Mother’s Healing Garden
I have found a wonderful place to pray and think that I would like to tell you about. A few years ago, a group of mothers created a beautiful garden in memory of the children they lost. It is located in Dell Rapids, SD and open to the public. The garden has a open air chapel and a Labyrinth which was constructed to be used for meditation and prayer.
These wonderful women had a vision of a quiet place for people, especially mothers, to go to -- reflect, think, and pray as they grieve the loss of a loved one. I had only visited the Mother’s Healing garden a few times, until this year. This summer the garden in it’s full beauty and I have found the garden to be a wonderful place to think and pray. It is not that I am grieving the loss of a loved one, but sometimes mom’s just need some alone time with God. I can definitely feel God’s presence in the garden.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
July 10 - Dad's birthday
This is a very emotional Blessings for me. I am challenging myself to be open about a part of my life that I choose not to talk about much. Today is my dad’s birthday. I am not sure what the best gift he has ever received. I know the best gift that he gave me.
My dad is a recovered alcoholic. I believe that the alcoholism began in my teen years and it continued into my early thirties. The best gift I received from my dad was the day he decided to become a recovering alcoholic. There were a lot of challenging times over all the years that he drank. He was a happy drunk and he could be the life a party, but he became dependant on it to open up and to be happy. Isn’t it funny, he was dependant on a depressant to be happy?
For many years, I wanted nothing more than for him to go through treatment. Then the day finally came, he admitted himself to treatment. I was so happy, yet scared. The hardest day of his treatment was the day that I came to see him and he demanded that I take him home. I refused. He was so anger at me and he told me, out of rage, that I was no longer his daughter. I knew that he did not mean it, and that he probably would not remember saying it. It was hard to leave that day knowing how upset he was at me.
He completed his treatment and attended AA meetings on a regular basis. The first year was a challenge. I was invited to his one year anniversary party with his AA group. At that meeting my dad got up and talked about the challenges of the year and gave me another gift. He came over to me, hugged me (remember old Dutch men are generally not huggers) and thanked me for having the courage to leave him in treatment, instead of taking him home.
My dad has been free from alcohol since October 1999. I am so grateful that my kids will never remember their grandfather was an alcoholic.
Blessings
Robin
My dad is a recovered alcoholic. I believe that the alcoholism began in my teen years and it continued into my early thirties. The best gift I received from my dad was the day he decided to become a recovering alcoholic. There were a lot of challenging times over all the years that he drank. He was a happy drunk and he could be the life a party, but he became dependant on it to open up and to be happy. Isn’t it funny, he was dependant on a depressant to be happy?
For many years, I wanted nothing more than for him to go through treatment. Then the day finally came, he admitted himself to treatment. I was so happy, yet scared. The hardest day of his treatment was the day that I came to see him and he demanded that I take him home. I refused. He was so anger at me and he told me, out of rage, that I was no longer his daughter. I knew that he did not mean it, and that he probably would not remember saying it. It was hard to leave that day knowing how upset he was at me.
He completed his treatment and attended AA meetings on a regular basis. The first year was a challenge. I was invited to his one year anniversary party with his AA group. At that meeting my dad got up and talked about the challenges of the year and gave me another gift. He came over to me, hugged me (remember old Dutch men are generally not huggers) and thanked me for having the courage to leave him in treatment, instead of taking him home.
My dad has been free from alcohol since October 1999. I am so grateful that my kids will never remember their grandfather was an alcoholic.
Blessings
Robin
July 9 - Actions speak louder than words
I am honored to include writings from a couple close friends in “Blessings”. Today’s Blessing comes from Karla Peter. Karla and I grew up in the same small church in Harrison, SD. When you talk to Karla about us growing up together, she is quick to let everyone know that I am older! I hope you enjoy Karla’s writings as much as I do.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
“Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.” Matthew 23:3.
We have probably all heard the phrase, “Actions speak louder than words”. Those of us with growing, maturing children in our lives are perhaps reminded quite frequently of this popular saying. How easy it is to verbally communicate to our children what appropriate behavior is along with our expectations for them; however, providing them with a consistent, positive example that measures up to all that we have outlined through our speech is not nearly so simple. Then, if inconsistencies exist between what we have said and what we have done, they generally will not hesitate to point them out to us.
In today’s Bible passage, we see that the Scribes and Pharisees were using Scripture to condemn other people for doing the same evil that they were doing. Jesus is angry at the hypocrisy that he sees among these Scribes and Pharisees. Unfortunately, that is a sin that we can so easily fall prey to, as well.
Instead, Christ has called us to be His servants sent into the world as ambassadors of His kingdom. It seems like one of the most effective ways of carrying this mission out is not through our grand and glorious words or any false fronts we may attempt to portray but, instead, our humble, consistent actions. In attempting to maintain a positive, Christ-like example, we may be able to lighten the burdens on others shoulders while helping fellow followers along the journey of faith.
I encourage you to take time for soul-searching and reflection, to focus on your individual relationship with Christ looking for ways to ‘lead by example’ for those around you. May He find us to be faithful, humble servants for Him.
God of Humility, Openness and Compassion,
Our Teacher and Perfect Example,
Help Us To Live Out Your Purpose For Our Lives,
Through Your Son, Who Taught Us How To Live, Amen.
Karla R. Peter
Blessings
Robin
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
“Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.” Matthew 23:3.
We have probably all heard the phrase, “Actions speak louder than words”. Those of us with growing, maturing children in our lives are perhaps reminded quite frequently of this popular saying. How easy it is to verbally communicate to our children what appropriate behavior is along with our expectations for them; however, providing them with a consistent, positive example that measures up to all that we have outlined through our speech is not nearly so simple. Then, if inconsistencies exist between what we have said and what we have done, they generally will not hesitate to point them out to us.
In today’s Bible passage, we see that the Scribes and Pharisees were using Scripture to condemn other people for doing the same evil that they were doing. Jesus is angry at the hypocrisy that he sees among these Scribes and Pharisees. Unfortunately, that is a sin that we can so easily fall prey to, as well.
Instead, Christ has called us to be His servants sent into the world as ambassadors of His kingdom. It seems like one of the most effective ways of carrying this mission out is not through our grand and glorious words or any false fronts we may attempt to portray but, instead, our humble, consistent actions. In attempting to maintain a positive, Christ-like example, we may be able to lighten the burdens on others shoulders while helping fellow followers along the journey of faith.
I encourage you to take time for soul-searching and reflection, to focus on your individual relationship with Christ looking for ways to ‘lead by example’ for those around you. May He find us to be faithful, humble servants for Him.
God of Humility, Openness and Compassion,
Our Teacher and Perfect Example,
Help Us To Live Out Your Purpose For Our Lives,
Through Your Son, Who Taught Us How To Live, Amen.
Karla R. Peter
Blessings
Robin
July 8 - Tire Swing
Tire Swing
Recently, we were watching a movie and the boy in the movie was playing on an old fashion tire swing. This brought back memories for me. My brother and I loved to go to my Great Uncle Jake and Aunt Pearle’s house to visit on Sunday afternoon. It was not because we liked visiting with the old people, but we loved the old tire swing they had hanging from a big oak tree near the driveway. We could swing on that tire for hours. It was so different and much more exciting than our metal swing set. We could get the swing to go high and we loved to jump off at the highest point to see who could fly without getting hurt.
Since we watched that movie, I have been looking for an old tire swing to enjoy, like I did when I was a kid.
Recently, we were watching a movie and the boy in the movie was playing on an old fashion tire swing. This brought back memories for me. My brother and I loved to go to my Great Uncle Jake and Aunt Pearle’s house to visit on Sunday afternoon. It was not because we liked visiting with the old people, but we loved the old tire swing they had hanging from a big oak tree near the driveway. We could swing on that tire for hours. It was so different and much more exciting than our metal swing set. We could get the swing to go high and we loved to jump off at the highest point to see who could fly without getting hurt.
Since we watched that movie, I have been looking for an old tire swing to enjoy, like I did when I was a kid.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
June 30 - marriage
Love is blind,
but marriage restores its sight.
~Georg C. Lichtenberg
I have so much to say about this quote, but I think I am going to just let you think about it and what it means to you. It will mean different things to all of us depending on our situation. Enjoy and celebrate the sight!
but marriage restores its sight.
~Georg C. Lichtenberg
I have so much to say about this quote, but I think I am going to just let you think about it and what it means to you. It will mean different things to all of us depending on our situation. Enjoy and celebrate the sight!
Monday, June 29, 2009
June 28 - Anniversary
Today is Todd and my wedding anniversary. We were married in 1986 at the ages of 19 and 20. Now that our daughter is 17 we ask ourselves, “What were we thinking to get married so young?” I know we were thinking we were in love and it was just the next thing to do. At the age of 19, I did not know that marriage would take so much work. For some reason I thought that we would always be “in love” and that love could fix anything. While, we have been married a while now and we both know that marriage takes work, dedication, energy, patience, commitment and most of all we need God to be the center of our marriage.
The next couple days of Blessings will be dedicated to marriage.
Blessings
Robin
The next couple days of Blessings will be dedicated to marriage.
Blessings
Robin
June 29 - Annoyance
I would like to share the quote on front of the anniversary card that I gave Todd this year.
“It is so great to find that one special
Person you want to annoy for
the rest of your life.”
Happy Anniversary!
Todd and I had a good laugh about the card. Sometimes in marriage it does feel the like other person is just there to annoy us. I get annoyed about some of the smallest things, like socks on the floor, dishes in the sink, etc. Overall, it is really just an annoyance. We realize that we can annoy each other at times, but that is part of marriage.
Blessings
Robin
“It is so great to find that one special
Person you want to annoy for
the rest of your life.”
Happy Anniversary!
Todd and I had a good laugh about the card. Sometimes in marriage it does feel the like other person is just there to annoy us. I get annoyed about some of the smallest things, like socks on the floor, dishes in the sink, etc. Overall, it is really just an annoyance. We realize that we can annoy each other at times, but that is part of marriage.
Blessings
Robin
Saturday, June 27, 2009
June 27 - problems
“Problems viewed in the future appear to be obstacles
while problems viewed in the past are revealed as blessings.”
Friday, June 26, 2009
June 26 - Morgan is 17
Today marks the 17th anniversary of the day Todd and I became parents. Yes, Morgan is 17 years old already.
There is nothing in the world that can compare to the day a woman becomes a mother for the first time. It is an emotional high, filled with excitement and fear. The day we left the hospital and drove away with our new baby. We looked at each other and said, “ Wow, they let us leave with her! What do we do now?” There have been plenty days that we have asked ourselves as parents, “What do we do now?” The most important thing that we have learned we can do for our children is to pray for them daily.
Parents prayer
There is nothing in the world that can compare to the day a woman becomes a mother for the first time. It is an emotional high, filled with excitement and fear. The day we left the hospital and drove away with our new baby. We looked at each other and said, “ Wow, they let us leave with her! What do we do now?” There have been plenty days that we have asked ourselves as parents, “What do we do now?” The most important thing that we have learned we can do for our children is to pray for them daily.
Parents prayer
Lord you have given me these children to watch over and care for.
Grant them your safety and your protection against all the schemes and temptations of the devil.
Grant them the wisdom to get through life.
Grant them the security of knowing that they rest firmly in your grasp.
Thank you for giving me these children.
All these things I pray in your name Amen.
Grant them your safety and your protection against all the schemes and temptations of the devil.
Grant them the wisdom to get through life.
Grant them the security of knowing that they rest firmly in your grasp.
Thank you for giving me these children.
All these things I pray in your name Amen.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
June 25 - Baseball
Baseball?
It's just a game - as simple as a ball and a bat.
Yet, as complex as the American spirit it symbolizes.
It's a sport, business - and sometimes even religion.
~Ernie Harwell, "The Game for All America," 1955
It seems fitting that my quote today is on baseball. Both boys are playing baseball this summer and tonight was the fourth baseball game of the week; we have three more on Saturday. It is fun to watch the boys learn to play as a team and encourage each other. So many life lessons can be learned on a baseball field.
It's just a game - as simple as a ball and a bat.
Yet, as complex as the American spirit it symbolizes.
It's a sport, business - and sometimes even religion.
~Ernie Harwell, "The Game for All America," 1955
It seems fitting that my quote today is on baseball. Both boys are playing baseball this summer and tonight was the fourth baseball game of the week; we have three more on Saturday. It is fun to watch the boys learn to play as a team and encourage each other. So many life lessons can be learned on a baseball field.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
June 24
"When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives
but are grateful for the abundance that's present....
we experience heaven on earth."
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
June 23 - YBA
This week Morgan is attending YBA (Youth Business Adventure) at Dakota State University. A couple days ago Ross asked me, “What is the name of the camp Morgan is at this week?” I replied, “YBA”. He looked at me with a puzzled face and said, “Why Be A, what?” We had a good laugh over the whole thing.
After thinking about it, it is good to ask ourselves this question ever now and then. “Why be a ______?” Here are some questions a person could ask themselves.
“Why be a self centered person?”
“Why be a crab?”
“Why be a gossip?”
“Why be a poor listener?”
These questions can go on and on and on. The answer to all the questions is… “Because it is easier than being the opposite.” The easier answer is not always the most rewarding or fulfilling in life. Listed below are statement that are fulfilling and rewarding.
“I am giving.”
“I am positive.”
“I am trustworthy.”
“I am a good listener.”
Life is not easy, but it is worthwhile when we invest our time and energy into making the most of it.
Blessings
Robin
After thinking about it, it is good to ask ourselves this question ever now and then. “Why be a ______?” Here are some questions a person could ask themselves.
“Why be a self centered person?”
“Why be a crab?”
“Why be a gossip?”
“Why be a poor listener?”
These questions can go on and on and on. The answer to all the questions is… “Because it is easier than being the opposite.” The easier answer is not always the most rewarding or fulfilling in life. Listed below are statement that are fulfilling and rewarding.
“I am giving.”
“I am positive.”
“I am trustworthy.”
“I am a good listener.”
Life is not easy, but it is worthwhile when we invest our time and energy into making the most of it.
Blessings
Robin
Monday, June 22, 2009
June 22 - Doable
Life is always doable
if we remember
we only have to make it through one day at a time.
I received a touching e-mail from a long time friend. The quote above was part of her closing. This was the perfect message for me at the exact time I need to be reminded; that I only have to make it through today and tomorrow is a new day. I hope this is meaningful to you too.
if we remember
we only have to make it through one day at a time.
I received a touching e-mail from a long time friend. The quote above was part of her closing. This was the perfect message for me at the exact time I need to be reminded; that I only have to make it through today and tomorrow is a new day. I hope this is meaningful to you too.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
June 21 - Meal with Friends
I have learned
that one of the best blessings is a
that one of the best blessings is a
meal shared with close friends.
June 20 - Attitude
I've learned that either you control your attitude
or it controls you.
I wish I could say that I always remember this quote. I have found myself in a place where my attitude is controlling me. That is not a place that I like to be. It is so much better when I take control of my attitude. Life is just too short to have an attitude that is anything less than positive!
or it controls you.
I wish I could say that I always remember this quote. I have found myself in a place where my attitude is controlling me. That is not a place that I like to be. It is so much better when I take control of my attitude. Life is just too short to have an attitude that is anything less than positive!
June 19 - last a lifetime
You have heard the statement, “When it rains, it pours.” We it has been pouring at our house. A couple weeks ago the clutch went out in Todd’s tractor, then the starter when out in the four wheeler, next belt broke on the vacuum (I was able to fix that one) and lastly the engine blew up in riding lawn mower. It is all overwhelming and I am not even the one that has to fix it. Todd has been fixing something for weeks it seems. It is not that things broke, because they were not cared for. They broke because they were used for their purposes. “Things” are not built to last a lifetime.
This makes me think about how fortunate we are as people; we are built to last a lifetime. As we use our bodies or minds for the purpose it was built for we become better, not just worn out. Some examples are: by exercising we get into better shape and strengthen our bodies; by reading we sharpen our minds. We are so fortunate that we were built to last a lifetime!
Blessings
Robin
This makes me think about how fortunate we are as people; we are built to last a lifetime. As we use our bodies or minds for the purpose it was built for we become better, not just worn out. Some examples are: by exercising we get into better shape and strengthen our bodies; by reading we sharpen our minds. We are so fortunate that we were built to last a lifetime!
Blessings
Robin
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
June 18 - Mud
Boy Fun
A couple nights ago, I came home to find clothing strung across my yard and piles of it in the garage. It was all wet and full of mud. When I got in the house, Andrew informed me that he had a great day with his friends. I asked what they did and I was sure that the wet muddy clothing had something to do with it. They went “mud bogging”. They rode the four wheeler through every mud hole they could find, then went to the play in stream to clean off. Unfortunately, they found out the stream just produced more mud on them. Andrew said, “It was great -- Boy Fun, girls would never do this!”
Blessed by MUD!
A couple nights ago, I came home to find clothing strung across my yard and piles of it in the garage. It was all wet and full of mud. When I got in the house, Andrew informed me that he had a great day with his friends. I asked what they did and I was sure that the wet muddy clothing had something to do with it. They went “mud bogging”. They rode the four wheeler through every mud hole they could find, then went to the play in stream to clean off. Unfortunately, they found out the stream just produced more mud on them. Andrew said, “It was great -- Boy Fun, girls would never do this!”
Blessed by MUD!
June 17 - Strawberries
I have been waiting for this day for four years!
Four years ago, I planted my strawberry patch. I worked hard that first year weeding and caring for my new little strawberries. I knew that the first year would not produce any fruit. I also knew that the second year would not be a year of abundance. Last year, my strawberries took off and I actually had produce. The berries were small, but there were berries! This year is the year I have been working and waiting for --- my patch is beautiful, the berries are abundant, big and juicy.
I am glad that I did not give up on my strawberry patch. The work was worth it! This reminds me to have patience as abundance will come.
Blessings
Robin
Four years ago, I planted my strawberry patch. I worked hard that first year weeding and caring for my new little strawberries. I knew that the first year would not produce any fruit. I also knew that the second year would not be a year of abundance. Last year, my strawberries took off and I actually had produce. The berries were small, but there were berries! This year is the year I have been working and waiting for --- my patch is beautiful, the berries are abundant, big and juicy.
I am glad that I did not give up on my strawberry patch. The work was worth it! This reminds me to have patience as abundance will come.
Blessings
Robin
June 16 - Blessings
Some days we just need to count our blessings and not worry about our problems. I have found that when I focus on my blessings, my problems just do not seem so big anymore.
Blessings
Robin
Blessings
Robin
Sunday, June 14, 2009
June 15 - A Mother's Guilt
Guilt
I try to be a good daughter, but sometimes I disappoint my mother. I bet this is a statement that all daughters have made. Mothers of course are the best at making a person feel guilt. I hope this is a skill that I do not feel the need to use on my children as they become adults.
I wrote about my Grandmother’s birthday yesterday. I am very happy for her and I love her with all my heart. Today, mMy mom and her siblings had cake and ice cream at the nursing home for Grandma. My mom called a couple weeks ago to let me know that they would be hosting a “small” party for Grandma, if I wanted to come. She told me it would be simple. I thought about driving out for the event. I did not have anything conflicting on my calendar, but the rest of my family either had a conflict or did not want spend a beautiful summer day in the car, driving two hours each way and only spend a couple hours visiting. I did not want to drive by myself, so I took the selfish route and did not go home for the day. My reasoning --- Grandma would be so busy with the other guest that she would not know I was there or not. I can go another time and spend more quality time with Grandma.
Then the dreaded call came about 5PM. My mom, “What came up that you did not attend today?” I told her the truth. She told me the names of all 40 people that did attend Grandma’s “small” party today and how far they traveled to be with Grandma on her 95th birthday. Yes, the guilt set in! She told me how cute my cousin’s baby is and all the thing she is doing and it was too bad that I missed it. She told me about all the people that asked where I was. Grandma did not ask about me, but she asked about my brother. Mom explained that he was not able to make it. Grandma scolded my mom, for not raising a better son. I got the message it meant daughter too. More guilt!
I knew when I made the decision I would feel guilty about not attending. I did take the selfish route my not attending. I could have drove by myself and been just fine or I could have played the guilt game on one of my family members to get them to go with me. I took the easy way out, but I did learn from the day. I learned that investing time is more important than investing energy or resources into people. It was important to my mom to have me there today and I let her down. I hope I remember this the next time I am faced with a decision like this.
Blessings
Robin
I try to be a good daughter, but sometimes I disappoint my mother. I bet this is a statement that all daughters have made. Mothers of course are the best at making a person feel guilt. I hope this is a skill that I do not feel the need to use on my children as they become adults.
I wrote about my Grandmother’s birthday yesterday. I am very happy for her and I love her with all my heart. Today, mMy mom and her siblings had cake and ice cream at the nursing home for Grandma. My mom called a couple weeks ago to let me know that they would be hosting a “small” party for Grandma, if I wanted to come. She told me it would be simple. I thought about driving out for the event. I did not have anything conflicting on my calendar, but the rest of my family either had a conflict or did not want spend a beautiful summer day in the car, driving two hours each way and only spend a couple hours visiting. I did not want to drive by myself, so I took the selfish route and did not go home for the day. My reasoning --- Grandma would be so busy with the other guest that she would not know I was there or not. I can go another time and spend more quality time with Grandma.
Then the dreaded call came about 5PM. My mom, “What came up that you did not attend today?” I told her the truth. She told me the names of all 40 people that did attend Grandma’s “small” party today and how far they traveled to be with Grandma on her 95th birthday. Yes, the guilt set in! She told me how cute my cousin’s baby is and all the thing she is doing and it was too bad that I missed it. She told me about all the people that asked where I was. Grandma did not ask about me, but she asked about my brother. Mom explained that he was not able to make it. Grandma scolded my mom, for not raising a better son. I got the message it meant daughter too. More guilt!
I knew when I made the decision I would feel guilty about not attending. I did take the selfish route my not attending. I could have drove by myself and been just fine or I could have played the guilt game on one of my family members to get them to go with me. I took the easy way out, but I did learn from the day. I learned that investing time is more important than investing energy or resources into people. It was important to my mom to have me there today and I let her down. I hope I remember this the next time I am faced with a decision like this.
Blessings
Robin
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