Legos Memories

As a mom and grand mother, I have many memories regarding Legos. Here is one:

WHAT TO DO ON A RAINY DAY?! When Brian was a little guy, he was REALLY into Legos. And, yep, I saved most of the pieces and directions...but over the years the pieces got all mixed together...sooooooo yesterday, on our So. Cal rainy day, Landon and Mimi sorted through a big box of pieces for grey and black pieces to make one of the complex space ships Brian made YEARS ago. As for the building of this, it may take until next Christmas. But, Oh, the fun of searching and sorting with Landon. And, yes, today Kyla started on her own project. LEGOS --- best toys in the world.

This was from a couple of years ago...but ongoing.  Today, even, when Landon and Kyla were here for a few hours, the Lego pieces and characters bonded the two of them into a fun and sweet play time.  It wasn't raining today but it was still very wet and cold out from a recent rain.

I'm so grateful for times like this to remember.

Prayer over our children in school

I copied this from my post on Facebook, December 2012:

I'm not going to talk to you about gun control or mental health. I want to talk with you about doing a "Prayer Walk" at your child's school or a local neighborhood school. You probably wouldn't be able to go on campus to do this, but you could do it on the sidewalk in front of the school...and with the horrific happenings of last Friday, you probably wouldn't receive any objections, even from those who say they don't believe in God. I'm reading a very good book called "Prayer Walking - praying on site with insight". It is a great resource for info about this subject. But it is an easy, non threatening and powerful thing you can do alone or especially with a friend, praying silently or out loud. Scripture tells us that God is greater than the evil one...and God has hosts and hosts of angels to do HIS bidding. Let's join together as faith communities and surround our schools with HIS angels. There are many subjects we can pray about: wisdom for the teachers and administrators; peace for the children; buddies to share with and encourage one another; wisdom for counselors; wisdom and discernment and peace for parents...and more we can all add to the list. Let's do this!

Beyond Infinity

Meditating on the essence of GOD --- During this Advent season of 2016, I attempted to describe the essence of GOD.  Here is what I wrote in my gratitude journal:

YOU - YHWH  Exceedingly, abundantly beyond beyond x a zillion --- and this doesn't begin to describe your essence - INFINITY - no beginning and no end.  As a writer, I often experience frustration with words - those times when I can't find the ones I want, as I search in my "word box"... my thesaurus helps me in those times... but not now.  And, I am so glad!  I will NEVER find the words to describe the awe and wonder and majesty of GOD.  He knew before time began on this planet that I would (in stumbling, incorrect grammar and sentence structure) write this...HE knew every sinful thought and action of my life.  Yet, HE came as a baby, lived sinless and died in my place to restore me to this essence of love I can't describe.  I am totally astounded.

ONESIMUS HOUSE 7 YEAR UPDATE

As 2016 draws to a close, it seems an appropriate time to update our blog.

When Charlie received the vision for O.H., he had in mind its use connected with "silent retreats".  Before it was built, we hosted a few in our backyard.  But, it required use of our home and our participation in the retreat.  O.H. has allowed small groups to gather for their retreats, using it as their gathering place and connecting with the grounds to scatter for silent reflection.  And, we need not be present. Yet, it wasn't until this year and its last month that a small retreat was held here.  It was a mini Advent retreat for women.  It lasted just half a day and was attended by 15 young women, in need of quiet and rest.

Gini worked with the retreat coordinators regarding the house and grounds.  Charlie and Gini prepared the property by cleaning and setting up areas to sit and reflect.  But, the strongest winds of the year arrived just days before the retreat, blowing gale force winds the day and night before, undoing all their work.  If the winds continued to blow with this intensity, the plans for the retreat would be radically changed.  15 women gathered in the great room was a sight to behold.  They looked as snug as bugs in a rug.  But, their movement was greatly hampered.  Charlie prayed for God's favor, asking Him to calm the winds to gentle breezes.  God granted His favor and although the grounds were scattered with leaves and branches, the ladies were able to find a place to have their meditations.  PRAISE AND GLORY TO GOD!

So, the retreat is the end of the story.  But there is more to tell.  O.H. was even used by a bride and her attendants on her wedding day as her bridal preparation room and when the wedding began, she walked down the trail from the house, with her arm in her dad's to the guests and groom waiting below.  It was a sight to see!

During these 7 years there have been pastor study retreats, staff retreats, far away friends coming to spend time with family living in our area, missionaries on leave for R and R., guests from around the world visiting to connect with local congregations, Walker family members coming for a visit, local ministry partners in need of housing and others. 

Charlie and Gini are blessed each time with the loving and thoughtful comments written in O.H. guestbooks.  In October 2014, book two was begun.  Both books have a MONET cover and are treasured by the Walkers as a connection with all events and guests.

Much prayer has covered Onesimus House...prayers for protection, prayers for the interior, prayers for the coming guests.  It wasn't until this month that a new refrigerator needed to be purchased.  God has continued to display His Holy favor over Onesimus House.  We look forward to seeing His future blessings.

God's Mercy

Psalm 86:19  "I know God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and great in loving kindness.  He hears my cries and keeps me."

I've often said that God's timing in my life is impeccable.  The morning of November 8, 2016, election day, I was reading a book about The Book of Genesis.  The reading that morning was about the destruction of Sodom.  What caught my attention was the bargaining between Abraham and God
regarding that deplorable city.  Abraham believed God loved righteousness so much that Abraham could ask God to stay his hand of destruction if there could be found 50, no 40, no 30, no 20, no 10 righteous in the city.  Abraham dared to test God's patience because he had personally experienced it.  God listened and then spared just the family of Lot.  Not much righteousness there but God's mercy is SO GREAT.

As I remembered and read that story, that afternoon I asked my brother and sister to join me in lifting America to God as Abraham lifted Sodom.  For the sake of the righteous in our great land, would God show us mercy in the election?  He did! But, I woke numerous times that night and recalled all those moments during the election returns and ballot counting when I struggled with my faith.  I had to leave the TV room and go into the dark and quiet of another room and once again focus on the MIGHT of our great GOD.  Lifting my hands again toward heaven I gave America's future to God.

As Charlie and I discussed the outcome of the election, he said, "this did not stop America's fall...it just slowed it down..."  As I considered this, I asked myself "why?" and "Now what?"  I came to this conclusion.  God has given His righteous ones time for one thing.  And one thing only.  Not to live life in the usual.  Not to say, "Whew...that was close".  But, time to share the Good News of Jesus. "SHARE ME WITH OTHERS" He said.  It is interesting that election day came one day after the Fall season time change.  We are given an extra hour - FOR A SEASON.  God is giving us "extra time for a season" to tell others about His grace and mercy and peace.  But, unlike the time change with the seasons, we don't know when His mercy clock on America will run out.

Another part of my thoughts about all of this during the night were these words from Abba Father God.  "Daughter, when you tell others about ME, it won't be easy...you will be rejected...you will be ridiculed...you will be hated".  Not exactly words I want to hear.  So, now I must go to Him for His grace - to be bold...to love others more than myself.   I pray HE will never let me forget the mercy of election night, 2016.

Following God's Lead

Think of it this way:

God: I designed you for deep dependence on your Shepherd-King.  When you don't know what to do, wait while I open the way before you. Trust that I know what I'm doing, and be ready to follow My lead. I will give strength to you, and I will bless you with Peace.

Gini: Lead on, my Great and Awesome Shepherd-King

Memory of Lan and Kyla from 2013

October 25, 2013 ·

Yesterday during Kyla's nap time Landon wanted to play doctor with a few of their bears. I was his assisting nurse. His "buddy" bear had a big boo boo on his foot so I wrapped it in a bandage. When Kyla got up and joined us she was visibly upset by bear's boo boo. I tried to explain it was pretend. When they come today, I will need to remove the bandage and say "all better!" and let her kiss it. :-) :-) LOVE being their Mimi!

A BIG Rainbow

Landon & Kyla called us to tell us to go outside and see the rainbow...than Kyla wanted to come to our house to see it...suddenly a five year old has a lesson re: the vastness of God's creation as Mom explained "the rainbow you see is the same rainbow Mimi and Popi see"

Thunder & Lightening

An amazing display of God's glorious power this morning. I sat in the dark of our living room with a glass wall facing North. The lightening strikes over the ocean to the west and to the north of us led me to read God's responses to Job's complaints. God's power left Job speechless "...I lay my hand upon my mouth in silence..." I, too, am speechless. The storms spoke loud and clear.

Death of a Saint

On Labor Day, 9/5/16, God called home a very special saint.  Bruce Isenhauer of Trinity was known for his deep passionate love of our Lord.  It was evident in his faithful praying over Trinity.

His passing, at age 63 was so swift, it was a shock to us.  Bruce was instantly killed in a head-on-collision in which he was the driver.  The driver of the other car was also killed.  But passengers, daughter and grand son were not injured.

Why Bruce?  Why now?  We will probably never know the answer to those questions?  A wake up call?  Saving Bruce from experiencing turmoil in our church and world?  Don't know.  Don't know the conversations he just had with family in the car.  Bruce was almost a 24/7 conversationalist about his belief.  As far as I know he never passed over an opportunity to speak of and for God.

He saw no boundaries in sharing.  He often crossed over into "another's space" in his enthusiastic way of sharing.  One of the phrases we often heard Bruce say was "God is good...God is good all the time"

Bruce will be deeply missed by many.  Those who knew him well commented on their joy for Bruce to be in the presence of our LORD Jesus.  But, also, spoke of the sorrow and sadness in his earthly absence.  Until we meet again, dear brother (and thank you for serving Holy Communion to Charlie and me and others) the day before you left.

All Knowing Facebook vs All Knowing God

Saw a TV program this morning.  The host read pages and pages of personal data Facebook accumulates on its customers' accounts.  Scary.  Makes me want to break my relationship with Facebook.  It is interesting how Facebook presents itself as my friend...ie  "memories from 2, 4, 6 years ago"  FB starts with "because we care..."  Even my private messages to someone are recorded in Facebook data banks.  Hmmmm   How will this information about me be used in the future?

                                                                               vs

My all seeing, all knowing, all wise, all loving GOD... His Holy Word says He knows my thoughts before a word is spoken.  His Word says He will compassionately love me and forgive me.  His Word says He knows ALWAYS where I am, what I am doing, what my plans are and what my future holds.
But, unlike Facebook I know how this information is and will be used:  FOR MY GOOD.

My dilemma - I have chosen my Facebook friends carefully and I want to stay connected with them.  How?   Not email... again it is the issue of having my thoughts recorded on my computer.  Should I return to writing personal letters?  How many of my friends would stay connected this way... takes more time, cost of paper and stamps...and how would I share photos.  God I ask you to give me wisdom regarding this.

AGE - The Great Equalizer

Yesterday a name from my college days popped up on my Facebook connect to friends page.  George Musacchio - my English professor.  We are now connected and I am thoroughly enjoying getting to know him.  He was Dr. M in those days, youthful, witty and challenging.  He is STILL witty and challenging but now in his 80s.  Oh the wonder of computers.  The world seems to shrink with each passing day.

A Really Bad Day

"A Christian trusts a finished work".  I read that in a devotional book today and the words seemed to jump off the page.  A finished work.  And Jesus said (from the cross) "It is finished".  Is this the finished work I am trusting? Yes and No.  Strange that I would read that sentence just one day after a VERY bad day.  In some ways, pain is my enemy.  Yesterday it raised its ugly head.  Kyla and I were building something together and it was quite a project.  We were finishing it on the floor when she looked at me and said, "This is a really good day".  Then she smiled and continued her work.  It was shortly after those sweet words when pain in my lower back screamed at me.  Gingerly I stood and told Kyla I had to stop.  "Mimi's back is hurting".  How well can a 5 year old understand that?  Try as I could I couldn't get the pain to let up --- Tylenol, ice, lying down --- nothing helped.  I needed to move slowly through the house.  But what we built was blocking my movement so I showed her how to easily separate the pieces so I could walk.  She said no.  So I did it for her.  With my foot.  I kicked and the beautiful structure fell into smaller pieces.  To emphasize my anger and frustration I yelled at her.  Oh how quickly a sweet relationship can crumble.  Pain or not, I scolded myself, internally and tried to repair the structure.  "Do you want to help me, Kyla?" "NO!" she said with tears, "You hurt my feelings."

Do I trust the finished work of Jesus on the cross.  Yes.  I believe He died for me because of days like yesterday.  But also No.  I don't trust Him to guide me to a safer place when I am standing on the edge of the cliff of anger.  Because I have had experience with this cliff in different circumstances I have learned to hear His words of warning and words of wisdom of "Come to Me and I will help you with this."  I heard those words of warning on and off yesterday.  In those instances, pain was my friend...part of the warning.  But I chose to not heed His gentle calling me back.  Anger and stubbornness hang out together.  Yesterday, they won. 

Today is a better day...less pain.  But, best of all, I went to that place of forgiveness.  At the cross, I experienced once again His gentle grace.  Now, for the hard part...to restore the broken relationship with my precious Kyla.  Charlie said, "Gini, she will forgive you. It will just take time."  I began mending the bridge for her today.  I rebuilt, as best I could the structure.  Hopefully tomorrow she will build again and I look forward to those sweet words, "This is a good day, Mimi."

Trusting God in Shattered Dreams

Sometimes my FB post is like a page in my journal and you, my FB friends get to see my inner thoughts...I read in our newspaper yesterday the article about Rick and Kay Warren returning to their church after an extended time away to grieve for their son, Matt, who took his life...a friend of theirs wrote: "Every skeptic should have the fortitude to watch and observe Christian faith at its best." He was referring to that of Rick and Kay...no phony "we are Christians and we will suck it up and be strong" They were raw in their emotions and intensely honest about faith and God. Rick said "for seven years, I prayed every day that God would heal my son's mind...it was the ‪#‎l‬ prayer of my life. It didn't make sense to me why this prayer wasn't working"- Then on April 5 Matt died...Kay said, With his death, my hope for a healed mind on Earth was over and hope seemed like a mockery to me...but what happened that day is not the end of the story." As I read their story, I realized their hope did not die with Matt...AMAZING. So, me? I pray daily for Landon and Kyla...for God's protection, HIS work in their lives and that they, too, will come in faith to trust HIM. But, after reading the Warrens' story I ask myself, "Can God really be trusted?" This is what I read this morning: Hebrews 6:17 - 19 "God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that He would never change His mind. So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible to God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls." I will never understand the whys of our shattered dreams. But, if I can't cling to God's "I am faithful and I am God and I have plans for your good", then I have nothing. So, I choose hope, even when it seems a mockery.

Tough Lesson

When I ask God for wisdom, I don't always know when, where and what circumstances He will give W. to me... Case in point:

I ask for wisdom A LOT when spending time with Kyla.  I decided with my teaching background I would work with her on learning her ABCs.  She is to begin Kindergarten in the Fall and the preschool teachers feel she isn't ready...partly because she doensn't know her ABCs.  Kyla is very, very intelligent.  But she is also, very very stubborn.  At times she isn't teachable or coachable. 

I gathered my material and tried on several occasions to work with her.  She was uncooperative.  I became SO frustrated that I got to the point of not wanting to spend time with her AT ALL.

After "cooling down" I heard God's voice telling me: "Your relationship with Kyla is MORE important than her learning these... you quit teaching because you don't like it... you have good ideas but you don't work well with children.  Step back... let someone else help her"

WISDOM...WISDOM...WISDOM

His Potter's Wheel

It is not as if God all of a sudden changed his mind about you/me. As I understand and believe, it is that He knew before you/me were born and he knew all the "twists and turns, ups and downs, detours, potholes, avalanches, earthquakes, sweet meadow strolls, fresh scents of gentle rain, tsunamis, experiences with His glory in nature, physical & emotional challenges, etc" that would be a part of our design. He just keeps leaving us on the potter's wheel and says "I'm not finished yet"...For me, it is impatience, like a small child saying in the car "are we there yet?" Sometimes I want to grab the wheel and say, "I know a better way, a short cut"... then there is the blow-out and waiting for the repair. I am SO THANKFUL we have His Word which keeps telling us all about Him. How gracious of Him to do that.

In The Clouds

I have a cool and true story for you:
 

It is about a dad and son at an incredible park. It had everything. The best were the slides. There were three: a little one for beginners, young and inexperienced; a middle sized for older, more adventuresome kids and then the "in the clouds slide". 

 

The son went with no hesitation to the little one and whizzed down with a big smile. In no time he ran to the mid sized, hesitating a bit at the bottom when he realized it was higher. He looked at his dad who gave him a smile that said, "go for it". And again, he whizzed down, this time with eyes bigger. 

 

Finally, the little boy just had to try the "in the clouds slide".  Big teenagers were lining up for this one with no fear and moving quickly up the ladder. When the son looked at his dad for the ok sign the dad pretended to be looking away. The boy decided on his own to go for it. 

 

A third of the way up the ladder he froze. Clinging and trembling the son looked anxiously at his dad who was watching. His dad rushed to the slide and asked "are you ok?" The son said, "Daddy, will you come down the slide with me?" The dad knew this was one of those moments. He then asked his son, "Why?" And his son replied, "because it is too big for me." With that, the dad reached for him, then climb the ladder with his son and with arms and legs wrapped around him, they flew with smiles and a tight hug through "the clouds" to the ground below.

 

This reminds me of my God's love for me, encouraging me to move forward to the "in the clouds" experiences. But HE waits for me to realize my need for HIM and then he rushes to me and holds me in a way that gives me courage but also shows me once again how I can trust HIM. Thank you Jesus. You are forever faithful.

As King David Sees God's Glory

Physical and emotional pain quickly zaps my joy.  I NEED a huge dose of God's glory.  My mind calls for moments from my memory when I have seen the most spectacular display of His glory in the heavens...a sunset that causes me to gasp.  Stars so abundant in the desert sky, there is hardly room for darkness.  The study of the complex details and design of a human.  Why is my awe so fleeting?  Why am I so easily distracted and quick to "move on"?  Have I ever wondered why God made sunsets? Did He name the stars and place them in the heavens because He was bored?  Drink deep and long Gini, of the glory of God.  Your soul is withering.

From The Message (chosen simply as a personal preference) David celebrates God's Glory:

Psalm 29:1-9

"Bravo, God, bravo!

gods and all angels shout, "encore!"

In awe before the glory,

in awe before God's visible power, Stand at attention!

Dress your best to honor Him!

God thunders across the waters,

Brilliant, His voice and His face, streaming brightness--

God, across the flood waters.

God's thunder tympanic,

God's thunder symphonic.

God's thunder smashes cedars,

God topples the northern cedars.

The mountain ranges skip like spring colts,

The high ridges jump like wild kid goats.

God's thunder spits fire.

God thunders, the wilderness quakes;

He makes the desert of Kadesh shake.

God's thunder sets the oak trees dancing

A wild dance, whirling; the pelting rain strips their branches.

We fall to our knees--we call out, "Glory!"

God's Glory

My soul is dry.  It feels parched.  I am so tired of speeches.  I am so tired of opinions (mine included).  There is a deep longing in my soul.  This morning I discovered what it is.  One of my favorite authors Max Lucado has a devotional book called "It's Not About Me".  I am just beginning my reading.  But as is typical of Lucado, I don't have to read far before I am struck with relational feelings.  Here are his opening words to chapter 3: "Moses asked to see it on Sinai.  It billowed through the temple, leaving priests too stunned to minister.  When Ezekiel saw it, he had to bow.  It encircled the angels and starstruck the shepherds in the Bethlehem pasture.  Jesus radiates it.  John beheld it.  Peter witnessed it on Transfiguration Hill.  Christ will return enthroned in it.  Heaven will be illuminated by it.  One glimpse, one taste, one sampling, and (our) faith will never be the same... GLORY GOD'S GLORY"

And, David, the psalmist expressed that longing: Psalm 29 (The Message) "Bravo, God, bravo! gods and all angels shout, "encore!" In awe before the glory, in awe before God's visible power.  Stand at attention!  Dress your best to honor Him! God thunders across the waters, Brilliant, His voice and His face, streaming brightness--God, across the floor waters. God's thunder tympanic, God's thunder symphonic.  God's thunder smashes cedars, God topples the northern cedars.  The mountain ranges skip like spring colts, the high ridges jump like walk kid goats.  God's thunder spits fire. God thunders, the wilderness quakes; He makes the desert of Kadesh shake. Gd's thunder sets the oak trees dancing a wild dance, whirling; the pelting rain strips their branches.  We vall to our knees--we call out, GLORY"

MORE THAN WORSHIP

I have decided to use this site (Journey Between The Two Eternities) for more than worship.  I have a need to "pour out my soul"  This pouring may have the contents of anger, doubt, frustration and other negatives.  But, because I believe my God is ALL SEEING AND ALL KNOWING, and I am confident in His amazing love and grace over me, I can express ALL here.  I believe it will bring healing.  This will be my safe place to pour out my heart.  I won't be offending others.  Perhaps in the pouring, the healing will follow and I will receive new insights.

Our Refuge

Today and all of our tomorrows, for your soul and for my soul - "Psalm 62:5-8 "My soul, wait in silence for God only; For my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." 

Beautiful Benediction...

From the tiny and hard to read book of Jude. It is the benediction and such a blessing to say over each other. "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with joy; to the only God our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord be glory, majesty, dominion and authority before all time, now and forever. Amen" Jude 24 - 25

God Using The Bad Of Life For Good...

October 12, 2015 ·

I just read Pastor Rick Warren's daughter's (Amy Hilliker) quote from the article about their conference on mental health and her journey with her brother's suicide:
She said, "I wish we knew then the kind of things we know now," Hilliker said. "But for those of us who know Jesus, pain births beauty. The story is not even close to being over yet. Because God is making every hard and ugly and painful thing that I endured, that our family endured, work for good in our lives and the lives of others. The hope is, the Bible tells us, that this work will not end, until God has extracted every teeny, tiny morsel of good out of that pain. He will not let up until this work is finished."
Amy was SO truthful in sharing about her struggles. So, I take these words as honest, spoken from her heart of love for her brother and her love for Jesus.

It Is What It Is

There is a phrase often used today: “It is what it is.” This is a favorite of mine. I don’t see any IF, AND or BUT connected with this thought. It, whatever that may be…is what it is. It challenges me to see the reality of the “it”. Like “it” or not, I must deal with the reality. I can’t deny it. I can’t run from it. I can’t change it. I believe the Bible is the God-breathed Word of our heavenly Father, creator and lover of my soul. It doesn’t hold truth. It IS truth. “It is what it is”. Actually, this brings me GREAT comfort.