12/29/13

Reading Of The Will

Not only do the days seem to be flying by at breakneck speeds, but now the years, too?

Year tu Brute?

If all goes according to plan, I hope to have 52 posts here at Grey Barn Stories, aka, Julee's Journey, Jambalaya, That's What I Thought,  Storylines, The Novel, Storyboard, Notes From The Porch, Turning The Page, Dear Max & Lilly,  and Grey Barn Stories.

Seriously, Juls, that many titles?
One of my favorite New Years post was titled "11:59, 12-31-07" and even though I'm not quite  ready to turn '14's doorknob, here's the first in my Sunday posts of the new year. Working title: "Here's The Plan"

On this last Saturday evening of '13, I find myself back in Genesis trying to get a jump start on reading through the Bible in a year. I downloaded this to help me and am committed to post on Sunday's what I gleaned, how I saw God's heart, and a verse or two to hopefully memorize, at the least, remember.

* * * *
If my grandma had handed me her memoir, would I have shoved it on a shelf or tossed it in a storage tub? Good grief, no! I would read, reread, and read between the lines. My inheritance is in Christ and it's time to find out more about my bloodline. 

The first 2 chapters in Genesis speak over and over again to me that my Dad was one creative guy.  Lights, signs, seasons, days, years, fish, birds, wild animals, tame ones, too, fruits, vegetables, seeds, rivers, gardens, wind, stars, spirits, angels, mornings and cool of the day! Not to mention, us!

Sometimes I have a hard time believing all of this, light brought forth from the dark, spirits hovering, and  humans created out of clay?  But the heart of God speaks to me, these last few days of 2013, from Genesis and reminds me of His awesomeness in the rising of the sun and in it's setting. 

The verse(s) that jumped off the page was Genesis 3:14.  Right after God found Adam and Eve hiding because of their disobedience, He cursed the snake ... "The Lord God said to the snake, Because you did this, a curse will be put on you.  You will be cursed as no other animal, tame or wild, will ever be. You will crawl on your stomach, and will eat dust all the days of your life."

God cursed the snake, not us!  Oh yes, we'll have a couple problems with children, hard work, moving out of the garden, and an earthly death, but we are not cursed. We are created in His image and He breathed life into our spirits!  

He made the way. The plan is in motion. I will live according to the plan. It's doable. 

Not broken, forgiven.
Not wounded, healed.
Not sad, joyful.
Not dark, light.
Not fear, faith.

I see hope in a new day, a new year. When my faith wains or waivers, I will remember the blueprints from Genesis. There is a great design, it makes total sense there was and is a master designer.
And I'm in His will.

Linking today with:


12/25/13

Oh Holy Light

Silent night.

Literally.

Having had the family here for the week-end before, we're rattling around in this big old farmhouse while echoes and memories bounce like pinballs off the walls and our hearts.

Christmas morning has it's very own aura. I envision shopper less stores and city sidewalks still dressed in holiday style, but not quite as bustly. I'm sure there is a Disney parade at some point today, but they're passing the September taped announcers off as if it's live.

The world pauses. The breath of heaven causes stirring in our hearts. People question if it all could be true and the movies and songs make us want to believe.

As I reminisce about another year gone by (today I will start the YIR video) warmed by the fireplace and space heater, my mind's eye recalls; outdoor decorations that dotted the landscape on the way to Illinois ~ Christmas prayers prayed by Grandpa Bauer in fast motion ~ bringing home a real tree from the lit lot, bubble lights, tinsel slung, a star on the grain bin leg (same star pictured), my first bible, ice skates, a remote control race car track, madame alexander dolls, the whole family in Marshall Fields toy department, snowmobiling, family and food everywhere, "Christmas Story" marathons, and memorized renditions of "Twas The Night Before Christmas" and Luke 2.

The meaningful lights linger. One more day.  I took most of these pictures last night, because we all know Christmas Eve is much more magical than Christmas night. But after conjuring up my Christmas past, and quietly bemoaning how I'll feel about the decorations tomorrow morning, I wondered how the world felt the morning after the manger.

Some, surely continued on without a hint of what the first Christmas could possibly hold. And yet there were those who believed; a handful of shepherds and wisemen. Mary and Joseph. Maybe the innkeeper. Those who could not ignore that bright star in the east and then the heavenly hosts in the skies over Bethlehem.  I wonder if the news travelled via the front desk of the inn? Or what the reaction was on streets the next morning?

What do you think about this greatest story ever told? Do you truly understand the implications of the  miracle of Christmas?  Why has this event in history, a story which happened thousands of years ago, remained to this day in 2013?

Today the light shines on the Christmas story. A candle next to the manger scene. Miles and miles of light strands decorate our yards and homes. The light always dispels the darkness. The street lights will come on again this evening. I'll keep the star lit.  The candles will turn on at dusk, but shine their brightest in the dark of night. When the light comes in the dark must flee. In the room, on the street, and in our hearts.






 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of the darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.  2 Corinthians 4:6






12/17/13

Merry Christmas

I almost titled this post, Merry Cancer!

Because as hideous as cancer is, the year I get it, turns out to be the best year of my life.

I can't claim to have kept my eyes on Jesus, everyday of 2013, but I passed most of the laid up days with prayers, listening to worship songs, reading my bible and these books*

I had some dark times. I was scared. Waking up in the night to reality kicking you in the gut is not a picnic, but the verses came to me like old friends whispering their encouragement, their promise, and their truth! (Along with old friends texting, calling, sending cards, sitting with Mark during surgery, and friends I don't even know covering me in prayer and sending a homemade afghan to prove it)

But, joy comes in the morning(s).

At times, day and night, I actually felt the presence of God wash over me, like the warm blanket they give you after surgery.

Valley.

Wake-up call.

Turning Point.

Change direction.

But one can't stay on the couch recuperating forever and as meaningful as my sick time was, I got better.

And yes, you guessed it, pretty soon, I'm back reading Facebook first thing in the morning instead of scripture.

Oh wretched soul that I am.

This Christmas letter is somewhat of a dichotomy.  I (we) did have an awesome year and we had an extremely tough year.

Highlights included the beginning and ending of a farm venue business. Working our tails off, but in the end patting ourselves on the back, thankful for a new family on our Christmas card list. And always the work of property managers and keeping the STORIES Photography fires burning.

A 36th anniversary and bucket list train trip vacation to Washington DC and New York City and my first trip to Broadway.

Picking up a vintage camper, which will most likely eat up all the hobby hours, next year.

A handful of family week-ends, including March Laughfest and the grand children's 2nd birthdays.

A wonderful 4-day retreat at the farm breaking bread together a giant slip and slide, and ongoing stories of our connection with Africa.

A whole month in Michigan welcoming baby Calvin and celebrating Thanksgiving around the Muskegon table. Links to follow.

Tons of time with extended family and a few times with old friends.





















I will always be grateful for this year in my life. A marker for sure. "Blessings And Blues" would maybe have been a more appropriate title but, this is my 2013 story, and I'm sticking to it.

I'm moving forward. Even though I've been healed, I'll keep my six-month check-up on Friday, and I'm ok with the results.

It's called life, folks and we only have one to live.

Ups and downs.

Good news and bad news.

Live like I'm dying and like I'm gonna live forever.

I vow to do both next year!

Merry Christmas and may God bless you in 2014.

Mark and Julee

*
Ken Gire ~ Seeing What Is Sacred
Ann Voscamp ~ 1000 Gifts
Sarah Young ~ Jesus Calling
Danny Silk ~ Keep Your Love On
Retro Christmas Card Photo Credit




12/1/13

Sometimes I question your faith.

I've discovered a few blog links which have helped me write more. One is Jeff Goins' class on finding your voice... the assignment is to write about what makes you mad ... hence this post.

Another site is called 5-minute Friday ...
Thursday night at midnight, the link provides the "Word" of the Friday, and we are to write about that word for 5 minutes. No editing, no research, just a shitty first draft on said word.  The only other rule to 5-minute Friday is to read the link before or after yours and encourage them with a comment.

The link before yours. The link after yours.

The generation before yours. The generation after yours.

Sometimes the link gets broken.

If you need encouragement, this is probably not the blog to be reading.

I blame Christians.

Try hash tagging abortion, gay marriage, tea party, I heart George Zimmerman, I hate Obama or Public School System will ruin your child, you will find a slew of so-called Christians ranting, raving, and waving their  "America is going to hell in a hand basket placards". Most of the ranters are moms and dads... parents to the next generation.

Well here's MY rant.

I blame Christians.

I blame Christians for jumping on the evils of abortion and neglecting to befriend the scared and confused pregnant girl.
I blame Christians for saying they hate the sin, but love the sinner. No you don't. How many gay friends do you love? How many gays read your judgmental blogs?
I blame Christians for not putting their arm around the Trayvon Martins of the world and showing them the love of Jesus.
I blame Christians for not teaching their children how to listen, give, be thankful, and think more highly of others than they do themselves.
I blame Christians for telling their daughters to save themselves for marriage and dressing provocatively constantly.
I blame Christians for spewing hateful rhetoric when someone is not "like"them and living in their secret sin worlds.
I blame Christians for campaigning against gay marriage and yet sitting in their loveless marriages.
I blame Christians for preaching "God Looks On The Heart" and posting fat people from Walmart on their status updates.
I blame  Christians for no one befriending radical terrorists attending flight school in their town for over a year.
I blame Christians for hardly being able to carry on a conversation that is not about themselves or their opinions.
I blame Christians for talking incessantly about their exercise regimes, and yet letting the seeds of bitterness and anger grow like cancer in their inner man.
I blame Christians (not for pulling their kids from the public school system) but for the constant negative  attitude and, holier-than-thou internet club
I blame Christians for blaming the ills of the world on a political party and never taking responsibility for their own mistakes or miserable life
I blame Christians for wanting so badly to be right they will forfeit even family relationships
I blame Christians for coveting what is on the other side of the fence and ignoring the fields which are white unto harvest.
I blame Christians for clinging to their guns and religion instead of kicking their fears to the curb.
I blame Christians for their endless idle chatter about everything under the sun, except loving their Father with all their hearts, loving their neighbor as themselves, going into all the world to preach the gospel, and taking care of the less fortunate.


Sometimes I question my faith.

11/22/13

A Dozen Don't Care's

Now I know why, every time I went to hospital or dr. office in the last 5 months they gave me all my info (sometimes just a single sheet of instructions) in their sturdy, monogrammed, top of the line folders... It's so I would have a place to store all their bills, invoices, statements, insurance payments, and personal letters of encouragement and well wishes!*


While wading through tons and tons of medical paperwork my mind began to wander. I wondered what my life will be like in 10 years?  As I signed up for automatic withdrawal to pay medical bills, how much time I spend in front of a screen smacked me right across my common sense.

I came to the realization that most of what I read on the internet is pretty trivial. So after linking up with InstaFriday today, I'm gettin' off the web and will have my day to read, write, and may even do something wild and crazy like start a jigsaw puzzle with the Mr.


*I loved my physicians, nurses, staff, and I'm extremely grateful for my health, but the paperwork for just one boob is ridiculous ! ! !


Note to self:

Hey Julee,

Here is what you're not going to care about in 10 years. Head's up.

1.   Who won Survivor, Blood vs Water, The Amazing Race or the latest hockey game.
2.   What that silly argument was about
3.   Who did or didn't do Turbo Fire
4.   That "Selfie" was the word of the year
5.   99.9% of status updates on Facebook.
6.   The President's approval ratings or legacy
7.   Anyone else's Pinterest boards
8.   Who designed whose clothes
9.   Whether you live in the city or country
10. How much money is or isn't in your bank account
11. Why the Kardashians are famous
12. What states legalized gay marriage

Next post: A Dozen Care Abouts

Linking up today with:
life rearranged

I'll Fly Away

The first thing to pop into my mind this morning, November 22, 2013 when I heard the prompt "Fly" for 5-Minute Friday, was the Spiritual song, I'll Fly Away.

It's also the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy's assassination. I was 8 years old, and still recall the brown Motorola radio, which typically filled our farm kitchen with Moody radio and hymns, handing me the news of a President's assassination. I can still remember the cadence of the horses while watching his funeral on our  console B & W  TV, with purple doors . No background announcers, no filler music.  Just the clippety clop of the horses on with an erie silent background, carrying the coffin to it's final resting place. I remember where I was for the Challenger Explosion, Princess Diana's death and, of course, 9/11.

I started my blog to leave some kind of written word legacy to my children and grandchildren. I have a category called, "Dear Max and Lilly" written to my first two grandchildren born 4 days apart in 2011.   What will their "Remember Where I Was" moments include? It won't be mine, that's for sure. Somewhere I have a post to Max and Lilly stating, two things are certain; we are all going to leave, and we are all going to leave a legacy.


President Kennedy has been gone from this earthly life for 50 years. The famous ones get the press and the anniversaries, but one day, I'll awake to the telephone call that a loved one of mine is gone. My husband has lost 3/5ths of his immediate family. His brother,gone too soon and parents in their late 60's, early 70's.


Everyone is a ticking clock of life and death. Seems to me while we're on this side of death we should really live.


With all my heart, I want to leave you with the truth ~ Billy Graham.  Let him lead you to The Cross.


Then 'get busy livin' or get busy dyin' ~ Shawshank Redemption


Albert E. Brumley wrote it, but google Allison Krause singing:


Some bright morning when this life is over

I'll fly away
To that home on Gods celestial shore
I'll fly away

I'll fly away, oh glory

I'll fly away in the morning
When I die hallelujah by and by
I'll fly away

When the shadows of this life have gone

I'll fly away
Like a bird from these prison walls I'll fly
I'll fly away

Oh how glad and happy when we meet

I'll fly away
No more cold iron shackles on my feet
I'll fly away

Just a few more weary days and then

I'll fly away
To a land where joys will never end
I'll fly away

I'll fly away oh glory

I'll fly away in the morning
When I die hallelujah by and by
I'll fly away

Linking up today with:

Five Minute Friday

11/12/13

Celebrate Me Home!

Here we go! The stockings are hung by the chimney with care and I've got the "big" tree loaded for the great room ...

one more stop to see the new baby, 
a quick trip back and forth to capture a wedding …
Thanksgiving in the mitten 
December as a Hoosier 
and entertaining thoughts of Christmas and New Year's in the Sunshine state
Let the celebration of the greatest story ever told begin!














I'm working on a name for the new camper…
Happy
Summer
Melody
Harmony
Sonshine & Freedom

It may need a two-word title … or a tag line???

All is groovy!
Love, peace, and elbow grease!
Empty nest and the truth will set you free.
Help me out.

I'm not sure of the glamper year yet, but I want to believe it was built in the late 60's or early 70's…the hippie years! I fell in love then.  It was a happy time in my life.  I ventured off to the big city, loved to sing harmony, and met the guy of my dreams in 1973, so I'm leaning towards Harmony.

But the year 2013 has afforded me a peace which passes all human understanding and my yearly theme is "Be Happy" and the title of the Year In Review production is "Joyful, Joyful" so "Sonshine" kinda says it all.

Isaiah 55:12
 You will live in joy and peace.
    The mountains and hills will burst into song,
    and the trees of the field will clap their hands!



Disclaimer: We WILL get to spend the week-end before Christmas with the 6 kids and their 3 darlings, but they will opt for Christmas Day as families, while visions of South Africa dance in some of their heads…



...but I couldn't resist Blue Christmas by Lady Antebellum (even a "blue" Christmas song makes me happy) for the "Joyful Joyful" trailer. Which opens New Years Day ~ 1.1.14





Here's a little {movie} trailer.








11/3/13

This IS Michigan!

Nothing says Michigan quite like red and black plaid …                                                                   ...except maybe this!
I've had a couple of great days here in the great lake state. In fact, Halloween '13 and my 58th birthday could possibly end up at the top of the warm memory pile.  I spent the whole day with my granddaughter (and the rest of the MI family). Grandpa and I tag teamed so he sent me pics of my grandson.  
You've got a friend in me.  
Jesse & Woody

I'm waiting on a few pics, positive they won't do justice to hh with my not-quite-as-old-as-me friend, her younger-than-her-years mom, and my youngest-old-soul daughter, who braved the traffic and surprised me. Just the loveliest friday birthday happy hour.  

And now for a sneak peak at, yet another, bucket list check mark.

Let's back up a couple days.  I came to Michigan, by myself, to sorta sort some things out and wait to help out, as needed, when grandchild #3 arrives on the scene.  Feelings and old taxes need to be sorted every so often.  I've been neglecting both.  So I called up the garbage service and loaded the container twice already. Garbage in, garbage out. And then I bought myself a retro camper.

   
On all outward appearances (namely, my husband's) she will look like a ton of work, and he may possibly even tag it a lost cause. But she will look beyond---to Michigan State Parks with Max and Lilly, and she pictures the Mr. and Mrs.  enjoying the great outdoors in their wonder years.  She's gonna need a name and was most likely built in the late 60's. Her copper brown oven, Michigan itself, some hippieish fabric, and thermos plaid will be the inspiration for the makeover.  She'll need a Peace sign and a smiley face, for sure. She won't like to be overstuffed or overpacked as she hosts life's happy adventures. But who needs all that baggage anyway?




Let it go.

Dump some stuff in the garbage.

Lighten the load and hit the road.












Who knows the trails  "Happy" will take us down? Who can ever see into the future? And even though the wedding reception shed would be the perfect place for renovations,  it will remain to be seen, if she ventures to Indiana. One thing is certain ...







…she'll always call Michigan, home.

10/26/13

Retro Camper

I was this close to buying my dream 1967 Shasta Camper this week-end. I shoulda hit the road the minute I saw "Vintage Shasta Starflyte" on Craigslist just up the spell a bit from my empty detached garage. Well, almost empty. I'm sure "Aunt Velm," my '94 mini van, would have welcomed a friendly cohabitant. I've probably watched Toy Story one too many times. 

So as I attempted to fire up CL again and resume my search, my body language  must have screamed "end of a dream" as Mark offered,  "I'm sorry about your camper, but there'll be another one." But this one, with it's avocado stove and oven,  upper bunk for grandkids, and original shasta wings WAS my camper. 


That is, it was mine, until they sold it this morning, AND  I found MY camper five minutes later on SW MI CL.

It's not a shasta, and it's not pre 70's, but $750 and a road trip to the middle of the mitten, preferably in a vehicle with a hitch, and this puppy's mine.




"Make your Vintage Camping dreams come true, or realize your worst nightmares, with this classic 1975 "Majestic Yellowstone" Camino! Join the "Smart People", who are relaxing every weekend in their own vintage camper! This thing has "Divorce" written all over it! You'll love it (you'd better, because your spouse will make you sleep in it in the driveway, if your neighbors don't make you move it)! Don't plan on cooking anything inside, because the previous owners removed the kitchen, and plumbing to the bathroom. Otherwise, intact inside and doesn't stink. Miraculously, the roof doesn't leak, probably because there must be 5 gallons of tar on it. Body is solid, dent free, although the plastic fenders are history, and there is some water damage at the left lower corner of the front window. Tows good, good tires (well, OK tires), brakes on both axles, come get it and go "Glamping". Or drag it out into the woods for deer camp. Just get it out of my yard."



10/25/13

Duece

Linking today with 5-minute Friday, where you receive a prompt (today's word; together) and practice the art of writing for 5 minutes.  No editing. No research or rethinking.
Five Minute Friday

Recently my husband and I took a train trip from the Midwest to Washington DC and then on to New York.

Together.

Just the two of us.

On the unintended retro Amtrak line called the Cardinal.

As I starred out of the window and soaked in a dozen or so united states, I thought about the rails. Silent and steady, snaking their way across the land. Sometimes crisscrossing and intersecting with other tracks, but always strong and independent. Always together.

Tracks do not ever waiver or run off. They stick together. There is no discussion about how far apart they can be. There is no meandering.

There is no abruptness in train travel. Tracks don't make right or left turns. Slowly but surely another set of rails comes alongside until the switch is thrown and the next train takes it's own set of tracks.

We're kinda like that, him and I.  Team Mark and Julee, moving down life's journey alongside each other.  Blessed with three children, we've sent off on their own tandem paths, as it should be.

Together.

Connected for life. Built with our own dreams and passions, yet aligned with the same goal.

Which, by the way, is not the destination.

Enjoying the journey.

Together.

Please pardon my Instagram photos by Julee @ STORIES Photography







10/23/13

Star This


Joy To The World

WDIMWIS, What Does It Mean When It Says?

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances.

The bible gateway topical index concludes:

Gladness: see Joy
Spiritual Peace: see Joy
Thankfulness: see Joy
Heart Renewed: see Joy
Happiness: see Joy
Laughter: see Joy

Joyful

Joyful noise

Joy comes in the morning.

About this statement, "The Joy of the Lord is my Strength",  Ann Voscamp concludes: "Let something steal your joy - and you let something steal your strength.  Her whole post is worth the read, but here are her highlights:

Really — if nothing can separate me from the Love of the Lord — can anything separate me from the Joy of the Lord? 
The Joy of the Lord is our strength — and anger leaves everyone weak.
Let something steal your joy — and you let something steal your strength.
Cynicism isn’t strength and ranting doesn’t rejuvenate and frustration can never accomplish what Faith can. 

Be Happy 

10/19/13

Silent Saturday



The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
    The skies display his craftsmanship.
 Day after day they continue to speak;
    night after night they make him known.
 They speak without a sound or word;
    their voice is never heard.
 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
    and their words to all the world.
Psalm 19:1-4


10/18/13

Shout It Out

Sin, if only it were as easy to get rid of as tossing in a load of laundry.

Dirty laundry sorted, washed, bounced, folded, and put away.

Oooops, I did it again.  Start the machine, spray a little shout on the stain, and voilà ... good as new.

White as snow.

Stain gone. As far as the east is from the west.

What if you need to do laundry and you really don't have the time.  You let the basket of dirty clothes sit for a day or two, maybe longer.  What happens to the pile?

What if every time there was laundry to do, we rationalized, "Oh, it's not really that dirty or stinky? What if we tried different ways to hide the stain.  We sprayed some fabreeze on it or we sewed a patch over it?  Maybe you have a better idea than the washing machine.  Instead of letting the washer and dryer do their work, you apologize to everyone who comes close enough to you to get a whiff.

Or, for heaven's sake, why do we wanna "do" other people's laundry, or air it?

There is no substitute for the real deal.

Are we so arrogant and misled that we think our sin was not covered by Jesus on the cross? Why do we try to dance around it, figure it will go away, or mainly let it sit and fester?

Have you ever tried to find a lost sock at the bottom of a dark ocean?

As an empty nester, there isn't much laundry to do at my house, but the basket fills up every day, every hour.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive. Every time.

Linking today with:
Five Minute Friday



10/14/13

John 10:10

This scripture verse haunts me. Every day.

I found Linsey's blog this am. Her family named their farm Ten 10 because of this verse.


Linsey's post sent me scouring the internet to find this video, courtesy of Springhill Camps and our daughter, Melissa.

And I could use the reminder.

Gives whole new meaning to the phrase, "Have a nice day" yes?

How will I live life to the full today?

How will you?








10/6/13

Avenue Q

...if you've got a little time to spare
I want to take you there.
Come and meet those dancing feet,
On the avenue I'm taking you to...

Dear Max & Lilly,
Grandma is making a picture book about our vacation, because I'm pretty sure you don't read here!
Here's a little prequel ...

A is for Amtrak

B is for Broadway, Bountiful, and Bucket List

C is for the US Capitol, Christ Tabernacle and Central Park

D is for DC, Durso’s, and David the Producer