Sunday Psalms & Stories - God's good plan for your life.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

  his love endures forever.

Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story -

  those he redeemed from the hand of the foe.

                                         Psalm 107:1-2

This picture hangs in a prominent location in my house.

It's a picture of my great-grandma Edna, whom I've written about a few times on this blog. At first glance, it appears that three gentle Victorian ladies are relaxing under the shade of an oak tree.

        But it's not.

                 It's a photo of resistance.

Edna was sent to an orphanage when she was nine because her mother was destitute. I can't imagine how devastating it must have been for them. In short order, several adoptions were arranged by a man who put Edna and other children on a train. Once she arrived at her destination, she was met by her new parents, Ambrose and Minerva.

Her new mother took her in, changed her name and put her to work on their farm. She was a strict disciplinarian and even chose what Edna wore until she was 21-years old. Edna was their only child and Minerva didn't intend for her to marry anyone. Her plan was that she'd remain a spinster and stay on the farm.

But Edna had other plans. She'd fallen in love with a local farmer, my great-grandpa Olie, and they defied her mother's wishes. Edna was quite a woman, and that was her bridal photo. If you look closely, you'll see her "bouquet" is several oak leaves. The oak is a symbol of strength and courage.

I'm thankful she was strong and followed the plans God had for her, otherwise I never would have gotten to wear this super sweater!

Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness. Proverbs 14:22

Writing Down Family Stories

My kids and I got a unique opportunity with our homeschool group last week. Three hundred parents and children (mostly children) listened as a Holocaust survivor told his story of escaping Germany when he was a child. It was gripping and enlightening and when it came time for questions, someone said, "Have you written a book we could buy?"

He said, "No. No, I haven't written a book and it's probably nothing I'll get around to doing at this point. But I'd welcome someone else to write it if that's what they wanted to do."

I happened to be sitting next to my writer friend, Andy, and we both just looked at each other. This man had a compelling first hand account that's going to be lost one day. It makes me wonder how many millions of stories are lost because they've not been written down.

There are several captivating stories in my own family history. One of my ancestors got shot in the head with a musket ball during the Civil War and survived. Another soldier wrote love letters to his wife for four years while he fought during the war and died just four days after coming home. Another of my ancestors, who came over on the Mayflower, landed at Plymouth, MA and apparently became smitten with a "savage woman." He ran away with her and was later seen in the area dressed "half nekked." I guessed he was really undressed. At any rate, he was kicked out of the colony.

                                                My girls at Plimouth Plantation in Plymouth, MA

                                                            The Mayflower reproduction ship

What about you? Do you have any unique family stories? 

The holidays are perfect opportunities for writing these treasures down so they won't be forgotten. I'd love to hear who you'd most like to interview in your family. Kids are great at this, because no one can refuse their cute little faces. Here are some questions to spark conversations:
               
             In what year were you born?
             Where were you born?
             What did you like to do for fun?
             Did you have toys? What kind?
             What kind of work did your father do?
             What country did your family come from?
             How did they get to America?
           

Family History Tip:

Designate one binder or notebook for each branch of the family and always note the name of the person you're interviewing. Older family members often repeat stories and need help from others remembering names, dates and specific events. Having one notebook will help keep everything in one place for future interviews.
                                                                                         Happy Hunting and Happy Holidays!