Joy in June

June already!  

James is doing well!  

I had cataract surgery on my right eye June 8 and am so happy to be rid of that smudge across my right field of vision.  Because of floaters, I did not expect my vision to improve much ...but it has! Can't wait to go out to look at the stars some summer night soon.  

Today I felt the need to "drop a marker" to commemorate an uncommonly blessed morning. I had the precious privilege of seeing each of my seven grandkids as we picked up eggs from our son's house, visited awhile, and made an egg delivery to our daughter.  I greeted each of my grands with a "Holy Kiss;" as Scripture says.  My interpretation of that directive is to kiss them on top of their heads with love and a prayer.  Both my son and my daughter were watching their children at their respective homes today, and so they both received a motherly "kiss on the head" as well.  Although we all live within a few miles of one another, it is rare to have all of the children available at once to receive this particular expression of their Grammy's love.  

My heart is full.  

Earlier today I strolled in my little flower garden.  The photos I took symbolize the fulfillment of promises from the Lord.   

When God promises blessings, He comes through.  Every single time.  And sometimes, Heaven's joys begin on Earth as they did for me this morning.  

All praise to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to Father God for His great love, and to the Holy Spirit who dwells within; thank You Lord for hearing my prayers.  Thank You for Your promises.  The transient moments of joy we experience here make us look forward to Heaven and home where great joy will not be tainted ever again by earthly sorrows.  Blessed be Your Name.  

Thank You Lord for today.  

Christmas Greetings and Letter 2025

 John and I have been busy taking care of our grandkids and praying our youngest grandson, not quite five months old, through open heart surgery.  The last months have been quite an adventure.  James is two weeks out of surgery at this writing and is doing well with a prognosis to live a normal life (his corrected heart defect is the same as experienced by Olympic snowboarder Shaun White).  Regarding the postscript written December 21 (below) the problem that sent James back to PICU was resolved and he was dismissed from the hospital December 24.  We are grateful to the Lord!  Prayers for his safety through cold and flu season this year still appreciated.  We will continue to shelter for about 8 weeks longer so we can remain available to the kids to babysit without exposing them to the sicknesses that seem rampant right now.  We are really going to enjoy spring this year!  

Below is our Christmas letter for 2025: 

December 20, 2025

Dear Friends and Family, 

As I write this, a Veggie Tales movie is playing on the TV to my right, and directly in front of me are two very cute little girls eating popcorn and drinking root beer. We’ve had ice cream for dessert most meals, but each time I serve fruits or vegetables I photograph them attractively for evidence of my generally responsible grandparenting.  

Rebekah, 10, and Kathryn, nearly 3, have been here for several nights while their mom, dad and baby brother, James, are at Children’s Mercy in Kansas City for four-month-old James’s open-heart surgery.  He is recovering well, but we request your continued prayers for healing and protection from illnesses while he recovers fully over the next few months.  We are filled with gratitude today as James smiled for the first time since his surgery 4 days ago.  Our family has been carried on the wings of many loving prayers, and our hearts are lighter tonight than they’ve been all week in the light of James’s smile.  

Our Rausch kids and grandkids are doing well.  Daniel, 17, is a senior in high school and will attend K-State next year.  Logan, 13, is rocking junior high as he exhibits an unexpected talent for trombone playing (who knew?) and an expected talent on the basketball court. Isaac, 10, is a fourth grader, and Lydia is a year old. Brian and Melinda are right in the middle of a very busy but greatly blessed season of their lives.   

John is farming just as he has done for fifty-some years, and I do a lot of cooking, cleaning, praying, and praising God for our blessings.  I have tabled work on a book of devotions for homeschooled kids entering the public school but plan to return to it soon.   

Prayers for each of you in the challenges and joys you are experiencing in your lives.  

John and Linda

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

P.S.  As of this morning, December 21, James is back in ICU for what we think will be a temporary problem in his recovery. Continued prayers appreciated!  Love and prayers to you all.  

December Photos

 

Jonathan and Nicole took their own Christmas photos on their land.  Love! 

At left, my 71st birthday selfie.  John was Covid positive also (thanks to me) so we spent the day together.  On Christmas day we were still isolating so Melinda and the boys came and sang "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and brought treats!  Mel made my traditional strawberry swirl cheesecake for my birthday.  

At left, Melinda with her Daddy in 1980, at right, Melinda with her new baby wearing the very same outfit in 2024.  

Catching Up With Photos for the Year -- November

 

We have SIX grandkids now!!!  Blessing upon blessing, thank You Lord.  

Catching Up With Photos for the Year--October

Our dear friends, Jim and Myrna, celebrated their 50th anniversary in October.  

Son Jonathan is never so happy as when he is combining, and happier still if the buddy seat is full! 

Isaac turned 9 years old and Jonathan turned 37.  

 

Catching Up With Photos for the Year--September

 

I redid our plain ol' metal front door and painted the outside blue!  John installed a new brass peephole.