Monday, July 30, 2007

Psalm 100


A psalm. For giving thanks.



Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful
songs.

Know that the Lord is God.

It is he who made us,
and not we are ourselves;
we are his people, the sheep of his
pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with
praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good
and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Congratulations! It's a...

When I left for my appointment this morning, I asked my husband, "Do you want to know if it's a boy or a girl?" He responded, "I'll be surprised!"

As the ultrasound technician moved the wand over my abdomen, I was amused with the irony of the situation. I was having an ultrasound this morning to locate any wayward gall stones in my abdomen, all in preparation for my surgery scheduled for Monday. I was chuckling at the thought that this was my first "real" ultrasound! I went through 4 pregnancies and births without ever having an ultrasound. Well, I take that back. I had a very brief ultrasound with my first son, but it was a total fluke. The doctor was testing out some new equipment and I happened to be an available belly. The woman using the equipment wasn't even quite sure about what she was doing, but I do recall catching a quick glimpse of what they said was our baby! These days pregnant woman have routine ultrasounds and actually see their babies before they hold them in their arms. I'll admit I'm a little sad I missed that cool part of technology when having my babies.

But this morning, there I was, having my ultrasound with a sense of awe and anticipation. I even asked if I could see the display screen... but was told it wasn't practical the way they had the room set up! I found myself thinking similar things an expectant mother would want to know; How many? How big? Does everything look okay?

At the conclusion of the exam, the technician was very clinical and of course wouldn't tell me anything she detected. She didn't offer a, "Congratulations, you're having a ....", but said in a rather matter-of-fact manner, that she'd send the ultrasound results to my surgeon. I felt a little disappointed. I was really hoping to leave the testing room with more information, anything...something.

But no. Looks like I really have to wait until Monday to get the results from the surgeon! Like my husband said, we're going to be surprised!

Friday, July 20, 2007

Savory Samplings

"O taste and see that the Lord is good." Psalm 34:8

This verse from the Bible hangs by my front door. It is part of a large picture that shows a bountiful fruit bowl in bright, appealing colors that invites the observer to have a taste.

The imagery of having a taste of the Lord's goodness--perhaps one of those small spoon-sized samplings one gets at Baskin & Robbins of an intriguing ice cream flavor--has always appealed to me. It conveys the notion that once you have a little taste, a savory sample, a nibble if you will, you'll get hooked and want more, coming back, sampling larger portions each time, creating an insatiable appetite for Him.

I would say that my journey with the Lord began very much like that, entrusting Him with the little things of my life, experiencing just a taste of His goodness. Through the years as I've seen and experienced His care and faithfulness, grace, provision and direction, my trust and faith have continually grown. I entrust more of myself and my life to Him with assurance that He is more than able, and much more capable, of directing my life than I am! The more I trust Him, the more I see Him at work, the more I see His power and sovereignty. It keeps me coming back and asking for more!

Recently, God has been overwhelming me with His power, faithfulness, grace and sovereignty. I'm not just experiencing a taste of God's goodness, but a whole banquet. The abundant portions of blessings, answered prayers, direction and encouragement, are almost indigestible! He has brought about so many amazing things all in a two week period! I'm nearly exhausted. I'm filled with so much gratitude, and such a keen awareness of a powerful God meeting me on such a personal level. And not only for me, but for my family.

Here's a small sampling of what has been served:

A new home. We had stopped looking and resigned ourselves to staying put for the next school year. God plopped this house in our lap through some dear friends who are moving into a new home. We didn't even know they were moving! Same school district, same commute, same everything--we'll be moving mid-August and settled by the first of September!


The joy of sharing Christ and His gift of salvation with a dear young woman

Young men and woman "owning" their faith

Wise doctors and spare parts(!)


Long talks with adult children


Children filled with joy and compassion for others

2 new kittens

Thank you, Lord!
O, won't you join me and taste and see that the Lord is GOOD!

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

At My Age

Something I wasn't prepared for as I entered these "middle" years is how often I would hear the phrase, "at your age" or some derivative thereof.

For example, last time I went to the eye doctor for my vision exam, I was told, "at your age" it is common to need bi- or even tri-focals.

When I began putting on weight with no real change in eating habits, I read in my 'weight- management-in-your-40's' book that "at your age" metabolism slows and weight gain is common.

While reading my 'getting-rid-of-unwanted-weight-in-your-40's' book, it tells me that, "at your age" weight loss will be slow, so be happy with 1 pound a week...at the most!

Upon waking in the morning and feeling the need to move because my body aches all over from sleeping in one position too long, I remember hearing that this is somewhat normal 'at my age' .

When visiting the ER this past weekend for extreme abdominal pain, I was examined and tested for appendicitis. After all the test results and CT scan came back, the doctor proclaimed the good news was that I didn't have appendicitis, the "moderate" news was that I had a gall stone "attack" and from the looks of things, I have a sick gall bladder. Evidently this is quite common 'for my age', especially in females. He elaborated and said that "at my age" it would be good to have my gall bladder removed ASAP as there could be complications if I wait.

So, "at my age" I'm having surgery in a little over a week for something that seemingly a lot of people like me do at this age.

UGH! At my age, I still don't like these kinds of surprises.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Heavenly Impulses

You are probably like me and all too aware of the heartache, tragedy, hardships and trials going on around us in every day life. If one looks in their own life there are plenty to be had, and then as the circle expands to extended family, friends, church family, community, country and world...well, it is potentially overwhelming if we take it upon ourselves to be the ones to tend to all these issues. I'm thankful for a sovereign God who holds it all in His hand, all-powerful, all knowing, always present everywhere.

What I have been struck with recently, and have had the privilege to be a part of, is how God calls His "saints"--His followers--to join Him in being the giver of grace, love, help and comfort. He doesn't need us to to do these things, but He invites us to be a part of what He is doing, as a blessing to others and to us, and for our growth.

This morning I found myself singing parts of the hymn, "Take My Life and Let It Be". A couple of lines in particular have continued to stream through my brain,

Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.

As I have talked with family members and friends this week, I am reminded of how my life is blessed when others 'move at the impulse of [His] love, and how I am blessed when I am in tune with the Spirit and allow myself to be moved by this same impulse.

A few blog posts back, ("Safely Home"), I wrote about Elliot, the teenager who had been swept out to sea. Two of my children were there, along with several other friends who had gathered around the two teens left crying on the beach after losing their friend. This group of teens were 'moved at the impulse of God's love' to reach out to the friends and mother. Sure there was some hesitation on the kids to enter into that space and approach the two laying on the beach, crying. In fact, they almost didn't approach the two distraught teens because they didn't want to intrude, and there was a fair measure of awkwardness. This was clearly out of everyone's comfort zone. None had experienced anything like this before. But they felt compelled to ask if there was anything they could do. They gave comfort (as much as possible), gathered around them in prayer, covered them in warm coats and walked with them on the beach. This group of 10 teenagers were Jesus' hands and feet in this moment of despair.

In a conversation with my sister this past week, she told me about a phone call she had just received informing her that some old friends of hers had lost their son in the ocean the week prior. The son was Elliot, and the parents were a couple that my sister had been close to many years ago when they attended the same church as young marrieds. I told her about our kids being there and praying with the mom (my sister's friend) and the two teens on the beach. My sister told me that the family had been overwhelmed by God's presence that day and since. It was clear He had been surrounding them with the family of God from the very beginning. They were so touched and thankful for the prayers from "family" members they didn't even know...but conscious that this is what was sustaining them.

I'm so thankful this group of teens, 'moved at the impulses' of God's love. Just think if they had given into those feelings of self-consciousness and awkwardness.

I have been intently praying for a sister who has been undergoing prolonged financial stress and health issues. Her faith has amazed me and has been such a testimony to me, as she is confident of God's faithfulness and provision and is waiting, watching and trusting Him to take care of her. I talked with her yesterday and she gave me a joyful report of how the Lord had opened the flood gates and blessed her through various "family" members. Each "giver" independently told her that they felt so heavily impressed by the Spirit of God to do these things, whether it be the giving of some dollars, or a bag full of groceries, or an invitation out to dinner. Each were clearly moved by the 'impulses of [His] love'. What a blessing they were to this sister, and how blessed each of them were for their obedience and listening the Lord; following through when they had no guarantee of how their gifts would be received, and for my dear sister who set aside any pride and received, acknowledging God's faithfulness and goodness.

I have seen the movement of God's love and presence in my own life in very specific ways this week, all through the hands of others who are in tune with His Spirit, willingly moving when and where He directs; Heavenly impulses that bless, that are a physical extension of God's presence.

How many times have I experienced those promptings? Have I followed through on those "non-sense-ical" times it has been placed on my mind and heart to send an email of encouragement to someone I don't know very well; or when I feel "impulsively" that I should hug someone; or when I "randomly" feel like I should take action and take some flowers to someone? Will I look foolish? Will the recipient think I'm odd or "out there"? What if I've mis-read these "promptings" and I'm overstepping some kind of line?

I find as I hum this hymn today, I continue to pray that the Lord will take my life and let it be consecrated to Him only. I want to move at the impulses of His love. I want to be His hands and feet. What a joy to be invited to be involved in what He is doing, as a blessing to others and to be blessed.


Take My Life and Let It Be
By Fran­ces R. Ha­ver­gal, Feb­ru­a­ry 1874.

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Free Slurpee Day


Today 7/11/07 is free slurpee day at all 7/11 convenience stores to celebrate their birthday; 80 years! Wow!




Today is also a special day in our family. My sweet daughter, Miss H, turns 15 today! A driver's permit will be following shortly!
Happy Birthday my sweet girl!

Saturday, July 07, 2007

Beautiful Scenery, Beautiful Day

Today was such a great day. I delivered the flowers for the wedding I've been working on (see previous blog). I was accompanied by my lovely assistant (my husband) who offered to come along and help with the set up. We made a morning of it getting specialty coffees to accompany us on our 45 minute drive. The wedding was being held in the garden of this 150 year old historical house. I had never been to the "Robert Newell House" before, but it is a beautiful place for a wedding.

My husband and I made good time getting there and were the first to arrive. Since I had to wait until the caterer and cake arrived to place any flowers, and none of the wedding party had arrived, we spent time talking with the care takers of the grounds. This sweet couple is probably just a wee bit older than we are and lives on the grounds year round. We hit it off quite well as they have a background in crafts making furniture and replicas of antique dolls. They are "artsy/craftsy" types. We connected right away!

Since we were in waiting mode, we were treated to a private tour of the old house and the one room school house that also occupies the grounds. We got a mini-history lesson and had the luxury of asking lots of questions. It was so fun!

Soon, family members arrived and I went to work placing the flowers on the cake, centerpieces on the reception tables, aisle decor on the chairs and handing off the bride's bouquet and various boutonnieres and corsages. We left prior to the ceremony, but it looked like it was going to be a great celebration.

In parting, we said farewell to our hosts, the caretakers. As I thanked Mrs. Caretaker for her hospitality we hugged one another as if we had been friends for a long time. She urged us to come back and visit them again, and to send business cards to her so she could promote my wedding floral work. I reciprocated and am eager to let people know about this little jewel of a place for wedding ceremonies.

On the car ride home we vowed to go back and visit another day and felt as if we had made some new friends. It was a great morning!

I've posted a few pictures of the wedding flowers just for fun. The bride had chosen a bright mix of summer flowers, wanting it to "feel" like she picked all the flowers from her garden and put them together for her celebration. She also wanted a touch of elegance and so she chose all white lilies for her bouquet and the cake. Very pretty and fun to do! I'm terrible at remembering to take photos of my work, and as it is, I forgot to take a picture of the bride's bouquet and the groom's bout! Anyway, here's a sample. Not great photo quality. Sorry 'bout that!

White stargazer lilies with ivy cascading on cake.

Corsage and Boutonniere (Ugh! Out of focus! Sorry!)









Small flower bouquets lined
the center aisle, attached
to chairs draped with tulle.


It's a little difficult to tell from the pictures, but this gives you an idea of the centerpieces--an eclectic grouping of seasonal, bright flowers on each table.




Thursday, July 05, 2007

Wedding Flowers

Just had to post something joyful.

I am preparing to do wedding flowers for a Saturday wedding! I always get a little giddy at the thought of getting to sit and put together beautiful combinations of brightly colored flowers.

This afternoon I picked up the flowers from the flower market. "My" market guy is "Justin". He's such 'a nice young man'. Very easy to work with; I just give him a call 2 weeks prior to the wedding and tell him what flowers I need, quantity, colors, etc. He makes sure the flowers are at the market the day I need to pick them up.

I returned from the flower market about 1-1/2 hours ago. The large box of lilies, ferns, gerbera daisies, mums, wax flower, asters, ivy, and so forth, were looking a little limp due to the heat. The flowers are all now newly clipped and trimmed and drinking in cool water. (You can almost hear them saying 'aahhh'!)It is amazing how quickly they start to perk up. They will need to be "conditioned" for several hours before I can do anything with them.

The bride is having a very simple ceremony; only her bouquet and a groom's boutonniere, with a few corsages & bouts for adult children. However, there are 24 reception table centerpieces to put together. They will be in vases, so I can start putting those together tonight.

Ooh, watch a movie, arrange some flowers....Yeah!....sounds like a fun evening!

I'll post a picture of the final results!

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Safely Home

Two of my kids went with about 10 of their friends to the Oregon coast yesterday for a day of playing in the sun and water. An adult friend of ours went along to drive and supervise. (Thank you Chris!) We cautioned our teens about safety before they went, making it clear that the only reason they were being allowed to go is because an adult was driving them, etc.

Throughout the day yesterday I found myself praying for my son "C" and daughter "H"; for their safety and safe return home later that day. I also was praying the same for my oldest child "A" who has traveled to Lake Tahoe for the week with his girlfriend and her family. Lots of praying and petitioning for safe return of "my" children.

Last night around 9:30 my cell phone rang with a call from a number I didn't recognize. My husband picked up the phone and answered it as my hands were otherwise occupied and I couldn't easily do it myself. On the other end of the phone was my son "C", very animated, talking quickly and emotionally stressed. I could only pick up bits and pieces of the message as he talked to my husband who was not giving any kind of outward response. I heard snippets like, "pulled under", "still looking", "please pray". My heart was beating fast. Was he talking about his sister? Had something happened to her? Was it one of his friends?

After more questions and prompting we were relieved to know that everyone in their group was fine, however, they were on the beach and witnessing a tragedy unfold before their eyes.

Evidently our kids' group had just walked down to the waters edge and were readying themselves to watch the sunset when there was a sudden onslaught of emergency vehicles invading the beach. Spotting two people kneeling face down in the sand, soaking wet and sobbing, my son and his friend "D" were trying to piece things together. "C" wondered if there was something they could do. "D" suggested they all go ask the people if they could help in anyway.

Approaching the two, they discovered 2 teens, a boy and girl, soaking wet, crying and laying on the wet sand. "C" and "D" asked what, if anything, they could do. They soon discovered that the friend of these two teens, "Elliot", aged 16, had been caught by a wave and pulled under. As they spoke, helicopters continued to circle overhead looking for any sign of the young man. The two distraught teenagers were blaming themselves for having lost grip of their friend's hand when he was swept under by a wave. Soon a woman approached the two teens, encircled by our group of teenagers. It soon became apparent this was Elliot's mother. She bent down, attempting to console the two friends, letting them know it wasn't their fault. She embraced them in her arms and asked our group of teens to pray. She told everyone present that this is all anyone could do now...just pray; it was up to the Lord and what His will was. She made mention that if He wanted Elliot home with Him, then that is okay and He would get them all through this painful ordeal. She had released her son into the hands of the Lord.

I felt so moved by the compassion of our group of teens as they relayed the story of how they all prayed together for the mom and two friends,and for Elliot's rescue. They offered their coats for warmth as both kids were soaking wet. They walked with the pair to the waiting ambulances where they could be attended to and cared for. They stood with the mother, waiting, as emergency responders searched.

When my two teens arrived home safely last night, they talked for quite awhile about seeing and being a part of the events that had happened just hours before. They were both shaken and still understandably emotionally upset. Both were struck with the realization that this missing young man had set out for a day at the beach to play and enjoy the day with friends just like they had. They had new appreciation and understanding that one never knows what each day may hold and the importance of making each day matter.

As we all prayed for Elliot's family and friends last night, I also gave thanks that our kids were safely home with us after their day at the beach. Today, I find my thoughts and prayers being focused on this family and friends that have experienced such horrific loss. I think about the mother whose hope and trust was and is in the Lord, knowing that there was nothing she could do, except release her child back into the Lord's hands for safe keeping. My hope is that this "lost" teenager also had placed his trust in the Lord and is safely home too--with Jesus.
******
This posting was revised some after getting a little more information from my son about the events that transpired, and after the name of the lost teen was released this morning.

**News report link**

Monday, July 02, 2007

Saying Good-bye to Lucy

"You're a good man, Charlie Brown", Lucy says to her round headed pal as she extends her hand in friendship. These are the last words spoken in the musical of the same name.

As (I) "Lucy" uttered this final line yesterday, I fought tears (and lost the battle) at the realization that I was bidding farewell to Charlie Brown, Lucy and the rest of the gang. Months of preparation and rehearsing were over, choreography learned would no longer be performed, musical numbers with silly lyrics would be resigned to being sung around the house and not on a stage. Even now as I write this, I get a bit misty.

I've been trying to put words to these emotions. I know it is usual to have some degree of melancholy when finishing a show. It is common to experience a let down following months of intense prep, learning and creating in "overdrive" mode and then suddenly shifting to a complete stop. It's bittersweet really. I am looking forward to the change in pace; my body is tired (although in better shape and several pounds lighter!), my house is a mess, and any kind of routine has gone to the wayside. So a calmer pace will be welcomed. But at the same time I'll be missing new friends, the challenges and joys that go along with being part of an ensemble piece like this, and the fun of pretending.

This after-show sadness is different this time. I think it comes from the realization that "play" time is over, and I'm going to miss Lucy. I haven't really missed being a character when I've done previous productions, but yesterday as I packed up my black and white saddle shoes, and placed my little blue "Lucy" dress on the hanger for the last time, I felt like I was saying good-bye to a friend.

I have been so spoiled these last months. Not everyone has the opportunity to be fully immersed in a make-believe world where being a queen is not out of the realm of possibility; where taking a survey will help one to "know thyself"; where even if one knows nothing, they can be an expert on everything; where no matter the quality of voice, you can be the best singer that ever lived--even if you're the only one that thinks so.

There's a side to Lucy that I think everyone longs to be able to let out of the closet once in a while, but it is not really socially acceptable to do so. I'm talking about her brash, bossy, know-it-all, abrasive way of being that in some odd way has endeared so many of us to her. She can steamroll through a room, leaving carnage in her wake, yet turn on a dime and be empathetic, considerate and even show her softer side. (Okay, maybe she has a split personality!) But in reality, I think most of us do. We have learned to harness a lot of these inappropriate impulses (hopefully--or at least we're working on it), but honestly, aren't there times when you just wish you could just come right out and say exactly what you're thinking and not care?? And in the end things still turn out okay?

Yes, I'm going to miss Lucy. I'm so thankful for the chance to "play" and be a little girl again. In many ways I feel rejuvenated and re-energized as I continue on in my adult life.

Thank you Lucy. You'll always be dear to my heart.