I remember as a child the long procession up to Christmas. I had a running list taped to the hallway wall with my list of things I wanted. Everytime I saw a commercial on TV I'd write down that item advertised. Back then, of course, it was all about me and the stuff I wanted. Now, this procession is completely different!
Each Christmas is different from year to year because of the company enjoyed. For many years, as a mom, I enjoyed selecting the perfect present for each child and watching them open their packages on Christmas morning. Planning, shopping and cooking for our feast took many hours and consumed in minutes! I even loved the mess on Christmas day and days following where the house had bits of wrapping paper and ribbon strewn about while everyone spent time with their new gifts while lounging around for a days.
This year I feel like a kid, again. The anticipation of seeing all my kids and grandkids all together for Thanksgiving has me beaming inside and out! My mind is a bit scatterbrained as I try to pack my own suitcase. I continually think of another little gift or present that I should pack for my grandkids. I've already packed two boxes, large ones at that, full of toys and presents that I want the kids to have. To think that the Legos that my kids spent hours playing with on the floor will now be enjoyed by the grandkids is mind boggling. How did my kids grow up so fast? Whose kids are they anyway? I'm not old, but they are older!!!
I have rented a house on the Oregon coast that sleeps 14! We're all arriving tomorrow and will be together for a whole week. I'm sure it will be cool and rainy so that leaves us inside the house - together!!! There's nothing better than no where to go, pajamas all day and a full pantry.
My granddaughter Ellie's Mia once said, "Whatever Ellie wants, Ellie gets." I fear I have that thought for all 6 of my grandchildren! I can't wait to take them shopping and say, "Pick anything you want!"
Cookies for breakfast? No problem. Daddy's going to discipline you? Not on my watch!!! Not tired for bed yet? "Let's read another book!" This week Grandmum rules!
What a beautiful contrast to the importance of stuff as to the importance of family. There is nothing better than the pleasure of cooking for a crowd, sitting around the dining room table for hours, reading storybooks at bedtime, waking up to some little eyes who's wants to play. I am so ready! Making memories that last a lifetime is priceless.
Thanksgiving this year will remind me, again, how thankful I am for the truly special blessings in my life and the opportunity to enjoy them all.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
A Costco Epiphany
It was brief, but impactful! It was like veggie roots quickly established and hopefully growing.
It consumed my complete view for a split second and then left a lasting impression. Hmmmmmm.
I was traveling over the bridge to shop at Costco Saturday afternoon. I know bad idea, but its been so long since I've shopped for groceries and so I braced myself and forged ahead.
Earlier that morning I had been listening to a very cool song, Oh Great is our God by Ghost Ship. I first heard it at Mars Hill Church in Seattle. I hope you download it and enjoy it as much as I do. http://marshill.com/media/ghost-ship
The song is so simple that the chorus rolls around in my head at all hours of the day and night. What a great thing!
So, I'm traveling along the bridge with Tampa Bay on each side of me. This is a ten mile bridge with very little interruption. You know, that kind of drive that you can put it on "auto" and let your mind meander elsewhere? I have this song's chorus repeating in my head over and over- Oh, Great is our God and we should worship greatly- Oh, Great is our God and we should worship greatly - Oh, Great is our God and we should worship greatly.
Suddenly, I saw a vision of God completely taking up the "screen" before me; consuming the "screen" before me. There was nothing left to distract me or anything of value compared to God in that "screen". From one side of the bridge to the other. God reigns! God is great and all that he does is great.
I instantly knew that I had allowed other things to take up space in that "screen".
To see the comparison of my thoughts to this one moment put into perspective of what God wants when he says in Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.
It consumed my complete view for a split second and then left a lasting impression. Hmmmmmm.
I was traveling over the bridge to shop at Costco Saturday afternoon. I know bad idea, but its been so long since I've shopped for groceries and so I braced myself and forged ahead.
Earlier that morning I had been listening to a very cool song, Oh Great is our God by Ghost Ship. I first heard it at Mars Hill Church in Seattle. I hope you download it and enjoy it as much as I do. http://marshill.com/media/ghost-ship
The song is so simple that the chorus rolls around in my head at all hours of the day and night. What a great thing!
So, I'm traveling along the bridge with Tampa Bay on each side of me. This is a ten mile bridge with very little interruption. You know, that kind of drive that you can put it on "auto" and let your mind meander elsewhere? I have this song's chorus repeating in my head over and over- Oh, Great is our God and we should worship greatly- Oh, Great is our God and we should worship greatly - Oh, Great is our God and we should worship greatly.
Suddenly, I saw a vision of God completely taking up the "screen" before me; consuming the "screen" before me. There was nothing left to distract me or anything of value compared to God in that "screen". From one side of the bridge to the other. God reigns! God is great and all that he does is great.
I instantly knew that I had allowed other things to take up space in that "screen".
To see the comparison of my thoughts to this one moment put into perspective of what God wants when he says in Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.
20:4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above or that is on the earth beneath or that is in the water below.
20:5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them
We all know this to be the first of the Ten Commandments. I wonder how many, like me, thought, "I don't have an idols!" , "You won't find one cement statue in my house!" , "I don't have any pictures on my walls that I bow down to!" But what if God said, "Do not let any thought consume your thinking other than me." "Don't spend your timing worrying about where you're living or how you're going to pay your bills." Actually He did say that in Luke 12:29 So do not be overly concerned about what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not worry about such things.
While I was cruising along on the Courtney Campbell bridge I was remembering how when I first moved to Florida I thought it pretty cool. The weather was always sunny and warm. I lived a life of luxury as a wife and mom. The most pressing question was what was I going to make for dinner!
Now, all the children have left home and I am running and working my own business. My hearts desire is to move West-closer to all the kids and grandchildren, but also to a cooler environment - literally and socially/culturally!
While I was driving I caught myself whining to God how I want to move West with this song, Oh Great is our God also running through my brain. It all came together for me in one big picture. God is great and nothing else matters. Wow! God is great and nothing else matters. Hmmmmmm.
Words & Music by Brian Eichelberger
Oh! Great is our God! So we should worship greatly!!
No song is too loud! No orchestra too stately
To hail the majesty of our King
So lift your voices loud as we sing
Verse 2
Oh! Great is our God! So let our songs be endless!!
So awesome His ways, how could we comprehend them?
So we will make it known to our kids
And we will sing about the gracious gifts you give
Chorus
We will sing your praise and pour forth your fame
We will bless your name
Let every one give thanks, because our God is great!
Verse 3
Oh! Great is our God! And we cannot contain it!
We sing from our souls, affected by His greatness
His mercy covers all that He's made
Showing His glory and His grace
Monday, August 29, 2011
I received Bonhoeffer: Pator, Maryr, Prophet, Spy from Booksneeze so that I may provide a review.
I was so looking forward to reading this book as I have seen many reviews about it and the historical aspect piqued my curiosity. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed in the author’s style of writing. The book is told in 3rd person and is very dry. This could have been an exciting non-fiction book and I do hope a movie is made that will captivate the audience as I think a well written book could have.
The book begins with long detailed writings about Bonhoeffer’s family background and tedious details to his childhood. I was so bogged down by the testimonies of family and friends evaluating Dietrich’s life. A quick synopsis would have been better leading up to the actual detail of his planning and effort to assassinate Hitler.
This is one book where a Scripts notebook would come in handy!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Book Review
I received a free book from Booksneeze to review on my Kindle.
The book was The Water's Edge.
Why is it that life never proceeds as simply as you'd like them? Tom Crane is the son of now deceased John Crane, esquire. Tom plans to return home and within a few weeks wrap up his father's business. Twists and turns happen one after another.
This is a light read although enough to keep me interested to find out in the end what happens. Will Tom remain in small town Bethal or return to the big city Atlanta. With examples of trust and faith by his dad and uncle will Tom now "see" the light?
Water's Edge ultimately is about coming full circle to deeply buried feelings and how to move forward.
The book was The Water's Edge.
Why is it that life never proceeds as simply as you'd like them? Tom Crane is the son of now deceased John Crane, esquire. Tom plans to return home and within a few weeks wrap up his father's business. Twists and turns happen one after another.
This is a light read although enough to keep me interested to find out in the end what happens. Will Tom remain in small town Bethal or return to the big city Atlanta. With examples of trust and faith by his dad and uncle will Tom now "see" the light?
Water's Edge ultimately is about coming full circle to deeply buried feelings and how to move forward.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Book Review
I received this free book from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.
Final Summit was a compelling fictional read that involved numerous historical characters as together they discussed the answer to one question. With only 5 chances to find the answer before time runs out one is brought through many thoughts and ideas that all have potential.
This is a well written and thought provoking book. A few of the historical characters include Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc and Eric Erickson. I know! I never heard of him, either.
Fascinating guy, but unfortunately he was never included in our history text books.
I was completely enthralled throughout this book and had to highlight a few of the quotes they were so good. I was also wrong with what I thought would be the final answer! Final Summit is a quick read and quite delightful. Upon learning of the final answer I think it makes great sense and I will apply it to my own life.
Final Summit was a compelling fictional read that involved numerous historical characters as together they discussed the answer to one question. With only 5 chances to find the answer before time runs out one is brought through many thoughts and ideas that all have potential.
This is a well written and thought provoking book. A few of the historical characters include Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc and Eric Erickson. I know! I never heard of him, either.
Fascinating guy, but unfortunately he was never included in our history text books.
I was completely enthralled throughout this book and had to highlight a few of the quotes they were so good. I was also wrong with what I thought would be the final answer! Final Summit is a quick read and quite delightful. Upon learning of the final answer I think it makes great sense and I will apply it to my own life.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Go North to go West
I once heard a very wise man say he walked with God. Not always hand in hand and at the same speed, but he tried to walk with God.
That brings a great visual to me. As a parent of a small child there were many times I would grab hold of my child's hand so that we may walk together-across a busy street , through a crowded mall. Having someone hold your hand can be very comforting. We naturally assume they are in charge and a peace settles down over us. With someone else doing the leading, we can now look around and check out the scenery fearless of running into a light pole!
Evan today,I am comforted by my companion's presence through the touch of his hand.
As an adult compared to my child, my legs were much longer and thus I could easily walk faster, but I match my pace to that of my young child. We would stroll hand in hand enjoying the day. Sometimes, I would be in a rush and wish to move faster and would "drag" that young one with me. Other times, I was able to "see" as they did and appreciate all the new things they were seeing. Sometimes, I just enjoyed the touch of that little one's hand in mine.
There are many poems about God holding our hands and walking with us.
I certainly know for sure that He does hold my hand through scary situations-and that does make me feel at peace. Other times I think he stands with me while I'm dawdling that I almost feel as if He has let go of mine hand. Sometimes, I even feel Him tugging on my hand as if to say, "Let's go, walk this way."
Can you see this "child" pointing her finger across the way and telling her Daddy that she wants to go "that way"! He graciously states, "Yes, we're going that way, but first we've got to go this way."
Here in Tampa Bay in order to get to Clearwater, across the water, you drive over a bridge. Years ago, before the bridge was built you could get to the peninsular on the West of Tampa only by driving North and then South.
If I walk with God, hand in hand, I will hear him say (pre-bridge), "We need to walk North to go West."
And I, as a trusting child, experienced in hand-holding, will walk in the wrong direction because my Father said so.
That brings a great visual to me. As a parent of a small child there were many times I would grab hold of my child's hand so that we may walk together-across a busy street , through a crowded mall. Having someone hold your hand can be very comforting. We naturally assume they are in charge and a peace settles down over us. With someone else doing the leading, we can now look around and check out the scenery fearless of running into a light pole!
Evan today,I am comforted by my companion's presence through the touch of his hand.
As an adult compared to my child, my legs were much longer and thus I could easily walk faster, but I match my pace to that of my young child. We would stroll hand in hand enjoying the day. Sometimes, I would be in a rush and wish to move faster and would "drag" that young one with me. Other times, I was able to "see" as they did and appreciate all the new things they were seeing. Sometimes, I just enjoyed the touch of that little one's hand in mine.
There are many poems about God holding our hands and walking with us.
I certainly know for sure that He does hold my hand through scary situations-and that does make me feel at peace. Other times I think he stands with me while I'm dawdling that I almost feel as if He has let go of mine hand. Sometimes, I even feel Him tugging on my hand as if to say, "Let's go, walk this way."
Can you see this "child" pointing her finger across the way and telling her Daddy that she wants to go "that way"! He graciously states, "Yes, we're going that way, but first we've got to go this way."
Here in Tampa Bay in order to get to Clearwater, across the water, you drive over a bridge. Years ago, before the bridge was built you could get to the peninsular on the West of Tampa only by driving North and then South.
If I walk with God, hand in hand, I will hear him say (pre-bridge), "We need to walk North to go West."
And I, as a trusting child, experienced in hand-holding, will walk in the wrong direction because my Father said so.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The Sacred Meal
My complimentary book to read for review from BookSneeze was The Sacred Meal.
I had mixed emotions develop while reading this book. Initially, I could tell it was coming from a liturgical point of view, something of which I don't adhere to. Many times I disagreed with the author's philosophy and spiritual understanding. Then the author, Nora Gallagher, would state a very poignant point that made me stop and ponder a bit. Communion is a sacred act of worship commanded by Jesus. How we participate and appreciate this act is personal and unique.
Over all, it was a quick read, simplistic and detailed enough to be interesting, yet not boring. I appreciate the difference of opinions and beliefs and was able to learn a bit more of the Episcopalian faith. I think by reading this book it made me aware of my own treasures of the heart and what the Sacred Meal means to me.
I had mixed emotions develop while reading this book. Initially, I could tell it was coming from a liturgical point of view, something of which I don't adhere to. Many times I disagreed with the author's philosophy and spiritual understanding. Then the author, Nora Gallagher, would state a very poignant point that made me stop and ponder a bit. Communion is a sacred act of worship commanded by Jesus. How we participate and appreciate this act is personal and unique.
Over all, it was a quick read, simplistic and detailed enough to be interesting, yet not boring. I appreciate the difference of opinions and beliefs and was able to learn a bit more of the Episcopalian faith. I think by reading this book it made me aware of my own treasures of the heart and what the Sacred Meal means to me.
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