Grief

Right now my "mama heart" is grieving. Today we dropped Elise off at the airport. Within minutes she called, sobbing. She just received word that her college roommate was killed in a car accident. Giselle was such a wonderful roommate for Elise. They spent hours talking. Even when Elise was at home, she talked to Giselle. They had plans to welcome in the New Year with their friends from Trinity. Giselle was such a wise young woman...wise beyond her years. I guess she was what you would call an "old soul". She was brilliant. She had a 4.o and was to graduate in May. Her plans were to go on to get her Masters and then her Doctorate in Psychology. She had an unshakable faith and openly talked about her love for her Savior. What a hope-filled legacy she has left for her family and friends...to know that Giselle is now safely in Heaven with the One she loved and lived for! It's so hard to believe that she is gone! So full of life, and now she's gone. When our family was in Chicago for Bill's birthday, Giselle came to the hotel and babysat grandchildren so that we could go out for a birthday dinner. And then, in May, when I went up to get Elise, I spent the night in the dorms and Giselle, Elise and I talked and talked into the wee hours of the morning. I know she was a wonderful daughter and a friend to many, and she will be missed. It makes no sense...we only can trust and believe.

How About These Mergers?

I've been enjoying these last two weeks so much! It has been a nice, quiet time for family. We all agreed that this was one of most favorite Christmas times together...simply because it was so simple! We've just enjoyed playing games , reading, and basically just being "family". We bring Elise back to the airport tomorrow. We will miss her so much, but we know she is more than ready to return to her life in Chicago (and her boyfriend!). Today I received this cute email. Here are some interesting company names that would result if the following companies would merge:

Xerox and Wurlitzer: They're going to make reproductive organs

Fairchild Electronics and Honeywell Computers: New company will be called Fairwell Honeychild

Polygram records, Warner Brothers and Keebler: new company will be called Poly Warner Cracker

W.R. Grace Co., Fuller Brush Co., Mary Kay Cosmetics and Hale Business Systems: New company will be called Hale Mary Fuller Grace

3M and Goodyear: New company will be called mmmGood

John Deere and Abitibi-Price: new company will be called Deere Abi

Honeywell, Imasco, and Home Oil: New company will be called Honey I'm Home

Denison Mines, Alliance and Metal Mining: New company will be called Mine, All Mine

3M, J.C. Penney and Canadian Opera Company: New company will be called 3 Penney Opera

Knott's Berry Farm and National organization of Women: New company will be called Knott NOW!

Zippo Manufacturing, Audi, Dofasco, and Dakota Mining: New company will be called Zip Audi Do-Da

Christmas Eve

Thank you family and friends! I had an absolutely WONDERFUL birthday! Some people think having a birthday so close to Christmas must be horrible. All I can tell you is that my family and friends have always gone out of their way to make my day a special one for me. And today was no exception. Tonight was the grand finale!!! After a most delightful dinner, Elise presented me with a tiny, tiny, itty-bitty puppy! I am in love! His name is "Joey" (go figure!) and he is a Shi Tzu/Poodle. Pictures will come later. And speaking of animals, here are a few that want to bring you some Christmas joy!

How To Wrap A Cat

This video brings back Christmas memories! I tried to wrap a little kitten as a Christmas surprise for Elise. OUCH!!! I think I still have the scars! Enjoy your day!

A Partridge In A Pear Tree and A Whole Lot More!

Eight years ago, our little school in Gulfport, Mississippi, put on its traditional Christmas program. The students presented the Biblical truths found in the popular Christmas song On the First Day of Christmas. After the program, my students presented me with my Christmas gift. I still remember opening that little box! Nestled on soft cotton was the most beautiful silver charm bracelet. There were twelve charms, one for each gift given in the song. What a beautiful way to remember not only the song, but the richness of the words. I wore that bracelet well beyond the Christmas season. People that noticed it "ooohed" and "aaahed" over not only the beauty of the bracelet but the beauty of the symbolism as well.

Then came Katrina. She stole a lot. My bracelet was just one of the things that were "whooshed" away to who-knows-where. Weeks after the storm, a friend of mine came with me to the site of where our home once stood. As we walked around, kicking through the old debris, my friend let out a whoop! Beneath old leaves and encrusted dirt was my silver charm bracelet!

What a delightfully concrete illustration of grace. What once was lost, was now found! Amazing!

Below is an explanation of the symbolism found on my bracelet...

On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

A Partridge in a Pear Tree

The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate on December 25, the first day of Christmas. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, recalling the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so . . . ." (Luke 13:34)


On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Two Turtle Doves

The Old and New Testaments, which together bear witness to God's self-revelation in history and the creation of a people to tell the Story of God to the world.


On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Three French Hens

The Three Theological Virtues: 1) Faith, 2) Hope, and 3) Love (1 Corinthians 13:13)


On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Four Calling Birds

The Four Gospels: 1) Matthew, 2) Mark, 3) Luke, and 4) John, which proclaim the Good News of God's reconciliation of the world to Himself in Jesus Christ.


On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Five Gold Rings

The first Five Books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: 1) Genesis, 2) Exodus, 3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy, which gives the history of humanity's sinful failure and God's response of grace in the creation of a people to be a light to the world.


On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Six Geese A-laying

The six days of creation that confesses God as Creator and Sustainer of the world (Genesis 1).


On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Seven Swans A-swimming

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1) prophecy, 2) ministry, 3) teaching, 4) exhortation, 5) giving, 6) leading, and 7) compassion (Romans 12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11)


On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Eight Maids A-milking

The eight Beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. (Matthew 5:3-10)


On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Nine Ladies Dancing

The nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit: 1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness,6) generosity, 7) faithfulness, 8) gentleness, and 9) self-control. (Galatians 5:22)


On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Ten Lords A-leaping

The ten commandments: 1) You shall have no other gods before me; 2) Do not make an idol; 3) Do not take God's name in vain; 4) Remember the Sabbath Day; 5) Honor your father and mother; 6) Do not murder; 7) Do not commit adultery; 8) Do not steal; 9) Do not bear false witness; 10) Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17)


On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Eleven Pipers Piping

The eleven Faithful Apostles: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas bar James. (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders and the Romans.


On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Twelve Drummers Drumming

The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed: 1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the holy catholic Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting.

Wishing each of you a grace-filled day!

Expecting!

This morning the house is so quiet. I love this time of day. It's my private time to "ponder". I thought about the upcoming days. Such a busy time of year. Seems the whole world is "expecting". Expecting what? Presents? Family time? Lots of food? As I thought about the word "expecting", this hymn came to mind. Love the old hymns! So full of theology.

Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.


Jesus, whether the world realizes it or not, You truly ARE the hope of all the Earth! May You be my dear desire.

Looking For The Perfect Gift

This was written on one of the Christmas cards we received:

If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator;
If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist;
If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist;
If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer;
But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior.

Thank You, God, for giving us the perfect gift.

Rules For Writers

Someone sent this to me today...I LOVE it! (And for those of you that never cared for grammar and don't find this funny, email me and I'll try to explain...)

Rules for Writers

1. Verbs HAS to agree with their subjects.

2. Prepositions are not words to end sentences with.

3. And don't start a sentence with a conjunction.

4. It is wrong to ever split an infinitive.

5. Avoid cliches like the plague. (They're old hat.)

6. Be more or less specific.

8. Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are (usually) unnecessary.

9. Also too, never, ever use repetitive redundancies.

10. No sentence fragments.

11. Don't use no double negatives.

12. Proffered carefully to see if you any words out.

Roses in December

God gave us memories so we could have roses in December.

Hard to believe that December is here! In honor of the above quote, I will share with you a most unusual memory - my "December rose".

It happened on Saturday. Someone asked me when my love for writing began. I honestly don't know. I remember writing lots of reports in fifth grade and really enjoying the process. But the first time I think that I wrote passionately from my heart was in the sixth grade. We were all assigned a paper on "Thanksgiving". It must have been the first time that I researched the Pilgrims. I remember being very moved that they had such a difficult trip. I also remember trying to put myself in their shoes. I couldn't imagine getting out of the Mayflower and having no where to go. I couldn't imagine being so cold, and hungry, and sick, yet still have to work hard in order to have a home. I couldn't imagine being a member of this little group of people and witnessing the deaths of half of the group! And so I wrote from my heart on what I imagined that first Thanksgiving was like.

The day came for my teacher to read the "winning" paper to the whole class. I thought for sure that it would be mine! It wasn't. The best paper was written by Arie Mast. I hadn't thought about Arie for over forty years! But that memory of the Thanksgiving paper competition came back to me as if it had happened just last week.

What makes this memory so sad is that yesterday I received an email from a friend telling me that Arie passed away on Sunday. How sad is that? His funeral is today - the first day of December. There is something very sobering about hearing that a grade school friend has died. As I read some of the memories that people left for his family, it was obvious that Arie had touched many lives - deeply. It was also obvious that Arie had an unshakable faith in God.

May his family and friends be comforted during this sad time, and may they cherish their memories of Arie. May those memories be their roses in December.

The Empty Gift

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is over? In rushes the Christmas season!!!! I think this is the perfect story to transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas. This story is one that has always had a rather haunting effect on me. But it's worth the read!

Chuck Swindoll has a close friend who knows this young attorney in Texas of a sizable law firm. He worked for a traditional kind of boss who had a thing for Thanksgiving. Every year the boss would go through a sort of ritual; at this large walnut table he would place a series of turkeys for each member in the law firm. This was not just a simple "pick a turkey if you want one" but a formal setting where your turkey would be placed in front of you and when the time came for you to receive yours, you would step up to the turkey and express how grateful you were to work for the firm and acknowledge the gift of this turkey and the special holiday of Thanksgiving.

Now the problem was, this attorney was single and had no use for a large turkey. First, he didn’t know how to fix it and second, even if he did cook it what would he do with all the meat? But because it was expected ,he took the turkey every year. What he didn’t know is that one year his close friends stole his turkey and in its place put a paper mache turkey and weighed it down with lead to make it feel like a real turkey. They put a real neck and tail on it so that it looked just like the real thing but it was a bogus bird through and through.

When it came his turn, he stepped up and picked up the bird and announced how grateful he was to be with the firm and to receive the turkey on this memorable day of Thanksgiving. Later that day he got on the bus heading for home and sat down with the turkey on his lap wondering what in the world he would do with it. Later down the line a man got on the bus looking a little worn down and discouraged and happened to sit down on a vacant seat next to this attorney. They stuck up a conversation talking about Thanksgiving and by and by the attorney learned that this stranger was out job hunting having no luck. The stranger had a large family and was wondering what he would do for Thanksgiving tomorrow. The attorney thought that this was his day to do a good deed! He would give the man his turkey! Then he had a second thought. This man was not a free loader, he was not a bum and it would probably break his pride to give the man the turkey so he decided he would sell it to him. "How much money do you have?" the attorney asked. The man responded. " I have a couple of dollars and a few cents." "I would like to sell you this turkey!" and he placed it in his lap. "Sold!" the young attorney announced and proceeded to take the man's last couple dollars. The man was moved to tears, thrilled to death that his family would have Thanksgiving at home with a turkey!! He got off the bus and waved to the attorney with kind words. "God bless you!" "Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!" "I will remember you forever!" and the bus drove off.

Now the stranger got home and announced to the family, "You will never believe the nice man I met today!" and he set the turkey down on the table and began to unwrap it only to find a paper bird weighed down with lead!!!! The next day at the office the attorney comes in and his friends are dying to know about the turkey. You can imagine the look on their faces when they heard the nice story of the stranger on the bus? Chuck tells us that from what he understands the attorney and his friends searched the bus lines for the next week for that man who as far as he knows still entertains a misunderstanding about a guy who sold him a fake turkey for two bucks.

Thank You, Father, for this special time of year! Sometimes our gifts to others are empty or misunderstood. Thank you, Father, for the very special gift that You shared with the whole world; a gift that is misunderstood by many, but a gift that is far from empty!

Preparing For Thanksgiving

I've always enjoyed this little story told by Charles Swindoll, recalling a man's visit to a dismal Veteran's hospital.

"The day I arrived to visit, I saw a touching scene. This soldier had a young son, and during his confinement in the hospital, he had made a little wooden truck for his boy. Since the boy was not allowed to go up into the ward and visit his father, an orderly had brought the gift down to the child, who was waiting in front of the hospital with his mother. The father looked out of a fifth floor window, watching his son unwrap the gift. The little boy opened the package, and his eyes got wide when he saw that wonderful little truck. He hugged it to his chest. He was thrilled by the gift. Meanwhile, the father was walking back and forth waving his arms behind the windowpane, trying to get his son's attention. The little boy put the truck down and reached up and hugged the orderly and thanked him for the truck. And all the while the frustrated father was going through these dramatic gestures, trying to say, 'It's me, son! I made the truck for you! I gave that to you! Look up here!' I could almost read his lips. Finally the mother and the orderly were able to turn the boy's attention up to that fifth floor window. It was then that the boy cried, 'Daddy! Oh, thank you! I miss you, Daddy! Come home, Daddy. Thank you for my truck!' And the father stood in the window smiling with tears pouring down his cheeks."

Yup, that little boy is just like me...usually thanking the wrong person! Often, I must repeat these words from an old hymn in a prayer request to my Father: Tune my heart to sing Thy praise! I get "out of tune", distracted by other things, and need to be reminded to stop, to pause, to ponder all that I have because of Christ. And with humbled heart, I look to heaven with out-stretched arms and say, "Thank YOU!"

Today's post will be part of a devotional carnival via Rachel Olsen. To enjoy more devotions and to find out more about Proverbs 31, I encourage you to visit Rachel at http://rachelolsen.blogspot.com/

Learning To Be Grateful

Thou hast given so much to me,
Give one thing more, - a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleaseth me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days,
But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise.
~George Herbert

Just sharing a beautiful poem with y'all today. Oh, to live each day with a heart full of thanks!

Breakfast At Chick Fil A

I have the sweetest little boy that I tutor on Saturday mornings. His name is Edwin and he is in first grade. Every week Edwin has phonograms that he must memorize. For example, if I show him the phonogram "ed", I have to teach him the three different ways he would hear "ed". Sometimes it's "ed" like in "added". Sometimes it sounds like "d" like in "walked". Or sometimes it sounds like "t" as in the word "checked". Poor Edwin! I think phonograms must make his little life miserable! Especially on Saturday mornings. But he is such a little trooper and he has such a brilliant little mind and he is learning his sounds. When I was in school, there were 70 phonograms. But, like everything else, times have changed...today's students must learn 72. Edwin has 57 of them mastered!

This morning, as I drove to Edwin's, I decided to treat myself to breakfast at Chick Fil A. I LOVE their chicken minis!!!!! Anyway, as I patiently (?) sat in the drive thru lane, I noticed these cute little birds hopping around. They were out catching the proverbial early worm. Only, instead of worms, they were feasting on Chick Fil A crumbs! One little guy had a HUGE piece of bread in his beak. I mean, it was almost as big as he was! So, I was just smiling at the cute little birds, and inching my way up to the "order machine" (what's the correct term for that thing?), when a little bird caught my eye and literally made me gasp! I saw this bird pick up a piece of mulch. Motherly instincts took over! From behind the rolled-up windows of my car, I called out to the bird. "NO!", I tried to warn him. "Don't eat that! It's not food!"

Somewhere in that little vignette is a kernel for a devotion to be written someday in the future.

Today, it brought to mind Matthew 7.

9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!


So thankful for sunny Saturdays, little boys learning to read, and a heavenly Father that has never given me a snake, or a stone, or a piece of mulch!

Attention, TSA

Here in the States we have a real problem. People are up-in-arms over the new airport security procedures. In an effort to keep the airways safe, passengers are either "x-rayed" or "patted down". Either procedure is quite an invasion of a person's privacy. Comedians are having way too much fun finding the humor in this whole mess, but this one is by far the best I've read. It came to me via a former student's Facebook status...thanks, Leah, for sharing a much needed laugh over this messy situation!

The Israelis are developing an airport security device that will eliminate the privacy concerns that come with full-body scanners at the airports. It's a booth you can step into that will not X-ray you, but will detonate any explosive device you may have hidden on your body. This is a win-win for everyone, with none of the whining about racial profiling. It also would eliminate the costs of long and expensive trials. Justice would be swift. Case closed!

Imagine this: You're in the airport terminal and you hear a muffled explosion . . .
Shortly thereafter an announcement comes over the PA system: "Attention standby passengers — we were just informed that we now have a seat available in coach."

Shalom

Veteran's Day, 2010

Veteran's Day...I'm sure this day means many things to many people. For me, I usually think of my Uncle Bob. He served in the Air Force during World War II. He was a pilot and flew a B 29 in the Pacific. I remember his war stories. I remember the way he would tear up when he recalled some of his bombing missions. It bothered him that he was asked to drop bombs in civilian neighborhoods in Japan. This happened because the Japanese actually had wearhouses and factories in homes, hoping that the enemy would never bomb the homes. But they did. Uncle Bob said that they often flew these missions low and could smell the burning of flesh, the consequences of the napalm bombs. He hated that. It haunted him. He wrestled with his personal responsibility in the death of these people; it plagued him with questions. Such is the way of war. It is ugly.

My grandmother gave Uncle Bob a Bible when he left for war. She made him promise her that he would read it. "If you are afraid, read Psalm 91", she told my uncle. He memorized that Psalm.(I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1) He said that "fear" was his constant companion, but he never left on a mission without bringing his Bible. He never left the ground before first saying a prayer.

As I drove home tonight, I smiled. I had just spent two hours with my Japanese student and her mother. Her mother speaks very little English, but I sat and listened to her explain some of her frustrations that she experienced at her daughter's high school. She was so thankful that I was there to sit and listen to her that she sent me home with some special grapes she bought from the Korean market. So sweet! Couldn't help but think about Uncle Bob as I made my way back home with my bag of grapes. It has been an interesting Veteran's Day...

I am thankful for men and women who have sacrificed much for freedom.

Waiting (and waiting, and waiting some more!) For The Shuttle

Today's post is for my sister Karen and her husband, Harv, who are stuck in Florida, waiting for the shuttle to launch. Harv has always wanted to witness a launch, so he is the proud owner of one ticket that will allow him to see the launch up close and personal. Another thing he gets to cross off of his "Bucket List"!!! However, what should such an exciting time, has turned out to be a real test of patience. The shuttle keeps getting delayed. I can imagine the frustration! Harv, I

Hope the launch is soon!!! Can't wait to hear about it! (One less woulda', shoulda', coulda', right?)

Happy Reformation Day!

When I think of Reformation Day, I think of Martin Luther. I read such a fun article about him the day...never thought I would use the word "fun" to describe Martin!!!! Take the challenge
and read it for yourself. I promise that you will never think of him in the same way.

http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001696.cfm

The article shares one of my favorite stories from his marriage to Katie (who was a "hoot" as well ! She escaped the nunnery in a fish barrel!!!) Martin was prone to discouragement. One day Katarina dressed in all black. Luther asked if she was on her way to a funeral. She told him that from the way he had been acting, God must have surely died, so she just thought she would mourn along with him. Cheered Luther right up! What a gal!

Enjoy your day!

Positive Thoughts!

Just read this cute story. Ah, the power of seeing the glass half full!!!!

An organization once offered a bounty of five thousand dollars
apiece for wolves that were captured alive. Enticed by the idea of
such money, Sam and Jed eagerly set out through the forests and
into the mountains in search of the animals that could secure their
fortune.
They fell asleep under the stars one night, exhausted after days
of enthusiastic hunting. Sam awoke in the middle of the night and
saw about fifty wolves surrounding him and Jed—hungry wolves,
baring their teeth, with their eyes glistening at the thought of easy
human prey.
Realizing what was going on, Sam nudged his friend and said
eagerly, “Jed, wake up! We’re rich!”

Feelin' Kinda' Like A Miner

Were you riveted to the tv as the Chilean miners were rescued? Me too! I was in a hotel room in Ft. Lauderdale with my mom and sisters. We were so happy to be together! We were so full of anticipation of the next day when we would begin our long-awaited cruise. But despite our joy and giddiness, we were focused on the dramatic stories of the miners. We (along with the rest of the world!) stayed awake until the last one was rescued!

So why am I writing about these miners? Because thinking about them today has given me hope! Yesterday was a real downer. After months of unemployment, after countless hours in search of employment, Bill was called in for an interview! We began yesterday much like I did with my sisters in our hotel room - Bill and I were giddy with anticipation for what this new day might hold! We held hands and prayed, thanking God for this exceptional answer to our prayers! And then came a phone call. What we thought was an interview was not an interview at all...it was just a "headhunter" looking for resumes of the unemployed.

Hopes were dashed! I was teaching when Bill called me and told me what had happened. I wanted to cry. I wanted to melt into a puddle of self pity. But I couldn't. I had to hold it together...ALL DAY! I just had to "keep doing the next thing" even though I was feeling so low and sad and puzzled. I also had to trust. I had to trust that God continues to be in control.

And today I continue to trust. I have to focus on the knowledge that God is at work! Might not "feel" like it. But I KNOW that God is at work!

In other words, I feel a lot like those miners in the pit. This is what it was like for them:

After being trapped half a mile underground for 69 wretched days, they were brought to the surface one at a time in a cigar-shaped steel capsule that was only slightly larger in diameter than a grown man's shoulders are wide.
In a rescue process that combined the efforts of the Chilean government, NASA, a Pennsylvania drill company, and so many others, an ahead-of-schedule operation brought the men out in a flawless rescue operation. Each took the 15-minute journey to freedom from the longest underground entrapment in history.

From the pre-commercialized reports that have emerged so far, it seems clear that there was an early time of extreme fear and deep discouragement. In the first 17 days, the men huddled in an area no larger than 165 square feet. They had no contact with the outside and knew nothing of what was being done above ground to rescue them.

Reports say that some of the younger men in the group threw themselves on the ground and refused to get up. They appear to have resigned themselves to death. Then the first bore hole penetrated their tiny space, and hope soared. Bodies that had started eating muscle were provided with food, and tainted mine water was replaced with pure drinking water. Things improved dramatically.

Yup! I can identify with those miners! Right now I'm stuck in the pit. I look like the guys in the picture...just looking up to the light and trusting that help is on its way! I don't know how. I don't know when. But I know that my God is at work. In Him I am secure.

Two More New Friends

Here are two more WONDERFUL speakers that we heard on our "Girl's Get Away" cruise:

This is a picture of speaker/author Carol Kent with her son Jason. Carol has experienced a parent's worst nightmare. Her only son is in jail without the possibility of parole. Her story about this most unexpected journey is riveting; it is truly a story of the tender grace and mercy she experienced during dark, dark days. She is an excellent speaker (infact, I hope that I will be able to attend her speaking seminar this coming summer!), but her books are also highly recommended!

Carol and her husband recently received more devastating news. After spending countless hours of work on behalf of their son, their request for a clemency hearing was denied. Carol said she sobbed at this news. Jason, however, was at complete peace.“Mom and Dad, if God chooses to allow me to walk in freedom in this lifetime, it won’t be because I received the favor of well-connected politicians and attorneys. It will be because God moved in the hearts of decision makers in a miraculous way. I am content with that. My heart hurts for the family of the deceased and I hope that someday they will be able to forgive me.”

If you or a friend are walking through the valley, google her name and check out her books!

This is a picture of Angela Thomas and her husband, Scott. Angela walked through a devastating divorce and spent many "beyond difficult" days as a single Mom. She is so much fun to listen to...her heart is so tender when she relates her journey with her Shepherd! Her books are also great...and wonderful to share with a small group or a weekend retreat with women. If you want to read more about her story, this is a good place to visit: http://www.brooklynrail.org/2005/01/express/the-angela-thomas-story

Over the past few days, I have shared five dynamic women of faith with you. God has used each one of these women to help me in my walk with Him. What I find so interesting is how God uses such "out-of-the-box" experiences to reveal His heart of love. These are women that have gone through abortion, divorce, rebellion, and even murder, and yet they are joyful, vibrant witnesses of God's redeeming, unfailing love! They make me want to sing out Love, so AMAZING, so DIVINE, demands my soul, my life, my all!

WHOA!!!!

Just woke up, turned on the computer, and was "welcomed" by MSN (it always says Good Morning, William! or Good Afternoon, William!), and read this glaring headline:

RETAIL THERAPY MAY BE MAKING YOU SICK!

Well! That was a most unwelcome thought! This is NOT what I was going to write about today, but this news was so upsetting to me that I have to just take a moment and breathe DEEPLY...

Okay, I'm back! Yeserday, I introduced you to Karen Kingsbury. Today you are going to meet Lysa TerKurst and Renee Swope, two more women that spoke to us on the cruise. These are founders of Proverbs 31 ministries I hope you will visit their website at http://www.provers31ministries.org/. That's where you can meet them and read their stories. Both women have active families, both have adopted children from Africa, both have written books, and both have fairly heavy speaking schedules. In otherwords, they are living My dream! But both of them are down-to-earth, real women that realize it is the God they serve that makes their lives extraordinary.

Lysa brought her daughter on the cruise and Renee brought her whole family! A year ago, Renee and her family adopted a little girl from Africa. I followed her adoption story on Renee's blog. So imagine my delight when I ran into the whole family, got to see the baby, and also got to introduce all of them to my mom and sisters. It was a joy to hear them speak on the cruise. Infact, my sister Karen said it best when she said, I loved what Renee shared: Your mess, with age, becomes your message!

So true! Once again, by sharing their stories with us, they encouraged us to share our story with others...to share our messes and the glorious ways God turns them into something beautiful! So how about YOU? Gotta a good story waiting to be told????? (and don't forget to visit that website I told you about...go...right now!)

Lysa's family

One of Lysa's books


Renee on the cruise ship, sharing her Mess and Age

Renee's family

Cruising with Karen

This is a picture of Karen Kingsbury, the "hostess" of the cruise that my Mom and sisters just went on. Karen is a famous author. She is a prolific writer. Her stories cover a plethora of subjects....her latest book that I am currently reading is entitled Unlocked and deals with the topic of autism.

Karen is one of those people that embodies the phrase, "beautiful, inside and out!". She has a true "servant's heart". She has achieved great fame and notoriety, and yet she is so sincere and caring and gracious to everyone she meets. She never tires of people asking her for a picture or an autograph.

I enjoyed hearing her share how she became a Christian. I also enjoyed hearing her words of encouragement to us...she said that each of us has our own story to tell to others. That's one of the things I try to do on this blog...just share my everyday story and the many ways that I see God at work.

Okay, so now you met our "hostess". And next, I'll try to post a few highlights from our trip...

WOW!

WOW! That one word pretty much sums up the last seven days. As many of you know, my sisters and I were treated - yet, again - by our mother, to a cruise. One week ago today I flew into Ft. Lauderdale, and today I am flying back home. But I will be returning to Texas with a wealth of new memories, new pictures in my camera and in my mind of places I never thought I would see, and new friends that I probably will never have the joy of meeting again, but friends that have added to my joy!

I can't write very much right now, but I do want to share a video of just one of the entertainers that was on the ship with us. What a thrill to see Nicole Mullen up close and personal...she is so tiny!! But what a powerhouse!
Here she is, singing a song she wrote after reading the book of Job...

My, Oh My, What A Wonderful Day!

Today was just one of those exceptional days...the kind of day that makes me want to whistle "Zippa Di Do Da"!!! Remember that old song?

Earlier this week I got a phone call offering me a free facial, so I made an appointment for this morning at 10:45. I slept in until 8:00...sheer luxury! And after a few errands, I made my way to my facial appointment. Ahhhhhhh! I haven't had a facial since....I have no idea. Anyway, the experience was a true delight.

The weather added to my exceptional day. I LOVE this time of year in the South. The air feels sooooooo much better without all that horrible humidity! It was a true joy to be walking (or, in my case, limping...still have a bad knee!) outside.

When I returned home, Bill and David were in the mood to take a ride in the country. So we meandered through some back roads. I had so idea where we were. At one point I asked Bill if he knew where we were. "Yes", he said. "In Texas!". Thanks, Bill!

Well, wherever we were, it was gorgeous! We passed signs informing us that we were in Austin County and then in Waller County. We passed acres of land, and thousands of cows, and finally ended up on Kickapoo Avenue! Um, I knew we were lost when we ended up in a place called "Kickapoo"!

Equally wonderful was our travel chatter. For awhile we talked about John Lennon. Today would have been his 70th birthday. We talked about some of his songs. Bill absolutely detests the lyrics of the song, "Imagine". Then we talked about songs that sound so nice, but mean absolutely nothing....songs like "Michael Rowed the Boat Ashore". Do you know that one? Great melody...fun to harmonize with...even sounds kinda' religious! But think about the words. Empty.

Anyhoo, if you were a fly on the wall or a bird in the air, you would have witnessed three people, tooling down Kickappo Avenue, singing "Michael Rowed the Boat Ashore" at the top of their lungs, scaring all the poor cows in the county! Yup, a wonderful day!

Vocabulary "Fun"?????

It's almost 5 p.m. and I will be leaving soon to tutor a few more students. One of those students is preparing for the SAT exam. We have been meeting twice a week for five weeks, and this Saturday is her test! I can handle the reading section and the writing section, but the vocabulary section is REALLY hard for me!!! I hate to admit it, but I'm probably learning more that she is at this point!!!

Take, for example, these words: contumelious, vitiate, and insouciant. And those are the EASY ones!!! For five weeks I have taught her 40 new words per week...that means I have a new treasure pile of 200 words at my disposal. But don't get your hopes up. I doubt if I will begin using any of them any time soon. Except maybe "plethora". That's a fun one!

While I was in Chicago, I began reading a book by an gal that will be on our cruise next week. OH!!! Did I mention I will be on a cruise? With my mom and sisters!!!! I fly to Ft. Lauderdale on Wednesday, and we leave on Thursday. Anyway, back to the book. It is written by Lysa TerKeurst and she uses words I can relate to like "ginormous". I don't think you'll find that word in the dictionary, much less on the SAT test, but every over worked mom knows what it feels like to have a "ginormous" headache!!! Am I right, ladies???

I like the way Lysa works with vocabulary words A WHOLE LOT MORE (!!!!!) that that old SAT test does. In her book, she quotes from Ephesians 1:17, where the phrase glorious Father is found. Lysa writes that while there are many meanings for the word glorious, these are her two favorites: "entitled to great renown" and "completely enjoyable".

Now that's a great vocabulary lesson in my book! In fact, it was completely enjoyable to me, so I will call it a glorious vocabulary lesson! How about you? Any new words you've been learning?

Thank you Father, that You are perfectly glorious! Always!

Trinity and Emmys!

Trinity Christian College

I just returned from a quick trip to Chicago! I am on the Alumni Board of Directors (doesn't that make me sound special!) and always find our meeting mentally and spiritually invigorating! I love hearing about what's new on campus. It's also a great time to catch up with old friends. And now that our daughter Elise attends Trinity, I also get to spend some special time her.

On Friday evening, the college had a special dinner honoring special alumni. This year, one of the honorees was Kurt Schemper. Kurt is a '97 graduate from Trinity and presently works in LA as a producer for the A&E show, Intervention. Kurt shared clips from the show and walked us through a typical day. Kurt won an Emmy award for his work with the show. It was endearing to hear him say, "You know, I probably could have gone to any college and I still would be doing what I am doing today. But I wouldn't be the person I am today if I had not attended Trinity."

I sat next to Kurt during lunch (I can now say I sat next to an Emmy award winner!!!! Never thought I would be able to say that!!!!). He is the real deal. So down to earth. Just a regular guy sharing the transforming power of Christ in the place where God wants him to be a light. I think most grads from Trinity share Kurt's sentiments about the college. I'm thankful that Trinity instills the truth that our life in Christ can not be compartmentalized...rather, it must be integrated into every area of life. Jesus isn't only important in church. Our relationship with Christ is to be brought into every area. That being said, I would echo Kurt's words. I could have gone to any college and I would be able to become a teacher. But because I attended Trinity, I have a better understanding of what it means to bring Christ with me when I teach. I was taught well and learned the difference between being "a teacher who happens to be a Christian" and "a Christian teacher".

Thank You, Father, for Trinity Christian College. May she bring You glory, always.

Perfect Peace

Isaiah 26:3, "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." (NIV)


Long ago, I learned the above verse as a "Scripture Song". Lately, I've been singing this song A LOT!!!!! Learning to have a steadfast mind is difficult, isn't it? Just like many of my students who can't seem to focus and stay on task, I often find my mind running rampant - especially when I pray. I will start off praying, and then my mind goes off in all these other directions! Why? Does anyone else have this problem?

Since I haven't written in a while, I will share a few bullet point moments of what I've experienced the last few days...

• Our son David underwent a long week of testing to see what jobs he may be able to do. He has worked for Kroger's for over two years, but, for many reasons, it was time for a new working experience. Bill is at home now (no work for over a month!) and it was wonderful that he was able to drive David downtown morning and pick him up again in the afternoon. We will get the results of the testing in about two weeks. David has made GREAT strides in the past three years and so we are very curious to find out what the tests reveal.
  

• I have a new student named Cheryl. She is so full of the joy of the Lord and God is using her beautiful spirit to be a true blessing to me. She is going to college for the first time as a forty-something year old. Her goal is to become a teacher. Cheryl struggles with grammar and sentence structure and needs help to get ready for an English placement test. She is my last student on Mondays and as I enter her home oh-so-tired and weary, her warm and welcoming smile energizes me! Last Monday, she paid me an extra $10.00 and said, "I want you to have a special lunch tomorrow on me!" It doesn't take much, does it, to do small yet thoughtful things for others?

• Bill and I are studying The Sermon on the Mount. It's a wonderful learning time for us. I remember when I was a senior at Trinity, I was asked to give the very first chapel service of the year. For the service, I spoke about the very first beatitude. Blessed are the poor in spirit... I remember being struck by the fact that many people that day, hearing Jesus preach these words of hope, probably listened more intently when they heard the word "poor". Many people in the crowd were poor...a type of poor that is far removed from our idea of poverty. No government programs to help them out...no unemployment benefits, so social security...they were poor, poor, poor, with no hope. But what Jesus wants ALL of us to realize is the fact that we are all poor in spirit. The meaning of the word “poor” in Greek means one who has nothing and is completely empty. Was Jesus saying the economically poor are blessed? No, for there is no spirituality in poverty. Poverty in itself is not blessed, because the poor can be as arrogant and as ungodly and as lost as the rich. So what does it mean to be poor in spirit? It means that the poor are those who realize that they can never achieve salvation on their own and instead put their complete faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Sorry...enough preaching!
  
  
  And, speaking of Trinity, I will be flying up to Chicago on Thursday for a board meeting and homecoming events. The highlight of the trip, however, is spending some time with our daughter Elise.

Okay, that's a few of my highlights from my life...how are YOU?????

RATS! Time For Plan B

I just "googled" the words for the lyrics to the song that CeCe Winans made famous entitled "My Alabaster Box". Well, I found the lyrics all right, but I also found two blogs that already have the title I was hoping for - one is on Blogger and one is on Word Press. So much for THAT idea...

Meanwhile, here is a video that a church did...a live drama portraying the story from Luke 7.

Wandering and Wondering: Two Things I'm Very Good At!

So, today in church we were reading from Luke 8. My eyes wandered off to chapter 7. I was so touched my the woman that washed the feet of Jesus with her hair. When I read scripture accounts like that one, I always try to put myself into the picture. I try to figure out the emotions, the inner, unseen things that might have been going on... For example, what stirrings in her heart made this woman seek out Jesus? How did she feel when the others were so quick to brush her off and label her as "a sinner"? What did it feel like when Jesus looked at her and said, "Your sins have been forgiven."? I did listen to the sermon on Luke 8...but my encounter today with the woman from Luke 7 has captivated my heart.

It has left me wondering about the new blog I may write. It would be different in content from this blog. I told you before that I was toying with the idea of somehow incorporating my initials (JARS). I'm wondering about the name for the blog...maybe I should call it, MY ALABASTER JAR, in honor of the Luke 7 woman. Hmmm...

Russell Kelfer | Wait

Russell Kelfer Wait
For some reason, I can't cut and paste this poem. Anyway, if you click on the words above, it will direct you to a poem that pretty much summarizes where I am at the moment. We've all been in this situation. May the words bless your heart, as they did mine.

Waiting

No, dear ones, I haven't abandoned my blah,blah,blahing...I have been amazingly busy and just too tired to write. I have days when I begin teaching at 8 a.m. and never finish until 8:30 p.m.

While I am thankful for work, and while I LOVE my students, quite honestly, I'm finding it all a bit overwhelming at times.

Right now, Bill and I are in God's "Wating Room". If you've ever found yourself in a waiting room, it's not always the most fun place to be. For the first 30 minutes, one can be entertained by magazines, but then impatience sets in...

What "Wating Room" are we in and who/what are we aiting for? At this time, I won't go into all the details, but just know that Bill and I are facing some big decisions that need to be made.

Right now, I am thankful for a friend that has reminded me of this beautiful verse in Psalm 90;14: Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Oh Lord, once again, help me to wait patiently. But please do it gently. My heart is tender and fragile these days as I look to a future filled with uncertainties. I long to seek You in these days

of waiting. I long to have a joy-filled heart as I wait for You. Let me stand firmly, believe undoubtedly, trust unwaveringly, and know that You are the One who makes all things beautiful...IN YOUR TIME.

Abandoning Jars

WHEW!!!! Giant sigh!!! The past week has been a whirlwind! Elise and I set off for Michigan last Thursday afternoon - after I taught and had an ear appointment - after Elise packed her car to the brim with ALL of her earthly belongings. We sang, we laughed, and then we collapsed! It all caught up with us - all the busyness, all the emotions - and we found day two of our trip to be quite difficult. We were exhausted! Our attempts to get back on the road by 6 a.m. was an epic failure. To make a long story short, we made it to Grand Rapids on Saturday afternoon. We don't even know what state we slept in the last night on the road. Tomorrow I will try to post some pictures and share a bit of our adventure.

While I was in G.R. my granddaughter asked why my blog had such a funny name. That answer would also turn into a long story, so let me just tell you all that I have been wrestling with the direction my blog should take. And with that wrestling, a desire is beginning to surface...a desire to perhaps change the name of the blog. A desire to perhaps only write devotionals. Don't know yet, but just want you to know that something is brewing...

When I try to think of new names for the blog, I keep coming back to my initials: JARS

The verse about "jars of clay" has always been a very special verse to me, but, of course, that name is taken by a popular Christian singing group. I tried to think of an acronym for JARS such as, Joyful Albeit Restless Spirit ( that's more honest that saying I have a joyful and rested spirit because I can be VERY rest-LESS!!! I think David was was definitely referring to me in Psalm 23..."He makes me to lie down"!!!!!!)

Okay, so I have said ALL of the above to lead into this absolutely beautiful piece written by a fellow Christian blogger. She captures the words of my heart! She says what I wish I could express. I hope you will read this devotion. If you do, you will understand me better, understand the struggles of my heart, understand my desire to abandon my "jar" on many different levels.

Maybe you could read what she writes and comment on your thoughts: do you see this blog going in another direction? Do you have any ideas for a new title? Any comments will be appreciated and helpful!

Click on this address to go to the devotional:

http://www.ponderinginhispresence.blogspot.com/