New Snow

It was a little warmer today, and the next 2 days are supposed to get even warmer...40's on Saturday. Yay!! Everyone is ready for a hint that spring will come eventually. Things are quiet at work this time of year, so some days go slow, but today I could find some time to do a little writing. You all know what I'm doing this weekend...how about you?

Thought for the day

There was a light snowfall for a short time today and it made me think about how fresh and white new snow always looks. I've been feeling kind of lost, sore, empty, tired, bored, unmotivated...I knew today that what I really need is a fresh pouring out of His Spirit over my heart. Seeing the snow made it so clear. Our hearts get dirtied by daily living the same way the snow is dirtied by traffic and time. The first flakes of new snow don't seem to make any difference, but as the layer gets deeper everything is made clean and white again. Similarly, our hearts need a fresh fall of God's Spirit to be cleansed, restored, healed, and made beautiful again. That's why we need to come to Him often...very often...because life in general dirties our hearts, to say nothing of the actual sin which is all too present. He promises to make us whiter than snow, and Psalm 71:3 says that He is a rock of habitation to which we may continually come. Come now. Come often.

In Times Like These

We are trying to watch part 2 of a movie that I taped the other night and, unfortunately, I picked a tape with bad tracking to put it on and we can barely see what's going on. We must want to watch it, though, because we are struggling through. I'm starting to make preps for Saturday...vacuumed the basement and got some other things out of the way. I'm really excited!! Honestly, I'm probably more excited for myself than for my mom...sorry, but how can I not be excited???

Thought for the day

How shall we live...that question is asked over and over...how shall we live in times like these? It always sounds ominous to me, but truthfully the "times" that many of us are challenged with are times of monotony, routine, at my age even boredom. How do we keep a "sharp edge" and a vital faith in the face of day after day? Days like these few when I am looking forward to something in particular are great, but there are so many other days, especially this time of year, that feel pretty empty. Again, the answer for me seems to be prayer...having the extra time on my hands gives me more opportunity to focus on prayer. But it is not something that comes easily...it requires time, attention, and laying down of self. What works for you...how do you stay sharp "in these days"?

It Just Gets Bigger and Better

This whole party thing may be getting out of hand!! But all in a good way!! Kelli and her family are going to come down Friday night and go back on Sunday in order to be here for the birthday party. My mom has no idea that any of the grandkids are coming...so NOBODY TELL!!!!! It will be a real treat for her to have so many there. My brother-in-law, nephew, and his family will be coming from out of town, too.

Thought for the day

How do we show people we love them? Much of that answer depends on the history we have with that person. Obviously, some relationships are more intimate than others, so how we express our feelings varies accordingly. But even in relationships that are on "equal" footing, it can be much easaier with one than with another. It was always different for me with my dad than with my mom...loved them both, but the way we related was different in many ways. I wondered how it would be after Dad died, but I'm happy to say that Mom and I do fine. We've found our own style of relating that on a good day will have to include some laughing. Whatever the style, make sure you let those you love know that you love them.

Making Birthday Plans

My sister and I are planning a supper out for my mom...she turns 90 on Saturday. Those that can make it will go out for supper then back to her house for birthday cake. Hopefully she's getting a lot of cards this week for her "card shower". I hope it's special for her. She said to me not too long ago when we were out for lunch, "You know, I never thought I would be this old." Just made me laugh.

Thought for the day

I've been thinking about the "ripples" (see yesterday). I sure hope I leave some ripples for my family out into the future. I don't know what they would look like, but I hope that I will leave a legacy or heritage that will lead others in my family out into the future to Christ. I hope it will also be filled with laughter and a certain freshness that bucks the "religious" establishment. I don't think it's anything I can plan or deliberately "do". I just want to help them know something fresh and real in their faith.

Ripples

We got more snow this morning...another 4 inches...with more coming tonight. It really came down pretty though, no wind, just pretty. It was cold and sunny all day. We had a nice weekend...friends from Walnut came to Harlan Friday night and we went out to Casa de Oro for supper. Afterwards we came back to our house and watched "Eagle Eye". It's a really good movie and I would recommend it, though not for littler kids. Thanks, Larry and Kathy, for a really fun evening!! We value your friendship very much.

Today we went to the early service at church and Steve Peterson preached a really good message about grace and how it changes our lives. We played with some more ring tones for a while. Jon went out on one short call, and we watched some TV...nothing too exciting. Kelli is finally feeling better again...hooray!!! Another couple looked at Greg and Megan's house yesterday and are VERY interested...PRAY FOR A SALE!!!

Nothing big happening this week for us...hope it's a great week for all of you!!

Thought for the day

How do we know what effect our lives have? There is no way to measure the ripple effect outward and over time of even the most simple life lived in trusting obedience. Someone sees, someone observes the smallest kindness, the cheerful bearing of some circumstance, the patient response in a difficult moment and they can be forever changed. They begin to believe that there is a difference...not everyone is the same...and there must be a reason. Could that reason be a relationship with God? Is there a way for them to be changed? Is there a God who would care? Could the God that their grandpa or grandma trusted be interested in them as well? Let's be faithful in the smallest of things and treat nothing as small or trivial whether anyone sees it or not. God does the most incredible things when we put just a few fish and loaves into His hand.

Ring Tones

Hey, it's the weekend!!!! How are all of you doing? I was home today except for a grocery run. Jon was out on call this morning for a while and worked on dyes this afternoon, but was home most of the day. We found a website for new ringtones called phonezoo.com We've been playing with that today. They are supposed to be free...maybe a data charge for downloading? Makes me a little nervous, but we found some fun stuff. I'm done going to physical therapy, so far not seeing much change other than actually being sorer...I think I'll have to ease up on the exercises and go a little slower...it's hard to imagine SLOWER!!
I hope tomorrow to work on something more fun than laundry, cleaning, and catching up bookwork...we'll see. Pastor Steve Peterson is preaching here tomorrow, so that should be a treat. Stay warm, everyone, and safe and well!!!

Thought for the day

I find it more challenging to stay positive and cheerful when I hurt, especially when there is nothing to distract me from the pain. Not that I'm in great pain, but when my mind is idle it feels worse. It's not a big deal, but it makes me realize that I need to be more patient with other people who are grumpy or just less than happy...maybe they're in pain, and maybe for a long time. Help me, Lord, to depend on You more and overcome wallowing in my aches and pains.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MEGAN!!

Wow, my "baby" is turning 27 today!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MEGAN!! We're going to see her tonight and take her out for supper...not sure where yet...her choice. A couple of particular memories from 27 year ago...

We had spent the last 2 weekends in a row staying at my sister's in town because of bad weather. We were living about 12 miles outside of town and didn't want to risk getting stuck. We were headed out for the 3rd weekend when we were pretty sure I'd be going to the hospital instead, so we dropped off Kelli and Tabbi at my parents and went to town. It was snowing AGAIN. Megan was born at 2:41 a.m. and I remember around 3:something holding her all wrapped up, looking out the window and seeing the fresh white snow falling and no activity anywhere. It was a really peaceful feeling. The drive home was anything but peaceful...4 wheel drive over bad roads and almost in the ditch at the end of our driveway. She was definitely "worth it". :)

Anyway, we all love you, Megan, and are so very thankful for you and Greg and excited to get you both settled in closer to home!!!

Inauguration Day

Bear with me while I share some more grand kid pix. These are from April 2008...a great time together. I've found it's easiest to download pix onto my new computer at work taking them from the blog, so this is my shortcut. There are far more pictures than I can rightfully load at work, but I love then chance to let my screen saver entertain me for a few minutes when I'm not using the computer there. I can't imagine what can make a person happier than their kids and grand kids.

I'm watching some of the inauguration programming on TV tonight. It is so precious to see these older black Americans who endured the civil rights fights seeing this come true. Whatever your conviction politically, it is truly an amazing thing to see the fruition of such a struggle in our lifetime. Our prayers are with President Obama and his family for blessing, wisdom, safety, and the strength for the challenges that lay ahead.

Thought for the day

Okay, so if I find so much joy in my family, then it only stands to reason that we bring that same kind of joy to God's father heart to an even greater degree. He really does love us that much. He rejoices over us with singing...how incredible is that?

"The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy." Zephaniah 3:17

Project and Progress?

Megan is starting to settle in to her new routine and environment...now she needs more sleep. We're going to drive over Thursday after work and take her out for her birthday and take her a few more things (thanks, Tabbi). It seems weird not to have her here again...it's like having her leave for college all over again. Not so many tears this time, though. :)
I'm catching up around the house and trying to pick out some kind of "project" to work on. I really don't know what I'm looking for, but hopefully I'll know it when I see it. I'm open to suggestions that don't include sewing!! :)

Thought for the day

How does your new year feel so far? I'm doing better walking and of course my pt gets me stretching. I think I'm practicing some better food choices and habits. I can't say I'm seeing all the deeper progress I would like...knowing that God is doing something new in me, or making noticeable progress in the quality of my prayer life. But then I'm reminded about performance vs relationship again. I have to remember again that He is more interested in my depending on Him moment by moment, than He is in my performance. Still, I should think relationship would result in tangible change eventually. How do you see it?

Sunday

It was a nice Sunday. We went to church, did some cleaning, watched TV, went to a surprise birthday party for a friend from church, and more TV. Talked to the girls...all busy with their own stuff and doing well. Think I need to do some reading before bed. My goal this week is to get to bed earlier so I can function better during the day. I go to physical therapy two more times...tomorrow morning and Friday morning. Hope you all have a great week!!!

Thought for the day

I'ts Sunday...I'm not sure by this time on Sunday night I have a coherent thought. Our sermon this morning was about being a team player...wasn't quite what I expected...I had a little trouble making the connection. Anything you'd like to share either from a sermon or something you heard or read lately?

Lincoln Logs and Balance

Tabbi and the boys were here for a few hours this afternoon, and the boys discovered that I still have Lincoln Logs. They stayed busy for a long time building one "house" after another. Jon was home most of the day, too, working on the cradle some. I did a bunch of laundry and putting away. Hopefully, I can finish cleaning tomorrow after church. My physical therapy and stretches are going well, and my shoulder is better already. I think it will heal completely, and now I know what to do if it ever acts up again. Now I wish I hadn't waited so long to get it looked at. What are your plans for tomorrow?

Thought for the day

What are you doing for yourself? It seems that we vacillate between being selfish or self-centered and being consumed with the needs of our family or others. True balance can only be found in relationship with Christ. Even as I say it, it sounds passe, canned. But I'm talking about the living, moment by moment relationship where we depend on Him all the time. No easy task in a world of distraction, noise, and urgency. Yet I believe it is possible in any environment...not that I have arrived, but I do believe Christ has made provision for that reality even in this age. It won't look the same on everyone, but lives lived this way will demonstrate a peace, contentment, and wisdom that is beyond the "natural" disposition.

"Seeing that His divine power has granted to us EVERYTHING pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence." 2 Peter 1:3

Megan Has Moved!!!

Do you remember how cold it was yesterday? I know today felt colder with the wind, but yesterday was cold. Fortunately, we had some good help both here and in Des Moines to move Megan into her apartment. I actually only had to be in charge of the door...and "ground level" can be a little deceiving...up probably 10 steps outside and down maybe 8 inside. She is in a nice 1 bedroom apartment at the end of the hall next to the laundry room and close to everything. It is only about 1 block to work, maybe a mile or mile and a half to her second job, with Target, Hy-vee, and a mall in between...so much for the long commute.
We will miss seeing her often, but we are very relieved to not have her on the road every day. Jon is taking calls for one of the other guys this weekend, and I might be heading to the city tomorrow for a short trip...don't know yet for sure.

Thought for the day

How do we learn to care about the things God cares about? How do we get ourselves to step away from our own interests enough to see through God's eyes? I think we don't realize how small our whole world is in the scope of all that God is doing. I'm not laying a guilt trip on anyone. God understands what we're made of and how we think. I think we would be encouraged if we could crawl into His skin and see through His eyes that He really does care about the smallest details of our lives. But we would maybe see them playing out on a bigger canvas and having more layers than we dreamed. I think we would be able to be more patient to see "results", more willing to leave the end and the process in His hands and let Him work. How can we put this into practice?

DUH!!!

If you know me well, I hope you know that I don't mind laughing at myself. I had a very strange realization today. I take a mega multi vitamin for women that I buy at Hy-vee. I was getting low and picked up 2 bottles on sale last week. I just used up my old bottle and the empty was sitting on my counter today when I looked at it then looked again...I spent the last 90 days taking mega multi vitamin for men and never even noticed. No wonder I haven't felt like myself!!!!

Thought for the day

I've been thinking about how diverse the body of Christ is with our own bodies as the example that Christ uses. There are many examples in our bodies of parts, organs, tissues that remain forever hidden...their function little known or appreciated. Yet if they should fail or become sick the body suffers in some way...maybe not too seriously, maybe only over time, but the truth is we need them to be well and functioning in order for our overall health to thrive. We need to realize that even if our part is not very obvious or influential, God sees its value and equips and strengthens us to fill that role. The truth is, the body suffers without us even when it doesn't understand what part we play. Whatever you do, don't envy someone else's part...fill your own.

Snow, Wind, and Change?

It's Monday again and this time with SNOW!!!! Wow, 4-5 or 6 inches of snow today with WIND, WIND, and more WIND. Megan gets to stay is Des Moines tonight...Alex is working there and could get a room for her overnight. We're very glad that she won't need to drive back here tonight. It looks like we'll be able to move her to her new apartment on Thursday, then she won't need to drive anymore and can get more sleep...always a good thing :) I hope you are all safely tucked in somewhere warm tonight!!

I can't help it...it's the new year and I find myself reading weight loss articles. I did find some good suggestions and facts, though:
1. Activity changes metabolism
2. De-stress
3. Sleep more (I like this one)
4. Cookies are addictive
5. Free radicals (what's that?) sabotage the signal that tells you you're full. Avoid them by
eating more fruits and vegetables
6. Be fit...walk...eat healthy...even if you stay overweight
7. Stretch
8. Stand tall
9. Get a hobby
10. Don't eat standing up
11. Brush your teeth after eating any meal or snack
12. Genetics are a huge factor and can only be overcome to a point.

Who knows? I may be able to use some of these...at least the ones I like :) Wouldn't mind just making healthy changes. No pressure...just opportunity (a Steve Peterson quote).

Thought for the day

It's really a life skill...contentment. Sometimes I think the hardest thing to be content with is myself...learning to accept how I am built inside and out, learning the limits and possibilities that God has placed within me, and so on. However, from a viewpoint of spiritual health and growth it is VITAL that I come to terms with these things...it is impossible to accept and receive all that God has for me if I don't see myself as He does. Look in the Scriptures and prove what He says about you. How much does He love you? How well does He know you? Did He knit and form you in the womb or did He not? Does He know every detail of your thoughts and life or does He not? Does He sing over you or not? You and I NEED to get this right in order to receive from Him. How would you answer these questions? Then read your Bible and answer them again.

Good News

Lots of good news---I love good news. Greg was able to return to work on Friday in Charlotte. He is very thankful and relieved to get back to work. Also, Megan has an apartment picked out and will be able to move in sometime this week. This is all such good news for them...she can quit commuting and as soon as the house sells they can be together again. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support of them through this time.
I hope you're all having a great weekend. I sure didn't accomplish much today but I guess I did some constructive things...maybe. I did some walking this week but was not able to last night or today. My back is better now, so I hopefully can again tomorrow.

Thought for the day

I'm still working on by Blurb project, and I'm finding it very refreshing to reread and process the pieces I'm putting in. God always seems to encourage me to pray and to realize the possibilities that He offers in doing that. No matter how much I learn about prayer it still can be an elusive thing. It's so much easier to think about prayer, believe in prayer, even want to pray than it is to actually pray. It can be very subtle...the distraction from actual praying. Yet there is no greater endeavor or practice to which we, or at least I, can give myself to. I guess I can't speak for others...just me.

Sleep

Tonight we are both home and so tired we're just falling asleep. Can't imagine how tired Megan must feel. Pray that God will keep her safe and awake with all her commuting and pray that she can soon be in Des Moines full time.

Thought for the day

More sleep is required. Get it whenever you can. Kelli's formula for world peace is everyone watches an episode of "Phineas and Ferb" and takes an afternoon nap. Great idea, Kelli, I'm in!!
"When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet." Proverbs 3:24

Love Yourself

I really think you need a puppy....

This is Annie with Tru. She is a very mellow, sweet little pup and is a big hit. Talk to all your friends...pups are still available.

So what's new with you? I'm still getting my head around this whole new year thing...Had one LITTLE slip at work today, but I did remember and stop myself from continuing my comment. Amazing how easily we slip back into a old behavior that we want to leave behind. I have been walking more regularly even though it's short. My plan is to start slow and probably stay slow forever, but that's better than not at all, right? Right? I have worked on my book a little since the first of the year, too.

Greg has had some good news...when all the paperwork gets processed there is a job waiting for him with his empolyer in Charlotte. This will help them get back on their feet and probably get Megan into an apartment in Des Moines. This will probably be the arrangement till the house sells, then they move on from there. Pray it happens soon. We're very thankful for Greg's healing progress and being able to go back to work. He is really excited to get back to a more normal existence.

Thought for the day

This getting older stuff isn't so cool. The joints hurt. I move too slow. I'm too tired. But, truth be known , I wouldn't want to go back and start over. One of the nicer changes is that you become more comfortable with yourself...you stop obsessing over what others think, you do less digging around in your own "stuff" and thinking that there's something wrong with you. I believe that God has brought about these changes...they could have come at any age...but for me they have come with time and age. Don't wait. Understand that God made you the way you are and loves you the way you are. Relax your view of yourself...be kinder to yourself...God loves you and if you don't love you, you call God a liar.

New Heart

Back to the work week...statements (again) and then catching up. It will take a few days. Jon is working for a while tonight as is Megan at her second job. Gives me time to get on the treadmill and make supper...or just sit here at the computer!! I've been catching up on some reading and assorted details with the end of the year, so I'm hopefully starting off 2009 with a cleaner slate. I did think of another thing I want to improve this year...or should I say repent from...that's complaining (verbal or nonverbal) about anyone at work. Especially while I'm at work...it's one thing to vent to Jon, but quite another to express frustration in any way at work.

Thought for the day

God promises that when we repent and give Him our lives that He will give us a new heart. He promises. So I believe Him. But I must say that the old habits, attitudes, and disposition sure have a way of hanging around and showing up often. I know that new heart is there, and it wants what Jesus wants. It is kind, patient, good, gentle, loving, peaceful, joyful, humble, self-controlled. I know it's there. But it seems so much easier at times to just be "me"...without You. What I really want is for Jesus to live through me and to live according to the new heart He has given, but I have to CHOOSE it at every turn or what comes out is just "me". Some days choosing is harder than others, but when I don't choose His heart we all get stuck with "mine". Sorry, you, no we, and He all deserve better. He died and rose again and, in Him, so have we. Let's live according to our new hearts even when "we" don't feel like it and see what He can do.

Fellowship vs Performance

It's Saturday--one of my favorite days of the week. Today Megan is working in Des Moines and Jon has stayed busy getting started on his next cradle. No, no news. He just wants to get going on it through the winter when he has a little more time. We've had the lumber for a year and it's time. A friend of his has graciously let him use his really nice woodshop including some tools Jon doesn't have to do the work, and he can keep it all there. I got to do some work in my kitchen (YAHOO), laundry, and working on my Blurb project. It wouldn't really take me too long to finish entering all the text now...but have some other details to get worked in. Details, details, details. I walked on the treadmill between loads of laundry and should make some supper soon.

Thought for the day

I think it's hard for us to remember that God is truly more interested in us and in having a close relationship with us than He is in our doctrine or our performance. I see people all the time who are conforming their outward life to what Christians are expected to do...going to church, reading the books, teaching, listening to the music, adopting the lifestyle and culture. I see others who outwardly struggle with church attendance or have little or no interest in the books, music, expectations, politics, or conversation that becomes prevalent in Christian circles. Certainly not always, but sometimes it's the ones who are struggling who show greater humility, respect, love, gratitude, and sensitivity to Christ and His heart for the world. Too often those who are "in" the culture fully are full of themselves, prideful, and hard-hearted.
So where we struggle, let's take heart...God is with us and on our side. He will guide us onward as we trust Him. Where we do not struggle, let's take care...allow no pride but remember from where He has brought us and that all has been given by His grace.
1 Corinthians 8:1-3
"Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him."