Photo of the Day...8/30/12..."Card"

This was an easy assignment for me...I'd like to share my "feel good" basket.  Packed into this woven container are gobs of notes and cards I've received over the last several...and I do mean, SEVERAL...years.  Some are birthday cards...some are get well cards...many are "just because" cards.  And the purpose of this collection? I can get a small dose of love anytime I need to.  And, just by looking at it, I am reminded of the many blessings in my life whenever I want to focus on the potholes.  And its sentry?  A sweet little doll given to me by my husband (then, boyfriend) as a gift for the first Christmas of our dating experience.

Now that you are done reading this...go send someone a card.  Not a text...not an email...but something handwritten.  Someone needs to add your love for them to their "feel good" basket.

For more info on the Photo of the Day challenge, go here. 

My Good News

"Hi, Tracey...this is Martha.  The results from your biopsy are in and they are negative." As I hung up the phone, standing in the middle of our family vacation on a northern beach of Michigan's lower peninsula, I gave thanks.  I pray often that God use me mightily for His glory...not a prayer I say lightly or fearlessly.  When I had learned of the need for the biopsy, 10 days earlier, I spent some considerable time leaning on God, trusting His plan for me...praying for His will to be done and He be glorified throughout...praying for my family...and praying about potential decisions to come.  After receiving the results, I have to admit that I heaved a sigh of relief.

Each morning of our vacation, my husband and I spent some quiet time along the beach...reading, waiting for the world (and our kids) to wake up.  The day following the phone call, I returned to my prayers of thanks.  Then I was suddenly jarred in my gated community of self-absorption.  While I received good news,  someone else's wife, mom, grandmother, sister or daughter was receiving different news.  I wondered about the lady that I saw exit just before my appointment, having undergone the same procedure.  What news did her phone call convey?  I was humbled by the undeserved mercy...mercy that I did not have to take on such a big battle...at least not at this time with three daughters to raise.  But somewhere else, someone else was facing the battle.  And they didn't "deserve" such a diagnosis any more than I deserved freedom from the same diagnosis.  I prayed for them...for God's will to be done and He be glorified throughout...for their family as they face the mountain together, continuously adjusting to new "normals"...for the decisions she would have to make about her body.  And it really drove home the meaning of the famous quote, "There but for the grace of God, go I".

What good news have you received lately?  Perhaps, given this economy, you were able to keep your job while the desk next to yours was emptied of family pictures and Subway coupons.  Perhaps the mechanic called you with good news about only a minor repair being needed, while another customer was in for a financial shock.  Perhaps you've been blessed with another positive pregnancy test while a husband and wife grieve another childless month passing.  We should all remember that every car that passes and every house on our streets contain unique stories...stories with happy chapters...and with tragic chapters.  No one is immune from heartbreak or guaranteed good fortune.  Be thankful when things seem to be going your way...be thankful when the road seems to have gotten rocky because God can use it for good (as conveyed by Romans 8:28)...be empathetic when seeing others struggle...and avoid envy when seeing others enjoying  victories.  We are all sinners...each deserving of all of life's troubles and undeserving of its mercies.  

Ten Years Ago Today...

Ten years ago today, I got up early in the morning and spent some quality time on the treadmill, as my two toddlers slept upstairs.

Ten years ago today, I was scheduled to teach one of our preschool classes at our homeschool co-op.

Ten years ago today, I dropped the two year old off at my parents' house and picked up a friend's preschooler for the day's class.

Ten years ago today, I was getting materials together for the class I was to teach.

Ten years ago today, I bent down to grab some items and lost my breath.

Ten years ago today, I couldn't get my breath back.

Ten years ago today, a friend, with a critical care nursing background, checked my pulse and recommended that I be taken to the emergency room.

Ten years ago today, another friend volunteered to drive me to the hospital.

Ten years ago today, they checked my oxygen levels in the admitting area of the emergency room and took me back immediately.

Ten years ago today, as x-rays were taken and I was given breathing treatments,  I fully expected to go home that afternoon.

Ten years ago today, they discovered three blood clots in my left lung and immediately restricted me from any movement out of fear that one could dislodge, possibly being fatal.

Ten years ago today, while I had known I was married to a great guy, the curtain was completely pulled back to reveal the superhero that I call mine.

Ten years ago today, I learned how truly blessed we are by the many family members and friends in our life.

Ten years ago today, God's hand of protection was over me, preventing any trouble until I was amidst those that could help me and care for my children.

Ten years ago today, God showed me that I don't have the final say over plans for my life.

Ten years ago today, my relationship with Jesus matured...moving beyond one in which I only invested time into it when it was convenient, like a casual friendship... to one where I fully rely on Him.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the last ten years and the years to come.

Eve Has Nothing On Me

I was reading the daily page from a devotional book given to me by a dear friend..."A Cup of Comfort: A Women of the Bible Devotional".  And it was about Eve.

Eve is such an interesting historical figure to consider.  I often waffle on my feelings about her.  I honor...or, maybe, the correct term is envy...her privilege of a close, intimate, personal relationship with the Creator in the setting of the Garden of Eden.  I respect her as the first wife, the first mom, and all the other experiences that I share in common with her that she had to weather first, without the benefit of her own mom, sister or a best girlfriend on whom to lean.   And when I consider all that happens in the world today as a result of the fall of man at the foot of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, I get mad at her.  Because she succumbed to the temptation presented by Satan, in the form of a serpent, to know as much as God, the door was opened for sin, sadness, hunger, illness, death, poverty, greed and any other ugly thing you can imagine to enter the world (Genesis 1-3). And as a twenty-first century armchair quarterback, I may boldly claim at times that, if faced with the same opportunity, I wouldn't have made the same choice.

Give me a break...

Eve lived in the perfect place...had a perfect marriage...a perfect life.  And yet she still wanted what she didn't have.  Eve has nothing on me.

I can look at my perfectly comfy and warm home, furnished to the brim with many modern conveniences, and wish that I had a new living room set.  I can look at my closet filled with clothes...many I'm not even wearing at this very moment...and claim I have nothing to wear.  I can type away on my laptop right now...and wish that I had a newer computer with a faster processor or more memory.  I can take advantage of social media platforms...that are FREE to me...to keep in touch with loved ones, and get mad when it doesn't work like I expect it too. I can snap pictures on my camera, forgetting how excited I was to have it at one time...only recognizing what it can not do.  I fall into the trap of looking at what I don't have, rather than focusing on what God has so mercifully provided for me.

There are a few lessons in the life of Eve for me.  The first is to be content with what God has provided for me.  The Bible instructs us to be content (Hebrews 13:5). It doesn't mean that we can't have nice things...but that can't be where our joyfulness rests.  The second is to obey God (Acts 5:29).  He instructed Eve, with her husband, to leave that tree alone.  When we disobey God, bad things happen.  The third is to not judge (Matthew 7:1-2).  If God had cast me in the role of Eve, my life and choices are evidence that I probably would not have made any different choices than she had.  And, even given the benefit of Eve's experience...that disobedience of God leads to bad happenings...I still manage to find many creative ways to disobey Him.  Just a few ways in which my waywardness is evident... it's on full display when I judge others...when I choose impatience and anger as a response...when I set my heart on worldly things rather than the heavenly...when I turn away from those in need....when I audit my actions/words/thoughts against man's measure instead of God's...and the list could go on and on.

So...when I am caring for a sick child...when I am mourning the death of a loved one...when I am angry at the injustice so prevalent in this modern world...when I mentally berate Eve for those troubles she brought onto women specifically...perhaps I need to focus a little less on Eve and her actions which made these troubles possible...and focus instead on how my own actions continue to give these troubles life.  

E-motion Sickness

During our weekday lunches, it is not unusual for the kids to throw a DVD on for our viewing pleasure.  It will often be a DVD recorded at our homeschool group's talent show or maybe a play.  Today's choice was something that I haven't seen in almost 5 years...when I burned it for my daughter.  It is a collection of videos and pics taken by my daughters, their cousins and friends in 2007 using my eldest's video camera.  While there were certainly plenty of moments when I needed a motion sickness remedy due to the filming method of the videographer...there were times I experienced E-motion sickness too...a real roller coaster ride between joy for my many blessings...and sadness over the times forgotten...and laughing at the girls' antics...and disbelief over the haste with which time flies.  

As I sat there, I saw my toddler sitting at the dinner table making farm animal noises at her sister's prompting.  There was a long video of the girls touring the Detroit Zoo's reptile house with their dad...all voices, shoes and reptile habitats.  There was loads of video from my kids' annual trip to Torch Lake with their grandparents and cousins that summer...and some featuring the eldest's karate class.  I sat watching them...mesmerized by these young faces, toothless smiles, diaper-padded bottoms.  And a special treat...a video featuring my grandma (affectionately known as Granny) who went to meet Jesus face-to-face two years ago this month.  

What a special treat this was today...and I didn't even know it was coming when I started my day!  This collection is something that I will forever...and ever...treasure.  Here's just a sampling...you may want to make sure you are sitting down...or at least have a view of the horizon...and a tissue for me.

All three girls playing Ring-Around-The-Rosie

Filming herself practicing her cartwheels

Look at her artwork...on her legs.

Love her hat!

Granny

14 Reasons I'm Showing Winter Some Love

1. Your cold drink stays cold in the car.
2. There's a good chance you will find money in your coat pockets when you pull the coat from the closet for the very first time.
3. You can go to the store in your PJs...because they are under your coat.
4. The grocery store does not have to be the last stop on your errand run because your frozen stuff will stay  frozen in your trunk.
5. Your outdoor furniture will last longer (if you don't leave it out in the snow).
6. The soup and hot chocolate experiences are enhanced by cold weather...I never want a big bowl of Beef Barley soup when it's 80 degrees outside?
7. You can have homebody days wearing your pajamas as a uniform, without worrying that you are "wasting a sunny day".
8. While I realize that Christ was born in a land of sand and palm trees...I still like snow on Christmas.
9. Snow angels are the best...grass angels just lead to laundry challenges.
10. Winter weather and snow help me appreciate summers...and capris...and flip flops...and open windows.
11. While I'm not obsessed about the painting of my toenails...winter really allows me to let it slide on the priority list...because they are not showing.  Don't even get me started on how less often you really need to mow...I mean...shave your legs.
12. Sledding, snowman construction, snowball fights...all much easier in the winter.  And I can read peacefully while the kids are outside screaming, having fun...because I'm inside behind the closed doors and windows.
13. It's easier to avoid wearing a swimsuit during the winter...if you are into avoiding it.
14. We are called to be content..."But godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6)...so quit the winter belly-aching already...it doesn't change the weather outlook.  You can only change your outlook.

Update: Another reason...I have a walk-in freezer/refrigerator (depending on the temperature) during the winter...some of you may call it "the garage".  A great asset during the holiday season!!

Friendship...One of Life's Treasures

Such a special treat today...to get to visit with one of my college roommates.  It had been a while since we have actually been able to lay eyes on one another...touching base periodically through Facebook or email.  A lot of life has happened to both of us in this relatively short time...and it was great to re-connect and share a hug.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother (or sister!) is born for adversity. ~ Proverbs 17:17

As iron sharpens iron, so one man (or gal) sharpens another. ~ Proverbs 27:17

"If I had to sum up friendship in one word, it would be comfort." ~ Terri Guillemets

"Friendship is not a big thing, it's a million of little things." ~ Anonymous

"Friends are kisses blown to us by angels." ~ Anonymous

"The better part of one's life consists of his Friendships." ~ Abraham Lincoln

"A friend is like a four leaf clover, hard to find and lucky to have." ~ Anonymous

"I awoke with devout thanks giving for my friends." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

"True friends are those who care without hesitation, remember without limitation, forgive without any explanation and love with even little communication." ~ Anonymous

"Count your age with friends but not years." ~ Anonymous

"Ah, how good it feels...the hand of an old friend." ~ Mary Englebright (I mean 'old' in the best way possible.)

"In a friend, you find a second self." ~ Isabelle Norton

"Never shall I forget the days spent with you.  Continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours." ~ Ludwig van Beethoven

"You can count on me, 'cause I can count on you." ~ Bruno Mars

I Remembered

She was waving her pompoms...hopping up and down...spinning in circles...her ponytail bobbing with a life all its own...wearing a smile that was two miles wide.  All I could do was give thanks.

It was the first official game day for our local Upwards endeavor...a gym filled to the brim with families, basketball players and cheerleaders.  As I watched the six-year-old bounce along with her squad, I couldn't help but remember this same day last year.

We were barely a month past a car accident in which one of her vertebrae was fractured, landing her in a form-fitting, rigid, plastic back brace.  I remembered the initial fears and questions as her diagnosis and prognosis unfolded.  I remembered  her attitude and fortitude rising way above what I expected when we first met her new accessory.  I remembered the motherly caution and concern I felt as we walked into her first cheer leading practice.  I remembered watching as some of her movement, in comparison to her teammates, was restricted.  I remembered hoping her uniform would fit over the brace.

And yesterday, as I watched her bend to and fro shouting "We've got spirit...yeah, yeah!", I remembered to give thanks...thanks for healing...thanks for what happened...thanks for what didn't happen...thanks for lessons learned...thanks for blessings revealed.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Snowpalooza

I must confess...I stole that title...from my 6 year old.  With this only being the second accumulation of any snow for the 2011-12 winter season, the 1-2" total snowfall felt like a wintry festival to her.  As a former 6 year old myself, I can understand her excitement.

As I look at the fresh, undisturbed white blanket outside my windows, though, I can't help but recall Isaiah 1:18..." 'Come now, let us reason together,' Says the Lord, 'Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.' "

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your perfect plan of salvation for me through the sacrifice of Jesus.  A mercy undeserved...a debt I can never repay.

Friendship

Her friend moved to another state over fourteen months ago.  Today marks the fourth time they have seen each other in that time. And I love that they are always able to pick up like there has been no gap since their last visit.  While I understand this may not be a stretch for six-year-olds, it is the perfect opportunity to start understanding the gift of friendship.  I am so thankful for the special people God has placed in my life...ladies who teach me so much about faith, marriage, parenting and serving others. Because we are all so busy with our families and current seasons of life, our 'girlfriend' time is a rare opportunity. But it is always treasured...full of laughs...sometimes sprinkled with tears...and I love that we are always able to pick up like there has been no gap since our last visit.

Cat Herders

I'm sitting at my first grader's second Upward cheerleading pactice, and I feel compelled to give thanks for that special group of people...the volunteer coaches.  I am thankful for their organization.  And for their efforts to make it all fun for the kids by shouting out "Hands on hips! Smiles on lips" and for incorporating technical terms like "razzle-ma-dazzle".   I'm sure they don't always feel up to the task...I'm sure that many of us parents are no picnic...but they still reach out to bless those kids.  And I hope they are blessed in return.

The Audacity of MY Weariness

It was a regular check-in via text with my long-distance BFF...and I went there. I sent a message saying that I was "feeling weary" of a life-event and it's effects, looking forward to the day that would pass without one fleeting thought being spent on these circumstances. She responded sweetly, offering encouragement and prayer. But this conversation stayed with me for a good chunk of the day. And I was embarrassed that I had even allowed those emotions, and worse that I gave them a little life by sharing them.

My current situation involves some physical discomfort and challenges, but it's better than it was four months ago and I know that I am not at the end of the healing process. How can I complain of my problem when there are others that have lived for years with chronic physical ailments? I know what my challenges are and they don't compare to those who endure endless medical testing that only reveals more questions than answers. While only God knows the future, I currently expect to fully recover...no comparison to those who persevere throughout their lives with little or no hope for a cure or recovery. How dare I grow weary.

And I stress that my issues have only been physical. While there has certainly been moments of anxiety and concern, I always knew where to turn and find peace. Throughout this situation, I have been sustained by a loving Creator. He has wrapped me in a cocoon of loving family and friends. And I rested in the palm of His hand knowing that He would use this for good and His glory (Romans 8:28). No comparison to those that cope without the support of loved ones or who struggle because they have no faith or hope in someone bigger than themselves. How dare I grow weary.

And, finally,for further perspective, I need to consider the weariness that God should have with me. How weary He must be when I do allow doubt to bully my faith...or when I judge another...or when I fail on a commitment...or when I place myself above others...or any number of failings I have on a daily basis. And what of the weariness of Jesus on the cross, hanging there taking God's wrath for my sins, suffering in all ways imaginable...for me. How dare I grow weary.

Hebrews 12:3 says "Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart". I need to keep my eyes focused on Him, not on me. I need to be thankful in all circumstances because I know that God is using them to shape my character. I need to be patient in the process too. While many blessings have been revealed throughout this situation, the chapter is not finished yet. I shall not dare to grow weary.

Enjoying the Simple Things...like Stirring

It has been almost fifteen weeks since my hand was broken, fourteen since three steel pins were inserted to give my healing some structure (see pic). As I face the procedure to remove the pins, and not having even a foggy idea of how everything will feel afterwards, I am enjoying all that I can do this week. It has only been very recently that I can really do some of the things in the kitchen that I had previously taken for granted...like stirring a really thick gooey batter or uniformly chopping a vegetable. My left hand has certainly tried its best over the last few months...but my right hand was pretty useless as a supporting player for such tasks as just holding the bowl. After missing cooking up some of the goodies you should only have once a year at Christmas and New Years, I had a ton of fun fixing up some goodies for a recent event. With the taste of that experience still fresh, I decided to throw the dietary restraints off and have some fun with some new recipes and really spoil my family with some hearty home cooking.

Armed with inspiration from Guy Fieri and the Pioneer Woman (whose blog my blog wants to be like when it grows up), I stocked up on bacon, eggs, butter and whole milk. With pages spread out before me or recipes pulled up on the nearby computer, I have made chicken parmesan, twice-baked potatoes and blueberry cobbler this week. We (I am, anyway) are looking forward to a potato and leek pizza (with goat cheese!~ Yikes! A first for all of us!) tonight for dinner and soft "everything" pretzels (a request from my husband) as a snack later. Before the weekend is over we will have had french breakfast puffs and new recipes for chili, mac & cheese and an apple pie. And there will be some pulled pork ready to be used on tacos and sandwiches in the coming days. Now, I have had to sprinkle some familiar stuff in along the way to keep my kids' heads from exploding from the new stuff. But they have absolutely found some new likes. And besides that, the house smells absolutely yummy all the time.

It has been fun for me...sometimes the kids help...sometimes it's my version of "me" time. But at least with this "me" time, others can benefit too. And I promise to get back to steaming and cutting the fat and calories afterwards...so please do not tattle on us to our doctor.