Is it really July?

It seems like we were just celebrating Christmas and now we have passed July 4th!! I actually spent a very quiet 4th and I enjoyed it a lot! I wasn't totally alone ... I was at Tim and Susan's and they were at the lake with friends. (Don't worry, I wasn't offended -- I had plans, too, but had some down time on the evening of the 4th.)

Keelan was there to keep me company! He may be a pretty large golden lab but he has more personality than some people! When I arrived at Tim and Susan's on Wednesday, Tim gave me a hug and Keelan protested vehemently. He doesn't even like Tim to give Susan a hug and tries to nudge his way between them. With his strength, it might be a little difficult to not let him get his way!!

So, when I heard the beginnings of a fireworks display, I thought I would look out the back door and to my amazement, framed in by trees was one of the biggest, most beautiful display I have seen. So, there we stood or sat ... I stood leaning on the porch railing and Keelan sat at attention right beside me. I think he thought I was rather crazy when I said, "Well, Keelan, would you look at that one?" What a beautiful evening!!

Okay ... gotta catch up ... sometime!!

I sit down to update my blog and am almost at a loss at to what to share. So many things happening -- from the General Assembly of the Nazarene Church in Orlando to a trip to Atlanta where it is slightly cooler than home!! It seems like time travels so quickly!!

Loved being a part of the General Assembly -- not as a delegate or anything so important, but just to sit in and listen. To the election of three new general superintendents to the discussion of many resolutions, it was interesting and sometimes quite enlightening. The interesting was when a general superintendent was elected, asked if he could take some time to decide, accepted and then rescinded the election the next morning.

I always enjoy visiting the exhibits and there were many -- as I looked at the Olivet display, I recognized one of the faces ... hmmmm ... looks like my niece!! And it is!!

So ... I think I'll wait until later to write up a description of the week .. then again, I may not since I don't want to bore anyone by tedious details that no one really cares to know about!! Oh, well .. I must be getting tired!! :)

Look out, world, here I come!

Need I say more?

The Boys and the Girls

Yesterday was Father's Day ... like whoever is reading this didn't know! Each year is different yet unique. This year was different since Rachel was here with me and our four brothers were with our dad. Usually at least one of us is also with Dad and as I was thinking about that, I realized that Dad is always making sure his gals are doing okay. This time, he spent the day with his boys! And I thought what a great thing that was. Oh, he missed us being there -- especially Rachel as she lives nearby and visits him almost every day. I knew that Mark would have his camera handy and he did, of course.

The Southerland clan had a nice warm welcome to Florida -- actually, much warmer than they really wished for. The Church of the Nazarene is holding its General Assembly this week and next in Orlando ... even their website has warned of the above average temperatures here in Florida. All those folks who complain about our summers will go away convinced that they were accurate in their descriptions. Not realizing that this is actually unusual!! Oh, well, I'm sure we won't convince anyone but we shall surely enjoy our winters while they freeze!

While our pool isn't that large, the kids loved it ... so much so that when the pool company came to service the pool today, they had to 'shock' it ... but it was worth the 'shock' as the kids seem to have a grand time.

My sister left some of the 'starter' for her bread .. I actually think she is a little too optimistic about my abilities in the bread making business. Can you believe this and it is the truth ... she started making bread 14 years ago ... and since she began with her original starter, she has never quit ... never missed ... always has fresh bread every week. Oh, she's not necessarily the typical "House on the Prairie" mom nor professes to be, but she does have freshly baked bread which melts in your mouth!! I'm afraid I tried it once and killed the starter before it really got started! I have no green thumb nor can I bake bread -- doesn't sound too good, does it? Oh, well ...

So, here's to my brothers who spent Father's Day with Dad and made his day!! Literally!

Two Father's Day Posts

Below are two posts honoring the two very special men in my life -- my father, RC Boynton, and my husband, Bob Bedford.

Honoring my dad on Father's Day ...

Dear Dad,

Happy Father’s Day!

It seems like just yesterday I was a little gal graduating from kindergarten. I was probably the only kindergartener there with a corsage – an orchid, of course – and I also remember the dress I was wearing as I am sure you checked and double-checked to make sure my sash was tied and that it was straight! Mother was in the hospital but you made sure that my night was perfect. (For those that don’t know, the orchid was yours and Mother’s flower and that is being carried down through the generations!)

Through the years, you did your best to be the very best dad a girl could have. From teaching me how to ride a bike to building a sandbox (house) in our backyard in Monmouth, from helping us make a “Congratulations” sign to show Mother at the hospital (that big banner!) when Mark was born to being brave enough to ride with me when I was a new driver; and from letting me know I was one of your three sweethearts to walking me down the aisle to meet mine … you have always been the epitome of what a father should be. You taught me courtesy and to always say “thank you” when someone opened a door for me. Oh, and you also taught me proper English … adverbs, adverbs and adverbs!! And the ‘may’ and ‘can’ and ‘well’ and ‘good’, etc.!

I remember special times … watching the Monmouth High School band practice across the street from our house when you pastored in Monmouth, Illinois, walking to Long View Park in Rock Island almost every night after supper and giving me under pushes on the swings, taking rides as a family and finishing it off with a stop at A&W where they had the mini-mugs for us kids to going ice skating --- well, we don’t want to remember all those times since it was on one of those occasions that Mother broke her wrist! We didn’t know she was pregnant with Rachel at the time!

I remember the trips we took across the country when you would incorporate a vacation into a trip to a camp meeting where you would be the speaker. We have photos to show that we actually threw snowballs on a mountain side and have memories of driving through South Dakota at night when we saw the eerie hue from Mt. Rushmore (that was spooky!) Those were the days when the interstate consisted of a winding two-lane road!

I remember the trip to New Mexico when we visited the Navajo Indian reservation and you and Mother headed on up the mountain to minister – and she came back severely sunburned. We drove up a mesa and it scared me to death – no guard rails – which brings another memory to mind – riding up Pike’s Peak in a car when I was just little! But those trips made wonderful memories!

I remember campmeetings and friends … and even boys along the way. And, of course, my three little brothers, Mark, Joel and Thad, who trailed after me. At times, perhaps I may have thought it irritating yet in retrospect, I really don’t remember feeling that way. It was just a given that they would be there – and I think if I would look behind me now from time to time, I would see those same brothers (now 6’ tall and taller) in my shadow especially now that Mother has gone on to heaven.

I remember thinking – rather knowing – that you had to be the best preacher in the world and I enjoyed every time you preached (except the time when someone put a calendar on the pulpit to emphasize that maybe your messages were too long – after which you shortened them – ha!!) All kidding aside, your ministry has been deep and far reaching. I loved the humor you always incorporated into your messages. And I will always remember the illustration of when I got lost in the store and you heard “Daddy!” and came running to find me – you likened that to our heavenly Father who is so alert to his children’s cries!

I remember you listening for our cries at night – I remember standing at the top of the stairs telling you I couldn’t get to sleep and you coming up to sit beside me. And I remember you taking the “night shift” role as Mother had the “day shift”. While I know that she would have taken care of us, I never remember her having to come to us at night – you are always there in an instant – even when we all got sick after eating pizza on my 16th birthday!

I remember when you felt the calling to train young people for ministry and we moved to Rock Island, Illinois. My memories of those days including climbing trees (I know – a little crazy) in our backyard on 16th Street and also out on the property where the Bible Missionary Institute now stands. I remember pestering students that probably wanted me to disappear at times and at other times used me to carry their love notes … ahem, Larry & Trisha Jewett!!

I remember when the administration building was going up and a guy fell off the roof. I remember friendships I made during those years that would last a lifetime! I know you question some of your decisions and wonder if you neglected us (kids) during that time but I think we were blessed by having a lot of friends around and I dreaded the summers when the students returned home!

I remember other family times over the years .. the pets you allowed us to have – from my cat, Speckles, to Tim’s dog, Rusty! And the ping-pong games. Even after all of us were grown and Bob and Allen joined in –what fierce competition!!

I remember our trips to Grandma Nelson’s house and how “Uncle Dick” was a favorite! And the great political discussions between you and Uncle Chuck! And our visits to Uncle Ben and Aunt Beverly’s house – your older brother who went to heaven quite a few years ago. You were truly the closest of brothers! And I know you have missed him so much!

I remember you telling us of your growing up years in such poverty. Then going off to service after getting married – married more quickly than you may have planned since you really expected to never return home as you were heading to the front lines in World War II. But, you did and found your way to Olivet Nazarene College (University now) … and then, I came along! I still love the photo of you and Bob Knuth campaigning for student body president and treasurer and you won and served well! Not that I’m surprised! And while Bob Knuth has gone on to be with Jesus, I’m so glad that his family continues to be close friends to all of us!

I remember how my friends all thought I had the most handsome father in the world! To me you were my dad but I’ll admit, I was rather proud that you were such a great looking guy!

I remember especially the day in September, 1964 when you called from the hospital to let me know I had a baby sister and I let out one great scream! I was so excited – and you know that I couldn’t have a closer friend than I do in Rachel.

The years have flown by and there have been tough times – especially when you said ‘good-bye’ to the love of your life a couple years ago. We know that while you are still here with us, part of you is with Mother in heaven already. And that is understandable since you were married for almost 62 years! You set the example of godly parents for us! We knew that you prayed for us daily – we felt those prayers and continue to feel them on a daily basis.

As I see you sitting in your wheelchair and at times having a very difficult time holding your head up physically, I still remember the dad that welcomed us into your lap … or letting us turn flips over your legs you had stretched out to a footstool. I remember you opening the car door for Mother and us gals … and always being on the outside when walking along a sidewalk. You were and continue to be a true gentleman. I see and hear comments on that when I visit with you.

I also see you now struggling over the past … and second guessing decisions you made. I admire you and respect you more than ever for coming to each of us children and apologizing for mistakes you made in perhaps being too rigid. As I listened to you share at the BMI reunion a few years ago, I watched as there was hardly a dry eye as you told of some of your regrets … yet, Dad, I see so many who are in ministry now who were impacted by your life back then. Did you make mistakes? Everyone does – but I never doubted your motive and your passion – a love for young people!! And please don’t every forget that! You have a depth of love not all people have and we were so blessed by being able to call you “Dad”!

Our roles are changing and in a way, it is sad. However, on a humorous note, I remember when I was a child and thought that when you turned 50, you would probably die and I was grieving that already as a child. But, you just celebrated your 84th birthday and I am nearing the 60 mark!

So, Dad, on Father’s Day, while you may be in a wheelchair and your body bent over so that I am now taller than you are, you are still that same giant of a man who tucked me in bed, who made sure the stray hairs were in place, who caught me when I was trying to ride a bike, who walked me down the aisle to meet my groom … and who has been an awesome dad and grandfather to our children. Your commitment to God and to your family is a great example of unconditional love.

So, thank you for being …. My dad! I am so very blessed and just wanted to tell you that again on this Father’s Day!

Love,

Linda

Happy Father's Day, Bob!

Hon,

While I know Father’s Day is a time to honor your own father, I also always want to honor you as the father of our children. The relationship you have with each one is unique and for that, I am so grateful. I am also grateful that you allowed them to make choices – I know the one that sticks out in Sandi’s mind is when you told her she needed to make a choice between two options – neither one was a bad choice, but she would have to live with the consequences of either one.

I want to take time to thank you for your godly influence on our girls’ lives. During this time, it shows what influence you have had because of their unwavering commitment and devotion to you. While they didn’t always like the decisions you may have made for them, they never doubted that it was out of a deep love for them that you made those very decisions.

Your consistency in serving God and in your lifestyle has probably been one of the greatest influences on them. They don’t worry like so many do how you will react. Oh, they know there are times when you will raise an eyebrow or express disappointment, but they still know the consistency of your love and support.

So, on this Father’s Day, I thank you for …

· Putting up with my ups and downs during pregnancy and motherhood! If you hadn’t had the patience you do, who knows where we would be.
· Taking the girls to the doctor when I was scared to do so – like when Teri stuck her finger in the back massager and Sandi had the bicycle accident. Your strength in those times made special memories along with giving me a special sense of comfort.
· For taking us all over the country on vacations. I knew that those times will be treasured for a lifetime. The memories we made – ones we would laugh at and some we would shake our heads at and wonder, “What were we thinking?”
· For wanting to be right beside me when our girls were born … even though I wasn’t sure I liked it when you informed me of the progress you would see from the monitor and I was ahead of that about 15 seconds! But, you had the right motive and that was to let me know I was … making progress!!
· For being there when we wondered whether Shonna would live … I was an emotional basket case but you were strong and I needed that more than I probably realized.
· For spending time while the girls were growing up teaching them God’s Word – for the stories from Character Sketches and being patient to answer questions they might have.
· For helping with homework although the girls did well in keeping up with that themselves. We were blessed in that area!
· For doing the tough stuff … like making Teri sign an agreement after making some bad choices in her life and yet, being willing to love her no matter what.
· For helping the girls out financially when I know you felt like it was probably an unwise decision – and yet, knowing when to say “no” even though I still had a soft heart!
· For letting the girls know that no matter who needed your attention, we were the most important people in your life and that when everything seemed to be going wrong, we were a family!
· For living out your spiritual message – before you ever shared it with others and knowing that your daughters would confirm what you shared – a great testimony!
· For loving your grandchildren more than any grandfather I know. And while going through this circumstance, being right there with notes of encouragement along the way .. even though I know it is so difficult to be away from them.
· For teaching the girls the greatest principles in life! What a joy it is to watch them live out those principles daily … do they make mistakes? Of course, yet I am convinced that they have a firm basis and for that, I give you lots of credit! It’s back to the consistency in life … knowing that no matter what happened, you wouldn’t change – and while I’m not going to do as Elaine did and compare you to God the way she did (ha!), I do want to say that I believe your consistency is an outflow of a godly life and for that, I am doubly grateful.

Thank you for being consistent when I was on a roller coaster of emotions ... it was that constant, unwavering -- yes, even unemotional responses -- steadiness which kept me grounded.

I watch the girls in ministry and I am blessed again and again. I see your wisdom flowing out of them .. I know they are a mix of us both and perhaps that makes them a complete person! Well, at least, they are working on it!

So, I am very blessed to have you not just as my husband but as our children’s father. I couldn’t think of anyone I would ever want more! And I know that I was a little hard on you (probably a lot hard) after we were married comparing you to my dad. I couldn't understand your differences but now I appreciate them ... your strengths are in different areas.

I love you much and look forward to many more years together … the best is yet to come .. I’m convinced of that!

Happy Father’s Day!!

All my love,

Lin

Busy, fun days ....

Rachel and her family arrived about 5:15am Monday morning ... early!! They had driven through the night so I left a key hidden for them. I never heard them arrive -- even though there were 7 of them!

They are 'hitting' Adventure Island and Busch Gardens this week before heading over to Orlando on Sunday.

It's always fun to have family -- right now, Seth (9) and Tyler (8) are out in our pool having a great time -- at least, I'm sure it's great since I can hear water splashing. Seth opted out of going with the family today -- they actually have 14 day passes so it's not so urgent for him to be with them. He was sure he just wanted to hang out here today!

I can't believe it's the middle of June already -- it seems we take a deep breath and a month has passed! Kids are growing ... fast! I loved what Tyler told Sandi and me a couple days ago after Rachel and Allen had arrived. He was certain that Shaley, 12, and Juliana, 11, had literally grown up overnight. He stated, "Shaley and Juliana have really grown up. They're AMAZING! I think they're out of college now!" So much for an 8 year old's perspective!!

And Ava ... she's 7 months old now, pulling herself up then proudly showing us that she can hold on with just one hand! She crawls so fast that you have to race to keep up with her! And she can wave 'hi' and even say "Hi" now. Just like her grammy (Roxanne) who said her first word, "Hi" when she was also 7 months old! What fun we are having watching her growing up.

But, time passes way to quickly for me ... Just yesterday, Roxanne was a baby -- now she is a grandmother -- so, of course, that makes me a great grandmother and I am certainly not ready to be that old yet!

Father's Day is just around the corner ... literally. And as I ponder that, I'm reminded that I have two of the best fathers in the world .. my own dad who has been an awesome father and my husband, who has been a wonderful father to our four daughters! For that, I am extremely blessed!

I Feel Special!!

The LINDA Convention is just around the corner and the Florida Linda's are hosting it ... don't we feel so special that we have a convention just for us?? :)

Remembering my mother on her birthday!

My dad has asked me about the photo above several times over the past few weeks. He loved the photo of my mother especially and described it as "the photo that Uncle Wayne took with you standing between us, your arms in the air." I found the photo today -- on what would have been my mother's 84th birthday!

It hardly seems possible that she has been gone 2-1/2 years. I was driving down the road today and thought, "I'll give my mom a call" but, of course, caught myself before making the actual call. However, there was another reminder from one of the on-line card companies which sent me a reminder of her birthday!

Little Ava June was named after my mother whose name was Naomi June. For some reason, a lot of us seem to call her "Ava June" rather than just "Ava". I'm not sure if it's a name that seems to just run together or whether it is a reminder of my mother.

On a humorous note, it was my mother who called all the kids to remind them to call one of the others on their birthdays. We tried to beat her to the punch by making the call early so we could tell her, "Mom, we already did it!" (I actually sent a birthday text to Shonna at 12:04am on her birthday -- Mother would be soooo proud!)

And while I miss talking to her, I'm sure that most of us would say that we miss her prayer support most of all. To be able to pick up a phone and say, "Mom, Grandma, we need your prayers today" ... was such a treasure. From major decisions to prayer for a test in school, we all knew that whatever she was doing, she would set aside time to pray for that situation immediately. And early in the morning, you would find her in her 'chair' with her Bible and prayer list in front of her -- and while she might doze off somewhere during that time, she didn't leave until all of her brood had been prayed for that day!

So, Mother, we sure hope you are having an awesome birthday in heaven! And we make a promise that one day, we will be there to join you in an even bigger celebration.