Tribute to A Mother in Law

Marjorie Rossing (Marj) was born Oct 12, 1922. 

She went through the first grade twice and was amazed she turned out so well.  Graduated 5th out of 52 in her high school class.  Married in 1941 to Myron in a church with one kerosene chandelier.  Had 3 sons, 4 miscarriages.  Taught Sunday school  to Jr-Sr high kids and is directionally impaired.

She and Myron moved to Ellendale in 1954 where she felt like a fish out of water, that is, until God told her to start a bible study.  So she did and has been teaching ever since.  Young, old and everyone in between.

Not just bible teaching though.  When grandson Joe needed raising, she was there for him and is still to this day.  He attributes her with how well he turned out.  In the spring, she would drive up to the city and spend considerable amount of time sewing clothes for Michelle and Mindi.  

After teaching on Wednesdays, she duplicates the recorded tapes for those on her list who weren't at class and distributes them.  

She was Ellendale, Minnesota's Centennial queen, takes over for her pastor in bible study on Sunday as needed, is a requested speaker at many churches and events, and at the age of 83 was lead to write a daily devotional called "More Than Milk Toast".  She wrote and published this devotional entirely on her own.

She's taken Norwegian classes at a ripe age, conducts prayer meetings at her house, has taught rosemalling, is a mentor to one and all, and is respected, admired and loved by all who know her.  

This little woman is a power house and a true servant for God.  I can only hope that I would be able in some small part to make all my children as proud.

Amazing Grace

Everyone knows I love to sing.  Amazing Grace is one of my favorites.  On our retreat, I started to sing this, but my daughter indicated that it was a funeral song and I strongly disagreed.  These are the words to Amazing Grace.  It's a beautiful song, meaningful and when taken to heart, has brought me to tears.  I mean, there it is in the first paragraph, I'm a wretch, I was lost but now I'm found.  Now that's profound!!!!!!!!!!

Please let me know what you think.  That's it.   Funeral song or Whenever Song


"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.


T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.


Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.


The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.


Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
a life of joy and peace.


When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

Kathy the Great

Remember the saying:  you can't pick your neighbors.  Well, I am so thankful for my neighbor, Kathy.  It was a difficult time when I first moved in but upon accepting Christ into my heart again in 1998, I realized what I had to do.  Lev 19:18 says  "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD."

I hated living next to them and not being able to get along.  I had no issues with Kathy but our households got off track.  So I started saying hi to Jerry, trying to mend and humble myself, and eventually, it turned around with God's blessings. 

I LOVE my neighbors.  Kathy is an amazing woman who catalogs her plants on 3x5 cards, annotating when she bought them, where she planted them, when she divided them and where that divided plant went.  So organized.  She'd come into my yard and ask what a plant was and I'd say:  that one plant.  You didn't catalog it, did you?  No, mommy I didn't.

She knows the American, Latin and common names for her plants.  Knows which ones are wild flowers and which ones are WEEDS. 

You can ask her ANYTHING,  and she knows it.  Maybe I'm thinking because she has homeschooled 6 kids.  Now that in itself is amazing. 

When I hurt myself in the back yard, she heard me cry out in pain and she and Jimmy came running to my aid.  She looks after me and my health. 

When the mower died in the back yard, she was there to help cover it, secure it and bless it until Martin got home.

When the economy needs supporting, she and I go and eat at restaurants, closing them down as we spend hours talking and just loving the relationship we have.

After class is over in the afternoon, we usually meet in the back yard and walk mine and then hers, sometimes taking 2-3 hours to do so. 

When in need of medical attention, I trust her more than the local ER.

She knows my health, the kids, their lives, my husband, my faith, and my heart.

As an individual, I have suffered different forms of abuse and as a result, have been left with an unnerving fear.  Last night, I heard a loud boom, as if someone was entering through the door in the basement.  Immediately, the old fear kicked in and I grabbed the largest knife I had.  I was immobilized by fear and the past.  I tried calling her and left a message.  Until she returned my call, Mitzee and I didn't leave the family room.

At 10 something, she calls and I explain.  She gives me an explanation, detailing the noise to the ninth degree, repeats and I am calmed and at ease.  She is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!

If you ever want a great neighbor, you can't have mine.  I don't know what I'm going to do when we ever leave this home.  Maybe I'll just pack her along.

I know she thinks I'm crazy when I tell her I love her, but Kathy, I really do love you.  You are my neighbor, sister in Christ, and a truly awesome person.

Love
Barb

A Weekend to Remember

Today is Friday, Jan 22nd and its 7:00pm.   I am embarking on a weekend with two of my daughters on a women's retreat.  Carrie has just recently come to Christ and was baptized in November. Candice was baptized as a child and so at the entrance of this post, I am praying that God would work in all our lives as only He can.....

More to come!!!!

We've just come from our first session with registration, worship, and our guest speaker.  During the worship I started crying.  I am so blessed in so many ways and here I am spending the weekend with two of my girls.  They both have husbands and responsibilities and as a Mom and person with her own responsibilities, I know that when our children grow up, move out and marry, that the most precious gift they can give to their parents is their time.  I get them all to myself and with Him.  What a blessing!!

Tomorrow is a busy day and as we closed tonight holding hands and praying, I know God will be with us....please keep our hearts and eyes open to your will.

Saturday morning started early as several women in the cottage needed showers.  It was funny and yet all too familiar rooming with my children as we were always a pretty loose and comfortable bunch with each other. 

We made it up to the lodge for breakfast, took a seat at the first table and waited.  After looking at the menu, Ellen, one of the cooks/helpers said, "you want to eat?"  Can we?  So, I called to Carrie and Candice and we started the trend.  Ellen, a little sweetie was there for us the whole weekend.  We said grace and ate and then were joined by Terry and Jullayne.  Diane later joined us, come to find out, she was a "clown" on the side.  Complete with clown week, clown college, the whole bit. 

Our first session was at 9:00am with worship, and talks.  Break time, session 2 and lunch.  Yummm.  Ellen was again a sweetie and Debra was a soft spoken soul who just wanted to serve....not much to say, just a servant heart. 

We had free time, where we painted frames for the nursery at church, made journal books and talked.  Then the snacks came out.....chocolate fondue and fixings to dunk....does it get any better?

Yep.  I sat in the booth watching Carrie paint and examine her work, trying to get it just right and perfect.  Candice was meticulously picking out the papers she would use on her journal.  She took a LONG time.  But the end product was perfect.  I observed Carrie asking for Candice's help, Carrie praising Candice for her creativity, and I was in heaven.  At one time, Carrie says:  what's wrong, why are you so quiet?"  I'm enjoying my girls being loving, caring, helpful, building each other up, and I don't want to miss a word or praise or anything!!!!

Saturday was a full day and we didn't get back to the cottage for a nap but headed to dinner and the last session of the night:  the holy spirit working in us.  We had a work assignment that was soul searching.

Sunday, we woke to a beautiful snow fall and the trees were just amazing.  Picture time!!!  Captured some on my cell phone and I'm hoping Candice will share some with me.

As we drove home, we talked all the way (as we did on the way up).  At one time, I took the moment to reflect on the weekend and recap things learned:

1.  I have beautiful children.
2.  I CAN pass for their sister--as one woman asked me to really, tell her the truth.
3.  It was their hearts I saw this weekend and as I suspected, they're good ones.
4.  The time between Carrie and Candice as they went out to check the weather 4 times on Saturday (to smoke), was time between the two of them and I hope it was good for them.
5.  What God did for me that weekend, I couldn't have gotten any other way but through Him.

I'm hoping next year that maybe Meagan, Shelli, Mindi and even Grandma Rossing can join us and really have a women's retreat.

God bless you two for the time we had together and the memories.

Love
Mom

p.s.  Did anyone get any extra Dove candies?

Harry the Faithful

Harry was diagnosed with cancer last year. They went to the Mayo Clinic in Florida (where they live) and he did agrressive chemo and radiation that left him weak and compromised. He maintained his positive self chidding and kidding with the nurses and doctors, all the while, giving strength (I believe) to his wife, Maureen.

Then, he entered into a trial where he showed some improvement but six weeks into the study, the tumors had enlarged and spread, he was left with colitis, weak and tremendous weight loss.

Upon returning home, he spent the next 12 weeks suffering from the colitis and getting over it.

Last week he was to have tests and MRIs done to see if he was a good candidate for another trial that had good results. Alas, today I spoke with Harry and was informed that he would not be admitted to the study because the cancer was in his brain.

After saying goodbye, I broke down and wept. This man is funny, witty, intelligent, kind and gentle and I love him. He and Maureen have been good friends to Martin and myself.

Please pray for Harry and Maureen as they struggle through this time and I pray that I will be able to return to Florida in order to see them and support them through this trying time.

Thank you so much.

Prayer Really Does Work

Today I spent time with my friend Michelle (lovingly known as butt-puppy Michelle).  She is getting ready for a moving sale and I went over to help her.

We used to work together years ago.  At that time, she was a firecracker of a woman, high energy, high talk and politically incorrect.  I left the company, remarried, left the workforce,  and was born again.  As our friendship progressed,  I started sharing my faith and the power of God and prayer.

In the past two years, she has literally gone to hell and back.  A challenging husband, bankruptcy, divorce, raising two children as a single mom, working full time and traveling.

When I walked in and saw her, I immediately realized I hadn't been a good friend and felt as if I had let her down.  She looked up, smiled that wide smile that lights a room, and held her arms out.  How could I not cry?

Since it had been a while since we've seen each other, I wanted to know everything:  how life after divorce was going, how the kids were, what her mental health was and when would I lose my friend to Spooner, Wisconsin.

As we started talking about her life, she said several key things:

1.  Life after divorce is about the kids.
2.  She is very blessed to have so much.
3.  Prayer really works.

At this point I'm in tears and hugging her.  I've been praying for her for so long and to hear such wisdom, I'm elated.

But it gets better!!  While we work putting out the garage sale stuff, I hear her talk about being humble to have so much, not feeling worthy of having so much.  (Must I repeat that she had to file bankruptcy?) 

How did she get here?  Putting others before herself, thinking of others first, forgiving her ex-husband, realizing what is really important in life, appreciating everything she has, prayer, love, forgiving herself, and the help, guidance and love from her heavenly Father.

The woman I saw today was truly amazing.  The strength she showed, the peace about herself, her family,her future--all amazing!!

I know that when she moves that she will be alright.  She will have her mom, friends, and a new beginning.  I hope that when she stops to take a breath, that she will remember those she's left behind.  We miss you and we love you.

Get that guest room ready!!!!!

Whinning: $10 Please

On Monday, Mitzee and I prepared to travel home to Minnesota from Florida.  We arrived at the airport several hours early, played outside, gave her a pill and headed in to go through security and arrive at our gate.

Everything was running smoothly.  We were in seat 26A which is the last row of seats (which do not recline, by the way).  We arrived at our seat, found a place for the carry one and placed my other carry on, Mitzee, under the seat in front of me. 

Anyway, a young man and woman approached the row, questioned who was going to sit in the middle and took their seats.  I got the young man.

As we waited for everyone to make their way to their seats, stewardesses to do their thing, and the plane to push away, it started.

The young man next to me says to his girlfriend? traveling partner:  I hate the smell of plane fuel and starts the air.  Then as the little boy comes to his seat in front of us, the young man waves and goo goos at him.  As I start to doze off, he nudges me and asks if we can close the shade on the window, then as a child is playfully talking, he waits a while before saying, come on shut up.  Later, as the child is talking, he says, I'm waiting for glass to start breaking.

As he naps and I can not, I read, check on Mitzee who is in a drug induced stupor, and try to hold it together as my pain throughout the flight has me jumping out of my skin. 

As the captain indicates we're 30 minutes out and we are starting our decent, the young man wakes, checks his ticket for his connecting flight, and prepares his belongings.

As we start to see the lights of Minnesota, I lean back so he and his traveling partner can see out.  It's amazing to see a city or state from the air. 

Then it starts again:  here comes the fuel smell he says and turns on the air full blast, why can't we have three doors to exit from?  Why don't these seats recline?  And my favorite of all:  that was fun listening to 3.5 hours of toilet flushing!

What is this?  All he did was whine, whine, and whine.  At one point in time, I was going to start charging him for every whine that came out of his mouth.  

So kids, beware, life is not perfect. Things are as they are.  It may not be the way YOU like it, but it is the way someone else wants it.  So adjust.  And remember, you come to my house and whine, it's $10. 

Cash only!!!!

10 Predictions for 2010 That Will Come TRUE

As we end 2009 with all the problems in the worlld, it can be unsettling to the mind. Here are 10 predictions that will surely come true next year:  



1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on earth.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still honor the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-annointed preaching.

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.


Isn't It Great To Remember Who Is Really In Control, and that; "the Word of the Lord endures forever." (1 Peter 1:25)

My Sanctuary

This is part of my back yard.  It's a yard I've worked several years at creating and I can say with certainty that when people talk of their "happy" place, that besides heaven--this is mine!

This picture was actually taken from the bedroom window.  Most people disgust in winter and although it was cold, you can't deny the beauty of snow falling in the early hours when it's still dark out, quiet, still, peaceful, no wind and the calm you get is better than any pill.

More pictures coming in bloom season

What to Say in Times of Loss

Loss is described as:  The condition of being deprived or bereaved of something or someone: mourning their loss.

In the past month we lost our dear grandson, Garrett and now my daughter and son-in-law have lost their grandfather with whom they were close.

In situations of loss, we turn into people with heavy hearts, puffy eyes, red noses, and most of all speechless human beings.  To people we know and love, we look at them and their pain and know that no matter what we say, it will not be enough to ease or take away their pain.  To people we are acquaintances of, it tends to be easier as the customary "I'm so sorry for your loss" satifies our need to console.

The recent loss of my grandson, Garrett, was a difficult and complexing time as this was my step daughter to whom this loss occurred.  When she called to tell me of Garrett's passing, I didn't know what to say as I didn't register it myself.  How could and why did this happen? 

As an older person with a few years of experience and lessons learned under her belt, I knew there were no words to say.  And so I said, Mindi, there aren't any words that I can speak that will ease your pain, there just aren't.  I wish I could take this pain for you......I'm so sorry.  And then silence. 

People listen to your words and register them and then dump them I think.  They can't handle much and realistically, they will hear those words from so many people.  But I think the tone in which it's communicated registers the sincerity and emotion of the person.

Now, my daughter Meg and husband, Steve have lost their grandfather.  They were close to him.  Fishing, July 4th week-long celebrations, Steve cutting wood for their home in the fall and many celebrations throughout the year.

Again, another daughter is in pain.  As a mother, and any mother knows this to be true:  You as a Mom will do anything to take away their pain and make it ok again.  Unfortunately, we cannot.

Just like riding a bike, we must get back on.  Like having a bad dating experience, we must get back in there, like losing a son, daughter, or spouse......we must re-enter the life of living after saying goodbye. 

At my mothers funeral, people streamed in telling me wonderful stories of what she had done for them.  The joy filled my heart and I realized that when we lay them to rest, we must celebrate their life and what they did and the joy they brought to everyone.  If we don't, what was the purpose of their life and being?  It is through this celebration of their life that we will take solace and heal from.  It is the memories that bring a smile to our faces and a warm feeling to our hearts.

And in the end, we are grateful that they blessed our lives and were here and now are blessing others in heaven.

For it is when our purpose on earth has been fulfilled that we are called home. 

I hope this is someway comforts someone.

With love

Coffee - To Cream or Not to Cream

Coffee is a wonderful thing.  You wake in the morning to the smell of coffee and it's a Maxwell House ad.  But it really is a wonderful thing.  You lay in bed smelling the coffee and all of a sudden your thoughts transform to how good life is and how fortunate you are.

I love my coffee with 2 sugars (usually splenda) and coffee creamer.  No, this is not sugar overload.  But if life could get any better than just smelling it from bed, it's taking that first sip of coffee with that creamy, smooth taste and I'm transformed from the evil step mother into Snow White.  Love it, love it, love it.

I don't understand people who ask for their coffee straight up.  Black.  Ok, each to their own.  What do they see in it or not see in it. 

So here's the test:  How many people take their coffee black and how many add milk or creamer?  Let me know.

How We Get Spoiled

We've been in Florida now for two weeks.  The temps were wonderful, up in the 80's, then dropping into the 70's, still wonderful, then dropping into the 60's with a fairly hefty wind, somewhat wonderful. 

But it was the day I went the to temp gauge, looked, rubbed the eyes, and exclaimed quite loudly to the dog, 43!!!  No walk for you today!!!  Then I start to think about what a whuss we become by being spoiled.

You live in Florida for any amount of time and you get use to the sun, the palm trees blowing in the wind, the beautiful herons in the ponds, and of course, the temperatures.  Wearing those shorts, capris, sleeveless tops.  Nice...The sun beating on you as you walk around the shopping center, thinking..can it get any better?

But wake up one morning to 43 and immediately we're appalled.  We turn the heat on, bring out the jeans and sweaters and hold up in the house.

While remodeling the kitchen, everything was gutted for about 12 weeks.  No dishwasher, no disposal, no stove or sink!  You remember the saying "you don't know what you've got til its gone?"  Well, for the first 2 weeks it was ok, and then it started to annoy me. 

But then I remember seeing a woman on tv who had gone without a toilet and water for 6 years (and she had two kids).  Does this speak to what I'm made of or what I've become accustomed to.  What about the people from Hurricane Katrina....I can't even imagine going through something like that.

But what about our relaitonships and taking them for granted?  What about the woman on Biggest Loser who in one car accident lost her husband and newborn child?  How easily it slips away.

Take time today to renew or reach out to someone.  In today's time, I'm thinking just about everyone has something heavy on their hearts but they're all wearing a smile to hide it.

Today I started talking to Denise and we were sharing our faith.  I indicated I had this blog and put names on there for others to pray for them.  She asked if I would put her friend on there.  We are here to be a blessing to each other.  Just because you don't know the next person, doesn't mean you can't be a blessing! 

Stretch that comfort zone a little.  My husband does and he's scandinavian!!

He's going to be watch you.  Don't let us down.  Should you manage to reach out, please let me know how it went.  Would love to hear from you.

Words to Live By - 2010

The bible is either loved, hated or made fun of.  I personally believe in my heavenly father.  For most of my life (50 of the 56) he has been the only father I have had.

In 2010, I challenge people who are christians to be better christians.  Those who are on the fence about it--make a decision.  Those who don't believe, that's fine too.  It's a narrow path that we walk but I would pray that God would put someone in your path.

I was doing my daily devotional and thought some verses in Hebrews 13 might help us in the new year.  Put in laymen's terms:

1.  Keep on loving each other as brothers.
2. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so you may be entertain angels.
3.  We are to remember those in prison, as if we were fellow prisoners and those mistreated as if you yourself were suffering.
4.  Marriage should be honored by all.
5.  Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.
6. Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you.  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
7. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace.
8. Through Jesus, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.
9. Do  not forget to do good and to share with others for which God is pleased.
10. Obey your leaders and submit to their authority.
11. May the God of peace, equip you with everything good for doing his will and may he work in us what is pleasing to him and the glory to him forever and ever.

This last verse is from I Thes 5:11  Encourage one another and build each other up.  Stop picking on one another, judging each other and complaining about everyone.  We're all in the same boat!!!  You just may find yourself swimming.

Good Luck

Welcome to 2010

As 12:00am turned over on my clock, I welcomed myself into 2010 and thought:  1.  I made it to the new year, 2.  I'm a year older, and 3.  what will I do differently this year.  I guess you could call them resolutions but that word has such a bad connotation. 

So here's my list.  Please let me know if there are different ones that aren't on my list that you are going to do differently this year:

1.  At the beginning of 2009, I vowed to go through the bible in a year.  I went through 326. So in 2010, I will again go through the bible and this time to the very end and thus learning more than I did and hopefully deepening my faith.

2.  I will work on relationships this year.  If you know me, you're probably asking if I could do any more talking.  There are so many different kinds of relationships and those relationships that might have not received as much attention as normal, I will try to pick up on.

3.  I would like to do a better job of NOT judging people.  It's so easy to do.  Before you know it, the judgement is there in your mind.  You see someone inappropriately dressed, someone with a lot of tattoos or piercings, or even someone who is grumpy and you just don't know their situation. 

4.  I would like to deepen my relationship with my husband.  Although we have a great relationship now, anything can be made better. 

5.  2010 will find us working off a monthly budget.  If it's not in the budget, oh well.  Submit it in triplicate.

6.  The usual:  work on the weight, up the exercise, and do more walks with the dog.

7.  Plant 8 spruce trees in the back yard.

8.  Daily prayer is a part of my routine now, but I'd like to do a better job of asking people what I can pray for them about.

I guess that's it, if not enough.  My plate will be full but then that's life.  You really do have to stay awake, alert and involved.

God bless you all and I pray that this year will be a great one filled with good memories, new friendships, and more sleep.

Recipe #1 for 2010

I recently made this recipe that I thought I would share with everyone.  It's wonderful for a weekend breakfast, for family when they come to visit, whatever.  It cooks up in one pan, comes out looking beautiful and  tastes yummy the first time and the second and third.  Let me know what you think.

4 eggs
4 tablespoons milk
1 can (16-3oz) Pillsbury Grand Flaky Layers Biscuits
1 2.1oz precooked bacon, cut into small pieces
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 green bell pepper, cut into small pieces

Directions:

1.  Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray 11x7 or 12x8 pan with cooking spray.  In large bowl, beat egg and milk until smooth.

2.  Separate dough into 8 biscuits.  Cut each into quarters.  Gently stir biscuit pieces coating evenly.  Gently fold in bacon, cheese and peppers.  Spoon mixture into pan ensuring biscuit pieces are in a single layer.

3.  Bake for 23-28 minutes or golden brown.  Cut into squares or just pull apart.

Yummmmm.

Tips:

1.  You could add sausage to this, red bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, whatever fits your taste.

2.  I will add italian seasonings the next time I make this to up the flavor a bit and use a biscuit with butter for still more flavor.  I thought it was good the original way, but I'm trying to make it better.

Enjoy