barefootsoul

Book Review: The Same Kind of Different As Me

2010-09-07T05:07:00.002-07:00

By Ron Hall and Devner Moore with Lynn Vincent

It’s often said that truth is stranger than fiction. So it could be said of the unlikely, true story of Denver Moore and Ron Hall. One black. The other white. One the son of a dirt-poor sharecropper, an ex-convict, homeless man. The other a college-educated man, an international art dealer.

What could possibly bring these two complete opposites together? Read this heart-warming, New York Times Bestseller and be amazed at how God works in ordinary lives. Fix a cup of tea, find a comfy chair, and start reading. Don’t let a bit of a slow start stand in the way of finishing the book. You will be glad you did.

Rustic Marinara or Meat Sauce

2010-08-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

In the summer when there are lots of fresh veggies

in our gardens or at the farmers market, this is a

wonderful recipe to try! Also check out the

variation at the bottom of the post for a side dish.

In small mixing bowl, combine:

1 cup olive oil

1/2 cup red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar

1/2 teaspoon dry oregano flakes

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasonin

1 Tablespoon dried parsley (or fresh if available)

1/2 teaspoon salt

pepper, to taste.

This is enough for two 8x10 baking pans.

In the bottom of 2 8x10 glass baking pans, place:

1 large onion, rough chopped

8-10 cloves of garlic whole or smashed

Divide this between both pans.

Cut tomatoes in half, quarters, or chunks, depending on size

of tomotoes used. The ones here are small Fourth of July

tomatoes. Italian tomatoes are also good. Any type of tomatoes

should work fine. As much as possible, place skin side down.

Cover the bottom completely, overlapping. Don't be skimpy!

Drizzle half of the olive oil mixture over each pan.

Roast in the oven at 400 degrees for one hour.

Half way though cooking time, switch pans if they are on

two different oven shelves.

Oh, this smells good!

Take the roasted tomaotes out of oven and let cool.

When cool, put 1/2 the mixture in the blender or

food processor and pulse to the consisteny that you

prefer. Repeat. If you want a meat sauce, add browned

ground beef. This is really yummy served over steamed

zuchinni and yellow summer squash or the traditional pasta.

The finished product!!!

This can also be frozen to use at a later date.

I use freezer zip bags.

A variation for a side dish:

Add zuchinni chunks and/or yellow summer squash chunks in the bottoms of the pans before adding tomatoes. After removing the roasted tomatoes and veggies from the oven, sprinkle with grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, and serve warm!

Sorting things out...

2010-08-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

When my children were young and spring came, I started pulling everything out of my children’s closets and dressers. Piles everywhere. Would anything still fit for summer? I sure hoped so.

Thus my seasonal sorting began. Which things were acceptable and which things were too small? What should I keep for another younger sibling and what clothing should I either pass down to another child or box to sell at a garage sell.

It took some serious time to get through all the clothes of three children. Mostly what I discovered was that either they had grown more than I thought, or I had seriously shrunk all their clothing. Pants were too short. Shoes were too small. Dresses were too short. The piles of things we pulled out of the closet were much larger than what we put back. Then I was faced with the reality of what we needed to buy to replace so many outgrown items. I wondered how we could afford it all.

When autumn came, the process began all over again. And so this sorting continued year after year until my children left the nest.

Even though that particular variety of sorting ceased, I’m still forever sorting something: cupboards, closets, files, stacks of papers, books, recipes, and photos. What to keep? What to give away? What to discard? What still has usefulness to me—or maybe someone else? What is just clutter? Oh, and my office! I try, but every time I start working on writing submissions and other projects, things seem to explode. Then I have to sort, organize, and discard all over again.

I wonder if my now grown children will one day feel overwhelmed when they have to sort through all the stuff that I leave behind upon my passing. Then I determine to sift and sort some more things. This is often followed with at least one more box going out the door to a local charity.

But the truth be told, it’s not only tangible possessions that I sort. My mind and heart does an unending sorting as I attempt to un-clutter my thoughts.

I wade through a barrage of information and opinions on hundreds of topics coming at me from every direction. What do I accept and what do I discard?

I weigh priorities and perspective. I decide what is important over and over again.

I consider options and try to make wise decisions.

I examine problems and look for solutions.

I sort out relationships. What’s going on with so and so? Is she under stress or has she pulled away for some reason. Do I let it slide for now or should I address it. What can I do to make the relationship better between me and whomever?

I sift through both old memories and hopes and dreams for the future.

I ponder over my questions. My doubts and confusion.

I look at my worries and fears, releasing them once again to God.

I need solitude for periodic internal sorting. That is what I like about walking time—prayer time—gardening time. Uninterrupted moments where I listen to my heart. I listen for God.

Save and discard. Save and discard. Save and discard. It’s time-consuming, but it is part of life. The tangible, the intangible. The external, the internal. Deciding what to keep and what to toss aside. I pray for wisdom as I sort my way through life.

(c) 2010 Marlene Depler

Summer Blooms

2010-07-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

“Gardening satisfies our cravings for fresh air and sunshine. Gardening soothes our souls and replenishes our spirits. When we garden, we learn to appreciate the rhythms of the seasons and the patience to wait for spring flowers to bloom, for summer vegetables to ripen on their vines.” “...gardening is. . .a way of life that returns us to the serenity of nurturing life from the soil.” Linda Hallam, Editor, Garden Style, (Des Moines, IA: Better Homes and Gardens Books, 1999), p. 7.

HOPE YOU HAVE ENJOYED A TOUR THROUGH MY SUMMER BLOOMS!

I'm Back!

2010-06-25T10:08:00.001-07:00

Where has the time gone! I can't believe that it has taken me so long to post.

I am finding that I can only focus on just so many things at once. So what have I been distracted with:

Spring clean-up and gardening. I love to work outside!
Mother's Day and Father's Day celebrations
Oldest granddaughter graduated from 8th grade
Several spring concerts and middle grandson's soccer games
Trip to the Oregon coast
Youngest granddaughter's 2nd birthday
Teaching my second oldest granddaughter to sew
Garden tour with two blog friends
Letting grandchildren each come by themselves for some one on one time
Health program with a naturopath
Facebook. I started doing facebook so I could stay connected with nieces and nephew, but found it has consumed more time than I had anticipated.
Organizing my office---AGAIN!

I will try to be more consistent with posts! And I will add a few photos that might interest you.

Sunset on the Oregon coast from our room

Rainbow over the ocean

Double Delight rose in my garden

Fresh product from my garden

Mommy duck escorts her ducklings up the driveway though our back yard to the pond behind our house.

A Walk in My Shoes

2010-03-25T11:10:00.002-07:00

By Marlene Depler

"Lola gets what Lola wants!"

It would be impossible for me to count the times that I was teased with that line as a young child. What no one knew is that in my mind this was not true at all. Who would have believed that this little blonde-haired girl with natural curls framing such an innocent face desperately wanted something that she could not have?

I wanted shoes—girl's shoes. Yes, there were other things that I desired, such as a hula-hoop and a "bride doll," but shoes were the foremost cause of my discontent. It was the mid-1950s, and black and white saddle oxfords with bobby socks were the prescribed fashion of the day for girls. I wore brown, clumsy oxfords—boys' shoes handed down from my boy cousins. In those days, shoes for boys and shoes for girls were quite obviously different.

I was convinced that everyone noticed that I wore boy's shoes. My embarrassment made no difference in my circumstances. My father was a young minister for a tiny church in the southwest corner of Kansas, and his pay was meager. There was no money for what I coveted most.

I went to school each day filled with shame, certain that everyone was staring at my shoes. I made a conscious attempt to keep my feet hidden under my chair. If the teacher asked for the class to sit on the floor, I hid those ugly brown shoes under my skirt. Fortunately for me, the skirts of dresses were very full in those days! My feet were the only ugly ducklings in a world of swans.

I remember being invited to Susie's birthday party. One of her gifts was a pair of plastic, dress-up, high-heeled shoes. Even her gift of play shoes was reason enough to strike a chord of envy. Sadness descended over me. It was such a hopeless plight. Lola did not get what Lola wanted.

After the second grade, our family moved to the coast of Oregon where my father became the minister for another church, slightly bigger than the previous one in Kansas. We left Kansas in our blue and white, 1955 Chevy station wagon, pulling everything we owned in a U-Haul trailer. We were off to see the world, and temporarily, I forgot about the shoes on my feet.

While we were in Oregon, my father started selling shoes out of a catalog to supplement his small income. One day he showed me a picture of black velveteen shoes in his catalog. On the glossy page, they looked simply beautiful—more beautiful than anything I had ever seen before. He then proceeded to measure my feet. The order was placed. I spent days in eager anticipation.

At last the shoes came! As I slipped my feet into their velvety, black softness, my world changed. I was a princess with the most exquisite shoes in the kingdom. My feet danced, and my heart sang. Black velveteen shoes—more wonderful than anything I could have ever imagined! From that day forward, I never wore boy's shoes again.

It's been many decades since then. I no longer go by my first name, Lola. (I am sure that you can guess why!) Instead, I use my middle name, Marlene. Just yesterday I saw some shoes in a Wissota Trader catalog that caught my eye. The advertisement said, "Velvety nubuck leather casuals...." I just may order them. Sometimes Marlene gets what Marlene wants!

Let There Be Light

2010-02-03T10:13:00.002-07:00

By Marlene Depler

Sunlight

          Moonlight

                    Starlight

Lamplight

          Nightlights

                    Flashlights

Light from campfires

          Light from our hearths

                    Light from candles burning

Porch lights

          Street lights

                    Floodlights

Headlights

          Traffic lights

                    City lights

Christ-light

          Light of the world

                    Light of truth

                              Light in our hearts

                                        Light on life’s long pathway home

                                                  Let there be LIGHT!

(c) Marlene Depler 2009 Permission needed from author to reprint in any form.

Hold on to Hope

2010-01-21T17:16:00.001-07:00

Dear Readers:
Today I thought I would share a devotional that I wrote. I hope these thoughts and Scriptures bless you.

Hold on to Hope

By Marlene Depler

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galations 6:9).

Gardeners all have moments of weariness. They prepare the soil and plant seeds. They fertilize and water. Weeds are pulled until the back aches and perspiration drips. Gardeners may rest along the way, but they soon return to their toil. Why? Hope of harvest spurs them on even when they are tired. They anticipate slicing the first juicy tomato and cutting open a sweet watermelon. In time, their diligence and perseverance are rewarded.

Life is much like gardening. Doing the right thing and living well aren’t always easy. It takes effort to obey God. In the process, everyone experiences the malady of weariness from time to time. The cacophony of daily challenges and difficulties has a way of depleting energy. Physical or emotional exhaustion sets in. Efforts to serve may seem pointless. Weeds of discouragement take root.

Does this describe you? Are you worn out? Are you in the midst of something that has left you weary? Demands at work? Financial pressure? Health issues? Concerns over your children? Relational difficulties? Lack of appreciation for your ministry sacrifices? Have your best efforts failed to obtain the desired outcome? You are not alone.

God recognizes the human propensity towards giving up during seasons of weariness. He knows how easily hope is diminished and perspective is skewed. Thus, through the words of the apostle Paul, God encourages each believer not to give up. Because he knows that the heart craves hope, God reminds his children to refocus on the promise of an eventual harvest.

When the weariness sets in, know that it’s normal. Use it as a warning sign. You may be in need of rest. Jesus knew what his disciples needed when he said; “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31). As we allow God to strengthen and refresh us, we can regain renewed vigor to continue loving, serving and giving. Once eternal perspective is regained, you can again eagerly await God’s promised harvest at the appointed time. Endurance eventually pays off. Hold on to hope!

Questions for reflection:

In what ways are you experiencing weariness or discouragement?
What needs to be done to help to re-energize you? Rest? The encouragement of a friend? Renewed perspective on the promised reward?
Think of a past example of when perserverance paid off.
Within your circle of family and friends, who needs your words of encouragement right now?

Today: I will not lose hope. I will share this hope with a friend who is weary and in need of encouragement.

Additional References:

Isaiah 40:29-31

Matthew 11:28

Psalm 62:5

Romans 5:5

Hebrews 11:1

A Winter's Walk

2010-01-13T10:04:00.002-07:00

by Marlene Depler

Winter days, long and cold: I hunker down within my walls.
I have little enthusiasm for going out and about.
Today the sunshine coaxes me to overcome my hesitation
to brave the cold. I pull on a second pair of socks,
my coat, and purple gloves, stepping outside under a canvas of clear blue.
Fresh, cold air fills my lungs. I watch my breath---
then fall into a pleasant rhythm: right, left, right left.
I find room for uninterrupted contemplation in this open space.
I think about dormancy in nature as I view leaftless trees and barren rose bushes---
then wonder if I am in my own season of dormancy.
I notice the contrasts around me: the soft, virgin snow and the hard, crusty ice,
turned brown from passing cars. And the never-fading evergreens with the bare-
branched variety. Life is filled with contrasts, I conclude. Joy and sorrow, pleasure
and pain, success and failure. On I walk alone with my thoughts, one thought
cascading into another, until I finally turn to follow my lengthening shadow home.
I haven't seen a singe critter, I muse. Where are the birds and squirrels and fox?
Just then I am startled by a bird huddles in a nearby barberry bush,
soon followed by a honking "V" of geese flying directly overhead.
I smile. I walk on in pleasant reverie. I arrive home invigorated.
I promise to rendezvous with myself for a winter's walk once again---and soon.

(c) Marlene Depler 20010

O Christmas Tree

2009-12-22T07:47:00.009-07:00

Putting up the Christmas tree is on of my favorite things about Christmas tree. The twinkling lights, the shimmering ornaments, endless possibilities for creativity, the overall beauty brings---all this brings me much satisfaction. Some years I use blue, some gold, and others the traditional red. This year it's PINK! It is fun to mix it up.

A full view! I almost have the presents wrapped.

A little closer shot. I really like the white birds!

Butterflies and watering cans bring in my love for nature and gardening.

On the fancy side! A little Victorian shoe!

My little gardener makes me think of spring!

A gift from a friend! She approves of my pink tree.

Right down to the wrapping paper! It looks so pretty when the packages match!

Gotta' love pink velvet ribbon!

And something fun for the grandkids! I was so surprised to find this one at K-Mart!

Thanking God for the gift of his son---and for family and friends. A Merry Christmas to all!

Book Review: The Gift of Years

2009-12-07T11:32:00.003-07:00

Book Review by Marlene Depler

The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully by Joan Chittister

I look in the mirror and see the signs, the wrinkles and the gray hairs tucked between my highlights. Some signs sneak up almost unnoticeably while others are not so subtle. One thing is for sure: I AM aging! With this marching on of time, I am experiencing a wide range of thoughts and emotions. Some I bemoan to my husband or close friends, but many thoughts I never verbalize. And in spite of my best efforts, I see myself becoming more irrelevant in the world in which I live.

Recently, I started reading Joan Chittister's book, The Gift of Years: Growing Old Gracefully. What a breath of fresh air! Her perspective is both honest and insightful. In the introduction Joan writes, "It is time for us to let go of both our fantisies of eternal youth and our fears of getting older, and to find the beauty of what it means to age well." I couldn't agree more.

Joan has written forty short chapters filled with wisdom. Some of the chapters included are Fear, Forgiveness, Fulfillment, Faith, and Freedom. Others chapters are Legacy, Limitations, Loneliness, and Letting Go. Each chapter bears pondering. Don't expect to fly through this book like a novel. I'm reading mine with a highlighter in hand to mark the passages that I want to reread again.

In the chapter titled Regret, Joan writes how that often what "pretends to be reflection" and "claims to be insight" slips into brooding, dragging us down. She says, "Regret is a temptation. It entices us to lust for what never was..." Then we may "doubt the God who made us."

Joan's overall message is to see aging is a gift. (It means we didn't die young!) We should not abandon our lives prematurely---before life in this world is truly over. This season is different that the previous seasons of our lives. Nevertheless, we can embrace it and live it fully.

Joan's words are making me often say to myself, Don't quit the game in the fourth quarter! Play on to the finish! This is a book I will read multiple times in the coming years. (I'm even considering leading a discussion group using this book as the focus.)

I hope you will pick up this book---maybe buy it for yourself for Christmas. Then if you enjoy it, recommend it to a friend. Whatever you do, appreciate your days and years, live fully until the time comes for "melting into God."

(c) 2009 Marlene Depler

Pacific Rim Sunset

2009-10-29T06:53:00.009-07:00

Read then see photos below!!!

Psalm 92:4-5a The Message: "You made me so happy, God. I saw your work and I shouted for joy. How magnificent your work, God!"

Pacific Rim Sunset

by Marlene Depler

Silently, I sit in my front row seat

on the edge of the earth

where land converges with sky and sea

Sinking sun shimmers over crashing waves

as the Master Painter takes the stage

He lifts his brush to the canvas

pink and then lavender--

wide pastel strokes across the heavens

Next he adds bold highlights

of orange and plum

then smudges the rocks and trees

into black silhouettes

Hushed I admire the beauty

of the evening masterpiece

until the sea swallows the sun

Just when I think He is finished

He dips his brush in gold

signing his work with a simple cresent moon

My heart cries out as I jump to my feet,

"Bravo!" "Encore!"

He bows and waves, "Perhaps tomorrow."

Reprints in any form only allowed with author's permission

Beauty Abounds

2009-10-04T06:46:00.023-07:00

These are from our recent travels: Pike Market in Seattle, Tofino and Ucluelet (Vancouver Island, B.C.), and Victoria (also Vancouver Island, B.C.) Enjoy!

Flower boxes across the street from Pike Market, Seattle.

The beginning of a visual feast!

Flowers galore (Pike Market).

Fresh veggies! (Pike Market)

Succulent fruits (Pike Market).

Crabs in rows! (Pike Market)

Huge lobster tails! (Pike Market)

Rainbow of chilli peppers! (Pike Market)

From the bay side of Tofino.

Chesterman Beach looking toward Frank Isand

The Inn from Chesterman Beach

A room with a view.

And more views!

Pacific sunset on first night.

Sunset on second night.

The Amphitrite Point Lighthouse in Ucluelet.

View from the Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet.

Strange roots seen on the trail.

Fishing boats on the bay side of Ucluelet.

Another shot of the fishing boats.

Abkaki Garden in Victoria.
(We saw Buchart Gardens on previous trips. We had just enough time to

check out this once private garden now open to the public.)

Another shot of the gardens.

The Empress Hotel in the harbor of Victoria.

Start Somewhere

2009-09-10T15:47:00.003-07:00

(Note: I promised to share what I came up with from the writing exercise, so here you have it?)

I’d been sick for several days, and we were expecting out-of-town company in a couple of days. I was now way behind in my preparations and cleaning. Not to mention, that I was lacking in energy and short of time. There was so much I had intended to do before my friends arrived. Now I felt overwhelmed.

These weren’t the kind of friends who would judge me for a bit of clutter and dust. We’ve been friends for over three decades. Nevertheless, I wanted my home to be clean and welcoming. The tasks that I wanted to accomplish would make me feel like a better hostess.

I started to fret. Then I had a chat with myself. Stop wasting your energy fretting and just START SOMEWHERE! (Am I the only one who gives advice to myself?!)

So that is what I did. I started with the guest bedroom, dusting and tidying. Then I moved into the bathroom next to the bedroom. When those two rooms were company-ready, my spirits lifted and my perspective improved. I was able to prioritize other tasks and decide what mattered most. Before I knew my home was adequately prepared. Our friends arrived, and we shared several wonderful days.

Since then I have continued to think about the experience and apply it to other areas of my life—projects or chores that needed to be tackled and other areas such as health and personal goals. Instead of waiting until I have huge increments of time—that of course rarely ever happens, I remind myself, “Start somewhere.” If I begin and make a little progress, it gives me the impetus to continue later when I have a little more time.

Whether it is the weeds in my garden beds, the paperwork on my desk, or dirty windows, the process is the same. “Get started.” I started washing windows when I was preparing for my guests. I washed a couple of windows that were really bothering me. Later I washed a couple more. Bit by bit I’m making the rounds. Today I washed another three. Completion now seems possible. The end is now in sight.

The same is true with writing. I’ve intended to write about this experience for over a month. I finally said, “Just start!” Writing for about 20 minutes led to more thinking and more writing. Now I have a string of words on paper.
Most of us have heard it said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” So true. Without beginning, nothing will be accomplished, and we will not reach the desired destination.

So first we start. Then we break things into smaller increments and things begin to seem possible. When my kids were younger and overwhelmed by something that loomed large for them like a school project, I would often tell them, “It’s a cinch by the inch and hard by the yard.”

I don’t recall where I first heard that saying, but I liked it and knew it was applicable to challenges both large and small. I wanted to help them see the value in starting and then breaking things down in to smaller manageable segments. Then when they put those segments together in succession, they ended up getting to the final goal. The same is true for the rest of us.

I have noticed that some things never seem to get completely finished, like the piles of paper on my office desk. Nevertheless, I keep starting. I make good headway. Then life calls me in other directions and things pile up again, so I begin again—and then again. Can you imagine how my office would look if I didn’t keep starting over and over again.

We will probably never have everything accomplished to our satisfaction in this journey of life. We will always have projects demanding our time and a variety of challenges to face. Yet if we constantly take the first step and begin again and again, we will move forward toward those things we deem important. And we won’t waste our energy thinking about what we must do.

What is it that looms large for you? What is it that you never seem to find the time to tackle?

*A college degree? It is possible one class at a time. So get started.
*Weight loss? That comes one pound at a time, but you first have to start.
*A relational issue? Start somewhere.
*Spiritual growth? Begin with one thing that seems doable.
*Health? Take a step in the right direction.
*Ironing? Turn on the iron and pick up the first piece.

Our personalities may be different and our challenges and dreams may not be the same. Yet we are still all on a similar journey. And we all need to regularly be reminded to START SOMEWHERE. So that means you---and me! Let's get going!

Obtain permission to print, reprint, or duplicate in any form.

Writing Exercise

2009-09-09T08:08:00.002-07:00

For those of you who like to write now and then, here is a little exercise to get you started!

Take 5 minutes and jot down 3-5 things you have been thinking about lately. (This can be anything, such as the change of seasons, aging, frugality, or your recent challenges with modern technology.) Now pick one.

Take three sheets of 8 1/2 x 11 paper and a pen, and go somewhere that you would not normally write. Just start writing and don't stop until you have filled three pages! Neatness, grammar, paragraph breaks, and punctuation are not important!!! What you write might be random thoughts related to the topic you chose. You CANNOT do this wrong! So get going! HAPPY WRITING!

Later come back and put what you have written on the computer. Tidy it up a bit and put connected thoughts together. Just see what you might come up with. Consider sharing with me what topic you chose to write about.

In a few days, I will share with you what I wrote!!

Out of the Mouth of Babes

2009-09-02T19:17:00.004-07:00

I love the cute things kids say, especially my grandchildren. I wish I had written more of their saying down. Anyway, I thought I would share this conversation amongst three of them.

My oldest daughter recently told of this discussion in the car:

Rachel says, "When I grow up I want to be a
vegetarian--you know a person who helps animals." (I smile.)

Brent says,
"Well, I want to be a scientist or a video game player." (I chuckle.)

Jacob pipes up, & I quote, "When grow up I want to be a
candy taster." (Uncontrollable laughter.)

Whose kids are these?

Well, I certainly know whose grandkids these are!!!!!

Getting Ready for Flu Season

2009-08-25T09:44:00.008-07:00

(Note: This may or may not interest those of you in the Northern Hemisphere. Nevertheless, I felt a need to try to help those who are interested in staying healthy this fall and winter.)

Swine flu (H1N1) season is coming. With all the hype in the news, it makes us all a little fearful to say the least. So I want to give you some positive ways to approach flu season.

It is important to understand that there are literally hundreds of H1N1 flu viruses. The current strain is similar to the Spanish flu of 1918 and the Hong Kong flu of 1968.

So what can we do that is proactive?

Start now to build you immune system! Prepare your bodies defenses!

*Nutriferon-boosts the body’s natural production of interferon/phytonutrient blend that provides immune support at the cellular level. #20960

*Immunity I-blend of six immunoactive vitamins, patented blend of antioxidants with rosemary extract, and mineral support for a strong immune system. #20241

*Defend & Resist-a herbal blend with Echinacea, black elderberry, and larch tree extract which stimulates the body’s natural resistance. #20613

*VIVIX-patented formula to fight aging at a cellular level, but it also contains the black elderberry! #21000

*Antioxidants such as CarotoMax and FlavoMax #20652 and #20654 or any other antioxidants, many found in foods.

*FOR CHILDREN: Incredivites-first children’s chewable multi-vitamin in the U.S. with immune supporting lactoferrin, a nutrient also found naturally in breast milk and researched for its role in activating components of the immune system.

*Optiflora-colon health supports immune health. #20639

*Try to get proper rest and reduce stress where possible.

*Cut back on intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates.

WASH YOUR HANDS! WASH YOUR HANDS! WASH YOUR HANDS!
The spread of flu can be curbed by 90% by regular hand washing. Folks this is an easy one. Teach you kids this!

Keep your fingers out of your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Use Basic G (#00525) and/or Germ Off Disinfecting Wipes (#00322). Keep the wipes in zippered bags in your purse, in your car, and in your kids back packs. Wipe hands, steering wheel, doorknobs, desks, phones, etc. (You can make your own wipes with the Basis G if you choose. (Basis G spray bottles for mixing are #50531 and the dispenser bottle with dropper tip is #50419.)

Consider masks for public transportation.

Hope this information is helpful. For more information, leave a message with email address to respond or go to my website

ww.shaklee.net/lifetimewellness).

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed healthe care professional. This information is shared as a friend to a friend.

Food for Thought

2009-08-24T09:43:00.002-07:00

"Some people see clutter as signs of disorganization.
For others, clutter means a major creative project is going on."
-Patricia H. Sprinkle

"When you organize, you're just reshuffling the same
heavy load. When you simplify, you actually eliminate a large chunk of it. Simplifying is not about learning how to do more in less time. It's about doing less so you'll enjoy it more."
-Elaine St. James

Apricot Cream Cheese Coffeecake

2009-08-17T15:11:00.005-07:00

I made these coffeecakes for a recent baby shower brunch. (The original recipe called for apricot preserves. But it is also good with strawberry or raspberry perserves.) Thought you might enjoy the recipe! See below.

This shows how half of the batter goes on the bottom of the pan---then the preserves---then the remaining batter. The batter is then spread evenly over the preserves.

Into the oven! This shows the crumb topping---the final touch before baking.

All done and ready to eat! Very yummy!

Apricot Cream Cheese Coffeecake

Cream together:
1 8oz. pkg. softened cream cheese
½ cup butter, softened
1 ¼ cups sugar

Beat in:
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon almond extract, opt.

Sift together:
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

Add flour mixture alternately with:
1/3 cup milk

Pour half of batter in greased 9x13 baking pan and spread evenly.

Spoon on and gently spread:
1 12 oz. jar of apricot (or raspberry or strawberry) preserves

Spoon remaining batter over the top and gently spread to cover preserves.

For TOPPING combine with pastry blender:
¼ cup butter, softened
½ cup sugar
¼ cup flour
Then add 1/3 cup of sliced almonds, opt. Sprinkle the crumb mixture on top.

Bake at 350º for 35-40 minutes.

Good warm or cold!

Birthday Reflections

2009-08-10T21:04:00.003-07:00

Birthdays nowadays always seem to bring out my reflective nature. Each year the number increases by one, and I wonder where the years have gone. I realize that more of my life is behind me than what lies before me. Thus I ponder the meaning of my life. Have I lived it well? What next? What is God’s plan for me at this stage of life? Am I relevant in the world in which I live? My pensive questions seem endless.

I don’t readily have answers to all my questions. Maybe contemplating the questions is quite enough. Then I remind myself that growing older is a good thing, especially since the only one way to avoid aging is to die young. Yes, each year of life is a gift, and with that gift I must accept that aging comes with the territory.

Today I relished the day in celebration of my birth. I sipped my morning homemade latte on the front porch. I picked myself a bouquet of pink, white, and purple zinnias. I opened a new mascara. I walked through the neighborhood. I got my free car wash! I washed the sheets on my bed. Cards and phone calls blessed my day. My husband took me out for a delicious dinner. All in all a lovely day! Now I shall go crawl in those clean sheets and thank God for giving me 58 years.

Cook Breakfast While You Sleep

2009-08-02T10:30:00.005-07:00

Many of us grew up eating oatmeal for breakfast. My mom cooked old fashioned rolled oats two or three times a week. It was an economical staple in our household. Then I also cooked oatmeal for my kids—though probably not quite as often.

I first ate steel cut oats as a cooked breakfast cereal many years ago when my husband and I visited Scotland. I enjoyed it so much that I ate it almost every morning while we were there. When I returned home, I still didn’t cook it for myself.

Then several years later I rediscovered this hearty breakfast cereal as one of the many selections on the breakfast buffet at my favorite inn on the Oregon coast. So I purchased some steel cut oats to cook at home. They take a long time to cook, so before I would go to bed, I would bring the water to a boil, and then add a pinch on salt and the correct amount of oats to the water. I put a lid on it and remove it from the heat---let it set overnight. The next morning, it would only take ten minutes to cook it.

Recently, one of my daughters found a suggestion online to cook the steel cut oats overnight in the crock-pot on low. And someone else suggested using a Pyrex or Corningware casserole dish or bowl inside the crock-pot (with water around it) for an easier clean-up. Wow! It’s great! Breakfast cooks while you sleep! Ready when you and your family are ready, and no waiting.

I buy organic steel cut oats at Vitamin Cottage for $2.03 for two pounds. At a dollar a pound that is an inexpensive healthy breakfast. (A serving is ¼ cup, so a little goes a long way.) Many other places carry steel cut oats. King Soopers has it in bulk, but it is more expensive. You can also find it in canisters and cans at most any store. The imported McCann’s is more expensive, but a good products. Below are photos of the crock-pot process.

Let me know what you think!

Here’s to a hot, healthy breakfast that cooks while you sleep!

Ready to cook! This is two servings. Use the package directions for the amounts of water, oats, and salt in the oven-safe casserole. (Most use 1/4 cup steel cut oats to 3/4 cup to 1 cup of water.) Put water around the dish inside the crock-pot. Turn on low when you go to bed.

This is what it looks like when you wake up in the morning. It is ready to dish up and serve.

This morning I added blueberries (anti-oxidants!) and a few walnuts (good fat/Omega-3). I sweeten mine with either pure maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar.

Marlene's Gardens

2009-07-17T14:11:00.010-07:00

I thought I would share a few current blooms from my gardens. Enjoy!

Double Delight rose! This is one of my favorites. I have around 30 rose bushes.

Hidden bloom on my Endless Summer hydrangea.

Daylilies! I don't know the variety. It was mismarked---I thought I was getting yellow.

Six of my eight garden beds. Fresh produce is wonderful

I have four pots like this one on the back patio. The purple is million belles---one of my favorites especially for hanging baskets.

Geraniums and a nice place to relax.

Clematis and mixed annuals.

I planted these petunias, and the marigolds seeded themselves from last year.

Unexpected blooms! The lone petunia and blue salva came up "volunteer."

Importance of Vitamin D

2009-07-11T08:22:00.002-07:00

Dear Friends,

Once a month, I hope to post an article relating to health and wellness. I am NOT a doctor, but I just wish to pass on the things I read and learn. My own journey toward better health makes me want to share it with others. I hope you find the information helpful.

To your health,
Marlene

FYI: Importance of Vitamin D

Everywhere I turn, I find articles about Vitamin D. Earlier this year, I heard one doctor say that 87% of Americans (adults and children) are deficient in Vitamin D. Today I read an article that said that even in Colorado where we have lots of blue sky, 74% of seniors are deficient. Many say this deficiency is epidemic. Several people I know have actually been tested and told that their levels of Vitamin D were too low.

The simple blood test to find out your level is called 25-hydroxy-vitamin D test. The optimal level for Vitamin D is 50-80 ng/ml.

Many people are not outside in the sunlight enough, and if they are out, they use sunscreen to protect against cancer. Unfortunately, when we wear sunscreen, then our bodies cannot use the sunlight to make Vitamin D.

So what’s the big deal? Why do we need to worry about our levels of Vitamin D?
*Regulates calcium levels
*Helps maintain the alkaline PH balance
*Regulates gene expression
*Low levels of Vitamin D are connected to depression, seasonal affective disorder, and cognitive function
*Low levels are associated with hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, and multiple sclerosis.
*Low levels significantly increase the risk of cancer, such as colon cancer and breast cancer (Vitamin D cuts risk of breast cancer by half!!!)
*Lessens inflammation and helps fight infection
*Helps with muscle strength which helps prevent falls.
*Needed for bone health
*Helps prevent microbial skin infections

As you can see, there are a multitude of good reasons for each of us to consider supplementation with Vitamin D. Many good products are available. Consider the high quality Shaklee products that contain Vitamin D:
Vitalizer
Vita-Lea
Vita-Lea Gold
Ligui-Lea
Citri-Boost
OsteoMatrix
Chewable Cal Mag Plus
Incredivites (for kids)
Vita-Lea Ocean Wonders (for kids)
Vita-Lea Infant Mix

If I can help you choose one of these supplements, please email or visit my website. Membership is FREE though August 8 (savings of $19.95) with a 50 PV order. No monthly ordering requirements.

To your health, Marlene Depler
www.shaklee.net/lifetimewellness
lifetimewellness@shaklee.net

NOTE: This is only for informational purposes. I do not diagnose or prescribe.

Summer Won't Last Forever

2009-07-06T14:53:00.002-07:00

One blink and it’s already past the Fourth of July! How is it that these wonderful long days fly by like a flashes of lightning? Summer seems like it just started, but if we check the calendar, we’re almost half way through. SLOW DOWN! I want to shout to the blue sky.

As each summer approaches, I always have the illusion of an endlessly long string of days with lots of time for all the things I want to do: gardening, walking, traveling, swimming with grandkids, mountain adventures, reading on the porch swing, sipping coffee on the patio with my husband, lunch with a friend, and a whole lot more. Somehow I anticipate more than I could ever achieve at the level I desire. Perhaps it would be fair to say that I’m a bit overly optimistic. When my unrealistic expectations get thrown in the mix with the daily stuff that consumes my focus, it can be a recipe for disappointment when September arrives.

This summer, I’m attempting to be more proactive about actually putting some things on the calendar. If I don’t plan and schedule, the things I thought I would do someday never happen. This often means that I must push aside my frustration over the lack of dusting, dirty windows, stacks of paperwork, and other such things to make time for what’s more important.

I am scheduling some time with each individual grandchild. It seems to do them a world of good to have one on one time where they are the center of my attention. I have also taken the younger five to the wading pool. (I must do that again!) I still want to schedule a day for granddaughters and then one for grandsons. Summer may be flying by, but at least a few of my good intentions are becoming a reality.

I’m also trying to be more spontaneous. When my husband suggested a mountain drive two weekends in a row, I went willingly. Such enjoyable days. I’ve also stopped washing dishes to delight in a humming bird out my kitchen window. After dinner, I often slip on my walking shoes and step out the door to soak in the warmth and beauty of the evening.

No, summer won’t last forever. But I’ll do my best to savor little moments in a myriad of ways. And when I think about, I’m reminded that my summers are numbered. Even if I live to be eighty, I only have 22 summers left! Yes, I must fill my summers with what I love—what matters most! My motto today is:

“SEIZE SUMMER. Squeeze out every blessed drop of joy.”

(c) Marlene Depler 2009

Cookies Galore

2009-06-17T15:04:00.008-07:00

Recipe times four! I made about 12 dozen cookies today and froze the dough balls ready to bake next week for a shower. This way I can bake them fresh the day of the party, and I won't be so frazzled when I am trying to also make dozens of cupcakes.

I put the dough on these trays and freeze them for 15 minutes or so. Then they are easier to handle when transferring them to the freezer bags.

These are a few of the bags I did. The large bags are for the party and the small bags I will give to each of my children's families. See recipe below:

Double Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

From Marlene Depler

This is a family favorite for over 20 years. When the kids where in 4-H, they won blue ribbons at the county fair with this recipe!

Makes 3 dozen

1 ½ cups sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 egg
¼ cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 1/3 cups flour
6 oz. (or more!) chocolate chips
3 cups uncooked oatmeal

Mix sugar and dry cocoa. Then add softened butter and mix well. Add egg, vanilla, and water. Add flour, soda, and salt. Mix until completely incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips, then oatmeal.

Drop by teaspoon (or use medium Pampered Chef scoop) on ungreased baking sheet. Bake in preheated 350º oven for 10-12 minutes. Do not overbake! Let cookies set on pan for a minute or two before removing to cooling rack.

NOTES:

1) I like to refrigerate the dough for about one hour before making the cookies.

2) I usually double or triple the recipe and freeze all or part of the cookie dough in balls in a zippered freezer bags. Then I simply take them from the freezer when I am ready to bake a few or a dozen. I place them directly on the baking sheet and place in preheated oven. Increase the cooking time by a few minutes. This way I can pull out cookies to bake fresh when we have company or when the grandchildren come over. Sometimes I will just bake four for my husband and I. Fresh is always best!

Re-entry

2009-06-08T13:58:00.003-07:00

Before our plane landed, my mind began making a mental list of things I needed to do upon returning from our vacation on the coast of Oregon. Unpack. Start the laundry. Call the kids. Reply to emails and messages. The mail would have to wait until Monday. Oh, yes, buy some groceries. I could think of dozens of things that would need my attention and energy once I made re-entry back into my normal life. Nevertheless, I was happy to return home.

It wasn’t long after we pulled in the driveway that I headed to the back yard. I delighted in the sweet fragrance of the roses that started blooming while I was away. And even though it was early June, I picked five ripe tomatoes from my garden.

Later as I unpacked my suitcase, I reveled in the thought that tonight I would sleep in my own bed with my own pillow. Yes, it was good to be home. Trips are great, but there’s nothing like coming home---even if returning means that I face my reality of many things to do.

While I was away, I also pondered the possibility of re-entry into writing (and blogging). I’ve been sidetracked with life (and Facebook) to say the least. And perhaps discouragement has taken its toll. Often I have wondered if what I write even matters at all. But I’m once again remembering why I write: for the joy of it! And to possibly bring encouragement to others. So, this is my attempt to relish both my return home AND my re-entry into writing---spilling words on the page.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Twelve

2008-12-24T22:50:00.002-07:00

An Empty Manger

What if God had never sent His Son into the world?

What if Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem to with their families to register, but no infant Christ child had been placed in the manger that long ago night? What if Immanuel had never lived and died on our behalf? Can you begin to imagine how different everything would be? We certainly wouldn’t be celebrating Christmas!

I started thinking about this several weeks ago. It was the idea that gave me the idea to write twelve posts on Christmas in the first place. And I have continued to think about the empty manger throughout each day as I have written the other entries in this series.

I’ve tried to consider how history would have been different. It’s beyond my comprehension. Would pilgrims have come to this country in search of religious freedom? I don’t think so. Would a constitution like ours have ever come into being without Christian principles at its foundation?

So many educational institutions, hospitals, and orphanages were founded by devout Christians. Where would the world be without them?

On a more personal note, what would my life be like if it had never been impacted by a Savior? That’s hard to imagine.

Yet what gives me more consternation is that so many people today choose to live as if Christ had never been born. Some don’t believe that the Messiah has come. Others believe that Christ came, but that he was just a good teacher. Others will acknowledge that he came, but then refuse to allow the message grace and forgiveness proclaimed by Immanuel to penetrate their hearts.

The manger wasn’t empty. May we allow this truth to impact every aspect of our live and give us continued hope.

Merry Christmas!

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Eleven

2008-12-23T22:28:00.002-07:00

Raise the White Flag of Surrender

Go ahead and raise the white flag!

I hate to break it to you, but our idealistic notions of a romantic or idyllic Christmas is not going to happen this year or any year for that matter. Holidays will always be imperfect to one degree or another. Certain aspects will always be less than what we wish for.

Just because it is December the season of joy to the world and peace on earth doesn’t mean that our challenges and struggles automatically go away. And all of our mundane tasks of paying bills, washing dishes, and resolving conflict continue as well.

In December, kids still get sick or argue with each other. People we want to spend the holidays with may be too far away, or they choose not to join us. And the people we are with may give us reason for annoyances.

We may not get the gift we wanted or any gift at all. We may not have the money we wish we had—or the job we need—or we may have to work too many hours. Others around us may not pitch in and help with the added responsibilities of the season. Maybe we don’t get everything baked we had hoped to or our favorite recipe didn’t turn out this year. We may be facing health challenges—or the loss of a loved one—or a divorce.

Our losses and disappointments are legitimate and should not be minimized. It’s OK to grieve and too be honest about our feelings. Yet we all need to take a hard look at our overall expectations. Far too often we are more than a little unrealistic.

The Norman Rockwell Christmas is a myth. No one has a perfect holiday in every way. If we could attain Christmas perfection on our own, we wouldn’t need Christmas. Christ wouldn’t have needed to come to earth to redeem us. Christ alone is the source of joy to the world and peace on earth, not the circumstances of our Christmas this year.

So I will resolve to enjoy each and every blessing that comes my way and receive them with humility and gratitude this Christmas. And I will keep my expectations in check. I surrender to my own reality and embrace it. You, too?

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Ten

2008-12-22T22:48:00.002-07:00

Delight in the Ordinary

Have you seen this quote: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.

This really makes me stop and think. We may not have breathless moments on a regular basis—unless we are running up and down the stairs. But perhaps if we paid closer attention to the beauty and wonder around us, we would savor our lives more.

Do we take delight in the simple ordinary moments each day? Do we really listen for the laughter? Do we notice the snowflakes? Are we in awe of the twinkling stars? Do we study the expressions on the faces around us?

It takes all of our senses to find the joy and pleasure in the everyday, especially when we get busy preparing for the holidays. In our rush, we may just forget to enjoy the little things and to treasure what is most important to us. It's not the hype that makes us happy.

I can’t say that I have had any moments that took by breath away today, but I did cherish the time spent with my oldest granddaughter. We laughed together as we mixed up a Tunnel of Fudge Cake that we will serve for Christmas dinner. I also savored the sweetness of a clementine. I took delight in a quiet evening with my husband.

It may only be a couple of days before Christmas with much we still think needs to be accomplished. Nevertheless, let’s do our best to catch our breath, stop a moment, and delight in the simple joys all around us.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Nine

2008-12-20T23:02:00.002-07:00

Gift-Giving

Yippee! My husband and I have finished all of our shopping for Christmas gifts. Now I’m working on wrapping all of the presents in brightly colored paper and bows. Pretty packages under the tree are such a pleasant sight. And I can’t wait to see the delight on the faces of the grandchildren when they open their packages.

Most of us enjoy gift-giving IF we have the time, money, and good ideas for what the recipient might enjoy receiving. Sometimes there are occassions where we may give out of obligation—because it is expected. For the most part, giving is something we WANT to do. We like to bless and surprise family and friends with thoughtful gifts.

Receiving gifts is also a delight. Some of my friends have already dropped by with some sweet gifts, both literally and figuratively. Their kind gestures are appreciated, but their friendship is the greatest blessing. I even know what will be in one package under the tree because one of my daughters let me pick it out.

Yet all in all, when I think of gifts, I am so often reminded that our greatest gifts in life are never under the Christmas tree. The gift of God’s grace given through His only Son can’t be tucked neatly into a red and green gift bag. Many other gifts can’t be wrapped and tied with a bow: the gift of love, the gift of encouragement, the gift of health, the gift of freedom, the gift of food and shelter.

Together we could enumerate a host of things that are wonderful gifts that can’t be packaged to unwrap on Christmas morning. So as we think of gifts this season, may we keep in perspective the precious gifts that won’t ever be found in a box beneath a brightly lit evergreen tree.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Eight

2008-12-19T07:46:00.001-07:00

Flexibility

A bit of flexibility is a flattering style on all of us. We need some in our wardrobe year round, and especially during the Christmas season. This is what allows us to adapt, bend, change directions, and hit some speed bumps in our well-laid plans with some grace. It’s like the 2 % spandex in a pair of jeans that makes them so comfortable.

This doesn’t mean that we become wimps or doormats, or that we allow ourselves to be manipulated by the boundary-busting of others. It’s OK to say no when we need to. Yet there are times that our ability to adapt to the current situation makes life so much less stressful on ourselves and those around us.

I thought I would be able to write a Christmas blog every day, but some of you may have noticed that I didn’t post one day. Rigidity would have kept me up very late on a night I was worn out. That is what started my thinking about flexibility. I decided I needed to have a little “give” in my best intentions. I could always post two in one day if I wanted to, or I may run later than I planned with the last post.

Throughout this holiday season I have found myself needing to exercise flexibility quite often. I have intended to finish up my shopping at a certain store for several days. On Monday the roads were icy, so I postponed the shopping. On Tuesday, I thought I would catch this store on my way back from two appointments in Boulder, but my daughter wanted her hair trimmed after she picked the kids up from school, and I was tired anyway. (If I had been unable to cut her hair, she would have exercised some flexibility with me, too.)

Then I thought I would go on Thursday afternoon, but something else in the morning took longer than I expected, and something on the other end would have made me rush. So I opted to watch my other daughter’s two little girls so she could go stand in line at the post office to mail a package.

I still need to go shopping, and I may actually go this morning. Yet I’m not sorry that I have made some adaptations in my plans. Even though flexibility may not be my strongest suit, I’m working on it. And I have to say, I’m happier when I allow myself to make these kinds of changes and adapt as life unfolds.

When I think about rigidity, it really isn’t all that attractive on any of us. It is about as comfortable as jeans that are two sizes to small with NO spandex—NO stretch. Rigidity doesn’t wear well with others either.

So let’s all go to the closet this morning and choose to attire ourselves with more flexibility today. It’s flattering!

Twelve Day of Christmas: Day Seven

2008-12-18T07:38:00.001-07:00

Mission Gratitude

Thanksgiving isn’t just for one day in late November. Thankfulness can become a way of life if we choose to make it so. The problem is that when we get very busy or challenges come our way, we often forget to be mindful of our blessings.

My simple mission for the month is gratitude. I search throughout the day for things that I am thankful for—ways that I have been blessed. Recently, we have had some frigid temperatures, so I have been thankful for the warmth of my home. Warm shelter in winter is a blessing. I am thankful for family members and friends that enrich my life. Safety on the icy roads is reason for gratitude. I’m grateful for my basic health. (A bout of stomach flu a couple of weeks ago reminded me to appreciate the days I feel well.)

When the mail comes, I am thankful for any cards and letters that come from the people who have blessed our lives over the years. When I find a great sale on something I want to give as a gift, I am grateful. My list would have to be topped with gratitude that God sent his own son into the world because he loved us.

My list could go on and on, but I’ll stop and shift to you. What are the things that you are grateful for today? It only takes a few moments to stop and recount our blessings both great and small. Join me on Mission Gratitude this month.

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Six

2008-12-16T22:47:00.007-07:00

Laughter and Humor

Proverbs 17:22 “A merry heart doeth good like medicine.”

There’s nothing like a children’s Christmas program to make us smile and laugh. We just got home from a school Christmas concert. Everyone kindergarten through eighth grade participated in singing, drama, readings, or playing an instrument. Just watching the expressions of the kids as they performed made me smile. There were also many moments of laughter.

I have been thinking about how important humor is in our lives, especially this time of year. Life can feel heavy and serious with all its challenges and stressors, so we may need to cultivate our sense of humor. If we don’t notice the little things that are funny, we just miss out. There’s nothing like laughter to put life in perspective, or to at least temporarily relieve us from the current difficulties.

A couple days ago I put on my snow boots for the first time this winter. I stuck the left foot in and zipped the boot. Then I stuck my right foot in—and wait. What was that hard thing in the toe of my boot? I pulled it back off, stuck my hand in, and pulled out a little car with Oscar the Grouch riding in it. I laughed! I think it would be fair to assume that this toy in my boot was the work of one of the grandchildren.

Then when I was baking biscotti the other day, I remembered how one year when I was baking, I inadvertently left a pot holder in the oven. When I started to smell smoke, I looked in the oven and saw my smoldering pot holder. Needless to say, I was not trying to make “smoked biscotti.” I had to throw the whole batch in the trash. It wasn’t funny at the time. Yet recalling the memory made me laugh at myself.

Another example of my recent humor is my 2 ½ year old granddaughter who reminds me often that she wants Play-Doh for Christmas. And now she is sure that this is what all the cousins should have for Christmas.

Surely there is something that will tickle your funny bone. Go ahead and laugh! It’s good medicine?

(Well, my brain is tired, and I should be in bed. If I don’t get some sleep, I’m sure I won’t see the humor in much of anything come morning.)

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Five

2008-12-15T19:21:00.002-07:00

Here’s to Health

Coughs, sniffles, and flu abound this time of year. Yet at the same time, we find ourselves getting less rest, being more stressed and hurried, and eating more sugar. We all need to be reminded to do something kind for ourselves— whatever we need to take care of our emotional, physical, and spiritual health. What do you most need right now to enhance your health?

I’m taking astragalus (liquid herbal supplement) to enhance my immune system and B vitamins to help counteract the increased stressors. Yesterday I allowed myself to fall asleep in the chair by the fireplace for about 20 minutes. I’m also making sure I eat a piece of fresh fruit each day.

Here are a few other ideas to get you started:
-Put on a pot of soup with lots of broth and vegetables
-Take a soak in the tub
-Sit and rest a few minutes (or as my grandma would say, “Sit a spell.”)
-Go one whole day with no sugar
-Rub a good quality lotion all over your body for dry skin and tense muscles
-Schedule tea with a friend
-Go to bed before the news
-Write a prayer

Why become unnecessarily depleted? We can pay attention to our overall sense of well-being. If we honor what our body most needs today, we will more likely have the energy to give and serve unselfishly in the days to come. If sickness or exhaustion gets us down, it won’t matter then whether we are too busy. Sickness makes us stop. We are finally forced to take care of ourselves.

So my challenge today is to promote your health in some small way. You are worth it!

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Four

2008-12-14T08:59:00.003-07:00

Music Therapy for the Holidays

Here it is December 14th, and I haven’t even pulled out my favorite Christmas CDs. This will be the next thing I do after writing today.

Often I get busy and forget to enjoy the simple blessings of the season such as music. It won’t cost me a cent to listen to music. And it will take less than five minutes to fill the five slots in our CD player with artists such as Michael W. Smith, Kenny G, or Josh Groban.

Music has the power to nourish us and to lift our spirits, so why not use it to bring blessing to us. I have determined to give myself a little music therapy today. Who knows? I may even find myself humming along or breaking out in song!

(I do realize that some of you are more advanced that I with your MP3 players and Ipods. So go download whatever brings you joy this time of year.)

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day Three

2008-12-13T06:55:00.001-07:00

Permission Granted

Do you remember when you were a child it seems liked you needed permission for every thing? We had to ask our parents permissions to go to a friend’s house. Our teachers had to give us permission to talk or even go to the restroom. Well now that we are adults we sometimes need to give ourselves permission—and sometimes we can give it to each other!

Today I am giving myself permission not to hang the outside Christmas lights this year. My husband and I usually put lights on the low evergreens in front of our porch. When the weather was nice, I had the flu one weekend, and then it was freezing cold the next. We kept thinking it would happen—decent weather, both of us home at the same time, etc.—but since this hasn’t been the case, we will take the lights to the basement today. Maybe next year.

We also gave each other permission not to buy each other gifts this year. We just couldn’t think of anything that we truly wanted except new bath robes, so we sat down at the computer and ordered two robes. Now we are both done and can focus on other things.

Over the past several years I have given myself lots of permission in many different areas at the Christmas season. It is a part of making my expectations realistic and realizing the Christmas perfection doesn’t exist. I am human, and I have a limited amount of time, energy, and money. Based on the year and my current resources, I must make choices and grant myself permission.

I’m hoping you will do the same. Think of something where you need to grant yourself permission this year. Do you need to postpone your holiday letter until January or skip sending Christmas cards all together this year? Is there a party you want to bow out of and go to bed early one night? What can you scratch off your to-do list, and say, “Not this year”? I don’t know your situation, but if you can’t give yourself permission, then I am giving you permission. Permission granted!

By Marlene Depler

Twleve Days of Christmas: Day Two

2008-12-12T07:49:00.001-07:00

Kindness

A few years ago we heard about random acts of kindness. Has this ideas gone by the wayside for many? When we get busy and stressed or our economic situation declines, we can often forget to be kind to those we love as well as strangers.

Christmas is a great time to renew our desire to be kind. It is a time where we can purpose in our hearts to spread intentional acts of kindness!!! Kindness is one gift that everyone appreciates.

My husband and I bought a gift for a child from the angel tree. I prepared a Christmas shoebox for some child in a foreign country. Yesterday I helped make fleece blankets for a local agency that gives them to children in our community who are sick or in need. It feels good to spread some kindness to others.

Now I am thinking a little closer to home. Today two friends come to mind. One has the shingles and one recently lost her husband. I think they both could use a little gesture of kindness, perhaps a card or a phone call.

And I don’t want to forget my own family! Sometimes we can be kind to others, but in our hurry and scurry, we get irritable with those closest to us. Today I will also purpose to be kind to those closest to me.

My youngest daughter who has a toddler and a baby was sharing with me that she thought it would be neat to do a children’s advent calendar where every day was something kind to do for the day. What a great idea! Her girls may be too little now, but I think this would definitely be something that could be implemented for them in the future.

The ways that we can express kindness are endless. It doesn’t take a deep pocket book. A smile, a kind word of encouragement, a few moments of time, a thoughtful action. Options are as big as our imaginations.

If you need some help coming up with ideas, go to www.christmasofkindness.com . On the right side of the page there are several options you can click under “Ideas for Kindness.” While you are there, click on Christmas Memories and read “Unexpected Kindness”.

Kindness is love in action. “Love is kind...” (I Corinthians 13:4) Let’s spread lots of kindness around this year!

By Marlene Depler

Twelve Days of Christmas: Day One

2008-12-11T14:58:00.002-07:00

Note: The Christmas season has always been a time when I tend to lose perspective in the midst of the hustle and bustle. So I thought that this year I would post twelve different thoughts about Christmas to help remind me not to get lost in the hype and stress.

Holiday Baking

It seems that in every culture and country special baking accompanies special occasions, such as weddings and holidays. Many traditions surround the foods we eat. For many it isn’t Thanksgiving unless there is pumpkin pie. Christmas is no different.

Somehow the preparation nourishes something in most of us. Baking creates a sense of anticipation of what is to come. And perhaps we relive our own Christmas memories and create new ones.

At Christmas time, I know that the Germans love their stollen, a sweet yeast bread with fruits. In England they have their Christmas pudding. And in Eastern Europe they bake potica. This is also a sweet yeast bread, but it is rolled out very thin and covered with a mixture of ground nuts, sugar, cinnamon, eggs, butter, and cream. It is then rolled tightly and baked.

This week my oldest daughter and I tried our hand at potica. She has lived in Bosnia the past three years, so she was familiar with this holiday bread. It took some time to make this bread, but it was absolutely delicious. But what was most important was spending the time baking it together.

Over most of the past thirty-some years, I have baked homemade, cut-out, sugar cookies—dozens and dozens of them. I would let my children help cut them out into bells, trees, stars, and such. We would all help frost them and adown them with sprinkles or other decorations. Then the grandkids came along and I included them. But then I began to notice that the schedules go more complicated. It just seemed harder to make it happen, so a couple of years ago, I decided to move this tradition to Valentine’s Day. Heart shaped cookies with pink and white frosting seem like a good way to go.

In moving the cookies to a different time of year, I made room to try something new. This year I am having each grandchild over separately to bake with Nana. Each child gets to take some of their creation home, and they also make plates to share with the cousins in the other two families. This spreads the holiday baking throughout the month, and I get one-on-one time with each child. Four have already helped with baking, and I still have two more grandchildren yet to come. I hope they are having as much fun as I am.

So I am reminding myself that traditions, even baking traditions, are not meant to make us feel in bondage. When they no longer work, we discard them or change them to suit our current situation. Whether we try something new, or stick with our traditions, holiday baking needs to be enjoyable, not drudgery. If we can’t do it with some level of pleasure, then we should just skip it.

Changing Seasons

2008-09-30T06:37:00.007-07:00

My husband and I went for a drive in the mountains this weekend to see the changing colors of fall. It's the changing of seasons for sure (see photos below). But I have also been contemplating other changes. Here the poem I wrote:

Change

By Marlene Depler

Exchange
Shortchanged
“Keep the change.”

Change planes
Change lanes
Change direction

Time change
Weather change
Change of seasons

Name change
Address change
Career change

Changing clothes
Changing hairstyles
Going through “the change”

Change of plans
Change of heart
Change of mind

Embracing change
Resisting change
Accepting change

Change: inevitable

(c) 2008 Marlene Depler

In the Colorado Rocky Mountains, we typically only see the aspens donned in their autumn gold. Here's some my husband and I found this past weekend wearing beautiful copper/peach attire.

Nothing like an inviting side road that beckons!

Lots of yellow and gold!

The gold contrasts so wonderfully with the dark evergreens.

Mountain peaks with lovely fall colors in the forefront.

Gone Fishing with the Grandchildren

2008-08-31T08:46:00.011-07:00

Out and About

2008-08-25T21:18:00.013-07:00

My husband and I took a couple of days of R and R. These are some photos from our trip over Trail Ridge Road to the Glenwood Springs and Aspen area.

Bloom where you're planted! These lovely wild flowers were growing in a steep rockly incline on Trail Ridge Road (Rocky Mountain National Park).

A conflagration waiting to happen! It is so sad to see all the dead pine trees near Grand Lake and Granby. The pine beetle is taking its toll on the forests of the Western Slope. One lightning stike in these dry dead trees, and its going to be a raging wild fire.

A closer shot of the dead pine trees.

Aspen trees at Maroon Bells not far from the town of Aspen. The white bark of these trees is lovely.

The rocky west ridge at Maroon Bells.

Maroon Bells and Maroon Lake. This is such a beautiful place. It has been over 25 years since we were last here. The angle of the sun wasn't great for capturing the mountain peaks in their splendor.

Another shot of Maroon Bells.

Wild daisies at Maroon Bells.

More wild flowers at Maroon Bells.

Another example of the wild flowers---this one right by the lake.

Holyhocks growing by the road on the way back into Aspen.

Quotes Anyone?

2008-08-16T07:45:00.004-07:00

(My neighbor's hibicus.)

I enjoy good quotes---so here is a couple a ran across recently that I wanted to share. Do you have some quotes you would like to share with me?

“I long to accomplish a great and noble task,
but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks
as if they were great and noble.”
–Helen Keller

“Blessed is he who has learned
to admire but not envy,
to follow but not imitate,
to praise but not flatter,
and to lead but not manipulate.”
–William Arthur Ward

Things I've Learned

2008-08-11T13:37:00.003-07:00

Contrary to popular opinion, I didn’t learn everything I needed to know in kindergarten. What a pity if learning stops there. I have learned that I will never be finished learning. In fact, the more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know. It’s important to have a teachable spirit and to embrace the wonder that begets learning. And by all means, beware of anyone who acts like they know it all.

Other things I’ve learned:

* Good relationships with family and friends are priceless.

* I can’t relive the past. There are few “do-overs.” I can only savor the good memories and heal life’s hurts and regrets—and then move forward.

* Many things I often deem to be important really aren’t.

* Gratitude helps keep life in perspective.

* Time is swift—except when I’m waiting.

* Projects always take longer to complete than anticipated.

* I shouldn’t put things off to the last minute—yet, sometimes I do because of necessity or procrastination.

* I’ll never be caught up or completely have my act together.

* I’m not in control. I am not God even though sometimes I act like he needs my help.

* I am finite. God is infinite. Some things will always be a mystery.

Unintended "Baptism"

2008-07-21T08:56:00.002-07:00

I stuck my cell phone in my pocket as I headed out the door for a morning walk a few days ago. When I returned, I ate breakfast, took a shower, and started the laundry and other household chores. A little while later I looked for my cell phone and couldn't find it. Where could it be?

I looked on my desk, in my purse, and in my office with no success. I picked up the household phone and dialed my cell phone. I'll hear it ring, I thought to myself. I didn't hear it ring, so I began to think about where I last had my phone. All I could remember was having it in the pocket of my shorts. Oh, no! Surely I didn't leave it in my pocket! The shorts were currently in the washing machine.

I opened the lid and lifted my wet black shorts up, reached in the right pocket, and sure enough, my fears was confirmed. I had unintentionally baptized my phone with full immersion through the wash cycle, the rinse cycle, and the spin.

I felt horrible. This was more that a blonde moment or a senior moment. How could an overly responsible person, like I normally am, "wash" my phone?

I immediately called Verizon and explained my dilemma to Eric. He said, "Take off the back of the phone and pull the battery out. Then open the phone and let it dry out."

He went on to say that occasionally the phone will still work, often it won't, and if I was fortunate, at least I might get my contacts off the phone.

I did as I was instructed. That night before going to bed, I put the battery back in and attempted to turn it on. To my amazement, the phone came on! Then I called our home phone to see if it really worked. The home phone rang! I was relieved to say the least.

I still may have problems down the road because of my stupid mistake, but for the moment I have a usable cell phone. And by the way, I am not recommending the baptism of cell phones!

New Granddaughter

2008-06-27T17:12:00.003-07:00

Megan Joy arrived on June 14th. What a little dolly! She is my seventh grandchild. I have been busy helping her mommy. Big sister, Laura, is also trying to help.

(We got a new camera. I finally took the time to figure out how to download photos to my computer!)

Surgery Sabbatical

2008-04-16T08:59:00.000-07:00

Six weeks today since my surgery! It sidelined me for longer than I anticipated. My apologies to readers who wondered why I haven’t posted in so long.

First, I was in the preparation mode, trying to get on top of things before my surgery. I made some meals for the freezer, cleaned the house, caught up on laundry and ironing. And then came the surgery and the recuperation with the restrictions on stairs, lifting, and such.

I was blessed by all the family and friends who took such good care of me---meals, errands, cards, flowers, visits, help with cleaning, and more. I’m not accustomed to being waited on! What I found to be amazing is that the very things I get tired of doing on a routine basis became the things I WANTED most to do. I guess it is human nature to want what we can’t have or can’t do.

In the midst of all this, we learned that our oldest daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren were returning to the States for a visit. (They have been living in Bosnia for the past three years.) They are arriving tomorrow. I am thrilled! I can’t wait to smother them all with hugs and kisses. We haven’t seen them in over a year. I know I will be shocked at how much the kids have grown.

I hope to post more regularly now. And I will try to learn to use my new camera, so I can post some photos, too.

Happy spring to those of you in the northern hemisphere!

"Life is good."

2008-02-10T11:50:00.001-07:00

By Marlene Depler

Hats, shirts, tote bags, and more. Various sizes and colors. All with the words “Life is good.” printed on them. While recently on vacation, I noticed the aforementioned merchandise in a variety of shops. Then when I returned home and went by the post office to pick up the mail, I spotted a black spare tire cover with white letters saying the same thing. I began to ponder these words. I asked myself, Is life good?

Listen to the nightly news on any given day. We hear about rape, murder, suicide, identity theft, lay-offs, wars, and every imaginable tragedy. No one would call these things good.

Even when I look at my own life or the lives of friends and family members, everything is far from peachy. Sickness and surgery. Divorce and death of loved ones. Financial challenges and relational struggles. Everyone has his or her own myriad of difficulties and heartaches strewn among life’s joys and blessings. So can we say unequivocally that life is good?

What occurred to me is that the answer depends on the word we choose to emphasize. If we say, Life is GOOD. Most of us would disagree because experience tells us otherwise. But if we say, LIFE is good, then the answer for me would be absolutely yes. After God first created man and woman, he looked at everything he had made and “...it was very good.” Life is a wonderful miracle, a gift from God—something to be cherished.

I can’t presume to know the intent of the marketing department that manufactures this product line. Where would they put the emphasis? On life or on good? As for me, I’ve decided the even though life may not always be GOOD, LIFE is still very good. LIFE itself is indeed good even when everything in my world isn’t perfect.

I will remember to love my life even when every aspect isn't good. LIFE is good.

(c) Marlene Depler
Permission must be granted by author to publish or reprint in any form.

What Do You Want for Christmas?

2007-12-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

By Marlene Depler

“What do you want for Christmas?”

As Christmas approaches each year, this is a common question in our family. Sometimes we have great ideas of what other family members would enjoy, but when we don’t know, we simply ask each other. We want the recipients of our gifts to find delight in what we wrap and place under the tree.

It occurred to me the other day that perhaps I should also ask Jesus what he wants for Christmas. After all, it’s his birthday celebration! So I began to ponder the question, “What would the Messiah want as a gift from me this Christmas?”

The only recorded gifts given to Jesus in the Bible were brought by the Magi. Matthew 2: 11, says, Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts and gold and of incense and of myrrh. I seriously doubt that he wants me the same gifts from me as the wise men of old. So what kind of gifts does the King of Kings wish for this year? It seems the gifts he most desires cannot be wrapped and placed under my Christmas tree.

Companionship: Jesus desires my companionship, which is sustained by time in His presence for honest communication.

Compassionate heart: Jesus desires a compassionate heart that will propel me to reach out in my words and actions to those around me in His name.

Commitment: Jesus desires my commitment to the process of rebirth and renewal—and to the long walk of faith.

Courage: Jesus desires for me to have the courage to obey—to take risks when necessary—and to stand for what is true.

Confidence: Jesus desires for me to have a quiet confidence in Him, knowing that he will keep his promises—and that he will continually be my strength and my refuge.

Calm spirit: Jesus desires for my spirit to be calm—for me to give up my hurried pace and rest in Him.

Contentment: Jesus desires for me to be content with who He has made me to be—where I currently am—what I have.

To my amazement, I realize that it is I who am truly blessed as I begin to offer my gifts to the Christ-child.

(c) 2007 Marlene Depler (To reprint in any form permission must be granted my author)

Running Away to Find Christmas

2007-12-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

By Marlene Depler

It was barely fall, and I already dreaded the upcoming holidays. It was difficult for me to admit my true feelings of frustration and resentment. I wondered, Am I the only one who feels this way. Isn't Christmas supposed to be the season of great joy and festivity? Then why don't I welcome the season?

For nearly two decades, I assumed that it was my responsibility to give everyone around me a delightful and memorable Christmas. I worked for weeks cleaning, shopping, wrapping, decorating, mailing cards and letters, planning menus, and baking. I baked for school parties, for church activities, and for home. I decorated dozens and dozens of sugar cookies, as well as baking several other kinds of cookies, candies, breads, and muffins to freeze. Our family regularly entertained extended family from out-of town. My multitude of shoulds made for very lengthy to-do lists. I went into my Superwoman mode until everything was done, and I was exhausted, irritable, and even resentful.

One year in the midst of my all-out efforts, my youngest daughter Lisa said to me, "Mom, why don't you just get in the Christmas spirit?"

I wanted to give an angry retort, but I held back harsh words and cried instead. Why did Christmas have to be this stressful and hectic?

With that memory still piercing my heart, this year I longed to break free from all the cumbersome expectations and excessive responsibilities that had for years left me disappointed and depressed when Christmas was over. I wanted to give my children a happy mom! What could I do differently to set myself free from my holiday bondage?

Then I had an idea! We could leave town—go away for Christmas! If I was not home, I reasoned, then I would not have to entertain anyone, nor would I be expected to do many of the holiday tasks. Initially, I felt both excited and relieved at this possibility. Yet I also had twinges of guilt and fear. I knew this wouldn't be an easy task for a world-class people-pleaser like me. What would my husband and children think? Would my extended family be upset?

I shared my frustrations with my husband and hesitantly suggested that we spend Christmas in Estes Park, Colorado, with just our children. Much to my surprise, he heartily approved of the idea.

"I think that's a great idea. Let's drive up to Estes sometime in the next few weeks and see what accommodations might be available," he suggested.

Later that fall, we drove up to Estes Park and found a vacation home that was available over Christmas. It was high on the side of a mountain with a spectacular view. After the arrangements were made, we proceeded to tell our three teenagers about our plan. At first, they were surprised, and perhaps, even somewhat bewildered.

After a few minutes of adapting to the idea, our son Drew, the oldest, said, "Sure! Let's do it! It should be fun!" Our two daughters, Paula and Lisa, appeared to like the idea as well. Now all I had to do was tell everyone else that we would not be home for Christmas.

I began to actually anticipate the coming of the holidays. It was like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I still baked our favorite cranberry-cream cheese bread and a small batch of frosted sugar cookies. We decorated our Christmas tree even though we knew we wouldn't be home. I purchased gifts for my family and wrapped them with care. We listened to Christmas carols throughout the season. I made my choices and commitments with care.But I didn't do the endless list of things that I had done in years past.

On the afternoon of Christmas Eve, we packed our bags, gifts, games, movies, music, and food for simple meals into our Explorer, along with our five bodies, and headed for the mountains. When we got to the rental, we were surprised. Someone had put up a Christmas tree! What an unexpected bonus! It was simply decorated with red bulbs and white lights, and it sat in front of the large picture window that framed majestic, snow-covered mountain peaks.

We unpacked our bags and put our gifts under the tree. That evening, Ray built a fire in the stone fireplace. We gathered around its light and warmth to sing carols about the birth of our Savior and open our gifts. We stayed up late to watch Fiddler on the Roof. That night when I put my head on the pillow, I felt content and peaceful. This was exactly what I needed.

On Christmas day, we had pancakes for breakfast. Then we played games, snacked on Christmas goodies, and listened to music. We took turns exclaiming over the view from the window—blue sky and snow swirling in the wind between the peaks. I stayed in my robe until almost noon.

After our mid-day meal, we drove up into Rocky Mountain National Park. The park had long since been vacated by the hordes of summer tourists. A quiet solitude enveloped the mountains and valleys now covered with pristine glistening snow. What a glorious sight it was.

The next day as we drove home from our getaway, I felt refreshed and content. The whole family had enjoyed themselves. I was grateful that I had had the courage to try something new—even though it was difficult for me to break free from my self-imposed rut. Somehow I sensed that this was only the beginning. Holidays would never be the same again.

Looking back, I see that this Christmas was a significant turning point for me. After our Christmas away, I began to examine my perfectionism and my unrealistic expectations.

I learned that I didn’t have to meet every expectation that others might have for me. Yes, I could survive without having the approval of everyone. I even learned that little two-letter word that is so difficult to say—no. I also learned to delegate more and to ask for help. I began to embrace the things that were truly important to me, letting go of things that were unimportant. Most of all I learned that my happiness did not hinge on having the "perfect" holiday. After all, Christmas is only one day out of 365.

In the years that followed, I have had many opportunities to help other women who struggled with the same issues. Jan no longer buys Christmas gifts on credit. Kathy no longer sends Christmas cards. Instead, she telephones those who are near and dear to her. Sharon told me recently that her past Christmas was the best, most relaxed she has ever had. She no longer rigidly schedules the family "fun." And my eyes still fill with tears when I think of helping a friend, who was dying from cancer, find the strength to observe her last Christmas in a way that was meaningful to her.

Running away for Christmas seemed to be a radical decision at them time, but it has paid big dividends since. Now that my children are all grown, they look back on the Christmas at Estes Park as one of their favorites. Paula said not long ago, "Mom, let's all go to Estes Park for Christmas again! It was such fun!" Perhaps we will.

Christmas will soon be here again. I must once again resolve to observe the holidays in a way that is meaningful to me. No more vain attempts to have a Norman Rockwell or Martha Stewart Christmas. I will continue to release my unreasonable expectations. My desire is to focus on a humble birth and enjoy my family. I know full well that my greatest gifts will never be found under the Christmas tree.

NOTE: The names of women were changed.
(c) Marlene Depler Permission must be granted to reprint in any form.

Heavenly Lullaby

2007-11-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

By Marlene Depler

For the Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song. –Zephaniah 3:17 NLT

“Sing song—‘nother one,” my two-year-old granddaughter says as we rock back and forth. She enjoys having lullabies sung to her, and for me it is pure pleasure.

I treasured the moments of rocking and singing to my children when they were small. Now it’s the same with my grandchildren. For a few moments, I pull them close to my heart and look into their precious little faces. I express my delight and love for them by singing a melody. The soothing tones usually bring comfort and calm. Often, they fall asleep.

In this Scripture we are given a wonderful word picture to help us understand our tender Heavenly Father. The mighty Creator of the universe desires to calm our fears and sing to us. Now that is hard to comprehend. Nevertheless, God wants us to see ourselves as infants in his arms, carried close to his heart. He longs to quiet our frustrations and anxiety with his love. He so delights in us as his children that he bursts into a heavenly song.

God’s joy over me spills out into song!

Seasons Hand in Hand

2007-10-14T12:53:00.001-07:00

Summer and fall have walked hand in hand longer than ususal this year. It's wonderful to have the trees turning and still have summer flowers. One couldn't ask for more magnificant weather.(All the photos above were taken on a neighborhood walk a few days ago.)

We haven't had a frost yet, but I'm sure it won't be long now. Today it is raining. The weather forecast shows 33º for tomorrow night. Fall will soon have to bid farewell to summer.

In honor of autumn, here's a poem I wrote several years ago:

Autumn Leaves

By Marlene Depler

Crimson, purple, orange, and gold,
trees so glorious to behold.
Such beauty never does grow old.
Old Winter is knockin’ at the door,
these colors he must deplore
for he will send the dark and cold.

Fluttering, dancing, floating leaves
landing softly under trees.
Jack Frost has been here with a freeze.
Old Winter is knockin’ at the door,
but I still ask for more---
a bit more sunshine, if you please.

Leaves swirling, twirling in the wind
as tree limbs gently sway and bend,
acquiescing to Summer’s end.
Old Winter is knockin’ at the door.
I wonder what he has in store.
What arctic blasts will he send?

Leaves raked neatly in a pile---
I'm not sure that's worthwhile.
A gust of wind---they’ll blow a mile.
Old Winter is knockin’ at the door.
I’ve heard this knock before.
Oh, I’ll ignore him for awhile.

Remebering Why I Write

2007-10-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

By Marlene Depler

I crawled in bed at my normal bedtime, but for some reason, I couldn’t sleep. (This happens to me occasionally if I have had caffiene or my mind is preoccupied. However, I hadn’t had any caffeine and my mind wasn’t racing.) After lying there for quite some time, I decided not to fight it. I slipped quietly out of bed and went downstairs.

Maybe I would find something on TV to watch while I waited for the sandman. But Ray had shut the DVR off in preparation for going away for a few days. I didn’t want to mess with it since I am technically challenged. Then I guess I’ll find something to read, I thought.

So I crawled in my wing-backed chair, put my feet up on the footstool, and picked up Julia Cameron’s book, Walking in This World: The Practical Art of Creativity. I opened the book to page 230 where I had left my bookmark and began reading.

The words and phrases began to leap off the pages and into my heart. I was reminded that creativity (writing for me) is a “spiritual and not an intellectual transaction.” God is the Creator, and in turn we are intended to create. Through it we touch “the divine and allow it to touch us.” “When we let God be God and work through us, we experience both a sense of serenity and excitement.”

I lost track of time as I began to remember the joy of writing—of creating with words. Somehow I had lost the delight of letting words, thoughts, and ideas tumble out of my head and onto the page. Why?

The next page hit the nail on the head. Julia said,

The ‘market’ is the golden calf. When we worship it, we deaden our souls, risking, over time, our attunement to the work that would move through us. Commerce has its place, but that place is not first.

I could relate to that for sure. And frankly, I was weary of the constant reminder to “know your market” and many of the other shoulds of writing. The business side of writing had taken its toll of me.

Focusing to much on the marketplace combined with personal loss had nearly extinguished my love for writing. Now I could feel it come rushing back. It was exhilarating. I remembered some of the things I had written for sheer joy. When I thought about it, the things I had written from the heart were the pieces that ended up selling the best. Yes, I indeed must write—and write what I WANT to.

I wouldn’t have missed this “creative high” for a few hours of sleep. I thanked God for this unexpected reminder. I slipped back into bed filled with anticipation and delight and promptly fell asleep.

The next day while we were traveling, I wrote a draft of a poem—something I hadn’t done in a very long time.

Yes, I must not lose heart in my creative adventures. Creativity makes life itself an ART!

Wide Open Spaces

2007-10-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

By Marlene Depler

Vast canopy of cloudless blue
stretches from horizon to horizon.
Blanket of endless prairie grass
unfurls as far as my eye can see.
Sky meets earth beneath.
Earth greets sky above.
Random windmills spin and twirl.
Not a tree anywhere.
Threads of barbed wire are stitched
to the earth with narrow fence posts
bordering miles of ribbon highway.
Not a soul in sight—
save the one beside me.
Quietness settles over me.
External expanse invites internal thoughts
to roam free and unconfined.

My Very Own "Ruby Slippers"

2007-09-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

I did it! I finally went out and did it! I purchased dark red shoes—and a matching purse. Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz had her ruby slippers. My own version of ruby slippers was long overdue.

I’ve always admired red shoes, but I’ve never owned a single pair in my 56 years. Perhaps I haven’t been confident and bold enough to embrace who I am and what I prefer. And then there’s my practical nature that just couldn’t allow me to buy shoes that wouldn’t match with everything. Thus, I’ve owned a multitude of black, brown, and white shoes.

A few weeks ago, a strange phenomenon overcame me. I decided to shop for a pair of red shoes. I’m not sure inspired me to lay aside my practical nature and honor my own preferences and desires. Perhaps it is understanding that life is much to short not to enjoy such a simple thing as a pair of red shoes.

Last week-end my eleven-year-old granddaughter helped me scour several stores looking for just the right pair of red shoes. Together we looked at every pair of red shoes in three huge stores. Most of them were high heels. That wouldn’t do for someone who rarely has a place to wear high heels—not to mention that comfort is still a high priority for me. We enjoyed the adventure, but came home with only a belt for my granddaughter.

This week-end my husband accompanied me to another store for my continued search. Up and down the rows of shoes I went until I spied a pair that caught my eye. I found my size and tried them on. Nice and comfy. Something that would go well with jeans and my typical casual style. Yes! These were the ones. Next I went to look for a matching purse. Sure enough! I found one I liked. And to top it off, my practical nature was satisfied because both shoes and purse were 40% off. I walked out of the store elated over my purchase.

We all need color. It fuels our creativity and energy. So consider adding a little splash of your favorite colors to your wardrobe, your home, your world!

At My Fingertips, Under My Nose

2007-08-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

This morning I decided to put my vanilla yogurt in a lovely cut glass dish and top it with granola and fresh blueberries. Normally, I eat it out of the container, but not today. I thought, I have these beautiful dishes that my stepmother gave me, why not use them and enjoy them. And thus, I had a breakfast that was definitely more elegant and pleasant than my normal fare.

I find I overlook many things that are easily accessible to me—things that are at my fingertips and under my nose. Ever since my last blog entry, I have continued to think in this vain. (I talked about having the gorgeous Rocky Mountains so close and deciding I needed to enjoy them more often.) I asked myself what I might be missing. What little blessings and opportunities are waiting for me to notice and take advantage of them?

Often we think we don’t have the time or money to go here or do this and that. So we wait for the planets to align. Yet in reality, there are multitudes of ways we can enrich our lives, many of which cost nothing (or very little) and take very little time.

I came up with several things that I will chronicle in photos below. Some I have already enjoyed, while others are on the horizon. I have some wonderful experiences to look forward to. So read below and be inspired to open your eyes and come up with your own list of opportunities that you can’t wait to take advantage of. Don’t miss out on a thing. Seize every opportunity.

There are only three public rose gardens in the state. Longmont has one of them. Even though it's five minutes from my house, I hadn't been there in several years. So on my birthday, my younest daughter, granddaughter, and I went to enjoy the fabulous blooms and sweet fragance of dozens and dozens of roses.

In the course of my busy days, I fail to enjoy my upstairs deck. Late one afternoon, I decided it was time to take advantage of my shady deck and enjoy the view. So I made a glass of iced peppermint tea (see below) and had a 20 minute vacation without ever leaving home!

This is the view from my deck. Isn't it great? I think I should enjoy it more often.

This is my peppermint patch in my garden. Rarely do I ever use the peppermint even though I'm a fan of peppermint. I decided to change that. See next photo.

I picked some fresh peppermint and made iced peppermint tea. Delicious and refreshing on a hot summer afternoon!

I walk by my bicycle everytime I go in and out of the garage. Yet it's been years since I've gotten on it and taken a spin. So in the next few days, I plan to go for a ride.

I have lived here for 0ver 18 years and have never taken the time to visit our local musuem. I intend to remedy that very soon.

I haven't been to the public library in ages. I have plans for a book of fun fiction very soon. And it won't cost me anything!

Sunday Afternoon Drive

2007-08-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

Andrea's---restautant in Lyons, Colorado

The historic Stanly Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado

Just one on the many rivers and streams.

Plein air painter

Rocky peaks taken at the entrance of MacGregor's Ranch

More peaks taken in a different direction (Notice the rain clouds moving in.)

Bed and breakfast in Glen Haven, Colorado

My tendency is to allow myself to be a slave to my to-do list. However, yesterday, I reminded myself that God ordained a day of rest and that perhaps I needed to honor what he has ordained. So I ask my husband if he wanted to go for an afternoon drive in the Rocky Mountains up toward Estes Park, Colorado. He readily agreed.

First we ran a couple of errands. I wanted a few last minute items (vanilla, cumin, dental floss, and erasers) to send to our family in Bosnia. I also needed to buy a birthday gift while it was on my mind. Then we started up Highway 66 towards the mountains. We stopped in Lyons at Andrea’s for lunch. We both had sauerbraten, spaetzle, and red cabbage—our favorite meal at this restaurant. Then we drove on up into the mountains to savor the scenery.

People come from all over the world to enjoy the beauty of the mountains near here. On almost any summer day, one can spot license plates from nearly every state in the U.S. in and around Estes Park. In a few seconds time, I saw plates from Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, and California! Sometimes those of us who live here get to busy to enjoy what is right at our fingertips. I wonder how many other things I fail to enjoy or appreciate that are easily accessible to me.

Over the course of the day, we drove down highways and byways and dirt roads. We saw a plein air painter painting lily pads on a mountain pond. We found an old, perhaps now abandoned, youth camp where my husband and I had attended a retreat together not long before we were married. So we also took a trip down “memory lane.”

Much of the time we had our windows down so we could hear the rushing streams and smell the freshness of the pines. My eyes took in the delights of everything from majestic mountains to tiny purple and yellow wildflowers. Such beauty in creation always causes me to acknowledge and praise the Creator.

As we started back towards home, I knew the afternoon drive was exactly what I needed.
I am left to reflect on the importance of moments of rest from all my doing and striving. I will also consider what other things (or people) might be right at my fingertips that I need to savor and enjoy more.

Company for Dinner

2007-07-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

Zinnias from my garden in a pitcher my daughter's bought for me in Croatia.

The table is set: placemats from Wal-mart, napkins from a gift shop, and flowers from my garden.

We are having friends over for dinner this evening. If it wasn't so hot, we would eat out on the back patio. But I think we will all be more comfortable inside in the air conditioning. Maybe we will take our strawberry shortcake outside after dinner if it cools off.

Does having guests for dinner stress you out? I hope not. Sometimes we spend too much energy worrying about everything being just right instead of just enjoying the preparation. I have tidied things up a bit, but I haven't cleaned the entire house. I have come to the conclusion that a stressed-out hostess doesn't create the warm, friendly atmosphere that I desire for my guests. Family and friends will generally overlook a little imperfection when the mood and food exude a welcoming environment.

Here's a good summertime potatoe recipe (I'm serving this tonight!) that is good served warm or at room temperature:

PARSLIED POTATOES

4 boiling pototoes---peel and slice 1/4 inch thick. Boil in salted water
until tender. Drain and add to the following mixture. Toss.

1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar
3 Tablespoons olive oil, either light or extra virgin
1 or 2 cloves of garlic, minced
Salt and pepper
1 Tablespoon fresh chopped Italian parsley (If I don't have the fresh
parsley, I use dried parsley or dill.)

If you have leftovers, make some pototoes salad with it! I rarely have any left, even if I double the recipe.

Mid-summer Slump, Time for a Little Umph!

2007-07-20T15:32:00.000-07:00

A butterfly enjoys my zinnias!

My bed of zinnias. I cut these for indoor bouquets.

My greenbeans will soon be ready!

This time of year most gardeners get a little weary. If you are like me, you are not as inspired right now as you were in spring and early summer. Early on we can't wait to get outside, get our fingers in the dirt, poke a few seeds in the ground, and plant our flowers. But then our enthusiasm gives way as summer wears on and the temperatures soar. We find a plethora of reasons NOT to work outside---anything to escape the heat.

Over the years, I've found that just when I start to get weary of yardwork is the exact time to give it one more push. So I have been out weeding, deadheading flowers, and fertilizing my potted plants. As we move into August, this last bit of "umph" pays off with more blooms and a nice garden. So another few hours out there sweating profusely---then I will rest a bit. I know I will be rewarded for my efforts.

As I think about it, life is often the same way. Many endeavors such as education, jobs, marriage, and raising kids are started with great enthusiasm. Then over time we often tire of the energy these things require.

I started writing several years ago. I began with gusto! My excitement was obvious to all who knew me. As time has gone by, that excitement has waned, and I am less inspired about writing. I am wondering if this might be the time for me to invest with a little more umph. A little spirt on energy might get me through!

How about you? Is there something that you need put your shoulder into? Could it be that the dividends of a little exhertion physically, emotionally, relationally, or spiritually might be worth it?

2007-07-06T22:34:00.001-07:00

Returned to Sender---Sixty-Two Years Ago

This is a photo I took of a stack of letters that were returned to my father that were written to his younger brother Alvin during World War II. Across the front of them is handwritten deceased.

I just finished reading these letters as well as others written by both my father and an uncle I never met. There were also some notes from my grandmother to her son. What an up close and personal history lesson! I am keenly aware of the sacrifice famlies made for freedom around the world before I was ever born.

The last letter included both a letter from my dad and my grandmother, dated April 9, 1945. Here is a quote from my dad's letter:

"Dad just came with the news that you were wounded in action, slightly. I sure
will pray hard for you.... I hope the war is over in a few days, and you don't
have to see anymore action. Take good care of yourself, and stick with the
Lord."

Here is a quote from my dear grandmother:

"...Dad called me after he got the telegram saying you were slightly wounded
the 28 of March.... I do hope you are not in pain tonight. It is very hard to not
know, but not as hard as it is for you to be in this awful battle. ...if there
was any way I could be with you I would. With much love, Mama."

My grandmother said she had saved a poem to send Alvin before she new he was injured. She enclosed it with her letter. This is the poem she sent:

FAITH

I will not doubt, though all my ships at sea

Come drifting home with broken masts and sails:

I shall believe the hand which never fails,

From seeming evil worketh good for me;

And though I weep because those sails are battered,

Still will I cry, while my best hopes lie shattered,

"I trust in Thee"

I will not doubt, though all my prayers return

Unanswered from the still, white realm above;

I shall believe it is an all-wise love

Which has refused those things for which I yearn;

And though at time I can not keep from grieving,

Yet the pure ardor of my fixed believing

Undimmed shall burn.

----Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Her son died before he read her letter or these words. How little did my grandmother know she would indeed grieve and yet continue believing in an all-wise love.

I am overwhelmed with emotion at this glimpse into the past.

Very Big and Very Small

2007-06-15T22:20:00.000-07:00

My husband and I just returned from a vacation with our son and his family. We went to the coast of Oregon and then to Northern California to see the giant redwoods. This is my third time to see these mammoth trees, and yet their size still amazes me. It was fun to share this natural wonder with two of our grandchildren. The trees are quite the contrast with the smallest harbor! Enjoy the photos!

The world's smallest working harbor is in Depot Bay, Oregon. Quite a contrast from the Giant Redwoods!

Coming to My Senses

2007-06-02T21:29:00.000-07:00

By Marlene Depler

Yesterday morning we were blessed with light showers. By afternoon the sun appeared, so I decided to squeeze in a walk even though I was busy doing laundry and housework. I headed out the door with a myriad of thoughts running through my mind.

Step by step my senses gradually came alive. The fragrant sweetness of the late-blooming Japanese lilacs awakened my sense of smell. Then the aroma of something freshly baked wafted from one of the homes I passed. Brown sugar and cinnamon, I thought. I was tempted to stop in and ask for a taste.

It wasn’t long before I noticed the hum of a lawnmower along with various tweet, tweets and chirp, chirps. Then there was the whir of tires on pavement as cars headed toward home at the end of a work week, and a train whistle in the distance.

My eyes couldn’t miss the giant pink and white blooms on the peonies, the little puffy clouds that looked like tufts of cotton, or the beautiful blue of the sky. I examined every yard for anything and everything that was blooming.

The sun warmed my skin. I reached out to touch the soft new green growth on a pine tree.

Yes, little by little I came to my senses. And as I did, my appreciation for those senses increased. I was reminded to experience life fully by enlisting each of those senses.

Perhaps you need a gentle reminder to do the same.

Everything Pink---Well, Almost!

2007-05-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

I had to laugh at myself yesterday when I was hanging up my shirts from the laundry at all the shades of pink, burgundy, and red with a little lavender thrown in for good measure!!! While I do admit that every shade of pink imaginable can be found in my closet, I really do where other colors, such as blue, red, purple, black, white, green, and yellow.

Next time I shop I will try to branch out a little more!

Remembering

2007-05-13T08:02:00.000-07:00

By Marlene Depler

I listen to the cricket chorus
and the crickets beckon me
to a time that was
and never more shall be—
when sultry summer days
seemed to last forever
mud pies, marbles, jacks,
dill pickles and blackberry cobbler
dangling bare feet that didn’t reach the floor

I hear the call of the whippoorwill
And I am transported
to days and years that where
and never more shall be—
open windows, oscillating fans
banging screen doors
barefoot in cotton dresses
hide and seek with cousins
catching fireflies, and oh, those chiggers

My heart cries out when I’m alone,
longing for my mother.
She cannot answer me.
I yearn for all the days that were
and never more shall be—
fresh baked bread after school
her floral house dresses
her gentle hands and listening ear
a heart that cared more than I knew

I call out to God and He whispers back to me,
Reminding me of what now is and what is yet to be.

(c) Marlene Depler (Authors permission required to publish or reprint in any form)

Note: My mother died six years ago. Life support was removed on Mother's Day, so I always think of her today with sadness and joy intermingled.

Allured by Spring

2007-05-12T21:01:00.000-07:00

My new hanging basket! I can see it from my kitchen window!

Lilacs are in full bloom! The fragrance is amazing!

It has been way too long since I posted! My apologies. I shall try to do better.

First, my husband and I went to Missouri to visit my dad and his wife, as well as my oldest sister and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Then when I returned, I was allured outside by spring! Couldn't help myself!

The days have been sunny and beautiful, so I have been pruning roses, planting my garden, and anything else I can find to do to stay outside. I love to visit the various garden centers and nurseries this time of year. The colors of blooming things are intoxicating.

The bird baths are filled with fresh water. My porch swing is hanging on the front porch. Want to stop by for lemonade or iced tea?

You Can't Journal Wrong!

2007-04-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

Photo of my current journal

By Marlene Depler

I've lost count of my futile attempts at journaling. In my adolescent years, I started several diaries. After detailing a few monotonous days or my latest crush on some boy, I soon tossed the diary into a drawer and promptly forgot about it.

As an adult I tried numerous times to capture a portion of my life on the pages of a journal. Once again my attempts tuned into unsuccessful endeavors. For a few weeks or a few months at best, I managed to write every day. But life happened—things like having a baby or moving to another state. I missed a few days that turned into months. Eventually, I gave up—temporarily that is—until my next fitful attempt. Over time I quit trying altogether.

For many years I made no effort to journal. That is until I heard Luci Shaw say, "You can't journal wrong!"

Her statement led me to approach journaling in a new way. Keeping a journal has become a rewarding and sustainable experience. But first, I had to confront the misconceptions about journaling that had sabotaged my success.

Misconception 1: Journals must be kept the right way.

I unknowingly believed there was a right way and a wrong way to keep a journal. I just couldn't quite decide what the right way was. There were so many types of journals—travel journals, gardening journals, prayer journals, etc. What kind of a journal should I keep? What topics should I write about in my journal?

I didn't know the right formula. This belief was rooted in the black-and-white thinking that often accompanies perfectionism. The way in which a person chooses to journal is not right or wrong. It is strictly a personal choice that may change from day to day and year to year as we grow and change. We are free to include or exclude anything we choose without being rigid.

So as I began to journal once again, I often reminded myself, You can't journal wrong! Now I include anything I choose in my journal. I write observations and reflections about life or nature. I sometimes complain and sometimes I dream. Writing ideas germinate sometimes before I even realize a seed was planted.

I pen heartfelt prayers and questions for which I currently have no answers. I talk about my feelings, thoughts, and struggles. I give a voice to both joy and sorrow. Humorous things my grandchildren say and do make their way onto the page. I include meaningful quotations from books or even friends. I no longer worry about whether it is right. My journal is simply whatever I want it to be on any given day.

Misconception 2: One must journal everyday.

Another misconception I held was that I MUST write every day—no exceptions. This belief set me up for failure. It didn't allow for real life with all its uncertainties and interruptions. If I missed a few days or weeks, I gave up. Now I just return and jump right in. It's OK if a few gaps occur.

I now view my journal more like a friend or companion. Sometimes I confide in my journal more than once a day. When I have been away for a few days, I can't wait to spend time with this friend. I write when I choose to, not because I must.

Misconception 3: Entries must be error-free.

If I was to journal successfully, I needed to discard my compulsion for "error-free" entries. It may be normal to desire a certain degree of neatness, but I had to learn to live with a few misspelled words, grammatical errors, and crossed-out sentences. Of course, I attempt to write well, but if I make a few mistakes, so what? After all, I'm human! I might as well embrace my humanity and allow for some imperfection. So now, if I make some type of mistake, I draw a line through it and move on.

Discarding my tendencies toward perfectionism has made sustained journaling attainable for me. And journaling has enabled me to live and write more fully. It has become a richly satisfying experience.

For others who may be considering a whirl at journaling, I highly recommend it—that is if you are willing to give up your misconceptions—and your perfectionism. Remember, "You can't journal wrong!"

To publish in any form, permission must be granted by author.

Motley Friends

2007-04-06T08:36:00.000-07:00

Just a few of my favorite books!

MOTLEY FRIENDS
By Marlene Depler

Companions old and new;
tall and short, thick and thin.
Some don jackets, colorful and bold;
the attire of others—simple and plain.
Well-known and obscure,
yet each a friend to me.

Standing in rows, leaning, or stacked,
both hardback and paperback;
fiction and non-fiction;
favorite children's books-
first read to my children-
now to my children's children.

A world without books—who could imagine?
No Holy Scriptures, no C. S. Lewis,
no Harriot, no Hemingway,
no Dr. Suess, no Robert Frost;
no feasts of syllables and sentences;
no food for soul and spirit.

For the printed word, I'm grateful—
the various volumes in my possession:
cookbooks to commentaries,
thesaurus and assorted travel books
on castles, catacombs, cathedrals,
Paris, Pompeii, and Pearl Harbor.

These books reflect who I was,
who I am now, who I am becoming.
Each mirror a part of me—
where I have been and what I know.
If you know the company I keep,
you will also know me.

Bear with Me

2007-03-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

I have been in the hospital with pneumonia. I'm home now, but please bear with me while I recupperate and say "good-bye" to my daughter and her family as they leave for Bosnia. I'll be back soon.

Marlene

Bring on Spring!

2007-03-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

Swollen buds on my lilac bushes.

First tips of crocus amidst some dead leaves.

Daffodils shoots in my rose bed.

Weeds always show up! But at least they are a sign of spring!

Nothing like a nasty cold and cough to make me ready for spring! (I have coughed until my muscles all ache. And I have taken more drops and teas and concoctions than I care to innumerate.) Then we have had so much more snow this winter than normal. I think we had snow at least once a week for eight weeks straight---some of them were biggies.

Yes, bring on spring! I am ready for green grass and leaves. I am ready for blooming bulbs in assorted colors.I am ready for warm sunshine streaming in my east windows. I want to walk in the fresh air and talk to my neighbors. I want to shed the heavy coats and turtlenecks.

I'm delighted to begin noticing the first signs of spring. The daylight lasts longer. The daffodils and crocus bulbs are pushing up out of the soil. Buds are swelling on the tips of my lilac bush. I see a hint of green in the lawn. These little traces all give me hope for what lies ahead.

I think we all need something to look forward to. Anticipation gives us the spark of hope that moves us forward. Maybe you are like me, awaiting the arrival of spring. Or perhaps you are anticipaiting a trip, lunch with a friend, or finishing a some project. Regardless of whether these things are big or small, we must cherish them, knowing that they infuse us with a small morsel of hope and joyful anticipation.

In a little over a week, I will once again be saying "good-bye" to my oldest daughter, her husband, and their three darling children as they return to Bosnia. Now that---I am NOT looking forward too. I hate how much that hurts a grandma's heart! In spite of this difficult hurdle in my near future, I am trying to find things to look forward to after that. Perhaps a little anticipation in other areas of my life will get me beyond the feelings of loss.

Blessing to all of you!
Marlene

Great Slideshow of U.S.

2007-03-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

Check out this website: http://oldbluewebdesigns.com/mybeautifulamerica.htm

It has wonderful photographs of the United States. You can take a great trip without ever leaving home. I truly enjoyed this slide show, so I wanted to share it with you.

First Birthday

2007-02-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

Laura, our youngest granddaughter, turns one!

Little ones learn so much in their first year of life. It is exciting to watch them grow and change. It is an opportunity for us to once again attempt to see the world through their eyes. If only we could hold on to their sense of wonder and their excitement over the simplest things.

Seize every opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a child!

Happy Valentine's Day

2007-02-14T07:47:00.000-07:00

My husband came home with this beautiful bouquet last night! He knows I love mixed bouquets. The card in this photo is for him, as well as Celtic Women's latest CD. (He hasn't even seen them yet.) Two of my grandchildren, their mom, and I baked these lovely cookies. Right now, Paula, my eldest daughter, is down in the kitchen whipping up heart-shaped pancakes for the grandchildren.

Yes, Valentine's Day is an wonderful opportunity to express our love to those around us. However, love is so much more than our typical romantice notions---or cards, flowers, or chocolate on this one day of the year. This day will come and go. Love, whether with family members or friends, has much more to do with a relationship sustained all year long.

Lately, I have often thought about the cost of love in terms of time, energy, commitment, sacrifice, concerns, sleepless nights, prayer time, etc. While love has its tender and precious moments, in acutuality love costs me. Love costs those who love me.

When we enter into a love relationship, we have no idea of the price we will pay when we let someone into our hearts. This is true with our marriages, our children, our extended family, and even our friends. When I gave birth to my children, I certainly had no comprehension of the price I would pay to love them so deeply. The nights caring for them when they were sick. The nights lying awake waiting for them to come home when they were teens. Their concerns have been my concerns. Their dissappointments and struggles have also been mine. Even though my children have all grown into adults, I still "feel" with them. When they married and had children, I opened my heart all the more. More people equals a greater cost in terms of compassion and energy.

Regardless of the cost, I wouldn't change a thing. The blessing of loving relationships outweighs the price paid. And even if it didn't, I still choose to love. I am reminded of the price God paid to love me.

Grand-parenting: Exponential Joy

2007-01-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

By Marlene Depler

My siblings and I were like a broken record. "How much further?" "Are we almost there?" I'm sure it nearly drove our parents crazy. When we finally turned down the dirt road that led to my grandparent's farm, I nearly burst with excitement. I knew Grandma would rush out the door to greet us with hugs and kisses, and Grandpa wouldn't be far behind.

Even though I was the eleventh in a string of seventeen grandchildren, I still sensed Grandma's delight and love for me as an individual. Her house provided a wealth of memories: eating her homemade dill pickles as fast as she cut them into spears, sitting outside on hot summer evenings with a bowl of homemade ice cream, and listening to her recite a poem or sing a hymn. Almost daily she made hot fresh biscuits for breakfast. Grandpa always teased her about the biscuits being flat.

"Elsie Lorene, it looks like a cow stepped on these biscuits," he would say as he devoured yet another biscuit.

As the years unfolded, I married and had children, making my parents into grandparents. However, I never gave much thought to becoming a grandparent myself—that is until our son and his wife gave us the news. "We're expecting a baby in December!" Then it hit me. That means I'll be a grandmother!

The months flew by. Late one evening, we got the call. "It's a girl!" our son said.

The next day I met my granddaughter for the first time. Without warning, this tiny infant in a cradle stole my heart. She was MY granddaughter—which, of course, made me a grandma. I slipped comfortably into my role as a grandparent without a second thought.

Since that time we have welcomed five more babies into our hearts, three grandsons and two more granddaughters. The delight has never diminished. As I cuddle these precious bundles, I am awed again and again by the miracle of birth and life. According to Proverbs 17:6, "Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged…" (I like the "crowning glory" part, but don't call me "aged"!)

As grandparents we have the opportunity to bless our children's children. We can provide extra love, attention, acceptance, and FUN! As a parent, I was often consumed by the endless responsibilities, the constant care, and the daily decisions and discipline. I didn't always give each child the attention they needed. However, as a grandparent, I'm no longer as distracted the routine obligations of parenting. It's easier now to drop what I am doing and give my undivided attention to the grandchildren. It's more important to read books, make cookies, draw pictures, fly paper airplanes, eat Popsicles on the porch swing, or play Candyland than it is to dust, pull weeds, or fold laundry. Once the grandchildren leave, the chores can be done.

It is important for grandparents to respect the rules and values of the parents. I’m generally mindful of this, but I'll admit that occasionally I have indulged them with a few more sweets than the parents would probably approve of. One such time, I made something similar to marshmallow treats, only this recipe called for Fruit Loops instead of the typical rice cereal. I'm quite sure that I would never have considered making this recipe for my own children. Nevertheless, the bright colors made for visually appealing treats. I invited the two oldest grandchildren over to eat them.

Later as they were stuffing their faces with gooey treats, my granddaughter repeated what her mom had told her, "It's Nana's job to spoil us, but it's Mommy's job to keep us healthy." I may have to exercise some restraint when it comes to giving them goodies, but I doubt that my love and attention will ever do them any harm. Children need all the stability they can get in this unsettled world.

It is a joy and privilege to invest in the lives of my grandchildren, to delight in their presence, to augment their learning, and to pray for them. Hopefully, I will be a model of active faith for them like my grandmother was for me.

As I look back over my childhood, I realize that my grandmother made a huge impact on me. Her eyes always lit up with delight whenever she saw me. I never doubted that she loved me and thought I was special. Her legacy to me was one of family and faith.

May my grandchildren experience that same delight. May they never doubt my love. It is my desire that my grandmother's legacy continue to flow into the lives of her great-great grandchildren through me.

8 of the Best Gifts any Grandparent Can Give:
1. Pray for each grandchild without ceasing.
2. Model your faith in God.
3. Acknowledge their presence with delight.
4. Listen at eye level.
5. Spend time with them and make them a priority.
6. Accept each grandchild's unique personality and individual strengths.
7. Let them share in activities you enjoy, and allow them to work alongside of you when possible.
8. Laugh with them.
(c) Marlene Depler (Reprint in only form only with permission of author.)

Winter Continues

2007-01-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

We had more snow on Sunday, and the weather forecast says more this next weekend. Wow! This is unusual. I'm ready for spring.

Today I thought I would share a poem I wrote a few years ago about winter arriving.

Winter Arrives

By Marlene Depler

Days grow short and nights grow long.
Gone away—the meadowlark's song.
Out my window, I observe the day.
Snow feathers cascade from skies of gray.

Mountain peaks wear white stocking caps
to keep their ears warm—perhaps.
Bare-branched trees shiver in their boots.
Children frolic in colorful snowsuits.

Earth dances in her gown of white.
The pond clutches a cloak of ice.
Finches huddle in evergreen tree.
As for me, I sip a second cup of tea!

(c) Marlene Depler (Use only with permission. To reprint in any form contact author.)

"Nana Duty"

2007-01-12T13:22:00.000-07:00

My blog posting has been set aside because I have been watching three of my grandchildren for the past week. (Mom and Dad will be home Sunday from training in Florida.) The munchkins that fill these three pairs of "Crocs" have been occupying every minute of each day. I continually wipe noses and clean up messes. I dispense hugs and kisses. I wash hands dozens of times a day. It seems like I am always serving up something to nourish little bodies and filling cups with juice and milk. Somehow we manage to get in a little home school and play games. By the time bathtime comes, I'm more exhausted than they are.

This has taken me back to the days when my three children were little. Looking back I wonder how I did it! Of course I was thirty years younger!

Rachel (age 4) loves to sing, and she is such a chatter box. One morning she was trying to convince me to get out of bed. She said, "Open your eyes, Nana. Get out of bed. You're going to miss the day!"

Another day, she crawled up on my lap and said, "I'm glad God gave you me as your grandgirl."

Then Jake (age 2) always says, "Gammaw, hold you!"

He also loves to tease.

Brent (age 6) is full of questions. He wants to know how everything works. I try to give him good answers, but sometimes I am stumped. One day he was helping vacuum the stairs with the central vacuum. He wanted to know where the dirt went. So I took him out in the garage to show him the canister of dirt.

Right now he has been asking me how the mini-blind at the window goes up and down. Every few minutes I stop to answer a question, so forgive me if what I am writing doesn't make sense. He is such a curious little guy.

This week I have been often transported back to the days when my three children were little. Looking back I wonder how I did it! Of course I was thirty years younger!

Young children bring such joy and delight AND such exhaustion and frustration. To all you moms out there who invest so much in the lives of their children, I salute you! May God sustain you with supernatural energy and love.

Recycled Christmas Cards!

2007-01-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

My daughter-in-law suggested cutting up Christmas cards to make gift tags for next years packages. Here are some of the ones I cut out this morning. I will store them with my wrapping paper to use next Christmas.

Just cut up cards, making sure there is no writing on the back. The tags can either be taped on packages or use a hole punch in the corner and tie them on with ribbon.

Prayer for the New Year

2006-12-31T09:58:00.000-07:00

By Marlene Depler

(I wrote this last year, but it still applies for this coming year as well!)

Dear Heavenly Father,

A year of glorious days stretches out before me. I am filled with anticipation and a twinge of apprehension about the uncertain adventure ahead. Nevertheless, I am choosing to walk in faith.

As each day unfolds, may I become more and more the woman you have intended me to be. Live in me and through me. May I do your bidding.

Still my thoughts and my hands long enough to hear your voice and to find rest for my often weary soul. Meet me in the deep places of my heart. Hear my heart cries when words won’t form.

Let your love penetrate every fiber of my being. Bring hope, courage, and healing. What I receive freely from your hand, let me in turn give freely to others.

Teach me your ways. Give me an undivided heart. Reveal and transform my misconceptions and distorted perceptions with the light of truth.

May I always delight in the wonders of your creation and the little blessings of each day. And when the sun sets on the final day of the year, may I rejoice in your continued faithfulness.

AMEN!
(c) Marlene Depler (reprint in any form only with permission)

Open Hands, Open Heart

2006-12-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

By Marlene Depler

Open heart, open hands,
I receive God's lavish gifts---
love, grace, forgiveness,
provisions for body and spirit.

Open heart, open hands,
let me give a smile to the lonely,
kind words to the discouraged,
a loaf of bread to the hungry.

Oh, that my actions
will light a path to the cross
where God will again pour out blessing
into an open heart and open hands.

White Christmas a Bit Early

2006-12-21T17:17:00.000-07:00

What a snow storm! Over two feet of snow! Most businesses were closed today. A good day to stay inside and play games. The grandchildren did venture out for some fun in the snow while the men cleared snow.

White Chocolate Christmas Party Mix

2006-12-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

1 package (10 oz.) mini pretzels
5 cups Cheerios
5 cups Corn Chex
2 cups salted peanuts
1 pound Christmas M & M's
2 packages (12 oz. each) vanilla (white chocolate) chips
3 Tablespoons vegetable oil

Combine first five ingredients in a very large bowl. Melt chips and oil in microwave: medium powere for two to three minutes, stirring once, then 10 seconds on high power. Stir until smooth. Pour over dry mixture and mix well with a large spoon, being careful not to crush the mix. Spread on waxed paper. Cool and store in airtight containers. For gifts, scoop into cellophone bags, use a "twistie" tie and then add a colorful ribbon.

This is yummy! Just the right blend of salty and sweet! I made two big batches yesterday. They are ready to give to neighbors and friends.

The Weather Outside........Burrrrrrrrrr!

2006-11-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

We have entered the "deep freeze" in Colorado! A warm coat is a must! This is my littlest angel in her cozy coat.

All I Want for Christmas: Less Stress, More Joy

2006-11-29T10:22:00.000-07:00

By Marlene Depler

My "want list" has always been quite simple. For just one day, all I want is no financial stress, no time pressure, no physical exhaustion or illness, no
loneliness, and no sadness.

For just one day, all I want is to give the perfect gift to each of my family and friends—beautifully wrapped, of course.

For just one day, all I want is for my house to be decorated like the photographs in House Beautiful and a fabulous dinner straight off the pages of Bon Appetit.

For just one day, all I want is for everyone to just get along—no tempers, no pouting, no whining, no controlling, no insensitivity, and no arguing.

For just this one day, all I want is smiling faces near a glowing fire
with snow falling gently outside the window—my own Hallmark moment.

I guess you could say that all I want for Christmas is
perfection. Is that too much to expect? After all, it's Christmas!

For years I was caught up in what a friend calls "irrational holiday hype." I believed that if I worked hard enough and fast enough, I could capture the perfect holiday. My fictitious presumptions and absurd expectations always left me frustrated, disappointed, and exhausted. By December 26, my spirit was worn and threadbare. I felt guilty because I hadn't enjoyed the holidays more. I expected far too much from one day out of the year. Little by little, I am discarding my unreasonable pursuit of Christmas perfection.

Why is it that we outgrow our belief in Santa Claus, yet often cling to the myth of a magical, perfect Christmas? Christmas perfection exists only in our imaginations, in movies, or on the pages of glossy magazines with their skilled marketing departments. Nevertheless, many of us have adopted the faulty perception of this romanticized, glamorized, commercialized Christmas. Here are seven ways to reduce holiday stress and increase our Christmas joy:

RELEASE unrealistic expectations and rediscover what you really love about Christmas.
How many different kinds of cookies and candies must we make? Does every room have to be decorated? Must we attend every holiday function? Is it really necessary to send out Christmas cards or write holiday letters every year? Is there a better way to stay in touch? If we choose to cling to our unrealistic expectations we can expect to feel frustrated and disappointed over and over again. Wouldn’t it be better to do less and enjoy what we choose to do more? Let’s rediscover what we love about Christmas and release the rest.

EVALUATE current resources (time, money, and energy) and establish your limits.
Everyone has a limited supply of time, money, and energy, which often varies from year to year, based on current circumstances. Honoring our limits isn't about deprivation. It's about liberation! Our schedules must be realistic and sane. Is it wise to go in debt for Christmas? What do we want to model for our children? Often we persist in attempting to buy happiness and relationships with gifts we shouldn't buy or can't afford. Crazed spending and an irrational flurry of unending activities only leave us empty, exhausted, disappointed, and perhaps even depressed.

ENJOY the simple things—the small, often overlooked ordinary moments.
Some of the most wonderful holiday blessings aren’t written on our calendars or wrapped under the tree. Many joys are found in the unexpected, unplanned moments that happen along the way—that is if we aren't too stressed to notice. A phone call to a family member that we haven't seen in a long time. Popping corn and playing games on the floor with the kids. A cup of coffee with a friend. Watching birds feast at the feeder. Taking a walk in the crunching snow. If we are alert, many ordinary moments and small blessings can fill our hearts with joy.

OBSERVE and honor your own personal need for rest and renewal.
In the midst of an impossible to-do list, we often ignore our own need for rest and renewal. Frayed nerves and short fuses are sure signs that we aren't honoring our own needs. When holidays leave us exhausted, something is wrong. It's important to replenish ourselves along the way. Seek out small doses of healthy self-care to renew your body and soul..

INITIATE change with care.
Change can be positive when we carefully consider our options in advance. It’s important to include other immediate family members as we sift and sort family traditions and expectations. A little wisdom will help us to avoid knee-jerk reactions.

CONSIDER options for handling difficult people and situations.
We long for relationships that are loving and peaceful. Yet Christmas has a way of bringing up any unresolved issues with family members. What we have ignored all year long suddenly resurfaces. Whatever our relationship problems, they won't magically disappear just because the calendar says December 25. It is important to take a long-term view of our relationships rather than hoping for a quick fix for the holidays. Past behaviors are a good indicator of future behaviors. With that in mind, we can prepare ahead of time our response toward hurtful, immature, or difficult people in our families. We may need to address an issue with someone BEFORE holidays. We may need to set a boundary around a particular situation. Remember we cannot change others, but we can change ourselves and the way in which we handle situations. Act instead of reacting.

EMBRACE meaningful traditions; eliminate burdensome or meaningless traditions.
Family traditions have the potential to give rhythm, continuity, and stability to our lives if they are indeed meaningful. However, traditions that are no longer important to us need to be eliminated. For many, changing holiday traditions can be painful and guilt inducing. Yet if we persist in making wise choices for our families and ourselves, our choices have the potential to bring healing and freedom. It's OK to allow traditions to evolve over time.

Christmas won’t be perfect at my house this year. And I’m guessing it won't be perfect at your house either. Nevertheless, Christmas remains a wonderful season to spend time with those we cherish and to reflect on God's gift of his Son. Let's exchange our crazy-making, mindless madness for something less stressful this year. As we release our misconception of a perfect holiday, we just might experience more joy.

Do less, expect less, and enjoy it more.

Copyright Marlene Depler (reprint in any form only with permission)

The Grace of Gratitude

2006-11-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

By Marlene Depler

Thou who hast given us so much,
mercifully grant us one more thing—
a grateful heart.

-George Herbert

"Count your blessings."

"Look on the bright side."

"Cheer up! Be thankful. It could be worse."

As a child, I heard responses like these from many adults in my life. I'm guessing that these comments were an attempt to make me feel better. But that wasn't what happened. Instead, my feelings of sadness, disappointment, or frustration felt negated. Even though there was an element of truth in what was said, this type of response only caused me to feel diminished and dismissed. It didn't seem to matter that a teacher had been unfair or that I wasn't invited to the slumber party. Whatever my difficulty, struggle, challenge, or pain, it seemed unimportant. My feelings were brushed aside and minimized. I learned to bury them. Eventually, I became the one who chided myself with the same kind of responses whenever I encountered anything that adversely affected me.

In my late thirties, I slowly learned to stop pretending and denying my current struggles and past hurts. I began to validate my own experience and feelings. If someone hurt me with harsh words or if I experienced disappointment or difficulty, I no longer tried to brush it off. In this place of honesty, sometimes I felt like a first-class whiner. Fortunately for me, I had a few patient listeners.

I needed this season to learn that it was okay to be honest about the reality of my experience and to learn not to minimize my pain. However, over time, I concluded that this honesty could comfortably co-exist with gratitude. So I made a choice to incorporate gratitude into my life, not because of someone else's "guilting" remarks, but because I saw the personal value of it.

The intermingling of both has given me a greater equilibrium—a more balanced perspective. All of life is not bad, and neither is it all good. Life is much like my rose garden. The roses are beautiful in color and their sweet fragrance permeates the summer breeze. Yet these same roses have sharp thorns that have often brought me pain. I accept both.

At first I attempted to keep a gratitude journal as suggested in the book Simple Abundance. For a litany of reasons, I was inconsistent at best. Then I decided on a plan that worked for me. Each night in the quiet darkness just before falling asleep, I recount anything about the day that I found pleasant or enjoyable, anything for which I could be thankful. As I recite in silence a list of things both great and small for which I feel grateful, I am reminded that life itself is a gift.

Last night I thanked God for a pleasant lunch with a friend, my evening walk in the freshness of spring, my unexpected gift for my new office, and the valuable information that I learned from my writing mentor. Before I knew it, I had drifted off to sleep with a heart filled with gratitude.

I would be the first to admit that there are days when it is much more difficult to find things for which to be grateful. On those days I’m thankful for things like indoor plumbing, the end of the day, my bed, and soft flannel sheets as I pull them over my head.

As unlikely as it may seem, I even found reason to be thankful in the midst of great pain. When my mother slipped away unexpectedly from this life. In my sadness, I could thank God that she didn't have to experience prolonged suffering—that she didn't know she had breast cancer. (The test results from the biopsy came back the day she died.) The kind and capable nurses were another reason for which I felt immense gratitude. I was also grateful I arrived before she died, and that I was able to be at her side when she drew her last breath. In my anguish, God gave me many things for which I could say thank you. I did not use my gratefulness to minimize my pain. Rather I used it as a rudder with which to navigate through the pain.

A few years ago, I received a newsletter in the mailbox. The front-page article was about the physical health benefits of gratitude. (And for that article, I am grateful!) Dr. Christiane Northrup states that feeling thankful for as little as 15-20 seconds causes many physiological benefits, such as a decrease in stress hormones which enhances the immune system, the oxygen level in the tissues increases as breathing becomes deeper, and the coronary arteries relax which increases the blood supply to the heart. Northrup concludes, "No matter what's going on in the world, the economy, or the news, you have the power within you to create the biochemistry of gratitude right now."[1] I had no idea that gratitude was good for my health!

I won't be presumptuous and tell you that you SHOULD count your blessings. Rather I hope that by sharing my story a seed of possibility will be sown for you. Consider a "gratitude journal" to record the things that have brought you blessing or joy today. Or choose something else that fits your personality. Perhaps you may first need to explore the roots of your unhappiness or depression before you can genuinely move toward thankfulness. It's your journey. Proceed at your own pace.

As for me, I have come to believe that gratitude has the power to change me, so I will continue to nudge myself to practice this graceful attitude while still honestly acknowledging the reality of my daily difficulties. I desire to appreciate and say “thank you” for all that is good in my life. Yet I will also acknowledge the sad and the bad. A grateful heart—my heart's desire.

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.
It turns what we have into enough, and more. [2]
-Melody Beattie

To reprint in any format, by permission only

[1] Christiane Northrup, M.D., "Cultivating Gratitude," A Grain of Salt, Spring 2002, Happiness Press, Asheville, NC.
[2] Melody Beattie, The Language Of Letting Go, (New York: Harper/Hazelden Books, 1990), p. 218.

Fall Decorations

2006-11-13T00:02:00.000-07:00

I am enjoying the fall decorations that so many have displayed on their front doors and porches. I took these photos out on a walk a few days ago. The last photo is the wreath on my front door. Can you believe that next week will be Thanksgiving?!?!

Image of Bible cover

2006-11-09T08:32:00.000-07:00

Ok! I finally figured it out! Sometimes my gray matter works rather slowly. I took a photo of my copy of the Bible and downloaded it! Here is the front cover of the Women's Devotional Bible that I told you about in the post below.

New Women's Devotional Bible

2006-11-09T07:40:00.000-07:00

Zondervan has just released a new Women's Devotional Bible. I wrote some of the devotions for this project, so I wanted to share this news with you. I had hoped to add a picture of the cover, but I haven't been able to used the scanned image that I have. SORRY! The cover is squares of green with a coffee cup on the front of it. Here is a link where you can view the Bible and even download sample devotions:

http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/Bible/About+Devotional+Bibles.htm?QueryStringSite=Zondervan

Perhaps this would make a good Christmas gift for someone on your list---or for yourself.

My oldest daughter and family have now gone to Minnesota/South Dakota to visit with her husband's family. They will return for Christmas. (I promised the grandchildren that I would have stockings hung for them when they returned!)Maybe I will be more regular in making posts over the next several weeks.

Blessings to all!
Marlene Depler

Fun Times

2006-10-13T07:54:00.000-07:00

Happy baby!

Getting in on the fun!

Four grandkids---camping IN!

In the Leaves and Loving it!

Five darlings feeding their faces!

Snapshots of life

2006-10-03T19:14:00.000-07:00

Purple Autumn Ash in all its fall glory! (Taken in our front yard.)

Littlest angel!

Sweet granddaughter smelling fragrant rose!

Two grandsons on the move!

A fall sunrise in all its splendor! (Taken behind our home yesterday.)

To Everything A Season: A Time to Plant and a Time to Harvest

2006-09-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

Today I'm guessing that I gathered my last harvest for this season. The nights are definitely getting cooler. Tonight—maybe our first frost.

In some ways I hate to say good-bye to summer with its long hours of sunshine and green-leafed trees. I’ll miss the profusion of brilliant flowers—pink zinnias, yellow marigolds, purple clematis, assorted roses, and more. The fresh tomatoes and juicy watermelons...I’ll miss those, too. And I will really miss wearing sandals and light-weight summer clothes.

And yet there is a part of me that is tired from my summer labors: the watering, weeding, pruning. Yes, a part of me is ready for fall. Ready for what comes next. Especially, when what comes next is a visit from my daughter, Paula, along with her husband and three precious children. (They have been living in Bosnia for the past year and a half.)

I haven’t seen them in about a year. The last time we saw Jacob, he wasn’t even walking. Now he is almost two. He was only seven months old when they left. He won’t remember Nana and Papa’s house. Guess we will have to give him something new to remember! Rachel will turn four next month. And Brent is nearing six.

I can’t wait to scoop up my “babies” and smother them with hugs and kisses. The cupboards are filled with special snacks. New jackets and a fall outfit are laying out for each of them. The toys are ready. The books are arranged where they can be reached by little people.

It will be wonderful to have time with Paula and Jason as well—to catch up on their adventures. And Paula and I definitely need some mother-daughter time!

It will be great to have all of our children and grandchildren for meals and family fun. We have several things on the calendar: a day in the mountains, a trip to Chuck E. Cheese (pizza), and our own fall festivities.

Laura will get to meet her cousins, aunt, and uncle for the first time. David will get to have extra special guests for his eighth birthday later this week. Alicia wants to teach Rachel how to make "button soup," something she always liked to do when she was younger.

Thus, as I say farewell to summer, I will say hello to family from afar.

When Day Is Done

2006-08-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

When Day Is Done...

Shadows lenghten. The sun slips down behind the mountains. Soon a sliver of a moon slides out from behind the clouds. Day is done.

Sometimes I wish the day was longer, as there was more I intended to accomplish. No amount of fretting extends the hours in my days. Other days, I welcome nightfall. Pulling the soft sheets up over my weary body is a welcome thought. Tonight it is the latter. My work for today is done, and I will soon slumber.

Here is a poem I wrote:

"Nocturnal Bliss"
By Marlene Depler

Sleep---who can resist the summons
of nocturnal bliss? Pulled out on gentle tides
into a pool of dreams.

Sleep---welcome relief
from life's persistent problems.
Demands, decisions melt away
in this realm of the unconscious.

Sleep---a wondrous gift;
restoration for weary mind and body.
Sinking...floating...drifting...flying...
slumber beckons me away until morning.

(c) Marlene Depler

2006-08-21T15:53:00.000-07:00

Tablecloths finished at last!

If you read my post a while back about all those yards and yards of fabric, I am happy to report that I have finished making two large table clothes---one for the table with one leaf and another one for when the table has two leaves. The remaining fabric is enough to make some cloth napkins.

My indoor and outdoor projects have distracted me from blogging. I will try to do better at making regular post for those four or five of you who are my fan club! Ha!

Note: Alice asked for a close-up of the fabric, so I added it to the post.

2006-08-10T06:09:00.000-07:00

Sunset last night!

My Birthday Morning

2006-08-10T06:08:00.000-07:00

Sunrise this morning!

Today is my 55th birthday. I can start getting my senior citizen discounts. Wow! That's a scary thought. The discount at Kohl's department store will be nice, especially when I'm shopping for the grandchildren.

2006-08-03T21:11:00.000-07:00

Double Rainbow

We have had rain two evenings in a row. What a blessing! This photo, taken from our back door, is a double rainbow after yesterday's rain moved through.

Letting Go!

2006-07-30T19:03:00.000-07:00

Butterfly! Photo by Michael Jastremski

Several friends of mine are in the process of launching their children! It has reminded me of my days of trying to let go. This is a poem I wrote when my youngest daughter left the "nest." After you read the poem, you will know why I picked this photogragh.

Independence

By Marlene Depler

From the safety of the chrysalis,
you struggle to be free.
I watch your wings unfolding
in early morning light.
The color—the beauty—
as you flutter your wings,
and cautiously ponder solo flight.
You seem surprised
as they lift you into the air.
With steady gaze, I marvel
as you dance from rose to rose.
At last you catch a gentle breeze
of self-confidence, flying high
into nearby maple tree—until a gust
of uncertainty and fear casts you
to the ground below.
I gasp and hold my breath
for what seems like eternity.
I long rescue you
from life's harsh winds,
but I must not damage fragile wings.
I cannot watch, and yet I must.
When I think I can bear it no longer
your wings move up, then down,
and once more you soar into the sky.
Fly—fly high little butterfly! Feel my prayers beneath your wings!
(c) Marlene Depler

Blonde Moment or Senior Moment?

2006-07-25T18:12:00.000-07:00

I decided to make a tablecloth for my kitchen table, so I measured the length of the table and added a few inches to hang over the ends. Seven feet---that's what I would need. Then I headed over to the fabric store and found this wonderful toile fabric. I promptly took the bolt to the clerk and told her I needed seven yards.

After she had made the cut, it dawned on me that seven yards was a whole lot more than seven feet! Yikes! What had I done! I paid for the fabric and left the store with twenty-one feet of fabric. Fortunately, the fabric was marked down and then was on sale for 40% of the mark-down price.

So now I can make three table cloths. Or maybe I should make chair cushions and an apron. If you see me, who knows, I may have on capri pants and a shirt out of this fabric!!! (Just kidding!!!) Maybe you would like for me to make something for you.

On days like this, I don't know whether I am having a blonde moment or a senior moment. Maybe it's both!

Happy Fourth of July

2006-07-04T05:29:00.000-07:00

Today is Independence Day. We are celebrating the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States of America. Flags and fireworks will abound all over this country today. Some towns and cities will have parades. Many will gather with family and friends for a picnic or a cookout. And most will wear clothing in either red, white, or blue. For me it will be a red shirt and white capris.

While I put out the flag and don my patriotic colors, I want to reflect of the freedoms that I hold dear. Often I take most of my freedoms for granted, but today I want to think about the high price paid in the past by others for the freedoms I enjoy today. Freedom is a glorious gift. Let us be grateful and thank God. (Yes, for many of us, in God we still trust!!!!)

Summer---and Lovin' It!

2006-07-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

I’m a gardener, so of course, I like summer. Today I thought I would share the things I enjoy about summer:

Long hours of daylight—it lifts my spirits
Blue sky
Green lawns and shade trees
Gentle breezes
Every brightly blooming thing!! Pots, hanging baskets, flower beds, shrubs.
Eating outside—picnics, BBQs, and patio dining
Long walks in the morning or evening
Iced tea and lemonade
Popsicles and ice cream
Farmer’s markets with all the wonderful fresh produce
Porch swings and porches
Light weight clothing (No coats, bulky sweaters, etc.)
Mountain drives
Finches and robins in my bird baths
Air conditioning and fans
Cacophonic bird symphonies
Chatting with neighbors
Children playing outside

Note: the photos above are of my daylilies and wild columbines in the Colorado mountains.

Celebrate Summer

2006-06-21T16:12:00.000-07:00

Today my husband took the day off from work, and we had our two oldest grandchildren over so we could officially celebrate the longest day of the year. In the photos below, you will see a portion of the fun we had today. We will finish off the day watching David's baseball game.

For those of us who are married to our "to do" list, we would all do well to remember to take a little time for fun. Work is never done anyway, so why not set it aside every now and then. Time for laughter and play never hurt anyone. Celebrate summer. Celebrate life.

2006-06-21T16:05:00.000-07:00

Blueberry popsicles!

I have always made popsicles with fruit juice for the grandchildren---just like I made for my children.

2006-06-21T16:04:00.001-07:00

Preparation for "War of the Rose Petals."