Blessed Beyond Measure

Deeply contemplating family life this evening left me speechless. Somehow I was born into a family that turned out to be just about as stable and loving as humanly possible--Good parents, sister, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, great-grandparents--no instability, chaos, grudges, or hostility among us. In 26 years, I have never known a single minute without support, encouragement, love, appreciation, and affection from both my immediate and extended family--all of them--even when I didn't deserve it. They show me God's love in human form. I can't wrap my mind around it. 

The Monuments Men

If you want to be inspired, go see 'The Monuments Men'. Take Kleenex. I cried through the entire movie. In one of the final scenes, I nearly fell out of my seat when I saw a painting I had taken a picture of in an Italian restaurant in Romania. The one I saw was a copy, of course, but I had no idea the original was one of the millions of pieces of art stolen by the Nazis and recovered by the Monuments Men! 

The painting is Leonardo da Vinci's The Lady with an Ermine. It was hanging on the wall behind the table where our group was sitting. Had the Monuments Men not recovered the original in a mine far underground in Germany, I would never have been able to admire the beauty of it on the wall of a tiny restaurant in Barlad, Romania because there would no longer have been an original from which to make copies.

The Monuments Men saved the world's art and culture. They made a difference on a massive scale. But their actions also made a difference in one life, mine, in a restaurant in Romania; yet I never knew until yesterday when I watched their story portrayed in a movie.

I would like to say well done and thank you to the men and women who saved Europe's art.

Love is...

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

Celebrate those you love

Get out the glitter, glue, markers, and stickers, and create cards for friends and family members to tell them you love them to the moon and back

Give a friend a call

Send flowers

Eat chocolate, lots of it

Give thanks to God, the Creator and Giver of every good and perfect gift

Celebrate life

 

Love is about possibilities, taking risks, finding meaning, and having faith.

Love is everywhere. My heart is in every place I've ever been.  

Look around and find someone to love.

Love is a journey.





Love is partnership.

Love is of God.

Love sometimes has four legs.

Love starts with those around us and ripples out from there.

Love is never a waste of time.

Love is friendship.

Love sets free and casts out fear.

Love never ends.

Love unites generations and knows no age differences or limits.

Love is active.

Love is a light on in the window and a welcome home.



In honor of Valentine's Day, I'm sharing the most beautiful love letter I've ever read. It was written by a soldier to his wife during the Civil War, one week before he was killed in battle, but many of the letter's sentiments hold true for the love I have for my family and friends; for those who are still here and for the ones I will not see again this side of heaven.

 

"...my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break... If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the gladdest days and in the darkest nights . . . always, always...do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again."

 











July the 14th, 1861

Washington DC

 

My very dear Sarah:

 

The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days - perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.

 

Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure - and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine 0 God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing - perfectly willing - to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.

 

But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows - when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children - is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?

 

I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death -- and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country, and thee.

 

I have sought most closely and diligently, and often in my breast, for a wrong motive in thus hazarding the happiness of those I loved and I could not find one. A pure love of my country and of the principles have often advocated before the people and "the name of honor that I love more than I fear death" have called upon me, and I have obeyed.

 

Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.

 

The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me - perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar -- that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.

 

Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have oftentimes been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.

 

But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the gladdest days and in the darkest nights -- amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours - always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.

 

Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again.

 

As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.

 

Sullivan

January--Gifts 438-530

"Rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."
-Colossians 2:7

January 1st: Three Gifts Heard:

438. The cry of sea gulls at the beach

439. Rain falling on tree leaves

440. Distant low rumble of thunder

January 2nd: A Gift Outside, Inside, On a Plate

441. Trees, flowers, and bushes outside in the yard, the beauty of living in the country

442. The pile of pillows and blankets on my bed, a safe place to sleep inside

443. Homemade waffles, syrup and butter pooling on the plate

January 3rd: Three Graces You Overheard

444. Information patiently explained to a child

445. Benefit of the doubt being given, easing tensions

446. Forgiveness and understanding offered, relationships healed

January 4th: A Gift Old, New, Blue

447. My 1943 World War II nurse's uniform, 71 years old, wearing history

448. A new tea mug for Christmas from Mom and Dad, reminding me of London

449. A dish towel, blue with bright yellow lemons

January 5th: Something You're Reading, Making, Seeing

450. Reading God's words, clinging to the promise that everything will be okay when He returns to take His children home

451. Making a quilt, hand sewn, stitching away frustration and confusion in life, finding peace and contentment with a needle and thread

452. Seeing God at work, reminded of His faithful provision

January 6th: One Thing in Your Bag, Your Fridge, Your Heart

453. Multicolored ink pen in my purse, bright and cheerful colors, just right for entering information in my daily planner

454. Fresh strawberries in the fridge

455. Working in Romania with abandoned children, a gift that causes sadness, and unspeakable joy, providing a sense of purpose, filling my heart

January 7th: Three Graces from People You Love

456. Understanding and forbearance when I am upset, confused, frustrated, and disappointed

457. Forgiveness readily offered

458. Love, support, and encouragement provided as I falter and stumble through this life

January 8th: Dusky Light, Surprising Reflection, Lovely Shadow

459. Summer days, dusk lasting late, rhythm of the season

460. The mountains in Glacier National Park reflecting on the lakes, surprised at the clarity, a mirror image

461. Closing my eyes while walking beneath the shade of a tree on a sunny day, sensing the leaves’ shadows flickering across my face

January 9th: A Gift Held, Passed By, Sat With

462. A baby, a gift not everyone gets to experience, a gift many others wish they could hold

463. Flowers in someone’s window boxes, bringing a smile as I pass by

464. Sitting with an elderly person in a nursing home, visiting, wisdom from a time I have not seen

January 10th: A Gift Sour, Sweet, Just Right

465. Fresh lemons, sour, picked off the tree in the back yard

466. Homemade brown sugar cubes, sweet, perfect addition to my English tea each morning

467. An ice cold glass of lemonade mixed with sweet tea on a sweltering summer day, just right

January 11th: Three Gifts of Mercy

468. The story of the Christmas Truce in 1914 during World War I, mercy conquering hate, if only for a moment

469. Forgiving and moving on, rising above the pain to heal, create, and bless

470. A librarian responding with kindness and gentleness when I was a child returning a book that had been chewed up by my puppy

January 12th: Something Above, Below, Beside

471. Rainbows, color above, a promise from God

472. Life in the ocean, below the surface, unfathomable

473. Walking beside a dear friend

January 13th: Three Things About Yourself You are Grateful for

474. The ability to play the violin and piano, notes dancing across the sheet music, providing peace

475. Good health, able to run, swim, hike in the mountains, climb trees, ride a bike, ice skate, and soar high on the swing set at the park

476. The ability to read well, gathering information, going on adventures, and meeting new people, all within the pages of books

January 14th: Three Startling Graces of God

477. Long suffering, extreme patience

478. His creation, messed up by man, but still startlingly beautiful at times

479. Redirection and guidance, never failing

January 15th: A Gift Worn, Given Away, Shared

480. New running shoes, worn, footfalls on the dirt path

481. A card, encouraging words within, given away to strengthen and support

482. A Saturday spent with a friend, sharing the day, enjoying life

January 16th: Three Witnessed Blessings

483. Rain falling on scorched, thirsty ground

484. Reuniting in an airport, walking into a hug

485. Children showing compassion to each other

January 17th: A Gift Bringing Laughter, Prayer, Quiet

486. The funny antics of the students at school, laughing along with them

487. Praying for guidance and discernment, silently communing with God

488. Sitting alone beside the lake, quietly observing the life around me

January 18th: Three Gifts from God's Word

489. Wisdom for eternity

490. Sound advice for leading a quiet, peaceable life

491. Examples of people overcoming sin, doubt, and bad decisions to be loyal to Christ

January 19th: Three Gifts That Might Never Have Been

492. My family, the result of a blind date in January of 1983 that led to a marriage four months later and two children in 1985 and 1988

493. The companionship of my dogs throughout the years, adopted from animal shelters, lives waiting for someone to take them home 

494. Friendship, childhood in Missouri, college in Tennessee, Montana, Florida, places where if I had not been, I would never have met strangers who became friends

January 20th: Three Gifts Only Seen Close Up

495. The veins in a tree leaf

496. Individual grains of sand at the beach

497. The blurry, magnified view of the world when seen through raindrops sliding down a windowpane

January 21st: A Gift in Sky, Water, Memory

498. Watching birds soar across God's canvas in the sky

499. Life, sustained by fresh water

500. Hearing a song that transports me to a good memory

January 22nd: A Gift Wrinkled, Smoothed, Unfolded

501. The hands of an elderly person, wrinkled, evidence of life lived and years gone by

502. Sheets hanging outside on a line to dry, smoothed, swaying in the wind

503. An armful of blankets fresh from the dryer, unfolded, warm, ready to be snuggled in on the couch with a book and cup of hot tea

January 23rd: Three Gifts Found in Christ

504. A strong defense

505. A mediator

506. Stability

January 24th: Three Things Blue

507. Flying, surrounded by blue, an ocean in the sky

508. Bright blue morning glories in hanging baskets on front porches

509. Sea blue nail polish, matching the waves crashing ashore, washing over my bare feet

January 25th: A Grace Borrowed, Found, Inherited

510. Blessings, evidence of God's grace toward His children

511. Grace found within nature, the beauty, harmony, and intricate designs in God's creation

512. Family stability, inherited from grandparents who raised children and built lasting, loyal marriages

January 26th: A Gift Before Dawn, At Noon, After Dark

513. Waking up before the sunrise, lying awake, watching the sun's rays slowly cast their light into my room

514. Lunch, a gift in the middle of the day

515. A peaceful place to sleep after dark, indoors, sheltered from storms and freezing weather

January 27th: Three Gifts in the Kitchen

516. Hot, running water for the dirty dishes

517. Coffee mugs

518. Mixing bowls and measuring spoons

January 28th: Three Graces Found in Friends

519. Companionship in silence, no words needed

520. A shared past, childhood memories made together

521. Watching out for each other, advising, listening, comforting, laughing 

January 29th: A Song Heard, A Soft Word, Light Seen

522. Ashokan Farewell, a hauntingly beautiful song

523. Quiet voices early in the morning, softly speaking as the sun rises and the world awakes

524. Emerging from a cave into the light

January 30th: Three Old Things Seen New

525. My hometown, seen through the eyes of visitors when I show them around

526. A favorite book from childhood, reread

527. Interesting items and dusty antiques discovered at flea markets

January 31st: A Gift on a Paper, In a Person, In a Picture

528. My diplomas from high school and college, paper evidence of the blessing of education

529. A friend's willingness to listen, no advice or suggestions offered, just a listening ear and gentle acceptance

530. The family reunion picture hanging on a wall at Grandma's house, smiling faces, all together in one place



 

ap·pre·ci·a·tion
 noun
 
The recognition and enjoyment of good qualities of someone or something.
Synonyms: valuing, treasuring, admiration, respect, regard, esteem

 

 

 

Our Neighbors in Syria

I watched the video tonight of Syrian civilians being rescued by the U.N. earlier today. So many people rushing about as mortars landed nearby, mothers holding tight to their children's hands, screaming the names of children who had become separated from them in the throng of people. Bags, suitcases, belongings, remnants of the lives they had made in that city scattered on the ground. I thought of my kids who were able to happily run around beneath the shade trees this afternoon, playing tag, laughing, and complaining about the homework they needed to complete tonight. I can't imagine any of them fleeing a war zone, but that is reality for hundreds of thousands of our fellow human beings on the other side of the world. Please continue to pray for Syria and seek ways to help them.