Wednesday, February 27, 2013
A Trip With My Girlies
In the book/movie "PS I love You," a husband with an inoperable brain tumor makes arrangements, in secret, for his wife to take a trip to Ireland with "her girlies" after his death(I realize this sounds strange. The book, however, is a romantic must read and the movie was fantastic).
I've included a (low quality)clip of one of my favorite scenes from the film, of the three "girlies" (friends)on a lake fishing. I can so relate to this.
I think a mother of all boys especially needs some time out with girlfriends.
I am the only woman in my office. I'm the only girl in my house (even the cat and dogs are males). There are entire days, and stretches of days, when I don't even hear another woman's voice (except Amanda Carrol on Klove. Thank goodness for her humor).
I realized this yesterday, when I was choosing a Pandora station to listen to. I find women's voices especially comforting right now (I'm in a "Plumb" phase, see below. And Fireflioght, SuperChick, Nellie Furtado.)
What if I could take a trip with my girlies? If I were the planner, I'd take us to Nashville. We'd visit a (girl) cousin who lives there, go to Dollywood (free admission since I'm also a Herschend Family Entertainment employee:), and we'd stay at a hotel with a spa.
Perhaps ironically, we'd HAVE to eat at "Mas tacos por favor" and visit Jack White's Record Store, "Third Man Records."
Then I could brag to the boys:)
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Grace, Part A

Westberryworkingdad and I have been studying the topic of grace. Chuck Swindoll is currently teaching on the topic (Book Title: The Grace Awakening!)and his message, for us, couldn't be more timely.
First, a definition.
"Love that goes upward is worship; love that goes outward is affection; love that stoops is grace." -Rev. Donald Barnhouse
... grace surrounds us,in fact, envelops us every day of our lives. Grace is behind all of God’s actions. Grace prompts God’s involvement in our lives, it takes the galling exactness out of our efforts to please Him, and it relieves us from the choking grip of needless guilt. (Message Mates)
Grace is the opposite of legalism. Grace provides us, as Christians, with tremendous freedom (freedom worth fighting for! At the least, freedom worth writing about...)
Our local paper used to run a periodic column written by, no small coincidence, a reporter named Grace. In her column, Grace listed the social "goings on" of the folks living in WestBerry. "Mrs. Smith traveled to Detroit to visit her sister for five days," she would write. "The Brown family hosted the Carr family for dinner on Sunday. Mrs. Allen phoned Mrs. Peters to offer get well wishes."
The births of my two oldest boys were announced in Grace's column.
I was thrilled to sit with Grace for a little while recently (she is now in her late 90's). I love to pick her brain and to hear her tell me "who is related to whom, when such-and-such accident occurred, and how the XYZ farmstead looked before it burned down."
I am so grateful for Grace, for the time she spent with me over the years during our visits after church and in her home (all of her rooms/tables/hallways filled with piles and piles and piles of newspapers. And the "constant presence" of the portrait of her mother).
I'm grateful for God's grace in our daily "comings and goings."
How have you given been given grace?
Additional note: I enjoy reading this blog, "The Daily Grace." Cathi, the author, takes time (daily) to observe grace at work in her life. I've considered taking on her 30 day grace project as a way to train myself to even further appreciate grace.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Dog Therapy or The End of February Break Report

The next door neighbors to the north went to Disney World for the week. We went to Public Presentations.
It was too cold, this week, to spend any time outside. A mid-week storm made travel treacherous. We didn't go sledding or skating. There was no trip to the indoor water park. Instead, we hosted other people's children who were suffering from cabin fever just as much as we were.
On Thursday I served an impromptu meal of homemade pizza and soft pretzels to 8 neighborhood children.
On Friday, my cousin's boys came and spent the day playing with squishy colored beads stolen from my flower vase. They let them soak in water, argued over their value as "jewels," stuffed them in their pockets, and fished them out of the toilet when I attempted to throw them away. The gang locked the cat in a drawer, locked the smallest boy in my bedroom, and jumped on a bed until it caved. When Mr. D arrived to pick them up we shared a beer. And I was asleep by 7 p.m.
Then came Saturday and 4-H Public Presentations (an event the children find more painful than a dental extraction). One boy finished his project at t-5 seconds, after staying up into the wee hours of the morning for several days in a row, sawing and assembling a giant xylophone. Another refused help and never practiced his presentation until he was in front of the judges.
"WHY?" I moaned, from the audience, "didn't we quit 4-H last year?" The other mothers laughed, knowingly.
While we were there, the diamond from my engagement ring fell out.
I discovered this later that afternoon, on the way to The Pinewood Derby, a Boy Scout event filled with more excitement and drama than the Daytona 500 (my living room looks like "a pit stop" filled with spare tires, paint, weights, and scales.)(And then there was the day I came home from work to find the boys spray painting their cars with black paint- in the kitchen) (I was initially concerned about food quality. A friend said I should I have worried about the stove's pilot light).
Finally, late in the evening on Sunday, I found a moment to brush the dog. This puppy is a great Pyrenees who lives with our sheep. I should be spending more time training him.
His coat is thick, white, and satin soft. He smells like barn wood, straw, and wool. He's snuggly and ginormous.
It was nice to have some much needed dog therapy.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Making The Most of Every Opportunity

(NIV)
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
The first part of this verse refers to jumping at every chance we have to witness.
I have some idea why Paul follows with, "the days are evil."
The unexpected happens and we could lose an opportunity to touch someone's life.
Consider the asteroid that fell from the sky over Chelyabinsk, Russia, last week. My Russian sister Olga shared with me yesterday her first-hand account of the terrifying sounds, blinding light, and confusion that blanketed the city. Every window shattered at the school her sons attend.
Olga is an oncologist who lived with us for a time (16 years ago) while she studied at two American hospitals. She brought her husband and children to the States this past summer, to New York City and Minnesota. Sadly, we couldn't afford the trip to rendezvous with them in either location.
A second reason is this...
When we don't jump at the chance to make something right, time goes by and miscommunications compound. The truth, and healing, become more distant. Distance and awkwardness set in. Bitterness has a chance to grow.
I believe that there are situations where "waiting for things to work themselves out" only makes the problem worse.
The world says, "time heals all things." Ephesians says to me, "hop to it!"
Monday, February 18, 2013
Painted Lake Stones

John 8:7
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. KJV
My Grandma was not the type of person to throw barbs or cast stones. She was, instead, a stone painter.
Whether it was at The Lake, at The Beach, or even along the side of a parking lot, she would walk along picking up rocks, shells, acorns, pinecones and sea glass to use in making crafts. She made Christmas ornaments, wall hangings, centerpieces, and wearable art. She and Grandpa made toys. The sisters, and sometimes the children and grandchildren, cut, painted and glued together. Her artwork celebrated God’s creation, from babies to pets (most painted with a wide smile and friendly eyes).
She was a gracious hostess. During any given visit she would share a tidbit of something (Bugles and dip at the cottage, or a piece of hard candy she’d tucked away at the nursing home).
I never heard her say that it wasn’t a good time to visit. She made us feel that we were always welcome. Upon our arrival (any time of the day, any season), items on the table or couch were gently pushed set aside to make a place. The Sassy Cat was closed behind a door.
She and Grandpa came to visit us, to welcome our babies, to celebrate holidays, or to help with projects like installing shelves in a craft closet. My house was probably messy by her standards. My dishes were chipped and mismatched. I was just learning to bake a pie (I still can’t bake a good pie). They visited anyway.
She knew how to make conversation. She asked a lot of questions, expressing a genuine interest in all of our toys, activities and gadgets (I think of the range of toys we handled together. A button on a string, a Jacob’s ladder, Fisher Price little people, playing cards, Ninja turtles, Pokemon cards, Ipads, cellphones, and Game Boys, oh my!).
She could fill an entire drive from South Carolina to Upstate New York (and back) with conversation. She treasured and explained the past. She shared family and local history, her latest project, and news about the nieces, nephews and cousins that she so adored.
She kept scrapbooks full of newspaper clippings, letters, photos, cards, and drawings. She kept items that symbolized our accomplishments. She never kept a list of wrongs.
Grandma rarely complained. She was not critical. When I was a messy, stain-covered elementary school child, we picked wild strawberries. When I was a moody teenager, we went shopping at Christmas stores. If my boys were unruly she challenged them with a puzzle. If I was having a hard day at work, she offered kind words and good cheer.
She loved people. She loved receiving cards and letters. She loved the village, and her church, chicken bbqs, gardens, Bible study, and music. She collected milk glass, buttons, paperweights, and more. She appreciated the beauty and the uniqueness of God’s creations.
She reminded me, so often, that God’s creation is fragile. She chose her words carefully. She trod lightly. She believed that worn, smooth lake glass is more beautiful and precious than sharp, pointy, broken glass that might cut someone.
Grandma taught me to strive to be a rock painter and never a stone thrower.
Thank you Lord, for her life.
Friday, February 15, 2013
What Will They Remember?

Last weekend we attended a memorial service for a family member. She was a dear woman, a mother to seven, grandmother to many more, who lived to be 91 years old.
She had suffered a farm accident as a child that left her arm and hand with limited mobility. She was a wonderful, caring mother, however, a church member (kitchen helper/baker) and a loyal sister to my Aunt Helen.
Yet, there weren't many memories shared or even a eulogy read at the service. Her neighbor remembered that she often sighed and said, "Gracious!"
I wondered what her grandchildren had learned about her life through this "final celebration."
I wonder sometimes, what people will remember about my life.
Last night I stayed awake worrying that I hadn't apologized ENOUGH for a recent wrong. I don't seem to know how to communicate well over email, text or Facebook. I worried that I would die without conveying the "I'm sorry" loudly or strongly enough.
I wish for more "face time." Time to share, connect, and make memories. I like visual cues. I like feeling a hand on the shoulder.
In the end I gave these worries to God. He can bring a spirit of peace where my words fail.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Support Your Local Working Mom
I recently received some pretty harsh criticism. There was a laundry list of complaints, from not saying hello properly, to how much common sense my children do or don't have, to accusations of gossip. Among these, the complaint that hit the hardest was the question, "And what about all those jobs?"
I answered, "I've been a teacher for twelve years." (working other jobs to fill in the gaps.)
"Yes, but you're never happy and you go from job to job."
It IS true that if I listed all of the seasonal and temporary jobs I've taken, per diem placements and positions that lasted fewer than two years, I would look like a job hopper.
I've had the luxury, perhaps because I do have the teaching gig, to walk away when employers have asked me to do things that ran counter to my morals. My husband, thankfully, provides a steady income and he pushes through difficulties at work with great patience.
I was pushed out of one position when I complained that the Director was smoking inside the building, around the county's emergency bedding and supplies. Now that I am more mature, I wish that I had leaned upon the whistle blower's law.
Even though I am sure that I don't throw in the towel when a job gets tough, I felt defensive.
Sure I'd like to have a career that makes me look like a corporate super star. It would be nice to have a larger income.
But I am, first and foremost, a mom. I fit my "continuing education" courses in between laundry and dishes. I've resisted, as much as possible, staying late at the office, commuting a great distance, and happy hour societies.
The world judges parents so harshly sometimes. I pray that I can find a way to support another working mom today.
1 Peter 2:1-25
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.
Monday, February 11, 2013
'I Think We All Need A Pep Talk"
We haven't had TV for four years so I don't often see shows that feature current stories like "The Today Show" or "Ellen."
I resisted clicking on the Kid President videos that appeared on Facebook. Friday's HUGE snow storm, however, provided me with some quiet time (and extra curiousity?)so I watched the original "Pep Talk" video (below), now viewed almost 10,000,000 times.
I'm so amazed by this little boy's resilient spirit. He lives with a medical condition that makes him especially "breakable." (His bones break very easily).
Today I am heartbroken over a horrible argument between family members. My youngest children were witnesses, and I wonder how they've been affected by the ugly words that were slung back and forth. I am considering whether or not to file an order of protection - I don't want them to ever, every hear these things again.
I think we all need a pep talk.
I resisted clicking on the Kid President videos that appeared on Facebook. Friday's HUGE snow storm, however, provided me with some quiet time (and extra curiousity?)so I watched the original "Pep Talk" video (below), now viewed almost 10,000,000 times.
I'm so amazed by this little boy's resilient spirit. He lives with a medical condition that makes him especially "breakable." (His bones break very easily).
Today I am heartbroken over a horrible argument between family members. My youngest children were witnesses, and I wonder how they've been affected by the ugly words that were slung back and forth. I am considering whether or not to file an order of protection - I don't want them to ever, every hear these things again.
I think we all need a pep talk.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Make Me Like a Princess
One of my best friends is Japanese and she lives in Tokyo. For my birthday she ordered a beautiful corsage (pictured). I sent her a thank you email, telling her how beautiful it was, and she answered,
"Good! I ordered "Make J like a princess," :) Love, Y
I spent the middle of the day (between jobs) in the stylist's chair (I'm blessed by Cheryl's Styles with a Smile). She shared that she loves to celebrate birthdays with cookies, flowers, or a phone call.
"Celebrating birthdays=celebrating life. And we need more of that."
I really enjoyed "the royal treatment." I wore the corsage to teach (and to the gas station)and my students were thoroughly amused ("Is it teacher appreciation day?")
I want to remember to always treat others as "the jewels in HIS crown." So often I find myself sliding back, judging others on their attitudes and actions.
The LORD their God will save them in that day, as the flock of His people, for they shall be like the jewels of a crown, lifted like a banner over His land’ (Zechariah 9:16)
Monday, February 4, 2013
My Hope Is Built
Today's photo challenge theme is "hope." No single image jumped into my mind. The children, however, "got this" immediately. "Go over to church and take a picture," the eight year old advised. I understood that they intended for me to take a picture of a cross or the church's ancient Bible.
What does the Bible say about hope? As Christians, our hope is found in our salvation through Christ.
That great old hymn "My Hope is Built" is on my tongue.
I'm grateful that the seeds of scripture that have have been planted in us have grown.
Hope from the Book of Romans
Romans 5:2-5 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 8:24-25 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
What does the Bible say about hope? As Christians, our hope is found in our salvation through Christ.
That great old hymn "My Hope is Built" is on my tongue.
I'm grateful that the seeds of scripture that have have been planted in us have grown.
Hope from the Book of Romans
Romans 5:2-5 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 8:24-25 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
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