Listening to the Heart of God- through my Child's Heart

Chantel came to me and shared part of a book she was reading (which is about how African Americans were treated unfairly) called Kizzy Ann Stamps. She read about how someone received "welts" which I told her were marks which showed that someone had been "beaten". Chantel's replay was "How could someone hurt another person like that?" and she continued with, "To hurt another person is to hurt God, too, because God made the other person. They are made in His Image." (She shared that we are all made the same and we are all just as important to God.) ( i.e. We are all ONE RACE, (different cultures/languages only).) Chantel knew I would love her response and shared how maybe she could be a pastor someday. I AM and ALWAYS will be so PROUD of Chantel and Her LOVE for others! Way to go, Chantel! (The picture above, is also a picture from a party she attended today. Another painting for our stairway art gallery at home.)

I'm Very Thankful and Relieved

The above poem and picture remind me of how I feel after this week's e-mail I received. I was very concerned over a jury duty appearance right after our vacation. Even Monday night, when I was filling in the online paperwork, I was overwhelmed by the gravity of the task of jury duty, on top of all that I have been responsible for the past, almost 2 years. Next, I was concerned with the lack of childcare, who could easily help with Chantel's needs, my 87 year old Mother-in-Law... Also, the week it was to happen was the beginning of the memory week for the death of my dad, July 21st, 2010, two years ago. This year, seems to be the toughest for me grief wise, maybe it's finally hitting me. Also, our child, Patience,lost by miscarriage, July 20th, 2009... I was SO THANKFUL and RELIEVED.. when I received an e-mail stating that I had been officially excused the next day, yesterday.. Now I can move on with our vacation and enjoy it, instead of dreading the news, phone calls and concerns. THANKFUL that GOD placed some empathy in the heart of a judge. Also, I will have more time to spend with Chantel... and resting and recuperating.. like the summer was supposed to be. Also, getting ready for Sunday School Teaching again in the fall. VERY THANKFUL!

So Much has Changed...

Today.. I am relaxing a bit.. No school for me this week.. as I plan the projects and events of our lives.. Vacation... a Generator.. for when there is no heat.
Caring for Chantel while she was home from school, Tues.. due to redness in her eye.. making sure it wasn't anything more serious. Getting my fingerprinting done so I can update my school papers for fall.

Also, I was waiting for the permit to come. Our project was rescheduled from Monday, until tomorrow. In the middle of the week, I felt like I was wasting time off while I was waiting. In the mean time, I was able to get more questions answered and more projects started, at least info. wise.

Wednesday, I was praying at church, the House of Prayer, an area where people can go during the first week of Lent.. to pray in various ways.. One of my favorite.. is walking on a Labyrinth (for prayer).. I walk in and share my thoughts and requests with God.. and in the center.. I stop and listen and reflect.. on the way out. .I thank God for what He has done and will do. Chantel did the with me on Friday.. she walks quickly in and out.. yet still enjoys spending time with God in a new way.
For me.. I'm trying to get answers to my questions and to reflect.. listen.. and hear from God.

When I came home from my fingerprinting, lunch out, and a trip to Lowe's for things and info. for future. I had the answer I needed... a date for the installation and
2 companies on board. I was thankful and relieved.. knowing that God is in control when life seems so out of control.

So now.. to think of some other things I should be doing. Probably start on those tomorrow, while I have to be here for those working. Also, thankful.. to finally have our house in a VERY decent order.. due to the last weekend working on sorting and putting things away.. donating.. etc. It's been a long 1 1/2 years.. since my dad passed away and going through my parents house.. and my stuff from their house too.. It's been emotionally and physically exhausting..

Enjoying our NEW normal.. at our house. Trying to deal with the current issues of school for Chantel.. until the year ends.. and continuing to pray for an improved year.. next year.. So Done with the DRAMA and lack of professionalism. Thankful for my days at school when I get the chance.. I love working with children and encouraging them and helping them to learn and grow..

Chantel's been growing and maturing for her 4th year of ballet.. and 1st year of jazz. She has 4 parts and 4 costumes in this year's performance. Also, she's a budding violinist. She can memorize.. sing.. dance.. and play all at the same time. We are excited to attend her May performance. (Usually play and dance.. while she has her piece memorized.. )

Hope your lives are settled and being directed by God.. through the good and the bad times.. as ours have and continue to be. Have a Great Weekend!

Our Trips to the Nature Center

Above, are the pictures of our trip to the Churchville Nature Center. We love that place. We really felt at peace on Good Friday, this year. Since Easter was a difficult weekend, with the death of my Uncle Roger, thinking about the loss of my parents in July and December 2010 and finally, our child, Blessing Schultz, would have been 6 years old this year, and we lost him/her on April 20th, 2005. So, it was an emotional time.

We enjoy going to the Nature Center annually. This year, we went twice in 2 weeks. The first time, was Good Friday and the second time, was Mother's Day. It's always so peaceful and serene there. I will have to post pictures later, when I've added them to the computer. We enjoyed the Lenape (Indian) Native American Village, and participated in so many activities. We had a really long and relaxing day together. It made the day easier, than expected. I could feel the support and prayers of many who got me through that day. Thanks.

Sadness and Easter....

My focus today has been a mixture of sadness and Easter....
My day was filled with some time at home, some time with family,
trying to call someone to talk to, and now sadness, as I prepare
for the week ahead.

We have had a busy and productive weekend as a family.
Phone calls Friday and running to the bank... more Estate related
stuff, no surprise there.

Saturday night was majorly exciting. Attending our first Philadelphia Flyer's game as a family..... So cool. Chantel enjoyed it immensely!

In the middle of my writing this, I received the phone call, I needed.
Time to share with someone who truly cares. It seems like God is truly lining things up. We know some of the same people. Both of us come from similar church backgrounds and now go to the same church.

This week, I will be focused on the loss of our child, Blessing Schultz, 6 years ago, on April 20th, 2005. Our child would have been 6 years old this fall, and attending, Kindergarten. This really is a tough milestone for me to deal with right now.

The Memory Day, and working on the garden this week, seems like it's for more than just one of our children, Blessing, but for all 3 children: Blessing, Patience, and Joy Schultz, all in Heaven... Also, I bought a special flower (made of decorative painted metal) to go in the garden area for my parent's memory. We are even going to add some favorite veges that my parents enjoyed as well, to our garden. Praying for a great year, for our garden.

In the midst of this week, I'm still waiting for things to get done at my parents' house, for the township to do their final inspection (U and O). Ready for the next week, to drive to the settlement by myself, and sign over the papers, not sure how emotional that will be, but a relief, I'm sure.

Being Like Jesus.... Loving like Jesus...

I know the picture I have, you may have seen before, but it reminds me of the most recent events in our lives and Chantel's love and concern for others.

Yesterday, I was reading Chantel's journal, one that was given to her, by the leaders of the Children's department and church and a member of our Pastoral team. She was writing about how she loved Jesus and she loved Easter, since Jesus died for us.... Close to the true reflection... (Good Friday)... but she gets the joy of Easter.

Last night, before bed, she wrote more... Then, this morning... she said, when I grow up, I want to help people who are homeless..... Not the bad people- criminals, those who want to steal and hurt people. (Those who need a place to live and help to get them back on their feet.) She said, "I know I won't be able to help everybody, in every part of the world."

I felt so proud of her this morning, when I heard these words. This conversation happened, just after I finished combing and touching up her hair for the day. Precious moments.. Teachable moments.

Interesting too, since yesterday at church, we signed up for the IFHN, Inter Faith Hospitality Network... It serves people in the Souderton/Pennridge area, who are without a home, a job, childcare for their kids, etc. Mostly for single moms with children, but one time there was an entire family that I had met before, as a sub in schools. This year, as in the past, we are going to bring a meal to support the 3 families who are currently in the program...

Chantel has also had the opportunity to stay over night at church to help keep them safe, until they could leave in the morning. Well, she wants to again, so we need to look for a chance to sign up again, too, by next week, we hope.

In Sunday School yesterday, she wrote a book about My Story... How Jesus helps her in school, and in other ways. She is so amazing. I know I trusted Jesus at about the same age she did, but her faith seems so much stronger, deeper, and richer.
She's always praying for our child we support in Haiti and for the people of Japan, and for our safety as well...

When Jesus said to have the faith of a Child, that's such an amazing thing.. Chantel seems to really get how to love and be like Jesus, in so many small, yet important ways... I'm sooooo proud of her!

My poem- "Lent this Year" by: Chris Ann Schultz

This picture is from the annual garden I plant for our 3 children, who are in Heaven: Blessing, Patience, and Joy Schultz..... Now, it also has meaning for remembering my parents as well.... We are going to add a new flower type display... to think of them... Note my poem below....


"Lent This Year"

by: Chris Ann Schultz

Lent this year is different....
My focus seems so blurred...
My desire is for Easter, now...
My feelings are so different, like
I'm finishing Lent and moving on.....

Since July 2010, my life has changed so much.
Losing my dad, at age 37....
Going through a surgery and realizing that expanding
Our family has been delayed again.

Then, my focus was on caring for my mom,
Paying her bills and keeping her spirits up.
I didn't feel like I could discuss how I felt
about losing my dad with her, without really being
upset.
Instead, we made her feel comfortable and
Showed our love to her.

Then, in December 2010, when I was age 37, she died.
It again was a time of sadness, shock, and relief
Of the burden of her care, all at the same time.
I watched Chantel bond with her grandmother,
These past few months like I never could with my
grandmother, who was in a wheelchair as well.

Now, I'm focusing on all the major things...
That have been sold, trying to spend time as a family.
And the thing for Lent- doing things for others
Who are hurting- cards, facebook comments, e-mails,
Gift cards, and prayers sent their way....
Letting them know, they are not alone.

Oh, and waiting for school, phone calls, and work to
End and for the healing to begin.
Still trying to get through many special Anniversaries-
Mother's Day, Father's Day, the day my dad died,
And the day my mom died.
Also, trying to do things on the holidays, so I don't
miss them, so much!

That's my Lenten experience this year,
As I read a book about Heaven, and
Long to be there with everyone I love...