So I have never given birth but inherited two stepchildren when I married my husband. I was not a good stepmother at all! I tried but when you haven’t had kids, you think you know it all from what you have read. During my Montessori training, I learned so much about children and how they learn. This was my background as far as step-parenting. I had a background in caring for children since I had been babysitting for many years.

As my grandchildren were joining our family, I stepped right in and helped care for them. We had two grandsons born in one year. One was in January and then again in December. Jared and Michael became the focus of our lives! Soon our group increased when Brandon was born to Jorie. Later Malachi came into our lives and then Alex.

Now we have three great-grandchildren. Riley, Brazon and Asher round out our family. What a joy to have little ones around to keep you young.

Love is for Advent Service 12.2017

When I was a kid, I loved reading the comic in the ‘70’s written by Kim Casali from New Zealand called Love is . . . It had one image and at the top was Love is . . . and under the image was remainder of the phrase. Here is my advent writing using Love is . . .

Love is . . . watching your father become the shell of the man he once was and knowing that deep down inside he loves you. You listen to him as he is still able to give a blessing and pray over the meals you share.

Lord, you watched your son on the cross. How hard that must have been? You knew his destiny and the task that you gave him. I know my father when the time comes will have heaven to look forward to and be reunited with those he loves.

Love is . . . thinking you know all there is to know about parenting, marrying a man with teenagers and then trying your best to make it work. Failing as a step-parent but making even greater attempt at grandparenting is that love at work.

Lord, you are a parent filled with love for every single person on this Earth. How do you do it? You know us intimately even each strand of hair on our head. Now Lord please take care of us as we do our best in whatever situation that you hand us.

Love is . . . letting your grandson go live with his mom after he lived in your house for several years. His dream and goal were to reunite with his mom and sister under one roof.

Lord, you have given us patience and love. You have guided us through those tough times helping raise several grandsons. Now we ask for patience and love as we go through the changes that are yet to happen in our lives.

Love is . . . calling your parent each night so that they have a listening ear and someone to sound off to when the going gets tough.

Lord, you are always there when we need you. May we respond in the same way and be there for those in our lives who need us. All it takes is a phone call, an email or a short visit to make someone feel your presence and love. Thank you, Lord, for being on call 24/7. And don’t let us forget that we can pray with someone over the phone or email.

Love is . . . not having enough money to give to all the charities and organizations that need it but giving of yourself in time and body.

Lord, some days I wish I was rich so that I could support every single endeavor that works toward the good of humankind. But you gave me a physical body which I can use to do your work here on Earth. Thank you, Lord, for two eyes to see where I can make changes, two ears to hear the joys and struggles of everyday life, two hands that can give a hug where needed, or two feet to move things and make a difference in someone else’s life.

Love is . . . retiring because you are getting to be the old one at work and then realizing that there is still so much that you can offer so you go find a way to use those talents that the Lord has bestowed you with in this life.

Lord, thank you for the talents you have given to each of us. Now may we use them to help others. Let us share our talents and not hid them under the basket. Let us feel that we are needed and can make a difference no matter our age. We offer our services to you this day.

Love is . . . worshiping at University Place Christian Church.

Lord, May we share your message of love through small acts of kindness and love not only to those in our congregation but in our community. Hold us and love us and lift us up to continue serving a loving Lord and Savior.

Love is . . . Christmas and the Baby Jesus

Lord, Thank you so much for Advent. It give us time to ponder Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Thank you for sending your son, Jesus to walk on this Earth. Thank you for letting us walk on those same paths and allowing us to do your good work while we are still on Earth.

The birth of a baby brought this world to a standstill for one blessed night. Let that star shine brightly on the path that we take. May our gifts be used to create a better world. Let your love shine and may we know Hope, Peace, Joy and Love this Sunday and every day. Love is . . . know you, Lord.

Amen