Ruthie Tollakson
Ruthie has served our MOPS group faithfully for 10 years. She loves getting to know y'all and your children, and seeing how we all support and help one another. (In fact, she really wishes MOPS had been around when she was raising her children!) Ruthie enjoys getting to help you all and knows our job can be very demanding. She wants us all to remember just how important we are!
Ruthie has been married for 51 years. Her husband, John, worked for the University of WY for 34 years. He was based here in Sheridan in an outreach program. He's a huge football fan!
Ruthie and John have 2 children: Jenn and John. John and his wife Dawn just had their first child, John Benjamin in July. (John and Ruthie are thrilled to be grandparents!) John and Dawn live in Colorado. Jenn and her husband Tim live here in Sheridan and both teach at the Junior High.
When I asked Ruthie about her favorite Bible verse, she said, "There are so many - I'll try to narrow it down to three…"
1. Philippians 4:6-7 -- Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Ruthie says, "This verse is such a comfort to me when I start to feel afraid or worried. I try to hand over to God every concern I have, knowing that He is the One equipped to handle them all! And I know I can thank Him for all things!"
2. Romans 8:28 -- And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
- Ruthie says, "Again, it comforts me to know that nothing can happen to me that God can't redeem and use for my good, and the good of His people. A reminder that with God nothing is wasted."
3. Proverbs 3:5-6 -- Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.
- Ruthie says, "This is such a good reminder that I can unreservedly trust God. His ways are higher than my ways. He is all-knowing, I am not!"
Here are a few other favorites of Ruthie's…
Desserts: almost anything lemon, chocolate cake with 7 minute white icing, chocolate pie with real whipped cream, chocolate cherry bordeaux ice cream by Blue Bunny.
Color: the vibrant colors of the ocean - various hues of blue, teal, turquoise, aqua and purples. She also enjoys deep red accents around her home.
De-stressing activity: a daily walk outside. When she has the chance, walking beside the ocean is her very favorite! Also, listening to praise or classical music. And, prayer, which can be done during all the aforementioned things…
Book: Ruthie loves to read and re-read! She loves the 8 books in the Mitford series by Jan Daren. She also enjoys James Herriot books and humorous Pat McManus books. But, we can't forget the Grandma's Attic series and Little House on the Prairie and Cooking Mysteries by Joann Flake (with recipes!).
Ruthie is blessed by the Lord with the gifts of giving, serving and encouraging others. She enjoys helping via prayer.
She doesn't like to be messy. In fact, I got a "NO!" from her. But, she says that doesn't mean she's not messy at times… paper clutter is a "bugaboo" that she's still determined to conquer!
Ruthie recommends the following parenting books: the Love and Logic series by Foster and Cline, books by James Dobson from Focus on the Family, and books by Kevin Leman like Have a New Child by Friday.
I asked Ruthie if she had any good, easy, quick ideas on how we can make our husbands feel special during these years when kiddos take so much time and attention… she reminds us to daily look for ways to encourage them and express appreciation for them either through our words, or notes, or public praises. Remember to thank them for their help at home, or admire their work on the job… acknowledge their positive interactions with the children and express gratitude for their attentions to yourselves. She also reminds us to thank our husbands for the mundane things they do. And, of course, PRAY FOR THEM! Laugh a lot… remember to share your funny stories or observations. Include their favorite foods in the menu from time to time. Arrange mini getaways for an hour or two and take a walk, go for coffee or just relax at home and have an uninterrupted conversation. Learn to be a good listener. Be respectful of your husband, even when you disagree, and teach your children this as well. Hugs… kisses… forgive them liberally, and don't expect them to read your mind!
Ruthie's final words of wisdom for us…
- Read aloud to your family (with expression) age appropriate books.
- Avoid using sarcasm or put down humor.
- Take on service projects as a family to help someone in need.
- Support and child in another country - help your children learn to care for those less fortunate.
- Turn off the TV, computer, phones, etc and play together or converse with each other.
- Love God, love people!
Thank you, Ruthie, for your love, care, concern and service to us! We are blessed to have you in our midst.
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