I know some of you have read my previous blogs about the Great Banquet spiritual retreat and how I was so excited to be a sponsor to some lovely ladies, but this particular note will be from the view of a Team member.
I was very, very blessed to be asked to be a part of the team hosting the Great Banquet retreat this year. I was placed as a table leader with a fabulous bunch of young women who have all worked themselves nicely into my heart and prayers. There were weeks of training sessions, but I just gotta say that each and every moment of the training and the retreat were amazing in so many different ways.
This fall I was also sponsor to a beautiful, struggling, daughter of God. I had not known this woman for very long, but in our brief conversations, God laid it on my heart to invite her and I felt that she truly was aching to know God's love. She was so excited to be invited that she accepted almost immediately.
On the evening we left, I explained a few things that would take place over the weekend. I also noted to her that at the end of the weekend she would have the opportunity to give her testimony of her three-day experience. Her response, "No. I don't talk in front of people. I won't do it." I assured her this was no problem and she was not pressured to do anything she didn't want to do.
We completed the first night in silence and gathered for worship and breakfast the first morning. In the morning, we heard three wonderful talks. At lunch, my tired-looking friend said, and I quote, "I can't do this anymore. I have to sleep." So she snuck off to take a nap and skipped lunch. By the evening she was perkier and laughing with the ladies at her table.
Saturday morning, up again early for breakfast. She was laughing, joyful and had made some strong friendships with her roommates and tablemates. We enjoyed another full morning of talks and then shared lunch together. Around this time, we also celebrated the sacrament of holy communion and a powerful event, giving our heaviest burdens to Christ. This was, of course, and emotion-packed and tear-filled time. And it was at that moment, when she laid that burden on the Savior's shoulders, she was a different person. I was in awe of the power of the Holy Spirit working in her and in all the women who shared the experience.
Although she was tired and wanted to nap, her spunky roommate was determined to keep her moving and they strolled through the woods at the campground. That afternoon seemed as if every care in the world seemed to be lifted from her heart. She was smiling nonstop the rest of the weekend and as I was chatting during a break with her table leaders, one said (with a roll of the eyes in my friends direction), "There's great things happening right here!" I knew exactly what she meant because I could see her transforming into the joyous woman she was created to be.
Sunday, the last day of the Great Banquet, can be a rather long exhausting day. The emotions of the first two days can take it's toll on you, making you feel drained and tired. But my friend was perkier than I have ever seen her.
At the end of the day, each woman in attendance receives a cross bearing the words, "Christ has chosen you". Each beautiful daughter of God receives there cross and then exits the chapel into the arms of those waiting in the receiving line of table leaders and speakers. I will never, ever forget when she came through the door, arms held high over her head and shouting WOO! HOO! That moment,is forever etched in my mind.
Upon returning to the main conference room, approximately 150 people were waiting to celebrate these beautiful ladies. Now remember, she had said earlier she would not speak in front of people. However, as the number dwindled to two or three left who had not shared their testimony, I could see her head bobbing up and down trying to get my attention. And then, I saw her mouth the words "will you go with me?" I was on my feet in and instant.
Arm in arm we walked to the podium. She grasped the wooden handcross so tightly I was sure it would be forever embedded in her hand. As her entire body shook and tears streamed down her face, she laid her heart out for the Great Banquet community. Her roommate came up and together we held her tight, lending our strength to keep her standing. I was so incredibly proud of her and in awe of the Holy Spirit that had called her to stand and speak. And THIS, is another memory forever in my mind.
As we packed up our rooms, hugged and loved on our new friends and headed to the car she turned to me and said "I feel floaty!". I just giggled. I had never really thought about how I would explain the end of the weekend feeling, but 'floaty' just seemed to sum it up.
We recently had dinner and over our fried pickles she said, "I still feel floaty". I just love to hear things like that. I am thankful that I could have a small part in setting her afloat in God's unconditional love and grace and I am grateful that I was asked to be a part of the team.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Saturday, April 2, 2011
The Energy of Youth
The Energy of Youth
Today is Saturday, April 2. My sisters-in-law are at the Great Banquet this weekend and I am just about going crazy wondering how they are doing and if it is all they hoped it would be. I can hardly wait for tomorrow so I can hear all about it!
Today I served daycare duty as part of my responsibility of being sponsors for the ladies. It was my pleasure really. Having my two nieces, ages 10 and 11, and my nephew, age 5, is always a joy. We rarely see them on 'our turf' so it was a lot of fun having them here at our house.
The energy of children always amazes me. I picked them all up around 9 a.m. and I don't think they ever stopped moving the entire time they were here, which therefore kept us moving nonstop as well.
Upon their arrival the big topic was the cats (we have two). Velvis is very friendly and Sid....not so much. He sees strangers in his house and he hides under the bed until the coast is clear. This was a huge fascination for Nathan. It was his mission to find the cat so we searched under ever bed, making a big expedition of it even though I knew exactly where he was. Once we found him, the fun really began.
With flashlight in hand, we must have made 30 trips down the hall so Nathan could check on the cat and see his orange eyes shining in the reflection of the flashlight. He had to show each of us multiple times and each time he embellished his guided tour with noises and exaggerated movements. It was priceless and exhausting. Poor Old Sid, as if he wasn't scared enough, sat quietly under the bed toleraing the bright lights repeatedly ~ bless his heart.
Abby and Katie spent a few minutes writing a letter to their moms for me to take to the Great Banquet tonight and then off to the park we went. Kids climbing everywhere, sliding, running, throwing rocks (ugh) and only one minor injury. They even got Aunt Kathy to go down the slide (a tight fit for a 46 year old with the...shall we say...wider bottom than the average 10-year old!). And Uncle Tom was up on the swinging bridge in no time demonstrating his prowess likes a champ.
Once we arrived back at the homestead I was starving so I cranked up the oven and proceeded to make a gourmet feast of chicken nuggets and mini-tacos. Nathan and Tom went outside to play golf. That is, hit an old golf ball around the yard. Nathan was really impressed when Tom hit that golf ball waaaaayyyyyy far away out in the field. Now what makes this particularly funny is that he wanted to Tom to go out into the field to get it! He was explaining it all to me when he turned to Tom and said, "I'll help you. You go up that big hill and I'll watch you." hahaha. We were both chuckling at that.
Before I knew it, I looked out in the back yard and Tom, bless his heart, had Nathan by the hand and they were headed out into the field. Katie, Abby and I just munched on tacos and watched them from the nice warm dining room. They kept going and going and going. I could see Nathan's hands and arms moving wildly like he was telling some great story on this adventure with his Uncle Tom. They grew smaller and smaller the farther out they went.
About 45 minutes later they started heading back in. Nathan's arms were still flailing crazily while they walked. I'm sure he talked Tom's ear off on that journey out and back.
Finally, they arrived back at the house and Nathan was so excited that they found that tiny golf ball. Tom eventually 'fessed up that he took a decoy ball to throw out there in case they didn't find the original. He's a smart man! But eventually they did find the original.
At around noon, we finally had completed our nugget-taco food fest and it was time for YiYi (that's grandma in the Rygh house) to arrive and what do you think was the first thing Nathan wanted to show her? You guessed it, the orange kitten hiding under the bed!
It was a fun morning and a great reminder of why God gives us children when we're young. Their energy is infectious but I was really thankful that I had the opportunity to take a nap this afternoon.
We love you Abby, Katie and Nathan! Can't wait til you come to play with us again.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Getting Ready for the Banquet
It is a painfully quiet day in the office today. Doc is in a different office and Heather is out to school this afternoon so it's just me and you. Being the social and talkative person that I am, these days in 'solitary' are killer for me. On the other hand, I get the opportunity to have some quiet time so my brain can actually function properly for a short while.
Today I really do not want to be working. I am so excited and wound up I can barely stand it. This evening marks the beginning of the Great Banquet weekend for many beloved, beautiful area women. Seventy-two hours of blissful reflection and relationship with God. Now, I am not attending this weekend retreat but I am sponsoring three wonderful ladies(2 of which are my sisters-in-law) on this heartwarming, heart-renewing weekend getaway. I'm not sure what I would be doing if I weren't here at the office, I just know I can't stand sitting here today. I'm like a kid on Christmas Eve! I can't wait for it to get here.
Last year was my first, and only, spiritual retreat experience. I had absolutely no idea what to expect. All I knew is that after three or four invitations to attend, my pastor was not going to quit asking me until I finally gave in and said yes 'just to get it over with.' So together with a friend, we made it to the Great Banquet #91 in the spring of 2010. The weekend was far beyond anything I could have imagined. I wish I had been invited and attended sooner.
The Banquet was an amazing experience as a guest, but for me it is almost more exciting as the sponsor. Remembering all those special, God-filled, liberating and sustaining moments, the wonderful food, the new friendships and the surprises that were encompassed in those precious 72 hours just gets me giddy. Knowing how I came out a changed person with a renewed sense of God's love and His direction for my life makes me wish Sunday would hurry up and get here so I can hear all about it!
One more look at the clock reveals it is nearly 3 pm. Three short hours until we load the car and press on to the campground they will call home for the next three days. Three more hours until I stand hand-in-hand with them and pray for their walks with God. Three more days until I get to hear about their weekend experience!
Please join me today in saying a prayer for the women who will attend this retreat, for those who work to make it happen, and above all, in thanksgiving to our God who has made it all possible.
Today I really do not want to be working. I am so excited and wound up I can barely stand it. This evening marks the beginning of the Great Banquet weekend for many beloved, beautiful area women. Seventy-two hours of blissful reflection and relationship with God. Now, I am not attending this weekend retreat but I am sponsoring three wonderful ladies(2 of which are my sisters-in-law) on this heartwarming, heart-renewing weekend getaway. I'm not sure what I would be doing if I weren't here at the office, I just know I can't stand sitting here today. I'm like a kid on Christmas Eve! I can't wait for it to get here.
Last year was my first, and only, spiritual retreat experience. I had absolutely no idea what to expect. All I knew is that after three or four invitations to attend, my pastor was not going to quit asking me until I finally gave in and said yes 'just to get it over with.' So together with a friend, we made it to the Great Banquet #91 in the spring of 2010. The weekend was far beyond anything I could have imagined. I wish I had been invited and attended sooner.
The Banquet was an amazing experience as a guest, but for me it is almost more exciting as the sponsor. Remembering all those special, God-filled, liberating and sustaining moments, the wonderful food, the new friendships and the surprises that were encompassed in those precious 72 hours just gets me giddy. Knowing how I came out a changed person with a renewed sense of God's love and His direction for my life makes me wish Sunday would hurry up and get here so I can hear all about it!
One more look at the clock reveals it is nearly 3 pm. Three short hours until we load the car and press on to the campground they will call home for the next three days. Three more hours until I stand hand-in-hand with them and pray for their walks with God. Three more days until I get to hear about their weekend experience!
Please join me today in saying a prayer for the women who will attend this retreat, for those who work to make it happen, and above all, in thanksgiving to our God who has made it all possible.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Here's to My Health!
Well, once again I have taken on the challenge to quit smoking. Last Friday I woke up and just decided that was the day and that's all there is to it. I smoked my final cigarette before the challenge at 11:25 a.m. while heading out to lunch.
This is not the first time I have started down this road, only to fall into a huge pot hole that I refused to climb out of. Several years back I quit successfully for several months until that trip to Las Vegas. Good grief! Have you ever walked through a casino full of smoke when you're trying to quit? To say that I wanted a cigarette would be a major understatement. I tried holding my breath and walking faster through it all to no avail. It was everywhere! Not to mention that those casinos are huge and I certainly would've passed out long before reaching a door and some fresh air. I finally caved. And when I say caved, I mean crumbled like a cave made of toothpicks in a tornado. On the second day there I searched the enormous place and finally located a shop where I promptly laid down $15 for ONE back of cigarettes and a lighter. Heaven forbid anyone might have gotten in my way or someone could've gotten hurt. Oh, and by the way, that lovely $5 Bic lighter stayed in Vegas because I wasn't able to take it onto the plane in my purse. Ugh.
In 2009 I decided to start the journey again. This time for my future grandchildren. My first grandchild was due in January 2010 and I really didn't want to be the grandma that was hacking, coughing and out of breath all the time. I had done pretty good for about 8 weeks or so and then I got the call that Sami was in labor. Well, I'm here to report that the stress and excitement of that morning got the better of me and off to the Kwik-E Mart I went for batteries for the camera and a pack of cigarettes. I smoked myself stupid all the way to the hospital and every chance I had in between contractions. I gained a beautiful granddaughter that day, but I also gained that darned habit back.
It is now March of 2011. I've been having some minor health issues since last fall. So, like most web-savvy folks, I jumped online and headed to Web MD to diagnose myself after not getting anything definitive from my doctor. Researching my various symptoms led to a few different things, but the one that most closely matched had no 'cure'. There were things you could try to alleviate symptoms and flare-ups and of course, quitting smoking and giving up coffee were high on the list. So I thought, what the heck? I'll see if it helps and since both of those things are super-high on my bad habits list, I chose the one that I am restricted, by law, from doing indoors in the state of Illinois.
Today is day four. I will admit that I have cheated. I cannot seem to part with that first one of the day. At this point, I have had three cigarettes since my journey began. Cheating? Yes. But three in four days is better than 40 in the same period of time, which is where the journey began last week.
Baby steps....and prayer. I pray every day that God will help me fend off this evil habit and lead me to a healthier lifestyle.
I am on my way. My health is already improving and my symptoms are fewer. Will I cheat tomorrow? Only God knows. I will kick the smoking habit! Coffee, on the other hand, is here to stay.
This is not the first time I have started down this road, only to fall into a huge pot hole that I refused to climb out of. Several years back I quit successfully for several months until that trip to Las Vegas. Good grief! Have you ever walked through a casino full of smoke when you're trying to quit? To say that I wanted a cigarette would be a major understatement. I tried holding my breath and walking faster through it all to no avail. It was everywhere! Not to mention that those casinos are huge and I certainly would've passed out long before reaching a door and some fresh air. I finally caved. And when I say caved, I mean crumbled like a cave made of toothpicks in a tornado. On the second day there I searched the enormous place and finally located a shop where I promptly laid down $15 for ONE back of cigarettes and a lighter. Heaven forbid anyone might have gotten in my way or someone could've gotten hurt. Oh, and by the way, that lovely $5 Bic lighter stayed in Vegas because I wasn't able to take it onto the plane in my purse. Ugh.
In 2009 I decided to start the journey again. This time for my future grandchildren. My first grandchild was due in January 2010 and I really didn't want to be the grandma that was hacking, coughing and out of breath all the time. I had done pretty good for about 8 weeks or so and then I got the call that Sami was in labor. Well, I'm here to report that the stress and excitement of that morning got the better of me and off to the Kwik-E Mart I went for batteries for the camera and a pack of cigarettes. I smoked myself stupid all the way to the hospital and every chance I had in between contractions. I gained a beautiful granddaughter that day, but I also gained that darned habit back.
It is now March of 2011. I've been having some minor health issues since last fall. So, like most web-savvy folks, I jumped online and headed to Web MD to diagnose myself after not getting anything definitive from my doctor. Researching my various symptoms led to a few different things, but the one that most closely matched had no 'cure'. There were things you could try to alleviate symptoms and flare-ups and of course, quitting smoking and giving up coffee were high on the list. So I thought, what the heck? I'll see if it helps and since both of those things are super-high on my bad habits list, I chose the one that I am restricted, by law, from doing indoors in the state of Illinois.
Today is day four. I will admit that I have cheated. I cannot seem to part with that first one of the day. At this point, I have had three cigarettes since my journey began. Cheating? Yes. But three in four days is better than 40 in the same period of time, which is where the journey began last week.
Baby steps....and prayer. I pray every day that God will help me fend off this evil habit and lead me to a healthier lifestyle.
I am on my way. My health is already improving and my symptoms are fewer. Will I cheat tomorrow? Only God knows. I will kick the smoking habit! Coffee, on the other hand, is here to stay.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
I am sure it's not just me. There's got to be others out there. You know, those who wake up on Sunday morning and just wanna stay in bed our lounge around in sweats all day instead of going to church?
Well I had that kind of feeling today. I really just felt like crawling back under the covers and returning to my vegetative state but then I gave myself a pep talk and crawled out of bed. After all, I was co-hostess of a bridal shower this afternoon and would've felt guilty skipping church and then just showing up at the shower. Like the old school days when we played sick to get out of school but then wanted to go to the basketball game that night. Ahhh, the good old days.
Thank heavens for those little pep talks. I would have missed a really great "God moment" if I had stayed home.
First off, the sanctuary was full today. I just love that. We had quite a few gone over the past couple of weeks with spring break and family vacations but most were back in their usual spots this morning. There's comfort in knowing that all of your family is together in one place and safe.
The soft music of the prelude concluded and pastor stepped forward to welcome everyone to worship. We took a brief moment of silence and then began our prepare-for-worship song, "Open Our Eyes Lord". This one of my favorite songs of all time. I just love the simple tune, the easy words and a message that just leaves you wanting no - expecting - something great to come. And this morning, for me, the great thing did indeed come.
The congregation started to sing and I just got chills and God-bumps. It was incredible. So many voices, familiar with the tune, singing confidently and expectantly. As I sat there in the pew I closed my eyes and just listened. I was so absorbed in the sound of all of those voices coming together and asking God to open our eyes and ears and inviting the very presence of God to fill us that I could not sing myself. I just had to listen. I was compelled to sit quietly and just let the chorus of voices surround me, fill me, lift me and carry me away. It was a truly amazing God moment.
Now, if I had given in to my own whining about getting out of my nice warm bed, taking a shower and leaving the house, I would have missed that heavenly choir of voices. I would have missed my God moment!
So next time you're convinced that staying home is a better option, give yourself a peptalk and remember: You might miss your God moment! So get out of bed!
Well I had that kind of feeling today. I really just felt like crawling back under the covers and returning to my vegetative state but then I gave myself a pep talk and crawled out of bed. After all, I was co-hostess of a bridal shower this afternoon and would've felt guilty skipping church and then just showing up at the shower. Like the old school days when we played sick to get out of school but then wanted to go to the basketball game that night. Ahhh, the good old days.
Thank heavens for those little pep talks. I would have missed a really great "God moment" if I had stayed home.
First off, the sanctuary was full today. I just love that. We had quite a few gone over the past couple of weeks with spring break and family vacations but most were back in their usual spots this morning. There's comfort in knowing that all of your family is together in one place and safe.
The soft music of the prelude concluded and pastor stepped forward to welcome everyone to worship. We took a brief moment of silence and then began our prepare-for-worship song, "Open Our Eyes Lord". This one of my favorite songs of all time. I just love the simple tune, the easy words and a message that just leaves you wanting no - expecting - something great to come. And this morning, for me, the great thing did indeed come.
The congregation started to sing and I just got chills and God-bumps. It was incredible. So many voices, familiar with the tune, singing confidently and expectantly. As I sat there in the pew I closed my eyes and just listened. I was so absorbed in the sound of all of those voices coming together and asking God to open our eyes and ears and inviting the very presence of God to fill us that I could not sing myself. I just had to listen. I was compelled to sit quietly and just let the chorus of voices surround me, fill me, lift me and carry me away. It was a truly amazing God moment.
Now, if I had given in to my own whining about getting out of my nice warm bed, taking a shower and leaving the house, I would have missed that heavenly choir of voices. I would have missed my God moment!
So next time you're convinced that staying home is a better option, give yourself a peptalk and remember: You might miss your God moment! So get out of bed!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Ahhhh, the weekend.
As this week draws to a close and the weekend is here, it feels good to reflect on all that was accomplished in this week.
It was a doctor-less week in the office, which often can be quite boring, but this week was full, full, full! Bless the good doc's heart - he left us a 'to do' list. Heather and I diligently trudged through forms and files, tracked down insurance claims, painted the office and did spring cleaning. Honestly, I think that she and I will need next week off as vacation.
On top of the work routine, I attended my Diakonia class on Tuesday evening. I just love these classes. It's a great time of fellowship and growth. The pastor currently teaching our Creeds and Confessions class is young and she is a hoot. We have great discussion, laughs and food. Even though the drive is long and the night is late, I look forward to being with this group to get me centered and fill me up.
Wednesday evening was our soup supper and Lenten service at church followed by a great new book study on the Centered Life. Again, another great opportunity to be filled up with the Holy Spirit and fellowship with my church family.
On Thursday morning, I played hooky from work a few hours and had breakfast out with a friend followed by a little shopping for a bridal shower we are hosting this weekend. It always surprises me how renewed I feel after spending time with a friend sharing laughter and crazy stories. I am thankful that we are able to squeeze these times into busy schedules occasionally. It seems, sadly enough, that as we go through our day-to-day work, family, school and home routines that our friendships sometimes fall by the wayside. And like all relationships, they need to be nurtured and jump started every now and then. Thank you, Sue, for the fun Thursday morning.
And speaking of relationships, tomorrow my hubby and I are having a date! Woo Hoo! You see, he works midnights and I work days. We see each other briefly every morning long enough for a 'how was your night?' a quick kiss and I'm out the door to my job for the day. In the evening, it's the reverse when he heads out, kisses me good night and I go to bed. Nurturing this relationship takes some careful planning and sometimes sacrifice. We both just love to snatch every opportunity to have our granddaughter for an evening or overnight, but I had to decline one such opportunity this weekend in order to spend one whole day with my husband. I have no idea what we are going to do (probably dinner and grocery shopping lol) but I know we need to have this time together to get reacquainted and maybe have a conversation more than 30 seconds long!
Sunday morning will be church and in the afternoon is the bridal shower for a good friend who will be married in May. Tom will be off to bed in the afternoon since he has to work again on Sunday night.
Monday morning will bring reality back in full force, sort of like a tsunami after the earthquake. We will be busy, busy, busy this week after doc's vacation, but hey, that's the price we pay for any of us having time off.
I pray for you all the relaxation of a day off of work and running, renewal and rejuvenation in lazy Saturday and the fulfilling grace and love our Jesus Christ on Sunday.
It was a doctor-less week in the office, which often can be quite boring, but this week was full, full, full! Bless the good doc's heart - he left us a 'to do' list. Heather and I diligently trudged through forms and files, tracked down insurance claims, painted the office and did spring cleaning. Honestly, I think that she and I will need next week off as vacation.
On top of the work routine, I attended my Diakonia class on Tuesday evening. I just love these classes. It's a great time of fellowship and growth. The pastor currently teaching our Creeds and Confessions class is young and she is a hoot. We have great discussion, laughs and food. Even though the drive is long and the night is late, I look forward to being with this group to get me centered and fill me up.
Wednesday evening was our soup supper and Lenten service at church followed by a great new book study on the Centered Life. Again, another great opportunity to be filled up with the Holy Spirit and fellowship with my church family.
On Thursday morning, I played hooky from work a few hours and had breakfast out with a friend followed by a little shopping for a bridal shower we are hosting this weekend. It always surprises me how renewed I feel after spending time with a friend sharing laughter and crazy stories. I am thankful that we are able to squeeze these times into busy schedules occasionally. It seems, sadly enough, that as we go through our day-to-day work, family, school and home routines that our friendships sometimes fall by the wayside. And like all relationships, they need to be nurtured and jump started every now and then. Thank you, Sue, for the fun Thursday morning.
And speaking of relationships, tomorrow my hubby and I are having a date! Woo Hoo! You see, he works midnights and I work days. We see each other briefly every morning long enough for a 'how was your night?' a quick kiss and I'm out the door to my job for the day. In the evening, it's the reverse when he heads out, kisses me good night and I go to bed. Nurturing this relationship takes some careful planning and sometimes sacrifice. We both just love to snatch every opportunity to have our granddaughter for an evening or overnight, but I had to decline one such opportunity this weekend in order to spend one whole day with my husband. I have no idea what we are going to do (probably dinner and grocery shopping lol) but I know we need to have this time together to get reacquainted and maybe have a conversation more than 30 seconds long!
Sunday morning will be church and in the afternoon is the bridal shower for a good friend who will be married in May. Tom will be off to bed in the afternoon since he has to work again on Sunday night.
Monday morning will bring reality back in full force, sort of like a tsunami after the earthquake. We will be busy, busy, busy this week after doc's vacation, but hey, that's the price we pay for any of us having time off.
I pray for you all the relaxation of a day off of work and running, renewal and rejuvenation in lazy Saturday and the fulfilling grace and love our Jesus Christ on Sunday.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The Chaos of Change
Why is change so darned difficult? I mean really, you just get the hang of things, you've got a nice life flow, a nice 'system' in place and then BAM! - it's time to change....again!
I work for a podiatrist, a very good one I might add, and a wonderful Christian man. In fact, this is my second time around working for this fabulous doctor and for the life of me I don't know why I decided the grass was greener on the other side, but, well....I digress.
For the time that he's been in the area he has been an independent practitioner with a good, solid but not overwhelming, patient base. There are three employees plus the doctor in our little office family. Things have been going nicely, the practice is growing, word-of-mouth brings many people to seek his care and we (the staff) have been openly praised for our compassionate and skilled care. We rarely, if ever, run behind schedule and we pride ourselves on maintaining this high quality environment.
As of March 1, we have merged into a medical 'group'. We are still us, just part of a larger entity that will be bring greater benefit to the employees and unity to the multiple physicians in taking on Medicare and other insurance companies. So needless to say, big changes are underway and like a lot of people, I don't particularly care for change.
A good friend of mine recently suggested we eliminate the word change from our thinking and suggested instead the word transform or transformation. Hearing this particular word, for me, brought a sense of peace and seemed to ease the stress just a bit. It just didn't seem so hard to transform. Transformation seems more gradual, something we can ease into gently. I like it. I think I'll keep it.
So today while working on some of the various transformations taking place in the office, I tried to imagine myself in the caterpillar-coccoon-butterfly image. In the past, in my caterpillar stage, I roamed aimlessly (well, it seemed thath way sometimes) through a job or jobs. I tested this, nibbled on that, and tried different things; always looking for that one thing that was right for me in a place that was right for me.
When I landed in my current position (for the second time) I reached my coccoon stage. A very comfortable, warm and cozy, safe place. I am good at what I do, I love our patients, I love my boss and I have great friends through my work. A comfy coccoon indeed.
And then I went to a spiritual retreat in the spring of 2010 and that is when the coccoon started to crack. I suddenly felt pulled, called and drawn to be something more. I was being called to transform somehow. I imagine that this is about the time that the discussions began for forming the medical group. I began a two-year journey of spiritual development, I accepted calls to serve on the council at church, I have been filled with the Holy Spirit and launched into learning what the Lord thinks I need in order to equip me to fulfill my duties in His kingdom.
Today at the office, my mind was being overwhelmed by the information and the details of what this new transformation in my work world will entail. I wonder how God is calling us - the doctor and the staff, to serve differently, better and in harmony with others who also share the call to care for God's people. I have to keep reminding myself that we are transforming ourselves into what He calls us to be. He is calling us to break out, be bold and be transformed into something beautiful.
My personal and professional wings are beginning to emerge like the first flowers of spring bursting through the cold ground. The transformation into butterfly has started in ernest. The days ahead are filled with uncertainty but one thing is clear: God is walking the journey right beside us and He will be there as I/we spread our wings and take flight and move out to transform the world.
I work for a podiatrist, a very good one I might add, and a wonderful Christian man. In fact, this is my second time around working for this fabulous doctor and for the life of me I don't know why I decided the grass was greener on the other side, but, well....I digress.
For the time that he's been in the area he has been an independent practitioner with a good, solid but not overwhelming, patient base. There are three employees plus the doctor in our little office family. Things have been going nicely, the practice is growing, word-of-mouth brings many people to seek his care and we (the staff) have been openly praised for our compassionate and skilled care. We rarely, if ever, run behind schedule and we pride ourselves on maintaining this high quality environment.
As of March 1, we have merged into a medical 'group'. We are still us, just part of a larger entity that will be bring greater benefit to the employees and unity to the multiple physicians in taking on Medicare and other insurance companies. So needless to say, big changes are underway and like a lot of people, I don't particularly care for change.
A good friend of mine recently suggested we eliminate the word change from our thinking and suggested instead the word transform or transformation. Hearing this particular word, for me, brought a sense of peace and seemed to ease the stress just a bit. It just didn't seem so hard to transform. Transformation seems more gradual, something we can ease into gently. I like it. I think I'll keep it.
So today while working on some of the various transformations taking place in the office, I tried to imagine myself in the caterpillar-coccoon-butterfly image. In the past, in my caterpillar stage, I roamed aimlessly (well, it seemed thath way sometimes) through a job or jobs. I tested this, nibbled on that, and tried different things; always looking for that one thing that was right for me in a place that was right for me.
When I landed in my current position (for the second time) I reached my coccoon stage. A very comfortable, warm and cozy, safe place. I am good at what I do, I love our patients, I love my boss and I have great friends through my work. A comfy coccoon indeed.
And then I went to a spiritual retreat in the spring of 2010 and that is when the coccoon started to crack. I suddenly felt pulled, called and drawn to be something more. I was being called to transform somehow. I imagine that this is about the time that the discussions began for forming the medical group. I began a two-year journey of spiritual development, I accepted calls to serve on the council at church, I have been filled with the Holy Spirit and launched into learning what the Lord thinks I need in order to equip me to fulfill my duties in His kingdom.
Today at the office, my mind was being overwhelmed by the information and the details of what this new transformation in my work world will entail. I wonder how God is calling us - the doctor and the staff, to serve differently, better and in harmony with others who also share the call to care for God's people. I have to keep reminding myself that we are transforming ourselves into what He calls us to be. He is calling us to break out, be bold and be transformed into something beautiful.
My personal and professional wings are beginning to emerge like the first flowers of spring bursting through the cold ground. The transformation into butterfly has started in ernest. The days ahead are filled with uncertainty but one thing is clear: God is walking the journey right beside us and He will be there as I/we spread our wings and take flight and move out to transform the world.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Monday, Monday....Can't Trust That Day
So today marked the first day of spring and the first day of a week without the boss in the office. While we had great plans for today not much on the 'big stuff' got done today, although I did get three plants repotted that were looking forlorn.
I spent the whole day entering payments.....twice! We have recently had some changes in our office procedures and for now I have to enter all the payments into each group separately. Anyone who has ever read insurance EOBs knows this is not always an easy task. But I persevered, made the deposit, looked at the clock....it was time to go home. Tomorrow I am going to start painting the walls....or climbing them, I have decided which just yet.
Tonight I am catching up on church bulletin work and will then do some additional reading for class tomorrow night. I just LOVE my Diakonia class. Only four more weeks and my first year will be complete! Hooray! Hubby is snoring away down the hall, the cats are sleeping around here and there and the house is relatively quiet.
Not much motivational in this blog tonight, just stopping in to say hello and keep myself in the habit. God bless you all this week.
KLR
I spent the whole day entering payments.....twice! We have recently had some changes in our office procedures and for now I have to enter all the payments into each group separately. Anyone who has ever read insurance EOBs knows this is not always an easy task. But I persevered, made the deposit, looked at the clock....it was time to go home. Tomorrow I am going to start painting the walls....or climbing them, I have decided which just yet.
Tonight I am catching up on church bulletin work and will then do some additional reading for class tomorrow night. I just LOVE my Diakonia class. Only four more weeks and my first year will be complete! Hooray! Hubby is snoring away down the hall, the cats are sleeping around here and there and the house is relatively quiet.
Not much motivational in this blog tonight, just stopping in to say hello and keep myself in the habit. God bless you all this week.
KLR
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Growing into a Grandpa
After this crazy, chaotic, overstuffed week we had a beautiful Saturday spent with our granddaughter Alexis. She is now 14 months old, a bundle of energy and a consistent source of smiles and joy. She is walking, running, climbing and jabbering in her own little language.
It hardly seems possibly that 14 months have passed since this little cutie entered our lives, much the same thought I have about the 27 years that have passed since the birth of my own first child.
Now, those of you who I've grown up with know that my sole purpose and goal in life was to grow up, get married and be a mom. I could not wait for that time and I fearlessly took on that challenge at the age of 19 when my daughter, Heather Dawn, was born follwed closely by Daniel Allen and Benjamin John. Three of the best things EVER to happen in my life.
Fourteen years later, following the divorce from their father, I remarried a wonderful guy (Tom). Now Tom, bless his heart, had never been married much less been surrounded by the chaos that a houseful of children can bring. This wonderful, painfully quiet, man stepped out of his comfort zone, faced the culture shock and took on the challenges associated with being a stepfather, but had never experienced the joy of babies and toddlers, having not had children himself.
His newest life-changing journey began on January 5, 2010 with the birth of our granddaughter. When we first visited them when they arrived home, he was nervouse as all get out to hold that 8 lb. bundle - the fear showing clearly on his face in those early photos. The changes in him during this past 14 months just make me smile.
Every week, at least once, he asks "Are we getting Alexis this weekend?" and on one recent occasion he even said, "We NEED to get Alexis this weekend." My heart just melted. He was missing her and needed to see her. It's so hard with his sleeping schedule and working nights.
He is a great grandpa. After a blizzard in February he brought in three bowls of snow so she could play in the snow without getting too cold. So all I could do was smile and take pictures of her spreading snow all over the dining room with my proud hubby looking on full of smiles. It was fun to watch. Would I have let my kids do that? Heck no. But that's what grandparents are for - right?
He is not afraid to pick her up if she's crying. He's the good guy who lets her run out the patio door without shoes or a jacket (ugh). He's the impatient, fun guy who wakes up from our nap because it's nice out and she should go outside to play. He's the loving man who brings snow inside the house so she doesn't get cold. Has he changed a diaper? No, but the changes he has undergone more than make up for the fact.
This granny is so proud to be married to this grandpa. The joys of watching him grow into his new role bring almost as much joy as watching the granddaughter growing and changing every day.
Tomorrow is the first day of spring. A season of new life, rain showers, changes and growth. I pray that the good Lord showers his wonderful blessings over us and continues to help us grow into the people we are meant to be.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
What WOULD Jesus do?
I recently finished reading a book called "In His Steps". This was a truly wonderful reading experience that should be a requirement for all Christians today to read and soak in. The story is about a pastor of a church who challenges his parishioners to live one year of their lives doing nothing without first asking "What would Jesus do?" The challenges they faced and the changes they underwent throughout the story just hit me like a ton of bricks. Could I live my life, in all areas, without first asking "What would Jesus do?"
This question has hung in the air around me for the last two weeks.
A few months ago, a very close friend called me upset that someone he had talked to at work that day stated that they didn't like me (Kathy). His distress became my own as I wondered what in the world I had possibly done or said that would cause this person to speak out with such a statement. I try hard to be friends with everyone and I was so upset by this that in my hurt I posted a comment on a social network, "Like me or hate me is up to you. I know that God loves me and that's all I need." (or something to that effect.) The reply stated that this was negative and permanent status, which I am sure it was.
I sent a private message to this person asking just what I had done to cause this hurt to her. I honestly could not remember anything I had done. A lengthy reply was received with her explanation of the words I had chosen three years prior in my haste of finalizing worship details for the day. It also noted that I am a small piece of the bigger picture. The final line: WWJD? Hmmmm? What WOULD Jesus do? I wonder if those four words were meant for me or for her?
I prayed hard that day and into the evening. I prayed that she could find it in her heart to forgive me. I prayed for myself, that I would have the ability to speak words of good meaning for future encounters. I prayed that she and her family would find a church home where she felt secure, loved and fulfilled, even if that place is not our current place of worship. I prayed and prayed. I was truly devastated knowing that I had hurt someone so deeply with my hastily chosen, unintentional words spoken in haste and without thinking.
We exchanged several email messages throughout the following day or two. I thought, perhaps prematurely, that we had come to at least an understanding that we could both live with. And yet, just last week another friend, unrelated to our church family, has been told by this person that she hates me. I wonder if Jesus would take every opportunity to spread this hatred with every person who knows me or would he have forgiven and blessed me with another opportunity to do better? I wonder if Jesus would turn and walk away as fast as He could if I tried to approach and have a conversation with Him at church?
Having completed the book that left that lingering question, I wonder if I am able to live in a way that puts Jesus as my first thought before making any decisions or taking any action? I believe that Jesus would forgive and move forward. I have forgiven her, but the nagging hurt is still in my heart and the wound reopened each time another person tells me what they've heard from her.
What do you think? What WOULD Jesus do?
This question has hung in the air around me for the last two weeks.
A few months ago, a very close friend called me upset that someone he had talked to at work that day stated that they didn't like me (Kathy). His distress became my own as I wondered what in the world I had possibly done or said that would cause this person to speak out with such a statement. I try hard to be friends with everyone and I was so upset by this that in my hurt I posted a comment on a social network, "Like me or hate me is up to you. I know that God loves me and that's all I need." (or something to that effect.) The reply stated that this was negative and permanent status, which I am sure it was.
I sent a private message to this person asking just what I had done to cause this hurt to her. I honestly could not remember anything I had done. A lengthy reply was received with her explanation of the words I had chosen three years prior in my haste of finalizing worship details for the day. It also noted that I am a small piece of the bigger picture. The final line: WWJD? Hmmmm? What WOULD Jesus do? I wonder if those four words were meant for me or for her?
I prayed hard that day and into the evening. I prayed that she could find it in her heart to forgive me. I prayed for myself, that I would have the ability to speak words of good meaning for future encounters. I prayed that she and her family would find a church home where she felt secure, loved and fulfilled, even if that place is not our current place of worship. I prayed and prayed. I was truly devastated knowing that I had hurt someone so deeply with my hastily chosen, unintentional words spoken in haste and without thinking.
We exchanged several email messages throughout the following day or two. I thought, perhaps prematurely, that we had come to at least an understanding that we could both live with. And yet, just last week another friend, unrelated to our church family, has been told by this person that she hates me. I wonder if Jesus would take every opportunity to spread this hatred with every person who knows me or would he have forgiven and blessed me with another opportunity to do better? I wonder if Jesus would turn and walk away as fast as He could if I tried to approach and have a conversation with Him at church?
Having completed the book that left that lingering question, I wonder if I am able to live in a way that puts Jesus as my first thought before making any decisions or taking any action? I believe that Jesus would forgive and move forward. I have forgiven her, but the nagging hurt is still in my heart and the wound reopened each time another person tells me what they've heard from her.
What do you think? What WOULD Jesus do?
Monday, May 25, 2009
Fallen for Freedom
I wake this morning, after a night in my comfortable bed and safe from harm, to a cool Monday morning sipping coffee and planning the activities of my day. Most Monday mornings are spent rushing around getting ready for work and enjoying a busy day full of things I choose to do. Today, however, is Memorial Day. An early summer day that many, including myself, will get to enjoy off to be with our families and friends.
When I was a child, I remember that on this day we would travel to my mother's home town, stop at the same greenhouse, and then drive to the cemetery to place red geraniums on the grave of someone I didn't know - her father. Her father had died in a war as a young man serving his country. I had no idea why we were doing it, I just knew that when this day came each year that was the plan. I am now 44 years old and it wasn't until recently that the reality of what we had faithfully done those many years ago struck me with brilliant clarity.
I had never had the opportunity to meet this man who gave his life for his country, as he had given the ultimate sacrifice when my mother was just a girl. Never before had a pondered the grief and struggles of my grandmother, a young woman with five young children, left to heal their hurting souls and her own, and manage to go on without him. The realization that many, many families have had to endure this pain and sacrifice through the generations has made to truly realize what a gift these young men and women were and we should remember them today, and everyday that we walk in our freedom.
Yesterday as my husband and I were driving along a rural country highway, through several small towns, we saw American flags flying from nearly every home in these communities nestled among the corn fields. But the most striking display could be seen nearly a mile away at a cemetery in the middle of nowhere. There, they had rows and rows, at least 50, tall flagpoles waving the red, white and blue banners of our freedom and independence. With the setting of the early evening sun providing the amazing amber backdrop for this image tears came to my eyes as I remembered those who had fallen for our freedom. It was truly one of the most amazing displays I have ever seen and I thank Our Lord and Father that he led me down that path last night.
Today, as you enjoy your day off, I encourage you to take a few minutes and say a prayer of thanksgiving that you live in the land of the free. Pray for the families whose soldiers have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Even if you do not believe in war, say a prayer of support for the safety of our soldiers who are serving in the way that our God has called them. Pray for their families back home who struggle to maintain the family while they are away. And, as always, pray for their safe return.
When I was a child, I remember that on this day we would travel to my mother's home town, stop at the same greenhouse, and then drive to the cemetery to place red geraniums on the grave of someone I didn't know - her father. Her father had died in a war as a young man serving his country. I had no idea why we were doing it, I just knew that when this day came each year that was the plan. I am now 44 years old and it wasn't until recently that the reality of what we had faithfully done those many years ago struck me with brilliant clarity.
I had never had the opportunity to meet this man who gave his life for his country, as he had given the ultimate sacrifice when my mother was just a girl. Never before had a pondered the grief and struggles of my grandmother, a young woman with five young children, left to heal their hurting souls and her own, and manage to go on without him. The realization that many, many families have had to endure this pain and sacrifice through the generations has made to truly realize what a gift these young men and women were and we should remember them today, and everyday that we walk in our freedom.
Yesterday as my husband and I were driving along a rural country highway, through several small towns, we saw American flags flying from nearly every home in these communities nestled among the corn fields. But the most striking display could be seen nearly a mile away at a cemetery in the middle of nowhere. There, they had rows and rows, at least 50, tall flagpoles waving the red, white and blue banners of our freedom and independence. With the setting of the early evening sun providing the amazing amber backdrop for this image tears came to my eyes as I remembered those who had fallen for our freedom. It was truly one of the most amazing displays I have ever seen and I thank Our Lord and Father that he led me down that path last night.
Today, as you enjoy your day off, I encourage you to take a few minutes and say a prayer of thanksgiving that you live in the land of the free. Pray for the families whose soldiers have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Even if you do not believe in war, say a prayer of support for the safety of our soldiers who are serving in the way that our God has called them. Pray for their families back home who struggle to maintain the family while they are away. And, as always, pray for their safe return.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Thoughts from a soon-to-be Grandma
Life is good. Life is full - full of blessings, gifts and treasures of the heart.
It has been a truly full week at our household. On Mother's Day we received the news that we are going to be grandparents! Now, I have been looking forward to being a grandparent for quite a while-even though my children are only in their early twenties and it seems like only yesterday I was a new parent myself. It is exciting for me to be able to see those little ones I brought home from the hospital (and no clue what to do next) spread their wings, create their own nest and move on to the next step of their journey and become parents in their own right.
I had always imagined that it would be my daughter to have a baby first, but the news came unexpectedly from my oldest son. I received the call on Mothers Day evening. We discussed supper, how our day was and then in a very calm manner (which is absolutely the norm for Dan) he nonchalantly said, "Well, just wanted to let you know you're gonna be a Grandma." Well, I nearly flew off my chair with excitement and I could not wait to call my own mother and tell her.
Just like parenting styles, there are lots of grandparenting styles as well. My own grandparents were down to earth and simple. They did not lavish gifts of every kind on us or spend countless dollars on entertaining us, but instead we were surrounded by a love so plain and simple that the memories we made with them will go on and on. It amazes me to this day how we ever survived a week at our grandparents house with only a corn crib, a goat and a big brown bag for entertainment.
And then there are those who spend endlessly on gifts and goodies as if trying to buy the grandchildrens love and affection. Big screen TVs, video games, iPods and laptop computers for a six-year old? Whatever happened to encouraging imagination?
My children are blessed with awesome grandparents too. While they enjoy giving gifts and goodies for special occasions, their greatest gifts are the unconditional love and freedom they enjoy while making their memories. To this day, my kids live for the brief times they go to Grandma's house and just be relaxed and have fun. Where they can go out on the lake, dig up a stump, or jump from a rope into the pond. A place where driving the lawnmower for hours is fun and Grandpa spent countless hours being the 'gas station'. A place where they can just 'be' and be loved.
It's going to seem like forever until January gets here and that new life arrives. I hope and pray that I can be a great balance of styles of grandparenting. I know that while I may not have the funding required for lavish gifts, God has blessed each of us with the one thing that money cannot buy - love. God's love is free and is meant to be shared with those around us.
So bring on the granchildren because I've got a bank full of love just waiting to be shared!
It has been a truly full week at our household. On Mother's Day we received the news that we are going to be grandparents! Now, I have been looking forward to being a grandparent for quite a while-even though my children are only in their early twenties and it seems like only yesterday I was a new parent myself. It is exciting for me to be able to see those little ones I brought home from the hospital (and no clue what to do next) spread their wings, create their own nest and move on to the next step of their journey and become parents in their own right.
I had always imagined that it would be my daughter to have a baby first, but the news came unexpectedly from my oldest son. I received the call on Mothers Day evening. We discussed supper, how our day was and then in a very calm manner (which is absolutely the norm for Dan) he nonchalantly said, "Well, just wanted to let you know you're gonna be a Grandma." Well, I nearly flew off my chair with excitement and I could not wait to call my own mother and tell her.
Just like parenting styles, there are lots of grandparenting styles as well. My own grandparents were down to earth and simple. They did not lavish gifts of every kind on us or spend countless dollars on entertaining us, but instead we were surrounded by a love so plain and simple that the memories we made with them will go on and on. It amazes me to this day how we ever survived a week at our grandparents house with only a corn crib, a goat and a big brown bag for entertainment.
And then there are those who spend endlessly on gifts and goodies as if trying to buy the grandchildrens love and affection. Big screen TVs, video games, iPods and laptop computers for a six-year old? Whatever happened to encouraging imagination?
My children are blessed with awesome grandparents too. While they enjoy giving gifts and goodies for special occasions, their greatest gifts are the unconditional love and freedom they enjoy while making their memories. To this day, my kids live for the brief times they go to Grandma's house and just be relaxed and have fun. Where they can go out on the lake, dig up a stump, or jump from a rope into the pond. A place where driving the lawnmower for hours is fun and Grandpa spent countless hours being the 'gas station'. A place where they can just 'be' and be loved.
It's going to seem like forever until January gets here and that new life arrives. I hope and pray that I can be a great balance of styles of grandparenting. I know that while I may not have the funding required for lavish gifts, God has blessed each of us with the one thing that money cannot buy - love. God's love is free and is meant to be shared with those around us.
So bring on the granchildren because I've got a bank full of love just waiting to be shared!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Happy Mothers Day!
It's hard to imagine what life would be like without your mom. My heart aches for those who have gone through this transition in life where mom is no longer there so you can reach out for her, call her on the phone, laugh and go shopping with her. Our lives are formed, loved and nurtured by the strength of our mothers. Most dedicate their lives to the enormous task and responsibility that God has given them.
I hadn't really thought about this much until one day I realized that God trusted me the responsibility of caring for His children. You see, they are not my children, they are His. We are all His. He has entrusted this task to so many wonderful women that touch not only their children's lives but are icons of strength and dedication to others who will take on this job one day. No small fete by any means.
I have had the pleasure to see many models of great motherhood throughout my forty-four years of life, beginning with my own mom. My mom is a hard-working, extremely loving and friendly gal who, I know, has touched many, many lives other than my own. I have seen her care lovingly for her own mother in her later years and during her trying times before she went to the Lord, and I have seen her struggle through her own pain to be there for her grandchildren to make and maintain strong bonds and memories that they will never, ever forget. I truly cannot think of a stronger model of motherhood than my own mom. (Thank you mom, you're the best)
How many 'styles' of mothering are there? Equal to the number of stars in the sky. I have seen strict, orderly, and disciplined mothering: everything in order, a place for everything, and big trouble if you don't follow the rules. I have seen laid-back mothering: a house of chaos, fun, full of love of life and each other. And I have seen mothers who have created a great balance of all of this and more. The list can go on and on as we each have been given gifts and talents from God. We are all unique in how we handle the tasks set before us, but we pray and move on, in hopes that the results will be pleasing to God.
I have the pleasure of being mother to three of God's children and I thank Him every day that he has given such a treasured gift to me. They have grown into young adults now, each different from the other, with special gifts and talents unique unto themselves, and yet they are closer now than ever before.
My prayer for Mothers Day: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the opportunity to care for Your children and for all the mothers who have touched my life. I lift up to you all mothers on their special day. Continue to strengthen and guide them on their journey through the trials and tribulations of motherhood. In your name I pray, Amen.
I hadn't really thought about this much until one day I realized that God trusted me the responsibility of caring for His children. You see, they are not my children, they are His. We are all His. He has entrusted this task to so many wonderful women that touch not only their children's lives but are icons of strength and dedication to others who will take on this job one day. No small fete by any means.
I have had the pleasure to see many models of great motherhood throughout my forty-four years of life, beginning with my own mom. My mom is a hard-working, extremely loving and friendly gal who, I know, has touched many, many lives other than my own. I have seen her care lovingly for her own mother in her later years and during her trying times before she went to the Lord, and I have seen her struggle through her own pain to be there for her grandchildren to make and maintain strong bonds and memories that they will never, ever forget. I truly cannot think of a stronger model of motherhood than my own mom. (Thank you mom, you're the best)
How many 'styles' of mothering are there? Equal to the number of stars in the sky. I have seen strict, orderly, and disciplined mothering: everything in order, a place for everything, and big trouble if you don't follow the rules. I have seen laid-back mothering: a house of chaos, fun, full of love of life and each other. And I have seen mothers who have created a great balance of all of this and more. The list can go on and on as we each have been given gifts and talents from God. We are all unique in how we handle the tasks set before us, but we pray and move on, in hopes that the results will be pleasing to God.
I have the pleasure of being mother to three of God's children and I thank Him every day that he has given such a treasured gift to me. They have grown into young adults now, each different from the other, with special gifts and talents unique unto themselves, and yet they are closer now than ever before.
My prayer for Mothers Day: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the opportunity to care for Your children and for all the mothers who have touched my life. I lift up to you all mothers on their special day. Continue to strengthen and guide them on their journey through the trials and tribulations of motherhood. In your name I pray, Amen.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Believe and Belong
I remember when I was younger how hard I would strive to be a part of something. It might have been the choir, the cheerleaders, or just the 'in' crowd. I believe that each of us has a yearning deep within to belong and be a part of something special. Not all of us, however, are accepted into the 'in' club or the socially 'cool' cliques that are all around us.
In a post I made a few months back, I mentioned my friend Joe and what a difference he made in the way I look at life just by sharing one hour of worship time with him. (original blog posted below) Joe is very special in many ways.
Recently, after months of patiently waiting and learning, Joe officially became a member of our church. I am blessed to be one of his sponsors and, as such, Joe and I have become very close over the past few months. He was so excited to be joining our church that every day I would get the count down on how many days, weeks or months were left until the day. We would chat online, by text or by phone several times throughout each day about things involving membership in the church.
Every conversation included the same questions, "What's it like to be a member of the church?" and "What does it feel like to be a member of the church?" To Joe, joining the church was like being included in the socially 'cool' group or the 'in' crowd.
Now, I had never pondered these particular questions as he related them to the church, so I stumbled to find words that would explain it adequately for him. I described membership as being welcomed into a huge family that includes not only those of us in our congregation but all of God's children everywhere. The feeling, for me, is similar to going home to your parents house where you are welcomed with arms wide open and accepted unconditionally with all your flaws and imperfections included. The only requirement is that you believe and want to follow Jesus.
It has now been 9 days since Joe joined the church and not a day goes by that he doesn't tell me how happy he is to be a member of the church. Being a part of the body of Christ is one of the 'coolest' groups I know and the rules are simple - Believe and Belong!
Original post: Rejoice and Be Glad In it! 12/01/08
In a post I made a few months back, I mentioned my friend Joe and what a difference he made in the way I look at life just by sharing one hour of worship time with him. (original blog posted below) Joe is very special in many ways.
Recently, after months of patiently waiting and learning, Joe officially became a member of our church. I am blessed to be one of his sponsors and, as such, Joe and I have become very close over the past few months. He was so excited to be joining our church that every day I would get the count down on how many days, weeks or months were left until the day. We would chat online, by text or by phone several times throughout each day about things involving membership in the church.
Every conversation included the same questions, "What's it like to be a member of the church?" and "What does it feel like to be a member of the church?" To Joe, joining the church was like being included in the socially 'cool' group or the 'in' crowd.
Now, I had never pondered these particular questions as he related them to the church, so I stumbled to find words that would explain it adequately for him. I described membership as being welcomed into a huge family that includes not only those of us in our congregation but all of God's children everywhere. The feeling, for me, is similar to going home to your parents house where you are welcomed with arms wide open and accepted unconditionally with all your flaws and imperfections included. The only requirement is that you believe and want to follow Jesus.
It has now been 9 days since Joe joined the church and not a day goes by that he doesn't tell me how happy he is to be a member of the church. Being a part of the body of Christ is one of the 'coolest' groups I know and the rules are simple - Believe and Belong!
Original post: Rejoice and Be Glad In it! 12/01/08
Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it
Psalm 118:24
I have heard this Psalm many times, but it has never struck my heart as true as it did this morning.
I woke up early as I usually do on the weekend, around 5:30 am, to find everything covered in a beautiful blanket of white this morning. This was a beautiful sight as today is the first Sunday in Advent and we were full on into the Christmas season. I left my house a little early so I could 'run in to Wal-Mart' and get a few things. I found myself grumbling all the way because the roads were slushy, it was cold outside and it was still snowing and that leads to a bad hair day. After an hour at the store, I headed off to church, gathering my thoughts in the car as I went and preparing my heart to hear the words that would be spoken there that day.
For the past few months, we had the pleasure a very special guest attending our services. Out of respect for his privacy, I will call him "Joe", although anyone who shops regularly at our local Wal-Mart will recognize him just by the description. Joe was born with certain challenges that might have held back others - but not Joe. This blonde-haired, blue-eyed ray of sunshine beams right into each of our hearts when he is around. He is forever cheerful, upbeat, caring, and worships with all his heart and soul. There is utterly no human way that you can speak to him and not walk away with a smile in your heart. This brings me to the Psalm mentioned above - . . . "let us rejoice and be glad in it."
I chose a seat close to the outside of the row of pews, as I was the reader that Sunday morning and I would need to be able to get out easily. I was the only one in that row until Joe came and asked if it was okay if he sat with me. What an honor that felt like! Now, from the very moment we sat down, he never left my side. In fact, he moved in closer, as if to say, "I'm right here if you need me."
The service began and as we normally do we start off with a hymn. Joe is quite accomplished on the piano and reads music quite nicely, so no sooner than the organ started playing, Joe's voice rang out next to mine with such joy and abandon I couldn't help but smile. Why can't we all just sing with joyful abandon like that? When the first prayer began, Joe reached over and grabbed my hand tight. I was surprised at first but gladly accepted his hand knowing that there was genuine sincerity in his offering it to me. We held hands tightly with every prayer that followed, and if he forgot, I reached over and took his hand. Rejoice and be glad in it!
Upon returning to my seat after I had finished the readings for the day, he heartily hugged me and said, "That was awesome!" He had me beaming from ear to ear with his smile. Following the readings Pastor began her sermon. It was a wonderful story to help us all better understand how God knows we need help even before we cry out to him. At every turn of the story, Joe would look at me and we would discuss briefly the meanings behind what she was saying. When she was finished, Joe grabbed my hand and shouted, "Intense!" It was, indeed, intense. Isn't it amazing that God knows we need him even before we ask? Wow. Intense! Rejoice and be glad in it!
Soon it was time for us to approach the altar for communion. One by one we rose from our seats and proceeded to form our orderly lines, much as we do many other Sundays throughout the year. But somehow that day was different for me, just being with Joe and watching his unequalled excitement with every phase of worship – something many of us do routinely and without much though. When handed the communion wafer and the words spoken "the body of Christ given for you" Joe exclaimed quite loudly, "Amen, Pastor!" I immediately noticed every face around me smiling. They were not laughing at Joe, but they were relishing the joy with which he enjoyed worshiping our Lord. I am sure, like me, there were a few who were thinking, "Why don't we all worship like that?" Rejoice and be glad in it!
At the end of the service, the women of our church presented boxes full of home-baked goodies to our college students and military service personnel. As one of the military moms in the congregation I was up to accept the package for my daughter, a soldier in Afghanistan. The pastor lead a prayer of blessing for all of these students and soldiers and, as is usual for me, I cried. I always cry when we pray for the military, although I try to hold it in and almost always fail. When I returned to my seat, Joe was there waiting with his arms open wide to give me a hug and tell me it would be okay. Selfless, unconditional love – Wow! Intense! Rejoice and be glad in it!
Spending one hour of worship time with Joe that morning was an enormous blessing and a certain sign, at least to me, that God is with us. He did not care if it was snowing, or the roads were slushy, or he was having a bad hair day. He showed me, in all of his unbridled energy and glory, that "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Thanks to the joyful heart of Joe, I now have a truer vision of how God wants us to rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
I have heard this Psalm many times, but it has never struck my heart as true as it did this morning.
I woke up early as I usually do on the weekend, around 5:30 am, to find everything covered in a beautiful blanket of white this morning. This was a beautiful sight as today is the first Sunday in Advent and we were full on into the Christmas season. I left my house a little early so I could 'run in to Wal-Mart' and get a few things. I found myself grumbling all the way because the roads were slushy, it was cold outside and it was still snowing and that leads to a bad hair day. After an hour at the store, I headed off to church, gathering my thoughts in the car as I went and preparing my heart to hear the words that would be spoken there that day.
For the past few months, we had the pleasure a very special guest attending our services. Out of respect for his privacy, I will call him "Joe", although anyone who shops regularly at our local Wal-Mart will recognize him just by the description. Joe was born with certain challenges that might have held back others - but not Joe. This blonde-haired, blue-eyed ray of sunshine beams right into each of our hearts when he is around. He is forever cheerful, upbeat, caring, and worships with all his heart and soul. There is utterly no human way that you can speak to him and not walk away with a smile in your heart. This brings me to the Psalm mentioned above - . . . "let us rejoice and be glad in it."
I chose a seat close to the outside of the row of pews, as I was the reader that Sunday morning and I would need to be able to get out easily. I was the only one in that row until Joe came and asked if it was okay if he sat with me. What an honor that felt like! Now, from the very moment we sat down, he never left my side. In fact, he moved in closer, as if to say, "I'm right here if you need me."
The service began and as we normally do we start off with a hymn. Joe is quite accomplished on the piano and reads music quite nicely, so no sooner than the organ started playing, Joe's voice rang out next to mine with such joy and abandon I couldn't help but smile. Why can't we all just sing with joyful abandon like that? When the first prayer began, Joe reached over and grabbed my hand tight. I was surprised at first but gladly accepted his hand knowing that there was genuine sincerity in his offering it to me. We held hands tightly with every prayer that followed, and if he forgot, I reached over and took his hand. Rejoice and be glad in it!
Upon returning to my seat after I had finished the readings for the day, he heartily hugged me and said, "That was awesome!" He had me beaming from ear to ear with his smile. Following the readings Pastor began her sermon. It was a wonderful story to help us all better understand how God knows we need help even before we cry out to him. At every turn of the story, Joe would look at me and we would discuss briefly the meanings behind what she was saying. When she was finished, Joe grabbed my hand and shouted, "Intense!" It was, indeed, intense. Isn't it amazing that God knows we need him even before we ask? Wow. Intense! Rejoice and be glad in it!
Soon it was time for us to approach the altar for communion. One by one we rose from our seats and proceeded to form our orderly lines, much as we do many other Sundays throughout the year. But somehow that day was different for me, just being with Joe and watching his unequalled excitement with every phase of worship – something many of us do routinely and without much though. When handed the communion wafer and the words spoken "the body of Christ given for you" Joe exclaimed quite loudly, "Amen, Pastor!" I immediately noticed every face around me smiling. They were not laughing at Joe, but they were relishing the joy with which he enjoyed worshiping our Lord. I am sure, like me, there were a few who were thinking, "Why don't we all worship like that?" Rejoice and be glad in it!
At the end of the service, the women of our church presented boxes full of home-baked goodies to our college students and military service personnel. As one of the military moms in the congregation I was up to accept the package for my daughter, a soldier in Afghanistan. The pastor lead a prayer of blessing for all of these students and soldiers and, as is usual for me, I cried. I always cry when we pray for the military, although I try to hold it in and almost always fail. When I returned to my seat, Joe was there waiting with his arms open wide to give me a hug and tell me it would be okay. Selfless, unconditional love – Wow! Intense! Rejoice and be glad in it!
Spending one hour of worship time with Joe that morning was an enormous blessing and a certain sign, at least to me, that God is with us. He did not care if it was snowing, or the roads were slushy, or he was having a bad hair day. He showed me, in all of his unbridled energy and glory, that "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Thanks to the joyful heart of Joe, I now have a truer vision of how God wants us to rejoice and be glad in it.
Friday, April 3, 2009
The Jesus Creed
“Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul,
with all your mind, and with all your strength.
The second is this, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
There is no commandment greater than these.
Mark 12:29-31
“Love your neighbor as yourself” – we have all heard these words before or at least something along those lines. Did you ever think that loving others like we love ourselves could be so difficult? Can you just imagine how wonderful our world would be if we all really did love each other as well as we love ourselves?
I, like others in my church, have tried to learn and live the Jesus Creed during our Lenten journey this year. Colorful, little cards with the Creed noted on them are hanging in various places where I can see them and remind myself to recite the words and remember how Jesus wants me to live. They dangle precariously in my car, on the fridge, and on my computer monitor at work and there’s even a few in my purse and one in the pocket of my smock. Overkill? Maybe. But it seems I need a lot of reminding on the matter of how Jesus wants me to live.
Recently a friend came into our store and inquired about my daughter, a soldier, serving in Afghanistan. When I replied that she was doing great and she loved her job, he continued on ranting about ‘why would she put herself in harm’s way’, ‘we should just stay out of it’ and ‘we shouldn’t be over there in the first place’. Few things can get me riled up like those who speak against the military or the jobs they are sent to do. The first thing that came to my mind at that moment was the Jesus Creed and those few simple words “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
With two soldiers in our immediate family we continually fear for their safety. However, when they return from a mission they are so excited to share their stories with those of us back home in stories and pictures. The work they are doing over there, to me, is one of the truest examples of living the Jesus Creed. They are taken out of the familiar comforts of home, flown halfway across the world to live with strangers, and to work in a culture so unlike our own they are amazed that these people have survived there.
Stories have been shared of the many young children treated by the army medical center for severe burns due to open flames heating their homes. The story of the young boy, recently circumcised, left untreated and unclean to be overcome with infection; the story of villages struggling to survive in a “poppy-free” environment, free from the tyranny of drugs; an entire country torn apart by war and terrorism without sufficient education, equipment or skills to fight back - Who could not love their neighbor at such a time as this?
Our pastor described this ‘living the Jesus Creed’ with brilliant clarity during her sermon this week. Living the Jesus Creed, loving our neighbors as ourselves, means laying down part of our own lives in service to others. In our own congregation we have seen people lay down their fear of speaking in public to share their faith stories and they have set aside their fear of needles to donate blood and platelets to serve and save a fellow Christian sister. And on the other side of the world, our soldiers have laid down the familiar comforts of home and family to serve our neighbors in need. They are setting aside their fears and traveling in unfamiliar surroundings to reach those in need of food, medical care, education and training for the betterment of their futures.
To our soldiers I say thank you. Thank you for being the living, breathing examples of the Jesus Creed for me. I pray that others will open their hearts and minds and see that loving our neighbors as ourselves means more than loving just those across the street and in our own home towns. Jesus sent us to love all of our neighbors, even those who can be difficult to love at times.
“Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul,
with all your mind, and with all your strength.
The second is this, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
There is no commandment greater than these.
Mark 12:29-31
“Love your neighbor as yourself” – we have all heard these words before or at least something along those lines. Did you ever think that loving others like we love ourselves could be so difficult? Can you just imagine how wonderful our world would be if we all really did love each other as well as we love ourselves?
I, like others in my church, have tried to learn and live the Jesus Creed during our Lenten journey this year. Colorful, little cards with the Creed noted on them are hanging in various places where I can see them and remind myself to recite the words and remember how Jesus wants me to live. They dangle precariously in my car, on the fridge, and on my computer monitor at work and there’s even a few in my purse and one in the pocket of my smock. Overkill? Maybe. But it seems I need a lot of reminding on the matter of how Jesus wants me to live.
Recently a friend came into our store and inquired about my daughter, a soldier, serving in Afghanistan. When I replied that she was doing great and she loved her job, he continued on ranting about ‘why would she put herself in harm’s way’, ‘we should just stay out of it’ and ‘we shouldn’t be over there in the first place’. Few things can get me riled up like those who speak against the military or the jobs they are sent to do. The first thing that came to my mind at that moment was the Jesus Creed and those few simple words “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
With two soldiers in our immediate family we continually fear for their safety. However, when they return from a mission they are so excited to share their stories with those of us back home in stories and pictures. The work they are doing over there, to me, is one of the truest examples of living the Jesus Creed. They are taken out of the familiar comforts of home, flown halfway across the world to live with strangers, and to work in a culture so unlike our own they are amazed that these people have survived there.
Stories have been shared of the many young children treated by the army medical center for severe burns due to open flames heating their homes. The story of the young boy, recently circumcised, left untreated and unclean to be overcome with infection; the story of villages struggling to survive in a “poppy-free” environment, free from the tyranny of drugs; an entire country torn apart by war and terrorism without sufficient education, equipment or skills to fight back - Who could not love their neighbor at such a time as this?
Our pastor described this ‘living the Jesus Creed’ with brilliant clarity during her sermon this week. Living the Jesus Creed, loving our neighbors as ourselves, means laying down part of our own lives in service to others. In our own congregation we have seen people lay down their fear of speaking in public to share their faith stories and they have set aside their fear of needles to donate blood and platelets to serve and save a fellow Christian sister. And on the other side of the world, our soldiers have laid down the familiar comforts of home and family to serve our neighbors in need. They are setting aside their fears and traveling in unfamiliar surroundings to reach those in need of food, medical care, education and training for the betterment of their futures.
To our soldiers I say thank you. Thank you for being the living, breathing examples of the Jesus Creed for me. I pray that others will open their hearts and minds and see that loving our neighbors as ourselves means more than loving just those across the street and in our own home towns. Jesus sent us to love all of our neighbors, even those who can be difficult to love at times.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
More on Grandparents
I cannot walk by a bag of jelly beans or eat a stack of pancakes without thinking of the many childhood celebrations and 'vacations' at Grandma and Grandpa Shoemaker's house.
The Shoemaker farm sat out in the country about 20 miles from our house. I remember thinking that it must be halfway to the moon, because we could never get their fast enough for my liking. As kids living in town, going to grandma's house was just about this side of heaven for us. We anticipated our trips there almost as much as Christmas morning.
During our summer breaks, grandma and grandpa would take us all for a week. Traditionally, the three girls (me, my sister, Kelly and my cousin Amy) would spend a week, followed by my brother, Kevin and cousin, Jerry, and lastly the older two cousins Dave and Dan. We were treated like royalty and spoiled ruthlessly until we were returned to our respective parents.
I will always remember the girls sleeping in the upstairs bedroom on the left. Wallpapered in huge yellow roses and boasting a metal-framed double bed with big feather pillows, it was a dream. I always thought they were geniuses for tying a string from the headboard to the pull chain on the light so you didn't have to get out of bed to turn the light off at night!
Each morning we were treated to a feast fit for royalty before we would happily run out to play and use God's gift of imagination to see what adventures we could come up with on the farm. Grandma and grandpa had converted an old corn crib into our 'playhouse' complete with table, chairs, and a variety of mismatched dishes and silverware. That was our palace and our domain. Grandma would make up a lunch basket and haul it out there to us every day, and best of all, she always cut the crust off the bread. Grandpa would let us ride in the back of the pick up truck to go get the mail or to ride into town, something the children of today will rarely, if ever, be able to enjoy.
I could go on for hours about my memories of Grandma and Grandpa Shoemaker, but there are so many great ones, you'd be reading a novel. Here are just a few:
* ice cold well water quenching your thirst from an old tin cup hanging outside.
* silver dollar pancakes and chocolate pudding with Cool Whip
* hay rack rides to 'the timber'
* cleaning chickens, yuck!
* Jelly Beans on Easter Sunday
* Hours of jumping on an inflated brown bag
* arthritic hands and silver braids
* Thanksgiving dinner on TV trays
* Homemade noodles drying all over the house
I have heard people say "We were blessed with a granddaughter" but I think it's truly the other way around. "I was blessed with great grandparents" Rest in peace grandma and grandpa Shoemaker. You will always be remembered.
The Shoemaker farm sat out in the country about 20 miles from our house. I remember thinking that it must be halfway to the moon, because we could never get their fast enough for my liking. As kids living in town, going to grandma's house was just about this side of heaven for us. We anticipated our trips there almost as much as Christmas morning.
During our summer breaks, grandma and grandpa would take us all for a week. Traditionally, the three girls (me, my sister, Kelly and my cousin Amy) would spend a week, followed by my brother, Kevin and cousin, Jerry, and lastly the older two cousins Dave and Dan. We were treated like royalty and spoiled ruthlessly until we were returned to our respective parents.
I will always remember the girls sleeping in the upstairs bedroom on the left. Wallpapered in huge yellow roses and boasting a metal-framed double bed with big feather pillows, it was a dream. I always thought they were geniuses for tying a string from the headboard to the pull chain on the light so you didn't have to get out of bed to turn the light off at night!
Each morning we were treated to a feast fit for royalty before we would happily run out to play and use God's gift of imagination to see what adventures we could come up with on the farm. Grandma and grandpa had converted an old corn crib into our 'playhouse' complete with table, chairs, and a variety of mismatched dishes and silverware. That was our palace and our domain. Grandma would make up a lunch basket and haul it out there to us every day, and best of all, she always cut the crust off the bread. Grandpa would let us ride in the back of the pick up truck to go get the mail or to ride into town, something the children of today will rarely, if ever, be able to enjoy.
I could go on for hours about my memories of Grandma and Grandpa Shoemaker, but there are so many great ones, you'd be reading a novel. Here are just a few:
* ice cold well water quenching your thirst from an old tin cup hanging outside.
* silver dollar pancakes and chocolate pudding with Cool Whip
* hay rack rides to 'the timber'
* cleaning chickens, yuck!
* Jelly Beans on Easter Sunday
* Hours of jumping on an inflated brown bag
* arthritic hands and silver braids
* Thanksgiving dinner on TV trays
* Homemade noodles drying all over the house
I have heard people say "We were blessed with a granddaughter" but I think it's truly the other way around. "I was blessed with great grandparents" Rest in peace grandma and grandpa Shoemaker. You will always be remembered.
The Old Sweater and a Dilly Bar
In my closet, hanging on the doorknob is an old cardigan sweater. Almost every night during the cold winter months I come home from work, change into comfy pants, grab my old cardigan and settle in for a comfortable evening at home. This particular sweater is more than 10 years old, looks pretty ratty, but wraps in the comfort of memories of my Grandma Ryerson.
When my grandma passed away, it was a cold, winter day. I had to go shopping to find something to wear to the funeral and found a beautiful dress. Of course, being a female and unable to resist a good sale, I also purchased a new pair of dress slacks and a cardigan sweater. The day of the funeral dawned clear and cold - bitterly cold. With windchills nearly -30 degrees, I was torn on what to wear. It was then I tried to think what grandma would want. She herself was not one to 'dress up' frequently and always opted for the comfort of casual wear, I decided to wear the new sweater and be warm. After all, I was sure she wouldn't want me to freeze. THIS is the sweater that hangs in the closet to this very day.
One evening a few weeks ago I brought home a bag of Dilly Bars from the local Dairy Queen. After supper I put on my old cardigan, grabbed a Dilly Bar from the freezer and settled in for the evening. I couldn't help but remember my grandma's words as I was enjoying my dessert and it just brought a smile to my face.
In the last few years of her life, she lived with my mom in Kentucky. Whenever we would be there for a visit, we would always make a trip to town to our errands and have some shopping fun. Grandma always offered to buy, even before we would leave the driveway - it was her 'hint' that she wanted to hit the DQ at some point. Inevitably, while enjoy our frosty treats she would proclaim, "Delicious and nutritious but it won't make me ambitious!" Every time, without fail, she uttered these words that still echo in my mind today. In fact, I have even caught myself saying these very words and then I can only laugh and think I've turned into my grandma!
My Grandma Ryerson was an extraordinary woman who worked incredibly hard all of her life and would give everything she had to care for her family or anyone in need. I have lots of great memories of her:
* fresh picked asparagus
* pony rides in the buggy
* toast with peanut butter when we were sick
* her green car with no power steering
* her little red truck and cold sandwiches for a long trip
* her amazing spunk and determination
* the horse lamp on her old desk
* a freezer full of goodies from the Schwann's man
* her diminutive size with a heart as big as the world and made of gold.
The memories that we make with our grandparents are precious and valuable. My children are very blessed that they have created and maintained strong bonds with their grandparents. The memories they make will bring smiles to their hearts and faces for many years to come.
I'm not sure my sweater will last that long, but I look forward to the day when I can see grandma again and I hope there are Dilly Bars in heaven.
When my grandma passed away, it was a cold, winter day. I had to go shopping to find something to wear to the funeral and found a beautiful dress. Of course, being a female and unable to resist a good sale, I also purchased a new pair of dress slacks and a cardigan sweater. The day of the funeral dawned clear and cold - bitterly cold. With windchills nearly -30 degrees, I was torn on what to wear. It was then I tried to think what grandma would want. She herself was not one to 'dress up' frequently and always opted for the comfort of casual wear, I decided to wear the new sweater and be warm. After all, I was sure she wouldn't want me to freeze. THIS is the sweater that hangs in the closet to this very day.
One evening a few weeks ago I brought home a bag of Dilly Bars from the local Dairy Queen. After supper I put on my old cardigan, grabbed a Dilly Bar from the freezer and settled in for the evening. I couldn't help but remember my grandma's words as I was enjoying my dessert and it just brought a smile to my face.
In the last few years of her life, she lived with my mom in Kentucky. Whenever we would be there for a visit, we would always make a trip to town to our errands and have some shopping fun. Grandma always offered to buy, even before we would leave the driveway - it was her 'hint' that she wanted to hit the DQ at some point. Inevitably, while enjoy our frosty treats she would proclaim, "Delicious and nutritious but it won't make me ambitious!" Every time, without fail, she uttered these words that still echo in my mind today. In fact, I have even caught myself saying these very words and then I can only laugh and think I've turned into my grandma!
My Grandma Ryerson was an extraordinary woman who worked incredibly hard all of her life and would give everything she had to care for her family or anyone in need. I have lots of great memories of her:
* fresh picked asparagus
* pony rides in the buggy
* toast with peanut butter when we were sick
* her green car with no power steering
* her little red truck and cold sandwiches for a long trip
* her amazing spunk and determination
* the horse lamp on her old desk
* a freezer full of goodies from the Schwann's man
* her diminutive size with a heart as big as the world and made of gold.
The memories that we make with our grandparents are precious and valuable. My children are very blessed that they have created and maintained strong bonds with their grandparents. The memories they make will bring smiles to their hearts and faces for many years to come.
I'm not sure my sweater will last that long, but I look forward to the day when I can see grandma again and I hope there are Dilly Bars in heaven.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
What's it like inside?
Tonight we set our clocks ahead, we spring forward, in anticipation of spring and warm, sunny weather and all of the delights that the new season has in store for us. At this time of year we tend to ask, “What’s it like outside?” more frequently than any other season. Spring seems to be the season on unpredictability and the same is definitely true this season in our household.
Our pastor likes to begin each of our small-group gatherings with ‘atmosphere checks’. While it is usually easy to see what the atmosphere is like outside, seeing our inner atmospheres can be a little trickier. The atmosphere we outwardly portray to those around us can sometimes mask the true weather inside. We are asked to give ourselves a rating from 1 – 10: 1 being totally miserable, and 10 being the best you’ve ever been. Most can report a 6 or 7, but occasionally we get a 3 thrown in there. I, for one, like these atmosphere checks because it gives me an opportunity to see whose “weather” I may need to be praying for.
Yesterday, my husband was terminated from his job of 24 years in a corporate buy-out and bankruptcy proceedings. He, along with over 200 other employees, walked out the door on Friday to a beautiful, sunny early spring day, but also to an uncertain future. The weather inside the plant was quiet and calm with an approaching storm in the distance. Now, my husband is a really quiet guy who rarely shares his concerns outwardly with me or anyone else, so I have started having these ‘atmosphere checks’ every few days just to find out what’s going on inside. I’m happy to report that his weather is still calm and breezy.
Unlike so many others who have become part of the unemployed community recently, Tom had planned for our future and the ‘what ifs’ that go along with this crazy thing we call life. After doing an atmosphere check just now, he reports he’s at an 8. This is good news, as it brings my own rating closer to an 8 as well. Others, I fear, are faced with the foreboding feeling of heading into the eye of the hurricane.
Have you checked atmospheres today? When is the last time you checked the atmosphere of your family, friends, or spouse? Perhaps with the springing ahead and the dawn of a new season, we can make the time to check in on the atmospheres of those we love. Can you calm the storm for a friend, dance in the rain of celebration, or clear the fog away for someone in need?
Today, make the time to ask, “What’s it like inside today?”
Our pastor likes to begin each of our small-group gatherings with ‘atmosphere checks’. While it is usually easy to see what the atmosphere is like outside, seeing our inner atmospheres can be a little trickier. The atmosphere we outwardly portray to those around us can sometimes mask the true weather inside. We are asked to give ourselves a rating from 1 – 10: 1 being totally miserable, and 10 being the best you’ve ever been. Most can report a 6 or 7, but occasionally we get a 3 thrown in there. I, for one, like these atmosphere checks because it gives me an opportunity to see whose “weather” I may need to be praying for.
Yesterday, my husband was terminated from his job of 24 years in a corporate buy-out and bankruptcy proceedings. He, along with over 200 other employees, walked out the door on Friday to a beautiful, sunny early spring day, but also to an uncertain future. The weather inside the plant was quiet and calm with an approaching storm in the distance. Now, my husband is a really quiet guy who rarely shares his concerns outwardly with me or anyone else, so I have started having these ‘atmosphere checks’ every few days just to find out what’s going on inside. I’m happy to report that his weather is still calm and breezy.
Unlike so many others who have become part of the unemployed community recently, Tom had planned for our future and the ‘what ifs’ that go along with this crazy thing we call life. After doing an atmosphere check just now, he reports he’s at an 8. This is good news, as it brings my own rating closer to an 8 as well. Others, I fear, are faced with the foreboding feeling of heading into the eye of the hurricane.
Have you checked atmospheres today? When is the last time you checked the atmosphere of your family, friends, or spouse? Perhaps with the springing ahead and the dawn of a new season, we can make the time to check in on the atmospheres of those we love. Can you calm the storm for a friend, dance in the rain of celebration, or clear the fog away for someone in need?
Today, make the time to ask, “What’s it like inside today?”
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Singing with the Angels
It is always sad to hear of the passing of a friend, especially when the life is lost to a disease that is ruthless and the friend is young and full of life.
This world recently lost a very special friend, teacher and inspiration. Kate Sullivan passed away last week leaving a hole in the hearts of her family and all of the students she touched over her many years of teaching music. Kate was blessed with the gift of music and she shared her gift with hundreds of young people throughout her 30+ years of teaching.
I first met Kate when I was in fourth grade when she became music teacher at my school. She always made learning fun and nurtured our own budding talents like she was caring for a precious rose bush. Learning was fun with Kate. There were always new and creative ways to express ourselves in her class.
Many of us went into high school still burning with our desires to share our music. In my freshman year, a swing choir was formed and we had to audition for it. I remember being terrified at the thought of singing solo in front of her, but she always told me, "Just sing!" So I did and I made it into this group that became so tight-knit through our high school years. Everyday for four years, I would rush through lunch and hurry off to swing choir rehearsal. It was the best part of my day! We soon became known as "Kato's Kids". It was a wonderful time of music and friendship.
As we graduated and moved out into the world we left behind those times of music and closeness, but Kate made sure we never lost our memories of it all. Every few years she would host a Swing Choir reunion and anyone who was a part of this group was invited to attend. We would stand up and share our musical gifts, now mostly limited to Karaoke, and have a great time just being united as one again.
Kate is now with our Lord and is singing with the angels. I will think of Kate tonight when I am delivering my message of Believing in Jesus. Because of Kate, I was able to listen to, and enjoy, the music and let the message of a simple song penetrate my heart and soul, giving me the words to speak tonight.
Rest in God's peace Kate. You will be missed by all who knew and loved you.
This world recently lost a very special friend, teacher and inspiration. Kate Sullivan passed away last week leaving a hole in the hearts of her family and all of the students she touched over her many years of teaching music. Kate was blessed with the gift of music and she shared her gift with hundreds of young people throughout her 30+ years of teaching.
I first met Kate when I was in fourth grade when she became music teacher at my school. She always made learning fun and nurtured our own budding talents like she was caring for a precious rose bush. Learning was fun with Kate. There were always new and creative ways to express ourselves in her class.
Many of us went into high school still burning with our desires to share our music. In my freshman year, a swing choir was formed and we had to audition for it. I remember being terrified at the thought of singing solo in front of her, but she always told me, "Just sing!" So I did and I made it into this group that became so tight-knit through our high school years. Everyday for four years, I would rush through lunch and hurry off to swing choir rehearsal. It was the best part of my day! We soon became known as "Kato's Kids". It was a wonderful time of music and friendship.
As we graduated and moved out into the world we left behind those times of music and closeness, but Kate made sure we never lost our memories of it all. Every few years she would host a Swing Choir reunion and anyone who was a part of this group was invited to attend. We would stand up and share our musical gifts, now mostly limited to Karaoke, and have a great time just being united as one again.
Kate is now with our Lord and is singing with the angels. I will think of Kate tonight when I am delivering my message of Believing in Jesus. Because of Kate, I was able to listen to, and enjoy, the music and let the message of a simple song penetrate my heart and soul, giving me the words to speak tonight.
Rest in God's peace Kate. You will be missed by all who knew and loved you.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Healing Hearts
Today being Sunday, I usually attend church. Today I did not attend and instead I chose to minister to hurting hearts that needed soothing.
As most of my friends and family know, my daughter is serving in Afghanistan. We all miss her greatly and she gets homesick often. I have the pleasure of connecting with her via webcam and online chat several times per week but others do not often have this luxury.
Heather really misses her family back home and I know for a fact that her dad really, really misses her. I can hear it in his voice when I talk to him. So earlier this week, we arranged to have an online video chat this morning.Her dad, Jay, and little brother, Trevor, arrived at my house about 7:30 am this morning and I could just feel the excitement. I was really excited too because I know just how much it would mean to connect these people who miss each other so terribly.
I got them all situated in front of the computer, webcam on and headphones in place. I could hardly stand it I was so excited! Soon, Heather and Eric appeared on the screen and their voices were heard. The smile that radiated from her father's face was incredible. He may have even had a tear in his eye, but it was hard to tell from the gleam of happiness and joy that had taken over his face. Though there were some minor glitches in the voice chat portion, I know that just being able to actually see each other after four months of separation made them happy.
When all was said and done, chat completed and conversations closed, I knew that I had chosen the right option for my day. Did I feel guilty about missing worship service today? A little, yes. However, I felt a stronger calling to be a part of this meeting between father and daughter and I felt a real need to fulfill what God was leading me to do.A great morning of uplifting spirits and healing hearts! Jay was so excited and smiling when he left that we are planning to do this again in a few weeks on Heather's 25th birthday. Praise God for guiding me to be a part of this father-daughter communication!
As most of my friends and family know, my daughter is serving in Afghanistan. We all miss her greatly and she gets homesick often. I have the pleasure of connecting with her via webcam and online chat several times per week but others do not often have this luxury.
Heather really misses her family back home and I know for a fact that her dad really, really misses her. I can hear it in his voice when I talk to him. So earlier this week, we arranged to have an online video chat this morning.Her dad, Jay, and little brother, Trevor, arrived at my house about 7:30 am this morning and I could just feel the excitement. I was really excited too because I know just how much it would mean to connect these people who miss each other so terribly.
I got them all situated in front of the computer, webcam on and headphones in place. I could hardly stand it I was so excited! Soon, Heather and Eric appeared on the screen and their voices were heard. The smile that radiated from her father's face was incredible. He may have even had a tear in his eye, but it was hard to tell from the gleam of happiness and joy that had taken over his face. Though there were some minor glitches in the voice chat portion, I know that just being able to actually see each other after four months of separation made them happy.
When all was said and done, chat completed and conversations closed, I knew that I had chosen the right option for my day. Did I feel guilty about missing worship service today? A little, yes. However, I felt a stronger calling to be a part of this meeting between father and daughter and I felt a real need to fulfill what God was leading me to do.A great morning of uplifting spirits and healing hearts! Jay was so excited and smiling when he left that we are planning to do this again in a few weeks on Heather's 25th birthday. Praise God for guiding me to be a part of this father-daughter communication!
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