Kiki's Korner

In Loving Memory

kikikaria — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:55:09 +0000

It is with deep sadness that I write of the sudden passing of my brother Tom in October of this year. Tommy, as we affectionately called him, was the first son and the 2nd child of six children born to our Italian parents. Tom and I were about 14 months apart.
A flood of memories assail me as I recall growing up with my brother. Tom was pleasant, and always giving and generous. I remember when Mom came home from the hospital after giving birth to Johnny, 8-year old Tommy gave his last dollar to Mom as a mother’s day gift. He was always kind and easy to get along with. I never heard him speak a harsh word to anyone.

Tommy was so smart that he skipped a grade. And from 4th grade on, he and I were in the same class together all the way through high school. What fun we had learning French together and doing skits in class. When Tom was 18, he, came to California for our wedding. And while out here, he repented, gave his heart to God, was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and filled with the Holy Ghost. His life was forever changed. From that moment on, he had a deep love for God and would read the bible and pray regularly as he grew in his newfound faith.

He graduated with honors and a Th.B. in theology from Apostolic Bible Institute in St. Paul, Minnesota. Tom was regularly involved in his church as a Sunday school teacher, song leader, bible instructor, and a friend to many. Our son Jeremy always loved when Uncle Tom came to visit. Tom lived with us for a few years, and he would often take Jeremy rollerblading and do other fun things with him. He always made us laugh with his antics. In later years, I saw Tom’s faith and service to God deepen. I recall many times at church, hearing Tom let out a loud shout of praise and thanksgiving, with his hands raised high in the air. Yes, we laughed, but Tom had good reason to praise the Lord. For he had drunk deeply from the well of God’s forgiveness and mercy. The Bible says he who is forgiven much loves much. And Tommy surely showed his love for God.

While going through his belongings, I found copies of letters he had sent to family, and friends; telling them about God’s plan of salvation. I also found a 14-page prayer list he had typed. It listed all our family, relatives, friends and church members in detailed order. It even had names of different people he had met at the store or at a restaurant. I’ve seen Tom weep for lost souls. He had a genuine love for people. It showed in all he did. Tom believed that we must meet the uncertainties of this world with the certainty of the world to come. Tommy, thank you for being a big part of our lives. While we miss you, we know that you are with the Lord. We look forward to the day when we will see you again on that great triumphant morning when Jesus calls us home.

Hawaii 2011

kikikaria — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 07:48:23 +0000

Hawaii 2011, a set on Flickr.

Here are some pictures from our recent trip to Hawaii.

MALACHI TURNS 1

kikikaria — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:01:20 +0000

Make a slideshow

Malachi’s Starring Role

kikikaria — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 20:38:43 +0000

Through the busy-ness of the Christmas holiday, I neglected to mention that our eleven-month old grandson Malachi (Kai), played baby Jesus in the Sunday school play at children’s church last month. Dressed in his little white homespun robe, he looked like a sweet, baby angel.

He was in the scene where the wise men came from afar and presented Jesus with their gifts (Matthew 2:1-12). I was mildly concerned how Malachi would do in his role since he sometimes cries when placed in unfamiliar surroundings. However, I should not have worried. Without any practice whatsoever, Kai did great! As he sat by Mary and Joseph (played by Angel and Joey Ladd), the wise men entered the dwelling and placed their gifts in front of Malachi. He looked at them and gave a big smile, his blue eyes just beamed with joy. My heart soared! I was so proud of him.

And so, Kai’s grandpa jokingly stated that his acting career was launched and ended in one day. After all, he played the best person in history. What else is left for him to do? After the play ended, all the kids swarmed around Malachi, trying to touch his head and hold his hand. Without trying, he had won their hearts.

It was a special day that we will always remember.

The Great Escape!

kikikaria — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 05:22:49 +0000

Today, for the first time, our grandson Malachi James Mester climbed out of his crib. One minute, his daddy heard him over the monitor contentedly babbling and saying, “Da Da Da, and the next second, there was a thud and a cry of distress as if to say, “Help me, I’m not sure what I’ve gotten myself into”. When Papa Jeremy walked into his room, Malachi was no longer in his crib, but sprawled on the carpeted floor. A pretty amazing feat for an eleven month old who does not yet walk or stand on his own. Thank God he wasn’t hurt, but his little world and ours had been forever changed.
You see, from the moment a baby is born begins the long, arduous process of breaking him/her from dependence on mommy and daddy and eventually becoming a mature, responsible adult. Malachi is one baby step closer to that after today. In escaping the safe confines of his crib, he had entered a new world; one which isn’t as secure as his cradle.
Now Mommy and Daddy will have to lower his crib mattress to prolong the inevitable as well as childproofing not only his room, but the entire home. For with each new feat of independence comes a whole new set of risks and ensuing safety precautions to be taken.
My grandmother heart beats bittersweet today. I’m already missing those early weeks and months of caring for Malachi and feeling so needed when he was a helpless newborn. Now he feeds himself, crawls, drinks from his sippy cup and performs a whole host of other skills which he has learned in such a short time. The songwriter Wayne Watson summed it up in his song Watercolor Ponies, “Oh the pleasure of watching the children grow is mixed with a bitter cup, of knowing the watercolor ponies will one day ride away.” I guess that’s how I’m feeling today.
But at the same time, my heart beams with gratefulness for what happened today. As much as I would like to keep my grandson little and dependent and protect him from all harm, I would never want to deprive him of the potential to grow and dream and experience all that God has for him in this life.
So tonight Malachi, as you’re sleeping and dreaming your baby dreams, know that your Grandma Kiki loves you and rejoices with you in each new discovery and victory you attain to in life. I am here to support, guide, and augment your parents’ training. You are always in my heart and in my prayers.

He Has Come!

kikikaria — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 01:10:12 +0000

The face of innocence

Originally uploaded by Kiki Karia.

It seems like 2010 has flown by in the blink of an eye. I remember last December at this time, the excitement was mounting in our lives because our first grandchild was soon to be born. After nine long months of waiting in eager anticipation, our first grandchild finally arrived! Malachi (Kai) James Mester entered this world on January 11, 2010, weighing in at 9-½ LBS and 21 inches long. At long last, he has come. A new era begins in our lives, one that has transformed us forever!

This blond-haired, blue-eyed baby boy has brought so much joy to our lives this year. He coos, he laughs, he claps, and he squeals with delight! Seeing life through the eyes of Malachi brings us a fresh sense of wonder and awe, because his eyes reflect sweet innocence and love. And everything is brand new to him. Mike and I have held Kai and wept tears of joy and thankfulness to God for his young life. We’re so grateful to be a part of him. Malachi’s name means “My Messenger”. And we hope that one day he will proclaim the message of salvation and hope to longing hearts.

Angelic messengers announced the birth of a very special baby boy two millennia ago. His nativity was the most pivotal event in human history. Jesus, this child of new beginnings had come. Just as a new era had begun for us with Kai’s birth, an era that transcends all others began with the birth of Jesus. Born a child and yet a king, a lowly manger embraced God’s almighty heart.

Scriptures claim His origin had been from old; from everlasting. The Timeless One had stepped into time; for a purpose. He came into a world filled with utter darkness to give us light, and redeem us from the curse of sin and the ensuing darkness that had reigned in our hearts since the fall of the first man, Adam.
God in His magnificent wisdom, robed Himself in flesh, walked among us, and through His sacrifice on the cross, He reconciled mankind back to Himself. This priceless gift of salvation is now available to whosoever will follow His call, a call that began with a baby’s cry; who knocked on the world’s heart and gently asked to come in.

Is it any wonder that Jesus said except we be converted and become as little children we would not enter the Kingdom of Heaven? (Matt.18:3) What is it about a small child that appeals to us? Is it their innocence, simple trust and wide-eyed wonder? Or perhaps it’s their total dependence on us for their care? Could it be that through the eyes of a child, we catch a glimpse of heaven? Jesus said, “For of such is the Kingdom of God”.
Let Jesus change your heart today. He is real. Turn from the old life. Let Him make you new. Be filled with His wonder. Be touched by His peace. Believe in the miracle. He Has Come!

CELEBRATE FREEDOM

kikikaria — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 03:05:04 +0000

Free slideshow made with Smilebox



CLIMB TO THE FALLS!!
kikikaria — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:50:35 +0000










Personalize your own free digital scrapbooking design


While vacationing in Yosemite earlier this month, Mike and I hiked to the top of Vernal and Nevada Falls.  The slideshow above shows the highlights from our hike.  It took us about 4 hours to reach the top of Nevada Falls.  On the way via the Mist Trail, we were drenched, along with all the other hikers.  The scenery was fabulous, a reminder of God's glorious creation.  It only took us 1-1/2 hours to hike down, and by that time, we were exhausted, knees and joints aching, but happy that we did it!   Yes, you can still hike, even in your 50's!  We proved that!  Woo Hoo!

         


UNFATHOMABLE HEIGHTS
kikikaria — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 04:16:40 +0000

Recently Mike and I returned from a 10-day road trip to the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains and Yosemite.  Every year when we do this trip, we try to visit new places.  This time, we stayed in the town of Lone Pine, which lies in the shadow of Mt. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States.  In this area are many mountains over 12,000 feet in elevation, and the scenery is often breathtaking in beauty.  There was a meadow that Mike wanted to explore near Lone Pine called “Horseshoe Meadow”.  The road leading to this meadow could be seen from way down below in the valley as a double Z of switchback roads zig zagging their way up the side of a mountain. The long drive up the eastern escarpment of the southern Sierra via the paved Horseshoe Meadow Road is an adventure in itself. The road rises from 4,000 feet in the arid Owens Valley to the timberline forests at Horseshoe Meadow at 10,000 feet.  As we began the drive up this road, I realized that there were hardly any guardrails, and only a couple of feet of pavement were between us and gravity’s grasp.  In all honesty, by the time we were near the top, I was terrified.  The dramatic view from that height threw me into survival mode, and it was all I could do not to panic.  And yet at the same time, the view was riveting and beautiful.  It was hard to fathom that we were 6,000 feet above the valley floor.  I could not comprehend such height.  It was too much for me.  I am reminded of a scripture in the bible that says,..”that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,   May be able to comprehend with all saints what [is] the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;  And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God (Ephesians 3:17-19).  The breadth, length, depth and HEIGHT of God’s love is even greater than the dizzying heights that I experienced.  And this altitude encounter once more reminded me of His great love which is higher than any earthly heights.

         


kikikaria — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 05:46:08 +0000










This free digital slideshow made with Smilebox


It's taken awhile, but here is a slideshow summary of our trip to Hawaii in February for the Big 50 birthday.  Mahalo. Thank you, Honey for a wonderful birthday gift!  I will always cherish the special time we had together in paradise. I love you!  Aloha!