Baby Rensink
Baby Boy Rensink
Baby Boy, Peter Rensink - due in October!
. . .snakes and snails and puppy dog tails . . .
So happy for Julianne and Brenden . . . and for me!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Palmyra Temple dedication
The dedication of the Gila Valley Temple last Sunday reminds me of an experience I had with Gregg when the Palmyra Temple was dedicated.
It was on a school day morning and we had to be there by 6:00 AM. (Randy was on the orchestra tour with Carianne and Jeff. Julianne must have been at NAU.) Anyway, we had to get up early to be at the church by 6. I didn't know what to expect from Gregg. 5:00 was a little early for a middle schooler. But he got up willingly and quickly dressed in his Sunday attire. We gathered our handkerchiefs and special recommends and were off. There was a small line at the door, but it was peaceful and quiet - a great start to any day. We were able to sneak into the chapel and find a seat right against the aisle. We listened to the beautiful music and were safe there. I was proud of him for his obedience and faith. He seemed to know how special this experience was going to be. That's what I remember the most - that it was so peaceful and that I was with Gregg.
The dedication took place and ended all too soon. It took a minute to adjust to reality when it was over. I suddenly remembered it was a school day and I knew he would be a little worried if we didn't hurry along. So, the minute the lights went on, I looked at the clock - it was 7:30. Being on the aisle, we were able to slide out and head to the car. Burger King was on the way, so we swung in the drive through for breakfast. (I knew that would take his mind off being late for school.) We drove home, he changed his clothes and we were on our way back to school. I watched him as he walked the long hallway and into the office door. The day was almost normal.
I picked him up at the same spot at 2:30. He jumped in the car and the first thing he said was, "Mom, they put me in ISS" (In School Suspension). I was surprised, but he went on to remind me that it was a test day. I recalled then, a note from the school, encouraging parents to make sure their children did not miss school on "these" certain days. "Oh, dear", I thought.
Gregg kept talking, "But I wasn't the only one they put in ISS". He went on to name a hand full of his other friends from Primary and scouts that were also in the room when he got there. He said, "Every time the door opened, it was another "friend", and finally the secretary was so mad that when there were no more chairs, she would say," "If there aren't any chairs, then just sit on the floor!" "
I knew every child he named. I also knew all of their parents. These were members of our Stake, who with priorities like mine, had chosen to miss the beginning of a school test day for something so much more important. I was so thankful to have their examples, and to know that we were raising our children alike, together.
I had to laugh out loud when I thought of the poor little secretary, going back and forth with child after child in frustration as she filled the room (to standing only) with "disobedient" kids. She had no idea that these were the cream of the crop. It tickled me as I ask, "Gregg, doesn't it feel so good to be "so bad" "?
It also makes me humble to think of that little punishment room, usually filled with darkness. But on that day, it became filled with brightness and purity, because of what those children had just witnessed. I imagined their sweet faces, knowing they had done no wrong, yet with support from each other, they could feel safe. They were clean and good.
Can you have a "temple" in an ISS room? I think so. I'm pretty sure heaven surrounded them there that day.
It was on a school day morning and we had to be there by 6:00 AM. (Randy was on the orchestra tour with Carianne and Jeff. Julianne must have been at NAU.) Anyway, we had to get up early to be at the church by 6. I didn't know what to expect from Gregg. 5:00 was a little early for a middle schooler. But he got up willingly and quickly dressed in his Sunday attire. We gathered our handkerchiefs and special recommends and were off. There was a small line at the door, but it was peaceful and quiet - a great start to any day. We were able to sneak into the chapel and find a seat right against the aisle. We listened to the beautiful music and were safe there. I was proud of him for his obedience and faith. He seemed to know how special this experience was going to be. That's what I remember the most - that it was so peaceful and that I was with Gregg.
The dedication took place and ended all too soon. It took a minute to adjust to reality when it was over. I suddenly remembered it was a school day and I knew he would be a little worried if we didn't hurry along. So, the minute the lights went on, I looked at the clock - it was 7:30. Being on the aisle, we were able to slide out and head to the car. Burger King was on the way, so we swung in the drive through for breakfast. (I knew that would take his mind off being late for school.) We drove home, he changed his clothes and we were on our way back to school. I watched him as he walked the long hallway and into the office door. The day was almost normal.
I picked him up at the same spot at 2:30. He jumped in the car and the first thing he said was, "Mom, they put me in ISS" (In School Suspension). I was surprised, but he went on to remind me that it was a test day. I recalled then, a note from the school, encouraging parents to make sure their children did not miss school on "these" certain days. "Oh, dear", I thought.
Gregg kept talking, "But I wasn't the only one they put in ISS". He went on to name a hand full of his other friends from Primary and scouts that were also in the room when he got there. He said, "Every time the door opened, it was another "friend", and finally the secretary was so mad that when there were no more chairs, she would say," "If there aren't any chairs, then just sit on the floor!" "
I knew every child he named. I also knew all of their parents. These were members of our Stake, who with priorities like mine, had chosen to miss the beginning of a school test day for something so much more important. I was so thankful to have their examples, and to know that we were raising our children alike, together.
I had to laugh out loud when I thought of the poor little secretary, going back and forth with child after child in frustration as she filled the room (to standing only) with "disobedient" kids. She had no idea that these were the cream of the crop. It tickled me as I ask, "Gregg, doesn't it feel so good to be "so bad" "?
It also makes me humble to think of that little punishment room, usually filled with darkness. But on that day, it became filled with brightness and purity, because of what those children had just witnessed. I imagined their sweet faces, knowing they had done no wrong, yet with support from each other, they could feel safe. They were clean and good.
Can you have a "temple" in an ISS room? I think so. I'm pretty sure heaven surrounded them there that day.
Monday, May 17, 2010
A Tender Mercy
When I was 20 years old, my brother, Jeff , was tragically taken from us in a car accident, while serving a mission for our church in Pennsylvania. There were 4 Elders in the car and 3 of their lives were taken. It was an experience that I do not wish on anyone, however, the Spirit of peace and comfort was so strong, during that trying time that I cannot deny he is safely with Heavenly Father. I also know that I will see him again someday.
My youngest brother, Jim was only 8. I remember a poster we had made of Jeff's mission, hanging in the hall. It showed pictures of where he was living, pictures of him in his suit, smiling, with his missionary name badge, etc. When the accident happened, there mysteriously appeared on the poster, in little 8 year old handwriting, "I miss Jeff." Those words became more and more meaningful as I watched Jim try to come to terms with this experience. As the years passed along, I realized that, even though I never saw him struggle or cry (that I can remember), he had some deep, sweet feelings. He felt "short changed" because he knew Jeff the least amount of time, compared to Jon ( 14 years old) and I. It must have been so hard for him.
We moved from our home on Cheery Lynn Road to Gilbert a few years later. Jim attended middle school and high school there. He also served a mission to Chicago and married Richelle. He is now the father of 3. Once a little boy. . . now a good man. Continuing to walk uprightly, and being interested in everyone, he has made many friends.
One afternoon in the hallway at church, a new member in his ward overheard his name. Out of the blue, the member called to him, " Brother Buehner? Do you know a Jeff Buehner?" Jim was surprised, but curious - of course he knew Jeff Buehner. The man continued to tell him that he was a missionary in Pennsylvania, also, and although he never had a chance to meet Jeff, he learned quickly about him and of the tragic accident.
It had just happened a day or two before, and when he arrived at the mission home, the feeling inside was heavy. He described that as he walked by the mission Presidents office, an Elder was sitting inside, with his head in his hands. He later learned it was the one Elder, the driver, that had survived, and was obviously dealing with it very hard. The member also learned that before the accident, the hearts of the people in the area were guarded. They were convinced that they didn't need the church. They had their own. Their doors were either shut quickly upon seeing the missionaries, or not opened at all. But little by little, the Elders were making an impression, being out and about in the community. People began recognizing them. Some had visited with them and others had not. Either way, when the accident happened, it hit home to everyone. If they had met them, they knew them. If they had never met them, they had seen them and knew of them. It touched everyone, and grieving was felt by many. Miraculously, though, their hearts began to soften. They put down their barriers. It united them in sadness and as a result, they began to listen and know how true the church really is.
Of anyone who deserved to hear this experience from a new friend that day, it was Jim, The youngest brother of Jeff, who longed to know him better. It gives me strength to know that this meeting was not a happenstance. The member was placed there for Jim. We might not have ever learned of this story, except through Jim. He needed it. And it was sweet to hear it from him.
I am so grateful to know that there really is a Heavenly Father who knows our needs. Whenever I think of a "tender mercy", I always think of Jim's experience.
My youngest brother, Jim was only 8. I remember a poster we had made of Jeff's mission, hanging in the hall. It showed pictures of where he was living, pictures of him in his suit, smiling, with his missionary name badge, etc. When the accident happened, there mysteriously appeared on the poster, in little 8 year old handwriting, "I miss Jeff." Those words became more and more meaningful as I watched Jim try to come to terms with this experience. As the years passed along, I realized that, even though I never saw him struggle or cry (that I can remember), he had some deep, sweet feelings. He felt "short changed" because he knew Jeff the least amount of time, compared to Jon ( 14 years old) and I. It must have been so hard for him.
We moved from our home on Cheery Lynn Road to Gilbert a few years later. Jim attended middle school and high school there. He also served a mission to Chicago and married Richelle. He is now the father of 3. Once a little boy. . . now a good man. Continuing to walk uprightly, and being interested in everyone, he has made many friends.
One afternoon in the hallway at church, a new member in his ward overheard his name. Out of the blue, the member called to him, " Brother Buehner? Do you know a Jeff Buehner?" Jim was surprised, but curious - of course he knew Jeff Buehner. The man continued to tell him that he was a missionary in Pennsylvania, also, and although he never had a chance to meet Jeff, he learned quickly about him and of the tragic accident.
It had just happened a day or two before, and when he arrived at the mission home, the feeling inside was heavy. He described that as he walked by the mission Presidents office, an Elder was sitting inside, with his head in his hands. He later learned it was the one Elder, the driver, that had survived, and was obviously dealing with it very hard. The member also learned that before the accident, the hearts of the people in the area were guarded. They were convinced that they didn't need the church. They had their own. Their doors were either shut quickly upon seeing the missionaries, or not opened at all. But little by little, the Elders were making an impression, being out and about in the community. People began recognizing them. Some had visited with them and others had not. Either way, when the accident happened, it hit home to everyone. If they had met them, they knew them. If they had never met them, they had seen them and knew of them. It touched everyone, and grieving was felt by many. Miraculously, though, their hearts began to soften. They put down their barriers. It united them in sadness and as a result, they began to listen and know how true the church really is.
Of anyone who deserved to hear this experience from a new friend that day, it was Jim, The youngest brother of Jeff, who longed to know him better. It gives me strength to know that this meeting was not a happenstance. The member was placed there for Jim. We might not have ever learned of this story, except through Jim. He needed it. And it was sweet to hear it from him.
I am so grateful to know that there really is a Heavenly Father who knows our needs. Whenever I think of a "tender mercy", I always think of Jim's experience.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
You're Afraid of What?
I was writing the date on an 8 year old piano students assignment book this week. All of a sudden he said, "TEN MORE DAYS!" I said, "until your birthday?" Sure enough, how did I guess? He then carried on about the party plans. How his Mom was having a Reptile-specialist come, bringing all kinds of creepy crawly things to show the kids. Of course, I had to let him know how much I hated . . .you know whats . . . He told me about his love for everything slimy, slithery, and stuck to the "no pest" strips that his parents had laying all around his house and in the garage. (I think I am glad I don't live in his neighborhood.. . either that or he has a really good imagination!)
I was getting the creeps when all of sudden he took cover like a baseball bat was coming at him right between the eyes. His legs shot up, his head ducked down, his hands covered his face. In a split second he was in a fetal position on the bench, balancing himself on his hind end.
I had seen the same thing he saw. Guess what? . . . A F L Y!
I couldn't believe my eyes. The kid was afraid of FLIES! I slapped my hand down on my leg in laughter. Trying to compose myself, I continued to wipe away uncontrollable tears. . . a FLY?
He spend the rest of the lesson being "dive bombed", only to take cover again and again, which only made my sides hurt. I would have swatted it if we ever saw it land. . .
. . .or maybe not.
I was getting the creeps when all of sudden he took cover like a baseball bat was coming at him right between the eyes. His legs shot up, his head ducked down, his hands covered his face. In a split second he was in a fetal position on the bench, balancing himself on his hind end.
I had seen the same thing he saw. Guess what? . . . A F L Y!
I couldn't believe my eyes. The kid was afraid of FLIES! I slapped my hand down on my leg in laughter. Trying to compose myself, I continued to wipe away uncontrollable tears. . . a FLY?
He spend the rest of the lesson being "dive bombed", only to take cover again and again, which only made my sides hurt. I would have swatted it if we ever saw it land. . .
. . .or maybe not.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Super-Heroes
I was attending a class some time ago. The teacher directed the question to each of us to be answered one by one. I listened as people remembered the Teen-age Mutant Ninja Turtles, Superman, Spiderman, etc. When it got to be my turn, my mind had already taken a "left". I was paying attention, but I didn't go the TV/movie route. Instead, perfect thoughts rushed to my mind and I found myself saying, " I have been so impressed by the good young men that our daughters have chosen to marry. These are my Super Heroes."
As time has gone on, 2 more Super Heroes have been added to our family, in the form of beautiful young girls. I feel so blessed that our children have found partners that can see eternity through them and with them. You just can't get more Super than that!
As time has gone on, 2 more Super Heroes have been added to our family, in the form of beautiful young girls. I feel so blessed that our children have found partners that can see eternity through them and with them. You just can't get more Super than that!
blog class
Today I am officially starting to learn about blogging. This is my teacher who has been blogging and writing for years. She was kind and patient enough to teach a little class for newbies like me, who only wanted to learn how to add pictures to their blogs. Her name is Margaret Turley . She is going to get points for encouraging someone like me to learn just a little more.
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