After 24 years, Balsam and I are back together. She and I were friends in high school, and like a lot of high school friends, parted ways as we both went off to college. Only, she ended up back in Iraq and I safe and sound in the Pacific Northwest. We lost touch with one another - to be reunited again, years later. Balsam is a bit of a modern day Corrie Ten Boom. I really think there is a story to be written....watch for more.
The amazing part - though we had a lot to catch up on - including her miraculous survival and protection living in a very oppressed place, it was like we'd never left one another. Like the 24 years was only the weekend. Those kinds of friendships are rare. Our lives have been so different over the last 2 1/2 decades, and yet I think it has been providential to become reconnected.
"I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Only God really knows what the future holds - and yet I believe he can take the rubbish (as my UK friend Balsam would say) of our lives and create a masterpiece. I am humbled to see what he is doing in both of our lives. Today, I am thankful, more than ever before, for the blessings and the high calling on my life. I am far from equipped, but believe the Father will equip me with all that I need.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Sending them off...
My two oldest DS are headed out to lead worship at a Junior High retreat. I am happy for them and excited about how they are using their gifts for good. As I watch them grow up - it's fun to see, and also hard to experience. Letting go is hard. Do they realize when they get into the car, they are carrying my precious cargo? Do they realize how important it is to take care of themselves.....because I want one more hug, one more kiss on their cheek and one more chance to tell them how wonderful they are?
I believer the Father thinks the same of his children. When we head out the door into the world, do we realize how important we are to the Father? Do we realize that each step we take, thought we entertain and word we say is a part of his precious cargo? Do we really understand that who we are and what we do MATTERS to the King of the universe? Well, it does!
Maybe that's part of what the scripture is talking about - when it says, "whatever you do, do it as if you were serving the Lord..."
I believer the Father thinks the same of his children. When we head out the door into the world, do we realize how important we are to the Father? Do we realize that each step we take, thought we entertain and word we say is a part of his precious cargo? Do we really understand that who we are and what we do MATTERS to the King of the universe? Well, it does!
Maybe that's part of what the scripture is talking about - when it says, "whatever you do, do it as if you were serving the Lord..."
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Reunited....after 24 years....
In just two short days I will be re-united with a high school friend. Balsam and I were Health Occupation partners and laughed until we nearly cried in high school. Our lives took incredibly different paths - and our paths will cross again this weekend!
Sometimes I wonder how and why after so much time, people will reconnect. I think I am about to find out! I am sure I will post some pics soon - and you'll hear more of our adventure together!
Sometimes I wonder how and why after so much time, people will reconnect. I think I am about to find out! I am sure I will post some pics soon - and you'll hear more of our adventure together!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Valentine's Day - It's a family holiday
SEVERAL years ago, when our oldest two were in early grade school, my husband and I had planned to go out for Valentine's Day. I remember one of the boys asking if Valentine's Day was a holiday. I said, "sure, I guess so." He then proceeded to ask if holidays were for families. Well, he had something on me. I am very much a family gal - and I love traditions and holidays. So, after thinking a bit, and anticipating the future for my three sons, I replied with an enthusiastic, "YES, Valentine's Day is a family holiday." And since that time, we have always celebrated together, the five of us.
Last year was a bit different. Paul and I actually went out to dinner together as a couple for dinner. The boys were all on a church retreat. Mind you, we hadn't been out to dinner together on Valentines' Dinner for years - and if we did, there were hamburgers and ice cream involved. So, a nice dinner out was appealing. Until we saw the lines and waited and waited. Did I tell you how long the lines were? CRAZINESS! It was this very moment I really missed our family time - because together, it was always so simple, and dinner happened when we wanted it to.
This was the year I had been waiting for - the oldest two had girlfriends - and I knew their comments as little boys would come back to haunt them. (I am a bit of a jokester....) So, I reminded them about a month ago that Valentine's Day was a family holiday and if they wanted to invite their girlfriends over - they could do that. In fact, they could invited their girlfriends families over also. We could have a fun dessert buffet - lots of chocolate and fruit :)
Well - I didn't really mean it, I couldn't honestly make my boys bring their sweethearts over on Valentine's Day. So, I delivered my hand made valentines' to the boys...and bought milkshakes for those that stayed home....and cheerfully waited up for the ones who'd gone out. It's really the love we want....to know you matter to someone. Flowers are wonderful, and so is good chocolate - but family.....nothing can compete!
Last year was a bit different. Paul and I actually went out to dinner together as a couple for dinner. The boys were all on a church retreat. Mind you, we hadn't been out to dinner together on Valentines' Dinner for years - and if we did, there were hamburgers and ice cream involved. So, a nice dinner out was appealing. Until we saw the lines and waited and waited. Did I tell you how long the lines were? CRAZINESS! It was this very moment I really missed our family time - because together, it was always so simple, and dinner happened when we wanted it to.
This was the year I had been waiting for - the oldest two had girlfriends - and I knew their comments as little boys would come back to haunt them. (I am a bit of a jokester....) So, I reminded them about a month ago that Valentine's Day was a family holiday and if they wanted to invite their girlfriends over - they could do that. In fact, they could invited their girlfriends families over also. We could have a fun dessert buffet - lots of chocolate and fruit :)
Well - I didn't really mean it, I couldn't honestly make my boys bring their sweethearts over on Valentine's Day. So, I delivered my hand made valentines' to the boys...and bought milkshakes for those that stayed home....and cheerfully waited up for the ones who'd gone out. It's really the love we want....to know you matter to someone. Flowers are wonderful, and so is good chocolate - but family.....nothing can compete!
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