God verses Victim

Whenever I used to work (outside of the home, that is) there was one thing that usually sparked a nerve for me.   That was when one of my clients would display a pervasive victim mentality.  That, “woe is me”- “why does life treat me so bad” –“I have no control and have to let bad things just happen to me”- attitude.   Used to drive me batty.  I guess because it is so opposite of how I was taught and so contrary to my Christian beliefs.

Recently I had the great blessing of having coffee with someone who is a living, breathing example of courage, strength, and faith in action.  If ever there is someone who would be justified in their victim hood, it would be her.  That is because of the unbelievable trauma she endured for years as a child.   She truly was a victim, during formative years in her life, when she really didn’t have any control.  What she went through is beyond what most of us can comprehend.  

Yet over coffee, I didn’t once hear a bit of “woe is me” or “why did such horror happen to me?”  Instead, I heard a mentality of “God is so good” and “I forgive my trespasser” and “I am excited for what God has in store for me.”  I saw redemption and providence and grace.    I witnessed God in all His glory, working his undeniable mercy in the life of a young woman, who feels complete control and excitement over the life that is ahead of her.  

Her testimony is beyond my comprehension.   It moves me and inspires me.  It reminds me that no matter how bad things may be, there is hope, and there is peace, if we choose to believe.  It is a reminder of how good God is, and how when we choose to put our trust in Him and commit our lives to Him, anything is possible.   Anything.  

What a powerful message. 

One I pray I am able to teach Lucy during these early years in her life. 

God verses Victim?  I am choosing God... every. single. time.

Our Summer Swan Song

Between a wonderful visit with family, followed by a fun-filled Labor Day weekend with friends, we could not feel more content with how we closed out the summer.  After these visits, there is one thing that was further confirmed for me, and that is that Lucy is a people person (just like her Papa Buzzelli!).  She thrives on being around others (specifically when she knows them and is comfortable with them).  What a joy it is to watch her in these settings, totally in her element, having fun, being carefree, playing with friends and family.  We may not be quite ready for what is waiting around the corner (namely, snow covered driveways and freezing cold temps), but one thing is for sure:  our hearts are filled with gratitude and joy from the wonderful people in our lives, who we got to celebrate the end of summer with.

To Indy to celebrate my Dad's 78th...

While in Indy, we went to my childhood parish's summer picnic: 

Notice the hand on hip sass.  ( trademark: Aunt Lisa)

Look up 'contentment' in Websters, you will find this picture there.

Mama and daughter.  Can't tell, can you?

These giant tricycles were a hoot!

Doesn't my niece look like a rock star in this pic?

I love you Lindsay Lou!

Helping Papa blow out his birthday candles.

Papa and granddaughters     ~ love love love~

Next we headed to Atlanta for a great Labor Day weekend with my childhood friends and their families.  In a society where it seems the concept of neighborhood friendships are waning, I can't say enough about my own friendships that began on a little street in Carmel, Indiana, called Songbird Lane.  It was there that it all started.  It was there that the Songbird Six (my sister, my brother and I, and the three sisters across the street-Angie, Amy and Darcie) became friends.

And it was there that the foundation was set for this:

All of our daughters having a picnic lunch by the pool.  Reminiscent of my own childhood on Songbird Lane, when on any given day, any combination of the Songbird Six may have been doing the exact same thing, poolside at Keystone Woods.

Lucy had never worn goggles before.  One of her friends had them. 
You would have thought she discovered gold!

Besides hanging poolside, there was a lot of this...

And this...

And this...

And this...

pork on the grill/smoker for 8 hours... fantastic!

And this...

Suffice it to say, good times were had by all!  So much so that I neglected taking very many pictures.   But I figure the memories will more than suffice. 

Thanks to my Songbird gals, and their families, for a fantastic weekend!

Good Bye Summer!   

Hello Fall!  

Four Years Later

Kyley, Maddie Lu and Lucy.  The White Swan Hotel, Ghuanzhou, China (December, 2009).

"It is by chance that we met,

By choice that we became friends."

Henri Nouwen

We have tried over the years.

Emails and correspondence.

Discussion and attempts.

Trying to get these three "sisters" back together.   

For one reason or another, it never happened.

Until last weekend....

Maddie Lu, Kyley and Lucy... almost four years later.

   

And just like that, it was as though 4 years had never passed.

 

Kyley brought these Dora dolls for the girls.  They were a huge hit!

We are so grateful for Lucy's China sisters. 

They were her first friends.

They knew her before we did. 

They share similar stories.

Someday, they may share similar heartaches.

We hope they will always remain friends.

If we have anything to do with it...they will.

God is a Verb

Recently, I saw this quote in a book I was reading (The Shack, for anyone interested).   When I read it, that "God is a verb,"  it got me thinking.  What does this mean, really?  I have always thought of God as a noun, a person, a being, a spirit,  a someone.    But the more I thought about it, the more I realized the truth behind this quote.  God is so much in the doing of our lives... in the activities and relationships.  In the sharing.   Even in the beauty that surrounds us- in the sunrises and sunsets and shooting stars.  In the actions and happenings-- verbs if you will.  What an insightful and challenging way to think about God. And I think a perfect way to encapsulate all of the activity that surrounded us this past weekend at the (40th!) annual Barnes' reunion in western NY.  Our weekend was filled with so much joy and fellowship and fun and laughter and remembrance and beauty. Who else could have commissioned all this activity, in this way, other than God?

As usual, lots of pictures...too many wonderful people and moments that just had to be captured.  Enjoy!

The weather was absolutely perfect the entire weekend.  We enjoyed one of our first days taking a walk down Hodge Road (it runs parallel to Brian's parents' property).   Soooo enjoyable.

On Saturday, before the reunion, we had a beautiful burial of Wally's cremains.  Cousin Joe impressed us (as usual) with his beautiful rendition of "Ave Maria,"  and some wonderful thoughts were shared about Wally and his time here on earth. 

 Rest in Peace, Wally.

There is a great story behind Wally's urn...just ask me if you want to know!

Let the party begin!

Cousin Brandon, who was so sweet and attentive to Lucy... alllll weekend.

Ditto for cousin Claire,...and all Lucy's cousins for that matter!

The youngest addition to the Barnes' family, (I think!), Baby Lena.

Cousin Liam and Lucy were attached at the hip.  (photo courtesy of Liam's mom, Rachel.)

This child would live on a swing, if she could.  (photographer extraordinaire:  Rachel)

Almost everyone....a few missing.   (photo:  Rachel)

See what I mean?

Ranger rides on the farm were a big hit...all weekend long.

Brian's brother Kevin hit it out of the park, borrowing this wagon from a neighboring farmer.

This was the beginning of our "sunset wagon ride."

The sky looked like it was on fire.

When am I going to get my new/better camera?????

breathtaking.

Watching the sunset.

spectacular.

More ranger rides.

Later in the night we had a great bonfire...

accompanied by shooting stars every 5 minutes or so.  we were captivated....

Sunday at Aunt Mary Anne's.  Let the good times continue....

First cousins (although not inclusive of all that were here this weekend).

Siblings.

We love Aunt Bridgey.

This was Wally's hat. Other than this moment here, it remained on Brian's head all day Sunday.

Aunt Mary Anne, and our special cousins Bernie and Kathleen.

photo courtesy of  Rachel

photo courtesy of Rachel

All good things must come to an end.   Moments before departure...

I love you Mamaw.

Saying good bye is so hard.   (ps, Lucy gives the BEST hugs)

Thanks to all the family, all 50+ members who were in attendance!   We had a wonderful time, with sooo many special memories.   Counting down the days until next year!