Christmas Eve

"This is the eve of something wonderful - the eve of celebrating the nearness and closeness of Immanuel." Preparing My Heart for Advent by Ann Marie Stewart.

Niece Night

For the second year in a row we invited the six younger nieces over to bake and craft on December 23. An hour ahead I wondered WHY?!? But an hour after I was basking in the sweetness.

Six little girls from age 6 to 12 ... who knew the results. But they were giggling and happy and cooperative and sweet the entire three hours. What a delight. Cousin time.

Emily chose Kiss-mouse decorations (yum) and stringed popcorn for her part of the evening. (Anna was at work.) Aunt Grace chose journaling. If I instill the thought of journaling year by year...perhaps they will pick up on this enriching habit some day...

I purchased Composition Notebooks and some Heat n Bond. They got to pick fabric from the Aunt Grace stash, and then we heat n bonded it to the front of the notebooks. Back upstairs at the dining room table they got to sticker and cut and paste and write. And giggle. Lots of giggles.

I was amazed at how they enjoyed it. No one was bored. They were disappointed to clean up at 9:30. They all promised to bring their journals back next year, and I promised to have new ones and new supplies. Now that I know what a hit this was, I think a little kit will be assembled throughout the year for each of them. [I was hoping to assemble a fun journal kit or two this year, but picked SIX BOY NAMES in the family exchange. Sigh]

There's a lot of hustle and bustle of the season that comes and goes. But investing in people...that gives back more to my heart than the time invested. An evening well spent. An Aunt Grace legacy begun...

merry kiss-mouse

the littlest niece, Sydney

Stringing garland

Journal time!

2011

During my reading this morning I was reminded of Luke 1:37,

"For nothing is impossible with God."

What an amazing truth.

Right then and there I opened the 2011 Moleskine and put it on the inside front cover - a happy smattering of mismatch stickers. My motto for 2011...and beyond. My mantra. What I will learn to say under my breath...

My 2010 red Moleskine journal is literally bursting at the seams. What a year. It will be like putting a dear friend on the shelf...

Reading the Word, writing, journaling, pondering...I love it all. I take time most mornings, and it is my homemade therapy. Maybe 2011 is the year of the journal for you?

Christmas

Here's a peek at Christmas decor 2010...

Welcome! Come on in!

Sorry...Boomer is too comfy to greet you.

The tree and the fire are at the center of everything...

Peeking at the tree through the family room French door...

The dining room table gets a lot of use at this time of year, too.

I just LOVE Christmas. Everything about it. Celebrate!

Do You Hear what I Hear?

A beloved memory of mine is my older brother Jon (13 years my elder) sitting me on the piano as a little girl. He would play and sing "Do you hear what I hear?" and I would be the echo.

My devotional reading today reminded me to listen during this wondrous season. Listen more, talk less. Sounds like a plan. Right now I hear the roar of the fire...a favorite sound. And I hear Boomer snoring...he is sprawled out near the heat of the flames. Cherished morning sounds. Tonight I will hear the symphony and symphony chorus perform The Messiah. I'm in tears thinking about it. That music, those words...it moves me.

Zephaniah 3:17

17 The Lord your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.

My devotional asks, in reference to this verse, "Are you quiet enough to hear God singing over you?" What a timely question.

I'm going to listen more today.

Advent

Twice in the last day I've been asked if I know of a good advent devotional. Twice I've referred them to my advent blog of a few years ago. So, if you're looking for a small daily reading, try http://advent-ful.blogspot.com

I'm going to revisit it too, and add comments here and there...so...read the comments for new insights. And PLEASE...leave a comment and your own thouhgts as well.

More presence

This morning my Bible reading took me to another gem.

Psalms 31:20 NASB
20 You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man;
You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues.

Did you see that phrase? "...the secret place of Your presence..." What a treasure! No matter what is swirling around us, what others may be saying or plotting, we can look away, breathe His name, and be swept under His wing to the place of secret presence.

Presence. I just can't get enough of it.

Presence

This morning as I studied in 1 Samuel 21:1-9, I came across the account of David eating the Bread of the Presence which was given to him by the priest.

Beth Moore had the following observation, "The everlasting covenant symbolized by the bread of the Presence was a reminder of the pledge of God's presence to His people. As he offered bread to David through Ahimelech the priest, I believe God pledged His presence to David throughout his exile and promised to be his complete sustainer." (p. 110 of David, 90 Days with a Heart Like His)

This resonates with me. Of all God's gifts, one of His greatest is presence. His presence. Here with me.

Emmanuel is one of my favorite words for Christ.

Matthew 1:23, "'...AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL, ' which translated means "GOD WITH US."

What a gift. What a sustenance. Christ is the bread of God's presence to and in us.

Recently in church I sang the song, "In the Presence of Jehovah," which has some of the most powerful words I've ever sung. It could be the theme song for any future speaking I might do. The lyrics so aptly describe what I find to be true.

In and out of situations

That tug-a-war in me

All day long I struggle

For answers that I need

Then I come into His presence

All my questions become clear

And for a sacred moment

No doubt can interfere.

In the presence of Jehovah

God Almighty Prince of Peace

Troubles vanish

hearts are mended

in the presence of the King

Through His love the Lord provided

A place for us to rest

A place to find the answers

In hours of distress

So now there’s never any reason

To give up in despair

Just look away and breathe His name

He will come and meet you there.

Presence. Nothing this world offers compares to experiencing the presence of the Almighty from moment to moment. As temptations and trials and worries press from every side, I truly need to "look away and breathe His name," and the situation becomes more bearable.

Presence. Emmanuel. Think upon these things.

Autumn

October 25. Two months until Christmas.

It's still 70 degrees here, so I expect we're all a bit unprepared, a bit un-adjusted. One day we could wake up to snow. This is Wisconsin, but even for here, this is bizarre weather. I did have a few fires on cool mornings, but overall... it's been warm.

It's time to change the photo on the top of the blog. The zinnias are about done. Not frozen yet, but I think they dried up. We've had a very dry fall.

The squirrels are in full preparation mode. I detest squirrels. They dig and bury items that sprout, and they eat all the bird seed. Rats with bushy tails. As I sit at my desk I see them all over the place in the trees.

The bird bath is the center of activity. I've never seen this before. There are quarrels at the bath as to which robin should flutter about in there first. Truly, there are a half dozen robins who are quite intent on cleaning up. They jump in and almost roll... fluffing their feathers every which way. And they're huge. Big fat robins. Are they readying to fly south?

Staring out the window is a huge temptation when your backyard is a woods. I love it. I feel my blood pressure lowering.

Yesterday a couple and their mid twenties daughter returned to church. Hadn't seen them for a while. Their thoughts were turned towards God last week when their 21 year old son, their baby, died of a drug overdose. Are there words to say? I hugged each of them tight.

As *problems* have arisen since then, the irritations of life, I've been comparing them mentally with what I *could* be coping with this morning. This is a healthy and timely reminder to me to count my blessings. And to GET OVER IT. This world ain't my home, I live here with a whole herd of imperfect people, and they're stuck with me. But I have health, relative wealth, safety, and four living breathing healthy children. Thank you Jesus.

Nothing much today. I'm just watching the robins and counting my blessings.

Young at Heart

Last Friday I was numb. A stressful week...we'll leave it at that. And so I cranked up the fire, brewed the coffee, and sat in my pajamas intent on *wasting* some time. First up was the crossword puzzle. I used to do them a lot. Now it's rare. Time. Who has enough?

I digress... So...the crossword is in the same section as the movies and the restaurant reviews. Mmmm. Delicious section that is. An article caught my eye - it contained a list of movies starring older actors, or the theme of aging. I wrote down some titles, cut out the article (which is now lost - likely recycled), and ordered a few on NetFlix.

Last night Frank and I began "Young at Heart." What an absolute gem. Here's how it is described on the Netflix envelope:

Coldplay, the Clash and Jimi Hendrix will never sound the same once you've heard the Young@Heart chorus, a group of Massachusetts senior citizens who thrill audiences worldwde with their unusual...and unusually poignant...covers of rock songs. Stephen Walker's humane and heartwarming documentary, which premiered at Sundance in 2008, follow the elderly ensemble as they prepare their latest show for public performances.

I love old people. Truly. And these spry 80 year olds are the cream of the crop. Simply adorable as they try to learn the lyrics to punk and rock songs.

I completely recommend this movie - for an entertaining, feel good, real life encounter with aging with grace. Wow. I can't wait to finish it tonight.

Another benefit... one of the women, 92 years old, is highlighted often. Her face is layer upon layer of happy wrinkles. She looks like a beautiful senior citizen version of a very wrinkly faced dog. I mean that as a compliment. Her face is amazingly layered and just exudes beauty.

But anyhow, this morning as I put on my eye cream and Oil of Olay, I actually thought...geez...you look YOUNG. Ha. That is a fringe benefit indeed. I feel like a youngster after a few hours with that group.

Rent it. And then come back to comment. Enjoy!

My own way

Precious morning time. Seated at the dining room table with my pumpkin coffee, my iPad Bible, our new Bible study book -Beth Moore's "David: 90 Days with a Heart Like His," my journal and my colored pens. And on this kinda sad, tired, slightly overwhelmed feeling morning, God sliced right through the centuries to speak right to me. 1 Samuel 8:1-22 is the text. Israel wants a king, which so saddens the prophet Samuel. They want their way, not God's way A couple of Beth's observations speak deeply to me.

"One lesson speaks of patience. God had already planned a king for the people. Their lack of patience was to cost them dearly. If they had waited for the Lord's choice instead of demanding their way, how different might the story have been?" (p. 47)

I had never thought about the fact that of course God already David picked out, the king in the lineage of Jesus. Patience. God has a plan. The best plan for all involved.

"Often when God does not readily give us what we want, it is because He knows what our desire would cost us. Faith sometimes means forgoing our desires because we trust Christ to have a better plan for our lives." (p. 47)

Yes, yes, of course. It's good to be reminded of the basics, isn't it?

I love this morning hour with God. My flexible job sometimes demands abbreviated Word time, abbreviated "journal sit and ponder time." Flexibility goes both positive and negative of course. But today, today I can get to work a bit later because I have to work bit tomorrow and Monday which are generally my days off. So today I am savoring, and pleading for an attitude adjustment in this blue spell.

Romans 5:3-5
3   And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

God always meets us when we slow to listen, and amazingly, He knows just what to say. :)

Theology

Studying Theology over here. Couple thoughts.

1. My right hand just rubbed against bare wood on the desk as I wrote review notes on an index card. That bare wood is from my father's hand rubbing there as he wrote 50 years of sermons at this desk. That just warms my heart. I've been missing him lately.

2. I wanted to share the definition of Verbal Plenary Inspiration. (the Trinity Evangelical Divinity School view of Scripture) That description is derived from 2 Tim 3:16

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

All = plenary = the whole of Scripture

Scripture = verbal = The words themselves are inspired

God breathed = inspired = exhaled by God.

The Bible is the result of the creative initiative and action of God.

Stream of Consciousness

There are so many blog posts rolling around in me as I journal, and yet of course my to do list is longer than my day, preventing me from pouring them onto my keyboard. But, what the heck, I'll write a little here and there.

HELLO!

Our Anna Grace is 18 today. Amazing: another child brought to adulthood. One to go. It is one of life's pleasures to see your children grow into delightful people. Many times recently I've questioned if I was cut out for four children [I'm not good with chaos] [I totally melt down at times in chaos] but truly the benefits outweigh the exhaustion. [I'm in the exhaustion stage of life] Happy Birthday Anna Grace. We can't imagine a more well rounded, sweet Christian daughter than you.

What I love about Anna is that she grabs all of life - enjoys so many different activities and people, and is so content in her own skin. It's a joy to watch. [She's starkly different than her mother was at 18] [thank God] And yes, we definitely have our mother daughter face to face conflicts, but those are so a part of the normal process of gaining independence that I'm thankful for them too. We have a very honest relationship. I love my Anna Grace.

This week end my friend Kathi and I were at The Moody Church in Chicago for a 1.5 day seminar on the Middle East Conflict and how it relates to the Bible. Amazing. The featured speaker was Joel Rosenberg. My father so enjoyed his book, "Epicenter" when it was released in 2006, and would have LOVED this conference. We loved this conference, and I wish I had more time to study it. I'm hoping an elective will come along in seminary so that I can spend more time in Prophecy.

One of the speakers was a former driver and sniper who worked for Arafat. He was touched by the love of Jesus through a patron at a restaurant in which he worked, and turned his life around. Now his life is spent spreading Christ's love in the Arab world. What an amazing story of God's grace.

There are so many good options for how to spend time. And there is so much in the Word that I look forward to delving into. I wrote in my journal this morning that the definition of SWEET is when "my ought-to collides with my want-to." Studying the Word is that for me. I ought to. And I want to. Sweet.

Speaking of which, it's time to spend some time with David - a man after God's own heart. And then I need to spend a few hours on Theology - we have our mid term this week. And in between I'll be puttering around, setting the table for the big birthday dinner, making rolls, prepping for the requested chicken shrimp stir fry. The requested angel food cake is in the oven now. There are presents to wrap too. And sunshine to bask in here at the dining room table. Life today is very pleasant.

MARGIN. Kathi loves that word, and we yakked about it on our way to Chicago. What a great concept - to build margin into our days. BALANCE. Another word to chew on. And SIMPLICITY. I'm entering the stage of life where I want less stuff and not more. More beauty. Less stuff. More experiences, less stuff.

I'm singing tomorrow at the funeral of a 70 year old woman. That feels so young to me. She left behind five grand children under the age of 11. Whew. It's hard to ponder.

It's one of those days where there is just a lot swirling about in my head - can you tell? I am thankful beyond words for a Monday off. I am so glad that we have chosen over the years to have me work part time. I likely have the higher earning potential of the two of us, yet I can't express how thankful I am that we have not built a life on two full time incomes. These scattered days off keep me whole. It's my margin, creating balance in a world swirling with options. It's why we could have four children, how we could create and maintain a lovely home, how we can and could take the time to care for aging parents, and why I now can be in seminary. God has allowed me this flexibility, and for that I am extremely grateful. Each of us has different callings, different options, and different definitions of margin. I think of the verse in Psalms 16:6 "The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Indeed my heritage is beautiful to me."

[There is no time to write it now, but it is pure fact that a difficult childhood has greatly contributed to who I am, and what my priorities are. And a marriage that keeps me on my knees is the same one that allows for me to be a part time worker. God works in mysterious ways, doesn't he?]

Enjoy your Monday. Don't forget to create a moment or two of margin, and count your blessings. Lately I've been back into knitting. I knit and talk aloud to God in the morning, reciting my blessings and concerns. It might only be ten minutes, but it's really helping me to stay focused on prayer. I'll post a photo of the latest project soon...

Well, this post is really all over the place. So is my brain. Welcome. :}

Geocaching Milestone

If you want to know more about this new crazy addiction of ours, there's a simple You Tube explanation at www.geocaching.com.

Coffee

Here I sit, at the diningroom table, staring mindlessly at the zinnias in the foreground and the woods beyond...about to journal, read the Word, and then ready for a few hours at work. The world is still and calm...for the moment.

As I sip my coffee, I smile at the thought of Sweet Sue.

Sue was here for a bit on Saturday (we had not been together since end of June - that summarizes my summer - Sue is one of my absolute joys) and I enticed her to stay by offering a fresh cup of coffee. I was readying for Homecoming photos and making cookies to serve the kids, and Sue was ready to run some errands on her way home, but a cup of Caribou straight from the Keurig will lure ANY coffee drinker to stay a few more minutes. Anyhow, Sue made some comment about half and half...something like... people might *say* they love their coffee, but if you don't have half and half on hand... you're just not a real connoisseur. Ha. The intent was not that black coffee is not a *real* delight, but that if you add cream... it must be half and half. She went on to tell me of recent experiences in homes with skim milk and with evaporated milk...

Sue and I are serious about our coffee.

And so, this morning, as I stirred in my half and half, a smile spread across my face. Times with friends... priceless, aren't they?

Hello Autumn

This morning after depositing our two youngest at high school and my sister at the airport to return to Vancouver, Canada, I decided to treat myself to a Starbucks Latte. And guess what?! Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back. WOO HOO. It doesn't take a lot to make my morning. (the photo is actually a latte from Alterra at the lakefront, where one can admire the foam art...)

I have fallen off the blogging boat since returning from Paris. Maybe real life isn't as fun to report on. Or maybe 2010 has turned out to be the fullest year of my life with little time for blogging. Or maybe both.

Phoenix in February, Paris in April, New York in July, Columbus in July, and a dozen day or overnight trips to Little Towns, Wisconsin in between. Whirlwind. Wonderful.

I'm going to say I've been too busy enjoying life to write about it. But then, my journal is bursting... so I am writing. Maybe the issue is that I prefer pen and paper to computer keyboard, especially after being attached to my computer all day at work. Maybe the issue is that I've had all four kids around a lot this summer. Or maybe, could it be, that I'm older than I used to be? For whatever reason, I tend to go into a coma earlier each evening than I used to.

Anyhow, please know that I'm contemplating blogging. I'll start slow. Little blogs. Baby steps.

My sister and I spent last week end in Door County, geocaching. What a FABULOUS thing to shape the week end for two sisters who have extremely very little in common. We had a blast. I took this photo in Peninsula State Park on a trail I had never been on before. Haunting, isn't it? I love nature, I'm getting into hiking, and geocaching is hiking with a purpose. This is very good for me - physical strengthening, and a complete and total escape. More on that later. For now, the coma is setting in, so it's time for sweet dreams. Good night.

Geocaching

For our twenty fifth wedding anniversary, I needed to find a good gift for Frank. Since he doesn't really have a hobby, yet he loves keeping log books of trip mileage and stops, and since he loves the outdoors, I decided to get him the equipment to geocache. It is the perfect sport for him.

Bought the Garmin Oregon 450, a Moleskine log book, a laminated Wisconsin map, and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Geocaching. Wrapped it all up. He was surprised and delighted.

Geocaching is like a treasure hunt. You use Global Positioning Signals to locate a "cache," a hidden treasure. The website is www.geocaching.com.

We signed up. We downloaded some caches from the web site to the Garmin, and we were off.

And I'm hooked. Totally hooked. I did not need a new hobby. At all. But I am the one hooked. I am the one who has read the book and crawled the web site. It's so ridiculous.

Frank went on a business trip to Pennsylvania tonight. I persuaded him to take the Garmin and the Idiot Guide. He can find caches near him on the web, upload them, and score a cache or two in Pennsylvania. He wasn't convinced that he wanted to add that to a business trip. I coaxed. We'll see.

We spent two afternoons by the lake, figuring out what in the heck we were doing, and hunting downtown caches. I so love Lake Michigan. Yesterday was HOT and HUMID and the lake effect was nil. I was *so* hot and *so* sweaty. Today was much cooler, breezy and pretty much perfection. Oh how I love walking by Lake Michigan.

Here are some photos of the Red Hots. (that's our team name) I'm really hoping this is just the beginning of a leisure activity we can enjoy together both home and while traveling. Check it out!

Searching on the rocks
Following the Garmin
Found our FIRST cache - a micro-cache

Signed the log sheet. We rerolled the log and put it back in the cache (film container to the right) and then put it back in its hiding place.
Our SECOND found cache - it was inside the opening below - had to stick a *gloved* hand under there to feel around. ( I let Frank do that!)


As of today, we've found FIVE. We're on a roll.

My logical boy. My silly dog.

At Starbucks, loving their free wi-fi while Jake gets a haircut in the shop next door. First day home held some amusement.

Jake wandered in to my room when I got home from work, asking me about the conference and telling me about parts of his week. I told him I met "the lady." "Kay Arthur?" he asked. "Yup!" I explained that I told her about him, and that she had hugged me and signed my Bible. He asked "What kind of person autographs a Bible!? It's not like she wrote it.". Ha. That is pretty logical I guess. I explained that she wrote all the accompanying commentary. Such a kid. That really hit my funny bone since it seemed so perfectly natural to have her sign it for me.

Boomer missed me. A lot. I got home from work and he clung to my ankle. Anna needed me to move my car so she could go to work, and I didn't have the heart to walk out on Boomer, so I brought him out with me. He hates car rides. He jumps in happily, but then howls and whines. I backed into the street, Anna left, and I pulled into the garage. I opened the door, called Boomer, and he would not budge. He even ignored me, staring straight ahead. Whew. I walked into the house, knowing he would scamper after me. No scamper. I got a hot dog, and waved the treat. No movement. I broke up the hotdog and made a path from reachable to out of reach to out of car. Not a muscle moved. He was doggedly intent that I was not leaving without him ever again.

No one else was home. 15 minutes passed without so much as a movement towards the hot dog. This just cracked me up since he so dislikes the car and so loves hot dogs.

Boomer just isn't himself when I'm gone, and I must admit I've abandoned him a lot this year. He was paying me back. Frank and Jake arrived, and Jake hauled him in on his leash, stating that dogs do not have enough reasoning to associate cars and leaving. Hmmmm. I beg to differ. Boomer knew.

It's good to be home with my logical boy and silly dog!

A decadent day

Hello from the Embassy Suites in Columbus, Ohio. Tonight is my fifth night here, and I am staying until Tuesday. I have an air conditioned-as-cold-as-I-want-it, two room sweet suite all

to myself, and I am soaking it up.

I attended a three credit class here at a Trinity extension: Xenos Christian Fellowship. [by the way, if you google that, you can get to pages and pages of downloadable teaching from years of great speakers] The class was entitled "Theology and Practice of the Spiritual Life." When I saw the description in our Trinity Evangelical Divinity School catalog, I knew I had to take this course. Then I discovered that it wrapped around a conference here with an emphasis on Bible study and Bible teaching. And the cherry on the top of this delightful treat? Kay Arthur was one of the featured speakers for the Summer Institute conference.

Meeting Kay Arthur is was on my bucket list.

We arrived Wednesday - about 25 of us in the class, and thousands for the conference which began that evening. To my surprise Kay Arthur was in the audience for the Thursday morning lectures. As soon as I saw her I made a bee line over to her, gave her a hug, told her I was a groupie and got my photo with her. I told her the story of how when Jake was a preschooler he would watch Barney on TV and then announce, "It's time for the lady!" He would play in the family room while I watched Kay for an hour and took copious notes while paging through my Bible. She ignited a passion for God's Word in me that has not and will not subside. She is one of my Spiritual mentors.

During her talk she told us she is 76 years old. Hmmmm. Would you ever ever guess that? You would not guess it from listening to and watching her, either. She was all over that stage, and her energy and passion were unparalleled. I will tell you that she is *very* photogenic. She looks a bit older up close and personal, but gosh... God is keeping her young and spry.

What a thrill for me. I bought a brand new leather Inductive Study Bible, and had her autograph it. She wrote,

"Grace dear ~

May this be your treasured tent of meeting with God - Exodus 33:7-14 and 2 Timothy 2: 1-7. Love, Kay July 23, 2010

It brings tears to my eyes to read that. I taught the pentateuch, and remember being so touched in Exodus with the tent of meeting, and how Moses lingered there. I remember teaching that each of us could enter the tent - that God awaits us.

The intense three days ended yesterday. Afterwards I was mentally numb, but managed to review some homework assignments, and organize my millions of notes. I shopped a bit - the puttery aimless kind of shopping that you only do on vacation. And then I slept. A lot.

Today I did one of my homework assignments. This is the description:

The observance of a three hour focused solitude. Find a time and a place that will provide for uninterrupted attention on the inner life. You should take a Bible and perhaps a journal but that is all. Prayerful meditation on Scripture and Spirit-led examination of the heart should occupy virtually the entire time of solitude. it will be important for you to be very intentional about how you will use this time. Don't be afraid to have something of a plan in place ahead of time. Be prepared to adjust your plans in response to the Spirit's direction but do not enter into the solitude with no sense of how you plan to use the time. The solitude should take place after we have discussed solitude in class. Write a one page report on this experience telling how the time got spent and what possibilities you see for the observance of similar solitudes in your future.

I find it hard to imagine a homework assignment that I'd prefer doing. My report is below.

So much to blog about. My blogging has petered out since Paris - so sorry. But I'll be back. Life is good and full and I am so blessed. Blessings to you all. -g

Preparation: Staying in Columbus for a few extra days allowed me needed conference decompress time, and an opportunity for the observance of this solitude. The night before my planned solitude I read from The Gospel Primer, noting on paper a list of verses to ponder. This included a few whole chapters, so I was secure that three hours would be filled. I am also newly convicted to use M’Cheyne’s method to get a broader sweep of Scripture. (I tend to take small bites and chew them long and hard!) This incredibly user friendly daily application was previously downloaded to my iPad but never started, so I wrote down the Day One chapters on my note pad. The morning of the solitude, I showered, ate, sorted notes, and cleaned up my room in preparation. I reread my notes on the lecture “Against the Flow.” I put my Blackberry and laptop in the front room of the hotel suite, and set up my supplies in the quieter back room. This included my (brand new) Inductive Study Bible, my colored pencils and pens, and some blank pages of notebook paper. I readied with a water bottle, tissues, and a sweater. I began. More days than not I spend an hour with the Lord in quiet solitude each morning at home, so I looked to this time with anticipation, and knew the time would fly.

Result: A blessed time. 11:02 to 11:18 a.m. was preparation. [Hebrews 11:6 to Mark 9:24 to James 4:7-10 to James 1:17.] 11:18 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. was confession. God had a lot to discuss with me! [2 Cor 10:5-7; James 1:17 (confessing that I really don’t trust that He knows what is *good* for me); and then all of James 4.] I found that most of the sins that God was bringing to mind were dealt with in James 4. I thought I was done and then asked Him again (and again) “What else Lord?” 12:15 to 1:40 p.m. was spent on M’Cheyne’s four readings. LOVED IT. Then I still had time so I went to Romans 5, because I had noted that Milton Vincent said that Romans 5 saved his life. (page 94) What a rich text. Preaching the Gospel to myself. I began to outline a teaching for an upcoming retreat on verses 3 to 5. Verse 5 brought tears as I realized how much I need to rehearse to myself that God loves me and pours His love into my heart. The retreat teaching took me to Deuteronomy 30 which God has given me as my life message. I had never used it attached to Romans 5:3-5 so I loved that. At 2:25 p.m. the Amen. I truly love being in His Word.

What I learned: I’m really practiced at the solitude, the journaling and the Bible intake. It is completely natural. Yet I realized that I read the Word with teaching in mind. I would like to have my guitar and a few songs to add to my worship in this time. Or perhaps Scriptures that go over the attributes of God. I need more worship and adoration. (How do I turn off the teacher in me?) I also realized that having my Blackberry OFF and the internet connection OFF is key. I realized that recently my daily morning hour with God has included dealing with some outside influences delivered through technology. I plan to incorporate M’Cheyne into my morning hour which will mean moving *lesson study* to another time. I will aim for a three hour solitude once a month, and put the next one in my date book each time. A full blown retreat like this luxurious six nights in this hotel once a year will also be my goal. I LOVED THIS ASSIGNMENT, and I learned a lot about my habits and how I can further sweeten my times with the Lord.

New Design...New Post

Wow. This new background template should wake us all up! Whew.

It's me! Yes, I'm alive and blogging. As usual there are about 50 blog posts in me, but let me start with observations on John 6. If only I had the time to sit and write and write...

As I am preparing to lead a study in John later this summer, I'm re-reading this Gospel in the New Living Translation. One morning recently I read John 6:16-21. The familiar story of Jesus calming the storm held some new realizations for me.

John 6:16-21 (NLT)
16 That evening Jesus’ disciples went down to the shore to wait for him.
17 But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum.
18 Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough.
19 They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified,
20 but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!”
21 Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination!

The first thing I observed was that when the disciples went ahead without Jesus, a storm blew in. Isn't that just perfect? How many times do we bring on our own storms by leaving Jesus behind as we row into our own plans. You can pretty much count on the sea getting "very rough" when you leave Jesus behind.

What if the disciples had waited for Him? The darkness was falling, and they panicked. They came up with a plan B because they could not wait upon the Lord. Hmmm. Know anyone like that?

Next I noticed who initiated reconnection in the storm: Jesus. He did not forget about them or think that the storm served them right. He sought them out. He walked right out to them. Isn't it comforting to know that Jesus holds us, longs for us and reaches out to us when we fail?

I love how the disciples are described as EAGER to let him in the boat. Indeed! But we can learn from that too. How many times do we beat ourselves up, saying, "If only..." or "I don't deserve forgiveness." While it's true that our decisions bring consequences with them, it is also true that we serve a merciful Lord and that we need to learn to be EAGER to get Him back in our boat. Keep a short list of sins. When you blow it, repent, reconcile, and get Him back in the boat! The sooner the better!

Finally, once they had Jesus in the boat they immediately reached their destination. I've been thinking about this lately. I have this plan for my life, and my prayers often reflect the elements necessary to achieve MY plan. But really, what is the destination? For me it truly has become Peace with God. That's my destination. What could possibly be worth missing out on that? I need to keep concentrating on our relationship, and leave the steering to Him. If He's in my boat, I've already reached my destination. I need to relax into the journey.

God's Word is simple and complex. Simple enough to read and understand. Complex enough that with each perusal the nuances become clearer. I just love that.

Good night!

Enjoying the Journey

Today is day four of a four day week end. The "to do list" is partially conquered, but really, there's never an end. On top of that I'm a wee bit blue and feeling unmotivated. So, I'm gifting myself a gentle kind of day - puttering here and there without time pressure. I need to be gentler to myself at times.

I'm the current STOP of a traveling book, All the Way to Heaven by Elizabeth Sherrill. I have very little time to read anything other than class materials, and I tend to spend any time I do have on my Bible study. But I'm not ready to forward this book quite yet because it really is a gem.

These quotes have made me pause as I read them just now.

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, "Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown." And he replied, "Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way." ~Minnie Louise Haskins

"Our hand in his is of course a poet's way of expressing trust. And why should dark be better for our journey than daylight? Because, I've come to feel, holding our hand is God's delight."

"Getting there, even to some noble goal, is not as important to God, I suspect, as the journey in companionship with him. It's relationship, not achievement, that he wants."

"It's an hour by hour, minute by minute thing, Andrew [as in Brother Andrew] said. 'God doesn't set us a task and come back later to see how we've done. He goes with us every inch of the way.' And it's along the way that the important thing happens, the creature falling in step with the Creator."

Of course I know all this in my brain. But this speaks to my heart. My "to do list" heart with the mentality that often rates a day by its productivity.

Today is not overly productive, or at least not as productive as I'd like. But I am in relationship with the One who understands the blues, knows the causes and holds the solution. I'm leaning in. I want to bring him delight - the delight of my still hand in His, even for moments at a time, is a lovely picture indeed.

Le Jardin

It's hard to believe the garden - it's in crazy bloom and grow mode. It's not even Memorial Day week end and I've already been out planting and trimming. This has to be a record. What will I do all week end? (smile)

You can see photos here.

And no, there are no photos of the powdery mildew nor the bush with a bad haircut...

Powdery Mildew

Wow it's hot out there.

But I still had to go out to the garden and try to save my favorite swaying bushes just outside our living room window. They had patches of white powdery mildew and it was spreading. So, I googled it (of course) and came up with a baking soda, dishsoap and water concoction to spray on AFTER removing all affected leaves.

I cut away limbs. I cut away individual leaves. I cut away flower buds. Cut cut cut. I was rather ruthless because I *really* like this plant. And then I sprayed and sprayed and sprayed, likely overdoing it but wanting to protect the healthy foliage.

And of course it got me thinking.

I'm being pruned right now. Is it because God loves me so much?
Even some tender new shoots of my life are being snipped away - areas I thought might bloom soon. Hmmm.
He's really going at it - snips are coming in all directions. Marriage is hard. Parenting one child is so full of tough love right now - it's agonizing. A "friend's" words were repeated to me - complaining/maligning that was done in a CHURCH setting which makes it even more painful. Work is so busy. School coursework is piled on in this abbreviated summer time frame. And then there's garden ailments on top of it all!

Where does a gal go to resign? I could make a good hermit right about now.

Pruning is needed. Some self pruning is usually a good option as well. Where can I relieve some pressure? What mildew have I accumulated? What do I need to cut out of my life? (a continual revelation as God wants more and more of me) God's pruning is not self directed, but if I deal with sin issues, He won't have to.

I need to remember what I learned in the garden this morning: I was not hacking away at the bush to hurt it. I was cutting deep because I want to save it. I want it to be healthy. I don't want it to infect nearby plants. Believe me, it was difficult to prune away flower buds, but it had to be done. I had to cut away for the long term health rather than the short term beauty. And then I had to apply the cleansing and protecting coat of baking soda, water and dish soap.

In my life the best healing application is the cleansing and protecting Word of God. I need to keep applying it...bathing in it...even with my freshly pruned limbs. It will sting, and it might wither some parts of me that need destroying. But I'd rather overdo it than not apply enough.

And above all, I need to remember that my Master Gardener knows what He's doing in order to produce the best possible fruit in me at just the right season. In most of these situations I don't have big changes to make, but I need to lean in and TRUST that He knows what He's shaping in me.

Jesus said, "I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. ... When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father." (from John 15:1-8 NLT)

Please allow my pruning to bring You glory, Father. Amen.

Back in the swing

Bonjour! We've been back from Paris for a week and a half, but I'm still barely awake at ten pm. I think I wore myself out! What a fabulous city - I am officially a Francophile. I want to live in Paris.

I just had my hot chocolate. Each night I make myself a cup of hot milk, and add splenda and ghiradeli cocoa...quite sublime. It's a wee taste of Paris to savor here in Greendale.

A new class is begun, work is busy, Anna just had prom, Frank was in Toronto, the garden needs tending...back to life in full swing. I am surrounded by piles that need my attention.

But my heart...tis still in Paris. I'm not quite all back yet. And not sure that I want to be.

Bon soir, gjr.

From Paris with Love

Now I am getting VERY excited. Our trip is feeling...REAL.

Other than a client lunch at the Yacht Club tomorrow, I'm done with work for TWO weeks. Bliss. I've been working 45-50 hours a week for the last month, and I'm pooped and ready for this break.

I have three days to clean the house, pack and repack. And to keep brushing up on my French. And to read the three novels set in France that I have begun. Sounds heavenly. Putter and read. Love it.

I have set up a new blog for our trip. The address is http://bonjourgracie.blogspot.com/

So, go there now and sign up to follow. I'm hoping to chronicle our Paris adventures there, so, check in often. And please oh please...comment!

Not sure if I'll blog here again before Monday, so, if not, au revoir!

Mysterious ways

Sometimes, often, God's ways are not my ways. He answers my prayers ... creatively.

We have a big, once in a lifetime trip coming up. I've been praying. I'm not a worrier, but this has been looming for months, and I AM a planner for sure.

A couple months ago I prayed earnestly that God would assist us financially so that the usual *stuff* wouldn't accompany Frank and I to Paris. Frank is an accountant, and he thinks in terms of budgeting. Everything. Me, I work hard and then like to enjoy the moments with the cash on hand. I don't spend beyond what we have, but I count the cost of missed opportunities more than the budgetary consequence. We've learned how to deal with that difference, but it causes a few tense moments. Actually, we balance each other out. On my own, I'd be broke but smiling. He'd be rich and dull. So...anyhow, I want our time in Paris to be stress free.

This morning as I made breakfast for Jake for the first time in weeks, I reviewed the absolute CRAZY schedule I've been keeping. I generally work 24 hours a week, but now I'm on my fourth straight week of full time plus. Add that to finishing a graduate school class, and keeping up with a busy family, a lot of singing at Easter, blah blah blah... you get the picture. I've never had five work projects on my desk at one time, but I do now! I've been under enormous pressure, juggling them and trying to keep them straight and moving forward. My work is all about deadlines, and the clients set the timing. When the Request for Proposal arrives in the mail, I have a deadline.

But this morning God reminded me of my prayers. My last two checks have been larger than usual, and the one I get this Friday will be close to double my normal paycheck. Just in time. Thank you Lord. I would have preferred finding a wad of twenties, but, indeed, You did provide.

As a diabetic, my health is another concern when traveling - I don't get sick that often, but when I do, the diabetes makes it worse. Also, I have not been sick since my lung yuck which landed me in the hospital this last December, so I've been wondering if the next cold or flu would hit my lungs. Well, God allowed a sinus infection last week, which is not a surprise since sleep was sparse and stress was high. Working non stop and finishing up this semester's final paper, the last thing I needed was a sinus infection. I'm coming out of it now, and it was intense. But hey... no lung involvement (thank you Jesus) and now my resistance is up. I generally only get one illness per season...so...I should be good to go!

Add to that the unpredictable amazing volcanic ash situation, and you'll have a glimpse of my recent duress.

And so this morning, as I sip my coffee, I'm smiling. God and I handled this one a little better than usual. I've been praying a lot, listening to uplifting music, and purposefully turning my thoughts to Him in the moments when panic threatened. My ten page fully annotated paper on "sanctification" is turned in, the Monday night final quiz went well, three projects are out of my hands and under review. The fourth and largest (60 pages of type and photo) ( times six copies, bound etc.) goes into UPS this morning. One more project to tackle, and I will get it done in the remaining work week.

My sinuses, along with the air space over Europe, are clearing.

Trust. I'm learning to trust. And this time, amazingly, I saw real progress in my reactions and in my inner responses. There's nothing like the peace that passeth understanding.

"Dependence" by Jamie Slocum has been my Prozac song of the last few weeks - God has really ministered to me through it. I'm growing. I'm leaning in. Who knows what He's preparing me for...

April 19th

Today is the one year anniversary of my father's trip to heaven. I still miss him. Grief is a strange travel companion. Just when you think you have dealt with it all, another memory hits and the tears well up again. But it has been a sweet year, for I am so thankful that I know without a doubt that Gib (that's what I called him for the last decade) is in heaven enjoying his eternal reward. Oh how forlorn the first year of grief must be without that assurance.

In my reading this morning, I am in 1 Samuel 1-3. It's one of those times when I'm simply reading the passage for the study I'm doing (A Heart Like His by Beth Moore) and wham... God's sovereign timing became evident.

The verse that hit me is 1 Samuel 3:13 and 14, " For I [God] told him [Eli] that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons made themselves contemptible, and he failed to restrain them. Therefore, I swore to the house of Eli, 'The guilt of Eli's house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.'"

My dad had some tough conversations with his children near the end of his days. Some of my siblings still resent it, and wonder why he risked relationship. But as I read this passage I am so proud of my late daddy. He did indeed know that speaking plainly about what the Bible says about sin might risk alienation. But some things are more important than being popular. It was so not unloving. It was the essence of self sacrificial love. My father spoke the truth of God's word into a situation where God's Word is not seen as relevant. He knew the likely consequence. But he did it anyhow.

In this Scripture, Eli's lack of confrontation caused a *permanent* scar on the family line. That is very sobering.

So in addition to being thankful for the relationship I had with my father, the love of Scripture that he held until his last conscious moments, his steadfast spirit in times of duress, this morning I am thankful for his bravery. For his obedience. For his love and concern for each and every one of his children. He spoke the truth as he knew it - the God breathed innerant Word. There is no greater legacy.

I miss you Gib, but I'm happy for you. You've made it through the preparatory school of human life, and you've moved on to the real thing. See you soon!

New Toys

So, yesterday I had an appointment for a Mac class at Mayfair mall. I went early to play with the iPad, as I was really considering buying one. In another post I might explain my uses, but for now, let's just say that I would get as much use as most out of this new toy.

A salesman approached me - we'll call him Mark. He asked me if he could help, and I told him I wanted to see if the apps I use regularly on my iPod would transfer well to an iPad. He of course asked for an example, so I explained that I am a theology student, and I would need the Olive Tree Bible software to work at least as well. I have various Bible versions and also a Systematic Theology text on there. At that point it became very fun, for Mark looked right at me and excitedly told me that he had been going to church for one month, and didn't really know what to do next as far as studying the Bible. We talked about the church, a non denominational church in Wales, and how much he loved attending. I was able to show him the Bible application, and also direct him to Living on the Edge dot com where there is an entire online discipleship class - R12. (R12 stands for Romans 12)

This really was a kick for me. I am not overly gifted in evangelism - my forte is more in the discipleship area. But this was really exciting, and will spur me on to be more open about my passion for the Word. As in a previous post where I shared with a business partner and was asked to pray for our lunch, I am finding that sharing about my studies opens doors. Or not. But either way is okay - that is God's business. My part is to be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within me. (1 Peter 3:15)

TIme for work. With our big vacation just TWO WEEKS from today, I'll be working 40 plus hours a week unti then. I miss my Mondays off already!

Do what you can.

This morning I am reading in my new Mosaic NLT - a very cool version of the Bible that you can read about at www.HolyBibleMosaic.com. I am reading the suggested readings for Passion Week. (the week of Good Friday leading up to Easter)

As I began to read Mark 14:1-15:47, I made a few notes that greatly encouraged me.

Mark 14:3 depicts the story of the woman pouring out expensive perfume onto Jesus as an act of devotion. Of course she is criticized. It's good for me to remember that I won't always be understood - except by Jesus. He knows the very motivation of her heart, (I just LOVE THAT) and commends her in verse 7, "You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me." And it made me think - it's okay to not always be the most sensible one in the room. There are times when we need to live in the moment and take advantage of an opportunity that won't come our way again.

I'm actually kind prone to this kind of behavior, but there are people in my life who don't approve. Do you know what I mean? This verse was just freeing to me this morning. I want to live in such a way that I am flexible enough to pour the perfume, to live in the here and now and see what God is up to. There are moments of JOY to be found in the most ordinary places - we just have to be open to them. Ephesians 5:16 tells us to "Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days." Colossians 4:5 says the same. (read the context of those verses to see that in our actions we are to be gracious, and not act thoughtlessly) And it is also important to note that this example of spontaneity is OTHER focused. It would be easy to spur of the moment take care of ME... but this example is all about her sacrificing for another - for her Lord.

I love Mark 14: 8's wording in the New Living Translation: Jesus says, "She has done what she could..." Isn't that FREEING? What does God expect from me, from you? That we do what we can. We don't have to figure it out, solve the problem, fix the mess... it's not always our responsibility. We just have to do what we can. Jesus appreciated that, and pointed it out to those nay-saying disciples of His. I just LOVE this. Jesus so appreciated her gesture of love, even though it really did not change the gravity of the situation. He was still going to die. But in that moment He had the sweetness of intimate relationship and devotion. He appreciated that moment.

Do you ever feel hopeless in a situation: your or someone else's problem is just so big that it paralyzes you to inaction? Just...do what you can. Ease her burden for just a few moments if you can. Just be there. Do what you can. Sometimes when I am in a pit of despair, I simply need a hug, and then I feel less alone. I always need an anointing of God's Word - a simple word of hope from a friend - a reminder of WHO is in control.

We need to just do what we can when the opportunity arises. Look for an opportunity to bless someone today.

Olive Tree

If you have an iPhone or an iPod touch, you'll want to read this.

I downloaded Olive Tree Bible reader to my iPod touch, and it has changed my quiet time. Really. Whereas I used to have stacks of Bibles (versions) and books to tote about, I now use my iPod A LOT.

So far I have loaded 5 Bibles: NASB with Strongs, ESV Study Bible, Mosaic NLT, NIV with notes and Amplified.

Looking up a passage is simple. Then, with a very simple two button maneuver, I can read the same verse in a different version, or the study notes for the passage. Cross references are all electronically linked. Amazing.

I can highlight, attach notes to a certain passage, and even change the icon of the note so that I know the subject matter before opening my note. The highlighters can be programmed to different titles, so I have purple highlights for "Attributes of God," orange highlights for "Promises to Plead," etc. Likely I need to show you in person how ***cool*** this is.

My iPod fits in my purse. It's always there. Instant reading if I'm stuck at the doctor's office.

I've also downloaded the free Barnes & Noble ebook reader, and have a few daily devotional books on there, too.

It's hard to put into words how exciting this is for me. (stop smirking) Keeping track of my resources and having the right things with me at the right time has been such a challenge. Yes, I still like books and the feel of the paper and the actual hand writing of my notes. But this, this is revolutionary.

When I go to class, I have my iPod instead of my Bible. And it's FAST to look up the verses. And the Greek and Hebrew definitions. I even have Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology book uploaded on Olive Tree. That actual hardcover book is 3 inches thick and 1300 pages.

Our 22 year old was sitting next to me at church yesterday, and he was intrigued as I took notes electronically on certain verses. He told me that was very cool, and that he had iPod envy.

Okay...back to studying. Quiz # 4 tonight on Christ's work, and the Five Theories of Atonement. 10 page fully annotated page due in 3 weeks. I've chosen the subject, "Sanctification."

I would love to be a full time student and writer. Anyone want to pay me? :)

Monday Monday

I love Mondays. Usually. Of late, Mondays have been spent at work. And when I don't have Monday in which to get my ducks in a row, a lot of things suffer... including my blog.

But today, today I am off work, bustling about with a to do list in my mind, thanking God for full energy and a day off in which to use it.

This morning during my Pause (trying to find a new name for my quiet time... do you like "pause"?)(something makes me think "menopause" which of course totally ruins the mind picture) I downloaded a new resource to my iPod - the Mosaic Bible. It is a New Living Translation Bible which has a "mosaic" of reference materials such as paintings, poetry, quotes from Christians throughout the centuries and from many continents ... a unique resource.

What I really *love* is the forward information.

"On our own we are little more than bits of stone and glass. Together we are the body of Christ."

"All too often we allow the here and now to dominate our lives and define who we are. But as Christians, we are each part of something much larger than simply the here and now. We are part of a mosaic - a patchwork of people, places, times, and cultures - that depicts one person: Jesus Christ.

The purpose of this Bible is to provide a way to encounter Christ on every continent and in every century of Christian history. Why? Because when this happens, God's profound and often unexpected work on behalf of his children becomes clear in new and exciting ways. It is important to see that the body of Christ is much bigger than the small piece we each experience in our everyday lives. ... It's not about the individual pieces, as important as they are. It is about the whole picture that emerges when all these pieces come together to form the beautiful mosaic that is God's church."

Such lovely thoughts. Makes my own little world less important and more important all at once. It is not all there is. And yet, my little world and influence are a part of how the world views Christ.

More information on the resource can be found at www.HolyBibleMosaic.com

Truth

The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.

Trust in the LORD forever. For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.

Isaiah 26:3,4 NASB

Blessed

Blessed I am.

Snuggled under a down lap blanket, hot coffee to my right, windows before me with birds chirping happily at the feeder - I am in my favorite spot. In the bedroom, on the love seat facing the yard, reading, sipping, journaling, and working through my current Bible study workbook.

Having been away at a hotel for a few days, I'm cognizant of the blessing of being snugged back in. The natural beauty of our woods feeds me, even in these last grey brown muddy days as we anticipate the green of spring. This luxurious pace soothes me. I need to emerge and go walking soon, to get some exercise and fresh air; but for now...I am still.

Two children have left for school. Another is up and laughing at the TV while having breakfast. One has not yet emerged from her cocoon of sleep. Blessed.

Work awaits. I'm at an odd place in career - I sense that I could jump in with both feet and find success. For my job, and my industry, I have what it takes. It's there waiting for me. And yet... would I be fulfilled at such a pace? Money and status versus time and balance. There is no *right* answer - it is a personal journey that can be coached but not taught. There is a different solution for each of us.

Likely these thoughts are swirling because of my recent travel partner. This woman, who I came to know quite well over 48 straight hours of car travel, is immensely successful in her career. Her husband is the home base for their two teens. She is one of the most balanced highly successful women that I have met. She had many sweet calls with kids - the checking in kinds of calls. She went running from our hotel. She spoke of neighbors, of church, and of times of refreshment in the woods they call their yard. She enjoys late night swims.

She was intrigued with me and my pursuits, but I could tell she didn't quite *get it.* She told me she thought I undersold myself - that I could do *more.* She was very appreciative of my studies and pursuits, but I sensed that she didn't quite think that my flexible schedule would maximize my efforts.

Well, yes, I could push. I could be at work right now rather than here reading and writing. I could be at work 60 hours a week, and paid well for it. Yes, she's right. I could do more. I could have ignored the opportunity today for lunch with Emily before she heads back to school from her spring break. I could have worked this morning to avoid the possibility of a few hours of catch up in the office on Saturday. Or I could have worked both days!

Women are given so many options, aren't we? We are the keepers of the home, the keepers of the children, the keepers of our goals and dreams, the keepers of relationships, and the increasingly, the keepers of the workplace. A priority must be to be the keeper of balance in the very precious gift of 24 hours each day. Conscious choice. Choose where to invest my minutes.

I'm thankful for options. I realize that not everyone has them. But even as full time workers, or single moms, each woman still has the opportunity to balance the remaining time. We need to nurture all parts of us: physical, spiritual, intellectual, social... we each have 24 hours. With the options I have, I still struggle to find the right combination, and not *waste* any precious minutes. Sitting and staring at my bird feeder is not a waste. Sitting and staring at the internet - that might be. Balance. Choices. Moment by moment.

Well, now it's time for 20 more minutes in the Word. And then 30 minutes on the pavement walking and listening to the birds. Often I listen to a 30 minute podcast on my iPod while I walk, but today I might just listen to the birds - live and in person.

Enjoy your Friday. Take a minute, or ten, to put your feet up and stare out the window at the wonder of spring. Go for a walk around the block at lunch time. The pause that refreshes...thinking time...I highly recommend it!

Quiet

I've been rather quiet here lately. Sorry.

It's been an introspective period. I'm not sure I've ever spent more time in Bible study, journaling in various journals, and just taking time to pray and think. It's been good. Good and quiet.

Enjoy the photo above...it's time to think spring.

I'll write soon. Very soon.

The Principle of the Path

This morning I did something I've never done before. I went to Joyce Meyer's website and watched her TV show. I had noticed in a magazine that Andy Stanley was on her show on February 15th, and I wanted to see him. My husband has been receptive to his teaching at men's group, so my interest had been piqued.

The website it here. You go there and then scroll to February 15th on that horizontal strip of tv images below the big black box.

Andy Stanley is Charles Stanley's son. And a pastor. And an author.

The simplicity of the message of their discussion really hit me today. I took notes (of course) and the two quotes that resonated with me the most are here:

"Direction, not intention, determines destination." -Andy Stanley

"Make decisions today that you're going to be happy with tomorrow!" - Joyce Meyer

If you find yourself "stuck" in any area of life, I suggest you invest 25 minutes in this show. I also watched February 14th - fabulous guest speaker from the UK (handsome AND a great accent) speaking about living in the world. His message was that we need to have an interesting and well rounded life in order to be a part of non-christians' worlds too. No holy huddles. He makes a point of being interested in people's stories. Just like Jesus.

Good stuff. Wow there's a lot of good stuff on the web.

And now, in the spirit of doing something for which I'll be glad tomorrow, I'm going to [walk right past the doughnuts and] go to the health club! Happy Friday!

Books Books Books

Oh my. I am sitting outside the orthodontist’s office, reading an e-book on my laptop. Oh my.

On Sunday at Barnes & Noble, during my wandering time, I happened upon the Nook. I’m thinking that the makers of the Nook and Kindle and the like are attempting to make quick sales in light of Apple’s impending iPad. Barnes & Noble has an army of sales people with NOOK ribbons. A saleslady asked me if I'd like to hear about it.

Of course I would. Me, who takes more books than clothes on vacation? Me, who takes books TO the bookstore just in case I don’t find the right one to peruse there? Me, the gal who had the three inch thick Theology book in her airplane carry on bag? (ya...true story)

[At the pool in Scottsdale, a 50ish man was flanked by late teen/early twenties girls - assuming daughters - each sporting a Kindle. Those girls read there for hours with their slim and sleek little readers. I must be getting old. I didn’t envy their slim and sleek bodies as much as their sexy little book readers…]

Well, since I’m an Apple gal now, I’ll wait for the iPad. But the NOOK was intriguing. At one point the saleslady made the side remark...that the books downloaded from B&N could be read on an iPod, a Blackberry, and a laptop. Um...I have all of those. I had downloaded a book onto my iPod before, and while VERY handy, it’s a bit...small. But my laptop? WHEW.

And so, rather than buy the book I was looking at, I downloaded it. And here it is on my Mac. I just turned to page one. Immediately I wanted to highlight something, and VOILA… I can! And I can make notes. It's very very simple.

Oh my. Oh my. Oh my. My laptop is usually with me, and now there will be books to read, whereever I am, without pre-thought and without adding weight and bulk to my bag. I hope some of my friends catch on to this, because you can "lend" electronic books too - for three weeks they are available to a friend but not to you on your computer. AMAZING.

I’m gonna love this.