Why Go To Church, Anyway?

There are more and more professing Christian people these days who do not attend worship services regularly and do not support a Church or spend much time with other Christians. We wonder why. Perhaps it is because they do not see the need for it. Maybe it is because they are upset with someone at the Church. We hear lots of reasons and lots of excuses, but it makes us sad. 

We would like to talk to you about that, but first please read this important teaching from I Corinthians 12, which tells us that the human body is a picture (or an analogy) to show us the importance of being together with other Christians in the Church:

Beginning in verse 25, it says, "The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don't, the parts we see and the parts we don't. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance. You are Christ's body -- that's who you are! You must never forget this. (From THE MESSAGE).

What does that say to you? It tells me that the body cannot function right if the foot is in the livingroom, the hand is out in the yard, and the head is downtown. All the parts need to be working together. And every part is necessary. Christians NEED each other! 

Recently some people have said some things that I would like to share with you: one lady said, "staying away from Church because it is full of hypocrites is like staying away from AA because it is full of alcoholics. That's the whole point!"  I think she had a great way of saying that nobody is perfect. We all need God and His grace because we are all sinners who need His help and salvation. And, of course, we need each other. 

Another person said that if God has taken you to a place where the Church has a lot of problems, maybe it is because that Church needs you. Maybe they need you to encourage them, pray for them, and help them to grow "in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 

Grampie said we have to listen to what the Bible says and we have to decide whether or not we are going to be obedient to the Lord. He did say that we are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together. Some do that, but we should not. 

From time to time in our lives, Grampie and I have had our tough times of discouragement, sorrow, illness, and disappointment. We have always been encouraged by God and from His Word. But we have also been blessed by friends who come along and say things like, "I am praying for you." Or they give us a hug or send a note just letting us know they care. 

By placing us in the Church -- the community of believers -- God has blessed us with a spiritual family to share our happy times and our grief. We know that we never walk alone. Jesus is always there and so are His people. 

We want to encourage you to find a Church where you can worship the Lord with others. There isn't a perfect Church here on earth, but someday God will purify us. Then the nagging of our old, sinful nature and the temptations from the flesh and the devil will be gone forever. We will be free at last! And so will all the other people down here who are not perfect yet. 

The world NEEDS Jesus and He is our best friend. We can tell them about Him individually, and as a Church. Let's get busy with the job He gave us to do! 

Each For The Other

On August 27, 2013 we reached another milestone in our life together. It was the fiftieth anniversary

of our wedding. It is hard for us to even imagine that it has been a half-century since we pledged our love and commitment before God, "each for the other, and both for the Lord." The very thought of it is very precious to us. Why? One of the reasons is the fact that we are both totally convinced that it was GOD who brought us together for His own purposes -- and, family, all of you were included in His plans. One by one, He sent you our way -- and each one of you is a greater blessing to us than you can begin to imagine.

We have had a lot of joy over these fifty years and we have also experienced some sorrow. Those are among the elements of life. We have known that this life together has been winding down all along, but at this point in our lives we are more keenly aware of that fact than ever before. As I have put it, we are "ripening for the great harvest". One of these days -- maybe very soon or maybe a decade or more -- our stay on this earth will be over. People often say, "they've gone to a better place." Sometimes that is very meaningful and sometimes it just seems like the right thing to say just to comfort ourselves when a loved one or a friend dies.

More than anything in this life, Gramp and I want you to know that life will never be "over" for us. We have a gift of God, which is amazing. We have eternal life, not in these bodies but in the spirits that live in our bodies. Once our spirits were dead, but NOW by the grace of God through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus we are alive forever more. We know that when we go HOME to God, those of you that are still here will have sorrow. But the Christian does not sorrow the way others do, who have NO hope of life beyond what we know right now. The Christian has joy, even in sorrow, knowing that we will meet again and be together forever. What a wonderful, amazing, and secure knowledge that is!

Our most fervent prayer is that our circle will not be broken and that each and every one of YOU will live together with our Lord and with us in Heaven. Read these words carefully from the Bible. If you are a believer, rejoice in them! If you are not, I pray the eyes of your spirit will be open to see what God has done for you.

"For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus."  From Romans 3

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

^"He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:11-13

 ". . . if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."    Romans 10:9-10

 ". . . by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:8-10

   

A Hug From Nearly 50 Years Ago

October, 2013
This past week I was up to Grammie Ruth's at Cary Lake in Littleton. One day I was doing some things with her bookshelves and her files and I came across a square, flat box. This reminded me of the boxes that used to hold lovely, lace-bound handkerchiefs for ladies. And sure enough! Inside, wrapped in tissue, were three lovely ones. They were the fashionable kind that women carried to Church or other dress-up occasions. Also in the box was a delightful Christmas card addressed to my mother. It was signed, "Dallas".

Here I held in my hand a Christmas card and gift from my mother-in-law to my mother that was probably given and received in 1963 -- the year that Gramp and I were married. The thing that took my breath was a simple message on the back of the card, "thank you for giving me a wonderful daughter." I cannot even begin to tell you how much that sentiment meant to me. It was a difficult wait for Gramp to come in from hunting. I could hardly wait to show him the long-forgotten treasure.

Now let me say that our parents grew up in the times of the Great Depression. Therefore, they wasted nothing and they didn't start using anything "new" until the old was no longer useful. I remember my Mom using clear nail polish to stop the runs on her nylon stockings. And she STILL washes out plastic sandwich bags to be used over and over. Those are just two examples of her frugality.

So often her children have opened a new package of towels or a new set of drinking glasses or some other gift just to be sure she used them. But she still keeps some of her new treasures in their boxes or puts them on a shelf where they wait to be used and enjoyed. It is a habit from childhood poverty and the 1930s that has never totally gone away.

But in contrast to my consternation in the past, this time I was happy to find the unused gift in the security of a collection of old photos and composition books. I was thrilled to receive this high compliment from my mother-in-law, a lady who also grew up with ideas like, "don't praise them too much or they will be 'stuck up'". Of course, I knew she loved me -- she said she did. But I am so glad she thought I was "wonderful" -- and more than that, she thought of me as a daughter. She only had three sons. Her one daughter did not survive to be born. I am SO glad God gave me the opportunity to help fill one corner of the void that she felt forever from the time she learned she had lost a little girl.

This find touched Gramp's heart, too -- it was like a little visit from her. It was like a hug and kiss.


PS: I took the box into the room where my Mom was sitting and I told her I had found something I would like to have if it was ok with her. And, of course, it was!

A Half Century Together

Someone has said that God performed the first marriage ceremony.

After God created Adam, He said that it was not good for man to be alone and so He created a woman. The Bible says in Genesis chapter two, "Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.  And Adam said: 'This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.' Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."

Someone said recently, "one plus one equals one".  That is God's view. And that is why many traditional wedding ceremonies quote from the Bible, "what God has joined together, let not man put asunder." We believe marriage is to be between one man and one woman for life. That is why we promised to love, honor, and cherish each other until we are separated by death. We also believe that God brought us together -- and He has kept us together by His own power and love. We are very thankful for that.

Grandchildren, even after fifty years it was a good thing to stop and think about the promises we made to each other on August 27, 1963. It was a blessing to repeat those vows in front of our children and as many grandchildren and other family members as could make it. What an amazing time it was for us at Stephen's and Jeannie's to have Charles Fore lead us in reciting our marriage vows just as he did fifty years ago.

Right now we have grandchildren from the age of nearly two to twenty-three. Some of you are married already and we pray for you. We pray for the rest of you that you will make wise choices within the will of God for your lives. We pray that you will follow Jesus in your lives and in your marriages. And that you will decide from the very start to keep God at the very center of your family. Whether you are married or not, pray every day for your spouse (the one God has given you or the one He will give you in the future).

Remember that love is more than a feeling. Love is a choice. You can choose to love each other even at times of conflict or disappointment. When you are hurt, angry, or disappointed it is time to go to the mirror of God's Word and take a close look at yourself. I Corinthians thirteen tells us how love behaves.

We pray that when you are married it will be to a Christian who dearly shares your love. We pray it will be an enduring relationship, filled with love and blessing. We pray it will be a life of harmony and growing together in Christ. We know that can happen and that it does.

There is another side, though. It is possible that you can be blinded by wit and charm. It is possible that you can make a decision outside of God's will and be joined to someone who only lives for self. If that happens, you can be an example to your unsaved mate. God can reach that one, redeem him or her, help you ride out the hard times, and transform your home into a peaceful and godly home. That would be our prayer.

Now, here is a hard topic. We live in a difficult time. Sometimes "men are lovers of self" rather than being devoted to God and their family. As painful as the thought is, we must not neglect to say is that we believe God does not expect anyone to stay in an abusive and dangerous situation. We pray nothing like that will ever happen to any of you. Yet, we find it needful to tell you NOT to put your life or health (or that of your children) in danger by staying with someone who jeopardizes your well being. Don't ever think you are "stuck". God will take care of you.

Philippians 4:19 says that God will meet ALL of our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. He has done that for us for a long time now. It hasn't always been a straight, smooth road on this journey. There have been bumps in the road and we have taken some wrong turns. But when we do, we are able to repent and be forgiven. He sets our feet on the right path and points us in the right direction. But more than that, He walks with us. He holds our hands. We know for sure that we are "weak, but HE is strong." 

YES! Jesus loves us. YES! Jesus loves YOU. "Jesus loves me" -- He always has and He always will.

They Prayed For You

Grandpa and Grandma Buza and Their Three Sons

Here is a picture of Grampie Wayne, his Mom and Dad, and his two brothers -- Uncle Carlin and Uncle Joel. I wonder if you can tell by looking at this picture which one of these boys became your grandfather. I will give you a hint: he was the middle son.

Grandpa Buza (Grampie's dad) was a pastor. He pastored churches in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and was pastor at the Lake Road Church where Grammie Brenda went to church and Sunday school as a child and teenager. They were also missionaries in Guatemala City for a short time when Grampie Wayne was a young boy. Besides preaching and teaching in the Churches, they also loved to teach children. They held Awana clubs and even when Grandma was an old lady she still had Good News clubs at her home in Illinois.

One of the most important things they did in their lives was to pray. They prayed for the Churches, they prayed for the people in Guatemala, and they prayed for their family and their friends. They had a very strong desire in their hearts for all of their children and grandchildren down through the generations to know Jesus and to love Him and trust in Him as their Savior -- and that includes all of you.

Grandma Buza and Heidi at the Nursing Home

Probably none of you remember Grandpa, but I wish you did. He was a lot of fun and he could make friends immediately. God gave him a special gift for being hospitable and kind. Some of you remember Grandma because you visited her at the nursing home in Illinois. A lot of people are unhappy when they are unable to live alone and have to go to a nursing home. Not Grandma! She loved it there. She loved it because it was a place for her to be a missionary again. She told the other residents and the nurses and visitors about Jesus. I have the cord that she wore around her neck with her locker keys on it. Every day people could see the cord that said, "Jesus Loves You" on it! Many visitors coming into the nursing home to visit their family members would stop and talk to Grandma because she was their pastor's wife. They were happy to see her and she was happy to see them. Like Grandpa, she had a lot of friends. She especially loved it when little children went to the nursing home to visit her. She gave some of you little stuffed animals and other trinkets that she won in the Bingo games at the nursing home.

On August 8, 2013, Grampie and I will be thinking of birthdays in the family. It will be Grandma's 102nd birthday and it will be Timothy's 19th. It will also be Devin Harsh's 12th birthday -- Devin is Uncle Carlin's grandson. Grandma was SO proud to think that great grandsons were born on HER birthday. That was very, very special to her.

When you think of her birthday this coming week, be thankful that she and Grandpa are in Heaven. Both of them had at least one parent and some siblings who did not believe in Jesus. They were very sorrowful about that. So are we.

Now that they are with Jesus, we took over part of their ministry. Now WE pray for you. It is our deep desire that each member of this family will believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and trust in Him as your Lord and Savior. And we pray that you will honor the Lord all of your lives and teach your children what it means to be a Christian.

 There is an old song, "May the circle be unbroken -- Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye -- There's a better home a-waiting --  In the sky, Lord, in the sky." That is just a way of saying we want all of our loved ones to be with us in Heaven some day. Our prayer is that Jesus will draw you to Himself and give you FAITH to believe in Him. The Bible says, "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Read Romans 10:9-13)

Nobody can ever give you a greater gift than to pray for you!



Skill Building At Camp

 Kyle has been homeschooled for the past year and we want to show from this entry that he has done some significant work to qualify him for credit in "Industrial Arts" for his portfolio.

One of the first things he learned was how to assemble staging, level it, and use it safely. The staging was in use during the installation of vinyl siding. on the camp.

Uncle Jonathan has been involved for a few years with installing siding for lead abatement projects and for routine use. We thought that his uncle's expertise helped Kyle understand the process quite well. We noticed that he observed his uncle and then put his new knowledge to work.

This project led to Kyle using several carpentry tools and observing the use of others. He also learned the importance of starting on the best side of the building to keep the siding looking smooth to the eye. (I found that interesting).

Here Kyle is with Grampie and Timothy working on the east end of the camp. As far as I am concerned, those guys did a great job.

We are just beginning to work on the inside, but the outside is almost completely done! After sleeping in the camp at near-freezing temper atures, the guys must look forward to HEAT!

 Grampie explained electrical wiring to Kyle and let him have some safe, hands-on experience. I liked hearing the explanation of an electrical circuit. Here they are installing a box for a light switch in the bathroom. This involved Kyle using an electric drill, a wire stripper, and wire nuts.

The switch works and we have a ceiling light and a couple of receptacles. Everyone can hardly wait for the bathroom to be completed so we don't have to go to Grammie's for showers and toilet!


After the electrical wiring was done, it was time for the ceiling to go up. Here, Kyle learned how to put in insulation, cut sheet rock, and screw the sheetrock to the studs. He also learned about   measuring and cutting to fit sheetrock around electrical boxes, the window, and the washer - dryer hookup.

I am sure Grampie feels sorry for Kyle that he didn't have the privilege of patching and sanding the sheetrock. But most of that is done now and the ceiling is painted. I told your grandfather that he could always tell everyone about that ceiling, "a woman did that." It is always nice to have someone to blame, don't you think? I am glad to be the scape goat!

A LIFE LESSON: It is my opinion that nothing is ever wasted. The experiences we have, the skills we develop, and the lessons we learn will be useful to us in some way during our lives.

Maybe the value of all this is that Kyle's hands-on experience has convinced him (at least for now) that he never wants to build his own house!

As I said to him, whenever he goes into the camp bathroom he can always look at one part of the ceiling and say, "that was so annoying!"

Showing Appreciation

                                                                                 

Aunt Valerie Watches As Uncle Stephen Helps Bait Hooks!

Today some of us were chatting. We were sharing some great memories of time spent together -- and how much those times mean to us even now. Some of the very simple things that we have done have made some great memories for all of us.

Just take the fishing the kids did in Stephen's and Jeannie's pond last summer -- catch and release! I think EVERYBODY caught at least one fish. It was a borrowed pond, borrowed poles, and best of all it was the shared company.

You know, GOD has blessed us so much in this family. He has given us the very parents, children, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents that He wanted us to have. Let's not take that for granted -- and even worse, let's not despise what God has done for us.

Aunt Michele Has Some Great-Looking Corn on The Grill

While we were talking today, we decided that we probably take each other too much for granted! We don't thank each other for how much things have meant to us. Today Emily thanked Aunt Marcia for the fun times like going to the zoo and making homemade play dough (using jello to color it)! No matter what we are doing, it really isn't so much WHAT we are doing as WHO we are doing it with! And we decided it doesn't matter how much something costs. We just have fun being together for cookouts, swimming, playing games, sharing stories, taking road trips, watching candles flicker when the power is out, singing, baking cookies, even cleaning house together or taking a hike!

What Fun At The Pool And Playground in Millinocket

Sometimes I hear some of the kids say they are bored. And they know Grammie doesn't like that. There is always a book to read, a project to do, a hug to give, a call to make, someone to help. We aren't bored. There is just nothing around that we are willing to do. Do me a favor and learn the value of just being alone for a bit and thanking God for his many, many blessings.

If you are reading this, YOU are among those who are a blessing to us and all of the family. We want to thank you for every moment that you have spent with us. They are all precious. Our advice to you is to make happy memories. Cherish each other and treasure the moments you have with our loved ones. 

Aunt Beth, Hope, and Uncle Kevin at Emily's Wedding

                                                                                 My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.

    -- From I John 3 in The Message

A Happy Day For Grammie Ruth

Jamey Watson Wearing Grampie's "Drill Hat"

All of us were looking forward to the well drilling day at our camp -- but none more than Mom.

The big day came and it was a nice temperature and sunny. Jamey and James arrived with the big well rig and the truck of equipment and supplies. Jamey was wearing Grampie's felt drill hat and was dressed in the blue bib overalls that were part and parcel of who Grampie was. He even had a red bandana handkerchief hanging from his hip pocket. Jamey is more like Grampie in build and temperament than any of the other grandchildren. One thing: Jamey was wearing sneakers and Grampie always wore boots. But what fun it was greeting him and learning about well drilling and the special challenge that our gravel was for the driller.

Grammie Ruth and Heather

As we all watched and listened to the preparations someone said, "LOOK! You aren't going to believe this." But somehow I KNEW that Mom must be heading up the hill to see what was happening. Sure enough! Heather was walking along with her, carrying a stool in case Mom got weak or tired and had to sit down. But she did just fine. My remarkable ninety-one year old mother made it up the relatively long incline, thrilled to pieces that she was going to watch the process. We were amazed! Not only did she walk UP the hill, but a few hours later she walked back to her house. All of us were so happy for her that she was able to do this. After all, this well operation represented much of her own life and history.

I have to mention that when Brian arrived on his John Deere lawn tractor, he was teased quite appropriately for riding to the site when his mother walked! Brian enjoyed the process on Monday with us and recalled the time when he worked with the guys on the drill. Quite a number of family and friends had their stint working on the drill over the years.

Fascinating But HARD Work!

The guys -- Jamey and James -- worked very hard at everything necessary to simply give us access to fresh well water at our camp. But as hard as they worked, there was always time for a smile, a little laughter, and some kind words.  A couple of times I asked Jamey if there was a charge for the entertainment. We and they really DID have a good time.

As for me, this was a time to appreciate anew all of God's blessings and to realize again that the things we so often take for granted are not so easily gained in this life. Our grandparents and our parents modeled a great work ethic to us. They really sacrificed much and worked very hard to provide for us as we were growing up. But above and beyond the material and physical provisions, we were given a rich spiritual heritage by people who lived decent, honest, and godly examples before us. Let's not forget to be thankful, for we are rich, indeed! 



More Than Water

Camp "Ruthie Girl"

Our Family Lakeshore Retreat is being built on property that has belonged to Mom since 1957. From her childhood on, our grandfather's term of endearment for her was "My Ruthie Girl". So that is how "Camp Ruthie Girl" got its name.

One of our first celebrations at the camp came in June of 2013 when Watson Wells dug our well. We needed water -- but this well represents MORE than water. Its drilling was a historic moment for us. It is a deep shaft filled with water but it is special to us because it carries the mark of family history and brings to some of us memories of people and events that will always be cherished.



The Watsons: Jim and Margaret; Ellery and Muriel; Ruth, Iola, Lawrence

Watson Wells was founded by my great grandfather, James "Jim" Watson in 1905. The first drilling rig was a steam operated machine that ran on steel rims over the dirt highway. My grandfather Ellery H. Watson was only ten when that operation began, but over the years he learned the science of well drilling and dug many water wells along with other endeavors that included farming, guiding, and automotive mechanics. He was a man of many talents and meticulous about everything that he did. When he wasn't on the job, he was maintaining his tools and equipment or even darning his socks. He was never an idle man.

Drill in Use Since 1985


 

Watson Wells is now in the hands of the fourth and fifth generations of Watson men. Grammie Ruth worked for many years for the company as a secretary and book keeper -- a position she held until she was 85 years old.  After Uncle Lawrence retired, my cousins Jamey and Oral ran the business and Mom had an amazingly good time working with them.

Oral's son James now works with Jamey and they are the two who arrived with their rig and set to work drilling our well at Camp Ruthie Girl.
Now we have water for the camp -- but we have more than water. This project gave us occasion to savor our memories of family and enjoy the company of our cousins as they worked. And we had some nice fellowship as Christians together.

It was GREAT!







What If I Were Your Mother?

Aunt Carla And I After We Grew Up

Did you ever play Let's Pretend? When I was a young child, that was probably my favorite game. One of the cousins or I would say, "Let's pretend we are _____. You be the _____ and I will be the ______." We  filled in the blanks with whatever role our imaginations could create. Some of our games weren't politically correct but we would divide into the good guys and the bad guys and play a modified version of hide and seek. We had mock chases and battles. Nobody wanted to be the bad guys and go to jail, but somebody had to do it. And we had more fun than most children who lived on television programs and computer games.

Besides the running and hiding and conquering games, we had the more quiet role playing games. So we played "school", "church", "house", or anything that came into our minds. Today let's play house and I will be the mother. The younger children can be children, I will be the mother, and you can be the father. I'll make a mud pie for supper while you fix the car. And while we are busy, one of the older children can hold the baby and one can sweep the floor. Our "house" was often under the plum bushes and the packed earth floor was swept clear of fallen leaves or other debris that might be blown or carried into our domain. After all the work was done, somebody usually went inside and asked the real mother for crackers or fruit and something to drink so we could have a meal. For hours we would play and -- for some of us, at least -- our minds would go to "when I grow up". After awhile the game was over, the dolls were put away or left outside. The little kids were told we weren't playing anymore if they hadn't already quit and gone on to something else. And we would talk about what we would do when we became parents.

Of course, the day came when we became parents for real. At that point, it wasn't a game anymore. We spent hours every day trying to provide for our children, teach them, keep them warm and fed, put bandaids on their wounds, and kiss their hurts. And while the real job was better than "let's pretend", it wasn't as easy. We couldn't quit.

We had our happy times being mothers and we had our disappointments -- sometimes with our children, but more often with ourselves. But GOD was gracious to us and even though we made a lot of mistakes and even sinned against our family members by losing our tempers, forgetting something important, or making poor judgments, our children must have forgiven our failings and learned from our successes. We believe we have the very best children in the world -- but some of them took some detours in their journey from perfect babies to real-time parents. Don't take those detours. They are painful and bring regret. If you are already on a detour, remember that every moment is a new one with God and you can have His forgiveness and start over. He will never let you down.

Grandchildren, if I were your mother I would want exactly for her what our children are to us. So here is the list of some of those things I would want . . .

1 . . . to see you know and trust the Lord Jesus as your Savior.
2 . . . to have you be obedient to the Lord as you learn from God's Word.  
3 . . . to know you love and obey me and your father. 
4 . . . to have you forgive me when I fail you or hurt your feelings.  
5 . . . to pray for each other and pray with each other. 
6 . . . to talk with you, laugh with you, and cry with you.
7 . . . you to be a hard worker and do your best at whatever God has for you.
8 . . . you to have a Christian home someday and teach your children the WAY.
9 . . . to have you understand that I love you more than my very life.

So on this Mother's Day, give your mother (our child) some love and appreciation. It will make both of you very happy.

Once Upon A Time. . .

Once upon a time there was a little princess. She had dark, curly hair and such a pretty face. And my, did she love to talk! When the King's father and mother  took her for rides in their coach, she just could not stop telling stories. She had such a sweet, little voice and an amazing vocabulary. She was a delight to all of her family.



Uncle Kevin Buza with Emily and Joshua

But she grew up to be one of the fairest ladies in all the land. And one day she met a charming prince. He put a ring on her finger and asked her to marry him. Of course, she said YES.

The King's father and mother wondered, "where did all the years go?" And they began to think that grandchildren grow up more quickly than children do.

Jeannie, Emily, Cousin Heather, and Great Aunt Carla

Right now, in May of 2013, we are waiting to go to the wedding. Grampie and I are so pleased that Emily is marrying a Christian man. Grandchildren, that is a top priority. Your home cannot be built by God's blueprint unless the man and the woman have both placed their trust in the Lord Jesus as their Savior. That is where you start.

Last month there was a delightful Bridal Tea at Stephen's and Jeannie's house. We enjoyed lovely refreshments together. It was a time for celebrating love and a time to be thankful for family, especially the new family that is just now beginning.

Great Grammie Ruth was at the tea! We are thankful.

Grampie and I are especially excited that Emily and Jeffrey are starting their marriage in the very year that we celebrate fifty years together. People say to us, "wow! there aren't many people being married today that will last fifty years."  And while we agree that the divorce rate -- even among Christians -- is high, we believe it is possible for people to follow God's pattern of one man, one woman, for life.

There are a few thoughts that we could share. First, in your marriage and in your home there is One who is more important than you are. The One who can hold you together, loving each other in the tough times and in the good times is Jesus. Remember how GOD brought Eve to Adam and the two became one. Someone said that when God looks at a married couple, he sees ONE, not two.

Here are some things for all of our grandchildren to consider as you become adults and as most of you will probably be married. Number ONE priority. Marry a Christian who has the same beliefs and values as you. Pray and ask GOD to direct you to the person that HE has in mind for you. Grampie and I could both see how God brought us together. Once you are married, remember that true LOVE is a choice, not just a mushy feeling. When you are committed to someone and know that God brought you together it only makes sense that this is for a lifetime.

Never neglect your marriage. Worship together. Read your Bible. Pray. Talk about the Lord and your faith. If you can carry a tune, sing together. Hold hands. Say "I love you". It doesn't cost much to be kind, but that is one of the greatest gifts you can give each other. In times of sorrow, cry together and hug each other. In times of joy, laugh together. Keep on dating all of your life. Respect each other. Be quick to apologize and quick to forgive. You are two different people and there will be times you don't see eye to eye. It's a good thing to discuss those differences because both of you have things you can learn from each other. And if God blesses you with children, teach them from the Bible and show them what it means to know and love the Lord.

When you walk with GOD in your marriage, you can live happily ever after!

Gram Went Goose Hunting For The Very First Time

 

Jonathan and his faithful retriever. Blaze loved the hunt and retrieved her last duck in the fall of 2012

There comes a time in Northern Maine when a segment of the male population becomes restless. It begins around the time the trees don their vibrant fall colors and the air becomes more crisp. Listen and you can hear the honking of the geese and see them on their daily flights to and from lakes and ponds to the corn fields that stud the landscape. Quietly some days -- and not so quietly other days -- the beech, the maple, the ash, and other deciduous trees rain millions of leaves onto the ground.

 

That is the season when men hurriedly dress and move around earlier in the morning than at any other time of the year. You have probably heard of the Hunter-Gatherers. It seems that some of our family must have

Stephen and David Buza, all excited the night before the hunt

some of that blood running through their veins. It is fun to watch them. They make sure they have their waterfowl stamps, clean their shot guns, and load the decoys onto the truck. In the dark, over a hasty breakfast they discuss which corn field they should try that day. The mallards, teals, black ducks and wood ducks along with their cousins will fly in before sunrise, so the hunter has to be in place early. Then the Canada geese will descend, hopefully great flocks of them. This is a sight and sound like no other for our hunters!

Sometimes the hunting party is as small as a guy and his dog. But other times it consists of Gramp, Dads, and Uncle, Grandsons, and even Brian's little Grandaughter. Last fall the Grandmother (that's ME) had her first experience in the cornfield! You never know who will go out there on a cold or rainy morning. It took quite a few minutes to space the decoys and gather some corn stalks to throw over the burlap covering the hunters' motionless-as-possible bodies. They helped me get into position in a "chair" (yeah, right) and covered me with a huge decoy cover that should have been obvious to the always-suspicious geese. I tried not to take too many breaths as the sunlight began to streak across the field. Through the slits in my huge decoy, I saw some geese flying low over us. My son's

Jonathan retrieved a goose, and will that ever taste good!

voice yelled, "Kill 'em!" The shotgun fire was close at hand and spent shells rained onto my decoy, rattling as the rolled to the earth beneath me. WOW! That was amazing. We talked about the experience for a few minutes and Jonathan said, "I better go get that dead one over there." Neither Gramp nor I had seen the goose fall and we were both pretty amazed. Wayne and Jonathan went out several mornings last fall. Often they got their limit of 2 birds apiece. But that day we went back to Grammie Ruth's early because, as I am reminded from time to time, "somebody had to go to the bathroom." I contend I wasn't the only one, but it does me no good.



Jonathan and Robert Buza anticipating tomorrow's hunt!

Ever eaten goose? Jonathan and Michele cut the goose into chunks, marinate the meat in orange juice and Italian dressing, wrap each piece in a half slice of bacon and then they usually cook it in a convection oven. Talk about delicious!
                                                                
I have to tell a tale about Robert. His mom packed some snacks for him to take one morning. Well, you know how Gramp is always teasing the kids! He asked for a bite. Robert got Gramp this time. He told his grandfather he was willing to share with everyone but him!

He's a GOOD grandson. He shared with his Grampie, but we had a lot of fun laughing about the right-back-at-you that Robert did! Isn't family GREAT? We love being related to you. We thank the Lord for His many, many blessings every day -- and high on the list of blessings is YOU.
              


My Honey and Me (Not the day of the hunt, though)



Every Baby Is A Blessing

Michele and Robert Buza

It is wonderful to be grandparents. Part of the reason is because YOU have a very special place in Grampie's and Grammie's hearts.  The other reason is that we enjoy seeing our children have children of their own.

While we waited for you, we wondered who you would look like, what your name would be, whether  you would be a boy or a girl. We remember the first time we saw you and how just the sight of you filled our hearts with love and our eyes with tears.

Every baby was a blessing. It was fun to listen to the little noises you made when you were sleeping. We liked to see you smile. It was fun to hear you say your early words and to see you take baby steps. It is fun to watch you grow. My, you are precious! You are a miracle from GOD. We believe GOD chose YOU to be a member of our family.

Kevin, Hope, and Barbara Buza

He gave your Dad and Mom a job to do. He wanted them to love you and teach you manners. He wanted them to help you grow up to be good citizens. But most of all, He wanted them to teach you about Jesus. The most important thing about your life is not having fancy clothes, an expensive house, or sporty cars. The most important thing in your life is for you to learn to love God with all of your heart and to love others as you love yourself. That is what Jesus said! We know you are taught from the Bible at home. And that makes us very, very happy. And as you are growing up, you are STILL a blessing to us. You always will be very, very special!

 

Grammie Brenda and David Buza

Dear Jesus, thank YOU for the wonderful children You have added to our family. Help us to love them the way You want us to love them. Help us to be good examples to them. You know we are weak and we cannot do a good job without Your help. We pray that each one of them will grow up to be godly men and women and live in this world as the people YOU created them to be. That will make our lives complete! Amen

 

 

Some of Our Grandchildren Are Grown!

Once upon a time our grandchildren were all children and some of them were not born yet. Maybe it took us by surprise when all of a sudden they began to graduate from high school, go to college, travel across the world, become engaged, get married, and now we have a great grandson. 

We remember when we experienced those days when the time to leave home drew closer and closer. On the one hand, we were excited and on the other, we were terrified. We wondered if we could really make enough money to pay rent, keep a car running, buy groceries, heat our apartment, and all of the other things that independent living expects of us. 

Just because you are going "on your own" doesn't mean that we no longer have an interest in how you are doing. It is our most certain prayer that you will just be the people that GOD created you to be. You were made in His image and your life really belongs to Him. He placed you in the home where He wanted you to grow up. He gave you the parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins that He wanted you to have. And He put love in all of our hearts for you. 

As you make those changes in your life, there is one thing that is more important than everything else put together. Make very sure that you are in partnership with Jesus. The greatest indicator of success is to have a life of love for the Lord, serving Him, loving others, and using the "Owner's Manual" -- the instructions for life that were written for you -- the Bible itself. 

Grampie says once in awhile, "I wish I could sit down and talk with my Dad one more time." He says that because not only does he miss his dad, but he learned to respect his father's and mother's opinions. That is a very good quality, because whether you know it yet or not there is nobody in all the world who wants the best for you any more than your Dad and Mom. Ask them for their advice, ask them to pray with you. 

Grampie and I will pray for you as long as we live, too. We love you more than you can know and we always will. We thank God for you and ask Him to draw you to Himself. 

There is a little song, "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray. You'll never know, dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away." Well, in YOU we have lots of "sunshines". We love to spend time with you. We love to talk with you. And the older we get, the more important you are to us. YOU are counted among our dearest treasures. 

In the top picture: Kate, Alicia (barely visible), Kelsey, Heather, Heidi, and Kristen
In the second picture: Emily and Erika decorating a cake
In the third picture: Timothy and Kyle by our little brookside in Marshfield
In the final picture: Joshua and David at a school concert in Machias. 

Remembering Fun Times At Home

When Grampie and I were children we thought about growing up. We wondered what we would do for a job, where we would live, and who we would marry.

I don't know about Grampie, but I was a dreamer. One thing that was fun to think about was the children I would have someday. Once, lying on the grass near Grammie Muriel's flower garden, I thought I would have six children and name them after flowers. There was Daisy, Rose, Iris, Violet, and two more. The other two names no longer come to mind. My dream was to sew beautiful dresses, all alike, but maybe in six colors. They would be the loveliest girls in the land.

As you know, that dream did not come true! But what really happened is far better than what was in my childish imagination. God ALWAYS has the best plan! We had SIX, but an equal number of girls and boys. Isn't that cool? We are so blessed with the children that God sent to us. Each one is very special and we love them more than they can know.

This picture was taken around Christmas. Notice the foil chain someone constructed to decorate our tree! Now my imagination is taking over! What were our children thinking? I wonder if Kevin was sitting on a package with his name on it? Stephen always looked so handsome in that sweater -- dark blue with yellow around the neck. He loved it. Jonathan, where are the laces for your boots? Valerie is caring for the two little ones and wears a very "seventies" outfit. Bethany is wearing a contented face and I wonder what she is holding. I love the way Marcia is clasping her hands for this photo-op! Maybe they were getting ready to do the play that they presented for us year after year at Christmas time.

And here is another dream. Wouldn't it be fun to time travel back there and give each one of those children a special hug and kiss? Wouldn't it be fun to hear their childish voices and laugh with them? I miss those days, but I wouldn't trade them for NOW. Why? Because now you are with us. You help make our family complete -- and so will your children.

There is something I want you to know, so will you remember this? Wherever you go, whatever you do, however you feel, whatever you are thinking there are some things that will always remain true: Grampie and I love you. More than that, GOD loves you. He loves you most of all.

Someone wrote a song and the chorus to it is related to my prayer for this family -- for all of us together:

May the circle be unbroken
By and by lord, by and by,
There's a better home a-waitin'
In the sky lord, in the sky.

One of these days Grampie and I are going to Heaven. Our most sincere prayer for you is that you will be there with us, as a member of God's Forever Family. What a joyous thought!