Have you ever noticed that just when you need a boost - a few words of encouragement, the listening ear of someone who "gets it", an offer of help even though it's reality may be impossible - that help arrives, and usually just in the nick of time?
Today was not one of my better days. I'm coughing like crazy and feeling generally awful; I guess from that horrid Arizona dust storm we came through last week. Sure enough, when some allergen from the outside or some nasty bug is floating around, it'll go to my compromised lungs. Add to that, computer frustrations and trying to accomplish some work, and I was close to my wits end!
And the phone rang. I answered and a little voice that at first I did not recognize inquired about how I was doing - and what I was doing. Once I recognizedthe voice, and I had coughed a couple of times, the caller quickly got the message that my answer was - "not too great." "What do you need to do for that cough?" she asked." I assured her that I was taking all the "stuff" I could and probably just needed rest.
"Well, can you do that? Can we come and help you?" WHAT? That person lives a nine hour drive away!
"No", I replied, "Really, the work we are doing is stuff we have to do ourselves, but thank you."
"Why do you have to do it?" she asked. Well, we are preparing for our new seminar and have to do this because we want to be ready for it, and quite frankly, we need the added income," I answered sheepishly.
"Well, would you let us send you a bit of money? You know, we think so much of you and of your work, so we would be happy to send a little to help you."
I was overwhelmed! Just when I needed a shot in the arm, God must have spoken to her and prompted her to call. The "shot in the arm" wasn't her generous offer of time or money, it was just the fact that she had called, was concerned, solicitous and kind, and that God had answered my prayer for a boost even before I prayed it.
It is so true, that God gifts us with the desires of our hearts, when we don't even know what they are! When her kind words were spoken, they went straight to my heart from the heart of my friend.
One of my favorite sayings . . . A friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails. Thanks for singing today, Katydid! and to you Priscilla and Donna for all the songs you have sung to me in the past!
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Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Tradition . . .
Do you have a cherished tradition? I have a few, actually very few, but the ones I do have are oh-so-special!
At Christmas there’s Auntie Helen’s Cardamom Coffee Bread and a Christmas Eve gathering of family and friends, usually with a unique menu that includes that scrumptious coffee bread. For Thanksgiving, Donna and I get together the day before and make the grandest Pumpkin Pie and a few other pies too. For supper we make homemade Pizza and Salad, and perhaps for dessert a piece of her fabulous fudge. It seems that whenever she and I are together, we cook or bake – just our thing, and we have a way of enjoying ourselves, chatting and singing while we “work” – as we consider it, having fun.
Today, I am at Donna’s house, which is unfortunately a nine hour drive from ours. They remained in Arizona when we made our move to the mountains of New Mexico, but we find any excuse we can to get together. Last time, it was a Julio Iglesias concert near our place, and this time we are in Arizona because Ron has been accepted into a national study for Parkinson’s, and they even pay our transportation here – what a blessing in more ways than the one!
So what do you suppose we are doing? You’ve got it – we are doing our traditional cooking. She is making a potato salad to go with supper, and because my market had fresh rhubarb, I brought some to make a couple of strawberry-rhubarb pies. So tonight will be a grand feast; the product of a wonderful day of chatting and our time-honored tradition.
I sit here with computer before me, wondering if you have traditions that are precious to you. If you do, won’t you make a comment, sharing yours with all of us? Thanks!
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At Christmas there’s Auntie Helen’s Cardamom Coffee Bread and a Christmas Eve gathering of family and friends, usually with a unique menu that includes that scrumptious coffee bread. For Thanksgiving, Donna and I get together the day before and make the grandest Pumpkin Pie and a few other pies too. For supper we make homemade Pizza and Salad, and perhaps for dessert a piece of her fabulous fudge. It seems that whenever she and I are together, we cook or bake – just our thing, and we have a way of enjoying ourselves, chatting and singing while we “work” – as we consider it, having fun.
Today, I am at Donna’s house, which is unfortunately a nine hour drive from ours. They remained in Arizona when we made our move to the mountains of New Mexico, but we find any excuse we can to get together. Last time, it was a Julio Iglesias concert near our place, and this time we are in Arizona because Ron has been accepted into a national study for Parkinson’s, and they even pay our transportation here – what a blessing in more ways than the one!
So what do you suppose we are doing? You’ve got it – we are doing our traditional cooking. She is making a potato salad to go with supper, and because my market had fresh rhubarb, I brought some to make a couple of strawberry-rhubarb pies. So tonight will be a grand feast; the product of a wonderful day of chatting and our time-honored tradition.
I sit here with computer before me, wondering if you have traditions that are precious to you. If you do, won’t you make a comment, sharing yours with all of us? Thanks!
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Monday, July 11, 2011
Frustrating Days
I’m sure that you have ‘em too; those days when you sorta’ wish you’d never gotten out of bed! Today was one of those days for me.
First of all, when I awakened and did get out of bed, my Hubby was nowhere to be found. It took a couple of minutes to remember that he had an early morning appointment for our car, which, when you put on the brakes makes a growling sound, and doesn’t want to stop properly. So I figured that since our early morning ritual had been interrupted by needed car repair, I would scrape the peeling paint off of our two door trims, and repaint the trim.
Well . . . I did the scraping, and then went to the shed for the primer. No primer. Couldn’t find the exterior paint either, or the “good” paint brushes. Oh well, the scraping done, I opted for another chore. Pull back the gravel that had snuck out the end of our driveway, but halfway through that job, I was beyond exhausted, and my back was screaming. “So what,” I thought, “it’s half-done anyway.”
So I returned into the house, overheated and back aching, and decided to sit with an ice pack, a bowl of cereal, and my computer. I’ll write the blog, I figured. Cereal devoured and back pain easing, I tried for the blog, but couldn’t get on the spot for blogging.
After a brief rest, I opted to get out the paint I bought weeks ago for the new color on the Living room walls (two of them) and painted two large spots. Figured I’d better wait until Ron came home to love or hate the color. He likes it!
Ron came home with the news that the AC had also gone out on the car – oh the virtues of living on Social Security with no extra cash for such pricey problems, but the Lord will supply, I keep telling myself. Know why? Somehow, He always does, and at the end of the day, some of the painting is done, and half the driveway, the blog is written, and the rest will get done when it does. In His time, In His time. He makes all things beautiful, In His time.
Tell us about your days . . .
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I’m sure that you have ‘em too; those days when you sorta’ wish you’d never gotten out of bed! Today was one of those days for me.
First of all, when I awakened and did get out of bed, my Hubby was nowhere to be found. It took a couple of minutes to remember that he had an early morning appointment for our car, which, when you put on the brakes makes a growling sound, and doesn’t want to stop properly. So I figured that since our early morning ritual had been interrupted by needed car repair, I would scrape the peeling paint off of our two door trims, and repaint the trim.
Well . . . I did the scraping, and then went to the shed for the primer. No primer. Couldn’t find the exterior paint either, or the “good” paint brushes. Oh well, the scraping done, I opted for another chore. Pull back the gravel that had snuck out the end of our driveway, but halfway through that job, I was beyond exhausted, and my back was screaming. “So what,” I thought, “it’s half-done anyway.”
So I returned into the house, overheated and back aching, and decided to sit with an ice pack, a bowl of cereal, and my computer. I’ll write the blog, I figured. Cereal devoured and back pain easing, I tried for the blog, but couldn’t get on the spot for blogging.
After a brief rest, I opted to get out the paint I bought weeks ago for the new color on the Living room walls (two of them) and painted two large spots. Figured I’d better wait until Ron came home to love or hate the color. He likes it!
Ron came home with the news that the AC had also gone out on the car – oh the virtues of living on Social Security with no extra cash for such pricey problems, but the Lord will supply, I keep telling myself. Know why? Somehow, He always does, and at the end of the day, some of the painting is done, and half the driveway, the blog is written, and the rest will get done when it does. In His time, In His time. He makes all things beautiful, In His time.
Tell us about your days . . .
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Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Rushing to Judgment
How quick we are as humans to rush to judgment without knowing all the facts or the ins and outs of a person's life experience. We look at an unshaven homeless man standing on a street corner with a "will work for food" sign, and we automatically assign him a label - LAZY BUM. We see a discheveled woman pushing an overloaded shopping cart, and we figure that she never did amount to anything much. How WRONG we are to pass judgment when we have no idea of the circumstances of that person's life.
Why write about this now? In the news yesterday and today is the result of the famous Casey Anthony case. I'll have to admit that when I learned she had been acquited, I yelped - "What?" But the real truth is that I don't have all of the facts, and quite frankly I have been to pre-occupied with other things to watch the trial or read about it either.
You know what? That's how we are with most people we meet. We make value judgments based on appearance, conversation and what seems to be their attitude. We sit near people in church and make those conclusions based on what we see on the outside, and the reality is that we have no idea what hereditary and life experience factors have created the person. Those who dress the snazziest and speak with the most polished diction can be covering up a life filled with abuse and pain.
Most of the time we choose to not get involved, to not care to inquire about a person's life or to get to know them beyond a casual "Hi. How are you?" and we hope they really will answer with the proverbial, "Fine thanks, and you?" Seldom do we want the real truth.
Do you think that Jesus would have engaged people like we do? Did he want to know the truth or a convenient lie to make his life easier? If we are Christians (followers of Christ) what should our engagements with others be like? As for me, I have found that the reply, "Fine," often hides a multitude of pain.
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Why write about this now? In the news yesterday and today is the result of the famous Casey Anthony case. I'll have to admit that when I learned she had been acquited, I yelped - "What?" But the real truth is that I don't have all of the facts, and quite frankly I have been to pre-occupied with other things to watch the trial or read about it either.
You know what? That's how we are with most people we meet. We make value judgments based on appearance, conversation and what seems to be their attitude. We sit near people in church and make those conclusions based on what we see on the outside, and the reality is that we have no idea what hereditary and life experience factors have created the person. Those who dress the snazziest and speak with the most polished diction can be covering up a life filled with abuse and pain.
Most of the time we choose to not get involved, to not care to inquire about a person's life or to get to know them beyond a casual "Hi. How are you?" and we hope they really will answer with the proverbial, "Fine thanks, and you?" Seldom do we want the real truth.
Do you think that Jesus would have engaged people like we do? Did he want to know the truth or a convenient lie to make his life easier? If we are Christians (followers of Christ) what should our engagements with others be like? As for me, I have found that the reply, "Fine," often hides a multitude of pain.
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Tuesday, June 28, 2011
God's "Sneaky" Messages
Have you ever wondered why just the right thing, be it a person who cares, a Biblical passage, a TV program, or even a cough drop wrapper can offer you a message - one that raises your level of positivity and negates your fears?
Ron was scheduled to preach, and because of his Parkinson's Disease was concerned that exhaustion would hit him while he was standing at the pulpit, or his speech would trip him up. Tiredness is so very common with PD and when exhausted, depression kicks in easily.
He reached into his pocket for a cough drop, and as he unwrapped it, he noticed that on the Hall's wrapper, there was some writing. He looked closer and found the words: "You can do it and you know it." Funny, the origin of a "shot in the arm," but the question is, was Hall's really the originator of the encouragement, or was Hall's used to pass on a message from Ron's Dad - our Heavenly Dad?
What do you think?
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Ron was scheduled to preach, and because of his Parkinson's Disease was concerned that exhaustion would hit him while he was standing at the pulpit, or his speech would trip him up. Tiredness is so very common with PD and when exhausted, depression kicks in easily.
He reached into his pocket for a cough drop, and as he unwrapped it, he noticed that on the Hall's wrapper, there was some writing. He looked closer and found the words: "You can do it and you know it." Funny, the origin of a "shot in the arm," but the question is, was Hall's really the originator of the encouragement, or was Hall's used to pass on a message from Ron's Dad - our Heavenly Dad?
What do you think?
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Friday, June 17, 2011
Be Sure of Where You're Going
Be Sure of Where You’re Going!
This story is really an adjunct to our article in this newsletter. It’s about our trip to 3 ABN on June 7th – the day before we filmed the interview about Heart Connection.
We arrived at the St. Louis airport at 1:30 pm and headed for the Rental Cars and the car that would take us to our destination. “Do you have an idea where Franklin, Illinois is?” Ron asked the car attendant. “Yes Sir, I do, he replied and after advising directions, sent us on our way. We knew we had about a two and one half hour drive there from the St. Louis airport.
Our trip was lovely. We chatted about the lovely scenery along the way, the many fields of corn growing at various stages of development, and that we must be going a different way than we had last time, because we didn’t recognize things along the way. Oh well, it was just enjoyable being together and having an “adventure.”
Arriving in Franklin, we began looking for familiar landmarks to direct us to 3 ABN, but couldn’t find any. Rather than feeling frustrated, we decided to ask a garage mechanic.
“Never heard of it,” he replied.
“That’s strange. It’s a huge complex,” Ron remarked. “It’s an international Television Station – lots of acreage.”
“Not familiar to me, but let’s look in the phonebook,” the mechanic offered.
M.m.m. not there either. “Let me call my son and have him look on his computer,” the kindly man suggested.
Moments later, the phone rang and the son said that he’d looked up 3 ABN and the facility was located in Frankfort, Illinois. Franklin, Frankfort. Well they sounded alike, but we soon found out that they weren’t nearly the same place. We discovered how precise one has to be when it comes to destinations!
A two and a half hour ride back to St. Louis and a two and a half hour ride in the opposite direction from where we had gone, and by 9 pm we were at our little guest room at 3 ABN.
Are you sure of your destination? And are you sure how to get there. Is your map helping you on your Journey, or are you looking to the wrong advice.
Remember, LIFE IS A JOURNEY, and only you have the map. EXCEL!
Read the full article in the soon-coming June Newsletter. Don’t get the newsletter?
Go to www.fixablelife.com and subscribe. It’s FREE!
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This story is really an adjunct to our article in this newsletter. It’s about our trip to 3 ABN on June 7th – the day before we filmed the interview about Heart Connection.
We arrived at the St. Louis airport at 1:30 pm and headed for the Rental Cars and the car that would take us to our destination. “Do you have an idea where Franklin, Illinois is?” Ron asked the car attendant. “Yes Sir, I do, he replied and after advising directions, sent us on our way. We knew we had about a two and one half hour drive there from the St. Louis airport.
Our trip was lovely. We chatted about the lovely scenery along the way, the many fields of corn growing at various stages of development, and that we must be going a different way than we had last time, because we didn’t recognize things along the way. Oh well, it was just enjoyable being together and having an “adventure.”
Arriving in Franklin, we began looking for familiar landmarks to direct us to 3 ABN, but couldn’t find any. Rather than feeling frustrated, we decided to ask a garage mechanic.
“Never heard of it,” he replied.
“That’s strange. It’s a huge complex,” Ron remarked. “It’s an international Television Station – lots of acreage.”
“Not familiar to me, but let’s look in the phonebook,” the mechanic offered.
M.m.m. not there either. “Let me call my son and have him look on his computer,” the kindly man suggested.
Moments later, the phone rang and the son said that he’d looked up 3 ABN and the facility was located in Frankfort, Illinois. Franklin, Frankfort. Well they sounded alike, but we soon found out that they weren’t nearly the same place. We discovered how precise one has to be when it comes to destinations!
A two and a half hour ride back to St. Louis and a two and a half hour ride in the opposite direction from where we had gone, and by 9 pm we were at our little guest room at 3 ABN.
Are you sure of your destination? And are you sure how to get there. Is your map helping you on your Journey, or are you looking to the wrong advice.
Remember, LIFE IS A JOURNEY, and only you have the map. EXCEL!
Read the full article in the soon-coming June Newsletter. Don’t get the newsletter?
Go to www.fixablelife.com and subscribe. It’s FREE!
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Sunday, June 12, 2011
Heavy Learnin'
Today we are doing something that I personally have resisted for a long time. We are learning Facebook.
Our wonderful friend and assistant, Audrey, flew here to NM to teach us, and while I was thrilled to have her with us for a few days, I HONESTLY dreaded having to sit with the computer on my lap, feeling its heat and the heat in my brain as I would struggle to learn a modern way to connect. After all, I am a great-grandma!
Amazing how what we picture as our future creates our feelings today! So as I awakened with a headache this morning, knowing that I would have to fix breakfast and then try to get my head around something I didn't care to see, but knew I HAD to, I was not a happy camper!
So breakfast done, shower taken, I sat in my chair awaiting the dreaded lessons. But . . .
What to my wondering eyes should appear, a teacher who was able to allay all my fear!
OK, so now I've been "at it" for nearly four hours, and I'm having a blast! So much so that I just asked Ron how he planned to eat if I was going to be the Facebook Person.
"Easy," he said, "You have two hands! One for Facebook and one for cooking!"
This can be addictive! Anyone with this concern?
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Our wonderful friend and assistant, Audrey, flew here to NM to teach us, and while I was thrilled to have her with us for a few days, I HONESTLY dreaded having to sit with the computer on my lap, feeling its heat and the heat in my brain as I would struggle to learn a modern way to connect. After all, I am a great-grandma!
Amazing how what we picture as our future creates our feelings today! So as I awakened with a headache this morning, knowing that I would have to fix breakfast and then try to get my head around something I didn't care to see, but knew I HAD to, I was not a happy camper!
So breakfast done, shower taken, I sat in my chair awaiting the dreaded lessons. But . . .
What to my wondering eyes should appear, a teacher who was able to allay all my fear!
OK, so now I've been "at it" for nearly four hours, and I'm having a blast! So much so that I just asked Ron how he planned to eat if I was going to be the Facebook Person.
"Easy," he said, "You have two hands! One for Facebook and one for cooking!"
This can be addictive! Anyone with this concern?
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Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Stressed? - December 2009 Newsletter
Download Vol. 35 of the Fixable Life/LRI Newsletter. Includes: Christmas Greetings from Ron & Nancy, "Stressed", Free DVD Info, Searching, and more...Life Renewal Institute and Fixable Life Inc. grant you the rights to download and save a copy of this to your computer for your personal use. There are no implied or granted rights for you to sell, disseminate, or edit any of the material. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat on your computer, click here for a free download
Friday, December 18, 2009
Snowflakes, Snowmen, Candy Canes.......
Snowflakes, Snowmen, Candy canes, Christmas trees and Gingerbread boys.
M.m.m. ?
You're right! They are cookies!
Today two ladies from our church came and we made cookies and decorated them. Last night I had mixed up the batter and refrigerated it overnight. This morning I made the frosting. When the ladies came, we rolled out the dough, and made the cut-outs, baked the cookies and began the tedious, yet fun chore of decorating the cookies.
What fun we had! We sang Christmas songs along with a CD, we laughed, prayed for a sick church member, had lunch and even sampled a gingerbread man and a candy cane each - without the frosting.
This year our church is giving out a "Christmas Bag" to each child of the church. So this week-end, after the services, each child will be called to the front and given a bag.
You know, when I was a kid, my church always gave each child a gift, and I've never forgotten that. In our last years of Pastoral Ministry, we started that at our church. What delight in the eyes of the children, to think that their church cared enough to give each child a special bag. One year, the church refused to allocate the funds for this, but still I baked gingerbread boys, my dear friend made popcorn balls and another church donated bags to the children of our church. This was "kinda" humiliating for the members of our church to think that another church in the community had cared about our children when our own members did not, but I guess it was a good lesson for them and the children were blessed.
With the advent of the famous "Dollar Store," it's quite easy to delight the children with a minimal outlay of money. What I recall is that my heart was always drawn to my church because they cared.
Are there children in your church who could use a Christmas Bag from you? It's not too late to do it! And you will be blessed when you see the reactions . Let us know if you do it, and how the children responded.
God Bless you and may you have a BLESSED Christmas and Love-filled New Year!
Ron and Nancy
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M.m.m. ?
You're right! They are cookies!
Today two ladies from our church came and we made cookies and decorated them. Last night I had mixed up the batter and refrigerated it overnight. This morning I made the frosting. When the ladies came, we rolled out the dough, and made the cut-outs, baked the cookies and began the tedious, yet fun chore of decorating the cookies.
What fun we had! We sang Christmas songs along with a CD, we laughed, prayed for a sick church member, had lunch and even sampled a gingerbread man and a candy cane each - without the frosting.
This year our church is giving out a "Christmas Bag" to each child of the church. So this week-end, after the services, each child will be called to the front and given a bag.
You know, when I was a kid, my church always gave each child a gift, and I've never forgotten that. In our last years of Pastoral Ministry, we started that at our church. What delight in the eyes of the children, to think that their church cared enough to give each child a special bag. One year, the church refused to allocate the funds for this, but still I baked gingerbread boys, my dear friend made popcorn balls and another church donated bags to the children of our church. This was "kinda" humiliating for the members of our church to think that another church in the community had cared about our children when our own members did not, but I guess it was a good lesson for them and the children were blessed.
With the advent of the famous "Dollar Store," it's quite easy to delight the children with a minimal outlay of money. What I recall is that my heart was always drawn to my church because they cared.
Are there children in your church who could use a Christmas Bag from you? It's not too late to do it! And you will be blessed when you see the reactions . Let us know if you do it, and how the children responded.
God Bless you and may you have a BLESSED Christmas and Love-filled New Year!
Ron and Nancy
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Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Countdown to Christmas
Lately I have been going into stores or to a Doctor's Appointment, and seem to be frequently asked, "Are you ready for Christmas?" Am I? I wonder.
Let's see: I have gifts for everyone, except Christopher, but I will get him a gift certificate to a restaurant. He can get a few good meals with that, and single guys ought to like that. Joshua - well he and Bobby are concerns!
Oh yea, Bobby will be starting school (college) soon and perhaps a good backpack would be nice for him. Not sure about Joshus, but I'll check with his Mom.
I have bought all the cookie ingredients I need for the gingerbread boys for the church children, and I have almost all I need, except the fresh food, for the Christmas Eve Family gathering. I have the canned goods put aside for the Christmas basket at church, I have those three pairs of pajamas for the children of the needy family, but I do have wrapping to do yet. And the house needs cleaning after all the baking coming up.
So am I ready for Christmas? Well, in my heart (which is the most important place) I am definately ready for the celebration of the greatest gift ever. The thought that He, a member of the Godhead, was willing to take the form of a baby, live within a young woman for nine months and be born like you and I (well, sort of - a manger is not exactly a clean and sterile birthing room) and carry the issues from the woman who mothered Him and the father who raised Him and then be the sacrifice to insure our salvation - WOW! That REALLY calls for an internal celebration in the hearts of ALL mankind!
You may not have all the gifts beautifully wrapped, the house neat and tidy or the cookies baked, but if you have pondered in your heart the real "Reason for the Season", then you are ready to celebrate with more than fruitcake and tea; you are ready to give your heart to the babe in the manger, to the Sacrificial Lamb, to the King of Kings and Lord or Lords - and that's what really matters!
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Let's see: I have gifts for everyone, except Christopher, but I will get him a gift certificate to a restaurant. He can get a few good meals with that, and single guys ought to like that. Joshua - well he and Bobby are concerns!
Oh yea, Bobby will be starting school (college) soon and perhaps a good backpack would be nice for him. Not sure about Joshus, but I'll check with his Mom.
I have bought all the cookie ingredients I need for the gingerbread boys for the church children, and I have almost all I need, except the fresh food, for the Christmas Eve Family gathering. I have the canned goods put aside for the Christmas basket at church, I have those three pairs of pajamas for the children of the needy family, but I do have wrapping to do yet. And the house needs cleaning after all the baking coming up.
So am I ready for Christmas? Well, in my heart (which is the most important place) I am definately ready for the celebration of the greatest gift ever. The thought that He, a member of the Godhead, was willing to take the form of a baby, live within a young woman for nine months and be born like you and I (well, sort of - a manger is not exactly a clean and sterile birthing room) and carry the issues from the woman who mothered Him and the father who raised Him and then be the sacrifice to insure our salvation - WOW! That REALLY calls for an internal celebration in the hearts of ALL mankind!
You may not have all the gifts beautifully wrapped, the house neat and tidy or the cookies baked, but if you have pondered in your heart the real "Reason for the Season", then you are ready to celebrate with more than fruitcake and tea; you are ready to give your heart to the babe in the manger, to the Sacrificial Lamb, to the King of Kings and Lord or Lords - and that's what really matters!
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Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Those Less Fortunate
Turkey or Tofurkey, Dressing, Mashed potatoes, butternut squash, (British favorite) -turnips, green bean casserole, sweet potaotes, cranberry sauce or relish, Homemade rolls, Apple, Pumpkin, Tripleberry or Custard Pie. And if you are as blessed as us, Donna's homemade yummy fudge! What a feast!
On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. it was our privelege to deliver a "Thanksgiving Basket" to a needy family from our church. I couldn't believe what the ladies of the church had bought for that basket! Over the years, I have delivered many a basket, but never one like this. Fresh fruit and vegetables and more than enough fixins' for a dinner fit for a King!
The people who received it were more than shocked! The lady of the house told me that after we left she burst into tears - tears of unbelief and tears of joy!
I remember once in my much younger days when I was still working at a Nursing home as a nurse, I brought home an elderly man who had no family and fed him Thanksgiving Dinner around our family table. Now that was thrilling!
If you've never done something like that, you ought to try it - even if just once. It turned out to be a blessing to our entire family!
With Christmas coming on, consider doing something for those who are less fortunate in worldly goods - the poor, the unemployed, the hungry, the lonely.
We would love to hear your experiences - either from this Thanksgiving or from past Christmas holidays - experiences when you went beyond yourself to bless others. Write them to us in a paragraph, so that we can publish some in our January Newsletter. Send them to nancy@LRInstitute.org.
May God give you inspiring ideas that will be a blessing to others!
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On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. it was our privelege to deliver a "Thanksgiving Basket" to a needy family from our church. I couldn't believe what the ladies of the church had bought for that basket! Over the years, I have delivered many a basket, but never one like this. Fresh fruit and vegetables and more than enough fixins' for a dinner fit for a King!
The people who received it were more than shocked! The lady of the house told me that after we left she burst into tears - tears of unbelief and tears of joy!
I remember once in my much younger days when I was still working at a Nursing home as a nurse, I brought home an elderly man who had no family and fed him Thanksgiving Dinner around our family table. Now that was thrilling!
If you've never done something like that, you ought to try it - even if just once. It turned out to be a blessing to our entire family!
With Christmas coming on, consider doing something for those who are less fortunate in worldly goods - the poor, the unemployed, the hungry, the lonely.
We would love to hear your experiences - either from this Thanksgiving or from past Christmas holidays - experiences when you went beyond yourself to bless others. Write them to us in a paragraph, so that we can publish some in our January Newsletter. Send them to nancy@LRInstitute.org.
May God give you inspiring ideas that will be a blessing to others!
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Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Thanksgiving and Affirmation
I know, it's been a while since a new blog was posted. Call me old and weary and pre-occupied with getting our new room finished ASAP! Well, it's done.
So what do I have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season? Among our many blessings are each other, our children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter, our friends, our home, our ministry and most importantly a God who is ever-present to comfort, protect, guide and supply our needs.
Thatt's one thing we don't do enough of - we don't praise God for His blessings and thank each other for the ways that love and caring are shown to us. Every day should be Thanksgiving!
At one time, we pastored a church that had some of the congregation who resented affirmation for jobs well done and duties faithfully carried out. We would publicly honor a deacon or elder or treasurer for faithfulness and excellence and would be called down by some for doing so. But we chose then and still choose to affirm and encourage one another as the Bible tells us we should.
Has someone blessed your life? Did they call at just the right time to encourage you? Did they invite you for tea just when you were down and needed a friendly pick-me-up? Did they perform a job well as your employee? Have you noticed a child doing a kind deed or carefully performing a task? Tell them so. Encourage and affirm Lift others up. In so doing, not only will the other person be uplifted, but so will you!
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So what do I have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season? Among our many blessings are each other, our children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter, our friends, our home, our ministry and most importantly a God who is ever-present to comfort, protect, guide and supply our needs.
Thatt's one thing we don't do enough of - we don't praise God for His blessings and thank each other for the ways that love and caring are shown to us. Every day should be Thanksgiving!
At one time, we pastored a church that had some of the congregation who resented affirmation for jobs well done and duties faithfully carried out. We would publicly honor a deacon or elder or treasurer for faithfulness and excellence and would be called down by some for doing so. But we chose then and still choose to affirm and encourage one another as the Bible tells us we should.
Has someone blessed your life? Did they call at just the right time to encourage you? Did they invite you for tea just when you were down and needed a friendly pick-me-up? Did they perform a job well as your employee? Have you noticed a child doing a kind deed or carefully performing a task? Tell them so. Encourage and affirm Lift others up. In so doing, not only will the other person be uplifted, but so will you!
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Monday, October 5, 2009
Will You Give This to My Daddy?
This was sent to me by a friend and I thought it so good, I had to share it with you here.
As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support 'Red Fridays.'
Last week I was in Atlanta, Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed One of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.
Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.
When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and Cheered for, it hit me.. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.
Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.
Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our Service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi.'
The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her.
The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.
The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up ..
When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.
After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and
He is coming home very soon.'
The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.
As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.
We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.
RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing red every Friday.. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.
We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing.. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions. Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops.
Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday - and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear
Something red..
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers.
If every one of us who loves this country will share this with
Acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be longbefore the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever; certainly more than the media lets on.
The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is...We need your support and your prayers.
Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.
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As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support 'Red Fridays.'
Last week I was in Atlanta, Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed One of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.
Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.
When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and Cheered for, it hit me.. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.
Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.
Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our Service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi.'
The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her.
The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.
The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up ..
When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.
After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and
He is coming home very soon.'
The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.
As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.
We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.
RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing red every Friday.. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.
We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing.. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions. Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops.
Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday - and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear
Something red..
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers.
If every one of us who loves this country will share this with
Acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be longbefore the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever; certainly more than the media lets on.
The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is...We need your support and your prayers.
Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.
Back to Homepage
Monday, September 28, 2009
How Much?
If you thought that last week's blog was cool - miracle colors and all, wait ‘til you hear this one!
When I got to the condo, I discovered a major problem in the master bathroom. There was a hairline crack in the toilet's tank. The water had seeped out and down the back of the tank and onto the wall and floor. The wall surrounding the toilet was mold and mildew. I was horrified, to say the least!
Now here's the corker! The toilet is a rare wall-hung model. They are common in Sun City homes. This was a big complication to the mess!
We have a special insurance on the condo called Service One. They sent a plumber to have a look. He informed me that a new toilet would cost $1000.00! and the insurance would NOT cover it. Something about we needed an up-graded premium plan. "WHAT?" I almost had a heart attack there on the spot! And no Ron to pick up the pieces!. He had to supervise construction at our NM home.
Anyway, then the plumber informed me that if I went to Habitat for Humanity store, I MIGHT be able to find the toilet that would fit, but no guarantee that the toilet I would find - even a wall-hung - would fit where the old one was. And then, what to do about the surrounding wall??
Off to Habitat for Humanity. They had two toilets. "Lord, will you guide me to choose the one that'll fit?" They were $150.00 each - certainly better than $1000.00! I sat there waiting for Ron to answer either his cell phone or the house phone. I waited three hours! Finally an answer. "Get the toilet, and if it fits, it fits!" he said.
Meanwhile Ron was negotiating with Service One and the Plumber over finances. The next day, the plumber returned. When he informed me that he was there to replace the toilet with the one I had bought, I said, "I just may hug you!" But of course, I did not. However, was I thrilled? Beyond words!
Then there was the question of the mildew behind the toilet. I called a handyman, no one I knew, but turned out to be an honest, good guy. He told me how to get rid of the mildew and how to repair the problem myself. No outlay of money for that. YEA!
AND . . . there was the front door knob that needed replacement. I bought a lovely one and proceeded to remove the old and replace, but . . . alas, the Sun City doors require a "special lock" and a wood rasp to make the hole bigger. YUP! I bought a rasp, played carpenter, returned the lock to Lowe's, and went to the only store that carried a lock that would fit the condo's door. They had ONE left, and the locksmith informed me that the company was no longer going to make the kind that would fit. WOW! Was I blessed or what? I would have had to replace the whole door without that last lock!
Floors scrubbed with an electric scrubber, walls, bathroom cabinets and trim painted, new toilet and wall repair, a wall of wallpaper in the Master Bedroom, a new ceiling fan, vertical blinds and door knob and lock later, the condo is transformed, clean and ready for my roommate and her husband. And every step of the way, the good Lord walked beside me!
It's the same thing when we begin the transformation process within ourselves. We meet hurdle after hurdle, and the good Lord smashes through some for us, gives a boost to climb over others, and carries us over the insurmountable ones, all to make us return to the image of Himself within us. What a miracle-working God!
Back to Home Page
When I got to the condo, I discovered a major problem in the master bathroom. There was a hairline crack in the toilet's tank. The water had seeped out and down the back of the tank and onto the wall and floor. The wall surrounding the toilet was mold and mildew. I was horrified, to say the least!
Now here's the corker! The toilet is a rare wall-hung model. They are common in Sun City homes. This was a big complication to the mess!
We have a special insurance on the condo called Service One. They sent a plumber to have a look. He informed me that a new toilet would cost $1000.00! and the insurance would NOT cover it. Something about we needed an up-graded premium plan. "WHAT?" I almost had a heart attack there on the spot! And no Ron to pick up the pieces!. He had to supervise construction at our NM home.
Anyway, then the plumber informed me that if I went to Habitat for Humanity store, I MIGHT be able to find the toilet that would fit, but no guarantee that the toilet I would find - even a wall-hung - would fit where the old one was. And then, what to do about the surrounding wall??
Off to Habitat for Humanity. They had two toilets. "Lord, will you guide me to choose the one that'll fit?" They were $150.00 each - certainly better than $1000.00! I sat there waiting for Ron to answer either his cell phone or the house phone. I waited three hours! Finally an answer. "Get the toilet, and if it fits, it fits!" he said.
Meanwhile Ron was negotiating with Service One and the Plumber over finances. The next day, the plumber returned. When he informed me that he was there to replace the toilet with the one I had bought, I said, "I just may hug you!" But of course, I did not. However, was I thrilled? Beyond words!
Then there was the question of the mildew behind the toilet. I called a handyman, no one I knew, but turned out to be an honest, good guy. He told me how to get rid of the mildew and how to repair the problem myself. No outlay of money for that. YEA!
AND . . . there was the front door knob that needed replacement. I bought a lovely one and proceeded to remove the old and replace, but . . . alas, the Sun City doors require a "special lock" and a wood rasp to make the hole bigger. YUP! I bought a rasp, played carpenter, returned the lock to Lowe's, and went to the only store that carried a lock that would fit the condo's door. They had ONE left, and the locksmith informed me that the company was no longer going to make the kind that would fit. WOW! Was I blessed or what? I would have had to replace the whole door without that last lock!
Floors scrubbed with an electric scrubber, walls, bathroom cabinets and trim painted, new toilet and wall repair, a wall of wallpaper in the Master Bedroom, a new ceiling fan, vertical blinds and door knob and lock later, the condo is transformed, clean and ready for my roommate and her husband. And every step of the way, the good Lord walked beside me!
It's the same thing when we begin the transformation process within ourselves. We meet hurdle after hurdle, and the good Lord smashes through some for us, gives a boost to climb over others, and carries us over the insurmountable ones, all to make us return to the image of Himself within us. What a miracle-working God!
Back to Home Page
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Miracle Paint
Last week I had an interesting task; I was to paint our condo in Arizona in preparation for renters coming in October 1st. The renters are my roommate from Nurses Training and her husband.
We had discussed color. I wanted to make the three-bedroom condo "interesting" with doing a bit of color. She said that she preferred white or cream in every room - no additional color. "Oh well," I thought, "she's gonna live there so I guess I will acquiesce and paint an off-white or cream color."
A friend there in Arizona had two five gallon buckets of paint that he was not going to use, and offered them to me. The paint was white, he said. So I went to Home Depot to ask how to make the paint a cream color, and was instructed just how to do so. My adopted son, Robbie and I opened a five gallon bucket and added the right color to make cream - at least it looked cream to us.
As we put it on the wall in the guest room, we were shocked that the color was a soft beige/taupe/creamy color - actually very beautiful! We painted the guest room, the master bedroom and the family room that color. By then, we were nearly out of that color. So on to bucket number two.
Robbie had gone home for the night, so I decided I would begin painting the kitchen ceiling with the white of the second bucket, but alas, the paint looked pink! I tried some in the living room - still pink! So I decided to give up until morning, and went to bed early.
In the morning, the painted patch on the kitchen ceiling and in the living room was still pink - but it was a very soft dusty mauve-pink and very pretty. Now the interesting thing is that the kitchen counter is that color and the Kohler sink is too! The living room carpet is dusty rose. So when Robbie arrived and was shocked as I was, we decided to start painting the living room, and I called my roommate to come and look at the color. When she did, she fell in love with it! So.o.o the living room and kitchen are that wonderful "mauvey" color, the master bedroom, guest room and family room are taupey-cream, and the study is "pistachio - the previous tenants had started painting it green.
I'm happy that the condo is not all white, my roommate and her hubby are ecstatic with how it all looks and God gets the credit for painting white and transforming (as He always does with people who are drab and need light) into harmony and beauty! When we allow God to interject His color into our lives, we can become His color, transforming those around us, by the affect that our changes create.
Back to Home Page
We had discussed color. I wanted to make the three-bedroom condo "interesting" with doing a bit of color. She said that she preferred white or cream in every room - no additional color. "Oh well," I thought, "she's gonna live there so I guess I will acquiesce and paint an off-white or cream color."
A friend there in Arizona had two five gallon buckets of paint that he was not going to use, and offered them to me. The paint was white, he said. So I went to Home Depot to ask how to make the paint a cream color, and was instructed just how to do so. My adopted son, Robbie and I opened a five gallon bucket and added the right color to make cream - at least it looked cream to us.
As we put it on the wall in the guest room, we were shocked that the color was a soft beige/taupe/creamy color - actually very beautiful! We painted the guest room, the master bedroom and the family room that color. By then, we were nearly out of that color. So on to bucket number two.
Robbie had gone home for the night, so I decided I would begin painting the kitchen ceiling with the white of the second bucket, but alas, the paint looked pink! I tried some in the living room - still pink! So I decided to give up until morning, and went to bed early.
In the morning, the painted patch on the kitchen ceiling and in the living room was still pink - but it was a very soft dusty mauve-pink and very pretty. Now the interesting thing is that the kitchen counter is that color and the Kohler sink is too! The living room carpet is dusty rose. So when Robbie arrived and was shocked as I was, we decided to start painting the living room, and I called my roommate to come and look at the color. When she did, she fell in love with it! So.o.o the living room and kitchen are that wonderful "mauvey" color, the master bedroom, guest room and family room are taupey-cream, and the study is "pistachio - the previous tenants had started painting it green.
I'm happy that the condo is not all white, my roommate and her hubby are ecstatic with how it all looks and God gets the credit for painting white and transforming (as He always does with people who are drab and need light) into harmony and beauty! When we allow God to interject His color into our lives, we can become His color, transforming those around us, by the affect that our changes create.
Back to Home Page
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Laugh As Much As You Breathe
"Laugh as much as you breathe, Love as long as you live"
These are the words inscribed on the beautiful frame that was given to us by our daughters and their families for our anniversary.
The evening of the 15th came along with much excitement this year. On other anniversaries, we have worked or been traveling to a speaking appointment. This year, we had the privilege of being home for the big day. Church was exciting, as our new pastor preached and the service was followed by a luncheon and a special honoring of our 44 years by the "saints." We came home for a short rest, and then got ready for a long awaited evening "out" at a very special place in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
Mountain Annie's is a place that offers special dinners and accompanying theaters performances by well-known musicians. We had heard that the trio of musicians, performing on the 15th were extra special, and we were excited to experience a "dress-up" night out.
When we arrived we spent about half an hour listening to other musicians on the patio, and then time for dinner was announced. We headed into the theater and found our assigned table - table ten. There we were greeted by others at the table who said excitedly, "You two must be the anniversary couple! Look at these things that were brought to the table for you!"
There on the table sat a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a picture frame inscribed with the above words. Propped against the vase of flowers was a tiny envelope labeled, "Mom and Dad." We opened the envelope to read:
"Happy 44th!!! We love and are proud of you and your years together"
Your Girls, Sara & ‘Omi, along with the sons & grandchildren!
XO XO
WOW!!! Our evening began with tears, not laughter, but they were tears of joy - joy and gratitude for the gift that God gave us 41 and 40 years ago - our beautiful girls, and for the gifts of our "sons" and grandchildren along the way.
There has not always been laughter, certainly not continuously, but even in our deepest pain we did find a few things to laugh about, now and then. The older we get, the more we realize that as Art Linkletter often said, "People are funny!" Our responses to the circumstances of life are often comical when we look back on them. How foolish we have been trying to get our needs met; how selfish and me-centered we have behaved. What a waste. Too soon old and too late smart, but better late than never.
So girls and family, you are so right.
"Laugh as much as you breathe, and love as long as you live"- do that which is in the best interest of another, regardless of your feelings. And thank you so much for the gift of your love, so beautifully displayed on our 44th!
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These are the words inscribed on the beautiful frame that was given to us by our daughters and their families for our anniversary.
The evening of the 15th came along with much excitement this year. On other anniversaries, we have worked or been traveling to a speaking appointment. This year, we had the privilege of being home for the big day. Church was exciting, as our new pastor preached and the service was followed by a luncheon and a special honoring of our 44 years by the "saints." We came home for a short rest, and then got ready for a long awaited evening "out" at a very special place in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
Mountain Annie's is a place that offers special dinners and accompanying theaters performances by well-known musicians. We had heard that the trio of musicians, performing on the 15th were extra special, and we were excited to experience a "dress-up" night out.
When we arrived we spent about half an hour listening to other musicians on the patio, and then time for dinner was announced. We headed into the theater and found our assigned table - table ten. There we were greeted by others at the table who said excitedly, "You two must be the anniversary couple! Look at these things that were brought to the table for you!"
There on the table sat a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a picture frame inscribed with the above words. Propped against the vase of flowers was a tiny envelope labeled, "Mom and Dad." We opened the envelope to read:
Your Girls, Sara & ‘Omi, along with the sons & grandchildren!
XO XO
WOW!!! Our evening began with tears, not laughter, but they were tears of joy - joy and gratitude for the gift that God gave us 41 and 40 years ago - our beautiful girls, and for the gifts of our "sons" and grandchildren along the way.
There has not always been laughter, certainly not continuously, but even in our deepest pain we did find a few things to laugh about, now and then. The older we get, the more we realize that as Art Linkletter often said, "People are funny!" Our responses to the circumstances of life are often comical when we look back on them. How foolish we have been trying to get our needs met; how selfish and me-centered we have behaved. What a waste. Too soon old and too late smart, but better late than never.
So girls and family, you are so right.
"Laugh as much as you breathe, and love as long as you live"- do that which is in the best interest of another, regardless of your feelings. And thank you so much for the gift of your love, so beautifully displayed on our 44th!
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Monday, August 24, 2009
Anniversary
We just celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary. ‘Tis true, we were married on August 15th, the hottest and most humid day of 1965 in New London, Connecticut. All the pictures of me at our wedding show that, ‘cuz my hair frizzed like mad. A new perm and very high humidity caused that!
We look back over these 44 years and feel more like it's been 44 days or maybe 44 minutes - well, we know it's not minutes because it's not humid here and now. We wonder how we managed to survive the first few years of our marriage - they were horrific! Four surgeries and two babies, seven years of put hubby through college, and all of the financial and relational issues that accompanied these events were added to our own personal junk, creating major strains in our relationship!
We've managed, because of grace and mercy, to not just survive, but to thrive during these last 24 years. If you just do the math, you'll discover that it took a while for us to learn what was necessary for personal growth and maturation and for marital restoration. And that's okay, we say, because very seldom does anything worth having, appear instantly! Homemade bread, a beautiful piece of art, a comfortable home and character development - all take time!
Unfortunately, many people suffer for most of their lives and/or their marriages and finally give up - ending up in divorce court, or living quiet lives of misery and discontent. What a waste of two lives. What a poor showing for people of God, who should be demonstrating love and success to the world.
You know other than misery or divorce, there is a third option - fix it! I know, maybe you've tried and you may have even sought out help, but couldn't find solutions. We played that game for years too. One of the major reasons that help seems elusive, is that rather than looking in our own mirror at the image coming back at us, at the attitudes and behaviors that we display, we choose to turn the mirror around and point it at our partners. "If only my wife would . . .," "If only my husband wouldn't . . .". We play the blame game. It's gotta' be the other person's fault; certainly not our's!
Let me tell you something. The hardest and bravest thing you can do to improve your life, your relationships or your attitudes is to finally take a long, hard look in the mirror - It was do or die for us; get a divorce or fix it. Neither of us was interested in misery for the rest of our lives!
The healing process was torture for Ron and I. We really had no guidelines or mentors. But we braved the process that we created, and now we offer that process to those who are sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Take a peek at our offerings here on the website. Binding the Wounds and The Journey are two valuable introspection mirrors - tools for recovery. You need only a couple more people (same sex as you or you and your husband/wife) and the materials, and you set a time once a week for a two hour growing and renewing experience!
And remember, the great key to your success, is looking in the mirror at yourself! Even the Bible tells us that we should "examine yourself," and that's the source of your BEST counsel!
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We look back over these 44 years and feel more like it's been 44 days or maybe 44 minutes - well, we know it's not minutes because it's not humid here and now. We wonder how we managed to survive the first few years of our marriage - they were horrific! Four surgeries and two babies, seven years of put hubby through college, and all of the financial and relational issues that accompanied these events were added to our own personal junk, creating major strains in our relationship!
We've managed, because of grace and mercy, to not just survive, but to thrive during these last 24 years. If you just do the math, you'll discover that it took a while for us to learn what was necessary for personal growth and maturation and for marital restoration. And that's okay, we say, because very seldom does anything worth having, appear instantly! Homemade bread, a beautiful piece of art, a comfortable home and character development - all take time!
Unfortunately, many people suffer for most of their lives and/or their marriages and finally give up - ending up in divorce court, or living quiet lives of misery and discontent. What a waste of two lives. What a poor showing for people of God, who should be demonstrating love and success to the world.
You know other than misery or divorce, there is a third option - fix it! I know, maybe you've tried and you may have even sought out help, but couldn't find solutions. We played that game for years too. One of the major reasons that help seems elusive, is that rather than looking in our own mirror at the image coming back at us, at the attitudes and behaviors that we display, we choose to turn the mirror around and point it at our partners. "If only my wife would . . .," "If only my husband wouldn't . . .". We play the blame game. It's gotta' be the other person's fault; certainly not our's!
Let me tell you something. The hardest and bravest thing you can do to improve your life, your relationships or your attitudes is to finally take a long, hard look in the mirror - It was do or die for us; get a divorce or fix it. Neither of us was interested in misery for the rest of our lives!
The healing process was torture for Ron and I. We really had no guidelines or mentors. But we braved the process that we created, and now we offer that process to those who are sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Take a peek at our offerings here on the website. Binding the Wounds and The Journey are two valuable introspection mirrors - tools for recovery. You need only a couple more people (same sex as you or you and your husband/wife) and the materials, and you set a time once a week for a two hour growing and renewing experience!
And remember, the great key to your success, is looking in the mirror at yourself! Even the Bible tells us that we should "examine yourself," and that's the source of your BEST counsel!
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Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Always Providing
Ron and I aren't as young as we usta' be! Aches and pains here and there, and the discovery that it takes longer to recover from a fall, a move, unpacking, preparing for a week-long seminar and then doing it, etc . . .
We are now in the mountains of New Mexico and LOVING IT!!! The mornings and evenings are delicious! We can sit on our porch and thoroughly enjoy the stars and the morning birds fluttering about and singing their "welcome to the day" songs. But it isn't all R and R!
We are doing our best to get settled, but that's an interesting project when you're down-sizing too!
Sometimes we need to get some hired help - and of course that comes at a price. On a fixed Social Security income, one can only afford so much. We have a fellow who is going to put up our little addition of a family room/studio, so that we can video some teaching here at our mountaintop spot. That will mean we don't have to drive the 2 ½ hours to El Paso and pay for studio time.
When you're doing a project like this certain "jobs" have to be done prior to the builder's arrival. We had scheduled some help from a fellow who has helped us before, but of late, he has not been really reliable. He comes 1-1 ½ hours late or doesn't call and doesn't show up. Now this creates a real problem! It happened again the last two days he was scheduled.
What to do? How would we find the help we need? Our poor son-in-law, the police officer, is also overwhelmed because he teaches in addition to being a sergeant.
One of our church members heard of our dilemma and suggested that he could find someone for us - and sure enough, a worker showed up today! He was a lovely young man who worked consistently, was easy on our lawn equipment (the other fellow had broken two items) and got the job done precisely. What a blessing to us! He has a regular job with a lumber company, but is willing to work on his days off to help support his family. Now that's a great father and husband!
So once again, we needed not to be apprehensive. The Lord reached over and opened the door precisely when we needed to go through it. At the very right moment, He sent the help we needed.
How grateful we are that we can count on a Heavenly Father who has promised to supply all our needs, and fulfills His promises every time. Always faithful, always on time, and always our needs - probably not our wants, but definitely our needs.
Thank you Lord. You are far more faithful to us than we deserve. Teach us also to be faithful to you and to each other too!
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We are now in the mountains of New Mexico and LOVING IT!!! The mornings and evenings are delicious! We can sit on our porch and thoroughly enjoy the stars and the morning birds fluttering about and singing their "welcome to the day" songs. But it isn't all R and R!
We are doing our best to get settled, but that's an interesting project when you're down-sizing too!
Sometimes we need to get some hired help - and of course that comes at a price. On a fixed Social Security income, one can only afford so much. We have a fellow who is going to put up our little addition of a family room/studio, so that we can video some teaching here at our mountaintop spot. That will mean we don't have to drive the 2 ½ hours to El Paso and pay for studio time.
When you're doing a project like this certain "jobs" have to be done prior to the builder's arrival. We had scheduled some help from a fellow who has helped us before, but of late, he has not been really reliable. He comes 1-1 ½ hours late or doesn't call and doesn't show up. Now this creates a real problem! It happened again the last two days he was scheduled.
What to do? How would we find the help we need? Our poor son-in-law, the police officer, is also overwhelmed because he teaches in addition to being a sergeant.
One of our church members heard of our dilemma and suggested that he could find someone for us - and sure enough, a worker showed up today! He was a lovely young man who worked consistently, was easy on our lawn equipment (the other fellow had broken two items) and got the job done precisely. What a blessing to us! He has a regular job with a lumber company, but is willing to work on his days off to help support his family. Now that's a great father and husband!
So once again, we needed not to be apprehensive. The Lord reached over and opened the door precisely when we needed to go through it. At the very right moment, He sent the help we needed.
How grateful we are that we can count on a Heavenly Father who has promised to supply all our needs, and fulfills His promises every time. Always faithful, always on time, and always our needs - probably not our wants, but definitely our needs.
Thank you Lord. You are far more faithful to us than we deserve. Teach us also to be faithful to you and to each other too!
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Monday, August 10, 2009
Grace
Our eldest daughter is a nurse - an Intensive Care Unit nurse. She sees pain and sadness every day that she puts on her uniform and enters the ICU door. I've been an ICU nurse, many years ago when I was still actively nursing, and I know the heartache that can present itself in that unit.
I've also been a patient in ICU, and I know the quality of care that most ICU patients receive. I had top notch care when I was there for two days following neck surgery. - and I wasn't that sick!
Today, our Sara has to deal with not only the most critical heart patients, seniors who have debilitating illness and are coming to the end of their days on this earth, and believe it or not, even patients who are suffering the withdrawal symptoms from drugs or alcohol -the DT's! Because she works in a small, rather rural community hospital, she has a combination of all sorts of patients.
The other day, the poor darling was overwhelmed! Her shifts are 12 hours, plus the additional time it takes to finish charting or pulling all her work together for the next shift. Working four of those days with several very critically ill patients and someone having the DT's is trying, indeed. She was exhausted!
One elderly gentleman gave her the excuse she needed to let out a bit of her overwhelm and exhaustion. His wife had been in ICU for a couple of weeks, hanging on by a thread and on life support. She improved ever so slightly. Bless their hearts, either he or his daughter had been there almost constantly. When she seemed to recognize their presence, her husband stood beside her bed and sang to her - "Amazing Grace." Sara said that it was amazing alright, and it was Grace alone - given to the patient, the doctors and the nurses that had brought her that far.
"How could we not cry, Mom?" she asked.
"Well, I'd be crying for sure," I replied. "And I don't see a thing wrong with it - just shows two things: your exhaustion and more importantly, your soft and gentle heart. I'm proud of you, girl!"
Grace - the unmerited divine assistance of God for the regeneration and sanctification of mankind.
We need a whole lot of it, don't you think?
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I've also been a patient in ICU, and I know the quality of care that most ICU patients receive. I had top notch care when I was there for two days following neck surgery. - and I wasn't that sick!
Today, our Sara has to deal with not only the most critical heart patients, seniors who have debilitating illness and are coming to the end of their days on this earth, and believe it or not, even patients who are suffering the withdrawal symptoms from drugs or alcohol -the DT's! Because she works in a small, rather rural community hospital, she has a combination of all sorts of patients.
The other day, the poor darling was overwhelmed! Her shifts are 12 hours, plus the additional time it takes to finish charting or pulling all her work together for the next shift. Working four of those days with several very critically ill patients and someone having the DT's is trying, indeed. She was exhausted!
One elderly gentleman gave her the excuse she needed to let out a bit of her overwhelm and exhaustion. His wife had been in ICU for a couple of weeks, hanging on by a thread and on life support. She improved ever so slightly. Bless their hearts, either he or his daughter had been there almost constantly. When she seemed to recognize their presence, her husband stood beside her bed and sang to her - "Amazing Grace." Sara said that it was amazing alright, and it was Grace alone - given to the patient, the doctors and the nurses that had brought her that far.
"How could we not cry, Mom?" she asked.
"Well, I'd be crying for sure," I replied. "And I don't see a thing wrong with it - just shows two things: your exhaustion and more importantly, your soft and gentle heart. I'm proud of you, girl!"
Grace - the unmerited divine assistance of God for the regeneration and sanctification of mankind.
We need a whole lot of it, don't you think?
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Monday, August 3, 2009
Learning
Our new little Mini-Schnauzer girl is learning and teaching us simultaneously! Little Molly is a smart little pup and at the same time endeavoring with all her might to learn how to alert us when she needs an outside potty break. She is learning that these ignorant students of hers (us) have to be told verbally of her need. She comes to wherever we are sitting or standing, stands on her hind legs and gives a hearty "woof-woof" or sometimes a quiet whine. Either vocal alerts us that she needs to "go outside." When we ask her if she needs to "go outside," she replies with an excited "woof-woof-woof!"
This is not an easy lesson for puppies to learn. They have to adapt to a whole different culture than the one they were born into. Let's face it, dogs know very little about indoor versus outdoor plumbing.
One thing they do "get" rather quickly however is eating. Amazing to me that they can figure out the activity of humans eating food versus what it's like for a dog to eat. We certainly don't stick our heads in a bowl located on the floor, but when we are eating, little Molly is "Johnny on the spot" begging to enjoy whatever we have on our plates. We do our best to not give in to her begging. ‘cause we are told by the experts that human food is not great for dogs in most cases - except for some raw veggies and maybe some small amount of fruit. Our Maddie, the schnauzer we lost last summer, was an absolute fiend for bananas. Whenever we would open one, she was at our feet faster than the speed of light! Molly cares not at all for bananas - that we did try.
A few things we certainly can learn from little Molly are:
This is not an easy lesson for puppies to learn. They have to adapt to a whole different culture than the one they were born into. Let's face it, dogs know very little about indoor versus outdoor plumbing.
One thing they do "get" rather quickly however is eating. Amazing to me that they can figure out the activity of humans eating food versus what it's like for a dog to eat. We certainly don't stick our heads in a bowl located on the floor, but when we are eating, little Molly is "Johnny on the spot" begging to enjoy whatever we have on our plates. We do our best to not give in to her begging. ‘cause we are told by the experts that human food is not great for dogs in most cases - except for some raw veggies and maybe some small amount of fruit. Our Maddie, the schnauzer we lost last summer, was an absolute fiend for bananas. Whenever we would open one, she was at our feet faster than the speed of light! Molly cares not at all for bananas - that we did try.
A few things we certainly can learn from little Molly are:
- When you're tired, flop down for a nap.
- When you're hungry, eat. Don't bother to eat when you're not hungry.
- When you're lonely and you are in need of companionship, seek it out! Go and let someone know that you want to be with them.
- When you want to be held, don't wait ‘til someone invites you. Go to the person you live with and offer and ask for love and attention.
- Give affection whenever you're able or the opportunity presents itself - to the people who you know and love, that is.
- Keep your eyes open and your mouth shut - you learn best that way.
- When you want or need something ask for it. Don't expect people to be able to read your mind.
- Any time you can get the chance to go for a ride, stick your nose out in the fresh air and frolic about , do it. The fresh air, sunshine and exercise will do you good. You'll sleep better!
She has taught us about unconditional love. Even when we have missed her clues and as a result she has used indoors for her potty and is reprimanded, she still offers kisses and affection. She readily climbs on our laps, licks our cheek and nuzzles her snout into our necks.
Oh that we would learn that lesson! Forgiveness and relationship restoration should be that easy!
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