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?

Festivals

Beauty is all around, changing with the seasons. Here again, a delightful bouquet from Tennessee.

Our weekend was all about the Upland festival--yard sales, food vendors, Saturday rib fest, Sunday chicken noodle dinner, ice cream socials, fire works, a 5k race, and culminating with the Labor Day parade.

I debated long, should I participate in the 5k this year or is it time to give it up. Michael's example of bicycling 80 - 100 miles per week, encouraged me to keep on keeping on as long as physically possible. So, Monday morning I set out early for the annual race. The sunrise was beautiful and the weather perfect. 

Alternating between a run and a walk, I managed to finish in 46'09" and earned a third place medal. However, it was not quite fair in that everyone else was competing with their five-year age range, and I was up against those thirteen years younger in the 65 and above category.

Nevertheless, to push one's self, put one foot in front of the other and hang in there to the end, is a worthwhile experience to empathize with those who go through difficult life circumstances every day.

I was thinking especially of our daughter, who couldn't be there to watch the parade with us like every other year.

My favorite parade entry was that of our church, led by a couple of our pastors. I especially liked the theme: "God is wild about you." One of the hardest concepts to grasp and appropriate is how much God loves us. 

Tuesday, Michael and I walked the trail and were greeted by this beautiful lighted path. I was reminded of a phrase I often hear on the Daily Audio Bible podcast when Brian Hardin welcomes a brand new sparkly, shiny day or week.

Wednesdays, whenever my friend Petey is in town, we meet for coffee and delightful conversation. 

That was the day Michael fell off a small ladder, flat on his back and hit his head, but thankfully had no broken bones nor a concussion. He continues to work almost daily at Stephan's, almost done with the electrical and now mostly on the heating system. The job also requires multiple trips to Menards where he's become a favored customer!

The Matthew's Covered Bridge festival September 10-12, was a good time to promote the robotics club, a few parents, students and mentors took turns there selling some items, showing off one of the robots, and talking to passersby about the program. 

Meanwhile on the mural side of the building there was a tent set up to meet the artist and accept donations to cover the remaining expenses incurred.

Abby Braswell, the artist and designer

A sign explaining the mural

A few pieces of Abby's ceramic art were also displayed there in the tent. These were unique pieces she made for a couple of college courses incorporating Greek mythology and pottery styles of the day. Can you guess which zodiac sign each represents?

Saturday, 9/11, yet another festival! I took Diane to Swayzee Days for her 68th birthday. My new friend, Kate Carpenter--folksinger, songwriter, storyteller--had three gigs scheduled throughout the day. We got to participate in her lively interactive 2:00 o'clock session with these kids pictured here.

In the evening Michael took me to the Covered Bridge Festival. We met a lot a friends and acquaintances amidst the crowds, and had fun visiting with vendors, viewed very much merchandise we could live without.

Only one photo: a sample of pour art, which a good friend had tried to teach me.

Michael got his 100 miles in for the week! The group had an early morning start on the Dam to Dam event.

Did you enjoy any small-town festivals this summer?

 

End of Month One 2021

The bouquet Michael brought home midweek is lasting longer than I expected. Not so this first month of 2021!

The last week in January started with Sunday services - always uplifting; a challenging afternoon hike through the woods; and an evening of cooking and baking. The girls took turns working with Michael to make their specialties or join in his inventions.

Kendra's "Cambodian Ramen Noodles" and her family specialty "Forgotten Cookies"

Michael and Moriah's "Berries and Pudding" pies

The robotics program is in full swing, though very different from other years--fewer students, reduced meeting times, same robot undergoing improvements, and no official FIRST events. The few faithful students seem to be learning and enjoying the experience.

Michael has spent many hours at the shop preparing, making parts, repairing equipment, and assisting Moriah. The J-term senior project class required her to put in 40 hours a week. Her experience and skills were best utilized welding sections of the huge structure they are building. She spent many hours and days in the cold building adjacent to the PhyXTGears shop.

Rebecca was here one afternoon and I experimented on her to learn how to use the very clever turtle hair piece Michael made me for Christmas. (Some of you may know that I have a turtle collection.)

BTW, how do you like this hair piece? 😊

We were invited to dinner Wednesday evening, and I could not resist this photo opportunity as I looked across at our hostess.

Nor could I miss this one the next day, when I dropped in on my lovely consuegra (co-in law) for a quick visit. She is still recovering from knee surgery.

The third hike of the week was on the way to our anniversary getaway. The Kokowanee trail on the Salamonie river is a very interesting one.

What you see down in the middle is a frozen waterfall. The path was often littered with frozen crystals.

We looked out our hotel room and noticed that the geese were not deterred by the icy conditions. We, on the other hand, chose the hot tub over sitting out on the balcony.

One more important family note for the week: Elijah turned 16 on Wednesday, January 27, and earned his driver's license!

Looking back, I am tempted to think that not much was accomplished in that first month.

Looking forward, I am encouraged by the promise, "I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths." So, I choose to trust God for what lies ahead.

Week 46

This little one-evening painting "Maple Leaves" is seasonally appropriate. There are very few colorful trees left. Our woods is looking bare.

A forgotten note from last week: Elijah, in our last Spanish tutoring Zoom session, mentioned that he was going to a banquet for the soccer team. I saw later that he was praised and awarded the Most Improved player. Can you find him in this team photo?

We keep plodding on with our regular routines, pursuits and passions. Every day has its share of ups and downs, encouraging moments and disconcerting times as well. The words of a song are ringing in my head, "Through it all. . . I've learned to trust in God. . . Then there are cheery surprises, like the delightful folk singer who entertained us at the Senior Center this week, Mrs. Kate Carpenter. She is extraordinarily talented, and spunky!

I still enjoy the surprises that come in the Misfits box, and trying out new varieties of produce. Last week I made candied ginger, which Stephan and I really like. Others not so much; it has quite a bite!

Robotics is slowly moving forward. Michael spends more time at the shop, cleaning, organizing, fixing, improving. I delivered flyers announcing the Open House coming up. 

After I picked up Rebecca for the weekly Basics Jr. Bible story and activities, we could hear the mower. We went out to find abuelo but could not distract him from his task of mowing the leaves. Can you find him and see where he's been?

The Basics lesson was about faithfulness. (She kept saying thankfulness, also a wonderful attitude.) The story was of Daniel's faithful practice of praying three times a day; how that got him in trouble; how God kept him safe surrounded by hungry lions and then punished his accusers with the end they had intended for him! The governors had tricked the king into passing an edict that would trap the one he planned to place over the entire kingdom. In Rebecca's Play-Doh version, there is the head of the king who loved Daniel. Distraught that unable to sleep, he rushed to the den in the morning to see if the living God had rescued Daniel. 

What an amazing story with so many applications for us today! As I reread Daniel 6, in addition to being struck by Daniel's discipline of prayer, I noticed a phrase for the first time, in verse 10, "Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to God," The content of his prayers was thanksgiving!  

I hadn't seen my friend Patryce in a very long time. This week she invited me for one of her delightful teas. The fellowship was as delicious as the sweet potato cream cheese desert!

Another pleasurable experience that day was the Taylor University Theatre creative performance of The Little Prince. We are so blessed to live so close and able to enjoy our season tickets even this year.

Michael was very fortunate to get a deer only 15 minutes into gun season. After taking care of all the necessary after-tasks (dragging, dressing, etc.) he was in time to go join his Saturday cycling group!

My creative accomplishments for the week were to edit an article in progress, work on the translation of a German poem for a friend, and enjoy another watercolor tutorial. Oh, I gave Michael a hair cut too. ;-)

What are your creative outlets? Any surprises that sparked delight in your week?

Robots and much more

Monday, I visited Mother. In the last month or two she has declined noticeably. I wanted to join her in the ArtCare Studio which she's enjoyed so much since being in the Grace Village Health Center. Sadly, she no longer finds her way there on her own and seldom participates. I took her there to see the latest art pieces. 

Mother's last complete painting

 Michael Conley, who so faithfully and graciously leads the program, commented that recently Mother has been more able to color than paint. He pointed out her last completed painting. I commented on the light and shadow. He said she did that totally on her own. Her most recent attempt and incomplete painting shows signs of confusion.

Mother's final attempt

Next we went to the Monday Hymn Sing and joined the large table surrounded by dear elderly residents in varying stages of cognitive and physical ability, but all united in a love for the old hymns whether or not they could still sing.
My former professor, later president of Grace Schools, Dr. Homer Kent, is seated next to Mother.

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I have been enjoying an organic produce delivery program. These are my Misfits for the week.

For me the week was a series of appointments and commitments. 

For Team 1720 it was a race to the finish, to have a working robot and drive team ready for the first district competition Saturday and Sunday. Michael was at the shop most days and survived several late nights. Then Friday afternoon he trudged off on his way to Bloomington with the trailer carrying PhyXTGears' 2020 robot, Infinite Horse Power, along with all the tools and pit equipment.

Saturday was a very exciting day of qualifying matches for Team 1720 as they climbed from the bottom third to #1! Students, mentors, parents watched from the stands. Some of us who couldn't be there were home glued to the livestream.

Teams, fans, and playing field

Others spent a great part of the time in the pits, either repairing the robot or helping other teams with their problems. 

One of the strong points of the FIRST program is their emphasis on cooperation and gracious professionalism. An example of this occurred over the weekend when a team which had lost their funding could only send the coach and one student to the competition. Other teams rallied around them to make up the drive team and work on their robot.

In the pit

After watching the last match of the day, I went to Kayla's house for Destiny's little birthday celebration--a game night.

From this photo, you may not be able to tell that her baby is due in five days! But I have a photo of Destiny and her "Kalani" bump on the job at Ivanhoes.

Instead of getting involved in the big people's game, I enjoyed time with Rebecca. Here she is with the blanket I knit for her as a baby. I think she has a Mona Lisa smile. Which pose do you prefer? 

Sunday Moriah and I had dinner at the Taylor University dining commons then came home to a very exciting afternoon of watching the playoffs with PhyXTGears on the #1 alliance winning all six games!

Sam, Kristie and the boys were there for the amazing finale.
This is my favorite photo from the weekend.

Grandpa explaining the robot to Zion and Jude

Robot competition at Bloomington High School South

The winning alliance

There are two Kochs on the team. Can you find them?