Deanna Mangold

Today I am grateful for...

Aunt D

 

 

So, I'm certain by now you've noticed that I have alot of aunts in my life.  Be they blood related, or not, yes, I have been blessed with an abundance of women with wisdom to impart and generosity overflowing.  I am so blessed.  Aunt Deanna, (Aunt D) is also my mom's sister,and the youngest of the sisters.  Like Auntie, I grew up having Aunt D in my life as a constant presence, mostly because we all attended the same church.  This made it nice because we could see our cousins at least once, if not twice each week - so we could always keep up with what was happening in each other's lives.  Aunt D's daughter, Margie (my cousin) is a mere 6 weeks my senior. That used to drive me CRAZY...now however, not so much! After all, this meant she turned 40 before I!  Margie and I were like sisters, and this meant that Aunt D, much like Auntie was another mother to me. 

 

My earlist memories are of Aunt D being my Sunday School teacher. I think I was about 5 or 6, and my birthday fell on a Sunday. She had everyone in the class (mostly my cousins, but a few friends as well) write me a birthday note and make me a card.  I came into the class and everyone was waiting to give me their contribution.  One thing one could always count on, was Aunt D having a camera. Yes, I do believe that she has immortalized me more than any other.  During my parents move, I came upon the photos of that birthday, and I enjoyed reminiscing all by myself.

 

For the most part, my memories of Aunt D when I was little consist of everyone together at church, holidays or family functions. I have many more personal memories of Aunt D and I as I became an adult.  There was one particular season in my life, I know it was after high school, and before I took my first real job, where we spent many nights each week together.  She asked me to begin helping her keep the records at church, and she would train me on these nights.  I would come from my apartment in Ypsilanti to her home in Westland, we would share dinner - Taco Bell, furnished by Aunt D - and we would get to work.  When I had learned the bookwork, we began to learn how to put the information on the computer. This is not, however, the computer that we all know and can't live without today. Oh no..we are talking about 100 pounds of gray plastic housing a 5 in by 5 in, amber or green colored screen, and the only mouse in the house was the old fashioned Mickey card hanging on the corkboard.  It was an exercise in torture trying to clean out old files, enter new ones and keep everything running .  We shared many laughs and tears over those weeks and months.

 

After I had my second bariatric surgery (about 10 years after a failed stomach stapling), Aunt D was there to bring me home.  I was supposed to be on liquids only, but I hadn't eaten in SOOOO long, I was ready for something...Spaghettios will do nicely!  She fixed me what I asked for, watch me take one delicious bite, and stayed with me while I threw up for the next 3 hours, in terrible pain! 

 

Aunt D taught me many things...mostly about bookeeping, organizing files, keeping track of invoices, etc.  When she was done, I was ready to take on the administrative duties for any major corporation. She is all about the details.

 

She also is a lover of all things "holiday". Not just Christmas...noooo, Aunt D decorated her hose and yard for every single holiday on the calendar. We are talking May Day, 4th of July, Labor Day and I bet she has some "Mardi Gras" decorations if she looked hard enough. Her home was always lit up and so festive.  I couldn't wait to see what it would look like.

 

We even spent some time cleaning our church together.  There is nothing that is more satisfying and rewarding than seeing an auditorium go from cluttered, dirty and disorganized, to sparkling and ready for Sunday.  There is such humility and honor in that position. We listened to music, talked, laughed, prayed and even cried sometimes.

 

When she lost her husband, my Uncle Rodger, she lost the love of her life. He passed just shortly after Jeff and I were married. I do believe his was one of the first funerals we attended together. Uncle Rog was something else...a definite character, yet, a man with character.  I know how much I miss him...I can't imagine how much she does.  It seems since then, she's been trying to find her new "normal".  She has moved and moved again, suffered accidents and painful surgeries with even more painful therapy and recoveries - but she never lets it get her down. She always has a word of encouragement for someone.  That is a true example of Christ in us.

 

I have enjoyed telling you all about the wonderful "Aunties" God has placed in my life...Aunt D, you are loved, missed, and most of all, appreciated!



Yvonne Porter

For the first time in 10 days, I missed my nightly post...I made a last minute decision to sleep over at my mom's, and with no internet connection, I was unable to do my blog for yesterday...but I'm determined to catch up, so..

Today I am thankful for...

Auntie

 

So, I've already told you that I feel there is a special relationship between aunts and neices in one of my earlier posts, and my relationship with my Aunt Yvonne...aka "Auntie" is no exception. Auntie is my moms sister, and has always been a big part of my life.

Some of my earliest memories are of family holidays at Aunties house. She really knows how to throw a party, and she taught me everything I know about entertaining. She always has an open door and word of encouragement for anyone in need. During the summer vacations, I would spend nearly one weekend a month over at Aunties house. We would watch movies, go shopping, and best of all, CRAFT! Auntie is one of the most talented and creative ladies I know. Sewing and quilting are her specialties. So how convenient that she works at JoAnn fabrics...like the mouse in charge of the cheese! Her basement is a mini JoAnns with anything and everytthing craft related. Any crafters dream!

Auntie has taught me so many things, and has always been more than generous to me and everyone she knows. There have been many times when I have complimented a piece of jewelry that she was wearing, or O a bag she was carrying only to have her take it off, or empty it out and give it to me on the spot. Her generous nature really knows no boundaries. One of my fondest memories is when I was turning 14. That year was one of the most challenging and difficult years of my life. I was no longer going to school by this time, as the rheumatoid arthritis that I battle was in full flair up.  I was pretty lonely. When my birthday rolled around, Auntie informed me that she would be throwing me a birthday party...and it was to be a sleepover! I invited some of my cousins and a few close friends. When we got to the house, it was a teenage girls dream party. Decorations started at the mailbox and got bigger and better as we made our way inside. There were goodie boxes made for each girl, with their name painted on it. They were filled with candy, treats, and all things girly! Her son, and my cousin Mark - then also 14 - was in a rock band, so I even had a band at my party!  It was everything I could have wanted for my 14th birthday.

Auntie's talent extends to music...the piano. Oh how I envy her ability. She can sit down and make a piano sing like none other.  I remember from my youngest days at church seeing her on the piano or the organ, pounding out praise and worship, or lightly playing a song while the Holy Spirit ministered throughout the congregation.  She has only just recently given this responsibility over, but I know she can still play.

She is also a wonderful sister and daughter.  Just a few weeks ago she and my other Aunt - Deanna (you'll hear more about her soon!) made the trip from Detroit to Muskegon with my grandma - my mom's mom.  They made it to surprise my mom who had just moved away and was feeling a little homesick. It was a long and tough drive with my elderly and blind grandma - and only for 2 days - but oh what a good time we had!

I could go on an on with memories of Auntie - but maybe another day.  For now, I will say good-bye and tell her how much I love her, and I hope she knows what an influence she has been on me!

Auntie, My mom and Aunt Dee!

Angela Terry

Today I am grateful for...

Angie Terry

 

As I was looking at my first several posts, I realized that the people I have been concentrating on are people who are in my life at the moment. However, there are friends from the past that I am very grateful for. Angie is one of those people. Our friendship isn't in the past, but time and distance have kept us apart...except for a last minute Black Friday shopping trip two Thanksgvings ago!

 

Angie was my BFF in Junior High, High School and in college...plus a few years beyond!  I can't really remember when we met, I just know it was during the mid 80's when big hair and big clothes were in style - and we had BOTH!  I just know that in 7th grade, she was there, and for once, someone was nice to the fat girl.  I had been overweight all my life, and by 7th grade I was at my all time high, but Ang didn't care.  We spent nearly every weekend together - at either one of our houses - doing everything from going shopping to watching videos...yes, we were there when MTV started!  It was nice to have someone who didn't care abouthow I looked and just liked me for me.

 

We went through Junior High and High School side by side - running in various elections and serving on committees together. I think the most fun year was our senior year. I was the Presdient of the Student Government, and Angie was the Parliamentarian. Though we knew little about parliamentary procedure, our meetings were always a good time AND excused absences from class!

 

We planned school programs and activities, and really had the high school experience..right down to riding together in the Homecoming parade in or senior year...behind the candidates for homecoming queen - we didn't want to be the homecoming queen ANYWAY!  LOL...

 

We spent nearly every single day from 7th grade through graduation together...we had hoped to walk in graduation together, however my friend was a great deal smarter than I, and we all know the smart kids walk in first!  With all the days of school I missed due to the arthritis, I was just happy to be in the number!  I did have the awesome experience of speaking at graduation - thankfully as our valedictorian decided to give his speech in Spanish...REALLY, Juan? I can remember hanging out at Captain Nemos Subs while she worked...what a job. Making, arguably, the best subs in Michigan, getting to eat the no shows orders, and talk to your friends. Oh, what I wouldn't do for a traditional sub, cut in half!! 

 

We attended Eastern Michigan University together the fall after graduation - I moved intothe dorms and Angie commuted from home.  It was this time that we began to grow apart..not in friendship, but just logistically...we couldn't spend as much time together.  We always carved time out of our busy schedules for lunch or meeting at parties or the mall. We worked at our friendship, and it paid off.

 

She was there with me on one of the most important days of my life...my wedding day. After all, I was right there on hers as well...one for her wedding it was VEGAS BABY!! We've made some really fun road trips, and since we both joined the travel club - we saw lots of the United States together.  We stood on top of the World Trade Center in 1989 or 1990 - having no idea what was to come.  Nashville was a country music dream or nightmare - depending on your love for all things country music..she loved it - I loved being away from school. The Grand Ole' Opry was pretty cool - could of done without Dollyworld!  Oh Mr. Stoh and his narratives at the end of our travel club videos. Note: Men should NEVER get perms!

Check out the WTC in the background!

Angie has a wonderful husband and son - and she is an excellent mom.  She dotes on Nicholas, and it is obvious that he is her everything.  Family is important to her, as it is to me.  Our moms treated us the same...good or bad.  We weren't gettng away with ANYTHING!!

 

It was so good to be with her and our friend, Heather 2 Thanksgivings ago. We spent that weekend in Detroit with my parents, not knowing it would be their last in Romulus. When I saw that they planned a Black Friday trip, they let me join in. 

 

Angie, Amy & Heather, ready to graduate!

I wish we could see each other more often - but the great thing about TRUE FRIENDS, is that no amount of time diminishes the friendship. When either one of us calls the other, we pick right up where we left off - no blaming or whining about why the other didn't call first. Maturity is a wonderful thing!

 

We have seen each other through soome pretty tough times - she was right there with me when Tommy died, and when she was so sick during her pregnancy that she had to stop working, I made sure to keep her encouraged and remind her that she was meant to be a mom!

 

Now, past our 20 year reunion, and we may only hear from each other at Christmas and on our respective birthdays - not counting the occasional Facebook posts, but we know the other is there, and that is what matters.

 

Ang - you are the best! I miss you and love you!

Corrine Strickler

Today, I am grateful for

Corrine Strickler

Ms. Corrine Strickler is, without a doubt, one of the most wonderful women I know!  This lady knows how to have a good time, all the time, and she has become a very special friend to me over the years.

 

I love to remember when I first saw Corrine, and knew that she was someone I wanted to get to know.  We attended the same church, and she and her father had just returned from a missions trip to Peru.  This particular Sunday, they were giving their testimonies of what the Lord had done while they were over seas, and Corrine's touched my heart and my spirit.

 

She spoke of the women, and how they were doing without some of the most basic of necessities, and still willing to give all that they had to the missionaries.  One night, after a long day of working, Corrine and the others went to the home of someone from the village - I can't recall if it was for a meal or just to visit - but it really doesn't matter, because what happened next, touched us both.  As they entered the home, the woman of the house prepared to wash their feet.  Corrine cried as she gave the account of the woman who had so little, washing her feet...dirty from working in flip flops all day long.  What a special bond this had made - not only between Corrine and the woman, but between Corrine and I...even though we didn't know it yet.  Later, when we had the opportunity to chat about her testimony and I told her how much it meant to me, we both ended up in tears, rejoicing over the goodness of the Lord.  It had been so long since I had been in a foot washing and communion service, and my Spirit was dry.  Just talking about it with a friend helped a little bit.

 

As our friendship grew, we figured out that we share many similar interests...cooking ( vicariously through the Food Network and in our kitchens too!), crafting, shoes and bags.  We spent many hours talking about and doing something about many of our hobbies. 

 

Anyone who knows Corrine, knows that her heart is for women - she loves to entertain her sisters in the Lord. God blessed her with a big, beautiful home in which to do so.  This home also has the most INSANE scrapbook room...extra favor!  I've been to many events in her home, and I always feel like an honored guest.  We've even had all night scrapbook and stamping parties, complete with dinner and breakfast. How awesome when you can combine two of your favorite activities!

 

She is the single mom of teenage, Bryce.  Having a teen boy of my own, I can't imagine raising him alone - but she has done an amazing job with him. He is a great young man, and even traveled with her on her last trip back to Peru.  We can talk about our boys as well, giving each other encouragement and advice without apology or fear. We just know what the other is going through where the kids are concerned.

 

More than anything though, she loves the Lord.  She is involved with a group of women called "Legacy" and they are doing amazing things in West Michigan, and all over.  They celebrate women and encourage them to live and leave their legacy now - through Jesus Christ.  She was a key note speaker at the first Legacy conference last fall, and I had to say I was proud to be there...in the front row while she donned her "God size" perspective glasses.  Oh how she allows the Lord to speak through and use her.  She is an inspiration and an exaple of the Proverbs 31 woman that I strive to be.

 

She has helped me through many tough times, and many wonderful times. She was a trooper with Karri and I for my husbands Surprise 50th Birthday party.  She came early to help set up, stayled to the end for clean up, and even helped create the theme with her amazing creativity and that CriCut machine I so admire and covet! 

 

We share a special secret, and one day, when the Lord sends her the husband He has just for her, we will share a very special moment...I can't wait.  There is so much more I could say about this friend of mine, but I shall end it with this, for now:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corrine, I love you, and I hope you know how much. You are my friend, my sister and one awesome bargain hunter!

 



Ruthann Milner

Today I am grateful for:

Ruthann Milner

 

Ruthann is my mother-in-law, and has become a wonderful to friend to me over the years.  I remember the first time I met her, I thought how very kind and even a little shy she seemed! She has put that myth to rest after getting to know her better!

 

Ruthann is a mother to anyone who needs one...and even to a few of those who don't.  She doesn't know the meaning of the words "stop", "sit down" or "take a break".  Whenever you are at her home, you will find Ruth at the stove, cooking or at the sink, finishing up dishes, or at the ironing board, you guessed it - ironing clothes!  Even with the physical limitations she has to deal with, she is always taking care of others. 

 

Ruth was a mom and a Grandma to our kids before Jeff and I were married - they relied on her for just about everything "mom related". Whether they needed school clothes, or had a project for school - Grandma would be there and ready to provide whatever assistance she could...and a snack!

 

I know that when I came into the picture and took over the "mom" duties, it must have been difficult for her, but she handled my intrusion with grace and dignity.  Now she can just be the "Grandma" and can provide the rescue and respite when our children needed one, and a snack!

 

I have learned so much from her.  She is a wonderful cook and even more talented baker. Rarely a day goes by wen she isn't sending over a sample of something freshly baked and delicious.  She has even begun to take over the meals for our neighbor and dear friend, Dorothy.  Dorothy is going to be 90 this April, and it was nearly a year ago that her health started to fail. Ruth noticed that Dorothy wasn't eating very well, and began to send over a meal or two every couple of days.  Now she is Dorothys full time "Meals on Wheels" representative, and she has her husband delivering 3 squares a day, rain, sleet, snow or shine.  In the years when someone should be cooking for her, she is still doing for others - just because she cares.

 

She never misses an opportunity to see if Jeff or I are in need of anything, and she calls just to see how everyone is doing.  She lives just one house away, but she maintains a respectful distance and never comes over uninvited...even though there is an open invitation for her!  She supports my endeavors - be it a 31 Party, a Nescafe "Anytime Indulgence" get together, and she hasn't missed a birthday party yet.

 

Growing up with such an amazing mom of my own, I never really considered what a mother-in-law could add to my life - but she has added so very much - I can't tell it all here!  She is warm-hearted, generous to a fault and funny all the time...even though she hurts so bad, I know she would rather be crying.  She never lets her pain distract her from her mission...be it a cake for a birthday, a meal for a sick neighbor or a listening ear for a new daughter-in-law.

 

God truly blessed me to be born of a fantastic example of a mother, but He made it just a little bit sweeter when he gave me a mother-in-law like Ruthann.

 

Thank you for everything, Mom. I love you!

Karri Gordon

Today I am grateful for

KARRI GORDON
 

This woman was an answer to my prayer for a friend.  I had been in Muskegon for more than 6 years, and though I had made many friends at church or at the kids' schools (other parents, not the kids!), I still felt lonely, like I didn't have that one BFF anymore.  Our church is small, and the ladies who are there, though wonderful and certainly my friends, were older than I, and we were at such different places in our lives, it wasn't the same as a sister friend I could go through things with.

Enter Karri Gordon.  I knew of her long before we met. Her mom, Linda Strait (yesterdays post) had requested prayer for her for many years...either for a healthy pregnancy, healing from illness, but most of all, for her salvation.  Finally, Linda's prayer was answered, and Karri came to visit us at Shekinah Christian Ministries.  She was tough and strong and definitely guarded that day.  There were a few of us "younger" (yes, I shall always refer to myself as belonging to that genre) ladies who wanted to meet the lovely young lady we had prayed for so many times.  As we chatted, I felt a small hope growing...but I didn't want to get my hopes up too soon, after all, she was just there to get her mom to stop asking her to come (I found this out later!).  

Fast forward a a few months, and a new baby Ryan is added to the Gordon clan and the ladies of Shekinah made a trip to hear Joyce Meyer in Grandville, MI.  Thanks to the generosity of Ms. Corrine Strickler, we would all be staying the night at a hotel so that we could attend both days.  Of course being just a few weeks old, baby Ryan accompanied us.  The weekend turned out to be the beginning of the turning point for Karri - I could see the Lord get a hold of her heart, only I don't think she really realized it yet.  A few short weeks later, however, another tug of the Holy Spirit, and Karri became more than my friend, she became my sister in Christ.  It was Linda who approached me about doing a bible study with Karri - because she felt as if she needed something more.  We chose "The Power of a Praying Wife" and in the year we went about doing the study, our friendship grew into so much more.  Karri learned that I wasn't just a "church girl", as I could recite lyrics from every great 80's and 90's rock ballads...and I learned she wasn't just a here today, gone tomorrow Christian...she was sold out for Christ, but she needed more.

We grew in our friendship as well as learned about our husbands through that time...some good, some bad.  I wish I could say we finished, but as life tends to, it got in the way...but we will!!  In that time, she was more than generous to open her home, first as "Surprise Party Central" for my husbands surprise 50th birthday. I did all my baking, invitation making and all I could at her house, to help keep the surprise alive.  Then later that same year, even being 8 months pregnant, she once again opened her home and helped me host a bridal shower for my daughter at the very last minute.  

We have been through many trying times together, and though we haven't had many years as friends, we feel like we've known each other forever.  No matter what is going on in her world, when she hears that I'm having a struggle, I get a text saying, I'm praying for you, and what can I do?  I've received dinners while I was busy moving my parents from Detroit to Muskegon, and many encouraging phone calls just to make sure I was ok.

The past few months have been a challenge as we have both had significant changes in our lives, but it hasn't changed our friendship.  I know God has something wonderful in store for both of us, and when we finally get around to getting back to our bible study, we will be able to look back and see where God has brought us.

If I don't say it enough, I am grateful for you Karri, and I love you!

Ms. Linda Strait

Today, I am grateful for:

Ms. Linda Strait

 

The funny thing is, I can't really remember exactly when I met Linda...I know we met at church, and it has been quite a few years ago - but to me, it seems like she has always just been there. 

 

Ms. Linda is one of the quietest people you will ever meet...until you get to know her, and she gets to know you. Then , it's an entirely different story.  She is funny and kind, but more than anything, Ms. Linda is GENEROUS!  I'm pretty sure her picture would be in the dictionary under the word "Giving".  In all the years I have known her, I don't think she has ever said, "NO" to a request, as long as it was within her power.  Being good friends with her daughter, Karri, gave me the opportunity to spend more time with Linda outside of church - and the generosity just keeps on flowing!  Whenever Karri needs someone to watch her kids - even at the last minute, Ms. Linda is there.  Her willing heart and generous spirit make her someone to admire, and someone to look up to.  If I can be half as generous as Linda is, I'd still be more generous than most!

 

She has been a widow for many years now, and she still openly shares her wisdom from the years she was married with Karri and I while we did the study "The Power of a Praying Wife".  I learned things that broke my heart and made me grieve for her - but she never let it destroy her.  She is the walking example of the saying "What doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger."  She shared some intimate and personal struggles and trials, all in the hopes of helping two young wives in our endeavor to be a better wife. 

 

Ms. Linda is also HILARIOUS! Oh my goodness, she can light up a room with her laugh - and she has some one liners that will blow your hair back and you turn and say "Did Linda just say that?"  Oh, yes she did!  She is very involved in the church, serving alongside me on the finance committee, as well as on the planning committee (from which I recently escaped!) as well as being involved in the community through various women's groups and organizations. If a group of believeing women are gathering, you will probably find Ms. Linda among them.  She always makes sure to make time to serve the Lord, and better herself in the process.  Long before Karri joined us at Shekinah, Linda was that praying mother - requesting prayer for her week after week.  God is faithful and over 2 years ago, brought her daughter and her children to the church.  That is a prayer warrior - even if she doesn't realize it!

 

I'm so thankful that the Lord brought this family into my life - and that Linda was the start of it all.  I feel as if I am a better person, just for having known her, and realizing what a true jewel she is. 

 

Even though she spills water on the bible study table...she is a woman of character and wisdom.  Oh, and she can throw a mean tomahawk~!

 

Thank you Ms. Linda, for everything!