Well..it's been a while, again.
Since the last time I wrote, we've had a flurry again of activity - mostly good! I am happy to report that Nathanael and Jen AND Caleb and Amy are new home owners! I'm so proud of them. It was fun to watch them work so hard to accomplish their goals. More about all that later...
I'll start with today, and then move backwards through the past four months.
Today...
I'll describe it in adjectives that I am feeling. Tiring, Fulfilling, Challenging, Trying, Puzzling, Over-whelming, Extremely satisfying, Oh, so full of Joy.
Confused? me too. I have been stretched in my faith yet again and drawn closer to the Lord as I've learned to live with more unanswered questions.
In the mundane - we're still remodeling!!! I don't know why we can't finish it! Thankfully, Adam Thomas (Sophia's Dad) has been available for hire, and he is an expert craftsman that has helped us a great deal. I think that good old fashioned fatigue has hit Dan and I in between the eyes.
It's been an interesting summer thus far. The raccoons, I mean, the boys - are still living in the basement! Tonight one of them is in Granville playing tennis or volleyball, which has become a common excursion these past few weeks. We're on completely different schedules (I am a morning person, they are night people - you know, like raccoons. : ) Overall - it has been very good having them home. I have missed my man-boys.
Dan is still doing well with his business endeavors - thank you Lord!!! He's busy and tired, but we have committed to "finding each other" when our lives slow down a bit. I am, as usual, behind on many fronts. I still haven't finished school and we need to have our evaluations completed. Oh, the never ending lists. We home schoolers have a favorite saying: "well...there's always NEXT year!" We joke about how we keep striving for that optimum home school year! I think it is an illusion.
Church? good. Family? good. Friends? mostly good. still some major trials for some. (Relay for Hope is tomorrow for Sophia! Also - please pray for our friends the Winklers. Their daughter, Paula, was diagnosed with A.M.L. Leukemia just a few weeks ago. Paula (17 yr.) and Sophia (17 mo.) are on the same floor and have met each other!
My weight/health? not so good. Again - "there's always NEXT year!" It's an illusion.
Well, this is a lot about nothing, but it has given me time to exercise my brain.
I have been so blessed to be in Psalm 90 lately. God has truly restored so much of what has been lost for us - I can never praise Him enough.
Good night, moon. Good night, stars. good night everyone.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Heartaches and Homecomings....
Forgive me, but I'll tell you in advance I can hardly put together a coherent sentence tonight. I've had a full heart, overflowing with some heartache, some joy. I don't know who said this, but I think of it alot: "Life for the believer is a daily walk of sorrow and joy existing on parallel planes."
Joyful things:
1. Seth is home from Colorado! Yea. We're all so glad to have him home. Dan and I were actually enroute to home from our four day business trip to Mississippi when Seth (traveling in Mo.) called us. The conversation was so "seth" ...
"Hey Mommer, how are you?"
"Great Seth, I was just about to call you! How are you?"
"Fine, fine. Where are you?"
"We're just east of Columbus...almost home! Where are you?"
"I'm in Missouri. But right now, I'm on the side of the road because a semi just hit me."
"WHAT???"
He proceeded to tell us the story (mean, mean truck driver) which was a "hit and run" (meaning - Seth is going to have to pay for the damage to his car - no collision insurance). But I am JOYFUL because he wasn't injured, except for his wallet and an inconvient stay in Mo., and he is home.
2. Our married kids are looking at houses! oh, how I remember how exciting it was purchasing our first home. I'm so excited for them.
3. Dan is in negotiations for his third project in Mississippi. His current project will provide income for us until December, so we are hoping there is another one on the horizon soon!
4. Our remodeling is almost done! Can somebody say "AMEN!" I'm so tired.
5. Everyday joys: laughing with Michaela about my facebook quiz: "How many kids should you have?" Oops...my answer came up two or three! We laughed about loading up kids 4 - 8 and taking them back to the hospital. "What are you doing here?" "Well...my facebook quiz said I wasn't supposed to have these guys."
Listening to Moke play our new (used) digital piano! It has a beautiful sound - I am so thankful to have music in the house again! Watching Seth pay Michaela a dollar to scratch his back, taking Danielle to Columbus State (yes - we got lost), sorting through her growing-up pictures for her upcoming graduation, laughing with Jen and Danielle at the bar (you wouldn't believe what we were talking about!) ... these and so many other sweet memories. I wish I could tuck them all away and pull them out in vivid detail when I want to remember these moments.
Heartache things:
1. Please pray for the family of Shawn - a 21 yr. old that shot and killed himself on Wed. night. It is a heart wrenching story - as far as anyone knows - he did not know the Lord. But we all hang on to hope. Nathanael and Zac trained with him, and the Goodwin family knew him much better. Ryan was in the parking lot of Shawn's apartment when he ended his life. Please pray for his family, for his friends and especially his 19 year old sister. She found out recently that she has a heart condition that may cause her life to end in less than a year. I can't wrap my brain around this one at all. I know that God is merciful, full of compassion - I just felt like someone punched me in the stomach when I heard this news.
2. This is kind of a joy/heartache: First, I was able to spend time with Sophia last week! She, as always, melts my heart with her sweet smiles and waves. She was also able to be home for three days with her family inbetween her chemo. this time. She is once again back in Children's, and is having alot of pain and side effects. She has fractured two of her fingers also. Please keep praying for this little warrior! I can barely talk about her without tearing up. She is so precious. Ginger and Adam will forever be in my book as my hero's of the faith. They are remaining so strong through all this. I pray little Sophia can be home, healed and whole. May/June is still the target time.
3. My friend Linda is still grieving the loss of her Mom. It hurts me to see her hurt, and yet I know that death is a part of life for all of us. Jen's cousins are still in extrememe pain over the loss of their little son. Death is so brutal and so final - and yet it ushers those of us that believe into the very presense of our Lord. Joy/Sorrow - running on parallel planes.
I flipped open my Bible to Isaiah this morning as I am always drawn there during this holy season of remembering Jesus death and resurrection. I will close with a random assortment of verses that spoke comfort, hope and peace to me:
"You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat." (25:4)
"You will keep him in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." (26:3)
"O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress." (33:2)
"He tends his flock like a shepherd; he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." (40:11)
(I thought of Ginger/Sophia and April/Malachi)
"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." (8)
Amen.
Joyful things:
1. Seth is home from Colorado! Yea. We're all so glad to have him home. Dan and I were actually enroute to home from our four day business trip to Mississippi when Seth (traveling in Mo.) called us. The conversation was so "seth" ...
"Hey Mommer, how are you?"
"Great Seth, I was just about to call you! How are you?"
"Fine, fine. Where are you?"
"We're just east of Columbus...almost home! Where are you?"
"I'm in Missouri. But right now, I'm on the side of the road because a semi just hit me."
"WHAT???"
He proceeded to tell us the story (mean, mean truck driver) which was a "hit and run" (meaning - Seth is going to have to pay for the damage to his car - no collision insurance). But I am JOYFUL because he wasn't injured, except for his wallet and an inconvient stay in Mo., and he is home.
2. Our married kids are looking at houses! oh, how I remember how exciting it was purchasing our first home. I'm so excited for them.
3. Dan is in negotiations for his third project in Mississippi. His current project will provide income for us until December, so we are hoping there is another one on the horizon soon!
4. Our remodeling is almost done! Can somebody say "AMEN!" I'm so tired.
5. Everyday joys: laughing with Michaela about my facebook quiz: "How many kids should you have?" Oops...my answer came up two or three! We laughed about loading up kids 4 - 8 and taking them back to the hospital. "What are you doing here?" "Well...my facebook quiz said I wasn't supposed to have these guys."
Listening to Moke play our new (used) digital piano! It has a beautiful sound - I am so thankful to have music in the house again! Watching Seth pay Michaela a dollar to scratch his back, taking Danielle to Columbus State (yes - we got lost), sorting through her growing-up pictures for her upcoming graduation, laughing with Jen and Danielle at the bar (you wouldn't believe what we were talking about!) ... these and so many other sweet memories. I wish I could tuck them all away and pull them out in vivid detail when I want to remember these moments.
Heartache things:
1. Please pray for the family of Shawn - a 21 yr. old that shot and killed himself on Wed. night. It is a heart wrenching story - as far as anyone knows - he did not know the Lord. But we all hang on to hope. Nathanael and Zac trained with him, and the Goodwin family knew him much better. Ryan was in the parking lot of Shawn's apartment when he ended his life. Please pray for his family, for his friends and especially his 19 year old sister. She found out recently that she has a heart condition that may cause her life to end in less than a year. I can't wrap my brain around this one at all. I know that God is merciful, full of compassion - I just felt like someone punched me in the stomach when I heard this news.
2. This is kind of a joy/heartache: First, I was able to spend time with Sophia last week! She, as always, melts my heart with her sweet smiles and waves. She was also able to be home for three days with her family inbetween her chemo. this time. She is once again back in Children's, and is having alot of pain and side effects. She has fractured two of her fingers also. Please keep praying for this little warrior! I can barely talk about her without tearing up. She is so precious. Ginger and Adam will forever be in my book as my hero's of the faith. They are remaining so strong through all this. I pray little Sophia can be home, healed and whole. May/June is still the target time.
3. My friend Linda is still grieving the loss of her Mom. It hurts me to see her hurt, and yet I know that death is a part of life for all of us. Jen's cousins are still in extrememe pain over the loss of their little son. Death is so brutal and so final - and yet it ushers those of us that believe into the very presense of our Lord. Joy/Sorrow - running on parallel planes.
I flipped open my Bible to Isaiah this morning as I am always drawn there during this holy season of remembering Jesus death and resurrection. I will close with a random assortment of verses that spoke comfort, hope and peace to me:
"You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat." (25:4)
"You will keep him in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." (26:3)
"O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress." (33:2)
"He tends his flock like a shepherd; he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." (40:11)
(I thought of Ginger/Sophia and April/Malachi)
"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." (8)
Amen.
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Luck of the Irish
It's almost St. Patrick's Day! I love green, Irish step dancing, celtic music and a vast array of other "Irish" things. So I'm planning on tomorrow being a good day.
I love that my dainty purple crocus flowers have already bloomed in my front flower bed, right along side my snowman decoration that I need to put away. However, as I recall, about a year ago we were shoveling some 20 plus inches of snow around here!
New flowers remind me of new beginnings. Last week was long and rough, and I'm looking forward to the new beginnings that come with Spring. Christine's funeral was beautiful and yet so mournful. As we walked into the funeral home for the viewing, Emily spotted Michaela and fell into her arms as the tears flowed. It was such a bittersweet picture for me. It could have been Linda and myself. As we say our good-bye's here on earth, I know that the deep grief is just beginning for her family left here. Please keep praying for Linda and her family - we will all miss "Mammy".
If you didn't hear, Sophia was home for four nights with her family! Now we must surround them with much prayer as she is entering a very crucial stage in her chemo treatments. Please pray that God grants this baby life and health and peace. Please pray for continued strength for Ginger, Adam and their entire family.
We will be entering day 20 something of our remodeling project tomorrow....bla!!!
I'm too "old and busted" to be tackling some of this stuff. I'm so thankful that in heaven, there will be no need for any remodeling or repainting!
A year ago, I was writing limerick's for all my facebook friends.
I was inspired by my friend Pam, who wrote one for Dan when we first found out he had bladder cancer. It went like this:
"There once was a fine man named Dan,
who daily would ask God his plan,
God gave His answer,
by allowing Dan cancer,
Dan said: "Can we try this again?"
It is silly, but really fun. One guy named me the "Limerick lady" - and in honor of St. Patrick's day, I'm going to copy and paste my "Interview with the Limerick lady." (I had severe insomnia and could think of nothing better to do than "interview" myself - just for the fun of it. It's amazing what you will write at 3 in the morning. Plus, it is a good exercise to make fun of yourself once in a while.)
Read the story of St. Patrick to your children - it's an amazing one!
Interview with the "Limerick Lady".Share
Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 11:14am | Edit Note | Delete
Yesterday afternoon, I was able to catch up with the woman who is now being referred to as the “Limerick Lady” on Facebook. She has been writing a personal limerick for each of her friends, and is creating quite a stir among the community. We met over a steaming mug of Highlander Grogg coffee in her home. She was very casual in a black sweater and dark jeans and her demeanor, given her newfound status, was upbeat and yet still very down to earth.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with me and grant me this interview! ( The pleasure is all mine )
So, you're taken on the huge task of writing a limerick for each of your friends. Tell me, what inspired you to do such a thing?
(Well, I've become quite attached to the 71 wonderful people who call me their friend on Facebook, and I wanted to find a way to express that to each of them. Several weeks ago I wrote a limerick for my “wee” kitten, and as I quoted it out loud to her, her response was incredible. She just stared at me! Literally stared for quite some time, and it was at that moment that I knew just how profoundly a limerick could touch a living soul.)
Please, can you explain briefly what a limerick is, and why you chose that sort of poetry to touch these living souls?
(A limerick is a five lined form of humerus verse. Limericks may cover a wide range of subjects and derives its name from the city of Limerick, Ireland. Now, it's not that I'm completely partial to the Irish. But I do prefer their lyrical poetry over... say, the Japanese form called the “haiku”. I mean, trying to arrange a verse in three lines, with 17 syllables is too complicated for me. I can't be counting syllables - It doesn't fit my style. Besides, we have a lot to thank the Irish for. They gave us St. Patrick's Day, Lucky Charm's cereal (they're magically delicious!), River dance, Red hair (which I particularly love), Corned beef and cabbage, plus they invented the potato. They also gave us the adjective “wee” - which I personally think is great fun to throw around.)
The Irish invented the potato? I thought potatos were around long before the Irish.
(I may need to check my facts on that one, however we do owe the Irish a great deal.)
Back to the creation of your limerick's – why do you think this form of poetry comes so effortlessly to you?
(Most people forget that I am a home schooling Mom, with many “wee” youngsters around here. On any given day, I run across a lot of rhyming words. It has been a natural outpouring of my unique way of looking at others combined with what I am already familiar with.)
What has been the greatest reward to you, thus far, concerning the magnificent limericks you've written?
(Without a doubt, the greatest thing for me has been watching my wee children support my literary efforts. They make coffee for me (exclusively – Highlander Grogg), help keep our home tidy, and encourage me by asking me to write more. Their support has been.....(at this point, she began to tear up....) nothing short of amazing. Just seeing their happy faces as I quote their limericks has touched me! They literally beg me for more , bless their wee hearts.)
Given the huge success of this literary project of yours, have you considered what you would like to tackle next?
(I have, actually. I'm considering writing an “Ode” - which is a more serious, elaborate lyric, full of high praise and noble thinking. I'm thinking of “An Ode to Kirpi the Hedgehog”. Perhaps in the future, I'd also like to collaborate my writings with the poems of another and publish a masterpiece. I was thinking of something like:
“The Best of Lord Alfred Tennyson and the Limerick Lady.” What do you think?)
Well, I'm no expert on publishing books....but wouldn't that be rather difficult, considering that Lord Tennyson died in the late 1800's?
(You've got a wee point there.)
Do you anticipate that your current standard of living will change much, again, given the success of your limericks?
(Well......I don't know. I would still want to schedule my book signings far in advance, so I could take advantage of the $10 Skybus flights to the various cities. If I really wanted to splurge, I may purchase the Kalamutu variety of olives instead of the plain ones - or buy myself a wee bit more chocolate. But other than that, I think my life will pretty much stay the same.)
Well, it has been a pleasure getting to know you and the lyric that you hold so dear to your heart. Is there anything you'd like to say in closing?
(Yes. I'd like to thank my friends Pam Parsons and Robyn Baden, for their insightful comments regarding limericks in the past. I'd also like to thank Nate Johnson for referring to me as the “Limerick Lady” first! So in closing, I'd like to thank them, and the Irish. But especially, the Irish. And thank you for this wee interview!)
(post note: This has been a silly writing without any merit ~ but on a more serious note, I'd like to honestly share why I am writing limericks. Several years ago after Dan was diagnosed with cancer, Pam wrote Dan a limerick, which made us laugh and helped us see the lighter side of life! Her limerick:
“There once was a fine man named Dan,
who daily would ask God His plan,
God gave His answer,
by allowing Dan cancer,
Dan said, “Can we try this again?”
About the same time, Robyn and James Baden wrote a paper with the title:
“The Top Ten Reasons why Dan cannot die of bladder cancer.”
They said things like:
“Rabbit trails would grow over from lack of use.”
“Deb would have to conduct all Dan's business meetings in the form of Praise Dance.”
and other humerus reasons! They helped us get through our trial by helping us laugh again, and at the time – that was priceless.
In recent years, my heart has hurt over the other trials we've experienced, and I have found that writing, or singing or laughing, all these things help me cope. I love the written word – because the Lord used it to give us His Word. His Word has been my supreme comfort and joy. The Psalms have been my life during difficult, sleepless nights. Besides – I really do like poetry! Jen won a poetry contest at Otterbein College, plus Dan's Dad, in addition to my Uncle Don – loved writing poetry. I hope that this inspires one young person to pick up Tennyson or another poet, and give it a read! )
POST NOTE: March 17, 2008
A Very Happy St. Patrick's Day to all of you!!!
Growing up in a predominately Catholic community, I always thought St. Patrick's Day was a party day - green beer, pinching...the things my friends would talk about in middle school. How could I have missed hearing the true story of St. Patrick? He was one amazing person.
So today was pretty much thethe best for me...how could it not be with the profile I have! I was able to be home - watch "Riverdance", strike a few of my friends on facebook with a limerick - you know, fun stuff. Read with the kids about St. Patrick, The Irish- Americans - plus we checked out the website for the upcoming Irish Festival in Dublin - Aug. 1-3 - you should all come if you can. It's pretty awesome..and speaking of awesome - The live Riverdance troupe is coming to the Palace Theatre on April 16 - 22(?). I covet tickets for this! Our friends, James and Rachel bought us tickets one year - and it was one of the most amazing things I've ever witnessed. The music, the dancing and costumes ...oh wow.
Well, to the relief of many - the Limerick Lady is going on Sabbatical. (stop cheering - I can hear you.) I finished 25 limerick's, made a few laugh, a few cry and definatey embarressed a few of my kids. So....
I'm thinking I'll trade in my love of the limerick for the admiration of the author.
I keep looking at all my friends facebooks, and most have book reviews and the such. They must think I'm a nit wit or something -
Seriously - onto Holy Week now and the most sacred of all days - in my opinion - Resurrection Sunday. Jesus Christ was the MOST amazing individual to ever walk this earth. Fully God, fully man. So many deep things to now think of this week. So many things in Christ, our Savior - to be thankful for.
Blessings to all of you!
In this note: Jennifer Frederick (notes), Kirpi Frederick (notes), Pamela
I love that my dainty purple crocus flowers have already bloomed in my front flower bed, right along side my snowman decoration that I need to put away. However, as I recall, about a year ago we were shoveling some 20 plus inches of snow around here!
New flowers remind me of new beginnings. Last week was long and rough, and I'm looking forward to the new beginnings that come with Spring. Christine's funeral was beautiful and yet so mournful. As we walked into the funeral home for the viewing, Emily spotted Michaela and fell into her arms as the tears flowed. It was such a bittersweet picture for me. It could have been Linda and myself. As we say our good-bye's here on earth, I know that the deep grief is just beginning for her family left here. Please keep praying for Linda and her family - we will all miss "Mammy".
If you didn't hear, Sophia was home for four nights with her family! Now we must surround them with much prayer as she is entering a very crucial stage in her chemo treatments. Please pray that God grants this baby life and health and peace. Please pray for continued strength for Ginger, Adam and their entire family.
We will be entering day 20 something of our remodeling project tomorrow....bla!!!
I'm too "old and busted" to be tackling some of this stuff. I'm so thankful that in heaven, there will be no need for any remodeling or repainting!
A year ago, I was writing limerick's for all my facebook friends.
I was inspired by my friend Pam, who wrote one for Dan when we first found out he had bladder cancer. It went like this:
"There once was a fine man named Dan,
who daily would ask God his plan,
God gave His answer,
by allowing Dan cancer,
Dan said: "Can we try this again?"
It is silly, but really fun. One guy named me the "Limerick lady" - and in honor of St. Patrick's day, I'm going to copy and paste my "Interview with the Limerick lady." (I had severe insomnia and could think of nothing better to do than "interview" myself - just for the fun of it. It's amazing what you will write at 3 in the morning. Plus, it is a good exercise to make fun of yourself once in a while.)
Read the story of St. Patrick to your children - it's an amazing one!
Interview with the "Limerick Lady".Share
Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 11:14am | Edit Note | Delete
Yesterday afternoon, I was able to catch up with the woman who is now being referred to as the “Limerick Lady” on Facebook. She has been writing a personal limerick for each of her friends, and is creating quite a stir among the community. We met over a steaming mug of Highlander Grogg coffee in her home. She was very casual in a black sweater and dark jeans and her demeanor, given her newfound status, was upbeat and yet still very down to earth.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with me and grant me this interview! ( The pleasure is all mine )
So, you're taken on the huge task of writing a limerick for each of your friends. Tell me, what inspired you to do such a thing?
(Well, I've become quite attached to the 71 wonderful people who call me their friend on Facebook, and I wanted to find a way to express that to each of them. Several weeks ago I wrote a limerick for my “wee” kitten, and as I quoted it out loud to her, her response was incredible. She just stared at me! Literally stared for quite some time, and it was at that moment that I knew just how profoundly a limerick could touch a living soul.)
Please, can you explain briefly what a limerick is, and why you chose that sort of poetry to touch these living souls?
(A limerick is a five lined form of humerus verse. Limericks may cover a wide range of subjects and derives its name from the city of Limerick, Ireland. Now, it's not that I'm completely partial to the Irish. But I do prefer their lyrical poetry over... say, the Japanese form called the “haiku”. I mean, trying to arrange a verse in three lines, with 17 syllables is too complicated for me. I can't be counting syllables - It doesn't fit my style. Besides, we have a lot to thank the Irish for. They gave us St. Patrick's Day, Lucky Charm's cereal (they're magically delicious!), River dance, Red hair (which I particularly love), Corned beef and cabbage, plus they invented the potato. They also gave us the adjective “wee” - which I personally think is great fun to throw around.)
The Irish invented the potato? I thought potatos were around long before the Irish.
(I may need to check my facts on that one, however we do owe the Irish a great deal.)
Back to the creation of your limerick's – why do you think this form of poetry comes so effortlessly to you?
(Most people forget that I am a home schooling Mom, with many “wee” youngsters around here. On any given day, I run across a lot of rhyming words. It has been a natural outpouring of my unique way of looking at others combined with what I am already familiar with.)
What has been the greatest reward to you, thus far, concerning the magnificent limericks you've written?
(Without a doubt, the greatest thing for me has been watching my wee children support my literary efforts. They make coffee for me (exclusively – Highlander Grogg), help keep our home tidy, and encourage me by asking me to write more. Their support has been.....(at this point, she began to tear up....) nothing short of amazing. Just seeing their happy faces as I quote their limericks has touched me! They literally beg me for more , bless their wee hearts.)
Given the huge success of this literary project of yours, have you considered what you would like to tackle next?
(I have, actually. I'm considering writing an “Ode” - which is a more serious, elaborate lyric, full of high praise and noble thinking. I'm thinking of “An Ode to Kirpi the Hedgehog”. Perhaps in the future, I'd also like to collaborate my writings with the poems of another and publish a masterpiece. I was thinking of something like:
“The Best of Lord Alfred Tennyson and the Limerick Lady.” What do you think?)
Well, I'm no expert on publishing books....but wouldn't that be rather difficult, considering that Lord Tennyson died in the late 1800's?
(You've got a wee point there.)
Do you anticipate that your current standard of living will change much, again, given the success of your limericks?
(Well......I don't know. I would still want to schedule my book signings far in advance, so I could take advantage of the $10 Skybus flights to the various cities. If I really wanted to splurge, I may purchase the Kalamutu variety of olives instead of the plain ones - or buy myself a wee bit more chocolate. But other than that, I think my life will pretty much stay the same.)
Well, it has been a pleasure getting to know you and the lyric that you hold so dear to your heart. Is there anything you'd like to say in closing?
(Yes. I'd like to thank my friends Pam Parsons and Robyn Baden, for their insightful comments regarding limericks in the past. I'd also like to thank Nate Johnson for referring to me as the “Limerick Lady” first! So in closing, I'd like to thank them, and the Irish. But especially, the Irish. And thank you for this wee interview!)
(post note: This has been a silly writing without any merit ~ but on a more serious note, I'd like to honestly share why I am writing limericks. Several years ago after Dan was diagnosed with cancer, Pam wrote Dan a limerick, which made us laugh and helped us see the lighter side of life! Her limerick:
“There once was a fine man named Dan,
who daily would ask God His plan,
God gave His answer,
by allowing Dan cancer,
Dan said, “Can we try this again?”
About the same time, Robyn and James Baden wrote a paper with the title:
“The Top Ten Reasons why Dan cannot die of bladder cancer.”
They said things like:
“Rabbit trails would grow over from lack of use.”
“Deb would have to conduct all Dan's business meetings in the form of Praise Dance.”
and other humerus reasons! They helped us get through our trial by helping us laugh again, and at the time – that was priceless.
In recent years, my heart has hurt over the other trials we've experienced, and I have found that writing, or singing or laughing, all these things help me cope. I love the written word – because the Lord used it to give us His Word. His Word has been my supreme comfort and joy. The Psalms have been my life during difficult, sleepless nights. Besides – I really do like poetry! Jen won a poetry contest at Otterbein College, plus Dan's Dad, in addition to my Uncle Don – loved writing poetry. I hope that this inspires one young person to pick up Tennyson or another poet, and give it a read! )
POST NOTE: March 17, 2008
A Very Happy St. Patrick's Day to all of you!!!
Growing up in a predominately Catholic community, I always thought St. Patrick's Day was a party day - green beer, pinching...the things my friends would talk about in middle school. How could I have missed hearing the true story of St. Patrick? He was one amazing person.
So today was pretty much thethe best for me...how could it not be with the profile I have! I was able to be home - watch "Riverdance", strike a few of my friends on facebook with a limerick - you know, fun stuff. Read with the kids about St. Patrick, The Irish- Americans - plus we checked out the website for the upcoming Irish Festival in Dublin - Aug. 1-3 - you should all come if you can. It's pretty awesome..and speaking of awesome - The live Riverdance troupe is coming to the Palace Theatre on April 16 - 22(?). I covet tickets for this! Our friends, James and Rachel bought us tickets one year - and it was one of the most amazing things I've ever witnessed. The music, the dancing and costumes ...oh wow.
Well, to the relief of many - the Limerick Lady is going on Sabbatical. (stop cheering - I can hear you.) I finished 25 limerick's, made a few laugh, a few cry and definatey embarressed a few of my kids. So....
I'm thinking I'll trade in my love of the limerick for the admiration of the author.
I keep looking at all my friends facebooks, and most have book reviews and the such. They must think I'm a nit wit or something -
Seriously - onto Holy Week now and the most sacred of all days - in my opinion - Resurrection Sunday. Jesus Christ was the MOST amazing individual to ever walk this earth. Fully God, fully man. So many deep things to now think of this week. So many things in Christ, our Savior - to be thankful for.
Blessings to all of you!
In this note: Jennifer Frederick (notes), Kirpi Frederick (notes), Pamela
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Pulled in Many Directions
My eyes popped wide open at 5 a.m. this morning. Oh snap...it's going to be a long day I believe.
It is before 8 a.m. now, and I'd rather not admit how many cups of coffee I've enjoyed already on this serene and beautiful morning.
It's so quiet...I cherish these hours in the morning before the day gets noisy and busy. I sometimes find myself so far behind, I don't know where to start. So I'll begin this rambling of thought and word with what I think is most important...
Oh, how I wish I could express how wonderful the Lord is to me! Every day - His mercies are indeed new and I don't know how people can live a day without Him! In the margin of my Bible this morning, I saw a date that I had jotted down next to Psalm 40: 1 - 5: November the seventeenth, 2005. I wonder what happened on that morning? I'll have to get out my journals and see what blessing the Lord brought into our lives that day. That was a rough year for us, as I remember. How I love this passage penned by King David so long ago:
"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry....Many, Oh Lord my God, are the wonders you have done! The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare."
Ps. 40: 1a, 5
Even though I feel "pulled in many directions" today, the direction I feel most pulled toward is heavenward. How wonderful to know that it is a certain reality waiting for me - in God's time and in his way.
Today begins a very tough time for my dear friend, Linda. Her dear mother is now face to face with Jesus - and on this side of eternity - many will gather in the next two days for her Viewing and Funeral. As Jen penned this week, I wish we could bear some of the hurt of those that we love. Somehow redistribute the pain load, so we could all carry a part of the grief and burden that is so real and painful. But we cannot. We can only walk beside our friends and family as they in turn walk with God through this narrow path called grief. Several of my close friends have lost their mothers already, and the thought of saying a final good-bye to my own dear Mom brings a pit in my stomach. Dan and I have only lost one of our parents thus far. Dad has been with the Lord for alittle over two years now. Watching Linda go through this process with her Mom brought back many painful memories for me. Yet it has also brought a sense of comfort too. Christine is in a very real place, heaven, and it is a real place that I will be someday too.
I wonder how Corey's family is today. This little fellow is also with the Lord now....death is such a terrible part of this life. So painful.
Never far from my thoughts is Miss Sophia Hope too. I hope to see Ginger today to hear an update on how she is faring these days.
Life. It's good - it's painful - it is filled with extremes.
The daily things have been challenging to me lately. I guess that is why I am feeling pulled in so many directions. I want to spend more time with Dan and the kids (all of them...I miss the adult kids too), but we're in the middle of what I might call remodeling h - e - double hockey sticks. I wasn't anticipating how hard this would be. Again, it's good! but it's painful! We're on day 14 now, and things are still very disheveled. I don't do well with "mess" - as I can't find things and feel like I'm in a foreigh country. Not really - I tend to over exagerate things...but I am weary of it all. We want to do a good job, knowing this floor may not be updated again for awhile. I want to pick the right paint colors and envision how we will want things for years to come so we make the most of every dollar we're spending. Last night on our way to church, Dan and I made yet another Lowes stop picking up more supplies. We encouraged ourselves with the fact that we are saving lots of money by doing a good portion of this ourselves. We'll all be grateful when we're done. We've had a lot of help that we're grateful for, especially from the kids. The men we hired have been great too. It will get done!
In the meantime, I'm also juggling some other major things. I am trying to get some help with Michaela and her home schooling. I've really dropped the ball in some areas and she has some learning challenges that I'm trying to identify and help. She's so sweet though...I love her attitude. On the other end of the spectrum, Danielle and I are making our way through her upcoming high school graduation and perhaps her leaving for College in the fall. Lots of paperwork, lots of mixed emotions going on for me. One of the boys is moving home this weekend also, so that is yet another area I want to help with. We're also trying to locate a piano, primarily for Jon-Mark - to encourage him to pursue his musical interests. I'm excited that Jen and Funnel are looking into the possibility of being first time home buyers! Hopefully Peab and Amy will be able to look soon too. Seth and Micah will be back from Colorado in April sometime - wow, how the months fly by. I am looking forward to having a dozen people around a table for a Sunday dinner again.
I'm thankful for Dan these days. He is a perfect partner for me! We're looking forward to a short time away for his birthday soon.
Even though we as women do feel pulled in many directions at times, it's good to remember to keep our focus on the Lord. I'm grateful for the many wonderful older women and girlfriends the Lord has blessed me with, because they each have taught me many valuable lessons. One of my "Titus two" women turned 60 this week! It would take me all day to list and express to each family member/friend that has benefitted my life in some way. My wonderful Mom, my sweet mother-in-law - my sisters, (both biological and spiritual)...each has taught me lessons that I hope I put into practice, and I pray that I learn to balance my life and keep things heading in the right direction.
It is before 8 a.m. now, and I'd rather not admit how many cups of coffee I've enjoyed already on this serene and beautiful morning.
It's so quiet...I cherish these hours in the morning before the day gets noisy and busy. I sometimes find myself so far behind, I don't know where to start. So I'll begin this rambling of thought and word with what I think is most important...
Oh, how I wish I could express how wonderful the Lord is to me! Every day - His mercies are indeed new and I don't know how people can live a day without Him! In the margin of my Bible this morning, I saw a date that I had jotted down next to Psalm 40: 1 - 5: November the seventeenth, 2005. I wonder what happened on that morning? I'll have to get out my journals and see what blessing the Lord brought into our lives that day. That was a rough year for us, as I remember. How I love this passage penned by King David so long ago:
"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry....Many, Oh Lord my God, are the wonders you have done! The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare."
Ps. 40: 1a, 5
Even though I feel "pulled in many directions" today, the direction I feel most pulled toward is heavenward. How wonderful to know that it is a certain reality waiting for me - in God's time and in his way.
Today begins a very tough time for my dear friend, Linda. Her dear mother is now face to face with Jesus - and on this side of eternity - many will gather in the next two days for her Viewing and Funeral. As Jen penned this week, I wish we could bear some of the hurt of those that we love. Somehow redistribute the pain load, so we could all carry a part of the grief and burden that is so real and painful. But we cannot. We can only walk beside our friends and family as they in turn walk with God through this narrow path called grief. Several of my close friends have lost their mothers already, and the thought of saying a final good-bye to my own dear Mom brings a pit in my stomach. Dan and I have only lost one of our parents thus far. Dad has been with the Lord for alittle over two years now. Watching Linda go through this process with her Mom brought back many painful memories for me. Yet it has also brought a sense of comfort too. Christine is in a very real place, heaven, and it is a real place that I will be someday too.
I wonder how Corey's family is today. This little fellow is also with the Lord now....death is such a terrible part of this life. So painful.
Never far from my thoughts is Miss Sophia Hope too. I hope to see Ginger today to hear an update on how she is faring these days.
Life. It's good - it's painful - it is filled with extremes.
The daily things have been challenging to me lately. I guess that is why I am feeling pulled in so many directions. I want to spend more time with Dan and the kids (all of them...I miss the adult kids too), but we're in the middle of what I might call remodeling h - e - double hockey sticks. I wasn't anticipating how hard this would be. Again, it's good! but it's painful! We're on day 14 now, and things are still very disheveled. I don't do well with "mess" - as I can't find things and feel like I'm in a foreigh country. Not really - I tend to over exagerate things...but I am weary of it all. We want to do a good job, knowing this floor may not be updated again for awhile. I want to pick the right paint colors and envision how we will want things for years to come so we make the most of every dollar we're spending. Last night on our way to church, Dan and I made yet another Lowes stop picking up more supplies. We encouraged ourselves with the fact that we are saving lots of money by doing a good portion of this ourselves. We'll all be grateful when we're done. We've had a lot of help that we're grateful for, especially from the kids. The men we hired have been great too. It will get done!
In the meantime, I'm also juggling some other major things. I am trying to get some help with Michaela and her home schooling. I've really dropped the ball in some areas and she has some learning challenges that I'm trying to identify and help. She's so sweet though...I love her attitude. On the other end of the spectrum, Danielle and I are making our way through her upcoming high school graduation and perhaps her leaving for College in the fall. Lots of paperwork, lots of mixed emotions going on for me. One of the boys is moving home this weekend also, so that is yet another area I want to help with. We're also trying to locate a piano, primarily for Jon-Mark - to encourage him to pursue his musical interests. I'm excited that Jen and Funnel are looking into the possibility of being first time home buyers! Hopefully Peab and Amy will be able to look soon too. Seth and Micah will be back from Colorado in April sometime - wow, how the months fly by. I am looking forward to having a dozen people around a table for a Sunday dinner again.
I'm thankful for Dan these days. He is a perfect partner for me! We're looking forward to a short time away for his birthday soon.
Even though we as women do feel pulled in many directions at times, it's good to remember to keep our focus on the Lord. I'm grateful for the many wonderful older women and girlfriends the Lord has blessed me with, because they each have taught me many valuable lessons. One of my "Titus two" women turned 60 this week! It would take me all day to list and express to each family member/friend that has benefitted my life in some way. My wonderful Mom, my sweet mother-in-law - my sisters, (both biological and spiritual)...each has taught me lessons that I hope I put into practice, and I pray that I learn to balance my life and keep things heading in the right direction.
Friday, February 27, 2009
"Peace I leave with you...."
As I read Jesus words to his disciples in John 14, I can think of no other words at this time that bring more comfort.
Peace in the midst of a storm is a precious emotion. Storms of saddness and loss are swirling all around us right now as loved ones say good-bye to their family member walking through the veil from this life to the next.
Another family didn't have time to say good-bye. Jen's cousins felt the full brunt of death come on them suddenly on Sunday, when their 3 yr. old son was killed in a tragic car accident. Today, Corey would have been 4 years old. I hear that there were 2,000 people that visited the family at his viewing. His life mission has been accomplished, even though no one saw his mission ending so early. My heart breaks for this family and they will be in my prayers for many weeks to come.
I'll never forget the life of little Jeremiah Kline. At 10 days old, he went home to be with Jesus, and his heart broken parents chose a phrase to put on his gravestone that I will never forget. "Mission Accomplished". At such a young age, his parents faith enabled them to say that his life and death was a mission that was accomplished. Oh, that we all would have such faith and comfort in the midst of such sorrow and loss.
Upon hearing of Corey's death, I also immediately thought back to the death of little Maria Chapman, the adopted daughter of Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife. I read their testimony weeks later and thanked God for sustaining them during such a difficult time. I appreciated their transparency and openness with how they were dealing with their grief and unanswered questions about why this had happened. Yet their faith in our God came through and even though I don't know them, I experienced a growth in my faith too.
Faith is living with questions that are not answered in this life. Lord, please teach all of us to live with unanswered questions and trust you more.
I can hardly keep up with my emotions these days. Two weekends ago, Danielle and I traveled with Candy and Abbey Walsh down to Louisville to visit Boyce College. She and Abbey are considering going there to study for at least a year. We were really pleased with the emphasis on the Word of God there. We'll see what the future holds. As I think about her potentially leaving this Fall, I feel a wide range of emotion. Excitement, for her! A deep sense of missing her, for me. In some ways, she reminds me of myself at that age. I love my kids. They are all so unique and different! I'm also excited about Seth and Micah coming home in April. Seth plans to finish at Columbus State, Micah intends to stay for a few weeks, then head back to Colorado. I knew if they saw those Rocky Mountains we'd have someone settling out there! I think Colorado is beautiful, and I can't wait to visit there again. Zac is inbetween jobs at the moment too - so I'm praying for his future direction.
Last weekend, the girls and I drove up to Mich. for a surprise party for my step-sister! It was awesome. My other step sister from Colorado flew in, and I was so thrilled to have time with her and her son, as we haven't seen each other in about 20 years. Crazy. I don't know where the years have flown. After a busy but wonderful 3 days with my family and our friends, the Crouse's, I met my college room mate (and bridesmaid!) for a late lunch in Lansing. After 20 some years, Becky and I had a wonderful time catching up with each others lives and we can't wait to see each other again. I don't feel old enough to think that I've been out of College for almost 30 years already.
On another front - Sophia was sick when we visited her on Tuesday. Please keep this family in your prayers. She's such a little trooper. We keep praying for her healing and asking the Lord to sustain this awesome family day by day.
Also on Tues. I saw my friend Christine, for perhaps the last time. Christine's family is all around her now, and she will most likely be with the Lord very soon. Please also pray for the Goodwin family. Saying good-bye - even when you are anticipating it, is still so difficult.
I feel a bit like my house today. A big mix of things. We've had it tore up for alittle over a week now, doing some remodeling. Dan and I thought these changes on the main floor would give us the "biggest bang for our buck." Our living room is in the dining room (couch on our table), my closets are in my room, my bathtub is filled with "stuff", there are tools and dust and mess just about everywhere. You know - remodeling. The one word says it all! I'm looking forward to the finished product, living with the disheveled one for awhile. Kind of like the new body and the promise of heaven that I'm looking forward too. It will happen! And that hope gives me peace and joy in the middle of the pain and uncertainty of these days. Last evening, I read a quick chapter from "A Midwives Tale", a book based on the diary of Martha Ballard that won a Pulizer Prize. Many of the accounts were fascinating, but one that I partciularly was amazed by was the story of the diptheria outbreak in 1769, in which a large percentage of the population died, mostly children. Martha herself lost three daughters, ages 2, 4 and 8. But these words just jumped out at me..."In the midst of all the death, Marth gave birth to another daughter." It reminded me that God allows life to come from death - as painful as that is. Joy does come after sorrow - Praise Him! We're going home to be with Him someday and that is a truth many of us cling to on a daily basis.
Back to John 14. I am praying Jesus words indwell each of these families today. When I read the "red letters" in my Bible (which indicates these are Jesus words)
I feel a special comfort today. He experienced our human emotions. He wept when his friend Lazarus died. He understands. He gives us Peace.
Peace in the midst of a storm is a precious emotion. Storms of saddness and loss are swirling all around us right now as loved ones say good-bye to their family member walking through the veil from this life to the next.
Another family didn't have time to say good-bye. Jen's cousins felt the full brunt of death come on them suddenly on Sunday, when their 3 yr. old son was killed in a tragic car accident. Today, Corey would have been 4 years old. I hear that there were 2,000 people that visited the family at his viewing. His life mission has been accomplished, even though no one saw his mission ending so early. My heart breaks for this family and they will be in my prayers for many weeks to come.
I'll never forget the life of little Jeremiah Kline. At 10 days old, he went home to be with Jesus, and his heart broken parents chose a phrase to put on his gravestone that I will never forget. "Mission Accomplished". At such a young age, his parents faith enabled them to say that his life and death was a mission that was accomplished. Oh, that we all would have such faith and comfort in the midst of such sorrow and loss.
Upon hearing of Corey's death, I also immediately thought back to the death of little Maria Chapman, the adopted daughter of Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife. I read their testimony weeks later and thanked God for sustaining them during such a difficult time. I appreciated their transparency and openness with how they were dealing with their grief and unanswered questions about why this had happened. Yet their faith in our God came through and even though I don't know them, I experienced a growth in my faith too.
Faith is living with questions that are not answered in this life. Lord, please teach all of us to live with unanswered questions and trust you more.
I can hardly keep up with my emotions these days. Two weekends ago, Danielle and I traveled with Candy and Abbey Walsh down to Louisville to visit Boyce College. She and Abbey are considering going there to study for at least a year. We were really pleased with the emphasis on the Word of God there. We'll see what the future holds. As I think about her potentially leaving this Fall, I feel a wide range of emotion. Excitement, for her! A deep sense of missing her, for me. In some ways, she reminds me of myself at that age. I love my kids. They are all so unique and different! I'm also excited about Seth and Micah coming home in April. Seth plans to finish at Columbus State, Micah intends to stay for a few weeks, then head back to Colorado. I knew if they saw those Rocky Mountains we'd have someone settling out there! I think Colorado is beautiful, and I can't wait to visit there again. Zac is inbetween jobs at the moment too - so I'm praying for his future direction.
Last weekend, the girls and I drove up to Mich. for a surprise party for my step-sister! It was awesome. My other step sister from Colorado flew in, and I was so thrilled to have time with her and her son, as we haven't seen each other in about 20 years. Crazy. I don't know where the years have flown. After a busy but wonderful 3 days with my family and our friends, the Crouse's, I met my college room mate (and bridesmaid!) for a late lunch in Lansing. After 20 some years, Becky and I had a wonderful time catching up with each others lives and we can't wait to see each other again. I don't feel old enough to think that I've been out of College for almost 30 years already.
On another front - Sophia was sick when we visited her on Tuesday. Please keep this family in your prayers. She's such a little trooper. We keep praying for her healing and asking the Lord to sustain this awesome family day by day.
Also on Tues. I saw my friend Christine, for perhaps the last time. Christine's family is all around her now, and she will most likely be with the Lord very soon. Please also pray for the Goodwin family. Saying good-bye - even when you are anticipating it, is still so difficult.
I feel a bit like my house today. A big mix of things. We've had it tore up for alittle over a week now, doing some remodeling. Dan and I thought these changes on the main floor would give us the "biggest bang for our buck." Our living room is in the dining room (couch on our table), my closets are in my room, my bathtub is filled with "stuff", there are tools and dust and mess just about everywhere. You know - remodeling. The one word says it all! I'm looking forward to the finished product, living with the disheveled one for awhile. Kind of like the new body and the promise of heaven that I'm looking forward too. It will happen! And that hope gives me peace and joy in the middle of the pain and uncertainty of these days. Last evening, I read a quick chapter from "A Midwives Tale", a book based on the diary of Martha Ballard that won a Pulizer Prize. Many of the accounts were fascinating, but one that I partciularly was amazed by was the story of the diptheria outbreak in 1769, in which a large percentage of the population died, mostly children. Martha herself lost three daughters, ages 2, 4 and 8. But these words just jumped out at me..."In the midst of all the death, Marth gave birth to another daughter." It reminded me that God allows life to come from death - as painful as that is. Joy does come after sorrow - Praise Him! We're going home to be with Him someday and that is a truth many of us cling to on a daily basis.
Back to John 14. I am praying Jesus words indwell each of these families today. When I read the "red letters" in my Bible (which indicates these are Jesus words)
I feel a special comfort today. He experienced our human emotions. He wept when his friend Lazarus died. He understands. He gives us Peace.
Monday, February 9, 2009
A Tribute to Life
The past two days have been full and enlightening for me. Yesterday, I spent the day with a perfectly delightful baby who just happened to be turning one year old. Sophia Hope! She was able to see her siblings for the first time in months - a visual that I will remember and cherish for a long time! The affectionate looks and kisses, and leanings into them to be held and loved yet again. I hung out with Sophia for the rest of the day so Ginger and Adam could have some time out with the other children that miss them so much. Sophia and I played peek-a-boo, "where's Sophia?" (she's good at hiding under her blankets) and of course, a bit of nap time. She is one of the most delightful babies that I have ever known. I believe that she has suffered more in the past 3 months of her hospitalization, than most of us will suffer in our lifetime, yet she remains resililent and strong. She is in a fight for her life, and yet she can still laugh and smile! She waves "bye-bye" to everyone that enters her room. (even the nurse that had the unpleasant task of giving her a shot last evening.) As I drove home last night, tired but so happy to have been with her, I envisioned Adam and Ginger bringing her back home to their little farm house with the goats and the dogs, and love in every room. I envisioned how her siblings will pour over her with love and attention. I think of how other's will hear of her testimony and marvel at the miracle of her life. I pray every day that these wishes turn into a reality for this family that I have come to love so much. So Sophia, I offer you a tribute today....Here's to LIFE!
Today I spent some time with another friend. Actually, another member of our Bible study group. Christine is also battling cancer, it just is different than Sophia's. They are in different hospital's - about 10 blocks apart. These two remarkable ladies, though years apart in age, both sat in my living room recently as we laughed and listened and shared some good fellowship over the Word (followed by food, of course.) Christine's life has taken a bitter twist in the past few weeks, and if God does not choose to miracuously heal her, she will be face to face with Him soon. Life is not fair. Hardships somehow turn up at our door as uninvited and unwanted guests. Our desire is to close it all out - and yet we cannot. As I watched this frail, lovely lady today, I thought about her life. A friend was painting her nails and her loved ones were around her. I wondered what she had been like as a teenager, what her dreams were at that time. I thought about her working hard to raise her two wonderful children. I wondered what it was like for her when she and her husband, a Pastor, had traveled together in these past few years. I thought about her as a wife, a mother, a daughter. Things that I am today. Her life has had immense meaning and purpose and yet all of a sudden, it seems so harsh that it should be drawing to a close. Yet her life IS going to continue on the other side - the side that we believer's long for some day. I'm excited for her new life to begin...a life so glorious that we truly cannot even imagine it. So Christine, I offer you a tribute today also...Here's to this life, and your next!
If I found out today that my life was to end in a few weeks, what would I do?
mmmmm.....that is a very revealing question we should ask ourselves. I'll quickly jot down a few things I would change:
1. I would spend intentional time in the Word and worshipping the Lord each morning.
2. I would give the best of myself to my family, instead of others.
3. I would snuggle with Dan for a few extra minutes in the morning, just to make sure our day started out on a good note.
4. I would take more time to vocalize to other's how important they are.
5. I would purpose to spend more time thinking grateful thoughts, than those of what I want, or need, (or think I need).
I would spend my life living it in a purposeful way, each and every day.
WHAT ON EARTH am I waiting for?
You know the old saying...yesterday is behind us, today is here, and tomorrow is just an unknown. I am thinking that Ginger (Sophia's Mom) and Linda (my dear friend, and daughter of Christine's) may be just a step ahead of me on this one.
But I'm working on it!
Tonight, instead of hurrying off to get some house work done, I sat down and had a really nice little chat with my sweet mother-in-law. (I told her, "I think I have too many friends" jokingly, of course. She said "you can never have too many friends." She's always been full of good wisdom!) I spent a few minutes REALLY listening to my kids and their friends just talk - about anything - about everything. I took some time to just laugh, and to write a few cards. I took some time to pray for my friends that are in "trials of various kinds", as James calls them. I thanked the Lord many times over today for my life, my family, my friends, and most of all, for Him.
Because He is the author of Life, my tribute truly is to Him.
Today I spent some time with another friend. Actually, another member of our Bible study group. Christine is also battling cancer, it just is different than Sophia's. They are in different hospital's - about 10 blocks apart. These two remarkable ladies, though years apart in age, both sat in my living room recently as we laughed and listened and shared some good fellowship over the Word (followed by food, of course.) Christine's life has taken a bitter twist in the past few weeks, and if God does not choose to miracuously heal her, she will be face to face with Him soon. Life is not fair. Hardships somehow turn up at our door as uninvited and unwanted guests. Our desire is to close it all out - and yet we cannot. As I watched this frail, lovely lady today, I thought about her life. A friend was painting her nails and her loved ones were around her. I wondered what she had been like as a teenager, what her dreams were at that time. I thought about her working hard to raise her two wonderful children. I wondered what it was like for her when she and her husband, a Pastor, had traveled together in these past few years. I thought about her as a wife, a mother, a daughter. Things that I am today. Her life has had immense meaning and purpose and yet all of a sudden, it seems so harsh that it should be drawing to a close. Yet her life IS going to continue on the other side - the side that we believer's long for some day. I'm excited for her new life to begin...a life so glorious that we truly cannot even imagine it. So Christine, I offer you a tribute today also...Here's to this life, and your next!
If I found out today that my life was to end in a few weeks, what would I do?
mmmmm.....that is a very revealing question we should ask ourselves. I'll quickly jot down a few things I would change:
1. I would spend intentional time in the Word and worshipping the Lord each morning.
2. I would give the best of myself to my family, instead of others.
3. I would snuggle with Dan for a few extra minutes in the morning, just to make sure our day started out on a good note.
4. I would take more time to vocalize to other's how important they are.
5. I would purpose to spend more time thinking grateful thoughts, than those of what I want, or need, (or think I need).
I would spend my life living it in a purposeful way, each and every day.
WHAT ON EARTH am I waiting for?
You know the old saying...yesterday is behind us, today is here, and tomorrow is just an unknown. I am thinking that Ginger (Sophia's Mom) and Linda (my dear friend, and daughter of Christine's) may be just a step ahead of me on this one.
But I'm working on it!
Tonight, instead of hurrying off to get some house work done, I sat down and had a really nice little chat with my sweet mother-in-law. (I told her, "I think I have too many friends" jokingly, of course. She said "you can never have too many friends." She's always been full of good wisdom!) I spent a few minutes REALLY listening to my kids and their friends just talk - about anything - about everything. I took some time to just laugh, and to write a few cards. I took some time to pray for my friends that are in "trials of various kinds", as James calls them. I thanked the Lord many times over today for my life, my family, my friends, and most of all, for Him.
Because He is the author of Life, my tribute truly is to Him.
Friday, January 23, 2009
"I'm hopelessly flawed"
Listening to my "Little Women" soundtrack last week reminded me of some of my favorite lines from that movie:
"I'm afraid I'm hopelessly flawed" Jo to Professor Baer.
"It only takes one, if it's the right one" Amy's comment to Jo and Meg.
"My teacher said: It's as useless to educate a girl as it is to educate a cat" (something like that, it was Amy quoting what her teacher at school said...)
haha - I do love that last one. So girls...stop learning! It's useless! Isn't it crazy how some people's views cause so much distortion?
I love this movie and think about that statement from Jo: "I'm afraid I'm hopelessly flawed."
I suppose that is why Scripture is so life giving to those of us that have given our lives to Jesus Christ. We ARE hopelessly flawed, but praise be to Him, we are also granted grace, forgiveness, hope and the eager expectation of our eternal life with Him!
Hmmm...life is moving on at a steady pace these days, and we seem to experience joy and sorrow all the while. Please keep praying for Ginger and Sophia. If you have a facebook, Ginger (Thomas) is now on and she is posting notes about Sophia's updates. That sister has taught me more about perseverence in the past few months than I think I've learned in my whole life. The family is being sustained DAILY on God's grace and it is an amazing thing to witness. Today, Malia Faith (now in heaven) would be 2 years old. I bet she is having the best celebration ever! (here is a good example of joy/sorrow on a daily basis...my dear sister in law, Amanda, is also celebrating her birthday today! Happy Birthday!!!You know I love you!) I am so attached to the Thomas family and hope and believe with all that is within me that Sophia HOPE will be home soon, healthy and whole. Only God knows - it is comforting to rest in Him when we have questions that remain unanswered.
"I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall,
I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have HOPE:
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!"
Lam. 3:19-23
I'm praying for our new president and his family too, as well as a blessing on former President and Mrs. Bush. Who on earth would want the responsibilities associated with being the president of our nation? NOT ME. Wow - lots of mixed emotions going on for me at this time. Instead of leaving a very lengthy opinion poll of my own, I'm going to just post a favorite Scripture passage of mine and ask God to enable us to seek Him each and every day for the future of our families, churches and our nation:
"Show me your ways, O Lord,
teach me your paths;
guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long....."
"Who, then, is the man that fears the Lord?
He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.
He will spend his days in prosperity,
and his descendants will inherit the land."
Psalm 25:4-5, 12-13.
On a very trivial note, I am committing (once again!) to become healthier this year. I am trying for the next 30 days to make a habit of these things:
Exercise (3-5 times per week), Drinking enough water daily, Getting enough sleep and choosing healthier foods for my family and I. Anyone else out there working on these things? I'll pray for you if you are. I know I've been "hopelessly flawed" in these areas in the past, but it's never too late to try again. With God's help, we keep pressing on.
I'm so excited to begin our new Bible study this week! We're starting on the "Esther" study by Beth Moore. This will be our fourth study together now. Two very special women came into my life as a result of this gathering organized by Linda Goodwin a couple years ago: Ginger and Christine (Linda's Mom). Please pray for Christine too. She is battling cancer again, and isn't feeling well at all.
Oh sigh...life is challenging, isn't it?
Someday all the pains of this life will be over, and to that I say AMEN!!!
I'm going to end on a very happy note. IKIRU (the band consisting of Adam Langdon, Isaac and Ethan Barton) is finished with their "Job" CD's and they are available for sale! This is one of the most amazing CD's in our home. It chronicles the book of Job is such a passionate and profound way. It is WELL worth your $15! Over 2 hrs. of original music and lyric's. Great job guys...and kudo's to all the family members for giving up your husbands/sons while they were busy creating it. It is going to encourage many believers. If you want one, check out their website:
myspace.com/ikirutheband. They also have a page on facebook: Ikiru.
Love to you all -
"I'm afraid I'm hopelessly flawed" Jo to Professor Baer.
"It only takes one, if it's the right one" Amy's comment to Jo and Meg.
"My teacher said: It's as useless to educate a girl as it is to educate a cat" (something like that, it was Amy quoting what her teacher at school said...)
haha - I do love that last one. So girls...stop learning! It's useless! Isn't it crazy how some people's views cause so much distortion?
I love this movie and think about that statement from Jo: "I'm afraid I'm hopelessly flawed."
I suppose that is why Scripture is so life giving to those of us that have given our lives to Jesus Christ. We ARE hopelessly flawed, but praise be to Him, we are also granted grace, forgiveness, hope and the eager expectation of our eternal life with Him!
Hmmm...life is moving on at a steady pace these days, and we seem to experience joy and sorrow all the while. Please keep praying for Ginger and Sophia. If you have a facebook, Ginger (Thomas) is now on and she is posting notes about Sophia's updates. That sister has taught me more about perseverence in the past few months than I think I've learned in my whole life. The family is being sustained DAILY on God's grace and it is an amazing thing to witness. Today, Malia Faith (now in heaven) would be 2 years old. I bet she is having the best celebration ever! (here is a good example of joy/sorrow on a daily basis...my dear sister in law, Amanda, is also celebrating her birthday today! Happy Birthday!!!You know I love you!) I am so attached to the Thomas family and hope and believe with all that is within me that Sophia HOPE will be home soon, healthy and whole. Only God knows - it is comforting to rest in Him when we have questions that remain unanswered.
"I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall,
I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have HOPE:
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!"
Lam. 3:19-23
I'm praying for our new president and his family too, as well as a blessing on former President and Mrs. Bush. Who on earth would want the responsibilities associated with being the president of our nation? NOT ME. Wow - lots of mixed emotions going on for me at this time. Instead of leaving a very lengthy opinion poll of my own, I'm going to just post a favorite Scripture passage of mine and ask God to enable us to seek Him each and every day for the future of our families, churches and our nation:
"Show me your ways, O Lord,
teach me your paths;
guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long....."
"Who, then, is the man that fears the Lord?
He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.
He will spend his days in prosperity,
and his descendants will inherit the land."
Psalm 25:4-5, 12-13.
On a very trivial note, I am committing (once again!) to become healthier this year. I am trying for the next 30 days to make a habit of these things:
Exercise (3-5 times per week), Drinking enough water daily, Getting enough sleep and choosing healthier foods for my family and I. Anyone else out there working on these things? I'll pray for you if you are. I know I've been "hopelessly flawed" in these areas in the past, but it's never too late to try again. With God's help, we keep pressing on.
I'm so excited to begin our new Bible study this week! We're starting on the "Esther" study by Beth Moore. This will be our fourth study together now. Two very special women came into my life as a result of this gathering organized by Linda Goodwin a couple years ago: Ginger and Christine (Linda's Mom). Please pray for Christine too. She is battling cancer again, and isn't feeling well at all.
Oh sigh...life is challenging, isn't it?
Someday all the pains of this life will be over, and to that I say AMEN!!!
I'm going to end on a very happy note. IKIRU (the band consisting of Adam Langdon, Isaac and Ethan Barton) is finished with their "Job" CD's and they are available for sale! This is one of the most amazing CD's in our home. It chronicles the book of Job is such a passionate and profound way. It is WELL worth your $15! Over 2 hrs. of original music and lyric's. Great job guys...and kudo's to all the family members for giving up your husbands/sons while they were busy creating it. It is going to encourage many believers. If you want one, check out their website:
myspace.com/ikirutheband. They also have a page on facebook: Ikiru.
Love to you all -
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