Sometimes something happens that just blesses my boots off! We had everyone home for Thanksgiving this year - 16 total. Our two sons with their families were able to stay for 3 days. Unfortunately, our daughter had to leave late Thursday Night.
All this is to get to my blessings. I spotted the two adult sons, one almost 40, the other 51, sitting across each other at the dining room table deep in conversation. Since they see each other rarely it was just a special blessing to see them communicate with such love and interest.
Later, I saw the 40 yr. old sitting on the sofa, his 13 yr. old daughter snuggled up to him as he had his arm draped over her shoulder. After awhile he left the sofa and I went to her and said something to this effect: "Katie, you are so fortunate to have a Daddy you can snuggle up to. Young ladies need the touch of their fathers in a loving, non-threatening way."
Why did this bring tears to my eyes? My father was not a daddy - he was a father. He never touched me in an inappropriate way - in fact, he never touched me. Both he and I would have been shocked if I'd snuggled up to him on the sofa. It just wasn't done. I know he loved me in his own way, and I've analyzed why he was a stand-offish father. Still, I wonder sometimes what person I would have become had he been a daddy.
Today I was reading Ps. 91. I never got past the first verse. I picture myself snuggled up to God on a sofa in the shelter of his arms. I rest there and put my head on his shoulder, safe in the shadow of His Presence.
If anyone reads this blog and their father was a daddy - Thank God for him first, and then, if he's still alive, give him a big hug and tell him how thankful you are that he was your daddy. If your daddy is deceased, thank your heavenly Father for giving this wonderful person to you as your daddy.
The father we have as a child is the picture we begin with as to what our heavenly father is like. When I first became a Christian I had a hard time picturing God as a loving, forgiving father, and not a stern, hands off father.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
More than conquerors
Back in Lenexa arriving about 9:15. The P.T. was here and she had J. sitting in a regular chair, going up and down stairs once, and even encouraging her to take short forays outside. The nurse came next, and by the time she left J. was exhausted and slept in her chair. I am tired, also. I've gotten used to sleeping till 7:30 so I'm tired from my drive and early A.M. waking.
I've read my 5 chapters of the Psalms - today mostly about the I. remembering what God had done for them in bringing them out of Egypt and again, centuries later, losing all they'd been given in Israel.
Yesterday's sermon by a young evanagelist brought to mind a scipture that I've heard several times lately - Isa. 54:17 - "No weapon forged against you shall prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you".
What a powerful verse - I don't know why it never caught my eye before. I think of J. and all she's gone through for the past 8 mos. - Satan meant to bring her down - he has forged every weapon he could - infection, pain, helplessness, discouragement, but, Praise God, he has not prevailed. She will recover and she will be a witness for what Godd has done in her life.
The second verse the evangelist cited - Rom. 8:37 - "In all things we are more than conquerors". What is Paul talking anout?
Trouble - Hardshp - Persecution - Famine - Nakedness - Danger - Sword
None of the above can separate us from the love of Christ.
He goes on
Death - Life - Angels - Demons - Present - Future - Any powers - Height - Depth - Anything in Creation
These cannot separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus!
WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS!
I've read my 5 chapters of the Psalms - today mostly about the I. remembering what God had done for them in bringing them out of Egypt and again, centuries later, losing all they'd been given in Israel.
Yesterday's sermon by a young evanagelist brought to mind a scipture that I've heard several times lately - Isa. 54:17 - "No weapon forged against you shall prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you".
What a powerful verse - I don't know why it never caught my eye before. I think of J. and all she's gone through for the past 8 mos. - Satan meant to bring her down - he has forged every weapon he could - infection, pain, helplessness, discouragement, but, Praise God, he has not prevailed. She will recover and she will be a witness for what Godd has done in her life.
The second verse the evangelist cited - Rom. 8:37 - "In all things we are more than conquerors". What is Paul talking anout?
Trouble - Hardshp - Persecution - Famine - Nakedness - Danger - Sword
None of the above can separate us from the love of Christ.
He goes on
Death - Life - Angels - Demons - Present - Future - Any powers - Height - Depth - Anything in Creation
These cannot separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus!
WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS!
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Messies
Having just come from my daughter's house I've come to the conclusion that not only do messies live in chaos, they also spend money needlessly because they don't know what they already have.
Let me preface my remarks by saying that she was not raised in a messy house. Nor do I want to blame my wonderful son-in-law who was also not raised in a messy house. I don't know what has caused them to not put things away, not pick up newspapers, load the sink with dirty dishes until someone decides to put them in the dishwasher (speaking of dirty dishes, how much trouble is it to rinse a dish when you're done with it?), fold towels before putting them in the linen closet, etc., etc. etc. You get the picture.
Last week as I was staying with her as she recuperates from surgery,we tackled some of the messy places. First, the rather narrow, but deep pantry in the kitchen. We found 8 jars of BBQ sauce, 4 boxes of unopened popcorn plus one that was opened, 5 bottles of olive oil, countless cans of beans (black, red, baked, refried). She was so inspired that she made labels for each of the shelves with what was on that shelf. Next we delved into the linen closet. It is upstairs and she is unable to navigate those stairs yet, so I pulled things out of the closet and asked her what to do with them. Three therma blankets with holes or snags in them were either thrown or given to charity, towels stacked so we know where to grab a hand towel, wash cloth, or bath towel. As soon as she can climb stairs she's going to label those shelves. Beware - anyone who dares to mess with them again!
Next we tackled the laundry area. Again, about 6 containers of rug spot remover, 8 bottles of various sizes of hand sanitizer, 4 boxes of Bounce, and three boxes of "rags to clean with".
I wonder how long this will last.
I learned a long time ago when I was teaching "Stress Management" classes to "put away, don't put down".
Messies don't want to admit it, but the messes they live with do cause stress - they just don't know how to cope with it. Given enough time, the messes grow to the point that the job of straightening everything out becomes a daunting task.
Let me preface my remarks by saying that she was not raised in a messy house. Nor do I want to blame my wonderful son-in-law who was also not raised in a messy house. I don't know what has caused them to not put things away, not pick up newspapers, load the sink with dirty dishes until someone decides to put them in the dishwasher (speaking of dirty dishes, how much trouble is it to rinse a dish when you're done with it?), fold towels before putting them in the linen closet, etc., etc. etc. You get the picture.
Last week as I was staying with her as she recuperates from surgery,we tackled some of the messy places. First, the rather narrow, but deep pantry in the kitchen. We found 8 jars of BBQ sauce, 4 boxes of unopened popcorn plus one that was opened, 5 bottles of olive oil, countless cans of beans (black, red, baked, refried). She was so inspired that she made labels for each of the shelves with what was on that shelf. Next we delved into the linen closet. It is upstairs and she is unable to navigate those stairs yet, so I pulled things out of the closet and asked her what to do with them. Three therma blankets with holes or snags in them were either thrown or given to charity, towels stacked so we know where to grab a hand towel, wash cloth, or bath towel. As soon as she can climb stairs she's going to label those shelves. Beware - anyone who dares to mess with them again!
Next we tackled the laundry area. Again, about 6 containers of rug spot remover, 8 bottles of various sizes of hand sanitizer, 4 boxes of Bounce, and three boxes of "rags to clean with".
I wonder how long this will last.
I learned a long time ago when I was teaching "Stress Management" classes to "put away, don't put down".
Messies don't want to admit it, but the messes they live with do cause stress - they just don't know how to cope with it. Given enough time, the messes grow to the point that the job of straightening everything out becomes a daunting task.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
A letter from the past
We recently had to make a trip back to New York for a funeral. While there, we went to visist one of my sisters-in-law. She mentioned that she had my father's Bible and would I like it?
Of course, the answer was YES!
First, his name is engraved on the outside. So I decided that I would give it to another sister-in-law who has a son with the same name and middle initial, or if she chose, to her grandson who has the name name but reversed. (For example John Alan instead of Alan John)
The best thing was:
Inside the Bible was a copy of my mother's birth certificate and a certification of my father's birth. I remember that when they applied for Social Security about 50 years ago that they had to write to the places where they were born for birthcertificates. My mother's is exceptionally interesting. It stated not only her name and her parents names, but whether they were legal or illegal residents of the the US - can you imagine the outcry today if this was on the birth certificate? Also, were they white or Indian.
The next interesting item was a letter written by my father to my mother on the occasion of the birth of my oldest brother. He was born at a time when Mom(s) went to a midwife, stayed there for two weeks before coming home. My father didn't sign his name, but rather signed - "From your affectionate long-haired, blackbearded husband". So cute and doesn't sound like the father I remember!
Of course, the answer was YES!
First, his name is engraved on the outside. So I decided that I would give it to another sister-in-law who has a son with the same name and middle initial, or if she chose, to her grandson who has the name name but reversed. (For example John Alan instead of Alan John)
The best thing was:
Inside the Bible was a copy of my mother's birth certificate and a certification of my father's birth. I remember that when they applied for Social Security about 50 years ago that they had to write to the places where they were born for birthcertificates. My mother's is exceptionally interesting. It stated not only her name and her parents names, but whether they were legal or illegal residents of the the US - can you imagine the outcry today if this was on the birth certificate? Also, were they white or Indian.
The next interesting item was a letter written by my father to my mother on the occasion of the birth of my oldest brother. He was born at a time when Mom(s) went to a midwife, stayed there for two weeks before coming home. My father didn't sign his name, but rather signed - "From your affectionate long-haired, blackbearded husband". So cute and doesn't sound like the father I remember!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Where do I want to live?
Something was said at Bible Study that sparked my thoughts on mountains, valleys, and plains.
Here goes, for what it's worth.
We don't grow spiritually on the mountain top. There's very little fertile soil on the mountain top. Oh, it's fun to be that high, to be above all the cares of our world and to see far into the distance. But, we can't stay on the mountain top forever. There's very little soil there for anything to grow. On the mountain top we exist on emotion and repetitious phrases. We are the baby who subsists on his mother's milk.
In the valley we are beset by the cares and worries of the world and by the cares and worries of our personal world. Worries about finances, illness, jobs, etc. keep us focused on ourselves instead of forcusing on God's Word and the promises He has made. Promises like -
He will never leave you or forsake you" or "I know the plans I have for you - plans to prosper you". So many others that I won't take the time to write them.
I want to live on the plains. The plains have fertile soil. The plains are where we are most open to God's Word. It is where, like a seed planted in soil, God's Word feeds and waters our soil. His Word provides the rain and sun to make His Word grow in our hearts. We need the sunny days where we are blessed and approved. We need the rainy days when God's Word waters our souls. Too much sun and we become lazy in our calling and don't have the moisture that we need. We wither and produce little or no fruit because we begin to think that is our efforts and our talents that have blessed us rather than God's favor. Too much rain and our focus is on our problems to the point that we forget who is in control.
On the plains we can see for a long distance. We envision that Holy City situated on a hill. We want to get to that Holy City. It's a long way off for some of us, others are closer to it, but it's where we want to live ultimately.
Here goes, for what it's worth.
We don't grow spiritually on the mountain top. There's very little fertile soil on the mountain top. Oh, it's fun to be that high, to be above all the cares of our world and to see far into the distance. But, we can't stay on the mountain top forever. There's very little soil there for anything to grow. On the mountain top we exist on emotion and repetitious phrases. We are the baby who subsists on his mother's milk.
In the valley we are beset by the cares and worries of the world and by the cares and worries of our personal world. Worries about finances, illness, jobs, etc. keep us focused on ourselves instead of forcusing on God's Word and the promises He has made. Promises like -
He will never leave you or forsake you" or "I know the plans I have for you - plans to prosper you". So many others that I won't take the time to write them.
I want to live on the plains. The plains have fertile soil. The plains are where we are most open to God's Word. It is where, like a seed planted in soil, God's Word feeds and waters our soil. His Word provides the rain and sun to make His Word grow in our hearts. We need the sunny days where we are blessed and approved. We need the rainy days when God's Word waters our souls. Too much sun and we become lazy in our calling and don't have the moisture that we need. We wither and produce little or no fruit because we begin to think that is our efforts and our talents that have blessed us rather than God's favor. Too much rain and our focus is on our problems to the point that we forget who is in control.
On the plains we can see for a long distance. We envision that Holy City situated on a hill. We want to get to that Holy City. It's a long way off for some of us, others are closer to it, but it's where we want to live ultimately.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Confrontation
I have 9 grandchildren whom I love with all my heart. 2 of the 9 are often on my mind because I'm not sure of their commitment to the Lord. Supposedly they have accepted Christ as their savior, but I don't see a lot of evidence of it.
Yesterday I received a "tweet" from one of them in which a four letter word I absolutely hate was used. I wasn't sure how to respond, or even if I should respond. Should I tell his mother and let her know what he wrote? Should I just forget it and chalk it up to how young people talk these days? Unsure of what I should do I decided to sleep on it for a day.
Sure enough in the middle of the night the Lord told me exactly what to do. Often I do my best deciding on any given issue in the middle of the night. I was told to write to him, express my love for him, but tell him that I don't wish to receive any more messages that use offensive words.
He's an upstanding young man and he texted me back, not apologizing, but reaffirming that he loves me and "love" was a four-letter word we could both agree on.
I retexted him and told him he is an upstanding young man and I appreciated his reply. I hope my praise of him and my prayers for him will bear fruit sometime in the future.
Yesterday I received a "tweet" from one of them in which a four letter word I absolutely hate was used. I wasn't sure how to respond, or even if I should respond. Should I tell his mother and let her know what he wrote? Should I just forget it and chalk it up to how young people talk these days? Unsure of what I should do I decided to sleep on it for a day.
Sure enough in the middle of the night the Lord told me exactly what to do. Often I do my best deciding on any given issue in the middle of the night. I was told to write to him, express my love for him, but tell him that I don't wish to receive any more messages that use offensive words.
He's an upstanding young man and he texted me back, not apologizing, but reaffirming that he loves me and "love" was a four-letter word we could both agree on.
I retexted him and told him he is an upstanding young man and I appreciated his reply. I hope my praise of him and my prayers for him will bear fruit sometime in the future.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Surprise guests
I don't know where I'm going with this post. I'll just tell what happened.
My niece and her husband showed up unexpectedly at our door yesterday morning. We had talked to them when we visited in NY in May and invited them to visit (blackmailed, really) when they were so close to our vicinity when they were visiting Branson. So here they are! Now, in their defense, they talked about calling us when they got to their motel in St. Louis at 10 p.m. the night before, but decided it might be too late for us (yes, it would have been - we octogenarians go to bed at 9), then they decided they shouldn't call before 9 a.m. (in case we were still in bed (bad decision, we were up at 5:45, exercised, ate breakfast, and gone our separate ways to various activities). Thus, the reason they appeared without notice.
So, of course, my first thought was - what do I feed them? We don't eat bread any more, there isn't a potato to be found in the house - what to do? Thankfully, I had some mini bagels in the freezer along with shrimp. Nuke the bagels to thaw them, use the shrimp, add celery, onions, peppers and shell macaroni, dress with onion dressing and add some spices, steam some frozen veggies, put some strawberries in dessert cups, and voila - a passable meal. Healthy, not very filling, but they didn't look like they were starving.
Best part - we were able to converse with these two folks who are both very interesting. I really don't get to visit for a long time with them when we are in NY because there are a zillion other relatives around - so we are glad they came, and we hope they'll come again now that they know the way.
My niece and her husband showed up unexpectedly at our door yesterday morning. We had talked to them when we visited in NY in May and invited them to visit (blackmailed, really) when they were so close to our vicinity when they were visiting Branson. So here they are! Now, in their defense, they talked about calling us when they got to their motel in St. Louis at 10 p.m. the night before, but decided it might be too late for us (yes, it would have been - we octogenarians go to bed at 9), then they decided they shouldn't call before 9 a.m. (in case we were still in bed (bad decision, we were up at 5:45, exercised, ate breakfast, and gone our separate ways to various activities). Thus, the reason they appeared without notice.
So, of course, my first thought was - what do I feed them? We don't eat bread any more, there isn't a potato to be found in the house - what to do? Thankfully, I had some mini bagels in the freezer along with shrimp. Nuke the bagels to thaw them, use the shrimp, add celery, onions, peppers and shell macaroni, dress with onion dressing and add some spices, steam some frozen veggies, put some strawberries in dessert cups, and voila - a passable meal. Healthy, not very filling, but they didn't look like they were starving.
Best part - we were able to converse with these two folks who are both very interesting. I really don't get to visit for a long time with them when we are in NY because there are a zillion other relatives around - so we are glad they came, and we hope they'll come again now that they know the way.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Forgiveness
We just returned from a week's vacation in Wisconsin. Two of our children with grandchildren in tow accompanied us. Each of the 'family' units had a condo for their own personal use.
The nice thing about ours was that it had direct access to the playground equipment, so our two youngest gkids were constantly running through our unit to access the playground.
One thing happened that I want to talk about. In a conversation with one son, he became very upset and angry with me. He told me (with anger in his voice and his eyes) that he was offended by something his Dad and I had said. I immediately apologized and asked his forgiveness, and told him he needed to express his feelings to his Dad as well as me. He didn't want to do that, but did, as I didn't feel like taking all the brunt of the ill feelings.
Relations were tense for the rest of the day and Monday. On Monday I talked at length with my husband, and expressed my hurt at being misunderstood.
Tuesday morning this son knocked on our door very early wanting to talk. We were able to both of us express our feelings and get everything 'out on the table' and clear the air.
Had he not come to our unit there might still be hard feelings. I think the lesson here is that it's important to express feelings. This is the kind of incident that can spiral out of control and cause family rifts.
I'm so grateful that we are all Christians and know how we are to act and proceed when disagreements happen, as they surely will from time to time.
The nice thing about ours was that it had direct access to the playground equipment, so our two youngest gkids were constantly running through our unit to access the playground.
One thing happened that I want to talk about. In a conversation with one son, he became very upset and angry with me. He told me (with anger in his voice and his eyes) that he was offended by something his Dad and I had said. I immediately apologized and asked his forgiveness, and told him he needed to express his feelings to his Dad as well as me. He didn't want to do that, but did, as I didn't feel like taking all the brunt of the ill feelings.
Relations were tense for the rest of the day and Monday. On Monday I talked at length with my husband, and expressed my hurt at being misunderstood.
Tuesday morning this son knocked on our door very early wanting to talk. We were able to both of us express our feelings and get everything 'out on the table' and clear the air.
Had he not come to our unit there might still be hard feelings. I think the lesson here is that it's important to express feelings. This is the kind of incident that can spiral out of control and cause family rifts.
I'm so grateful that we are all Christians and know how we are to act and proceed when disagreements happen, as they surely will from time to time.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Update and frustrations
My daughter has gotten into her home safely. That's a praise. Her church had a van with wheel chair capabilities which they willingly loaned to her husband.
Supposedly everyone is glad she is home.
Here's the frustration - now that she's home and needs help, the help is not willingly given at the time she needs it. She cannot walk because she has spacers in her knees to keep them from collapsing, but they are not strong enough for walking. She has a hospital bed, commode (only bathrooms in the house are on an upper level), and wheel chair. She needs help pivoting from bed to commode to wheel chair. Her 22 yr. old daughter doesn't seem to see the urgency when she says she needs to use the commode - so she might come several minutes or even an hour later (when her TV show ends) to help her mother. Said granddaughter refuses to learn how to clean the IV tubing because it's 'yucky'. Food that she requests be put on the lower shelf of the fridge so she can access it herself is not moved - How hard is that? The list goes on and on. Granddaughter does not even make dinner, so when husband gets home after working all day, he has to cook dinner.
In granddaughter's defense (if you can call it that), 22 years of not having to make her bed, take dirty dishes and put in dishwasher when done using, or in general do any work has now come home to roost.
I hope writing this blog will help me with my frustrations.
Supposedly everyone is glad she is home.
Here's the frustration - now that she's home and needs help, the help is not willingly given at the time she needs it. She cannot walk because she has spacers in her knees to keep them from collapsing, but they are not strong enough for walking. She has a hospital bed, commode (only bathrooms in the house are on an upper level), and wheel chair. She needs help pivoting from bed to commode to wheel chair. Her 22 yr. old daughter doesn't seem to see the urgency when she says she needs to use the commode - so she might come several minutes or even an hour later (when her TV show ends) to help her mother. Said granddaughter refuses to learn how to clean the IV tubing because it's 'yucky'. Food that she requests be put on the lower shelf of the fridge so she can access it herself is not moved - How hard is that? The list goes on and on. Granddaughter does not even make dinner, so when husband gets home after working all day, he has to cook dinner.
In granddaughter's defense (if you can call it that), 22 years of not having to make her bed, take dirty dishes and put in dishwasher when done using, or in general do any work has now come home to roost.
I hope writing this blog will help me with my frustrations.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Mental Illness
I love my daughter - no question of that. She has suffered from a form of mental illness (clinical depression) for 19 years. No one else in our family has it. It is a debilitating disease. Along with the depression she suffers from anxiety. The medical profession's answer to all of this is to ply her with all kinds of medicine.
Right now she is in rehab recovering from a severe staph infection which she's been fighting for six months. The staph attacked her two knee replacements. First thing done when she got the infection was to have the plastic pad in her 'knee caps' removed, then she was on a regimen of drugs infused every 4 hrs., 24/7. Those drugs caused her to begin to have blood marrow problems. Then she was on a regimen of one drug infused 3x a day. At that point she was allowed to go home since this could be done at home.
Then, it was discovered that she had a small amount of infection which had attached itself to the knee replacements. At that point both knee replacements were removed and 'spacers' put in to keep the knees from collapsing together. Back to the rehab and infusions every 4 hrs., 24/7. No weight can be put on her feet except enough to pivot from bed to wheel chair to commode (not necessarily in that order). Now she has been trained to do that and will be released from the rehab for the rest of her recovery (4 weeks, hopefully) At that time she will go back to hospital and have new knee replacements.
All of this history to say she is panicked over how to get into her house (a split level which requires going up about 10 steps). Because of her need to be in control and her tendency to be anxious about all things that are out of her control, she is fixated on how she will get into her house.
Hopefully our advice to her today will bear fruit.
1. Your husband will figure it out.
2. Call your church and see if 3 men couldn't come out and lift you up the stairs in your wheel chair.
Telling her not to worry is fruitless. She is a worrier.
Sometime I will blog about where I think she went wrong that she has this degree of illness.
Right now she is in rehab recovering from a severe staph infection which she's been fighting for six months. The staph attacked her two knee replacements. First thing done when she got the infection was to have the plastic pad in her 'knee caps' removed, then she was on a regimen of drugs infused every 4 hrs., 24/7. Those drugs caused her to begin to have blood marrow problems. Then she was on a regimen of one drug infused 3x a day. At that point she was allowed to go home since this could be done at home.
Then, it was discovered that she had a small amount of infection which had attached itself to the knee replacements. At that point both knee replacements were removed and 'spacers' put in to keep the knees from collapsing together. Back to the rehab and infusions every 4 hrs., 24/7. No weight can be put on her feet except enough to pivot from bed to wheel chair to commode (not necessarily in that order). Now she has been trained to do that and will be released from the rehab for the rest of her recovery (4 weeks, hopefully) At that time she will go back to hospital and have new knee replacements.
All of this history to say she is panicked over how to get into her house (a split level which requires going up about 10 steps). Because of her need to be in control and her tendency to be anxious about all things that are out of her control, she is fixated on how she will get into her house.
Hopefully our advice to her today will bear fruit.
1. Your husband will figure it out.
2. Call your church and see if 3 men couldn't come out and lift you up the stairs in your wheel chair.
Telling her not to worry is fruitless. She is a worrier.
Sometime I will blog about where I think she went wrong that she has this degree of illness.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Liverwurst
What an interesting day!
Today I was heading to my Tues. A.M. Bible Study when I recognized my husband's car coming toward me. We stopped and rolled down windows, an I mentioned that I might go out for lunch if anyone at B.S. wanted to. He said- "Well, if you don't have any takers, I'll go".. O.K. - where do you want to go? Your choice, he said. So, we went out for lunch to The Brick House Deli which specializes in sandwiches. Here's where I had a surprise.
Liverwurst! My husband spied it right away, and ordered his sandwich.
Now, I've been married to this guy for 57 years and that is the first time I knew he liked Liverwurst.
Just goes to show you (or me as the case may be) that we don't always know everything about another person, even when we think we do.
Today I was heading to my Tues. A.M. Bible Study when I recognized my husband's car coming toward me. We stopped and rolled down windows, an I mentioned that I might go out for lunch if anyone at B.S. wanted to. He said- "Well, if you don't have any takers, I'll go".. O.K. - where do you want to go? Your choice, he said. So, we went out for lunch to The Brick House Deli which specializes in sandwiches. Here's where I had a surprise.
Liverwurst! My husband spied it right away, and ordered his sandwich.
Now, I've been married to this guy for 57 years and that is the first time I knew he liked Liverwurst.
Just goes to show you (or me as the case may be) that we don't always know everything about another person, even when we think we do.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Being Thankful
I was reminded today how much it means to have someone say they are thankful for what you've done for them.
We were visited today in our Sunday School class by a young boy, cerebral palsy and autism challenged, who had just returned from a camp especially designed for handicapped people. In halting speech he told us how much the camp experience meant to him, how thankful he was for our class that takes up a collection once a month to help children like him have a camp experience.
It takes so little effort to thank someone who has blessed you - a simple phone call, a note of appreciation - a touch on the arm. We were the ones blessed today.
Paul said - in all things give thanks - this while he languished in a Roman prison.
Now as we celebrate the birth of our nation - flawed as it is - let's give thanks. It's still the best nation on earth. I don't hear of anyone trying to cross Iran's borders because they'll have a better life there.
We were visited today in our Sunday School class by a young boy, cerebral palsy and autism challenged, who had just returned from a camp especially designed for handicapped people. In halting speech he told us how much the camp experience meant to him, how thankful he was for our class that takes up a collection once a month to help children like him have a camp experience.
It takes so little effort to thank someone who has blessed you - a simple phone call, a note of appreciation - a touch on the arm. We were the ones blessed today.
Paul said - in all things give thanks - this while he languished in a Roman prison.
Now as we celebrate the birth of our nation - flawed as it is - let's give thanks. It's still the best nation on earth. I don't hear of anyone trying to cross Iran's borders because they'll have a better life there.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Irish Setter
Such fun at Bible Study last night. We are going through Kevin Lehman's Have A New You By Friday.
We all had a chapter to read - Monday - and determine what personality we are. He used the characteristics of dogs - Great Dane, Standard Poodle, Yorkie, and Irish Setter. I had a similar class years ago where the characteristics were Lion, Beaver, Otter and Golden Retriever.
I already knew I was an Irish Setter (aka Golden Retriever). Loyal, dependable, get along with people. I didn't like to see the bad things that are part of my basic personality. Ex. - avoid conflict.
Wait a minute, I always thought that was a good trait to avoid conflict. Now I realize that I perhaps could have avoided years of fear and anger if I'd stood up to the Great Dane (aka Lion) in my life. Another bad trait was tendency to be lazy - ouch! In all truth how many times do I not do something because it just sounds like too much work. Ex. I saw on Pinterest today a way to make your own stepping stones at a fraction of the cost. First the list of supplies - to this Irish Setter (Golden Retriever) - it was absolutely daunting. Concrete? Breaking a plate into small pieces? I'm sure there were other things to the list - I just didn't bother to go any farther.
So these are two bad traits that I need to work on.
Tune in next week for Tuesday's lesson.
We all had a chapter to read - Monday - and determine what personality we are. He used the characteristics of dogs - Great Dane, Standard Poodle, Yorkie, and Irish Setter. I had a similar class years ago where the characteristics were Lion, Beaver, Otter and Golden Retriever.
I already knew I was an Irish Setter (aka Golden Retriever). Loyal, dependable, get along with people. I didn't like to see the bad things that are part of my basic personality. Ex. - avoid conflict.
Wait a minute, I always thought that was a good trait to avoid conflict. Now I realize that I perhaps could have avoided years of fear and anger if I'd stood up to the Great Dane (aka Lion) in my life. Another bad trait was tendency to be lazy - ouch! In all truth how many times do I not do something because it just sounds like too much work. Ex. I saw on Pinterest today a way to make your own stepping stones at a fraction of the cost. First the list of supplies - to this Irish Setter (Golden Retriever) - it was absolutely daunting. Concrete? Breaking a plate into small pieces? I'm sure there were other things to the list - I just didn't bother to go any farther.
So these are two bad traits that I need to work on.
Tune in next week for Tuesday's lesson.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Renewing friendships
At a shower yesterday for a young lady who's finally met her 'prince' I I saw two 'old' (as in not age by years gone by) friends. What a joy! First, because I didn't expect to see either one of them, and second, because they are both special to me in ways I can hardly express.
One had been the wife of a former pastor who has suffered much heartache, yet is such an inspiration to all who know her and her story - she is steadfast in her love for God, she is steadfast in her trust in God and she is steadfast in her faith.
The other friend was once my son's youth sponsor. Through the turbulent teens she and her husband along with many others gently guided our sons and daughters.
Both ladies have moved to different cities, but they still minister in their churches and communities.
Seeing them and talking with them was like a little piece of heaven. It made me think what it will be like when we do get to heaven - renewing friendships with those who have gone before us as we together worship our Lord.
One had been the wife of a former pastor who has suffered much heartache, yet is such an inspiration to all who know her and her story - she is steadfast in her love for God, she is steadfast in her trust in God and she is steadfast in her faith.
The other friend was once my son's youth sponsor. Through the turbulent teens she and her husband along with many others gently guided our sons and daughters.
Both ladies have moved to different cities, but they still minister in their churches and communities.
Seeing them and talking with them was like a little piece of heaven. It made me think what it will be like when we do get to heaven - renewing friendships with those who have gone before us as we together worship our Lord.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Our pastor had a fantastic sermon this morning. All about Adam and Eve - we all know the story.
This was the app. When you are tempted, don't look at the temptation, don't stand and contemplate it, don't reach for it - run the other way as fast as you can.
I think about the times I've been tempted. Sometimes circumstances kept me from reaching for that forbidden fruit - I am ever so grateful to a loving God who knocked that fruit out of the way before I reached for it. Other times as I matured in my faith I was strong enough to resist the fruit because I had found a helper - prayer and the Holy Spirit.
Our church has been sorely hurt by a young woman who walked the walk (supposedly) and talked the talk on Sunday mornings, but during the week she didn't turn away from temptation, and her conversation was not pleasing to the Lord. My heart breaks for her and for her family who is suffering because of her sin.
When we sin it is like a pebble falling into the water and the ripples go out in ever widening circles to affect a myriad of people. Selfishly, we think only of ourselves. When Eve took that fruit, and when Adam joined her (both of them knew better), it has affected all the rest of mankind.
This was the app. When you are tempted, don't look at the temptation, don't stand and contemplate it, don't reach for it - run the other way as fast as you can.
I think about the times I've been tempted. Sometimes circumstances kept me from reaching for that forbidden fruit - I am ever so grateful to a loving God who knocked that fruit out of the way before I reached for it. Other times as I matured in my faith I was strong enough to resist the fruit because I had found a helper - prayer and the Holy Spirit.
Our church has been sorely hurt by a young woman who walked the walk (supposedly) and talked the talk on Sunday mornings, but during the week she didn't turn away from temptation, and her conversation was not pleasing to the Lord. My heart breaks for her and for her family who is suffering because of her sin.
When we sin it is like a pebble falling into the water and the ripples go out in ever widening circles to affect a myriad of people. Selfishly, we think only of ourselves. When Eve took that fruit, and when Adam joined her (both of them knew better), it has affected all the rest of mankind.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
I read a fiction book this week that had something I'm going to try. In a "life skills" class this young man was instructed to write a goal using present tense language. Then he was to add two thing to help him reach this goal.
My goal - lose 10 pounds by vacation time in Wisconsin in 4 weeks.
Actions: - no more peanuts for snacking
walk one mile every day plus 20 minutes on the NuStep
stop eating when satisfied
So far I've given up the peanuts, and have tried very hard to stop eating when satisfied. The last part is really hard with corn on the cob fresh from the farmer's market in plentiful supply. We have had vegetarian suppers twice this week, but somehow I don't think eating 2-l/2 ears of corn with butter has helped the diet.
We went to a favorite restaurant Thursday Night and I ate only l/2 the salad and 1/2 the 6 oz. steak, but then they brought baked Alaska (part of the deal for that particular night) and it was very hard to stop at l/2 of it.
I'll keep you posted.
My goal - lose 10 pounds by vacation time in Wisconsin in 4 weeks.
Actions: - no more peanuts for snacking
walk one mile every day plus 20 minutes on the NuStep
stop eating when satisfied
So far I've given up the peanuts, and have tried very hard to stop eating when satisfied. The last part is really hard with corn on the cob fresh from the farmer's market in plentiful supply. We have had vegetarian suppers twice this week, but somehow I don't think eating 2-l/2 ears of corn with butter has helped the diet.
We went to a favorite restaurant Thursday Night and I ate only l/2 the salad and 1/2 the 6 oz. steak, but then they brought baked Alaska (part of the deal for that particular night) and it was very hard to stop at l/2 of it.
I'll keep you posted.
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