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!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
IT'S BACKKKKKKK
School - back to the routine. I was singing the happy song on Tuesday morning as I drove our two oldest to school. I even embarrassed them a little - though completely unintentionally. Really! I was so happy to have my family up with me early in the morning, preparing for the day and ready and eager to learn. Selfishly, this just meant everyone would go to bed a little bit earlier and I would get a little more sleep...or so I thought....
The school year has begun - filled with the forms that need to be completed, schedules that need to be re-arranged, lunches to be packed, and late night homework to finish. I have always said I am best with routine. When I know what to expect in terms of schedule and find a groove, I think I work best. However, I admit, this change over has made me a little bit cranky.
I guess I had my routine this summer. I stayed up late and laughed with the boys, and often fell asleep on the sofa - or tried to fall asleep in bed - with the boys up to crazy antics in our bedroom. I'd wake up early, try not to wake anyone else and go through my morning routine and off to work. Check in with the family during the day - come home from work and see what the evening plans were. Now that school has started - I don't like being the grouchy Mom who says - "time for bed," "did you get your homework done," and "we need to go."
So - I've decided that while I still operate best with routine and a schedule - I need to lighten up just a little. Lord, I need grace - and the right words. Thank you for your patience with me -and your never changing with the shifting shadows.
The school year has begun - filled with the forms that need to be completed, schedules that need to be re-arranged, lunches to be packed, and late night homework to finish. I have always said I am best with routine. When I know what to expect in terms of schedule and find a groove, I think I work best. However, I admit, this change over has made me a little bit cranky.
I guess I had my routine this summer. I stayed up late and laughed with the boys, and often fell asleep on the sofa - or tried to fall asleep in bed - with the boys up to crazy antics in our bedroom. I'd wake up early, try not to wake anyone else and go through my morning routine and off to work. Check in with the family during the day - come home from work and see what the evening plans were. Now that school has started - I don't like being the grouchy Mom who says - "time for bed," "did you get your homework done," and "we need to go."
So - I've decided that while I still operate best with routine and a schedule - I need to lighten up just a little. Lord, I need grace - and the right words. Thank you for your patience with me -and your never changing with the shifting shadows.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Being There
Joyce was in the throws of raising her three children, working hard to provide a good home life for Kaitlyn, Jocelyn and Chris. She didn't just invest in the lives of her kids and call it good. She invested in her community. My husband preferred going to her pharmacy because of her friendliness and constant help. Countless others frequented her store because they liked to be around her. She is the kind of person who always made you laugh, asked about your own kids, arranged time to spend with friends - she like being there. There for friends, her kids and her community.
Well, Joyce can no longer be there - it's our turn to step up. Joyce died unexpectedly in her sleep almost 3 weeks ago. Shock has filled her community and you can almost feel the loss when you walk into her store. It's almost awkward. The flowers are starting to fade. Her kids will start school next week. The shock is beginning to wear off and the reality is setting in.
In the midst of crisis management, I learned what a hole she has left. But I am confident many have learned from her model - though she never intended that to be. Being there has so much value - more than a wrapped gift or a bonus from work - she was there. And the challenge to me, make the most of every opportunity - to be there, for those right along your path.
Well, Joyce can no longer be there - it's our turn to step up. Joyce died unexpectedly in her sleep almost 3 weeks ago. Shock has filled her community and you can almost feel the loss when you walk into her store. It's almost awkward. The flowers are starting to fade. Her kids will start school next week. The shock is beginning to wear off and the reality is setting in.
In the midst of crisis management, I learned what a hole she has left. But I am confident many have learned from her model - though she never intended that to be. Being there has so much value - more than a wrapped gift or a bonus from work - she was there. And the challenge to me, make the most of every opportunity - to be there, for those right along your path.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
What's with that Music?
Music is often the topic of conversation at church, around the church and after church. Even when we meet with other pastors - "Hey, so what are you doing about the music?" It's a subject I am quite passionate about - for different reasons than you might think.
Music can be incredibly personal and holds so much emotion. What is it that makes music so powerful? We attach memories and feelings with a particular combination of notes and lyrics. I was watching a television show recently on my laptop at home. I was the only one watching the show. Typical background music that was creating a mood. Paul walked through the room and said, "that sounds like a funeral." Interestingly enough - it wasn't a familiar tune that anyone would recognize as being in a funeral or memorial service, like Amazing Grace or It is Well. This was really just an orchestra in the backround. While it wasn't a funeral I was watching, there was pictured a man in a casket. WOW, I thought - that music depicted the scene pretty well.
Later last night, we appeared to be hitting a wall with our kids and homework. The lack of sleep was taking it's toll on the kids in addition to the massive amounts of reading, project preparation and assigments that needed to be done. Suffice it to say - we needed to change the music. So, as I am known to do with my boys, I turned up the music. I started with the Happy Little Working Song from the soundtrack for "Enchanted." (This is the song I will play when I do housework....and would rather not be.) The words were a little hard to understand and it became more of a love song....which didn't exactly appeal to the boys. However, I then put on the soundtrack to the movie "Charlie's Angels" and that got the room to rockin'. They couldn't help getting up and getting goofy. Before you knew it - we were all into the strong beats and rythyms of the music getting the blood flowing again.
There are some songs I will sing (and I use the term "sing" loosely) when my boys need a pick me up. They eventually smile and decide life isn't horrible afterall. Just like when they were babies, I would sing to calm them and send them to sleepyland. The songs now are still to calm, but to give them new perspective. (Life should be fun.)
So - when someone is listening to music you don't "get" and they dance up and down in a way that might be considered exercise in some gyms, appreciate it - they may need it. Or, you feel like you might fall asleep, or need to put in earplugs because the volume is too high or the notes too shrill - appreciate the fact that you can hear and feel - the music.
Maybe today, you need a change in music - with a change in the station - you might find yourself experiencing something new and invigorating - or the peace you long for. So - find someone with different tastes than your own - listen to what inspires and motivates them. You might learn something new about the power of music.
Music can be incredibly personal and holds so much emotion. What is it that makes music so powerful? We attach memories and feelings with a particular combination of notes and lyrics. I was watching a television show recently on my laptop at home. I was the only one watching the show. Typical background music that was creating a mood. Paul walked through the room and said, "that sounds like a funeral." Interestingly enough - it wasn't a familiar tune that anyone would recognize as being in a funeral or memorial service, like Amazing Grace or It is Well. This was really just an orchestra in the backround. While it wasn't a funeral I was watching, there was pictured a man in a casket. WOW, I thought - that music depicted the scene pretty well.
Later last night, we appeared to be hitting a wall with our kids and homework. The lack of sleep was taking it's toll on the kids in addition to the massive amounts of reading, project preparation and assigments that needed to be done. Suffice it to say - we needed to change the music. So, as I am known to do with my boys, I turned up the music. I started with the Happy Little Working Song from the soundtrack for "Enchanted." (This is the song I will play when I do housework....and would rather not be.) The words were a little hard to understand and it became more of a love song....which didn't exactly appeal to the boys. However, I then put on the soundtrack to the movie "Charlie's Angels" and that got the room to rockin'. They couldn't help getting up and getting goofy. Before you knew it - we were all into the strong beats and rythyms of the music getting the blood flowing again.
There are some songs I will sing (and I use the term "sing" loosely) when my boys need a pick me up. They eventually smile and decide life isn't horrible afterall. Just like when they were babies, I would sing to calm them and send them to sleepyland. The songs now are still to calm, but to give them new perspective. (Life should be fun.)
So - when someone is listening to music you don't "get" and they dance up and down in a way that might be considered exercise in some gyms, appreciate it - they may need it. Or, you feel like you might fall asleep, or need to put in earplugs because the volume is too high or the notes too shrill - appreciate the fact that you can hear and feel - the music.
Maybe today, you need a change in music - with a change in the station - you might find yourself experiencing something new and invigorating - or the peace you long for. So - find someone with different tastes than your own - listen to what inspires and motivates them. You might learn something new about the power of music.
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