Mama Lisa & Jacob

Mama Lisa & Jacob
Mama Lisa & Jacob Thomas

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Jumping In...with both feet!

Vacations are over...
School has started...
Fall programming begins...
So many options, so much time on my hands...how do I enter back into the busy life I once knew, but seems so far away?  At times, I think how quiet and calm the last two years have been as Tom and I quickly withdrew from many of the "normal" activities that surrounded us.  Tom's diagnosis, his paralysis and then my diagnosis caused for a quick halt to the life we once knew.  How do I "enter back in" as a "half" of person?  First, I realize that God purposefully, patiently and perfectly planned our story for His glory...I must be aware that He is God and I am NOT!  What I think would have been a good plan, wasn't His plan...can I adjust to this new life?  I am putting both feet forward and choosing to live as He would want...humble, with a gentle spirit desiring God's will...which is rejoicing with great joy because He is my faithful Creator!
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ,
after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong,
firm and steadfast."
I Peter 5:10
I am being restored and strengthened as I stand firm and steadfast in Him!
With this in mind...I have made some "lofty" commitments...I started this week as a Mentor Mom for our MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers) group at church, two Tuesdays a month.  I have started going to a GriefShare group every Thursday evening (12 week course).  I will be participating in a Sunday School starting this Sunday.  And, I have signed up to be in a ladies grace group on Tuesday evenings.  In the "between time" I am casually looking for part-time employment...so if you know of an opening where I could serve in the Columbus area, let me know!
A beautiful woman...inside & out!
God saw me through a very difficult time...going to the first Celebration of Life service.  It was an honor to show support to the Rettstatt family as they celebrated the life of a dear wife, mother, and grandmother on August 23.  Walking back into our church that day brought many emotions back that I wanted to avoid, but couldn't.  I'm not sure if it was the emotional toll or just my heart acting up, but it forced me to call the cardiologist...of course they wanted to see me.  After an echo cardiogram, EKG and having my pacemaker interrogated...they said my heart was as good as could be in my situation (even better than last visit!).  The doctor did make some medication changes and we will see if that will prevent the pressure I'm experiencing (or I just don't go to anymore funerals!).
Emi's Tea Party
One of the joys of feeling better and having 'time' was being able to say "yes" to watching our youth pastor's daughter while her mom got her hair cut!  What a fun time Emi and I had as she entertained me with her special tea set!
Matt & Liz
What a blessing to have Matt home for a couple of weeks before going back to MVNU.  He bubbles with the "joy of the Lord" and a young lady friend...Elizabeth Rose Pecchio!  It was fun to have Liz in town for a couple of days too.  Matt and Liz moved back to MVNU on Sunday.  Matt starts his senior year and Liz will be a junior.  On Sunday I was able to meet Liz's parents, Bob & Peggy...what a fun evening we had together.  I told them that Tom & I moved Matt in his freshman year as a "normal" college freshmen with no worries in the world. However, much caution was taken on move-in day his sophomore year as Tom had been diagnosed with GBM and was moving pretty slow.  But, Matt moved in alone his junior year since Tom was confined to his wheelchair and the dorm was not handicap accessible.  This year his dad watched from the front lines of heaven...I did it alone...tears streaming down my cheeks as we drove separately with both cars loaded of all his "earthy goods".  I praise the Lord for His strength to let me help in a little way, still feeling so frail.  Thank you to all Matt's friends, cousin and roommates who made the unloading easy!  Thank You, Ginny for calling me and making the drive home "not alone".
Lisa, Sarah, Morgan & Carylee
What fun it has been for me to watch the "love story" grow between Joel Trainer and Morgan Meyers!  Sarah and I were honored to celebrate with her at a beautiful bridal shower.  We can't wait for September 15th to see God join two godly, young people who desire to serve Him!

Thank You, Hyrnkow Family!
Your love, support & prayers are GREATLY appreciated...
One Cousin Binds Three Cousins!
Wendy, Brenda & Lisa
What a fun Labor Day fellowshiping with my cousin and her cousin.  My mom and Brenda's dad are brother and sister.  Brenda's mom and Wendy's mom are sisters.  We all went to high school together, Brenda two grades ahead of Wendy and I who were in the same class.  We enjoyed reminiscing about high school and people who now are our Facebook friends BUT the most fun was hearing how God has written His story on our hearts!  Priceless is knowing we all share the commonality of being "sisters" in Christ.  Brenda prepared the most wonderful lunch and now we can cross off our "bucket list" our little reunion, however...if the Lord tarries...we should definitely do this again!

Monday, August 19, 2013

Family Vacation (Without ALL the family)

Kline Clan
Norris Lake, TN 2013 Family Vacation

I'm not exactly sure how I can surround myself with 22 people and still feel so lonely...
What is a family vacation without Tom...a partial family vacation?
Tom wasn't the only family member not there, which did help ease the pain, but there is no remedy for earthly (temporary) separation.  It makes me think of the lost people (those who haven't placed their trust in Christ) of this world who have no hope of reuniting with their loved ones.  What a joy and privilege to know God has planned and provided for us (those who have fully put our trust in Him) an eternal home where we will never be separated from God or our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ! This is the hope that gets me through each day...my eternal home, with my heavenly Father, where no sickness, pain or separation will ever reach me...hard to fathom!
Back to vacation:
What an amazing family I have been blessed with...special memories abound:
-choosing to remember the fun Tom had on his last boat ride
-choosing joy instead of sorrow as the family bowed to pray
-choosing to be happy because I know Tom would want me to be
-choosing "roommates" (nieces) instead of a room to myself
-choosing games that don't require a "partner" unless I was asked to be a "partner"
-choosing to eat at the end of the table & not being the "odd girl out"
-choosing to be thankful when it would be easy not to be
Life is full of choices...I struggle...
THANK YOU to my family for continuing to bear with me through the struggles I face!
I love you all dearly...
Two very special reasons to vacation with family...
Annie Grace (8 mo.) & Declan John (19 mo.)
Two more reasons why we'll be going again next year...
Lauren & Brittany both due in November!
Cousins!
The "Younger Generation" Table...
Missing: Andrew, Erin, Nathan, Aubrey, Tim & Travis...
Sarah & Annie Grace
Zac masters the grill...BBQ Brisket
Matt loves his mama...
walking me back up the stairs after a family game night on the dock!
(He's becoming just like his dad...a gentleman!)
My precious family
"All Because Two People Fell In Love"
 After a week at Norris Lake my parents continued north to Ohio for another week.  They left this morning to return to Florida...I will miss them greatly.
I can't count the number of times I've sat down to write this blog and then been called to another task.
My heart has been heavy this week...I'm on my knees in prayer for sweet people who are hurting...
Janet...who met Jesus in heaven today...praying for the Rettstatt family...
Judy...who is faithfully caring for her terminally ill husband...
Laura...who needs Jesus' daily strength as she starts chemo...
Pops...trusting Jesus for unknown to us, but known to God health issues...
 
"O God,
Early in the morning do I cry unto Thee,
Help me to pray,
And to think only of Thee.
I cannot pray alone.
In me there is darkness,
But with Thee there is light.
I am lonely, but Thou leavest me not.
I am restless, but with Thee there is peace.
In me there is bitterness, but with Thee there is patience.
Thy ways are past understanding,
but Thou knowest the way for me.
O Heavenly Father,
I praise and thank Thee for the peace of the night.
I praise and thank Thee for this new day.
I praise and thank Thee for all Thy goodness
and faithfulness throughout my life.
Thou hast granted me many blessings.
Now let me accept tribulation from Thy hand.
Thou will not lay on me more than I can bear.
Thou makest all things work together for good for Thy children."
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer in prison
(thank you, Dorothy)
 
Chris Houts completed 180 miles biking in Pelatonia to raise money for cancer research.
Pelatonia weekend was August 10-11 & I'm so thankful I was able to see Chris cross the finish line!
It's still so hard to believe that Chris road in Tom's honor last year and now my honor this year!
Chris, Vickie, Erinn & Wes
I can't thank these dear people enough for their love and support!

 Lisa & Ginny
Duck Dynasty Premiere Party!
Ginny, Tom, Wes, Mike, Dennis, Donna & Lisa
(Wendy, not pictured)
Ginny & Emily saying "See you at Thanksgiving!"
Thursday I had the privilege to ride along with Ginny and Emily to Youngstown.  Emily flew back to Coastal Carolina on Allegiant Air, which flies out of Youngstown.  After seeing Emily off we had the day ahead of us to explore, shop and eat!  What a fun day we had...
Good Bye Emily...we miss you!
We stopped at Ginny's parents & went to the Blueberry Festival!
Ginny's mom, Karen
What a fun day...thanks, Ginny!
A beautiful day with beautiful settings for a reunion...
Sunday I went with my parents to a family reunion in Richfield, Ohio
After an amazing potluck lunch and wonderful fellowship, we drove over to the nearby cemetery where my mom's grandparents, aunts & uncles are buried...
My mom's grandparents...my great grandparents...
My grandmother was the youngest of five children...Laura, Jeanette, James, Ruth & Lucy
My great aunt Laura...
My great aunt Jeanette...
My great aunt Ruth...
 My great uncle James & my grandmother are buried in different towns.
As I stood and fondly reminisced about my great aunts, I was struck by the thought of my great nieces and nephews standing over my gravestone one day.  Will their memories of me will be fond?
Will they remember me as loving Jesus and others more than myself?
A visit to a cemetery will bring life, as short as it is, into perspective.
We hurried back to Columbus to the "Park of Roses" for an outdoor concert...
Servin' Quartet & Anita Peterfish
What a blessing to join together and praise the name of  Jesus in song!
Zac & Sarah
Papa & Granny...taking time to smell the roses!
Thank You Ginny Englehart...your kindness never ceases to amaze me!
A beach souvenir & zucchini bread!

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

One Trip Leads to Another!

Three Blessings...
Matt, Sarah & Zac
Zac & Sarah enjoying coffee & devotions at Lakeside!
What an encouragement to know Chris Houts will be riding in Pelatonia again this year,
not only in Tom's memory BUT now riding in my honor too!
Chris, Vickie and I enjoyed sweet fellowship over Graeter's Ice Cream...
"thank you" Chris & Vickie for your continued love, support and prayers!
This limo was outside of Orange Leaf when Ginny & I got frozen yogurt!
I'm fighting like a girl!
The precious "Gilmer Clan" who graciously allowed me in on their family vacation!
back row:  Carylee, Justin (Carylee's nephew), Jenny (Justin's bride), Melanie (Carylee's sister)
front row:  Baby Joey (Carylee's great-nephew), Cary & Don (Carylee's parents)
What fun to enjoy beach time with them!
Great Aunt "Key" meets Joey for the first time!
Our Beach House
Joey's Beach Bungalow
My sweet friend and travel companion...Carylee!
Lisa & Patty
Ginny Englehart's extended family was at the beach (Sunset Beach) just south of where we were...
So I went on Wednesday to spend the day with them...this is Ginny's cousin, Patty whose husband went home to heaven last August...we connected right away...understanding each others pain...
no vacation will ever be the same without our husbands...
Flying home...
This picture was an awesome reminder that God's love is always shining on me,
just because I see clouds doesn't mean He isn't there!
Matt & Liz
Beulah Beach had a 5k run last Saturday that Matt & Liz ran together!
Sunday was the start of Bible Mission Conference at Beulah Beach...
Sandi Patty was the guest performer Sunday evening...
I stopped at my Aunt Joanne & Uncle Jim's on the way to Beulah Beach...
Uncle Jim & Aunt "J" joined me for dinner & concert!
Beulah Dinner: 1/2 baked chicken, cole slaw, baked beans, roll & watermelon
Uncle Jim, Matt, Lisa & Aunt "J"
Sandi belts it out...she shook Matt's hand just after I snapped this picture!
Matt & his mama...
Sandi started the concert with "He Cares for Me"...I started the concert in tears!
She ended the concert with "We Shall Behold Him"...I ended the concert in tears...
just imagining Tom beholding Him!
Somewhere in the middle of the concert she sang "This Little Light of Mine"...
One of Tom's "famous" songs with our children...he had a special version...
"Let it shine in Tokoyo..."
Matt shared with me at that point that he played "sleep monster" with the children in childcare that day!  Tom 'created' the "sleep monster" game...always a hit with our children & spoken about at Tom's Celebration of Life Service by Sarah!
After the concert I went home with Uncle Jim & Aunt "J" and spent the night at their home.
These beautiful fresh-cut flowers were at my bedside!
Aunt "J" made a delicious breakfast mini quiche!
"Thank You" Uncle Jim & Aunt Joanne for serving & loving me...I am blessed!
Lisa & Aunt Margaret
On my way back to Columbus I stopped in Mansfield to visit my dad's sister, Margaret!
What fun to catch up with her and her grandson, Danny.
Continued "THANKS" to my anonymous friend who graciously gives!
and
To the WCS students who never cease praying & sending the most beautiful cards!
 
"Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me,
For my soul takes refuge in You;
And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge
Until destruction passes by.
I will cry to God Most High,
To God who accomplishes all things for me.
He will send from heaven and save me;
He reproaches him who tramples upon me.
God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth.
Psalm 57:1-3