So often I read in the Bible, Jesus said, let him who has ears to hear, hear... Matthew 13:39 (Just an example!) What a simple phrase! Yet how much meaning it has. At least to me...
As a child sitting in church with my parents when the pastor would recite those words, I always thought, "Why would Jesus say that?" I mean, it was perfectly obvious to me that everyone has ears... Later on, I began to think that what that meant was that we are free to see what commands specifically apply to us and which ones do not. If you didn't have to ears to hear a particular thing... well, then, that particular thing did not apply to you.
Ah... again, I was wrong. I think that Jesus was telling us to listen. Really listen to His words, and those of His father. How many times I've gotten uptight with my son or daughter, because they "hear" me but don't "listen"!! Listening implies going beyond mere auditory reception.
Listening to me is hearing, yes, but hearing with understanding. Hearing with comprehension, if you will. I recently was given C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity on tape. I've read the book countless times... but hearing... no, listening to it was far different. It was so cool to listen to Lewis speak and his inflection in different places changed or deepened my comprehension.
How wonderful that we worship a God who speaks to us! Who asks us to listen... I think sometimes because we so readily have access to the Word in whatever form we choose we sometimes forget the power of the Word. This, I think is the real tragedy.
After all, Paul tells us in Romans 10:16-18 that... So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes, verily, their sound went into all the earth and their words unto the end of the world. We have ears... we have heard. Let us endeavor to make sure that all have heard, too.
We may not be able to compel listening... but we can afford everyone a chance to hear the word. Whether they choose to listen or not... that is their choice.
Be Blessed!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Am I crazy enough?
I think I am.
http://www.sfhumanesociety.com/custEvents.asp?secId=&ParentId=&eventId=35&page=viewEvent
This race is coming up on the 21st of June. Right now doing a combination of walking and running I'm finishing 2 miles in about 40 minutes. Now, that's not going to win me the thing, mind you! But... it will let me finish 2.49 miles.
I think I am just crazy enough to enter. I don't have to worry about my time because I know I'll be slow. I fully expect to finish last. LOL. I don't have to do anything except have fun and get a run in.
So... what do you think? Am I crazy enough... and should I drag my kiddos with me??
Grace
http://www.sfhumanesociety.com/custEvents.asp?secId=&ParentId=&eventId=35&page=viewEvent
This race is coming up on the 21st of June. Right now doing a combination of walking and running I'm finishing 2 miles in about 40 minutes. Now, that's not going to win me the thing, mind you! But... it will let me finish 2.49 miles.
I think I am just crazy enough to enter. I don't have to worry about my time because I know I'll be slow. I fully expect to finish last. LOL. I don't have to do anything except have fun and get a run in.
So... what do you think? Am I crazy enough... and should I drag my kiddos with me??
Grace
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
A Peculiar People
Peculiarities. The very word conjures up images of eccentricities. In that sense, we are all peculiar. We all have our own quirks and preferences. I prefer Twining's Earl Grey Tea, Good Earth herb tea, and SleepyTime or just plain ol Lipton to the fancier teas out there. My dd likes iced coffee (the gateway drug, I call it) and I like mine hot!
Some things that are normal in one place might be peculiar in another. I live out west. It is not uncommon to encounter chislic at a restaurant. I used to live up north where gravy was frequently served over french fries instead of ketchup.
In my daughter's generation, the use of ear gauges is acceptable. It is not to mine. Is that a pecularity to her time and place? Perhaps.
Sometimes I hear Christians talking about our call to be a peculiar people-- set apart from the world. And I whole-heartedly agree! The question it seems, is... in what way are we to be peculiar?
Consider the fact that we are to be marked as Christ's own people. That may well require us to dress and appear differently from many others. However, it is Christ's peculiarities that we are to adopt. What was peculiar about Christ? He was a man of his time who nonetheless spoke to the woman at the well, who forgave sin, and asked God to forgive those who were crucifying Him. He healed people, served them, and ultimately, gave all for us.
Even the word, "Christian", means "little Christ". Doesn't this mean that we need to adopt His peculiarities? How well do we mirror this? Are our lives bearing the fruit that sets us apart as His... regardless of appearances?
Be Blessed!
Some things that are normal in one place might be peculiar in another. I live out west. It is not uncommon to encounter chislic at a restaurant. I used to live up north where gravy was frequently served over french fries instead of ketchup.
In my daughter's generation, the use of ear gauges is acceptable. It is not to mine. Is that a pecularity to her time and place? Perhaps.
Sometimes I hear Christians talking about our call to be a peculiar people-- set apart from the world. And I whole-heartedly agree! The question it seems, is... in what way are we to be peculiar?
Consider the fact that we are to be marked as Christ's own people. That may well require us to dress and appear differently from many others. However, it is Christ's peculiarities that we are to adopt. What was peculiar about Christ? He was a man of his time who nonetheless spoke to the woman at the well, who forgave sin, and asked God to forgive those who were crucifying Him. He healed people, served them, and ultimately, gave all for us.
Even the word, "Christian", means "little Christ". Doesn't this mean that we need to adopt His peculiarities? How well do we mirror this? Are our lives bearing the fruit that sets us apart as His... regardless of appearances?
Be Blessed!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Weekend So Far!
We had a great time on Thursday! We went to the Guthrie Theatre and watched A Midsummer Night's Dream. It was amazing! The scene and the setting were fabulous. The fairies actually came in on dangling lines from above. Oberon, the fairy king, came in on a zipline like thingie... and of course, the acting was amazing.
I laughed so hard I cried. Dd laughed too, as did ds and dh. We stayed the night there, and in the morning wandered the skyways. We also went through the sculpture garden which was gorgeous. We did go through the Walker Art Center... but didn't really enjoy it. It was full of what my son calls anti-art. Videos of people walking around the perimeter of a square, and a guy poking a coyote with a stick?? Just not what I think of as art.
Today we celebrated my dear mother-in-love's birthday. I think she had fun. I had to leave early to do some lecturing online, but the kids made a great sign for her that read... what happens at Grandma's ... stays at Grandma's. They had pictures of brownies, cookies, and bingo because she always takes them to play.
We also got our run in... I'm up to about a mile and a half of running. Getting better all the time! It is a struggle some days. I can tell already that I'm going to need to run early while it is still cool. Both ds and dd were very hot during the run.
Tomorrow... Dh is going kayaking, dd and ds and I will go biking. But first, we're going to the Memorial Day services at the VA hospital here. Then, we've got gardening to do!! I need to get more mulch around my flowers, etc.
Be Blessed
I laughed so hard I cried. Dd laughed too, as did ds and dh. We stayed the night there, and in the morning wandered the skyways. We also went through the sculpture garden which was gorgeous. We did go through the Walker Art Center... but didn't really enjoy it. It was full of what my son calls anti-art. Videos of people walking around the perimeter of a square, and a guy poking a coyote with a stick?? Just not what I think of as art.
Today we celebrated my dear mother-in-love's birthday. I think she had fun. I had to leave early to do some lecturing online, but the kids made a great sign for her that read... what happens at Grandma's ... stays at Grandma's. They had pictures of brownies, cookies, and bingo because she always takes them to play.
We also got our run in... I'm up to about a mile and a half of running. Getting better all the time! It is a struggle some days. I can tell already that I'm going to need to run early while it is still cool. Both ds and dd were very hot during the run.
Tomorrow... Dh is going kayaking, dd and ds and I will go biking. But first, we're going to the Memorial Day services at the VA hospital here. Then, we've got gardening to do!! I need to get more mulch around my flowers, etc.
Be Blessed
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Grocery Shopping Coup!
It was amazing! You know how somedays things are going all wrong... last Saturday dd and I were on a mission to buy a gift for a niece's birthday party on Sunday. We found Hannah Montana stuff (which she adores) and were also going to pick up something for dh to grill that night. The price at the store we were at was unbelievable!
So we went to our local grocery down the road aways... I love this store. It's my favorite, but usually price comparisons are unfavorable at this location. Whoo boy! Not that day though... not only did we score porkchops at $1.39 a lb. They had fully cooked, just heat on the grill, bratwurst for $1.59 a lb.
We LOVE bratwurst here. This is summer grilling at it's finest. Any idea how many 10lb boxes we picked up?? ALL OF THEM THAT WERE THERE!! Yep. My freezer is stuffed with 50lbs of luscious brats.
I wonder what we'll have for dinner??
Grace
So we went to our local grocery down the road aways... I love this store. It's my favorite, but usually price comparisons are unfavorable at this location. Whoo boy! Not that day though... not only did we score porkchops at $1.39 a lb. They had fully cooked, just heat on the grill, bratwurst for $1.59 a lb.
We LOVE bratwurst here. This is summer grilling at it's finest. Any idea how many 10lb boxes we picked up?? ALL OF THEM THAT WERE THERE!! Yep. My freezer is stuffed with 50lbs of luscious brats.
I wonder what we'll have for dinner??
Grace
Monday, May 19, 2008
Prince Caspian...
Yes, it was opening weekend... yes, I had to go. I loved it. My husband loved it, my teen son loved it, and so did dd, although, I must warn you there were scenes that brought tears to our eyes.
This is much different than the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The world of Narnia is different, but so are the children. They've changed a bit... and for those of us familiar with the whole series there is a bit of heartbreaking foreshadowing.
Sure, there are epic battles... but there are also epic battles being waged within the characters themselves. Do they follow their friends? Do they wait for Aslan or try to accomplish goals on their own power? There's even a bit of temptation faced by some of the characters...
This is powerfully evocative movie and if, you are okay with movies... I whole heartedly and unreservedly recommend this one! But... it is 2+ hours so go to the bathroom first, and don't order the large drink!!
Be Blessed!
This is much different than the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The world of Narnia is different, but so are the children. They've changed a bit... and for those of us familiar with the whole series there is a bit of heartbreaking foreshadowing.
Sure, there are epic battles... but there are also epic battles being waged within the characters themselves. Do they follow their friends? Do they wait for Aslan or try to accomplish goals on their own power? There's even a bit of temptation faced by some of the characters...
This is powerfully evocative movie and if, you are okay with movies... I whole heartedly and unreservedly recommend this one! But... it is 2+ hours so go to the bathroom first, and don't order the large drink!!
Be Blessed!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Something Understood
Prayer the Churches banquet, Angels age,
Gods breath in man returning to his birth,
The soul in paraphrase, heart in pilgrimage,
The Christian plummet sounding heav’n and earth;
Engine against th’ Almightie, sinners towre,
Reversed thunder, Christ-side-piercing spear,
The six-daies world transposing in an houre,
A kinde of tune, which all things heare and fear;
Softnesse, and peace, and joy, and love, and blisse,
Exalted Manna, gladnesse of the best,
Heaven in ordinarie, man well drest,
The Milkie way, the bird of Paradise,
Church-bels beyond the starres heard, the souls bloud,
The land of spices; something understood.
As much as I love C.S. Lewis, and those of you who know me know I love his writings quite well... beyond Narnia... even into Perelandra, and Til We Have Faces, etc. This poem, however, by George Herbert (part of the Temple written in 1633) speaks to my heart so much. Herbert was a tremendous influence on T.S. Eliot and the theologian, Richard Hooker. Eliot calls the last two lines of this poem... magical
I know I've prayed and felt all these things during praying. After my Mom's aneurism and other details of that time... I prayed in that angry, raging way he describes as the "reversed thunder". The wonderful thing about this, is that whatever our prayer is... it is always understood.
Even when we cannot express ourselves... the Holy Spirit will intercede and interpret our "souls bloud" so that we are understood. (Romans 8:26-27) What a gift! We may not and likely will not understand everything... but... we are understood.
Be Blessed!
Gods breath in man returning to his birth,
The soul in paraphrase, heart in pilgrimage,
The Christian plummet sounding heav’n and earth;
Engine against th’ Almightie, sinners towre,
Reversed thunder, Christ-side-piercing spear,
The six-daies world transposing in an houre,
A kinde of tune, which all things heare and fear;
Softnesse, and peace, and joy, and love, and blisse,
Exalted Manna, gladnesse of the best,
Heaven in ordinarie, man well drest,
The Milkie way, the bird of Paradise,
Church-bels beyond the starres heard, the souls bloud,
The land of spices; something understood.
As much as I love C.S. Lewis, and those of you who know me know I love his writings quite well... beyond Narnia... even into Perelandra, and Til We Have Faces, etc. This poem, however, by George Herbert (part of the Temple written in 1633) speaks to my heart so much. Herbert was a tremendous influence on T.S. Eliot and the theologian, Richard Hooker. Eliot calls the last two lines of this poem... magical
I know I've prayed and felt all these things during praying. After my Mom's aneurism and other details of that time... I prayed in that angry, raging way he describes as the "reversed thunder". The wonderful thing about this, is that whatever our prayer is... it is always understood.
Even when we cannot express ourselves... the Holy Spirit will intercede and interpret our "souls bloud" so that we are understood. (Romans 8:26-27) What a gift! We may not and likely will not understand everything... but... we are understood.
Be Blessed!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Here's the Plan...
Monday-- Dh spontaneously changed plans and we had cheeseburgers instead of the pasta bake I planned.
Tuesday-- Ahi Tuna, bed of greens, and rice.
Wednesday-- Grilled pork chops, baked potatoes, fresh green beans
Thursday-- pasta bake (rain forecast)
Friday-- Chicken pesto pizzas from Gourmet Nutrition
Saturday-- steaks, salad, mushrooms and garlic bread
Sunday... Niece's birthday -- some fun thing at sis in laws, and then sandwiches for at home.
Rest of the day... health insurance meeting at 10 a.m., online meeting at 4:30 p.m., and grading and prepping for classes tomorrow.
And of course, laundry etc. Blech-- we'll not speak of that.
Be Blessed!
Tuesday-- Ahi Tuna, bed of greens, and rice.
Wednesday-- Grilled pork chops, baked potatoes, fresh green beans
Thursday-- pasta bake (rain forecast)
Friday-- Chicken pesto pizzas from Gourmet Nutrition
Saturday-- steaks, salad, mushrooms and garlic bread
Sunday... Niece's birthday -- some fun thing at sis in laws, and then sandwiches for at home.
Rest of the day... health insurance meeting at 10 a.m., online meeting at 4:30 p.m., and grading and prepping for classes tomorrow.
And of course, laundry etc. Blech-- we'll not speak of that.
Be Blessed!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Faith is...
Starting a garden in South Dakota on Mother's Day...
It was chilly and cold, but that's what my family does on Mother's Day...it's tradition! And, somehow most of the plants survive the experience. In a cold state... ie, right now we're looking at a high around 60+... planting before June is an act of faith.
It says... I believe. I believe that tarps, and buckets can enable tomatos and peppers to survive 34 degree temperatures. I believe that good intentions will outweigh bad weather.
Faith is also letting your teenager drive ... but signing them up for the Driver'sEdge course coming to Sioux Falls because why learn what a skid is like by landing in the ditch or snowbank?
Faith does require putting feet to your faith. Working for what you want and believe in. So, I'll keep covering my plants, signing teens up for driving classes... and having faith that all will be well.
Be Blessed!
It was chilly and cold, but that's what my family does on Mother's Day...it's tradition! And, somehow most of the plants survive the experience. In a cold state... ie, right now we're looking at a high around 60+... planting before June is an act of faith.
It says... I believe. I believe that tarps, and buckets can enable tomatos and peppers to survive 34 degree temperatures. I believe that good intentions will outweigh bad weather.
Faith is also letting your teenager drive ... but signing them up for the Driver'sEdge course coming to Sioux Falls because why learn what a skid is like by landing in the ditch or snowbank?
Faith does require putting feet to your faith. Working for what you want and believe in. So, I'll keep covering my plants, signing teens up for driving classes... and having faith that all will be well.
Be Blessed!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
1 Corinthians 13 A Mother's Day Version!
1 Corinthians 13, A Mother's Version
I can read bedtime stories till the cow jumps over the moon and sing"TenLittle Monkeys" until I want to call the doctor -- but if I don't have love, I'm as annoying as a ringing phone at dinner time.
I can chase a naked toddler through the house while cooking dinner and listening to voice mail. I can fix the best cookies and Kool-Aid in theneighborhood, and I can tell a sick child's temperature with one touch of my finger, but if I don't have love, I am nothing.
Love is patient while watching and praying by the front window when it's30 minutes past curfew.
Love is kind when my teen says, "I hate you!"
It does not envy the neighbors' swimming pool or their brand-new minivan, but trusts the Lord to provide every need.
Love does not brag when other parents share their disappointments andinsecurities, and love rejoices when other families succeed.
It doesn't boast, even when I've multitasked all day long and my husband can't do more than one thing at a time.
Love is not rude when my spouse innocently asks, "What have you donetoday?"
It does not immediately seek after glory when we see talent in ourchildren, but encourages them to get training and make wise choices.
It is not easily angered, even when my 15-year-old acts like the worldrevolves around him.
It does not delight in evil (is not self-righteous) when I remind my17-year-old that he's going 83 in a 55-mph zone, but rejoices in thetruth.
Love does not give up hope.It always protects our children's self-esteem and spirit, even while doling out discipline.
It always trusts God to protect our children when we cannot.
It always perseveres, through black nail polish, burps and other bodily functions, rolled eyes and crossed arms, messy rooms and sleep-overs.
Love never fails.
But where there are memories of thousands of diaper changes and painfullabor(s), they will fade away.
Where there is talking back, it will (eventually) cease. (Please, Lord?)
Where there is a teenager who thinks he knows everything, there will one day be an adult who knows you did your best.
For we know we fail our children, and we pray they don't end up in therapy, but when we get to heaven, our imperfect parenting will disappear.(Thank you, God!)
When we were children, we needed a parent to love and protect us. Now that we're parents ourselves, we have a heavenly Father who adores,shelters us and holds us when we need to cry.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
----------------------------------------
Wish I could take credit... but I received this in an email... LOL-- Happy Mother's Day to all of us who have mothers, are mothers or stepmothers, or provide nurturing to children not your own...
Be Blessed!
I can read bedtime stories till the cow jumps over the moon and sing"TenLittle Monkeys" until I want to call the doctor -- but if I don't have love, I'm as annoying as a ringing phone at dinner time.
I can chase a naked toddler through the house while cooking dinner and listening to voice mail. I can fix the best cookies and Kool-Aid in theneighborhood, and I can tell a sick child's temperature with one touch of my finger, but if I don't have love, I am nothing.
Love is patient while watching and praying by the front window when it's30 minutes past curfew.
Love is kind when my teen says, "I hate you!"
It does not envy the neighbors' swimming pool or their brand-new minivan, but trusts the Lord to provide every need.
Love does not brag when other parents share their disappointments andinsecurities, and love rejoices when other families succeed.
It doesn't boast, even when I've multitasked all day long and my husband can't do more than one thing at a time.
Love is not rude when my spouse innocently asks, "What have you donetoday?"
It does not immediately seek after glory when we see talent in ourchildren, but encourages them to get training and make wise choices.
It is not easily angered, even when my 15-year-old acts like the worldrevolves around him.
It does not delight in evil (is not self-righteous) when I remind my17-year-old that he's going 83 in a 55-mph zone, but rejoices in thetruth.
Love does not give up hope.It always protects our children's self-esteem and spirit, even while doling out discipline.
It always trusts God to protect our children when we cannot.
It always perseveres, through black nail polish, burps and other bodily functions, rolled eyes and crossed arms, messy rooms and sleep-overs.
Love never fails.
But where there are memories of thousands of diaper changes and painfullabor(s), they will fade away.
Where there is talking back, it will (eventually) cease. (Please, Lord?)
Where there is a teenager who thinks he knows everything, there will one day be an adult who knows you did your best.
For we know we fail our children, and we pray they don't end up in therapy, but when we get to heaven, our imperfect parenting will disappear.(Thank you, God!)
When we were children, we needed a parent to love and protect us. Now that we're parents ourselves, we have a heavenly Father who adores,shelters us and holds us when we need to cry.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
----------------------------------------
Wish I could take credit... but I received this in an email... LOL-- Happy Mother's Day to all of us who have mothers, are mothers or stepmothers, or provide nurturing to children not your own...
Be Blessed!
Friday, May 9, 2008
A Miraculously Wonderful Day!
15 years ago, almost exactly to the moment (give or take 15 minutes!) that I started writing this post, an amazing fantastic astounding and profoundly life altering event happened. It actually began quite some time beforehand, but like most worthwhile things, it took some time for the final product to be complete. It's alright though... because when things this good take place, well, you don't mind waiting too much.
Happy Birthday to the very best Mother's Day gift I ever received!
My son continues to amaze me. His first steps were awe inspiring, but more so the care and concern he shows for his fellow people on the planet. His passionate devotion to causes, and loyalty to friends, and people he believes in are amazing.
He is intelligent, articulate, and athletic. If I had asked God specifically for all the character traits I wanted in a son... He couldn't have picked better.
Alex, I love you... and I'm so proud of you-- for all your accomplishments, but also for the times when you learn from mistakes, take coaching and go back to accomplish even more.
Happy 15th!
Be blessed!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Donuts are yummy...
and I love Jesus!
Ah... to have the faith of a child! My darling daughter was helping out with the last day of Wednesday school yesterday. The little ones she works with are 3 and 4. They had donuts and were to come up with a saying about donuts that brought God into things.
The teacher suggested... "Sprinkle some God into your life", and dd suggested "Jesus is better than cream filling". But little Ella, age 3, won the votes of the class with her saying... "Donuts are yummy and I love Jesus!"
LOL... and yet... how clearly the little ones hear His voice. He tells us... in John 10: 2-4 that His sheep will hear His voice and follow because they know His voice. I got to thinking after Ella's statement... do I really make enough time to hear Him so that I recognize His voice??
After all, in today's world... there are a lot of competing voices. There's the media! There's the false teachers! There's the demands of life!
Lord... give me ears to hear and to know you... give me faith like Ella.
Be Blessed!
Ah... to have the faith of a child! My darling daughter was helping out with the last day of Wednesday school yesterday. The little ones she works with are 3 and 4. They had donuts and were to come up with a saying about donuts that brought God into things.
The teacher suggested... "Sprinkle some God into your life", and dd suggested "Jesus is better than cream filling". But little Ella, age 3, won the votes of the class with her saying... "Donuts are yummy and I love Jesus!"
LOL... and yet... how clearly the little ones hear His voice. He tells us... in John 10: 2-4 that His sheep will hear His voice and follow because they know His voice. I got to thinking after Ella's statement... do I really make enough time to hear Him so that I recognize His voice??
After all, in today's world... there are a lot of competing voices. There's the media! There's the false teachers! There's the demands of life!
Lord... give me ears to hear and to know you... give me faith like Ella.
Be Blessed!
Monday, May 5, 2008
Media Influences
Last night while watching my local news they did a segment on saving money. Now, I understand that with gas prices rising, food prices rising due to higher gas prices, and no one's wages rising... we're all feeling a bit of a squeeze. That is undeniable.
However, we cannot say that this is a recession. The economy GREW last quarter... slow growth, small growth... but still growth. A recession is defined as two quarters of stagnant or shrinking growth. Read any economics textbook you like... that friends, is the definition.
Personally... the fact that there was any growth makes me feel optimistic about the economy. I think we're likely to turn this thing on it's heels. But... that's not the point of this post...
The point is that in that special on saving money... they discussed clipping coupons, going to the store with a list, trying store brand items, looking at eating out less. And I thought... does that mean that most people are not already doing these things? I mean, most of the people that I know already do this.
Or... how about instead of buying $350.00 shoes for a boost you buy a $25.00 designer lipstick? Good advice for some, but if, like me, you buy Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer--umm, that's not a savings. It's an additional expense.
So... how out of touch am I? And, I know, chances are good if you read this... you're just as out of touch as I am...
Be Blessed!
Grace
However, we cannot say that this is a recession. The economy GREW last quarter... slow growth, small growth... but still growth. A recession is defined as two quarters of stagnant or shrinking growth. Read any economics textbook you like... that friends, is the definition.
Personally... the fact that there was any growth makes me feel optimistic about the economy. I think we're likely to turn this thing on it's heels. But... that's not the point of this post...
The point is that in that special on saving money... they discussed clipping coupons, going to the store with a list, trying store brand items, looking at eating out less. And I thought... does that mean that most people are not already doing these things? I mean, most of the people that I know already do this.
Or... how about instead of buying $350.00 shoes for a boost you buy a $25.00 designer lipstick? Good advice for some, but if, like me, you buy Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer--umm, that's not a savings. It's an additional expense.
So... how out of touch am I? And, I know, chances are good if you read this... you're just as out of touch as I am...
Be Blessed!
Grace
Sunday, May 4, 2008
He Moves in Mysterious Ways...
Well, as it turns out, no MRI for Mom. My brothers who were there tell me that as they were going through the preparation for it, the nurse at the desk got a phone call and turned as white as a sheet.
As it turns out in 1983 when they did Mom's aneurism surgery, they used metal brain clips to close the bleeding off. This means that in an MRI tube, those could have loosened. It would have meant Mom not being with us any longer. Thank God, her doctor reviewed the information in time!
This means that the lesion hasn't been verified yet... but they'll look into that some more on Monday. What a blessing that the MRI was scheduled late enough that her doctor had time to review the information! What a blessing that the timing was right on the phone call!
Miracles happen, folks! The word coincidence is not in His vocabulary... and this was a miracle!
Be Blessed!
As it turns out in 1983 when they did Mom's aneurism surgery, they used metal brain clips to close the bleeding off. This means that in an MRI tube, those could have loosened. It would have meant Mom not being with us any longer. Thank God, her doctor reviewed the information in time!
This means that the lesion hasn't been verified yet... but they'll look into that some more on Monday. What a blessing that the MRI was scheduled late enough that her doctor had time to review the information! What a blessing that the timing was right on the phone call!
Miracles happen, folks! The word coincidence is not in His vocabulary... and this was a miracle!
Be Blessed!
Friday, May 2, 2008
My Mom...
If you know me well, you know that my Mom and I are not close. We live a great distance apart, and it is hard to schedule visits. Add in that Mom had an aneurism when I was 16 and is brain damaged... not able to fully care for herself, or to carry on a conversation without fading into the past... well, it makes for a unique relationship.
I am also struggling right now because Mom is ill. She has a UTI and a lesion they discovered during her head CT scan. Given her history with aneurisms-- this makes us all nervous. My father passed away when I was 28 and my dd had just turned 2. After this... all that is left is my siblings.
Mom was born in NY. She was the daughter of a father who left her and an alcoholic mother. To say the least, her childhood memories are the stuff of tell all books. However, Mom's never been one to dwell on that. The stories I remember her telling are the ones about her Grandfather Peter James McNally-- he worked as a stage director in NY theatre and met all the greats of that day.
I love her... and I'll be both relieved and grieved when she passes on. Relieved because I think sometimes she knows she is not able to be all she once was... and I think it hurts her at those times to be so dependent. Grieved because the hope of a miraculous recovery and a true mother daughter relationship will be over.
See... my Mom doesn't remember my birthday, or other events... and she doesn't send cards or gifts. She doesn't remember the kids on their days either. Now, I say this not because I blame her or her caregivers... I say it because this is the hope that passes on when she goes. The hope of a "normal" relationship will be gone.
On the other hand... that hope is only gone here... who knows but what when we meet in heaven, the relationship may be all I wanted for and more. Yes, I am certain Mom will go to heaven. She is now as a child... and Jesus told us that is what we must become to enter the kingdom. So I have no worries there.
Sorry for the down post...
Be Blessed... and if you can... give your Mom (or the most Momlike person you know) a call!
Grace
I am also struggling right now because Mom is ill. She has a UTI and a lesion they discovered during her head CT scan. Given her history with aneurisms-- this makes us all nervous. My father passed away when I was 28 and my dd had just turned 2. After this... all that is left is my siblings.
Mom was born in NY. She was the daughter of a father who left her and an alcoholic mother. To say the least, her childhood memories are the stuff of tell all books. However, Mom's never been one to dwell on that. The stories I remember her telling are the ones about her Grandfather Peter James McNally-- he worked as a stage director in NY theatre and met all the greats of that day.
I love her... and I'll be both relieved and grieved when she passes on. Relieved because I think sometimes she knows she is not able to be all she once was... and I think it hurts her at those times to be so dependent. Grieved because the hope of a miraculous recovery and a true mother daughter relationship will be over.
See... my Mom doesn't remember my birthday, or other events... and she doesn't send cards or gifts. She doesn't remember the kids on their days either. Now, I say this not because I blame her or her caregivers... I say it because this is the hope that passes on when she goes. The hope of a "normal" relationship will be gone.
On the other hand... that hope is only gone here... who knows but what when we meet in heaven, the relationship may be all I wanted for and more. Yes, I am certain Mom will go to heaven. She is now as a child... and Jesus told us that is what we must become to enter the kingdom. So I have no worries there.
Sorry for the down post...
Be Blessed... and if you can... give your Mom (or the most Momlike person you know) a call!
Grace
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Happy Ascension Day!
I know... it doesn't have all the panache of Easter, or the hoop-la of Christmas or even the thrill that comes with Pentecost when we get our promised advocate. Yet, I think, Ascension day is worth remembering.
Oh, we talk about it in our Apostles' Creed... He was buried and descended into hell, on the third day He arose, He ascended into heaven... and we give it no more thought than that. The Bible speaks about it. Sometimes, I think we assume that this event isn't as important to us as the others.
I'm not so sure. He had been talking and eating with His disciples after His resurrection. He was still human at that point. They knew HIM. He wasn't a ghost, or a metaphysical presence. He was in the flesh.
After He ascended into heaven, the apostles were met by two men Acts 1: 9-11 and were told that He would return the way He had left. Jesus ascended into heaven as only He could... both human and divine, and entirely glorified. It extends His victory over death. It gives us hope that we are not orphans, that He will bring us to Himself... in a way that the resurrection doesn't. He has gone on before us to prepare a place.
Christ has died. Christ is Risen. Christ will come again!
Be blessed.
Oh, we talk about it in our Apostles' Creed... He was buried and descended into hell, on the third day He arose, He ascended into heaven... and we give it no more thought than that. The Bible speaks about it. Sometimes, I think we assume that this event isn't as important to us as the others.
I'm not so sure. He had been talking and eating with His disciples after His resurrection. He was still human at that point. They knew HIM. He wasn't a ghost, or a metaphysical presence. He was in the flesh.
After He ascended into heaven, the apostles were met by two men Acts 1: 9-11 and were told that He would return the way He had left. Jesus ascended into heaven as only He could... both human and divine, and entirely glorified. It extends His victory over death. It gives us hope that we are not orphans, that He will bring us to Himself... in a way that the resurrection doesn't. He has gone on before us to prepare a place.
Christ has died. Christ is Risen. Christ will come again!
Be blessed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)