Kayleigh is my youngest niece. If she were a gem she would be a sparkly diamond. If she were a dog, she would be a playful puppy. If she were an actress, she would be Sarah Bernhardt. (or Meryl Streep for you young 'uns)
I think the best thing about my niece is her emotional response to every situation. She cries easily and without embarassment - she laughs in such a way that you laugh with her, even if the joke is on you. She is so loving that you feel embraced just by her saying "hello, I'm glad to see you."
Lots of people think that you have to rein in your emotions, but then no one knows how to take you. Kayleigh lets you know what she is feeling about things and you know how to react. How many times have you found out later that you may have hurt someone's feelings? Not with Kayleigh. If you hurt her, she lets you know. You never wonder if she is happy to see you because she shows you if she is. You never wonder if she is afraid, or sad, or lonely.
Her blessing is that you always feel like you belong. She doesn't act silly if she is serious You know not to kid or make light of what she is doing. She doesn't act happy when she is sad. In fact, you are wrapped into her sadness and allowed to be kind to her, or sympathetic, or just be sad with her.
Kayleigh is incredibly athletic and smart. With a family like hers, that is to be expected. She loves to play sports and puts her heart and soul into it. She is satisfied as long as she knows she did her best.
She is a good student, but like her mom (sorry Elaine - the secret is out) has a degree of fun with her studies. She is eager to learn and acts like every moment she has with someone is a way to get smarter. She seems very young and I think that is her cleverness, as you always have patience to work with her. Then she masters what you were doing and BAM! you are left wondering where "Little Kayleigh" went.
She is turning 13 this year and that will be traumatic for her parents; it will leave them with two teenage girls.
Never were two sisters so alike and so different. The only thing that makes one of the girls more funloving, more hardworking, or more goofy is the moment. Kayleigh doesn't push her way to be your friend, but once there, she is the friend you would hate to lose.
Kayleigh would fight to the death any one who hurts someone she loves...especially her older sister. While Rachael is protective and always ready to defend Kayleigh, Kayleigh would be proactive. She wouldn't wait for someone to hurt her sister and defend her, she would jump in before damage is done and would take them down...literally.
She is not one to weather it out and see what is going to happen - she makes it happen.
Do I love Kayleigh? Of course I do but more than that, I think she loves me, too.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Christmas 2011
When autumn starts to
disappear, Halloween and Thanksgiving go past,
The weather gets
cold, the days speed by; it’s Christmastime at last.
There are presents to
buy, and trees to trim…houses and halls to deck,
But when we let the
frills and chores overwhelm, Christmas becomes a wreck.
So slow down my
friends and put busy to rest; stop, look around and hear
The gentle sounds of
Christmas bells, the carols, the laughing and cheer.
When we think
Christmas, it’s easy to join the world as it’s suddenly wild,
But deep inside, in
our hearts, in our minds, it’s all about a Child.
So we give out gifts
but in our hearts, we care for one another,
In this season of
love, in this season of joy, we are nothing less than brothers.
The gift of Christmas
is not just clothes…or electronics…or gadgets…or toys,
It’s the blessings we
get, it’s the blessings we give, in the name of a little boy.
Give thanks to God,
for His Son, so small, who became a man just to save us
God is faithful when
we are good or bad, and through Jesus, He forgave us.
So dear friends, it’s
with love that we pray for you now, at home, away or near,
We wish you peace,
joy, and love at Christmas and all through next New Year.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
END OF YEAR 2011 - a poem
“Let it go!” they told me and I’d say I really tried
But when petty things annoy me, my tolerance just hides.
“Forget it” they advised me but my memory is long
And though the offense vanishes the hurt just lingers on.
“Turn to Jesus”…easily said and I know that that is right
But I pray just as easily for justice for a slight.
Then it hit me, like a brick,that I was born to sin
But Jesus forgave all my wrongs when I prayed and let him in
So maybe, in these holy times, my heart will open wide,
And beat away my lack of faith and let my Lord inside.
O Jesus shut my heart to wrong because I truly know
That even when I wronged You, You sighed, and “Let it go.”
But when petty things annoy me, my tolerance just hides.
“Forget it” they advised me but my memory is long
And though the offense vanishes the hurt just lingers on.
“Turn to Jesus”…easily said and I know that that is right
But I pray just as easily for justice for a slight.
Then it hit me, like a brick,that I was born to sin
But Jesus forgave all my wrongs when I prayed and let him in
So maybe, in these holy times, my heart will open wide,
And beat away my lack of faith and let my Lord inside.
O Jesus shut my heart to wrong because I truly know
That even when I wronged You, You sighed, and “Let it go.”
Friday, December 2, 2011
Rachael Elizabeth
Rachael is the beautiful daughter of my sister Elaine. Like her mom, she has always tried harder and been the hardest on herself. When she got a "B" in school, her mom told her it was a good grade - Rae said she could have done better. When she play sports she wants to be the best - score the most goals - hit the furthest ball - sink the winning basket.
Rachael is short (as are both her parents' families) and if you never saw her play sports you may think her weak. She is a dynamo on the soccer field. She does her best and is able to ref the younger kids because she doesn't just play the game...she knows the game.
Rachael is a good Christian, saving money as I write this to go on a working missions trip with her church. I know that most people see what she is doing as a vacation,but these mission trips really expose the students to different culture and do not let them fool around. When they say working mission...they put the WORKING in bold leters. And Rachael knows how to work.
Rachael is 15, with a birthday in the middle of October. Because of this and her birthstone being the same as mine and my mother's, I gave her my mother's opal ring for her birthday. Although it has no monetary value, I know she will treasure it. She never knew my mom and it is sad because my mom would have loved her.
And she is so gracious and a good friend. When she turned 10, her mom had a huge party for her at a public place. In the party area, Rachael opened her gifts...including a crazy, weird Braatz doll. Three presents later, she opened an identical doll. One of the little girls said "you already got one!" to which Rachael replied, "Yes and it's so cool that now I have two. I can play with them together." The girl who gave the first doll was thanked, the girl who gave the second one was honored.
Rachael is the kind of girl that I wish was my own daughter and am so glad she is not. As much as seeing her successes is rewarding, keeping up with her would be exhausting. I am not athletic nor am I competitive. I believe that what I earn will come to me with the effort I put in. Rachael believes that the more effort she puts in, the better the reward. The reward she receives is not just the love of her friends and family...it isn't just the awards and good report cards... it's the way people walk away from her feeling like they have been part of something perfect and that success has come their way by being part of Rachael's life.
Rachael is short (as are both her parents' families) and if you never saw her play sports you may think her weak. She is a dynamo on the soccer field. She does her best and is able to ref the younger kids because she doesn't just play the game...she knows the game.
Rachael is a good Christian, saving money as I write this to go on a working missions trip with her church. I know that most people see what she is doing as a vacation,but these mission trips really expose the students to different culture and do not let them fool around. When they say working mission...they put the WORKING in bold leters. And Rachael knows how to work.
Rachael is 15, with a birthday in the middle of October. Because of this and her birthstone being the same as mine and my mother's, I gave her my mother's opal ring for her birthday. Although it has no monetary value, I know she will treasure it. She never knew my mom and it is sad because my mom would have loved her.
And she is so gracious and a good friend. When she turned 10, her mom had a huge party for her at a public place. In the party area, Rachael opened her gifts...including a crazy, weird Braatz doll. Three presents later, she opened an identical doll. One of the little girls said "you already got one!" to which Rachael replied, "Yes and it's so cool that now I have two. I can play with them together." The girl who gave the first doll was thanked, the girl who gave the second one was honored.
Rachael is the kind of girl that I wish was my own daughter and am so glad she is not. As much as seeing her successes is rewarding, keeping up with her would be exhausting. I am not athletic nor am I competitive. I believe that what I earn will come to me with the effort I put in. Rachael believes that the more effort she puts in, the better the reward. The reward she receives is not just the love of her friends and family...it isn't just the awards and good report cards... it's the way people walk away from her feeling like they have been part of something perfect and that success has come their way by being part of Rachael's life.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Now presenting...
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Boys and Girls! Gather round to see the wonder of wonders, the miracle or miracles, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, His Loving Father God and His Glorious Power of the Holy Spirit...don't crowd, there are plenty of tickets and plenty of room in the tent."
So the gathered crowd filters into the tent and there they are... the three persons of God, standing in their majesty, looking at everyone...but now what? Where is the carnival barker? Do the people sit? Can they ask questions?
Oh sure, the barker talked a good game - incited everyone to run in to see but that was all. The persons of God stood there and waited for some sort of response from the crowd, but they were hesitant to do anything. So the crowd left, a few at a time, till no one was left.
How often do we present our faith to our friends, tell them about God, Jesus and the Spirit, and forget the followup? Did we show that once you meet Him and accept Him, you have to live in Him? Did we demonstrate how to pray sincerely with an open heart and mind? Did we reflect His actions in our own? Do we accompany them into the tent and help them get answers to their questions?
The presentation is important and sometimes opens doors for people who wouldn't even know the door was there...but the representation is just as important. When you see someone who needs faith, who craves the presence of a living God in their lives, remember...they are looking back at you.
Do they see what you want them to see, or what God wants them to see?
Presentation......................Representation. Which are you best at?
So the gathered crowd filters into the tent and there they are... the three persons of God, standing in their majesty, looking at everyone...but now what? Where is the carnival barker? Do the people sit? Can they ask questions?
Oh sure, the barker talked a good game - incited everyone to run in to see but that was all. The persons of God stood there and waited for some sort of response from the crowd, but they were hesitant to do anything. So the crowd left, a few at a time, till no one was left.
How often do we present our faith to our friends, tell them about God, Jesus and the Spirit, and forget the followup? Did we show that once you meet Him and accept Him, you have to live in Him? Did we demonstrate how to pray sincerely with an open heart and mind? Did we reflect His actions in our own? Do we accompany them into the tent and help them get answers to their questions?
The presentation is important and sometimes opens doors for people who wouldn't even know the door was there...but the representation is just as important. When you see someone who needs faith, who craves the presence of a living God in their lives, remember...they are looking back at you.
Do they see what you want them to see, or what God wants them to see?
Presentation......................Representation. Which are you best at?
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
did I fail the days of the week?
OK - let me run this by you...
Last week, my 4 year old refrigerator/freezer stopped keeping things cold and frozen on the top and bottom shelves - only worked in the middle. Since we had the extended warranty, we called for service and were told it would be one day as they needed to get parts. Once fixed, the service tech said that if it didn't work by the weekend (3 days after repair) we should call again because that would mean it was another problem but he thought he would try the easy fix first. It didn't, we did, and were put off for another day.
The service tech came in, looked at my fridge and said...I'll have to come back tomorrow because I don't have a part.
At this point, I was annoyed because how did he not have a part when he predicted what the new problem would be. The store where we bought it called later and advised via a recorded message, that they would be there between 4 and 6 pm the following day...and stay on the phone if you had any questions.
Of course I stayed on the phone because that was another complete day with no working fridge, food spoiling (I do not have a backup fridge) and time wasted. The customer service rep advised me that there was nothing they could do and I was a pitbull...I insisted that they could do something about the rotting food. I was then told that my warranty did not have spoilage coverage. I told them that had the job been done on either of the first two trips, it wouldn't have been an issue but I wanted an earlier appointment to get my fridge back on track! Words were exchanged, but because I was only upset and not vulgar or obscene, their c/s person was obliged to talk to me and not hang up. (poor guy) Sometime in the conversation he put me on hold and talked to his manager who advised him that if Wednesday afternoon/evening didn't work they had an opening Thursday morning.
So I asked the c/s person if his manager was an idiot, (or if he thought I was), that he thought Thursday morning was before Wednesday evening. Obviously the c/s guy led the manager to believe that it was an AM/PM issue and not a sooner/later one. So I refused their kind (?) offer to spoil my food for one more day and told them that if they couldn't help me I would have to live with it. BUT if they didn't fix my fridge I was planning on finding out if there was any legal or lemon law action I could take...and advised them that Sears also has appliances so there was no reason for me to go back to them (personally, we will probably do Lowes as they price match and we get 5% back on our charge card.) The customer service guy forgot to mute the phone and whispered to someone (possibly the manager I just called an idiot) and said "her name is Margaret." Guess someone was listening in because calls may be monitored, you know.
End of story...they showed up at my house this morning, Wednesday, and fixed my fridge. The tech was in the neighborhood and out of the goodness of his heart (or because they told him to do anything to prevent me from calling back) worked us into his schedule.
Still not going back to this store (named after my personal patriotic designation) but at least we had a happy ending. And I can always buy more milk...
Last week, my 4 year old refrigerator/freezer stopped keeping things cold and frozen on the top and bottom shelves - only worked in the middle. Since we had the extended warranty, we called for service and were told it would be one day as they needed to get parts. Once fixed, the service tech said that if it didn't work by the weekend (3 days after repair) we should call again because that would mean it was another problem but he thought he would try the easy fix first. It didn't, we did, and were put off for another day.
The service tech came in, looked at my fridge and said...I'll have to come back tomorrow because I don't have a part.
At this point, I was annoyed because how did he not have a part when he predicted what the new problem would be. The store where we bought it called later and advised via a recorded message, that they would be there between 4 and 6 pm the following day...and stay on the phone if you had any questions.
Of course I stayed on the phone because that was another complete day with no working fridge, food spoiling (I do not have a backup fridge) and time wasted. The customer service rep advised me that there was nothing they could do and I was a pitbull...I insisted that they could do something about the rotting food. I was then told that my warranty did not have spoilage coverage. I told them that had the job been done on either of the first two trips, it wouldn't have been an issue but I wanted an earlier appointment to get my fridge back on track! Words were exchanged, but because I was only upset and not vulgar or obscene, their c/s person was obliged to talk to me and not hang up. (poor guy) Sometime in the conversation he put me on hold and talked to his manager who advised him that if Wednesday afternoon/evening didn't work they had an opening Thursday morning.
So I asked the c/s person if his manager was an idiot, (or if he thought I was), that he thought Thursday morning was before Wednesday evening. Obviously the c/s guy led the manager to believe that it was an AM/PM issue and not a sooner/later one. So I refused their kind (?) offer to spoil my food for one more day and told them that if they couldn't help me I would have to live with it. BUT if they didn't fix my fridge I was planning on finding out if there was any legal or lemon law action I could take...and advised them that Sears also has appliances so there was no reason for me to go back to them (personally, we will probably do Lowes as they price match and we get 5% back on our charge card.) The customer service guy forgot to mute the phone and whispered to someone (possibly the manager I just called an idiot) and said "her name is Margaret." Guess someone was listening in because calls may be monitored, you know.
End of story...they showed up at my house this morning, Wednesday, and fixed my fridge. The tech was in the neighborhood and out of the goodness of his heart (or because they told him to do anything to prevent me from calling back) worked us into his schedule.
Still not going back to this store (named after my personal patriotic designation) but at least we had a happy ending. And I can always buy more milk...
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
WHY?...WHY NOT?!
Did you ever have one of those days where you cozy up to the couch and watch movies? Not just any movies, but sad movies – heart wrenching movies – movies with an ultimate truth that makes you cry in sadness and joy at the same time?
I recently sat down to watch “My Sister’s Keeper”. For those unfamiliar, it is the story of a family that has a daughter who gets cancer as an infant, and when no matched donor is available, they conceive and give birth to another daughter, who is used as a donor for her sister.
From infancy, the second daughter is poked, prodded and operated on till she reaches the ripe old age of 11 and decides to fight her parents and refuse to donate a kidney to her sister.
The truth of her reluctance is ultimately revealed. It seems that the poor, dying sister doesn’t want any more help and has asked her younger sister to stop giving and as hard as it is for the younger sister, to take her own life back.
Now I will admit I missed the beginning of the movie but when things got most intense, no one prayed, talked about God’s plan in this or anything remotely associated with faith and promise.
And I got to thinking…isn’t the reason we are all here? to help each other? Like the movie, we are sometimes turned down, but that doesn't mean God doesn't want us to keep trying. All we have to do is trust him and ask him for guidance in our giving. God doesn’t just interfere. We know the steps needed to help our friends, neighbors, and fellow humans. When we call on God, we get the spiritual and emotional support we so dearly need and the act of giving gets easier.
I know that we are not all able to give everything someone needs. I have been on the marrow registry for years and though many people need marrow, I have never been a match. I think that if called, I would say yes and then pray that whoever needed my marrow would have a miraculous recovery and get me off the hook. When I was approached at the blood center and told all I had to do is sign the paper, it was easy. But being called and responding? That is when it becomes difficult.
We all say, if called I would be glad to donate my time to the church…but when called how many of us have an excuse to say no? I am always ready to help, just don’t call me. Caller ID is really a bummer for volunteerism.
I had two inspirations to write this – the second was that movie. The first was my K-love scripture of the day…Isaiah, 65:24 I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!
How do you think he answers prayer before people ask? Look in the mirror folks.
We work so hard to beseech God in prayer that we forget that many times the answer to the prayers of others is us. And that is why, the encouraging of service through time and talent is so dear to all of us.
In many ways, we help each other often and without question – we pray - we cook meals when someone is laid up or otherwise unable to do it – we give money to World Vision or other charities – we respond when people need to be uplifted, encouraged or just to share our faith. We are tools in God’s toolbox – we are hammers building faith, saws cutting people from their troubles, screwdrivers attaching God’s message to everyone.
We recently had a new pastor,Matt Erickson say “yes” to dedicating his time, life and family to my church – Eastbrook. He told us that when asked to join us, even though he was receptive to the idea, he prayed over the decision, He didn’t say, God, let me check my schedule, he said God, if it’s your will, let me change my schedule
There is a song my choir does “I Give Myself Away” - we sang this for Pastor Matt’s installation service – but isn’t it really for each of us? We stand in the congregation and give ourselves to God. We are the visual and musical example of His grace when we sing His message. In worship, we are not individual people who stand up and sing, we are God’s instrument. And when someone is moved or inspired by the message we deliver, it is because we sing not for ourselves, but in honor of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ.
When we sing from our hearts, we see our plans totally fulfilled because they are God’s plans for us. Once we accept that we are God’s chorus on earth, there is no stopping us. We can play beautiful music in our daily activities…with no piano, no guitar, no drum; just the joyful knowledge that we have blessed ourselves while blessing someone else.
I recently sat down to watch “My Sister’s Keeper”. For those unfamiliar, it is the story of a family that has a daughter who gets cancer as an infant, and when no matched donor is available, they conceive and give birth to another daughter, who is used as a donor for her sister.
From infancy, the second daughter is poked, prodded and operated on till she reaches the ripe old age of 11 and decides to fight her parents and refuse to donate a kidney to her sister.
The truth of her reluctance is ultimately revealed. It seems that the poor, dying sister doesn’t want any more help and has asked her younger sister to stop giving and as hard as it is for the younger sister, to take her own life back.
Now I will admit I missed the beginning of the movie but when things got most intense, no one prayed, talked about God’s plan in this or anything remotely associated with faith and promise.
And I got to thinking…isn’t the reason we are all here? to help each other? Like the movie, we are sometimes turned down, but that doesn't mean God doesn't want us to keep trying. All we have to do is trust him and ask him for guidance in our giving. God doesn’t just interfere. We know the steps needed to help our friends, neighbors, and fellow humans. When we call on God, we get the spiritual and emotional support we so dearly need and the act of giving gets easier.
I know that we are not all able to give everything someone needs. I have been on the marrow registry for years and though many people need marrow, I have never been a match. I think that if called, I would say yes and then pray that whoever needed my marrow would have a miraculous recovery and get me off the hook. When I was approached at the blood center and told all I had to do is sign the paper, it was easy. But being called and responding? That is when it becomes difficult.
We all say, if called I would be glad to donate my time to the church…but when called how many of us have an excuse to say no? I am always ready to help, just don’t call me. Caller ID is really a bummer for volunteerism.
I had two inspirations to write this – the second was that movie. The first was my K-love scripture of the day…Isaiah, 65:24 I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!
How do you think he answers prayer before people ask? Look in the mirror folks.
We work so hard to beseech God in prayer that we forget that many times the answer to the prayers of others is us. And that is why, the encouraging of service through time and talent is so dear to all of us.
In many ways, we help each other often and without question – we pray - we cook meals when someone is laid up or otherwise unable to do it – we give money to World Vision or other charities – we respond when people need to be uplifted, encouraged or just to share our faith. We are tools in God’s toolbox – we are hammers building faith, saws cutting people from their troubles, screwdrivers attaching God’s message to everyone.
We recently had a new pastor,Matt Erickson say “yes” to dedicating his time, life and family to my church – Eastbrook. He told us that when asked to join us, even though he was receptive to the idea, he prayed over the decision, He didn’t say, God, let me check my schedule, he said God, if it’s your will, let me change my schedule
There is a song my choir does “I Give Myself Away” - we sang this for Pastor Matt’s installation service – but isn’t it really for each of us? We stand in the congregation and give ourselves to God. We are the visual and musical example of His grace when we sing His message. In worship, we are not individual people who stand up and sing, we are God’s instrument. And when someone is moved or inspired by the message we deliver, it is because we sing not for ourselves, but in honor of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ.
When we sing from our hearts, we see our plans totally fulfilled because they are God’s plans for us. Once we accept that we are God’s chorus on earth, there is no stopping us. We can play beautiful music in our daily activities…with no piano, no guitar, no drum; just the joyful knowledge that we have blessed ourselves while blessing someone else.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Isaiah 65:24
I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!
Ain't that the truth?
Ain't that the truth?
Thursday, September 1, 2011
I'm afraid
I think that there are many ways to live in fear. I personally am only afraid of two things...anything bigger than me (large balloons, tanks) and anything smaller than me (spiders, toddlers.)
As a child, I was raised to fear God. Not the personal, touchable God that I know today, but the huge, vengeful God who sits over all of the heavens with a finger pointing at mankind shooting down lightning bolts and with eternal damnation spewing from His mouth.
When I decided to set religion behind me and proceed in God's path through the bible, I found out that He was not the God of my youth. Not judge, jury and executioner, He was a God of love and compassion. Rather than being so monstrous and threatening to get us to accomodate him, He was the size of a man and reassuring to all who strived in His service.
Today I am afraid that I will let Him down. I am afraid that I will not be the servant He designed me to be. My fears aren't of meeting God but not meeting Him.
I can live with that.
As a child, I was raised to fear God. Not the personal, touchable God that I know today, but the huge, vengeful God who sits over all of the heavens with a finger pointing at mankind shooting down lightning bolts and with eternal damnation spewing from His mouth.
When I decided to set religion behind me and proceed in God's path through the bible, I found out that He was not the God of my youth. Not judge, jury and executioner, He was a God of love and compassion. Rather than being so monstrous and threatening to get us to accomodate him, He was the size of a man and reassuring to all who strived in His service.
Today I am afraid that I will let Him down. I am afraid that I will not be the servant He designed me to be. My fears aren't of meeting God but not meeting Him.
I can live with that.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
First day of school
Recently, a friend was discussing her daughter preparing for the first day of kindergarten. The little one was so excited.
Do you remember those days? When you finally got to set out all those clothes your mom bought or made you over the summer and had the perfect outfit picked out - top, bottom, shoes, socks...the new backpack and lunchbox...the fresh pencils and folders. Remember picking the tallest dandelion on the walk to school to decorate your locker, or give to a friend or teacher?
As adults, we should still give ourselves those little moments of excitement and discovery. Why can't we approach each new day as one where we may make a new friend, learn a new subject, create new art, find new beauty?
We don't need to be young to see each day as a gift from God to embrace and relish.
I want to start my day looking forward to new adventures and exciting moments, not the humdrum of sameness and routine activity.
Adults of the world, let's make some changes! We need to see that each day is unique and created by God for us to enjoy. Eden wasn't the only garden we lost - we lose the glory of nature every day that we sit idly by and do not see it through new eyes.
Be like the children - Jesus even encouraged it. When you see the weeds on your lawn as wild flowers...and dandelions gone to seed as wish makers, you will be on the way.
Today is the day the LORD has made - let us rejoice, and be glad in it.
Do you remember those days? When you finally got to set out all those clothes your mom bought or made you over the summer and had the perfect outfit picked out - top, bottom, shoes, socks...the new backpack and lunchbox...the fresh pencils and folders. Remember picking the tallest dandelion on the walk to school to decorate your locker, or give to a friend or teacher?
As adults, we should still give ourselves those little moments of excitement and discovery. Why can't we approach each new day as one where we may make a new friend, learn a new subject, create new art, find new beauty?
We don't need to be young to see each day as a gift from God to embrace and relish.
I want to start my day looking forward to new adventures and exciting moments, not the humdrum of sameness and routine activity.
Adults of the world, let's make some changes! We need to see that each day is unique and created by God for us to enjoy. Eden wasn't the only garden we lost - we lose the glory of nature every day that we sit idly by and do not see it through new eyes.
Be like the children - Jesus even encouraged it. When you see the weeds on your lawn as wild flowers...and dandelions gone to seed as wish makers, you will be on the way.
Today is the day the LORD has made - let us rejoice, and be glad in it.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
daddy, why do you keep seeing God?
Years ago, in the midst of great illness, my father fell into a fever and told me of the two men who came and sat with him. Men in long white robes whom he assumed were angels. "They asked about you" he told me.
I laughed it off at the time, telling him that it was ok to have imaginary friends, but was bothered that they knew about me. In retrospect, it may have been a sign that things were going to change for me if I was open to it.
Last month, he was ill again, hallucinating about all sorts of things and when he came back he mentioned that he felt between two worlds - not quite in heaven but not at all on earth. During this period of a few hours he was horrible to Liz and I as we tried to console him and keep him from hurting himself.
Once he came back to us, he didn't remember what he had said to us, but repeated over and over that he wouldn't want to be God, because God is so lonely. Two distinct thoughts have developed.
I am unsure of what was tormenting him. I don't know why he felt the job of "god" was being offered. But with the abuse he was spitting out, it seems that something with totally evil intent was giving him an option to leave earth and be a deity. How typical for Satan to sneak into the brain of an elderly, sick man and and try to use him as a tool in his evil plan. How wondeful that my dad found the way back to earth and to us and was left with the wonder that being God would be lonely.
That leads to my second thought.
Is God lonely? If so, is it because I spend less time with Him than I should? Was it God who sent my father from delirium to sanity to let me know that I needed to get back on track? I am pelted with thoughts and questions and insecurities...but I know that if I pray, and pray, and pray, I may finally figure this out.
I laughed it off at the time, telling him that it was ok to have imaginary friends, but was bothered that they knew about me. In retrospect, it may have been a sign that things were going to change for me if I was open to it.
Last month, he was ill again, hallucinating about all sorts of things and when he came back he mentioned that he felt between two worlds - not quite in heaven but not at all on earth. During this period of a few hours he was horrible to Liz and I as we tried to console him and keep him from hurting himself.
Once he came back to us, he didn't remember what he had said to us, but repeated over and over that he wouldn't want to be God, because God is so lonely. Two distinct thoughts have developed.
I am unsure of what was tormenting him. I don't know why he felt the job of "god" was being offered. But with the abuse he was spitting out, it seems that something with totally evil intent was giving him an option to leave earth and be a deity. How typical for Satan to sneak into the brain of an elderly, sick man and and try to use him as a tool in his evil plan. How wondeful that my dad found the way back to earth and to us and was left with the wonder that being God would be lonely.
That leads to my second thought.
Is God lonely? If so, is it because I spend less time with Him than I should? Was it God who sent my father from delirium to sanity to let me know that I needed to get back on track? I am pelted with thoughts and questions and insecurities...but I know that if I pray, and pray, and pray, I may finally figure this out.
Friday, July 15, 2011
I like Will Rogers
Hiding within the list of funny quotes attributed toWill Rogers, was one I really liked.
Don't let yesterday use up too much of today.
I was impressed as here is someone refuted to be satirical, bumpkinesque and even simple, and he left us a message that we can all use.
I am one of those who will think on Monday of the mistakes and lost time of the weekend, and on Friday dwell on the mistakes I made on Thursday. How much time, I wonder, have I denied myself each day by not remembering that I cannot change what happened yesterday? Why don't I see that at best I can prevent it from happening today?
So here is my new mission - to make every day new and unique - to celebrate the day I am on and embrace the future instead of clouding my attitude with the past. I need to appreciate the here and now because I can change it, and adjust it, and reform it as it happens and when I am through, the yesterday I bring into today and tomorrow will be of joy and accomplishment. Yesterday will not use up today if I don't let it.
Don't let yesterday use up too much of today.
I was impressed as here is someone refuted to be satirical, bumpkinesque and even simple, and he left us a message that we can all use.
I am one of those who will think on Monday of the mistakes and lost time of the weekend, and on Friday dwell on the mistakes I made on Thursday. How much time, I wonder, have I denied myself each day by not remembering that I cannot change what happened yesterday? Why don't I see that at best I can prevent it from happening today?
So here is my new mission - to make every day new and unique - to celebrate the day I am on and embrace the future instead of clouding my attitude with the past. I need to appreciate the here and now because I can change it, and adjust it, and reform it as it happens and when I am through, the yesterday I bring into today and tomorrow will be of joy and accomplishment. Yesterday will not use up today if I don't let it.
Friday, July 8, 2011
If I ruled the world...
I think we need to get some stuff straightened out. If I ruled the world, things would be different.
CARS: Since many people think you shouldn't have to use a blinker, make it optional equipment...however, charge them to disconnect it. For those who think they can avoid this charge and just not use their turn signals, install a small modification that allows the unit to store up power and if not used regularly the built up energy blows out both of the rear tires.
If you can't apply the stickers on the license plate correctly, you get an additional ticket because the police have to sit and look all over the stupid plate to see if you have the current year. Read the notice you get with your stickers...it tells you how and where to apply them.
PROFESSIONAL SPORTS:
Basketball - stop complaining about the violence and physicallity of it and do something about it. Have a special foul where if you do excessive and unsportsmanlike contact, you get one warning and foul out the second time. AND your team cannot replace you. Yes, make them play a guy short. I know the refs are supposed to enforce sportsmanship anyway, but have you watched some of these games lately? Maybe the first time we have just one player left on the court, shooting free throws till the final buzzer, someone will work on cleaning up the game in a more organized fashion.
Baseball - I think there should be extra points awarded for really good home runs. If someone can hit one that goes further than any other, why not score it as two? On the defensive end, if someone makes a miraculous grab, inning is over! I mean, how often do we see someone snare a ball they had no business catching and because it is only the first out, they are forced to buckle down and wait while their teammates possibly give up runs or make errors? Let the team trot off the field in glory and not have the feat forgotten while they screw up.
Football - It's a game of blocking, hitting and falling so really there is nothing we can do to make it less violent without putting flags on the players and giving the guys juice boxes and cookies after the game. (But then it would be peewee soccer...)
Golf - why is everyone so quiet on golf courses? I think we should be cheering and hooting and hollering. The players need to get over themselves and be part of the event. I mean, don't allow air horns or firecrackers, but a little cheering or encouragement should enhance their game. Besides, the players say stupid stuff like how they get in the zone and it's just them and the green, so they really shouldn't notice.
SEX SCANDALS:
Who cares? I am so tired of all the excuses about being addicted to sex, or having a bad childhood, or any of a million other denials of responsibility. Getting caught seems to be the reason most people suddenly have other issues. Maybe "The Scarlet Letter" should be more than just a book. Tattoo a big old MS (for male slut) or FS (for female slut) on the forehead of these people and release them back into society. That way the next person who only sees money and power will also see lies and deceit.
And speaking of TATTOOS:
I don't get it. I think that a bunch of permanent markers in bright colors would be more creative as you can change your tag any time you want. Imagine if you do a huge tiger and then find out your girlfriend hates tigers and would much rather look at a dragon...or you put on a rose and your boyfriend thinks a daisy is much prettier. Just a little rub and scrub and your skin is ready for new art. You change cars, spouses and jobs...wouldn't it be fun to change your tattoo anytime the mood hits you?
I do have many more opinions, but they will have to wait for the next installment.
CARS: Since many people think you shouldn't have to use a blinker, make it optional equipment...however, charge them to disconnect it. For those who think they can avoid this charge and just not use their turn signals, install a small modification that allows the unit to store up power and if not used regularly the built up energy blows out both of the rear tires.
If you can't apply the stickers on the license plate correctly, you get an additional ticket because the police have to sit and look all over the stupid plate to see if you have the current year. Read the notice you get with your stickers...it tells you how and where to apply them.
PROFESSIONAL SPORTS:
Basketball - stop complaining about the violence and physicallity of it and do something about it. Have a special foul where if you do excessive and unsportsmanlike contact, you get one warning and foul out the second time. AND your team cannot replace you. Yes, make them play a guy short. I know the refs are supposed to enforce sportsmanship anyway, but have you watched some of these games lately? Maybe the first time we have just one player left on the court, shooting free throws till the final buzzer, someone will work on cleaning up the game in a more organized fashion.
Baseball - I think there should be extra points awarded for really good home runs. If someone can hit one that goes further than any other, why not score it as two? On the defensive end, if someone makes a miraculous grab, inning is over! I mean, how often do we see someone snare a ball they had no business catching and because it is only the first out, they are forced to buckle down and wait while their teammates possibly give up runs or make errors? Let the team trot off the field in glory and not have the feat forgotten while they screw up.
Football - It's a game of blocking, hitting and falling so really there is nothing we can do to make it less violent without putting flags on the players and giving the guys juice boxes and cookies after the game. (But then it would be peewee soccer...)
Golf - why is everyone so quiet on golf courses? I think we should be cheering and hooting and hollering. The players need to get over themselves and be part of the event. I mean, don't allow air horns or firecrackers, but a little cheering or encouragement should enhance their game. Besides, the players say stupid stuff like how they get in the zone and it's just them and the green, so they really shouldn't notice.
SEX SCANDALS:
Who cares? I am so tired of all the excuses about being addicted to sex, or having a bad childhood, or any of a million other denials of responsibility. Getting caught seems to be the reason most people suddenly have other issues. Maybe "The Scarlet Letter" should be more than just a book. Tattoo a big old MS (for male slut) or FS (for female slut) on the forehead of these people and release them back into society. That way the next person who only sees money and power will also see lies and deceit.
And speaking of TATTOOS:
I don't get it. I think that a bunch of permanent markers in bright colors would be more creative as you can change your tag any time you want. Imagine if you do a huge tiger and then find out your girlfriend hates tigers and would much rather look at a dragon...or you put on a rose and your boyfriend thinks a daisy is much prettier. Just a little rub and scrub and your skin is ready for new art. You change cars, spouses and jobs...wouldn't it be fun to change your tattoo anytime the mood hits you?
I do have many more opinions, but they will have to wait for the next installment.
Monday, June 27, 2011
HELP ME!
Today, I am praying for some sort of discernment, because my head wants me to handle a problem directly and my heart is hoping that someone else will handle it.
I know that if I charge right in there may be voices raised, guilt thrown and insults all around. But this problem needs to be addressed.
How would you tell someone to "straighten up and fly right" when it is really none of your business?
If anyone reads this, HELP!!!!
I know that if I charge right in there may be voices raised, guilt thrown and insults all around. But this problem needs to be addressed.
How would you tell someone to "straighten up and fly right" when it is really none of your business?
If anyone reads this, HELP!!!!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
take an SIU and call me in the morning
For nine years I have been working with men and have heard all their problems. I seem to be the resident "Mom." I think it is in my nature to nurture, but sometimes I just want to scream. It's not the guys, because they are really sweet and I love them all. But, like any mother, you get tired of being the go-to girl. From "My back hurts! Do you have any aspirin" to "Feel my forehead. Do I have a fever?" to "I work harder than everyone and no one appreciates me!" I have fielded their questions and comments and have dispensed ibuprofen, felt foreheads and offered supportive advice.
But I recently found some wonder drugs and finally have answers. I will be prescribing over the counter solutions...for your back, an SIU (suck it up); for your atttitude, an LIO (laugh it off), and for your personal problems, W-GAS (who gives a ...I think you get it!).
So c'mon guys. Lay it on me and I will give you what you need. (ok, none of this is going ot happen and I will still baby my guys, but it does feel good to put it on paper. Maybe I should get an SIU for me!
But I recently found some wonder drugs and finally have answers. I will be prescribing over the counter solutions...for your back, an SIU (suck it up); for your atttitude, an LIO (laugh it off), and for your personal problems, W-GAS (who gives a ...I think you get it!).
So c'mon guys. Lay it on me and I will give you what you need. (ok, none of this is going ot happen and I will still baby my guys, but it does feel good to put it on paper. Maybe I should get an SIU for me!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Memorial Day, 2011
It's Sunday, May 29th, and I am watching the Memorial Day musical special on PBS and I am crying.
Is it the power of the hymns for the various branches of the Armed Forces of the US?
Is it the stories written by our military about their battles, their injuries, their future?
Is it the stories by the families of deceased veterans about fear and loneliness and emptiness?
Is it because I don't always appreciate the sacrifice others make?
That same sacrifice guarantees that I can write this type of drivel without limitation or being ridiculed or hunted or silenced.
To all the members of our armed forces, active, retired, deceased...and their families...I remember.
...........................................................................................................................................thank you!
Is it the power of the hymns for the various branches of the Armed Forces of the US?
Is it the stories written by our military about their battles, their injuries, their future?
Is it the stories by the families of deceased veterans about fear and loneliness and emptiness?
Is it because I don't always appreciate the sacrifice others make?
That same sacrifice guarantees that I can write this type of drivel without limitation or being ridiculed or hunted or silenced.
To all the members of our armed forces, active, retired, deceased...and their families...I remember.
...........................................................................................................................................thank you!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
bad start
Going to work this morning, two lane road, driving rain...some guy coming towards me crossed the center line and ripped the mirror off the driver's side of my car. And he never stopped...the big poophead. Luckily Chris was my passenger and while I surveyed the damage, he went back and picked up all the pieces of debris from the road to prevent other drivers from hitting them and causing damage.
Of course, while we were both out of the vehicle, with my umbrella securely on the back seat, we got soaked.
I am trying to figure out what happened. I have a few theories. One - The other driver may have been distracted by the rain and not realized he was coming right at me. Two - he may have been late, or drunk, or uninsured and knew any or all would get him in major trouble if he did stop. Three - he may have not even realized he was that close to me so when he heard the "thunk" thought he had just thrown up a rock or something.
On the bright side, no severe damage to my vehicle and no personal injury. I like to think he may have been jolted to awareness and that the "thunk" will prevent him from doing it again and maybe killing someone.
AND, when I look at the pieces of debris my son picked up - the shattered plastic and broken mirror, I see the golden brown shell casing that housed a driver's side mirror and I am at peace.
You see, my car is blue.
Of course, while we were both out of the vehicle, with my umbrella securely on the back seat, we got soaked.
I am trying to figure out what happened. I have a few theories. One - The other driver may have been distracted by the rain and not realized he was coming right at me. Two - he may have been late, or drunk, or uninsured and knew any or all would get him in major trouble if he did stop. Three - he may have not even realized he was that close to me so when he heard the "thunk" thought he had just thrown up a rock or something.
On the bright side, no severe damage to my vehicle and no personal injury. I like to think he may have been jolted to awareness and that the "thunk" will prevent him from doing it again and maybe killing someone.
AND, when I look at the pieces of debris my son picked up - the shattered plastic and broken mirror, I see the golden brown shell casing that housed a driver's side mirror and I am at peace.
You see, my car is blue.
Monday, May 23, 2011
These questions need to be answered...
Why did I want to be older when I was younger and wish I was younger now that I am old?
Why is salt bad for you when it makes things taste so good?
Why do we eat fat-free everything when the "natural" items have fat? (think about milk)
If muscle weighs more than fat, why do we keep trying to turn our fat into muscle? (Healthy people, don't overthink this one. It's just a question.)
Why do we blame music and tv for corrupting our youth, but never credit Christian radio and clean shows for their purity?
Why is he MY son when he does something good and HIS FATHER'S son when he is screwing up?
Why do we say "how are you?" when we have no time to hear the answer? And what does "fine" mean, anyway?
Why do we expect to have fun when they call it work?
That's all for now.
Why is salt bad for you when it makes things taste so good?
Why do we eat fat-free everything when the "natural" items have fat? (think about milk)
If muscle weighs more than fat, why do we keep trying to turn our fat into muscle? (Healthy people, don't overthink this one. It's just a question.)
Why do we blame music and tv for corrupting our youth, but never credit Christian radio and clean shows for their purity?
Why is he MY son when he does something good and HIS FATHER'S son when he is screwing up?
Why do we say "how are you?" when we have no time to hear the answer? And what does "fine" mean, anyway?
Why do we expect to have fun when they call it work?
That's all for now.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
WIN WIN SITUATION
Ever been to a professional sporting event? Before the game, it’s full of tension and promise. We sit – waiting – sometimes the lights dim. The spotlight comes on, shining in a corner and suddenly you hear…
Welcome your Milwaukee Bucks – or Green Bay Packers – or Milwaukee Brewers.
The crowd jumps to their feet, cheering…they have no idea if there will be a win or loss…they are anticipating the best as they welcome THEIR TEAM to the floor.
What about worship?
It’s 7:55am – the worship team is making final preparations and as they walk up to the altar, we scarcely notice. They call us to stand – we do. They start to sing – we sing too. We listen – we sit – we go home – we are blessed.
What if the two situations were reversed?
What if we arrived in church filled with nervous anticipation? We come in. We do general admission, though some of us seem to think we have season seats.
We sit on the edge of our seats, exchanging pleasantries with those around us, but with one eye glued to the altar. Waiting, waiting…the worship team starts up the steps and we are on our feet cheering!!! GO BEN!! ALRIGHT LINDA!! YAY CHRIS!! This isn’t a sports team running in. It is something better…much better.
First - a song. Not the National Anthem, but more important – a call to everyone to worship. Clap your hands – raise them – a little swaying or gentle dancing? Perfectly acceptable. We finish and sit down smiling and nodding to each other – oh yes, it has begun.
Jump to your feet again. Here comes the pastor. This is our coach; the man who will show us how to play. He is the front of our team; the leader who encourages us to be the best. He pulls out his playbook (Bible) and you know something good is going to happen. It may not be a new play, but it is a play we all need to learn and do over and over again.
We are more than fans – we are the team. We are gearing up for an event bigger than opening day – more important than the Superbowl – more exciting than a 90 point tie with 2 seconds left. No one is on the bench. We are all starters. There is no end whistle for this game. There are no time outs. This is something we have to include in every conversation and with every breath. We are not looking for a win because we won when we showed up. We are not looking for more teams because in this there is only one team. We are not looking for rivals, because our God may have enemies, but He is the commissioner of life and has no rivals.
And when you leave the church, take the game to the streets. Grab your playbook and run to anyone who hasn’t signed with the team yet. We help everyone make the team. No unusual talent - just a little faith and support. You may bring the next Christ-man Award winner to the team. So gear up and play like your life depends on it; because it does.
Now that would be a sporting event!
Welcome your Milwaukee Bucks – or Green Bay Packers – or Milwaukee Brewers.
The crowd jumps to their feet, cheering…they have no idea if there will be a win or loss…they are anticipating the best as they welcome THEIR TEAM to the floor.
What about worship?
It’s 7:55am – the worship team is making final preparations and as they walk up to the altar, we scarcely notice. They call us to stand – we do. They start to sing – we sing too. We listen – we sit – we go home – we are blessed.
What if the two situations were reversed?
What if we arrived in church filled with nervous anticipation? We come in. We do general admission, though some of us seem to think we have season seats.
We sit on the edge of our seats, exchanging pleasantries with those around us, but with one eye glued to the altar. Waiting, waiting…the worship team starts up the steps and we are on our feet cheering!!! GO BEN!! ALRIGHT LINDA!! YAY CHRIS!! This isn’t a sports team running in. It is something better…much better.
First - a song. Not the National Anthem, but more important – a call to everyone to worship. Clap your hands – raise them – a little swaying or gentle dancing? Perfectly acceptable. We finish and sit down smiling and nodding to each other – oh yes, it has begun.
Jump to your feet again. Here comes the pastor. This is our coach; the man who will show us how to play. He is the front of our team; the leader who encourages us to be the best. He pulls out his playbook (Bible) and you know something good is going to happen. It may not be a new play, but it is a play we all need to learn and do over and over again.
We are more than fans – we are the team. We are gearing up for an event bigger than opening day – more important than the Superbowl – more exciting than a 90 point tie with 2 seconds left. No one is on the bench. We are all starters. There is no end whistle for this game. There are no time outs. This is something we have to include in every conversation and with every breath. We are not looking for a win because we won when we showed up. We are not looking for more teams because in this there is only one team. We are not looking for rivals, because our God may have enemies, but He is the commissioner of life and has no rivals.
And when you leave the church, take the game to the streets. Grab your playbook and run to anyone who hasn’t signed with the team yet. We help everyone make the team. No unusual talent - just a little faith and support. You may bring the next Christ-man Award winner to the team. So gear up and play like your life depends on it; because it does.
Now that would be a sporting event!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Those that can - DO!
Those that can, DO! Those that can't, teach. Remember that old saying?
War is raging all over the world and I can't do anything to stop it.
There is genocide in countries I cannot even spell, much less find on a map.
There is violence in places I have never been, killing people I have never met.
There is heartache for those who are lost and I will never find them to talk to them.
There are floods and tornadoes like we have never seen before and I am not rushing down to help anyone.
There are earthquakes and tidal waves destroying towns and cities and even with television, I can't imagine the devastation.
Yet, the weight of the world is NOT on my shoulders.
What is my responsibility? To pray and put that weight on the shoulders of One far better equiped than any man. In Jesus name, I need to entreat the Father and then let God handle it.
So I say "those that can, DO, and those that can't, PRAY."
Imagine how much more the doers could do, if the idle prayed.
Never underestimate the power of a single prayer. (JN14:13-14)
War is raging all over the world and I can't do anything to stop it.
There is genocide in countries I cannot even spell, much less find on a map.
There is violence in places I have never been, killing people I have never met.
There is heartache for those who are lost and I will never find them to talk to them.
There are floods and tornadoes like we have never seen before and I am not rushing down to help anyone.
There are earthquakes and tidal waves destroying towns and cities and even with television, I can't imagine the devastation.
Yet, the weight of the world is NOT on my shoulders.
What is my responsibility? To pray and put that weight on the shoulders of One far better equiped than any man. In Jesus name, I need to entreat the Father and then let God handle it.
So I say "those that can, DO, and those that can't, PRAY."
Imagine how much more the doers could do, if the idle prayed.
Never underestimate the power of a single prayer. (JN14:13-14)
Friday, May 6, 2011
Mothers' Day
It's two days away and I really didn't address my mom in any blogs. That's because there is no blog that is enough to hold her.
I am from a time where moms could spank their children. I don't mean beat or slap, but a well aimed hand at a round bottom did make a difference in behavior.
I am from the time when moms expected to be kissed at night, usually before we were being tucked in and after we said our prayers.
I am from a time where moms stayed home, and if they had to work, it was 2nd or 3rd shift so they were there when the kids got up, got out, and came home.
I am from the time when moms had husbands - not significant others, or special friends.
I am from the time when you knew what homemade meant.
I am from the time where you weren't embarassed when mom stood on the porch and called your name because there were no cell phones, you didn't wear a watch, and you rarely went out to play beyond the sound of her voice.
I am from the time when Mothers' Day was for corsages and hand made cards - we went to church so she could show us off - she still made dinner but we did the dishes without complaining.
I am from the time when "mother" wasn't half a word - it was a whole word that meant everything to those lucky enough to have one.
I am from the time where when my mother died, it left a hole that I am yet to fill.
I am from a time when we understood that one day is not enough - Happy Mothers Day to all!
I am from a time where moms could spank their children. I don't mean beat or slap, but a well aimed hand at a round bottom did make a difference in behavior.
I am from the time when moms expected to be kissed at night, usually before we were being tucked in and after we said our prayers.
I am from a time where moms stayed home, and if they had to work, it was 2nd or 3rd shift so they were there when the kids got up, got out, and came home.
I am from the time when moms had husbands - not significant others, or special friends.
I am from the time when you knew what homemade meant.
I am from the time where you weren't embarassed when mom stood on the porch and called your name because there were no cell phones, you didn't wear a watch, and you rarely went out to play beyond the sound of her voice.
I am from the time when Mothers' Day was for corsages and hand made cards - we went to church so she could show us off - she still made dinner but we did the dishes without complaining.
I am from the time when "mother" wasn't half a word - it was a whole word that meant everything to those lucky enough to have one.
I am from the time where when my mother died, it left a hole that I am yet to fill.
I am from a time when we understood that one day is not enough - Happy Mothers Day to all!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
JOHN DOYLE
John was cool because he was 1) my first nephew and 2) born on my dad's birthday, which meant my dad hasn't aged in almost 25 years. I am still looking for the person who will take my birthday so I don't have to age. Volunteers?
Back to John...
John was born the year after my mother died and therefore Mary was able to ask Duke and I to be his godparents. I don't really know what that means but I do know that I see him with a different eye than most of his other aunts and uncles.
John was active and indestructible. He didn't shy away from dangerous situations, in part because he knew if he would get in too deep, there was always Emily to drag him back. He was a little cutie and tried to be a good son to both parents, but that was difficult. Doyle, his dad, had a definitely non-urban view of what a son should be. It appears that when you are born and raised with trucks, guns and good-ol'-boys, you don't have a lot of respect for foreign cars, sensitivity or fair weather friends. Doyle died when John was young and it's no surprise that John grew somewhat confused about his identity. On one side, we were all northerners - houses, yards, hunting in assigned areas with guns you stored most of the year. On the other was the southern element - farms and fields, hunting out the back door with guns out of the safe in the dining room. I'm not siding with either group because it is that very diversity that makes us what we are and keeps things interesting.
John loved gaming and his abilities to navigate on line are nothing short of remarkable. He understands the difference between trolls and ogres, warlocks and wizards. Because he has a sharp and eager mind, he is able to relate to many different groups. He memorizes movie lines and song lyrics like the rest of us do each others' phone numbers and addresses.
John has good friends, and not so good friends. Then there are the ones who sometimes masked their true nature and caused him not only emotional but physical pain. John moved to Milwaukee with his mom and they stayed here for a few years. Once he had nieces in Nashville, he and Mary moved back down but due to his friends being far from friendly, he came back to Milwaukee in 2011.
John had worked for me for about a year the first time they lived here. We took a chance on someone with basic computer skills and brought him aboard to learn how to work in an office. Our relationship took a break as I am a demanding boss, but he learned many things about working. First and foremost, he learned that he really was comfortable in a business atmosphere. Now the business I am in (tire sales and service) is not ideal but he saw abilities in himself he never knew he had - organization, manners, patience. When he left to go down south again, he had much to think about. John has decided to go back to school some day and pick up some business credits. When he came back a few months ago, he stopped in to let me know he was going to use me as a job reference and I just happened to be between assistants so he agreed to work here a few hours a day to help me out. Would I have asked him if he wasn't my nephew and godson? Who knows? It is a decision I didn't regret the first time and don't regret now.
John has a spiritual side - something that I never knew till we shared an office. We talk God and faith and life in general. He knows my opinions and I know his (like what he really thinks about the guys we work with and how some "graphic novel" based movies are really not true to their source.)
John is one of those guys who has to have a woman in his life. He is a romantic, looking for the woman who will be his forever. That same quality opens him up to women who take advantage of him, using his generosity as a reason to be with him and then using it to tell him he is controlling and immature. Somewhere there is a woman who will be generous back - with her things, her emotions and her future. For now, he is still looking.
I ache for him as he looks for a true love and encourage him as best I can. How does someone my age with "one true love" reassure someone his age? Can I get it through that sometimes trying too hard results in pain and just relaxing and letting it happen has much better results? Maybe I just did.
Well, this is a retrospective on me and John and very little about anything, but like I said, my blog - my rules.
Love you John!
Back to John...
John was born the year after my mother died and therefore Mary was able to ask Duke and I to be his godparents. I don't really know what that means but I do know that I see him with a different eye than most of his other aunts and uncles.
John was active and indestructible. He didn't shy away from dangerous situations, in part because he knew if he would get in too deep, there was always Emily to drag him back. He was a little cutie and tried to be a good son to both parents, but that was difficult. Doyle, his dad, had a definitely non-urban view of what a son should be. It appears that when you are born and raised with trucks, guns and good-ol'-boys, you don't have a lot of respect for foreign cars, sensitivity or fair weather friends. Doyle died when John was young and it's no surprise that John grew somewhat confused about his identity. On one side, we were all northerners - houses, yards, hunting in assigned areas with guns you stored most of the year. On the other was the southern element - farms and fields, hunting out the back door with guns out of the safe in the dining room. I'm not siding with either group because it is that very diversity that makes us what we are and keeps things interesting.
John loved gaming and his abilities to navigate on line are nothing short of remarkable. He understands the difference between trolls and ogres, warlocks and wizards. Because he has a sharp and eager mind, he is able to relate to many different groups. He memorizes movie lines and song lyrics like the rest of us do each others' phone numbers and addresses.
John has good friends, and not so good friends. Then there are the ones who sometimes masked their true nature and caused him not only emotional but physical pain. John moved to Milwaukee with his mom and they stayed here for a few years. Once he had nieces in Nashville, he and Mary moved back down but due to his friends being far from friendly, he came back to Milwaukee in 2011.
John had worked for me for about a year the first time they lived here. We took a chance on someone with basic computer skills and brought him aboard to learn how to work in an office. Our relationship took a break as I am a demanding boss, but he learned many things about working. First and foremost, he learned that he really was comfortable in a business atmosphere. Now the business I am in (tire sales and service) is not ideal but he saw abilities in himself he never knew he had - organization, manners, patience. When he left to go down south again, he had much to think about. John has decided to go back to school some day and pick up some business credits. When he came back a few months ago, he stopped in to let me know he was going to use me as a job reference and I just happened to be between assistants so he agreed to work here a few hours a day to help me out. Would I have asked him if he wasn't my nephew and godson? Who knows? It is a decision I didn't regret the first time and don't regret now.
John has a spiritual side - something that I never knew till we shared an office. We talk God and faith and life in general. He knows my opinions and I know his (like what he really thinks about the guys we work with and how some "graphic novel" based movies are really not true to their source.)
John is one of those guys who has to have a woman in his life. He is a romantic, looking for the woman who will be his forever. That same quality opens him up to women who take advantage of him, using his generosity as a reason to be with him and then using it to tell him he is controlling and immature. Somewhere there is a woman who will be generous back - with her things, her emotions and her future. For now, he is still looking.
I ache for him as he looks for a true love and encourage him as best I can. How does someone my age with "one true love" reassure someone his age? Can I get it through that sometimes trying too hard results in pain and just relaxing and letting it happen has much better results? Maybe I just did.
Well, this is a retrospective on me and John and very little about anything, but like I said, my blog - my rules.
Love you John!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Emily Louise
My first niece!
Emily was born in July, a miracle as her mother had told me years before that if she didn't have any children by the time she was thirty, she would not have any children. MaryBeth turned 30 the August after Em was born. Had Emily been a month late...I shudder to think what would have happened!
Anyway, Emily was precious. From the beginning, she had the good looks of her mother with a little of her dad mixed in. She was born with a stubborn eye; it kept drifting and by the time she entered school had had surgery and, like most of her mother's family, glasses.
Emily was not my goddaughter. Not because I didn't want to be her godmother, but because my mother had decided that I should not be a godmother and encouraged (bullied?) MaryBeth to use our brother Kevin and youngest sister Elaine. That doesn't mean Emily wasn't dear to me, just that I only had responsibilities as an aunt. What an aunt does is unclear to me because I think it means I didn't have to do anything for Emily, and in retrospect, I really stuck to that.
When Emily became a big sister, she really stepped up and became John's protector. When Mary left her husband to protect herself and her children, Emily and John stayed a few weeks in Milwaukee. That was when I noticed that she constantly put herself between John and harm's way. I told her to lighten up and be a little girl, but by then she had defined her sisterhood as being a responsible little girl and shield for her brother.
I didn't get really involved in Em's upbringing as she lived down in Tennessee and Mary and I mainly talked about Mary and I when we talked. Oh we shared our kids stories, but it wasn't like being there.
Emily is smart; really smart. She completed her education to become a teacher and has shared her learning ability with many youngsters in Tennessee. She has many friends and a forgiving heart. Friends that have for one reason or the other betrayed or turned from her are simply stored in her love till they have the sense to come back again. Thay may because she has a stubborn streak (family trait from her mother's side) and doesn't give up on anything or anyone or maybe because she forgets what people do to her and is willing to forgive and forget. Emily was always creative and hard working.
When Shane Vivrette came into her life, he was just another guy who saw her as irresistable but he became a valued partner for Emily and member of the Nunnery family. Emily and Shane married in a beautiful ceremony on a hot summer day. The reception was in the yard behind MaryBeth's house and was filled with fun. In typical Emily fashion, there was a bullhorn, a bouncy-house, and the food was grilled fresh right there. After dark, friends who did fireworks professionally for the city of Mount Juliet, did a display in the yard. It was the starting point for them and soon they were a family.
Other than some looks and attitude, Emily inherited some bad back issues from her dad.
When Aubrey was born, she accepted the doctor's advice to have her children close together, and Olivia was born 12 1/2 months later. This was a blessing as the girls are so very close and, like Mary and I, will grow up as part of each other.
Emily is a good mother. She mixes discipline and love, learning and fun. I love hearing stories from Mary about her granddaughters because it shows how they are just like we were. (Sorry Em - it's destiny!)
Although the Emily blog is near the end, her life is moving forward. She has now achieved most of what will sustain her for a few more decades - she is a wife and friend, daughter and mother, teacher and learner, friend and worker. Emily is a beautiful star and a delicate flower. She sparkles at night and enriches our days.
I love Emily because she is my niece, but more than that, because she is a wonderful woman and deserves no less.
Emily was born in July, a miracle as her mother had told me years before that if she didn't have any children by the time she was thirty, she would not have any children. MaryBeth turned 30 the August after Em was born. Had Emily been a month late...I shudder to think what would have happened!
Anyway, Emily was precious. From the beginning, she had the good looks of her mother with a little of her dad mixed in. She was born with a stubborn eye; it kept drifting and by the time she entered school had had surgery and, like most of her mother's family, glasses.
Emily was not my goddaughter. Not because I didn't want to be her godmother, but because my mother had decided that I should not be a godmother and encouraged (bullied?) MaryBeth to use our brother Kevin and youngest sister Elaine. That doesn't mean Emily wasn't dear to me, just that I only had responsibilities as an aunt. What an aunt does is unclear to me because I think it means I didn't have to do anything for Emily, and in retrospect, I really stuck to that.
When Emily became a big sister, she really stepped up and became John's protector. When Mary left her husband to protect herself and her children, Emily and John stayed a few weeks in Milwaukee. That was when I noticed that she constantly put herself between John and harm's way. I told her to lighten up and be a little girl, but by then she had defined her sisterhood as being a responsible little girl and shield for her brother.
I didn't get really involved in Em's upbringing as she lived down in Tennessee and Mary and I mainly talked about Mary and I when we talked. Oh we shared our kids stories, but it wasn't like being there.
Emily is smart; really smart. She completed her education to become a teacher and has shared her learning ability with many youngsters in Tennessee. She has many friends and a forgiving heart. Friends that have for one reason or the other betrayed or turned from her are simply stored in her love till they have the sense to come back again. Thay may because she has a stubborn streak (family trait from her mother's side) and doesn't give up on anything or anyone or maybe because she forgets what people do to her and is willing to forgive and forget. Emily was always creative and hard working.
When Shane Vivrette came into her life, he was just another guy who saw her as irresistable but he became a valued partner for Emily and member of the Nunnery family. Emily and Shane married in a beautiful ceremony on a hot summer day. The reception was in the yard behind MaryBeth's house and was filled with fun. In typical Emily fashion, there was a bullhorn, a bouncy-house, and the food was grilled fresh right there. After dark, friends who did fireworks professionally for the city of Mount Juliet, did a display in the yard. It was the starting point for them and soon they were a family.
Other than some looks and attitude, Emily inherited some bad back issues from her dad.
When Aubrey was born, she accepted the doctor's advice to have her children close together, and Olivia was born 12 1/2 months later. This was a blessing as the girls are so very close and, like Mary and I, will grow up as part of each other.
Emily is a good mother. She mixes discipline and love, learning and fun. I love hearing stories from Mary about her granddaughters because it shows how they are just like we were. (Sorry Em - it's destiny!)
Although the Emily blog is near the end, her life is moving forward. She has now achieved most of what will sustain her for a few more decades - she is a wife and friend, daughter and mother, teacher and learner, friend and worker. Emily is a beautiful star and a delicate flower. She sparkles at night and enriches our days.
I love Emily because she is my niece, but more than that, because she is a wonderful woman and deserves no less.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Do you know how important you are
Do you know that when you laughed at that restaurant, someone smiled?
Do you know that when you cried at that movie, someone was moved by compassion?
Do you know that when you finished your report at work, someone had a weight lifted off their shoulder?
Do you know that when you yielded on the road, someone made it to work on time?
Do you know the food you gave to the food pantry restored health to a little girl?
Do you know the prayers you said raised the spirit of a destitute man?
Do you know your old jacket that you gave to charity kept an old woman alive last winter?
Do you know that all your actions affect someone, somewhere, even if you don't know who?
Think about it before you act and your actions will definitely affect you, too.
Do you know that when you cried at that movie, someone was moved by compassion?
Do you know that when you finished your report at work, someone had a weight lifted off their shoulder?
Do you know that when you yielded on the road, someone made it to work on time?
Do you know the food you gave to the food pantry restored health to a little girl?
Do you know the prayers you said raised the spirit of a destitute man?
Do you know your old jacket that you gave to charity kept an old woman alive last winter?
Do you know that all your actions affect someone, somewhere, even if you don't know who?
Think about it before you act and your actions will definitely affect you, too.
Monday, April 4, 2011
From Eden to here and home again
God watched his land flourish, creation was nourished, or so we are led to believe,
When man’s spirit receded, God saw what was needed, and blessed His man, Adam, with Eve.
They lived life in bliss, nothing there was amiss, the sun warmed their skin in the day,
Soothed by nature's own sound, food and drink all around, and at night, in soft moonlight, they lay.
As the days turned to years, in the absence of fears, evil waited to start conversation.
When Eve passed by his den, this unholy of men, confused her with bad information.
Eve caused Adam much grief, when she took like a thief, the sweet fruit from the tree that’s forbidden
Yet he stood by her side, his young, gullible bride, though now paradise from them was hidden.
As they grew in their love, knowing God watched above, over them, their sons Abel and Cain
And He gave watched as their sons, with their offerings done, learned of anger and vengeance and pain.
So the story goes on, parents, daughters and sons, living in God’s embrace and without,
Till He gave us His Son, ensured salvation won, and we still lived in anguish and doubt.
God watches us change, all that He has arranged, for us to survive on our own
But with all mankind does, God still loves us because He is hopeful we find the way home.
When man’s spirit receded, God saw what was needed, and blessed His man, Adam, with Eve.
They lived life in bliss, nothing there was amiss, the sun warmed their skin in the day,
Soothed by nature's own sound, food and drink all around, and at night, in soft moonlight, they lay.
As the days turned to years, in the absence of fears, evil waited to start conversation.
When Eve passed by his den, this unholy of men, confused her with bad information.
Eve caused Adam much grief, when she took like a thief, the sweet fruit from the tree that’s forbidden
Yet he stood by her side, his young, gullible bride, though now paradise from them was hidden.
As they grew in their love, knowing God watched above, over them, their sons Abel and Cain
And He gave watched as their sons, with their offerings done, learned of anger and vengeance and pain.
So the story goes on, parents, daughters and sons, living in God’s embrace and without,
Till He gave us His Son, ensured salvation won, and we still lived in anguish and doubt.
God watches us change, all that He has arranged, for us to survive on our own
But with all mankind does, God still loves us because He is hopeful we find the way home.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
another mini-series
I have written about my sisters and brother. I have shared devotions and prayers and just my thoughts about things, but I have not written about my mom or my dad or my husband, son or daughter (in-law if you prefer.) I do have three nieces, one nephew and a number of animal relations too. I think I will talk about each of them first and then do mom and dad and then my immediate family. I am doing the easiest first to buy time to get my thoughts in order on the hard ones.
Mom and Dad are only hard because there are many events in my growing up that deserve mentioning…and many that I really don’t want to talk about. That will take some sorting.
The people who I don’t live with are in my mind as highlights and headlines only so being interesting and concise will not be totally difficult. BUT, all those in my house are anecdotes and long, biographical tales.
If I pull out the highlights for everyone else, I may be able to discern the highlights for Duke, Chris and Sam.
That may be the way to go…
So look forward to EMILY LOUISE, JOHN DOYLE, RACHAEL ELIZABETH AND KAYLEIGH JOAN,
Disclaimer: I will be writing from my own skewed perspective and any commentary you may have or editing you desire will not be considered (comments however are welcome)
It’s MY BLOG …. MINE!! MINE!! MINE!! (ok, enough with the temper tantrum. Time to close and think about Emily.)
Mom and Dad are only hard because there are many events in my growing up that deserve mentioning…and many that I really don’t want to talk about. That will take some sorting.
The people who I don’t live with are in my mind as highlights and headlines only so being interesting and concise will not be totally difficult. BUT, all those in my house are anecdotes and long, biographical tales.
If I pull out the highlights for everyone else, I may be able to discern the highlights for Duke, Chris and Sam.
That may be the way to go…
So look forward to EMILY LOUISE, JOHN DOYLE, RACHAEL ELIZABETH AND KAYLEIGH JOAN,
Disclaimer: I will be writing from my own skewed perspective and any commentary you may have or editing you desire will not be considered (comments however are welcome)
It’s MY BLOG …. MINE!! MINE!! MINE!! (ok, enough with the temper tantrum. Time to close and think about Emily.)
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
SO MUCH LOVE, SO LITTLE TIME
Act 1:3 During the forty days after His crucifixion, He appeared to the apostles from time to time and proved to them in many ways that He was actually alive. On these occasions He talked to them about the Kingdom of God.
Mk 16:19-20 When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God's right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked with them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.
I was thinking of something really interesting.
On October 27, 1985, my mother died. She was 57 years old. That alone is not too interesting.
The interesting part is that when she had been hospitalized in October, 1984, she was so near death that the doctors advised my father to leave her bedside and make her funeral arrangements. When she improved and went into remission, her oncologist said he was not responsible - that a power greater than his had been invoked. She was released right before Thanksgiving and due to her weakness, I was required to do the family holiday for the first time. With her guidance, Thanksgiving and then Christmas went off without a hitch. I spent time with her every week for the next year, talking, discussing things and just learning what she did that I would be expected to do. When she finally succumbed to cancer, I was ready to assume some of her duties in our family.
40 days after Easter, we celebrate the Ascension of Christ into heaven.
When He returned from death to His disciples, He talked to them for a mere forty days and set them straight as to their mission.
The point isn't the time span - but the way it was used. Jesus didn't come back to party with the disciples, or to parade before the government officials with a big "I told you so" banner. Instead, He met with his friends and talked to them - telling them that their job was just beginning and how.
God blessed my family with a whole year with my mother to make sure we would learn what would be expected of us and then to act on it. That time seems so important now. I look back and wonder what part of her message I didn't get because I didn't see it as the last year to listen.
God blessed the apostles with only 40 days with Jesus to make sure they knew what was expected of them and to be ready to act. Did they think it would be forever? I wonder at what point they realized they were HIS future on earth? I wonder if they looked back and wished they had asked more questions or listened a little closer?
How much time do we have with each other? Do we have years to learn and listen? or will we lose someone in a moment. I don't know, but then, none of us does. Before we find out one of us is at the end of his or her 40 days, have we revealed what we think of them? Will we have absorbed what we could learn from them? Will we see that God has given us a gift when He gave us each other and even if only for a brief period, our relationships are special and honorable?
I feel I am good for having met you, better for having known you, and blest for having remembered you.
40 days can be enough...if you use it well.
Mk 16:19-20 When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God's right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked with them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.
I was thinking of something really interesting.
On October 27, 1985, my mother died. She was 57 years old. That alone is not too interesting.
The interesting part is that when she had been hospitalized in October, 1984, she was so near death that the doctors advised my father to leave her bedside and make her funeral arrangements. When she improved and went into remission, her oncologist said he was not responsible - that a power greater than his had been invoked. She was released right before Thanksgiving and due to her weakness, I was required to do the family holiday for the first time. With her guidance, Thanksgiving and then Christmas went off without a hitch. I spent time with her every week for the next year, talking, discussing things and just learning what she did that I would be expected to do. When she finally succumbed to cancer, I was ready to assume some of her duties in our family.
40 days after Easter, we celebrate the Ascension of Christ into heaven.
When He returned from death to His disciples, He talked to them for a mere forty days and set them straight as to their mission.
The point isn't the time span - but the way it was used. Jesus didn't come back to party with the disciples, or to parade before the government officials with a big "I told you so" banner. Instead, He met with his friends and talked to them - telling them that their job was just beginning and how.
God blessed my family with a whole year with my mother to make sure we would learn what would be expected of us and then to act on it. That time seems so important now. I look back and wonder what part of her message I didn't get because I didn't see it as the last year to listen.
God blessed the apostles with only 40 days with Jesus to make sure they knew what was expected of them and to be ready to act. Did they think it would be forever? I wonder at what point they realized they were HIS future on earth? I wonder if they looked back and wished they had asked more questions or listened a little closer?
How much time do we have with each other? Do we have years to learn and listen? or will we lose someone in a moment. I don't know, but then, none of us does. Before we find out one of us is at the end of his or her 40 days, have we revealed what we think of them? Will we have absorbed what we could learn from them? Will we see that God has given us a gift when He gave us each other and even if only for a brief period, our relationships are special and honorable?
I feel I am good for having met you, better for having known you, and blest for having remembered you.
40 days can be enough...if you use it well.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
and you are...?
It has occurred to me that of all the people I know and love, very few of them depend on me for friendship. It may be because I am not one of those who calls every day to touch base. I prefer to respond when needed.
It may be because I am not the kind who has to be at every coffee klatch, or every party, or every activity where people make friends. I prefer to only go to things I enjoy and can afford.
It may be because, with 3 sisters, I don't pursue friendships like people with no one to turn to.
I think part of it is my lack of appreciation of my own value as a friend.
Another part of my problem is my desire to not step on toes or make people uncomfortable. I am not the one to barge into another friendship, invite myself places or even drop in unannounced, because I have a standard of manners that sometimes keeps me from putting myself out there.
Plus I live vicariously through other people and that assures me an active and meaningful life. I do not envy you your trips, lunches and dinners...your picnics and shopping adventures and celebrations. In fact, if you don't do anything for me to hear about, I will not have any 2nd hand memories to cherish.
I know that many people I love forget about me the minute we stop seeing each other, and, as I have stated before, I am ok with that. I seem better at planting the seeds in the hearts of others, not gathering the flowers.
But here are some things I always do for people I know...I listen, I remember and I pray.
Even if you don't know who I am, I will remember you for a long time. Friendship may fade away but love is forever.
It may be because I am not the kind who has to be at every coffee klatch, or every party, or every activity where people make friends. I prefer to only go to things I enjoy and can afford.
It may be because, with 3 sisters, I don't pursue friendships like people with no one to turn to.
I think part of it is my lack of appreciation of my own value as a friend.
Another part of my problem is my desire to not step on toes or make people uncomfortable. I am not the one to barge into another friendship, invite myself places or even drop in unannounced, because I have a standard of manners that sometimes keeps me from putting myself out there.
Plus I live vicariously through other people and that assures me an active and meaningful life. I do not envy you your trips, lunches and dinners...your picnics and shopping adventures and celebrations. In fact, if you don't do anything for me to hear about, I will not have any 2nd hand memories to cherish.
I know that many people I love forget about me the minute we stop seeing each other, and, as I have stated before, I am ok with that. I seem better at planting the seeds in the hearts of others, not gathering the flowers.
But here are some things I always do for people I know...I listen, I remember and I pray.
Even if you don't know who I am, I will remember you for a long time. Friendship may fade away but love is forever.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
2nd poem - read to choir in lieu of first one...
I wrote this great poem - absolutely marvelous. I poured out my heart and my doubts, balanced the rhythm and made every other line rhyme. What an accomplishment of mine! And I have it here to share with you. But I'm not going to. Why? Because it is boring. Don't get me wrong. It inspires me and makes me reflect on what I have done and encourages me to do more. But I think you'd respond "why is she telling us this?" I'll share an excerpt (at which point I read verse one of previous poem posted). I read this to someone I admire and she said, so what if you didn't convert anyone. What if your honesty an openness just started a ripple effect and someone who was searching now knows where to look?
What a concept - keep it simple , say what's on your mind and let people make their own choices without thanking you...or sometimes without even knowing where the idea came from. Does that sound familiar? The bible uses words to encourage, instruct and bless, It's done simply - not a lot of fourish, doesn't always rhyme and when it does, the rhyme can be grating. But we answer the words we read by returning to God words of entreaty, happiness and praise. We do it because a window is opened and we feel the freedom of the words.
When the Bible speaks, it isn't just words. John's gospel starts "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
How understated!
Jesus said: I AM the Son of Man. I AM the Bread of Life. I AM the Light of the World. I am the Good Shepherd. I AM the Resurrection and the Life. I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life. I AM the Vine...
He left no room for doubt as to who he was. He didn't say, "you can call me..." or "you can think of me as..." or "some people say..." He didn't think of himself at all, he didn't second guess himself - he said who he was and that was that.
So in thanks for THE WORD and all the words we use to praise God, I offer a second poem and prayer. It is based on the work of one of the most beloved American poets, known for his ability to share a moral, upbeat and instructional message using few, simple words.
And God Said...
I AM GOD. GOD I AM.
THAT GOD, I AM. THAT GOD, I AM. HOW WELL I KNOW THAT GOD, I AM.
DO YOU KNOW HIS SON, THE LAMB?
OF COURSE I KNOW HIS SON, THE LAMB. I KNOW HIM THROUGH THAT GOD, I AM.
DO YOU KNOW HIM IN YOUR HOUSE? DO YOU KNOW HIM WITH YOUR SPOUSE?
I KNOW AND PRAISE HIM IN MY HOUSE. I PRAISE AND KNOW HIM WITH MY SPOUSE.
DO YOU KNOW HIM WHEN YOU TOIL? DO YOU KNOW HIM WHEN YOU BOIL?
I NEED TO KNOW HIM WHEN I TOIL. I SEEM TO LOSE HIM WHEN I BOIL.
DO YOU KNOW HIM WHEN YOU SMILE? HAVE YOU KNOWN HIM FOR A WHILE?
I KNOW HIM STRONGEST WHEN I SMILE AND MY FOREVER'S HIS SHORT WHILE.
DO YOU KNOW HIM WITH YOUR SON? DOES HE LIVE IN EVERYONE?
I KNOW I SEE HIM IN MY SON. HE'S MOST ALIVE IN EVERYONE.
I SEE HIS LOVE IN CHRIST THE LAMB, WHO CAME TO EARTH AS JUST A MAN.
I DO, I DO KNOW WHY, AS MAN, HE TELLS US SIMPLY, GOD, I AM.
Father, bless us and thank you for the words we use to praise you. Thank you for the music we use to express our praise. Thank you for all the people you have given us to make our lives more like yours. Amen.
What a concept - keep it simple , say what's on your mind and let people make their own choices without thanking you...or sometimes without even knowing where the idea came from. Does that sound familiar? The bible uses words to encourage, instruct and bless, It's done simply - not a lot of fourish, doesn't always rhyme and when it does, the rhyme can be grating. But we answer the words we read by returning to God words of entreaty, happiness and praise. We do it because a window is opened and we feel the freedom of the words.
When the Bible speaks, it isn't just words. John's gospel starts "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
How understated!
Jesus said: I AM the Son of Man. I AM the Bread of Life. I AM the Light of the World. I am the Good Shepherd. I AM the Resurrection and the Life. I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life. I AM the Vine...
He left no room for doubt as to who he was. He didn't say, "you can call me..." or "you can think of me as..." or "some people say..." He didn't think of himself at all, he didn't second guess himself - he said who he was and that was that.
So in thanks for THE WORD and all the words we use to praise God, I offer a second poem and prayer. It is based on the work of one of the most beloved American poets, known for his ability to share a moral, upbeat and instructional message using few, simple words.
And God Said...
I AM GOD. GOD I AM.
THAT GOD, I AM. THAT GOD, I AM. HOW WELL I KNOW THAT GOD, I AM.
DO YOU KNOW HIS SON, THE LAMB?
OF COURSE I KNOW HIS SON, THE LAMB. I KNOW HIM THROUGH THAT GOD, I AM.
DO YOU KNOW HIM IN YOUR HOUSE? DO YOU KNOW HIM WITH YOUR SPOUSE?
I KNOW AND PRAISE HIM IN MY HOUSE. I PRAISE AND KNOW HIM WITH MY SPOUSE.
DO YOU KNOW HIM WHEN YOU TOIL? DO YOU KNOW HIM WHEN YOU BOIL?
I NEED TO KNOW HIM WHEN I TOIL. I SEEM TO LOSE HIM WHEN I BOIL.
DO YOU KNOW HIM WHEN YOU SMILE? HAVE YOU KNOWN HIM FOR A WHILE?
I KNOW HIM STRONGEST WHEN I SMILE AND MY FOREVER'S HIS SHORT WHILE.
DO YOU KNOW HIM WITH YOUR SON? DOES HE LIVE IN EVERYONE?
I KNOW I SEE HIM IN MY SON. HE'S MOST ALIVE IN EVERYONE.
I SEE HIS LOVE IN CHRIST THE LAMB, WHO CAME TO EARTH AS JUST A MAN.
I DO, I DO KNOW WHY, AS MAN, HE TELLS US SIMPLY, GOD, I AM.
Father, bless us and thank you for the words we use to praise you. Thank you for the music we use to express our praise. Thank you for all the people you have given us to make our lives more like yours. Amen.
Monday, February 28, 2011
first poem but not for choir
Back when I first joined the Eastbrook Worship Choir I wrote my first devotion. I am going to start with the "prelude poem" and then do another blog where I recall what I actually read that day.
Lord, I let you down this summer. No one came to you through me.
I saw all the things you gave me, but did I help others see?
Did I have the chance to praise you to someone I just met,
and leave the words unspoken? Lord, have I said them yet?
Did my actions show your kindness? Did my words reflect your own?
Or did I hold your precious gifts as mine and mine alone?
Did I turn my back to someone's face, or carry a load for a friend?
Did I touch a heart with my actions or leave all these things as loose ends?
Was I patient when I felt annoyed? Was it like or dislike I promoted?
Did my words express my holiness or was sadness and hatred emoted?
Lord, it isn't just this summer, but every day I live.
Am I selfish, rude and full of spite while others pray and give?
But every day I wake up, you give me one more chance
to change my way to Yours and others' lives enhance.
I don't deserve Your presence, but you give it just the same.
I know Forgiving Father isn't just a clever name.
You healed my body and my soul while I was filled with worry.
You gave me calm and eased my heart and stopped my frantic hurry.
You sent me other people to show me how you bless,
and they assure me I am safe even when I feel a mess.
I'm not so bad; there's time to spare. You've sent me all the tools
I need to be Your child and get back to "Christ-like" school.
Lord, I let You down this summer, but unlike those before,
I know I can rebuild myself to praise you evermore.
Lord, I let you down this summer. No one came to you through me.
I saw all the things you gave me, but did I help others see?
Did I have the chance to praise you to someone I just met,
and leave the words unspoken? Lord, have I said them yet?
Did my actions show your kindness? Did my words reflect your own?
Or did I hold your precious gifts as mine and mine alone?
Did I turn my back to someone's face, or carry a load for a friend?
Did I touch a heart with my actions or leave all these things as loose ends?
Was I patient when I felt annoyed? Was it like or dislike I promoted?
Did my words express my holiness or was sadness and hatred emoted?
Lord, it isn't just this summer, but every day I live.
Am I selfish, rude and full of spite while others pray and give?
But every day I wake up, you give me one more chance
to change my way to Yours and others' lives enhance.
I don't deserve Your presence, but you give it just the same.
I know Forgiving Father isn't just a clever name.
You healed my body and my soul while I was filled with worry.
You gave me calm and eased my heart and stopped my frantic hurry.
You sent me other people to show me how you bless,
and they assure me I am safe even when I feel a mess.
I'm not so bad; there's time to spare. You've sent me all the tools
I need to be Your child and get back to "Christ-like" school.
Lord, I let You down this summer, but unlike those before,
I know I can rebuild myself to praise you evermore.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Happy Wedding!
In two days, on 2/25/2011, Christopher and Samantha will be married. We are all going to the courthouse and they will exchange their words of promise and then...done.
They oscillated between wanting a large wedding, a small formal wedding, eloping locally or eloping to Vegas or somewhere equally remote. Suddenly the light went on - it's not the where that makes a wedding - or the money spent - or the dress and suit and flowers and music...it's the love.
There is no reason to spend thousands of dollars unless you are a public figure. And then, it becomes about the wedding itself and not the marriage.
No amount of money will insure a successful marriage. Prince Charles and Princess Diana, who spent mega bucks on theirs, couldn't remain happy and Duke and I, who spent as little as possible, have been together just short of 37 years.
Did we get our good example from a single set of parents who took the "till death do us part" thing very literally? Did we get our success from our stubbornness and refusal to give up when things were rough? Did we achieve all these years because we just couldn't find anyone we loved more?
No one knows. All I do know is that if you are willing to laugh together and cry together - fight out the bad things and celebrate the good - hold on for dear life when you want to just let go and drift away...you have a really good chance to make it.
I love Chris and Sam and wish them happy days in the sun, umbrellas in the rain, and really good shovels in the snow. I love you both.
They oscillated between wanting a large wedding, a small formal wedding, eloping locally or eloping to Vegas or somewhere equally remote. Suddenly the light went on - it's not the where that makes a wedding - or the money spent - or the dress and suit and flowers and music...it's the love.
There is no reason to spend thousands of dollars unless you are a public figure. And then, it becomes about the wedding itself and not the marriage.
No amount of money will insure a successful marriage. Prince Charles and Princess Diana, who spent mega bucks on theirs, couldn't remain happy and Duke and I, who spent as little as possible, have been together just short of 37 years.
Did we get our good example from a single set of parents who took the "till death do us part" thing very literally? Did we get our success from our stubbornness and refusal to give up when things were rough? Did we achieve all these years because we just couldn't find anyone we loved more?
No one knows. All I do know is that if you are willing to laugh together and cry together - fight out the bad things and celebrate the good - hold on for dear life when you want to just let go and drift away...you have a really good chance to make it.
I love Chris and Sam and wish them happy days in the sun, umbrellas in the rain, and really good shovels in the snow. I love you both.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
the year so far
So here I sit, knowing that I promised to blog about my new outlook, and wasting weeks blogging about everything else.
SO...
I have lost 11 pounds since Christmas. This is not due to anything except saying NO to eating out with the guys at work, extra helpings of dinner, second desserts and too much junk food.
I think that the best thing is to not torment myself with guilt and just concentrate on my accomplishments.
In life, we spend a lot of time dwelling on our failings and those of others. I think we are too harsh. Every time we think of dieting we start watching what everyone eats and not what everyone is not eating. If I eat a piece of cake for dinner, but skip my usual sweet roll in the morning and snickers bar in the afternoon, why should anyone (including me) see my diet as failing? In fact, I am trying to dwell on the snacks I missed. This allows me to see my daily successes. If you are maintaining an overweight body by eating a candy bar and sweet roll and a piece of cake every day, skipping just one or two of these treats will result in a weight loss.
So everyone who is trying to do something - quit drinking? quit smoking? get more exercise? Lighten up on yourselves. Remember the three drinks you had after work that is only 2...the 2 cigarettes you smoked on the way home that is now one...the tv time you wanted to replace with a five mile walk that turned out to be only three...
You may not be at your best...but if you can be better than you were before, that's should be enough for anyone.
Congratulations for efforts and sacrifice and baby steps toward total success!
SO...
I have lost 11 pounds since Christmas. This is not due to anything except saying NO to eating out with the guys at work, extra helpings of dinner, second desserts and too much junk food.
I think that the best thing is to not torment myself with guilt and just concentrate on my accomplishments.
In life, we spend a lot of time dwelling on our failings and those of others. I think we are too harsh. Every time we think of dieting we start watching what everyone eats and not what everyone is not eating. If I eat a piece of cake for dinner, but skip my usual sweet roll in the morning and snickers bar in the afternoon, why should anyone (including me) see my diet as failing? In fact, I am trying to dwell on the snacks I missed. This allows me to see my daily successes. If you are maintaining an overweight body by eating a candy bar and sweet roll and a piece of cake every day, skipping just one or two of these treats will result in a weight loss.
So everyone who is trying to do something - quit drinking? quit smoking? get more exercise? Lighten up on yourselves. Remember the three drinks you had after work that is only 2...the 2 cigarettes you smoked on the way home that is now one...the tv time you wanted to replace with a five mile walk that turned out to be only three...
You may not be at your best...but if you can be better than you were before, that's should be enough for anyone.
Congratulations for efforts and sacrifice and baby steps toward total success!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Super Bowl 2011
The Green Bay Packers overcame all odds and defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in SuperBowl 45. (I know, it should be XLV but ... do I look Roman?)
Anyway, everyone in this area is not only happy but relieved. I think we carry the burden of the team as heavily as they do, only we are helpless to do anything about it. We just bear the weight and then when the end comes we rejoice or mourn, depending on the outcome. Luckily, this year, it was a time to rejoice.
When the SuperBowl ended, there were many interviews from both teams that expressed respect for the opposition and, in the case of the Steelers, regret for opportunities missed. There was no whining or diminishing the actions of the Packers, but acknowledgement that there were mistakes made that the Packers took advantage of and cost Pittsburgh the victory. Instead of lording it over the losers, the Packers were gracious winners, honest and attributing the win to circumstances, not more talent, They used each other as support and inspiration and in the end, gave up the victory to the glory to God.
There was no complaining about the officiating, cursing the turf, shouting about foul play and dirty tricks. There was no criticizing actions or bragging of "cheater's proof."
Is this normal? Not in today's professional sports arenas. Should it be? I think so.
Anyway, everyone in this area is not only happy but relieved. I think we carry the burden of the team as heavily as they do, only we are helpless to do anything about it. We just bear the weight and then when the end comes we rejoice or mourn, depending on the outcome. Luckily, this year, it was a time to rejoice.
When the SuperBowl ended, there were many interviews from both teams that expressed respect for the opposition and, in the case of the Steelers, regret for opportunities missed. There was no whining or diminishing the actions of the Packers, but acknowledgement that there were mistakes made that the Packers took advantage of and cost Pittsburgh the victory. Instead of lording it over the losers, the Packers were gracious winners, honest and attributing the win to circumstances, not more talent, They used each other as support and inspiration and in the end, gave up the victory to the glory to God.
There was no complaining about the officiating, cursing the turf, shouting about foul play and dirty tricks. There was no criticizing actions or bragging of "cheater's proof."
Is this normal? Not in today's professional sports arenas. Should it be? I think so.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Jehovah's Blessings Abound
Yes, once again the Eastbrook Choir is delving into the unknown and singing in a foreign language - Mandarin Chinese.
We have sung this song before, but my over disciplined American English mouth is fighting the nuances of the Chinese. I try and try and try but it seems I can't get over SH being a slushy S sound...or nearly silent G's on the end of words, or all those stupid HIGH notes. It appears that in China they are more relaxed about their worship and their vocal chords can vibrate to make the upper register sound glorious and smooth.
Well, on the up side, the Soprano's can carry the really high notes. I can just shut down and mouth the words.
It will be better than being shrill.
But, thinking back, last time I faced the same dilemma and somehow, once I started to sing in worship and not in the learning mode, the notes, the language, the spirit...just came to me. I was able to sing with confidence because in the worship setting, it wasn't for me, or Georgine, or the rest of the choir...it was for HIM.
I'll bet the rest of my life would be equally focused and worry free, if I did everything I do for HIM.
That would be a good goal...but I am still not vacationing in China...ever!
We have sung this song before, but my over disciplined American English mouth is fighting the nuances of the Chinese. I try and try and try but it seems I can't get over SH being a slushy S sound...or nearly silent G's on the end of words, or all those stupid HIGH notes. It appears that in China they are more relaxed about their worship and their vocal chords can vibrate to make the upper register sound glorious and smooth.
Well, on the up side, the Soprano's can carry the really high notes. I can just shut down and mouth the words.
It will be better than being shrill.
But, thinking back, last time I faced the same dilemma and somehow, once I started to sing in worship and not in the learning mode, the notes, the language, the spirit...just came to me. I was able to sing with confidence because in the worship setting, it wasn't for me, or Georgine, or the rest of the choir...it was for HIM.
I'll bet the rest of my life would be equally focused and worry free, if I did everything I do for HIM.
That would be a good goal...but I am still not vacationing in China...ever!
Monday, January 17, 2011
still hurts after a month
A few weeks before Christmas my father was discussing one of his step-daughters who was being ordained a minister…after a few weeks study and a correspondence course. She did her lessons at home and was flying to California for the mass ordination ceremony. He said he couldn’t believe she thought that because she paid someone a bunch of money and was taking part in a ceremony she could be a minister. “It’s just one of those cult churches…like yours.”
I felt that I had been slapped in the face. It wasn’t so much that he said that, but that he was so clueless about my newfound faith. I told him that I had never been closer to God than I am now – that I am happier in worship than when I was a member of the catholic church and that our church was a bible based, Christian church…to which he replied that “any church can say that…it’s doesn’t mean anything.”
I left the room.
I know I should have handled it better, but I was not only hurt, but stunned. I couldn’t believe that my father was still so bitter that my worship was not in his church…and it’s not even his church. It is God’s church; one of a million churches based on the life and death of Jesus Christ. I know that my father believes in God, in the resurrection and salvation guaranteed to us by our faith. I didn’t know he didn’t believe in me.
After a few other family members asked my father what he was thinking to have said what he said, he started to regret it. I had asked him to join me for our Christmas Eve service and he did, telling my oldest sister that he “owed me.”
I think that Christmas Eve opened his eyes to what I was doing with my faith. He got to see that we worshipped and prayed and loved each other. I think for the first time, he realized that I actually am in a congregation – not a group of people who show up, pray and leave.
Will he ever say he is sorry? No, he won’t. He is 88 years old. He has already forgotten the hurt he caused.
Will I have better answers the next time he asks? Gosh! I hope so.
I felt that I had been slapped in the face. It wasn’t so much that he said that, but that he was so clueless about my newfound faith. I told him that I had never been closer to God than I am now – that I am happier in worship than when I was a member of the catholic church and that our church was a bible based, Christian church…to which he replied that “any church can say that…it’s doesn’t mean anything.”
I left the room.
I know I should have handled it better, but I was not only hurt, but stunned. I couldn’t believe that my father was still so bitter that my worship was not in his church…and it’s not even his church. It is God’s church; one of a million churches based on the life and death of Jesus Christ. I know that my father believes in God, in the resurrection and salvation guaranteed to us by our faith. I didn’t know he didn’t believe in me.
After a few other family members asked my father what he was thinking to have said what he said, he started to regret it. I had asked him to join me for our Christmas Eve service and he did, telling my oldest sister that he “owed me.”
I think that Christmas Eve opened his eyes to what I was doing with my faith. He got to see that we worshipped and prayed and loved each other. I think for the first time, he realized that I actually am in a congregation – not a group of people who show up, pray and leave.
Will he ever say he is sorry? No, he won’t. He is 88 years old. He has already forgotten the hurt he caused.
Will I have better answers the next time he asks? Gosh! I hope so.
Monday, January 3, 2011
What to do?
I feel like I am starting to reach my "golden" years, but I am feeling so middle aged right now. I am too old to expect to find a job that uses my skills because jobs I can do are being doled out to the young, energetic people. I am also too young to do what I have been doing for too much longer. Maybe I should have moved to a different job back before I turned fifty. Maybe I should have gone back to school when I was young and be a nurse...or a teacher...or an astronaut.
AM I NUTS?! Why do I second guess my abilities and choices? I should just be happy to be in a rewarding job that challenges me every day. I should see the opportunites to accomplish things as a road to feeling self satisfied. I should start seeing that no one, and I mean no one, could do what I do on a daily basis as well as I do it.
So maybe this year will open a door for a new opportunity - or maybe I will just take the joy of life and apply it to my old job. Perhaps I need to see that my coworkers, however immature they are, are just like me - trying to make it in a job where reward is not balanced by amount of work; appreciation is not doled out like soup at a mission; peace of mind is not a daily occurence.
Maybe I can even use my faith to strengthen myself as I work and positively influence the rest. Who knows? I may be able to show someone else how to make things better too. If I start it, maybe a few guys will pick up the ball and run with it.
Maybe instead of asking what to do I should just do it...imagine the world if every time someone wanted to better the world, they followed up on it and just made it better.
I think I can do that.
AM I NUTS?! Why do I second guess my abilities and choices? I should just be happy to be in a rewarding job that challenges me every day. I should see the opportunites to accomplish things as a road to feeling self satisfied. I should start seeing that no one, and I mean no one, could do what I do on a daily basis as well as I do it.
So maybe this year will open a door for a new opportunity - or maybe I will just take the joy of life and apply it to my old job. Perhaps I need to see that my coworkers, however immature they are, are just like me - trying to make it in a job where reward is not balanced by amount of work; appreciation is not doled out like soup at a mission; peace of mind is not a daily occurence.
Maybe I can even use my faith to strengthen myself as I work and positively influence the rest. Who knows? I may be able to show someone else how to make things better too. If I start it, maybe a few guys will pick up the ball and run with it.
Maybe instead of asking what to do I should just do it...imagine the world if every time someone wanted to better the world, they followed up on it and just made it better.
I think I can do that.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
2011
If you followed me, you know that I did not achieve my goal of a blog a week. BUT that is why we have restarts every January 1 - to try again.
I had a great year last year. I mean, I decided to throw myself into things that I would normally not do and be a better person than I was in 2009. The problem is that through it all, I had to deal with being human - the crankiness of menopause, the insecurity of being overweight and feeling my aches and pains, the moments where being critical and angry were easier than being sensitive and kind.
I was hoping that I would get it in order this year. Maybe if I change the outside, I can rid the inside of all the negativity and doubt.
So, this year, I will blog my weight loss program. I think I will start today by not dieting and exercising, but by getting a plan in order. I will follow my progress and not just hope for the best. I will skip cookies for apples, bread for rice cakes and ice cream for...well, let's not do it all at once. How about, ice cream for less ice cream? (yes, I think I will find joy in a single scoop for a while.)
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!
I had a great year last year. I mean, I decided to throw myself into things that I would normally not do and be a better person than I was in 2009. The problem is that through it all, I had to deal with being human - the crankiness of menopause, the insecurity of being overweight and feeling my aches and pains, the moments where being critical and angry were easier than being sensitive and kind.
I was hoping that I would get it in order this year. Maybe if I change the outside, I can rid the inside of all the negativity and doubt.
So, this year, I will blog my weight loss program. I think I will start today by not dieting and exercising, but by getting a plan in order. I will follow my progress and not just hope for the best. I will skip cookies for apples, bread for rice cakes and ice cream for...well, let's not do it all at once. How about, ice cream for less ice cream? (yes, I think I will find joy in a single scoop for a while.)
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!
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