Singing the Psalms

I do my "reading through the Bible in a year" part of my devotions by audio. As I was getting ready for the day, the reader started reading Psalm 34......immediately the tears were flowing. In my mind's eye, I could see my sweet husband's face as he sang the first four verses of that song: "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fear."

Those of you who attended NLCA or Des Moines Assembly probably remembers how we would sing the Psalms. Last Sunday Valerie was leading worship in the Traditions Service.....and again the tears started flowing as soon as her voice rang out, "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised." (Psalm 48:1-3)......singing these songs not only touch my soul.....but they always remind me of a man who not only loved the Word.....but lived it.

Don did not have an easy time in school.....he went to an English speaking school and came home to a German speaking family. He struggled with reading.....with understanding the teachers who talked too fast....with a dyslexic mind that couldn't sort things out in a limited time slot......but by what I call a miracle..,.....at a young age he would ride his bike to their country church.....come home....(and from what his mom told me)...repeat the preacher's sermon almost word for word for her......and then he would gather all the kittens in the backyard.....and preach the sermon to the wiggly congregation, constantly trying to escape.

It wasn't until Don had children of his own that he learned about dyslexia and the affect it has on its victims......being tested.....and finally understanding why taking speed reading classes....and the many other things he did to try to improve himself didn't work.. .realizing it was the way God made him.....not anything he had/or had not done.....took a big weight off his shoulders.....and freed him to do his ministry and leave the results to the Lord. He learned to laugh and ask for help from his listeners when struggling with a word while teaching.

"I will bless the LORD at all times..His praise shall continually be in my mouth".....these words were straight from Don's Hintz's heart. "I sought the LORD and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."......Don understood where his help came from.....that God's power overcame his weaknesses....and all he accomplished was because of God's grace.....singing the Word was a sincere praise to the One he loved and appreciated.

I don't mind the fountain of tears which cascades over my spirit...they are very cleansing...they bring me into God's presence....and they remind me: "Great peace have they who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble." Psalm 119:165

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

 It was the best day of my life......I knew God and I together had said "I do" to a gift which would change my life......but I didn't truly understand how big that gift was....10 years later I began to understand.....20 years...30 years....40 years.... 50 years.....every decade I have seen that gift grow and enhance my life more and more and more....more than words can ever express.

When I said yes ......I was grafted into a family who had its roots in Germany..... had started their family in North Dakota....a family who was no stranger to hard work....a family who operated as a team....a family who navigated across America, taking advantage of new opportunity.... new territory.....turning unused acres into beautiful farm land….with much muscle power and water from the Grand Coulee Dam project.

Over the years I have come to understand the dynamics of the Hintz name……and the integrity of the Hintz members…..the parents…..the siblings….and their engrafted mates.  When Don and I decided to move across the U S to the Northwest we arrived to find a cute little rented home….completely furnished….everything we needed right down to the vacuum cleaner….and a freezer to store all the wonderful produce grown around us….a house ready for us to move into…..as well as a job to provide our living.  My husband’s siblings and their spouses had gone to bat for the youngest member of their family. This was the beginning of realizing what a tremendous GIFT I had been provided.....wrapped in the love of my husband…..tied with the ribbon of God’s approval…..and the inside filled with love and acceptance of an extended family which has grown and become more precious over the years.

Don believed in the importance of keeping the integrity of your name….he often shared this fact with our girls.  The truth of this statement became very clear one day when I was in Safeway in Moses Lake trying to pay with a check. Because we now lived in Western WA, the clerk was not allowed to take my check.  She called for the manager…..he stood looking at the check…..and then said, “So you are a Hintz….are you related to the Hintz’s in this area?”  When I responded, “Yes, my husband is the youngest brother to Helmut, Rudy and Hiller”…….he handed the check to the cashier and said, “This check will be fine.”  This was a visual lesson to Don’s teaching, “A good name is more desirable than great riches.” (Proverbs 22:1). I was never so grateful to have the gift of the Hintz name.

Yesterday, my family and I attended the 25^th anniversary of Don’s brother, Helmut and his sweet wife, Myrtle Isaac Hintz. They both have been married for more than 50 years…..with the combination of their deceased mates and then with each other. I sat there listening to their children from both sides… one by one….sharing how their parent’s union had positively impacted them and their families.  We listened as the nine children and their mates….and then all the grandchildren sang beautiful songs about God’s faithfulness and love. I marveled how all the members of this family had worked together to present a beautiful decorated room…..wonderful food……a touching program……along with videos, pictures and clothing from their wedding. Helmut and Myrt have demonstrated to us how love of God, love for each other, and love for their combined families stays strong…even when health challenges have changed the course of their lives.

Helmut is the last of the Hintz siblings…floods of tears have flowed as we have grieved the death of many family members over the years.  We’ve always pulled together…upholding each other…..putting our love into action.  The family continues to grow… over 160 from the six siblings….and well over 200 with the members of step families……we are so blessed.  We don’t have the opportunity to all get together much anymore…..a few celebrations of milestones along the way……but I’m thankful for Facebook where we keep updated on happenings in each other’s lives.  Most of all I’m thankful for the privilege of prayer…..a way we can all connect….lift each other up…..share in the sweet times and the hard times….be there for each other……even at a distance. And “..I will utter hidden things, things from of old…what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us.  We will not hide them from their children; we tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power and the wonders He has done.” (Psalm 78:2-4 NIV).

 

Yes, when I said “I do” with my precious husband, I gained a gift which has enriched my life over the years…..the Hintz family has helped to increase my understanding that….”The LORD is good, and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:5 NIV)  

Christmas Letter for 2014

I had awakened in plenty of time to get ready for my monthly widow’s group but “time stealers” kept interrupting my morning. I needed to pull out my heavy vacuum to clean up the coffee which spilled when I dropped the container….splattered foundation on my shirt resulted in having to change my outfit… and I had to make up the time spent on the phone with a neighbor. I was running about 15 minutes later than I had planned when I stopped by the kitchen to drop off my coffee cup. I heard a sizzling sound under the sink and investigation revealed water gushing from a busted hose.  I was able to get help and stop the water before there was permanent damage to my home. I knew immediately the frustrated interruptions were actually God ordained delays. .. “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” (Proverbs 16:9 NLT)

               Christmas is the time we stop to reflect on how “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NLT)  I am so grateful to be loved that much….to have the assurance of eternal life; but I’m also thankful that Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV) We can start each day “Seeking His will in all we do, and He will direct our paths.” (Proverbs 2:6 personalized)

               Last year I didn't get out a Christmas letter. December found me in San Diego with Valerie’s family celebrating her 2^nd born, Dalton’s graduation into the Marines.  This month is also memorable for Dalton because on December 27^th he will be taking his beautiful Puerto Rican princess, Valeria Otero, as his new bride.  Valeria is a perfect fit in our family and we are very excited for them.

               More Family Highlights:

1.      Granddaughter, Kirstin and Josh were blessed with twins on August 2^nd this year…..A son, Bronson and a daughter, Brynlee.  Elaine is enjoying the double fun of being a grandmother for the first time.  This great grandma can assure you they are both beautiful.

2.      Granddaughter, Danielle and Darren were blessed with a second son, Drew Kenneth on

August 8^th, 2013. Daniel, who will be 4 in January, sure loves having a little brother. Sandra and Dominique enjoy the role of Oma and Opa…..and I love being Oma Great.

3.      Sandra’s son, Michael, still lives in San Luis Obispo, CA where he owns his own fitness business, McAlister Training

4.      Sandra’s youngest, Meghan, graduated from high school this year and is enrolled in the Elementary Educational Program at Pierce College in Lakewood, WA.    

5.      Clayton, Valerie’s first born, graduated from Northwest University in May.  He has been selected to attend the Marine Officer Candidate School.  He will be leaving for VA on Jan. 12, 2015.

6.      Valerie’s 3^rd born, Quinton, is participating in Running Start for his junior year of High School.

7.      Valerie’s youngest, Preston, is a freshman in high school.

8.      Valerie had been a stay at home mom until last year when she starting working in her sons’ school district.  It’s a good fit because she’s home with the boys when there is no school.

9.      Sandra and Dominique’s “German Pastry & Coffee Shop” in Lakewood, WA is doing well and keeps Dom very busy. If you’re in the area, stop by for lunch or an awesome treat.

This Christmas season I am grateful for my wonderful family and friends.  I treasure each of you and thank God for the gift you are in my life.  Have a nice Christmas and join me in “Thanking God for His Son….a gift too wonderful for words.”  (2 Corinthians 9:15 NLT)

A Tribute to my Sister, June

I only had 19 months of my mama and daddy’s undivided attention before my sister joined our family.  Mother was sure she was having a boy so James Curtis Blanton, Jr. was the only name chosen for the new bundle. To their surprise they didn’t have a Junior but they did have a beautiful little June.

            June and I were best friends during our growing up years.  We played hard together, got in trouble together, and learned to do household chores together. We gave our hearts to Jesus on the same night, each of us leaning on one of daddy’s knees, repeating the sinner’s prayer after him. We loved to sing.  You could hear the two of us bellowing out the words to our Sunday School songs while pumping back in forth in the old tire swing, feeding the animals, or singing along with daddy’s guitar. I was told that when our younger sister was born, daddy told mother, “Now we have our ladies’ trio.”

            Music was in our souls and at a young age June and I found ourselves harmonizing with Sandra who could sing out the lead like someone much older. We sang our first special in church when Sandra was 6, June 8 and I was 10. This was the beginning of an incredible bonding and adventure between the Blanton Sisters.  As the years passed, we grew closer to each other and closer to God as we were given the opportunity to share God’s love in churches, homecomings, youth events, family camps, Sunday afternoon Singsperations, and anywhere else we were invited. After our trio was silenced by my move across the states, my sisters’ beautiful voices continued to bring God glory in their churches and community.  I recall the joy I felt when I visited at Stoney Run, watching June lead the choir, hearing her hit those high notes on “It is well with my Soul” and seeing her live out that hymn in her life. I get cold chills just remembering how I felt each time I heard her beautiful gift of song.

            June has always been more than just a sister to me….we went everywhere together as teens…..we both met our future husbands at Watha Youth Camp….we both became engaged in December of ‘61…..and we even had a double wedding planned but it was interrupted by Don’s call to Viet Nam.

            For the past 50 years, I have been living 3,000 miles away from June.  Physically we have been apart but our hearts have always been together.  My love and appreciation for my sister has continually grown as we communicated by long distance about our joys, hurts, prayer needs, grandchildren, and what God was teaching us. These last six years we have both had more time for long phone conversations and I looked forward to picking up the phone and hearing her say, “I just wanted to hear your voice today, Sis.”

Being a part of June’s life has enhanced mine. I’ve admired her sensitivity and response to the leading of the Lord…whether it was taking a dish to a friend, making a phone call, or providing a financial need, June was quick to follow God’s nudge. I have been the recipient of her tender heart many times, especially since the home going of my husband, and I desire to show my appreciation to her and God by being a better listener to His gentle voice myself.

June deeply loved her family. I too am so proud of all of them and I wish my health would have allowed me to be there to celebrate together the life of this one we all loved. I’m thankful for the memories I have made with my sister; especially of this past summer when she and Dewayne drove out to Washington State and spent time with me and my family.  My children and grandchildren adore this aunt and uncle and loved their time with them.  My son-in-law told me this week, “Aunt June was my favorite aunt.” The deep stomach laughs and great conversations of this summer’s visit will always be etched in my memory.

My writing of this tribute was interrupted this afternoon by a phone call from my grandson at Marine Camp. He shared how glad he was for a very special day spent in Seattle with Uncle Dewayne and Aunt June.  He ended our conversation by saying, “I observed that day what real love looks like; especially the love of a husband for his wife.”  Thank you, Dewayne for the incredible love you have extended to my sister these 51 ½ yrs.

Life as we know it will always be changing. But there is one thing we can depend on to never change and that is the love of our great God for His children. June understood that love and I believe she would tell us “His eye is on the Sparrow and I know He watches over you,”

Celebrating Dalton

It’s so pretty outside today.  Colors of pink, purple, and yellow cover the landscape, sparkling under the gaze of the bright sunshine. Mt Rainier is showing off her collection of winter snow causing bicyclist, walkers, or motorist to turn and take a second look.  Pilots in small planes have taken off the afternoon to enjoy the view from their favorite spots. Gardeners enjoy the feeling of the warm dirt. Hearts are lighter as the month of May begins with warm, sunny days bringing hope that winter has finally passed.   

The month of May finds young people looking for the perfect dress or outfit to wear to senior prom.  Seniors are winding down their high school days and looking forward to graduation. For the 5^th time I get the privilege of celebrating high school graduation with one of my grandchildren. 

This year of 2013 is Dalton’s year.  Our family is excited to celebrate and pay tribute to this fine young man.  His mom has been going through hundreds of pictures to find just the right ones to tell the story of Dalton’s life.  Meghan is waiting with all the supplies to scrapbook this incredible story.  The days of festivity are on the calendar. Valerie has made the Graduation Announcements and I’m updating addresses so we can let everyone know the dates and times to pay tribute to a young man for which we are very proud.

For years Dalton has known what his profession would be.  He feels this is God’s will for his life; therefore, he has been preparing himself all during his high school career.  His pathway will be different from my other graduating grandchildren; that is, he will be going straight into his calling and then getting his education. In the fall he will become an active team member of the United States Marines. The unknowns of this career make sending him out a little tough but knowing the One who has called him and will be with him helps me relax and commit him to His Heavenly Father’s care.

I have no reservations that Dalton’s not on the right track.  Watching him play as a child, seeing his love for the military as a teen, and observing his heart to follow God’s will has prepared me for this time.   I stand on God’s promises for him: “For He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.”  Proverbs 2:8

I’m enjoying these beautiful days and times spent outside with family. I’m also enjoying the anticipation of a grandchild’s graduation and celebrations. I spend time daily praying for this newest generation leaving the “nest” and believing God is going to use Dalton to make a difference for God’s Kingdom. My words to this precious grandson is “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything.  Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on tract.” (Proverbs 3:5 The Message)

Speak His Name

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18:10  I love this verse.  "Jesus!" Just saying His name takes me to a strong fortress where I am safe.  When I'm frightened, when I need provisions, when I need comfort, when I need to ask for forgiveness, or when I just want to show my love, I can sincerely whisper "Jesus" and know everything will be okay.  It doesn't mean I will never feel pain, go through challenges, or not continue my prayer with more words, but it does mean I'm never alone and I can trust Jesus with my life.

I'm glad we don't have to say a long prayer to get God's attention.  When the lady didn't see my car and she pulled out in front of me, I cried out "Jesus" while putting on the brakes and turning my wheel.  We ended up inches from each other, driver window to driver window.  She rolled down her window with tears saying, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!"  I said, "Its okay.  I called out to Jesus, and He helped us.  He deserves the thanks."

Last weekend I opened my electric bill and almost choked.  I lifted my eyes upward and said, "Help, Jesus." I had never had a bill that high, $181.39 for one month.  I use my wood stove every day so my bill is usually between $60 and $90 in the winter.  I couldn't believe turning on my Christmas tree every evening and having extra cold weather which caused my furnace to come on during the night would make that much difference. I put the bill in my drawer quoting Philippians 4:6 "Don't worry about anything, instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.  If you do this, you will experience God's peace which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."  

Tuesday was the first day of our Ladies' Bible Study.  As I was gathering my things to go home, I saw a friend slip a check under my notebook.  I followed her out and asked her about it.  She said the Lord impressed on her last week that I had a need.  She talked to her husband and they agreed to bless me.  When I sat down in my car, I looked at the check and this time I said the name of "Jesus" with a thankful heart.  God had met the need for my electric bill, as well as the $17.00 increase in rent.  Have you ever tried to drive when the thanksgiving in your heart is pouring down your cheeks?

I made a stop on the way home.  The clerk, a young black man, asked while waiting on me, "Are you having a good day?" I answered, "It's been so wonderful I can't stop crying. May I tell you about it?" He leaned over the counter towards me and listened intently as I told him how God had just met my need.  He responded with a "wow."  I put my hand on his and said, "I don't know how you feel about God but I can tell you from years of experience that He is real, His promises in His word are true, and that He loves you." I walked away saying, "Jesus" again.  This time I added, "Please let my story touch this man's heart."  I realized another miracle had just taken place.  Not one person came up behind me in line until I had finished my story and started to leave.

Friday, I went out on the porch to bring in wood.  I realized I had forgotten to call one of my grandchildren to come bring more wood up from my shed.  I went back in and called Meghan.  She was  getting ready to go babysit and didn't know if she had time to stop by and help. I quietly said, "Jesus, I need wood tonight." I went back on the porch and there was my son-in-law bringing up wood from the wood shed  "I was on my way home from a job when I had the feeling I should check on your wood," he shared with me.  At first I was shocked to see him but then my heart overflowed with thanksgiving as I watched Him bring up box after box of wood, making sure I had plenty for the days to come.  God knew Meghan's schedule and He had already taken care of the need.

Isaiah 65:24 says, "Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear." I'm thankful God knows our needs, even before we call on Him. I'm also very grateful for God's children who are sensitive to His voice and so graciously put James 1:27 into practice.  I will never cease to be amazed at God's goodness and the generously of His people.  As I share the message of God's provision in my life, I pray that it will lead others to understand the greatness of our God and desire a relationship with Him.

Christmas Letter 2012

                                                                   Christmas 2012 

“Daddy, what is that big package tied on the back of our car,” I asked as he loaded our family into the car for the 100 mile trip to North Carolina. “Just part of the luggage for this big family,” he answered as he backed the car out of the driveway. I was turning five in a couple of weeks, my sister, June, was three, and our baby sister was 7 months old.  We were headed to grandmother's house for Christmas. “I hope Santa will know where we are,” I confided to June.  “Don’t worry. I’ve already contacted Santa,” my daddy assured me, with a wink to mamma. 

Christmas Eve I was so excited I could not concentrate on the Christmas story daddy was reading to us from the Bible. I was looking around grandmother’s den at the big oil stove and wondered how Santa was going to get into her house without any chimney.

Christmas morning there were two tricycles by the Christmas tree. June and I were excited to get out on grandmother’s sidewalk to try out our new presents.  Mother bundled us up in our winter wear and dad grabbed our trikes.  When he opened the front door we all got the shock of our lives.  N. C. had received a rare snowfall and the ground was covered with several inches of the beautiful white Christmas gift.  Dad sat the trikes on the sidewalk and we climb on board.  It was too hard to make them go in the snow so daddy shouted to mama, “Hey, mother, we need help out here.” They each got behind a trike and pushed us up and down the sidewalk until they were worn out.

I don’t remember many Christmases with my dad.  He was killed in an accident when I was seven. For some reason this one has been etched in my memory….the love of a daddy who helped Santa get our Christmas wishes to another state, the laughter of him teasing mother as she trampled through the snow to push a trike, and two little giggling girls content with the whole world.  Daddy and mamma gave their girls the valuable gift of spending time with them, building memories that has lasted my lifetime.

Seven decades of Christmases have produced many seasons in my life.  I have enjoyed them all, from my years of being the child, to being the parent, grandparent and now great grandparent. Many changes have taken place over these years.  I have had to learn new technology so I can keep up with my grandchildren who are all teenagers and older.  I have discovered the advantage of texting, and the wonderful world of face book which provides me with information and pictures of family members.  Of course I am grateful that many of my family live close by and I see them often.

The year of 2012 is almost over. It held many joyful times with family and friends, as well as some health challenges.  Through it all, God has been with me, providing all I needed from day to day.  I would like to share some of the blessings in my family this year:

1. We experienced answered prayer on behalf of our daughter, Shirley, who came through a difficult surgery and recuperation for two brain aneurysms. Her daughters, Lori and Shelly played a big part in helping her through this difficult time.

2. Valerie’s oldest son, Clayton, spent a semester in Korea as a college foreign exchange student. This year he is the “Buddy” for a group of Korean students who are doing their exchange program at Northwest University.

3. Sandra, Valerie, their families, and I enjoyed being with about 100 of the Hintz clan at the Hintz Reunion in Moses Lake. It was so good to see everyone again.

4. Meghan and I took a trip to North Carolina to be with my sister, her husband, and other family members.  We spent time at the Week’s farm as well as a whole week with 12 family members at the Ocean.  Meghan enjoyed getting to know family she had never met.

6. It was nice having Michael home from California this summer. We enjoyed getting to know his sweet girlfriend, Lauren, who came with him.

 

7.  Kirstin is learning to be flexible. Due to enrollment numbers she had to move to yet another school 

within the Puyallup School District to teach this year.

8.    Danielle & Darren’s creativity and love for young people are making a difference in the community of    

Snohomish where they are youth pastors.

9.   Dalton will be graduating from High School this year.  His commitment and leadership in the ROTC 

program is preparing him for his career in the United State Marines

10. Quinton and Preston have successfully immigrated back into the Public School System. They are

enjoying new friends and extra curricula activities.

11. Great grandson, 23 month old Daniel, has stolen the hearts of all the family members on both sides. 

His cute ways keeps us entertained.

I have special warmth in my heart when I think of extended family and friends.  You are all valuable to me and I enjoy hearing what’s been happening in the lives of you and your family. 

“Thank God for His Son, a GIFT too wonderful for words!” (2 Corinthians 9:15 NLT)  Of all my blessings, I am most grateful for Jesus, the reason for this joyful season. He truly is the greatest “gift” ever given.  Wise men (and women) still seek Him.