Daily Grace

If you came right now, this is what you'd see as you drove in. We welcome you, however you visit, whether in person, by phone, or the internet. I've enjoyed a variety of interactions, and thank you who comment or respond to my posts. It is that time of year when I ask myself why I continue communicating via this blog Is it worth it? Would my time be better spent? Still questioning. 

One purpose is to record the events and highlights of each week.

Tuesday evening, the robotics team had a very successful Open House. The program is ramping up for the 2022 season with several new members. The increased interest is very encouraging.

Michael never lacks work, problems to solve, things to fix here in our house or our kids'.

We got away for a theater performance Friday at Taylor University--The Women of Lockerbie. It was amazingly well done and the bonus of that evening was to hear from the playwright herself. The story was inspired by the events following the crash of Pan Am flight 103 on Dec. 21, 1988. I had forgotten that  terrorist attack and had never heard about the "laundry project" that took place seven years later when the women of the town stormed the warehouse where all the effects of the 270 victims were stored, and undertook the task of washing the items and returning them to the families. The play in the tradition of Greek odes, was a very meaningful reflection on grief in its various responses, and emphasized the healing power of community.

Most of the week I worked very diligently on the next chapter of My Argentina story. That is hard work. I am grateful for what I learn from fellow writers. We have a Zoom meeting every Thursday and take turns critiquing one another's writings. This week we looked at a couple Christmas children's book proposals. 

I liked the concept of a Jesus Tree decorated with ornaments that symbolize aspects of Advent--the coming of God into our world to dwell with us in our humanity. Then Saturday at a craft sale, I saw these unique decorations. Perhaps I'll try to have a Jesus Tree this year.

I've been thinking much about the gift of God. Sunday was Reformation Sunday, remembering the great event when Martin Luther took a firm stand against the prevailing religious system which taught earning forgiveness through works or buying salvation. 

Grandson Malachi, gave his first sermon based on Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God."

In our own church, I was touched by the message of God's grace in Romans 5:10 "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, . . ." To think that we do not have to fix ourselves, clean up our lives before we come to Him. Indeed we cannot do it on our own. He has already made a way for us while we were still sinners, far from Him. And, not only that, the verse continues, . . . "much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life." He helps and enables us to live life fully here and now by His grace. An unspeakable gift indeed.

Speaking of gifts, Samuel our youngest was God's gift to us 43 years ago. I came across this memory. Sam called it "our first picture together."

We were invited to their home for the birthday celebration. 

Probably the best gift of the evening was a very moving song by an old friend who recalled how a memory of Sam-u-el got him through a tough time. Quite a tribute to what God has done in and through Sam.

There were some other sweet moments: Diane enjoyed playing cars with a little guy and his mother; seeing the Hoch family after many years; and, my favorite, the interaction between six-year-old Winnie and Stephan, and her reaction to his jokes, "You're a weird man."

Winnie is quite a spunky little girl. She commandeered my phone to take some of the photos, like this one of the birthday man during the crazy Koch song.

How have you experienced God's grace this week?

Week 42

Somehow cousin Karin faithfully puts together a lovely bouquet every week even when she says there are few flowers left. Thanks, again!

And, somehow, Michael musters up enough strength to keep tackling the many tasks that present themselves. 

One job is almost done - the heating system at Steph and Karen's new house! He has repaired all the more obvious leak spots, but it will need to be checked with water when that is possible. Notice the well organized and labeled binder documenting the entire system. 

Photo on right shows dry wall in-progress. 

We got to see son Sam Monday night as well. He came to talk about the cabinetry he will be installing.

For further details check out Karen's weekly blog report on house progress.

Leah's place had some fun pumpkin decor. Next, some will be painted and/or eaten.

Michael and a few backpacking buddies went to Low Gap Trail in Morgan Monroe State Forrest and spent Wednesday and into Thursday enjoying the beautiful outdoors and perfect weather.

 

Friday the 15th, was another of my self-imposed writing deadlines. Again, somehow throughout the two weeks, we managed to crank out another capítulo - in English Chapter 16 "Tents and Temples", and in Spanish La Carpa. 

Saturday, Our Town Upland sponsored the second annual Fall Festival. By the time I arrived, the family members I had gone to see were already leaving. Perfect timing to admire the pumpkins Rebecca and Kalani painted, get hugs and kisses, and abuela's mandatory photo.

A couple days later this great action photo showed up on Facebook. 

Thank you Ashley Tibery and Our Town Upland!

That was all I'd come for, so I just went home, took a short nap and waited for the arrival of two grandsons coming to spend the night.

We had a fun time with Zion and Jude. I introduced Zion to a Let's Make Art watercolor tutorial. He picked the Piggy Pig out of many, many options because it had seemingly fewer lines and looked easier. It was probably more challenging than we expected but we had fun! I had missed doing watercolor, so thank you, Zion!

Jude preferred to explore the new video game he got for his birthday. We also played a couple games together.

Sunday morning Zion made us eggs for breakfast while Jude, showered and ready for church, continued to conquer some of the objectives of his game!

After church we needed to help Diane with a couple of malfunctions, so we drove to her apartment in Marion and then took her out to eat. Can you tell where?

Next week we're looking forward to a bit of travel to visit relatives in Wisconsin. It will be nice to get away. 

Friends, highlights of Week #32

Cousin Karin says her flowers are not as plentiful anymore. I appreciate each bouquet. I think they make great blog post  openers.

A humorous God-appointment happened Sunday. We had wanted to get together with a couple who had last invited us over for food and games. I suggested to Michael that Sundays after church were easier to schedule than to try to find an open evening throughout the week. And we certainly had an abundance of food, Michael's specials--bread, gazpacho, ice cream and my zucchini brownies.

So, he looked up the name of the friend to text. It wasn't till someone else responded with, "Sorry, we are on our way back from Colorado," that he realized he'd sent the invite to a group, his hiking buddies! We had no idea how large the party would become. However, it was perfect, a fun time with friends.

Monday, we met with more friends, old friends (well, about our age) from long ago. In fact, Fred was the best man at our wedding.

Instead of coming to Upland, they met us at Stephan's place where Mike was working so they could see the progress on the house. When I took Karen for a tour of the whole property, we admired Stephan's storybook bench. 

Tuesday, I took sis-in-law Diane for a little outing to a nearby coffee shop. The art displayed is quite unique.

Wednesday, Michael went camping with his hiking buddies to Shades State Park, a beautiful restful time. 

Meanwhile, I was very focused on writing a new chapter. Until now I'd been able to work on previously written pieces. I knew they would run out sometime, and that day came sooner than I anticipated. My self-imposed twice-a-month deadlines will keep me busy from now on.

Even so, I took off Thursday afternoon and put in a couple hours helping to paint the mural. It was a great break. I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with the other painters as I worked my way across the lower part giving a second coat or cleaning up the edges of the dark green waves of grass.

I try to maintain my walking goals, always noticing new things along the way. 

Both dead?

A writer friend called some time ago for comments about my visit with two grandsons to Minnetrista's Bob Ross Exhibit. She quoted me in her article and gave me a copy of the magazine!

I was able to send chapter 12 to my translator to work on over the weekend, which is when he has time. Whew! So grateful to meet that deadline! 

Here is a teaser. Come back August 15 to My Argentina to find out what these few photos are about.

I certainly would love to hear about the highlights of your week!

Christmas

One of three tables ready and waiting--tablecloth from the Basque Country.

A change from Monday Night dinner--Sam's family rented a whole theatre room for a limited number to watch "A Christmas Story". Later, the boys opened an early present, slingshots. The photo caption: "Hope they don't shoot their eyes out!" was a perfect follow-up.

Rebecca "helped" me Tuesday while her mom was at the library. We did a variety of activities, including painting rocks.  Any favorites? Which ones are Rebecca's? You may have to enlarge the photo to get the full effect of the bottom row.

However, her greatest accomplishment was to learn to play Splendor--the game that always sits at one end of our table ready for the nightly spousal contest. Surely she is not old enough, nevertheless smart enough!

Still had last minute shopping to do Wednesday, after another brief visit with consuegra Debby. One stop was nearby to this delightful folk singer, Mrs. Kate. Her grandkids dragged out all the totes and cases full of her merchandise and helped me choose CDs and finger puppets for each of the grandkids. Then they performed a couple of songs.

Thursday Diane joined us for Stephan and Karen's annual Christmas Eve brunch. The group was smaller, but as always we enjoyed food, fun and fellowship. 

Thank you, Stephan and Karen!

Christmas Day was spent with Diane who stayed here through Sunday.

In the afternoon, Michael went with his hiking buddy to the Rangeline Nature Preserve in Anderson and covered 3 1/2 miles of trail at the expert and intermediate levels.

Meanwhile, back at the homestead, Diane and I were pleasantly surprised by a group of carolers and a plate of cookies--our neighbors, the Vosses, had walked over through the woods to surprise us!

Saturday was our ALL family gathering. For this year, that was our Christmas miracle. We hadn't been ALL together since Thanksgiving of 2018. The Krazy Kochs photo was my favorite! Notice our newest family member's pose.

We so enjoyed remembering the story of Jesus' birth as read by Kayla and Rebecca, and then visualized for us by the new little family, Skye, Destiny and Kalani.

When Diane asked the meaning of inn keeper, Michael was reminded of an early play on words. In response to a reading in first or second grade, he drew a house-of-sorts with a tree next to it and the name was "Come Inn."

I am reminded of the song:

Into my heart, into my heart,

Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

Come in today, come in to stay,

Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

Sadly, when God came in the flesh to dwell with us, he was not welcomed, "He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him." (John 1:11)

May our world today welcome Emanuel (=God with us), the promised one who was and  is "Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

Week 48: Thanksgiving

 The weather has definitely changed. Tis the season to cozy up with a cup of hot coffee/chocolate or. . . 

. . . a London Fog or Green Matcha at Common Grounds Cafe with a friend. We tried this nook in the loft.

Petey and I try to meet weekly but lately with the arrival of her new grandbaby, our meetings are less frequent, but always such a blessing. 

Moriah left us this week. Students will finish the semester finals from home. This is an old photo where she's ready for work at Chick-Fil-A.  

Preparations for Thanksgiving began. Our family gathering was smaller, but the turkey was huge. Michael was in charge of cooking the bird. He also baked a beautiful cherry berry pie.

I spent considerable time in the kitchen, prepared a couple special menu items and got any cooking /baking urges out of the way for a while. 

What we can never get enough of is family fellowship. We miss the gatherings we used to have, but grateful for what we were able to enjoy on Thanksgiving.  

Of course, the center of attention was the baby in the family--Kalani 8 months 10 days old. He hangs on to a little scooter thing and moves dangerously fast! He'll probably be walking by Christmas. Watch out everybody!

Diane spent Wednesday through Saturday with us. She loves spending time with family. Here you see the siblings at table. 

Speaking of siblings, it was good to communicate with Michael's older brother who is always so faithful to call us.

Friday we enjoyed walking the Upland trail.

Saturday after I'd worked at Helping Hand, I was so glad to be home in time to see these two before they took off on a date--Elijah and Ruby.

Michael was gone on his usual Saturday bike ride with the Muncie group--56 miles this time. 

It was such a beautiful sunny day. Diane and I walked the path through our woods.

That evening when we took her back home, we drove through the Walkway of Lights in Marion.

After many many months, probably several years, Michael is back at it! Can you guess what he is making? 

How did you celebrate the holiday?