Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Right under their nose!
Check out this guys sight. I thought it was pretty funny. When I last checked out his pictures, two were still unnoticed. http://www.woostercollective.com/2005/03/wooster-eclusive-banksy-hits-new.html
Friday, March 25, 2005
How the west was not won
It came to an end this morning around 6:30. The wagon circle (the cars) began to pull out single file as the pioneers went their own ways to embark upon a new day. The leader of the group, Nichalas, gave us the details sitting beside me on the couch, smelling like wood smoke and saying he was rather cold.
The real brain storming began last night about 1/2 hour before the sunlight was totally gone. It was then that Nichalas and Mat decided to venture out and "build a shelter" just west of the barn. After fumbling around in the dark for about 10 minutes, they decided it was too late to "create" the shelter and elected to sleep out in the open on a tarp. This decision was based mostly on just discovering they had only one tarp, rather prepared I'd say. Fortunately, the rain had come to a stop, but the temps were continuing to drop. Around 9:00 the house was invaded with the excited pioneers, about to embark on their "roughing it camp out". There ended up only being one fire, which died out sometime after 1:00am. I gathered that no one was scared enough to stay up and feed it to fend off the wild beast.
Adam elected to say yes when he was called in to work, missing out on most of this exciting adventure. They all slept outside and only their heads were cold. I am thankful that they did this. What memories they have made. From the back door you could hear the laughter and murmuring of nonstop conversation. The dreams and ideas that were sparked last night were probably more than the actual fire spit out.
I don't know who came up with this challenge. I am encouraged though that these young men elected to do something out of the ordinary, something that consisted of good, clean fun. It is nice to be able to joke with them about having their supplies of alcohol, drugs and wild women, knowing that nothing of that sort is even in the inventory. It's comforting, exciting and a relief that they want to come in and spend time with me, just to talk, to include me in their lives. It's encouraging and what hope seeing 5-10 young men who are the complete opposite of what the media is projecting them to be. It is a blessing knowing that they started the camp out so late because some of them attended church first to recognize Maundy Thursday. It is rewarding too, knowing that God is so much bigger than me. That all the oops, mistakes, should haves, and what I actually did do were made right by my Father. How hard it is to completely give up someone who really isn't mine, to give them over to their heavenly Daddy, and accept the fact and responsibility that I am only a caregiver. Yet, how much of a blessing, with so much freedom, it is to finally do so and let Him take control. To be able to set back and see these young men reflecting so brightly their Christ who lives within their own very being.
It was also shared that the hot dogs and chocolate cookies eased the hunger pains, as that wascally wabbit got away.
The real brain storming began last night about 1/2 hour before the sunlight was totally gone. It was then that Nichalas and Mat decided to venture out and "build a shelter" just west of the barn. After fumbling around in the dark for about 10 minutes, they decided it was too late to "create" the shelter and elected to sleep out in the open on a tarp. This decision was based mostly on just discovering they had only one tarp, rather prepared I'd say. Fortunately, the rain had come to a stop, but the temps were continuing to drop. Around 9:00 the house was invaded with the excited pioneers, about to embark on their "roughing it camp out". There ended up only being one fire, which died out sometime after 1:00am. I gathered that no one was scared enough to stay up and feed it to fend off the wild beast.
Adam elected to say yes when he was called in to work, missing out on most of this exciting adventure. They all slept outside and only their heads were cold. I am thankful that they did this. What memories they have made. From the back door you could hear the laughter and murmuring of nonstop conversation. The dreams and ideas that were sparked last night were probably more than the actual fire spit out.
I don't know who came up with this challenge. I am encouraged though that these young men elected to do something out of the ordinary, something that consisted of good, clean fun. It is nice to be able to joke with them about having their supplies of alcohol, drugs and wild women, knowing that nothing of that sort is even in the inventory. It's comforting, exciting and a relief that they want to come in and spend time with me, just to talk, to include me in their lives. It's encouraging and what hope seeing 5-10 young men who are the complete opposite of what the media is projecting them to be. It is a blessing knowing that they started the camp out so late because some of them attended church first to recognize Maundy Thursday. It is rewarding too, knowing that God is so much bigger than me. That all the oops, mistakes, should haves, and what I actually did do were made right by my Father. How hard it is to completely give up someone who really isn't mine, to give them over to their heavenly Daddy, and accept the fact and responsibility that I am only a caregiver. Yet, how much of a blessing, with so much freedom, it is to finally do so and let Him take control. To be able to set back and see these young men reflecting so brightly their Christ who lives within their own very being.
It was also shared that the hot dogs and chocolate cookies eased the hunger pains, as that wascally wabbit got away.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
His reinforcements
You know, our Father is so wonderful. After yesterdays' snake incident, He has been so amazing in helping me see that He is in control. I am so thankful for the relationships I have with my clients which goes beyond just providing a service, but includes friendships and loyalty. After talking to them yesterday, I found out that "The Snake" said I am quitting my business and going back to school. (If anyone knows what I classes I am taking, please let me know.) They also didn't need to get in touch with me, as he had just talked with me last week. I am so thankful that He has shown me that there are others out there who are looking out for me, even when I don't know it! How cool it is in this world to be a result of His workings. I so love our Lord!
Anyway, there is life after mowing!
Being Easter weekend is coming upon us, my sons have decided that our place is the place to be for everyone. Tonight, Nichalas and his buddies have decided that they are going to rough it in the woods. They are taking two tarps, one for the ground and one to go over a branch as their shelter. The biggest concern they have is the wild animals. We do have a bobcat, and many coyotes in our woods. There have been more than few people who have had sightings of and lost live stock to cougars in the area. Nichalas and Lucas are going to take their guns, in case anything comes too close. (I advised him to let their friends know the guns would be there, in case someone should surprise them during the night.) After assuring him that the fire would probably keep them at bay, he built upon this comforting fact and decided that they will make a fire square. One fire per corner and one in the middle. This may draw the animals in for warmth.
Adam will probably elect to sleep in the house, as well as his buddies, Jacob and Isaac. One of the guys, Zanger, is very close to earning his Eagle in Scouts. He has his mind set on making his own bow and arrow, from scratch, and killing a rabbit for their supper. Nichalas wished him good luck and said he will be bringing hot dogs. I am not too concerned about any animal rights activist coming out in concern of the rabbit.
The best part of all this though is the weather. It is supposed to be in the 30's. Right now it is raining and they say there may be snow during the night. Watch - this summer when the weather is wonderful - they will all be inside playing video games.
I am off to bake cookies for the pioneers. How much I love having boys!
Anyway, there is life after mowing!
Being Easter weekend is coming upon us, my sons have decided that our place is the place to be for everyone. Tonight, Nichalas and his buddies have decided that they are going to rough it in the woods. They are taking two tarps, one for the ground and one to go over a branch as their shelter. The biggest concern they have is the wild animals. We do have a bobcat, and many coyotes in our woods. There have been more than few people who have had sightings of and lost live stock to cougars in the area. Nichalas and Lucas are going to take their guns, in case anything comes too close. (I advised him to let their friends know the guns would be there, in case someone should surprise them during the night.) After assuring him that the fire would probably keep them at bay, he built upon this comforting fact and decided that they will make a fire square. One fire per corner and one in the middle. This may draw the animals in for warmth.
Adam will probably elect to sleep in the house, as well as his buddies, Jacob and Isaac. One of the guys, Zanger, is very close to earning his Eagle in Scouts. He has his mind set on making his own bow and arrow, from scratch, and killing a rabbit for their supper. Nichalas wished him good luck and said he will be bringing hot dogs. I am not too concerned about any animal rights activist coming out in concern of the rabbit.
The best part of all this though is the weather. It is supposed to be in the 30's. Right now it is raining and they say there may be snow during the night. Watch - this summer when the weather is wonderful - they will all be inside playing video games.
I am off to bake cookies for the pioneers. How much I love having boys!
Friday, March 04, 2005
TUNA
My son, Nichalas, has been on this tuna with zesty lemon kick for awhile now. He just opens the can, squirts a little lemon on it, and scarfes it down.
Watching him fix up his afternoon snack the other day reminded me of a roommate I once had. After being out of town for a week, I opened our front door and was almost knocked out by this unbelievable stench. There she was sitting in the living room watching TV, completely oblivious to the smell of death in the entire place. After setting my bags down, I went on a search for the decomposing body. Or bodies.
Zeroing in on the kitchen, I opened a cupboard door filled with canned goods. I couldn't see anything, yet knew this was where the source was. Lifting out the cans, I noticed that one of the tuna cans felt lighter than the others. There it was - an opened, half eaten can of tuna. Man! I didn't even look inside.
Holding it at arms length, I took it into the living room to ask her what in the heck this was all about. She nonchalantly admitted to leaving it there. "After all, it wasn't in the fridge before I opened it."
Watching him fix up his afternoon snack the other day reminded me of a roommate I once had. After being out of town for a week, I opened our front door and was almost knocked out by this unbelievable stench. There she was sitting in the living room watching TV, completely oblivious to the smell of death in the entire place. After setting my bags down, I went on a search for the decomposing body. Or bodies.
Zeroing in on the kitchen, I opened a cupboard door filled with canned goods. I couldn't see anything, yet knew this was where the source was. Lifting out the cans, I noticed that one of the tuna cans felt lighter than the others. There it was - an opened, half eaten can of tuna. Man! I didn't even look inside.
Holding it at arms length, I took it into the living room to ask her what in the heck this was all about. She nonchalantly admitted to leaving it there. "After all, it wasn't in the fridge before I opened it."
Friday, February 25, 2005
How I am seen?
It's interesting to me, how people seem to see me so differently than I see myself. The times when I don't feel like smiling, or even being nice, and hearing what joy I have shared with them. Maybe it's because I didn't speak???? Perhaps it is because the Easter season is coming up and I find myself thinking about what will I leave behind that will be carried on. I watch those around me age right before my eyes and realize how quickly time does travel. My Gram is fighting this nasty cough everyone has and I see how it is bringing her down physically. She's a fighter though. It has taken us two weeks to finally get her to the emergency room. It's a wonder we didn't have to physically carry her resisting body out. Actually, she was too weak. Isn't it sad how we fight off help from those who love us? Kinda like I do with God so often. How He let's me know His way is easier and best and guess what, I do it MY way! Whoever wrote that song, didn't have a clue about God and His way. Yet there I am, walking to the tune of it all too frequently.
I watched Grams hands yesterday as she sat in her chair. They are thin, but hardly frail. They are work worn yet tender and most of all, they are there to show me love and strength and guidance. How blessed I am to be a part of her life. I am blessed to be able to spend time with her and my mom. Listening to them as they remember, fuss at each other and to laugh with them. What medicine that is! How often do we enjoy deep belly laughter over fun things of life?
So anyway, I am thinking again, what will I leave those I touch in my life. Before and after I am gone. Will I be remembered as His servant, that He shines from my eyes? That God is my first love? How about my smile or frown?
When I think about people I know and have known, it comes to mind their facial expressions. Not how pretty they are, how their hair looks (okay, sometimes if it is really different), what they wear. It's about their eyes, the window to their soul. Is it filled with Him or with self? I imagine there are some who think I smile a lot, take life in stride and those who think the opposite. But more importantly, those who really know me, my family, what will they be left with. I frequently pray that it will be nothing.
Nothing about me because I pray that I will allow Christ to shine so brightly, I am blocked out. I pray that when I am seen, remembered, etc. It will be Christ they see, not me.
I watched Grams hands yesterday as she sat in her chair. They are thin, but hardly frail. They are work worn yet tender and most of all, they are there to show me love and strength and guidance. How blessed I am to be a part of her life. I am blessed to be able to spend time with her and my mom. Listening to them as they remember, fuss at each other and to laugh with them. What medicine that is! How often do we enjoy deep belly laughter over fun things of life?
So anyway, I am thinking again, what will I leave those I touch in my life. Before and after I am gone. Will I be remembered as His servant, that He shines from my eyes? That God is my first love? How about my smile or frown?
When I think about people I know and have known, it comes to mind their facial expressions. Not how pretty they are, how their hair looks (okay, sometimes if it is really different), what they wear. It's about their eyes, the window to their soul. Is it filled with Him or with self? I imagine there are some who think I smile a lot, take life in stride and those who think the opposite. But more importantly, those who really know me, my family, what will they be left with. I frequently pray that it will be nothing.
Nothing about me because I pray that I will allow Christ to shine so brightly, I am blocked out. I pray that when I am seen, remembered, etc. It will be Christ they see, not me.
Friday, February 18, 2005
That he is 20 years old today
Unbelievable, what a blessing, what a wonderful, awesome man this child has become, that he is 20 years old today. I love his smile, his laughter, his gentleness with the "awesome 5 guys", his dog, how interesting he is. How I am able to love this person’s entire being. That he is 20 years old today. How blessed I have been to have him in my life, the honor of being his mom. That he is 20 years old today. All the memories that flash by when I look upon his face. The brief glimpse of that little boy that used to smile up at me, arms outstretched to hold him. The same grin is there that came as his dad’s key was heard in the lock. The blond curly hair and huge eyes, darker now yet still curly. That he is 20 years old today. All these thoughts flew through my mind watching him across the table today as we celebrated his day.
Lord, it tears my heart how quickly time has passed, is passing. The moments we shared to create treasured memories. The moments, hours, days that were lost in wasted time. How amazing it is to love someone so much that without hesitation, I would give my life for him. It is so unreal that 20 years have actually passed.
In just a moment - it really happens.
I pray that he will find what it is he wants in this life. I am so thankful that he has a relationship with you, to guide him, protect him, to share with. I pray that he will find the woman you have made for him, to share his life, to bring up a family, to serve you-together. I pray that he will always have a strong and close relationship with Nichalas. That their children too will know and be close in years to come. That Curt and I have started the beginning of all future generations to know you.
I thank you Father for blessing me so very much. For the gift of being Adam’s mom.
Lord, it tears my heart how quickly time has passed, is passing. The moments we shared to create treasured memories. The moments, hours, days that were lost in wasted time. How amazing it is to love someone so much that without hesitation, I would give my life for him. It is so unreal that 20 years have actually passed.
In just a moment - it really happens.
I pray that he will find what it is he wants in this life. I am so thankful that he has a relationship with you, to guide him, protect him, to share with. I pray that he will find the woman you have made for him, to share his life, to bring up a family, to serve you-together. I pray that he will always have a strong and close relationship with Nichalas. That their children too will know and be close in years to come. That Curt and I have started the beginning of all future generations to know you.
I thank you Father for blessing me so very much. For the gift of being Adam’s mom.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
The waiting room
Much of today was spent sitting in a large room, looking out a bank of floor to ceiling windows, waiting and watching. Looking out and thinking how beautiful the sunshine is on the snow, wishing that I could be out there. Thankful though that I have a place to go, to be monitored and able to live a full life. Waiting for my name to be called and listening to the ones that were. Patricia Williams, Patricia Pure, I told my mom it must be the Patricia hour. Having mine called and completely butchered. I understand that one though. It took my mom until my fifth year of marriage before she finally said it effortlessly. And she really is one smart cookie!
The watching part was the best. Upon entering the hospital, there sat an elderly man, one empty seat, and an elderly woman. Both were fast asleep. I wondered out loud to my mom how long had they been waiting! The two little ones there with their g'ma and mom. Playing with the waiting room toys and finally submitting to the pent up energy - running and chasing each other down the hall. Whispering rather loudly, "We're going to get in trouble". They never did.
Eyes really are the window to the soul, even across a large room. The fear, the unknown, the love, it's all there. Even under the strain of the unknown, persons are friendlier, more tolerant, display affection easier, open and interested in others. Not to be in their business, but to really know - how are you - to a complete stranger.
And in some, the hope. How often you are able to identify someone, who walks in Christ, sitting in a waiting room. The emotions are kept in control by His unexplainable peace.
I left there with news that I have to return in a month instead of three. I left there with something else though:
Why is it that the goodness of man usually is mostly seen when in a waiting room? Why not in the room of living life?
The watching part was the best. Upon entering the hospital, there sat an elderly man, one empty seat, and an elderly woman. Both were fast asleep. I wondered out loud to my mom how long had they been waiting! The two little ones there with their g'ma and mom. Playing with the waiting room toys and finally submitting to the pent up energy - running and chasing each other down the hall. Whispering rather loudly, "We're going to get in trouble". They never did.
Eyes really are the window to the soul, even across a large room. The fear, the unknown, the love, it's all there. Even under the strain of the unknown, persons are friendlier, more tolerant, display affection easier, open and interested in others. Not to be in their business, but to really know - how are you - to a complete stranger.
And in some, the hope. How often you are able to identify someone, who walks in Christ, sitting in a waiting room. The emotions are kept in control by His unexplainable peace.
I left there with news that I have to return in a month instead of three. I left there with something else though:
Why is it that the goodness of man usually is mostly seen when in a waiting room? Why not in the room of living life?
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