The past couple of weeks have been difficult, but at the same time, encouraging. This morning's messages from the pastors on TV that we watch had some really good news for me.
My book has flat-lined. Not good. I've received no royalties in spite of the fact I was told I did "very well" at the Frankfurt, Germany, book fair. What's up with that? This morning Andy Stanley talked about our life experiences as a "treasure chest." He made an excellent point when he asked who could possibly have a better perspective on marriage than someone who's been divorced? He's right. Faults and failures are a part of all our lives. Why not put them to good use?
Therefore, all my negative experiences in attempting to write have a purpose. Not only am I learning and being humbled, but I can share with others mistakes I made that they can avoid. Self-publishing is definitely one of them.
Refusing to learn how to use the computer and social media is another. I've found people who were friends and neighbors when we were growing up. That has been an absolute joy. I doubt I'll ever become a computer junkie, but it has some good points. Via Facebook, my friends and I have been talking about childhood memories. I was surprised to learn they, too, suffered insecurities about their childhood. But our parents brought us up, so we have no right to put them down. They did the best they could. My friends and I seemed to have learned that lesson. There were happy memories, too. They're the best kind to remember.
Struggles with keeping my weight under control has been an issue since I was 13. A long time. A really long time. Even when I wasn't fat, I carried all my weight in front, making me look fat. Unfortunately, I used that excuse to not get the weight where it belonged for too many years to count. Several months ago I came across a Bible study that finally answered my questions and the weight has come off. Then I discovered, thanks to the same woman who introduced me to the Bible study, another book that will enable me to keep it off.
It was a book I just couldn't keep to myself. I wanted some friends of mine to enjoy the same freedom I've learned to have, so I bought 4 of them to pass out to my friends. One woman has already told me she couldn't wait till she went on vacation to read it and what she's read already gives her encouragement.
At my age, who has escaped failing health? What are we going to do about it? Sit down and wait to die? Bore everyone to tears listing our medication list on our Christmas cards? Don't laugh. That actually happened. I believe it was Michael Youseff who said this morning that people see you when you succeed, but they watch you when you're suffering. So what are they watching when they see us suffering? A whiner? A complainer? A quitter?
That was what I wanted to do a little over a week ago. Since that time, so many people have said, "Keep going." Thanks to their encouragement, I will. I noticed a lot of the pastors on TV have begun to use life application videos before their message. That's what I want to do with my books. A life application message for those who may not get the connection between Scripture and life.
Now that I think about it, the same thing happened when I was a student. I went back to college at the age of 45. Graduated 30 years after high school graduation. I'm so glad God doesn't count slowness as people do! While I was a student at Moody Bible Institute, there were several times I wanted to quit. I would look at all those young people around me and wonder what I was doing there. I'd tell myself to grow up, get a job, and get on with life. Along would come something to keep me from quitting. One time it was a student chapel in which they sat an empty chair on stage and said it represented the ones who wouldn't be there next semester. I didn't want to be that one. Another time it was the President of the school, Joe Stowell whose President's chapel message spurred me on to stick it out. Another time, it was the first chapel of the new semester. Over the summer, 6 people affiliated with Moody had died. I sat it awe of God's amazing grace to allow me to be a student there after the lives of 6 people who had more potential than me were gone.
I ask myself if I quit, who will not get the message I was chosen to deliver through my faults, mistakes, and weaknesses? Stay tuned.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Aloha
Attitudes can make a world of difference. I didn't really like the idea of Hawaii. You'll have to excuse me. I'm a conflict thinker. That's the way God wired me. As I said before, we're not really city folk. Oahu is extremely busy and crowded. And, crazy. So many cultures jammed together on one little island. I got off the plane with a bad attitude.
Don't give up on me, yet. God had a purpose for sending us there. I guess it began when our boys got involved in the swim team. Eleven months out of the year, I sat on the side of a swimming pool from 7:30 or 8:00 in the morning until after dark. Three, sometimes four days a week, depending on how big the swim meet was and where they were ranked.
The swim team brought about lots of fun memories as well as the standing, sitting, or working the meet as a timer, judge, snack bar helper, whatever. In that environment, it was easy to get to know other parents, regardless of rank. That's how I met an officer's wife I'm still friends with.
She was active in the Protestant Women of the Chapel and invited me to attend. It was there I met a Campus Crusade for Christ military missionary who agreed to do a Bible study in my home. When we made our plans, she did something she'd never done before. She handed me the first 2 of 9 booklets in the study. My walk with the Lord at that time was weak to non-existent.
I hungrily read the first booklet, only to be disappointed. Instead of reassuring me that I was a Christian, it raised doubts. So I moved on to the second booklet. That's where I found my answer. I was what the Apostle Paul would call a "carnal" Christian. Carnal is Latin for "flesh." I had become a Christian in college while planning to be a missionary when I realized I didn't know the Christ I wanted to proclaim to the world. After I became a Christian, I drifted. The flesh was in charge of my life.
It was easier to drift when we moved as much as we did. Who's to know whether or not we attended church? Or claimed to be a Christian? But, it's not an easier way to live. Unhappy hardly begins to describe how I felt. That's why I latched onto those two booklets and devoured them.
Booklet two not only described my plight, it had an answer. I needed to return Christ to the throne of my life. I needed to repent and return to letting Him be in control. The booklet suggested I write down every sin that came to mind and then write I John 1:9 over it. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Finally, I was to burn the paper.
However, I was in bed when I read that. The whole family was asleep except for me. Instead, I stayed in bed and repented then and there. I've described repenting of those sins like a popcorn machine going off in my head. Bitterness, frustration, anger, anxiety. On and on the list went until I fell asleep.
After my husband left for work the next morning and the boys left for school, I sat down with pen and paper, intending to be obedient to the dictates of the booklet. I couldn't think of a single thing I'd repented the night before! They were gone. Everyone of them. God's grace is so amazing. Even more so than His beautiful creation of the island of Oahu.
Don't give up on me, yet. God had a purpose for sending us there. I guess it began when our boys got involved in the swim team. Eleven months out of the year, I sat on the side of a swimming pool from 7:30 or 8:00 in the morning until after dark. Three, sometimes four days a week, depending on how big the swim meet was and where they were ranked.
The swim team brought about lots of fun memories as well as the standing, sitting, or working the meet as a timer, judge, snack bar helper, whatever. In that environment, it was easy to get to know other parents, regardless of rank. That's how I met an officer's wife I'm still friends with.
She was active in the Protestant Women of the Chapel and invited me to attend. It was there I met a Campus Crusade for Christ military missionary who agreed to do a Bible study in my home. When we made our plans, she did something she'd never done before. She handed me the first 2 of 9 booklets in the study. My walk with the Lord at that time was weak to non-existent.
I hungrily read the first booklet, only to be disappointed. Instead of reassuring me that I was a Christian, it raised doubts. So I moved on to the second booklet. That's where I found my answer. I was what the Apostle Paul would call a "carnal" Christian. Carnal is Latin for "flesh." I had become a Christian in college while planning to be a missionary when I realized I didn't know the Christ I wanted to proclaim to the world. After I became a Christian, I drifted. The flesh was in charge of my life.
It was easier to drift when we moved as much as we did. Who's to know whether or not we attended church? Or claimed to be a Christian? But, it's not an easier way to live. Unhappy hardly begins to describe how I felt. That's why I latched onto those two booklets and devoured them.
Booklet two not only described my plight, it had an answer. I needed to return Christ to the throne of my life. I needed to repent and return to letting Him be in control. The booklet suggested I write down every sin that came to mind and then write I John 1:9 over it. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Finally, I was to burn the paper.
However, I was in bed when I read that. The whole family was asleep except for me. Instead, I stayed in bed and repented then and there. I've described repenting of those sins like a popcorn machine going off in my head. Bitterness, frustration, anger, anxiety. On and on the list went until I fell asleep.
After my husband left for work the next morning and the boys left for school, I sat down with pen and paper, intending to be obedient to the dictates of the booklet. I couldn't think of a single thing I'd repented the night before! They were gone. Everyone of them. God's grace is so amazing. Even more so than His beautiful creation of the island of Oahu.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Chicago
Of the 33 moves we made in 50 years, Chicago was probably the least likely to be a favorite. We're not city folk. However, it didn't take me long to appreciate Chicago. In the first place, there's a palpable vitality to a large city. You can't help but feel energized just by being there. I can appreciate that.
But, there are challenges. It was an enormous challenge to find a place to live. I used to look out the train window and ask the Lord where He wanted us to live. It was overwhelming. Miles and miles of houses and apartment buildings. Which neighborhood suited us and which one would we feel comfortable in?
There's the challenge of learning to live in a different environment and culture without making ruinous mistakes before you figure it out. Driving the Kennedy and the Eisenhower was an enormous challenge and it took me months to learn it. Streets though the city weren't easy, either. People loved to use the parking lane to pass you on the right. Once you got it figured out, there was always something else.
Such as how to avoid getting robbed. She "only" got $60 from me. It could have been my purse with its credit cards, military ID, driver's license, checkbook, address, etc. or even my life. Since Moody Bible Institute is on the Near North Side, only blocks away from Chicago's famed loop, getting robbed or worse requires an awareness of your surroundings. Then too, Moody is just a few blocks from Cabrini Green, one of the most dangerous ghettos in that city.
However, it's nothing compared to when D.L. Moody started his Sunday School for boys over a hundred years ago. A policeman told him if he went into that area, he'd be killed and the police wouldn't even come in for his body. Today, that area of the city is booming, and as safe as anywhere.
What happened? I believe it began with an Englishman by the name of Henry Varley. He was speaking at a prayer meeting Moody was invited to attend. One of the things Varley said impacted Moody in a way that is still reverberating the world over. He said, "The world has yet to see what God can do with one man wholly surrendered to Him." Moody became that man.
He built the Bible Institute in that area as well as a church. There is still no charge for tuition. One semester at Moody cost less than you'd believe. Pastors and missionaries are still graduating from there and going the world over to preach the Gospel. Moody's personal influence extended far beyond Chicago, and thanks to the education he provided then and now, it's still happening. Even so, it's Chicago that owes him a great debt of gratitude.
It wasn't easy for him. He was uneducated, brash, overweight, and didn't exactly use the king's English when he spoke. His behavior and speech grated on refined people Yet, he spoke to thousands at a time in spite of no amplifiers. He didn't exactly do things according to Hoyle, but God used him mightily. If God could use a fat, brash salesman for His glory, He's welcome to do what He will with me.
We've lived in New York City, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Denver, El Paso, San Antonio, and Honolulu. There's a need for God in everyone of them. Moody once said if we don't reach our cities for Jesus Christ, they'll become festering, fetid sewers. He's right, don't you think?
But, there are challenges. It was an enormous challenge to find a place to live. I used to look out the train window and ask the Lord where He wanted us to live. It was overwhelming. Miles and miles of houses and apartment buildings. Which neighborhood suited us and which one would we feel comfortable in?
There's the challenge of learning to live in a different environment and culture without making ruinous mistakes before you figure it out. Driving the Kennedy and the Eisenhower was an enormous challenge and it took me months to learn it. Streets though the city weren't easy, either. People loved to use the parking lane to pass you on the right. Once you got it figured out, there was always something else.
Such as how to avoid getting robbed. She "only" got $60 from me. It could have been my purse with its credit cards, military ID, driver's license, checkbook, address, etc. or even my life. Since Moody Bible Institute is on the Near North Side, only blocks away from Chicago's famed loop, getting robbed or worse requires an awareness of your surroundings. Then too, Moody is just a few blocks from Cabrini Green, one of the most dangerous ghettos in that city.
However, it's nothing compared to when D.L. Moody started his Sunday School for boys over a hundred years ago. A policeman told him if he went into that area, he'd be killed and the police wouldn't even come in for his body. Today, that area of the city is booming, and as safe as anywhere.
What happened? I believe it began with an Englishman by the name of Henry Varley. He was speaking at a prayer meeting Moody was invited to attend. One of the things Varley said impacted Moody in a way that is still reverberating the world over. He said, "The world has yet to see what God can do with one man wholly surrendered to Him." Moody became that man.
He built the Bible Institute in that area as well as a church. There is still no charge for tuition. One semester at Moody cost less than you'd believe. Pastors and missionaries are still graduating from there and going the world over to preach the Gospel. Moody's personal influence extended far beyond Chicago, and thanks to the education he provided then and now, it's still happening. Even so, it's Chicago that owes him a great debt of gratitude.
It wasn't easy for him. He was uneducated, brash, overweight, and didn't exactly use the king's English when he spoke. His behavior and speech grated on refined people Yet, he spoke to thousands at a time in spite of no amplifiers. He didn't exactly do things according to Hoyle, but God used him mightily. If God could use a fat, brash salesman for His glory, He's welcome to do what He will with me.
We've lived in New York City, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Denver, El Paso, San Antonio, and Honolulu. There's a need for God in everyone of them. Moody once said if we don't reach our cities for Jesus Christ, they'll become festering, fetid sewers. He's right, don't you think?
Monday, May 25, 2015
Face vs. Hands
Great minds must truly think alike. As I headed off to bed after my last lousy post, my thought was "Lord, I've seen Your hand in my life. Now, I need Your face." God had done so many wonderful things and yet, I was miserable.
Looking through Scripture, it's easy to see that we're a selfish, demanding, ungrateful people. Never satisfied. And, we're no different today. Continually trying to fill the vacuum with things instead of God. And we're miserable because of it.
This morning, reading Made to Crave I see that Lysa Terkeurst has come to the same conclusion. She uses the catchy expression of "tying your happy to______________." Since the issue that spawned her book is about weight and skinny jeans, she tied her happy to wearing skinny jeans.
So, what am I tying my happy to? A relief from all the stress. When Sheila gets sick and we can't get her medicines down her throat, I'm unhappy. Scared. I have yet to receive May royalties from the publisher. Checking on the royalty statement was so discouraging, I'm wondering if my hopes were too high. The woman who travels to a lot of the book fairs said I did "very well" in Frankfurt, Germany. What does that mean?
My tics have increased in intensity as well as number, leaving me exhausted. Psalm 119:71 says, "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn Your decrees." I try to remember that, but sometimes the physical exhaustion affects the emotions, making it hard to be grateful for God's choice in how I am to glorify Him.
Trying to start a career at my age is preposterous. Yet, here I am, stressed to the max at trying to learn to use the computer, trying to find an agent and a publisher, a laptop, and trying to find a way to afford a writer's conference. I don't imagine Moses always enjoyed leading millions of people across the dessert for 40 years when he was 80 years old. Sarah giving birth at 90 couldn't have been a whole lot of fun, either. So what am I griping about?
My favorite One to remember, though, is Jesus, "Who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2
I know, I know, God won't give me more than I can handle, but sometimes I feel like He's got more confidence in me than I do. That's why I need Him to fill the vacuum. As long as I hop from one answer to prayer to another, I'm continuing to seek His hand. God doesn't owe me a thing and I'm grateful for all He's given me, but the one thing I long for more than anything else is Him.
Looking through Scripture, it's easy to see that we're a selfish, demanding, ungrateful people. Never satisfied. And, we're no different today. Continually trying to fill the vacuum with things instead of God. And we're miserable because of it.
This morning, reading Made to Crave I see that Lysa Terkeurst has come to the same conclusion. She uses the catchy expression of "tying your happy to______________." Since the issue that spawned her book is about weight and skinny jeans, she tied her happy to wearing skinny jeans.
So, what am I tying my happy to? A relief from all the stress. When Sheila gets sick and we can't get her medicines down her throat, I'm unhappy. Scared. I have yet to receive May royalties from the publisher. Checking on the royalty statement was so discouraging, I'm wondering if my hopes were too high. The woman who travels to a lot of the book fairs said I did "very well" in Frankfurt, Germany. What does that mean?
My tics have increased in intensity as well as number, leaving me exhausted. Psalm 119:71 says, "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn Your decrees." I try to remember that, but sometimes the physical exhaustion affects the emotions, making it hard to be grateful for God's choice in how I am to glorify Him.
Trying to start a career at my age is preposterous. Yet, here I am, stressed to the max at trying to learn to use the computer, trying to find an agent and a publisher, a laptop, and trying to find a way to afford a writer's conference. I don't imagine Moses always enjoyed leading millions of people across the dessert for 40 years when he was 80 years old. Sarah giving birth at 90 couldn't have been a whole lot of fun, either. So what am I griping about?
My favorite One to remember, though, is Jesus, "Who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2
I know, I know, God won't give me more than I can handle, but sometimes I feel like He's got more confidence in me than I do. That's why I need Him to fill the vacuum. As long as I hop from one answer to prayer to another, I'm continuing to seek His hand. God doesn't owe me a thing and I'm grateful for all He's given me, but the one thing I long for more than anything else is Him.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Attitude of gratitude
Through all my trials and tribulations, God has shown His amazing love and tender watch care the past few weeks. Suffice it to say, they've been tough. I won't go into details. There are many who are suffering so much more than me. I always lose the game of "First Liar Doesn't Stand a Chance." Come to think of it, that's a really good thing. Who wants to win at having the most to complain about? Even if it's being played by bragger's, who believes the winner?
When the phone call came yesterday from the state to say they hadn't received my tax payment, I felt like this old camel's back had been broken. The woman I talked to was pleasant, professional, and polite, but not helpful. Of course, I couldn't find my copy. I have two file cabinets and a file drawer in my desk. Not there. Repeated searches. Finally, I called back and said, "I surrender. I'll pay the fine and repay the taxes."
I didn't even get that out of my mouth before the soothing voice of Marshall, the man who answered my call, began explaining the entire situation in ways that sent my self-pity party to the dung heap, including a large topping of shame. He also made my situation easier. All calls are monitored and if that's the reason he was the man to take my call or if it was Divine Providence, I'll never know, but I'm eternally grateful the Lord allowed that man to take my call and set my jangled nerves at ease.
This morning, Sarah Young's remarks hit home. "There are hidden treasures strategically placed along the way. Some of the treasures are trials, designed to shake you free from earth-shackles. Others are blessings that reveal My Presence; sunshine, flowers, birds, friendships, answered prayer." Thanks, I needed that.
I then moved to Lysa Terkeurst's "Made to Crave." I'm just beginning to realize even though the battle is won, the enemy is still sniping by sending temptations, discouragements, self-pity, saboteurs ("It won't hurt just this once") to throw me off track. In addition, my nervous system is completely compromised and right now, I'm extremely fragile. Twice this past week I've succumbed to temptation. Then comes today's chapter in Lysa's book, "This Isn't Fair," It dealt with self-pity and defeat. In the chapter, she states, "once we taste forbidden fruit, we will crave it worse than we ever have before."
When I taught abstinence in the high school, one of the teachers had a quote on the wall that said, "If you think saying no is hard, wait till you say yes." Potent statements, both of them.
Lysa also quotes a woman who says, 'He created my body so that it would experience the consequences of such a choice, so that I would continually be drawn back into His arms. He wants me to come to Him for fulfillment, emotional healing, comfort-and if I could go to food for [comfort, emotional healing, fulfillment] and never gain an ounce, well then, what would I need God for?'"
Lysa asks, "In what ways might your struggle be beneficial or even a blessing?" I don't know about you, but I'd never really given that possibility a whole lot of thought. And when she said self-pity is relying on our own strength, rather than God's, that resonated. I acknowledge I rely on my own strength and, of course, I fail. One of the biggest lies taught in America today is that we can do anything we set our minds to do. No, we can't. Unfortunately, we set the kids up for failure, but I digress.
The most important thing for me right now is an attitude of gratitude. The Lord has certainly given me so much to be grateful for. The first thing I saw this morning on Facebook was my grandson's graduation. Thanks to today's technology, my daughter-in-law filmed the whole thing and sent it to me via Facebook.
I also need to recognize when I'm trying to do things in my own strength rather than relying on the Lord. I need to admit I'm weak. Right now, physically, my nervous system is so compromised, I'm an emotional wreck. It's time to seek the Presence of the Lord and let everything else take care of itself.
All in all it's been a great couple of days in spite of the way I feel. Therefore, thank you, Lord. Thank You for the promise that You will never leave me or forsake me.
When the phone call came yesterday from the state to say they hadn't received my tax payment, I felt like this old camel's back had been broken. The woman I talked to was pleasant, professional, and polite, but not helpful. Of course, I couldn't find my copy. I have two file cabinets and a file drawer in my desk. Not there. Repeated searches. Finally, I called back and said, "I surrender. I'll pay the fine and repay the taxes."
I didn't even get that out of my mouth before the soothing voice of Marshall, the man who answered my call, began explaining the entire situation in ways that sent my self-pity party to the dung heap, including a large topping of shame. He also made my situation easier. All calls are monitored and if that's the reason he was the man to take my call or if it was Divine Providence, I'll never know, but I'm eternally grateful the Lord allowed that man to take my call and set my jangled nerves at ease.
This morning, Sarah Young's remarks hit home. "There are hidden treasures strategically placed along the way. Some of the treasures are trials, designed to shake you free from earth-shackles. Others are blessings that reveal My Presence; sunshine, flowers, birds, friendships, answered prayer." Thanks, I needed that.
I then moved to Lysa Terkeurst's "Made to Crave." I'm just beginning to realize even though the battle is won, the enemy is still sniping by sending temptations, discouragements, self-pity, saboteurs ("It won't hurt just this once") to throw me off track. In addition, my nervous system is completely compromised and right now, I'm extremely fragile. Twice this past week I've succumbed to temptation. Then comes today's chapter in Lysa's book, "This Isn't Fair," It dealt with self-pity and defeat. In the chapter, she states, "once we taste forbidden fruit, we will crave it worse than we ever have before."
When I taught abstinence in the high school, one of the teachers had a quote on the wall that said, "If you think saying no is hard, wait till you say yes." Potent statements, both of them.
Lysa also quotes a woman who says, 'He created my body so that it would experience the consequences of such a choice, so that I would continually be drawn back into His arms. He wants me to come to Him for fulfillment, emotional healing, comfort-and if I could go to food for [comfort, emotional healing, fulfillment] and never gain an ounce, well then, what would I need God for?'"
Lysa asks, "In what ways might your struggle be beneficial or even a blessing?" I don't know about you, but I'd never really given that possibility a whole lot of thought. And when she said self-pity is relying on our own strength, rather than God's, that resonated. I acknowledge I rely on my own strength and, of course, I fail. One of the biggest lies taught in America today is that we can do anything we set our minds to do. No, we can't. Unfortunately, we set the kids up for failure, but I digress.
The most important thing for me right now is an attitude of gratitude. The Lord has certainly given me so much to be grateful for. The first thing I saw this morning on Facebook was my grandson's graduation. Thanks to today's technology, my daughter-in-law filmed the whole thing and sent it to me via Facebook.
I also need to recognize when I'm trying to do things in my own strength rather than relying on the Lord. I need to admit I'm weak. Right now, physically, my nervous system is so compromised, I'm an emotional wreck. It's time to seek the Presence of the Lord and let everything else take care of itself.
All in all it's been a great couple of days in spite of the way I feel. Therefore, thank you, Lord. Thank You for the promise that You will never leave me or forsake me.
Friday, May 22, 2015
Hooray and hallelujah
The veterans are out this weekend, passing out poppies. Since I'm a veteran's wife and mother, I am grateful for what they've done and glad to contribute. It was also good to talk to one of them. For years, I've been bothered by the fact that so many are dying without buglers to play "Taps" or men to be honor guards for the casket. Instead, "Taps" is canned. Ugh! Such disrespect for men and women who gave so much for us.
I met an American Legion member one day several years ago and suggested to him that 2 high school band trumpeters be hired to play "Taps" and ROTC members be used as honor guards for the casket. His response was that the school wouldn't let them out. Disappointed, I forgot about it until I saw the veteran today. I mentioned it again.
He said proudly, "We got them,now." Two high school band members will either use their trumpets or learn to play the bugle on behalf of our veterans. It's about time! Kids are excused from school to attend events, play sports, go on family vacations, and who knows what else. It wouldn't hurt them to spend an hour at a funeral. It will teach them of the sacrifices made so they can attend events, play sports, or go on family vacations. It could form a bond between the generations. Lord knows we need that.
When our boys were growing up, they used to sit in open mouthed awe as one or the other grandparent would talk about life in years gone by. We need to make an effort to somehow bring the youth together with our seniors and this is one way to do it.
Sebastian is very proud of its band. They've won awards all over the place. Apparently, we also have a strong ROTC. Any student expecting to attend college must have some sort of community service included in their application. What better way to perform community service than to perfomr a service for our vets?
Pass it on! Let's honor all of them, no matter where in this great country they lived.
I met an American Legion member one day several years ago and suggested to him that 2 high school band trumpeters be hired to play "Taps" and ROTC members be used as honor guards for the casket. His response was that the school wouldn't let them out. Disappointed, I forgot about it until I saw the veteran today. I mentioned it again.
He said proudly, "We got them,now." Two high school band members will either use their trumpets or learn to play the bugle on behalf of our veterans. It's about time! Kids are excused from school to attend events, play sports, go on family vacations, and who knows what else. It wouldn't hurt them to spend an hour at a funeral. It will teach them of the sacrifices made so they can attend events, play sports, or go on family vacations. It could form a bond between the generations. Lord knows we need that.
When our boys were growing up, they used to sit in open mouthed awe as one or the other grandparent would talk about life in years gone by. We need to make an effort to somehow bring the youth together with our seniors and this is one way to do it.
Sebastian is very proud of its band. They've won awards all over the place. Apparently, we also have a strong ROTC. Any student expecting to attend college must have some sort of community service included in their application. What better way to perform community service than to perfomr a service for our vets?
Pass it on! Let's honor all of them, no matter where in this great country they lived.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
What's going on?
For the second time in recent months, I unlocked my car as I walked toward it, opened the door, only to discover I had the wrong car! Obviously, that means there's a lot of gray Honda CRV's in this area. Now, either they make duplicate locks or people who drive Honda CRV's are careless about locking their car. The one today had a Massachusetts plate, so it's possible. The other one was local, but we purchased ours in Jacksonville, so again, it's possible. Not very likely, however. I'm more inclined to think it's people who can't be bothered locking their cars.
It takes me back to the time our family had a '52 Olds. A girl in town had a '52 Buick. Yes, the keys were identical. My brother Bill and his buddy, Jimmy, used to use our car key to move her Buick. She'd come out of work and scratch her head, unable to figure out how her car got parked on the other side of the street. They never told her. Naughty boys!
Come I think of it, I know a whole lot of Jimmy's who are or were mischief makers. Jimmy Swaggert, Jim Jones, Jim Bakker, to name a few. Parents of new baby boys, Beware!
It takes me back to the time our family had a '52 Olds. A girl in town had a '52 Buick. Yes, the keys were identical. My brother Bill and his buddy, Jimmy, used to use our car key to move her Buick. She'd come out of work and scratch her head, unable to figure out how her car got parked on the other side of the street. They never told her. Naughty boys!
Come I think of it, I know a whole lot of Jimmy's who are or were mischief makers. Jimmy Swaggert, Jim Jones, Jim Bakker, to name a few. Parents of new baby boys, Beware!
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Dander Up
One of my co-workers gave me good reason to get my dander up. Not him, but our government. There has been so much controversy regarding Obamacare. There have been so many complaints about how the elderly are being mistreated because of it. Finances are being seriously drained. Getting a doctor is more difficult, and that's just the complaints from the elderly.
My co-worker is not elderly by any stretch of the imagination. His oldest son is 11, 12 at the oldest. The boy has been developing an inordinate number of moles on his skin. Concerned, the man made an appointment to have some of them biopsied. Before the boy could be seen by the doctor, insurance cancelled his family's policy. This is not the first time it's happened. There have been several companies who have dropped their family.
This man's salary would qualify for "free" Obamacare insurance, I'm positive, but for some reason, he's not chosen to go that route. By "free," Medicaid is probably the plan. Good luck finding a doctor who'll take that. In the meantime, his young son faces the possibility of skin cancer and, if true, delayed treatment could be dangerous.
It's not only the elderly who are suffering. It's the children, too. Obamacare was supposed to help the poor and the young. If that's the best kind of help our government can provide, we'd all do better without it.
For myself, I cannot complain, at least not yet. Through many sacrifices we made while we were military, we have had good insurances in our retirement. That doesn't mean it will continue, but I sure offered a prayer of thanksgiving for the Lord guiding us in the direction our lives have taken over the last 50 years. I honestly don't know how anyone survives with the heavy-handed regulations non-military have to face.
As for me and my house, we're praying the nonsense will stop. Soon.
My co-worker is not elderly by any stretch of the imagination. His oldest son is 11, 12 at the oldest. The boy has been developing an inordinate number of moles on his skin. Concerned, the man made an appointment to have some of them biopsied. Before the boy could be seen by the doctor, insurance cancelled his family's policy. This is not the first time it's happened. There have been several companies who have dropped their family.
This man's salary would qualify for "free" Obamacare insurance, I'm positive, but for some reason, he's not chosen to go that route. By "free," Medicaid is probably the plan. Good luck finding a doctor who'll take that. In the meantime, his young son faces the possibility of skin cancer and, if true, delayed treatment could be dangerous.
It's not only the elderly who are suffering. It's the children, too. Obamacare was supposed to help the poor and the young. If that's the best kind of help our government can provide, we'd all do better without it.
For myself, I cannot complain, at least not yet. Through many sacrifices we made while we were military, we have had good insurances in our retirement. That doesn't mean it will continue, but I sure offered a prayer of thanksgiving for the Lord guiding us in the direction our lives have taken over the last 50 years. I honestly don't know how anyone survives with the heavy-handed regulations non-military have to face.
As for me and my house, we're praying the nonsense will stop. Soon.
Monday, May 18, 2015
Sneakers
Much as I have resisted, I guess the days of cute shoes and strappy sandals have come to a screeching halt for Yours Truly. Last night, I chose to walk to church because my back was bothering me and I thought perhaps it came from inactivity over the weekend. Some time in the middle of the night, my knee wakened me, screaming in pain. I wore my cute summer sandals and thought it would be OK. They're not exactly orthopedic, but they are Easy Spirits. If I walked 2/10 of a mile, I would be surprised. Still, my knee was very angry with me.
The orthopaedic surgeon I saw on Friday said he thought because the pain is from the hips to the feet, I need to have my back looked at. Oh, goody! I get to consider back surgery as opposed to knee surgery.
Positive, keep it positive. Deep breath. OK. Thank You, Lord, that we live in a day and age when pain can be relieved by surgery and artificial knees. But, (whimper) do I have to? Do I really have to finally admit my age and become a little 'ole lady in sneakers? Looks like it more and more. Ugh!
When I was a child, people's shoes were an interest to me. Mom said I used to embarrass her, talking about people's shoes. Or that I wanted to give my baby shoes to babies we met. Today's fashions are wild, I admit, and most of them are way too young for me. Platforms? I didn't like those when they were popular in the 40' and 50's. I still don't like them. However, a nice, sedate pump. Un uh. Sneakers.
This morning, while shopping, I wore sneakers with my capri's. How precious. Still have the backache. So, Lord, what's next?
The orthopaedic surgeon I saw on Friday said he thought because the pain is from the hips to the feet, I need to have my back looked at. Oh, goody! I get to consider back surgery as opposed to knee surgery.
Positive, keep it positive. Deep breath. OK. Thank You, Lord, that we live in a day and age when pain can be relieved by surgery and artificial knees. But, (whimper) do I have to? Do I really have to finally admit my age and become a little 'ole lady in sneakers? Looks like it more and more. Ugh!
When I was a child, people's shoes were an interest to me. Mom said I used to embarrass her, talking about people's shoes. Or that I wanted to give my baby shoes to babies we met. Today's fashions are wild, I admit, and most of them are way too young for me. Platforms? I didn't like those when they were popular in the 40' and 50's. I still don't like them. However, a nice, sedate pump. Un uh. Sneakers.
This morning, while shopping, I wore sneakers with my capri's. How precious. Still have the backache. So, Lord, what's next?
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Listen up
Today was one of those days when everyone seemed to have something to say that hit home. David Jeremiah talked about the need to proclaim Christ. I've come to conclusion that America began another downhill slide when we stopped taking the Gospel to the uttermost part of the earth and began trying to indoctrinate people about democracy. Democracy can be very good, but it's still man's idea of how to govern and there's not a person alive who's perfect. Hence, the ideas of governance will be imperfect and eventually fail. We also need to remember that our form of government is supposed to be a republic, not a democracy. We have representatives we vote for who are supposed to make laws on behalf of the people they represent. In a true democracy, everyone votes. How's that working out for us?
Michael Youseff spoke of giving. He wasn't talking about money, but about the heart. Where is our heart? What's most important to us? He mentioned the widow who gave her last 2 copper coins. She gave her all. Am I giving my all? As I listened, I was convicted that I don't give all my time.
Over the past 3 months, I've finally surrendered my food to the Lord. It's no longer the source of my comfort, my socializing, my happiness, my anything. In the months that I have been feasting on the Lord, I've learned that food doesn't taste that great anymore. Never did, as a matter of fact. It was the futile attempt to fill the space that only God can fill. Now that I realize I haven't surrendered my time, what's next? Whatever He wants me to do.
Andy Stanley was speaking primarily to singles this morning, but his words encouraged me, too. He was telling singles to 1. Get out of debt. 2. Get out of bed. 3. Clean out your closet. Since I have published The Color of Roses, it seems as though more and more pastors are speaking out about immorality in the church. It's about time! His message was an affirmation that I need to continue writing. If he's ignored, perhaps someone who reads my book(s) will get the message. In fact, I dreamed last night that many had. A very sweet dream, indeed. He used the I Corinthians passage that says immorality is the only sin against our own body. He explained that makes it different, not worse. He's right. All sin is against God. He went on to say it's the one sin that sticks with you. There's always the sense of failure (my word, not his.) Every woman I've ever talked to who's engaged in sex before marriage has regretted it.
In Lysa Terkeurst's book, Made to Crave, she had a powerful observation that "desperation breeds degradation." That hit home. Why do we over eat? Why do many engage in sex outside marriage, and why are so many in debt? Desperation. It leads to over indulging in whatever we think will take away those empty feelings. Instead, it leads to degrading our bodies with food, degrading our dignity with sex, or destroying our credit buying things that don't fill that empty space.
At first, I didn't know where Stanley was going to go with "Get out of bed." It could have been about working hard, but it wasn't. Cleaning out the closet was about dealing with past relationships in order to prepare for the future one. "Who wants a girl with Daddy issues?" "Who wants a mother hating guy?" were his questions for his listeners. I appreciated his advice for singles to deal with those issues rather than bring them into other relationships, particularly marriage.
If I have any disagreement with him, it's that he could have advised one more step. In order to get rid of a bad habit (debt, immorality, issues) there needs to be a good one in its place. That's the biggest reason diets don't work. They're behavior modification that only deals with getting rid of food that ruins health. No, replacing it with healthy food doesn't work, either. Why? It's a matter of the heart. Just like generosity is a matter of the heart. God wasn't number one in my life. Now that He is, food has taken its proper place. Stanley's recommendation for sex was to give it up for a year. For those who've been in multiple relationships, that won't be possible unless they replace it with Someone Who will fill the emptiness that started the whole mess in the first place.
Ravi Zacharias speaks to young people the world over, debating atheists on college campuses. This morning, he used David Livingstone as an example. When I hear of people who've devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the Lord, I am humbled and I'm grateful. I have miles to go, but just because I could never be a David Livingstone doesn't mean I can't be the best Mary P. Nettles God wants me to be and that's my intent.
Michael Youseff spoke of giving. He wasn't talking about money, but about the heart. Where is our heart? What's most important to us? He mentioned the widow who gave her last 2 copper coins. She gave her all. Am I giving my all? As I listened, I was convicted that I don't give all my time.
Over the past 3 months, I've finally surrendered my food to the Lord. It's no longer the source of my comfort, my socializing, my happiness, my anything. In the months that I have been feasting on the Lord, I've learned that food doesn't taste that great anymore. Never did, as a matter of fact. It was the futile attempt to fill the space that only God can fill. Now that I realize I haven't surrendered my time, what's next? Whatever He wants me to do.
Andy Stanley was speaking primarily to singles this morning, but his words encouraged me, too. He was telling singles to 1. Get out of debt. 2. Get out of bed. 3. Clean out your closet. Since I have published The Color of Roses, it seems as though more and more pastors are speaking out about immorality in the church. It's about time! His message was an affirmation that I need to continue writing. If he's ignored, perhaps someone who reads my book(s) will get the message. In fact, I dreamed last night that many had. A very sweet dream, indeed. He used the I Corinthians passage that says immorality is the only sin against our own body. He explained that makes it different, not worse. He's right. All sin is against God. He went on to say it's the one sin that sticks with you. There's always the sense of failure (my word, not his.) Every woman I've ever talked to who's engaged in sex before marriage has regretted it.
In Lysa Terkeurst's book, Made to Crave, she had a powerful observation that "desperation breeds degradation." That hit home. Why do we over eat? Why do many engage in sex outside marriage, and why are so many in debt? Desperation. It leads to over indulging in whatever we think will take away those empty feelings. Instead, it leads to degrading our bodies with food, degrading our dignity with sex, or destroying our credit buying things that don't fill that empty space.
At first, I didn't know where Stanley was going to go with "Get out of bed." It could have been about working hard, but it wasn't. Cleaning out the closet was about dealing with past relationships in order to prepare for the future one. "Who wants a girl with Daddy issues?" "Who wants a mother hating guy?" were his questions for his listeners. I appreciated his advice for singles to deal with those issues rather than bring them into other relationships, particularly marriage.
If I have any disagreement with him, it's that he could have advised one more step. In order to get rid of a bad habit (debt, immorality, issues) there needs to be a good one in its place. That's the biggest reason diets don't work. They're behavior modification that only deals with getting rid of food that ruins health. No, replacing it with healthy food doesn't work, either. Why? It's a matter of the heart. Just like generosity is a matter of the heart. God wasn't number one in my life. Now that He is, food has taken its proper place. Stanley's recommendation for sex was to give it up for a year. For those who've been in multiple relationships, that won't be possible unless they replace it with Someone Who will fill the emptiness that started the whole mess in the first place.
Ravi Zacharias speaks to young people the world over, debating atheists on college campuses. This morning, he used David Livingstone as an example. When I hear of people who've devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the Lord, I am humbled and I'm grateful. I have miles to go, but just because I could never be a David Livingstone doesn't mean I can't be the best Mary P. Nettles God wants me to be and that's my intent.
Friday, May 15, 2015
Try Praying First
Another baby step! Yesterday, I received a call from a doctor's office, reminding me of my appointment and telling me the new patient forms were available on line. I could download them, print them, fill them out, and then see the doctor instead of balancing the clipboard on my lap, trying to remember phone numbers of other doctors. You know the drill.
So, I brought up the site and found the forms. However, there was no icon to indicate how to print. I looked and looked. Bob was asleep and I didn't want to disturb him. Just before hitting the panic button, I started to pray. Yes, the Lord truly does hear the pray of the smallest sort. Bob's frequent comment, "right click" came to mind. There I found the print option and was able to print the forms, fill them out, and today I will proudly present them to the receptionist. Success! Thank you, Lord. It was a good reminder that I can do nothing without Him, But "I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me."
Later on, I took Sheila out for her evening constitutional. Finding her deposit among those oak leaves is not easy. Again, I prayed, and again, the Lord answered. That reminded me of the time during tropical storm "Florence." Sheila was just a few weeks old and desperately needed to go out. She also wasn't fond of the wet grass that was higher than she was due to over saturation. During a lull in the storm, I took her out.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with tropical storms and hurricanes, the storm moves in a circular motion and the rain comes and goes. They're called rain bands. In one of those quiet times between bands, I took her out, praying, praying, praying. Sure enough, the Lord answered!
Call me crass, crude, whatever you want for praying about the dog, but call the Lord gracious, kind, loving and anything else good you can think. He is faithful and yes, he does answer prayer-even the kind some of you may think is downright tacky.
So, I brought up the site and found the forms. However, there was no icon to indicate how to print. I looked and looked. Bob was asleep and I didn't want to disturb him. Just before hitting the panic button, I started to pray. Yes, the Lord truly does hear the pray of the smallest sort. Bob's frequent comment, "right click" came to mind. There I found the print option and was able to print the forms, fill them out, and today I will proudly present them to the receptionist. Success! Thank you, Lord. It was a good reminder that I can do nothing without Him, But "I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me."
Later on, I took Sheila out for her evening constitutional. Finding her deposit among those oak leaves is not easy. Again, I prayed, and again, the Lord answered. That reminded me of the time during tropical storm "Florence." Sheila was just a few weeks old and desperately needed to go out. She also wasn't fond of the wet grass that was higher than she was due to over saturation. During a lull in the storm, I took her out.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with tropical storms and hurricanes, the storm moves in a circular motion and the rain comes and goes. They're called rain bands. In one of those quiet times between bands, I took her out, praying, praying, praying. Sure enough, the Lord answered!
Call me crass, crude, whatever you want for praying about the dog, but call the Lord gracious, kind, loving and anything else good you can think. He is faithful and yes, he does answer prayer-even the kind some of you may think is downright tacky.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Worth it
It's so nice to have the boys come in and hug me before they begin their day. In fact, Steven's done it twice this week. Even Randy gave me a hug, undoubtedly because he saw Steven. But, it's also made him a little less argumentative and I can't tell you how much I appreciate that. In the 11 years I've been tutoring, That's only about the 10th hug I've received. I'll take it! It tells me the boys are warming up and more open to socializing than when they first came.
It's breath taking to watch them open up. When they first come, they're usually quiet or monstrous, either way, their behavior says they're scared in the new situation. The principal told me for the first year he kind of holds his breath every time they go home on a break. He never knows if they're coming back.
I hold my breath at the end of every year. I never know which ones are not going to come back, whether it's because they're behavior is too disruptive or they're not willing to adapt to the regimen. Either way, it's their loss and it breaks my heart.
Every year there seems to be a change in the behavior patterns. For example, this is the first year in the 11 I've been there that the boys will come in before chapel to study. A more humorous change is reading their Bible stories in the Old Testament. We use the King James Version, which speaks of "asses." All of a sudden the boys refuse to read, "asses." They say donkey, instead.
Every time it happens, my mind goes back several years to a boy I dearly loved. He and I were reading one day and when he came to "ass," he stopped short and looked me, incredulous. "What? "Does that mean he put a saddle on his butt?" Working hard to keep a straight face I told him that was the word they used hundreds of years ago for a donkey. "Well, then, why didn't they say so?" he muttered, utterly disgusted. From then on, every time he read with me and the word "ass" came up, he insisted on using the word donkey. He's been gone for several years and until this year, he was the only one who was shy about reading the word, "ass." Now, they all seem to be doing it. Come to think of it, I haven't heard as much vulgarity as in times past, either. Thank you, boys.
It's getting close to the end of the year (two weeks from today) and T.J. is still so new, he doesn't smile much. He looks like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. It makes me think of Maciek, who was also very somber when he first came, but he blossomed into a young man who's done all of us very proud. He's given me more hugs than everyone else put together.
The last we heard, he's in electronics school with the navy. As soon as Poland completes his paperwork for his American citizenship, the navy has indicated they will pull him from that school and send him through the SEAL program, which has been his goal all long. We're so proud of him.
Today, I worked with our senior on his thesis. I'm proud of him, too. It's been a seven year haul with him and he's going to make it. Two weeks ago, I wasn't sure he'd get his thesis done on time, but about all he has to do now is memorize enough of it that he can speak without looking at his outline. For once, he chose a mature topic and was gracious in accepting advice.
Recently, I told a friend Shiloh is my mission field. I promised the Lord I would be a missionary when I was 17 and the Lord has blessed me beyond words in this home mission field. I can die happy-just not yet.
It's breath taking to watch them open up. When they first come, they're usually quiet or monstrous, either way, their behavior says they're scared in the new situation. The principal told me for the first year he kind of holds his breath every time they go home on a break. He never knows if they're coming back.
I hold my breath at the end of every year. I never know which ones are not going to come back, whether it's because they're behavior is too disruptive or they're not willing to adapt to the regimen. Either way, it's their loss and it breaks my heart.
Every year there seems to be a change in the behavior patterns. For example, this is the first year in the 11 I've been there that the boys will come in before chapel to study. A more humorous change is reading their Bible stories in the Old Testament. We use the King James Version, which speaks of "asses." All of a sudden the boys refuse to read, "asses." They say donkey, instead.
Every time it happens, my mind goes back several years to a boy I dearly loved. He and I were reading one day and when he came to "ass," he stopped short and looked me, incredulous. "What? "Does that mean he put a saddle on his butt?" Working hard to keep a straight face I told him that was the word they used hundreds of years ago for a donkey. "Well, then, why didn't they say so?" he muttered, utterly disgusted. From then on, every time he read with me and the word "ass" came up, he insisted on using the word donkey. He's been gone for several years and until this year, he was the only one who was shy about reading the word, "ass." Now, they all seem to be doing it. Come to think of it, I haven't heard as much vulgarity as in times past, either. Thank you, boys.
It's getting close to the end of the year (two weeks from today) and T.J. is still so new, he doesn't smile much. He looks like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. It makes me think of Maciek, who was also very somber when he first came, but he blossomed into a young man who's done all of us very proud. He's given me more hugs than everyone else put together.
The last we heard, he's in electronics school with the navy. As soon as Poland completes his paperwork for his American citizenship, the navy has indicated they will pull him from that school and send him through the SEAL program, which has been his goal all long. We're so proud of him.
Today, I worked with our senior on his thesis. I'm proud of him, too. It's been a seven year haul with him and he's going to make it. Two weeks ago, I wasn't sure he'd get his thesis done on time, but about all he has to do now is memorize enough of it that he can speak without looking at his outline. For once, he chose a mature topic and was gracious in accepting advice.
Recently, I told a friend Shiloh is my mission field. I promised the Lord I would be a missionary when I was 17 and the Lord has blessed me beyond words in this home mission field. I can die happy-just not yet.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Hooray!
Finally. I was able to do something on the computer and show my husband how to find what he was looking for! Will wonders never cease. Actually, it was just a matter of reading the different things I could click on. However, I didn't have time this morning since I had to go to work.
When I got home, he was trying to accomplish the simple little detail on his iPad. I told him how. In the long run, he got there before I did because he was cleaning my computer and I couldn't use it. Guess I didn't show him so much after all.
Three people have told me my biggest problem is that I don't "fool around with it." True. I've admitted I'm scared of the blooming thing. Usually, when I need to learn something new, I'm in the middle of something I know how to do and I don't want to take the risk of losing what I've accomplished. Then too, if I just start pushing buttons as those three people have advised and I do succeed in finding what I need, I don't remember which button I pushed to get what I wanted.
A very dear friend said to forget paying $60 an hour for lessons. She said to look into classes for seniors at the Senior Center or at the local colleges. Good idea. Just think one of these days I may actually quit whining about computers. Now, there's a switch.
When I got home, he was trying to accomplish the simple little detail on his iPad. I told him how. In the long run, he got there before I did because he was cleaning my computer and I couldn't use it. Guess I didn't show him so much after all.
Three people have told me my biggest problem is that I don't "fool around with it." True. I've admitted I'm scared of the blooming thing. Usually, when I need to learn something new, I'm in the middle of something I know how to do and I don't want to take the risk of losing what I've accomplished. Then too, if I just start pushing buttons as those three people have advised and I do succeed in finding what I need, I don't remember which button I pushed to get what I wanted.
A very dear friend said to forget paying $60 an hour for lessons. She said to look into classes for seniors at the Senior Center or at the local colleges. Good idea. Just think one of these days I may actually quit whining about computers. Now, there's a switch.
Monday, May 11, 2015
You go, Girl!
Our granddaughter is returning to work today after 11 months and 4 days with a life-threatening situation. We're so proud of her. She has endured a great deal and it may not be all done yet. But, she has persevered and today she returns to her old job. The woman who got her the job and became a best friend was promoted, leaving her slot open, which Ashley will fill.
What's next for our girl? You'll have to ask her. For now, we're just ecstatic for her and want to wish her the very best.
What's next for our girl? You'll have to ask her. For now, we're just ecstatic for her and want to wish her the very best.
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Mother's Day
I was reminded yesterday morning that not everyone has a great relationship and fond memories of their mothers. I was reminded in church this morning that it might not be a good idea to wish a woman a Happy Mother's Day when you don't know if she ever had children. That could be very painful.
For those women who do not look on this day with the joy it was intended to bring, I pray the Lord will comfort you and give you peace. I pray joy in Him will be your strength.
For those of you who celebrate this day with family members and make a day of fun and festivities, ENJOY! Pass on to those who celebrate with you the joy in your heart and maybe take a minute or two to pray for those whose lives have not received the blessings yours have.
The blessings of the Lord be upon you all.
For those women who do not look on this day with the joy it was intended to bring, I pray the Lord will comfort you and give you peace. I pray joy in Him will be your strength.
For those of you who celebrate this day with family members and make a day of fun and festivities, ENJOY! Pass on to those who celebrate with you the joy in your heart and maybe take a minute or two to pray for those whose lives have not received the blessings yours have.
The blessings of the Lord be upon you all.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
Hobby to Jobby
A friend once told me writers must be very self-disciplined. Scratch that. Well, I've tried. Take this morning for example. All set to start my day the usual way-seeking the Lord in Bible study and prayer, but when I opened my eyes, it was daylight and the first detour on the way to self-discipline. Generally, I get up at 4:30 to be alone with the Lord. Then, Bob greets me with a request to help him wax the car. Detour two.
Once I start something, I take it farther than the original intention. Let me digress and explain that in Florida, you cannot wash windows. They must be polished. There is some mysterious combination of salt air from the ocean and the dust, pollution, whatever that combines and is very difficult to get off windows. The only way to be sure the windows, especially the windshield, is clean is to move the car into the sun and see if there are streaks. Detour 3.
Moving the car showed the carport desperately needed sweeping. And, the slatted door to the a/c unit needed washed. Detour 4. Of course, if the carport needed sweeping, so did the front porch. Detour 5. After that was done I took the window cleaner and a cleaning cloths in the house to put away. Instead, off I go to clean bathrooms. Detour 6. All the while I'm working, my mind is working overtime, filled with ideas to write on my blog and in book three. (My River of Delights)
Finally, I sit down to read my Bible and all those ideas are swimming around behind my eyes, making concentration extremely difficult. Detour 7. I figured I'd get today's blog done and that would be enough so that I could finally pray. HA! Sat in front of a blank page for several minutes before I finally decided to back up and start over. That was what was needed. As I poured out my troubled thoughts before Him, I was able to clear my head and get down to business.
Which is why I'm writing this. Some published authors I respect have advised me to:
1. get an agent
2. give up self-publishing
3. attend Christian writers' conferences to hone my skills to become the author God wants me to be.
This is not a hobby. It's work and I need to learn to treat it as such.
First, I have to set priorities:
1. learn how to use the computer.
2. be more disciplined in my writing. No more writing when the mood strikes. Discipline!
3. investigate and choose a conference to attend
4. seek the advice of those more experienced
5. find an agent
Oh well, being disciplined and doing what I love is a whole lot better than twiddling my thumbs as I grow old. I now have a job. It's about time.
Once I start something, I take it farther than the original intention. Let me digress and explain that in Florida, you cannot wash windows. They must be polished. There is some mysterious combination of salt air from the ocean and the dust, pollution, whatever that combines and is very difficult to get off windows. The only way to be sure the windows, especially the windshield, is clean is to move the car into the sun and see if there are streaks. Detour 3.
Moving the car showed the carport desperately needed sweeping. And, the slatted door to the a/c unit needed washed. Detour 4. Of course, if the carport needed sweeping, so did the front porch. Detour 5. After that was done I took the window cleaner and a cleaning cloths in the house to put away. Instead, off I go to clean bathrooms. Detour 6. All the while I'm working, my mind is working overtime, filled with ideas to write on my blog and in book three. (My River of Delights)
Finally, I sit down to read my Bible and all those ideas are swimming around behind my eyes, making concentration extremely difficult. Detour 7. I figured I'd get today's blog done and that would be enough so that I could finally pray. HA! Sat in front of a blank page for several minutes before I finally decided to back up and start over. That was what was needed. As I poured out my troubled thoughts before Him, I was able to clear my head and get down to business.
Which is why I'm writing this. Some published authors I respect have advised me to:
1. get an agent
2. give up self-publishing
3. attend Christian writers' conferences to hone my skills to become the author God wants me to be.
This is not a hobby. It's work and I need to learn to treat it as such.
First, I have to set priorities:
1. learn how to use the computer.
2. be more disciplined in my writing. No more writing when the mood strikes. Discipline!
3. investigate and choose a conference to attend
4. seek the advice of those more experienced
5. find an agent
Oh well, being disciplined and doing what I love is a whole lot better than twiddling my thumbs as I grow old. I now have a job. It's about time.
Friday, May 8, 2015
In or Out
This morning in chapel, the pastor used 5 words beginning with "in." Integrity, initiative, incentive, insensitive, inappreciative, As he spoke, I kept thinking of the words "intrinsic" and "extrinsic." Our boys are there because they've neither been taught nor seen by example things like integrity or initiative.
If we are unable to establish the need for or the absence of those i words, our boys will continue to struggle through life. It brought back the line from a very old movie I've seen more than once. I can only remember the scene and the line spoken, but it's been a blessing for decades.
It was the story of an Air Force base, with Rock Hudson as the base commander and Robert Lansing was a sergeant on that base. They were playing handball and after the game, Hudson's character asked Lansing's character to explain the change in him. Lansing's character replied, "People finally quit lighting a fire under my tail and lit one in my heart." That's intrinsic to me. A fire in the heart to do the right thing instead of someone constantly hounding me and correcting me. We work hard to establish intrinsic motivations in our boys. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.
Over the 11 years I've been here, I've seen some wonderful changes in some of the boys. In others, it's been disappointing to see them leave before they're ready-usually to go back to public school because they want to play sports, have a girlfriend, drive a car, or all three. Unfortunately, they came from public schools because they didn't do well there. Public schools aren't any different that when they left. If the boy's not ready to face that, he'll not do well. The principal once said we're the last stop for them and for the most part, it's true. Leaving here before they're ready is bound to cause problems.
But, when we do see a change in a boy it's indescribably beautiful. It's a wonder I cannot begin to describe, only say I'm grateful to be a part of it.
If we are unable to establish the need for or the absence of those i words, our boys will continue to struggle through life. It brought back the line from a very old movie I've seen more than once. I can only remember the scene and the line spoken, but it's been a blessing for decades.
It was the story of an Air Force base, with Rock Hudson as the base commander and Robert Lansing was a sergeant on that base. They were playing handball and after the game, Hudson's character asked Lansing's character to explain the change in him. Lansing's character replied, "People finally quit lighting a fire under my tail and lit one in my heart." That's intrinsic to me. A fire in the heart to do the right thing instead of someone constantly hounding me and correcting me. We work hard to establish intrinsic motivations in our boys. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.
Over the 11 years I've been here, I've seen some wonderful changes in some of the boys. In others, it's been disappointing to see them leave before they're ready-usually to go back to public school because they want to play sports, have a girlfriend, drive a car, or all three. Unfortunately, they came from public schools because they didn't do well there. Public schools aren't any different that when they left. If the boy's not ready to face that, he'll not do well. The principal once said we're the last stop for them and for the most part, it's true. Leaving here before they're ready is bound to cause problems.
But, when we do see a change in a boy it's indescribably beautiful. It's a wonder I cannot begin to describe, only say I'm grateful to be a part of it.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Welcome to Florida
Bob and I moved to Florida on September 11, 1995-almost 20 years ago. When we first came here, I have to admit I was surprised, almost disappointed. I expected a lush tropical garden. All I got was sunshine, sunshine, and more sunshine. Well, Duh! It is The Sunshine State.
There were a few things I wasn't factoring in. For one, I had no idea the Indian River would be more than a mile wide in most places. It's a little hard to have a canopy of trees over body of water that's a mile wide.
Second, I hadn't thought of the damage hurricanes do to trees in this part of the state. In many parts, for that matter. When we had our last big blowouts, (3 in 3 weeks) a man said that if you look at the trees, they look like they're tall enough to be about 20 years old. It had been 20 years since this area was stricken. Then too, it's only been since the 1960's that Florida's growth in population has mushroomed. That means that trees and shrubbery that were here had been removed to make way for houses and businesses. The trees planted to replace them, although 50 years old, have been severely pruned and topped by high winds.
Third, the state is only a few feet above sea level, meaning the salt water table is high enough that trees that aren't salt tolerant won't be able to put down deep roots. Then, too, the top soil in this state is the same all the way down to coccina rock-sand. Again, not conducive to deep roots and sturdy tree trunks. There are a few, to be sure, but not what I was expecting.
Factor in trees brought in from other countries and you have something entirely different from what I was expecting. However, as I pulled into the parking lot this morning, I felt like I had found the Florida I had anticipated 20 years ago. In front of my parking space was a shady spot canopied by an expanse of green growth. Granted the trees were Brazilian pepper trees-an implant that's destroying natural growth, but it did have that lush garden, nay tangled jungle feel I wanted to experience.
Brazilian pepper trees do not have one large trunk from which branches grow. The have several slim trunks growing out of one spot. Nor do they grow straight up. They are a tangled, jumbled mess. The branches grow like Medusa's hairdo. Every which direction, much like the native mangroves, have twigs growing out all over the place. They weave about like a snake writing in death throes. Add to that the inevitable vines that grow wild and you have a picture of what I was expecting Florida to be. That's what the parking lot looked like. Guess I should have been here in the early part of the last century, but the roads would have been dirt, no air conditioning would have been available, no early warning system for impending storms. Never mind. Although The Sunshine State isn't what I envisioned, it's not so bad as it is. It's home now.
There were a few things I wasn't factoring in. For one, I had no idea the Indian River would be more than a mile wide in most places. It's a little hard to have a canopy of trees over body of water that's a mile wide.
Second, I hadn't thought of the damage hurricanes do to trees in this part of the state. In many parts, for that matter. When we had our last big blowouts, (3 in 3 weeks) a man said that if you look at the trees, they look like they're tall enough to be about 20 years old. It had been 20 years since this area was stricken. Then too, it's only been since the 1960's that Florida's growth in population has mushroomed. That means that trees and shrubbery that were here had been removed to make way for houses and businesses. The trees planted to replace them, although 50 years old, have been severely pruned and topped by high winds.
Third, the state is only a few feet above sea level, meaning the salt water table is high enough that trees that aren't salt tolerant won't be able to put down deep roots. Then, too, the top soil in this state is the same all the way down to coccina rock-sand. Again, not conducive to deep roots and sturdy tree trunks. There are a few, to be sure, but not what I was expecting.
Factor in trees brought in from other countries and you have something entirely different from what I was expecting. However, as I pulled into the parking lot this morning, I felt like I had found the Florida I had anticipated 20 years ago. In front of my parking space was a shady spot canopied by an expanse of green growth. Granted the trees were Brazilian pepper trees-an implant that's destroying natural growth, but it did have that lush garden, nay tangled jungle feel I wanted to experience.
Brazilian pepper trees do not have one large trunk from which branches grow. The have several slim trunks growing out of one spot. Nor do they grow straight up. They are a tangled, jumbled mess. The branches grow like Medusa's hairdo. Every which direction, much like the native mangroves, have twigs growing out all over the place. They weave about like a snake writing in death throes. Add to that the inevitable vines that grow wild and you have a picture of what I was expecting Florida to be. That's what the parking lot looked like. Guess I should have been here in the early part of the last century, but the roads would have been dirt, no air conditioning would have been available, no early warning system for impending storms. Never mind. Although The Sunshine State isn't what I envisioned, it's not so bad as it is. It's home now.
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
For you today
I've often struggled with the fact that my prayer time seems more like a shopping list than talking to the Lord. Who better to talk about you than to the Lord and Who better to know and fulfill the needs in your life? For a long time I've prayed Scripture for the missionaries I mention each day. Why not my friends and family as well?
Therefore, for today, I prayed for you:
That the Great Shepherd is your Shepherd.
That He would make you lie down in green pastures;
That the waters you drink from will be peaceful;
He will restore your soul;
You will joyfully follow Him in the paths of righteousness where He is leading you;
You will know He is with you as you walk through the Valley of The Shadow of Death and that valley will enable you to die to your own self and live for Him;
His rod of correction and His staff of protection will be a comfort for you;
He will place a banquet table before you that will be noticed and attractive to those who don't believe so that they, too, will want to know Him;
That He will anoint you and your cup of joy in Him will overflow
That goodness and mercy will always be evident in your life and you will give Him all the praise and glory because He cares for you.
Have a fabulous day all one, or two, or three of you.
Therefore, for today, I prayed for you:
That the Great Shepherd is your Shepherd.
That He would make you lie down in green pastures;
That the waters you drink from will be peaceful;
He will restore your soul;
You will joyfully follow Him in the paths of righteousness where He is leading you;
You will know He is with you as you walk through the Valley of The Shadow of Death and that valley will enable you to die to your own self and live for Him;
His rod of correction and His staff of protection will be a comfort for you;
He will place a banquet table before you that will be noticed and attractive to those who don't believe so that they, too, will want to know Him;
That He will anoint you and your cup of joy in Him will overflow
That goodness and mercy will always be evident in your life and you will give Him all the praise and glory because He cares for you.
Have a fabulous day all one, or two, or three of you.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Attitudes
Yesterday's rant was an eye opener for me. It made me think of the boys I tutor. One of the things we have to work on and teach them is attitude. One boy, as I mentioned last week is immature. Immaturity is not a good way to face the world. He's going to endure a lot of pain if he doesn't get a handle on it.
Then, there's the boy who wants to argue about everything. He doesn't like to be told he's done something wrong. Sometimes he's right, but most of the time, he's wrong, including the time last week he said the key said one thing when it was in black and white that it didn't. He won't get far in life with an attitude like.
We have one boy who's extremely temperamental. The least thing will send him into a 2 year old conniption. He has a history with another of the boys who's got to work on his attitude of doing anything to draw attention to himself. He has times when he thinks no matter what he does, it's right.
Another boy hates, despises, and detests anything to do with books. He's pleasant in all other ways, but he wants to build things. So far, he's our only failure in teaching him to write in cursive. You can see him tense up when he goes to write the letter "f" and without fail, he'll repeatedly do it wrong. How far can he get in an education oriented society without book learning? I'm not talking college degree. My own sons have done extremely well without college, but they did get their high school diploma. I've always considered the high school diploma the first achievement that lays the foundation for the rest of their lives. They don't get that, the rest of their lives is playing catch-up.
It's that book hater who taught me that I have a bad attitude about computers. I'm fighting a losing battle, too dumb to admit it, and too stubborn to change. So, Nettles, take a deep breath, concentrate, and learn how to use the expletive deleted thing. One man told me years ago to make it work for me, not the other way around. It's time to drop the defeatist attitude. It's time to repent of the rebellious attitude. It's time to ask the Lord for an attitude adjustment.
Then, there's the boy who wants to argue about everything. He doesn't like to be told he's done something wrong. Sometimes he's right, but most of the time, he's wrong, including the time last week he said the key said one thing when it was in black and white that it didn't. He won't get far in life with an attitude like.
We have one boy who's extremely temperamental. The least thing will send him into a 2 year old conniption. He has a history with another of the boys who's got to work on his attitude of doing anything to draw attention to himself. He has times when he thinks no matter what he does, it's right.
Another boy hates, despises, and detests anything to do with books. He's pleasant in all other ways, but he wants to build things. So far, he's our only failure in teaching him to write in cursive. You can see him tense up when he goes to write the letter "f" and without fail, he'll repeatedly do it wrong. How far can he get in an education oriented society without book learning? I'm not talking college degree. My own sons have done extremely well without college, but they did get their high school diploma. I've always considered the high school diploma the first achievement that lays the foundation for the rest of their lives. They don't get that, the rest of their lives is playing catch-up.
It's that book hater who taught me that I have a bad attitude about computers. I'm fighting a losing battle, too dumb to admit it, and too stubborn to change. So, Nettles, take a deep breath, concentrate, and learn how to use the expletive deleted thing. One man told me years ago to make it work for me, not the other way around. It's time to drop the defeatist attitude. It's time to repent of the rebellious attitude. It's time to ask the Lord for an attitude adjustment.
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Assumptions
There's a crass saying about assumptions. I'm sure I don't have to spell it out for you. Bottom line, assumptions usually stink. Especially when people are so busy they don't have time for people. Computers were supposed to cut down on the use of paper. Wrong assumption. Today, computer experts assume everyone else is as computer savvy as they are. Again a wrong assumption. Computers are also supposed to lighten the workload. Wrong assumption. If they did that, why are people busier than ever?
My little rant has its roots in an email I got yesterday from the hospital where my doctor has his practice. I've been experiencing some puzzling and painful health issues the last couple of months. With the weekend coming up, I began to be worried that the situation would get out of hand and I don't want to use the emergency room. Then, too, I read an article that said my symptoms should be seen by urgent care rather than emergency. Off I go, only to be told that they do not have the proper equipment to determine the cause of my situation. They took a urine specimen and ruled out UTI. Maybe. They took blood samples to determine infectious possibilities. Maybe. Then, they referred me back to the doctor who told me to go to the emergency room 3 days ago. Instead, I made an appointment to see him Monday.
I get home from my wasted trek to Urgent Care and on my computer is not one, but 2 emails from the hospital telling me to get my information from an email or their web site or some other silly computer program. Humbug! They are assuming I know how to navigate this machine I have been fighting with since 1986. And I have been foolishly assuming people in the medical profession need to see and talk to people in person in order to address illnesses and treatments.
My mother used to say she'd lived too long. I'm beginning to feel the same way.
My little rant has its roots in an email I got yesterday from the hospital where my doctor has his practice. I've been experiencing some puzzling and painful health issues the last couple of months. With the weekend coming up, I began to be worried that the situation would get out of hand and I don't want to use the emergency room. Then, too, I read an article that said my symptoms should be seen by urgent care rather than emergency. Off I go, only to be told that they do not have the proper equipment to determine the cause of my situation. They took a urine specimen and ruled out UTI. Maybe. They took blood samples to determine infectious possibilities. Maybe. Then, they referred me back to the doctor who told me to go to the emergency room 3 days ago. Instead, I made an appointment to see him Monday.
I get home from my wasted trek to Urgent Care and on my computer is not one, but 2 emails from the hospital telling me to get my information from an email or their web site or some other silly computer program. Humbug! They are assuming I know how to navigate this machine I have been fighting with since 1986. And I have been foolishly assuming people in the medical profession need to see and talk to people in person in order to address illnesses and treatments.
My mother used to say she'd lived too long. I'm beginning to feel the same way.
Friday, May 1, 2015
Old Joe
Obviously, the older we get, the more memories we have. Memories worth talking about. This morning, Old Joe Slack popped into my head. Why? Who knows? But, his memory is one I cherish. To my friend who lived next door to him, I admit I didn't know him as well and didn't have the same interactions with him, but he's a worthy memory for me.
Joe was the first person so go barefoot in the spring. He started in March. Shoes were not a part of his wardrobe again until November. This was Pennsylvania, mind you. Dad and I asked him about it one day. His mother told him to live as close to nature as possible and he would be the healthier for it. He figured he couldn't get closer to nature than to go barefoot, and that's why he took his shoes off before the frost left the ground in spring and left them off long after the ground was hard with it in the fall. He lived into his late 90's, headed for 100, a goal of his. His wife was not as healthy and she was 10 years older than him. He once said he was going to keep her going until she was 100 and he almost made it.
Our closest neighbor, John, was about 10 years younger than Joe and not as healthy. I remember John trying to help Dad take down a tree. I begged Dad to send him home, afraid the frail man would hurt himself. Fortunately, he didn't get hurt, but I was on pins and needles during the process.
Work gives a man purpose and dignity and Dad didn't want to deprive the man who'd been vibrant and hard working all his life-until age and illness slowed took its toll. It had to be hard on John to hire a man 10 years his senior to do handiwork he was incapable of doing for himself. Joe was his handyman.
Joe was capable. He put a new roof on his own home when he was in his mid-90's. You have to admire a man like that.
Then, there was Mack, a neighbor of my in-laws. The last time we saw Mack was at the memorial for my mother-in-law. If I remember correctly, he was 95, as alert and vibrant as a man in half his age. A widower, whose wife died needlessly and tragically, who was not one to feel sorry for himself or feel entitled to anything.
The small town of Imperial, California, sat on the edge of the runways of El Centro Naval Base. Mack, at a younger age, ran through a hail of exploding ammunition to pull a navy pilot out of his burning plane. He won the highest honor this country gives to civilians. A man in his 60's, he developed a mass transit system that has yet to be developed, but a lot of cities were interested in it. When his wife died, he built a second story apartment over his home, and moved into it. The house, he rented out. Because California summers are so unbearably hot in that desert valley, Mack also bought a 5th-wheeler and traveled north during the most miserable months-in his 90's. He was such a dynamic example to my brother-in-law, he would get tears in his eyes, thinking about the man Mack was.
Do we have any old geezers around like that any more? Are they still influencing younger generations by their lifestyle? Are the men of my generation able to step up to the plate and be the example these men were to me? Even among Christians, I've heard the comment that old people need to die so everyone else could move on. I wonder if they still feel that way now that they're the old people.
Men like Joe and Mack didn't take pleasure in riches or things. They took pleasure in LIFE. They were comfortable in their own skin. Good for them. I admire them and pray that God will keep a few more of them around to teach our young people how to really live.
Joe was the first person so go barefoot in the spring. He started in March. Shoes were not a part of his wardrobe again until November. This was Pennsylvania, mind you. Dad and I asked him about it one day. His mother told him to live as close to nature as possible and he would be the healthier for it. He figured he couldn't get closer to nature than to go barefoot, and that's why he took his shoes off before the frost left the ground in spring and left them off long after the ground was hard with it in the fall. He lived into his late 90's, headed for 100, a goal of his. His wife was not as healthy and she was 10 years older than him. He once said he was going to keep her going until she was 100 and he almost made it.
Our closest neighbor, John, was about 10 years younger than Joe and not as healthy. I remember John trying to help Dad take down a tree. I begged Dad to send him home, afraid the frail man would hurt himself. Fortunately, he didn't get hurt, but I was on pins and needles during the process.
Work gives a man purpose and dignity and Dad didn't want to deprive the man who'd been vibrant and hard working all his life-until age and illness slowed took its toll. It had to be hard on John to hire a man 10 years his senior to do handiwork he was incapable of doing for himself. Joe was his handyman.
Joe was capable. He put a new roof on his own home when he was in his mid-90's. You have to admire a man like that.
Then, there was Mack, a neighbor of my in-laws. The last time we saw Mack was at the memorial for my mother-in-law. If I remember correctly, he was 95, as alert and vibrant as a man in half his age. A widower, whose wife died needlessly and tragically, who was not one to feel sorry for himself or feel entitled to anything.
The small town of Imperial, California, sat on the edge of the runways of El Centro Naval Base. Mack, at a younger age, ran through a hail of exploding ammunition to pull a navy pilot out of his burning plane. He won the highest honor this country gives to civilians. A man in his 60's, he developed a mass transit system that has yet to be developed, but a lot of cities were interested in it. When his wife died, he built a second story apartment over his home, and moved into it. The house, he rented out. Because California summers are so unbearably hot in that desert valley, Mack also bought a 5th-wheeler and traveled north during the most miserable months-in his 90's. He was such a dynamic example to my brother-in-law, he would get tears in his eyes, thinking about the man Mack was.
Do we have any old geezers around like that any more? Are they still influencing younger generations by their lifestyle? Are the men of my generation able to step up to the plate and be the example these men were to me? Even among Christians, I've heard the comment that old people need to die so everyone else could move on. I wonder if they still feel that way now that they're the old people.
Men like Joe and Mack didn't take pleasure in riches or things. They took pleasure in LIFE. They were comfortable in their own skin. Good for them. I admire them and pray that God will keep a few more of them around to teach our young people how to really live.
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