A 'God Thing'?

I never really cared for the 'God thing' phrase. Not really sure why...I guess because it seemed to be a fad, kind of like WWJD, just thrown around without much thought. Maybe I'm totally wrong, because today something happened to me that seemed to be a 'God thing'. :)
As you may have seen in previous posts, my students have been involved in several "missions" projects this year. We are reaching out into our community with small acts of kindness. The local crisis pregnancy center has been having a shortage of infant formula and diapers. They use the items as incentives - the girls who come for help have to achieve certain objectives and goals (attend church, read a certain book, watch a parenting dvd, etc.) in order to "pay" for the items they receive. I love the approach. It's not a "something for nothing" giveaway, but genuine help for genuine need.
Anyway, I had the idea for our students to do a formula drive for the center. I felt that 50 cans of formula was a pretty good goal, considering the price of the stuff. Several weeks into it, I realized that people just weren't into it. I had already spent $25 on two cans of the WalMart brand, and wanted to do more, but hated to spend more! I was kind of bummed that the project hadn't really "taken off" like I had hoped. I kept putting off the ending date, hoping more would arrive.
Today when I arrived home from school, a neat little package was sitting on the porch...Similac was evidently confused, and thought I had become a mom for the 5th time. They sent me a welcome kit, complete with the typical 2 cans of formula and 4 coupons worth $5 each! I was so excited! I went to my stash of grocery ads, looking to see who had Similac on sale. To my disappointment, no one had any on sale, so I figured I would just use the coupons and pay the $28 difference.
I headed on into Rays Supermarket (Clock Tower Plaza) to pick up a few things that were going off sale today, and as I wrapped up my shopping, I made my way to the infant goods aisle. I noticed some sale tags directly under the Similac, and was a little puzzled that I had not seen them in the ad. As I made my way closer, I could not believe my eyes. The price $13.20 had been crossed out, and the sale price read $5.99! Combined with my $5 off coupon, I paid .99 for each can of Similac! So, yesterday I felt bad about the lack of enthusiasm for the formula drive...today I was able to contribute 6 cans(valued at $79.20)for $3.98! That's a 'God thing'!
P.S. If anyone else is interested, Rays Clocktower had several shelves loaded with cans at that price. I would even be willing to pick them up for you if you would like to contribute money to the cause! Thanks!

Goodbye for now...

Early Monday morning (about 12:10 a.m.), my dad's 98 year-old maternal grandmother, Clella Brown, went to be with Jesus. Her home going was a relief in many ways, for she had spent the last several years in a nursing home suffering with Alzheimer's. We were able to go see her at least once a year, and most times she knew who we were. My best memories of Grandma Brown take me back to the little white house in Newton, IL, where she and my great-grandfather lived as long as I can remember. The yearly gatherings were crowded in the small space, but smiling faces and warm embraces made the sacrifice quite worthwhile. "Clella" and "Jack" were so fun to watch. They had a love that only years of commitment could develop. Jack would tell stories, and Clella would stand by to make sure he didn't exaggerate them. It could get quite comical.
When they went into the nursing facility, Jack made sure the nurses had their beds put together, because they always fell asleep holding hands. Their love kept them strong, even in those final, waning years. Jack slipped away to be with Jesus in 2000, just eleven or so days after we had his 5 generation picture with Ryan. I'm glad we were able to have that moment. From that time, Clella kept him in her heart, often asking, "Where's Jack?" It is amazing how that when part of a person is missing, even in an altered mental state, one continues to feel that loss. Our last trip to see Clella was in January of 2008. We had planned to go out this spring, but that trip has now been moved up to this week.
I am so thankful that Greg, myself, and the children have taken the opportunity to remain close to all the great grandparents, great aunts and uncles, and those closer in the family tree. One's history is so important...I often wonder if my kid's grandchildren will visit my home, hold my hand when I am ill, attend my funeral...it probably sounds really odd, but those things are important to me. It is critical that our kids understand their heritage, and that they learn how to grieve and understand death as a means to an end, rather than the end.
So, this will be a busy week, to say the least, but I'm glad that Grandma Brown is through the pain and suffering that her body had to endure...it's all over...she's Home at last!

Final "5 Generation" picture...
Kaitlynn enjoyed taking Great-great-grandma back to the dining room...

The most special time of any visit was prayer and hymn singing. Some of her favorites were "Amazing Grace" and "The Family of God"...she always carried a great tune in a clear, strong voice...

Great Grandma (97) with Allison (2 mos.)...

3 generations checking out the 5th...

Grandma...your life was such an inspiration to me...even when times were bad and you were feeling rough, you always managed a weak smile and some sarcasm which made us all laugh. You spent many years with the love of your life, and were lost without him, often asking, "Where's Jack?" When I heard that you had taken your last earthly breath, my eyes filled with tears...not because your suffering was over and you were leaving this life, but because I could picture your smiling face and "new" body running with outstretched arms toward "Jack" whom you have so missed for the last 9 years. Thanks for the memories...we'll see you when we get there!

Check This Out!

My kids are selling Peeler Cards for school. We have three kinds available...all McDonald's, all Papa Johns, or Variety. The McD's (expires March of 2010)card is good all over NW Ohio, lots of towns in NE Indiana (Muncie, Alexandria, Daleville, Marion, and many more), and all over Dayton and Miami Valley. It has 28 really good discounts (mostly bogo) for salads, sandwiches, iced coffee, southern style chicken, ck. selects, etc. Papa Johns goes all the way down to Middletown! The variety card is good in the Greater Lima area. If anyone is interested, let me know. I'll mail you a card and send a stamped envelope for you to return payment. This sale ends Tuesday, so let me know ASAP! :) Have a great weekend! Greg and I are taking off for a short Valentine vacation (very short), and are looking forward to it!

p.s. If you are headed to Dayton for IHC the Peeler would be a great investment, considering McD's is one of the only close fast food options!

Kaitlynn's Krazy Komment (wow I'm getting kreative)...

Tonight we were flying around (as usual) preparing for church, when I told Kaitlynn to go brush her teeth. She replied, "I can't. God doesn't want me to brush my teeth on Sunday." I quickly responded, "I'm very sure that God wants you to listen to your mommy and go brush your teeth." Never mind that it's Wednesday, not Sunday! And...if brushing one's teeth is her idea of Sabbath desecration, boy, do we ever have our work cut out!