Simple Woman's Daybook #3

FOR TODAY...

Outside my window I can hear a myriad of birds cheerfully greeting one another. I'm still amazed at the size of the hostas, the azaleas are still with their bright pink blooms and the sun is starting to shine, making the grass and plants appear glossy. 

I am thinking there is so much to be done...(when will I stop feeling like that?)

I am thankful for my friend Suzanne's completion of chemo and looking forward to a girls' celebratory lunch today.

From the kitchen...a frosted strawberry pop-tart/milk...dinner tonight will be chimichurri steak, lemon potatoes, green beans and rolls. 

I am wearing flannel "rose trellis" pjs (unseasonably cool here the last two nights) 


I am creating photo albums and scrapbooks...


I am going to another of Emilee’s Showers this weekend...and very much looking forward to it!


I am reading “When Life is Hard” by James MacDonald...& a myriad of sermons on "family"


I am hoping this evening to spend time in my home office - organizing.


I am hearing the morning bustle from upstairs (Bill) & the lower level (Britt)


Around the house, we have a few projects to complete before graduation, homecoming & wedding events here.

One of my favorite things is flannel pjs & poptarts...

A few plans for the rest of the week: ministry, showers, lunches, phone calls to Bonnie and Rachael for "catching up", cleaning and laundry before the weekend so the weekend can be full of "downtime".

Here is picture for thought I am sharing…
A good shot of the hostas that continue to expand nightly... (the large azaleas are on the other side.)  

To join in and participate with your own daybook, please check out the hostess site at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

 

"Turbulence"

For a few years now, I've been dealing with a deeply personal, frightening "storm" in my own life.  One that has rocked my world and causes me to feel like I'm heading for a crash landing.  Not good.  Lately, it's felt like the storm will not subside - I feel like Dorothy in the midst of a tornado, spiraling uncontrollably and questioning where or when I'll experience landfall.  Scary.  Out of control.  Real.  Private. Personal. When people ask how they may pray for me, lately I've just shared "an unspoken request."  This last week, I devoted a considerable amount of time praying, seeking direction, wanting to do what is right and desperately desiring to learn the lessons God has for me in the midst of all this "life turbulence".

Last night's flight proved interesting on many levels.  Meteorologists made national predictions that yesterday's storm system would be one of the most intensive of the spring.  Not surprising, flights were cancelled into and out of Atlanta and our scheduled departure (last flight out of Detroit) was "iffy" at best.  We made it to the airport early, and were able to get on an earlier, alternate flight on standby.  Even that flight was delayed because of "paperwork" and weather in both Detroit and Atlanta.  Being standby, my family was separated, taking whatever seats remained after confirmed passengers boarded. It was a turbulent flight - and typically, turbulent flights and I don't do well together.  But this flight was different.

Sitting next to me was a young lady, probably 18 years old or so.  She was quiet and sat reading for awhile.  There came a point when she tapped my arm and said, "Excuse me, I know this may sound strange to you,  but God has given me a word for you.  It seems you have been hurting for awhile now and He wants you to know you're not alone and that when you weep, He weeps.  He cares deeply for you and for what is causing you pain."   Then she asked if she could pray for me - of course, I welcomed her prayer.  Wow.  

Although, some would (and did) doubt  - I have full confidence that God spoke to me, through her.  She couldn't have known my pain, she knew nothing about me.  She didn't know my "religious affiliation" yet this young girl was obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Wow.

A bit later I noticed she was writing - I assumed journaling.  But, then she ripped 2 pages from her small notebook and handed them to me. "You are dearly loved by God.  He sees the desires of your heart.  He laughs when you laugh, cries when you cry, and when judgement or harsh words are spoken into your life, He weeps.  He will help and heal your pain.  He greatly desires to heal your heart."  Again, WOW.  These words were the perfect salve for my gaping wound.

My sweet, young friend, "Kristin" also reached out to another person - saying much as she said to me, "God has given me a Word for you." - This other gentleman put up his hand like a traffic cop issuing a "Stop command" and said, "I appreciate your concern, but no thanks."    What did he miss I wonder?  Isn't that a picture of how we as fallen individuals will respond to God's promptings, "no thanks God - I'll come to you when I decide it's necessary."    What do we miss in those moments?

I consider my random seating assignment last night - anything but random.  It was just where I needed to be!  Thank you God for your Word, for your promises, and  for the obedient young lady sitting next to me.

T

PS - Overcome with emotion, tears streamed down my face.  Keep in mind, this was a rough flight, we were in turbulence and while the oxygen masks never descended - it was the worst turbulence I've ever experienced in the air.  As the tears streamed, someone near me assumed the tears were related to my fear - because he said, "Don't worry - I can see the ground.  We're gonna be okay."    Me: I'm choosing to believe that was a little bonus word from God.  : )

The Simple Woman's Daybook #2

FOR TODAY

Outside my window are gargantuan hostas, pink and white azaleas, and a quaint birdhouse. 

I am thinking this is a season of change, but change is good.

I am thankful for friends who truly care...a daughter that still calls me "mommy"...a phone call from Afghanistan at 4am this morning.


I am praying for direction, and peaceful transition into this next phase of the journey.

From the kitchen...steak, potatoes and salad (I think)

I am wearing plaid bermuda shorts and like last Wednesday, the Tommy Hilfiger Sweatshirt bought in LA on Rach’s 13th birthday. (coincidence!)

I am creating photo albums and scrapbooks...and Tyler/Em's rehearsal dinner "program & decor"

I am going to Cornerstones orientation this weekend...

I am reading “When Life is Hard” by James MacDonald...

I am hoping for an earlier arrival window for Tyler than what we're anticipating...

I am hearing the sound of wind chimes...

Around the house, it’s peaceful right now, but soon Britt will be home (maybe with Creighton) and WGH should be returning later this evening.

One of my favorite things is a peaceful, relaxing home.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Clean, pack, errands, Cornerstone

Here is the picture for thought I am sharing…




















a great memory...one I hope to experience again "Venice" with my BFF/WGH.  (Not doing the super short hair again though!)

Please visit the "hostess" of this wonderfully simple and refreshing blog initiative at: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

The Simple Woman's Daybook #1

FOR TODAY


Outside my window is a freshly watered lawn and rapidly growing hostas...


I am thinking there is so much to be done...


I am thankful for my husband and children...


From the kitchen...home alone, thus a granola bar was sufficient.


I am wearing jeans and the Tommy Hilfiger Sweatshirt bought in LA on Rach’s 13th birthday.


I am creating photo albums and scrapbooks...


I am going to Emilee’s Shower this weekend...


I am reading “The Glass House” and “When Life is Hard” by James MacDonald...


I am hoping for an earlier arrival window for Tyler...


I am hearing the sound of a clock…and the clicking of my keyboard...


Around the house, it’s peaceful right now, but soon Britt will be home and excitedly try on her cap and gown...

One of my favorite things is sleeping with the windows open...

A few plans for the rest of the week: catch up on ministry, meetings, hanging baskets for the swing, clean the windows, create illustrations for my scripture journal.

Here is the picture for thought I am sharing…

Publish Post

Please visit the "hostess" of this wonderfully simple and refreshing blog initiative at: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
 

Britts Brazil Team Update

We’ve been monitoring news out of Rio de Janeiro since morning…. It’s been an emotional, prayer-filled day! Thankfully, we know from the blog that the team was able to get to the hotel in Rio tonight.
 As of this morning (Wed), they had completed 21 ministry meetings in only 3 days – and of course, there was no way to foresee the challenges awaiting them after leaving Campinas. (Google “landslides in Brazil” for the latest updates)

As Brittany and her teammates come to mind, please say a quick prayer for them, pray for:

 Discernment for the team as they determine how to adjust itineraries and to act as “the Hands and Feet of Christ” to a hurting community.

 Protection – physical and emotional (pray against further landslides and flooding!)

 Team unity - especially, as they face unknown, potentially challenging circumstances.

 Supernatural strength and endurance as they finish strong over the next few days.

 Health & Healing – especially for those who have been dealing with stomach issues.

 Life change/Growth – for the people of Rio, for the 14 team members, and for those of us at home.


There is no doubt that God has been preparing the hearts of the locals – they are desperate and will surely be open to hearing the hope available to them through Christ. God has also been preparing everyone involved. Pray that a deeper faith, and powerful testimony will be written on the hearts and lives of Britt and the others, as they see God’s hand move in miraculous ways. As we learned on her prior trip to Brazil – He doesn’t just work in the hearts and lives of those in distant lands. He works in unexpected ways in those of us at home. Nothing is wasted in God’s economy. I sat at my desk this afternoon and wrestled with the reality of having two of my children in harm’s way. It’s a helpless feeling….and I’m prone to worry….but between waves of anxiety and tears, I kept coming back to The Faithfulness of God. “Remembering” all that He has done and realizing that the floods and landslides are all a part of a greater design – one in which He will be glorified in a way that man cannot orchestrate. This song has been playing in my mind all day…. If you have a minute, listen to the words – maybe it will minister to you in the way it has to me, in the midst of whatever circumstances you’re wrestling with:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDOsDs95ugA&feature=PlayList&p=E91AECAD771629D8&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=35


Team Leaders, Keith and Sara , have been diligent at updating the team blog: : http://goandserve.wordpress.com/2010/04/07/safe-in-rio/

Your prayers and supportive words mean so much to all of us! Don’t stop now….Greater things are still to be done!

The Ultimate Hand Sanitizer

Studies have revealed what logic was telling me years ago. Those germs left behind by the hotel guests who occupied our room the night before; vicious, yet invisible Salmonella, Shigella and E-Coli residing on our veggies at the local market; the dreaded "fecal matter" that lingers on most public handrails due to someone else's poor hygiene habits - well, they are all little terrorists - intent on attacking our immune systems, and leading to colds, flu, meningitis, hepatitis and worse! 


Long before the popularity of "Purell", as a young mom, I declared "war" against these evil forces! Friends and family mocked my refusal to touch public door handles and escalator handrails.  They laughed at the antibacterial baptism of potatoes prior to baking. Present day, it seems others have caught on to this way of thinking. No longer am I the only "germaphobe" in my circle of friends. I was a germaphobe long before germaphobes were "cool."

My daughters know that hips - while helpful for childbirth, are more often beneficial in the avoidance of infection from lingering bacteria in restrooms, restaurants, theaters, malls, church, etc. They were taught at an early age, to hold/open/close doors with an intentional 'jut' of the hip or with the aid of a clean paper towel. 


My three cherubs were well-trained in the art of handwashing. They are well-versed in the pitfalls associated with direct contact between fingers and elevator buttons, shopping carts, hotel remotes, and so forth.  They've all been subject to "handwashing inspection" before meals, etc. 

Imagine the shock when MY little ones returned home from camp one summer, with itchy, stubborn little souveneirs called lice! It's easy to judge others who have "RID" in their shopping cart and assume they lack "stringent hygiene practices".  Once this "evil" infests your own brood, it's a quick and humbling reminder that we are ALL one decision away from corruption. All instructions regarding sharing of hair brushes and baseball caps, "out the window" when Mom wasn't looking and now there was a price to be paid.  Those nasty little creatures will spread easily and enthusiastically - infesting anyone in close contact. Often, the newly infected are totally unaware of the prior infestee's condition. My retrospective opinion: Maybe God designed the "louse" for illustrative purposes. Sin and lice share many commonalities, some embedded above ...and more to come.

It's convicting to realize that on a daily basis, I've often been far more intentional in circumventing a cold or flu than circumventing the subtle, yet potentially lethal effects of contact with sin. Sin (like lice) latches on with a fierceness - yet, it's not always easily detected by onlookers. Nor are the effects felt immediately.  Once infestation of either is known - a daunting, ferocious battle with the enemy ensues.  It's a battle that at times feels hopeless and helpless - it's one that overwhelms and embarrasses.  It's one that isolates you from the ones that aren't contaminated - and in some cases, leads to a "label" that you'd definitely not want associated with you (or your family.)  Prevention is a far better option than eradication. It's a long, arduous process to become free from affliction.  You can deceive yourself into thinking you're free, relax a bit and then realize "you're not free from it after all."

It's easy for us to consider others' circumstances with an attitude of superiority because we aren't murderers, adulterers, thieves, etc. HOWEVER, sin is sin - whether it's gossip, speeding on the way to church (that one gets a lot of rationalization), uncontrolled anger, idolatry, etc.  We all fall short. Sin is a slippery slope.  Without realizing it, a Bible Study can become a gossip session, an overbooked calendar becomes an idol, someone's uncontrolled anger toward us leads to a response lacking self-control, and potentially, further rage. These examples (and more) are damaging to the witness of Christians everywhere. They are damaging to the reputation of Christ.

My flesh sometimes leads me to brisk conclusions about others, but the Holy Spirit quickly reminds me of my own frailty - and that of my husband and children.  Who am I to judge others???  It's not my place.  My family is definitely not immune.  I am just another imperfect person, capable of horrible things - in great need of an even greater Savior. 

My prayer from this day forward is that my thoughts go to Jesus whenever I'm about to encounter contamination of any kind. The One infinitely effective at eradicating any and all contamination, not just 99.4% effective against "some" threats, but effective against ALL threats and for ETERNITY.