Blah, Blah, Blah!!!

Alumni Board

2011-09-07T23:04:00.004-05:00

This is a picture of the Alumni Board for Trinity Christian College. I'm the one on the left in pink. I'm also the OLDEST member! One month from today I will travel back to Chicago for a board meeting. The same weekend, Trinity will be holding a dedication for the new gymnasium. When I attended TCC, the gym was brand new! I still remember attending the first basketball game that was played there. Back then, we thought our gym was on the cutting edge. Alas, it pales in comparison to the new one.

Over the summer I had a phone interview with someone that put the old gym to good use. He practically lived there! I never knew "B" very well during our shared time at TCC, but I sure do remember his agility on the b-ball court. I had heard that B was recently appointed to be the director of the Juvenile Department of Justice for the state of Illinois. What an accomplishment! I wanted to share his story with the Trinity family, so I wrote this brief article that will soon be published. I think the story of B's journey is such a beautiful testimony to the providence of God. Hope you enjoy it.

Mr. Arthur D. Bishop

A Disheveled Old Man and God’s Divine Plan

When Trinity Christian College celebrated its 50th anniversary, Dr. Daniel Diephouse wrote a book entitled, At the Heart of Community. This book eloquently depicts the unfolding of the decades as seen through the eyes of the students and faculty. In the chapter on diversity, Dr. Diephouse writes, “The measure of a community is reflected in the way in which it respects those who don’t look like the group, who don’t live the way it lives, who because of personal and ethnic reasons see the world in different ways.”

I attended Trinity during the early 1970’s. At that time, there were those that dared to enter our fairly sheltered little community and they didn’t, as Dr. Diephouse wrote, “look like the group”. A friend of mine laughingly recalls her Trinity experience. “I am an Episcopalian. In the 70’s at Trinity, THAT was diversity!” I recently had the joy of interviewing one of those who dared…who dared to enter a predominately white campus and who dared to show us what diversity was all about.

I began the interview with this simple question: Arthur Bishop, how in the world did you end up at Trinity Christian College? This was his answer…

“If you asked me back in 1971 how I ended up at Trinity, my answer would have been completely different from the answer I am able to give you today.”

In 1971, Arthur Bishop was an athletic standout; a star player on the Von Steuben High School basketball team. Despite his popularity on the court, however, few of his family members were ever in the stands to cheer him on. “My biological mother died when I was four. I never knew my dad. My aunt raised my siblings and me.” And so, in 1971, when it was time to make a decision about college, it was made without the help of family support.

Unbeknownst to Bishop, there was someone that was regularly attending his games – someone that Bishop had never met – and this silent observer was keenly interested in the future of this outstanding, young athlete. His name was Ed Erickson. Ed’s son, Terry, was the athletic director at Trinity. Ed had quite a well-developed youth ministry in Arthur’s neighborhood, and he tried his best to invest his time into the lives of the young men he mentored.

“He was an old, disheveled white guy. One day he asked me if he could take me over to Trinity. Back in the day, I seldom traveled much beyond the neighborhood. We only traveled for about 45 minutes in that rickety, old car of his, but it seemed like Ed was taking me to a whole ‘nother country!

I remember being so impressed with the state-of-the-art gym. I also remember thinking that everything looked so green and sprawled out and open! And so, with very little concern as to the details of my decision, I signed up for Trinity. Back then I would have told you I ended up at Trinity because of basketball. Today I can tell you that I attended Trinity Christian College as a result of God’s divine plan.”

Arthur always had an inner calling to help others. It was this desire that helped him make the decision to major in sociology. And while he excelled on the court – TCC defeated both Calvin and Hope when he was playing! – off of the court it was a different story. He will never forget the day he and his friends stopped by a store in Palos Heights for some juice. The nervous store owner was certain the guys were up to no good and called the police. As the ball players innocently paid for their drinks and exited the store, they found themselves surrounded by Palos Heights police officers. Their guns were drawn! Coach Erikson was called to the scene, and the players returned to campus. What added insult to injury was when the store owner sent over a case of pop to the gym in an effort to pacify the situation. Art can laugh about the incident today, but it sent a clear message to him and to his friends about their place in a predominately white community.

When asked about his time spent at Trinity, Bishop smiles. “If it got too bad, we could always jump in a car and drive back home. And Coach was a person I could vent to; during the frustrating times when I wanted to give up, he was a person who seemed to understand where I was coming from. But overall, I enjoyed the comradeship of the team, the times we spent on the bus going to games…yeah, those are some good memories.”

Arthur graduated from Trinity in 1975 and earned his M.A. in Human Services Administration from Spertus College in Chicago. On January 1, 2011, Arthur was appointed by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to be the Director of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice.

“This job I have today…well, some people told me that it’s kind of like trying to turn around a battleship in the middle of a bathtub! But my approach has always been to do the best I can in the job I have at the moment. I believe that God will direct my path if I’m being a good steward at what He has planned, and that’s how I approach everything I do. This title means nothing. It can be taken away in a heartbeat. What matters is that I do my work heartily, as unto the Lord! He is the One I want to glorify. It may not have looked like it at the time, but when I was at Trinity, I watched. I observed. I listened. The principles I learned at Trinity have served me well. So has the Christian foundation that I received from my aunt. God has blessed me with the gift of ministry and the gift of counseling. I have always wanted to help those, who for whatever reason, found themselves helpless. It has given me great joy to serve my Savior in the field of social work. Like I said earlier, God has a divine plan!”

Ants in My Pants...Literally!!!!!!!

2011-08-22T16:01:00.005-05:00

Do NOT Even Begin To Feel Sorry For This Dead Ant!!!!

Hi Mom!!!

After not writing on this blog in, well,...forever!...I'm pretty sure that you are probably my only remaining reader. Sigh...

Summer has been so hectic! Even my "off" days have been busy! Take today, for example. Today I HAD to go to the doctor. I emphasize "HAD" because I didn't go because I was sick (for which I am very thankful!). I went because I can't get my prescriptions filled unless I make an appearance every so often. Because the appointment was at 9:20, and because David had to have a ride to work at 11, poor David had to tag along to my appointment. I finished up at 10:30 and we had just enough time to get him a breakfast from Chick-Fil-A. No sooner did we pull out of the parking lot, when David's lid flew off his drink and spilled all over the floor. The floor of the car that I am borrowing for the week!!!!! I shot into the Dollar Store to buy a roll of paper towels. Only one check out lane open and there I was, looking for all the world like I was the most exasperated woman on planet Earth!!!!!! The lady with the over-loaded cart took pity on me and let me go in front of her...how nice was that!!! I met David,unwrapped the roll and began blotting up the soggy mess. The good thing? He made it to work on time. The bad thing? It set in motion a horrible headache that I can't seem to shake.

I got home, only to find that the bathroom had been taken over by ANTS!!!! Not sweet, little unassuming ants, but flesh eating FIRE ANTS!!!! They bite, they hurt, and they leave behind these horrible infected bumps. Today I even turned black and blue from the bites on my thumb...that's a first! Anyway, I got out the spray. While it did exterminate the pesky creatures, it left a horrible smell behind that has saturated not only the bathroom, but the bedroom as well! I had some laundry sorted in piles on the floor and when I put the whites in the wash, I noticed ants were crawling over the clothes. I shook them out outside, all the while getting bit again! I washed the load, only to take them out of the wash and discover THE ANTS WERE STILL ALIVE!!!! And biting!!! Did I mention that I have a horrible headache?

I have always found writing to be rather therapeutic...and this post hasn't let me down; it has helped immensely to be able to rant and rave about those %*&# ants!

Let's Hear It For Chick-Fil-A!!!!!!!

2011-07-11T23:04:00.002-05:00

Let's hear it for Chock-Fil-A!!! While all Southerners are familiar with this chain, it has just recently been making appearances north of the Mason-Dixon Line! Our daughter, Elise, grew up on sweet tea and chicken nuggets. When she was 15 she got her first job at a Chick-Fil-A, and she has worked for them ever since! She has worked for Chick-Fil-As in Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas. Imagine her delight when she saw that they were planning to open a Chick-Fil-A not far from Trinity Christian College in Chicago.

Elise just came back from spending a few days at the company headquarters in Atlanta. She had a grand time finding out more about this company that she has grown to love. They are training her to be the Director of Marketing at her store. She does the coolest things! She has to make deliveries to the White Sox. She was treated to box seats at the Chicago Fire (their soccer team). She also plans the activities for children's night. Tomorrow I think any children that go to Chick-Fil-A in their pajamas (for dinner)will get a free kid's meal! She said that even the cow (their mascot) will be in his p.j.s! For Father's Day she planned a Daddy/Daughter Night that was a huge success...complete with roses and limo rides!

Now a Chick-Fil-A has opened in downtown Chicago, and it is taking the Windy City by storm! Here is a recent newscaster's story about his love for this special restaurant...

Bob Sirott's One More Thing About My New Favorite Restaurant: MyFoxCHICAGO.com

Wishing you A Shay Day!

2011-06-25T12:36:00.002-05:00

A friend of mine sent this story to me a few weeks ago. I enjoyed learning about Shay, and I know you will also...

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:
‘When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?’

The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. ‘I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.’

Then he told the following story:

Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, ‘Do you think they’ll let me play?’ I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, ‘We’re losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we’ll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.’

Shay struggled over to the team’s bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay’s team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.

In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay’s team scored again.

Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn’t even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.

However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay’s life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.

The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.

The game would now be over.

The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game. Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman’s head, out of reach of all team mates.

Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, ‘Shay, run to first! Run to first!’

Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled. Everyone yelled, ‘Run to second, run to second!’ Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.

B y the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball . the smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher’s intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman’s head.

Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home. All were screaming, ‘Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay’. Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, ‘Run to third!

Shay, run to third!’

As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, ‘Shay, run home! Run home!’ Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team.

‘That day’, said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, ‘the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world’.

Shay didn’t make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

We all have thousands of opportunities every single day to help realize the ‘natural order of things. So many seemingly trivial interactions between two people present us with a choice. Do we pass along a little spark of love and humanity or do we pass up those opportunities and leave the world a little bit colder in the process?

A wise man once said every society is judged by how it treats it’s least fortunate amongst them.
-Posted in honor of my very own Shay-

A Fun Trip To The Salon

2011-06-22T22:36:00.003-05:00

This picture by the Associated Press caught my eye recently. These are women from Saudi Arabia and they are looking at cars. They can own a car in their homeland, but they are not allowed to drive. Apparently, there are recent uprisings by the women, who feel that the clerics should take another look at the Koran. Since women in a few other Islamic countries are allowed to drive, they feel they should be allowed, too. This picture and the article picqued my curiosity because of the women I teach. One has obtained her license, bought a Lexus, and is driving all over Houston! The other one is in the process...she begins her driving instructions soon, and she can't wait.

I find their lifestyle intriguing. I'm learning that I don't like their coffee (it's more of an herbal drink - no coffee beans used). I just learned this the other day...Islamic men can not wear gold - only the women. The men wear silver. I knew that they prayed five times a day, but I didn't know that the times change a little bit everyday. The times are based on the position of the sun. One of the prayer times comes around 1:30, right in the middle of one of my classes. My student feels comfortable enough to pray while I am in the house with her. We simply stop the class, pray, and begin again. I've decided to pray at the same time. While she is praying to Allah and kneeling on the floor, I am sitting at the dining room table praying to God. They have a special clock in their home that calls them to prayer at the correct times. You would think that I would be used to the sound by now, but it always sort of startles me!

Another thing I'm learning is the importance of a woman's hair. It really is their crowning glory - so much so, that other men are not allowed to see it. This fact caused a little dilemma for me last week. My student wanted to go to the salon for a haicut and color. She hadn't been to a salon for three years, so this was a big deal! I had no idea how to find a salon where I could guarantee it would be a "man-free" environment. I did a "google" search, but came up empty handed. Then I called an Islamic bookstore and asked if they could help me. Cha-ching! They were able to point me in the right direction!

We went yesterday. What fun! We were escorted to a little room that had a door they could lock and blinds they could close. In the privacy of the room, my friend could "unwrap". After two hours, she looked like a new woman! She wanted her bangs to be cut like mine (I thought that was so cute!), but her husband would allow only a little cut off the ends. Her hair is waist-length and so very lovely! I wanted to take a picture, but she said, "No! Thank you!" I guess they have to be covered up in the pictures.

Once she was correctly wrapped up (which seemed like such a shame to me, because it looked so nice after it was blown dry and flat ironed!), we got back into the car and drove home. We had the baby, Abdullah, with us. When she got out of the car, she thanked me and then said, in very broken English, "Baby go home with you! Bye, Abdullah!" I'm glad we can have so much fun together, despite the fact that most of the time we don't understand each other!

Father's Day Tribute

2011-06-18T20:53:00.008-05:00

Tomorrow is Father's Day. It brings back many memories of my father. It's hard to believe that he has been in heaven for ten years. In honor of Father's Day, I would like to share just a few of the things that make me smile when I recall my dad and his life.

I tried to scan some pictures. I didn't do a very good job. Someone is going to have to teach me how to do this so that it looks nicer. Anyway, I'll share the pictures with you, along with a few of my memories.

These are pictures from the early 20's, when my dad was just just a little guy. The bottom one is his birth announcement. I have the envelope that it was mailed in, complete with a 2 cent stamp! I love the picture with his mother. My dad was her first son, and he was named "Albert", after his father. While growing up, he was called "Junior". I always thought he was "Albert Rodenhouse", but my father ALWAYS wrote his full name as "Albert M. Rodenhouse". I learned this the hard way when I made out my wedding invitations and left the all-important "M" out of his name. His response when I showed him my invitations? "They look nice, but you spelled my name wrong!"

I like these pictures because they remind me of how much he loved his family. When David was a baby, we traveled to Florida. That's a picture of my dad just being relaxed and being a good grandpa as he feeds David a bottle. The rest of the family spent the day at Disney, but he stayed home and took care of his grandson. I also love the fact that he is in his "jumpsuit". For some reason, my dad went through a long phase in his life when he wore jumpsuits! It was kind of a strange "phenomonon" that he went through because my dad was know for being quite a stylish dresser.The next picture was taken at our home in Biloxi. We lived about 14 hours from his place in Florida, but he always went out of his way to drive over to our home on the way to Florida and again on the way back to Michigan. In this picture he is celebrating with Laura on her 16th birthday. The bottom picture was taken at the Marco Island Country Club. It was Dad's 75th birthday and he treated us to a wonderful dinner at the club where he loved to golf.

I like these pictures because they remind me of dad's love for stories and people. An example of this would be the stories dad liked to tell about his uncle. My dad's uncle lived a fascinating life. Uncle Gerrit not only attended the famed Julliard School of Music, but he also managed to marry the governor's daughter from the Island of St. Maarten. In 1993, my dad and his brother visited the island and toured the family home. This is a picture of him with Emilio, one of the people that worked for Uncle Gerrit. Emilio was able to share many new stories with my dad. Seeing him with Emilio reminds me of my dad's love for people of all ethnicities and backgrounds. A great memory I have is of the times he spent with Mr. Waites at our cottage. I guess today most people would call Mr. Waites "African-American". I loved to see those two together. I often was with my dad at the cottage when he and Mr. Waites would work together in getting the cottage ready to "open up" for the summer. There were always so many leaves to rake and twigs to pick up and flowers to plant! In the middle of the day, they would take a break for lunch. Dad told me that Mr. Waites was pretty surprised the first time dad invited him inside to have lunch together. I also like this saying that he learned from Mr. Waites: It's not a matter of skin, but a matter of sin. It's not a matter of race, but a matter of grace. They loved to talk about the things of God with each other. I especially loved it when I got to have lunch with them and dad would ask Mr. Waites to say the blessing. That man could pray! But so could my dad. In fact, the family joke has always been my mom reminding my dad not to pray so long before a Sunday dinner...she didn't want the food to get cold!

My dad was a man of many interests. He loved collecting cars and coins and glassware. Whatever he collected, he went after the best! His cars often won the trophy for "Best of Show". He became so knowledgeable about glassware that he was asked to speak at conventions! I love the story about the day he saw an ad in the paper for a specific car that he always wanted to add to his collection. I think it belonged to the Kellogg family.(Or some really well-known, wealthy family.) Anyway, he drove many hours to see the car. When he arrived at the "mansion", the groundskeeper told dad that Mrs. Kellogg could not be disturbed because she was having devotions. My dad asked if he could see the car. He was escorted to a huge warehouse/garage that housed all the cars ever owned by the family! They were all on blocks and in pristine condition. Finally, my dad got to meet Mrs. Kellogg. My dad shared with her that he also began everyday with devotions. This was the beginning of quite a lengthy conversation. Finally my dad was able to bet around to asking about the car, only to have her say, Oh, the car is not for sale. I was only curious if it would generate any interest. If I do ever sell the car, however, I want it to go to a man of your caliber. Several years later he received a call that the car was his if he was still interested. Once again he drove the distance and thought for certain he would have another visit with Mrs. Kellogg. He was told that she was too emotionally upset about the car leaving, so he proceeded to get the car into the trailer. As he pulled away, he saw her looking out of the window. I didn't do the story justice. If my dad told it, you would have been mesmerized!

I learned many things from my dad. Because of him, I love to write. My dad wrote a lot. Especially Bible studies and sermons. He also wrote many, many letters to me over the years...especially when I was in college. I remember one of the very first letters he wrote to me in college was all about not "gulping at life". He advised me to savor the seconds and not to be in such a rush.

He loved a good story, a good joke, and a good quote. when I was in high school, he had this quote from David Livingston written in the front of his Bible: Lord, send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. Sever any ties but the ties that bind me to your service and to your heart.

From him I received my love for public speaking. My dad spoke a lot. He even used to preach! It always made me very proud to see my dad in front of an audience.

My dad instilled in me at a very early age my love for God and a desire to bring honor and glory to Him. That's really what my dad was all about. And while he loved his family and the things of this earth, it was evident to all that heaven was his home. He had a close relationship with his heavenly Father. I love the fact that the last word I ever heard my dad say was, "Amen". He was confined to a hospital bed for the last weeks of his life. The last few days of his life he spent in what looked like a "sleep state". His eyes were closed and he no longer spoke. Our pastor came to visit maybe a day or two before dad's death. He read the Bible and prayed. At the end of the prayer, dad raised his hands and said, "Amen!". We were all surprised to hear him say anything!

It brings me great comfort to know that my dad is with the Lord. I know he is enjoying heaven. I know he is enjoying the music of heaven and I know he is enjoying being in the presence of the One he lived for!

My dad left me a great legacy. I'm thankful that he was my dad. Thanks for letting me share just a few of my memories.

Finding Grace

2011-05-28T13:21:00.001-05:00

John Piper has a wonderful blog post today on living life with a child that has disabilities. It is beautiful and helpful and insightful and uplifting. I encourage all readers to find his blog and read it. Meanwhile, here is a touching interview of parents living the with the challenges and adventures that life with disabilities brings.

Wrestling With An Angel from Brian Patton on Vimeo.

Bill and I concur with these parents. This road that we are on - this adventure of life with disability - is one which we would NEVER have chosen for ourselves. It was graciously given to us by the God we love and live for. In His wisdom, He blessed us with David. Has it been easy? No. Has it brought tears, and frustration, and anxiety? Yes. But it has also been a tool to bring us into the presence of God, and He has blessed us beyond measure.

God's Mercies in Disguise

2011-04-28T23:14:00.003-05:00

Today was a glorious day in Texas! I love the weather here in the Spring...before we get clobbered by the heat and humidity!

I greeted the day by reading the somber news about Dave Wilkerson. He was killed in a car accident on Wednesday afternoon. For those of you who have never heard of him, he is probably best known for a book he wrote entitled The Cross and the Switchblade. It is his story of working with gangs and drug addicts in the inner-city of New York City.

He also wrote a blog. I went to his blog today and was moved by his last entry...

To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights—and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, “I am with you. I cannot tell you why right now, but one day it will all make sense. You will see it was all part of my plan. It was no accident. It was no failure on your part. Hold fast. Let me embrace you in your hour of pain.”

Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world.

I was also moved by the destruction and devastation of the severe weather in the South East. Tornadoes ripped through many Southern towns and hundreds are homeless tonight. It brings me right back to many of the emotions I felt after we lost our home. I hope many of you will join me in praying for these people. I'm so thankful that I know the God Who gives hope inspite of devastation and brings renewal and healing despite the circumstances of this life. Dave Wilkerson's words seem from his blog are so very appropriate for all that suffer and hurt...especially those suffering right now as a result of the tornadoes.

Recently I have heard a song played on the radio and the words have captured my heart. This song seems especially appropriate to me tonight as I ponder all the sadness that these last two days have brought to so many. This song is sung by Laura Story and if you have never heard it, I hope you will take time to listen to this You Tube version and if you are someone hurting, I pray the words bring you comfort and peace.

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering

All the while You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near?

What if trials of this life
Are Your mercies in disguise?

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough

And all the while You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears?
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near?

And what if trials of this life
Are Your mercies in disguise?

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears?
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You're near?

What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst
This world can't satisfy?

And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise?

Lessons From Good Friday Still Sound Good on Tuesday

2011-04-26T11:47:00.008-05:00

I remember in 2008 the feeling I had when I began this blog...so many doubts that I had to overcome. So many questions. What in the world will I write about? What if my writing stinks? What will people think when they see all of my grammatical errors? I vividly recall the feeling of just plugging my nose and diving in...diving in to this unknown world of blogging.

I took some time out of the pond that I jumped into, and todayas I stand here, holding my breath, ready to leap back in, I feel riddled by those same questions. Once again, I find myself needing to just take the plunge! So, here I go......

These past weeks have been very busy. I don't spend much time on the computer or on Facebook. I eat, work, sleep and try my best to keep things "together" for David and me. Needless to say, we miss Bill tremendously.

Since my last I've had many new adventures. My precious student, Kholoud, had a baby boy! Her husband called to tell me that she wanted to talk to me on the phone. Talking on the phone is very difficult for my ESL students. Kholoud managed three words, "I miss you!"

I have another new student from Saudi Arabia. Her name is Norah. She is 19 and a newly-wed. She doesn't want grammar lessons; she only wants English conversations. She's a lot of fun and I am always amazed that we can fill up a two hour lesson by just talking! She wants me to show her different places in Houston. How fun is THAT??!! Last week I introduced her to TJ Maxx! In public she is covered head to toe, but underneath her "protective gear" she is very stylish. She has a beautiful laugh and I'm enjoying my time with her immensely. She just completed her studies to get an American driver's license. In her homeland women are not allowed to drive, so she is thrilled with her new-found freedom!

This year, our Easter season hit me in a very profound way. From Maundy Thursday to Ressurrection Sunday, I found myself so close to my Saviour's side. He taught me so many things and opened up my heart and eyes to receive new lessons about the depth of His love. Never have I been so in awe of His atonement for my sins.

For some reason, I was mesmerized by these three words Jesus spoke on the cross - It is finished. They keep resonating in my mind. They have been a precious love letter to me - almost as if He had said the other three words we all love to hear - I love you!

Here is my little story entitled, It Is Finished....

This is a phot of me when I was, oh, maybe three or four. I was naughty! (Even to this day, I can't get this little girl turned around - as evidenced in this photo!) I screamed when my mother tried to wash my hair or brush my hair or do anything to my hair. This was probably the last picture of me with long hair...the rest of my childhood my hair was VERY short. I was a climber. I could climb up to the top of the stove in order to reach the top cupboards where the cookies and treats were hidden. One time, I found my older sister's red lipstick and redesigned my mother's white sofa! I was awful!

I distinctly remember not liking the crust on my bread. I spent many hours sitting alone in my chair at the kitchen table simply because I was not allowed to get up until I finished ALL of my bread.

One day, I launched a plan! I would hide my crust under my plate. When mom asked me if I was finished, I said, "Yup! See? All gone!"

And what she did next astonished me! She lifted up my plate to reveal what I had not finished!

It wasn't until years later that I thought of that story and realized how silly my attempts were at hiding that crust. My plate must have been suspended in air and teetering atop all of that crust. And equally as silly was the thought that I could pull the wool over my mom's eyes.

Not so with Jesus. He was given an assignment and He finshed it...completely. He did what I couldn't do for myself. He lived a perfect life and died for my sins so that I can have a relationship with a holy God.

I often wrestle with my sins. I wresle with the horribleness and the shame of the things I have done. Last Friday, it was as if Jesus said directly to me, "It is finished. Joyce, it's done. It's paid for. Now live joyfully in my grace and love!"

This is the Greek form of "It is finished". It was also a term used by accountants. If something was paid for, the word "Tetelestai" was written on the bill of sale. So Jesus actually just said one word.

It's not said as a phrase of defeat. Jesus isn't saying, "That's done. I'm finished. I've been defeated." No, it was a triumphant shout of victory that Jesus whispered during His last moments before death. The work that He came to do - the job given to Him when God asked "Who will go?" and Jesus willingly replied "Send me!" - that job was accomplished. What depth of love! And because of His accomplished work on the cross, we have the hope of eternity. Never in heaven will we hear the words, "It is finshed"! Never will God say to His children, "Ok, you've enjoyed your time here for the last 834,096,254 years, but now it's finished!" No, His children stay with Him forever...all because of the finshed, completed work of Jesus. A work that I could never complete. And that's just a glimpse at of some of the things I've been pondering...

The Old Man on Ash Wednesday

2011-03-13T21:56:00.001-05:00

My friend Jean posted this on Facebook. What a beautiful story. And one worthy of sharing with all of you! Enjoy!
Second Office on the Right: The Old Man on Ash Wednesday: "Tonight I attended the Ash Wednesday service at the local Episcopal church. It was sparsely attended, and I brought the average age in..."

A Wonderful Lord's Day!

2011-03-13T20:32:00.002-05:00

I've not been on here lately, have I? It's been pretty busy around here since Bill left! We made it through our first week apart and, while it has not been fun, we both made it! Bill and I have been apart before. I thought the worst was after Katrina. It was the summer of 2007. We finally were all living together again under the same roof when Bill was laid off! No work in Houston, so he worked in Louisiana for a few months. It was yucky, but at least he was only six hours away.

Lest this whole post turns into a sob fest, let me share how God strengthened Bill and I at church today. Bill drove to Green Bay and attended an OP church. They read from the Heidelberg Catechism and it was the very thing Bill (and I!!) needed to be reminded of the fact that we still have a loving heavenly Father and He is still in control. Isn't this richly soul-satisfying:

Q & A 26
Q. What do you believe when you say,
"I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth"?

A. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who out of nothing created heaven and earth
and everything in them,^1
who still upholds and rules them
by his eternal counsel and providence,^2
is my God and Father
because of Christ his Son.^3

I trust him so much that I do not doubt
he will provide
whatever I need
for body and soul,^4
and he will turn to my good
whatever adversity he sends me
in this sad world.^5

He is able to do this because he is almighty God;^6
he desires to do this because he is a faithful Father.^7

^1 Gen. 1 & 2; Ex. 20:11; Ps. 33:6; Isa. 44:24; Acts 4:24; 14:15
^2 Ps. 104; Matt. 6:30; 10:29; Eph. 1:11
^3 John 1:12-13; Rom. 8:15-16; Gal. 4:4-7; Eph. 1:5
^4 Ps. 55:22; Matt. 6:25-26; Luke 12:22-31
^5 Rom. 8:28
^6 Gen. 18:14; Rom. 8:31-39
^7 Matt. 7:9-11

It is so appropriate to read after the Japan disaster also...who still upholds and rules them
by his eternal counsel and providence.

Disasters in nature, disasters in life...both are the result of living in a fallen world and both can make us bitter or make us better. "The same boiling water that softens carrots, makes eggs harden!"

Speaking of Japan, the pictures are such a reminder of Katrina. The force of water is incomprehensible. To see buildings and boats and bridges swept away as if they were paper boggles the mind. I have one Japanese family that I work with and I went, unannounced, to her home on Friday. I just wanted to give her a hug. I just wanted her to know that she was in my thoughts and prayers. As we hugged at the entrance to her home, she told me she had just received word that her family was all accounted for. What joyful news!

This week is Spring Break. Hallelujah!!!!! I will be working with my language students in the mornings, but I have "vacation time" in the afternoons. David and I are looking forward to the arrival of Tommy and Elise from Chicago.

That's my update...time to get ready for tomorrow!

One Year Ago

2011-03-05T22:53:00.003-06:00

Seldom do I remember where I was exactly a year ago. Today I do. Our whole family gathered in Chicago for Bill's Big Birthday Bash! Here are a few pictures from that weekend:

The brave hearts that ventured downtown.

Squinting into the camera because the sun was sooooo bright!

Even "Gramsy Girl" made it down for the big weekend!

Bill with his "quiver full"

Bill with his "handful"!!!

Tonight, Bill is in Chicago once again...this time without me! (SNIFF) He made it to Memphis,TN

last night and pulled into the parking lot of Trinity about 3:30 this afternoon. He is staying overnight with Elise, will go to church with her in the morning, and then head out to northern Wisconsin.

Tonight he met Tommy's parents. Tommy is Elise's boyfriend. They had a fun time together at a Mexican restaurant. I just talked to them and Bill and Elise are watching a movie together in her apartment.

David and I made it through our second day without the man we love. We got up early and took our puppy in for his first haircut. Then we treated ourselves to a five dollar movie! We saw "The Adjustment Bureau" with Matt Damon. (Who, by the way, always reminds me of my high school sweetheart!) It was a very interesting movie but I'm still not sure if I liked it or not. It was enjoyable to watch, but I strongly disagreed with the premise. It was an attempt to look at the concept of "free will", but it was a very humanistic take on the subject. Anyway, it was a fun day out for David and I and we had an interesting discussion about it on the way home.

For those of you who are praying for us during this time, I thank you. Without Him, I couldn't do any of this. I'm trying to take just one day at a time and live in the reality of God's unfailing love. The verse from our wedding has always meant so much to me...even more now! May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O God, even as we put our hope in You. Psalm 33:22

Mr. Wonderful

2011-03-04T07:19:00.002-06:00

Mr. Wonderful left this morning for his 1,300 mile (2,087 km) trek to a little shipyard in Wisconsin. I kept hoping and praying that a job would open up here in Houston. I felt very much like Abraham...walking up Mt. Moriah...knowing what had to be done, and trusting that God would provide the Lamb. Well, I kept looking in "the bushes" for the ram (so to speak) but never found anything. So, even though it doesn't feel like it or make any sense to me, I trust this is God's best for us at this time.

After a tearful goodbye, I had my quiet time. I read over Luke 12 and I Thessalonians 5...both passages are beautiful reminders of the way God meets all the needs that we have.

And then, in my little devotion for the day, God reminded me to live close to Him! How comforting to know that I am in the constant presence of One Who has promised to never leave me. I think my song today will be, "No, Never Alone". Haven't thought about that little song in forever!!!

Okay friends, a new adventure begins! And, as always, I'll keep you posted on how this journey is going....

Please Pray

2011-03-03T15:59:00.002-06:00

My wonderful husband leaves tomorrow for Wisconsin. It is for an indefinate period of time. Right now I am very sad and I can't stand the thought of being apart again. But I also applaud his strength...he doesn't want to go either, but it is a sacrifice he is willing to make for his family. I'll write more about it when I can be a bit more positive...right now I'm feeling pretty awful, so just bear with me. I do ask for prayers - that God will protect us and uphold us while we our apart.

That being said, I thank God for the humor He sent my way this morning. He knew I needed to lighten up.

David told me that he applied for a job yesterday.

"What kind of job?"

"A stocker."

"Soccer?" replied his VERY deaf mother.

And David, without skipping a beat, replied, "Yup! They took one look at my resume, saw that I played soccer in the third grade, and they signed me up for the Brazilian National Team!"

Number 26

2011-02-26T09:13:00.002-06:00

Today is my sister Nancy's birthday. She is in Florida with my mom and other sister, Karen. (sniff) Somewhere along the line, we have gotten in the habit of buying each other strange cards featuring three sisters. We then assign each other the appropriate "match-up" to the stranger in the picture. So, in honor of our twisted ritual, I send these pictures to you, Nancy. Have a wonderful day! You are loved...so very much!

Nancy, you are the one in the middle, wearing the more daring "v-neck" as Karen points it out for the camera and I try to plead with you to not go out in public with such revealing apparel!!!

You and I showing off our new scarves!

Hmm...who's who in this one???

There's nothing like the real thing!!! Didn't we have fun???

Lounging on Harv's boat!

Abba

2011-02-25T22:18:00.003-06:00

Abba. Scripture tells us that Abba is Aramaic for Father. Jesus instructs us to call God Abba. Just think about that for a minute. What a closeness we are allowed to have with our God. We are His children, and He delights in being our Father.

When I am down in the dumps, I have a tendency to forget that God is my heavenly Father. I act more like an orphan. I start getting all anxious about how I am ever going to handle the "junk" of life...and I forget. I forget that I'm not alone. I forget that I belong to Someone. I am a child of the King!!!

When I start to remind myself of WHO I belong to, my heart calms down. No need to worry. My Father is going to take care of me. He always has, and He always will.

Life has been pretty difficult lately and I've needed to be reminded of my Father's love for me over and over and over. Maybe someone reading this today feels the same way. If you do, I hope you enjoy this story and I hope that it will remind you of this fact: if you know that Jesus is your Savior, then God is your Father. We never have to act like an orphan. We never have to ask, "Who's my daddy?"

A seminary professor was vacationing with his wife in Gatlinburg , TN. One morning, they were eating breakfast at a little restaurant, hoping to enjoy a quiet, family meal. While they were waiting for their food, they noticed a distinguished looking, white-haired man moving from table to table, visiting with the guests. The professor leaned over and whispered to his wife, 'I hope he doesn't come over here.' But sure enough, the man did come over to their table.

'Where are you folks from?' he asked in a friendly voice.

' Oklahoma ,' they answered.

'Great to have you here in Tennessee ,' the stranger said... 'What do you do for a living?'

'I teach at a seminary,' he replied.

'Oh, so you teach preachers how to preach, do you? Well, I've got a really great story for you.' And with that, the gentleman pulled up a chair and sat down at the table with the couple.

The professor groaned and thought to himself, 'Great .. Just what I need ... another preacher story!'

The man started, 'See that mountain over there? (pointing out the restaurant window). Not far from the base of that mountain, there was a boy born to an unwed mother. He had a hard time growing up, because every place he went, he was always asked the same question, 'Hey boy, Who's your daddy?' Whether he was at school, in the grocery store or drug store, people would ask the same question, 'Who's your daddy?'

He would hide at recess and lunch time from other students. He would avoid going in to stores because that question hurt him so bad. 'When he was about 12 years old, a new preacher came to his church. He would always go in late and slip out early to avoid hearing the question, 'Who's your daddy?'

But one day, the new preacher said the benediction so fast that he got caught and had to walk out with the crowd. Just about the time he got to the back door, the new preacher, not knowing anything about him, put his hand on his shoulder and asked him, 'Son, who's your daddy?'

The whole church got deathly quiet. He could feel every eye in the church looking at him Now everyone would finally know the answer to the question, 'Who's your daddy?'

'This new preacher, though, sensed the situation around him and using discernment that only the Holy Spirit could give, said the following to that scared little boy. 'Wait a minute! I know who you are! I see the family resemblance now, You are a child of God.'

With that he patted the boy on his shoulder and said, 'Boy, you've got a great inheritance. Go and claim it.'

The boy smiled for the first time in a long time and walked out the door a changed person. He was never the same again. Whenever anybody asked him, 'Who's your Daddy?' he'd just tell them , 'I'm a Child of God.''

The distinguished gentleman got up from the table and said, 'Isn't that a great story?' The professor responded that it really was a great story!

As the man turned to leave, he said, 'You know, if that new preacher hadn't told me that I was one of God's children, I probably never would have amounted to anything!' And he walked away. The seminary professor and his wife were stunned. He called the waitress over and asked her, 'Do you know who that man was -- the one who just left that was sitting at our table?'

The waitress grinned and said, 'Of course. Everybody here knows him. That's Ben Hooper. He's governor of Tennessee.'

Choosing To Believe

2011-02-24T11:22:00.004-06:00

I have had a week full of welcome and unwelcome surprises.

This is a picture of my MOST welcome surprise!!! This is Jean and her beautiful family. Jean was a student from my very first class that I ever taught in my whole life...I was squeaky clean out of college when I taught her in 6th grade. I also had her for 7th grade and 8th grade...poor child!!! That class was and forever will be very near and dear to my heart. We had so much fun together! When they were in 8th grade, our big goal for the year was to have a class play. This was uncharted territory for Calvin Christian, but I think we blazed a pretty awesome trail! We performed "Cheaper By the Dozen" and each and every student contributed and helped in some way. Jean was the mother of the whole brood and carried off her part with a confident spirit that belied her tender age of thirteen.

Jean and I have kept in touch over the years, but imagine how high my heart leapt when she told me she was coming to Houston!!! We had dinner together on Monday night, and closed the place down! It was thrilling to listen to her life story and marvel at God's faithfulness and unfailing love. Jean now lives in Tuscon with her five (!) children, and I can't believe her oldest is in her first year of college. It was wonderful to see her again after 30 some years!

Because of my late evening out on Monday, I wasn't quite ready to face Tuesday. I was thinking up all sorts of excuses in my head of ways I could get out of working. But, I pushed the thoughts aside and valiantly, albeit sleepily, ventured out to conquer the day. Despite my contrary spirit, I was happily blessed by each student. I just love those little "joys" in life that God sprinkles unexpectedly in my path!

My first "joy" came from my Arabian student. She joyfully told me how she talked on the phone to her parents and told them all about me. She told them I was very beautiful (!) and that I was very nice. My travel time to my next student is about 30 minutes. During my drive time, I thanked God for His blessing of encouragement. I marveled at how He allowed me to teach someone from Saudi Arabia. I also found myself amazed that my name was spoken in Arabic and that I was described to her family so far away. Simply amazing!

My next student is new to me. We have only had a few lessons. She is from Columbia and is jaw-dropping gorgeous! She has two precious sons who are 4 and 5 years old. At these early stages of their time in the U.S., they are still figuring a lot of things out. During these weeks, I am more than just a language teacher. I help them walk through the puzzling maze of adjustment. I grocery shop with them, help them find different stores or shopping centers. I have even gone to the doctor with them! Well, Tuesday was one of those special "new moments" with Caterine. Her husband is out of town and it was her oldest son's birthday. She is used to having many friends and family members to share "fiestas" with...but here, in this new country, it would only be the three of them - not even her husband would be able to celebrate. In an almost tearful question, she asked if I could sing with them, eat cake, and open the presents. Those Latinos sure know how to party! I LOVE the way they celebrate! Even the way they sing "Happy Birthday" is much more exciting than our version. I was so thankful I could be there and help them ease through a day that might have seemed a little lonely.

Okay, so those were my welcome events...yesterday held the unwelcome events. I won't linger long on these. Suffice it to say that yesterday gave new meaning to the saying, "When it rains, it pours"! The final jolt came when I got a call from Bill telling me his radiator was shot and he was stuck on the highway. After all the fun of finding a tow truck and hearing the total cost to repair the car, we drove home exhausted and in silence. As we turned into our subdivision, Bill said, "I assume this is blog worthy?" Yes, dear, it is! What a day!

Finally I was able to do a little quiet time reading. I was encouraged by this question: Is Romans 8:28 still in the Bible? Good question to ponder. Helps me keep things in perspective!

Max Lucado reminds us, “It all works out in the end. If it hasn’t worked out yet, then it’s not the end.” So...it isn't the end...except for when it comes to this post!

Thank you, Father, for the challenges as well as the joys that You send. Both are allowed by You and both will shape my character. My prayer is that I will always remember that I am Your child. Forgive me for the many times I act more like an orphan!

Let's Pay Teachers to Babysit

2011-02-20T13:40:00.002-06:00

A friend of mine, and a fellow teacher from my days in Mississippi, sent me this article. When I read the title, the hairs on the back of my head began to tingle a bit. Few things rile me more than the deplorable state of our educational system. And jumbled up in that mess is the horrible salaries teachers make. There is always some wise guy who brings up the issue of teachers only working 180 days out of the year. Well, to proverbial "Mr. Wiseguy" out there, I humbly submit this article. I think it presents things from an interesting perspective.

Are you sick of high paid teachers? Teachers’ hefty salaries are driving up taxes, and they only work 9 or 10 months a year! It’s time we put things in perspective and pay them for what they do - baby sit! We can get that for less than minimum wage.

That’s right. Let’s give them $3.00 an hour and only the hours they worked; not any of that silly planning time, or any time they spend before or after school. That would be $19.50 a day (7:45 to 3:00 PM with 45 min. off for lunch and plan — that equals 6 1/2 hours).

Each parent should pay $19.50 a day for these teachers to baby-sit their children.

Now how many do they teach in day…maybe 30? So that’s $19.50 x 30 = $585.00 a day. However, remember they only work 180 days a year!!! I am not going to pay them for any vacations.

LET’S SEE…. That’s $585 X 180= $105,300 per year. (Hold on! My calculator needs new batteries).

What about those special education teachers and the ones with Master’s degrees? Well, we could pay them minimum wage ($7.75), and just to be fair, round it off to $8.00 an hour. That would be $8 X 6 1/2 hours X 30 children

X 180 days = $280,800 per year.

Wait a minute — there’s something wrong here! There sure is!

The average teacher’s salary (nation wide) is $50,000. $50,000/180 days = $277.77/per day/30 students=$9.25/6.5 hours = $1.42 per hour per student–a very inexpensive baby-sitter and they even EDUCATE your kids!)

WHAT A DEAL!!!!

Gotch Day

2011-02-19T11:48:00.003-06:00

I have posted here before about adoption. It is a topic very dear to my heart. I marvel at the courage of birthmothers...what a tremendously difficult decision it must be to give a child up for adoption. I also marvel that in this day of all-too-easy-abortions, the story of adoption continues.

Yesterday, I met via Facebook, a family that just adopted. I tried and tried to find a way to post their "Gotcha Day" video here on my blog. ("Gotch Day" is what adoptive parents call the day when the child is actually place in their arms.) Well, for some reason, I just couldn't figure it out! Frustrating!!!! I did, however, figure out a way to post their blog, where you can view their heart-warming video. I hope you all take a few minutes out of your day to visit their blog and follow their story...it will put a smile on your face. It will also put a smile in your heart!

http://flitterbugsblog.blogspot.com

UPDATE!!!! I figured it out!!!!!!!!

Did you know....

2011-02-13T09:23:00.005-06:00

While talking with a friend of mine last week, he shared some staggering statistics that, I must admit, never crossed my mind. Maybe they never crossed your mind either. And then yesterday, another friend sent me this video on the same topic. I'm curious...how do these facts make you feel? I found them to be rather staggering and a bit unsettling (or maybe it was the music!!!!!).

Do You Text and Drive?

2011-02-09T19:57:00.003-06:00

Very sad, but a message that needs to be shared...

Retirement Home Talent Show

2011-02-09T19:44:00.002-06:00

A friend sent this to me and I thought it was priceless! Somehow, I can't quite envision this happening at the Holland Home!!

An Interesting Path

2011-02-08T21:53:00.005-06:00

Travelers, there is no path; paths are made by walking.

Antonio Mechado

This morning I was washing my face...well, I take that back. It was more like I was splashing myself awake. I'm going to be honest here. I'm not a morning girl. Every ounce of me wishes that I was. I wish I was that strong, self-disciplined woman that wakes with the sun, walks/exercises, gets in a good hour of quiet time, sits at the table enjoying coffee while catching up on the recent news.

Oh, how I wish I could proudly declare that I was that kind of woman. I'm not. I never have been. I can burn the midnight oil with the best of them, but, alas, a morning person I am not.

And so I roll my grouchy old body out of bed at the last second, splash water on my face to wake up, try my best to look presentable, and head out the door. I leave the house by 7:30 in order to reach the town of Sugarland by 8:00. Enroute, I either listen to praise music and talk to God, or I have a Beth Moore Bible study via DVD, or a combination of all three. I don't drink coffee (never have!), and I'm usually never hungry when I first wake up, so I grab a big glass of ice water that stays in the car with me all day long and gets replenished from time to time.

My first student is a young married mother of three. She is from Saudi Arabia. She is living here for one year while her husband manages a petroleum project here in Houston for his country. He speaks English. She does not. She has only been in the States since Christmas. In the few weeks that I have taught her, she has learned a lot! Her progress is amazing. I mean, how does someone that normally reads and writes from right to left suddenly change gears? How does our alphabet make any sense to her? Her alphabet doesn't make any sense to me! But there we sit, from 8 - 10, and we have fun together.

Starting Thursday, I add another student. She is from Columbia. She doesn't speak any English. So we'll start from scratch, learning the alphabet, learning our long and short vowels, learning the sounds of our consonants, etc. etc.

I digress! Back to this morning, as I splashed water on my face...I thought about the interesting path God has chosen for me. It's certainly not one that I would have chosen for myself. I have no earthly idea why, but this morning my mind (which LOVES to travel about on its own and is known to wander about quite aimlessly!) thought about Norma Potts and high school study hall. We both had just broken up with our boyfriends and thought our lives were over (at the tender age of 16!!!). I distinctly remember writing her a note during study hall that said "Just think, Norma...ten years from now we will both be married and living happily ever after!"

Well, it was a nice thought. But ten years after I wrote that note, I wasn't married. Either was Norma!

So why am I writing all of this? I guess it's to remind myself that God has a plan - a path - and it might not seem like such a wonderful path while I'm on it, but as I look back, I realize that it's not only a good path, it's a GREAT path!!!

I mean, who ever thought I would still be teaching? Not me! I was ready to hang up the towel long ago! And never, in my wildest dreams, would I think I would share my mornings with a young, pregnant woman from a far-away land. Or that I would spend my Thursdays with a 12 year old from Japan. Or have the joy of listening to countless stories from people that have lived all over the world. Or have the blessing of helping a 48 year old woman return to college to fulfill her dream of teaching. And who could have ever thought up the idea of moving me from Michigan to Mississippi? And now Houston! Not me! I'm the one that made permanent marks on I65 by digging in my heels when I had to move to Mississippi.

Once again, I find myself holding on tightly to the knowledge that God has a plan - and reminding myself that my job is to trust and to obey. Once again I find myself at a crossroads on this path called "life". Once again, I feel the path changing. Once again I'm being asked to venture out into the "unknown". But I'm not fretting. I'm trusting. And I sorta' can't wait to find out where His path will lead to next. I can only say this because of the One who is leading me. He's never failed me yet! And I know that He never will.

How about your path? Ponder today all the delightful twists and turns you have taken, that you would have never in a million years chosen to take. Think of how God has used those detours to mold and shape your character. Yes, indeed! God always has the perfect path - custom-made - for each one of us!

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 16:11

Oh WOW!!!

2011-02-05T13:31:00.003-06:00

I've been cleaning. It is mind boggling how much "stuff" I am able to hoard! There is a new show on OWN (Oprah's new network) where a man helps people discover the "why" behind all their stuff. I guess it's rather convicting...it has me cleaning out things that I should have gone through five years ago!

One of the bags I went through was full of mud-encrusted jewelry that I salvaged from the aftermath of Katrina. Even with all the dirt, it was very apparent what was the "good stuff". The chains were broken and knotted, but they glistened and proudly showed off that they were, indeed, gold!

The pieces were of no sentimental value to me, so I had Bill go to the "Gold Store" to see if they would buy the gold. They did!!! He just came home with $83.00!

WOW!! Once again, I know this will be filed away for a good illustration at one of my talks or in my book...but that's for another day. Right now I have to clean some more!

In Memory

2011-02-05T13:08:00.002-06:00

On January 7, I wrote a good bye to our sweet dog, Gracie. I know many people can't relate to the loss of a family pet. "They're just dogs!" is what I'm sure many people think. For us, Gracie was a part of our family and she taught us so much about unconditional love. She was always there to greet each one of us whenever we came home...always so happy to see us!

Well, over the last few weeks, we have received a few things in memory of Gracie. The first thing to come was a card. It was signed by all of the staff of the Vet Hospital. And not just their signatures...most of them wrote a special little note to us about our sweet dog. They also enclosed a poem.

Then a package arrived. I carefully unwrapped the delicate piece from the protection of bubble wrap. The clinic sent us a plaster impression of Gracie's paw. It is a precious keepsake.

And then yesterday, another card came. This one stated that our vet made a contribution in Gracie's name. It is to a Christian Vet Society that provides medical help to animals throughout the world. That just made my heart smile. It's so Gracie...that gesture just captured the essence of the type of dog she was...she was always so ready and willing to give of herself. I like the thought of knowing that in some small way, she is still reaching out and helping others through this ministry.

Some people may read this and think all of this talk about a dog is rather "stupid". I disagree. I'm thankful to a God that created such a vast array of animals. And I'm thankful for the one He sent our way. And I'm thankful for all the love she poured into us for so many years.

Hummingbird

2011-02-04T23:43:00.002-06:00

A friend of mine sent me this video. I found it charming! Now I want my own hummingbird!

This is my third video that I posted today...can you tell that all my classes were canceled and that I am stuck in the house because of the icy roads????? Houston had over 300 accidents today because of the ice.

Adopted For Life

2011-02-04T22:59:00.003-06:00

I just "accidentally" ran across this free download offer. I say "accidentally" in quotation marks because I know it was no accident. I have many friends dealing with different aspects of adoption. I hope you can access this free audiobook download of "Adopted For Life" and that it will be a blessing to you as you travel the road of adoption.
http://christianaudio.com/free

Weather Update

2011-02-04T20:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I posted about the hysteria that Houston is experiencing because of the weather. This video will give my Northern readers a little insight into the South's tolerance of cold weather. By the way, we did not get any snow, but we did have an ice storm and it closed EVERYTHING...I even got an email from my grocery store that it would be closed until tomorrow. Gotta love the Southern Experience!

Funny� Snow in � The Blogs at HowStuffWorks
Houston

Brrrrrr......

2011-02-02T23:13:00.002-06:00

Weather is consuming the news these days, isn't it! My daughter's college has closed. The Chicago Public Schools have closed for the first time in 12 years. Even Lake Shore Drive in Chicago was closed to all traffic.

Now, I can understand all the "hoop-la" over the Chicago weather...after all, they received about two feet of snow. But, here, in Houston, the weather is also capturing a lot of attention. I really don't understand why, however.

We have no snow (Yet! We will probably get 1 - 2 inches on Friday.). The only thing that has happened is that our temperature has dipped into the 20's. But this uncharacteristically cold weather has plunged the fourth largest city in the United States into "crisis mode"!

Schools have closed! Our water didn't work most of the day. Shopping centers are deserted. Even Chick Fil A was closed for Pete's sake!!!!!

I guess it's all relative. Most people here have never had to cope with two feet of snow, unlike those of us who know what it's like to shovel a sidewalk or defrost icy windows.

So, I'm giving you all fair warning...if I suddenly 'disappear' for a few days, chances are that our cell phones have frozen and that all technology has come to a halt because it's cold in Houston.

Giselle

2011-01-26T21:12:00.004-06:00

Giselle McComb

Today was the memorial service at Trinity for my daughter's roommate, Giselle. Giselle died in a car accident on December 28, two days after her twenty-second birthday. Elise spoke at the memorial service.

It's hard for a parent to see their children go through such difficult times. Elise really misses her friend and is having a difficult time coming to terms with the reality that Giselle is now in heaven.

But I am also so proud of the way Elise is handling things - if the word "proud" is an accurate word to use in this situation. Heaven is now more real than ever to Elise. When things get hard, she stops and thinks about what Giselle must be doing in heaven and how wonderful it must be to be in the presence of God.

These are the closing paragraphs of what Elise wrote and read at the memorial service today:

The loss of a best friend is unbearable and unbelievably difficult. Often, I just feel like I will see her again soon. Or like I could just pick up the phone and catch up on what we did over the holidays. Like I said before, Giselle was always busy so it’s easy to just think that she’s off babysitting or in the library studying.

But she is gone. And while I mourn for Giselle, she has left me with a gift. Because of the way Giselle lived her life, because of her relationship with God, she has given ALL of us a gift. And that gift is that we can know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, where Giselle is right now. Like the song that was played at her funeral, I can only imagine!!!

Psalm 23:6 states, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Giselle declared her faith as ‘not having a religion, but a relationship with the Lord.' She made this very clear with all of the decisions that she made in her life. There is not a day that I don’t think about Giselle, but there is a humbling that comes with the mourning of her passing to know exactly where she is and Who she is with. I will miss her smile and her kind words. I look forward to seeing her again on that day when we'll all be united, spending forever together in His glorious presence!

Elise also shared about the way it baffled her that Giselle LOVED winter! Being Southern born and bred, my daughter could not fathom why anyone in their right mind would like the cold weather. But Giselle did! And I think the picture of her on a cold day captures her love of winter. Doesn't she radiate loveliness?

At the end of his beloved "Narnia Tales", C. S. Lewis describes the events that transpire as the characters in his story enter Heaven: "The things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this is the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story, which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before."

Enjoy the real story, Giselle!

The Ant and the Contact Lens

2011-01-23T04:47:00.005-06:00

I hope you enjoy this story and that it brings encouragement for the times you are asked to carry a heavy load and wonder, "why?".

The Ant and the Contact Lens

Brenda was almost halfway to the top of the tremendous granite cliff. She was standing on a ledge where she was taking a breather during this, her first rock climb. As she rested there, the safety rope snapped against her eye and knocked out her contact lens.

'Great', she thought. 'Here I am on a rock ledge, hundreds of feet from the bottom and hundreds of feet to the top of this cliff, and now my sight is blurry.' She looked and looked, hoping that somehow it had landed on the ledge. But it just wasn't there.

She felt the panic rising in her, so she began praying. She prayed for calm, and she prayed that she might find her contact lens. When she got to the top, a friend examined her eye and her clothing for the lens, but it was not to be found. Although she was calm now that she was at the top, she was saddened because she could not clearly see across the range of mountains. She thought of the bible verse 'The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth.'

She thought, 'Lord, You can see all these mountains. You know every stone and leaf, and You know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me.'

Later, when they had hiked down the trail to the bottom of the cliff they met another party of climbers just starting up the face of the cliff. One of them shouted out, 'Hey, you guys! Anybody lose a contact lens?'

Well, that would be startling enough, but you know why the climber saw it? An ant was moving slowly across a twig on the face of the rock, carrying it!

The story doesn't end there. Brenda's father is a cartoonist. When she told him the incredible story of the ant, the prayer, and the contact lens, he drew a cartoon of an ant lugging that contact lens with the caption, 'Lord, I don't know why You want me to carry this thing. I can't eat it, and it's awfully heavy. But if this is what You want me to do, I'll carry it for You.'

I think it would do all of us some good to say, 'God, I don't know why You want me to carry this load. I can see no good in it and it's awfully heavy. But, if You want me to carry it, I will.'

God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

Flag Counter » Visitor Information

2011-01-22T17:59:00.002-06:00

Today I am removing the little flag from the side of my blog. Why? Because my goal of 1,000 American visitors was reached today! Since I put it up, I have had 1,805 visitors. I also received visits from 805 people representing 83 countries. I did this just out of curiosity to find out where my readers are from. It has been fun and interesting. I even picked up a fan from Germany that put me on "Best Blog Ever Read!" How fun is that?! Thank you, my faithful readers...you are appreciated! I just wish I knew who you are (that information is never given!).
Flag Counter » Visitor Information

Mink Ladies and Other Musings

2011-01-15T08:01:00.004-06:00

Today I went to my first "Craigslist" garage sale. I kept hearing from friends about all the wonderful things they bought on Craigslist, so today I thought I would give it a try. At our house, we are training a puppy. During this stage, they shouldn't have free roaming privileges. Back in the day, we used to put up a piece of old plywood and use it as a makeshift barricade. Not anymore. Today they have puppy play yards. I had seen them in the store for $85.00. They are just pieces of heavy. molded plastic that snap together and can be shaped in a variety of ways. I found one on Craigslist, so I ventured out, looked it over, and bought it...for a fraction of the full price.

As I was leaving, I noticed some coats the lady had for sale. She had three different fur coats...one of which caught my eye. It was a pale beige fox, and I thought it would be perfect for Elise and the cold Chicago winters. She told me she bought it years ago for over $400.00, but she would sell it to me for $20.00. I called Elise and asked her if she was interested. She was reluctant. I bought it anyway. I had only $19.00, so the lady accepted my price. Nineteen dollars for a pretty fox coat!

Elise grew up in the age of PETA. Her generation has been told that wearing fur is wrong. Not my generation! In my time we had the "mink ladies". I have no earthly idea why, but back in the 50's and 60's, it was quite chic for women to wear mink. Not full blown mink coats mind you, but three or four mink pelts that were sewn together and worn around the neck. How awful was that??? But the worst part was, these pelts still had the mouth and eyes and feet still attached!! As a young girl, I was permanently scarred (and scared!) by these horrors of fashion! Imagine being 5 years old, innocently sitting in church, and suddenly having two tiny, black, beady eyes of a dead animal starring at you for an hour. I would break out into a full blown anxiety attack if Mrs. Baar and Mrs. Potts sat in front of me at the same time...that meant FOUR eyes starring!!! (Not to mention, four ears, two mouths and eight feet!!) No amount of peppermints (our approved form of church candy) could soothe me.

Ah, memories! But those little minks didn't scare me enough to stop me from buying a full length fur when I lived in Chicago. It's quite chic to be seen along Michigan Avenue wearing a full length fur. I was working for Estee Lauder at the time, which I enjoyed, but I was far from making a "full length fur" type of salary. Undaunted, I searched high and low for a cheap fur. Finally, I found one in an antique store. It was HUGE, and the fur was...well, it was fur, but I have no earthly idea what kind of animal it came from. But that didn't matter, because I felt so elegant wearing that coat! And warm!!! Oh, it was so toasty on those windy, bone-chilling Chicago winter days walking to work. Years later, I dragged that old ugly thing back to Michigan. When I had playground duty, that old coat protected me from the cold like nothing else ever could. Kids used to love to come up and snuggle around me just to stay warm. I even remember wearing it while shoveling snow off of our roof with my dad. I'm telling you, that coat was like an oven!

So, now it's time for my daughter to have some fur memories of her own. Don't know if she'll enjoy the fox...might not ever wear it...but I hope she does. And I hope she will have some fun fox coat stories to pass on to her children!

A True Companion

2011-01-07T20:31:00.006-06:00

I always heard people say, "Today we put our dog down". I heard the words, but never realized the heart break and sorrow that is embedded in that six word phrase. Today I know. Today we had to put to rest our beloved little dog, Gracie. I never realized how hard it would be...

She came into our lives in 1997. A patient at the clinic where I was working told us about a dog his wife found in Mobile, Alabama. The dog was wandering around in traffic. She rescued the dog by placing her in the car and taking her to their home in Mississippi. They ran an ad in the Mobile Register for a week, but no one ever claimed the dog. When John asked the staff at the clinic if any of us wanted a dog, I said, "Yes!"

John brought her to the clinic a few days later. It wasn't love at first sight. The dog was a big ball of shaggy black hair, and she was badly in need of a bath and some grooming. Before leaving the office that day, I made a grooming appointment and dropped the dog off on my way home. When Elise (8) and David (12) returned home from school, I told them about the dog. I warned them not to get their hopes up too much. I warned them that she looked, well...she looked pretty "mangy".

Elise and I picked her up from the groomers. I was amazed at the transformation! It's like she sculpted a cute little dog from that straggly mass of fur that I had dropped of just a few hours earlier! Elise's eyes lit up. It was love at first sight for her. Elise promptly named the dog "Bingo". Okay, that's cute. Bingo it is!

Bingo was perfect from the get go...she was out of her puppy stage, she had already been spayed, and she didn't whimper or cry or have an accident the first night in her new home. The next morning we leashed Bingo and found that she walked very well with us. Maybe she was a keeper afterall!

That first day I had some errands to run and Elise asked if Bingo could come along with us. Hmmm...I relented and off we went. The first place I had to go was the Biloxi ball park. Elise was so proud to show off her new dog. The next stop was the church garage sale. More "oohs" and "aahs". On the way home I kept looking at the dog in the rear view mirror. I wondered where she had come from. She's such a loving dog...why was she walking around in the traffic? And now here she was with us - a whole new home, a whole new state. Once lost, but now found! Amazing! "Elise? How 'bout we name the dog Gracie? She just seems like a "Gracie"." Elise thought for a moment and then said, "Yes. And her middle name will be Marie. Just like mine. Gracie Marie."

And that was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. Gracie was a wonderful member to our family. She never barked, she never growled or nipped at anyone...she just seemed to be the perfect dog. Often over our thirteen year relationship I marveled at how well her name suited her...she exuded grace. Somehow, it always came across like she was thankful...sort of like she knew she had been rescued and she just wanted to live her whole life to please us, simply because she was so happy to have a home.

She did have one bad habit. She was an escape artist. If the door was open and she could get out, out she went! Man, could Gracie run! She seemed as swift as the air! Soon it made sense to me why she was lost. She probably darted out of her home in Mobile and simply couldn't figure how to get back. Thankfully, when she would escape out our front door, she somehow always made her way back home to us.

I'll never forget the day she bolted out the door on a Saturday morning. She took her sweet time to return and I was getting worried. Suddenly, there she was, running home. Running so fast that her little ears were blown back. She was carrying some huge object in her mouth. And she looked so proud as she ran towards the front door. But the closer she came, I was able to make out what she was clutching in her mouth...an animal leg!!! The leg of a deer. Ewww, Gracie!!! Apparently one of the neighbors had gone deer hunting and Gracie thought this was the perfect gift to share with us. We returned the leg to the rightful owner...

So many memories. Her snaggle tooth. Or how she would hear the school bus and race to the green chair so that she could see out the window, making sure Elise and David made it home from school safely. The way how she loved to play with David's old socks. Or how she grieved when our family cat died.

Gracie was a part of the family. She evacuated with us for Katrina. She spent many months in her cage when we lived in our friends tiny accommodations above their garage. And she made the long trip from Mississippi to Houston.

This past year, it was obvious that Gracie was getting older. Her eyes were clouded over and gradually it became apparent that she had also lost her hearing. Blind and deaf, but still wanting to be a part of everything.

Then things slowed down. She never ran out the door. She no longer could jump onto our bed. She started bumping into things. Her once black hair was now more gray than black. And then, slowly, she withdrew from us. She no longer wanted to sit in our laps. She didn't really care much to be petted. She spent most of her hours just sleeping.

We often discussed when would be the time to just let Gracie rest...none of us wanted to think about life without her. But Gracie seemed to let us know. Life had become hard for her. She had bladder cancer. She became incontinent. It was time.

On Friday morning we took Gracie to the vet. They gave her a sedative and let us spend as much time as we needed to say our goodbyes. We each took turns holding her. It felt so good to nuzzle with her again - it had been a long time since she had wanted to be held. She laid in our arms as we tearfully told her what great joy she had brought to each of us. And then it was time...

Gracie, you were, as Bill often said, "the best dog we ever had!". You shared with each of us such unconditional love. We miss you, Gracie. We miss you so much...

Frugal

2011-01-06T10:44:00.002-06:00

I think this is so cute! And so, with love, I post this for someone very special in my life...you know who you are!

Mary's fourth grade homework assignment was to make sentences using the words in her spelling list, along with the definition. Coming across the word "frugal" in the list, she asked her father what it meant. He explained that being frugal meant you saved something.

Her paper read:

Frugal: to save

Sentence:

Maid Marion fell into a pit when she went walking in the woods so she yelled for someone to come get her out.

She yelled "Frugal me, Frugal me!"

Living in HOPE Amid The Disappointments Of Life

2011-01-04T19:10:00.004-06:00

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Welcome to Blah, Blah, Blah! Some of you are my faithful, daily readers. Some of you are new to this blog. I welcome you with open arms and thank you for sharing a few minutes of your day with me.

For those of you who don't know me, I'm just a very regular person sharing my perspective on the things that come my way. I don't know everything. I don't have the right answers. I'm just a regular person striving to bring glory to God .

One thing that I love to do is share with people. I believe God has gifted me in the area of public speaking, and my heart's desire is to share my story with people. This isn't a new desire...it's been burning and churning in my heart since I was a young girl. God has blessed me with many opportunities to share my story with many different groups. I've done Bible studies, topical studies, conducted retreats, and have spoken to various groups on different topics.

In this new year, I hope to speak more and develop more topics. I also hope to write and publish study guides that correspond to my topics. i recently contacted some publishing companies and am excited about the prospects!

One of my first topics for this new year deals with the ways we handle disappointment, grief, and/or despair. Shattered hope is part of the human condition, isn't it! We all have experienced hurts, disappointments, and grief on this journey we call life. How do YOU handle it? Could you share with me what has helped. What hasn't helped. Your experiences, your answers, will help me so much as I begin formulating outline. You can leave your comments here, or email me, or message me on FB. Thanks in advance for you help!

Time's Top Ten Photos

2011-01-01T10:36:00.005-06:00

Sometimes it is good to look back~to remember all that can happen in a space of 365 days. I found this as I was aimlessly roaming the internet today. I hope you enjoy a short look back... (And if it says "unavailable", click on the green words at the bottom)I will post more later today about my New Year thoughts...
TIME's Top 10 Photographs of 2010

Grief

2010-12-30T18:35:00.003-06:00

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?

2010-12-29T20:06:00.002-06:00

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

2010-12-24T21:37:00.002-06:00

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

2010-12-23T09:45:00.005-06:00

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!

2010-12-20T10:00:00.006-06:00

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!

2010-12-20T09:38:00.003-06:00

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

2010-12-19T22:00:00.004-06:00

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

2010-12-09T11:07:00.003-06:00

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

2010-11-30T22:49:00.005-06:00

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

2010-11-28T21:23:00.005-06:00

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

2010-11-24T10:15:00.005-06:00

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

2010-11-22T22:22:00.002-06:00

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

2010-11-20T19:09:00.004-06:00

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

2010-11-18T23:39:00.002-06:00

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

2010-11-11T23:34:00.002-06:00

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

2010-11-04T09:17:00.004-05:00

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!

2010-10-31T00:12:00.004-05:00

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!

2010-10-30T13:06:00.005-05:00

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

2010-10-30T10:11:00.003-05:00

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

2010-10-30T01:32:00.006-05:00

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!!!!

2010-10-28T08:30:00.007-05:00

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

2010-10-27T10:09:00.003-05:00

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!

2010-10-20T07:53:00.003-05:00

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!

2010-10-09T21:27:00.005-05:00

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"?????

2010-10-05T16:51:00.002-05:00

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!

2010-10-04T12:48:00.003-05:00

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

2010-09-25T10:01:00.003-05:00

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

2010-09-12T20:52:00.002-05:00

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!

2010-09-12T20:08:00.004-05:00

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

2010-09-11T10:39:00.001-05:00

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

2010-09-11T10:05:00.003-05:00

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

2010-08-31T18:33:00.003-05:00

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/

Gotta Love Creative Women!

2010-08-24T20:44:00.001-05:00

A woman after my own heart!!!

Happy Birthday, Blah Blah Blah Houston!!!!

2010-08-23T22:42:00.002-05:00

Today my blog turns two! In anticipation of this special milestone, I took a trip down memory lane and re-read some of the old posts. It was fun to read some things that I completely
forgot about! It brought a smile to my face to re-live some fun moments that have happened over the last 730 days. And for all the frustrating, out-of-control days, it has been wonderful to see the MANY ways God has been faithful and unfailing in His provisions.

I'm thankful for this little window into my life. It started out as a therapeutic experiment that only a handful of friends and family followed. Most of my readers were from Michigan. I got excited if I had 15 people that read the blog.

Today, this little blog is read by people all over the world and averages eighty readers per day. That amazes me! I question why perfect strangers want to read about the average things that happen in my life. But I am thankful!!!

Thank you, faithful readers! And Happy Birthday to Blah Blah Blah Houston!

2010-08-22T12:10:00.002-05:00

This video clearly expresses what the teaching vocation is all about. It beautifully expresses the special place a teacher has in her heart for each child that she teaches.

Skeletons

2010-08-20T23:50:00.004-05:00

Monday was the first day of my school schedule for the 2010 - 2011 school year. Everyday is a different schedule with different students. I have to be sure to write out what the day will hold, or I get way too confused about where I am supposed to be!

I have a delightful blend of students from Kindergarten to adults, and I love the variety. Switching gears from The Cat in the Hat to helping with literary analysis certainly keeps me on my toes!

My morning homeschool students are learning about the glorious way God has designed our bodies. We began our study with the human skeleton and learning the major bones. They took notes, made a macaroni skeleton, and finished the week with a kit that I purchased for them that required them to assemble a plastic skeleton.

I wanted them to do as much of the project by themselves that they could, so I pretended to be busy grading their homework, while secretly watching them try to figure out which bone went where.

It was a disaster!!! It turned out to be way too frustrating. Once the clavicle fell off for the 15th time, I called it quits. I put the skeleton in a ziplock and asked Chris to take it home and see if his dad could help him put it together.

Around 7:30 in the evening, I received a text from Chris's mom. She said that the skeleton had turned into a family project. Haley, her daughter, was fascinated by the ribs. She counted all the ribs on the skeleton. She then proceeded to count each one of Chris' s ribs. She then assured her big brother that he had the correct number of ribs - not one was missing! To which Chris responded (in typical Chris fashion!), "Well, DUH!!!! God isn't going to leave out any ribs!"

And so my days proceed....from ribs, to objects of prepositions, to phonics, to mastering two digit multiplication. Life is good!

Finish Strong!

2010-08-20T23:05:00.004-05:00

The little boy that I teach in the morning wore his camp shirt to school yesterday. On the back of the shirt was this Bible verse from II Timothy 4:7:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

I asked him about the camp, about the Bible verse, and if the campers memorized the verse. Yes, they did have to memorize the verse and right then and there he said the verse to me!

A friend sent me this video, so I sent it to my student. I thought it was a beautiful, heart-warming illustration of what Paul had in mind when he penned those words.

And so now, I share it with you...

Running The Race

2010-08-20T23:01:00.000-05:00

Update and Cute Video

2010-08-10T06:05:00.004-05:00

Here is a brief update via bullet points:

Summer is rapidly coming to an end. I will be resuming my school scedule next week. That means that this week is full of last minute cleaning, organizing, etc.

My knee still hurts.

Met wonderful students over the summer. Only one is moving away, and the rest have requested lessons to continue during the school year. I'm very thankful for each student that God sends my way. It is so evident to me that He has chosen (hand-picked!) each student for me. Each one He sends my way has been such a blessing to me in so many ways. They become friends as well as students and I have so much fun with each and every one!

Loved having Elise home for the summer. Loved being able to sing hymns in harmony with her and Bill in the car! Loved having her bring me iced tea from her work everyday! Loved watching old movies with her! Our plan is to drive up to Chicago (college) together and I will fly back to Houston. Anyone want to meet us in Chicago on the 29th and 30th??? A fun "Chicago time" is promised! Plus, you could help move stuff into a dorm! Any takers???

And last, but not least, I am thankful for friends and family that keep encouraging me. This has been a "bumpy" summer in may ways. It held many unexpected twists and turns. God has been so faithful. Many of you have been such an encouragement to me. Thank you. I am amazed at how many people read this little blog. Many I know, even more that I don't know! Thank you for reading. Here is a sweet little story for all of you...

Limping Through Life

2010-08-03T10:25:00.003-05:00

Lego re-enactment of Jacob wrestling with God

Yesterday I went to the orthopedic doctor. He took x-rays and said my knee look good...thanks, doctor! Then he examined it (major OUCH!!!) and said I need an MRI. All that for the bargain price of $792.00. He thinks I have a torn meniscus. If that's what it is, I will probably need surgery. Nothing drastic...just a little out-patient procedure. I'm praying that the MRI will show that it is only a ligament that would heal on its own.

I woke up thinking about my knee, praying that I won't require surgery...way too expensive! And then my mind drifted off to Jacob. He wrestled with God and his hip was hurt. He limped the rest of his life. Found myself wondering if Jacob might have been a candidate for hip-replacement!

How About A Quiz?

2010-08-03T00:46:00.002-05:00

Take this quiz:
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel, appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards...they are the ones that care.

Thank You, God, for friends and family that make this journey of life more enjoyable!

Who Is Watching Out Your Window?

2010-08-01T23:57:00.003-05:00

I really like this story...I hope you do, too!

There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods. He practiced in the woods; but he couldn't hit any target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner. As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck. On impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved!

In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile; only to see his sister watching. Sally had seen it all--but she said nothing.

After lunch the next day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes." But Sally replied, "Grandma , Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen." Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes.

Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper." Sally just smiled and said, "Well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help, didn't you Johnny?" She whispered again, "Remember the duck?" So Sally went fishing and Johnny helped Grandma.

After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's, he couldn't stand it any longer. He finally went to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.

Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make you her slave."

Thought for the day and every day thereafter:

Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done--and the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc.)--whatever it is, you should know that God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing. He has seen your whole life. He wants you to know that if you claim Him as your Lord and Savior, He loves you and that you are forgiven.

He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make you his slave. The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness, He not only forgives you, but He forgets. It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved.

Go ahead and make the difference in someone's life today. Share this with a friend and always remember: God is at the window--and that makes you FREE!

Grief Observed

2010-07-30T10:32:00.002-05:00

Elise is taking a biology class this summer. She works in the morning and goes to college from 5:30 - 10:00. Although it makes for a full day and even though she does NOT care for science (she just like her mother!), she has enjoyed getting to know the people in her class. Andrea has been her favorite. She is a 53 year old Black woman who keeps Elise constantly laughing. I know. Andrea called Elise last week and I heard them interact on the phone. They were like typical college girls, complaining about their assignment and gossiping about the "Mr. Mc Dreamy" that is in their class. When I asked Elise who it was that had her laughing non-stop, she told me about Andrea.

Last night the college security knocked on the classroom door and asked to see Andrea. They were there to deliver devastating news. News no one should ever have to hear. Not ever. But especially not in a hallway of a college.

They told Andrea that her 15 year old daughter commited suicide. Elise said she heard the cries of gut-wrenching anguish and ran to the hall to find out what had happened. Andrea was curled up on the floor. The sounds, Elise said, were sounds she never wants to hear again. Such raw pain. Such overwhelming grief.

It has made an impact on Elise. Just minutes before, they were laughing together at the lab table. And Andrea was talking about her daughter Katy. In an instant, in a breath, in a blink, life changed forever for her friend.

Lord, please be with Andrea. Wrap her in Your arms of love and hold her close.

Repairs

2010-07-29T12:20:00.004-05:00

Car breaks down...you bring it to the shop.
Appliances break...you call the repair man.
But where do you go when your heart is shattered?

These last few months have been very difficult ones for me for reasons too numerous or too personal to write about here. Many days I have just been so jarred by life's circumstances and many days I have felt like just packing it in...feeling too wounded to face one more battle. Sometimes unseen wounds are the most devastating to handle. We look okay to everyone - can even fake it for awhile - but oh, the ache! I know you've felt like that too. It's part of life.

That's why I want to share this devotion with you that I read this morning. It was like applying the best, most comforting salve to my battered and bruised heart.

My child, all My children suffer "breakdowns" in their walls from one time or another. Those gaps in your armor where sin has broken through, those tears in your heart that thoughtless actions ripped away, those tornadoes that ripped through your life without warning - I've seen them all, My child. But I am the Repairer of Broken Walls - and that includes your heart. Restoration is my specialty. I'm always gentle but thorough. Give me your heart daily. I'll do the rest.

Oh, love that will not let me go
I rest my weary soul in Thee.

One Little "Did"

2010-07-27T13:51:00.004-05:00

All the Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
Layin' in the sun,
Talkin' bout the things
They woulda-coulda-shoulda done...
But those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
All ran away and hid
From one little did.

I love this poem by Shel Silverstein. I've been thinking a lot lately about the topic of this poem, thanks to my brother-in-law, Harv. He wrote an equally magnificent poem on this topic, and together (Harv and I) are looking at the many ways our "woulda-coulda-shouldas" keep us locked to our past in unhealthy ways. Today, as I read more about Rahab in the novella by Francine Rivers, I began to think of the wonderful way she chose to make a break from her past. It was a purposeful, deliberate choice to do.

Rahab was from Jericho. She was a prostitute. She was a Canaanite. But when she met the two Jewish spies, none of that mattered. She took a huge leap of faith. She chose to sever her ties to her past when she dangled the scarlet cord from her window. She chose to follow God and His people. And because of that choice, she not only became the great-great-grandmother of King David, but she is listed as one of the great heroes of faith in Hebrews.

What would have happened if she let the moment pass? As the walls of Jericho fell, would her last thoughts been, "I should have listened"? Or "I would have chosen to forsake my past if I only had a little more time"? Or "I could have been enjoying life, but instead I'm lying here in the rubble of the wall!"

Praise God that she was a courageous woman of action. What about us? Somedays it's just so much easier to sit in the wading pool of regret, just wishing we would have made different choices, isn't it? How about making an "I DID" choice? Need a power verse for this mission? Try Joshua 1:9. Let me hear from you about your "I did" day, ok?

She Finally Bloomed!

2010-07-24T00:40:00.003-05:00

It finally happened...Lois, the Corpse Flower, bloomed! All of Houston can finally breathe a deep, collective sigh of relief. Or not. Remember, this flower packs a wallop of a smell!

When Lois refused to bloom, the museum closed her to the public viewing for a little R and R. It worked, because this morning , there she was in all of her...um...punguntcy! (Did I just made up a new word? It didn't show up on spell check.)

The gift store was selling t-shirts that said, "My friend went to see the corpse flower and all I got was this stinkin' t-shirt!"

One sort of sad/funny story was reported in today's news. If you've ever been to the Houston Museum, you may have toured the butterfly center. It's gorgeous. Many people have social events and even weddings at the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Well, one bride booked the center a year ago and today was her wedding. Only problem being, the corpse flower is on exhibit in the Cockrell Center.Yup! That flower is right smack dab in the same place as the wedding! Can you even imagine having a wedding with the smell of dead flesh wafting through the air? (Ohhh, I can hear the pundits minds beginning to come alive!) Ah, life! Ya just have to laugh sometimes, don't ya??

Three Daisies

2010-07-23T15:42:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday, Kare!

XOXO

Staying Positive!

2010-07-22T10:15:00.003-05:00

Here's a fun way to stay positive...I'm off to the bathroom counter right now!!!

Matthew 10:39

2010-07-19T16:15:00.005-05:00

Sparrows. They are cute little birds, aren't they? I think that Christians like sparrows because Jesus used sparrows as an example of how lovingly we are watched over and provided for by our Heavenly Father.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?

Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without the will of your Father.

Matthew 10:39

A while back, this pictorial was making its way through the e-mail circuit. Maybe you received it. I filed it away with the idea of using it at a later date. Well, today I'm sharing it with myself. Today I need to be reminded that I am a child of the King. I need to be reminded that God has always provided for my needs and that He always will. My job is not to worry.

Here is the e-mail that I think perfectly illustrates how even the birds are cared for...

A photgrapher noticed a group of birds that were resting at the side of the road. One of them was hit and injured by a passing car. The remarkable series of photos that follow tell a very tender story of love and loss.

The mate of the injured bird flies over to be of help.

He realizes that his mate is gone and seems to send out a message of grief.

He attentively stays by her side and seems to be crying over her.

The photographer said the bird lingered by her side
and then flew to a nearby tree where he seemed to send out a long, mournful cry.

I don't know what kind of birds these are (love birds?), but don't they illustrate the words of Jesus in a fresh and new and tender way? I can't help but sing, "His Eye Is On The Sparrow"!

John Piper

2010-07-18T12:10:00.004-05:00

This is Pastor John Piper. He is a Baptist minister in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I am drawn to his words. Why? First of all, he is a Calvinist. He boldly preaches God's Word, not based on feelings but based on fact. Secondly, His style of writing appeals to me because he has a love of literature and the romance of words. His writing tends to run deep...it's not for the faint-of-heart. I really have to challenge myself to plunge deeper when I read his books. It often takes me a lot (!!!) longer to hash through something written by Piper. But, oh, it is so very worth it! He is also the author of one of my all time favorite quotes: God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. Today I was unable to attend church, so I read this devotion written by John Piper. I will post it here. Few of you, I imagine, will take the time to read it. It's long. It's deep. But trust me, if you are in need of solid encouragement, you will not be disaapointed...infact, you will be emboldened by the reality of what we have because of the God we love.

http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/desiringgod/11542327/

Me And My Knee

2010-07-16T22:31:00.005-05:00

Today I went to the doctor. It's been a week of R.I.C.E. without any improvement (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). She said it appears to be a torn ligament, but she referred me to an orthopedic doctor. I also asked her to take a look at my right ear. She said I need to go back to Dr. Klinke. Bill also went to the doctor. He woke up with an eye infection (blocked tear ducts). We must have looked like quite the couple as we entered the office - me limping, holding on to Bill's arm for dear life, as Bill, with his one good eye, found us a place to sit in the waiting room.

I wonder if people thought we had a fight with each other - I scratched his eyes so he hit me in the knee!

We are now both on medication - steroids for me and eye drops for him. I'm also in a knee brace.

After I tutored, we had a family pool night. Ah, it felt so relaxing!

Elise went to Red Box and picked up a movie, so soon we will have a "Girl's Just Wanna Have Fun" night together. Great beginning to the weekend!

Waiting With Baited Breath

2010-07-15T13:31:00.004-05:00

This weekend, Houston is giving new meaning to the phrase, "THAT STINKS!"

Below are two examples of the Corpse Flower. Apparently, it is very rare to see this flower in bloom. It has only happened about 28 times in the USA. And to borrow a well-known phrase from Paul Harvey, "And now for the rest of the story..."

Corpse One

Corpse Two

This flower is scheduled to bloom in Houston at any moment and it is causing a huge media following in our city. Because no one knows exactly when the big event may occur, the museum is now open 24/7. People are camping out, changing work schedules, planning their vacations (!) around this plant and waiting with baited breath, all for the title of "I Saw The Corpse Flower Bloom!"

People, people!!! Haven't you heard???? This flower is called a CORPSE flower for a reason!!! IT SMELLS LIKE A ROTTING CORPSE FOR PETE'S SAKE!!!!!

Call me crazy, but seeing and smelling this bloom isn't high on my "Bucket List" of things to do. Trust me on this one, I think this one is better appreciated from afar!

I've been learning (along with the rest of Houstonians...this thing is getting a lot of news coverage!) that this plant hails from the rain forest of Sumatra. Why the smell? To attract beetles and flies that pollinate the flower.

Our flower here in Houston is called Lois.

So , if any of you have a hankering to get a good whiff of rotting flesh, hop in your car, visit Lois, and then come by our house for some ice tea and a breath of fresh air! Any takers???

Garage Sales and Feeling Inadequate

2010-07-14T02:09:00.003-05:00

Garage Sales...you either love them or detest them. I happen to enjoy a good garage sale. I like rummaging through other peoples junk AND I like to have a garage sale and sell my old stuff. (Oh, that brings to mind a garage sale story I'll have to blog about...maybe tomorrow!).

Speaking of garage sales, did you read today about a woman that bought a little pin at a garage sale? It looked like a blinged out Lebron James jersey...like a little rhinestone trinket. Anyway, it turned out to be REAL DIAMONDS (!) and worth a lot more than the $5.oo she paid for it.

So why am I writing about garage sales? It's because of what I read today in the book I'm reading. Here's the quote:

"Satan delights in our feelings of inadequacy. He wants to help us stay there. He wants us to go to Bible study, learn the deep truths of God, leave all encouraged, and then come home and have a complete meltdown and question, 'why doesn't Jesus work for me?'" ~ Lysa TerKeurst, from Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl

Have you ever felt that way? I certainly have...more often than I care to admit. And the quote reminded me of a story that was told to me many years ago about the day Satan decided to have a garage sale. The story goes something like this:

Satan decided to have a garage sale. Like everyone he got out all his stuff, put price tags on it, and lay it all out on some tables. People came by to see what he had for sale. One table was filled with stuff like Pride, Envy, Greed, etc. All of Satan’s most familiar tools were there. The prices were high, but after all, these were the most famous weapons from Satan’s personal arsenal!

But off to one side there was a table with only one old, worn-out item on it. It wasn’t named, and the price tag was outrageous. “What tool is this, and why is it so expensive?” one customer asked.

Satan answered, “That is my most powerful secret weapon. It works where nothing else will, and it operates by stealth. Everybody recognizes these old tools, like Pride, Deceit, and Greed. But I can attack someone with this tool, and they will never even know it was me. Its name is Discouragement. When everything else has failed, just when someone is on the verge of fulfilling God’s purpose, I can launch this at them, like a submarine torpedo, and it goes straight to their heart without them ever knowing. It destroys their hope, their faith, and their joy, and they give up on everything God has in store for them. And because it works by stealth, they usually blame themselves and God. They never think to blame me at all.

“It’s the perfect weapon!” Satan said.

I often remind myself of this story. I have to. I'm one that becomes easily discouraged. That's when I tell myself to sing that old hymn, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look FULL in His wonderful face! And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."

And I also remind myself of God's promise from His word: In this world you will have many troubles, but FEAR NOT! I have overcome the world.

Isn't it wonderful to be His child?

Friends, Skype, and Tiger Balm

2010-07-12T01:23:00.005-05:00

The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch swing with, and never say a word, and walk away thinking that was the best conversation you ever had.

So very thankful for my wonderful friend, Alice. Thursday night I could not sleep. I had a migraine and had slept most of the day, so when it was time to actually sleep, I just wasn't tired. I got out of bed and headed toward the recliner with computer in hand. There, in the dark, I started checking out my email but kept thinking, "Alice must be up...I sure wish I could talk to her!". And then, in the dark, out of no where, this most welcoming sign appeared on the computer:

That meant that Alice saw that I was online. Up popped this question, "What's wrong, Joey? Can't you sleep?" Oh, hooray! I called Alice (who lives in Amsterdam!) via Skype and we talked the night away! If you don't have Skype, get it! It's FREE! You can talk via the microphone on your computer. If you have a camera, you can see each other. Simply wonderful!!!

I finally went to bed at 6 a.m. Woke up at 9;15 and went to water aerobics. Quickly changed and left to do errands at 11:20. David went to a movie while Elise and I headed over to the college to sign her up for a summer class. While walking from one building to the next, my knee started to ache. Soon the pain was intolerable. By time we got home, all I could do was prop it up, saturate it with ice, and cancel my tutoring class.

By time Bill got home, I pleaded with him to scour any and all medicine bottles in search of pain medication. He found something that was prescribed for me back in January when I had so many problems with my ears. It had codeine and the directions said I could take two every six hours. It took the edge off - barely! Next, Bill had to pillage through the under-the-sink stuff in search for Tiger Balm. Alice gave me some from her trip to Thailand. I rubbed it all over my knee. This helped me make it to midnight. Bill gave me two more pain killers and I made it through the night. Woke up at 7 a.m. with THE worst headache. Soon I was shaking and sweating and realizing I was the only one downstairs. Everyone else was sound asleep upstairs.(I have found that there is one thing worse than being sick and that is being sick all by yourself!) After vomiting, a little relief came. Long story short, I have spent the whole weekend in bed, trying to stay off of my knee.

I'm hoping the daylight brings relief and a better week!

My Poor Petunias

2010-07-08T22:14:00.006-05:00

Petunias In Better Days

Shhh....can you hear that sound? It's my petunias. They're groaning! Poor babies. It's been soooo rainy here lately and I think they are experiencing the dreaded "root rot"! I hope not! I hope they revive and survive!

When I see things like this in nature, it always reminds me of Roman 8:19-22 where Paul talks about creation groaning. I think of this verses when I see pictures of the beaches in Florida -where our family has frequently vacationed - now covered with oil. I thought of those verses after Katrina, when the beautifully majestic oak trees were uprooted. And I think of those verses as I witness my petunias drowning and my gardenias wilting. Creation groans.

I like that bit of personification that Paul uses. It makes it quite clear that when man first disobeyed, there were consequences to the disobedience. Consequences for man: consequences that put ugly marks on all of creation.

But that's not the end of the story! God has given to man a glorious promise of redemption. A glorious promise that - someday- all things will be made right. All of creation will be restored to what it should have been like in the first place. Man will be without sin - restored and living forever in a restored world where creation no longer groans. We won't groan and petunias won't either! What a glorious hope we have! Thank you, Father!

* I haven't done this verse justice...it is so rich in meaning! If you want to read some good commentary on this verse, take a few minutes to ponder the thoughts at PBC.org The commentary I read was entitled, "Eager Anticipation".

2010-07-07T22:48:00.004-05:00

Recently NASA has been in the news. Apparently our President is shutting down any space explorations. In fact, if we want to continue to be involved with the International Space Station, we now have no way of getting up there...we would have to hitch a ride from the Russians!

This is a quote from CHARLES BOLDEN, NASA ADMINISTRATOR: Perhaps foremost, he (Obama) wanted me to find a way to reach out to the Muslim world and engage much more with dominantly Muslim nations to help them feel good about their historic contribution to science and engineering.

Excuse me???? I don't want to get political on this blog, but something is REALLY wrong with this picture!!!!

Well, I'll just leave that little hot button alone and write something more edifying about "nasa" that I learned in a devotional by Dale Vander Veen. He was writing about how difficult it was to learn Hebrew while he was at Calvin Seminary. He had to learn Greek as well, but that wasn't as difficult. The reason Greek was easier for him to master was because many English words have Greek origins. For example "hardia" is Greek for our word "heart". They sort of sound similar.

While Hebrew was harder to learn, every once and a while a word would be easier to remember and learn. One such word was the word "nasa". In Hebrew it means "to lift, to carry or bear"....sort of like the rockets from NASA "lift" off. This word is used by David in Psalm 32:1 where David writes, "Blessed are those whose transgressions are (nasaed) forgiven."

For the believer, these sins have been "carried" or "lifted" by Jesus. And he carried them as far as "the east is from the west" (Psalm 103:12). Those sins aren't floating around in outer space. They aren't stashed up on Jupiter or Neptune. Those sins are gone. Vaporized. Vanished.

Only the Son of God could "nasa" our sins and forget them. Now that's a "nasa" our Muslims friends may like to find out about.........just a thought.

Let's Hear It For Holland!!!!

2010-07-06T17:09:00.003-05:00

Go, Holland!!!

Today I am writing in orange in honor of the Netherland's tremendous World Cup win today!!! Like Bill always says, "If you ain't Dutch, you ain't much!"

CONGRATULATIONS, HOLLAND!!

Happy Declaration Day!

2010-07-04T22:55:00.004-05:00

These are the 56 signatures that appear on our Declaration of Independence. By signing this declaration, they were traitors to their king. They could have been killed for signing this document. Below is a brief sketch of what happened to these men after taking such a courageous stand.

"I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet through all the gloom I see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is worth all the means. This is our day of deliverance."

John Adams

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? British subjects at the time, they advocated the overthrow of the government for a free and independent America. It was, in fact, our first Civil War. These rebels signed the Declaration of Independence and pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to their new country.

Seventeen fought in the ensuing war. Thomas Nelson was a colonel in the Second Virginia Regiment and William Whipple served with the New Hampshire militia. Oliver Wolcott led the Connecticut regiments sent for the defense of New York and commanded a brigade of militia that took part in the defeat of General Burgoyne. Caesar Rodney was a Major General in the Delaware militia and John Hancock was the same in the Massachusetts militia.

Five of the signers were captured by the British during the war although only Richard Stockton of New Jersey is said to have been imprisoned solely for having signed the Declaration of Independence. He died after a year after he was released. Colonel George Walton was wounded and captured at the Battle of Savannah and was exchanged for a British naval captain. Captains Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, and Arthur Middleton were all captured during the siege of Charleston in 1780 and exchanged a year later, too late to protect their property which had been looted as had the properties of Hall, Clymer, Walton, Hooper and Gwinnett. Gwinnett later died in a duel with a political rival in Georgia in 1777.

Thomas Lynch of South Carolina was arrested in 1780 and held on board a British prison ship for a year. During his imprisonment, his plantation was sacked and his slaves (more than 130) were taken and believed sold to sugar plantations in Jamaica. Twelve others had their homes ransacked and burned. Most of the homes that were destroyed were in the South at a time when the British had adopted a "scorched earth" policy against the colonies in an effort to gain the support of southern loyalists.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy and, after making several bad investments, was forced to sell his home and properties to pay his debts. Colonel Thomas McKean of Delaware was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding.

Legend has it when Thomas Nelson Jr was told the British General Cornwallis had taken over his home for British headquarters, he replied, "Blow the damn thing down." Nelson's house is still standing at Yorktown and there are cannonballs embedded in its east wall.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. His home on Long Island was destroyed by British calvary in the fall of 1776. Mrs. Lewis was captured by the British but was eventually released in exchange for a British officer's wife. Mrs. Lewis died two years after her release. Altogether, eleven signers had their homes and property destroyed.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died of exhaustion and a broken heart. Morris and Livingston suffered similar fates.

Abraham Clark of New Jersey had two of his sons captured by the British during the war. The son of John Witherspoon was killed at the Battle of Germantown.

What kind of men were these 56 rebels who signed the Declaration of Independence? Twenty-two were lawyers and nine were judges. Stephen Hopkins had been Governor of Rhode Island. Eighteen of the signers were merchants or businessmen, 14 were farmers, and four were doctors. Although two others had been clergy previously, John Witherspoon of New Jersey was the only active clergyman to attend. He wore his pontifical to the sessions.

These were men of means, interested in the well being of their fellow countrymen. 42 had served in their States legislature. They were well educated men. Seven had attended Harvard, four each at Yale and William & Mary, and three at Princeton. John Witherspoon was the president of Princeton and George Wythe was a professor at William & Mary. Nine of the signers were immigrants, two were brothers, two were cousins, and one was an orphan. They were slave owners and duelists, men who were good in business and men who were not. In short, they were ordinary human beings, thrust into an extraordinary situation. They put their lives on the line to preserve the country they loved.

After the Revolution, 13 of the signers went on to become governors, and 18 served in their state legislatures. Sixteen became state and federal judges. Seven became members of the United States House of Representatives, and six became United States Senators. James Wilson and Samuel Chase became Justices of the United States Supreme Court.Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Elbridge Gerry each became Vice President, and John Adams and Thomas Jefferson became President. The sons of signers John Adams and Benjamin Harrison also became Presidents.

Oddly enough, two of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence died on July 4th? U.S. Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died 50 years after the signing, to the day. President James Monroe also died on the 4th, but in 1831. On July 4, 1872, President Calvin Coolidge was born. July 4th became a legal holiday until 1941.

Roger Sherman, Robert Morris, Benjamin Franklin, George Clymer, James Wilson, and George Reed later signed the United States Constitution. The Declaration of Independence, along with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, is on public display at the Rotunda of the National Archives. So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July Holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid. Remember Freedom is never free!

Praying For Joni

2010-06-28T22:26:00.006-05:00

Today, I want to share a very special person with you. Her name is Joni. If you don't know about her or her incredible testimony, please go to Joni and Friends.org Today she underwent surgery for breast cancer. I hope you will take a moment to pray for her and her husband, Ken.

In other news, today was a busy, busy day for me. I taught two students in north Houston. Then I drove directly downtown - right across from Rice University - to teach two girls that are visiting from Czechoslovakia. What a charming area of Houston. The streets are lined with Live Oak trees and they brought back wonderful memories of Ocean Springs (our home for 24 years before Katrina moved us to Texas!).

While I was driving home, I got a text from a student that wanted a lesson ASAP, so I fit in one more class before calling it a day. This lesson was for a 7 year old boy. His daddy is serving in Egypt and the little boy was so proud to show me post cards of pyramids and a "REAL Egyptian coin"!

I've been asked to work with the Czech girls everyday this week, so I will miss my water aerobics and Bible study group. The girls are 14 and 15 and their aunt who they are visiting is really making this an awesome trip for the girls. Next week they go to Destin,Florida. After that she hopes to take them to Mexico! Today I taught them a new word - well, several new words - but the one they liked the best was "humid". They are learning a lot about that word while visiting Houston...the humidity capital of the universe!!!

Crock Pot

2010-06-27T14:29:00.004-05:00

Three guesses what I bought this weekend! I've been without a crock pot since Katrina, so I found one on sale. I'm hoping it will be easier to have meals ready for Bill. Gone are the days of just eating what ever we feel like. I'm learning that our new lifestyle calls for a great deal of discipline in many areas.

So last night I took the new crock pot on a test drive. My first surprise was when Bill and I removed all the packaging and found a baby crock pot inside the big mama crock pot! I felt very fortunate to have picked out a pregnant pot! After I washed everything, I threw in a chuck roast. This morning we woke up to a delicious smell wafting throughout the house.

Tony just left and we miss him already. We had a fun visit together...didn't do much of anything except just sittin' around and talkin'. It was great!

Right now Elise and I are watching the old musical, "Annie Get Your Gun" and then we will get some pool exercise. Then off to church to hear a message on Habakkuk.

An Awesome Surprise!

2010-06-25T19:18:00.003-05:00

THIS IS TONY

Last night the doorbell rang. It was our son Tony! What an awesome surprise! Tony lives in Mobile, Alabama and attends USA where he is a music major. It's just wonderful to have him home for the next few days.

Sore Back, Sore Knee

2010-06-24T20:41:00.002-05:00

This is so embarrassing! I'm sitting here in the recliner with heat on my back and ice on my knee. I'll shift the hot and cold around when I finish this post. Why am I so battered and bruised? Because I tried to get into a bathing suit. Go ahead...laugh...I'll wait.

I tried on a bathing suit that was, oh, maybe ten sizes too small! Common sense would have told me it was too small. Common sense should have prevented me from even attempting. Common sense should have screamed at me, telling me to stop when I couldn't pull it to my knees. But no! Feeling particularly feisty and unstoppable, I was determined to wedge my body into that suit! Note to self: Pick more noble battles!

So, here I sit, with throbbing back and knee. Placing myself on the altar of fashion was not too bright!

And in other news, I have another new student. That's two in two days! And I just got a call from a women to possibly teach English to her nieces that will be in our country for three weeks. Sounds interesting.

And lest you think I only did "dumb" things today, I want you to know I also attended a diabetes class at the hospital today with Bill. He has a device on that will monitor his glucose readings every five minutes for the next four days. We learned a lot .

Time to refresh the ice...(sigh).

The Great Fish

2010-06-23T23:34:00.003-05:00

Had another wonderful study on Jonah today. We spent a whole hour on only two verses. For such a little book, it sure packs a wallop!

Mention Jonah, and what's the first thing that comes to mind? Whale. Am I right? The Bible only calls it a "great fish". Today, many people want to focus only on the fish. They think the whole story is nonsense because "who in their right mind would think a fish would swallow a man, the man stays alive in the fish and the fish vomits him out"? Billy Graham was once asked how he could believe something so far-fetched. He said, "I believe the Bible to be God's word. If God says it happened, it happened. I would even believe the story even if it said that Jonah swallowed the fish."

Well, hours can be spent debating fact or fiction. What is true, however, is that the fish is NOT the main focus of this book. God is. The fish is only mentioned in two verses: Jonah 1:17 and Jonah 2:10. That's it...only two verses. And those were the two verses that we studied. Only two verses, but I sure learned a lot in just those two! And I thought about a lot of things as well.

I tried to imagine being tossed overboard. Into the sea! I can barely stand the thought! I remember when I would ski at our cottage. If I happened to fall, I would have to wait for what felt like an eternity for the boat to turn around and toss me the rope so I could get back up. If my skis happened to come off my feet, I would put them on as quickly as possible. I had this horrible feeling that some unknown sea creature was eye-balling my feet for a tasty snack. I guess I thought if I had my skis on, I was protected.

If I felt that way in the middle of a lake, I imagine Jonah must have REALLY felt like he was a goner! I mean, he was in the sea...no land in sight! And then a huge fish comes! What looks like destruction was actually his deliverance. Hmm...another life lesson. Not everything that looks horrible, is horrible.

Another neat thing I learned is that the fish verses are like a sandwich. There's a verse in chapter one and a verse in chapter two...those verses are like the slices of bread for a sandwich. The verses in between are Jonah's prayer to God. Those prayer verses are like the meat on the sandwich. And just like with a sandwich, the meat is the most important part. So in essence, this big fish thing in the book of Jonah shouldn't be the main focus. The book is much more about God's sovereignty over ALL things and also about God's covenantal love and faithfulness.

Today I got another student to teach...yeah! And I went to water aerobics AND Bill's sugar levels are finally coming down...hooray for that! Tomorrow we go to class with the nutritionist at the hospital. Day by day we learn a little bit more on how to handle things. I'm so thankful Bill is so patient and taking it in stride! Ok, time for this lady to call it a day.