until he acts.  I think of God and moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. I cannot sleep until you act. I am too distressed even to pray!

I keep thinking of the good old days of the past, long since ended. Then my nights were filled with joyous songs. I search my soul and meditate upon the difference now.  Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will he never again be favorable? Is his loving-kindness gone forever? Has his promise failed?  Has he forgotten to be kind to one so undeserving? Has he slammed the door in anger on his love?  And I said: This is my fate, that the blessings of God have changed to hate.  I recall the many miracles he did for me so long ago. Those wonderful deeds are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about them.

(Ps. 77:1-12)

Thankfully, it doesn't end there.

O God, your ways are holy. Where is there any other as mighty as you?  You are the God of miracles and wonders! You still demonstrate your awesome power.

Waiting on the Lord for His answers and miracles.

Finish Well

I hope to be back next week. I'd like to post regularly.  I want to finish well. This Sunday I have a State Exam. I want to finish well. Must study. So much going on, so many changes, so much to do. I want to finish well.

Truthfully,

Joanne

" His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord." (Matt. 25:21)

Thunk Thursday

Haven't done one of these for awhile. My daughter sent this picture from back of a package of baby toys.

Aspen promised not to through these to anyone when with parent accompany.

A Story I Hope I Can Share

I feel like I've been waiting forever for this announcement. 

He's finally here. 

 

Welcome little Tyson to the family, my 9th grandbaby. 

It has been quite a journey watching, waiting, and praying fervently for this little ones arrival into the world. 

I hope to share this journey in the upcoming days. 

He is certainly a testimony of God's grace and handiwork. Simply put: a miracle. I love you Tyson!

Truthfully,

Joanne

You are the God who performs miracles;
    you display your power among the peoples. Ps. 77:14

Happy First

I can't believe a year has passed since this sweet girl was born.

In one year you have grown so much.

You love your dogs,

your mom

and your dad.

And of course you love your gramma.

I can't wait to see what the next year holds for us both. 

I love you Aspen, Happy First Birthday!

Truthfully,

Joanne

"Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Ps. 23:6

Braxton

Did I mention we have a new grandbaby? 

Meet Braxton Marshall.

He was born December 14, 2016.

 Big brother Beckham adores him.

Braxton and his family share a living space with us. 

What a blessing to see this boy grow and change every single day.

Truthfully,

Joanne


"May you live to enjoy your grandchildren! And may God bless Israel!" (Ps. 126:6)

Happy Birthday Beckham

Two years ago, you came into our lives a little peanut.

What a delight it has been to see you grow. 

 You love sports of any kind, golf, 

baseball,

 basketball, soccer.  

You like eating off the floor, making silly faces.

You have a sweet demeaner and are an amazing big brother.

You melt gramma's heart when you want fruit snacks 

or anything Gramma can do to avoid taking a  nap.

You are my superhero.

 I love you Beckham. Happy Second Birthday!

2017

Two thousand seventeen flew in with the flurries of snow, almost unnoticed. While many were flinging 2016 out with the bath water, I barely began my thankful reflection when the storm clouds swept away my thoughts. The year broke ground before I could catch my breath.

Change comes quickly. One day I'm welcoming a newborn grandbaby into the world. Two weeks later, while celebrating the upcoming birth of another a collision occurs. The joy of new birth and new life collides with casualty. The casualty is great, but could be worse. Much worse. But what might have been does not take away the sting of the new reality.

Before I could make purposeful resolutions or goals for 2017, life changing plans began to procreate. I'm trying to catch my breath and keep up.

"Then the light of my blessing will shine on you like the rising sun. I will heal you quickly. I will march out ahead of you. And my glory will follow behind you and guard you. That’s because I always do what is right." Is. 58:8

Christmas Letter Part 3

My dad finished the Christmas letter and included a bit about each of us kids.

This year was a poor year for fishing, for me, that is.  I didn't go 
as often as I should have.  But, I did some some trout fishing, which 
I hadn't done before.  I discovered two nice lakes on the San Carlos 
Apache Reservation,  Dry Lake and Point of Pines lake.  The elevation 
of both is about 7200'.  The country is beautiful and the fishing 
excellent.  Come over and go fishing with me.

Our recreational activities this year were held to a minimum.  I spent 
a considerable amount of time in Phoenix, either training for, or 
waiting for campus and political demonstrations to occur.  When we 
weren't out of town, we had to stay home by the telephone waiting to 
be called.  This next year, I hope we will have more time of our own.  
I have been doing some researching on ghost towns and early mining 
camps in this area.  I plan to do some exploring around them.  Maybe I 
will come up with something interesting.

I am going to speak for Kathleen and the kids.  We would love to see 
you.  If you should get anywhere near here, stop by and see us.  Our 
number is in the book, just give us a call.  We can go fishing, 
exploring or whatever.

Carolyn thinks school is great this year, and I suspect it has 
something to do with the fact that she has all men teachers.  She puts 
forth a lot of effort into her work and her grades show it.  She is 
11, and in the sixth grade attending a new Jr. high school that was 
just finished this fall.  She is still taking piano lessons and has a 
lot of music theory behind her.  Carolyn keeps herself busy and rarely 
has a spare moment which helps to relieve her abundance of energy.  
She sings in our church choir, is active in 4H, learning sewing, 
cooking and continuing her knitting.  She is also involved in various 
school activities.  Reading is a favorite pastime with the Nancy Drew 
mysteries at the top of her reading list.  This year at the county 
fair she won several blue ribbons, plus to her delight, quite a bit of 
prize money.

Greg won  a blue ribbon in the fair for his electrical entry.  He also 
won a county award for his work in electricity.  His 4-H activities 
this year include: geology, cooking and dog care.  I have the boys 
group in cooking and they are really getting good.  Greg is not the 
daydreamer he was last year and he is to busy learning history and 
volunteering for every science experiment that comes along.  He still 
spends a great deal of time in the hills looking for fossils.

Joanne is a happy, 8 year old in the third grade.  Joanne especially 
loves animals and babies.  She was thrilled over winning two blue 
ribbons at the fair, one for cookies and one for a knitted pair of 
slippers.  She too enjoys reading, but most of all cooking.  She has 
made cookies, cakes, pancakes, biscuits, and complete dinners.  She 
also likes to draw and write and asked to share one of her poems.

Santa Claus

This is Santa fellow
His stomach is like jello,
He is fat and plump
and he can jump, jump, jump,
He's got eight reindeer,
than can even fly over a sphere,
I hope he comes this year,
For I want his reindeer.        by Joanne

Laurie is six and is in the first grade.  She is delighted to find she 
too can read.  Laurie says she has a corroded smile, being at that age 
when she has a few permanent teeth, lots of baby teeth and gaping 
spaces in between.  She also does well in school and has become quite 
a chatterbox.  To Laurie, the highlight of the year was when she got 
to be a flower girl for a friend's wedding and wore a floor length 
dress.  She thought she looked just beautiful and I must admit, I 
thought she was kind of cute too.

Our thoughts are with all of you and we wish you a Merry Christmas and 
a Joyous New Year.


I love that my dad seemed to capture a bit of our personalities, even way back then. Laurie is still very social, is beautiful and loves doing well in all she works to accomplish. No longer has a corroded smile.

Greg should have been an engineer. He is very gifted in all he undertakes both at work and in his personal life. I do not think he is interested in dog care at this point.

Carolyn still has more energy than expected and accomplishes a lot. She continues to be an avid reader, involved in many various activities and could also be called the dog whisperer and rescuer.

I don't write nearly as much as I'd love to. My poetry hasn't improved, but I still love cooking.

That's about all for now, from the Christmas letter of 1970.