God tells us in His Good Book not to worry. But how? I am SO worried tonight and my heart is so heavy. I've been told that worrying does no good, I've been told to focus on what's good and right, I've been told that God is in control...and I KNOW all of those things, but it doesn't make the burden on my heart any lighter and it doesn't seem to lessen the load. Do I have too little faith? If only my head and the things I know to be true, could convince my heart.
Today is my daughter and son-in-law's anniversary. Their first year of marriage hasn't been easy, but I am so proud of how they've weathered the storm! Hopefully, the days ahead will be much easier and happier. Happy Anniversary, Jenny and Paco. We love you and your beautiful family so much!
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.Love never fails.
My friends, Brittlee and Andy Dunn, are in the process of adopting a baby from Africa. Andy is from the same town that I live in, and he and my son have been best friends since first grade. I love these two and their beautiful daughter, Blakely, so much. I love the way they live their beliefs and faith out in their daily lives.
Brittlee's mom has created a line of jewelry that she is selling, to help them raise funds to pay for their adoption. They are amazingly beautiful and I am trying to decide which one I want. Since my birthday is in two weeks, I think I'm going to ask for one for a present. (hint, hint, dearest hubby of mine!)
There are others besides the two I have pictured here. Check them out at their blog.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
So, I'm really getting into all this FREE entertainment I've been discovering lately. The other day I blogged about Music in the Park, and tonight I'm going to the local coffee shop, Urraco, to listen to a friend sing in the Music on the Patio series. Although, I suppose proper protocol would dictate that I should probably buy something to drink while I'm there. Considering I don't drink coffee or tea, I sure hope they have bottled water! I've also heard about free 10:00 am movies at the Lacey cinemas on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and admission to the Children's Hands On Museum is free the first Friday evening of every month, from 5-9 pm. My grandkids LOVE the children's museum!
Excuse me while I pat myself on the back...it's been six days since I've had a Diet Coke. I had a raging headache for four days, no energy, and just generally felt really, really lousy. Yesterday I finally had to take a migraine pill to get rid of the headache, but today, I'm starting to feel pretty good! I didn't realize this would be so hard, it's just soda, right? Now the only problem is I've been told that aspartame, the artificial sweetener in Diet Coke, turns to formaldehyde when it's heated, and that people have done autopsies and found a white film covering people's brains that was aspartame! Is this true? I also found this article, that lists dozens of symptoms of aspartame poisoning. Does this mean I now need to give up Crystal Light? Because that's just taking things one step too far! This being healthy is killing me.
The strangest thing just happened to me. I had started to write this post...
What do you think of spiritual warfare?
No sooner had I typed it, than my computer froze up. When I tried to restore my session, the post was gone...
My family has been through so much the last few years. We've weathered storms that most families would never even dream of going through, some of which were caused by choices that were made by members of my family; choices completely out of character and contrary to everything we believe and raised our children to believe. Others which were caused by things we had absolutely no control over. We are still in the midst of the battle. I believe that our family is under attack by the evil one. Others say it's just a sign of the times. Maybe it's both?
I don't think it's safe to discount the theory of spiritual attack. Satan wants to destroy Christian homes and marriages and families. I want to encourage the husbands and fathers that may read this to pray daily for your families. Be the leaders God has called you to be. Strengthen yourself with the armor of God.
All I know is that I am able to persevere because God gives me the strength. A weaker marriage would have crumbled under the pressure, but God has been ever-faithful to us and seen us through, and brought us even closer together. I love this amazing man that I am married to more today than ever before, and I thank God for blessing my life with his love.
Philippians 4:13 NIV
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
I had the most pleasant evening tonight. After trekking to Seattle once again today, to deliver more documents to the attorney, I made it home barely in time to shovel in my dinner and take my grandson to his soccer game. Today was his last game for this season and once again, he had so much fun. After the game his coach gave everyone on the team ribbons and trophies; the cutest little bobble-head soccer players, with the child's name on theirs. (Don't tell Josiah I said it was cute!) Josiah thought it was very cool. I have been so happy with his soccer coach this year. He's been so patient, and fair, always allowing the kids equal playing time, and letting everyone have a turn at playing goalkeeper, if they want. It's been a really fun experience having Josiah on his team.
After the game, I took Josiah to visit his Papi so that he could show him his trophy. Then we went to the park and listened to the concert. For anyone who doesn't know, every Thursday night there is a free concert down at the park by the post office in our town. You just take your lawn chain and stake out your territory, and it's free! Just bring a blanket with you because towards the end of the evening, it gets a little chilly!
Tonight the Voetburg family played. I listened to them a couple of years ago at our church and I just love going to their concerts. They have ten children, all of whom play musical instruments, and many of whom also sing. Their music is a combination of blue grass, gospel, even a little Frank Sinatra thrown in. They genuinely seem to like each other and their music is so fun to listen to. Josiah enjoyed himself and clapped along to the music, too. It was just an all-around great evening! Wish I would have had a camera so I could have taken some pictures to share. Unfortunately, the hubby is gone out of town for awhile and has the camera with him. So the picture below, one I found on their website, will have to suffice for now.
Psalm 100:1-5 (New International Version) Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
I've decided that I need to stop drinking Diet Coke. For the last 10 years I've drank approximately 3-4 cans a day, sometimes more. My doctor told me last October that I need to stop drinking soda. It has no nutritional value, whatsoever, and is made up of so many different chemicals. It's ruining my teeth and it's not good for me. A recent study has raised the possibility of a link between drinking soda and an increased risk of heart disease and metabolic syndrome, although the jury's still out on that one. So, as of 10:00 last Sunday night, I'm no longer drinking it. Wish me luck. I'm going to need it. I've had a horrible headache for two days and my head feels foggy. Ugh. This is going to be hard.
I was complaining about the rain a couple days ago. It's July, for heaven's sake! What's up with all this rain? It's supposed to be nice out. It's supposed to be sunny! Then I saw this picture today on the internet. It's in Sudan, where there's never enough water. Shame on me.
Don't you just love the sound of rain in the morning when you wake up?
I found out today that people were having problems leaving comments on my blog. I've changed my settings, so now it should work better. Sorry!
Monday, July 23, 2007
1 Peter 5:8-11 (The Message)
8-11Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.
I used to eat at McDonald's every. single. day. Without fail. I had a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit and a medium diet coke. I started this nasty habit when my kids were small, probably twenty years ago. In fact, I remember this town before there was a McDonald's here. Over the last twenty years I've probably been their best customer. I would take the kids and meet my girlfriends there, the kids would play in the playland and we would sit and eat or have "coffee" and visit. As the years went by my kids grew up, my friends went back to school or back to work, or both, and eventually I was left to go to McDonald's by myself. So I did. I'd take my book, or buy a paper, and sit by myself and eat. Eventually, the pounds began to pile up and I began to re-think this idea. So, I cut back to just Thursdays. I would stop at the store, grab the weekly paper, and head for McDonald's...usually rushing to get there before 10:30, the magical cut-off time for breakfast!
As time has gone on, my dislike for the Journal has grown and I no longer stop and purchase a newspaper on Thursdays. Eventually, my regular Thursday morning jaunt turned into an occasional stop or run thru the drivethru to pick up something if I was in a hurry.
Then, I saw this:
I may never eat at McDonald's again. And what's up with the freaky Ronald McDonald?
Sunday, July 22, 2007
It's been a very long day. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)
I read Kristi's recent post on technology with a lot of interest. I must admit, technology has, more than once, been a source of disagreement between my husband and I. He is a techno-fiend! He loves every cool gizmo and gadget that comes out. I, on the other hand, find most technology reason enough to roll my eyes and wish I would have inherited my grandmother's ringer washing machine.
When we built our house we put in an alarm system. At various times the alarm would sound for no reason whatsoever, spewing an ear-piercing, shreaking voice shouting at decibels loud enough for all of the lake to hear..."Intruder, Intruder! Alert! Leave the premises IMMEDIATELY!!" We never were able to figure out what the problem was with it, because just as mysteriously as it started, it stopped.
I've been reduced to near tears more than once, just trying to watch a DVD movie. All I want to do is turn on the TV, pop in the DVD, and watch a movie...yet there are so many switches and remote controls, it frustrates me to no end. When we started our remodeling project two and a half years ago, which remains unfinished to this day, (that's another whole post) my husband installed an actual movie theater, with a 100" projector screen, reclining theater seats, and surround sound. It comes complete with a butt-thumper speaker system and a remote control that even controls the lights. I'm surprised you can't order a pizza and have it delivered with the darn thing.
Cell phones are convenient when you need one, but so annoying when you're trying to sit and visit with a friend. I don't know how many times I've tried to just have lunch or visit with one of my friends or kids and their cell phone has rang and rang and rang, making a conversation almost impossible.
The question I've always had was...isn't technology supposed to make our lives easier? Yet, it seems to me, that often times it makes it more complicated. I mean, my husband tried for months to get me to use a palm pilot. I finally gave it to my son, because, frankly, I'd rather use a calendar and a pen!
Yet, I will admit...as this blog obviously portends...I love our computer and the internet. I spend WAY more time on it than I probably should. I have an Ipod and, frankly, I love it, too. In fact, it's probably the best/coolest gift my husband has ever given me. Well, outside of my engagement ring, that is!
Something I've recently become aware of is e-waste: the byproduct of all of those dead and obsolete computers and cell phones, and yet another reason to think twice before you run out and by that bigger and better, new and improved computer, cell phone, or whatever.
This video was posted over at No Impact Man...thought some people might find it interesting: (warning...it's a little long, but worth the watch)
and another...(you'll have to turn my music off to watch these).
Our music minister is also an elder of our church and is up for reaffirmation this year. In church on Sunday, he gave a short testimony and also gave the sermon. I didn't get to listen to all of his sermon, because I was babysitting Isabella, my granddaughter, and she got fussy and I had to leave, but, his testimony and the part of his sermon that I did hear, was awesome. Why? Because he was real, and he was transparent, and he was honest, and he spoke from his heart to the hearts of other people in the church. And for the first time, in a really long time, I felt like I wasn't the only person in our church who has problems and troubles and disappointments and heartaches. I felt like I wasn't the only person who doesn't always understand why things happen, but who has to trust in God that He knows and is in control and will work things out. Sometimes God seems very far away and I wonder if He hears my cries and prayers, and now I don't feel like I'm the only one who feels that way. I appreciated the honesty that the message was delivered with, and the man who delivered it, and I hope that the Lord blesses him and his family, as much as he and his message blessed me.
Psalm 5:1-2 (New International Version)
Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.
I'm really not sure what the fascination is with this phone...people literally stood (sat) in line for days to get one of these. I'm so thrilled that I finally got a flip phone because now it fits in my pocket and I don't have to carry my purse, just to carry my phone. I refused to get a new cell phone until my old one died, and believe me it took YEARS!
I found an awesome new thrift store the other day. It's run by Children's Hospital and it's on the west side of Olympia, by Circuit City. Their shop is small, but it's clean and well-organized and I just happened to go in on their 50% off day! For only $11 I purchased a sweater for myself, an adorable white cardigan sweater with embroidered pinkand greenrose buds on it, for my granddaughter, Isabella, two patterns, a sage green throw for my couch, and a green and brown ceramic vase. I felt like I hit the jackpot! They have lots of videos, and quite a few books, too, and most of their baby clothes were in really good shape. I love finding good bargains. My husband is a wonderful provider and I never want to take for granted how hard he works, or how fortunate I am to be able to stay at home and not have to work outside the house.
My grandson rocks. His soccer team won their game Tuesday night 4-1. (Although no one really keeps score, right?) He scored THREE of the team's four goals! He LOVES playing soccer. He has a smile on his face the whole time he plays and I think I like watching him as much as he likes playing. I don't think there's anything I like doing better than spending time with my family. God is good.
Psalm 86:4 (NIV)Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
I have a feeling of accomplishment. I cleaned my front porch. It's not a big thing, really, but it's something I've been trying to get at for a couple of months now. I washed the windows and swept and shop-vac'd the porch and stairs, and then took the hose and hosed the hole thing down. Next, I'm going to paint my two sling-back rockers I have out there; so today I'm tearing one apart and going to start priming it. I went downtown to Tozier's and bought a couple geraniums and set them out in a basket, too. It was so fun down there. I walked in and among the many plants and flowers and it was like a secret little garden. They have the most beautiful calla lilies and I'm coveting them tremendously! I want three of them to plant out back, by my hammock, but cleaning the back patio is a HUGE job that I'm not up to tackling yet.
Such a simple little thing, but I think it looks lovely and it brings me joy. More and more I find that I'm happiest when I can stay home and just take care of my home and projects around here. I used to be so busy, always running, always going, that I never had time to enjoy what I had. I'm beginning to find a certain level of peace that has been elusive for a long time, and that's a good thing!
Luke 12:27 (New International Version)
Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
Summer is here. School is out. I know this. without a doubt.
The sun you say? The searing heat? No. Thump, thump, THUMP! the sound of the beat.
The neighbor's sons, are home from school, their car stereos thumping, cause they are SO cool!
THUMP, THUMP, THUMP BOOM, BOOM, BOOM I can hear it... from every room!
Can someone explain it? don't they fear? cause I'm not sure how they can still even hear! I must be getting old.
Psalm 33:3 (NIV) Sing to him a new song, sing skillfully and shout for joy.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Psalm 118:24 NIV
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
What a glorious, sunny day it was today! My beautiful, blonde-haired, blue-eyed daughter and I took the ferry to Seattle. I wish it had been for "fun", but it was to go meet with my son-in-law's attorney and deliver pages and pages of documents. For those who are unaware, our beloved Dept. of Homeland Security, who is now in charge of INS, wants to deport my son-in-law back to Mexico. My ex-son-in-law is refusing to let my grandkids leave the country, so my daughter is being faced with the possibility of leaving behind two of her children, or losing her husband. Obviously, she would never abandon her children. We are facing many more months of uncertainty, several court hearings and thousands and thousands of dollars (more) in attorney and immigration fees before we know what will happen. Whatever one's opinion is of immigration in our country, surely the idea of separating a loving, hard-working, devoted husband and father from his wife and children, can't sit well with you. It is appalling to me.
Nevertheless, we tried to make the best of the day and of the ride on the ferry. I stood out on the front of the boat for most of the ride home, and felt like I was in the movie "Titanic"! I love God's creation...the sun and sky and sea. Something about the wind on the water just seems to blow my cares from my mind. Overall, it was a good day. (Well, all except that part about the $70,000-$100,000 bond they're probably going to want. )
I think I hate this town. I really do. If I could, I would move as far away from here as possible, and never come back. I've lived in a lot of different places, but never one where there was as much gossip as there is here. It seems that people have nothing better to do than cut down those around them. The tongue is a powerful thing. Pastor Glen reminded us in church on Sunday how God was able to SPEAK the world into existence. How powerful is that? Just as powerful is it's ability to destroy. I hope that anytime I am tempted to gossip, that I will be reminded and convicted of how it feels to be the one gossiped about. Because it hurts.
Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (NIV)
My grandson turned seven yesterday. Seven on 7/7/07! I told him it must be his lucky day! It's unbelievable to me that he is already seven years old. I remember the day his mama told me she was pregnant like it was yesterday. I was devastated and thought that it was the end of the world. It wasn't. Not by a long shot. It was the beginning of a whole new life and turned out to be such a blessing! I cannot imagine our life without Josiah in it. I love him so very, very much. He has a sweet and tender spirit, and never fails to bring a smile to his grandma's heart.
If only I could remember all of this when I am going thru the trials and tribulations in my life. Life has not been easy for this family the last seven years. I often wonder why we have had to face the things we have. In church this morning, Pastor Glen asked us if we looked at our trials with an attitude of joy. The bible says to consider it joy when we face trials...my honest answer to his question was, NO! I DO NOT consider it joy! My prayer is that God would change my attitude. I can look back at the difficulties I have been through and see how God has used them to the benefit of myself and my family, and to His glory. I know I am stronger because of the circumstances of my life. I just wish maybe God could find an easier way to teach me, or I could find an easier way to learn.
On another note, I stand convicted for something I did today. Just an hour after church, after listening to a great sermon on judgment, I sat at lunch and spouted off words of judgment against my former son-in-law. My husband called me on it, and said I should remember Pastor Glen's sermon. *sigh* How could I forget his words in so short a period of time? I am thankful that my husband reminded me, and I am sorry that I forgot so quickly.
I am so grateful for my kind and loving husband, for my church family and pastors, and for my children and grandchildren.
James 1:2-4 (New International Version)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Where I'm From~
I am from palm trees and sunshine, from farms and small towns, from grape koolaid and Maidrites on Saturday night.
I am from the white house on 7th Avenue, with shutters and black trim and ten layers of peeling wallpaper on the walls, from alleys in the back with burn barrels in the yard, and a garden overflowing with abundance.
I am from fireflies in green glass canning jars, pink moss roses along the sidewalk and rhubarb in the garden.
I am from Grandma's rocking chair, and "dinner" around the big square table, from house dresses and aprons with ric-rac around the neck, and grandpa's hand-rolled cigarettes.
I am from Heinrichs and Addymans-frugal and stubborn, quick to love and quick to anger, always loyal.
From immigrants and strong women, shaped by famine and the depression, from pioneers and wandering souls.
I am from lifelong Lutherans and church on Sunday mornings, from four digit phone numbers and doors that never needed to be locked. I am from believing and faith.
I'm from Germany and Iowa and California, from homemade bread and dumplings and sauerkraut, from the beach and surfer bangs, Friday night football and marching band.
From the career Navy father and hard-working mother, the middle child and only daughter, the granddaughter of Archie, with the wooden leg, who I never knew, and Minnie, who always knew when the moose was loose.
I am from faded black and whites in boxes on the shelf and high school yearbooks in cedar chests. I am from long-forgotten dreams, a broken heart and tears on my cheeks. I am from children, long-desired and hard-loved and grandchildren…the best of me that will ever be.
3/17/07
Thursday, July 5, 2007
I'm trying to delete my myspace. What a hassle. A while back I deleted my email account that my myspace profile was linked to. Now I can't seem to delete my profile, because they need to e-mail directions to my e-mail account, which no longer exists. I tried to change the e-mail account that the myspace account was linked to, and couldn't do that either. Am I stuck with this forever? I want to delete it because of two reasons...#1. someone hacked into my daughter's account and read some PRIVATE messages between she and I, which made me very angry and made me feel like I was in middle school, and #2. I spend WAY too much time on that dumb thing.
Why is eliminating a bad habit so hard? I shut off our cable last week, for several various reasons, not the least of which was that I hardly ever watch television, and when I do, it seems like it's all BAD. I spent half an hour on the phone with the Comcast guy, who kept trying to lower their price, in order to keep my business. By the time he was done I could have had cable for just $25 a month, that I now pay almost $50 for. I suggest to anyone that if you want to lower your cable bill, try and cancel it and see what kind of offers they make you. I finally had to tell the Comcast man that I didn't want to be rude, but I just really wanted him to shut my cable off...then I found out that now that I don't have cable anymore, my internet is going up $12 a month...grrr. Now I'm trying to find a new internet provider.
I'm trying to make small changes in my life, to simplify, eliminate some stress, make my life more peaceful, and more meaningful. Why is it so hard? And if it's so hard to do these little things, how will I ever make big changes? I hope the small things add up.
