Sunday, September 25, 2011

Beam me up, Scotty

Counting blessings

450 - Boy, oh boy! I'm grateful. Bless you Lord for technology, for it allowed me to see this gorgeous little Texan, our grandson Rembrandt, even though we live on the East Coast. I received this picture via my cell phone shortly after his birth on Thursday:



451 - And thank you, for it permits me my weekly chats with his big sister, where I'm able to see her dimples and hear her voice shout, "Hel-lo, Ganny!".



452 - And thank you again, for it enabled me to attend my daughter's baby shower in New Zealand via Skype. She's due in two and a half weeks. Wahooooooo!!




As many of you know who come here often, I work on an 18th century farm, interpreting the life of a woman from that period. I love the old ways...of living history. I often think about the lives of people who immigrated to this country and colonized a new land, and of their children and their children's children, many of whom travelled West.

O Pioneers! I can only imagine what it must have been like--the heartbreaking farewells of those who left loved ones to travel across the country or over the sea, understanding that it might be the last time they would ever "see" each other. Having to wait ages before even hearing from them, or about them, by letter or word of mouth.



Yes, I do love the old ways. I often grumble against machines, and the fast pace of the world today. I've heard some people say that they identify with the past so much that they believe they were "mailed" wrong. But God makes no mistakes. Even though some of my children are far away and the grandbabies are time zones from a kiss and a snuggle, the times I live in have provided me with a way to be there instantly, even if virtually. And we can board airplanes to cover distances in hours that not so long ago would have taken months.



453 - Thank you, God, for knowing me inside out.
454 - Thank you for knowing what my heart can take and what it can't. I was born for such a time as this, in more ways than one.





Joining Ann today

25 comments:

amy said...

yes! love seeing that little baby. what an amazing name. and you are right... i grumble against the machines, the pace too... yet without it, i realize, i wouldn't know you my dear jodi! or nancy! or joann! or misty, brandee, emily, etc. etc. and what a sad sad world it would be for me.

Anonymous said...

Hoooray!!!!Bells are ringing in our hearts for the arrival of Rembrandt! Beautiful Name! Beautiful Boy!
We are so happy for him and his parents and big sis, and for you, Jodi, that you can be "there" with them.
I perfectly agree with the gift of technology (even though I'm still so clumsy with it.)
It's much easier having Mary away because of it.
Joy looks perfectly adorable!!
What fun to attend her shower virtually.
We are praying for the wonderful day when grandbaby #3 arrives! Go Joy!
Echo to Amy about Curious Acorn being one of technology's assests!

Joan<3

Janie Fox said...

what a sweet baby. I have my grands just down the road but I love the fact that I can keep up with loved ones who are far away through technology.

Amy Smith said...

Loved this Jodi. Loved it. xo

Stephanie Ann said...

This was very sweet.

tamarahillmurphy.com said...

Congratulations Grandma! We've thought several times about the pioneers during our move cross-country in August. How grateful we are for Skype and airplanes and unlimited texting and facebook and STILL we're homesick. I can't even imagine...

monix said...

Congratulations! I hope it won't be too long before you get to hold baby Rembrandt. We have just had visits from our grandchildren and had wonderful times but it makes it easier to see them leave when you know you can keep in touch via modern technology. I must remember to see that as a blessing too.
Maureen

Anonymous said...

awww jodi thats lovely. to know that even tho you love the old ways of long ago, you do belong in the here and now for a reason only HE can know. when i saw the baby i was so smiley, i thought yours had come early !! two weeks to go.....

Melissa said...

And thank you, Father, for this living picture of grateful, trusting daughterhood (That's you, Jodi) For a lady who places all of this {the sweet-sometimes-bittersweetness of life here that includes so much *JOY* and longing, and heartache all wrapped together} in Your good hands. Thank you.

Nancy said...

Okay that picture of your granddaughter on the rocking horse just made me want to shout, "Yee-Haw!" Of course, it doesn't take much to get me to do that.

He knows what our hearts can take and what they can't. Much truth there. Congratulations again, my high tech happening granny-friend!

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

Oh, Congratulations, Jodi! What a beautiful little baby boy. And I completely agree with you about the wonders of technology! I think when I read Elizabeth Goudge's book Green Dolphin Street (long long ago) I first thought about how people of long ago might never see one another again when they parted. And people were moving so often. May your daughter be sending you a lovely baby picture very soon!

Olivia said...

Hooray for babies!
{I'm very thankful for technology}

Ruth said...

Congratulations Jodi! Isn't it a fantastic time of life! He and that little cowgirl are beautiful!

Your words strike such a chord- beautiful.

Comhghairdeas!

RuthV

Leslie said...

congratulations again, on the beautiful new addition to your family (and with a name like that, he'll have a lot to live up to!)

and just two more weeks for more joy! (pun intended.)

you look like someone from "The Village" in that photo... i've often thought about the horrible separations that families endured in those pioneering times. they were made of strong stock. i'm glad you don't have to be them, even though i know it's very very hard to not be able to hug and kiss your grandbabies...

scraps of starlight said...

Congratualtions on that beautiful brand new baby!!!
And his big sis... so adorable!
I also have great affinity with the past. I just love the slow pace of life back then, the mindfulness, the community. However, like you I totally appreciate the wonders of technology too.
This little screen has helped me make connections and keep in touch with those I love and I am grateful for that.

Kerrie said...

congrats, Jodi! He's adorable. What an exciting time for your family. :)

Amy said...

Such joy! Blessings upon blessings to your family, Ganny:) I used to be one who thought I was mailed to the wrong time period until modern medicine saved my life. God certainly knows what He's doing. So glad you get to be near those who are far thanks to the wonderful side of technology.

Unknown said...

congratulations my friend. i'm glad you're here in this time too.

Chelsey said...

Technology does have some adorable perks! Congratulations to you and yours...

Cheryl said...

What a gorgeous baby. A blessing for sure. As is the technology that makes the world that little bit smaller and more manageable.

Nick said...

I'm somewhat a fan of skype. ;)

Quotidian Life said...

Congratulations on your new grandson, Jodi! And another one soon to make an appearance--wow! I've also been counting my Skype blessings lately. This week I've spent over two hours talking to my college kids on skype--and I don't even have grand babies yet.

Southern Gal said...

Congratulations! Beautiful new grandson. (I want to squeeze that granddaughter's chubby legs.)

Emily said...

Aww, congratulations! He's beautiful!! And he'll have a little cousin pretty soon who will be exactly his age :)

Jen said...

Beautiful baby Rembrandt! As someone who has a degree in Art History, I just love that name!

What a blessing to have the technology to be able to be there even when you aren't there.

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