Michael Brandt

He's here! Michael E. Brandt arrived on August 23rd, 2007. He's adorable as you can see--blonde and cute as a button. Michael is my third grandbaby, but my first grandson.

We are enjoying him have him close by. I can run over to squeeze him anytime I want. What a blessing!

Pins and Needles

I jump every time the phone rings. “Is it time?” I wonder.

My son and daughter-in-law are expecting their first baby within a week. My daughter-in-law, Wendy, looks ready to pop. Her belly button is pointing straight out and up. It salutes the world announcing, “A baby boy is about to arrive!”

They promised to call the minute they think she is having regular contractions. So, I linger by the phone with anxious expectation. I wait for it to ring and praise the Lord for His faithfulness in life.


But from everlasting to everlasting
the Lord's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children. (Psalm 103-17.)

10,000 Boxes

I just moved from one house to a new home. It wasn’t far. Only about five miles, but it was exhausting. I felt as if I packed 10,000 boxes. Then, I needed to unpack them. One week I emptied endless boxes into the correct cupboards and closets. I am still not finished. It seems as if I still have 500 boxes to go. Moving is overwhelming.

However, it has given me a new appreciation for Abram and Sarai.

Then the Lord told Abram, "Leave your country, your relatives, and your father's house, and go to the land that I will show you. So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. He took his wife, Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all his wealth—his livestock and all the people who had joined his household at Haran—and finally arrived in Canaan.
Genesis 12:1, 4-5 (NLT)

Abram and Sarai moved “all his wealth” which would have included camels and sheep. They couldn’t rent a moving truck. The couple slept in dusty tents. Sand filled their sandals as they traveled to their new home. Plus, Abram was seventy-five years old. YIKES!

My moving adventure has caused me to pause and consider “all my wealth”. Although, my wealth fit into tidy cardboard boxes the move truly did seem as if I had 10,000 boxes of stuff. Stuff, I really do not need or use very often. I admit I have grumbled about the inconveniences of moving all my wealth.

However, after reading about Abram and Sarai, I think I will stop the grumbling and with gratitude go unpack my last few boxes. I will be thankful for my new home and for the abundance that God has blessed my family.

Now which room is box 499 in?

Susanne