Sunday, May 19, 2013

Finding Treasures...

I've been going through boxes of stuff I've had in storage, and I've run across some treasures.  Cassette tapes with my grandmother and my mother singing, a recording of my oldest son's laughter at 6 months old, letters from friends that take me back in time, photographs I haven't seen in ages, and so much more.

My grandpa.  He loved God, his family, nature, and this world.
I also found a book of articles my grandfather published in our local paper.  I was almost 8 years old.  I'd been living with my grandparents since the spring of that year, 1964.  Grandpa was a pastor for most of his life, and it struck me how much some things have stayed the same.  With so much in the current headlines about the lies and deceit in all levels of our government; with so much violence;  with so much hatred; we remain a nation, a world, that needs mercy, compassion, and love.  My grandpa's words still seem relevant, and I wanted to share them with you, so here is a photo of the entire article, from October 1, 1964.

If you click on the article, it enlarges for easier reading.  Two clicks for the largest size.
My grandfather asks, "Have times actually changed, or is telling the truth a lost art today...  Still the masters of politics wage their wars, ever feeling they can bring a better tomorrow - promising more or less, as the situation demands."

He goes on to say, "We won't fight like this system, we wage a warfare against evil, sickness, poverty and hopelessness, with love.  A love that knows no evil of his neighbor and will not destroy him.  A deep passion for others, that never says 'It's your bed, you made it,' but instead takes of its own and gives to the need."

People have often commented about my "ability" to forgive, to love others.  I had great teachers, my grandfather being one of the greatest.  Compassion, forgiveness, and love can be learned, and definitely should be taught.  Some things have changed and improved, and for those that haven't, another thing I was taught is faith and hope.  I will never give up hoping and believing for a better world.

© 19May2013 ajjahner

Monday, May 13, 2013

A Special Birthday...

My youngest turned 21 years old today!  I don't know where the years went.  They just flew by!  Since he and his older brother both have college finals this week, we'll celebrate his big day next weekend.  We'll also celebrate Mother's Day at the same time.  Here are a couple of my favorite photos of him...
Our little engineer.  He loved Thomas the Train!


At the Boise River Festival with his brother.

At church camp with mom and dad.
At his college visit last year.

I'm so proud of him!  He has loved his first year at college, and has discovered more about where he wants to go with his education and his life.  I'm really looking forward to having him home for the summer and getting to spend more time with him and his brother!  It was a long, quiet winter at our house!

Wishing him a Very Happy Birthday!

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Busy days...

Busy days, but I wanted to share another blog link with you today.  This one really touched my heart.  Be sure to have a handkerchief on hand!  Go to:  Everything Beautiful and Good

Also, voting is open for the art challenge over at:  Mind Wide Open

Summer heat arrived this week, and right on cue, the AC quit working.  Thankfully, the AC people were able to get right over, and now there's a lovely chill in my house!

I'm working on a couple of projects, getting ready for a huge garage sale, and just enjoying the day!  Sorry my posts are so short, but I'm still around!  I hope you're all having a glorious weekend!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Gifts Worth Holding Onto...

I had to share this wonderful idea!  It's at Forever In First! (click on name link to go there)

Tammy created some precious keepsakes for her first graders to take home, but I thought this would also be a wonderful gift idea for a mom or a grandmother.

Check it out!  So sweet!

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Art Challenge

Here is a fun art challenge, hosted by Gail over at Mind Wide Open.  She provides a basic image, you use it in any art form you choose.  Then, send a JPEG image of your completed project to her by May 9th!  Here's the link for all the information and the image:

Mind Wide Open Art Challenge

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

It's May Already!

I'm shocked I missed an entire month of blogging!  Life has had some ups and downs, and I've just been very busy.  I've been taking care of some health issues, working on my family tree, done a little bit of work on my book, and a lot of other stuff!  Too much for one post.

I'm getting ready to go on a trial run with a new MS medication, so I had a brain MRI today as a new "baseline" to refer back to.  It had been about 4 years since the last brain scan.  They alternate, so two years ago it was the spine.  I'm excited about this new medication.  It's not a cure, there isn't one yet, but it is supposed to slow down the progression.

Afterwards, my husband took me out for lunch, which we rarely do these days.  It was so nice to be out with him!  Then we went to a second hand furniture store that I like.  I found a gently used sofa and chair at a bargain price!  They'll be delivered in a couple days, and my old sofa will go back with them to be placed on consignment!  A few days ago, my sweet husband brought home a new TV.  It's got a much bigger screen, so I can actually see it, and even read words on it!  We were able to indulge in a little shopping due to the road widening behind our home.  We're losing a wide chunk of the easement at the back of our lot, so there is a small financial compensation.  I'm hoping there will be enough left for some new flooring or carpet too!  Have to wait and see on that!

Well, I will try to be back a little more often.  No promises though!  Spring has been beautiful, and I have several projects lined up!  Wishing all of you a beautiful week!