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.