Jumping and Hugging

I was laying by the pool today drifting in and out of conscienceness, when I heard a kid in the pool talking to his friend. "I wish the whole ground was a trampoline", he said. "Then I would just jump everywhere!". I thought, what a neat idea......and one that at my age I just wouldn't think to think! I wish the earth was a trampoline too! I wanna jump everywhere! And then I realized how much I need to get back to the "fun" in life.....

I was at work the other day, and as I walked a child out to their parent, I witnessed a two-year-old walk boldly up to an unknown two-year-old, arms out-stretched, and almost pummeled the other over with a HUG! The receiving child just stood there, not knowing quite what to make of this gesture, but not avoiding it either. And I thought, it's too bad we can't just walk up to complete strangers and hug them without any reason, pretense, or even introduction.

"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3

"The humility of children is disarming, isn't it? There is no pride or prejudice. There are no inhibitions or hidden agendas. Undiluted humility. There is an Eden-like innocence that children possess that all of us crave."
- Mark Batterson from In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day

Wouldn't the world be a more fun and loving place if we did more jumping and hugging? Wouldn't our faith be less shaken if we got back to our child-like hearts! We've much to learn from the young ones........much to learn.

*dedicated to the young ones in my life that are so precious: Lindsey, Jacob, Sophia, Calvin, Stephen, Alex, Heidi, Caroline, Chloe, Hok'sila, Connor, etc...and to all the new lives that are just entering or about to enter this crazy world!

Remembering Dads

Today is Father's Day and I thought it only appropriate to post a tribute to my dad....and then I found the first picture of my dad with his dad (my grandpa) and my brother, Jeff, and I thought it was a great generation picture! I know that my father had such a great father, and in turn, he has been the most excellent dad a girl could ask for.

Sure, as a teenager, I thought he was always wrong and never understood me, but what kid doesn't go through that. As an adult, I've grown to respect my dad so much for the values, beliefs, and strengths he instilled in me since childhood.

I'll never forget singing around the dinner table with my dad playing guitar to praise songs. Today, I play guitar and sing praise songs at church, and I thank him for the inspiration. On a few occasions, in the past couple of years, we've had the opportunity to play guitar together in the living room, and I've cherished those memories.

My dad has always loved fishing, boating, even making a canoe with his own hands, carpentry, gardening, tennis, football games, crabbing, and golf. Not every kid gets to learn how to catch crabs and then cook them up and eat them at the beach. And I know that some of my creativity in making things comes from my father, but I do have to give some credit to mom (sorry, dad!)......Appreciation for the outdoors, camping, and fishing, I love because of my dad. Not to mention BLT's with fresh garden tomatoes, corn on the cob, and open face liverwurst sandwiches on rye (from grandpa!)......

So, on this day of remembering dads, I am so honored that I can claim such an amazing earthly father. I can only give thanks and praise to my heavenly Father for such a blessing as this.

My dad has been such a great example of providence, kindness, discipline (because he loves us), humility, intelligence (wisdom), strength, love, patience, and generosity. He has loved me even when I've been unlovable. He has given, even though he knows that he may not receive. He has sacrificed, worked hard, and had so many amazing achievements both in his family life and in business. He has instilled in me a hard work ethic and a desire to do my best in all things. I respect, admire, and have always looked up to him so much!

Today, I get such a thrill out of watching him with all 5 of his grandchildren. I'm so glad they get to be so close to him and learn from him. The bottom picture is him playing guitar with the oldest, Lindsey (now 6 years old!). Maybe she'll be inspired to play too someday....she is already a great singer!

I know that my dad will always be there for all of us and that he will do anything to prevent us from hurting. He has always protected the ones he loves....

Lord, bless my father today......give him rest, joy, and peace.....continue to grow him up in wisdom and truth and rejoice over him with singing. Shower him with blessings and overwhelm him with Your unfailing love. Protect him and keep him safe. For the glory of Your name!

Thank you dad for being you.....and thank you God for making my dad!

Happy Father's Day Dad! I love you so much and wish I wasn't so far away!

Kristen Beth

It's Never Too Late!

I'm so proud of my mom! I flew home this weekend to attend the graduation ceremony of my mother from Eastern Michigan University.

She gradutated at the age of 65 from nursing school after many years of intensive and vigorous studying of sciences and the human body. She gradutated with honors, magna cum laude! She graduated proudly and with 15 family members there to cheer her on, including 4 of her children and 6 of her grandchildren. She walked across the stage in her black cap and gown, and thanked her friends, family, and faculty for standing by her during her pursuit of collegiate achievement.

It brought tears of joy to my eyes to think about how excited she must be to have this day finally come and to be able to celebrate with the people that love her most. It reminded me that it's never too late to do anything, if you set your mind to it and never give up on your dreams. I never thought that she needed to go to school to prove herself to anyone. Her acheivements in life have been grand thus far, but she did it and I applaud and support her! Thanks mom, you are truly an inspiration and I am honored and be your daughter!

My mom gradutated from college this weekend at the age of 65.....I wouldn't have missed it for the world!

Cheers!

Sophia Was a Wee Little Girl

My little niece, Sophia, just had a birthday....she is 2!! I am missing out on most of her life and that makes me sad. Today, there is a big hole in my heart for my family. Sometimes I wonder why I have to live so far away. Sometimes I want to get into my car and just drive 12 long hours just to give them hugs. Sometimes I just want to be loved by the ones that will always be there for me unconditionally. There have been many people I've shared seasons with that hold a special place in my heart and I miss them more than I can express. But, today, I miss my family in Michigan....Mom, Dad, Deborah, Adam, Lindsey, Jakey, Fia, Jeff, Michelle, Calvin.....and there's a new little Schneider boy making his way into the world soon that will just be one more person for me to miss!

And not to forget, Laura, in DC....I cried today listening to:
"There's only us, there's only this, forget regret, or life is yours to miss....no other road, no other way, no day but today! There's only now, there's only here, give in to love, or live in fear...."

The Lord has brought me here to Atlanta.....I know that it is His will and I know that He will ease the pain. The joy is in the memories and the anticipation of reunion. It just boggles my mind that such "wee" little people can have such a BIG place in our hearts.....Happy Birthday Fia! I love you! and Happy Birthday Adam! Family, I'm coming home soon!

"Oh, what I would give, to have the things that mean the most not to mean the things I miss..." Indigo Girls (Language or the Kiss)