Bye For Now

A few years ago my little brother started calling me almost everyday. It was usually around 1:00 p.m. Dallas time and 11:00 a.m. Seattle time. That was when The Price is Right was over, which was one of his favorite shows. I think he got a kick out of me being a contestant on The Price is Right in 2005, so that’s probably why he thought of me when he’d watch it. Harold and I would try to catch The Price is Right as often as we could so we could talk about the show when Dougie called. We’d talk about who won a car, who overbid, when someone won both showcases, or when they both lost! Sometimes when he called I was busy so he’d leave me a voicemail but would still call me back later if I didn’t get right back with him. I have several voicemails saved on my phone from him:

“This is Doug. Bye for now.”

ALL of his phone messages were pretty much just like this. Actually, since his passing on November 19, 2024, listening to some of his messages again has brought me a fresh perspective on the hope of the resurrection.

Although he was mentally disabled since birth, Dougie believed in Jesus. He enjoyed going to Sunday School, church, and Vacation Bible School as a child, and attended church well into his adulthood with mom until she was no longer able to take him due to her illness. He had a childlike faith and was “forever young.”

Dad, me, Eldon, Denny, Joyce, Dougie, Ronnie, & Mom. Our family Christmas card, 1960.

“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14

Dougie also knew right from wrong. One day back in the 1980’s he came up to me, upset with himself about telling a lie. His humility was so genuine. We prayed about it together, in faith, asking for Jesus’ forgiveness.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

I look forward to seeing my little brother again one day in heaven, but for now his soul is with Jesus.

So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8

Because,

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25

The Bible has a lot to say about the promise of the resurrection.

I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you… that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Christ has indeed been raised, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3

Our resurrected bodies will be spiritual, imperishable, and raised in glory and power. Resurrected bodies will never experience sickness, decay, deterioration, or death.

The last couple of times I saw Dougie was in May and June 2024.

Debbie, Dougie, and me at a downtown Burien, Washington restaurant. Dougie and me at Angle Lake Park, May 27, 2024.

Harold and I visited Dougie and my niece, Debbie, in May 2024 on our way to an Alaskan cruise to celebrate Harold’s 76th birthday. We had lunch together at a downtown Burien, Washington restaurant, and then we took Dougie to Angle Lake Park later that day and sat and watched the children play. He enjoyed watching them run around the water spray, having fun, and hearing them laugh.

I gave Dougie a 1988 picture of him and Mom. His eyes lit up and a big smile emerged as soon as he saw it! May 26, 2024.

My niece was Dougie’s caregiver for 28 years and I believe he was very happy with the life and the home that Debbie provided for him. He had a wonderful, happy disposition! I also believe it was part of God’s plan for my niece to be his caregiver. She grew up loving him as her uncle and ended up loving him like a son. He was a special blessing to everyone in our family and to the many who knew and loved him.

Harold, Dougie, and me in downtown Burien,
June 4, 2024

Harold and I returned to Seattle after the cruise on June 4, and visited with Dougie in downtown Burien. I gave him a warm beanie from Alaska in anticipation of the cold weather this coming winter, not knowing at the time that Dougie would not be going through another Seattle winter.

Dougie wanted to go to his favorite nearby restaurant, The Little Chicken Burger, so we walked over to it. The picture of us at this restaurant is the last picture that Dougie and I got together, and the last day that I saw him in person.

I last talked to him on the phone on Monday, November 18, the anniversary date of our dad’s passing. Dougie passed away the next day, Tuesday November 19, 2024. According to the doctor, he passed away approximately 10:00 a.m. likely due to a sudden heart attack or blood clot.

My little brother, mentally disabled since birth, was actually very wise. He left me several messages reminding me that because of our relationship with Jesus, our parting was only temporary and that we will see each other again in the future:

“This is Doug. Bye for now.”

Each and Everyone

My husband and I enjoyed a Caribbean cruise this month in celebration of my 70th birthday. We visited Mahogany Bay Roatan Honduras, Costa Maya Mexico, and Puerto Maya Cozumel Mexico.

We enjoy cruising and are hoping to go as often as we can, now that we’re both retired. The ship on this cruise was the Carnival Jubilee. It’s Carnival’s newest and largest ship, and is based out of the Port of Galveston. The passenger capacity is well over 6500 and although I heard the ship was not full on this cruise, it was packed wall to wall with cruisers.

Out of all those people, there were two of them in particular that caught my attention and brought smiles to my heart. The first one was a lady named Stacy. She was probably in her 50’s or 60’s and was traveling with a large family group. We first met on our van ride over to the seaport from the cruise parking lot. We saw each other often throughout the 7-day cruise and enjoyed talking with one another. Stacy was like a ray of sunshine, always smiling, and quite friendly. Her family, in particular her sister, was very attentive and caring about Stacy and I admired her for that. Stacy was intellectually disabled.

The other person was named Reece. He too was always smiling and very friendly; young, probably in his early to mid 20’s, and very outgoing! He too had some type of intellectual disability but he didn’t let that stop him from meeting people, participating with many of the group activities, dancing, and interacting with the cruise director. Unlike Stacy, who was always surrounded by family, Reece was out and about by himself every time I saw him. Now, his family may have been nearby watching him from afar, but he definitely was quite independent. The first time we met was on an elevator ride and as usual, he was all by himself. I immediately recognized him and started up a conversation. His eyes lit up with joy when Harold and I told him that we saw him dancing with the cruise director earlier. I told him he was a good dancer! He smiled from ear to ear!

Now since being back home from our cruise, I heard a snippet of a radio program in which someone was saying that Iceland has infamously become known as the first country to claim that no one gives birth to a child with Down’s syndrome there. Apparently they’re very proud of the fact that they have aggressively and intentionally pursued prenatal testing and subsequent abortions.

After hearing that on the radio, I’ve since learned that isn’t actually true. Iceland doesn’t have a zero incidence of Down syndrome births. They just like to claim that they do. There are still some Down syndrome children born in Iceland but the numbers are dwindling.

Somehow this all put me in mind of Nazi Germany’s Holocaust; the slaughter of approximately 6 million Jews, and approximately 5 million other people groups including the disabled.

How is it that a person, or a group of people, think that they have the right to dispose of people they dislike, who don’t look like them, don’t act like them, or because they’re disabled in some way?

When I think of all of the joy I’ve had in my life from my younger brother, Dougie, who is intellectually disabled,

And our daughter Megan, who is physically disabled from being born with Spina Bifida.

And, our sweet 3 year old granddaughter, Remi, who has Down syndrome,

I feel sorry for people who don’t know that kind of joy, and that kind of love. They’re not only a blessing to me. They’re each a blessing to so many others and in so many ways.

Each and everyone of us are uniquely planned by God.

“Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book and planned beforehand to the end.” Psalm 139:16

God forms us in our mother’s womb.

This is what the Lord says—He who made you, who formed you in the womb. (Isaiah 44:2)

Each and everyone of us are made in the image of God, including the ones you may dislike, who don’t look like you, don’t act like you, have some type of disability, or a mother who doesn’t want them.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

God is sovereign.

The Bible says, “His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being” (Job 12:10).

God cares so very deeply for each and everyone of us, including the ones you may not like, who don’t look like you, don’t act like you, have some type of disability, or a mother who doesn’t want them.

God is the author of life.

“Your hands shaped me and made me . . . Did You not clothe me with skin and flesh and knit me together with bones and sinews? You gave me life.” (Job 10:8–12)

Finally, as the giver of life, God is also the authority on death. He commands us not to take the life of an innocent person: “Do not shed innocent blood” (Jeremiah 7:6.)

“There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and

hands that shed innocent blood,

a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” Proverbs 6:16.

The Race

I’ve never been much of an Olympics fan, but there are a few things I will remember about the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Actually it’s probably better described in a range of emotions.

I was disgusted (but not surprised) with the opening ceremony. The debauchery and blasphemy was overt. I didn’t intentionally watch it but caught a few glimpses of it while my husband had the TV on. He’s a huge sports fan but doesn’t care about the opening ceremony.

I laughed at my husband as he cheered for USA basketball, track, and swimming teams. Whenever they won, he’d jump up off the couch and run around the house waiving the American flag shouting, “USA! USA! USA!” It was enthusiasm overload combined with his need to get up off of the couch and do some exercise!

A feeling of sorrow for the athletes who were simply there to compete in their individual sport but were overshadowed by the Olympic committee’s woke agenda.

And, a feeling of joy for the one girl who stood out among all of the rest: Sydney McLaughlin. She set a new world record and received the gold medal in the women’s 400-meter hurdles. Afterwards she boldly stated, “Records come and go, the glory of God is eternal.” and “I no longer run for self-recognition, but to reflect His perfect will that is already set in stone. I don’t deserve anything. But by grace, through faith, Jesus has given me everything.”

Her faith and her words reminded me of another Olympian, who also stood out among all of the rest, except it was a long time ago; 100 years ago to be exact. His name was Eric Liddell (pronounced “little.”) He competed in the 1924 Summer Olympics Games in Paris.

Eric was born in China in 1902 where his parents were both Scottish missionaries with the London Mission Society. As a youth Eric attended boarding school near London with his brother. They returned to Edinburgh, Scotland to be with their family as often as possible. Eric attended Edinburgh University, played on the Rugby team, trained to race in the Olympics, and was a young man of integrity and of devout faith. He refused to run or play sports on Sundays, the Lord’s Day.

Eric had decided months before the 2024 Olympic Games that he would not participate in any races that were on Sunday. His favorite race was the 100-meter race, however upon learning that the 100-meter heats were scheduled to be on a Sunday he simply withdrew his longing to run in the 100-meter race and set his sights on two other races. He decided to compete in the 200-meter race and also to train for the 400-meter race, all while studying in his last year in college and while teaching at his church. His schedule was so full he decided that he needed to drop something. That something was Rugby.

When he went to the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, he held true to his convictions. He did not compete in his favorite race, the 100-meter race, and instead, ran and placed third in the 200-meter race and won a bronze medal for Scotland! He then took everyone by surprise by placing first in the 400-meter and winning the gold medal for Scotland!

“I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.” #EricLiddell

A year after competing in the Olympics, at age 23, Eric went back to China where he served as a missionary teacher for Chinese boys for approximately 20 years. He was captured and put in a Japanese civilian internment camp, fell ill and passed away in 1925. It was reported that while he was in the internment camp, he ministered to others up until his death.

Years later, His widow Florence recalled that “Eric always said that the great thing for him was that when he stood by his principles and refused to run in the 100-metres, he found that the 400-metres was really his race. He said he would never have known that otherwise. He would never have dreamed of trying the 400 at the Olympics.”

Eric Liddell’s life story was beautifully told in the 1981 Oscar winning film, Chariots of Fire.

The truth is, as Christian’s we’re all called to run the race that God has set before us.

Eric Liddell most certainly ran the race that was set before him and I’m not necessarily referring to his Olympic feats. I’m referring to the race of a life well lived for Christ.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

Perfect

I like all my ducks in a row.

Seriously. My husband keeps four rubber ducks on the dashboard of his 2018 Jeep Wrangler. I straighten them up in a row every time I get in his Jeep.

I like things to be straight.

If a picture is hanging up on a wall and it needs to be straightened, I straighten it; no matter whose picture it is or whose wall it’s on.

I like colors to coordinate.

When decorating, I pick a main color and specific coordinating colors, and run with it. No exceptions! If it doesn’t match, it’s a no.

I like things to look equal or balanced.

If I trim one fingernail due to a nail breakage, I trim the others to match the one.

I could go on and on but I think it’s safe to say I’m a bit of a perfectionist.

I’ve known this about myself for years and believe all of the above are harmless expressions of autonomy. As a child abuse survivor, living in some out-of-control situations as a child, expressing myself in this way is a relatively “safe” form of autonomy as an adult.

Safe, when it’s confined to personal preferences such as what I listed above, and I also think it could be an asset in artistic endeavors.

Not-so-safe, when perfectionism spills over into personal expectations that are unrealistic or too high; being overly critical of yourself or others; or when it leads to real life obsessive compulsive disorders or depression.

Over the years, God has helped “reign me in” whenever I’ve experienced the occasional unrealistic expectation and during periods of having overly critical feelings about myself or others in my life.

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

Fast forward to today, I’m two weeks post-op from having reconstructive nose surgery. Just a few days before the reconstructive surgery I had Mohs surgery to remove a basel cell skin cancer. The Mohs surgery went five rounds and left a big whole on the tip of my nose. It all happened so fast and came as quite a surprise.

It’s early in my healing process. My nose is still healing and I have several months before the scars fade. I really think the reconstructive surgeon did a good job, especially given what he had to work with. However, I can already see that my nose has some asymmetry about it. In other words, it’s not perfect (says the perfectionist in me) but, News Flash: it never was.

Thankfully, as a Christ follower, I can rest in knowing that as imperfect as I have always been, I’m perfect in God’s eyes, and it has nothing to do with my outward appearance and everything to do with my relationship with Jesus. God see’s me through His Son, the author and perfecter of my faith.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-3

I’m fixing my eyes on Jesus, no matter what life sends my way. Life is not perfect. However, a Christian’s life should be different from non believers. Not perfect; no, we’ll never be perfect this side of heaven, but we are called to live a changed life. A changed life that increasingly demonstrates that He is our strength and our power, no matter what.

God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. 2 Samuel 22:33

I’m thankful the cancer is gone and for skilled reconstructive plastic surgeons. I’m thankful for family and friends who prayed and cared about me; but most of all I’m thankful for my Savior who many years ago “sought me, and bought me with His redeeming love.”

God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30

A Wedding in Paradise

“Tulum? Where’s Tulum?” Ha! That was me, the first time I ever heard of Tulum, Mexico. It was the day our oldest daughter, Michelle and her fiancé Marty, told us that they wanted to get married in Tulum!

Let me back up a bit. Michelle and Marty met in 2017 and began dating. The first time I met Marty he reminded me a little bit of Harold. He’s tall, outgoing, and has huge sense of humor. So it was no surprise approximately a year and a half later when he asked for Harold’s blessing on his proposal of marriage to Michelle. Actually, I believe he first asked our grandsons, Colby and Gabriel, then Harold. What was the surprise, was Tulum!

I soon learned that Tulum, in the last 10 years or so, has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. It’s located in what’s known as heart the Rivera Maya region on the Caribbean Sea. More precisely, it’s on the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the state of Quintana Roo.

This is where Michelle and Marty chose the beautiful Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa, complete with a wedding package and an all inclusive hotel package for the guests. Together, they planned every detail of their June 2019 wedding:

Thursday, June 27th – Welcome Party and Tequila Tasting

Friday, June 28th – Wedding & Reception (best day of our lives!)

Saturday, June 29th – Free day and/or Group Catamaran Cruise

Sunday, June 30th – Farewell Breakfast & Goodbyes XO

Actually, a few days prior to the big day, they had a private wedding ceremony at Marty’s hometown church, so that his elderly grandparents who couldn’t come to Mexico, could witness them marry. It was also an official wedding ceremony, as legally binding Mexican weddings require quite a bit of paperwork.

The Wednesday before the schedule of events were to begin, we flew into Cancun and took a shuttle to the hotel. We enjoyed the extra time in Tulum getting familiar with the resort and all of the amenities.

The Tulum wedding ceremony was simply beautiful. Set on the beach with a gentle breeze, Marty’s dad, Steve, officiated the ceremony.

The reception was also beautiful. Set inside a cleared outdoor area surrounded by tropical trees and greenery, we ate, laughed, and danced in the moonlight. We chose “Michelle” by The Beatles for Harold and Michelle’s Father/Daughter dance, as I used to sing it to her when she was a baby!

The following day we enjoyed a catamaran cruise on the ocean.

It was a such a memorable and wonderful time with family and friends.

It was a wedding in paradise!

And now these three things remain: faith, hope, and love. But, the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

My Harold

Harold would not likely ever write about himself, but I would!

Actually, he’s not much of a reader or a writer but he’s good at math. He can add up numbers in his head faster than I can find a calculator. I’m just the opposite; so goes the saying, opposites attract.

Fun fact: Harold lived the first part of his life as “Bernard,” which is actually his middle name, and that’s what his family and old friends still call him.

Growing up in Madison, Indiana in the late 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s he was the third child born to his parents, James and Mildred. His sister, Marilyn, (1943-2024) was five years older, and his brother, Kenny, is 2 years older than him. Kenny’s given name is actually James Kenneth, but just like his brother he went by his middle name.

One of Harold’s favorite childhood memories was when they’d go to the Friday night sprint and stock car races in nearby Kentucky. They went fairly often as it was just a short car ride over the Milton-Madison Bridge. It was there he began his lifelong love of car racing.

His favorite vacation memories were at Indiana Beach. They and several relatives from his mom’s side of the family would rent a large house on Lake Schaefer where they enjoyed fishing off the docks, riding the rides on the boardwalk, and swimming on the beach. They liked it so much they returned to Indiana Beach several years in a row.

He played school basketball and intramural basketball in grade school up through high school, either as a forward or center. He was tall so that worked out in his favor.

As a teenager he helped his uncles put up hay and tobacco, which was common work in rural southern Indiana. The tobacco work required several different steps: cutting and hanging, waiting for it to dry out, striping it, then tying it into bundles.

It was in his junior high school years that Harold first came to faith in Jesus Christ. He was baptized soon after at Madison Baptist church.

In his junior and senior year of high school he worked as a lot boy at Bennett Motors. Working at this car dealership was the beginning of what would later become one of his two main occupations in his life.

After graduating from Madison Consolidated High School in 1966, he married his high school girlfriend, Linda, in 1967. Their first child, Kimberly Ann, was born in 1967, and their second child, Kevin Harold, was born in 1970. Linda filed for divorce in 1975, they separated, and then reconciled. They separated again in 1976, she filed for divorce again in 1977, and it was finalized in early 1978.

During their 10 year marriage he worked installing terrazzo flooring and he also opened up his own flooring covering business. While installing terrazzo flooring he traveled to various job locations, including a large job in Homestead, Connecticut, where he stayed for several weeks. He also learned how to do tile installation while working with terrazzo flooring. After around 4 years of working for someone else he opened up his own flooring company, Crandell Floor Covering, on West 16th Street in Indianapolis.

Harold and I met in late September of 1976 while I was working at the airport Rodeway Inn. He was friends with the hotel manager and had been staying at the hotel due to the separation. The manager introduced us to each other one night while they were in The Library Lounge talking about the carpeting job he was doing for the hotel. We just so happened to see each other again later in the lobby hallway as I was getting off shift. He asked me if I was hungry and if I’d like to go nextdoor to Denny’s for breakfast. Actually, he likes to tell the story that it was me who asked him to go out to breakfast. I’m pretty sure it was the other way around, but he’s told that story for so many years now that he’s almost got me convinced that it was me who asked him!

Long story short, after a while we fell in love with each other. I was attracted to his heart, his humor, and his good looks. We married three and half years later on my mom and dad’s 41st wedding anniversary, March 15, 1980. We traveled to London, Paris, and Rome for our honeymoon.

At this time in our lives, Harold worked at a local car dealership, and I worked for Sky Harbor at Eagle Creek Airpark.

We lived in Indianapolis, first in a Westlake apartment and then in a double (duplex) that my mom owned on Harding Street. God blessed us with our first daughter, Michelle Nicole in 1981, and also our second daughter, Megan Renee in 1986.

Although Harold had closed his flooring company in 1977, he still had an interest in flooring. So, in the mid 1980’s we started up a small business of manufacturing carpet tack strips, aka tactless strips. We also sold floor installation supples. It was a short lived business, due to low profit margins, so we sold the equipment and Harold went back to work at a local car dealership. I worked at Sky Harbor Aviation and then American Trans Air during this time.

Kim and Kevin were very much a part of our lives back in the 1980’s. They came to our home on a regular basis and they both came to live with us for extended periods of time and at various times. We were a family of six and continued being a part of each other’s lives for several years after we moved away from Indianapolis. Sadly, our relationship deteriorated over the past few years to the point of estrangement; Kim first and then more recently Kevin.

We moved in 1988 from Indianapolis to Brandon, Florida. I wrote about this move in my story titled, “The Land That I Will Show You.” Harold worked at a local car dealership, and it was here I began working at Delta Air lines in their Tampa office in 1989.

In 1990 we moved to Torrance, California where I worked for Delta Air Lines in their Los Angeles office, and Harold worked at a local car dealership. I wrote about this move in my story titled, “The West Coast.”

In 1991, we moved to Orange Park, Florida where I worked for Delta Air Lines in their Jacksonville office, and Harold worked at a local car dealership. I wrote about this move in my story titled, “Johnny Walker.”

In 1993, we moved to Lewisville, Texas where I worked for Delta Air Lines in their Dallas office, and Harold once again worked for a local car dealership. I wrote about this move in my story titled, “Green Acres.” It was here that God both blessed and surprised us with our third daughter, Mackenzie Anne, in 1996.

We still call Texas home today. We moved from Lewisville to Krum to Denton within a 10 year period, and have been in our Denton home for over 20 years now. Some of our favorite family memories in Texas include vacations, holidays, and watching the grandkids grow up and play sports.

In 2003 Harold opened his own car sales lot and then a couple of years later he transitioned it into RV sales. I helped him in the RV business while still working for Delta Air Lines, and then more so after I retired from Delta in 2009. Each of our daughters, and Kevin, helped and/or worked for Harold in one way or another and at different times as well.

Megan first helped Harold open the Lewisville car lot and worked with him in the car sales business for around two years. She also helped him transition to RV sales in Denton. Michelle helped transport RV’s and even helped sell a couple of them. Mackenzie, who as a child said she’d never work in the RV business, ended up being very knowledgeable about RV’s and the RV business in general. She worked for us the longest, sold more RV’s than anyone, confidently ran the business while Harold and I were out of town, and stayed with us until the day we decided to close up the shop.

After a long and successful career in the car and RV sales business, Harold retired at the age of 75 in December of 2023. These days we’re enjoying retirement and are looking forward to whatever God has in store for us. We’re thankful for the gift of faith, the gift of family, and His providence and guidance in our lives throughout our years together. By the grace of God, we celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary on March 15, 2024. We’re still in love, and I’m still attracted to his heart, his humor, and his good looks.

And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

A March Family Tradition

The 15th of March is somewhat of an interesting date in history. As the 74th day of the year on the Roman Republic calendar, March 15 became known as “The Ides of March.” According to this ancient calendar, March 15, was associated with several pagan observances and was also known as a date for settling debts. In addition, March 15 was the exact date in which Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC. Caesar’s death played a role in the fall of the Roman Republic and subsequent rise of the Roman Empire.

Interestingly, March 15 has become a notable date in our family, and it has nothing to do with Ancient Rome, and everything to do with love and marriage.

Starting with my great great grandfather, Sylvester Anderson, who married my great great grandmother, Pauline Terhune, on March 15, 1866. Then….

My mom and dad, Sara and Herman Query got married March 15, 1941.

Then…

My husband Harold and I married on March 15, 1980.

And then….

Our daughter Megan became Mrs. John Williams on March 15, 2009. She and John met at Denton high school but didn’t start dating until after they both graduated. I remember when we first met John, Harold told him that he really liked banana splits. Banana Splits started appearing out of nowhere! The next thing I knew, John asked Harold for his permission to ask Megan to marry him.

Megan and John married in a beautiful traditional Christian wedding ceremony, held in the Cindy Nichols Chapel at First Baptist Church Denton, officiated by Pastor Brad Cockrell.

But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Mark 10:6-9

Megan’s colors were black and white with a pop of hot pink! The men wore hot pink daisy boutonnières and black Converse tennis shoes. The reception was held in Sanger Texas, where we served a Texas style dinner, and danced to a variety of music, actually mostly country!

March 15!

Four weddings in our family on this same date.

So I think it’s safe to say that we have officially established a March family tradition. Our local newspaper even featured it in their 2009 Bride Guide!

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10

Christmas

Walking through our local big box retail store in late November I was intrigued by the array of “Christmas” T-shirt’s on display. Every single one of them was either making some sort of fun or folly of Christmas. Now I enjoy having fun just as much as anybody, but there’s a big difference between having fun and making fun of something. I found these shirts in particular poor taste:

I wondered how did we get here?

A quick search on the internet about “Christmas” returns a lot of interesting information. For one, “Christmas literally means “Christ’s mass,” which originated from the Old English term, “Cristes Maesse.” It was sometime during the 4th century that a decision was made by the early church to celebrate the birth of Christ annually. They chose the date of December 25, which also happened to coincide with the Roman Saturnalia festival, a traditional pagan festival. Why the 4th century church chose to combine the celebration of the birth of the Savior of the world with a pagan festival is perhaps a discussion for another day, but suffice it to say that this is, in fact, what history has recorded.

Fast forward to today, it seems that while Christmas has long been a beloved holiday to most everyone, it holds different meanings to different people.

For the believer in Christ, it’s all about Christ.

For the unbeliever, it has nothing at all to do with Christ.

For the child or the young at heart, it’s a time of wonder, expectation, and excitement. It’s sweet in terms of giving gifts to our loved ones and the joy we have in watching their excitement however, their excitement is quite likely centered around the gifts. Have you first shared or read the Christmas story from the Bible? Do your children and family know why we exchange gifts at Christmastime? What about those who can’t afford to buy gifts? Or, is there possibly too much emphasis on the giving of expensive gifts in your family?

For the retail business owners, big box stores, and online retail giants, it’s a time of huge sales profits as the public spends billions of dollars buying gifts for their loved ones, many of which who go into debt buying those gifts. Bottom line, the buying and selling of gifts has morphed into a multi-billion dollar secular commercialization of Christmas.

Somewhere along the line, it seems that the importance of the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, has been edged out by the the fun and the folly, and the buying and the selling.

Maybe we could place the blame on the advertising industry that is constantly in the business of promoting bigger and better products.

Maybe we could blame our government agencies who removed Nativity scenes from government properties.

Maybe we could blame the school boards who removed Bibles from schools and banned teachers from talking about the Christian faith and Jesus Christ.

Maybe we could blame the big corporations who promote whatever the latest woke ideology is, but never ever mention anything about Jesus Christ.

Maybe we could blame the progressive liberal churches, apostate churches, and the prosperity churches; all of which preach a false gospel.

Maybe we could blame the parents who fail to raise their children in a Christian environment or even tell them why Jesus was born or what He did on the cross on our behalf.

But the truth is,

Satan is the god of this world and is the major influence on the opinions and actions of the unbelievers all around the world today. Satan is hell bent on keeping people from coming into a saving relationship with Christ.

And,

As it is written:

There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one. Romans 3:10-12

And because of this,

Until one becomes born again through the gift of faith, the repentance of sin, and trust in Jesus Christ alone, Christmas will remain in their eyes, to be all about the fun and the folly, and the buying and the selling.

So while Christians celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmastime, nonbelievers celebrate everything but Christ.

All the more reason that Christians need to pray for those who do not yet know Christ, and to speak up, not just at Christmastime but anytime the Spirit leads.

We need to tell everyone that,

Christmas is all about Christ. It’s the integral part of God’s perfect plan of salvation through Jesus’ incarnate birth.

That’s why we give gifts at Christmastime, in honor of the gifts given to the Christ-child by the Magi.

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11

Jesus was the greatest gift ever given; His birth is worthy of celebration!

Amen and Merry Christmas

Love Letters

I remember years ago my mom told me that my grandpa used to write notes, aka love letters, to my grandma when they first started courting. He was two years older than her and was a school teacher in Wright Township, Greene County, Indiana from 1913 to 1920. Although she didn’t attend school during this time as she only completed an 8th grade education, which was very common in the early 1900’s.

To the best of my recollection my mom told me that grandma told her that grandpa would send handwritten notes home to her via one of his students who was also her neighbor, and she’d reply back to him the same way.

Those notes must have been very sweet, as they fell in love and got married in 1915.

My grandma was 19 years old and my grandpa was 21 at the time of their marriage. They were blessed with four children, David, Sarah, Naomi, and Ralph. My mom, who later changed her name to Sara, was their second child.

Circa late 1920’s, my grandpa, my mom Sarah, her siblings David and Naomi, and my grandma holding baby Ralph.

My grandparents were married just short of 54 years when my grandpa passed away in November 1969. My grandma survived him by 16 years, passing away in November 1985. They were both strong Christians and left a big impression in my life by the way they lived their life, and by the way they loved with the love of Christ.

A sweet memory from a January 1966 hometown newspaper clipping about my grandparents’ December 1965 50th wedding anniversary.

I recently saw an article that centered around a box of old love letters, and it sparked this old memory about my grandparents.

I thought, how sweet it would be to have some of their old love letters.

So I asked my siblings and a couple of my cousins if they happened to recall or actually have any of those letters, and unfortunately they do not, so my faint memories will have to suffice.

I actually have a box of some old letters, post cards, and memorabilia from my early junior high days. Most of the letters were from my 7th grade best friend Donita, who moved to Georgia during our junior high school years.

It’s pretty safe to say, hand written notes and love letters are now a thing of the past. Technology has definitely brought us some great advances and conveniences but has also forever changed the landscape of how we express our feelings, and how we communicate with each other.

Nowadays, texting, social media posts, and messaging have likely become the most preferred form of communication. The pros include convenience and time efficiency, but I believe the cons outweigh the pros. Some of the cons include being misunderstood, texting the wrong person by mistake, autocorrect mumble jumble, and the missing out of the joy of hearing and seeing people in person.

And,

I regret not having found any of those old notes and love letters between my grandpa and grandma,

But,

I do have several Bibles, which Billy Graham lovingly referred to as God’s “love letters” to us:

“The Bible is God’s love letters to us. It is there He tells us not only that He loves us, but shows us what He has done to demonstrate His love. It also tells us how we should live, because God knows what is best for us and He wants us to experience it. Never forget: The Bible is God’s Word, given to us so we can know and follow Him.” #BillyGraham

However,

According to a quick internet search, the Baptist Press for example, states that “while the average home in America has three or four bibles in it, more than half of Americas read little or none of the Bible. Less than a quarter of those who have ever read a Bible have a systematic plan for reading Scripture each day. And a third of Americans never pick it up on their own.”

As for me, since becoming a Christian, I’ve read through the Bible three times, studied the gospels several times, done various Bible studies, either in a group setting or on my own. In December 2022, I started a new Bible chapter-by-chapter Bible study by listening to an audio Bible app on my phone, reading the corresponding chapter in my Bible, and then studying the Bible notes. My goal has been to do this daily. I haven’t always met my goal but I do most days and while it’s going to be a long while before I finish this Bible study, it’s been such a blessing to me.

Truth be told, I haven’t always studied my Bible. There’s been more times than I care to remember when I haven’t been actively studying my Bible. Thankfully, I was convicted a while back, by the grace of God, that there’s no good reason why a Christian should not be actively involved in some type of daily Bible study.

So,

The point I want to emphasize is that studying the Bible goes hand in hand with being a Christian. It’s one of the best ways for us to know Him more and to know His will in our lives. It’s rich in meaning, instructions, and warnings. It also helps us make sense of some of the things we see going on in the world today. No matter how dark the days may seem, His word assures us that we, who are called by His name, have a hope and a future in Him.

I do believe that the Bible really is like a collection of “love letters.” It’s about,

the amazing love of God,

the promises of God,

the miracles of Jesus,

the sinfulness of man,

God’s plan of salvation,

blessings for those who obey Him,

and,

curses for those who do not.

The Bible also helps us to know that,

God is sovereign,

God is good,

God is always to be trusted,

and so much more.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

So, if you’re a Christian and you’re not actively involved in some type of Bible study, maybe it’s time to ask yourself why not. Or better still, pray about it.

Or,

If you’re not a Christian, why not carve out some time to read the Bible for a few minutes each day? It’s God’s love letters to you.

Our 2023 Journeys Cruise

In October of 2023 Harold and I embarked on a 14 Night Carnival “Journeys” cruise to the Eastern Caribbean out of Galveston, Texas. I booked this cruise the year before when I saw the itinerary went to most all the ports (plus a few more) that we were supposed to go on in March of 2020 to celebrate our 40th anniversary. That 2020 10 Night cruise was cancelled due to Covid-19 hysteria. So, 3 1/2 years later we finally got to go on our eastern Caribbean Cruise on the Carnival Dream.

Our Itinerary:

Day 1 Galveston (Embark)

Day 2 Sea Day

Day 3 Key West

Day 4 Sea Day

Day 5 Grand Turk (XXLD due to WX)

Day 6 San Juan, Puerto Rico

Day 7 St Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Day 8 St Kitts, Basseterre

Day 9 St Maarten,Netherland Antilles

Day 10 St Croix, US Virgin Islands

Day 11 Sea Day

Day 12 Falmouth

Day 13 Sea Day

Day 14 Sea Day

Day 15 Galveston (Disembark)

Days 1 and 2, were Sea Days and were mostly spent exploring the ship, enjoying the music, entertainment, food, and the people.

Day 3 brought us to Key West, Florida for the afternoon. We walked down to The Southernmost Point, and enjoyed several of the sights along the way: The Kapok Tree, the Key West U.S. NAS, and back to town to do a little shopping. We visited here in 2017 but missed seeing most of the things we saw on this day so this was a great stop.

Days 4 and 5 were both Sea Days as Hurricane Tammy made it impossible for the ship to dock at Turks and Caicos. We already visited Grand Turk in 2019, so we were much more thankful to be safe rather than sorry. We filled the extra time relaxing and enjoying the ship activities.

Day 6 was spent in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We took a local tour to see the old town, forts, new town, the capital building, and the beautiful colorful homes of San Juan.

On Day 7 we slept in a bit after being up late the night before at the Silent White Disco Party. Harold sat and watched while I danced with a bunch of ladies to old disco songs with headphones on! Ha! We wore all white but not everyone got the memo. In St Thomas we shopped a little and then went on the sky ride and saw some amazing views! It’s a beautiful island.

Day 8 at St Kitts Basseterre, I got up early this morning and snuck around hiding’s 7 rubber ducks with 7 Bible versed post cards. We ate made-to-order omelettes for breakfast and climbed back into bed as it was raining when we docked. We went ashore around noon just as the rain subsided and enjoyed some shopping and the colorful sights at St Kitts.

On day 9 we docked on the Dutch side of St Maarten, Netherland Antilles and took a tour of the island which included the French side as well. Interestingly it’s a long distance call from the Dutch side to the French side. They also have completely two different governments and rules. My favorite stop was at SXM airport where the beach runs right up to the landing strip. The signs along the fence warn about death and serious injury if you stand there! We ate lunch at the Sunset Beach SXM restaurant while airplanes were landing and taking off. I walked over to the beach and got a video of one flying right over me as it was landing. I remember wanting to visit SXM years ago when I worked for Delta, so I was really excited to finally get to visit here.

We spent Day 10 in St Croix, US Virgin Islands shopping and enjoying the colorful sights and sounds. Back on ship we enjoyed our nightly dinner with our dinner companions and the nightly entertainment du jour!

Our nightly dinner companions, Ralph & Pat from the Houston area, and Clovis & Donna who are full-time RV’ers.

Day 11 was a Sea Day and Halloween. We found (actually Harold found) a rubber duck this morning on our way to breakfast! That was fun, and was our first and only rubber duck to find on this cruise! The day was full of Halloween activities including a costume contest. Harold wore his Colts Manning #18 jersey and I dressed as a Colts cheerleader! We watched the Rangers play in the World Series on the Lido deck and went to bed exhausted after a full and fun day on the ship.

Day 12: We visited Falmouth, Jamaica and enjoyed some shopping at the port. The port is cone shaped which lets two cruise ships dock around it at the same time. Jamaica is full of colors, music, and a lot of humidity.

Days 13-15 Sea Days went by super fast on our way back to Galveston Port. We bought a photo package and picked out our favorite pics, enjoyed the entertainment, the amenities, the people, the crew, dinner, and especially the yummy deserts.

Some Dr Seuss fun with Sam I Am, Thing 1 & Thing 2, and The Cat in the Hat!

Casual, formal, and our Halloween costumes!

Overall we had such a wonderful time on this cruise and were so thankful to be able to go on a cruise like this one.

But I have to say, I came away feeling sorry for many of the cruisers. Apparently this type of cruise, a Journeys Cruise, is a favorite among the Platinum level cruisers. Platinum cruisers have cruised a minimum of 75 nights on Carnival Cruise Lines. The buzz around the ship was that this cruise had over 60% of Platinum cruisers on it and that they were hard to please. Now our nightly dinner table included Platinum cruisers and they were all very nice people but it seemed that many of the Platinum cruisers were not so nice and not so happy. Many were full of complaints and seemed unimpressed and unappreciative. We talked to several of them over the two weeks we spent on this ship. Many bragged about constant cruising and/or back-to-back cruising, and practically in the same breath would complain about this or that. Several of these same people also complained about their children and grandchildren. It made me sad for them and got me thinking about the swinging tides of happiness in some people’s lives, like a pendulum.

According to Britannica a pendulum is a “body suspended from a fixed point so that it can swing back and forth under the influence of gravity.”

My theory here is that people who have been blessed with so much but somehow always find something to complain or be unhappy about are like a pendulum going back and forth, pulled by gravity. Except in this case instead of gravity, they’re being swayed every “which way but loose” by their own choices and self-centered emotions. Not a good formula for life.

Whereas the opposite is generally true for Christians. Jesus is our Lord and it is He who is our unshakable, firm, steady, and reliable anchor in life. He is our rock, our solid foundation.

Happiness is not found in endless cruising. Happiness is not found in having a multitude of possessions. Happiness is not found in getting everything and anything you want. No!

True happiness is found in relationship with Christ 🙌🏻 and until one comes to the realization about the truth of the gospel and their desperate need for a Savior, no amount of cruising (or whatever a person is doing trying to obtain happiness) will ever fill the need in your life that can only be accomplished by turning to Christ in repentance and faith.

Cruises will eventually fail your expectations. Possessions will break, go out of style, or get stolen. Some people and some relationships will invariably disappoint you, hurt you, or even leave you.

But God,

Will never leave or forsake you. Period.

Happy are the people whose God is the Lord. Psalm 144:15

True happiness is also a byproduct of being thankful for all of God’s blessings, both great and small.

Small like finding a rubber duck! Ha!

Great like having a relationship with Christ, a loving family, and a place to call home.

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Treasure In Jars of Clay

My life story and journey of faith.

Tag: #ElaineCrandell