The smallest things

My son Anïas asked me to come outside for a while to see what 'spring sign' he had found.  In the midst of a sea of grass, were 3 very tiny flowers.  It made me extremely happy to have him share this discovery with me.  It also made me appreciate and respect how truly wonderful he is.  He is doing what we are asked to do.  Find joy in the most simple and smallest of things.  Appreciate the creation of our Heavenly Father and life on earth.  Be kind and strong for those who are weaker.  Share your joy with others. 

Xavier has become an example with his flower friend

It is very apparent and humbling to me, to see in action how my actions affect people around me.  People tend to talk too much.  People pay lots of money to hear other people talk.  We read lots of books and print about talking the talk.  We go listen to inspirational pick-me-up- talks.  Many of our misfortunes and anxieties would end if we would just: do what has to be done; change what has to be changed;  stop looking at the life of others and live in ones own.

There are many people of ALL ages, that cruise past this one single flower.  Not ever seeing it, not stopping to appreciate it.  The norm of what I have noticed here is lack of respect for living lants and animals by many.

Xavier has not so much been told about flowers, animals and small things as shown by me and his father.  How we act now mimics his behavior towards the same. We can now see with full joy of our hearts, that our actions has had a very true impact in his young life and behaviors.  Here he crawls into thick flowery bushes to hop onto a rock so he can cradle this one spring tulip.



He is so excited and loves how big, bold and beautiful it is.  Xavier gently pets the flowerpetals for a while and tries to cradle it like an old friend.  He talks to it and we visit this one flower for a couple of weeks until it's life came to a rest.  Xavier and I wished the flower a good sleep, and we hope to see it again next year.

We will forever love my grandfather

One of the reasons that I opted to move back to Sweden after a decade+ in the US was partially due to my grandparents getting old and ill.  They raised me and are my beloved examples in all things.  They never spoke much, but were examples of how to live a righteous and loving life as disciples in Christ.

My grandfather has been a hard worker his whole life, born into a very large and poor family from Jokkmokk (the very northern parts of Sweden).  He almost died a couple of weeks ago and I feel the urgency to take down his life history and of those relatives that still live in his heart and mind.

About 3 years ago, my grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson and Alzheimer.  These 3 years have substantially changed my grandfather's and grandmother's quality of life.  His health is deteriorating quickly.  I have been wondering how such cruel illness happen to selfless and giving people that love God.

Now a month later, I understand more.  He never curse God about his ailments.  He loves the opportunity to have lived a full life and accept his current time that is heavy laiden in his sufferings.  He is brave, and worries more about us than himself.  He is grace and an example of hope and faith.  He knows where his place will be when God resurrect His chosen the last day.  My grandfather might need help remembering what a wonderfully blessed life he has had, and he knows that this life on earth is but a short moment in time.  He knows he is loved by all his flocking grand children and great grandchildren that all love him so.

We stop our days, for our grandfather and great grandfather.  We take time to tell him we love him.  We thank him for our lives.

A stick is never to big

So Illïus and Xavier hauled a huge stick the size of a tree into the house to 'keep' for later. It just cracks me up. All my five boys (the eldest is now 17) have grown up with a love relationship towards sticks.

Here I am asking my youngest boys to promptly carry the 'small' stick outside.  Illïus thought it was a good idea to just save him some trouble and toss it over the balcony railing.  I managed to stop them before it fell over.

Illïus loves the guitar

He picks it up often and sings a tune for those who are willing to listen.  We have had so much fun listening and watching him play.

Grandpa Bob and Bram sent some birthday money and what he wanted was a guitar of his own.  He can't wait to get his new guitar with a stand and guitar chair. 

THANKS GRANDPA' BOB and BRAM!

A pre-teaser -- Creeper style