What a treat to watch these beautiful trumpeter swans swim and honk and dive for corn.
We learned they are migrating down from Minnesota!
And the buffleheads were too cute!
I love a yellow tree!
And its golden carpet of leaves.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Back to Acts
I've been called back to Acts. It is such an exciting book of the Bible. This passage today really helped me to wake up this morning in more ways than one. I read it again when I returned home from work.
29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!
Well, right off the bat this speaks to me. Who am I trying to please, men or God? It is a call back to obedience and right perspective.
30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.
Yes, thank you Jesus, for being our Prince and Savior. Thank you for forgiving our sins.
32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.
And thank you for this man who spoke up. Forgive me, Lord, for the times when I have not spoken up for you. Help me to be bold and speak up when you want me to.
35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.
This reminds me to seek God's will. I need to make sure I am following His will and not putting my agenda ahead of His, which is pretty much what I do every day.
39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
God will prevail. Do not give up doing His work for He is the victor in the end. Don't kick against the goads.
40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
What? They were flogged anyway! This reminds me that in this life you will have trouble. I was amazed and humbled by this next part.
41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
This floored me! They rejoiced because they had been counted worthy of suffering for Christ's name. Wow! Unbelievable!
And again, verse 42 reminds me to keep going, day after day.
Acts 5:29-42
New International Version (NIV)
Well, right off the bat this speaks to me. Who am I trying to please, men or God? It is a call back to obedience and right perspective.
30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.
Yes, thank you Jesus, for being our Prince and Savior. Thank you for forgiving our sins.
32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.
And thank you for this man who spoke up. Forgive me, Lord, for the times when I have not spoken up for you. Help me to be bold and speak up when you want me to.
35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.
This reminds me to seek God's will. I need to make sure I am following His will and not putting my agenda ahead of His, which is pretty much what I do every day.
39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
God will prevail. Do not give up doing His work for He is the victor in the end. Don't kick against the goads.
40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
What? They were flogged anyway! This reminds me that in this life you will have trouble. I was amazed and humbled by this next part.
41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
This floored me! They rejoiced because they had been counted worthy of suffering for Christ's name. Wow! Unbelievable!
And again, verse 42 reminds me to keep going, day after day.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Not a Fair Trade
I have an answer to prayer: a diagnosis. How is a diagnosis an answer to prayer? Well, I have been praying for at least a year, on the search, trying to find out why I have been exhausted and achy (among other symptoms).
My diagnosis: Celiac Disease. My new lifestyle: a gluten free diet. Now, looking back and after researching this beast quite a bit, I can see all the clues! At first, the diagnosis was a shock, and I thought, "Cruel trick of nature, " after having worked with a student for a long time finding gluten free foods. By the end of the first day of diagnosis, God had reshaped my understanding to see His hand of preparation in it all! How many hints did a person have to get?!!
1: I first heard of Celiac from a good friend many years ago. Her sister, who has Down Syndrome, had tested positive for Celiac, and the entire family was urged to be tested.
2: I worked with a student for two and a half years helping him to expand his gluten free diet. I learned a lot about the gluten free diet and every gluten free aisle in every grocery store within a ten mile radius of work.
3: About a year ago, I heard a coworker talking about her daughter's diagnosis with a wheat allergy. Her daughter had experienced muscle aches and joint pain until she went on the diet.
4: Around four months ago I sat next to a family at church with gluten sensitivity at a celebration dinner. I noticed they had brought their own food, and I talked with the mother of the family about this.
5: This summer, my best friend was urged by her doctor to try a gluten free diet to see if her health would improve.
6: Two months ago, a sweet coworker approached me saying she was thinking about going gluten free and asked if I wanted to join her. I waited until I had the test because I had read you shouldn't go gluten free until after the test.
7: I sat next to a girl at a cookout when I noticed she was eating her hamburger patty without a bun. This started a lengthy conversation about food sensitivity.
8: An ENT recently told me about a gluten free bakery downtown.
-My doctor called me at 7:20 am on a Wednesday morning to tell me the news. I was listening to a Focus on the Family broadcast about a man who had faced a tough disease (much more devastating than Celiac).
-I checked my phone at the end of the work day to see what the verse of the day was on my Bible app.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11: 28
-I had two and a half weeks left to remain gluten free and two breads left on my bread card at my favorite gluten-filled bakery.
-My BFF came to the rescue with pizza and listening ears when I had my emotional breakdown one night.
-My sweet roommate brought me a gluten free cupcake the day after my emotional breakdown.
-Three friends have offered to come along down the gluten free journey with me.
-My Dad bought me a lot of food to start off on my gluten free weekend after my upper endocscopy.
-A sweet friend had left me gluten free goodies on my doorstep after my procedure.
-A sweet friend brought me two gluten free uber bars!
-Many, many, many sources of information, recipes, and gluten free foods
-Patience when the grocery store seems to shrink around me.
The Sunday after my diagnosis, as the pastor spoke about laying down at the altar idols, offerings, or things we've held on to tightly, I felt peace. I felt relief and a second chance. We sang "God With Us" by Mercy Me and the lyrics "such a tiny offering, compared to calvary, but nevertheless, I lay this at your feet," made me think. I pictured myself going to the altar and laying down the Celiac to Him. I gave it to Him. I thought, that's not a fair trade! He gets my disease, my struggle, and frustrations. I get from him an answer, a solution, a pathway to health, and peace.
My diagnosis: Celiac Disease. My new lifestyle: a gluten free diet. Now, looking back and after researching this beast quite a bit, I can see all the clues! At first, the diagnosis was a shock, and I thought, "Cruel trick of nature, " after having worked with a student for a long time finding gluten free foods. By the end of the first day of diagnosis, God had reshaped my understanding to see His hand of preparation in it all! How many hints did a person have to get?!!
1: I first heard of Celiac from a good friend many years ago. Her sister, who has Down Syndrome, had tested positive for Celiac, and the entire family was urged to be tested.
2: I worked with a student for two and a half years helping him to expand his gluten free diet. I learned a lot about the gluten free diet and every gluten free aisle in every grocery store within a ten mile radius of work.
3: About a year ago, I heard a coworker talking about her daughter's diagnosis with a wheat allergy. Her daughter had experienced muscle aches and joint pain until she went on the diet.
4: Around four months ago I sat next to a family at church with gluten sensitivity at a celebration dinner. I noticed they had brought their own food, and I talked with the mother of the family about this.
5: This summer, my best friend was urged by her doctor to try a gluten free diet to see if her health would improve.
6: Two months ago, a sweet coworker approached me saying she was thinking about going gluten free and asked if I wanted to join her. I waited until I had the test because I had read you shouldn't go gluten free until after the test.
7: I sat next to a girl at a cookout when I noticed she was eating her hamburger patty without a bun. This started a lengthy conversation about food sensitivity.
8: An ENT recently told me about a gluten free bakery downtown.
God's mercy and grace in all of this:
-My doctor called me at 7:20 am on a Wednesday morning to tell me the news. I was listening to a Focus on the Family broadcast about a man who had faced a tough disease (much more devastating than Celiac).
-I checked my phone at the end of the work day to see what the verse of the day was on my Bible app.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11: 28
-I had two and a half weeks left to remain gluten free and two breads left on my bread card at my favorite gluten-filled bakery.
-My BFF came to the rescue with pizza and listening ears when I had my emotional breakdown one night.
-My sweet roommate brought me a gluten free cupcake the day after my emotional breakdown.
-Three friends have offered to come along down the gluten free journey with me.
-My Dad bought me a lot of food to start off on my gluten free weekend after my upper endocscopy.
-A sweet friend had left me gluten free goodies on my doorstep after my procedure.
-A sweet friend brought me two gluten free uber bars!
-Many, many, many sources of information, recipes, and gluten free foods
-Patience when the grocery store seems to shrink around me.
The Sunday after my diagnosis, as the pastor spoke about laying down at the altar idols, offerings, or things we've held on to tightly, I felt peace. I felt relief and a second chance. We sang "God With Us" by Mercy Me and the lyrics "such a tiny offering, compared to calvary, but nevertheless, I lay this at your feet," made me think. I pictured myself going to the altar and laying down the Celiac to Him. I gave it to Him. I thought, that's not a fair trade! He gets my disease, my struggle, and frustrations. I get from him an answer, a solution, a pathway to health, and peace.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Small Stuff
"It's the little things," we've all heard! I made a typo when I first attempted typing the word "things". I almost typed "thinks". "It's the little thinks." This is appropriate because the little random acts of kindness show that someone was "thinking" of you. The impact is not tiny but large. Here are three little moments through which God showed me recently that the little things are important:
During a recent doctor's visit in the lab where patients are herded through at rapid paces leaving the seats still warm, I was having blood drawn. The nurse sounded half awake as she asked me the routine questions, not even bothering to look at me throughout the process. After a brief period of silence, I asked, "How are you doing today?" That was it--no big deal. Yet, for the first time during our interaction, she looked at me. And for the first time, she smiled. She answered my question and treated me with care because I showed that I care.
I came home from work after a hectic day to find a special "just because" gift from my roommate. A girl's gotta pamper herself now and then, you know. It really meant a lot to me that she thought of me and knew that I had a busy week so far. The gift was two flavored chocolate facial masks with a note that said, "Happy Tuesday." It smelled so fabulous that I wanted to eat it! My roommate said, and I quote, "The next best thing to eating chocolate is smearing it all over your face!"
I arrived at work this morning to find a Fall treat waiting for me: a cream cheese pumpkin muffin from a good friend/coworker. The message said, "Pumpkin cream cheese muffin. Enjoy! And have a wonderful day!" This definitely made my day. It was scrumptious!
During a recent doctor's visit in the lab where patients are herded through at rapid paces leaving the seats still warm, I was having blood drawn. The nurse sounded half awake as she asked me the routine questions, not even bothering to look at me throughout the process. After a brief period of silence, I asked, "How are you doing today?" That was it--no big deal. Yet, for the first time during our interaction, she looked at me. And for the first time, she smiled. She answered my question and treated me with care because I showed that I care.
I came home from work after a hectic day to find a special "just because" gift from my roommate. A girl's gotta pamper herself now and then, you know. It really meant a lot to me that she thought of me and knew that I had a busy week so far. The gift was two flavored chocolate facial masks with a note that said, "Happy Tuesday." It smelled so fabulous that I wanted to eat it! My roommate said, and I quote, "The next best thing to eating chocolate is smearing it all over your face!"
I arrived at work this morning to find a Fall treat waiting for me: a cream cheese pumpkin muffin from a good friend/coworker. The message said, "Pumpkin cream cheese muffin. Enjoy! And have a wonderful day!" This definitely made my day. It was scrumptious!
Saturday, September 15, 2012
S'mores by Candlelight
S'mores. Gotta love 'em. My folks gave me a super fun s'more maker years ago, and I've been having a blast sharing it with friends ever since. My friends and I enjoyed a lovely dinner on the balcony overlooking the river and for dessert: s'mores! First you take the mallow...
Props to my roommate for the excellent table decor!
Psalm 23
Psalm 23. It's that psalm they read at the funerals in all the movies. At least that's what I used to think.
Psalm 23 is one of those passages that has become special to me. My understanding of that passage has changed after an amazing sermon series by my pastor on how God is our shepherd and all we like sheep. I also read a gift book on Psalm 23 that helped me to appreciate those verses more.
In December of 2004, we were warned that snow and ice were coming, but I wasn't going to believe it until I saw it, much to my detriment. I had a dentist appointment, and I was going to have my teeth cleaned before heading out of town for Christmas break with my family despite my mother's warning to head home as soon as possible. As the dental hygienist chatted and flossed away, my eyes grew large as I saw the flakes start to come down outside the window. After the appointment, I drove a few streets toward the interstate and saw a helpless woman fishtailing and spinning out in her car trying to climb a hill. That was enough for me to find the nearest parking lot, which turned out to be a large hospital and medical office complex, and call for back-up, aka my dad (Paw). He was only 15 minutes away from me working downtown and was heading out of town as well. He would leave work and come to rescue me! I went inside the bottom of the medical tower to purchase some hot chocolate and stay warm at the Starbucks. As the flakes continued to pound down and the hours ticked pass--and the Starbucks closed, I walked the first floor hall of the lonely medical tower. I was nervous about putting my father in danger having to backtrack in the snow and frustrated that I didn't listen to my mother's advice although my teeth were very shiny and clean. It ended up taking my Paw almost four hours to make it across town to pick me up and what brought me comfort in the waiting? Psalm 23. I recited it to myself many times as I paced the hall waiting, just waiting for my rescue. Then we drove several more hours home in the snowy darkness, with no difficulties.
Years later as I was working in a public school in a tiny Southern town, I befriended our custodian. He would greet me everyday with his lovely gruff booming voice, and we would chat about our families. Sadly, he later passed away after a battle with cancer. I was blessed to know him and so glad that I was able to visit him in the hospital and pass on the Psalm 23 book to him. I hope it brought him some comfort.
Recently, I was driving on the interstate when a huge rainstorm came. Usually, I will drive in rain with little worry, but this rain was fierce. My vision field in front of the vehicle grew smaller and smaller, and I feared being squished by the big rigs behind me. I just told myself to make it to the next exit and prayed for safety. I could not see any signs and had no idea when the next exit would come about. I was creeping along in a gullywasher, reciting Psalm 23 aloud when finally an exit appeared. I was able to pull over with about five other cars in a remote moose lodge parking lot until the storm grew lighter.
So Psalm 23 has become quite a comfort passage for me when I am in distress and need the comfort of knowing my Shepherd leads me and calms me.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23 is one of those passages that has become special to me. My understanding of that passage has changed after an amazing sermon series by my pastor on how God is our shepherd and all we like sheep. I also read a gift book on Psalm 23 that helped me to appreciate those verses more.
In December of 2004, we were warned that snow and ice were coming, but I wasn't going to believe it until I saw it, much to my detriment. I had a dentist appointment, and I was going to have my teeth cleaned before heading out of town for Christmas break with my family despite my mother's warning to head home as soon as possible. As the dental hygienist chatted and flossed away, my eyes grew large as I saw the flakes start to come down outside the window. After the appointment, I drove a few streets toward the interstate and saw a helpless woman fishtailing and spinning out in her car trying to climb a hill. That was enough for me to find the nearest parking lot, which turned out to be a large hospital and medical office complex, and call for back-up, aka my dad (Paw). He was only 15 minutes away from me working downtown and was heading out of town as well. He would leave work and come to rescue me! I went inside the bottom of the medical tower to purchase some hot chocolate and stay warm at the Starbucks. As the flakes continued to pound down and the hours ticked pass--and the Starbucks closed, I walked the first floor hall of the lonely medical tower. I was nervous about putting my father in danger having to backtrack in the snow and frustrated that I didn't listen to my mother's advice although my teeth were very shiny and clean. It ended up taking my Paw almost four hours to make it across town to pick me up and what brought me comfort in the waiting? Psalm 23. I recited it to myself many times as I paced the hall waiting, just waiting for my rescue. Then we drove several more hours home in the snowy darkness, with no difficulties.
Years later as I was working in a public school in a tiny Southern town, I befriended our custodian. He would greet me everyday with his lovely gruff booming voice, and we would chat about our families. Sadly, he later passed away after a battle with cancer. I was blessed to know him and so glad that I was able to visit him in the hospital and pass on the Psalm 23 book to him. I hope it brought him some comfort.
Recently, I was driving on the interstate when a huge rainstorm came. Usually, I will drive in rain with little worry, but this rain was fierce. My vision field in front of the vehicle grew smaller and smaller, and I feared being squished by the big rigs behind me. I just told myself to make it to the next exit and prayed for safety. I could not see any signs and had no idea when the next exit would come about. I was creeping along in a gullywasher, reciting Psalm 23 aloud when finally an exit appeared. I was able to pull over with about five other cars in a remote moose lodge parking lot until the storm grew lighter.
So Psalm 23 has become quite a comfort passage for me when I am in distress and need the comfort of knowing my Shepherd leads me and calms me.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Monday, September 3, 2012
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