Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Every Woman Should Know
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
enough money within her control
to move out and rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants to or needs to...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
something perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a youth she's content to leave behind....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .....
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
A good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
a feeling of control over her destiny...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job, break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without ruining the friendship...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
That she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature
of her parents..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
That her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
How to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..
Whom she can trust, whom she can't and why she shouldn't take it personally...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
Where to go... be it to her best friend's kitchen table... Or a charming inn in the woods..
when her soul needs soothing...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she can and can't accomplish in a day...a month...and a year...
Monday, April 28, 2008
Little Zachary
Little Zachary was doing very badly in math. His parents had tried everything... Tutors, mentors, flash cards, Special learning centers. In short, everything they could think of to help his math.
Finally, in a last ditch effort, they took Zachary down and enrolled him in the local Catholic school. After the first day, little Zachary came home with a very serious look on his face. He didn't even kiss his mother Hello. Instead, he went straight to his room and started studying. Books and papers were spread out all over the room and little Zachary was hard at work. His mother was amazed. She called him down to dinner.
To her shock, the minute he was done, he marched back to his room without a word, and in no time, he was back hitting the books as hard as before. This went on for some time, day after day, while the mother tried to unders tand wh at made all the difference.
Finally, little Zachary brought home his report card. He quietly laid it on the table, went up to his room and hit the books. With great trepidation, his Mom looked at it and to her great surprise, little Zachary got an "A" in math. She could no
longer hold her curiosity. She went to his room and said, "Son, what was it? Was it the nuns?"
Little Zachary looked at her and shook his head, no. "Well, then," she replied, Was it the books, the discipline, the structure, the uniforms? "WHAT WAS IT ALREADY?"
Little Zachary looked at her and said, "Well, on the first day of school when I saw that guy nailed to the plus sign, I knew they weren't fooling around"
Finally, in a last ditch effort, they took Zachary down and enrolled him in the local Catholic school. After the first day, little Zachary came home with a very serious look on his face. He didn't even kiss his mother Hello. Instead, he went straight to his room and started studying. Books and papers were spread out all over the room and little Zachary was hard at work. His mother was amazed. She called him down to dinner.
To her shock, the minute he was done, he marched back to his room without a word, and in no time, he was back hitting the books as hard as before. This went on for some time, day after day, while the mother tried to unders tand wh at made all the difference.
Finally, little Zachary brought home his report card. He quietly laid it on the table, went up to his room and hit the books. With great trepidation, his Mom looked at it and to her great surprise, little Zachary got an "A" in math. She could no
longer hold her curiosity. She went to his room and said, "Son, what was it? Was it the nuns?"
Little Zachary looked at her and shook his head, no. "Well, then," she replied, Was it the books, the discipline, the structure, the uniforms? "WHAT WAS IT ALREADY?"
Little Zachary looked at her and said, "Well, on the first day of school when I saw that guy nailed to the plus sign, I knew they weren't fooling around"
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Stayed in bed for most of the day
I went to a scrapbook day yesterday and today I'm paying the price. My head is all stuffed up, I'm coughing all the time and generally feel like crap!
Didn't go to church today. Not like anyone really missed me there! :)
Didn't go to church today. Not like anyone really missed me there! :)
Saturday, April 26, 2008
16 weeks
How your baby's growing:
At 4 1/2 inches long (head to bottom) and 3 1/2 ounces, your baby is about the size of an avocado. In the next three weeks, she'll go through a tremendous growth spurt, though, doubling her weight and adding inches to her length. Her lower limbs are much more developed now. Her head is more erect than it has been, and her eyes have moved toward the front of her head. Your baby's ears are close to their final position, too. Some of her more advanced body systems are working, including her circulatory system and urinary tract. Her heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, circulating her total blood volume through her body many times. (By the end of your pregnancy, this will increase to about 190 quarts.) The patterning of her scalp has begun, though her hair isn't recognizable yet. Although closed, her eyes are moving (slowly), and she's even started growing toenails.
Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
How your life's changing:
Have people been telling you how wonderful you look? The "glow of pregnancy" is real, thanks to increased blood flow to the skin. You may be enjoying yourself more, too, now that your hormones have stabilized and nausea has eased up. You're also probably less anxious about something happening to your baby (the risk of miscarriage drops dramatically after the 14th week) which likely adds to your overall sense of well-being.
Soon you'll experience one of the most wonderful moments of pregnancy — feeling your baby move. While some women notice "quickening" as early as 16 weeks, most don't until about 18 weeks or more. If this is your first baby, don't be too anxious — you may not be aware of your baby's movements until 20 weeks or so. The earliest movements may feel like little flutters, gas bubbles, or even like popcorn popping. Over the following weeks they'll start to feel unmistakably like kicks.
At 4 1/2 inches long (head to bottom) and 3 1/2 ounces, your baby is about the size of an avocado. In the next three weeks, she'll go through a tremendous growth spurt, though, doubling her weight and adding inches to her length. Her lower limbs are much more developed now. Her head is more erect than it has been, and her eyes have moved toward the front of her head. Your baby's ears are close to their final position, too. Some of her more advanced body systems are working, including her circulatory system and urinary tract. Her heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, circulating her total blood volume through her body many times. (By the end of your pregnancy, this will increase to about 190 quarts.) The patterning of her scalp has begun, though her hair isn't recognizable yet. Although closed, her eyes are moving (slowly), and she's even started growing toenails.
Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
How your life's changing:
Have people been telling you how wonderful you look? The "glow of pregnancy" is real, thanks to increased blood flow to the skin. You may be enjoying yourself more, too, now that your hormones have stabilized and nausea has eased up. You're also probably less anxious about something happening to your baby (the risk of miscarriage drops dramatically after the 14th week) which likely adds to your overall sense of well-being.
Soon you'll experience one of the most wonderful moments of pregnancy — feeling your baby move. While some women notice "quickening" as early as 16 weeks, most don't until about 18 weeks or more. If this is your first baby, don't be too anxious — you may not be aware of your baby's movements until 20 weeks or so. The earliest movements may feel like little flutters, gas bubbles, or even like popcorn popping. Over the following weeks they'll start to feel unmistakably like kicks.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Went to the doctor today
To make sure I was doing everything I needed to. This crap has settled into my chest and makes me feel like crap.
It's a virus, but in the meantime, they did all of the stuff that they were going to do for Monday's appointment, so YEA....no need for an appointment!! :)
Next appt is May 29th and it's the 20 week ultrasound...BUT...we aren't going to find out!
It's a virus, but in the meantime, they did all of the stuff that they were going to do for Monday's appointment, so YEA....no need for an appointment!! :)
Next appt is May 29th and it's the 20 week ultrasound...BUT...we aren't going to find out!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
This is no fun!!
Being sick that is.
I was home sick today with a lovely cold/flu mess. Started feeling crummy late yesterday afternoon. Came home and was FREEZING cold...ending up going to bed about 7:00 with a fever of 101. Slept on and off for most of the night, but woke up this morning looking for the bus that hit me.
Slept most of the day...hopefully I'm doing better to head back to work tomorrow.
I was home sick today with a lovely cold/flu mess. Started feeling crummy late yesterday afternoon. Came home and was FREEZING cold...ending up going to bed about 7:00 with a fever of 101. Slept on and off for most of the night, but woke up this morning looking for the bus that hit me.
Slept most of the day...hopefully I'm doing better to head back to work tomorrow.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
This is about right...LOL
You Should Live in the Suburbs |
 Like many people, you like the city - but you don't want to live in it. For you, the suburbs is the perfect compromise. You can enjoy the city as much as you want, but you have a quiet, safe neighborhood to come home to. |
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Update....
Mom is recovering nicely...little impatient, as she feels better, but still can't do much.
FIL goes in on Tuesday to remove the skin cancer from his shoulder. After that, it's just following up every so often and he's good to go.
Thanks for the prayers!
FIL goes in on Tuesday to remove the skin cancer from his shoulder. After that, it's just following up every so often and he's good to go.
Thanks for the prayers!
Saturday, April 19, 2008
15 weeks
How your baby's growing:
Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")
See what your baby looks like this week.
Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
How your life's changing:
You've probably gained about 5 pounds by now (a little more or less is fine, too) and are well into the swing of your pregnancy, but you may still be surprised by an unexpected symptom now and then. If your nose is stuffed up, for instance, you can probably chalk it up to the combined effect of hormonal changes and increased blood flow to your mucous membranes. This condition is so common, there's even a name for it: "rhinitis of pregnancy." Some pregnant women also suffer nosebleeds as a result of increased blood volume and blood vessel expansion in the nose.
If you're having amniocentesis, it'll most likely happen between now and 18 weeks. This test can identify hundreds of genetic and chromosomal disorders. If you're getting very anxious while waiting for the results, it may help to know that most women who undergo amniocentesis get good news about their babies — bringing welcome relief from their worries.
Don't be surprised if you and your partner are feeling a little stressed out these days. Many pregnant couples worry about their baby's health and how they'll handle the changes ahead. But with physical discomforts on the wane and energy on the rise, this is also a wonderful trimester for most women.
Take to the waters "Our community pool offers water aerobics. This is a great way to add some variety to your workout. I take my older children with me and let them swim while I exercise!" — Heidi
Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")
See what your baby looks like this week.
Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
How your life's changing:
You've probably gained about 5 pounds by now (a little more or less is fine, too) and are well into the swing of your pregnancy, but you may still be surprised by an unexpected symptom now and then. If your nose is stuffed up, for instance, you can probably chalk it up to the combined effect of hormonal changes and increased blood flow to your mucous membranes. This condition is so common, there's even a name for it: "rhinitis of pregnancy." Some pregnant women also suffer nosebleeds as a result of increased blood volume and blood vessel expansion in the nose.
If you're having amniocentesis, it'll most likely happen between now and 18 weeks. This test can identify hundreds of genetic and chromosomal disorders. If you're getting very anxious while waiting for the results, it may help to know that most women who undergo amniocentesis get good news about their babies — bringing welcome relief from their worries.
Don't be surprised if you and your partner are feeling a little stressed out these days. Many pregnant couples worry about their baby's health and how they'll handle the changes ahead. But with physical discomforts on the wane and energy on the rise, this is also a wonderful trimester for most women.
Take to the waters "Our community pool offers water aerobics. This is a great way to add some variety to your workout. I take my older children with me and let them swim while I exercise!" — Heidi
Friday, April 18, 2008
I feel the earth move...
under my feet! LOL
There was an earthquake this morning in downstate Illinois. It registered about 5.2 on the richter (sp?) scale and it could be felt for up to 450 miles away. We didn't feel anything.
Did any of you?
Thursday, April 17, 2008
What Kind of Sandwich Are You?
You Are a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich |
 You life your life in a free form, artistic style. You are incredibly creative and at times, quite messy. Deep down, you are a kid at heart. And you aren't afraid to express it. Your best friend: The Grilled Cheese Sandwich Your mortal enemy: The Club Sandwich |
The City Walk personality test...
What Your City Walk Means |
 You are optimistic and hopeful. Sometimes you do get disappointed by expecting too much. You are generally confident and friendly with strangers. You are well mannered and sociable. Money is fairly important to you. You aren't super greedy, but you enjoy spending money on yourself. You enjoy the world around you, and you thrive on new environments. You can be easily surrounded by natural or man made beauty. |
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Mom's surgery
went well and she was home by 2:00 this afternoon. When I talked to her later in the evening, she had managed to get upstairs (by crawling...lol). She had been walking on it a little bit, using her walker.
I'm going to visit her tomorrow night for a little bit.
I'm going to visit her tomorrow night for a little bit.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
TAX DAY!
Who got money and who had to pay?
If you received money, did you put it away or spend it? Did you use to catch up bills or have play money?
If you received money, did you put it away or spend it? Did you use to catch up bills or have play money?
The Keys to Life
The Keys to Your Life |
 Anything good that comes in your life will come from your own self reflection. Don't rely on other people for advice. They will harm you more then help you. Anything bad in your life comes from sinking to the level of those around you. Remember to lift people up, and refuse to participate in anything petty. |
Monday, April 14, 2008
14 week doctor appointment
Had an appointment this morning...still not 100% sure why they wanted to see me, but that's ok. I thought that I was going in for the AFP screening as the doctor and I talked about. Turns out, they don't do that until 16 weeks. Anyways, I got to hear the heartbeat for the first time!!! :) That made the appointment that much better! I had seen it on the ultrasound at 8 & 12 weeks, but this was the first time to hear it. Going strong at 163.
I go back in 2 weeks for the blood test and they'll check my thyroid levels again, just to make sure everything is good.
I go back in 2 weeks for the blood test and they'll check my thyroid levels again, just to make sure everything is good.
Prayer requests
Ok, there are a few of them..
1)My mom - She is going on Wednesday for surgery on her right foot. She has a hammertoe (her second toe crosses over her big toe) plus a bunion on that foot, so she is getting that all fixed. Since she's in a job where she's on her feet all day (teacher)... she will be off of work until May 19th. Then she'll teach for another 2 weeks before summer vacation.
2)My FIL - Found out last week that he has skin cancer. It seems as if it was caught early, but we are waiting for the biopsy results to find out the severity and the course of treatment. I haven't told my folks yet, I didn't want them to worry before mom's surgery.
3)For my friend Becky - She is actually a friend of a friend but we got to know each other pretty well through Jill. I got an email from Becky yesterday asking for sponsor's for her as she's walking in the Walk for Diabetes in memory of her husband. He passed away a few weeks ago after complications from diabetes...and he was only 28 years old. They weren't even married for 5 years. It just breaks my heart that such a young life was cut short. I ask that you keep her and her family in your prayers as she tries to move on from this tragedy.
1)My mom - She is going on Wednesday for surgery on her right foot. She has a hammertoe (her second toe crosses over her big toe) plus a bunion on that foot, so she is getting that all fixed. Since she's in a job where she's on her feet all day (teacher)... she will be off of work until May 19th. Then she'll teach for another 2 weeks before summer vacation.
2)My FIL - Found out last week that he has skin cancer. It seems as if it was caught early, but we are waiting for the biopsy results to find out the severity and the course of treatment. I haven't told my folks yet, I didn't want them to worry before mom's surgery.
3)For my friend Becky - She is actually a friend of a friend but we got to know each other pretty well through Jill. I got an email from Becky yesterday asking for sponsor's for her as she's walking in the Walk for Diabetes in memory of her husband. He passed away a few weeks ago after complications from diabetes...and he was only 28 years old. They weren't even married for 5 years. It just breaks my heart that such a young life was cut short. I ask that you keep her and her family in your prayers as she tries to move on from this tragedy.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Ditched church today...
Wasn't feeling all that great and honestly, didn't feel like going. I'm Sunday School coordinator yet, there are no kids, so why bother?? If people don't like it, tough!
Went to Babies R Us
To look around and get some ideas about patterns and things I would need.
I'm really digging this bedding set...especially since we don't know if it's boy or girl.
I like this for the car seat and stroller...
I'm really digging this bedding set...especially since we don't know if it's boy or girl.
I like this for the car seat and stroller...
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Some of these are actually true...
This is what Jeff Foxworthy has to say about Chicago .
If your local Dairy Queen is closed from September through
May, you live in Chicago
If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you live in Chicago
If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you live in
Chicago .
If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you live in Chicago
If 'Vacation' means going anywhere south of I-80 for the weekend, you live in Chicago .
If you measure distance in hours, you live in Chicago .
If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' in the same day and back
again, you live in Chicago .
If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging
blizzard without flinching, you live in Chicago .
If you carry jumpers in your car and your wife knows how to use them, you live in Chicago
If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, you live in Chicago
If the speed limit on the highway is 55 mph -- you're going 80 and
everybody is p assing you, you live in Chicago
If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled
with snow, you live in Chicago .
If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and
road construction, you live in Chicago .
If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you live in Chicago
If you find 10 degrees 'a little chilly', you live in Chicago .
If you actually understand these jokes, and forward them to all your
Chicago friends & others, you live or have lived in Chicago .
If your local Dairy Queen is closed from September through
May, you live in Chicago
If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you live in Chicago
If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you live in
Chicago .
If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you live in Chicago
If 'Vacation' means going anywhere south of I-80 for the weekend, you live in Chicago .
If you measure distance in hours, you live in Chicago .
If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' in the same day and back
again, you live in Chicago .
If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging
blizzard without flinching, you live in Chicago .
If you carry jumpers in your car and your wife knows how to use them, you live in Chicago
If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, you live in Chicago
If the speed limit on the highway is 55 mph -- you're going 80 and
everybody is p assing you, you live in Chicago
If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled
with snow, you live in Chicago .
If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and
road construction, you live in Chicago .
If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you live in Chicago
If you find 10 degrees 'a little chilly', you live in Chicago .
If you actually understand these jokes, and forward them to all your
Chicago friends & others, you live or have lived in Chicago .
Friday, April 11, 2008
Why, Why, Why
Why, Why, Why ?
do we press harder on a remote control when we know the
batteries are getting dead?
Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they
know there is not enough money?
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four
billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?
Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when
you throw a revolver at him?
Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
Whose idea was it to put an 'S' in the word ! 'lisp'?
If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the
bubbles are always white?
Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes
that something new to eat will have materialized?
Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with
their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it
down to give the vacuum one more chance?
Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your
firsttry?
How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?
When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a
shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, 'It's all
right?' Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, 'That hurt, you stupid idiot?'
Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's
falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in
summer when we complained about the heat?
How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?
do we press harder on a remote control when we know the
batteries are getting dead?
Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they
know there is not enough money?
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four
billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?
Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?
Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when
you throw a revolver at him?
Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?
Whose idea was it to put an 'S' in the word ! 'lisp'?
If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?
Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the
bubbles are always white?
Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes
that something new to eat will have materialized?
Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with
their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it
down to give the vacuum one more chance?
Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your
firsttry?
How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?
When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a
shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, 'It's all
right?' Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, 'That hurt, you stupid idiot?'
Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's
falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?
In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in
summer when we complained about the heat?
How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Early night tonight
I've had a headache for most of the day. It felt like a tension, migraine, sinus headache all rolled into one. Since I am pg, I didn't want to take any medication until I called the doctor. Yes, I know, I'm paranoid. They did tell me that I could take Extra strength Tylenol. So, I did that before I left work. Just had some dinner and now I'm off to sleep!
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
happy birthday momma!
Today is momma's birthday. This is the most stressful time of year in my parents house. You see, mom is 13 DAYS older than dad...and he loves to take these 13 days and give her so much crap! :)
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
What Flavor Gum are you?
You Are Fruit Flavored Gum |
 You are quirky and independent. You don't tend to follow any one style or rule book. You are a mix and match type of person, and you draw inspiration from many sources. While you're definitely a bit unusual, you get along well with other people. You're eager to welcome anyone into your world. You are not judgmental at all. You form close bonds with your friends, and your relationships tend to be very secure. You hold firm to your beliefs and values, and you don't let anyone talk you into compromising them. |
Monday, April 07, 2008
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Happy Birthday Aunt Kay!
Today is my aunt's 65th birthday. We celebrated with her a few weeks ago when she came up with Grandma and Grandpa.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
13 weeks!
How your baby's growing:
Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips, her veins and organs are clearly visible through her still-thin skin, and her body is starting to catch up with her head — which makes up just a third of her body size now. If you're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Your baby is almost 3 inches long (the size of a medium shrimp) and weighs nearly an ounce.
How your life's changing:
This is the last week of your first trimester, and your risk of miscarriage is now much lower than earlier in pregnancy. Next week marks the beginning of your second trimester, a time of relative comfort for many women who see early pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness and fatigue subside. More good news: Many couples also notice a distinct libido lift around this time. Birth is still months away, but your breasts may have already started making colostrum, the nutrient-rich fluid that feeds your baby for the first few days after birth, before your milk starts to flow.
Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips, her veins and organs are clearly visible through her still-thin skin, and her body is starting to catch up with her head — which makes up just a third of her body size now. If you're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Your baby is almost 3 inches long (the size of a medium shrimp) and weighs nearly an ounce.
How your life's changing:
This is the last week of your first trimester, and your risk of miscarriage is now much lower than earlier in pregnancy. Next week marks the beginning of your second trimester, a time of relative comfort for many women who see early pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness and fatigue subside. More good news: Many couples also notice a distinct libido lift around this time. Birth is still months away, but your breasts may have already started making colostrum, the nutrient-rich fluid that feeds your baby for the first few days after birth, before your milk starts to flow.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Any big plans for the weekend?
Anyone doing anything exciting?
Me, not so much...working on spring cleaning in the apartment.
Me, not so much...working on spring cleaning in the apartment.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Never let others tell you who you are!
(This came from a bulletin off of MySpace...just wanted to share here)
A lot has been said about the United Church of Christ lately, especially Trinity UCC in Chicago. Much of it has been narrow and distorted. We prepared this video to tell the broader story of who we really are.
A lot has been said about the United Church of Christ lately, especially Trinity UCC in Chicago. Much of it has been narrow and distorted. We prepared this video to tell the broader story of who we really are.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Baby Update
Yesterday was my doctor's appointment. I got to see baby on the screen, moving around. Still hard to believe that lil bugger is inside of me! :-)
Doctor also tested my thyroid levels and didn't seem overly concerned that I haven't gotten an appointment with the endocrinologist yet. I will defintely work on it for next time.
Next appt is April 14th!
Doctor also tested my thyroid levels and didn't seem overly concerned that I haven't gotten an appointment with the endocrinologist yet. I will defintely work on it for next time.
Next appt is April 14th!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Hey Chicago...
whadda say...the Cubs are gonna win today!
(well, providing the game isn't rained out...lol)
Today is opening day at Wrigley Field! GO CUBBIES!!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Another quiet weekend
Didn't do much of anything either day. Saturday, I did work to clean out my wardrobe and GET RID OF CLOTHES.
Sunday was church and then went grocery shopping. Came home and passed out because I was so tired. Spent the rest of the day doing much of nothing! :)
Doctor's appt tomorrow, i will update when I can!
Sunday was church and then went grocery shopping. Came home and passed out because I was so tired. Spent the rest of the day doing much of nothing! :)
Doctor's appt tomorrow, i will update when I can!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Should You Vote Republican or Democrat?
Your Vote Score: 32% Republican, 68% Democrat |
 While you don't always agree with the Democrat party, it's a pretty good match for you. Do be sure to research each candidate. A liberal Republican or independent candidate might fit you better at times. |
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Trying not to get overwhelmed
but it's not working.
I'm starting to worry about being able to handle raising a child and keeping up with our expenses. My mind is racing non-stop. For so long, I never thought that I would be able to have a child, so I pretty much just settled on the fact that it would be just me and my husband (and for awhile, I wasn't sure if that would stick).
I'm just stressing over nothing, I know. But how do I make my brain stop?!?!?!
I'm starting to worry about being able to handle raising a child and keeping up with our expenses. My mind is racing non-stop. For so long, I never thought that I would be able to have a child, so I pretty much just settled on the fact that it would be just me and my husband (and for awhile, I wasn't sure if that would stick).
I'm just stressing over nothing, I know. But how do I make my brain stop?!?!?!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
What Kind od Cake are you?
You Are an Ice Cream Cake |
 Surprising, unique, and high maintenance. You're one of a kind, and you don't want anyone to forget it. You're fun in small doses, but it's easy for people to overdose on you! |
Monday, March 24, 2008
played hooky
started out with a nasty headache, so i called into work.
we ended up going out to my inlaws for the day. on our way there, got the oil change done for my car and then later in the day, i took my car for the emissions test. whew...that's done.
hope everyone had a good day!
we ended up going out to my inlaws for the day. on our way there, got the oil change done for my car and then later in the day, i took my car for the emissions test. whew...that's done.
hope everyone had a good day!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
If you think getting up on Sunday morning is hard,
Then try raising from the dead.
HAPPY EASTER TO ALL OF YOU!! CHRIST IS RISEN!!
Today, is church and then dinner at mom and dad's (or Nana's house if you ask my nephew). It's a small gathering, but a yummy easter dinner with all of the fixings! YUM! :-)
HAPPY EASTER TO ALL OF YOU!! CHRIST IS RISEN!!
Today, is church and then dinner at mom and dad's (or Nana's house if you ask my nephew). It's a small gathering, but a yummy easter dinner with all of the fixings! YUM! :-)
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Saturday...
We had our Easter cantata this evening and as our choir director said "We have some church up in here!" It was a very comtemporary cantata which some people may not like, but it was cool nonetheless.
Tomorrow, we are doing two pieces with handbell choir along with our choir and the congregation. ..we're gonna rock the house! :-)
Tomorrow, we are doing two pieces with handbell choir along with our choir and the congregation. ..we're gonna rock the house! :-)
Friday, March 21, 2008
A good one...
A stranger was seated next to a little girl on the airplane when the
stranger turned to her and said, 'Let's talk. I've heard that flights
go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger.'
The little girl, who had just opened her book, closed it slowly and
said to the stranger, 'What would you like to talk about?'
'Oh, I don't know,' said the stranger. 'How about nuclear power?' and
he smiles.
'OK,' she said. 'That could be an interesting topic. But let me ask
you a question first. A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat the same
stuff - grass - . Yet a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns
out a flat patty, and a horse produces clumps of dried grass. Why do
you suppose that is?'
The stranger, visibly surprised by the little girl's intelligence,
thinks about it and says, 'Hmmm, I have no idea.'
To which the little girl replies, 'Do you really feel qualified to
discuss nuclear power when you don't know shit?
stranger turned to her and said, 'Let's talk. I've heard that flights
go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger.'
The little girl, who had just opened her book, closed it slowly and
said to the stranger, 'What would you like to talk about?'
'Oh, I don't know,' said the stranger. 'How about nuclear power?' and
he smiles.
'OK,' she said. 'That could be an interesting topic. But let me ask
you a question first. A horse, a cow, and a deer all eat the same
stuff - grass - . Yet a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns
out a flat patty, and a horse produces clumps of dried grass. Why do
you suppose that is?'
The stranger, visibly surprised by the little girl's intelligence,
thinks about it and says, 'Hmmm, I have no idea.'
To which the little girl replies, 'Do you really feel qualified to
discuss nuclear power when you don't know shit?
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Easter Quizzes...
You Are a Speckled Egg |
 Artistic, alternative, and not exactly buying into this Easter thing. |
You Are Peeps |
 You're the type that's more likely to play with your food than actually eat it. |
Monday, March 17, 2008
How's your Spelling?
Your Spelling is Perfect |
 You got 10/10 correct. Your spelling is excellent. You also have a great memory and eye for detail. |
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Everybody dance now!!
I still have the mental image of my three year old nephew standing in the middle of the soccer field (aka gym floor) and singing that song. Oh yes, right in the middle of the soccer game...that would be him. Those poor soccer moms didn't know how to react!
We had a nice spa day and it was very relaxing! This woman also does "pregnancy spa treatments". Yea, I'm so looking her up in the summer time!
We had a nice spa day and it was very relaxing! This woman also does "pregnancy spa treatments". Yea, I'm so looking her up in the summer time!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Told one set of great-grandparents
Last night, we went to dinner at Mom and Dad's house. Grandma and Grandpa and my aunt are up visiting for the weekend to celebrate Gma's birthday.
Me: "Gma, I was wondering if you could make another baby blanket?"
Gma: "For who?"
Me: "ME!"
She was very shocked and excited! I thought it was a cute way to tell her and she and my grandpa are very thrilled with their fifth great-grandchild!!
Now, it's off to a spa day!! YEA!!
Me: "Gma, I was wondering if you could make another baby blanket?"
Gma: "For who?"
Me: "ME!"
She was very shocked and excited! I thought it was a cute way to tell her and she and my grandpa are very thrilled with their fifth great-grandchild!!
Now, it's off to a spa day!! YEA!!
Friday, March 14, 2008
So bad...yet so funny!
>>> Atlanta Airport
>>>
You gotta love this one even if you've never lived in the South.
Some of you will enjoy this more than others... Southerners can be so
polite!
Atlanta ATC: "Tower to Saudi Air 511 -- You are cleared to land
eastbound on runway 9R
Saudi Air: "Thank you Atlanta ATC. Acknowledge cleared to land on
infidel's runway 9R - Allah be Praised."
Atlanta ATC: "Tower to Iran Air 711 --You are cleared to land
westbound on runway 9R."
Iran Air: "Thank you Atlanta ATC. We are cleared to land on infidel's
runway 9R. - Allah is Great."
Pause...
Saudi Air: " ATLANTA ATC - ATLANTA ATC"< BR>>>>
Atlanta ATC: "Go ahead Saudi Air 511."
Saudi Air: "YOU HAVE CLEARED BOTH OUR AIRCRAFTS FOR THE SAME RUNWAY
GOING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS. WE ARE ON A COLLISION COURSE.
INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE."
Atlanta ATC: "Well bless your little hearts. And praise Jesus. Y'all
be careful now and tell Allah "hey" for us -- "
>>>
You gotta love this one even if you've never lived in the South.
Some of you will enjoy this more than others... Southerners can be so
polite!
Atlanta ATC: "Tower to Saudi Air 511 -- You are cleared to land
eastbound on runway 9R
Saudi Air: "Thank you Atlanta ATC. Acknowledge cleared to land on
infidel's runway 9R - Allah be Praised."
Atlanta ATC: "Tower to Iran Air 711 --You are cleared to land
westbound on runway 9R."
Iran Air: "Thank you Atlanta ATC. We are cleared to land on infidel's
runway 9R. - Allah is Great."
Pause...
Saudi Air: " ATLANTA ATC - ATLANTA ATC"< BR>>>>
Atlanta ATC: "Go ahead Saudi Air 511."
Saudi Air: "YOU HAVE CLEARED BOTH OUR AIRCRAFTS FOR THE SAME RUNWAY
GOING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS. WE ARE ON A COLLISION COURSE.
INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE."
Atlanta ATC: "Well bless your little hearts. And praise Jesus. Y'all
be careful now and tell Allah "hey" for us -- "
Thursday, March 13, 2008
How would you handle this?
Very touching...please read till the end.
Let's see if you send it back. We all know or knew someone like this!!
One day, when I was a freshman in high school,
I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school.
His name was Kyle.
It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.'
I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt.
His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks. < /I>
They really should get lives. He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!' There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play a little football He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.
Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the hug e stack of books again. I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious
muscles with this pile of books everyday! He just laughed and handed me half the books. Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends..
When we were seniors we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship. Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak
Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was jealous! Today was one of those days.
I could see that he was nervous about his speech.
So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!' He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled.
' Thanks,' he said. As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began 'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through
those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends...
I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story. I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. 'Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.'
I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.
Never underestimate the power of your actions.
With one small gesture you can change a person's life.
For better or for worse .
God puts us all in each others lives to impact one an other in some way.
Look for God in others.
Let's see if you send it back. We all know or knew someone like this!!
One day, when I was a freshman in high school,
I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school.
His name was Kyle.
It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.'
I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt.
His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks. < /I>
They really should get lives. He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!' There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play a little football He said yes. We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.
Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the hug e stack of books again. I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious
muscles with this pile of books everyday! He just laughed and handed me half the books. Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends..
When we were seniors we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship. Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak
Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was jealous! Today was one of those days.
I could see that he was nervous about his speech.
So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!' He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled.
' Thanks,' he said. As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began 'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through
those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends...
I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story. I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile. 'Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.'
I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.
Never underestimate the power of your actions.
With one small gesture you can change a person's life.
For better or for worse .
God puts us all in each others lives to impact one an other in some way.
Look for God in others.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Looking forward to this weekend
because my grandparents and aunt are coming up and Saturday morning, the "girls" are having a spa party at my mom's house. It should be alot of fun and there are no boys around to drive us crazy! Ha ha.
Monday, March 10, 2008
First baby gift...
I got my first baby gift earlier today from a co-worker. She is addicted to scrapbooking just as much, if not worse than I am! LOL
Anywhoo, I received a mini-size paper pack, couple sheets of stickers and some ribbon! I'm so excited!!!
Anywhoo, I received a mini-size paper pack, couple sheets of stickers and some ribbon! I'm so excited!!!
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Told some more people today
about the newest member of our family. I am currently the Sunday School Coordinator at church. Today, I told my pastor that as of June 15th, I will be resigning. I know that I couldn't the program the time and dedication that it needs especially so close to my due date. Of course I will be glad to help them after baby if I feel up to it!
She was a little disappointed at first until I told her my reason! Then, she was totally cool with it!
She was a little disappointed at first until I told her my reason! Then, she was totally cool with it!
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Happy Birthday to Grandma!!!
Today, my grandma is 85 years old. HOLY CRAP!
I find myself very fortuante to still have 3 living grandparents and be 30 years old. I cherish every single moment I have with them, because I know that it can be gone in an instant.
When they go, I of course will be saddened, but I will also have joy in my heart, because I know that they have all lived full and wonderful lives!!!
My only selfish request is that they will make it to October to see their newest great-grandchild!!
I find myself very fortuante to still have 3 living grandparents and be 30 years old. I cherish every single moment I have with them, because I know that it can be gone in an instant.
When they go, I of course will be saddened, but I will also have joy in my heart, because I know that they have all lived full and wonderful lives!!!
My only selfish request is that they will make it to October to see their newest great-grandchild!!
Friday, March 07, 2008
Our family is growing by two feet!!
Yes, you read that correctly! DH and I are expecting our first baby, due October 11th! This wasn't quite planned, but not yet a surprise either. We haven't been preventing for awhile and all of our tests were coming back with no problems, yet month after month...nothing.
I'm excited, thrilled, nervous and freaked out all in one. We had our first ultrasound earlier this week and got to see baby!! Heartbeat is 154 and so far everything looks good! Our parents are all estatic! I'm feeling ok...just really run down and a little queasy from time to time. I've learned that if I stay ahead of it by eating, I'm better. Since I was on Weight Watchers before, I'm going to do my best to keep eating as healthy as I can. Of course, I'll give into my splurges every once in awhile!
Devotion - March 7th
Stillspeaking Lent Devotional: Friday, March 7
March 7
Visionary
Revelation 11:15-19
Quinn G. Caldwell
Reading this Bible passage, you might need to be reassured that no, you're not stoned (though some have argued that the author of this passage was). This is The Revelation to John, the book with the trippiest visuals in the whole Bible. There are a mighty whore, an evil dragon, a celestial mother with starry hair (she fights the dragon, naturally), giant insects, bowls full of plagues, hordes of angels, plus a new heaven and a new earth. Whoa.
What to make of it all? Obviously, it's about the end of everything you know. Beyond that, it's hard to tell. Some say it's a plan for the "end times." Some say it's a coded diatribe against the Roman Empire. I say that spending too much time thinking about it misses the point.
Better to just groove on the imagery. Think of it as some crazy artwork that regularly comes to life and rearranges itself. Don't analyze, just react. What do the images proclaim about God? What would it feel like to actually see the Temple up in the sky surrounded by thunder and lightning? Sit with it. Stretch yourself. Spend some time imagining the unimaginable. And let it get you ready to ask yourself the real mind-bender: at the end of time, if all this comes to pass, how will it be good news?
Prayer: O God, grant me visions this Lent. Show me a world beyond anything I can imagine. Make me ready to hope in things so wonderful only you could conceive them. Amen.
March 7
Visionary
Revelation 11:15-19
Quinn G. Caldwell
Reading this Bible passage, you might need to be reassured that no, you're not stoned (though some have argued that the author of this passage was). This is The Revelation to John, the book with the trippiest visuals in the whole Bible. There are a mighty whore, an evil dragon, a celestial mother with starry hair (she fights the dragon, naturally), giant insects, bowls full of plagues, hordes of angels, plus a new heaven and a new earth. Whoa.
What to make of it all? Obviously, it's about the end of everything you know. Beyond that, it's hard to tell. Some say it's a plan for the "end times." Some say it's a coded diatribe against the Roman Empire. I say that spending too much time thinking about it misses the point.
Better to just groove on the imagery. Think of it as some crazy artwork that regularly comes to life and rearranges itself. Don't analyze, just react. What do the images proclaim about God? What would it feel like to actually see the Temple up in the sky surrounded by thunder and lightning? Sit with it. Stretch yourself. Spend some time imagining the unimaginable. And let it get you ready to ask yourself the real mind-bender: at the end of time, if all this comes to pass, how will it be good news?
Prayer: O God, grant me visions this Lent. Show me a world beyond anything I can imagine. Make me ready to hope in things so wonderful only you could conceive them. Amen.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
March 6th
Heartburn
Revelation 10:1-11
William Green
God makes things possible, not easy. Faith can be hard, doubt real--"sweet as honey in my mouth, but... my stomach was made bitter".
The book of Revelation shows this. Written for early Christians facing persecution, its puzzling symbolism is often code language drawing on imagery from the Hebrew Scriptures known to believers but impenetrable to imperial authority. The fundamental message can be summed up in two words: "God wins!"
But before the last trumpet sounds marking this final triumph, the good news of Christ is judgment against all that violates the love of God. We're better with the love part of this than the judgment.
We're not asked to be judgmental. We're asked to be honest. The "sweetness" of faith becomes bitter when we consider all that ignores or denies God's justice and mercy. Remembering that we ourselves are complicit in this, we can confront it more credibly in the world around us. Self-righteousness is hard to take.
Honest faith aims to tell the truth because it is less concerned about feeling good than turning to God, however we feel. Inspired by the love of Christ, we try to live true to that, knowing no failure can ultimately block its victory.
Prayer: Eternal God, lead me to look beyond how I feel to who you are, and to trust your love which embraces us all, now and forever. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Revelation 10:1-11
William Green
God makes things possible, not easy. Faith can be hard, doubt real--"sweet as honey in my mouth, but... my stomach was made bitter".
The book of Revelation shows this. Written for early Christians facing persecution, its puzzling symbolism is often code language drawing on imagery from the Hebrew Scriptures known to believers but impenetrable to imperial authority. The fundamental message can be summed up in two words: "God wins!"
But before the last trumpet sounds marking this final triumph, the good news of Christ is judgment against all that violates the love of God. We're better with the love part of this than the judgment.
We're not asked to be judgmental. We're asked to be honest. The "sweetness" of faith becomes bitter when we consider all that ignores or denies God's justice and mercy. Remembering that we ourselves are complicit in this, we can confront it more credibly in the world around us. Self-righteousness is hard to take.
Honest faith aims to tell the truth because it is less concerned about feeling good than turning to God, however we feel. Inspired by the love of Christ, we try to live true to that, knowing no failure can ultimately block its victory.
Prayer: Eternal God, lead me to look beyond how I feel to who you are, and to trust your love which embraces us all, now and forever. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
March 5th
Our Best Hope
Psalm 146
Christina Villa
"Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, in whom there is no help," advises this psalm. "When their breath departs, they return to the earth; on that very day their plans perish."
This sobering reminder--"there is no help... their plans perish"--is not about the hopelessness of it all, though it might sound that way if you're flipping through the psalms looking for uplift. It's not that there's no hope. It's that there is only one source of it: "Happy are those... whose hope is in the Lord their God... who keeps faith forever." Hope is not a thing of a thousand varieties; you can't choose what color and size you want it in. It only comes one way. That's why it's so easy to invest it in the wrong thing. We're used to having 112 kinds of toothpaste or dog food to choose from, so we feel we ought to have some choice in the important matter of hope. But this Psalm says we don't. Theologians speak of misplaced hope as "idolatry," a word that makes it sound more satanic and exceptional than it really is. We have all had the experience of hopes dashed and trust betrayed. Yet hope is a thing we need to survive. Hang on to it, says this Psalm, but put it in the right place.
Prayer: Dear God, please help me keep hold of hope today; help me keep hold of you. Amen.
Psalm 146
Christina Villa
"Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, in whom there is no help," advises this psalm. "When their breath departs, they return to the earth; on that very day their plans perish."
This sobering reminder--"there is no help... their plans perish"--is not about the hopelessness of it all, though it might sound that way if you're flipping through the psalms looking for uplift. It's not that there's no hope. It's that there is only one source of it: "Happy are those... whose hope is in the Lord their God... who keeps faith forever." Hope is not a thing of a thousand varieties; you can't choose what color and size you want it in. It only comes one way. That's why it's so easy to invest it in the wrong thing. We're used to having 112 kinds of toothpaste or dog food to choose from, so we feel we ought to have some choice in the important matter of hope. But this Psalm says we don't. Theologians speak of misplaced hope as "idolatry," a word that makes it sound more satanic and exceptional than it really is. We have all had the experience of hopes dashed and trust betrayed. Yet hope is a thing we need to survive. Hang on to it, says this Psalm, but put it in the right place.
Prayer: Dear God, please help me keep hold of hope today; help me keep hold of you. Amen.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Devotional...3/4
Continue in Strength
Colossians 1:9-14
Martin B. Copenhaver
When we think of people who need our prayers, our thoughts most naturally turn to those who are experiencing some kind of challenge or hardship. But here Paul is offering prayers for those whose faith is already strong and whose lives are already bearing fruit. These are prayers of thanksgiving, to be sure, but also prayers that they may continue in strength. After all, a strong person is no less dependent on God's grace than is the person who is weak. The difference is that the strong person's need is less evident and may seem less urgent. But all of us rely on God's grace in every hour. God did not create us like a clockmaker creates a clock. Rather, God creates more like a musician creates music. If God did not continue to breathe through us, we would cease to breath, as surely as a cello would cease to make music if the cellist walked out of the room. If God did not give the continual gift of faith, we would descend into despair. The strong have no claim on any strength independent of God--it is a continual gift only from God's hands. So when we pray, our prayers may go first to those in obvious need, but then they are to encompass all those who stand in need of God's gifts, and that is each of us, both the weak and the strong.
Prayer: Dear God, be with me when I am weak, so that I might draw on your power, and be with me when I feel empowered, so that I might always remember that you are the source of all power. Amen.
Colossians 1:9-14
Martin B. Copenhaver
When we think of people who need our prayers, our thoughts most naturally turn to those who are experiencing some kind of challenge or hardship. But here Paul is offering prayers for those whose faith is already strong and whose lives are already bearing fruit. These are prayers of thanksgiving, to be sure, but also prayers that they may continue in strength. After all, a strong person is no less dependent on God's grace than is the person who is weak. The difference is that the strong person's need is less evident and may seem less urgent. But all of us rely on God's grace in every hour. God did not create us like a clockmaker creates a clock. Rather, God creates more like a musician creates music. If God did not continue to breathe through us, we would cease to breath, as surely as a cello would cease to make music if the cellist walked out of the room. If God did not give the continual gift of faith, we would descend into despair. The strong have no claim on any strength independent of God--it is a continual gift only from God's hands. So when we pray, our prayers may go first to those in obvious need, but then they are to encompass all those who stand in need of God's gifts, and that is each of us, both the weak and the strong.
Prayer: Dear God, be with me when I am weak, so that I might draw on your power, and be with me when I feel empowered, so that I might always remember that you are the source of all power. Amen.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Nice relaxing weekend
where we did absolutely nothing!
As a late Valentines treat to ourselves, we got a hotel room for the weekend and just vegged out, doing as little as possible. Saturday, we went window shopping at the mall which was across the street, but the rest of the time, we just hung out, watched movies, and ordered room service. It's been awhile since Bill's been off an entire weekend, so it was nice to getaway for awhile!
Now back to the Monday morning...yuck!
As a late Valentines treat to ourselves, we got a hotel room for the weekend and just vegged out, doing as little as possible. Saturday, we went window shopping at the mall which was across the street, but the rest of the time, we just hung out, watched movies, and ordered room service. It's been awhile since Bill's been off an entire weekend, so it was nice to getaway for awhile!
Now back to the Monday morning...yuck!
Sunday, March 02, 2008
March 2nd...
Blessed Trial
John 9: 1 - 41
Anthony B. Robinson
Well, now, here is a strange thing. A man blind from birth is given his sight by Jesus, and what happens? Does everybody get happy and life get good? Not quite. The man's neighbors don't know him. His parents don't want him. The people in charge at the synagogue think he is uppity and give him the boot. Getting healed doesn't always ensure getting welcomed. At least sometimes, the blind who see and the dead who are raised aren't entirely welcome in a world that may prefer to be blind to God and dead to true life. To be blessed by Jesus can lead to trials and tribulations, which is John's way of talking about the cost of discipleship. But Jesus will not leave those he has claimed as his alone or bereft. As this wonderful drama ends, Jesus finds the once blind, now seeing man, who has come to faith by what he has suffered for Christ.
Prayer: Can I know you, Jesus, without sharing in your suffering, without in my own way sharing your cross? Help me to follow you even, especially, when it's hard. Amen.
John 9: 1 - 41
Anthony B. Robinson
Well, now, here is a strange thing. A man blind from birth is given his sight by Jesus, and what happens? Does everybody get happy and life get good? Not quite. The man's neighbors don't know him. His parents don't want him. The people in charge at the synagogue think he is uppity and give him the boot. Getting healed doesn't always ensure getting welcomed. At least sometimes, the blind who see and the dead who are raised aren't entirely welcome in a world that may prefer to be blind to God and dead to true life. To be blessed by Jesus can lead to trials and tribulations, which is John's way of talking about the cost of discipleship. But Jesus will not leave those he has claimed as his alone or bereft. As this wonderful drama ends, Jesus finds the once blind, now seeing man, who has come to faith by what he has suffered for Christ.
Prayer: Can I know you, Jesus, without sharing in your suffering, without in my own way sharing your cross? Help me to follow you even, especially, when it's hard. Amen.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Lenten Devotional...3/1
Anointing with Oil
Psalm 23
Donna Schaper
My son nicked himself the first time he shaved and it bled and bled. He was embarrassed because he had picked the first day of school to try the razor on himself. I recommended a little oil of eucalyptus. He said no, loudly.
Whenever my children got a "boo boo", I would apply cream from the magic ointment called Bacitracin. They had no idea how boring it really was and considered it the magic oil.
I love the free "cream" section at the duty free shops at airports. I anoint myself with frequent samplings.
When we speak of our Shepherd anointing our head with oil, we can either say no thank you; I'd rather suffer alone in my own little adolescent prison. Or we can say thank you to the magic of our hurts being healed. We can even understand the universe as a place of free anointings, minute by minute. That is the image David puts before us in the psalm we love so much. "My head is anointed with oil, and my cup runneth over..."
It is an image of abundance, free and pouring out like a river from the great heart of God.
Prayer: Dear God, during this Lenten journey, help me hold on to you so closely that I do not hold on to anything else too closely. Amen
Psalm 23
Donna Schaper
My son nicked himself the first time he shaved and it bled and bled. He was embarrassed because he had picked the first day of school to try the razor on himself. I recommended a little oil of eucalyptus. He said no, loudly.
Whenever my children got a "boo boo", I would apply cream from the magic ointment called Bacitracin. They had no idea how boring it really was and considered it the magic oil.
I love the free "cream" section at the duty free shops at airports. I anoint myself with frequent samplings.
When we speak of our Shepherd anointing our head with oil, we can either say no thank you; I'd rather suffer alone in my own little adolescent prison. Or we can say thank you to the magic of our hurts being healed. We can even understand the universe as a place of free anointings, minute by minute. That is the image David puts before us in the psalm we love so much. "My head is anointed with oil, and my cup runneth over..."
It is an image of abundance, free and pouring out like a river from the great heart of God.
Prayer: Dear God, during this Lenten journey, help me hold on to you so closely that I do not hold on to anything else too closely. Amen
Friday, February 29, 2008
leap day devotional
My Shepherd
Psalm 23
David M. Powers
Of all the well-known phrases of the well-loved 23rd Psalm, one word symbolizes what makes these verses so compelling. One word stands out. That word is, "my." "My shepherd."
The people of ancient Israel were very familiar with shepherds and shepherding in ways that most of us today are not. They had long thought of God as a shepherd. They remembered how God had guided their refugee ancestors cross-country from down in Egypt up to the Promised Land, much as a shepherd guides a flock of meandering sheep.
But with this Psalm of David comes a brand new discovery: an intimacy, an individuality, a personal connection with God the Shepherd. So the psalm-singer sings a new note. "The Lord is my Shepherd."
The rest of the Psalm vividly pictures what the Shepherd has to offer and what the Shepherd accomplishes for the sheep. The Shepherd does what the sheep may not be able to do on their own. The Shepherd nourishes, guides, restores, comforts, refreshes.
Even though I don't often think of myself as a sheep, I definitely need everything my Shepherd can do for me.
Prayer: Savior, like a shepherd lead us; much we need your tender care. Amen.
Psalm 23
David M. Powers
Of all the well-known phrases of the well-loved 23rd Psalm, one word symbolizes what makes these verses so compelling. One word stands out. That word is, "my." "My shepherd."
The people of ancient Israel were very familiar with shepherds and shepherding in ways that most of us today are not. They had long thought of God as a shepherd. They remembered how God had guided their refugee ancestors cross-country from down in Egypt up to the Promised Land, much as a shepherd guides a flock of meandering sheep.
But with this Psalm of David comes a brand new discovery: an intimacy, an individuality, a personal connection with God the Shepherd. So the psalm-singer sings a new note. "The Lord is my Shepherd."
The rest of the Psalm vividly pictures what the Shepherd has to offer and what the Shepherd accomplishes for the sheep. The Shepherd does what the sheep may not be able to do on their own. The Shepherd nourishes, guides, restores, comforts, refreshes.
Even though I don't often think of myself as a sheep, I definitely need everything my Shepherd can do for me.
Prayer: Savior, like a shepherd lead us; much we need your tender care. Amen.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Devotional...2/28
Our Favorite Psalm
Psalm 23
Lillian Daniel
Spend some time reading the words of the 23rd Psalm from your Bible today and remember when you have heard it read out loud. Many of us will think of funerals, when these words have reminded us of God's promises but also of the finality of that moment. For some families, it is in hearing the 23rd Psalm that they realize the funeral is really, actually happening. In our saddest moments, it offers comfort and understanding.
I encourage you to read this psalm at other times in your life. There is as much in this psalm about life as there is about death. It can be a comfort during times of anxiety to know that "the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." Sheep may not know where the shepherd is. Their faces are to the ground or at eye level. But the shepherd knows where the sheep are. The shepherd's gaze scans the horizon until every lost sheep is accounted for, in a picture that is bigger than the sheep can take in.
Live your life with that security. Remember that someone is always looking out for you, even as you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, and even as you engage richly in life.
Prayer: God help me to remember your promises: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever;" in this life, and in the life to come. Amen.
Psalm 23
Lillian Daniel
Spend some time reading the words of the 23rd Psalm from your Bible today and remember when you have heard it read out loud. Many of us will think of funerals, when these words have reminded us of God's promises but also of the finality of that moment. For some families, it is in hearing the 23rd Psalm that they realize the funeral is really, actually happening. In our saddest moments, it offers comfort and understanding.
I encourage you to read this psalm at other times in your life. There is as much in this psalm about life as there is about death. It can be a comfort during times of anxiety to know that "the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." Sheep may not know where the shepherd is. Their faces are to the ground or at eye level. But the shepherd knows where the sheep are. The shepherd's gaze scans the horizon until every lost sheep is accounted for, in a picture that is bigger than the sheep can take in.
Live your life with that security. Remember that someone is always looking out for you, even as you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, and even as you engage richly in life.
Prayer: God help me to remember your promises: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever;" in this life, and in the life to come. Amen.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
cute nephew story...
so, my nephews had a "sleepover" with my parents Saturday into Sunday. Sunday afternoon, they went to visit my grandma. As they were getting ready to leave, my mom asked my youngest "Where are we going next"...his reply "Nana's house". She asked, well, isn't it Pa's house too? Nope...Nana's house. Last question to the C-man...well, where does Pa live then? His reply...he lives at Nana's house.
Out of the mouth of babes!
Out of the mouth of babes!
Devotional...2/27
True Things
John 7:14-31, 37-39
Quinn G. Caldwell
Some things never change. Enter a group of people, say a true thing about God, and the same thing will always happen: some of the people will call you good, and the rest will think you're crazy, or will want to kill you, or both. It happened to Jesus, too: in Jerusalem for the Festival of Booths, in the middle of a crowd, in the Temple itself, Jesus began to say true things about God and about himself. Some believed him; others wanted him dead. Eventually, the latter group would win. For a while.
These days, speaking truth about God may not get you killed, but it sure will earn you some funny looks. In some crowds, they call you names like "religious fanatic," "Jesus freak," "ignorant." In others, saying true things gets you called "heretic," "unbeliever," "sinner." But as in Jesus' time, in every crowd--in every crowd--there will be those for whom your words will be like living water. Those who have been waiting for a long, parched time. Those for whom the things you say will be cool, and clear, and will go down like a long swig of salvation.
Some things never change: true things about God are always dangerous. Saying them is not easy. It will almost always get you in trouble. And the world is full of thirsty people.
Prayer: God, give me the vision and the courage to say true things about you wherever I go. Amen
John 7:14-31, 37-39
Quinn G. Caldwell
Some things never change. Enter a group of people, say a true thing about God, and the same thing will always happen: some of the people will call you good, and the rest will think you're crazy, or will want to kill you, or both. It happened to Jesus, too: in Jerusalem for the Festival of Booths, in the middle of a crowd, in the Temple itself, Jesus began to say true things about God and about himself. Some believed him; others wanted him dead. Eventually, the latter group would win. For a while.
These days, speaking truth about God may not get you killed, but it sure will earn you some funny looks. In some crowds, they call you names like "religious fanatic," "Jesus freak," "ignorant." In others, saying true things gets you called "heretic," "unbeliever," "sinner." But as in Jesus' time, in every crowd--in every crowd--there will be those for whom your words will be like living water. Those who have been waiting for a long, parched time. Those for whom the things you say will be cool, and clear, and will go down like a long swig of salvation.
Some things never change: true things about God are always dangerous. Saying them is not easy. It will almost always get you in trouble. And the world is full of thirsty people.
Prayer: God, give me the vision and the courage to say true things about you wherever I go. Amen
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Lent Devotional...2/26
Marvelous Error
Psalm 81
William Green
Every turn of events, however upsetting, can be raw material for something that surfaces with the sweetness of honey (v. 16b). Elsewhere in this Lenten sequence of readings, Scripture speaks of water and the satisfaction of thirst (1 Corinthians 10:1-4).
Knowing this involves repentance. To repent includes looking again at what we face. "What have you done with your eyes?" asked Antonio Machado's mother when he was a boy upset about not getting the birthday gift he wanted. The Spanish poet carried that question with him the rest of his life, challenging the narcissism that locks us in the prison of our own image.
Can we look again at disappointment we have experienced, mistakes we have made, misfortune we have endured, apprehension we feel, and see that these did not have the last word, or need not? Can we see that sometimes there may be no shorter way to get where we need to go--no easier way to satisfaction?
In one of his poems, Machado writes:
Last night as I was sleeping,
I dreamt--marvelous error!--
that I had a beehive
here inside my heart.
And the golden bees
were making white combs
and sweet honey
from my old failures...
Weird dream? Marvelous error? Amazing grace?
Prayer: O God, be my vision and help me look again at what I face. Open my eyes to see and believe your promise of hope and deliverance. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Psalm 81
William Green
Every turn of events, however upsetting, can be raw material for something that surfaces with the sweetness of honey (v. 16b). Elsewhere in this Lenten sequence of readings, Scripture speaks of water and the satisfaction of thirst (1 Corinthians 10:1-4).
Knowing this involves repentance. To repent includes looking again at what we face. "What have you done with your eyes?" asked Antonio Machado's mother when he was a boy upset about not getting the birthday gift he wanted. The Spanish poet carried that question with him the rest of his life, challenging the narcissism that locks us in the prison of our own image.
Can we look again at disappointment we have experienced, mistakes we have made, misfortune we have endured, apprehension we feel, and see that these did not have the last word, or need not? Can we see that sometimes there may be no shorter way to get where we need to go--no easier way to satisfaction?
In one of his poems, Machado writes:
Last night as I was sleeping,
I dreamt--marvelous error!--
that I had a beehive
here inside my heart.
And the golden bees
were making white combs
and sweet honey
from my old failures...
Weird dream? Marvelous error? Amazing grace?
Prayer: O God, be my vision and help me look again at what I face. Open my eyes to see and believe your promise of hope and deliverance. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Nice weekend
but of course it went by too fast!
Saturday, momma and I headed out to a handbell workshop. It started off with a massed ringing session...WAY cool and then we had different sessions throughout the day. It finished with a concert by the Agape Ringers, a handbell choir...VERY COOL!
Yesterday our friend Deb came for a visit along with her two girls felicia and brittney...it's amazing to see how big those girls have gotten! we had fun just hanging out and playing different games. after they left, we tried watching the oscars, (i ended up falling asleep...lol)
more snow is expected tonight...FANTASTIC!!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Lenten Devotional - February 24th
Strong in the Broken Places
Romans 5:1-11
Martin B. Copenhaver
Ernest Hemingway sounds very much like the Apostle Paul when he writes, in A Farewell to Arms, "The world breaks everyone, and afterward some are strong in the broken places." As Christians, however, we understand our brokenness and become strong in a particular way. Paul affirms that, for the Christian, all of life is a reenactment of the death and resurrection of Jesus. His story is not just one we can hear, but a story in which we are invited to share. So the world may break everyone, but that is not the last word. The Christian holds, not that things always turn out for the best, for they seldom do, but that through it all God loves us, upholds us, receives us. That is because our God is the kind of God who insists on having the last word. To be sure, the second to last word, which may be very powerful, can be given to something else--suffering, despair, hopelessness, evil, death itself. But our God insists on having the very last word, and that is always a helpful word, a healing word, a word of peace, of hopefulness, and of life. That is what it means to participate in the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is about God taking the raw stuff of defeat and forging an ultimate victory. It is about becoming strong in the broken places.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the promise that my life is so bound to Jesus' life that, even when I am broken, I can become strong in the broken places through your grace. Amen.
Romans 5:1-11
Martin B. Copenhaver
Ernest Hemingway sounds very much like the Apostle Paul when he writes, in A Farewell to Arms, "The world breaks everyone, and afterward some are strong in the broken places." As Christians, however, we understand our brokenness and become strong in a particular way. Paul affirms that, for the Christian, all of life is a reenactment of the death and resurrection of Jesus. His story is not just one we can hear, but a story in which we are invited to share. So the world may break everyone, but that is not the last word. The Christian holds, not that things always turn out for the best, for they seldom do, but that through it all God loves us, upholds us, receives us. That is because our God is the kind of God who insists on having the last word. To be sure, the second to last word, which may be very powerful, can be given to something else--suffering, despair, hopelessness, evil, death itself. But our God insists on having the very last word, and that is always a helpful word, a healing word, a word of peace, of hopefulness, and of life. That is what it means to participate in the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is about God taking the raw stuff of defeat and forging an ultimate victory. It is about becoming strong in the broken places.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the promise that my life is so bound to Jesus' life that, even when I am broken, I can become strong in the broken places through your grace. Amen.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
2/23
Even a Monkey Gets Tired
John 4:1-6
Ron Buford
My dad, James Buford, was fond of telling African fables in which all the animals of the jungle are gathered, much like Aesop's fables. The monkey, often called the "signifying monkey," would receive the brunt of jokes and insults; he would also usually deliver the punch line or lesson.
Dad told these stories so often that after a while, he could simply deliver the punch line and we would know its relevance to any given situation. One such punch line was, "Even a monkey gets tired."
Dad would use this with me when he thought I was working too hard, though he himself was a hard worker. He would lovingly look at me, even after I was an adult, smile, and gently say, "Boy, even a monkey gets tired." We would laugh together at this reminder to slow down or even stop.
Our text tells us that even Jesus, our master teacher, the one who would pour out his life for you and me, took time to rest.
Lent is a good time to be intentional about taking something out of our schedules to rest and meditate on God, love, life and to pray. The things we give up during Lent are not meant to be punishments, but commas that gives us time for a refreshing cool drink at God's spring because... "even a monkey gets tired."
Prayer: Gracious God, help me to be mindful of God’s gifts during life’s comma times, whether such times come by my choosing or are beyond my control. Amen.
John 4:1-6
Ron Buford
My dad, James Buford, was fond of telling African fables in which all the animals of the jungle are gathered, much like Aesop's fables. The monkey, often called the "signifying monkey," would receive the brunt of jokes and insults; he would also usually deliver the punch line or lesson.
Dad told these stories so often that after a while, he could simply deliver the punch line and we would know its relevance to any given situation. One such punch line was, "Even a monkey gets tired."
Dad would use this with me when he thought I was working too hard, though he himself was a hard worker. He would lovingly look at me, even after I was an adult, smile, and gently say, "Boy, even a monkey gets tired." We would laugh together at this reminder to slow down or even stop.
Our text tells us that even Jesus, our master teacher, the one who would pour out his life for you and me, took time to rest.
Lent is a good time to be intentional about taking something out of our schedules to rest and meditate on God, love, life and to pray. The things we give up during Lent are not meant to be punishments, but commas that gives us time for a refreshing cool drink at God's spring because... "even a monkey gets tired."
Prayer: Gracious God, help me to be mindful of God’s gifts during life’s comma times, whether such times come by my choosing or are beyond my control. Amen.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Lenten Devotional - February 22
Morning by Morning
Exodus 16: 19 - 21
Anthony B. Robinson
"Morning by morning they gathered it, as much as each needed; but when the sun grew hot, it melted." In the wilderness the Hebrews cried out for food, and the Lord provided, but with a hitch. The manna would come fresh every morning and could not be saved up. While dependence can become a problem in human relationships, and independence and self-reliance are often good things, there is special grace in dependence, in dependence on the Lord. Working as a speaker and teacher in all sorts of contexts and situations, I do prepare, but I also am learning to trust in the strange and wonderful ways that God provides the right word, the timely theme, the appropriate story or illustration.
Moreover, the true word cannot be saved up. When I try to save it up, or to save myself up, I lose what I have. When I give all that I have and am, there is more given to me.
Prayer: Grant me grace this day, O Lord, to receive what you want to give me and to use it all up, to give it all out, knowing that tomorrow you will provide all that I need. Amen.
Exodus 16: 19 - 21
Anthony B. Robinson
"Morning by morning they gathered it, as much as each needed; but when the sun grew hot, it melted." In the wilderness the Hebrews cried out for food, and the Lord provided, but with a hitch. The manna would come fresh every morning and could not be saved up. While dependence can become a problem in human relationships, and independence and self-reliance are often good things, there is special grace in dependence, in dependence on the Lord. Working as a speaker and teacher in all sorts of contexts and situations, I do prepare, but I also am learning to trust in the strange and wonderful ways that God provides the right word, the timely theme, the appropriate story or illustration.
Moreover, the true word cannot be saved up. When I try to save it up, or to save myself up, I lose what I have. When I give all that I have and am, there is more given to me.
Prayer: Grant me grace this day, O Lord, to receive what you want to give me and to use it all up, to give it all out, knowing that tomorrow you will provide all that I need. Amen.
Devotional - 2/21
Complaining about Hunger
Exodus 16: 1- 8
Donna Schaper
If you've ever been really hungry, you understand what the Israelites were saying. Hunger hurts. It hurts the body, then it worries the mind, and then it scars the soul. Hunger is something too many children live with for too long. They are scarred by it. Hunger scars.
If you've never been really hungry, you probably don't understand what the Israelites were saying. Sure, you can spiritualize the problem and speak of your hunger for recognition or joy. But that would miss the point of this text. During Lent, there is nothing wrong with a little fasting and a little holding back at the table.
Why? We could taste both the desperation of hunger and the joy of being fed. Is it right to borrow experience like this? You can't be really hungry if you know where your next meal comes from nor can you imitate the scarring by not being scarred.
Fasting is a witness to the pain and the love of God. It is not a perfect practice nor is it anything to brag about. It is a token of the respect we have for the hungry. That's all. I mean, that's all.
Prayer: Whenever I eat, however I eat, let me remember those who do not--and pray like heaven for the day when all will be fed as well as I am. Amen.
Exodus 16: 1- 8
Donna Schaper
If you've ever been really hungry, you understand what the Israelites were saying. Hunger hurts. It hurts the body, then it worries the mind, and then it scars the soul. Hunger is something too many children live with for too long. They are scarred by it. Hunger scars.
If you've never been really hungry, you probably don't understand what the Israelites were saying. Sure, you can spiritualize the problem and speak of your hunger for recognition or joy. But that would miss the point of this text. During Lent, there is nothing wrong with a little fasting and a little holding back at the table.
Why? We could taste both the desperation of hunger and the joy of being fed. Is it right to borrow experience like this? You can't be really hungry if you know where your next meal comes from nor can you imitate the scarring by not being scarred.
Fasting is a witness to the pain and the love of God. It is not a perfect practice nor is it anything to brag about. It is a token of the respect we have for the hungry. That's all. I mean, that's all.
Prayer: Whenever I eat, however I eat, let me remember those who do not--and pray like heaven for the day when all will be fed as well as I am. Amen.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Grandma's Hands
This was emailed to me and I couldn't help but sharing!!
GRANDMA'S HANDS A must read thru to the end please!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench.
She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands.
When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the
longer I sat I wondered if she was OK.
Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her
at the same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and
looked at me and smiled. 'Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking,' she
said in a clear voice strong.
'I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here
staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK,' I
explained to her.
'Have you ever looked at your hands,' she asked. 'I mean really
looked at your hands?'
I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them
over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at
my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.
Grandma smiled and related this story:
'Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have
served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled
shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to
reach out and grab and embrace life.
'They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the
floor.
They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my
mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled
on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off
to war.
'They have been dirty, scraped and raw , swollen and bent. They were
uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated
with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone
special.
They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I
buried my parents and spouse.
'They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and
shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand.
They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the
rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried
and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works
real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to
fold in prayer.
'These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life.
But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out
and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to
His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of
Christ.'
I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God
reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home.
When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my
children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and
caressed and held by the hands of God.
I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my
face.
When you receive this, say a prayer for the person who sent it to
you, and watch God's answer to prayer work in your life. Let's continue
praying for one another.
Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend will bless you both.
Passing this on to one not yet considered a friend is something
Christ would do.
-- Author Unknown
looking forward to spring...
i'm so tired of the cold weather...the snow I don't mind so much...but the freezing temperatures...ugh! So done with those!!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Why Starbucks Should Have an Age Limit
Ok...so this is copied from Marcy's blog...but it's too hysterical not to share here...below is a conversation between Marcy and her parents about ordering from Starbucks!!
Marcy: (Phone rings) Hi Mom...what's up?
Mom: I'm going to Starbucks. What should I get?
Marcy: What are you in the mood for?
Mom: Well, there are those two things I like there. One of those.
Marcy: Which two things?
Mom: Oh come on, you know.
Marcy: Um, no. I don't.
Mom: Yes you do - that carmelly shake thing and that white chocolate coffe thing.
Marcy: Hot or cold?
Mom: Cold, of course. How could it be like a shake and be hot?
Marcy: No, the second one. The white chocolate lattee. Did you want that hot or cold.
Mom: Hot, of course. Who gets those drinks cold?
Marcy: Um.....me.
Mom: Oh, well then, hot for me.
Marcy: So which one did you want?
Mom: I told you I don't remember the names.
Marcy: No - I mean of the two - which one.
Mom: Well, since it's freezing cold here, obviously the hot one.
Marcy: Sigh. Okay then you want the venti white…
Mom: Hold on. You know I cannot remember this stuff. I have to get a pen
[pause where Mom tries to find a pen…she could have made one in the time it took her to find one]
Mom: Okay. What do I want?
Marcy: A venti
Mom: Spell that?
Marcy: Why – is there a test on this?
Mom: Don't get smart with me. I just asked for your help and now you are getting smart with me.
Marcy: Okay. Sorry. V-E-N-T-I White Chocolate non-fat Mocha.
Mom: Is that with skim milk?
Marcy: Yep – that's why you tell them non-fat.
Mom: Oh – you don't say skim?
Marcy: Nope – non-fat.
Mom: Oh, and of course, sugar free.
Marcy: Mom – the white chocolate is not sugar free.
Mom: What? Yes it is – I got it there before.
Marcy: Mom – they don't have white chocolate in sugar free. They only have caramel, vanilla, hazelnut, and cinnamon [note – this was before s/free mocha was added].
Mom: Are you sure?
Marcy: [pause] Yes.
Mom: Well I have to have sugar free. What about that hot caramel maraschino thing.
Marcy: You mean the Caramel Macchiato?
Mom: Yeah, how do you say that?
Marcy: Macchiato.
Mom: Yeah, that's sugar free because it has caramel right?
Marcy: Kinda. It would have the sugar free syrup but the caramel they add to it would have sugar.
Mom: That's silly. Well, I don't want sugar so what are my choices.
Marcy: You could get a latte in vanilla, hazelnut, cinnamon dulce, or caramel.
Mom: And a latte is just coffee with milk.
Marcy: It's expresso with milk – it's what I get.
Mom: Same thing – and I said I wanted it warm not cold.
Marcy: You can get it either way.
Mom: Which flavor should I get?
Marcy: I would recommend the caramel or the vanilla.
Mom: Not the hazelnut?
Marcy: I think it has a funky aftertaste.
Mom: What kind of aftertaste…maybe I'll like it.
Marcy: I don't know Mom. It just tastes funny.
Mom: Well, don't get mad at me, I was just asking.
Marcy: I'm not.
Mom: Okay so I want the caramel thing you were telling me about. How do I order that?
Marcy: Venti non-fat, sugar-free caramel latte [this was before skinny was used]
Mom: And if I am going through the drive thru, will they add the sweetener I need. Because you know I like my coffee sweet and need a lot of sweatner. Will they laugh at me for it?
Marcy: Mom, they are used to hearing weird stuff all the time. It's not a problem. How many sweeteners do you have them add?
Mom: You'll make fun of me.
Marcy: No. I won't. I promise.
Mom: 10 Splenda.
Marcy: [Silence]
Mom: I like it sweet, what can I say.
Marcy: [Silence]
Mom: Okay, so I get the venti non-fat, sugar free caramel latte with 10 splendas. Right? And they won't laugh?
Marcy: Oh they'll laugh alright but not to your face. Don't worry about it – just order what you want. Okay?
Mom: Okay. Thanks!
Marcy: Sure. Gotta run. Talk to you later.
Mom: Okay. Love you.
Marcy: I love you too.
[Phone is hung up. 1 minute later, phone rings again]
Marcy: Hi Dad.
Dad: Hi there. Do you have a minute.
Marcy: Sure. What's up?
Dad: Mom's going to Starbucks and offered to get me a drink but I don't know what to get. What would I like there?
Marcy: [Sigh]. Yeah, Mom called me and asked me the same thing.
Dad: [Laughing] Really? Well, you know I just never know what I like there.
Marcy: You like the double chocolate chip frappuccino blended crème.
Dad: [pausing] Could you call your Mom and tell her what to get me?
Marcy: Yes.
Dad: Thanks – I just can never remember what to get.
Marcy: Sure. Gotta run so I can call her.
Dad: Okay, thanks.
Marcy: Sure.
[Hang up phone. Dials.]
Mom: Hi honed. Did your dad get ahold of you?
Marcy: Yep, that's why I'm calling. Do you have a pen?
Mom: Somewhere here. I'm driving.
Marcy: Do you want to call me back when you are not?
Mom: No hold on. Okay.
Marcy: He'll take a venti double chocolate
Mom: Slow down!
Marcy: Okay, he'll take a venti … double … chocolate …. Chip …. Frappuccino.
Mom: A what?
Marcy: Frappuccino.
Mom: Is that the blended thing that tastes like ice cream?
Marcy: Yes.
Mom: Okay.
Marcy: I have to go.
Mom: Okay. Thanks.
When I asked later if they enjoyed their Starbucks, Mom indicated she was late leaving her meeting and was not able to go afterall. See – they need an age limit or a this is what to order card.
Marcy: (Phone rings) Hi Mom...what's up?
Mom: I'm going to Starbucks. What should I get?
Marcy: What are you in the mood for?
Mom: Well, there are those two things I like there. One of those.
Marcy: Which two things?
Mom: Oh come on, you know.
Marcy: Um, no. I don't.
Mom: Yes you do - that carmelly shake thing and that white chocolate coffe thing.
Marcy: Hot or cold?
Mom: Cold, of course. How could it be like a shake and be hot?
Marcy: No, the second one. The white chocolate lattee. Did you want that hot or cold.
Mom: Hot, of course. Who gets those drinks cold?
Marcy: Um.....me.
Mom: Oh, well then, hot for me.
Marcy: So which one did you want?
Mom: I told you I don't remember the names.
Marcy: No - I mean of the two - which one.
Mom: Well, since it's freezing cold here, obviously the hot one.
Marcy: Sigh. Okay then you want the venti white…
Mom: Hold on. You know I cannot remember this stuff. I have to get a pen
[pause where Mom tries to find a pen…she could have made one in the time it took her to find one]
Mom: Okay. What do I want?
Marcy: A venti
Mom: Spell that?
Marcy: Why – is there a test on this?
Mom: Don't get smart with me. I just asked for your help and now you are getting smart with me.
Marcy: Okay. Sorry. V-E-N-T-I White Chocolate non-fat Mocha.
Mom: Is that with skim milk?
Marcy: Yep – that's why you tell them non-fat.
Mom: Oh – you don't say skim?
Marcy: Nope – non-fat.
Mom: Oh, and of course, sugar free.
Marcy: Mom – the white chocolate is not sugar free.
Mom: What? Yes it is – I got it there before.
Marcy: Mom – they don't have white chocolate in sugar free. They only have caramel, vanilla, hazelnut, and cinnamon [note – this was before s/free mocha was added].
Mom: Are you sure?
Marcy: [pause] Yes.
Mom: Well I have to have sugar free. What about that hot caramel maraschino thing.
Marcy: You mean the Caramel Macchiato?
Mom: Yeah, how do you say that?
Marcy: Macchiato.
Mom: Yeah, that's sugar free because it has caramel right?
Marcy: Kinda. It would have the sugar free syrup but the caramel they add to it would have sugar.
Mom: That's silly. Well, I don't want sugar so what are my choices.
Marcy: You could get a latte in vanilla, hazelnut, cinnamon dulce, or caramel.
Mom: And a latte is just coffee with milk.
Marcy: It's expresso with milk – it's what I get.
Mom: Same thing – and I said I wanted it warm not cold.
Marcy: You can get it either way.
Mom: Which flavor should I get?
Marcy: I would recommend the caramel or the vanilla.
Mom: Not the hazelnut?
Marcy: I think it has a funky aftertaste.
Mom: What kind of aftertaste…maybe I'll like it.
Marcy: I don't know Mom. It just tastes funny.
Mom: Well, don't get mad at me, I was just asking.
Marcy: I'm not.
Mom: Okay so I want the caramel thing you were telling me about. How do I order that?
Marcy: Venti non-fat, sugar-free caramel latte [this was before skinny was used]
Mom: And if I am going through the drive thru, will they add the sweetener I need. Because you know I like my coffee sweet and need a lot of sweatner. Will they laugh at me for it?
Marcy: Mom, they are used to hearing weird stuff all the time. It's not a problem. How many sweeteners do you have them add?
Mom: You'll make fun of me.
Marcy: No. I won't. I promise.
Mom: 10 Splenda.
Marcy: [Silence]
Mom: I like it sweet, what can I say.
Marcy: [Silence]
Mom: Okay, so I get the venti non-fat, sugar free caramel latte with 10 splendas. Right? And they won't laugh?
Marcy: Oh they'll laugh alright but not to your face. Don't worry about it – just order what you want. Okay?
Mom: Okay. Thanks!
Marcy: Sure. Gotta run. Talk to you later.
Mom: Okay. Love you.
Marcy: I love you too.
[Phone is hung up. 1 minute later, phone rings again]
Marcy: Hi Dad.
Dad: Hi there. Do you have a minute.
Marcy: Sure. What's up?
Dad: Mom's going to Starbucks and offered to get me a drink but I don't know what to get. What would I like there?
Marcy: [Sigh]. Yeah, Mom called me and asked me the same thing.
Dad: [Laughing] Really? Well, you know I just never know what I like there.
Marcy: You like the double chocolate chip frappuccino blended crème.
Dad: [pausing] Could you call your Mom and tell her what to get me?
Marcy: Yes.
Dad: Thanks – I just can never remember what to get.
Marcy: Sure. Gotta run so I can call her.
Dad: Okay, thanks.
Marcy: Sure.
[Hang up phone. Dials.]
Mom: Hi honed. Did your dad get ahold of you?
Marcy: Yep, that's why I'm calling. Do you have a pen?
Mom: Somewhere here. I'm driving.
Marcy: Do you want to call me back when you are not?
Mom: No hold on. Okay.
Marcy: He'll take a venti double chocolate
Mom: Slow down!
Marcy: Okay, he'll take a venti … double … chocolate …. Chip …. Frappuccino.
Mom: A what?
Marcy: Frappuccino.
Mom: Is that the blended thing that tastes like ice cream?
Marcy: Yes.
Mom: Okay.
Marcy: I have to go.
Mom: Okay. Thanks.
When I asked later if they enjoyed their Starbucks, Mom indicated she was late leaving her meeting and was not able to go afterall. See – they need an age limit or a this is what to order card.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Lenten Devotional...February 18th
I Mean, Look What Happened!
Psalm 128
Quinn G. Caldwell
Fear God, and everything will be perfect. Love God, and nothing bad will ever happen to you. Simple! Except, of course, that every one of us knows it doesn't work that way, that good people and bad things happen to each other. The Psalm is gorgeous, but the theology seems simplistic, too easy, too naive.
I mean, look what happened to Jesus! He surely feared the Lord, surely walked in all God's ways. And they crucified him! So much for "it shall go well with you."
Then again, even while he was on the cross, he did keep praying to God. Even when the worst of things happened to the best of people, he did keep his faith in God. And in the end, Jesus was resurrected. So maybe the Psalm isn't as much about direct cause-and-effect relationships as it is about hope. Maybe it's not so much a prediction of exactly how things go as it is a description of how life with God feels. Maybe it's not about being a realist but about refusing to lose hope in a hopeless situation. Maybe being a Christian is about believing that life with God will be good in the end, even if life now isn't. I mean, look what happened to Jesus!
Prayer: God, grant me wisdom enough to praise you even when it doesn't make sense, strength enough to follow you down every path, and joy enough to sing your praises even in adversity. Amen.
Psalm 128
Quinn G. Caldwell
Fear God, and everything will be perfect. Love God, and nothing bad will ever happen to you. Simple! Except, of course, that every one of us knows it doesn't work that way, that good people and bad things happen to each other. The Psalm is gorgeous, but the theology seems simplistic, too easy, too naive.
I mean, look what happened to Jesus! He surely feared the Lord, surely walked in all God's ways. And they crucified him! So much for "it shall go well with you."
Then again, even while he was on the cross, he did keep praying to God. Even when the worst of things happened to the best of people, he did keep his faith in God. And in the end, Jesus was resurrected. So maybe the Psalm isn't as much about direct cause-and-effect relationships as it is about hope. Maybe it's not so much a prediction of exactly how things go as it is a description of how life with God feels. Maybe it's not about being a realist but about refusing to lose hope in a hopeless situation. Maybe being a Christian is about believing that life with God will be good in the end, even if life now isn't. I mean, look what happened to Jesus!
Prayer: God, grant me wisdom enough to praise you even when it doesn't make sense, strength enough to follow you down every path, and joy enough to sing your praises even in adversity. Amen.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Another day off!!
I have a three day weekend..woohoo!!!!
Thanks to President's Day. I had thought about going into work but then I decided to have another lazy day. I'm liking those!! ;-)
Thanks to President's Day. I had thought about going into work but then I decided to have another lazy day. I'm liking those!! ;-)
Lenten Devotional
Way to Go!
Genesis 12:1-4a
William Green
The Lord tells Abram (later Abraham) to go... God knows where. "To a land that I will show you." There "you will be a blessing"--or, rather, in the original Hebrew he's given a command: "Be you a blessing." His example and influence are to be for the good of the whole world. And so Abram set out, not knowing where he was going--and not at all sure of himself, as we soon see.
We have come to associate faith with self-confidence and a good sense of direction, as though it were a prayer-mounted GPS. Instead, it's a way to go amid uncertainty and self-doubt when our direction is unclear and apprehension can run high, as with Abram.
God can't steer a parked car. Moving ahead in faith doesn't mean having a map and knowing the way. It means getting unstuck. Once we start moving, sometimes simply going out on our best hunch, we will be shown where we're meant to go and how to be a blessing, to others and ourselves, too.
Prayer: Almighty and merciful God, inspire in me the trust of Abram. Grant me the assurance that amid all I don't know, you go with me, showing me the way in the spirit of Christ. Amen.
Genesis 12:1-4a
William Green
The Lord tells Abram (later Abraham) to go... God knows where. "To a land that I will show you." There "you will be a blessing"--or, rather, in the original Hebrew he's given a command: "Be you a blessing." His example and influence are to be for the good of the whole world. And so Abram set out, not knowing where he was going--and not at all sure of himself, as we soon see.
We have come to associate faith with self-confidence and a good sense of direction, as though it were a prayer-mounted GPS. Instead, it's a way to go amid uncertainty and self-doubt when our direction is unclear and apprehension can run high, as with Abram.
God can't steer a parked car. Moving ahead in faith doesn't mean having a map and knowing the way. It means getting unstuck. Once we start moving, sometimes simply going out on our best hunch, we will be shown where we're meant to go and how to be a blessing, to others and ourselves, too.
Prayer: Almighty and merciful God, inspire in me the trust of Abram. Grant me the assurance that amid all I don't know, you go with me, showing me the way in the spirit of Christ. Amen.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Lenten Devotional...
The Tie That Binds
Luke 7:1-10
William Green
It is easier to think of a widow and her meager offering (Mark 12:41-44) as an example of faith than anything coming from an agent of oppression--like a centurion in service to Rome. It is easier to look at those who seem to know and serve Jesus best than to newcomers or outsiders.
Here as elsewhere the idea of difference and diversity is appealing, just as hot dogs are a nice break from sushi. One of the most popular television commercials of all time was the 1971 Coca-Cola ad that had all different kinds of people on a mountain-top singing about how they'd "like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony." Not so popular, no doubt, would have been an ad about teaching the world how to argue. Harmony and tolerance are not the same as diversity and respect. Difference is not simply a matter for resolution but relationship.
Different from the disciples though he was, the centurion could relate to Jesus and Jesus to him. "I also am a man set under authority." The centurion knew that Jesus didn't have to appear in person and only had to say so and the servant would be healed. Amazed, Jesus declared, "Not even in Israel have I found such faith."
What inspires healing and respect, and draws us together amid difference, is the overriding authority of God's love.
Prayer: God of us all, may I look again at what I find strange or different and find your healing love in the spirit of Christ. Amen.
Luke 7:1-10
William Green
It is easier to think of a widow and her meager offering (Mark 12:41-44) as an example of faith than anything coming from an agent of oppression--like a centurion in service to Rome. It is easier to look at those who seem to know and serve Jesus best than to newcomers or outsiders.
Here as elsewhere the idea of difference and diversity is appealing, just as hot dogs are a nice break from sushi. One of the most popular television commercials of all time was the 1971 Coca-Cola ad that had all different kinds of people on a mountain-top singing about how they'd "like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony." Not so popular, no doubt, would have been an ad about teaching the world how to argue. Harmony and tolerance are not the same as diversity and respect. Difference is not simply a matter for resolution but relationship.
Different from the disciples though he was, the centurion could relate to Jesus and Jesus to him. "I also am a man set under authority." The centurion knew that Jesus didn't have to appear in person and only had to say so and the servant would be healed. Amazed, Jesus declared, "Not even in Israel have I found such faith."
What inspires healing and respect, and draws us together amid difference, is the overriding authority of God's love.
Prayer: God of us all, may I look again at what I find strange or different and find your healing love in the spirit of Christ. Amen.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Lenten Devotional...Feb 15
From Where Does Our Help Come?
Psalm 121
Martin B. Copenhaver
This beloved psalm is a psalm of pilgrimage. It reflects the thoughts of the pilgrim as he travels to a holy place. At the time it was written, pilgrimages were often dangerous journeys. It was not uncommon for pilgrims to be attacked or robbed along the road, so the pilgrims often would be accompanied by sentries who would perch in the high ground and give warning of any approaching danger. Perhaps the pilgrim who wrote this psalm is looking up into the hills and sees one of the sentries, which prompts the question, "From where will my help come?" And the answer is a resounding statement of faith: "My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth." Contrary to what politicians might claim or what the recruiting ads for the military might promise, ultimately we cannot be safeguarded by any human force. So our ultimate confidence cannot be placed in what other human beings might do to help and protect us. Rather, our help comes from the God who "will neither slumber nor sleep," the God who stands in faithful vigil over our lives, watching over us in every circumstance.
Prayer: Dear God, please stand vigil over my life. Watch over me in ways that only you can, particularly as I face danger or uncertainty. Amen
Psalm 121
Martin B. Copenhaver
This beloved psalm is a psalm of pilgrimage. It reflects the thoughts of the pilgrim as he travels to a holy place. At the time it was written, pilgrimages were often dangerous journeys. It was not uncommon for pilgrims to be attacked or robbed along the road, so the pilgrims often would be accompanied by sentries who would perch in the high ground and give warning of any approaching danger. Perhaps the pilgrim who wrote this psalm is looking up into the hills and sees one of the sentries, which prompts the question, "From where will my help come?" And the answer is a resounding statement of faith: "My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth." Contrary to what politicians might claim or what the recruiting ads for the military might promise, ultimately we cannot be safeguarded by any human force. So our ultimate confidence cannot be placed in what other human beings might do to help and protect us. Rather, our help comes from the God who "will neither slumber nor sleep," the God who stands in faithful vigil over our lives, watching over us in every circumstance.
Prayer: Dear God, please stand vigil over my life. Watch over me in ways that only you can, particularly as I face danger or uncertainty. Amen
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Quiet Day
I've never been real gung-ho on Valentine's Day. We had a nice quiet evening...we were going to cook dinner together, but ordering out seemed just as good, if not better! :)
Lit a fire and watched tv...nice relaxing evening!
Lit a fire and watched tv...nice relaxing evening!
Lenten Devotional
Let Me Be Your Valentine
2 Timothy 1:3-7
Ron Buford
It may seem strange for a church publication to speak of Valentine's Day in the midst of Lent, but then again, why not? Is not all love God's gift to be celebrated?
Paul probably knew that this would be his last letter to Timothy, writing as he was awaiting execution for preaching about Jesus. Paul tenderly calls Timothy to continue the work--despite the risks.
The Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr. and Dr. Benjamin Mays, then president of Morehouse College, tried to dissuade the younger King from going back to the Montgomery boycott because of violent threats. King the younger heard but lovingly rejected their requests, setting his face toward Montgomery--despite the risks.
King would not come face to face with death this time, but he would come face to face with hatred, resistance. Armed with the demonstrable love of his dad and Dr. Mays, he had unbending resolve. Dr. Mays, himself a son of freed slaves, would later have to make good on a mutual promise he and Martin Luther King, Jr. made to each other--the promise of the longest survivor to deliver the other's eulogy.
Jesus said, "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friend." Now that's love! Happy Valentine's Day!
Prayer: Gracious God, let no one and nothing turn me away from you, from your clear purpose for my life. May I never, ever give up - despite risk, persecution, setback, and past failure. Amen.
2 Timothy 1:3-7
Ron Buford
It may seem strange for a church publication to speak of Valentine's Day in the midst of Lent, but then again, why not? Is not all love God's gift to be celebrated?
Paul probably knew that this would be his last letter to Timothy, writing as he was awaiting execution for preaching about Jesus. Paul tenderly calls Timothy to continue the work--despite the risks.
The Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr. and Dr. Benjamin Mays, then president of Morehouse College, tried to dissuade the younger King from going back to the Montgomery boycott because of violent threats. King the younger heard but lovingly rejected their requests, setting his face toward Montgomery--despite the risks.
King would not come face to face with death this time, but he would come face to face with hatred, resistance. Armed with the demonstrable love of his dad and Dr. Mays, he had unbending resolve. Dr. Mays, himself a son of freed slaves, would later have to make good on a mutual promise he and Martin Luther King, Jr. made to each other--the promise of the longest survivor to deliver the other's eulogy.
Jesus said, "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friend." Now that's love! Happy Valentine's Day!
Prayer: Gracious God, let no one and nothing turn me away from you, from your clear purpose for my life. May I never, ever give up - despite risk, persecution, setback, and past failure. Amen.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Lenten Devotional...February 13th
The Little Ones
Matthew 18: 10 - 14
Anthony B. Robinson
"Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of the Father. . ." Who are the little ones?
Children? New Christians? The poor? The unsophisticated? The disabled or disfigured? The little ones have few, if any, influential friends or allies in the centers of earthly power, yet it turns out that these same little ones have influential friends, angels even, in high places not of this world, in the presence of God. The celebrated founder of the Catholic Worker movement, Dorothy Day, was speaking with a homeless man in the kitchen as the night wore on. An impatient reporter, eager to interview Day, paced outside, indicating in every way he could that he was tired of waiting and that he took precedence over Day's homeless guest. When Dorothy Day had finished her conversation with the man who was homeless, she turned to the reporter and asked, "With which of us did you wish to speak?"
Prayer: Holy One, help me to know that those who appear to have no connections, status or clout, are in truth deeply connected, connected to You. Amen.
Matthew 18: 10 - 14
Anthony B. Robinson
"Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of the Father. . ." Who are the little ones?
Children? New Christians? The poor? The unsophisticated? The disabled or disfigured? The little ones have few, if any, influential friends or allies in the centers of earthly power, yet it turns out that these same little ones have influential friends, angels even, in high places not of this world, in the presence of God. The celebrated founder of the Catholic Worker movement, Dorothy Day, was speaking with a homeless man in the kitchen as the night wore on. An impatient reporter, eager to interview Day, paced outside, indicating in every way he could that he was tired of waiting and that he took precedence over Day's homeless guest. When Dorothy Day had finished her conversation with the man who was homeless, she turned to the reporter and asked, "With which of us did you wish to speak?"
Prayer: Holy One, help me to know that those who appear to have no connections, status or clout, are in truth deeply connected, connected to You. Amen.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Lenten Devotional...
Boldly to the Throne of Grace
Hebrews 4: 14 – 5:10
Donna Schaper
Are you a dot com or a dot org? Are you a not for profit or a for profit? Are you somebody who takes or gives?
The writer to the Hebrews wants us to approach the throne of grace with boldness. Which way is best if we try to do that? Do we make a profit or create a loss? Do we diminish or do we add value?
What if the answer to all these seemingly opposed questions was "yes"?
Boldness going to the throne of grace means you know you were really invited. The throne has asked you to come and wants you there. It wants you to discern when to make a profit and when to take a loss. It wants you to both take (you were invited after all) and to give (perhaps you want to bring a guest). Grace surely has no time for ignoring the invitations. Because we are invited so surely to the throne of grace, it is appropriate that we go. There we both receive and give--and both are our RSVP.
Prayer: When I answer “yes” to the invitation to go to the throne of grace, let me answer with vigor. Amen
Hebrews 4: 14 – 5:10
Donna Schaper
Are you a dot com or a dot org? Are you a not for profit or a for profit? Are you somebody who takes or gives?
The writer to the Hebrews wants us to approach the throne of grace with boldness. Which way is best if we try to do that? Do we make a profit or create a loss? Do we diminish or do we add value?
What if the answer to all these seemingly opposed questions was "yes"?
Boldness going to the throne of grace means you know you were really invited. The throne has asked you to come and wants you there. It wants you to discern when to make a profit and when to take a loss. It wants you to both take (you were invited after all) and to give (perhaps you want to bring a guest). Grace surely has no time for ignoring the invitations. Because we are invited so surely to the throne of grace, it is appropriate that we go. There we both receive and give--and both are our RSVP.
Prayer: When I answer “yes” to the invitation to go to the throne of grace, let me answer with vigor. Amen
Monday, February 11, 2008
Took a pass
on the Auto Show...we're both enjoying a lazy day around the house. I wasn't feeling the greatest this morning (something I ate didn't agree with me) plus with the really cold temps and snow, I wasn't looking forward to going. Oh well...there is always next year!
PLUS...we also spent the day with dealing with a flat tire...MAJOR pain...ugh. So glad we didn't get into the city and then had that problem!!
PLUS...we also spent the day with dealing with a flat tire...MAJOR pain...ugh. So glad we didn't get into the city and then had that problem!!
Lenten Devotional...2/11
A Voice in the Desert
I Kings 19:1-8
David M. Powers
Elijah was fleeing for his life, running as far away as he could into the desert. With a price on his head, he was paying the price for being bold. But way out there, with nobody for miles around, things looked bleak. Elijah began to indulge in a first-class pity party—"I might as well be dead"—when suddenly he felt a tug on his sleeve. Then came a voice: "Get up and eat."
This season of Lent is about the desert. At the least, Lent invites us to face the metaphorical wilderness of painful experiences, those times when you or I are stuck with a sense of abandonment, loss of direction, heartache, emptiness. Lent is about who we are when there's nobody around to prop us up.
Elijah discovered that even in the most parched and painful place God is already there, saying, perhaps through a loving, totally unexpected voice, "Take care of yourself. I care about you."
Prayer: When my days feel too hard, remind me, O God, by a touch or a whisper, that you are really with me, still speaking and still loving. Amen.
I Kings 19:1-8
David M. Powers
Elijah was fleeing for his life, running as far away as he could into the desert. With a price on his head, he was paying the price for being bold. But way out there, with nobody for miles around, things looked bleak. Elijah began to indulge in a first-class pity party—"I might as well be dead"—when suddenly he felt a tug on his sleeve. Then came a voice: "Get up and eat."
This season of Lent is about the desert. At the least, Lent invites us to face the metaphorical wilderness of painful experiences, those times when you or I are stuck with a sense of abandonment, loss of direction, heartache, emptiness. Lent is about who we are when there's nobody around to prop us up.
Elijah discovered that even in the most parched and painful place God is already there, saying, perhaps through a loving, totally unexpected voice, "Take care of yourself. I care about you."
Prayer: When my days feel too hard, remind me, O God, by a touch or a whisper, that you are really with me, still speaking and still loving. Amen.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Lenten Devotional...Feb 10
Temptation Strikes the Best of Us
Matthew 4:1-11
Lillian Daniel
Temptation strikes the best of us, truly. Even Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by the devil. He had been fasting, so what do you think the devil came up with? Food, of course, and, later, earthly power. The devil knew what Jesus would be tempted by.
The UCC is a church accustomed to taking on and debating the hard questions about the key issues of our day. Yet in the personal moral struggles that we face in our day-to-day lives, we may not be as bold.
There are two situations that lead to doing the wrong thing. The first is perplexity, when we truly do not know which is the right course to take. The second situation is temptation. We're simply tempted by something we want so much that we are willing to do the wrong thing to get it.
We human beings don't want to admit that we are in that second category of mere temptation. So what do we do? We mistake temptation for perplexity. We say we had no idea what to do, or what we were doing, when really we were just tempted.
Prayer: Dear Lord, when I am faced with an important moral decision, help me to know the difference between perplexity and temptation. When I truly do not know what to do, guide me. And when I am merely tempted, guide me with a little firmer hand, please, so that I don't fool myself. Amen.
Matthew 4:1-11
Lillian Daniel
Temptation strikes the best of us, truly. Even Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by the devil. He had been fasting, so what do you think the devil came up with? Food, of course, and, later, earthly power. The devil knew what Jesus would be tempted by.
The UCC is a church accustomed to taking on and debating the hard questions about the key issues of our day. Yet in the personal moral struggles that we face in our day-to-day lives, we may not be as bold.
There are two situations that lead to doing the wrong thing. The first is perplexity, when we truly do not know which is the right course to take. The second situation is temptation. We're simply tempted by something we want so much that we are willing to do the wrong thing to get it.
We human beings don't want to admit that we are in that second category of mere temptation. So what do we do? We mistake temptation for perplexity. We say we had no idea what to do, or what we were doing, when really we were just tempted.
Prayer: Dear Lord, when I am faced with an important moral decision, help me to know the difference between perplexity and temptation. When I truly do not know what to do, guide me. And when I am merely tempted, guide me with a little firmer hand, please, so that I don't fool myself. Amen.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Lenten Devotional - Day 4
Just Start
Isaiah 58:1-12
Quinn G. Caldwell
Many of us will fast this Lent. We will give up chocolate or red meat or American Idol, so that when we feel the craving for these things, we will be reminded of God's craving for us. Isaiah, writing long before the first Lent, says that while this kind of fast is OK, it just isn't enough.
He suggests a different kind of fast: one from all injustice and oppression. Oh, sure, Isaiah! No problem. For most of us, the only injustice we're part of is systemic: it's in the institutions and cities and countries where we live. How are we supposed to give up that? Move to Antarctica?
It's not simple, but maybe we can just start. Maybe there's a way to take a "journey-of-a-thousand-miles-begins-with-a-single-step" approach. What if we began with fasting from just one piece of injustice: from non-fairly-traded coffee, from stores that don't compensate their workers fairly, from driving when public transportation is available? What if we just start?
What change might we create in the world, or in ourselves, with such small steps? Would it be enough? For Isaiah, who is known for being unyielding, probably not, frankly. But for God, who is known for being merciful and loving? Almost definitely.
Prayer: Dear God, I want to be close to you. Save me from easy fasts and from believing I have to save the whole world. Teach me the fast you desire, and give me the strength to just start. Amen.
Isaiah 58:1-12
Quinn G. Caldwell
Many of us will fast this Lent. We will give up chocolate or red meat or American Idol, so that when we feel the craving for these things, we will be reminded of God's craving for us. Isaiah, writing long before the first Lent, says that while this kind of fast is OK, it just isn't enough.
He suggests a different kind of fast: one from all injustice and oppression. Oh, sure, Isaiah! No problem. For most of us, the only injustice we're part of is systemic: it's in the institutions and cities and countries where we live. How are we supposed to give up that? Move to Antarctica?
It's not simple, but maybe we can just start. Maybe there's a way to take a "journey-of-a-thousand-miles-begins-with-a-single-step" approach. What if we began with fasting from just one piece of injustice: from non-fairly-traded coffee, from stores that don't compensate their workers fairly, from driving when public transportation is available? What if we just start?
What change might we create in the world, or in ourselves, with such small steps? Would it be enough? For Isaiah, who is known for being unyielding, probably not, frankly. But for God, who is known for being merciful and loving? Almost definitely.
Prayer: Dear God, I want to be close to you. Save me from easy fasts and from believing I have to save the whole world. Teach me the fast you desire, and give me the strength to just start. Amen.
Friday, February 08, 2008
TGIF
What a crazy week...getting back on my feet after being sick all of last week. Another crazy snowstorm that dumped another 8-10 inches and allowed us to have a half day at work!
Tomorrow is weigh in day and then I'm headed into work to help get others caught up. In the evening, celebrating with Marcy for her birthday dinner!
Sunday, is our Sunday to play bells at church and then probably just relaxing for the rest of the day! Monday is a VACATION DAY...as dh and I are headed down to the Chicago Auto Show!!
Tomorrow is weigh in day and then I'm headed into work to help get others caught up. In the evening, celebrating with Marcy for her birthday dinner!
Sunday, is our Sunday to play bells at church and then probably just relaxing for the rest of the day! Monday is a VACATION DAY...as dh and I are headed down to the Chicago Auto Show!!
Lenten Devotional..>Day Three
Hope When It's Hard
Psalm 51
William Green
Martin Luther said, "Who fears hell runs toward it." We have to face down our fears and let them lead to confidence in the saving power of God. "Give me... the gladness of your rescue and with a noble spirit sustain me," pleads the psalmist (v. 12, Robert Alter's translation).
The real problem is not fear. We have reasons to worry. For all that is good and makes us happy, the world is an alarming place. The problem is that it's hard to tell hard truth. We are broken people. We are often at odds with God, each other, and ourselves. One way or another we know this. So we are afraid and running toward different kinds of hell. We need not guidance but redemption--not therapy but grace.
God transforms "a broken, crushed heart." (v. 17) Love is naïve and faith beside the point if there's nothing that breaks our heart--from all that tears the world apart and makes life impossible for millions of families and children, to disturbing issues right at home and on the job that seem to have no resolution. We can be realistic about what we face because that's exactly where God's love finds us, restoring hope and confidence when all seemed lost.
Prayer: Gracious God, in confessing all that breaks my heart and makes me afraid, may I find the greatness of your grace and the realism of your love. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Psalm 51
William Green
Martin Luther said, "Who fears hell runs toward it." We have to face down our fears and let them lead to confidence in the saving power of God. "Give me... the gladness of your rescue and with a noble spirit sustain me," pleads the psalmist (v. 12, Robert Alter's translation).
The real problem is not fear. We have reasons to worry. For all that is good and makes us happy, the world is an alarming place. The problem is that it's hard to tell hard truth. We are broken people. We are often at odds with God, each other, and ourselves. One way or another we know this. So we are afraid and running toward different kinds of hell. We need not guidance but redemption--not therapy but grace.
God transforms "a broken, crushed heart." (v. 17) Love is naïve and faith beside the point if there's nothing that breaks our heart--from all that tears the world apart and makes life impossible for millions of families and children, to disturbing issues right at home and on the job that seem to have no resolution. We can be realistic about what we face because that's exactly where God's love finds us, restoring hope and confidence when all seemed lost.
Prayer: Gracious God, in confessing all that breaks my heart and makes me afraid, may I find the greatness of your grace and the realism of your love. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Lenten Devotional...Day Two
Seeing What We Are
Jonah 3:1-10
William Green
What do we do with what we don't like about ourselves? Criticize others for the same thing? How much of what disturbs us is really something we can't accept about ourselves? Think of what makes us angry, impatient, or afraid, or times we don't feel loved and appreciated.
During Lent we're called to repentance in preparation for the new life we celebrate at Easter. Repentance is not just remorse but acceptance and turning toward the more complete life God makes possible. This begins with having compassion for all those unwanted parts of ourselves, all those imperfections that we don't even want to look at. A clenched fist cannot give or receive a gift, and a clenched psyche cannot grow.
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name" (Psalm 103:1). "All" includes more than we're comfortable accepting. This, too, is taken into God's love--"the night is as bright as the day" (Psalm 139:12).
For Jonah "all" gets reflected in the arch-enemy of God's people, the Ninevites, who Jonah hates and God ends up accepting. Those "pagans" prove more capable of repentance--as does God himself who repents and changes his mind--than does Jonah, who can't accept and come to terms with his anger. And what about us?
Prayer: Your judgment is mercy, O God. Knowing this may I more completely accept myself and others, serving you in the spirit of Christ. Amen.
Jonah 3:1-10
William Green
What do we do with what we don't like about ourselves? Criticize others for the same thing? How much of what disturbs us is really something we can't accept about ourselves? Think of what makes us angry, impatient, or afraid, or times we don't feel loved and appreciated.
During Lent we're called to repentance in preparation for the new life we celebrate at Easter. Repentance is not just remorse but acceptance and turning toward the more complete life God makes possible. This begins with having compassion for all those unwanted parts of ourselves, all those imperfections that we don't even want to look at. A clenched fist cannot give or receive a gift, and a clenched psyche cannot grow.
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name" (Psalm 103:1). "All" includes more than we're comfortable accepting. This, too, is taken into God's love--"the night is as bright as the day" (Psalm 139:12).
For Jonah "all" gets reflected in the arch-enemy of God's people, the Ninevites, who Jonah hates and God ends up accepting. Those "pagans" prove more capable of repentance--as does God himself who repents and changes his mind--than does Jonah, who can't accept and come to terms with his anger. And what about us?
Prayer: Your judgment is mercy, O God. Knowing this may I more completely accept myself and others, serving you in the spirit of Christ. Amen.
Lenten Devotional...Day One
Since are now in the season of Lent, I thought that I would share the daily devotionals that are being sent to me!
Where Your Treasure Is
Matthew 6:16-21
Martin B. Copenhaver
If we are not careful we might read what Jesus says with a kind of scriptural dyslexia. We might remember him saying, "Where your heart is, there will your treasure be also." That would make ready sense to us because, after all, much of the time our dollars follow our heart's lead. We give to what matters to us. But that is not what Jesus said. Jesus says something more profound and more hopeful than that, affirming that wherever you put your treasure, that is where your heart will end up. To be sure, how we spend our money does reveal something about the kind of people we are. But Jesus seems to affirm that how we spend our money determines the sort of people we become. "Give from the heart," people say. But Jesus speaks of a different dynamic: Give where you want your heart to be, and then let your heart catch up. If you want to care more about the kind of car you drive, buy an expensive one. If you want to care more about property values, remodel your house. If you want to grow in your relationship with God, bring an offering to God. Wherever your treasure is, your heart is bound to follow.
Prayer: Dear God, during this Lenten journey, help me hold on to you so closely that I do not hold on to anything else too closely. Amen.
Where Your Treasure Is
Matthew 6:16-21
Martin B. Copenhaver
If we are not careful we might read what Jesus says with a kind of scriptural dyslexia. We might remember him saying, "Where your heart is, there will your treasure be also." That would make ready sense to us because, after all, much of the time our dollars follow our heart's lead. We give to what matters to us. But that is not what Jesus said. Jesus says something more profound and more hopeful than that, affirming that wherever you put your treasure, that is where your heart will end up. To be sure, how we spend our money does reveal something about the kind of people we are. But Jesus seems to affirm that how we spend our money determines the sort of people we become. "Give from the heart," people say. But Jesus speaks of a different dynamic: Give where you want your heart to be, and then let your heart catch up. If you want to care more about the kind of car you drive, buy an expensive one. If you want to care more about property values, remodel your house. If you want to grow in your relationship with God, bring an offering to God. Wherever your treasure is, your heart is bound to follow.
Prayer: Dear God, during this Lenten journey, help me hold on to you so closely that I do not hold on to anything else too closely. Amen.
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