Sweet Land of Liberty!

I'm PROUD to be an AMERICAN,

where at least I know I'm FREE;

I won't forget the men/women,

who DIED and gave that right to me;

I'll gladly stand up next to you and DEFEND her to the end,

For there ain't no doubt I LOVE this land,

God BLESS the USA!

My country 'tis of thee,

Sweet land of LIBERTY, of thee I sing,

Land where my fathers died, Let FREEDOM ring!

Our Father's God to thee,

author of LIBERTY, to thee we sing.

Long may our land be BRIGHT, with FREEDOM's HOLY light,

PROTECT us by THY MIGHT, Great God, our King!

BLESSINGS: "...and these stones shall be for a memorial..." Joshua 4:7

Sugar and Spice!

"Sugar and Spice,
And everything nice,
That’s what girls are made of;

Sunshine and rainbows,
And ribbons for hair bows,
That’s what girls are made of;

Tea parties, lace, And baby doll faces, That what girls are made of."

And so it goes with one very special spoonful of “Katie-Sugar”, peppered with an ounce of “Katie-Spice”! Fer-sure!

Ms. Katie is someone who dazzles like the sunshine. She giggles through life and gives those around her a whopping dose of sweetness! If you ever have a rainy, drizzling-with-problems kind of day, Katie will come along with her wand of spice, and turn your rain into rainbows. Yes, it’s true; she’ll take away your “blue”. Oh, and she's one smart cookie, too! (...with lotsa choco chips!)

She’s the kind of friend, who will graciously attend your tea parties, and make everyone feel like the Queen of the Tea! For you see, Ms. Katie learned this from her very hospitable Grandmother, who graces her guests with smiles, hugs, and special treats…why? Because they are special! And, Katie is one of those special people who you can’t help love!

Speaking of special: This is Katie’s birthday! We feel really cool to have her in our family! We love you and pray that your day is full of Sugar and Spice and all that is nice!

Happy Birthday Hugs-n-Kisses, Katie!

BLESSINGS: “God spoke to Moses: ‘Take the best spices… Make these into a holy anointing oil, a perfumer's skillful blend.’” Exodus 30:22-30
(Katie is a special “spice” - presented before the Lord as a sweet fragrance.)

Mark's A Home Run!

You're going to be an auntie!!!

We were celebrating a nice, calm Mother's Day when the phone rang; It was a long distance call from my brother-in-law and sister, "Hey Gramaw and Grampaw!" My mom replied with, "really", as a HUGE grin swept across her face. I think I may have witnessed a little "happy" tear, as I was jumping up-n-down and grabbing at the phone. Dad jolted to the phone and repeated my mom's expression, and added with an equally wide grin, "a little tow-headed fella, huh?" The News....they were going to be first-time grandparents....and I was going to be a seven-year-old auntie!!!

My nephew, my friend was the first son, grandson, nephew to join the family and we were estatic. We could hear his little cry over the phone, as he didn't really cry, rather whimpered.

As time went on, he soon informed us that "gas was too much"; polyester itched; winner takes all in the game of Life, Monopoly, Risk, and Stratego, and he was out to win; that people could be out-thunk by his sharp and quick mind (I know, but I like that word); money was equivalent to gold and should be spent on baseball cards only; little, plastic army men were a boy's best friend and playing war was exciting; reciting all the President's of the US was nothing rare in your five-year-old world; vegetables stunk (rhymes with out-thunk); Aunts and Uncle G were the best thing since sliced bread (yep, we still are!); Christmas in MinneSNOWta was week-long party-time; and, the Vikings ruled the world!

Mark and I would sit for hours (and occasionally let the other aunties in on it, too) playing Monopoly or Risk and eating our favorite chips. However, it really wasn't a game of fun, rather an opportunity to conquer, defeat the opponent (his aunty), and WIN! Uh, right, you guessed it...I won-okay, not much. When we weren't playing games, we were traveling to Russia, sailing the Baltic Sea to Finland, and strapping ourselves to the bunk beds so we wouldn't fall out from the harsh sea - his bed-belt snapped a little too hard and gave him a permanent red mark on his chest (and aunty never laughed so hard in my life-bwaaahaahaaa! oops), buying homemade bread and crystal in Poland, flea marketing in Germany, and eating pizza in London (what are fish-n-chips?) Oh, and getting harassed by gypsies. Oh Cheeeettttt! (Inside joke - ask Mark about this if you really wanna know.) Lots of adventure --fingernails never tasted so good. :)

As an adult, his ambition turned to education, debate, travel-planner extraordinaire, analyzing peeps and situations, libraries, politics, sticking to his religious beliefs, enjoying a good laugh and family fellowship, winning elections, and marrying the love of his life, buying a home, and taking pride in his beautiful gifts from God, his children.

I am one PROUD auntie!

So, on this very special day, a day when I honor my nephew-my bud, I pray God's blessings and wisdom for you. May the Lord grant you strength to endure the busy days, wisdom to make good decisions, discernment to know what is right so you may strategize the next move, and the ability to continue seeking after His will for your life.

You are loved and highly revered in the family. You take a special position as the "first" which lends itself to your natural gift and favor to always come out on top, get the best deal, or the one chosen to win a prize. Our prize is....you! Your prize is....Christ Jesus...and your aunty...just sayin') :) Happy Birthday with stadium-like-cheers of love and admiration!

BLESSINGS: "I press toward the MARK for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

Happy Mother's Day!

MEMORANDUM TO:  The Matriarch of the Family

FROM:  A Heart Full of Love and Gratitude

DATE: Mother's Day, 2009

SUBJECT:  A Happy and Blessed Mother's Day!

This is a day of honor; a day when we acknowledge the greatness of God's gift to all humankind! You are the essence of what it means to be created in the image of God--living in FAITH, giving HOPE, and demonstrating LOVE! And, the greatest of these is LOVE! 

When the Lord divinely appoints one to motherhood, He has chosen a vessel who has the ability to: 

• Love unconditionally (heart), 
• Impart wisdom (mind),
  
• Egregiously defend with all that is within you (core of your soul),
  
• Train, teach, discipline (spiritual),
  
• Nurture the wounds with affection and care-and our little pets, too (physical) 
• Create joy, happiness, laughter, and tears (emotional)
• Endure sacrifices (humility),
• Gracefully deal with death and exhibit strength (loss),
• Exercise good judgment (strength and conviction), and
• Enjoy the fruits of her labor (honor). 

As a mother, your demonstration of these attributes have contributed to the success of the people, who, in turn, now rise and call you blessed, praise your worth, honor you, and who stand on your shoulders--for you are the giant who has elevated and encouraged us; and not just we - your children - but those to whom you pastor, counsel, and befriend.

Thank you, with gratitude, for all that you are and for being the person, along with dad, who anchored the family [and church] through the storms; lifted up the family when we were down; cried with the family when the going got tough; taught the family to love GOD; and rejoiced with the family [and church] when the Lord blessed with abundance! 

Thank you for "turning the world on with your smile, and taking a nothing day, and making it all seem worthwhile!"

Because of you and dad, our FAITH is strong, we know our HOPE is eternal, and we have a greater understanding and have experienced God's LOVE demonstrated through you! 

You're the greatest!

Happy Mother's Day! 

I LOVE you!

BLESSINGS: "Her children arise up and call her blessed: her husband also, and he praiseth her." Proverbs 31:28

Day of Prayer

Our Father, 

who art in heaven

hallowed be thy Name, 

thy kingdom come, 

thy will be done, 

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day

our daily bread

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those 

who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, 

and the power, 

and the glory, 

for ever and ever. 

Amen.

Magical Moment-A Star Is Born!

Don't-cha love magical moments in life; times when you can go back to the exact day, time, moment and recall an event that just plain makes ya happy...like...

A tiny, little baby-girl singing in the Christmas choir with all the boys and girls, and inspiring the whole congregation; A stage full of actresses singing It's A Hard Knock's Life - Oh My Goodness, but one little orphan sparkles brighter than the top of the Chrysler Building and all the stars in the galaxy; A school play where a gifted actress transforms into a boy and sings clear as a bell for all the moms, dads, grandparents, and aunties (me); A person who goes from obscurity and becomes an overnight, singular sensation in the traveling troupe, Miracle On 34th Street; A theatrical voice that serenades a full theatre with "Somewhere Over The Rainbow", and clicks her Ruby heels with true grace; A state-fair winner poses as a newspaper boy and mesmerizes the judges, and all that jazz; An anointed soloist who bravely sings "Let There Be Peace On Earth" in church on a Sunday morning following the 911 attacks--WOW!

Of course, there are many more, but the grand beginning was on April 17th when a little red-halo-headed-baby blessed us with more talent, charm, and tenderness than you can imagine. I held her in my arms, kissed her forehead, and tickled the tips of her tiny, little, velvet-like fingers, as she responded  with the twinkle in her baby-blues--a magical moment!

I can't imagine my life without a precious and talented niece who impacts my life, makes me proud, and gives me joy! Oh, and loves NYC--just like me!!! Lil' Kiwi-Piwi is an inspiration, motivator, giver, and comedian. Yes, she is hilarious with her comedy routines and imitations. bwaahaahaaahaaa!

So, on this very special birthday,  I present to my favorite (and only) niece a special blessing of..."anointed inspiration to the people who come in contact with you, a contagious motivation that impacts the world, a humbled giver who makes life richer for those less fortunate, and joy unspeakable for those who are in despair and in need. 

May your sphere of influence extend to every part of this world. May your heart always be tender toward God. May your words be anointed and orchestrated to say just the right thing at just the right moment. May your songs heal the hurts of others, inspire ambition, tell a story, and enrich and feed your own soul during your deepest, and most sacred and personal moments that are between you and God. 

You are blessed, our lil' Kiwi-Piwi. You walk under the umbrella of incredible anointing and favor. Always look upward and allow Him to take your hand and lead you where He wants you to go! There is a path that is illuminated with success, anointing, and influence for you. Do not be blinded, rather, embrace the magnificent abundance of all that He has in store for you!" 

Shine on, our little star, shine on! 

Happy Birthday! You are LOVED!

BLESSINGS: "Kiwi waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto her and heard her cry. He brought her up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set her feet upon a rock, and established her goings. And He hath put a new song in her mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. I delight to do thy will , O my God, yea thy law is within my heart." Psalms 40: 1-3, 8

Resurrection! Raise The Praise!

THE VIA DOLOROSA: a journey full of rejection, hatred, and torture.

Jesus arrived in Jerusalem from Bethany preparing to meet with His apostles for The Last Supper-communion. He consoles them and informs them of the foreordained plan.

He contines to the Garden of Gethsemane to kneel and pray. His agony was so great that his sweat was as it were great drops of blood.

After His arrest, he was brought to the Place of the High Priest and stood before Caiaphas and the Council. He was adjured to tell the truth, and He did;. however, He was falsely accused of blasphemy--there were no objections, no plea's, no attorneys--He was charged as "guilty" and sentenced to death.

He was escorted to Pontius Pilate's Judgment Hall labeled as a criminal; he was defamed and charged with treason. Pontius Pilate studied the facts and claimed Him to be innocent. Rage ensued, as Jesus was a Galilean, and by law, He was "claimed innocent" in the wrong jurisdiction. Pontius Pilate issued an Order for Change of Venue and sent Him to King Herod, who happened to be in Jerusalem at that time.

Herod questioned Christ, but our Lord remained silent. He was mocked and sent back to Pilate. Pilate affirmed that he thought Christ to be innocent. After much protest, Pilate yielded to the fear of man and temptation, and sentenced our Lord to death.

From the Judgment Hall, He was given His cross to bear en route to the Hill of Golgotha, the place of Calvary, to be crucified.

Nails were pounded into his flesh - a crown of thorns was forced to fit his skull - his thirst was quenched with vinegar. "Forgive them for they know what they do!"

IT IS FINISHED!

The sky turned dark at the sixth hour, and at the ninth hour he died. The veil in the temple was ripped in the midst, the earth began to quake, the rocks broke apart, and graves were opened. This moment gave birth to mourning and travail for transgressions.

On the third day, the stone was rolled away and the angels announced His resurrection!

CALVARY: a destination that gives us hope and eternal life. Raise the Praise! He's alive and well with Resurrection power!

BLESSINGS: "He is not here, but is risen...." Luke 22: 6