Some History and More

November 6, election day!  My dear Tom really appreciated being able to vote.  He was born in Holland during World War II and grew up knowing that freedom was a wonderful gift of God.  His father longed to move his family to America to give a better future to his children and he felt the US had a better democracy.  In 1948 they were able to come as well as become citizens.  His parents learned a new language at 45 and 50 years of age and started over in business.  Through the years I thought that pretty amazing as trying to learn a new language at that age would be so hard!  But they were determined so one day they could speak to the people their children would marry.  Bottom line Tom grew up knowing he had to care about the things that went on in our country and be a part by casting ones vote.  Yes indeed I voted!

The days in the last few weeks have gone by quite well and God continues to meet me where I need.  I still have my share of tears, but find I also have good times.  One of the good times was going with my daughter and granddaughter on a short trip.  We took in California Adventure (we are Disney fans) and also a cattle women conference (big difference from Disney).  Both were great for just having fun as well as learning some amazing farming things that happen in California.  It was my first trip in forever without Tom.  I was a little worried how I would handle it, but much to my surprise and joy, I had a great time.

When we were gone I read this devotion in "Jesus Calling":
Walk peacefully with Me (Jesus) through this day.  You are wondering how you will cope with all that is expected of you.  You must traverse this day like any other: one step at a time.  Instead of mentally rehearsing how you will do this or that, keep your mind on My Presence and on taking the next step.  The more demanding your day, the more help you can expect from Me.  This is a training opportunity, since I designed you for deep dependence on your shepherd-King.  Challenging times wake you up and amplify your awareness of needing My help.
When you don't know what to do, wait while I open the way before you.  Trust that I know what I'm doing, and be ready to follow My lead.  I will give strength to you, and I will bless you with Peace.

Bible verses that go with these thoughts:
Exodus 33:14  The Lord replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
Hebrews 13:20-21  May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.  Amen
Psalm 29:11  The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.

Reading things like this always helps to lift me up and remind me who is with me when I feel so weak.  Daily life can feel somewhat daunting when I think I walk alone, even when there are fun things to do. The fun things (along with difficult) before were always shared with my best friend, my husband, and sweet companion.

We first met when I was a sophomore in high school and he was just graduated.  He had gone to a small fair in the fall with a friend who was a junior in our high school.  Myself and some of my friends were sitting on an empty booth at the fair and flirted with his friend saying we were selling kisses for a dollar.  His friend was a very handsome young man, but rather shy, so he just smiled and talked a bit before hi-tailing it out of there.  We had to be a little intimidating.  There were at least 15 or 20 of us girls.  Tom was standing very quietly in the background observing all of us being quite silly.  Later he asked his friend if he knew who I was and could he meet me.  It took my bashful boy 1 1/2 years to finally ask me on a date.  We always said that was good since I was rather young.  I always marveled at the fact I was the one he choose in all my friends.  That usually did not happen to me!!  He said it was love at first sight!!  That also amazed me, as he told me he could tell I was sweet, when he watched all the girls.  I was thinking flirty maybe, but I was thankful he saw that as sweet!  We had a few rocky places in the first few weeks of dating, but after that we knew we had met THE ONE.  Our parents worried we were too young when we asked to marry right out of high school (for me).  July 3 was our wedding day and I did not turn 18 till September 21.  Our parents did not have to worry since God was  very good and taught us through the years how to love each other in wonderful ways.  We seemed to go together so well and have many things in common.  Neither one of us enjoyed quarreling,  therefore did little of it.  This year we celebrated 48 years of marriage!  Now I am so very thankful for the years.  I never regretted marrying young or feeling like I missed out on things in life.  My husband, Tom, encouraged me to do the things he thought I was gifted in and together we enjoyed raising 4 children, watching them marry, and gifting us with 15 grandchildren.  We even we able to see 2 of our grandchildren marry!  The story is long and there is much more to it so I will share more later.........

One of the books I'm reading had a wonderful quote from Jan Karon: "People may doubt what you say, but they believe what you do."  I couldn't help but think that is who my Tom was.  He was a quiet man, but his actions spoke so loudly, and when he spoke people listened.  He lived what he believed and set wonderful examples for his children and grandchildren and the people he did business with.