After our West Virginia visit this fall, I came home with some pictures of the Manka side of the family. Looking at those pictures got me thinking of the legacy my grandparents left to me. Grandma & Grandpa were a dynamic duo, and I’m sure I don’t know even half their story! (They both passed… Read More Dynamic Duo
Dear Silas,You are Mommy & Daddy’s treasure. We look at you and smile. Because of you we understand more fully God’s love for us, and that has changed us forever. We are in awe that God has given you to us so that we may love you, instruct you, delight in you, and learn from… Read More Treasure Boy
Non nobis, non nobis, Domine Sed nomini tuo da gloriam. …which in English means… Not to us, not to us, O Lord, But to your name give glory. This beautiful Latin text is based on Psalm 115:1. “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and… Read More A Thanksgiving Carol
Today is Pop-pop’s birthday. He may be gone from us, but he is not gone. He’s waiting for us in Heaven. He’s happy today. He’s whole. And he’s with his Savior that he loved. Below is a poem that I recently found. It brought a smile to my heart. Maybe your heart will smile too.… Read More Missing Him
I just feel like writing today. Silas is crawling around on the family room floor exploring the blinds, the magazines, sometimes crawling over to visit me. He’s such a happy baby today–singing, talking to himself, laughing, smiling, napping well, and eating lots. He and I have been getting up quite early this week. The earliest… Read More Ramblings on a Saturday
I was so proud of myself for sending Mother’s Day cards to our mothers and grandmothers, that I had forgotten Mother’s Day is for me too this year. I can’t wait to spend the day with Silas tomorrow! A friend of mine has said to me a couple times, “Don’t you love being a mom?… Read More Love You, Mom
May 2, 2011: Today our baby is 6 months old. Happy Half Birthday, Silas Clark! We celebrated with half a cookie and half a candle.After dinner I spent some time lying on the living room floor next to Silas as he played–just letting the room fill with baby noises, so precious and so fleeting. Even… Read More Zero and a Half
When putting Silas down for a nap, I often sing to him Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms. Besides being a soothing lullaby, I’ve found that the words of the song are a poignant reminder for me to readjust my priorities. One lie that I frequently find myself believing is that life is… Read More Lullaby
Stephen sent me a link to this post, “Signs of Growing in Grace”. It is exactly what my sinful heart needs today. It speaks to my temptations. It reproves me of sins that stand well in my heart. Much to meditate on.
I’m not naturally a compassionate person. I’m not. If you think I am, then I’ve either managed to put on a good front–or, better yet, maybe I’m improving in the compassion department (because I’m really trying!). I remember one time during high school years when all my sisters were sick with the flu while we… Read More Learning Compassion