Tag: children

humor, Quotes, Uncategorized, Women

10 Quotes on Living in an Empty Nest

Our family has had 3 graduation this year – two from High School and one from College. Yes, we are blessed and so proud of all of our 6 kids. But, can I ask, “Now what?” We still have one son at home, at least for one more semester.  My son went to visit family for the next 2 weeks, so here my husband and I sit. We have 2 older kids who are doing amazing and are out on their own.

We have finished 3 Netflix series this week. I am just about caught up on laundry. I haven’t cooked in days. How do you people do this? This changing seasons things is very confusing for this Mama. I feel all flustered!

So I went looking for wisdom. Here are some great quotes about living in the empty nest!

10  Quotes on Living in the Empty Nest

  1. “It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves, that will make them successful human beings.” —Ann Landers
  2. “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” —Robert Bault
  3. “When mothers talk about the depression of the empty nest, they’re not mourning the passing of all those wet towels on the floor, or the music that numbs your teeth, or even the bottle of capless shampoo dribbling down the shower drain. They’re upset because they’ve gone from supervisor of a child’s life to a spectator. It’s like being the vice president of the United States.” — Erma Bombeck
  4. “A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.” — Agatha Christie
  5. “Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back and reasons to stay.” — The Dalai Lama
  6. “The day a child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult; the day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.” ― Alden Nowlan
  7. “The best way to keep children at home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant, and let the air out of the tires.” ― Dorothy Parker
  8. “Graduation day is tough for adults. They go to the ceremony as parents. They come home as contemporaries. After twenty-two years of child-rearing, they are unemployed.” ― Erma Bombeck
  9. “I want my children to have all the things I couldn’t afford. Then I want to move in with them.” ― Phyllis Diller
  10. “All of us have moments in our lives that test our courage. Taking children into a house with white carpet is one of them. ” ― — Erma Bombeck

 

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faith, God, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

The Simple Joy of a Child

The simple joy of a child

Brings hope and optimism

To all they touch

Innocence personified

With goodness and unconditional love

For everyone, everywhere.

 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them,  and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. – Matthew 18:1-5 

Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.  But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.  Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”  And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. – Mark 10:13-16 

Deliverance, faith, God, Music, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality, Worship

When a Little Child Dances

God taught me something today – through the eyes of a little child.  Let’s call him E. He is less than 1 – I think about 6 or 8 months. I play in a worship band every Sunday. We are all over 40-50+.  Yet we have fun worshipping the Lord Almighty and bringing his people into the presence of God.  Every week little E comes to dance.  Sometimes he dances in back by his parents. Today was different. Little E came right onto the stage and started dancing! It moved my heart beyond belief.  I scooped him up in my arms and brought him to my piano. He stayed for a moment and played. Praise God!

Then I went and visited my granddaughter. She is the same age.  I brought her a little people farm truck that made music. Guess what she did?  DJ  started to dance!  Oh the power of a dance. I truly believe that we bring God joy when we dance in His presence. I wish more of God’s people would let loose and dance before the Lord. David danced – and look what happened!

Let go today. Rejoice in His presence and dance for joy for all that He has done!

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, – Psalm 30:11

 

 It happened as they were coming, when David returned from killing the Philistine, that the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy and with musical instruments. The women sang as they played, and said, “Saul has slain his thousands, And David his ten thousands.” 1 Samuel 18:6-7
Then David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet.- 2 samuel 6:14-15 NKJV

 

 

 

Music, Psalms, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

You Can’t Believe Everything You See

I got a great life lesson this week. My gas gauge broke in my truck. The first day i ran over a curb with my back right tire it shook something loose. Now that morning I had put in $20. I did my errands and was on my way to music practice. I glanced at my gas gauge and started to panic – it was below E.  All these thoughts started running through my head.

” Am I leaking gas?”

“Did I not put in enough gas?”

“Wtf?”

“Is this thing going to start on fire?”

So I stopped and put in another $10.  As I drove it, it still registered below E. Last week we had torrential rains and I know it got soaked.  After music practice the gauge worked again and it showed 1/2 tank. Whew! I thought it was fixed. But now over the last few days it sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t. My husband looked up how to fix it – we have to take the bed off the truck and put in some new parts. The lesson I learned?

 

Just because it looks empty doesn’t mean it is!

 

This is true with our lives as well. Just when things look the darkest God shows up to show Himself strong. Right when we are at the end of our rope He gently pulls us down and catches us. Just because you don’t see your miracle yet, don’t give up! The Lord of the Universe is on your side and working all things together for your good. He is a Good, Good Father and He loves you. He will make a way where there seems to be no way – that’s who He is!

Good Good Father by Chris Tomlin

 

I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think You’re like
But I’ve heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night
You tell me that you’re pleased and that I’m never alone

You’re a good, good Father
It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am

I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we’re all searching for answers only You provide
Because You know just what we need before we say a word

You’re a good, good Father
It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
And I’m loved by you
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am

You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us

You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us

Love so undeniable I can hardly speak
Peace so un-explainable I can hardly think
As you call me deeper still
As you call me deeper still
As you call me deeper still
Into love, love, love.

You’re a good, good Father
It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am

You’re a good, good Father
It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am

(repeat)

You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways

 

Spirituality, Teen Bible Study

Why Dance with Death?

I recently started a new book from my Pastor. It’s written by a Pastor Tim Baker, and it’s called DEWITCHED – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE DANGERS OF WICCA & WITCHCRAFT. It’s written from a Christian Perspective and compares Christianity, Wicca, and Satanism.

I have teenagers. And I have worked in the school district. Have you been to a Scholastic Book Fair lately? How about the Young Adult Section at the library? Wicca and Witchcraft books abound. They are enticing our children, and this is one mom who says NO! So, I am arming myself – and preparing for battle. Our children’s lives are at sake, and their salvation. I admit, I used to be ignorant. No more. Our children are reading about it at school. Yeah, really. It’s time we wake up.

Here is an excerpt from GoodReads:

Wicca is the fastest-growing religion on today’s college campuses, and is even featured on the covers of popular teen magazines. Christian teens need to know what to believe when it comes to witchcraft. Dewitched equips teens to carry on intelligent conversation with someone from a Wiccan background, know how to defend their faith to a Wiccan, and notice signs of Wicca or witchcraft in their culture.

Dewitched is the must-have resource for any teen, youth pastor, or parent who wants good solid information and advice from a Christian perspective about this popular but dangerous religion.

(Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1957993.Dewitched#other_reviews0

We all worship something. Some of us worship God, some worship Mother Earth and other gods/godesses, some worship Satan – but we all worship. We all follow something/someone. We all have a ‘code’ we live by. And we all get to choose.  I am not here to dishonor your choice. Your choice is your choice. And my choice is my choice. I would ask you to honor that as well.

After my post about How To Recognize a Witch That Comes to Church I had a very good conversation with a member of Wicca. She was kind and helped me understand their beliefs. I am not her Holy Spirit, and she is not mine. Thank you Cat for your comments. But today, more than ever we need to know what we believe an why we believe it.

According to DEWITCHED,  in Wicca they believe there is more than one God. They believe there may be many gods or goddesses.  This may be based in old Celtic religion. Wiccans do talk to dead spirits/family members. I don’t understand why someone would want to talk to a dead spirit. They are dead! To me that is dancing with death.

Also from the book, Wiccans usually meet outside and worship there with circles and pentagrams. There is a ceremony. They honor and worship the earth. They will use objects for their magic and create personal spell books.  They may take objects from someone who they are trying to convert. In the book there was a ceremony using a lock of hair, an object from another person,  and then they sealed it with their blood claiming that this person join their coven. Wiccans believe in magic (or magik) and harness this power/energy when they perform their rituals. This energy may be used for good, or for evil, it is up to the Witch.

In the book, Wiccans  may go to church, and then make friends with other teens there. Even attend youth group. But then they will ask their new friends to come to one of their services. Or maybe they will ask your teen if they could do a tarot card reading, read an ‘aura’, or practice exiting your body and going into another plane of existence. It may start as simply as giving your teen a pentagram necklace to peak their curiosity. But I am only on Chapter 11, so I’ll have to fill you in on the ending…

It’s real, and it’s time we talk about it church. Because our kids are.

Yes, we all get to make our own choice. And again, it is up to each of us. As a parent I want to train my child in the way to go so when he/she is older they will not depart from it.  It’s not about who goes to church on Sunday; it’s about who has a relationship with Jesus Christ, the ONE and only true God. He is the Author of LIFE and lives in them and through them. I want my kids to know Him, to love Him and follow Him. Let them be a witness and a prayer warrior/warrioress. Let  them to be the one their friends come to when they need prayer because they know that God hears their prayers and answers.

Children of the King, who have received the deposit on their inheritance already; children who have been adopted into the family of God, no longer orphans, no longer comfortless – but comforted and secure in who they are in Christ. Children who know that they have been redeemed and forgiven by the blood of Jesus; children who know that Jesus died on the Cross for their sins. That His death was a substitute for theirs – yes, the Passover Lamb. And now, there is no need to be afraid. The price was paid for our disobedience.

Children who have been baptized in the NAME OF JESUS, and who hold within them the Power of the Living God with the Holy Spirit. Children who talk in tongues and bring the Kingdom of Heaven to the Kingdom of Earth. Children who are led by Jesus Himself! And greater is the One who is in us that he who is in the world!

(Photo Sources: todayschristianwoman.com, Pinterest, Amazon)

Healing, Quotes, Rejection, Spirituality

Learning What We Live

 

 

 

I came across this picture on Pinterest. I remember how true it is. And then I remember that anything I learned as a kid can be unlearned.  Not all the behaviors I learned will benefit me in my future. And I had to let go of the pain to move forward. I had to forgive the offenders, forgive myself, and forgive God. I got kind of mad at God for a while there. I think we all do at times. We have our perfect little life all planned out and then…well you know, something happens.  But can I share something with you? It’s ok. God will make good come out of it – He promised! And the best part of that is that after we gain new information we can always make a new choice.  Our endings can be much better than our beginnings!

 

Quotes About Learning From Our Mistakes and Moving On

 

“Your life was meant for more than being a life-long doormat for deadbeats, losers, gossipers, nay-sayers, dream-crushers, energy vampires, users, abusers, ragers and passive-aggressive backstabbers.” ― Bryant McGill, Simple Reminders: Inspiration for Living Your Best Life

 

“A teachable spirit and a humbleness to admit your ignorance or your mistake will save you a lot of pain. However, if you’re a person who knows it all, then you’ve got a lot of heavy-hearted experiences coming your way.” ― Ron Carpenter Jr., The Necessity of an Enemy: How the Battle You Face Is Your Best Opportunity

 

“You have to make the decision to let go of the past if you want to move forward.” ― Bryant McGill, Simple Reminders: Inspiration for Living Your Best Life

 

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” ― Phillipians 3:12-14 NIV

 

“Go back?” he thought. “No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!” So up he got, and trotted along with his little sword held in front of him and one hand feeling the wall, and his heart all of a patter and a pitter.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

 

“We are products of our past, but we don’t have to be prisoners of it.” ― Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?

 

“Stop focusing on your past mistakes. Don’t be ashamed of the things that you’ve done. We ALL have made mistakes. Don’t you see? All of those things helped shape you into the beautiful person that you are today! Hold your head up high because you didn’t allow your past mistakes to consume you. You learned! You conquered! You became a better YOU. Be proud of who you are TODAY!” ― Stephanie Lahart

 

“Mistakes should be examined, learned from, and discarded; not dwelled upon and stored.” ― Tim Fargo

 

“Many times what we perceive as an error or failure is actually a gift. And eventually we find that lessons learned from that discouraging experience prove to be of great worth.” ― Richelle E. Goodrich, Smile Anyway: Quotes, Verse, & Grumblings for Every Day of the Year

 

“We do not learn from experience… we learn from reflecting on experience.” ― John Dewey

 

“As my Popo used to say, life is a tapestry we weave day by day with threads of different colors, some heavy and dark, others thin and bright, all the threads having their uses. The stupid things I did are already in the tapestry, indelible, but I’m not going to be weighed down by them till I die. What’s done is done; I have to look ahead.” ― Isabel Allende, Maya’s Notebook

Boundaries, Bullying, Domestic Violence and Abuse, Jezebel, Narcissism, Rejection, Spirituality

Sweetie, It’s Not You, Your Dad is a Narcissist

This blog is a letter to my children. I have been married to 2 Narcissists in my life. The Church calls them Jezebel Spirits. Here is my life lesson. In my opinion a Narcissist does not know what love is. It is always all about them. We are not people – we are possessions. And in his eyes, we are here to bow down and worship him.  (sorry to be so blunt, but it’s true.)

NARCISSIST

1. a person who is overly self-involved, and often vain and selfish.
2. Psychoanalysis. a person who suffers from narcissism, deriving erotic gratification from admiration of his or her own physical or mental
attributes.

To all the children with a Narcissistic Parent:

You are old enough where we can have this conversation. I am so tired of the way he breaks your heart time and time again. Your tears break my heart. Every empty promise that brings you pain gives me pain too.

Can I share something with you? It’s not you. It’s not about anything you did or didn’t do. Sweetie, your father is a Narcissist.

According to Mythology:

Source:Wikpedia

In Greek mythology, Narcissus (/nɑrˈsɪsəs/; Greek: Νάρκισσος, Narkissos) was a hunter from the territory of Thespiae in Boeotia who was renowned for his beauty. He was the son of a river god named Cephissus and a nymph named Liriope.

He was exceptionally proud, in that he disdained those who loved him. Nemesis noticed this behavior and attracted Narcissus to a pool, where he saw his own reflection in the water and fell in love with it, not realizing it was merely an image. Unable to leave the beauty of his reflection, Narcissus drowned. Narcissus is the origin of the term narcissism, a fixation with oneself.

 

I am here to let you know that I love you. And I support you. I give you freedom to make your own choices and learn from your mistakes. I will be here to pick up the pieces when he degrades you and belittles you. I know what it feels like because he did it to me first.

 

I love you, and I will shelter you under the shadow of my wings just like God does for all of us. Put up the mirror around your heart and let his harsh words bounce off you as they are not true.  You are beautiful. You matter. You are smart. And I love you,

Mom

 

(Click on pictures to enlarge)

 

(All images from breakingupwithyournarcissist.com, Pinterest, brainwashingchildren.com, lattuera.com, Wikpedia, quotepixel.com, LaHuera.com)

Activism, Depression, Domestic Violence and Abuse, Poetry, Rejection

In His Glass

Here is a song/poem I wrote about my life lately. Yes, we went to court – again. And no – deadbeat dad is still not paying child support. I know I am not the only one here who deals with this. And yes, God is good and He has made up for all things. But I have to admit, it get’s frustrating. The ex went to jail for 5 days after getting picked up for not wearing a seat belt. There was a $24,000 bond on his head at the time as he decided to blow off the last two court appearances. Judges don’t like that.

So, after 5 days and only one payment this year the Judge asked me what I thought. Yes, the ex has been working – a union job with great pay and benefits. And yet he still chose not to pay his child support. My answer? Well, not what you would think that’s for sure. Must be a God thing. I asked the Judge to show him MERCY and give him the opportunity to work. Yep, I did.

The Judge said ok then and let my ex free without paying anything. He gave him a 90 day stay – which means he has 90 days to do the right thing. We even lowered the amount to make it easier. And here we are a month later – no child support. Seriously? Join me in praying for the ex will you? Not that I want to, but God tells me I have to. “Pray for your enemies.” And “Vengeance is mine says the Lord, I will repay” And then there is the one about “show mercy as I have shown you mercy.” And I really think my kids would fall apart if their dad went back to jail for the 3rd time. Ugggh…

So here I sit. And here I write. And pour out my troubles before my God. Thank you all for your love, your support, and your prayers. You hold me up when I can’t stand it anymore. You see every single mom out there trying to make it without help is a WIDOW. Yes, they got left, despite all their good intentions, their promises, and their attempts to make things work. And every child of divorce is ORPHANED. They did not ask for it either. And it is not their fault.   You don’t have to move them in but could you help them out a bit? Why do we kick the people who are down and judge the wounded?

Justice, what happened to Justice? Seriously, this whole child support system is broken. I think we should write some new laws for all the moms and kids out there who get left holding the bag – and all the bills. Deadbeat dads should not get to sit in jail with no bills, all their meals made for them and play cards all day. This is not working. How about some new laws for offenders? Let’s put the deadbeat dads to work on a farm or something, pay the moms so the kids can eat and keep the lights on, and let them work off their debt. Teach them how to work. Fix it, instead of giving them a place to run and hide from their responsibilities. Yes, people can change. But what is the incentive to do the right thing when you can get a free ‘jail-cation’?

My challenge to all of us this week – help a single mom. Money, gas, groceries, whatever. Just help someone with something. Pay it forward.

But then God surprises me. He sends someone. To stand alongside you when you are down. Not to kick you, but to help you up. I am grateful for the Samaritans that God has placed in my life and my husband’s life. Thanks Jeff – you show me what God’s love looks like. We all need help. Will you reach down and help another man/woman/child up this week?

In His Glass

Copyright 2014 Diana Rasmussen

Mommy needed a break
she had to get away
they left their house
her perfect family up in flames
Like a broken mirror
it’s shattered glass

Every girl wants her daddy to be the hero
Every boy believes he’s Superman
As God collects their tears as prayers
He fills His glass

Lawbreaker, rebel
Daddy’s refusing to change
Refusing to pay
cops took him away
They see him Saturdays
touch him through the glass

Every girl wants her daddy to be the hero
Every boy believes he’s Superman
As God collects their tears as prayers
He fills His glass

Daddy kept drowning his sorrows
Drinking his tomorrows
“Cheers!” he raises his glass,
Says, “just one more round”
will he ever turn around?

Every girl wants her daddy to be the hero
Every boy believes he’s Superman
As God collects their tears as prayers
He fills His glass

(all images from Pinterest)

Kingdom Authority, Spirituality, Word from the Lord

Giving Birth to New Things

Hallelujah! It’s baby time. Time for birthing new things!  Yes, carrying this ‘baby’ was hard, and long – but wait until you see what comes!  Yes, it was labor. Yes it was hard. But get ready for your new ‘baby”!

Remember finally delivering?

Remember that first cry?

And holding your baby for the first time?

 

New things are coming to the Kingdom – through the praises and dances of our children.

Get ready church, I have shivers just writing about it!

Your sons and daughters shall return as God turns their hearts back to the fathers.

And their song shall release Heaven on Earth!

 

 

Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord, your God; for He gives you the former or early rain in just measure and in righteousness, and He causes to come down for you the rain, the former rain and the latter rain, as before. -Joel 2:23 AMP
Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them. -Isaiah 42:9

 

Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! -2 Corinthians 5:17 AMP

 

You have heard [these things foretold], now you see this fulfillment. And will you not bear witness to it? I show you specified new things from this time forth, even hidden things [kept in reserve] which you have not known. -Isaiah 48:6 AMP

 

O sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have wrought salvation for Him. -Psalm 98: 1 AMP

For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth. And the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. -Isaiah 65:17 AMP

And He Who is seated on the throne said, See! I make all things new. Also He said, Record this, for these sayings are faithful (accurate, incorruptible, and trustworthy) and true (genuine). -Revelation 21:5 AMP

 

 

I would like to direct you to a few Words the Lord is sharing with us from some of the people I take direction from. Click for the link:

 

MIRACULOUS DELIVERIES – by Prophetess Jeanne Allen

YOU HAVE GOD’S FAVOR – by Apostle Gabriel Cross

 

Rejoice my brothers and sisters! God is birthing something into the atmosphere through YOU! He is creating new things through YOU! Release His word in your fields today, in Jesus Name.

 

Spirituality, Uncategorized, Videos

Back to School with Albert Einstein

In honor of all the  kids going back to school today I made this video. For my kids, for my Sunday School kids, for all the awesome friends my kids have, and all of you:  I pray God’s abundant blessings and favor upon each of you this year. May it be absolutely fantastic! And hey, why not Albert Einstein – God made and used him too!

 

 

 

Spirituality, Uncategorized

Another New Car?

Another new car? Seriously? The ex pulls in the driveway with yet another car. That’s the third one I’ve seen in the last few weeks. Yes, he is in trouble with the law – again. And yet I am court ordered to let him see our two kids. Sometimes he shows up. Sometimes he cancels. And here is mom, the master Piece Picker-upper. Yeah. You know how that goes. He promises one thing. Then cancels. And we moms get to pick up the pieces. All while keeping our mouths shut, because in the kids eyes – he is the Hero. Doesn’t make sense at all does it? Yeah, making $24/hour for almost  year and still not paying any child support. 

I have to believe in God and that He will make things right. Otherwise I would be back in the ‘I love me jacket’ and living in the ‘rubber room’ again. That wasn’t fun.  Well, good meds – I’ll give them that.  But skip the Seroquel – it makes me drool!  Oh the things you learn along the way on this journey. Laugh or cry – seriously.

So I sit. And I wait. And I make the choice to choose to believe that God really does know the ‘bigger picture’ and I may not. My parents divorced. I know what it is like – to love them both in different places. To be caught in the middle. (see Second Fiddle)

I am in a much better place. God rewrote my story…and I am grateful. I know love today. God restored my soul!

Music, Spirituality, Uncategorized, Videos

You Are Changing the World – For Moms

Happy Mother’s Day Mommy and Oma! We all love you, miss you, and celebrate YOU today. You are as awesome as ever, and our love for you never dies.
P.S. Have fun at the Angel dance tonight!

  Linda Rae Roelle

Linda Roelle (Aug. 2 1942 – Sept. 11, 2012)

Linda Rae (Alexander) Roelle, age 70, died peacefully on Sept. 11, 2012 in Reno, NV. She was born to Lewis Russell and Edith Grace (Krausman) Alexander on August 2, 1942 in Chicago, IL. She was a successful Real Estate Broker, with licenses in IL, MN, and NV. She also worked many years as a Costumer and Seamstress for area school plays, renaissance fairs and professional play houses alike.

Linda is survived by her children, Diana Lynn Rasmussen of Milton, WI, Sandra Marie Roelle of Eagle River, WI, and John Lewis Roelle, of Reno, NV, and her ten grandchildren, and her sisters, Lois Ferguson of Schaumburg, IL, Laraine Scott and husband,

Bill Scott, of Polo, IL, and Lee Anne Walles, of Zion, IL, along with all of their children. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Lenore Schmidt, and her brothers in law Rich Schmidt and Starr Ferguson.

A memorial has been established in Linda’s name at the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org). Linda did not want a memorial service, she asked that we remember her life. She was a blessing to all she met.

Published in Reno Gazette-Journal on Sept. 21, 2012

 

 Anna M Rasmussen (Oma)

Anna M. “Marianne” Rasmussen
(February 22, 1936 – January 29, 2012)

Anna M. “Marianne” Rasmussen Age 75 of Monroe, died Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Pleasant View Nursing Home following a courageous battle with cancer. Marianne was born February 22, 1936 in Wuerzburg, Germany, the Anna M. “Marianne” Rasmussen Age 75 of Monroe, died Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Pleasant View Nursing Home following a courageous battle with cancer. Marianne was born February 22, 1936 in Wuerzburg, Germany, the daughter of Heinrich and Elisabeth (Kraus) Bayer. She married LeRoy R. Rasmussen on December 23, 1954 in Wuerzburg. Following their marriage they were stationed in various locations while LeRoy was serving in the U.S. Army, before coming to Monroe in 1973. Marianne was employed at the Swiss Colony for 27 years, working mainly at the Swiss Colony Inn and Seventh Avenue Outlet before retiring in 1992. She was a Past President of the N.C.O. Wives Auxiliary and was a member of the Monroe Noon Optimists for several years. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, bowling, and crocheting (making many warm blankets for her family!). Aside from the love of her life (Lee), her children, and grandchildren, she especially loved her dog, Beaker who gave her much joy. She is survived by her husband, LeRoy Rasmussen of Monroe; two sons, Robert W. (Diana) Rasmussen of Milton, WI, Richard M. (Jennifer) Rasmussen of Palo Alto, CA; a daughter, Kirsten A. Rasmussen of Kalamazoo, MI; eight grandchildren, Jennifer, Amanda, Christian, Johnna, Timothy, Adam, Peter, and Oliver; her sister, Inge (Earl) Brockman of Monroe; her brother, Kurt Bayer of Germany; nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Beaker. She was preceded in death by her parents; and three brothers, Adolph, Karl-Heinz, and Franz Bayer. Anna loved her family. She often stated “We’re family-we need to stick together” and that’s what we did. She is the most beautiful woman, inside and out, that we have known.

(source: http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1382211&fh_id=11432)

 

YOU ARE CHANGING THE WORLD – ONE LITTLE HEARTBEAT AT A TIME

by Stephen Curtis Chapman

You’re up all night with a screaming baby
You run all day at the speed of life
And every day you feel a little bit less
Like the beautiful woman you are

So you fall in bed when you run out of hours
And you wonder if anything worth
Doing got done
Well maybe you just don’t know
Or maybe you’ve forgotten

That you you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time
Making history with every touch
And every smile
Oh you you may not see it now
But I believe that time will tell
How you you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time

With every I know you can do it
And every tear that you kiss away
So many little things that seem
To go unnoticed

They’re just like the drops of rain
Over time they become a river

You’re beautiful so beautiful
How you’re changing the world
Yeah you’re changing the world

I believe that you you are
Changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time

 

 

(Image sources: elmmonjerebelde.com, Pinterest, my family photos)