Family Life Of A Public Servant

Having been married thirty years .. 26 of which have been while hubby has been an officer of the law has not been easy on our family time.  Odd hours .. long shift work .. mid week days off .. are just of few of the lesser stresses of the job.  There's also the safety fears:  Will he come home in one piece at the end of watch?  Will he stay awake on the long drive home?  Will he be exposed to infectious diseases?

This life style has left a good deal of the work on my shoulders with hubby's odd hours and oft times need to sleep during the day.  Homeschooling was an option we chose so DH could take part in our family life.

We've survived separation during great civil unrest, earthquakes making travel impossible, hostage takeovers, high speed pursuits and shootouts.  Calls from the hospital with hubby saying, "I've been injured and am covered in someone's blood."

Now we are in another city .. with a less stressful job .. still odd and inconvenient days and hours.  People are people no matter where you live.  Some are kind .. but most treat the law officer in contempt .. that is until they need help.  Yes .. there are bad apples in every field .. and it only takes one to tarnish the badge.  Next time you need the assistance of an officer, or you get pulled over for speeding, or get a ticket for illegally parking .. be kind and thankful to the man or woman behind the badge that has sworn an oath to serve and protect YOU.

Giving Thanks

... the day after.

Yesterday found the Mac family at home celebrating many blessing.  Food, warmth of home, family, friends. We had a bounty of goodness served up at the table.  Reflecting at prayer time .. each person gave a short offering of thanks for what they were most grateful for.  I had to give a BIG shout of thanks for the progress Nathan has made:  He is developing the skills to EAT in the dining room at the table with the whole noisy lot of what is his family.  Just a few weeks ago, this was only a dream. Now, he regularly eats with us.  I'm praising the Lord and saying AMEN!  Thanking the dedicated work his therapist is doing ... we call here the miracle worker!!  Next on the list of miracles:  Haircuts, baths, and trimming toe nails.  Hey, with God in control, we have success!

New Graduate ...

Now employed.

Ann hustled the week after graduation dropping off her polished resumes and cover letters at area dental offices.  Last week she was called in for an interview ... and today had a paid working interview ... and ... and ... and ... was handed a new employee packet at the end of the day.  Yippee!  Praise the Lord ... Thankful girl ... hard worker ...

Pic:  (1) Ann's grad night, (2) Ann and Patrick, (3) Ann heading out the door for her first interview, (4) Excited Ann with employment papers :)

 "I can do everything through him who gives me strength"

Philippians 4:13

Church 'For' The Birds

Another Sunday rolls around and I'm home bound .. alone with Nathan.  He does not 'do' church well (period).  Today's Bible lesson was one that was observed from the comfort of my backyard perch wicker chair.  A pair of binoculars and a Western Bird field guide ... along with scripture were my instruments for learning.  God often speaks to me when I'm in the back woods observing His creation.  Today at the feeder I spied a red headed 'purple' finch.  The description in the field guide informs that this (male) bird appears to have been dipped in raspberry juice :)  I wonder why he's called 'purple'?  Anyway ... being in the presence of God's creation is very fulfilling.  The scripture says... Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky ... (Gen. 1:20).  Some days I envision all of man's devices for following God null and void.  When you strip all but the very basic form of worship .. you have communion with Him that has set the stars in place.  Just think how blessed we are to have written scripture and the ability to read.  Even so, without these abilities, we should still know that God is the creator of the universe.  He has left enough finger and foot prints for us to follow.  Have a blessed day.

"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.  For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."    Romans 1:18-20 (NIV)

copyright free image from here

Changing Of The Guard ....

Rain, autumn leaves,

wind rustling through the pines, cloud draped moon, breath suspended mid air, a tinge of frost with the last of the garden

hanging on by deep roots

and straw bed covers. Oh how I marvel at the work of

God's creative hand

exchanging the pages of summer for the warm fire glow of fall.

Words and picture by Mrs. Mac, 10/3/09

Beyond the Storm ....

... tonight we lost all electric power. Did I mention the dawg and Nathan are home with me? Currently the dawg is asleep in her kennel placed in the kitchen. Nathan is about ready to get 'unplugged' (go to sleep) for the night. He sat on the porch for a while listening to the thunder and watching the lightning. A big step for him. We dug out the emergency candles, lantern and flashlight. Washed the dishes by candlelight. Contemplated how different life must have been a few generations ago without electric light. Maybe it was a better time. People went to bed earlier I'm sure ... just working for an hour or so in the dimly lit kitchen took some getting used to. Time to call it a day.

Tag Times Two

I'm a slow poke when it comes to acknowledging blog awards. Not that I don't appreciate them, for I truly do. My computer sometimes runs so slow that I have to finagle getting pictures posted most days ... but I want to thank two lovely friends from different parts of the world for bestowing me with kind awards.

First, my friend Maggie Ann ... over at the Knitting Kat blog has given me the "Uplifting Blogger Award." Maggie Ann is a sweet, kind-hearted lady that loves God with her whole being. You can't help but have some of God's Word rub off on you when you pay her a visit (a very good thing, I might add).She has inspired me to take up knitting ... and most recently ... she blessed me with a box full of wool samples to practice spinning ... as in making yarn ... there were even directions and a book with nice pictures. Soon ... I will attempt to unravel the mystery of how yarn is made... thanks to Maggie Ann :)

Secondly, My friend Lidj, from the beautiful Philippine Islands has given me the "Kreative Blogger Award" and asked me to name seven things I love that show my creativity. Well, here goes:

1. God's creative touch has always inspired me. Whether watching the sun set from my backyard hammock, or photographing a snowy winter scene, Each day I go out into the world something He created JUMPS OUT at me.
2. Taking something old and discarded and re-purposing it into something beautiful. Much the way God can transform a person from the inside out.
3. Sewing and cooking were my favorite subjects in school. I learned to sew on a tiny little Singer sewing machine my dad bought me for Christmas when I was only five years old. That started my love for stitching up aprons, and doll clothes at a VERY young age.
4. The last few years have been exciting having built our own home from a drawing I made on a paper napkin. Selecting each door knob, faucet, light fixture and appliance. Paint colors, roof color and style, and what color and type of siding. Landscaping the yards and putting in my veggie gardens. Step by step, line upon line. Much like reading the Word of God ... a little each day and soon you've read the whole Book!
5. Gathering my little flock of 'Scarf Sisters' and protecting them, praying for them, acting goofy with them, encouraging them.
   
6. Being the mother of four wonderful grown children. They bless my world each and every day. How lovely it is to watch them mature and become dear friends.
7. Well, one of my four children is a most precious young man that is maturing leaps and bounds. He was created with an extra chromosome that has given him the most sensitive heart. No matter what 'label' he has placed next to his name in his school file, he's truly the most loving individual I've ever met.

Wow, seven things already! God has blessed me with more creative ideas than I know what to do with ... which is scary ... not to boast. Sometimes, I wish there were more hours in each day so I could attempt other creative projects. But God knows best ... and I have to pace myself.

There are so many Uplifting and 'Kreative' bloggers that visit here. It's hard to choose recipients. So, if you think you'd like to accept either or both of these awards from me, I give you permission to participate. Thanks ladies!

Sigh ... Breath Deep ... Aaaaahhhh

.... exhale. Yesterday and today, on the scale of 1-10 (ten being the best), are both an ELEVEN! Blue skies ... perfect mid sixty temps ... exhilarating ... technicolor days. Windows open wide and the stale air left over from winter rushing out. I'm just too rejuvenated to even spend ten minutes at the computer. Over and out. The great outdoors is calling. Catch you later ... maybe.

Autumn Fire

The bon fine in the autumn is warmth to the bones. Last night was such a toasty evening with family and friends sitting round the fire ring savoring coffee, peach pie I baked up from my freezing frenzy this summer, laughter, and good conversations. Hello autumn!

Photos: Top - Mangy Moose Lodge decorated for fall

Middle - Mr. Mac, the dawg & friend Bob

Bottom - Mr. Mac & grandson Jacob

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
Ephesians 5:8

Six Things That Make Me Happy

My dear friend Virginia at gramma_s place has awarded me with the Kreativ Blog Award. She is a talented woman that has blessed my life since meeting her through her daughter Mrs. Darling at Dishpan Dribble. Gramma is always inspiring me to walk closer with God each time I visit her site. She has given me the simple understanding through her writings to be content in all circumstances. For years I have struggled with feeling guilty for not regularly attending church. But that, my friends, has been laid to rest. Our family has been blessed with a special needs child; a young son with Down syndrome. The task of 'fitting in' at a traditional church is a great challenge to say the least. Knowing Virginia's daily walk with God has inspired me to rethink 'church'. Day by day I've come to accept that I can either raise the white flag of defeat (by not attending a regular weekly service) ... or stand up to defeat and learn to walk moment by moment with God and using every day situations to do the work of the Father. The idea of seeking out people in need and acting upon those needs is my service to God. For that I'm grateful to my blog friend. Now, I'm supposed to tell of six things that make me happy ... and pass on the award to six friends:

1. Creation through the awesome power of God.
2. My child like faith in the simplistic message of the Cross
3. The love of my family and friends
4. The privilege of living in the United States of America
5. Meeting like minded blog buddies from all parts of the world
6. Being a wife, mother, grandmother
   

I'm passing this award on to: Pat ... a fellow homemaker that is full of insightful wisdom and sage advice. Amrita ... a Christian sister from the land of India making progress one day at a time for her country. Saija ... on the Manitoba Prairie of Canada; she is always full of the Joy of the Lord. Miss Terry ... a dear sisterly neighbor also living in Canada that has such a giving heart. Margie ... living her daily walk with God out in the open each day on her blog. Sara ... a talented writer & psychiatric nurse that has way too much insight for one person.

We Should Not Be Eating Soup ...

It's nearly summer ... and here we are dining on a big pot of homemade chicken noodle soup! I know, in all things give thanks ... and we are thankful for our food, and rain, and possible snow that's predicted ... but it's almost summer! So while you enjoy your heatwave, we are still using umbrellas, raincoats, boots, coats, heaters, etc. Enjoy your ice cream ... now I'm off to make hot cocoa.

Get Lost Mom

Well I'll be. My youngest child is becoming very independent. After years of me hovering over him, tending to his medically challenged little body. Making sure he didn't run away ... into traffic ... the woods ... out a second story window ... he's gaining such maturity. He loves his family, friends, pooch, and life. But recently he's been gaining such life skills that amaze me. Now I don't usually promote hanging out at smoke filled pool halls, but we were invited to a family friendly one for a birthday party this week. Nathan was invited too. I'm never sure how he'll react to such noisy surrounds ... after a bad experience at Chucky Cheeses one year, noisy establishments and Nathan have been rarely frequented. Upon arriving at the establishment, he discovered the arcade pinball machine area. Within thirty minutes he had made 'new' friends that took a liking to him (a young twenty-something couple). Next thing I know he's basically telling me to 'get lost mom' ;) He's a boy of few words ... but I got the message loud and clear from him trying to shove me out of the room with a pleading look to take a hike. His new friends were amazed at his accuracy skills ... and even helped him 'win' a stuffed animal from the 'claw' machine. Next he was off to join Ann's friends that were playing pool. A few of the teens let him take their turns and now he's hooked on pool. Being the possessor of an extra chromosome can have its advantages: Warming the heart of man to accept the unusual. Walking a path that leads the disadvantaged side by side with the advantaged. Changing the hearts of men one man at a time. Accepting the unlovely as lovely. Way to go Nathan! Enjoy your summer you amazing young man.

The Face of Freedom

Thank you son, for serving our country!


Photo: My son, Patrick, US Army

Homeward Bound

Ok ... I just can't seem to find the will to come out of the beautiful sunshine to blog. Winter blahs are hard to shake off and need fresh outdoor air to get rid of. My yard has been raked, new trees and bushes have been planted ... flower boxes are just waiting a bit longer for frost free nights until they get adorned.

Mr. Mac's last work day is May 10th. The first few days of next week will be spent in the administration office or working the front desk ... he's keeping a low profile and using up some 'sick' time ;) Wednesday is his going away roast/luncheon (would I love to be there ... but it's not going to happen) ... Thursday & Friday he's off to the Peace Officer's Memorial ... Saturday (last work day) he may show up in blue jeans and a T-shirt sporting two guys and two dogs sitting in the front of an old beat up pick-up truck with the caption "Double Dating" ... Sunday is Mother's Day ... which he'll spend with his mom and family ... Monday (5/12) is a send off with some of his 'utes' from his childhood ... Tuesday 5/13 he's off on the final trek making a stop at my folks and a to visit a friend in Oregon. On 5/16 (LORD WILLING) he will pull up in the driveway at our home with the comforting thought that he doesn't have to leave in two weeks. By then I'll have my honey do list completed for his first day back ... and will add to it incrementally :)

Savor -vs- Squander

How many years, months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, seconds does a body have here on this blue planet? Only the Lord knows the exact amount ... just as he knows how many hairs you have on top of your head. How many of these units of time do you savor and enjoy. How many do you throw away down the drain? Earlier this year I turned FIFTY years young and I've had time this week to think about this new decade I'm entering. My younger decades were spent in school, and raising a family. Now with that semi behind me ... I'm starting to savor every breath I take and realizing life is too short to not slow down to smell the roses. Somehow, this week the sky seems bluer ... air cleaner ... life more precious. On my morning walks I try to drink in all of the glorious views from the top of the mountain. I enjoy my gardening hobbies and even my housework. And to think I was looking in the want ads a few months ago for a part time job ... silly me ... my hats are tipped to you ladies that can pull off working and homemaking. Exhaustion comes sweetly at the end of each day ... and the cycle of life ... ebb and flow ... arrives whether ready or not. How are you savoring your days?

Photo by Mrs. Mac

I'm in awe of you my dear son ... you have shown me and blessed my days with your sweetness. Our family would be incomplete without you! Although trying at times, you have made our family more sensitive to the needs of people with special needs. Thank you for being who you are, wonderfully made by God.

Hugs & Kisses,

Mom

Photo: Mr. Nathan, age 11

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

Psalm 139:13

Giving Thanks

Best Thanksgiving Wishes
From Our Family
To Yours



Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV