Well, wouldn't you know it. When I don't have the time that's exactly when the mormon missionaries come by. Yep. Today. This afternoon. I was able to visit just a very short time and did tell them that these two weeks right now are just not a good time but after that we would love to visit with them. They were very nice young men. One of them was from Brazil and I shared about my very good friend Julie and her husband Charles who are missionaries in Brazil. In fact, they are living with the Wai Wai people DEEP in the Amazon jungle! They have been there 20 years but we were able to visit with them this weekend before they head back!
Well, I began this on entry on Monday and here it is Friday. Does that give you a hint on how busy my week has been?
Back to the missionaries....As we chatted out front they asked if we were familiar with the Mormon missionary program. At our other house, about 2 miles from where we live now, we decided that we had been put on a "do not visit" list. Since we have been living here, we have had a few nibbles, like right after my dad died and we asked them to return another time, but they didn't. But, on the whole, not much "action." We thought maybe our "fame" had followed us. Returning back to their question I assured them we were familiar with their missionary program. They asked if we had ever visited with the missionaries to which I replied, "Oh, yes." The Brazilian young man asked me if I remembered anything 'outstanding' from our last meeting. And I replied, "Oh my, yes! They told us they didn't have time for our questions." Now, imagine their look of shock...and a quick "let's try to save this situation." The young Brazilian assured me they would take all the time needed to be assured that our questions are answered to our satisfaction. It was at this point that I said this wasn't a good time right now, that two weeks would be much better. They left me their card with their names and phone number and realizing that I was working on 'major' projects around the home volunteered their time to come and help, free of charge. If it was too big of a project, they would round up some other volunteers who would love to come do a service project. I politely thanked them and took their card. We will see if they come back and contact us again. If there is any thread to where we lived before which has followed us here then they may not follow up with us. That will make me sad. I always look forward to being able to share God's Word and Truth. We'll see what the good Lord has in store for the future!
Monday, August 29, 2005
The Rosebud...
It is only a tiny rosebud
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.
The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
GOD opens this flower so sweetly,
Then, in my hands, they die.
If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
The flower of God's design,
Then how can I have the wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?
So, I'll trust in Him for leading
Each moment of my day.
I will look to Him for His guidance
Each step of the Pilgrim's way.
The pathway that lies before me
Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.
Psalm 62:1-8
I was going to post this first thing this morning but ran out of time as I was headed to my doctor's appointment. I'm posting it now and I pray the Lord would use it to comfort and lift up a certain friend today!
Psalm 62: 1-8
My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
How long will you assault a man?
Would all of you throw him down--
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
They fully intend topple him
from his lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God,
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pur out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Knee update...
Today was my visit to the orthopedic surgeon for a follow-up on my knee with the meniscus problem and the cyst problem. I, of course, don't want anything to interfere with our trip in December to see James get his wings! The doctor was totally fine with my taking a "wait and see" attitude. In fact, he said that before we even do the scoping and cleaning up he would try shooting it with cortizone and see if that didn't bring some relief. I promised him that I would come back right away if needed. That was great news. I told him my knee was definitely better than when he saw me last but far from perfect. However, I did emphazise that I could live with it this way, at least for a while.
In other news, James talked with Margaret, Monte's daughter yesterday. (Monte is my cousin who came down to Moody for James' Track Select.) Margaret will finish finals on December 14 so she and her Mom will be down in Corpus Christi for the Wing Ceremony. It will be so cool to have time with them again. Neat, neat people, even if they are family! :)
James called this morning to say that he and Brent passed their Check Ride and then went and did their Solo!!! The main factor from hurrican Katrina is the winds but they were still able to fly and do their 'stuff.' Oh, I am getting so excited...I can hardly wait till December!
Well, this has to be short. I'm still in the midst of DEEEEEEPPP Cleaning and I cannot afford to get 'out of the mood.' Jim is working on clear plastic covers for our window wells and I'm doing inside 'stuff.'
In other news, James talked with Margaret, Monte's daughter yesterday. (Monte is my cousin who came down to Moody for James' Track Select.) Margaret will finish finals on December 14 so she and her Mom will be down in Corpus Christi for the Wing Ceremony. It will be so cool to have time with them again. Neat, neat people, even if they are family! :)
James called this morning to say that he and Brent passed their Check Ride and then went and did their Solo!!! The main factor from hurrican Katrina is the winds but they were still able to fly and do their 'stuff.' Oh, I am getting so excited...I can hardly wait till December!
Well, this has to be short. I'm still in the midst of DEEEEEEPPP Cleaning and I cannot afford to get 'out of the mood.' Jim is working on clear plastic covers for our window wells and I'm doing inside 'stuff.'
Sunday, August 28, 2005
The Tea Cup...
There was a couple who took a trip to England to shop in a beautiful antique store to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They both like antiques and pottery, especially tea cups. Spotting an exceptional cup, they asked, "May we see that? We've never seen a cup quite so beautiful."
As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the tea cup spoke, "You don't understand. I have not always been a tea cup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me and rolled me, pounded and patted me, over and over. I yelled out, 'Don't do that. I don't like it! Let me alone,' but he only smiled and gently said, 'Not yet!"'
"Then, WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around and around."
'"Stop it! I'm getting so dizzy! I'm going to be sick!; I screamed. But the master only nodded and said quietly, 'Not yet.'"
"He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit himself and then...he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat! I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door. 'Help! Get me out of here!' I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head from side to side, 'Not yet.'"
"When I thought I couldn't bear it another minute, the door opened. He carefully took me out and put me on the shelf and I began to cool. Oh, that felt so good! 'Ah, this is much better,' I thought. But, after I cooled he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Oh, please! Stop it, stop it!!' I cried. He only shook his head and said, 'Not yet.'"
"Then suddenly he put me back in to the oven. Only it was not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. I was convinced I would never make it. I was ready to give up. Just then the door opened and he took me out and again placed me on the shelf where I cooled and waited and waited, wondering, 'What's he going to do to me next?' An hour later he handed me a mirror and said, 'Look at yourself.' And, I did."
"I said, 'That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful!'"
"Quietly he spoke: 'I want you to remember,' then he said, 'I know it hurt to be rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any color in your life. If I hadn't put you back in that second oven you wouldn't have survived for long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. Now you are what I had in mind when I first began with you.'"
The moral of the story: God knows what He is doing for each one of us. He is the Potter and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us, and expose us to just enough pressures of just the right kinds, that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing and perfect will. So, when life seems hared, and you are being pounded and patted and pushed almost beyond endurance; when your world seems to be spinning out of control; when you feel like you are in a fiery furnace of trials; when life seems to "stink", try this....
Brew a cup of your favorite tea in your prettiest tea cup, sit down and think on this story and then, have a little talk with the Potter.....
As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the tea cup spoke, "You don't understand. I have not always been a tea cup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me and rolled me, pounded and patted me, over and over. I yelled out, 'Don't do that. I don't like it! Let me alone,' but he only smiled and gently said, 'Not yet!"'
"Then, WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around and around."
'"Stop it! I'm getting so dizzy! I'm going to be sick!; I screamed. But the master only nodded and said quietly, 'Not yet.'"
"He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit himself and then...he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat! I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door. 'Help! Get me out of here!' I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head from side to side, 'Not yet.'"
"When I thought I couldn't bear it another minute, the door opened. He carefully took me out and put me on the shelf and I began to cool. Oh, that felt so good! 'Ah, this is much better,' I thought. But, after I cooled he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Oh, please! Stop it, stop it!!' I cried. He only shook his head and said, 'Not yet.'"
"Then suddenly he put me back in to the oven. Only it was not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. I was convinced I would never make it. I was ready to give up. Just then the door opened and he took me out and again placed me on the shelf where I cooled and waited and waited, wondering, 'What's he going to do to me next?' An hour later he handed me a mirror and said, 'Look at yourself.' And, I did."
"I said, 'That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful!'"
"Quietly he spoke: 'I want you to remember,' then he said, 'I know it hurt to be rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any color in your life. If I hadn't put you back in that second oven you wouldn't have survived for long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. Now you are what I had in mind when I first began with you.'"
The moral of the story: God knows what He is doing for each one of us. He is the Potter and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us, and expose us to just enough pressures of just the right kinds, that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing and perfect will. So, when life seems hared, and you are being pounded and patted and pushed almost beyond endurance; when your world seems to be spinning out of control; when you feel like you are in a fiery furnace of trials; when life seems to "stink", try this....
Brew a cup of your favorite tea in your prettiest tea cup, sit down and think on this story and then, have a little talk with the Potter.....
Thursday, August 25, 2005
A Whirlwind...
I have just finished typing an email to a friend of mine which I began typing at 2:15 this afternoon. It is now 9:00. Since yesterday I feel like I have been on a roller coaster (which for me is VERY unpleasant) ride. Not thrilling and exhilarating but rushed without time to process my thoughts.
Yesterday I had my "nerve test", the one where they use electrical stimulus to shock you. They tested the sensory nerves and the motor nerves in my legs and feet. They did 250 shocks, some small, some much larger. After the 'shock' test the doctor then uses an acupuncture type needle to poke into certain spots and then gives it a little 'juice' to stimulate the muscle etc. Not pleasant! It didn't answer the one question which I had gone in for, involving some painful problems that happen to my feet and shins when I am sleeping at night, but it did answer my doctor's question of whether I have peripheral neuropathy. I do. Why? Because I am diabetic. Now the good news, if there is good news about peripheral neuropathy, is that it is primarily demyelinating peripheral neuropathy. That means that the covering of the nerves are more affected than the actual nerve itself. This is encouraging, somewhat, because there are more possibilities which can be tried to stop the progress so more of the nerves themselves will not be affected. However, being diabetic doesn't really lend itself to stopping it....because you have to keep tight control over your diabetes and, that in turn, would help slow down the damage process. Except we (diabetics) know that sometimes you can do everything right and dreadful things still go wrong.... My next step is to go back and see my internist and see what he thinks the next step should be. I fell into bed last night feeling like a human pin cushion!
Today I got up and went to my light treatment, came home and showered quickly, then left for my chiropractor appointment. He is a neurological chiropractor which just deals with the first 5 or 6 vertabrae in your neck. The doctor who I saw yesterday for the nerve testing was pleased that I was seeing this type of chiropractor. He isn't one of the 'bone crunching' types. There is hardly any pressure, which he applies right on your cheek, very close to your ear.
We had a phone call from James, which of course, ALWAYS makes our day. He sounds so contented and happy! He flew today and will fly again tomorrow and then he is ready for his 1st check ride in this plane! Yea!!!
I wish I had something fun to write about like my niece, Claire. She wrote about their visit to VA beach but alas, my summer has not been quite so glamorous! :) That's okay, we did have sunshine and cooler weather...in the upper 80's...I don't think it made it into the 90's. So that is a welcome relief. And I got to visit with 3 friends today, one by email, one over the phone and one in person! How blessed can one be?!!! I am privileged indeed!
Thank you, Lord, for friends, for beautiful weather and for being a faithful God even through the difficult times. Give me grace to meet each day with the joy that comes only from You!
Yesterday I had my "nerve test", the one where they use electrical stimulus to shock you. They tested the sensory nerves and the motor nerves in my legs and feet. They did 250 shocks, some small, some much larger. After the 'shock' test the doctor then uses an acupuncture type needle to poke into certain spots and then gives it a little 'juice' to stimulate the muscle etc. Not pleasant! It didn't answer the one question which I had gone in for, involving some painful problems that happen to my feet and shins when I am sleeping at night, but it did answer my doctor's question of whether I have peripheral neuropathy. I do. Why? Because I am diabetic. Now the good news, if there is good news about peripheral neuropathy, is that it is primarily demyelinating peripheral neuropathy. That means that the covering of the nerves are more affected than the actual nerve itself. This is encouraging, somewhat, because there are more possibilities which can be tried to stop the progress so more of the nerves themselves will not be affected. However, being diabetic doesn't really lend itself to stopping it....because you have to keep tight control over your diabetes and, that in turn, would help slow down the damage process. Except we (diabetics) know that sometimes you can do everything right and dreadful things still go wrong.... My next step is to go back and see my internist and see what he thinks the next step should be. I fell into bed last night feeling like a human pin cushion!
Today I got up and went to my light treatment, came home and showered quickly, then left for my chiropractor appointment. He is a neurological chiropractor which just deals with the first 5 or 6 vertabrae in your neck. The doctor who I saw yesterday for the nerve testing was pleased that I was seeing this type of chiropractor. He isn't one of the 'bone crunching' types. There is hardly any pressure, which he applies right on your cheek, very close to your ear.
We had a phone call from James, which of course, ALWAYS makes our day. He sounds so contented and happy! He flew today and will fly again tomorrow and then he is ready for his 1st check ride in this plane! Yea!!!
I wish I had something fun to write about like my niece, Claire. She wrote about their visit to VA beach but alas, my summer has not been quite so glamorous! :) That's okay, we did have sunshine and cooler weather...in the upper 80's...I don't think it made it into the 90's. So that is a welcome relief. And I got to visit with 3 friends today, one by email, one over the phone and one in person! How blessed can one be?!!! I am privileged indeed!
Thank you, Lord, for friends, for beautiful weather and for being a faithful God even through the difficult times. Give me grace to meet each day with the joy that comes only from You!
Monday, August 22, 2005
Leona's Thoughts on Reaching 80...
My pastor's wife passed this on to me on Sunday to give to my Mom. When I read it I thought this is the kind of attitude I want as I grow older gracefully! Leona is of Czech descent but born and raised in America's heartland. Her husband, Ted was born in China, grew up in Hong Kong and did his seminary work at what is now Trinity Evangelical Seminary. They were co-founders of Ambassadors For Christ, Inc. If you want to find out more about Leona check out her website which has a listing of her books. Once there be sure to drop in on Leona at home by clicking on the link "Visit Leona at Home"! This may be a little long but I firmly believe it is well worth the read! Enjoy as I did!!!
Leona's Thoughts on Reaching 80
I thank God for the past, I celebrate the present, and anticipate the future
My habit of a lifetime is to take inventory of my progress regularly and listen to God's affirmation or correction. After I lived three-quarters of a century, I took time to evaluate my life in depth. As I review my life again after five more bonus years, I find that the marching orders God gave me than are still valid. I only need to fine tune them and apply them to my life at 80.
Chronologically---Realistically, statistically, I am in the final season of my life, sort of in the graduating class. Eighty is merely a number on the calendar--a "commencement," the first day of the rest of my life. God had a specific plan for me from before the foundation of the world which has been unfolding through many decades. (Ephesians 2:10) His will for all of us in our maturing years is that we "be anointed with fresh oil, bear fruit in old age, flourish like the palm tree, remain full of sap and very green." (Psalm 92) I have God's promise, "The Lord satisfies your life (your 'mouth' or 'years' in other translations) with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." (Psalm 103:5) Suddenly, or so it seems, I find myself the eldest in our family, the "matriarch," with all the responsibility that carries. I want to be faithful even in my imperfection.
Spiritually---I want to "put my house in order" not to retire but to rekindle the fire of my first love for God. Cultivating and nourishing my spirit, striving to know God more intimately, and worshiping Him more devotedly is my highest priority because it is my spirit that will continue alive throughout Eternity. Now that I have reached 80, I recommit to God my body, soul, spirit, mind, emotions, will, all that I am, all that I have, all that I have become, all that I may yet become as God works on transforming me and conforming me to the image of Christ. I declare Jesus as Lord over every relationship, responsibility, and desire. I give to God not my leftovers but the ripest, sweetest fruit of aging. Where there is still plain water (areas in my life that need working on) I ask Jesus to turn it into wine, "the best wine saved until the last."
The following areas are still in progress--I have NOT attained--but I press on
Seek daily the presence of God and move on to a deeper relationship with Him.
Simplify my life, decrease my "stuff," generously give things away or decisively toss out.
Prioritize my goals, time, and efforts as if I had only a little time left on earth.
Anticipate that God may still give me generous time to live and serve Him here.
Eliminate pursuits that are no longer productive to life goals God has set for me.
Surrender cares and anxieties of this world that hinder my close walk with the Lord.
Find God's will where to press harder and--when to stop and smell those roses.
Obey promptly whatever God reveals as His purpose for me, cost what it may.
I want to stay open to positive change and remain like pliable clay in my Heavenly Potter's hands. The Bible records that 85 year old Caleb always "followed the Lord fully." That is what I want to do. In his advanced years he asked God for still "another mountain" to conquer.
Physically---My imperfect but heretofore serviceable earth suit (my body) which God issued me at birth, is aging, showing signs of wear, has mortal limitations and inevitable increasing frailties. Time and gravity reshape the ol' bod' regardless of efforts to feed it right and exercise it! Thank God He has given me 15 bonus years since my lung cancer surgery. I try to look upon "aging inconveniences" as trivial and thank God for whatever measure of health He gives. I try to watch my nutrition, get my medical checkups, and take whatever meds and vitamins are necessary.
Mentally---I try to continue pushing the horizons of my mind further to learn more, be more creative, respond to new challenges and opportunities and stay on the cutting edge of life. The more I stretch, the higher I can reach. I think, I hope that I am as alert as ever--thank You, Lord! I want to run not coast to the finish line.
Emotionally---"My cup runneth over!" I'm happy, contented, feel fulfilled yet eager for more of God's abundant life as I seek to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit. I don't want to miss anything that God sovereignly planned for me. I'm smiling at God and hope He is smiling back at me as I try to please Him. I'm eager for any surprises He still has for me. I accept as good and perfect and the will of God whatever circumstances God chooses to bring into my life day by day. I want to celebrate each day as a gift from God!
Relaionally---I delight to spend time with my four adult sons and their families, ten grandchildren and two great-grands. God is so good. I am blessed to love and to be loved. I enjoy silence and time alone immensely as well as fellowship with others. God has blessed me my giving me riches in friends all over the world. I ask God to bring into my life all and only those He wants me to touch for Him or who will encourage and teach me of God's ways.
Productively---Yes, I'm still writing, and a few more books have been published. I have some serious work in progress, but I'm trying to learn to pace myself without deadlines. I want to eliminate the word "busy" from my vocabulary and substitute "fruit bearing." The fruit that pleases God may gorw best in waiting on Him, listening to His direction, and then "doing whatever He tells you."
God plans different things for us in each season of our lives. I want to live fully in His will in whatever season or stage of life I am. God has given me an abundance of opportunities and experiences in my long life and I am accountable to be a faithful steward. When God's allotted time for me on earth is over, and I have to turn in my earth suit, I may not think I am "finished." I will undoubtedly have lots of exciting things on the back burner that I would like to do and enjoy. But God, who planned my life, will count my work and life "complete" on that day. God has already given my long life. But if it pleases Him, I continue to ask for an extended time on earth to add to His glory. If He grants my desire or if He doesn't, it is good. Because I belong to the Lord it is His responsibility, not mine, to accomplish what concerns me. (Philippians 1:6) Therefore, when I leave for heaven, I want it to be a time for celebration not regret or sadness that I lived my life for less than God's glory. Jesus promised to His children eternal life after life on earth is over in His Father's House. Until then, or until Jesus comes again, I must be about my Father's business while there is time and while it is day. I want to make "the rest of the way" even more pleasing to God. Toward this I press on...
Leona Choy, June 2005
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Happy Birthday Nana!
The birthday celebrations began last night with dinner out, then today the Older Wiser Ladies Society met for lunch to celebrate Nana's 89th birthday!
Friday, August 19, 2005
Tagged, Again!
I've been tagged by Gayla over at Journey of the Heart. I'll give it my best shot....
10 years ago I was... getting our son ready to enter 7th grade, still living in our starter home which we bought when he was almost 2. I was a stay-at-home mom praying faithfully for the money each month to keep our son in Christian school. And, 1995 was a great year health-wise for me! Wow...7th grade...he wasn't even driving and now look at him...he's flying multi-million dollar planes!!!! Oh!
5 years ago I was... in the process of buying our new home and getting ready for my parents to move in with us from Colorado. Our son was entering his senior year of high school. Exciting but stressful too!
1 year ago I was...just celebrating our 29th year of marriage, enjoying every minute of our time with our son who had graduated college and commissioned in the Air Force...and I was stoking myself up for that first airplane ride once he got his private pilot's license!
Yesterday I...did more of my deep cleaning (yuck!), took time to read some in my book If I Should Perish by Esther Ahn Kim, went to the farmer's market for corn and cantaloupe, had a wonderful quiet time with the Lord.
5 snacks I enjoy are...popcorn, chicken faijita nachos, anything chocolate, fruit, cookies
5 songs I know all the words to... Awesome God by Rich Mullins, Amazing Grace, And Can It Be, Trust and Obey, and.........my mind is blank...I'm terrible when it comes to songs. I love to sing but I only make a joyful noise so I never really learn them totally, just snatches of them, unless they are Scripture songs!
5 thingsI would do with 100 million dollars...well, we own our own home and cars so I guess we would put some into savings/invest, we would look for ways to use it for the Lord (there are so many more people we would like to support on the mission field), I would make sure we would set some aside that would grow larger enabling us to travel wherever our son will be stationed, we would travel to see family and new babies and new homes etc.
5 places I would run away to....well, right now, Corpus Christi, TX, Europe again, this time with my husband, Hawaii or maybe a cruise, the South (I love the South...all the trees and beautiful flowers).
5 things I would never wear... a bikini, a tube top, low rider pants where one's middle shows (shivers...) well, maybe that should just be gaudy clothes period.
5 favorite tv shows... Last year my husband and I got caught up in the show Lost. We would make sure we watched that on Wednesday nights. But other than that, I don't watch tv...well, I do watch the news at 10 pm. I would much rather read than watch tv.
5 bad habits...reading to the detriment of what I should be doing, too much blogging, not exercising enough, snacking too much (I love snacks!), staying up too late (reading again!).
5 biggest joys....my relationship with the Lord, family (my husband and son, and extended family), friendships that God has blessed me with, reading, spending time with my hubby!
5 favorite toys.... my computer, my digitial camera, books (see how bad I am?)
5 people I tag to do this (if they'd like to)... well, I won't tag 5 because I've seen this on several of the blogs which I read regularly but, I will name a lovely gal, whom I am a new reader to her blog and I would like to know more about her. That's Gina at Refreshment in Refuge . If any of you others would like to participate, feel free to do so and just let me know so I can pop in and read up on you! :)
10 years ago I was... getting our son ready to enter 7th grade, still living in our starter home which we bought when he was almost 2. I was a stay-at-home mom praying faithfully for the money each month to keep our son in Christian school. And, 1995 was a great year health-wise for me! Wow...7th grade...he wasn't even driving and now look at him...he's flying multi-million dollar planes!!!! Oh!
5 years ago I was... in the process of buying our new home and getting ready for my parents to move in with us from Colorado. Our son was entering his senior year of high school. Exciting but stressful too!
1 year ago I was...just celebrating our 29th year of marriage, enjoying every minute of our time with our son who had graduated college and commissioned in the Air Force...and I was stoking myself up for that first airplane ride once he got his private pilot's license!
Yesterday I...did more of my deep cleaning (yuck!), took time to read some in my book If I Should Perish by Esther Ahn Kim, went to the farmer's market for corn and cantaloupe, had a wonderful quiet time with the Lord.
5 snacks I enjoy are...popcorn, chicken faijita nachos, anything chocolate, fruit, cookies
5 songs I know all the words to... Awesome God by Rich Mullins, Amazing Grace, And Can It Be, Trust and Obey, and.........my mind is blank...I'm terrible when it comes to songs. I love to sing but I only make a joyful noise so I never really learn them totally, just snatches of them, unless they are Scripture songs!
5 thingsI would do with 100 million dollars...well, we own our own home and cars so I guess we would put some into savings/invest, we would look for ways to use it for the Lord (there are so many more people we would like to support on the mission field), I would make sure we would set some aside that would grow larger enabling us to travel wherever our son will be stationed, we would travel to see family and new babies and new homes etc.
5 places I would run away to....well, right now, Corpus Christi, TX, Europe again, this time with my husband, Hawaii or maybe a cruise, the South (I love the South...all the trees and beautiful flowers).
5 things I would never wear... a bikini, a tube top, low rider pants where one's middle shows (shivers...) well, maybe that should just be gaudy clothes period.
5 favorite tv shows... Last year my husband and I got caught up in the show Lost. We would make sure we watched that on Wednesday nights. But other than that, I don't watch tv...well, I do watch the news at 10 pm. I would much rather read than watch tv.
5 bad habits...reading to the detriment of what I should be doing, too much blogging, not exercising enough, snacking too much (I love snacks!), staying up too late (reading again!).
5 biggest joys....my relationship with the Lord, family (my husband and son, and extended family), friendships that God has blessed me with, reading, spending time with my hubby!
5 favorite toys.... my computer, my digitial camera, books (see how bad I am?)
5 people I tag to do this (if they'd like to)... well, I won't tag 5 because I've seen this on several of the blogs which I read regularly but, I will name a lovely gal, whom I am a new reader to her blog and I would like to know more about her. That's Gina at Refreshment in Refuge . If any of you others would like to participate, feel free to do so and just let me know so I can pop in and read up on you! :)
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
The Garden...
Our beans are quite prolific this year! They are coming in so fast we will have to share with our neighbors! Our tomatoes are doing well. The vines are loaded and we have begun eating ripe ones. We are just excited to see produce since we planted so late this spring, what with all the rain.
This is a very short post. I am off to have a late dinner with a young friend of mine. She is in the process of getting her Masters in Biblical Counseling. Should be a great time of fellowship!
"You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God..." (Joel 2:26).
This is a very short post. I am off to have a late dinner with a young friend of mine. She is in the process of getting her Masters in Biblical Counseling. Should be a great time of fellowship!
"You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God..." (Joel 2:26).
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Monday, August 15, 2005
Our Anniversary....
This day 30 years ago we weren't really thinking about today. We were certainly committed, all the way until we die but did we really look at the future 30 years ahead? I don't think so. The good Lord gave me the very best husband I could ever ask for! He is kind and funny, he is thoughtful, loving and funny. He is a godly man who loves the Lord with all his heart and desires to do what is pleasing to Him. He has a passion for the lost. He is loads of fun. His heart is huge and overflows with compassion. He has a terrific sense of humor! Have I mentioned that he makes me laugh? :) He even writes me poetry!
Now, we look back and we marvel at where the Lord has led and directed us during our marriage. And how blessed we have been by the son which the Lord gave us. He has certainly been a major "joy" factor throughout our life.
We have certainly had our ups and downs. We have traveled down into the valleys together and helped pull each other to the top of the mountains. Through it all we have done it together. I'm grateful we have built our marriage on the Lord. It is He who has strengthened us, caused us to grow, enabled us to be forgiving, has provided the joy throughout the years, and binds us together in such a solid secure way. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Honey, I love you and here is to our next 30 years!
Now, we look back and we marvel at where the Lord has led and directed us during our marriage. And how blessed we have been by the son which the Lord gave us. He has certainly been a major "joy" factor throughout our life.
We have certainly had our ups and downs. We have traveled down into the valleys together and helped pull each other to the top of the mountains. Through it all we have done it together. I'm grateful we have built our marriage on the Lord. It is He who has strengthened us, caused us to grow, enabled us to be forgiving, has provided the joy throughout the years, and binds us together in such a solid secure way. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Honey, I love you and here is to our next 30 years!
Friday, August 12, 2005
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls. This year, because of all our snow and rain, there are several rather than just one fall.
Zeke again...
He was a great dog who I taught over 20 tricks. Once I taught him to "speak" I then had to teach him to "Whisper". The speak was a bark, the whisper was a low growl.
Zeke...
I was going through some old pics and came across one of our 1st dog. He was a Keeshond named Zeke.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Alphabet...
Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!!
Anonymous
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Flying!!!
He got to fly today!!!!!! This is the first time he has been up in the T-44 since the new class began at the end of June. Obviously it wasn't as maneuverable as the T-6 but it was still FABULOUS!!!!! Awesome, I believe the exact word was!
For those of you not familiar with my blog, I'm talking about our son who is training to be an Air Force pilot. When he receives his Wings in December he will fly the C-130. It's been a couple of months since he had been up flying and they were all having withdrawals, I believe! :)
For those of you not familiar with my blog, I'm talking about our son who is training to be an Air Force pilot. When he receives his Wings in December he will fly the C-130. It's been a couple of months since he had been up flying and they were all having withdrawals, I believe! :)
God's Facts...
I was reading one of my short devotional this morning when this popped out at me: Never turn God's facts into hopes, or prayers, but simply use them as realities, and you will find them powerful as you believe them.--Prebendary H. W. Webb Peploe
What a powerful statement. The whole devotional was very good and I will reprint here in it's entirety.
What a powerful statement. The whole devotional was very good and I will reprint here in it's entirety.
Title: It Is Sufficient
Author: Mrs. Charles E. CowmanSource: Streams in the Desert
Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 12:9
"IS" (2 Cor. 12:9).
It had pleased God to remove my youngest child under circumstances of peculiar trial and pain; and as I had just laid my little one's body in the churchyard, on return home, I felt it my duty to preach to my people on the meaning of trial. Finding that this text was in the lesson for the following Sabbath, I chose it as my Master's message to them and myself; but on trying to prepare the notes, I found that in honesty I could not say that the words were true; and therefore I knelt down and asked God to let His grace be sufficient for me. While I was thus pleading, I opened my eyes and saw a framed illuminated text, which my mother had given me only a few days before, and which I had told my servant to place upon the wall during my absence at the holiday resort where my little one was taken away from us. I did not notice the words on returning to my house; but as I looked up and wiped my eyes, the words met my gaze, "My grace is sufficient for thee." The "is" was picked out in bright green while the "My" and the "thee" were painted in another color. In one moment the message came straight to my soul, as a rebuke for offering such a prayer as, "Lord, let Thy grace be sufficient for me"; for the answer was almost as an audible voice, "How dare you ask that which is?" God cannot make it any more sufficient than He has made it; get up and believe it, and you will find it true, because the Lord says it in the simplest way: "My grace is (not shall be or may be) sufficient for thee.""My," "is," and "thee" were from that moment, I hope, indelibly fixed upon my heart; and I (thank God) have been trying to live in the reality of the message from that day forward to the present time. The lesson that came to me, and which I seek to convey to others, is, Never turn God's facts into hopes, or prayers, but simply use them as realities, and you will find them powerful as you believe them.--Prebendary H. W. Webb Peploe
Friday, August 05, 2005
Psalm 119:73-77
Psalm 119:73-77
Your hands made me and formed me;
give me understanding to learn your commands.
May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
for I have put my hope in your word.
I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous,
and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.
Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
You just never know....
We went out to dinner with D and "I", our immediate neighbors just north of us. They are the nicest people one could ever hope to have as neighbors and they have lived in the neighborhood since our homes were in the building stage. They are a wealth of information.
As we sat at the table I asked her if she had an update on another one of our neighbors whose son is having severe seizures. In fact, he almost died about 2 weeks ago. He was in Intensive Care for over a week. (He is doing better but they still don't know what is causing his seizures and they are still not being controlled.) Sitting there chatting "I" drops a bombshell. The young man's mother was in a polygamous marriage for a number of years. She and her husband (now) have been married about 15 years. You just never know the difficult stories of the people who live around you. She lived in such fear when she left him (the polygamous husband) because he threatened to kill her. Her mother and a friend drove a truck up when her husband was gone and they loaded anything she could take with her in the truck and then left with her and her four children. The two oldest children couldn't survive outside of the 'compound' so they went back to live with their father. They did come (and still do) to visit her fairly frequently. I don't know what the circumstances were to lead her into a polygamous relationship at 16 years old, especially against her parents wishes. What a sad, sad life!
As we sat at the table I asked her if she had an update on another one of our neighbors whose son is having severe seizures. In fact, he almost died about 2 weeks ago. He was in Intensive Care for over a week. (He is doing better but they still don't know what is causing his seizures and they are still not being controlled.) Sitting there chatting "I" drops a bombshell. The young man's mother was in a polygamous marriage for a number of years. She and her husband (now) have been married about 15 years. You just never know the difficult stories of the people who live around you. She lived in such fear when she left him (the polygamous husband) because he threatened to kill her. Her mother and a friend drove a truck up when her husband was gone and they loaded anything she could take with her in the truck and then left with her and her four children. The two oldest children couldn't survive outside of the 'compound' so they went back to live with their father. They did come (and still do) to visit her fairly frequently. I don't know what the circumstances were to lead her into a polygamous relationship at 16 years old, especially against her parents wishes. What a sad, sad life!
True Liberation....
Psalm 119:33-40
Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees;
then I will keep them to the end.
Give me understanding, and I will keep
your law and obey it with all my heart.
Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I will find delight.
Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.
Fulfill your promise to your servant,
so that you may be feared.
Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.
How I long for your precepts!
Preserve my life in your righteousness.
Jeremiah 15:16
When your words came, I ate them;
they were my joy and my heart's delight,
for I bear your name,
O LORD God Almighty.
Monday, August 01, 2005
Wasps...
One of the things we have been on the lookout for this summer is where there might be a wasp nest. My dear husband, with his eagle eye located one behind the shed in the backyard and was able to 'take care of it.' However, we were still getting quite a few wasps in the front yard, especially around my hanging plant on the front porch. I have diligently been watching to see where they fly to...if there is a particular place they all seem to 'hang out.' No such luck. Until yesterday afternoon. Jim and I were sitting out front in the driveway, taking a break with cold water. There was absolutely no breeze. It was the kind of day when everything just seems to stand still in time. Jim's eyes watched as a wasp flew around the basketball standard. Then a second one joined the first one, going behind the backboard but not coming out. Then there was a third one! He gets up and mosies on over there to take a look. He was armed with his wasp spray. As he looked up he saw several flying in and out of the wholes that are in the "arm". Up went the spray and covered the area. Out flew wasps. He was kept quite busy for several minutes. He waited a little bit for things to settle down before going again and 'attacking' forcibly. Finally, he said he would wait till today to actually climb a ladder and get inside the pole a little better. He did and was able to finally get the nest wet enough with the spray, as well as a number of new wasps. It definitely looked like a wasp battleground when he was done as you walked around the area of the driveway where they just lay dead. We will keep our eyes open for more activity but I imagine that this'hang out' has been closed for the season!
I discovered another snake on the wood pile. Yes, it is a tiny (according to my husband) (but in MY book, that snake is too big) garter snake. But, I do not like snakes...at all... I never have been a huge fan of them but ever since I had a "close" encounter with one I have totally detested them!
It was a summer Saturday morning (about 2 years ago) and James had left early to go hiking up in the mountains and Jim had already gone to bed after working all night. I had slept in a little later than usual. I was up and went in to use the bathroom. I stood up and went to flush when I noticed a stick on the back of the toilet seat, right near the brackets that hold the seat on. I peered closer, confused on why a stick would be laying right there, when I gasped! It was a snake! A snake wrapped around the toilet! I guess I didn't faint because I went screaming out of the bathroom with such speed....right into our bedroom, still screaming for Jim to WAKE UP!!! HOW could he be sleeping at a time like this!!!! UNBELIEVABLE!!! He opens his eyes and I scream again that there is a SNAKE (as venomously as I can) in the bathroom wrapped around the toilet! That actually brought him right up out of bed. It was so preposterous! He runs in to the room and I stand at our bedroom door, offering encouragement and helpful suggestions. He decides we should just close the door and wait him out because when he pulled on the snake the snake just tightened his 'grip' around the toilet. I told Jim that wasn't an option because that snake could slither through under the door. His only option was to KILL the snake! He called to me to hand him a coat hanger which I was able to toss into him from quite a distance out. At first he tried to pull him off but then he had visions of snake gut going all over the room (and I would NOT be the one to clean that mess up!) and so he decided not to pull the snake apart. The coat hanger proved to be the item needed and he prodded until the snake decided to make his move at which time Jim grabbed him. Jim mentioned that he would put him out in the garden and I told him, "Absolutely not!" If he thought I was going to give that snake a chance to come back into the house, he was crazy! He ended up going across to the elementary school and placing it in an area in the back where hopefully, some little boy would discover a snake and be the envy of all his friends. James came home and realized that he had missed all the excitement! *Bummer* And, I, finally realizing how close that snake had been to my backside, did just about faint! To this day we still have no idea how that snake got in. Of course, now whenever I get up to go the bathroom at night, I make sure I have my glasses on and the night light is burning!
I discovered another snake on the wood pile. Yes, it is a tiny (according to my husband) (but in MY book, that snake is too big) garter snake. But, I do not like snakes...at all... I never have been a huge fan of them but ever since I had a "close" encounter with one I have totally detested them!
It was a summer Saturday morning (about 2 years ago) and James had left early to go hiking up in the mountains and Jim had already gone to bed after working all night. I had slept in a little later than usual. I was up and went in to use the bathroom. I stood up and went to flush when I noticed a stick on the back of the toilet seat, right near the brackets that hold the seat on. I peered closer, confused on why a stick would be laying right there, when I gasped! It was a snake! A snake wrapped around the toilet! I guess I didn't faint because I went screaming out of the bathroom with such speed....right into our bedroom, still screaming for Jim to WAKE UP!!! HOW could he be sleeping at a time like this!!!! UNBELIEVABLE!!! He opens his eyes and I scream again that there is a SNAKE (as venomously as I can) in the bathroom wrapped around the toilet! That actually brought him right up out of bed. It was so preposterous! He runs in to the room and I stand at our bedroom door, offering encouragement and helpful suggestions. He decides we should just close the door and wait him out because when he pulled on the snake the snake just tightened his 'grip' around the toilet. I told Jim that wasn't an option because that snake could slither through under the door. His only option was to KILL the snake! He called to me to hand him a coat hanger which I was able to toss into him from quite a distance out. At first he tried to pull him off but then he had visions of snake gut going all over the room (and I would NOT be the one to clean that mess up!) and so he decided not to pull the snake apart. The coat hanger proved to be the item needed and he prodded until the snake decided to make his move at which time Jim grabbed him. Jim mentioned that he would put him out in the garden and I told him, "Absolutely not!" If he thought I was going to give that snake a chance to come back into the house, he was crazy! He ended up going across to the elementary school and placing it in an area in the back where hopefully, some little boy would discover a snake and be the envy of all his friends. James came home and realized that he had missed all the excitement! *Bummer* And, I, finally realizing how close that snake had been to my backside, did just about faint! To this day we still have no idea how that snake got in. Of course, now whenever I get up to go the bathroom at night, I make sure I have my glasses on and the night light is burning!
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