I have to tell you something very quickly. I was reading back through my posts and came to the one about flying to Alaska next to the soldier returning to Iraq.
I told Crispin about him putting his wedding ring on before landing and he said, "Well, mom, he probably finally felt safe."
I asked him what he meant and he said that no one wears jewelry of any kind over there. Especially wedding rings. If they are captured by the enemy, they can be tortured or their families can be brutalized because of this knowledge.
It makes me feel like crying even now to think about a young man coming home to his family and only feeling safe when he crosses over into Alaska that he's able to put his wedding ring back on! So I apologize to all my friends and family who read this blog, but especially to John for thinking ill of him! We truly don't know the whole picture, do we?
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Random Thoughts
It's pouring, pouring, pouring rain outside...my mother-in-law is taking a nap, Travis is out at the airport, Jess and family have just left for the store and it's quiet! So, thought I'd sit down and write some random thoughts!
I've tried to approach blogging from a very realistic point of view...everything neat and in order, daily activities, etc. But, it's not working that way and perhaps that's for the best! No one wants to read about what I bought at the store, how many times I cruised past the post office to drop off whatever bill needed mailing, or what I was going to make for supper--but didn't have the right ingredients.
I did read somewhere that we need to be very thankful for the mundane. If we're living in the mundane, everyday kind of life...then, we're not facing crisis! So, I'm thankful for mundane!
No, I want to talk about a book that Travis and I are trying to read together. I say "trying" because, we don't have much alone time to even do this right now...but the one thing that I've read--I can't get out of my mind.
The book is called, "The Forever Feast" by Dr. Paul Brand. Dr. Brand talks about the earth and how taking care of this precious resource reflects into our Christian lives, as well. It's fascinating reading and I'll bet you can find a copy out on amazon.com or one of the other used books sites.
I quote, "In the biology of the Christian faith, seeds are wrapped in attractive fruit. If a vine bore only naked seeds, nobody would pick them. Everyone who wants to be a disciple of Jesus Christ is expected to bear fruit. This does not mean that we all have to be successful in bringing many people to the point of decision to become a Christian. It means our lives have to bear the taste, the fragrance, or the nourishment that makes people appreciate what we are and what we have to give. The people we work with, the members of our family or Sunday school class, should sense the pleasure and benefit of being with us. They should know that the flavor of our life comes from our abiding in Jesus Christ.
One day something may trigger the beginning of new life in someone you know who has tasted the flavor of Jesus through contact with you. We may not ever know how or when it happens. But it will be the germination of a seed that was planted because your own personal life was delicious.
I don't remember exactly when I was converted. It was not in response to a challenge from an inspiring speaker. The lives of my mother and father were dedicated to God, and their nurture of us children was an expression of God's love. I wanted to be like them and to know the spiritual resources that made their lives so fragrant. d didn't know about the seed or the new birth--but I knew their fruit, and I was attracted to it."
OK...so, I've been thinking a great deal about that! What an amazing picture of what we need to be about. I've been reviewing my motives, my actions, my speech, my attitudes, etc. Not that I'm trying to earn brownie points with God, but I hope that my life is flavorful, and nourishing to others.
By the way, my mother-in-law is thoroughly enjoying Joshua Reier Lamb, Jessica's baby. He's just 8 months old and is crawling, climbing, drooling, laughing, discoverying, and carrying on like babies do! She touches his little bald head and says, "Oh, feel that head! Just like velvet!" Watching her, I'm convinced that families need to be pro-active in keeping the varying generations involved! It's good for her, it's good for us, it's good for our kids and for our grandkids! There's continuity to life!
I still have a vague memory of my great grandmother Parker. She had white hair, was dressed in a white lace nightgown and was sitting up in a bed holding her wrinkled hand out to me. Because we lived in Alaska and were so far away from family, I was scared of her and didn't want her to touch me. Just imagine if I had the opportunity to be around those wrinkled old hands and that kind, kind voice on a daily basis! What would I have learned about life, about a generation that was dying, and about myself?
I've tried to approach blogging from a very realistic point of view...everything neat and in order, daily activities, etc. But, it's not working that way and perhaps that's for the best! No one wants to read about what I bought at the store, how many times I cruised past the post office to drop off whatever bill needed mailing, or what I was going to make for supper--but didn't have the right ingredients.
I did read somewhere that we need to be very thankful for the mundane. If we're living in the mundane, everyday kind of life...then, we're not facing crisis! So, I'm thankful for mundane!
No, I want to talk about a book that Travis and I are trying to read together. I say "trying" because, we don't have much alone time to even do this right now...but the one thing that I've read--I can't get out of my mind.
The book is called, "The Forever Feast" by Dr. Paul Brand. Dr. Brand talks about the earth and how taking care of this precious resource reflects into our Christian lives, as well. It's fascinating reading and I'll bet you can find a copy out on amazon.com or one of the other used books sites.
I quote, "In the biology of the Christian faith, seeds are wrapped in attractive fruit. If a vine bore only naked seeds, nobody would pick them. Everyone who wants to be a disciple of Jesus Christ is expected to bear fruit. This does not mean that we all have to be successful in bringing many people to the point of decision to become a Christian. It means our lives have to bear the taste, the fragrance, or the nourishment that makes people appreciate what we are and what we have to give. The people we work with, the members of our family or Sunday school class, should sense the pleasure and benefit of being with us. They should know that the flavor of our life comes from our abiding in Jesus Christ.
One day something may trigger the beginning of new life in someone you know who has tasted the flavor of Jesus through contact with you. We may not ever know how or when it happens. But it will be the germination of a seed that was planted because your own personal life was delicious.
I don't remember exactly when I was converted. It was not in response to a challenge from an inspiring speaker. The lives of my mother and father were dedicated to God, and their nurture of us children was an expression of God's love. I wanted to be like them and to know the spiritual resources that made their lives so fragrant. d didn't know about the seed or the new birth--but I knew their fruit, and I was attracted to it."
OK...so, I've been thinking a great deal about that! What an amazing picture of what we need to be about. I've been reviewing my motives, my actions, my speech, my attitudes, etc. Not that I'm trying to earn brownie points with God, but I hope that my life is flavorful, and nourishing to others.
By the way, my mother-in-law is thoroughly enjoying Joshua Reier Lamb, Jessica's baby. He's just 8 months old and is crawling, climbing, drooling, laughing, discoverying, and carrying on like babies do! She touches his little bald head and says, "Oh, feel that head! Just like velvet!" Watching her, I'm convinced that families need to be pro-active in keeping the varying generations involved! It's good for her, it's good for us, it's good for our kids and for our grandkids! There's continuity to life!
I still have a vague memory of my great grandmother Parker. She had white hair, was dressed in a white lace nightgown and was sitting up in a bed holding her wrinkled hand out to me. Because we lived in Alaska and were so far away from family, I was scared of her and didn't want her to touch me. Just imagine if I had the opportunity to be around those wrinkled old hands and that kind, kind voice on a daily basis! What would I have learned about life, about a generation that was dying, and about myself?
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Eternal Purposes
Oh, this is crazy! I keep thinking about posting every day, but because I continue to suffer with perfection/procrastination, I don't do it! Nobody said that I had to do a blog perfectly...it's just a matter of sitting down and communicating! :-)
It's turning into a very interesting summer. First a trip to Alaska and going through a whole gammit of emotions--thankfulness, grief, hope, sadness, joy. Then, having my house turned upside down with grandchildren (which has been wonderful--but also a bit disruptive to my normal schedule), and now a new situation!
By the way, Jessica and boys met up with Gary in Buffalo, NY, and flew to Canada for a couple of days, then back to Chicago for a visit and will return here this coming Monday.
This past Sunday, we borrowed a friends "faster-than-ours airplane" and flew to Minneapolis, where we picked up my 90 yr old mother-in-law, Evelyn, and brought her back for a 2 week stay here with us in Missouri!
She's one of the sweetest ladies I know, but her memory has failed to the point that we talk a lot about things that happened years and years ago. Many of the stories, poems, songs, sayings, etc. get stuck in her mind and are repeated over and over again. I have to help her to the bathroom and remind her of each task that has to be performed. Sometimes, she remembers where to put her hands to lift herself up and sometimes she doesn't.
My sister-in-law, Sandy, who is her caregiver has taken a much, much, much needed vacation to California and I'm hoping that she's thoroughly enjoying the time spent there with family and friends!
Now, what was I talking about? My schedule? HA! Gone again. But, I've also been doing a great deal of thinking about our purpose here on earth and here's what I've come up with (for the moment). That each situation that we find ourselves in--however menial--is an opportunity to practice God's Word! I have a choice. I can be kind, loving, helpful, forgiving, cheerful, serving, or I can choose the opposite.
My purpose here on earth is to glorify God in all I do! Will I always get a pat on the back? An "atta girl"? Nope! But Paul wrote, "Do everything as unto the Lord!" Am I trying to "make points" with God? I don't have to! He loves me unconditionally and with complete abandon!
And so, I've been praying a lot for Evelyn. That she would be ministered to--down deep inside her spirit...whether she remembers or not, whether she knows who I am or not, whether she can follow a short story or not, it doesn't matter! She is loved unconditionally by the Lord and with complete abandon!
And the Lord is using this time for His eternal purposes in all of our lives. Did I mention Travis's role in this? He has to give her 4 insulin shots a day, make other arrangements for time spent at the airport, etc, etc. So, we are being stretched for "God's glory".
What's happening in your life? Same thing, right?
It's turning into a very interesting summer. First a trip to Alaska and going through a whole gammit of emotions--thankfulness, grief, hope, sadness, joy. Then, having my house turned upside down with grandchildren (which has been wonderful--but also a bit disruptive to my normal schedule), and now a new situation!
By the way, Jessica and boys met up with Gary in Buffalo, NY, and flew to Canada for a couple of days, then back to Chicago for a visit and will return here this coming Monday.
This past Sunday, we borrowed a friends "faster-than-ours airplane" and flew to Minneapolis, where we picked up my 90 yr old mother-in-law, Evelyn, and brought her back for a 2 week stay here with us in Missouri!
She's one of the sweetest ladies I know, but her memory has failed to the point that we talk a lot about things that happened years and years ago. Many of the stories, poems, songs, sayings, etc. get stuck in her mind and are repeated over and over again. I have to help her to the bathroom and remind her of each task that has to be performed. Sometimes, she remembers where to put her hands to lift herself up and sometimes she doesn't.
My sister-in-law, Sandy, who is her caregiver has taken a much, much, much needed vacation to California and I'm hoping that she's thoroughly enjoying the time spent there with family and friends!
Now, what was I talking about? My schedule? HA! Gone again. But, I've also been doing a great deal of thinking about our purpose here on earth and here's what I've come up with (for the moment). That each situation that we find ourselves in--however menial--is an opportunity to practice God's Word! I have a choice. I can be kind, loving, helpful, forgiving, cheerful, serving, or I can choose the opposite.
My purpose here on earth is to glorify God in all I do! Will I always get a pat on the back? An "atta girl"? Nope! But Paul wrote, "Do everything as unto the Lord!" Am I trying to "make points" with God? I don't have to! He loves me unconditionally and with complete abandon!
And so, I've been praying a lot for Evelyn. That she would be ministered to--down deep inside her spirit...whether she remembers or not, whether she knows who I am or not, whether she can follow a short story or not, it doesn't matter! She is loved unconditionally by the Lord and with complete abandon!
And the Lord is using this time for His eternal purposes in all of our lives. Did I mention Travis's role in this? He has to give her 4 insulin shots a day, make other arrangements for time spent at the airport, etc, etc. So, we are being stretched for "God's glory".
What's happening in your life? Same thing, right?
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Small Fry Thrills
Our house is brimming with life! Jessica is here with us for an extended period of time this summer, along with Corban (7--almost 8) and Joshua (7 months). Our days begin with a bit of quiet time, then Corban comes in to snuggle in and watch a bit of the Disney channel. He LOVES a little program that teaches classical music terms, songs, etc. with the use of make-believe characters. A bit of Mozart, or Beethoven, etc, is a nice start to the mornings.
We look forward to seeing Joshua's smiling, happy face as well. He's been cutting 2 more teeth lately, so has not been his normal self.
But, we've so enjoyed watching his "discoveries". He's started to crawl, and pull himself up since he's been here! Do you have any idea how exciting it is to pull oneself up on the coffee table and dump out a big basket of shells? After the clattering noise is over, a few tears are shed, then it gets really exciting to plop down and start "tasting" all those funny-shaped things lying about. Well, until mom or grandma comes and takes them all away!
It makes more and more sense to me why Jesus loved little children so much! They have such an uninhibited ability to enjoy life...to begin each new day with enthusiasm and excitement for what's ahead. Yesterday's hurts and misbehavioral problems are a thing of the past--everything is brand new!
Kisses and hugs are freely given and freely received! Great joy and curiousity are all wrapped up in each tiny experience. Joshua was absolutely fascinated last night when we hung up his new "Johnny Jump-up". He sat on the floor--starring up to the seat, then up, up, up to the clamp attached to the archway! The look on his face was priceless!
Corban turned my family room into a tattoo parlor. I have no idea where he came up with this idea, but I have a butterfly on my leg now...drawn on with a ballpoint pen and colored in with a "washable" magic marker. It's even framed with "To Gramma", "From Corban" printed on the top and the bottom.
He gave Grandpa an airplane tattoo and charged each one of us 5 cents for his artwork. We paid him a quarter...a 15 cent tip! Wahoo!
He's loving hearing "Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle" read to him. I happen to have about 4 of her books and he just loves all her magical cures for bad behavior!
We had a fascinating, exhilarating time blowing off fireworks on the 4th of July. Corban had the tremendous responsibility of lighting the big box called, "The Grand Finale". Oh my gosh! You can't believe how thrilling that was! We heard about the Grand Finale all evening and when it was finally time to put the punk to the fuse...you would think that the 2nd Coming had arrived!
And to think that Jesus wants us to be like "little children". Are we excited about today?
We look forward to seeing Joshua's smiling, happy face as well. He's been cutting 2 more teeth lately, so has not been his normal self.
But, we've so enjoyed watching his "discoveries". He's started to crawl, and pull himself up since he's been here! Do you have any idea how exciting it is to pull oneself up on the coffee table and dump out a big basket of shells? After the clattering noise is over, a few tears are shed, then it gets really exciting to plop down and start "tasting" all those funny-shaped things lying about. Well, until mom or grandma comes and takes them all away!
It makes more and more sense to me why Jesus loved little children so much! They have such an uninhibited ability to enjoy life...to begin each new day with enthusiasm and excitement for what's ahead. Yesterday's hurts and misbehavioral problems are a thing of the past--everything is brand new!
Kisses and hugs are freely given and freely received! Great joy and curiousity are all wrapped up in each tiny experience. Joshua was absolutely fascinated last night when we hung up his new "Johnny Jump-up". He sat on the floor--starring up to the seat, then up, up, up to the clamp attached to the archway! The look on his face was priceless!
Corban turned my family room into a tattoo parlor. I have no idea where he came up with this idea, but I have a butterfly on my leg now...drawn on with a ballpoint pen and colored in with a "washable" magic marker. It's even framed with "To Gramma", "From Corban" printed on the top and the bottom.
He gave Grandpa an airplane tattoo and charged each one of us 5 cents for his artwork. We paid him a quarter...a 15 cent tip! Wahoo!
He's loving hearing "Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle" read to him. I happen to have about 4 of her books and he just loves all her magical cures for bad behavior!
We had a fascinating, exhilarating time blowing off fireworks on the 4th of July. Corban had the tremendous responsibility of lighting the big box called, "The Grand Finale". Oh my gosh! You can't believe how thrilling that was! We heard about the Grand Finale all evening and when it was finally time to put the punk to the fuse...you would think that the 2nd Coming had arrived!
And to think that Jesus wants us to be like "little children". Are we excited about today?
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