Hello Friend! Today I would like to introduce an incredible lady who I call Aunt Joan. My mother was her sister, and I was given the beautiful name of an exciting person. Aunt Joan lived a fabulous life on the West Coast and would come home now and again to the rural Midwest for family reunions. I remember hearing story after story of movie stars, political giants, and lottery winners gone awry. She worked for Arnold Swarzenegger running the California lottery for many years, oversaw the 7-Eleven convenience stores, and attended many political fundraisers. Each time she graced us with her presence she would fill the room with elaborate magical stories and much laughter. I was intrigued and hung on every word she spoke. As a child raised in an era where children were to be seen and not heard, I would take a spot on the floor out of the way and soak up every word. Was it true? Was I named after this person who shined and sparkled so brightly? My husband says I'm an easy catch. Just use a shiny sparkly lure. I'm not sure why I like beautiful things, but maybe, just maybe, it has something to do with my Aunt Joan…
With great anticipation, I attended our family reunion recently. Aunt Joan and Uncle Mike were there. They are the only two remaining of five siblings. My mother passed away 13 years ago. Seems like forever ago. So many things have taken place, and I’ve wanted to share with her. She was a wonderful mother who raised seven kids, and her life wasn’t very shiny, but she was and is everything to me. My husband and I entered the small American flag/Coca-Cola decorated home of my Uncle Mike and Aunt Penny and there she was sitting next to my Aunt Shirley dressed in a simple blue top and black slacks soon to be 93 years old! This lady traveled many hours to be with us and I'm very thankful for the time I was able to spend time with her!
I asked her many questions soaking up every word as I did as a child. I inquired about her life, and she said she has a TV in every room running day and night on Fox 54. She is still quite up to date on politics and shared she is still invited to all the affluent fundraisers and events. She spoke about the 400 designer suits with matching shoes and handbags her daughter is now selling for her. She shared about her colon exploding in 2019 how she wears a colostomy bag and how the nuns came to her hospital room to sing. She said it was a heavenly choir. Then she shared about her parish priest who was called away to Italy to serve with the Pope! He calls her at home weekly from the Vatican to check on her! She has lived a shiny sparkly life and is quite interesting.
In high school, I received an appointment to live on Capitol Hill and work in the Capital Building and I was determined to be the White House Social Secretary. I set out to build my life with shiny and exciting things, but God had a plan for me and a life I love so much! I’m a pastor's wife of a small congregation making a BIG impact through supporting missionaries around the world! We live a simple life on a small farm with lots of children and animals around. We work hard and enjoy God's beauty and bounty daily. I can’t imagine my life any other way. My husband is the best man I know, and I’m contented and happy. I’m so very thankful God had another plan for me. He chose me! He loves me despite all my failures. The Comforter dwells inside me and guides me. I’m one of his own. He is my Heavenly Father! If you need peace and contentment in your life, contact me and I’ll tell you about a man who can give you what you need. God bless you all until next time!
Many Blessings,
Nina xoxo
