~ Nettie Enns
My grandmother, affectionately known as GrandNettie to her grand & great-grandchildren, uttered those words to me one time when I asked how she was feeling. GrandNettie was actually quite healthy overall, having lived a very active life with a sharp and agile mind right until she passed at the age of 98 in 2003. Still, I took her words to heart, that a long life has numerous rewards and challenges.
Today, October 9, is not just the late John Lennon’s 73rd birthday it also happens to be the birthdate of my maternal grandfather, Karl Cornelius Enns who passed in 2000, at the age of 95. We called him GrandKarl. GrandKarl came from a large family in Kansas and was so athletic that he played both basketball and football in college at Kansas University. He had an offer to play professional football as a quaterback but opted for farming instead. Times sure have changed since then! He married GrandNettie. GrandKarl was a man of great integrity who told it like it is. He was friendly toward everyone in the neighborhood and is what I would call a "man's man." These are some photos taken during our last family visit to their home in Albuquerque when Johannah was just 6 months old.
This song really captures those beautiful hands that have done so much for others... |
Proverbs 31 (The Message)
10 A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. 11 Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it . . . 28 Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: 29 "Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!" 30 Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. 31 Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!
Proverbs 31 (KJV)
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. . . 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise up , and call her blessed ; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised . 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Honor Verses for Valuing Parents
Exodus 20:12
"Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
Proverbs 1
8 My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don't neglect your mother's instruction.
9 What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck.
Proverbs 23:22
Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don't despise your mother when she is old.
Proverbs 20:7
The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.
(all above^ verses NLT)
(NKJV) Proverbs 13:22
A good [man] leaves an inheritance to his children's children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.
(NKJV) Deuteronomy 1:21
Look, the LORD your God has set the land before you; go up [and] possess [it], as the LORD God of your fathers has spoken to you; do not fear or be discouraged.
(AMP) Ephesians 6
1 CHILDREN, OBEY your parents in the Lord [as His representatives], for this is just and right.
2 Honor (esteem and value as precious) your father and your mother--this is the first commandment with a promise--
3 That all may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth.
4 Fathers, do not irritate {and} provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training {and} discipline and the counsel {and} admonition of the Lord.
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John Lennon and Karl C Enns!
In My Life
(Lennon & McCartney)
There are places I remember
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all
But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
In my life I love you more