It seemed like it should be a snap to get that last fastener hooked under the seat, but Linda spent about 15 minutes trying to get our three car seats fastened into the back seat of our car properly, and then I tried for another 5. 
Where were our husbands when we needed them? (On the road, being heroes, of course, but sadly not at home at the moment.) How in the world do women without husbands manage?? Thankfully, I had a stroke of brilliance: Joel works just a few minutes from our home! I drove over, and in about 30 seconds, he was able to fasten the last latch for me…first try…no groaning, straining, or having Amelie grab our legs and try to help by adding her little 5-year-0ld frame on our side of the tug of war with the strap. 
There are just a lot of things that men can do easily that a woman really can’t do!
Thanks to Joel’s rescue, we were able to take the girls to the cherry orchard for a lovely time picking cherries! 
I know there are also things that—no matter how much I stress and strain—I cannot do! But, God can! 
Godpower is beyond manpower. Needing help? If you just can’t get it done “by self” (as my kids would say when they were little), why not ask God? He’s just a prayer away, and He promises to help us if we’ll ask!
“Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.” (Psalm 89:13)
PS—God doesn’t always give us everything we want, but He promises to give us what we need and to provide grace to accomplish his good and perfect will: “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
PSS—If you feel like God isn’t answering your prayers, you might also consider the condition of your heart: “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me” (Psalm 66:18).
I’m not exactly sure what the laws are in Michigan, but I do know children have to ride in car seats, so I (quietly) freaked out when I discovered that my three little grand daughters arrived at the airport without car seats. Several options flashed through my mind: A. Smuggle them home riding low and loose in the backseat B. Buy three new car seats at a store and rush back to the airport while they waited, or C. Try to rent some car seats at the airport. Option A was illegal and unsafe, so that was out. Option B was too costly and time consuming. That only left Option C, which we decided to do. Of course, none of the car rental agencies would rent me car seats without renting a car for 24 hours, but I saved $50 for insurance by leaving the car parked on the lot and just using the car seats in my car.
This morning at 4:30 am I sent my husband off on a grand adventure to Spokane, Washington, where he’s going to be helping our son Jonathan drive all his “worldly goods” in a moving van (with his car on a dolly) back to GR. 
Jon has just been appointed as the director for Moody Bible Institute’s new Center for Global Theological Education, so his family is moving from the West Coast to Chicago (but via Grand Rapids and Germany, where they’ll be spending his sabbatical between now and January 1, 2017). 
Meanwhile, back at Tanglewood Cottage (our house), all Jon’s “worldly treasures” (i.e. his wife, Gerlinde, and their three darling, preschool-age daughters) are in the air flying eastward to Grand Rapids. 
Sooooo, I’m rushing about stocking the fridge and freshening up the house in preparation for Gerlinde’s arrival this afternoon. We will all be together here for the month of July before they head to Germany for the fall semester. I am super excited to see them, but I’m sharing all this to say that—although my head is swimming with things I want to share from the past weeks— 
such as how impressive Venice looks sailing through the Grand Canal, 
or how much fun we had on our last birthday club outing to the Living History Museum in White Hall, Michigan,
or how amazing the new Cypress Unit is at Pine Rest, 
where we attended the dedication and reception last night…
As happy and exciting as life is right now, 
I am anticipating being a full-time grandma (“Nana”) and mother for the next weeks, and as such, my blogging time will be reduced to little bits and pieces. 
Therefore, if I don’t post often, or if my posts have approximately zero to one photos attached, know that this is “the best” I have to offer at this point…perhaps just a patchwork of little thoughts. 
It reminds me of something I learned as a young mother, when my personal quiet times of meditation and prayer were often interrupted by needy infants. 
I read somewhere that our prayers to our beloved heavenly father don’t have to be a like a big, ornate blanket. 
God knows our hearts and our needs, and He appreciates quilts too…simple moments of time when we lift our hearts to praise while nursing an infant…or when we send up little (or HUGE) requests for grace while struggling to keep calm and mother on in the midst of messes. 
Whatever you’re doing this July, I pray that you’ll be busy practicing the presence of God, as I also hope to be doing. May we find peace and rest in His presence, and may God bless you on your spiritual journey!
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits,
Believe it or not, cruising is not only exotic and amazing, 
it’s sometimes one of the most economical ways to travel. 
I became enamored with cruising about 20 years ago when I found a 10-day cruise of the French Polynesian Islands for $400 per person ($40 per day). 
Considering a cruise provides room, board, and transportation, 
if you patiently watch for sales, 
it can often compete favorably with other types of vacations. 
For instance, once (just to prove my point), I spent less per day 
on a Caribbean cruise than Alan spent planning a week vacation in Florida. 
Recently, a friend seemed embarrassed to admit 
that he was taking his wife on a cruise for their 25th anniversary, 
I’m guessing because he assumed I’d think that was too extravagant. 
But, the fact is, it you’re willing to get a sell-out deal for an inside cabin, 
it’s very likely going to cost you less than flying wherever, renting a car, 
staying in motels, and eating in restaurants.
Just sayin’… 
With that intro, I want to tell you about the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Sinfonia, which was our “home base” recently. 
We were looking for a convenient way to spend a week with our kids
Their home is pretty much a 400-year-old palace, 
but Alan has asthma, so he feared that the inevitable molds
The MSC Sinfonia was the perfect ship! 
It has a great splash pad and swimming pools for kids, 
a dedicated Lego Room 
that could keep our kids occupied indefinitely, 
a miniature golf course, shuffle board, 
foosball, ping pong tables, a basketball court, and lots of fun activities. 
I found a special where two adults could take two kids free, 
so the four of us could take Mike and Grace’s four kids free! 
Our grand daughters were truly ideal bunk mates 
(not so sure about the two little boys,
Our waiters were incredibly good-natured and kept the fresh rolls, french fries and pasta bianca coming so the kids never got too hungry waiting for dinner. 
Thankfully, the children are very industrious 
and would spend a lot of time drawing and coloring 
so the adults could enjoy 
all the courses 
of the (usually) 2-hour formal dinners each evening. 
The ports were also gorgeous, 
the weather perfect, 
and the Adriatic Sea like glass. 
In all, it was a pretty much ideal experience…
or at least as smooth sailing as possible… 
with little ones. 
So, if you’re looking for an easy way to maximize your bonding time 
while minimizing your work time, 
don’t totally discount cruising. 
(One point of warning: We always watched the kids like hawks to make sure they didn’t fall off the ship from the 15th floor.)
The railings are not kid safe! 
May I share a quick spiritual thought? 
Sometimes we’re afraid to consider something because we think
I’ve heard a lot of people say they don’t want to become a Christian
I believe that in reality, becoming a Christian is the most spiritually cost-effective way to attain the goal most people are after: Happiness, love, joy, and peace. 
Because we’re just human, nothing works flawlessly on this earth, 
but salvation through faith in Christ is the best “ship” to travel on
If you haven’t looked into it yet, please do!
Oia, on the Greek Isle of Santorini, is both an area and a village. 
The village is known as “the eagle’s nest” because it sits 490 feet atop 
the volcanic caldera formed by the Santorini Volcano “Thera”
that some believe it is the source of the mythology 
surrounding the legends of Atlantis. 
Oia is also the oldest settlement in Santorini and one of two harbors. 
Today, there are over 70 churches in the Oia area, 
and I want to tell you about our visit to one of them:
The Holy Chapel of St. Nektarios. 
This lovely chapel is part of the Greek Orthodox “Prophet Elias Monastery,” 
which was built in 1712 and dedicated to the Prophet Elijah. 
The monastery was built at the top of Mount Prophet Elias
and it originally served as a fortress to protect the villages below.
For the first 200 years, the monastery also served as an important source
although it eventually lost most of its commercial and political influence. 
Today, the monks engage in meditation and in making
The Holy Chapel of Nektarios also hosts collections
Our guide took us there in time for a picnic lunch of roasted corn 
in their lovely courtyard, which overlooks the entire island. 
It was peaceful and calm, and the monks were gracious hosts. 
It reminded me of the Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Michigan’s U.P.,
where we’ve often stopped at their Jam Pot Bakery for refreshments
Also, “our” monastery in Michigan is built on the shores of Lake Superior, 
not on a mountain top in Greece surrounded by the Aegean Sea! 
I did not hear the gospel while we were visiting, but standing on the top of the mountain in this inspiring setting, I remembered these words from the scripture:
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isaiah 52:7).
May all who know the good news proclaim it 
from the mountaintops 
and valleys of our lives, whether we’re at home or abroad!
Song of Solomon 7:8 As the wife of a physician who works at a psychiatric hospital, I have heard many tragic stories of marital infidelity. Once I (accidentally) caught a glimpse of a woman who had been promiscuous and attracted multiple lovers (and was emotionally devastated as a result). I used to assume that all such women would be extremely beautiful, so I was shocked when Alan said that more often than not the women are very average looking! 
“What is it about these women that attract men?” I asked my husband. From his evaluation, he has surmised that it is a woman’s capacity to convey love and compassionate support that most attracts mature men. 
From that I developed my own Quadruple A Formula for helping keep husbands from falling prey to “strange women:” Be attractive; admire; appreciate; and be available to give and receive affection. (I know I shared this earlier, but I believe it’s critically important and worth repeating.) 
In fact, I’ll add another “Be A” term: Be active. Pro-active! Don’t criticize what he does wrong all the time; admire what he does right. Don’t be a chronic complainer, brooding on the difficult aspects of life; think of positive things to tell him when he comes home…especially about himself…things that will encourage him and let him know how much you appreciate him. (Remember, he’s been getting battered by the world all day.) And, don’t rebuff him when he wants sexual intimacy. He craves sex like a woman craves affection. Give him what he needs; don’t push him away. Forget about yourself as much as you can and just concentrate on loving him! Learn to be unselfish. (I’m preaching to the choir here!) 
Do you suppose a palm tree would push away the man who was climbing up its long trunk reaching for the fruit? No, palms are by nature flexible and giving. They sway in the wind and often have a gentle curve that makes climbing easier. Their fruits yield to the touch and fall to the ground when fully ripe. (Note: green fruits don’t yield to the touch, and neither should a young, unmarried woman!) Can’t you just imagine the palm fronds lashing out at the man, whipping his head and hands, trying to keep him from enjoying the fruits? I’m afraid all married women have probably been guilty of not being very good palm trees at some point in our lives! (If I asked for a show of hands, my hand would be the first up, so I confess my guilt.) 
Welcome your precious husband to your body. Let him feel the strength of your love. Let a tidal wave of your passion wash over his soul. Men need that sense of “filling up” that comes from long and satisfying times of physical intimacy every bit as much as women crave emotional connection and intimacy. I have read that there is nothing that makes a man feel more like a man than the sweet surrender of his wife. And, we wives need it just as much…even if we don’t realize it! Is it time to rediscover how refreshing it is to relax completely and forget everything but loving our mate for a while? 
I’ve also discovered that when I start thinking of myself as a fruitful palm tree, I even start feeling better and more relaxed about how I look. What’s so special about a palm tree, anyway, since there are billions of them on the planet? It’s not how it looks, it’s the life-giving sustenance it provides. Can we be there for our husbands? 
Fish tacos have pretty much taken the world by storm in the last decade, 
but so far, I don’t know of anybody (besides me) who’s serving fish tortillas.
Mix thoroughly.
Microwave each tortilla open-faced for 40 seconds (until cheese is melting) 
Fold into the traditional tortilla wrap and serve. In a way, it’s a quick, healthy meal in one, complete with protein, fruit, carbs, and veggies, but you can also serve it with sides, or eat two, (or save room for a little dessert…) depending on how hungry you are! 
(Thank you, Bob Hardee, for this last photo, which he took in Florida.)
There are two communities in Santorini that are especially beautiful. 
Today I want to share photos from 
which is also known as the Balcony to the Aegean, 
because the town sits high up on the cliffs 
with perfect viewing of the sapphire waters and glowing sunsets of the Aegean. 
(We were back on the ship by evening, but even there the sunsets were lovely.) 
Imerovigli is also recognized world around because of the Church of Ai-Stratis, 
which has been loved, photographed, painted, (and even memorialized in a nursery mural) by various family members and friends! 
Imerovigli only has 470 permanent inhabitants, 
but their narrow streets are crammed with many thousands of visitors yearly! 
Homes are built around the caldera amphitheatrically in the “Cycladic” style, 
typified by glistening white homes and blue-domed churches. 
In the late 1800’s, wealthy ship captains built neo-classical mansions 
into the sides of the cliffs, 
and you can still see the succession of homes built above each other.
The houses are painted with white lime wash so that the rainwater 
which falls over them and runs down can be collected and used in their homes.
Of course, they also paint their homes colorfully for aesthetic purposes. 
I was amazed by how clean, new, and beautiful everything looked! 
Our guide explained that in 1956 there was a terrible earthquake 
that just about destroyed everything on the island. 
Rebuilding has been a huge job, but what a beautiful community they have now! 
I would say they met their mountainous challenges and conquered them!
While meandering through the byways of Imerovigli, 
we noticed an irresistibly appealing book shop. 
The shop had words of wisdom written without and within.
And, some words were even written on the bookshop:
Have you met any new mountains lately?
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the 
The Greek Isles deserve their reputation for mythical beauty, 
and of all the Greek Isles, I think Santorini is the most famous and splendid. 
What I didn’t realize is it that Santorini is actually a group of islands. 
It is a volcanic caldera
The steep cliffs are nearly 1000 feet high 
and the lagoon over 1,300 feet deep! 
The day we visited, it was a cloudless 80° with a soft wind blowing—
a perfect (but typical) summer day! 
Temperatures range from about 49-82°F year round, 
and there’s nearly always a breeze blowing. 
In fact, winds from 35-61 mph are not uncommon, so all their grape vineyards sprawl flat on the ground to keep from being destroyed by the winds! 
Our ship, the MSC Sinfonia, anchored in the lagoon, 
and everyone had to “tender” (take a ferry from the ship) to Skala Port.
There is a donkey trail between Skala Port and Fira, 
the town built atop the cliff there, 
but to save time, energy, and Alan’s allergic nose, 
we zipped up on one of their efficient cable cars, 
which gave us breathtaking views of the area for miles around!
Although it would have been pleasant to spend the day exploring Fira, 
the most famous areas are Imerovigli and Oia, considerable drives from Fira, 
so we hired a very good-natured taxi driver
Per hour, this was by far the easiest and most cost-effective way 
to tour a large group (especially with small children), 
and our knowledgeable driver gave us phenomenal driving and walking tours 
of some of the island’s most picturesque places.
Well, I’ll have to share the rest of our adventures in Santorini tomorrow, because my time is up! At noon on Thursdays (EST), I join a prayer meeting at the Aqueduct Prayer Center. If you ever want to join us, here’s the link:
Okay, so I interrupt my tales of our Mediterranean cruise to notify all chocolate lovers within the Realm of Meijer that the sale of the century is occurring this week. I went to our local Meijer to buy supplies for my son Joel’s birthday dinner yesterday and discovered that they were selling Nestle chocolate chips for $1 per 12-oz bag (10-oz dark or bittersweet) and the 11th bag is free. This is better than any sale I can ever remember…including Christmas promos, where $2 per bag is considered rock bottom pricing. Dare I admit that I spent $60 for a lifetime supply of chocolate? Does it help that I saved $13o.74 and the chips won’t expire for 1.5 years? That’s $1.35 per pound for milk chocolate and $1.44 for dark or bittersweet chocolate. If your family isn’t crazy about chocolate, then forget I said anything, but if your family password is “chocolate on the face” (as is ours, since Alan was sure that anyone who knocked on our bedroom door would be his child if they had chocolate on their face), and if you live where there is a Meijer store nearby, then you might want to consider investing in a little (or a lot) of chocolate this week. Just sayin’…
Summer Setting 