Nancy wanted more books for her kids, so we went to a thrift store and amongst the books was a book about a lonely farmer, Red, and a pet lamb. There were sheep in the book, but with my many years of making cows out in the pasture they turned into cows and calves for me, and the sheep which was his constant companion became the grandkids - always helping and sharing the farm with grandpa! There happens to be a red barn in the background, which very much looks like Ruth and Paul's red barn... soon to be ours! It has letters and you can make signs on it, so.... I claimed it as our new home/farm. This is very therapeutic for me now 2 weeks away from Pat and our life on the farm complete with our daughter, her husband and their 5 wonderful farm kids!
I would say this looks like Simon, but is more than likely David working side by side with grandpa. I have a new drawing ready for the watercolors this afternoon. The grandkids here love to sit and paint with me, and it is great for all of us. The kids are so happy today as their dad arrived last night and they are having some special family time outside after our great breakfast!
Dad getting out the croquet mallets and balls for some fun with the kids. The sun is now out and it should reach about 60 today here. Back home Pat tells me that they are having a melt and are hauling manure today, too. So it looks like I will have another week away from home, and they will have to put up with me here in KC. I am trying to allow them family time, and watch the kids so that they can get away, too.
Dirt to dig in is almost like sand on the beach after months of winter.
The Gospel today.. how can I not go there? It is Jesus calming the storm - Mark 4:35-41
A wonderful quote which is so true for us..."Why do you fear? You are carried by Jesus! Jesus guides you, Jesus takes you in his arms, Jesus bears you in his heart." Wow! That certainly shows us that all our petty fears and anxieties should vanish in the LIGHT of Jesus' unconditional love and forgiveness, and not only that but after we are cleansed he will guide our ship through the waters and storms of life. It seems that my life is in the midst of a huge storm now with all my roots pulled out longing for the traveling soil to place them in.
My farmer, my rock in the face of a new life for me as I was a city girl come to the farm... How he was the wind beneath my wings as we longed for a large family, as both of us had grown up in big families - I the oldest of 11 and Pat the 6th of 10!
http://familysoulstory.blogspot.com/p/my-most-cherished-cross-patrick-gerard.html
Here is the page I devoted to this story - All I will share here is "Open to LIFE and raising LIGHTS for the world, which is the motto we live by and now that of our kids and their families!
In the hutch here is this 1970 calendar plate, which was such a huge year for me... foremost was starting college at the U of M and meeting Marge, Pat's sister, and the rest is a long history of LIFE/LOVE/LIGHT/The Church with Jesus and Mary forever! My entire family was to convert to The Catholic Church the following year, and every day since has been a small slice of heaven.
http://familysoulstory.blogspot.com/p/the-amazing-story-of-13-becoming.html
I put my grandpa Pat pictures in the window in my sweet bedroom away from home. Bill is seeing what a nice temporary home we have here in Kansas City. Now to paint another one this afternoon. Maria is counting on them going into her scrap book, but they sure are helping me as I am away from Pat far too long. The mess of construction at home, however, is not missed.
Jesus, how can we question and whine about our upheaval when you are in the boat with us and are ministering to our weaknesses and needs? "Jesus, takes you in his arms and bears you in his heart." I am calmed and find peace within. The sun is warming my shoulder as I sit on the deck this moment in time, and I am so grateful for beautiful weather and a chance to be outside. We are reminded often that we should dwell on all our blessings and not the negative and just as the clouds part - the sun will come through and fill us with LIGHT/Truth! Jesus, we trust in you. Amen and Hallelujah
So happy to have dad here! Bless-bless, Barbara Luke
No comments:
Post a Comment