Well, there's not a lot to post about - hence I guess that's why I'm doing it at eleven at night. But, as usual, I've had a busy weekend and didn't get everything I wanted to do done. When you work full time, there's no time to do everything else. And this was my cooking Saturday when I spent hours in the kitchen cooking for the next couple of weeks. Plus I ran errands and mopped the floor, and wrapped gifts, and balanced my checkbook, and did my taxes, and addressed birthday envelopes, and exercised, and made a couple of phone calls, and sorted more of my grandmother's pictures, and didn't get to write like I wanted to do. Unless I want to stay up now and give it a shot - but that probably won't do me or the story a bit of good.
But the good news is it's COLD!!!! For a day. Tomorrow its back in the 40s and then the 50s all week. And the Texans will gripe as if they're experiencing the season called winter. They have no clue. I went out today in a sweater, saw a few patches of ice, and could see my breath! Now if it would only snow several inches.... I came into the house this afternoon and my grandfather asked me I ordered such weather.
"Yep," I answered.
"You should be shot," he replied.
"Well," I shrugged, "at least I'll die happy."
Back home in Indiana this week, Abby got her lifeguard certificate. She is now officially able to save our lives should we be drowning. Sally continues to work at Chick-fil-a and Grace at Joanne's. Mom and Caleb enjoy a few more weeks of basketball season. Dad works, of course. And Jenny...well, she plays the piano and sews as always.
And in two weeks from Tuesday, I will be on my way to New Hampshire. YEA!!!!! Mountains, trees, snow, cold weather - heaven on earth. I can't wait! For even though I will be busy running around seeing people, eating way too much wonderful ice cream, and taking a "pilgrimage" to my birthplace - I will also spend many down hours in the living room of Allyson's lovely home, reading until my mouth is dry, imagining who knows what sort of things, getting reacquainted with my three (now four) favorite children, and wishing I didn't have to return to Texas.
Such is life - may God give me strength to see it through.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
God Bless America
I'm an American history buff. I'm not shy in admitting that. I read books on history, write books on history, and if I am traveling try to make as many historical stops as possible. So, for me, the book Rediscovering God in America by Newt Gingrich is a good read.
Easy to read with wonderful photographs, little tidbits of information on Washington D.C.'s most amazing sights, quotes from the Founding Fathers and later Presidents, and reminders around every corner of the grace God has shed upon this nation - anyone will find this book a great reminder of the God who has - indeed! - blessed us. And in this day and age, we need that reminder.
But do be forewarned: Mr. Gingrich is a politician and he shies from taking a strong stand on Christianity, adding to his historical records very questionable religions that our nation often enfolds as a great "melting pot". And while we are a nation of many differences, we should remind ourselves often that our Founding Fathers had faith in One God and One God alone.
This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Easy to read with wonderful photographs, little tidbits of information on Washington D.C.'s most amazing sights, quotes from the Founding Fathers and later Presidents, and reminders around every corner of the grace God has shed upon this nation - anyone will find this book a great reminder of the God who has - indeed! - blessed us. And in this day and age, we need that reminder.
But do be forewarned: Mr. Gingrich is a politician and he shies from taking a strong stand on Christianity, adding to his historical records very questionable religions that our nation often enfolds as a great "melting pot". And while we are a nation of many differences, we should remind ourselves often that our Founding Fathers had faith in One God and One God alone.
This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Pretending
No matter how many toys you have as a kid, the very best "toy" is make-believe. In the world of imagination, your dolls become your real babies (even though you turn them on their heads to change their clothes). Sticks become swords (and almost as dangerous). A backyard becomes the hill in Swiss Family Robinson with pirates mounting it and coconut bombs to throw (Katey's and my personal favorite). But when you become an adult, well....I don't know, I still use my imagination every day.
In fact, I have used it every day for the past two weeks and will continue to use it next week. Unfortunately, it only goes so far. Even more unfortunately, it's getting to be an old game. You see, I am imaging that it is winter.
I know - it is winter. At least, according to the solstice. But in this place the natives refer to as Texas, you wouldn't know that. Here it's time to open the pools and get out your swimsuits. I killed a hornet in my bathroom last Sunday and saw a honey bee on a walk today. The grass is turning green and the robins have appeared. The weathermen go on and on about the beautiful weather while I have to avoid weather channels lest I fall into serious depression. I think I 'm still on the side of minor depression right now, but I'm teetering.
Every day for the past two weeks, I look in my closet and pull out a long sleeve shirt. I don't care if it's going to be 70. It is January and I refuse to wear short sleeves (although I did turn on the fan in my bedroom and pull out my summer pajamas). Thankfully, the office I work in is cold. I drink hot chocolate. Grandpa and I had soup for dinner yesterday. Maybe I'm in denial. But it is JANUARY. It is supposed to be COLD.
Pretending it's winter isn't easy. It's frustrating, and you don't want to know how many tears I've shed this week over something as ridiculous as the weather. But this is the first winter in 10 years I have not enjoyed my sweaters, coats, wool skirts, scarves and a beautiful creation called snow. And the fact that I am missing my favorite season makes me cry.
So if you are having winter where you are - don't gripe about it. Just pray that God would send it down to someone who wants it very badly.
In fact, I have used it every day for the past two weeks and will continue to use it next week. Unfortunately, it only goes so far. Even more unfortunately, it's getting to be an old game. You see, I am imaging that it is winter.
I know - it is winter. At least, according to the solstice. But in this place the natives refer to as Texas, you wouldn't know that. Here it's time to open the pools and get out your swimsuits. I killed a hornet in my bathroom last Sunday and saw a honey bee on a walk today. The grass is turning green and the robins have appeared. The weathermen go on and on about the beautiful weather while I have to avoid weather channels lest I fall into serious depression. I think I 'm still on the side of minor depression right now, but I'm teetering.
Every day for the past two weeks, I look in my closet and pull out a long sleeve shirt. I don't care if it's going to be 70. It is January and I refuse to wear short sleeves (although I did turn on the fan in my bedroom and pull out my summer pajamas). Thankfully, the office I work in is cold. I drink hot chocolate. Grandpa and I had soup for dinner yesterday. Maybe I'm in denial. But it is JANUARY. It is supposed to be COLD.
Pretending it's winter isn't easy. It's frustrating, and you don't want to know how many tears I've shed this week over something as ridiculous as the weather. But this is the first winter in 10 years I have not enjoyed my sweaters, coats, wool skirts, scarves and a beautiful creation called snow. And the fact that I am missing my favorite season makes me cry.
So if you are having winter where you are - don't gripe about it. Just pray that God would send it down to someone who wants it very badly.
Monday, January 18, 2010
What is your faith grounded on?
If you're like me, then you probably have a similar history with Josh Harris. Homeschooled, Christian family, lots of siblings. Born with your faith. Right? Maybe not. Because as we grow older, we begin to question the "faith of our fathers".
So what is your faith based upon? The Bible stories you read before bedtime? The craft projects in Sunday school? The verses your dad taught you by rote? The sermons you hear every Sunday rain, sun, snow, or hurricane?
If you're new to the faith, Josh Harris's Dug Down Deep is a great book that will take you through the basic and non-options of the Christian faith. If you're like me - raised in a Christian home - this book is a good reminder of the essentials of our faith, our doctrine, our theology and our God. For our God and our trust in Him isn't the very foundation of our live, soon we will find ourselves slipping - just like a house built upon sand.
This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.
So what is your faith based upon? The Bible stories you read before bedtime? The craft projects in Sunday school? The verses your dad taught you by rote? The sermons you hear every Sunday rain, sun, snow, or hurricane?
If you're new to the faith, Josh Harris's Dug Down Deep is a great book that will take you through the basic and non-options of the Christian faith. If you're like me - raised in a Christian home - this book is a good reminder of the essentials of our faith, our doctrine, our theology and our God. For our God and our trust in Him isn't the very foundation of our live, soon we will find ourselves slipping - just like a house built upon sand.
This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Ice Cream
Late last week I called the daughter of a friend about working at camp for the summer. The girl is 18 years old, just graduated from high school last May, and has had a change in direction over the last year. We got to talking, and she said something very interesting that has not yet left my mind.
"You know, Melissa, when I was young Dad would take us to the ice cream shop. A huge board above our heads read all the different flavors. But I couldn't really read it and Dad would say, 'Chocolate or vanilla, Heather?' And I would always say vanilla. It was simple. But now I go into the ice cream shop and I can read all the flavors. And it isn't so simple.
"Life is like that. It's like a huge board full of ice cream flavors. And when you're young, your choice is vanilla and chocolate. But now...now I see too many choices."
Amen. And then comes the day when Dad doesn't say, "Chocolate or vanilla, Melissa?" It's "Read the board and decide." Cookies and cream? Coffee? Or how about coffee with chocolate, coffee with almonds or coffee with cookies? Vanilla? Nah - vanilla with chocolate, french vanilla, or slow-churned vanilla. Suddenly vanilla isn't even an option! No wonder my head is spinning.
You know, Heather is off to a good start if she already sees that huge board at the age of 18. And she's wise to know that directions change all the time. But she's even wiser to know her sovereign God who doesn't look at any ice cream board and select what flavor is best for us. He already knows. And, with all the twists and turns our lives take, is guiding us in that direction. So the next time that board is staring me in the face, I need to look at it and pray.
"Coffee, Lord? Or peanut butter cup? Or maybe just plain vanilla."
"You know, Melissa, when I was young Dad would take us to the ice cream shop. A huge board above our heads read all the different flavors. But I couldn't really read it and Dad would say, 'Chocolate or vanilla, Heather?' And I would always say vanilla. It was simple. But now I go into the ice cream shop and I can read all the flavors. And it isn't so simple.
"Life is like that. It's like a huge board full of ice cream flavors. And when you're young, your choice is vanilla and chocolate. But now...now I see too many choices."
Amen. And then comes the day when Dad doesn't say, "Chocolate or vanilla, Melissa?" It's "Read the board and decide." Cookies and cream? Coffee? Or how about coffee with chocolate, coffee with almonds or coffee with cookies? Vanilla? Nah - vanilla with chocolate, french vanilla, or slow-churned vanilla. Suddenly vanilla isn't even an option! No wonder my head is spinning.
You know, Heather is off to a good start if she already sees that huge board at the age of 18. And she's wise to know that directions change all the time. But she's even wiser to know her sovereign God who doesn't look at any ice cream board and select what flavor is best for us. He already knows. And, with all the twists and turns our lives take, is guiding us in that direction. So the next time that board is staring me in the face, I need to look at it and pray.
"Coffee, Lord? Or peanut butter cup? Or maybe just plain vanilla."
Friday, January 8, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
New Job Description
An office manager's work is never done...I've worked in many offices. I've done many different things in those offices. But one thing is certain: an office manager's job is diverse - full of things that don't fall under the job description your employer gives you. Like wedding invitations.
My boss's second daughter is getting married in February. Everything is running in that direction, and although it seems like mass chaos most of the time, you can see things falling into place. And once the invitations are off my desk, I think everyone will feel a lot better. But that will take til at least the end of the week.
You know there are great advantages to being nearly 30 and single - or maybe they're disadvantages. Like the ability to drop everything within a half hour notice and dash off to help my friend Jenny get a bridal shower ready for her sister on Saturday. Or the fact that after helping with this wedding and shower, I know more and more what I DO NOT want for my wedding. I don't want wedding invitations that are layered with ribbons. Nor do I want them a dark silver color which I think is a little drab. I have never wanted a big wedding that costs a lot of money, so I may just allot what I'm allowed on someone else printing the invitations instead of me wrestling with the computer/printer. Nor do I want a big shower full of decorations. I also don't want my fiance having to have a say in everything. (I didn't think they did that, but this one does and its a pain.) Nor do I want an engagement that's all of three months long, but then I don't plan on having a "shotgun" wedding like this one.
And so my desk is full of patient records, medicare billing, insurance headaches, and wedding invitations. Doesn't exactly go with the "decor". And while it has been a pain, once the computer and printer decided to co-operate, the change in pace has been fun. Who knows what next week will hold...
My boss's second daughter is getting married in February. Everything is running in that direction, and although it seems like mass chaos most of the time, you can see things falling into place. And once the invitations are off my desk, I think everyone will feel a lot better. But that will take til at least the end of the week.
You know there are great advantages to being nearly 30 and single - or maybe they're disadvantages. Like the ability to drop everything within a half hour notice and dash off to help my friend Jenny get a bridal shower ready for her sister on Saturday. Or the fact that after helping with this wedding and shower, I know more and more what I DO NOT want for my wedding. I don't want wedding invitations that are layered with ribbons. Nor do I want them a dark silver color which I think is a little drab. I have never wanted a big wedding that costs a lot of money, so I may just allot what I'm allowed on someone else printing the invitations instead of me wrestling with the computer/printer. Nor do I want a big shower full of decorations. I also don't want my fiance having to have a say in everything. (I didn't think they did that, but this one does and its a pain.) Nor do I want an engagement that's all of three months long, but then I don't plan on having a "shotgun" wedding like this one.
And so my desk is full of patient records, medicare billing, insurance headaches, and wedding invitations. Doesn't exactly go with the "decor". And while it has been a pain, once the computer and printer decided to co-operate, the change in pace has been fun. Who knows what next week will hold...
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