The Word Became Flesh

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:1 -5

When our youngest daughter was around 6 years old I was convicted to change the way our family talked about Santa. I began emphasizing to her that Santa is for fun, but Jesus is for real.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

That year our daughter eagerly shared this matter-of-fact information with a few of her first grade classmates at school one day. Apparently that didn’t sit well with the mother of at least one of her classmates, who interestingly attended the same church as we did at that time. I heard about it through the grapevine, so to speak; actually it was one day while at church. One of the ladies in my Sunday School class let me know about it. She told me that the mother of this little boy was not happy with Mackenzie or me. It was an interesting moment, to say the least. We no longer attend that church, but not for this reason.

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:18-23

I realized back in the early 2000’s, that teaching my young daughter that Santa is for fun but Jesus is for real was was in direct opposition to what was considered widely accepted and traditional Christmas norms of the day, which was to basically tell a “white lie” to our children about Santa. I, like most of us, have fond memories of childhood Christmases which included the mystery of Santa Claus. In fact, I continued that tradition with our first two daughters, who are 15 and 11 years older than our youngest daughter, but as I matured and grew as a Christian I became increasingly uncomfortable with this tradition. In particular I was (and still am) very uncomfortable with the use of the word “believe” used in any reference to “Santa” and also the word “magic” as used in the phrase, “the magic of Christmas.”

I thought a lot about this and asked myself, why would we, as Christian parents, expect our children to believe in Jesus Christ, after years of perpetuating a “white lie” about Santa Claus while they were a young child, and especially during Christmastime!?

To be perfectly clear, I’m ok with the legend of Santa Claus and the connection with St Nickolas, but I am not ok with perpetuating the “white lie” of telling young children that Santa Claus is real.

“Bah humbug!” Some may say, but truth be told, a “white lie” is still a lie. The Bible is full of warnings about lying.

Jesus said, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44

The fact is, Jesus was born, to save sinners like me and like you. Jesus is real and sin is serious business. Sin has been around since Adam and Eve began their conversation with the serpent in the Garden of Eden.

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” Genesis 3:1

It’s a big problem. Actually, it’s a huge problem; what began in the Garden of Eden has infiltrated every aspect of life here on earth. The truth is, if you never see yourself as a sinner in need of a Savior, you will die in your sins one day and spend eternity separated from God, and that’s putting it gently.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6,

And, unless you have humbled your heart, acknowledged your sin, and turned to Him in repentance and faith in Him alone, the “merry” in your “Christmas” is coming to an abrupt end one day and it won’t be pretty or nice. No amount of good intentions or good works will grant you a “get out of hell” card.

And while, good works may be a sign of salvation, the process of becoming saved has nothing to do with being “good” or doing “good things.” Salvation is by grace through faith in God. Similarly, obedience is not required for salvation, it’s a result of salvation.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

Or, whether you’re “naughty or nice.”

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23.

Salvation has everything to do with the One who took our place on the cross and paid our sin debt in full. He made a way. He who was born and who died so….

that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” John 3:15-21

Merry Christmas 🎄

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.”

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

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

Mother’s Day 2023 💐

As I’ve grown older, Mother’s Day has become one of my favorite holidays. My perfect Mother’s Day includes food, fun, family, flowers, and a Mother’s Day card.

So in the days leading up to Mother’s Day, I always think of my sweet mom who passed away in 1998. I was blessed to have my mom for the first 44 years of my life. She was a great role model in so many ways; as a woman, a wife, a mom, a Christian, etc. I will forever remember her praying on her knees by her bedside at night and studying her Bible in the early mornings when I was a child.

Me and my mom in Indianapolis back in the late 1970’s:

My mom passed away at the age of 77 after suffering for several years from Alzheimer’s Disease.

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Proverbs 31:25-28

My grandma was a godly woman too. When I was a child I loved going to her house just to be near her. When I was a teenager and again as a young adult, she would pull me off to the side and tell me that she was praying for me. I knew she loved me and she knew I needed prayer.

Here’s a photo of my grandma in our kitchen nook in Indianapolis back in the early 1970’s. I think she was cutting the meat off a turkey to make us some of her delicious homemade turkey noodle soup!

“Older women should be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine. They should teach the younger women to love their husbands and children, be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God may not be reviled.” Titus 2:3-5

My grandma was recognized and honored in her community as Mother of The Year” back the 1960’s.

And below is a photo of my great-grandma Stockrahm, I think this was taken in the early 1950’s. She lived with my grandma in Frankfort, Indiana when she was elderly and where my grandma took care of her until she passed away. I was very young back then when she lived with my grandma but I do remember she was very quiet, and my grandma was very protective of her. I remember feeling sorry for my great grandma because she couldn’t get up out of bed. I really didn’t get to know her well because I was so young, but I knew that my grandma loved her, and I loved my grandma, so I remember trying to be respectful and quiet around her.

“Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:4

I’m so thankful for my mom, my grandma, and great-grandma. They were wonderful and godly mothers! Having them in my life made an eternal impact in my life.

I want to encourage Christian mothers and grandmothers everywhere; to never give up, to continue in prayer for each one of your loved ones, to continue modeling Christ to your family, and to take opportunities as often as you can to share Christ with your children and grandchildren. Your godly influence has an eternal impact on the lives and futures of your children, grandchildren, and so on.

I also realize that not all woman become mothers and am so thankful that being a mother was in God’s plan for me. I thank Him 🙌🏻 for our three daughters, each of whom are mothers now as well, but more importantly, Christian mothers.

From left to right standing, Michelle and me.
From left to right seated, Mackenzie (pregnant with Tate) and Megan.

God has blessed us with six grandchildren, with one more grandchild (Tate) due in July 2023.

Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. Proverbs 17:6

Lastly,

My Mother’s Day story would not be complete without mentioning my two step children and four step grandchildren (plus one deceased) from my husband’s first marriage. They used to be a part of our lives, each in differing ways and at various times over the years. I love and and miss them, and am sorry we’re estranged. And while it may not be my story to tell, I believe it’s both my privilege and my place as a step-mother to continue to pray for them and their families. ❤️‍🩹🙏🏻

Called By Name

“Elaine Crandell! Come on down! You’re the next contestant on The Price is Right!”

I first remember watching “The Price is Right” sometime after I graduated from high school in 1972. I continued watching it on and off over the years, basically whenever I just happened to be at home during the day. I never thought I could ever be a contestant on the show until sometime after 1989, when I started working for Delta Air Lines. My travel benefits at Delta opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me and my family.

So in January 2005, my daughter Megan and I flew to Los Angeles for three days of sightseeing and shows.

Now instead of going to bed the night before the show, like any normal person might do, we left the comfort of our warm hotel room and spent the night standing (in my daughter’s case, sitting in her wheelchair) in the cold, in the dark, in downtown Los Angeles, on the sidewalk just outside of CBS Television City studios.

We arrived outside the studio really early, around midnight actually, which made us the third group in line, and pretty much assured us we’d be able to exchange our tickets for a studio admission number at 6:00 a.m. We spent the night trying to keep warm, eating bagels, and talking with everyone around us in line. It was fun but in the middle of the night I started feeling sick and went back to the rental car to lay down. I couldn’t sleep so I got up and got back in line. By the time 6:00 a.m. rolled around, the line had grown around the block and out of sight, and I had a soar throat, but, we got our studio admission numbers!

We left to go back to the hotel with strict instructions to be back within three hours to get back in another line. We freshened up but were afraid to lay down thinking we might oversleep.

About three hours later, with our admission numbers in hand, we got back in line at CBS Television City. This was about a three hour process and although we were exhausted, it turned out to be a nice experience. It was here I met a young man who was a previous showcase winner a few years before. He was now working as a student advisor at a college and was back in line on this day with a group of students from his college. We talked for a while about a lot of different things, including my faith in Christ.

Continuing our way through the admission line, we encountered the show producers who were conducting interviews with each one of us, one by one. I noticed they were very personable and were taking notes as they did their interviews. The producer who interviewed me asked me what I did for a living. I smiled and told him, “I make mad people happy!” He laughed and then asked me what I really did. I explained that I was a customer service agent for Delta Air Lines and that I help passengers and agents resolve various problems and issues.

He must have liked my answer.

Within a couple of hours, I heard my name:

“Elaine Crandell! Come on down! You’re the next contestant on The Price is Right!”

I jumped up, screaming, and ran up to the podium. Within a few minutes I got the winning bid on a metal detector and ran up on stage. At this point my heart was pumping and my mind was racing with so many thoughts: “Mercy, those lights are so bright! Do I look sick? Do I need more make up? Do I look like I’ve been up all night?!” Suddenly I found myself talking with Bob Barker and playing The Range Game. I looked back to find my daughter in the crowd and all I saw was what seemed to be everyone telling me to stop. I hit the stop button but it was a tad bit too soon.

They cut to a commercial break and whisked me off stage to sign a bunch of legal papers: one giving my consent to be a contestant on a CBS game show, another explaining that I understood that I’d be responsible for any and all tax implications of my prize winnings, and yet another paper that gave me an option to decline any or all of my gifts.

By the time I finished signing all the papers it was time to go back on stage to spin the Big Wheel in the Showcase Showdown. My 95, in one spin, won me the chance to bid on a showcase!

During one of the next commercial breaks, a stage manager came up to talk with me. He was so kind. Talking with him really helped calm my nerves. My only regret at this point was that I realized then that I forgot to say, “Hello!” to my family while waiting for the Big Wheel to stop.

So then came the chance to win the showcase. Mine was a set of video phones, a Colorado Hot Air Balloon trip, a Colorado ski vacation, and a ski boat. I had no idea how much that ski boat was worth but decided to bid low as I didn’t want to overbid. My mind raced back to a few weeks before when my husband and I were invited to go on a ski boat but we declined because neither of us skied. I suddenly wished we’d gone as maybe the price of it would have came up in our conversations. Oh well, too late now.

As it turned out, the ski boat was worth a lot more money that I thought. I underbid my showcase by over $25K and lost to my opponent who also underbid her showcase, but by less.

What a day! All 24 hours of it! We went back to our hotel and as soon as the excitement wore down we both fell asleep in exhaustion.

A few weeks later I made a T-shirt to remember the experience. I used the photo of my expression when I realized I’d lost the showcase and titled it “The Price was Wrong!” Ha!

In retrospect, so much of what happened was right. I enjoyed and shared a great experience with my daughter. I won a metal detector worth $1100, which I still have. I got to be a contestant on one of the longest running game shows in television history. I got to meet Bob Barker, and I got to share my faith with a stranger.

In the big picture of life, “The Price is Right” is just a TV game show. My name was called and I won a gift.

Oh so much more importantly, Jesus knows my name! By faith, I’ve received the gift of eternal life; life here and now, and life in the ever after.

Not because I’m a “good person.” Not because I was baptized or a member of a church.

But because I trusted in Jesus and His plan of salvation one night many years ago, when God lovingly convicted me that I was a sinner in desperate need of a Savior. I responded and called out to Him in repentance and faith, and placed my trust in Jesus alone.

It was Jesus who took the penalty for my sins on the cross; He paid the price in full on my behalf. God, the Creator, Sustainer, and Author of Life, made a way for a sinner like me to be redeemed.

The Price Jesus Paid is Right, and it was according to His perfect plan and unfathomable love; it’s for all He calls to come and follow Him, for all who will respond in repentance and faith.

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1

Thankful, My Michelle

I think it’s human nature to take things for granted; especially when we’re young. For me, my earliest recollection of being truly thankful was on Thanksgiving Day in 1981. I was 26 years old and at St Francis Hospital in Beech Grove, Indiana, two days after the birth of our first daughter, Michelle. One of the attendants rolled in a large multi-tiered meal cart and handed me my Thanksgiving dinner: turkey, dressing, and all. Michelle, just two days old, lay asleep in the bassinet next to my bed.

It was just the two of us there in that little hospital room. Harold was at mom’s having thanksgiving dinner with my family. Tears started welling up in my eyes. Not because I felt alone, actually I felt wonderful! Not because of hormones, well, maybe a little. But, because I was so happy and overwhelmed with thankfulness. I was amazed that God had entrusting me to be a mom. I was in love with my Michelle and knew that she was a precious gift on loan from God.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17

I prayed, with tears in my eyes, thanking God with every tear.

Later, I wanted to sing something to her and the oh so spiritual (not 😂) lyrics to “ Michelle” by The Beatles came to mind. To me, it was the perfect song about how I felt about “my Michelle” so that’s what I sang:

Michelle, ma belle

These are words

that go together well

My Michelle

Michelle, ma belle

Sont les mots qui vont

Tres bien ensemble

Tres bien ensemble.

I love you, I love you, I love you

That’s all I want to say

Until I find a way

I will say the only words

I know that you’ll understand,

My Michelle.

This was my first Thanksgiving spent away from home and my first Thanksgiving in a hospital, but to me it was really special. It was just me and my Michelle, and it was the first Thanksgiving that I recall where I was so thankful.

Since that day, God blessed us with two more daughters, and many other blessings over the years. But as I’ve grown in my relationship with Christ, I also learned a simple truth: God, regardless of what gifts He gives or does not give, is good, no matter what. I’m thankful for His goodness. I’m thankful for His sovereignty. I’m thankful for His providence. I’m thankful for His protection. The list is endless, but most of all I’m thankful for my salvation through the shed blood of Jesus on the cross. He took my place and paid the price for my sins.

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20

It was many years ago when I was in my mid-twenties that Billy Graham was on TV one night. I remember walking around the living room cleaning and only occasionally looking over toward the TV but nonetheless hearing every word he said. A few nights later I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about all the sin in my life. I asked for His forgiveness, started reading my bible again and going back to church. I had first come to faith in Christ when I was 12 but had drifted away during my teens and early 20’s. Interestingly enough, I don’t recall ever being thankful during those years. I may have been, but I just don’t recall it.

I think it’s easy to take things for granted when we’re young, but it’s really not just about being young. I know for me, it was only after I repented of my sin and got into a right relationship with God that changed the way I see almost everything, including being Thankful! 🙌🏻

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1

My Weight Loss Journey

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Weight gain and loss is such a personal issue; many people struggle with loosing weight; many of us give up. It takes determination, the right foods, portion control, exercise, and a practical plan that you can stick with.

Here I am in 2013 holding our youngest grandson at the time, Hudson, who I love dearly. I have no idea how much I weighed then; I didn’t dare step on the scale nor would I normally post a photo like this! It was taken during a fairly stressful time in my life. Not that this was the only stressful period in my life, as anyone with grown children can attest, but it was definitely one of them. A few months months earlier, his mother (our youngest daughter Mackenzie) became pregnant at age 15 and gave birth out-of-wedlock at age 16. Like a lot of people, I tend to overeat during stressful times, In fact, I can look back at other times in my life that I also gained weight due to specific stressful periods in my life. Even though I’m a Christian and know that God is in control, I’m still human.

I also tend to keep to myself, especially when it comes to personal issues. It took me a long time before I could even talk about our daughters pregnancy, let alone stop crying about it. I was so upset but just as I’ve discovered with so many of life’s trials, when I’ve looked to God for help, He taken some of the most stressful moments in my life and turned them into some of the most beautiful things in my life.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Roman’s 8:28

Now I can’t even imagine life without our Hudson! He, along with our other grandchildren are the icing on the cake of life! I know that no human being is ever conceived outside God’s will or ever conceived apart from His image. Unplanned pregnancies may surprise us, but God is never surprised.

Actually our Mackenzie was our surprise baby; she was born when I was 42! I believe with all my heart and told her that, “The God who allowed you to be born when I was 42, is the same God who’s allowed you to give birth at age 16.” He is the author of life.

For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
    my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
    the days that were formed for me,

Psalm 139:13-16

Here I am in 2013 with our oldest daughter Michelle,on my 59th birthday. I did my best to hide my weight behind that present. For the most part, I deleted a lot of photos during this time. I didn’t like being overweight.

So in February 2016, at age 61, I got the courage up to get back on the scales. I weighed 173 pounds! I was taking high blood pressure medicine and an acid reflux medicine daily. I knew I had to do something to change my weight and to improve my health. This is me on February 21, 2016, the day I started Nutrisystem.

I was tired of deleting photos and tired of being overweight. Up until that time I’d been telling myself that I looked OK for my age, and that gaining weight and taking medicine was all part of getting older. But I decided that I didn’t want to just look “OK for my age.” I decided I wanted to be the best I can be, both inside and out. So, in addition to my new diet I started drinking water instead of soda, walking 2 or 3 times a week for 30 to 60 minutes each time and listening to my favorite bible teachers on my EarPods: Alistair Begg, Steve Lawson, and John MacArthur, etc. I loved getting fresh air, walking, and listening to biblical messages all at the same time; multi-tasking at its best! It became my favorite time of the day.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2

By end of the first week I’d lost 7 pounds and just 2 months later in April I’d lost 21 lbs. I entered Nutrisystem’s Success Story contest for a chance to win $10K and a chance to be in one of their commercials. In August 2016 I was asked to be a call-in guest for two QVC/Nutrisystem TV shows that month and to come to Tampa, FL the following month for a photo shoot.

By September of 2016 I turned 62 and had lost 40 lbs! I celebrated my birthday with my family and a Nutrisystem Carrot Cake.

A few days after my birthday I flew to Tampa for a 5-day photo shoot for Nutrisystem along with 14 others who had also lost weight. My daughter Michelle took off work and came down the next day to keep me company. I loved being a part of something so fun and interesting.

It reminded me of when I was young, I wanted to be a model, and although I did do some modeling in my teens and twenties, I wasn’t tall enough to be a model so modeling really wasn’t a viable option for me. But in Tampa, I was pampered and treated just like a real model, with wardrobe, make-up and hair stylists. I was photographed against a white screen and did some short promotional video monologues on a green screen. I didn’t win the contest nor did they use me in any of their commercials but it was still a great experience.

Me and my Michelle in Tampa after the photo shoot:

After I returned home from the photo shoot, I found the same dress that wardrobe had picked out for me to wear, except in a smaller size. The dress that I wore in their photo shoot was a little big on me and had to be pinned in the back, but this one fit perfect:

Since losing 40 pounds my doctor gave me the OK to stop taking both my blood pressure medicine and acid reflux medicine. My blood pressure has continued to be normal ever since. I’m thankful for my good health and don’t take it for granted. I maintain my weight by drinking lots of water, eating healthy, and am still walking and listening to my favorite bible teachers.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

“Don’t shine so others can see you. Shine so that that through you, others can see Him.” C.S. Lewis

Stress and problems are facts of life, but with God, nothing is impossible. I believe God has a plan and a purpose for everything that happens in life; be it our plans or our surprises, or our successes or our failures. We are to keep your focus on Him through it all.

Treasure In Jars of Clay

My life story and journey of faith.

Tag: #Thankful