Saturday, April 3, 2010
Resurrection thoughts.
It's Easter week and I'm thankful Jesus was given to us by the Father and that we live in a country where we can worship freely. He is Risen. He is Risen Indeed.
Miss my kiddos this weekend. First time not having one of them around for Easter. They range from 23 to 27 years old. THree of the children and one daughter in law having fun at a dear friend of the family's wedding in Chattanooga. Wish we could be there Heidi, but the Messiah calls. Steve and I love our choir and tomorrow with Worth is The Lamb to Be Slain..'shall receive honor and glory and ...."
When my children were toddlers and preschoolers I wrote an article, Celebrate with Solemnity. I felt there were no Easter traditions to celebrate the darkness and light of the Holy Week. So, on Maundy Thurs, Good Friday and Sat night we had no lights on in our house, just candlelight. Hence there introduction to candlelight baths, which isn't only now for Easter week. But, at least they have a strong memory of why it was dark. We decorated the garage with some picutre of crown of thorns or dark clouds. Then they wake to a new sign,on Easter; a painting of flowers, sunlight, butterflies, rainbows...anything that can speak joy and life to a child's heart. We did back up our events with a daily telling of the events throughout the week that Jesus went through.
Any other good Easter traditions for young chldren, besides the bunny rabbit, which has nothing at all to do with Jesus' resurrection.
Miss my kiddos this weekend. First time not having one of them around for Easter. They range from 23 to 27 years old. THree of the children and one daughter in law having fun at a dear friend of the family's wedding in Chattanooga. Wish we could be there Heidi, but the Messiah calls. Steve and I love our choir and tomorrow with Worth is The Lamb to Be Slain..'shall receive honor and glory and ...."
When my children were toddlers and preschoolers I wrote an article, Celebrate with Solemnity. I felt there were no Easter traditions to celebrate the darkness and light of the Holy Week. So, on Maundy Thurs, Good Friday and Sat night we had no lights on in our house, just candlelight. Hence there introduction to candlelight baths, which isn't only now for Easter week. But, at least they have a strong memory of why it was dark. We decorated the garage with some picutre of crown of thorns or dark clouds. Then they wake to a new sign,on Easter; a painting of flowers, sunlight, butterflies, rainbows...anything that can speak joy and life to a child's heart. We did back up our events with a daily telling of the events throughout the week that Jesus went through.
Any other good Easter traditions for young chldren, besides the bunny rabbit, which has nothing at all to do with Jesus' resurrection.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Baby of the family
Do you have a younger baby of the family that was a bit of a pet? Our readers would love to hear your stories.
Aren't they the hardest Not to spoil. Because they are the last of the children, parents view them with much tenderness and, in spite of knowing and fighting it, cuddle him literally and figuratively.
Tell me your stories.
Aren't they the hardest Not to spoil. Because they are the last of the children, parents view them with much tenderness and, in spite of knowing and fighting it, cuddle him literally and figuratively.
Tell me your stories.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
I do have more children
Thought I'd tell you a little more about my family. If you read some of my blogs, you see I have a married son, Lt. in army and soon to go to Afgha.
Also, he has a younger bro, Scot or Scottie, now a philosophy major in the end of junior semester. I'm attaching a couple photos; he loves guiltar, talking with friends, philosophy, theology, talking, skateboarding, being with friends, any kind of coffee shop and did I say talking with friends. He also adores his older bro and his wife, Rachael and his older sis's , Alanna and Caitlin.
He is the baby of the family and has always been adored...but you should have seen him as a baby...adorable.
When he was young he wanted to be like his brother and the next year he said he wanted to BE his brother.
More stories to come.
Also, he has a younger bro, Scot or Scottie, now a philosophy major in the end of junior semester. I'm attaching a couple photos; he loves guiltar, talking with friends, philosophy, theology, talking, skateboarding, being with friends, any kind of coffee shop and did I say talking with friends. He also adores his older bro and his wife, Rachael and his older sis's , Alanna and Caitlin.
He is the baby of the family and has always been adored...but you should have seen him as a baby...adorable.
When he was young he wanted to be like his brother and the next year he said he wanted to BE his brother.
More stories to come.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
It's a California DAY in Florida!
It is a California Day here in Florida. I've talked to several of my expatriates here and they agree. If it is just the right temperature for a walk in the park or on the beach, a bit breezy, possibly a wee crisp and no humidity, then that is a California Day.
The first summer we arrived here I'd look outside on our lake and the blue skies with trees swaying in the wind, I felt like it was a beautiful afternoon in CA. But, upon opening my porch door, the heat slammed into me like a hot, wet blanket. So, FL was hard to get used to. We have even had the a/c on at Christmas time for a fire in the fireplace. I should just fill it with those big candle things and give up.
But, I don't want to waste another minute, I must get outside to enjoy the beauty of this Florida Day.
I will concede, the humid weather here does give Florida much of its beauty: green. Not like California where many freeway banks are sprayed green. Also, in a minute or two anywhere here in FL you can find a peaceful, quiet park or lake to lounge on....at least 3 or 4 months of the year. That's why the snow birds come here from all over the northeast; from Jan to May, they escape snowshoveling, scraping car windows and don their Spring clothes in March.
I'm really not complaining; everywhere I've lived God has given some form of beauty to the land: the Colorado Rockies, Lookout Mountain, Ga, the Mississipi and wineries east of St. Louis, the wonderful old streets with Victorian homess and bungalows in St. Louis and Colorado.
While raising our four children we drove all over the country (except the New England states, which is still to be explored, hopefully in the Fall time). We've traveled in at least 35 states and I marvel at the uniqeness and beauty of each.
Must go. Got to get the rays while I can. Just wish I could stop by for an In-and-Out-Burger or a restful Marie Calendars restaurant before I did my last stop of the day: Trader Joes. Any exp.s agree?
The first summer we arrived here I'd look outside on our lake and the blue skies with trees swaying in the wind, I felt like it was a beautiful afternoon in CA. But, upon opening my porch door, the heat slammed into me like a hot, wet blanket. So, FL was hard to get used to. We have even had the a/c on at Christmas time for a fire in the fireplace. I should just fill it with those big candle things and give up.
But, I don't want to waste another minute, I must get outside to enjoy the beauty of this Florida Day.
I will concede, the humid weather here does give Florida much of its beauty: green. Not like California where many freeway banks are sprayed green. Also, in a minute or two anywhere here in FL you can find a peaceful, quiet park or lake to lounge on....at least 3 or 4 months of the year. That's why the snow birds come here from all over the northeast; from Jan to May, they escape snowshoveling, scraping car windows and don their Spring clothes in March.
I'm really not complaining; everywhere I've lived God has given some form of beauty to the land: the Colorado Rockies, Lookout Mountain, Ga, the Mississipi and wineries east of St. Louis, the wonderful old streets with Victorian homess and bungalows in St. Louis and Colorado.
While raising our four children we drove all over the country (except the New England states, which is still to be explored, hopefully in the Fall time). We've traveled in at least 35 states and I marvel at the uniqeness and beauty of each.
Must go. Got to get the rays while I can. Just wish I could stop by for an In-and-Out-Burger or a restful Marie Calendars restaurant before I did my last stop of the day: Trader Joes. Any exp.s agree?
Friday, February 26, 2010
About mothering...baby to soldier
Emerging
by Cathryn
He emerged once
weak, beginning, needy
nothing like he'd become
decades down the road.
Dozing as he grew
struggling, moving mountains;
ME was his mantra.
A day passed and then another
and on and on he grew.
He stood defiant, knowing his mind
believing he was whole
yet still a kernel popping through
the soil of time.
Violent, quiet, charming, words and words
and endless ideas swam from his interior.
And his body did not contour to my own any longer;
his friends were over there, not here, not with me.
And he grew in stature and he did know so much
(maybe not as much as he thought he knew, but much).
He wedded the princess of his youth and
emerged a husband,
caring, protecting, loving, being a man.
And again, he emerges-
though this time his emergence takes him far from me.
That is okay for that is why this kernel grew
to be blown away by God's hand and grow in new lands.
And now another dark land emerges into his life
fighting his life.
A land of scrub brush and hidden bombs
of people fighting against my son, the infidel.
again, I pray he emerges, alive, stronger, wiser
and even more tender to what is true and beautiful.
by Cathryn
He emerged once
weak, beginning, needy
nothing like he'd become
decades down the road.
Dozing as he grew
struggling, moving mountains;
ME was his mantra.
A day passed and then another
and on and on he grew.
He stood defiant, knowing his mind
believing he was whole
yet still a kernel popping through
the soil of time.
Violent, quiet, charming, words and words
and endless ideas swam from his interior.
And his body did not contour to my own any longer;
his friends were over there, not here, not with me.
And he grew in stature and he did know so much
(maybe not as much as he thought he knew, but much).
He wedded the princess of his youth and
emerged a husband,
caring, protecting, loving, being a man.
And again, he emerges-
though this time his emergence takes him far from me.
That is okay for that is why this kernel grew
to be blown away by God's hand and grow in new lands.
And now another dark land emerges into his life
fighting his life.
A land of scrub brush and hidden bombs
of people fighting against my son, the infidel.
again, I pray he emerges, alive, stronger, wiser
and even more tender to what is true and beautiful.
Another Colmar Photo
New Day Photo
I think this looks like a good wake up, it's a new day photo. This is actually an afternoon shot from our tree-house-type room window. I'm not too sure what this bulding is. All I know it I loved the clouds above it and the clouds reflecting off the windows right into our room in Colmar, France (near German Border). 
Thursday, February 25, 2010
AND YOU
What do you think? I want to hear your struggles. I want to help you walk this walk we have been called to. Let's talk. Here is a photo of Hope...anyway, I think it is.
Motherhood Motherhood: the guilt.......
This is what I'm writing about these days. You could think this book is basking in my pain because I, above all, should never write a book about GUILT. But I pause, and know that because I've failed in so many ways and Yes, I still want to live and I to cherish those moments, days and years that my mothering Wasn't about guilt.
In Corinthians Paul tells us that He will comfort us and in turn we are to comfort others with that. I desire that. Paul (pretty smart guy) also tells us that God can use the weakest vasel for His Glory and that in our weakness GOD will be our strength. I'm counting on that.
Share with me your struggles in motherhhood guilt and what has helpd you or that you need help
In the midst of my saddest months of guilt, I believe God encouraged me with this poem I wrote, so I could find His peace and in turn encourage you:
FORGIVENESS
by Cat
Facing the truth; from the well of my existence,
sorrow so deep I can't find the bottom.
Ripped from my marrow, my flesh, my soul.
How will I ever look up or forward or at tomorrow?
I am full of regret and guilt; turning from, turning towards.
Tears falling again and again - weeping like the weeping willow.
Yet now, I , find my Father, He rocks my soul,
back and forth,
back and forth.
"I wipe your tears little one,
I've heard your pain - My heart has felt the hurt,
felt your guilt and I bring you peace,
sweet, lay-you-by-still-waters peace.
It has ripped my soul also.
Remember, 'the east from the west',
'whiter than snow.'"
I rest in the One who holds my tears, who loves me
in so many ways He gives me grace,
hope, joy.
Now I rest,
His peace flowing in and around me.
In Corinthians Paul tells us that He will comfort us and in turn we are to comfort others with that. I desire that. Paul (pretty smart guy) also tells us that God can use the weakest vasel for His Glory and that in our weakness GOD will be our strength. I'm counting on that.
Share with me your struggles in motherhhood guilt and what has helpd you or that you need help
In the midst of my saddest months of guilt, I believe God encouraged me with this poem I wrote, so I could find His peace and in turn encourage you:
FORGIVENESS
by Cat
Facing the truth; from the well of my existence,
sorrow so deep I can't find the bottom.
Ripped from my marrow, my flesh, my soul.
How will I ever look up or forward or at tomorrow?
I am full of regret and guilt; turning from, turning towards.
Tears falling again and again - weeping like the weeping willow.
Yet now, I , find my Father, He rocks my soul,
back and forth,
back and forth.
"I wipe your tears little one,
I've heard your pain - My heart has felt the hurt,
felt your guilt and I bring you peace,
sweet, lay-you-by-still-waters peace.
It has ripped my soul also.
Remember, 'the east from the west',
'whiter than snow.'"
I rest in the One who holds my tears, who loves me
in so many ways He gives me grace,
hope, joy.
Now I rest,
His peace flowing in and around me.
Favorite photo, favorite Paris cafe
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Sad Heart for those from HOME
I seek not to borrow fear and anxiety from the future. I pray I will be like Corrie Ten Boom and understand that I will have the strength to carry the heavy suitcase when I need it. God will provide. But, day one when he is overseas I will run to Evelyn's house. She had sons deployed and they are fine today,.,,and so is she.
Photo today: Halstatt, Austria
Every day or two I change my desktop photo After a four week trip to Europe I can't decide which photo I want to use permanently. I love this Halstatt photo because of its many lines: triangles, both big and small, squares, vertical and horizontal lines and the wonderful background collage of fall trees and, even further back to the surrounding mountains.
What do you think?
What do you think?
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
motherhood
Just read a blog on mamapedia about losing one;s identity when a mother. Put a long post there; feel free to read it.
This has led me to other thoughts of being a woman and mothering. though I'd post a poem or two.
first about being a woman:
When a Woman BY Cat
Only as my woman heart speaks from my soul
do tears of sorrow and joy mingle-
finding union with
who I am.
to feel.....
It is my gift, to express what I know
to struggle with what I don't.
It is my pain, tears flowing from the
well of who I am.
It is my hope,as words of truth
filter through the intuition
of my self.
When a woman
I am at home,
I am free,
to be.
and on becoming a mother I wrote:
When a Mother, BY CaT
My heart has come out of hiding.
forced out by giving love,
giving safety, receiving love.
Creeping and fearful at first
But out it came.
So frightening being responsible
to be in charge of little ones so fragile.
And I, the fragile one (though outsiders never suspect).
But little ones know
they sense the fear
they sense the love
they sense the parts of me broken.
And yet,
little ones have called me with tenderness
and have given me life anew.
Tears flow from the deepest well of my soul.
For love, for joy, for sorrow, for hope.
In hope, that in my mothering
I'm taken beyond I am
to the I AM.
There is more where this came from. Do you identify with any of this? Does it help/hinder?
Thanks for sitting with me.
Cat
This has led me to other thoughts of being a woman and mothering. though I'd post a poem or two.
first about being a woman:
When a Woman BY Cat
Only as my woman heart speaks from my soul
do tears of sorrow and joy mingle-
finding union with
who I am.
to feel.....
It is my gift, to express what I know
to struggle with what I don't.
It is my pain, tears flowing from the
well of who I am.
It is my hope,as words of truth
filter through the intuition
of my self.
When a woman
I am at home,
I am free,
to be.
and on becoming a mother I wrote:
When a Mother, BY CaT
My heart has come out of hiding.
forced out by giving love,
giving safety, receiving love.
Creeping and fearful at first
But out it came.
So frightening being responsible
to be in charge of little ones so fragile.
And I, the fragile one (though outsiders never suspect).
But little ones know
they sense the fear
they sense the love
they sense the parts of me broken.
And yet,
little ones have called me with tenderness
and have given me life anew.
Tears flow from the deepest well of my soul.
For love, for joy, for sorrow, for hope.
In hope, that in my mothering
I'm taken beyond I am
to the I AM.
There is more where this came from. Do you identify with any of this? Does it help/hinder?
Thanks for sitting with me.
Cat
Friday, February 12, 2010
IT'S WINTER TIME AND I ALWAYS MISS COLORADO DURING THEIR SNOWY SEASON AND THE COOL FLORIDA DAYS THAT ARE EMPTY OF SNOW. REMINDS ME OF A POEM I WROTE YEARS AGO. HOPE YOU ENJOY:
Colorado Comes to Me
By Cat
Colorado comes to me, early evening breezes refresh the air.
Clouds frolicking in the crispy blue of the Columbine.
I remember the aspen leaves' love of following
running with the wind, their translucent dresses
playing with forever green needles.
Atop peaks of cotton, gold rimmed horizon
streaking a sunset at the end of day over majestic mountains
(giving the word its meaning).
And the snow storm wore different outfits
gentle powder of the angels
whirling-white-wind and wetness
thrashing icy rain-slush-snow flurries.
Though far away, Colorado calls to me, “Come home”.
Okay this isn't exactly Colorado...but it made me feel like I was in Colorado while in Austria
Colorado Comes to Me
By Cat
Clouds frolicking in the crispy blue of the Columbine.
I remember the aspen leaves' love of following
running with the wind, their translucent dresses
playing with forever green needles.
Atop peaks of cotton, gold rimmed horizon
streaking a sunset at the end of day over majestic mountains
(giving the word its meaning).
And the snow storm wore different outfits
gentle powder of the angels
whirling-white-wind and wetness
thrashing icy rain-slush-snow flurries.
Though far away, Colorado calls to me, “Come home”.
Okay this isn't exactly Colorado...but it made me feel like I was in Colorado while in Austria
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