It's About Them---And us!

Yesterday, we met some family members at the cemetery near Brush Prairie. We placed flowers at the graves that were there. We thanked God for each life.

We admired the headstones that had American flags placed by them. Those who gave their lives in service for our country--and those who placed their lives in jeopardy by serving in the armed services. But we were remembering our loved ones.

These dear ones are listed in the order they entered eternity.

Carrie Lynn Rudberg - Stillborn, June 13, 1977

Joseph Iner Mozena - March 25, 1921 - September, 1979

Henry C. Quiring - September 11, 1917 - July 19, 1991

G. William Rudberg, Jr - September 26, 1943 - February 3, 2006

Kara Joanne Epperson McKinney - July 10, 1976 - October 27, 2007

Henry Blair Graybill - November 12, 1944 - January 31, 2010

Rose Ann Richert Quiring - October 3, 1917 - November 12, 2010

Kathleen Joanne Sherman Mozena - December 18, 1946 - July 25, 2011

Mary Theresa Delany Mozena Hough - June 25, 1923 - January 21, 2014

Of course there are many more I could list, but I would say these people were closest to our hearts.

Carrie Lynn did not see the light of day, but she was planned for. Hoped for. Wanted. Missed. Her headstone said: Safe in the Arms of Jesus.

Joseph Mozena, Jim's father, had a strong influence on his children. He stressed the importance of a higher education. Seven of the eight graduated from college--some with MD's, PhD's, Master's Degrees.

Henry Quiring, my father, was a huge influence in my life. In many ways, but most profoundly, spiritually. One time he said when I was practicing the organ at church, "I love to hear you play." That's all, but I feel his approval and applause from heaven each time I play any instrument. His headstone said: He preached the Word. 

Bill Rudberg, obviously influenced me in so many ways. I never would have taken flying lessons, climbed any mountains, climbed any giant rocks--and more. He influenced his children too. Our son, Todd, wanted to fly because of him. They built an airplane together. Erika loved her dad with a fierce loyalty.  Bill stressed excellence in anything he did.  His headstone said An Extravagant Gift Of The Creator. 

Kara McKinney was a free spirit. Her stepfather, Jim, loved her and helped raise her. He responded to her drumbeat--that was different than most--and they were close because he did.

Blair Graybill was in my life only for two years, and his kindness and love will never be forgotten. On his headstone lists the dates of his two marriages. Married Patricia Venebles, December 23, 1971, Married Shirley Mae Rudberg, August 16, 2008.

Rose Quiring was my mother. She too, had a tremendous influence in my life. She was a teacher of teachers. Until 13 days before her death, she was still teaching. She influenced me to try anything I aspired to. Her headstone said: She Taught the Word.

Kathy Mozena was an artist in her garden. She, with Jim's help, made a rough farm into a peaceful, woodsy haven. She loved her family and loved her Lord.

Most recent in departing earth, Mary Hough. I knew her for only a short time, but I could tell she loved life. Even though Altzheimer's had ravaged her mind, she still had that life-loving attitude and we danced together the first time we met.

All of these lives are important to me in so many ways. Some I have not yet met.

Thank you God, for each of these lives. My life would not be the same without these.

Carrie Lynn, the first to enter eternity

Mary T. Mozena Hough, the most recent to enter eternity

Put on Your Dancing Shoes!

I like to read a different section of the Bible each day as a discipline. Sometimes reading certain books in the Old Testament are hard to understand, but one day this week, reading from the weeping prophet, Jeremiah, was easy for me.

Again you will take up your timbrels and go out to dance with the joyful.......(Jeremiah 31:4b)

I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. (Jeremiah 31:13b, c)

At this point in my life, I truly can apply verse 4: Take up your timbrels and go out to dance......I have been blessed with another joyful time in my life. However, I've lived enough years to know I will not always want to dance with the joyful, but mourn with those who weep--or mourn for my own losses. 

I'm not sure where you are this day. I hope you feel like dancing. If not, know you will have opportunity to do so again. The weeping prophet, inspired by God, says so! Some day. If not here on earth, in heaven. Where there will be no more tears and sorrow. 

So put on your dancing shoes--or give it some time--for you will feel like it again. I promise!

Celebrating Birthdays

May is birthday month for me as well as as a special member of my family. My granddaughter Annabel turned ten years old on the first day of May. Mine was May 6th.

I vividly remember my tenth birthday. It was on a warm, bright  Sunday that year. Of course we attended Sunday School and church—my dad was the pastor after all. That just meant more attention for me anyway! Grandpa and Grandma Quiring drove to our home in Boring, Oregon for the day and presented me with my very own bible. It had a zipper and was a red-letter edition. King James version, with colored pictures. I would look at those pictures when I grew bored with the sermon in church. I loved that bible and used it until my 18th birthday when my parents gave me a new leather bound Berkley Version—a more modern translation. But I kept that special “first” bible and it’s still on my book shelf. A reminder of the Christian heritage I’ve been blessed with all of my life. 

My birthday this year is so different than last year’s birthday, though it was very enjoyable. Last year I had lunch with my sister and best friend where we had my favorite Thai food. For dessert we had thick chocolate smothered french vanilla ice cream bars studded with chunks of roasted almonds. It was wonderful having a day where I was treated as royalty.

This year was special in another way. Jim surprised me with an early birthday dinner at my daughter and son in law’s home on Sunday after church. My sis was there and my best friend, Connie and her husband Mac. We had crunchy filberts and olives with champagne to start the meal. Erika prepared creamy chicken/shrimp with gorgonzola cheese smothered with cream on a bed of fettuccine. There was fresh asparagus and a mixed green salad. Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting for dessert completed the meal. The day’s festivities were special in several ways. My new husband planned this special day, and I shared the day with my granddaughter, Annabel, who celebrated her tenth birthday five days earlier. 

Grammie and Annabel sharing our birthday cake

I really like celebrating birthdays. For myself and others in my life. I like the remembering part of birthdays and don’t really like that I’m growing older. But I remind myself that’s all part of  birthdays, as well as being grateful for the life God has given me. So instead of fussing over the fact that I’m one year older. I will be grateful for the one more year God has blessed me with. I will be grateful for my new husband who loves me and wants to celebrate the big day. And my friends and family who also want to celebrate. 

      Lord, thank You for the gift of life and  most of all, that You love me. I will celebrate my life and Your goodness in it.