Lisa's Lines

He Needs a Name

2011-09-24T14:18:00.000-04:00

Meet my current house guest. I don't recall inviting him, but he has made himself comfortable and seems to be in no hurry to leave. He would prefer being under my computer bag or the bag that holds my stationery. Hiding under the printer seems to be the default when I need access to the other places.

He needs a name, I think. His cousin keeps looking in the window, trying to decide whether it is better to be out or in. They haven't asked my opinion yet.

Long Lost Lisa

2011-09-04T16:05:00.000-04:00

I have been gone from here a long time. Maybe at some point, I will fill in the gaps from Dec 2010 - Aug 2011. It has been an amazing journey.

For today, I want to share a great video from The Seed Company, a Wycliffe Bible Translators Affiliate, that highlights the need and the opportunities for Bible translation today.

I'll be back again soon!

The last two weeks

2010-11-23T20:15:00.000-05:00

I am thankful to feel much better than I did when I wrote the previous post. This should catch you up on what has happened since then.

The week of Nov 15, I spent much time packing and repacking for the move to Orlando. (This is a move into temporary housing; I didn't need to bring any furniture with me.) I also helped Mom prep to host 23 folks from our extended family on Saturday for Thanksgiving. Plus, I still slept a fair amount. I did feel a little better each day, thankfully.

Saturday's family gathering was a good day. Said some goodbyes then, but I knew I would see most of my immediate family again on Sunday.

Sunday was a big day at Faith Church. Most of the service was focused on Village Life Church, the coming church plant in the Broad Ripple area. It was exciting to be present for such a service and sense the commitment and excitement that is growing.

At the end of each service, there was a time of commissioning for me. Both were meaningful, reminding me of the faithfulness of God in leading me to Wycliffe Bible Translators, and of the faithfulness of God's people who are partnering with me as I go.

Most of my immediate family was at Mom's for the afternoon. We watched a heartbreaking Colts' loss (or Jared would say a stunning Patriots' victory) and enjoyed each other's company. The goodbyes came all too soon. I love my family and will miss seeing them as regularly as I was able to do in Indy. I am thankful for cell phones and text messages and FB.

Monday, I took off. The Jetta is loaded to the gills. (Really good I didn't need to bring furniture now!) I had two good travel days and a restful night in between. I arrived this afternoon at Treasure Island, FL, on the Gulf of Mexico, just north of the entrance to Tampa Bay.

Wait. I am moving to Orlando, right? Well, a friend recommended that it might be helpful to take a few days and rest and process things before jumping headlong into the next chapter. The cool part is, about the time my friend suggested this, I received a check from my previous employer for some unused vacation time. I had no idea it was coming! It was exciting to watch God provide!

Tonight, I took a walk on the beach, about ten minutes before the sun disappeared below the horizon. Totally cool to watch. This will be a good place to rest and reflect on the changes taking place in my life.

Then and Now

2010-11-10T10:56:00.004-05:00

It was the spring of '75. We had been doing 2-a-day rehearsals for band and then, of course, school in between. We were prepping for the big trip to Orlando where we were to march at Disney World!

I remember going shopping for sandals the evening before we were to leave. I couldn't find any - either they didn't fit or I hated them. And I cried. NOT something that was a normal habit in my 17 year-old life!

I don't remember the trip down. I do remember going to Sea World and having a good time. Then I remember ending up in the ER in Kissimmee and being "quarantined" in a hotel room for the rest of the trip. My sis had to pitch a fit just to be allowed to see me! They told me I had scarlatina.

Back in Brownsburg, my doc said I most likely had mono. Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

Now, here I am getting ready to head to Orlando again, but this time, it's a move and not just a visit. And, EBV has chosen this time to reactivate, after being dormant in my body for the last 35 years. My 52 year-old bod is not recovering quite as fast this time. I am in week five of symptoms. But at least now I know what it is, and I know I am not crazy. There is actually something wrong.

And, now that I have a diagnosis, I know that it is unlikely that I could pass this to anyone through incidental contact. That helps a bunch, since I am in the phase of meeting with folks and saying goodbyes. I'm just not the kind of person who likes to do that by waving from across the room.

I am learning how much I have taken my health for granted. It is very humbling that I can take a 2-hr nap and then still have trouble making it through dinner. I am learning more and more that I must depend on God - yes, even for daily, physical strength. Good lessons to be learning at any time of life.

November Newsletter

2010-11-05T11:33:00.001-04:00

Here is my November newsletter.

I am in the process of making lists and packing and getting ready for a move to Orlando. Wow! This has all been such an amazing process!

October Newsletter

2010-10-01T12:00:00.000-04:00

Belated September Update

2010-10-01T11:48:00.004-04:00

I am late in posting my September newsletter. Old news, but this will give you an idea of what I will be doing next. Click on the picture for a larger view.

October newsletter soon to come!

How did it get to be August already?

2010-08-17T19:25:00.005-04:00

I am sure you have noticed that I haven't figured out how to fit blogging into this part of my journey. Maybe it is because I am communicating through a number of other vehicles at this point, so there is not much more to say. My guess is I will get back here more regularly at a future time. Thanks for hanging in there with me!

I want to share my August Newsletter. The story of the Gamo children caught my heart when I found it, so I wanted to pass it on.

July Newsletter

2010-07-01T16:09:00.004-04:00

Here is my July newsletter. Happy Holiday weekend to you!

June Randomness

2010-06-21T15:57:00.005-04:00

Time seems to be flying by as I prepare for the move to Orlando. Here is my June newsletter with more information.

I spent Friday night with an excellent group of Middle School students who worked to reset Faith Church after Kids' Camp concluded. My first all-nighter in several years. I am mostly recovered. :-)

Indiana is getting a taste of Florida weather this week. Temps are supposed to hit the mid 90s. Air conditioning is a wonderful thing!

Yesterday I saw what appeared to be a whole group of blue herons at Eagle Creek, near the dam. Totally amazing creatures, and I haven't ever seen them before in a group; I see them one at a time, flying or feeding.

Oh, and my mom bakes amazing chocolate chip cookies, in case you wondered. How's that for random?

The Answers

2010-05-24T15:42:00.003-04:00

Thanks for playing!

1984 - Saw her first tumbleweed (school teaching in KS during this phase)

1960 - First stitches (yep, 2 yr old; first head injury - see below)

1988 - Began teaching at Heritage Christian School

Nov 2009 - First visit to Wycliffe USA Mobilization Center

2004 - Became Business Administrator at Faith Church

1958 - Born (I figure this was a gimme)

1983 - Graduated from Wright State University (MM - Music Education)

2001 - Began working full-time at Faith Church

1981 - Graduated from Cedarville College (now University) (BME - Music Education)

1981 - 3rd set of stitches (another head injury; when you hear the story, it will explain all those things you wondered about me!)

July 1, 2010 - Target date for 100% of Partnership Team and assignment to Wycliffe USA office

A Brief Quiz on Lisa's Life

2010-05-14T08:19:00.004-04:00

Someone with more HTML savvy could have figured out how to set this up way cool, I am sure. If you would prefer to print it off, here you go! I will post the correct answers next week.

First, the answers:

1958
1960
1981
1981
1983
1984
1988
2001
2004
Nov 2009
July 1, 2010

Now, pick one of the above to answer these questions:

__________ Saw her first tumbleweed
__________ First stitches
__________ Began teaching at Heritage Christian School
__________ First visit to Wycliffe USA Mobilization Center
__________ Became Business Administrator at Faith Church
__________ Born
__________ Graduated from Wright State University
__________ Began working full-time at Faith Church
__________ Graduated from Cedarville College (now University)
__________ 3rd set of stitches (yes, we skipped the 2nd set!)
__________ Target date for 100% of Partnership Team and assignment to Wycliffe USA office

A New Chapter

2010-05-07T14:13:00.007-04:00

The change from April to May happened so quickly! Here's a recap of the events since my last post.

The two weeks of orientation were amazing. Such a gifted and prepared staff; such incredible content; such cool fellow newbies. I had good opportunities to begin to get a feel for a few parts of Orlando during the weekends and could actually drive around a little without the GPS by the end of my time there. And, random observation - sandhill cranes are noisy but fun!!

I traveled home safely and uneventfully, passing through Nashville on Wednesday before their flooding this past weekend. I did encounter some small hail (and significant traffic!) in Atlanta, but nothing serious. Great visit with a friend in Marietta, GA. Only problem was that our time was too short.

Last Thursday and Friday, I completed my employment in the church office. The staff took me out for lunch at Squealer's (one of those great places with lots of big dinner napkins, since you may be up to your elbows in BBQ sauce before it is all over). It was a good time. I have had the privilege of working with great people at Faith - folks who were not only my co-workers, but also my friends.

There was a tremendous response Sunday from folks at Faith Church at an after-church luncheon. It was an encouragement to see so many out in support of the path on which God has been leading me. I love this church and will miss being here. But, as I have been reminding folks - Faith will always be my home church, so you can expect me back from time to time. :-)

This week, the transition to new things seems much more real. I am excited... and also am enjoying the different pace of life for these weeks, especially the time to connect with people. Today, I sent my first newsletter. I will be meeting with a Faith small group this evening and then have a couple of family events this weekend. More about those later!

(For those who might have wondered, I won't be walking the mini tomorrow... had a slight injury in March that has been slow to heal, so I just didn't get the long training walks done this year. I will miss doing it, but I understand there is a half-marathon in Orlando in the fall?)

Psalm 83

2010-04-21T23:24:00.003-04:00

I am sure I have read it before, but I didn't recall any part of Psalm 83 as I read it today. Most of the way through, I was thinking that this might not make my list of favorite passages. But as I got to the end, I changed my mind.

I won't quote it for you here, but if you are a Bible reader, I would encourage you to follow this link to read all of it and see if you don't fall in love with the last verse. If you aren't a Bible reader, check it out. It helped me put "me" and everything else in a more correct perspective.

Meet my new friends!

2010-04-16T17:03:00.006-04:00

Wednesday morning I was part of the newbie group as we introduced ourselves during EnterMission, the weekly gathering of the Orlando staff of Wycliffe Bible Translators. Then we each had an opportunity to share more in detail with groups gathered around tables all across the room.

I have truly enjoyed getting to know these folks who are from everywhere and are headed just about everywhere we we leave here. We are a vivacious bunch who seem to be getting more and more rambunctious as the days go along. Our training staff is being very patient and helpful as we learn and stumble and giggle and reach toward the goal.

I look forward to keeping up with these folks after we leave here. So glad to be on the same team.

Hello, Muddah...

2010-04-12T16:54:00.003-04:00

Hello from Camp Equip!

Saturday evening, I joined 39 other folks who are in Orlando to complete a two-week orientation program with Wycliffe Bible Translators. There are folks from all over the US who are headed to places all over the world at some point in the near future. We range in age from early 20s to early 60s. We are a pretty diverse group, but it has been fascinating to hear the stories as they have all converged in a calling to join the cause of Bible translation around the world. We are learning lots about each other, lots about Bible translation, and lots about our role as we come on board.

I am technically "on vacation" from Faith. I will return for two more days at the end of the month. Josh is doing a super job in his new role there.

Ill try to keep you posted as we go along. Having truly an amazing time.

[Couldn't resist. If you have no idea about the title reference, you can hear it here - sorry, no video. And, there is no camp resemblance implied!]

All Safe and Sound

2010-04-10T10:05:00.003-04:00

The trip down was fine. I had opportunity to visit a friend in Memphis, so I got to spend time Thursday in Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas before heading into western Tennessee. Great drive. Then on Friday, I tooled through Mississippi and Alabama before going across the panhandle of Florida and then heading south. Slept well and had a great walk this morning.

Really thankful for all the prayers on my behalf for smooth and alert travel. Somehow lost a hubcap on Thursday, but other than that, the trip was without incident!

Headed South!

2010-04-08T08:02:00.004-04:00

Things have been happening wonderfully and crazy fast in the past few weeks. The online portion of "Equip" orientation is complete. I have packed up my personal things from the office and added those boxes to the stack in Mom's garage (bless her heart!). The new Business Administrator for Faith began on Tuesday. The tasks have been handed over, as much as is possible.

This morning, I leave for Florida. Won't be back in Indy until Apr 28. I will have lots of great drive time (in this glorious spring!) and some good time to visit friends on the way down and back. I will be learning TONS and being challenged to grow in new ways, I am sure. I am excited and scared and nervous and quiet-hearted, all at the same time.

I'll do my best to keep you updated some during the trip. Catch you later!

Psalm 68:19 (NLT)

2010-03-16T06:27:00.001-04:00

"Praise the Lord; praise God our savior!
For each day he carries us in his arms."

Just too cool not to share.

Speed

2010-03-14T16:25:00.004-04:00

I can't believe it has been more than two weeks since I last posted. The days (and weeks) are whirling by. Not much has changed since then. Still doing online orientation. Still working full-time at church. But the pace of just about everything seems to have sped up, even though I wasn't sure that was possible.

Working on being "in the present" for everything. Helps me to focus and not be distracted. Fully present when I am at work; fully present when I am online in orientation; fully present in relationships when I am with folks. Savoring the moments w/ people, in particular.

I am currently on week 4 of 6 for online orientation, and have something like 19 work days remaining. See what I mean? Flying by!

Chunks

2010-02-28T22:37:00.009-05:00

Last week, I began official orientation for Wycliffe USA. The process includes 6 weeks of online assignments and then 2 weeks on site in Orlando, April 10-24. I am learning lots - some things just related to "life" and many things related to the history, organization, and vision of Wycliffe. It's good stuff to know! The lessons are all mapped out so that a reasonable number are due each week.

Then, today, I did 4 miles in preparation for the Indianapolis 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. I do "normal" workout stuff during the week and then longer walks on the weekend. Next weekend, I will do five miles; six, the following weekend; and... you get the picture, so that I am ready to do 13.1 miles on May 8. It will be my sixth Mini.

It struck me that both of these activities are related. Not only do they involve some good disciplines, they are designed to help me towards a future goal, and they are both set up in a way that fits how I am wired. They will be accomplished one chunk at a time.

I have learned that I do best when I have tasks arranged in a manner that they can be completed one chunk at a time, or if I can see progress in definitive steps along the way. That helps even the biggest goals feel more attainable.

February 14

2010-02-17T21:00:00.001-05:00

I had opportunity on Sunday to share about my journey with the Faith Church family. Here it is, for those of you who weren't able to be there.

A Gentleman's Game

2010-02-08T19:27:00.006-05:00

Yes, I was disappointed. But, wow, what a game. And, as I thought more about it, it was quite the gentleman's game last night. It was a game of strategy and athleticism. It wasn't a game of hot-dogging or braggadocio. It wasn't a game of cheap shots or questionable, borderline-legal tactics. When all was said and done, two teams with a great respect for each other walked off the field, knowing that the team that had played the better game yesterday, won.

It's enough to make you even more proud of a great program and an honorable group of men. Glad to be a Colts fan.

Community Group

2010-01-31T21:12:00.004-05:00

I have had the privilege of being a part of great small groups through the years. The current group is no exception. It has been such a blessing to get to know these dear folks. I am thankful for the ways we can share and laugh and pray and study and serve... together. It's been a good glimpse of how the Body of Christ is supposed to operate, I think.

Where I am now

2010-01-28T23:16:00.001-05:00

In December and January, I began to walk through the steps that must be completed before I begin my assignment in Orlando. There have been applications and assessments and interviews, all of which have helped me know more about the priorities of Wycliffe. There was also time with the Faith Church missions committee, completing the process for acceptance into the Global Outreach family.

As we move into February, I will be working with a Wycliffe Personnel Administrator to establish a timeline for the remaining steps and to confirm my assignment. Mid-month, online orientation sessions will begin.

I am also working to organize information regarding my current role at Faith and beginning to communicate it to others. I would invite you to pray that God will continue to make next steps clear, not only for me, but also for Faith Church.

Psalm 115:1

2010-01-27T23:30:00.000-05:00

Not to us, O LORD, not to us,

but to your name goes all the glory

for your unfailing love and faithfulness.

Which way to go?

2010-01-26T23:30:00.003-05:00

November was a month of investigating -- talking with those who know me and with those who know both of the organizations and both of the roles that were before me. And, I kept reading. I was particularly struck by two quotes from The Missionary Call: Find Your Place in God's Plan for the World by M. David Sills.

"God calls every Christian in the way He knows is best. He made our ears and knows the call we will hear the best. He also made out hearts and filled them with desires that He longs to fulfill." (p. 195)

"[God's call] is a recognition of the gifts and abilities that God has given you mixed with the desire to go where your life can best be spent 'to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of you.' (Philippians 3:12 NIV) It is at once more subtle and overpowering, sudden and growing, understood and yet becoming clearer all your life." (p. 201)

I was struck by Psalm 77:19 "Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters — a pathway no one knew was there!" and by the conclusion to Psalm 107 - "Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the LORD."

As I went through the month, it became more and more clear to me that God was leading me away from my role at Faith Church. And, I was beginning to get a sense that one of the two new roles might be a better fit for me than the other. By the first week in December, I made a decision.

I love Ukraine. I love the people with whom I would have worked there. God is doing an amazing thing in Ukraine and it would have been a privilege to be a direct part of it. But God has prepared me to go another direction. As a part of the Operations Department with Wycliffe, I will join a staff that is wired like I am to do “background” work... to help advance Bible translation.

Evan McBroom said, "Never underestimate how God connects-the-dots to accomplish His will." If you choose almost any circumstance or influence on my life, I can tell you how God used it to play a part in preparing me for this step -- my great-grandfather's settling in Tippecanoe county; transferring colleges; a parent who helped in my classroom; hauling 6' tables around for a week one summer; agreeing to fill in at the church "until I found another job..." All of those things and myriad others helped set the stage for this move.

Vacation

2010-01-20T16:42:00.002-05:00

I will be on vacation from now through Monday evening. I may or may not blog during my time away. Thanks for your comments and thanks most of all for your ongoing prayers. I will be back later to post the rest of the story.

September and October

2010-01-19T21:56:00.000-05:00

September was all about settling into Mom's and new routines. When folks asked about my situation, I told them I was planning to live there for a while as I evaluated some options. There was nothing else conclusive to say about what was on my mind.

I was convinced that God intended for me to consider whether or not I was called to Ukraine, full-time. I sought counsel, read books, and prayed about it.

Also during September, I was thankful to receive all of my earnest money from the failed house offer and to be released from any obligation or penalties connected with it. What a gift!

Then, October 1, my next surprise came along. While she was up for the Women's Fall Retreat, Ruth Hubbard encouraged me to investigate Wycliffe as I looked at God's direction for my future.

Wow. Now there was even more to think about. How are you supposed to know God's plan when there are two incredibly good things in front of you?

In the interim...

2010-01-18T16:42:00.003-05:00

Somewhere along the way, Mom asked why I didn't just move things into her garage and live with her until I got things figured out. So, on Sep 12, some family and friends who are VERY gifted packers helped me load and move everything from the condo and somehow fit it into Mom's garage. Stuff is floor to ceiling with one small path around the edges!

Mom has lived in this house since I started 1st grade. I am staying in the room where I grew up. How's that for things coming full circle? It is still uncertain how long I will be living here, but I am getting ahead of myself in the story.

Just wanted to say a public "thank you" to Mom for her graciousness, not only in allowing me to stay here, and for all the "fringe benefits" of living with her, but also for giving up her garage, particularly during this cold, messy winter we are having.

The house

2010-01-17T16:24:00.000-05:00

As I thought through the last two episodes of my life, I knew I needed to at least pray about whether God might be leading me to change direction. I began to seek counsel and ask for prayer from folks who know me well.

On August 25, I got a call from my realtor. She was excited to tell me our offer on the house was accepted! Imagine my surprise when the first "feeling" I had was one of disappointment. Wow. Not what I expected at all.

The next day, we had an inspection done, and though there were cosmetic issues, there was nothing significant that should cause me not to take the house. The day after that, my realtor called again. The sale of the house was being suspended indefinitely (long story!). Suddenly, I might not have a house at all, or wouldn't have it for a very long time.

By Aug 31, I was convinced I should investigate the role in Ukraine that Steve mentioned. I met with my realtor and decided to withdraw the offer on the house rather than wait on it, even though it meant I might loose the earnest money I had put down. There were other potential financial penalties, too.

Meanwhile, my condo had sold and was set to close on Sep 8. I was about to be without a home. But, I would be in a much better position to evaluate any future changes that God might have in store.

The Next Surprise

2010-01-16T18:13:00.004-05:00

Mom picked me up at the airport and we headed to her house. The plan was to stay there for the night, get my car the next morning, and then head on into work, back to my normal life. Since the flight was very late, I was especially glad. As we stood in her kitchen at 1 in the morning, with me fresh off the plane from Ukraine, my dear Mom made a comment that released me to go, if God should ever call me somewhere else.

Wow. She had no idea of Steve's challenge to me. But, I told myself, I still had an offer out on a house! Too late to think more. Time to sleep and get over jet lag!

Let's start at the very beginning...

2010-01-15T21:48:00.001-05:00

Here's where the recent journey towards Wycliffe Bible Translators began.

God was so gracious to us on the trip to Ukraine in August. Our travels were smooth, all luggage arrived, we were generally healthy enough to do all we intended to do. The conference went well, we interacted with such wonderful folks who have made Ukraine their home and place of ministry, and everything seemed to be going just fine on my fifth visit there.

One afternoon during the conference, I had opportunity to take a walk with Steve & Nancy Wooden in the city center of Lviv. We reached Veronika (wonderful place, but that's another story for another day!) and stopped for a break. During our chat, Steve challenged me to consider coming to Ukraine long-term to do behind-the-scenes work, similar to my role now at Faith Church.

Wow. From my perspective, that question came out of nowhere! I told Steve & Nancy it just felt like the "wrong time." After all, I had my plans already made.

You see, right before heading to Ukraine, I had sold my condo that had been on the market for a year and put an offer on another house. I knew things were on hold because of some complications, but there was every indication the offer would be accepted. Having a new house that I would need to sell just didn't make sense to me. "Besides," I told them, "I am getting too old." (Yes, I said that.)

So, I did make a mental note of Steve's challenge, and I did keep thinking about it, but had basically ruled it out. The trip concluded smoothly with only one flight delay on the last leg. We arrived home late on August 18.

I'm back!

2010-01-14T23:55:00.000-05:00

If you followed this blog before, you probably thought I had abandoned it.

No. There just weren't enough details in place to share with you about how God answered your prayers for the trip to Ukraine in August. Now, there is plenty to tell!

This week, I have been approved as a candidate for membership with Wycliffe Bible Translators. I am in the process of pursuing approval to join the Global Outreach family of Faith Church.

The past five months have been an amazing journey. I am excited to share it with you. And, I have a feeling the journey is just beginning.

Prayer Request - August 8-18

2009-08-04T21:53:00.000-04:00

This coming Saturday, I have opportunity to leave for a 10-day trip to Ukraine. I will be going with a 9-member team from Faith Church in Indianapolis to help facilitate a conference for SEND International missionaries in that country. Our team will provide children's programming, birth through High School and will also lead worship and provide preaching for the adult sessions. Our goal is to serve the missionaries in any way we are able as they meet together for a time of encouragement and renewal.

In the providence of God, the funding for my trip (and for the entire team now!) has all been provided. We would not consider going though without the prayers of God's people on our behalf. Would you pray with us...

- For safety in travel and for all the luggage to arrive with us - much of the luggage will contain supplies to help facilitate the conference

- For health for the team and for the missionaries and their families

- For good communication and Christ-like testimony with the hotel staff where the conference will be held

- For quality time and interactions - the missionaries with each other, as they only gather like this once a year; and us with them

- That we would minister well to these servants of God

- For our families here at home while we are away

- For grace-filled attitudes with each other as we are in close proximity and new circumstances

We depend on the grace and strength of God and know that only by His power and your prayers will He be glorified as we go.

Thank you in advance for your part in this work as you pray.

Happy 21st

2009-05-08T07:18:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday, Rachel. Here's the first pic I have of you. I think we have all changed, huh? :-)

Love you, see you, bye.

Why We Do It

2009-05-02T15:52:00.003-04:00

One of the things on my mind as I walked the Indianapolis 500 Festival Mini-Marathon (13.1 miles) today was wondering why people do it? It is always so interesting to listen to conversations of others as we walk along. My walking buddy and I are neither one all that talkative when engaged in a task, so we both get some grins and giggles listening to other folks around us.

For some, it's all about conquering some previous health struggle and the motivation that provides for them. For others it was just the "Indy Spirit" thing to do. Folks on the sidelines are there for different reasons and cheer us on in a variety of ways - "garage bands" of all types, dogs in sunglasses, high-fives from little guys, cowbells, red/white/ blue "clappers"; volunteers with water and gatorade and participant medals; National Guardsmen pointing the way to the showers and the finish line.

For me, it's the motivation that keeps me moving all year long. I know that if I don't walk regularly through the course of each year and if I don't train properly, January through April, I will "die" when it comes to the Mini. The exercise should be a regular part of my life anyway - the Mini is just the "hammer" over my head to keep me on task.

The joke at dinner last night was about the details that are important to me as I approach this day. I can tell you how many miles I need to walk each week since January. I can also tell you exactly when I want to eat half of a powerbar along the way, which stops are for gatorade and not water (I prefer gatorade), and where the restrooms are. I know every specific piece of clothing I intend to wear and why, and depending on the temperature, which shirt I will wear and "throw away" along the way as things warm up. I came to the conclusion that if I were that careful with other areas of my life, I might be much more successful in some of them!

When I got home, I registered for next year - May 8, 2010. It's all about the motivation for me. It's a good discipline for me to do, and a generally fun experience.

I likely will take Monday off, though. :-)

Today's Reminder

2009-04-25T07:04:00.005-04:00

Thursday evening, I suddenly began not feeling well. (I will spare you the details!) Took myself home and had a fitful night, but did sleep some. Spent Friday at home, not doing much of anything. Feeling significantly better this morning, thankfully. I am reminded of a blessing that I probably most often take for granted - my health.

The past several months, I have been faithfully training for the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon (13.1 miles) that is coming in one week. I have walked or worked out 3-4 times a week, essentially every week except holidays. I have done the weekend "long walks" for the past 6 weeks or so, starting at 6 miles and building up to 12 miles last weekend. Then, Tuesday, I twisted my back, after doing the same workout I have done since November. It hurt to walk. This past week, I walked two miles total, instead of the 20 from the week before.

The phrase ringing in my head this morning is that "the preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord." (Proverbs 16:1) Funny that I have known that for years, but never applied it to other parts of life. I can do everything that I should to be ready for next Saturday, but I had still better be resting in His strength to make it... or I won't.

Today, my prayers are for my friends who daily struggle with health issues, as that must be an overwhelming challenge many days. May God give you His strength and His peace today and every day. May I rest in that same strength and peace, being just as aware of His presence on the good days as I am on the hard ones.

Mosaic, Facebook Style

2009-04-03T21:19:00.004-04:00

Yes, I did it - finally responded to one of those things were I was tagged in Facebook. Once this uploads to FB Notes, I will tag others of you. Gave me a giggle.

Here you go!

Rules:

a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search (http://www.flickr.com/).
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into Mosaic Maker. Change rows to 3 and columns to 3 (http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/mosaic.php).
d. Save the image and post it on this note!
e. If you're tagged, pass it on.

The Questions:

1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What is your favorite color?
4. Favorite drink?
5. Dream vacation?
6. Favorite hobby?
7. What you want to be when you grow up?
8. What do you love most in life?
9. One word to describe you?

Mondays

2009-03-30T07:02:00.002-04:00

Just a Monday morning post to say I am thankful things have leveled out in the past week so that life is more "normal" now. Been spending as much time as possible focusing on the things that are within my control and less time on those that are not. Circumstances haven't changed a bit, but it helps perspective to think properly, duh!

SO, here's to Monday - an opportunity to start the week as effectively as possible, staying focused on being who I am supposed to be, doing what I am supposed to do, where I am supposed to do it. Sounds pretty simple when you put it that way, doesn't it?

Fond Memories

2009-03-22T15:31:00.004-04:00

Spring is sprung
The grass is riz
I wonder where the flowers is?

Used to quote that poem the first day of the last quarter of school each year. Along with it came the assignment to do instrument cleaning. Once a year, I required that all the band students clean their instruments and submit to an inspection. Yes, it really should be done monthly, but I figured this way it at least got it once a year.

Another memory - winter firedrills. These were private affairs, for the HS band only - the first incredible day in January or February when we got our isolated 70 degree day, I would send all the students out for quick one trip around the trailer, first thing in the morning. Worked much better around the trailer than around the other building. :-) One year it was nothing but mud outside.... Oh, well... Sorry, Steve Martz!

Fond memories. Thanks, Katherine, for reminding me!!

Amazing

2009-03-20T07:09:00.002-04:00

Sometimes it is the littlest things that can provide the biggest encouragements. Last night I had a conversation with a friend from the past... the last time we talked was probably 27 years ago. What a gift I received last night!

First, it is interesting to try to summarize the key points of life that have taken place in so many years. Second, it is amazing to look back and see the Providence of God in way more details than I could list here to bring some of those key points to pass.

I am thankful for God's hand putting the pieces of my life together. I am thankful for those God has placed in my life today. And thankful for re-connections from the past.

Today's focus

2009-03-19T06:08:00.002-04:00

Psalm 145:1 - David's deliberate choices

I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.

I figure that is more than enough to keep me busy. :-)

Something to say

2009-03-18T07:25:00.002-04:00

I am in the process of deciding whether or not to formally abandon this blog. Too many days when I am not sure there is anything worth writing or anything anyone else would care to read. We'll see.

Today, I will say I am looking at discouragement and the causes. Most often for me, it is focusing on circumstances, rather than deep reality. So, today, I am saying out loud that I choose to focus past my circumstances. The hardest part is that short-sightedness and needing direct, incremental steps is how I am wired, so I know I need to keep short-term goals in sight. BUT, it is also time to lift my eyes to some longer-term goals and get them clearly in view. If you happen to run into me regularly, please hold me to that.

Vague enough for you? :-) More will come out in time, I am sure.

Jan Stoner's Peanut Butter Fudge

2008-12-28T22:23:00.004-05:00

Combine in large saucepan:
4 and 1/2 c sugar
1/2 t salt
1-13 oz can evaporated milk (not Milnot)
1 stick butter

Heat to boil, stirring constantly.
Reduce heat slightly.
Boil for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat.

Stir in:
18 oz jar peanut butter (crunchy or creamy)
7 oz jar of marshmallow cream

Spread in greased 9" x 13" pan.

Cool completely before cutting. (Cuts best at room temperature.)

Jan was a friend of my mother's. Can't miss with this one!

The Wonderful Conversation

2008-12-10T21:42:00.004-05:00

As a friend put it, I have been enjoying the wonderful conversation that is so often generated on Facebook, by a status update or a photo or a comment or a note. I have found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion recently.

Some of you may think that is pretty pitiful - that my social interaction is with a computer screen. If that were the only place I interacted, you would be correct. But when the computer interconnects those in different cities and states and time zones and continents, then it is a pretty cool tool. Our world is so much smaller than it used to be, which means our worldview has opportunity to be so much larger, as we see things through each other's eyes.

That's the same reason I am becoming an avid blog reader - seeing the world through another's eyes. I have been introduced through blogging to folks I will likely not meet in this life, and I have opportunity to expand my world by seeing theirs - not to the neglect of my own sphere of influence, but with the possibility of interacting with it in more insightful ways as I am challenged to grow my perspective.

Control

2008-12-09T22:14:00.002-05:00

I'm ruminating a little bit on Mark 15. We are finishing up a study of the book of Mark, and all along the way, it has seemed that Jesus was never distracted or hurried as He moved through each day. He did so with purpose, in total control of his agenda and attitude.

Suddenly in Mark 15, it appears that everything is out of his control. That's what has amazed me this evening. That he appeared to relinquish control in a way that made others feel like they controlled him; when in reality, he used all their actions in a way that eventually revealed that he was still in control.

I fight for control in my daily life, or at least I am highly uncomfortable when things feel out of control. Pretty deceived most days, right? I am reminded that only God is truly in control, that I rarely see what he is about when it is in process, that he will write the end of the story in ways I can hardly imagine at this point.

Wow.

Rest

2008-12-08T11:41:00.004-05:00

Sometimes I am good at "pacing" life, and other times not so good. I am thankful today that I had opportunity to know last week would be crazy, and that I would need today off to catch up. Not with anything in particular... except myself. And, I am off to a great start there.

I am reminded of Richard Swenson's The Overload Syndrome, which someone gave me while I was still teaching. It took me three years to find time to read it. [Yes, there was a problem. :-)] There are a some specific principles I learned from Swenson related to patterns and habits of productivity and rest that I still practice. I don't wear a watch, for instance, and it reduces the pressure of time for me (sounds crazy, I know) and I know I am more productive (and more engaged in the moment) because of it. [Of course, I have to be really careful to set alarms for appointments, or I am very likely to be so engaged that I totally forget, if it is not in my regular routine. My "out of sight, out of mind" nature is on grand display there!]

Maybe it is just my age that is starting to show. Or maybe I am finally figuring out a little more of how God has wired me so that I can be more effective in the long haul.

Change

2008-11-28T08:33:00.003-05:00

Yesterday we experienced change that was perhaps inevitable. There were only 14 people at Mom's for Thanksgiving. As compared to the 30 we have frequently had. There were work conflicts (Where did THAT come from?), other in-law gatherings (rarely a conflict for this group before), other complicated "life" situations, and now Grandma-Great (as my nieces and nephew call her) spent her first Thanksgiving with Jesus. [Somehow I doubt that's a day we will celebrate in heaven. :-)]

So, you can imagine the leftovers, even when we knew the crowd would be a little smaller. It's hard to make the adjustments when you have cooked for a certain number for so many years. I think we "missed" Grandma and Grandpa and others more, too. The smaller crowd did allow space for a lively Mexican Train dominoes game and some more personal discussions through the day, so not all the change was bad. Just change.

As one generation passes completely from our lives, the ties that bind seem to loosen more easily. Perhaps it is inevitable, as I said. It makes the time we do have with each other now that much more important.

It only hurts when I touch it

2008-11-07T06:38:00.005-05:00

I recall a time while I was still teaching that one of my co-worker's mother passed away. About six months later, I had occasion to ask how she was doing. I won't forget her answer. "It's like the little boy with the cut on his finger. It only hurts when I touch it."

I said bon voyage last night to a friend and her husband who are headed overseas for long-term ministry. It is a brave and wonderful thing for them and an incredible thing for the Kingdom. But it is not without significant cost for them and their family, in particular.

Of course I will miss them (I am thankful for technology which will allow some connection in the days ahead!) and I did expect to experience some emotion, but I was emotionally moved well more than I expected to be. This morning, I think I can put it into words. She was the tool God used to begin the healing of the deepest wound in my life, and in the past week, all the gratitude generated by that time has welled up again, and it has been overwhelming.

God's grace in my life has been just that, all along the way - overwhelming. I am more thankful than I can express for the myriad of people who have been used to touch facets of my life and demonstrate that grace for the "relational" creature that I am. This morning, I am once again particularly grateful for my friend who today woke up on the other side of the world. Blessings be on you both.

This Journey is My Own

2008-10-25T11:51:00.007-04:00

If you have ever read Gary Thomas' Sacred Pathways or heard Bill Hybels unpack the concept, you will understand what I mean when I say my primary pathway is a "relational" one. Those for whom solitude sometimes sounds like solitary confinement. I see God best and "feel" closest to Him as I see Him portrayed in the lives of others. And, God has been overwhelmingly gracious to allow me opportunity for wonderful, encouraging relationships in every chapter of my life. But I will admit that on more than one occasion, that has given me much to think about, since I am single.

This morning, Sara Groves' song (blog title) caught my attention.

When I stand before the Lord, I'll be standing alone.

This journey is my own.

Still I want man's advice, and I need man's approval,

but this journey is my own.

Why would I want to live for man

and pay the highest price?

What would it mean to gain the world,

only to lose my life?

So much of what I do is to make a good impression.

This journey is my own.

So much of what I say is to make myself look better.

This journey is my own.

I have never felt relief like I feel it right now.

This journey is my own.

'Cause trying to please the world it was breaking me down,

it was breaking me down.

Now I live and I breathe for an audience of one,

now I live and I breath for an audience of one.

Now I live and I breathe for an audience of one,

'cause I know this journey is my own.

You can live for someone else,

and it will only bring you pain.

I can't even judge myself.

Only the Lord can say, "Well done."

Sometimes it is a fine line, leaning into and learning from the relationships He has so graciously provided and making sure I see Him as my only audience. I am thankful to be able to walk alongside others as we each take our own journeys.

The joys of being a geek

2008-10-22T21:24:00.003-04:00

The scary part is, I'm not even a good geek. But I have a blast trying! Maybe it's because I have just enough info to usually be able to guess next steps and almost enough fear to know when I am in over my head. And, it's my way to be able to "help" family and friends and that makes it fun, too.

The info part does come from a good series of mistakes. Like the first time I tried to "fix" a certain Children's Ministry Director's laptop... and ended up frying the motherboard. Learned a lot on that one! Or the more recent hosing of my Peruvian friend's internet connection, which prompted us to PRAY for a tech support person who spoke English. Then there was the "whoops" of reloading a certain pastor & family's computer, and the reload NOT being enough, so that I got to do it one more time.

But, that is the joy of computers, in one way. When all else fails (as long as you have a good backup), you can always start fresh, one more time, until you get it right ...if the hardware isn't as old as PacMan and Frogger, that is.

I like that part - the opportunity to start with a totally clean slate, one more time.

It's not a game

2008-10-19T21:15:00.005-04:00

Friday, I had opportunity to attend a political rally. I was glad I went. Interesting to see the hype and catch the flavor of what was going on. The techie part of me spent time looking at lights and computers (was in a position to look over the shoulder of the teleprompter technician and see the final speech arrive via USB drive - that was fun!), while the business admin part of me was looking at crowd management techniques and security response teams. (Yes, I am a geek!)

Yes, as I said, I was glad I went, but I will admit, I came away pretty disillusioned. The hype and presentation were all for show, and were seemingly of no consequence. I seriously doubt that anyone there walked away having changed their mind at any level about the coming election. I felt a little like a junior higher at the assembly where they introduce candidates for student council. The candidate with the most locker signs or the one giving away candy usually wins.

I am overwhelmingly thankful for the freedoms we have in this country, but I sure wish we had a better way of electing our leaders, rather than playing the game of generating support through mega-hype. It's such a serious responsibility. I know, and I am again thankful, that there is a sovereign God who sets up and takes down rulers to accomplish His own purposes. I also know, if "my" side doesn't play by the rules that have somehow been tacitly established, "we" are unlikely to win. I just wish we didn't behave like it was just a game.

Clouds

2008-10-14T07:26:00.002-04:00

I like clouds when they are little wisps in a bright blue sky. I love flying above the clouds, looking down on the "other-worldly" landscape of them. I usually don't care for them at all when they are heavy and gray and block out every speck of anything else worth seeing in the sky.

This morning, I gained a new appreciation of clouds. When it truly is the very darkest, they capture what little light there is and reflect it in a way that makes it very easy to see next steps. You might not be able to see the glory of the stars, but you can see the way to go right now. Which is really all we need anyway, right?

Lite Brite

2008-10-13T07:24:00.003-04:00

Yes, it has been a while since you have seen anything posted here. I think it is because I was not sure there was anything profound or even entertaining to say. But, this morning, I had a "simple" thought, so here you go.

Do you remember Lite Brite? Putting that piece of black paper on the frame, poking all the little colored pegs in on top of the "Y" and "G" and other letters to form an image? (Or making your own design if you were visually creative or daring.) And then, you turned on the light and a marvelous picture was revealed as the light shined through all the little pegs.

This morning, the stars reminded me of Lite Brite. Sort of like God poking little clear pegs in the black of the sky, some larger than others, to let just a little of His light out in our direction. I loved the picture.

Grandma

2008-07-02T07:29:00.006-04:00

Today, I am thinking about Grandma. [Do you write about these kinds of things for the world to see? Today, the answer is yes.] God seems to be granting her a very gentle transition into His presence. The past couple of weeks, she has spent more and more time asleep. Yesterday, she smiled a little and that was it, I was told. But Friday, when she was awake for 10-15 minutes as we visited, she was highly lucid and very present mentally. Then, she was just drifting in and out of sleep. She had been dreaming about Ronnie, she said. That's my Dad.

Don't you wonder if Jesus gets a welcoming committee together? [What will it be like to wake up and see Jesus' face? Wow...] Let's see... Claire and Ronnie and Jeff and Iona and...

I recommend...

2008-04-08T19:55:00.003-04:00

I know, it has been a while since I have blogged. Life has been amazingly "normal." There just doesn't seem to be much I could write that would be worth your time to read. Here's what I am thinking this evening.

I have a number of friends who pick on me (appropriately so!) because I am not a reader. Reading is not one of my favorite pastimes; consequently, I don't "read" all that often. But, here's one writer I read with regularity, so I thought I would refer you to:

Hubbard's Cupboard

Start with this entry, and then move forward to current ones or back to many others that are good reading - some give points to ponder and others bring grins to be grinned. Ruth is currently on an around-the-world journey. She has already had fun things to see, interesting stuff to explore and lessons to learn. If you want to view the world through her eyes for a while and be challenged in your thinking, check it out. I highly recommend it!

Facebook

2008-03-10T22:35:00.005-04:00

I have definitely gotten to communication-overload stage, trying to not only keep up with e-mail, but now also, Facebook. But I am having such a great time catching up with folks from almost every chapter of my life. It seems to be a place where I can get a glimpse of a number of friends and see what is on their minds and what is happening in their lives.

Yes, I know, it is a little odd that many say exactly what they think, without seeming to care how many people (or even which people!) might read their words. I was trying to describe it to my Mom - it reminds me a little of the school lunchroom - you have some "say" over who sits at your table, but your conversation can generally be heard by those at the next table, too. Or, maybe it is a little like the old-town "party line" phone system, where you never knew exactly who might be eavesdropping as you chat.

This is totally not profound, but one of those things I just have to say - to me, in a techno-kind of crazy way, it does seem to show how much relationships are important to us, especially when the busy-ness of life tries so hard to squeeze them out. It really does matter that we can stay connected with people... even if we aren't able to sit on the porch swing or lean over the fence to carry on the conversation.

Pacer Fan-atic

2008-02-28T19:16:00.007-05:00

Yep, she is a definite fan. Even in the years when they are not exactly anything to write home about. She clapped and cheered until the end last night, even though they didn't pull it out.

It was fun to watch the guy with the T-shirt cannon, and that huge barrel thing that shoots 5 or 6 mini-basketballs at a time, and of course it was interesting to watch two guys run around in overgrown hampster balls. Oh, and there was basketball to watch, yes!

But the best part was just having a fun evening out on the town together, and then there was the big hug from Boomer. No, Dave, that is NOT me in the costume!

A New Tool

2008-02-18T21:02:00.005-05:00

This morning, I updated my Facebook status to say that I love GoToAssist! I guess that means I am currently in a nerd phase.

GoToAssist Express - Check it out. Or search YouTube for it. You will find a couple of videos that I didn't necessarily want to link from here, but there is some good humor there in the midst of an explanation.

In the past few weeks, I have been able to connect to computers in MD, OH, and of course, IN, without leaving home... to help out with little tidbits or puzzles. (Tried a connection to Ukraine, but had a little complication come up. Still waiting on the first International Geek Tour!)

It's cool to be able to be there, especially when I am not really able to be there, if you know what I mean. And, the crazy part is, you will notice this is listed in the category of "Fun stuff" for me. Really! Give me a shout if you get stuck sometime, and I'll do what I can to help. :-)

Race for the Cure

2008-02-04T20:30:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends and Family,

I recently accepted the challenge to raise funds to support the Komen Indianapolis Race for the Cure on April 19, 2008 in the fight against breast cancer. One in eight women will be stricken with breast cancer in her lifetime and the more we raise, the more the Komen Indianapolis Race for the Cure® can give back to fund vital breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs in our own community and support the national search for a cure.

Please join me in the fight by pledging in support of my participation in the Race or contributing generously to the Komen Indianapolis Race for the Cure. Your tax-deductible contribution will fund innovative outreach and awareness programs for medically underserved communities in 21 central Indiana counties and national breast cancer research. It is faster and easier than ever to support this great cause - you can make a donation online by simply clicking on the link at the bottom of this message. If you would prefer, you can also send your tax-deductible contribution to the address listed below. Whatever you can give will help! I truly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress.

Thank you so much for your time and support in the fight against breast cancer! Every step counts!

To sponsor my participation online, click here.

To sponsor via standard mail, please send checks only (no cash!) to:
Indianapolis Race for the Cure
P.O. Box 6069
Department 84
Indianapolis, IN 46202-6069

AL, Part 2

2008-01-28T21:29:00.000-05:00

It has come to my attention that my nieces and my nephew have NO clue that the previous post actually refers to a song, so here you go.

There are multiple other renditions of this, and granted, the video quality on this one leaves a lot to be desired, but it was too good to pass up.

If you want to try another one...

...very reminiscent of HCS Pep Band days. Pretty sure we didn't ever dance that much... probably should have... :-)

Hope it makes you grin. It does me.

They can call me AL

2008-01-23T22:47:00.000-05:00

It's how I sign my notes to Rachel, Jared, and Grace.

Aunt Lisa

Aren't they great?!?

Love you guys!

Random at its best

2008-01-18T23:53:00.000-05:00

I am sure I am becoming more and more random as each day goes by! The joy of that is, the more random I am, the less I worry.

It's a little like being a toddler. You know that game you play with munchkins - out of sight, out of mind? Yep, that's me. The good part is, I forget things so quickly that I don't have time to worry about them. The bad part is when it was something I was supposed to remember... it's almost like I need to leave a trail of bread crumbs to help me get back to reality!

I had no less than 3 or 4 times today when I needed to figure out how to recover from forgetting things!! Hmm... I didn't remember: location of the pop key, concerts for which I have tickets, groups coming in after hours that I locked out... and that is just what I remember now!

Thanks to all of you who live life in my proximity - I am sure it can be frustrating at times. To me, you all have unlimited patience when I am at my most forgetful!

So here's to all of us who need reminders to come in out of the rain. For the rest of you, you should try walking in the rain sometime. It's great fun, or at least I think that is what I remember. :-)

Today

2008-01-14T11:55:00.000-05:00

"Today is the first day of the rest of your life."

I have seen attributions to Charles Dederich (1913-1997) and to Abbie Hoffman (1936-1989) for that phrase. It likely was Dederich, as reported by the Washington Post (December 10, 1978, p. C5).

Once more, I have great time on my hands on vacation, and that was the thought that popped into my head this morning. When I did a tiny bit of research on Hoffman and Dederich, I found out that both of them struggled with very intense things in life - Hoffman died as an apparent suicide; Dederich struggled with substance abuse through a large portion of his life.

The quote reminds me of Philippians 3:12-13 - ...I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (NLT)

Maybe it is a part of the New Year's resolution mindset which is still present two whole weeks into 2008, or maybe it is that birthday introspection stuff, but in the end, I keep coming back to basics - today, I have an opportunity to cultivate a relationship with the Creator God of the Universe, who loves me enough to sacrifice Himself on my behalf. What greater pursuit could there be?

When I was 40, I never would have guessed where my life would be now - but I got to this place through a series of one-day-at-a-time decisions, attempting just to follow what I knew to be truth that day. There is a lot of forgetting that I have done, and there will likely be many more things as the years pass that I will desire to forget. But, today is the first day of the rest of my life, and by grace alone, I have opportunity to forget and to press on. God help me to do that.

Food for thought

2008-01-11T08:38:00.000-05:00

From Wikipedia:

"Red States and Blue States refer to those states of the United States of America whose residents predominantly vote for the Republican Party or Democratic Party presidential candidates, respectively. The term began to emerge in mainstream political discussion following the 2000 presidential election. However, the term gained ubiquitous status after the 2004 presidential elections.(See Origins of current color scheme) Since then, usage of the term has been expanded to differentiate between states being perceived as liberal and those perceived as conservative. A blue state may therefore be any state leaning towards the Democratic ticket while a red state may be any state leaning towards the Republican ticket."

My question is, who determined that Chunky peanut butter should have a blue cap and that Creamy peanut butter should have a red cap? Or at least that seems to be the "usual" for generic or store brand jars, in addition to Jif.

Just for the record, Skippy uses dark blue and light blue lids, while Peter Pan uses yellow and red. Does this mean that most generic peanut butter is Jif in disguise? (Can you tell I am on vacation?!)

5-0

2008-01-10T16:43:00.001-05:00

I am finally ready to admit that I turned fifty years old this week. And, I lived to tell about it. :-) It was a little like when we all waited for Y2K to roll around and we wondered if life would ever be the same afterwards. And, it was.

Well, I do know that the next day came and went just like all others before. That's the good part. What will the year bring? That is yet to be seen. But, I am thankful for family and friends near and far who helped me celebrate "gently."

I liked the advice of a friend who told me I should make a big deal of my own birthday. Her comment was, "The older we get, the more likely we can get away with this behavior all the time." I think she is very right. Then, there was the other friend who encouraged me this week to cultivate a childlike spirit - one that is unfettered by the worries of life as we grown-ups know it to be. I think both of them are correct. :-)

So, I am vacationing a little to stretch out the celebration. After all, I will only turn 50 once!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-23T18:17:00.000-05:00

Somehow at the Christmas season, it is easier to cut to the chase, to be reminded of what is truly important. So, I want to express my thanks and praise to God for my family and the friends by whom my life has been so blessed. You see, I am "wired" to see God best as He is reflected in the lives of others.

You are as varied as creation itself and by God's grace, you each play a unique role in my life... blessing me, challenging me, encouraging me, humbling me, spurring me on. The roles do change as time goes by, but you are each so much a part of who God is still making me to be. Thank you - I am so thankful for you.

I am thankful for Jesus Christ and His unending love for me and patience with me, as He, above all, is still pursuing me. May you experience His love and grace in a deep and personal way as you celebrate this Christmas.

December

2007-12-04T21:52:00.000-05:00

Does anyone else have trouble fitting it all in with the right attitude in December?

My first struggle is that the passing of time in life now is so different than when I was still teaching. I'm sure it has to do with the fact that I was on a "school calendar" from age 6 to age 43, with only one year off anywhere along the way, and even that was sort of around a school year. There were always events and benchmarks so I knew what came next. Now, time just passes, so Christmas sneaks up on me each year.

Next, there are way too many fun and neat things all pressed into the same small time span - the kinds of things that only come around at Christmas and are wonderful eye and ear "candy." How can I possibly take them all in? And, I never want to miss anything!

My goal this year is to slow down enough to totally engage in the season and all its fullness - I know when I do that I will see God's miracle on our behalf in a new light, with new hope. That's not likely to be easy, but I think it is critical. Otherwise, I will miss too many wonderful and meaningful moments that I will wish later that I could remember clearly.

So, here goes - the commitment to sleep enough, exercise enough (esPECially when things get the busiest), eat sensibly, and remember that only the Word of God and people last forever... It's my goal to be focused on those things. Then, the right things will fit in, and the attitude will come along, too.

Holiday Family Favorite

2007-11-23T11:34:00.001-05:00

This is one of our favorite hoops & yoyo cards. Enjoy!

http://www.hallmark.com/ECardWeb/ECV.jsp?a=4531532640101M226231139Y&product_id

Colts Mania!

2007-11-05T07:03:00.000-05:00

Such sadness! Such angst! Such yelling and screaming like I have never heard! Just a normal Sunday afternoon at the Meharry household. The funny part is watching my Mom and my sis during the course of a game like yesterday's when the Colts met the Pats. I did watch the game, and I was interested in the outcome, but I apparently don't have as much invested emotionally as they do!

But, we cheered and clapped and reminisced about some of the other BIG games we have all watched together from the comfort of the family room. It's becoming more and more of a family tradition, and one we all look forward to - having a relaxing (well, when we are winning...) and fun activity to focus on together.

Next week, we will all watch again, I am sure. If we aren't together, the cell phone calls during commercial breaks will allow us that same kind of fun interaction. Here's to family fun, oh, and yes, Go, Colts! :-)

Normal

2007-10-20T07:16:00.000-04:00

I looked back, and it has been two weeks since I have written anything. I guess that's because there isn't really anything out of the ordinary that has happened. Not sure anyone is really interested in reading about "normal."

But the as I thought about it, I am sure that is what life is for most of us anyway, right? So, this morning, I would like to celebrate a normal week - some great times interacting w/ family and friends, walking, working, podcast listening, Snood playing, watching the fall colors become more and more beautiful each day.

When all is said and done, it was a good week, and I am thankful. May your normal week be a good one, too.

Art at Alchemy

2007-10-05T23:29:00.001-04:00

http://events.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=events.detail&eventID=375604.5942
This evening I was reminded of how limited my perspective can be. I went downtown for the opening evening of an art exhibition. It was a great experience. Mark has wonderful diversity in media and subject matter. The piece shown on the link above includes an image of a tall ship - the intricate detail is incredible. But most of Mark's art would not be considered representational. Instead, his outlook is larger and broader than mine -- Mark sees the world in ways I do not. Perhaps I need to look at the world from other perspectives more often.

Retreat pics

2007-09-26T21:56:00.001-04:00

Last weekend, I was refreshed and encouraged at a women's retreat. Pics are available at http://picasaweb.google.com/lmeharry - including some re-creations of national monuments out of non-standard materials and the ever popular play-dough pictionary.

It was a beautiful weekend to be away and set aside time to reconnect with God and with friends. Special thanks to Kristy for all her energies and efforts towards making it a great event.

Vacation pics

2007-09-16T19:16:00.000-04:00

In case you are interested, pics from the past week are at...

http://picasaweb.google.com/lmeharry/NiagaraHersheyLancasterGettysburg

Lots of them have the quality of your average family vacation pics, so feel free to fast-forward. They are a taste of the week.

Niagara Trip, Day 7

2007-09-15T20:42:00.000-04:00

This morning, some friends drove in to meet us for breakfast in Gettysburg. What a fun fringe benefit of being "out east." :-) Before they took off, they escorted us through town (giving historical commentary as we went) to the Boyd's Bears store. Mom had a great time touring the store and selecting a memento of her visit - Ginger G Autumntyme, for those of you who might be collectors.

We then went south to Frederick, MD, and began the trek west... I-70 to I-68 through MD and WV, I-79 north through PA to rejoin I-70. It's an incredibly beautiful drive through the mountains - heights up to 2900' with a number of ups and downs. We stopped this evening in London, OH, after a 40-minute traffic delay for an accident. We are thankful it was the only real delay we experienced all week.

It has been a great week, enjoying the sights and enjoying each other's company. Tomorrow we head to Indianapolis - after all, we have to be home in time for the Colts' game!!

Niagara Trip, Day 6

2007-09-14T21:17:00.001-04:00

Today was spent wandering around Lancaster County, PA - finding small pumpkins and gourds, black raspberry jelly, looking at quilts and other crafts, visiting a pretzel factory [Mom has her "official pretzel twister"sticker], a stop at Kaufman's Market, dinner at Miller's, and then Psalms of David at the Living Waters Theater. It was a full but relaxing day. We are officially headed towards Indiana - spending the night in Gettysburg to catch a few things here tomorrow morning before really heading home.

Niagara Trip, Day 5

2007-09-13T20:16:00.001-04:00

How can these gals not make you smile? :-) Today, we traveled to Hershey, PA, and did the Chocolate World tour and trolley ride. Pretty amazing place, particularly the Milton Hershey School (http://www.mhs-pa.org/) and the impact it has had on so many students over the last 98 years.

We also have gathered a few mementos of the trip... stones from along the roadside, that will end up around Mom's gardens in Bburg. It is pretty amazing, the differences in colors and textures along the way. We do have an assortment from NY and PA - didn't really have a place to pick them up in CA.

Tonight, we are in Lancaster, PA. More fun tomorrow!!

Niagara Trip, Day 4

2007-09-12T18:34:00.000-04:00

Today we took a brief tour of the American side of the Falls, but didn't stop for any length of time. We decided to drive south through New York and part of Pennsylvania on U.S. 219. It was a very rural and pleasant drive. Lunch was at the Apple Dumplin' Restaurant in Springville, New York - a great little local place that is worth the stop if you are ever in the area. :-)

We are spending the night in New Columbia, PA. Tomorrow, on to Hershey. I know, I know, it's a tough week! :-)

Niagara Trip, Day 3

2007-09-11T16:20:00.000-04:00

This morning, we wandered around as our own tour guides, utilizing the Niagara Parks PeopleMover system. Our guide last night had given us a great tip on where to park and catch the bus.

There's really no way to describe the Maid of the Mist ride. It just won't make sense until you have done it. Pics we took are on a waterproof camera so haven't been developed yet. Not sure any of them will come out, but they were fun to take.

The boat takes you past the American and Bridal Falls... and the mist rises some and you think, "Ok, that's why they gave us a little blue raincoat." Then the boat cruises towards the Horseshoe/Canadian Falls. From the shore, the mist can be seen as it rises near the front of the Falls basin. As the boat enters that area, it is exactly like running into a rain storm. :-) There is another section deeper in the horseshoe that is even more intense - the spray totally envelopes the boat. It's such a crazy thing - makes you laugh and giggle because you feel like a kid and yet stand in awe of the power and might of our creative God.

From there, we PeopleMoved to the other end of Niagara Park to the Butterfly Conservatory - another look at the creative majesty of God - this time in the little details. Mom's shirt was a floral print, and they seemed to love it. She had three light on her for extended periods of time.

We ended the day with a drive up to Niagara on the Lake, which is in the valley north of the Falls area. Lovely resort-type area with great views of the water. A thunderstorm blew in as we headed back south. Winds kicked up to about 100km... 60 mph... but it wasn't too long of a storm. Rain started as we made one last stop for the evening. SO, our day began and ended much the same - lots of water in our faces! I loved it!

Niagara Trip, Day 2

2007-09-11T08:09:00.000-04:00

Day 1 was spent at Jared's game and driving to Mansfield, OH. Spent an excellent night in a Hampton Inn (thanks to Marcus' Buckingham's recommendation).

Day 2, breakfast in Mansfield, lunch in Erie, PA. Dinner from 2-4-1- Pizza in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

We took a tour and saw the Whirlpool Basin, the Brock Monument overlooking the Niagara Valley and the Skylon Tower night view of the Falls. Stopped at the Floral Clock as well. It was a gorgeous day. Having a blast!!

Sack Man!!!

2007-09-10T06:22:00.001-04:00

Look at that face! Can you imagine him ever brutalizing ANYone? :-) Well, yesterday, he got his first ever SACK of an opposing quarterback. I think he got a taste for something he may truly enjoy.

Look out QBs everywhere!! Way to go, Red!

Piney Run

2007-09-03T17:42:00.001-04:00

Piney Run Park is about 20 minutes from Baldwins' home. They have rental kayaks - the kind you can sit on top of and are really stable, so you don't have to worry about dumping yourself. I also like them because the one-man kayaks are "self determining." In other words, it is my own fault if I end up going in circles or running into things - I am the only one paddling and steering.

You always end up a little wet as water drips off the paddle as you go from side to side. That is half of the fun! It was also cool to sneak up on the ducks or the turtles sunning on logs and to see the water lilies which are so beautiful. What better way to spend an afternoon -- sitting on top of the water, catching some sun and just enjoying the peaceful surroundings. A truly refreshing Labor Day!

Time Away

2007-08-30T09:53:00.001-04:00

I flew into BWI last night for a visit w/ friends in the Baltimore area. It's a great place to unwind and be refreshed. Looking forward to a long weekend - weather is to be beautiful, I understand. We might be headed to the MD State Fair on Friday. It will be fun to do comparisons w/ IN. Can't wait to see what delicacies they like to deep fry and put on a stick!

Used to be, Labor Day was the traditional "end" of summer. Now, with school starting so early in a lot of places, I am not sure that is the case. I do have to say, since I have left teaching, I miss the long vacation, but I don't miss the end-of-summer pressure. Now, it feels like summer to me as soon as I can wear shorts (sometimes March!) and ends whenever I need to stop wearing shorts (October??). Even then, I like to try to wear sandals until the snow comes. :-) That's fun!

May your Labor Day weekend be renewing!

Jake

2007-08-21T22:11:00.000-04:00

Sunday evening, we heard Jake Brothers' first album.
It was an incredible evening with some fabulous music.

If you missed it - check out
http://www.jakebrothermusic.com/
or
http://www.myspace.com/jakebrothersmusic
for some tunes.

Cheesecake on a stick

2007-08-16T22:06:00.001-04:00

Tonight, I took 2 1/2 hours to stroll around the State Fair. Some things never change. Got to see the clown band (some of those folks have played with them since I was in HS) in the tractor parade and passed up the new IN map (have the roads changed that much?) in the Exhibition Hall. I had $1 worth of South Bend dark chocolate malted milk balls (that would be 4 of them) and assorted other goodies I eat once a year at the fair.

It's always fun to watch little kids pet piglets and calves and chicks and see Belgians so huge that it is unbelievable. I don't get opportunity to see ducks hatching very often, either. (Stayed up all night once to do that. Wait, that's a story for another day!)

I think I like to go because... it's just one of those traditions that is fun to keep. It reminds me that I "get" Indiana. After all, it's not a bad place to call home!

Summit 2007

2007-08-11T16:59:00.000-04:00

I just finished 2 1/2 days of listening to some of the most brilliant, gifted, and disciplined folks on the planet give principles for life and work and ministry that have helped them be most effective within their spheres of influence. I will not attempt to summarize what I heard - glimpses can be found at www.willowcreek.com/leaders

My heart and mind are overflowing with images and thoughts and feelings that will need to be sorted and implemented as appropriate. I am thankful for the opportunity to be exposed to such an intense infusion of energy and inspiration for life.

Summer

2007-08-04T08:05:00.001-04:00

One thing that is different about this chapter in my life is my perspective on summer. I will admit - what I miss most about teaching is the 10 weeks off in the summer. [And, I always used to tell folks - yes, one day I will grow up and get a real job :-)]

I mean no slam on teachers - with the hours they work during the school year, if they didn't have the summer off, many wouldn't make it through the next year. I just have had to figure out a different pace for life.

Summer used to be my recovery time. I would get back into good habits of sleep and exercise and eating better and practicing horn lots and doing home projects. I also would enjoy spending lots of social time and catching up with people and... Now those things need to fit into regular life, or I won't get to them at all. Some days I think I am close to figuring out how it all needs to fit, and other days I am miles away from it.

As I reflect on things today, I am thankful for those who come alongside and continue to help me make the ongoing adjustments - those who regularly encourage me to make room for the things that fill me up in the midst of the things that are necessary. And special thanks for those who have helped the necessary and discipline things be filler-uppers!

97 years young!

2007-07-27T00:01:00.000-04:00

Alice Louise Deplanty Meharry was born on July 27, 1910. And, though her body may not always keep up now, her spirit is as agile as ever. That's enough for a WOW if I ever heard one!

My Grandma has always been a picture to me of the gentleness of Christ... always caring about others... always quick to listen and slow to speak... always seeing life from a joyful perspective.

I am thankful for all I have learned from the grace with which she has lived her life and with which she is growing old. Happy Birthday, Grandma!

Bike riding

2007-07-24T06:33:00.000-04:00

Last night, I went bike riding with my Mom. :-) You have to know a little more to appreciate that. Mom will be 74 next month. I think the last time she rode a bike was when she was a kid. But she recently found one of those big retiree-type three-wheelers... and now she acts like a kid on it! I understand the 10-yr old from across the street sometimes comes over to see if Mom can ride with her, too.

Part of the fun is seeing my Mom engage in life again, as she adjusts to this chapter of life after losing Dad, her partner of 52 years. But God is gracious, and is filling some of the gaps with new things, or the revival of old things. I am thankful.

I doubt that she'll try rollerblading... but you never know! :-)

Chocolate Warning

2007-07-20T22:37:00.000-04:00

Ok, lest you worry about me, I am not going off chocolate again. :-) BUT, this evening, I had opportunity for dessert at Longhorn, just because it was in the area near the movie theater.

So here's the warning - the Chocolate Stampede is enough for 2-3 people, and the Ultimate Brownie Sundae would be sufficient for two also. Of course, the waiter didn't happen to mention either of those facts as Brenda and I ordered one of each so we could taste both. Yes, there is Stampede in a box with me now.

Consider yourself warned!

Paradigms

2007-07-18T23:03:00.000-04:00

During my grad studies, I rented a room from Katherine. I remember sitting down to watch the evening news with her and realizing that we did not look at many things with the same perspective.

Again this evening I was reminded that we don't all see life in the same Light. I am learning in a new way that when we don't have seats on the same bus, we might have totally different ideas about where things are headed and which things are truly important. It was a good encouragement to be more aware and less assuming as I get to know new folks.

Today's lesson

2007-07-17T22:50:00.000-04:00

Today, I drew a conclusion that was totally incorrect and spent most of the day being stressed about it. Spent a lot of time worrying about something that, when it was all said and done, never took place. One more opportunity to learn that I have a habit of jumping too fast without hearing all the facts.

When they are correct, some people call that intuition. I am wrong more than I would like to admit, though... one more reminder to be quick to listen... Only redeeming point of today was that at least I was a little slow to speak it out loud. Just told myself the wrong thing all afternoon. Thankful for a gentle lesson today.

To blog or not to blog...

2007-07-17T22:48:00.000-04:00

This evening, I was encouraged to step out and see what might happen if I started to blog. The next post is my thought for the evening.

So, at least for today, the answer is to blog. :-)