Church Bells

I am in Germany enjoying the 5 grandchildren who live here. The youngest two like to sit in the wonderful double stroller my daughter has while I walk them around the neighborhood. The other day we were walking and I could hear the church bells ringing. Thy rang louder and louder for about 10 minutes. The girls and I were making up words to go with the ringing--

Church bells ringing
Hear us singing
Everyone gather
Time for prayer


The next morning as we were out walking, again we heard the bells ringing, calling everyone to come to the church and worship.

When I was a girl living in Yucaipa, California there was a church in town that would ring the bells every day. It was a beautiful sound that brought comfort.

The other day when we went to pick strawberries, the neighborhood church bells started ringing. The bells played songs for about 15 minutes. It was lovely and soon I found myself singing along with the hymns the bells were pealing off.

The bells here in Germany were not playing songs, just ringing and ringing, hoping some of us would stop what we were doing and think of spiritual things for a few moments. Later I found that it was a holiday--Ascension Day.

As I thought about all of the turmoil that the city of Berlin has suffered in just my lifetime, and then thought about the meaning of the holiday as I listened to the church bells, I was filled with awe.

How often do we stop what we are doing and listen for that spiritual awareness. Most often it is not bells ringing, but a still small voice telling us to call a friend, send a note or bake and take something delicious to an acquaintance. In order to hear the call it is best to be quiet for a moment and look out from yourself. Wait a moment--you will hear--it is soft and quiet, gentle and still...a quiet call to action..

Cars

I am visiting my daughter in Germany these next two weeks. Today we were at the gas station and a white 60's vintage Mustang convertible was parked next to us. While my son in law pumped the gas I watched the car and thought of one of the first times I remember seeing my husband. I was helping at a friends wedding reception. After the reception there was a group in the parking lot and I remember seeing this guy pushing his Mustang to get it started. That was my soon to be sweetheart and his soon to be departed car--He has mourned the loss of that car ever since.

The other day I was driving down the highway and a new red Camero pulled out next to me. It looked and sounded beautiful on the road and reminded me of Jim Taylor from my graduating high school class and the beautiful red Camero he used to drive. He was a nice guy and I liked his car.

While I was still sitting in the family van at the gas station the owner of the Mustang sauntered over and climbed into the car. It was an odd sight to see in Germany--not very many American cars on the road here. As he started the car I heard the low rumble of the engine and smiled to myself, maybe with a bit of a wistful sigh. As the car started to pull away I heard my 3 year old granddaughter in the back seat quietly say "I wish I can have a car like that."

It is always nice to have a dream.

Strolling

The weather has changed--at least for these few days--and the birds beckon for a stroll down the lane.

I have found that taking a walk out in the fresh air helps clear my brain and soul.

I stretch myself both mentally and physically as I walk along and think.

After a walk I seem to have more energy to tackle the tasks of the day.

Plenty of studies have been done to tell us that getting out and exercising is beneficial. Walking is my exercise choice.

I have found that when a toddler is cranky, and a nap is not in order, a ride in the stroller changes attitudes for all parties.

Last week my granddaughter Katya was having a rough time of it. When I suggested a walk she grabbed her blanket and climbed in the stroller. I suggested she put on her shoes and she said NO!! She did not want any chance of losing her seat and needing to walk.

Later that week I took my 2 year old grandson, Denim, for a few hours so his mom and dad could paint the deck without his help. At first he voiced his displeasure of being separated from his mother. He changed his opinion when I got out the stroller and offered a walk. He sat up and enjoyed our stroll down the greenway.

My daughter has been on solo duty managing her large household while her husband is out of town on business. The responsibility became a bit overwhelming so she loaded the baby in the stroller, after she dropped the older children at school, and walked for over an hour. She said that when she went back to the house she had a plan and was ready to face the challenge.

Walking outside offers a clear outlook.

Take a stroll and give yourself a mental lift, you will be glad you did. For bonus points, take a baby with you. Take a few deep breaths and enjoy a fresh perspective.

Katerina Elizabeth

Welcome to Birthday Week in December.

Today we recognize Katerina Elizabeth also known as Katya.

Katya is one of my royal grand children with a name almost as big as she is.

Katya makes me smile. She is the little mother making sure everyone in her family is doing what she thinks they are supposed to be doing...

This summer, when we were in a hotel room together, she was worried that her brother was playing with the safe in the closet and would get hurt. She came and told her mother in her 2 year old way that Max was in danger and mom told her not to worry, but Katya was still worried. She told Max what she thought about his dangerous activities again in her two year old way, but he continued with his 4 year old intrigue with the safe. Finally, Katya could take no more so she took the safe door and slammed it on his hand to show him how he could get hurt!! There, now everyone would listen!!!

This week Katya decided that she needed to be taller so she turned a glass upside down and stood on it. As you can imagine, the glass tipped over and her foot landed on the resulting broken shards causing the need for stitches and unwanted stress in my daughters life. How do you keep a 3 year old quiet and off her feet for 10 days to 2 weeks??

Happy Birthday, Katya. Grandma loves you

PRIDE

We went to the community fireworks display the other evening. There were 15 of us--8 were children. It was a wonderful evening. The weather was warm without being hot. The music was inspiring and the fireworks were beautiful--I saw a new one--heart shaped.

The best thing about the evening was watching the children get so excited. The two year old was the best. She could hardly contain herself. She was marching and leading the music. She was singing and squealing. Her eyes were bright with amazement. She could feel the joy of the celebration.

I am proud to be an American. I have enough stamps in my passport that I have something to compare home to and I always feel elated when they tell me "Welcome Home." (Maybe that is because I am so tired from traveling--but, that is a different story)

The United States is not perfect. My community over regulates sometimes. Other communities don't regulate enough. Some people are mean and selfish. Some people are lazy and sloppy. Our laws are not perfect and our leaders make mistakes.

BUT....

I have the right to choose. I have the right to vote and my vote counts. I have the right to express my happiness and displeasure. I have rights. I am thankful for men who were courageous and willing to risk everything to write the constitution and set up a government with checks and balances. I am thankful for those who fight to keep our country free today. I am proud to be an American.

I try to express my pride in my country by the way I take care of my home, treat my neighbor, and express my views at the voting booth. We can't all be like the two year old and let the emotion pour out in squealing delight, but we can show it by our choices and deeds.

I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN