Monday, April 9, 2018

Choices

Sometimes I want to halt time.


This weekend was one of those times. Life felt so precious that I don't want to move on.

(Pillow racing)


My brother is home for a visit from his work in the Middle East. My whole family hung out at my parent's house for most of the weekend.


 (Jelly bean and toothpick designers.)

(Marshmallow chick catapult)

We spent hours talking, sharing stories, playing games, eating amazing food, and singing.

(My parents)



Ed still gets tired quickly, but he has recovered from surgery enough to enjoy a full weekend like this. A special answer to prayer was that my little nephew Parker is strong enough to join us. He is now free of his feeding tube.


With all the events of the past year, time together as a family has become more precious.

Last night, Ed and I discussed how we may never have a weekend like this again. With Ed's health and my siblings' globe-trotting, it is possible that my family will never again have a long weekend together.

I'm the oldest of nine children. Over the years I've worried about my five brothers and three sisters. How awful if they would choose to walk away from God. What if they chose spouses that weren't committed to following God? When I was about nineteen years old I was horrified to think that the choices I made could affect my younger siblings. I probably had an inflated sense of my own importance, but it didn't hurt me to evaluate my music, activities, and reading material with the thought that I might be influencing my family.

But today my siblings are inspiring me by their choices. They challenge me to put others first and sacrifice personal comfort. They demonstrate the joy of investing in the kingdom of God and laying up treasure in heaven.

I don't know what the future holds for my siblings. I pray that they will continue to share the love of Christ whether here in Pennsylvania, in a refugee tent in the desert, or in remote mountain villages halfway around the world.

14 comments :

  1. That's great news about Ed and baby Parker. Gina, your posts always inspire me and remind me to count my blessings. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

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  2. How wonderful and what a blessing you have with an extended family that is intact and wanting to spend time like that together! Wow. I wish I had this but I hope that my own children will have this years from now with their siblings! Also, I think this is so great that your family set up tables in what looks like the basement! I've had the thought go through my mind lately about what I'd do if I still lived here when my children are older and bring their own families back here, if that happens since my upstairs is lacking room for a lot of people. I thought maybe I could use the basement :).

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    Replies
    1. My parents moved last year from a big farm house to a smallish rancher. We are so thankful for the basement. It isn't fancy but it gives room for all of us to get together.
      Gina

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  3. Your family gathering warms my heart, Gina! Do you have a minute or the inspiration to share the details of how your family played the 'pillow race' game? Looks wonderful for a group that includes little children. Thanks! Blessings to you and yours.

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    Replies
    1. It is a rather silly game but hilarious fun, especially for the little guys. Everyone is seated on the floor. There are two teams, seated every other person. Each team has a pillow which they pass from one team member to the next around the circle. The goal is for one pillow to "catch" the other pillow. The game starts with the pillows on opposite sides of the circle and it is harder than it sounds.

      Does that make sense?
      Gina

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  4. Ah, what a joy to read about your family gathering. We only have 3 children and it's been 6 years since we were all together. One lives in Japan, one in the midwest and one in Montana. How I would love to have all of my children and grandchildren in one place. I'm sure it was a joyous time for all of you. Thank you for sharing. Time together is a precious commodity that is all to often taken for granted.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  5. What a blessing it must be for your parents to see the investment into their children's lives paying off.
    I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 3 John 1:4
    Continuing to pray for you, Ed and your family.

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  6. How to lovely to see how happy you all look, Gina. So pleased that Ed was able to cope with the weekend and that the bub is doing well. You have made many happy memories for your family.

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  7. What a wonderful time for your family! I know what you mean about stopping time..too soon we cannot all be together . Circumstances can change in a heartbeat. At least we have the assurance of being together in Heaven!!Everyone looks so happy, just seeing your family lifted my spirits.Thanks for sharing!!

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  8. You are so blessed to have your family around you. Mine are all over the country. You all have so much fun together, makes me envious,(I need to repent).

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  9. Such a great weekend and wonderful memories. God bless.

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  10. How lovely!

    (And I have to ask: what is pillow racing??)

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    Replies
    1. A crazy game without much point except to induce laughter. I described it above in a reply to a comment.
      Gina

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  11. I am so happy for you and your family...that you were able to all enjoy this special weekend together making wonderful memories! I know you'll each cherish them for years to come!! :-) Thank you for sharing the photos of your family...it's so fun to see how they've grown up since when I remember them! ;-) Love, ~Eunice

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