Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
I wasn't able to post much these last few days, and here's why. My DH was on a Mission trip to the UK. He went to visit and minister with a group of wonderful people who are in various stages of restoration from the ravages of drug addiction. Betel is a worldwide organization dedicated to restoring homeless and substance addicted people to wholeness and new life.
In a word. It's church.
(some of the beautiful people at Betel)
My DH just completed his third trip there, and it was wonderful, it was awesome.
I was holding down the fort.Now this is NOT the first time he has gone on a trip. In fact, it was his 5th. But Betel was his first, and it so changed his heart and life, that he's been compelled to return ever since. This ministry sits literally at the gates of hell and rescues people back from destruction. They live Proverbs 24:11 Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
I do wonder sometimes why God waited until we had children to stir his heart to go. I would have loved to have gone together during those long childless years. But no. So I have learned that in whatever state I find myself in, to be content. (not always,but I try) I have learned to find the fun in being the head of household for a short time. I am always glad, though , to relinquish it at the end. It's fun for awhile, but I do feel relief when there is someone else to share the decisions, discipline, drudgery, dialogue and dirt!
This was the first trip where everyone was above the age of five. Easy!
NOT!
A week and a half before he left, the range went out. Thanks to repair sites on the web, we were able to diagnose the problem and knew that a new part would be $200. Should we replace the aging range (14 years old..we bought it used. (I found a neat site where you can determine the age of your appliances) or purchase the part and hope it solves it? After checking at Lowe's scratch and dent, we checked on an average (YES, SELF-CLEANING IS A MUST) range. They start at $1200, because it was a slide-in..... whoops. Gulp. Yep, $200 isn't a bad risk on a part. Nosirree!
So we ordered the part and waited. Either my DH or my Daddy could replace it.
The morning he left the refrigerator broke, and the part for the range had not yet arrived (editors note: this was the writer's fault as the part had not been ordered it) Because it had done the same thing just two weeks before, we discussed the "what-if's". In the end it took seven days for it to be officially deemed unrepairable by the company.
Then what. This appliance went bad on the 5th anniversary of it's purchase. I spent awhile "talking" (read:put on hold) to someone in India, Pakistan, or Hong Kong..not sure where, but they understood my southern English much better than I understood theirs. Of course the number for customer service was not an 800#. Finally, after being dropped once, and placed on hold innumerable times, (ON MY DIME) I was transferred to someone at the corporate office (in GA)who offered a substantial "rebate" should I choose to purchase another of their marvelous refrigerators to replace mine. OK, I will consider that, and after making certain that I had received and read the rebate information, I ended the call. Great. Trouble was, and I understand their thinking here, I could not upgrade. I must purchase an equal or lesser unit. OK, how do you tell that, and make certain that you don't disqualify yourself, because features and model numbers have changed a bit in 5 years. So I called the store our company is dealing with on a few kitchens and asked them. Fortunately their factory rep. was in their office (God LOVES me) and approved a certain model as "equivalent". I wrote down his name-but the store would have to order it.
In fact no one, anywhere ,within a hundred mile radius, carried it in stock. It must be ordered from the warehouse. They had plenty, I was assured. It might even come by Friday! Wouldn't that be great, and then it would all be normal by the time the man of the house got back home.Not.
So my DH returned on Sunday night, near midnight, and on Monday afternoon, installed the new fridge. Most everything is back to normal here.
I think, if I remember what normal is.
I think, if I remember what normal is.He brought back beautiful photos of England. Wow. It really was fun. I hardly noticed he was gone. (smile)
Belvoir Castle
Here's my handsome man! Notice, ladies, that he is ironing , what a Reinassance Man I've got!
Belvoir Castle
Here's my handsome man! Notice, ladies, that he is ironing , what a Reinassance Man I've got!
Thanks to this "Betelito" for the shot!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
some photos to amuse...
Extortion is not recommended....
from the tooth fairy!!!
(the delivery was delayed because of too tired parents who forgot, so it WAS a good unintentional lesson...you don't demand an increase ;0)
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Janet and Jesus
I have been having a very hard time writing lately. And I guess it shows. (smile)
The truth is, I know that I need to write what's on my heart, but in some ways I don't really want to. There's no way that words of any kind would adequately describe what I'm feeling, and yet it deserves to be written.
So I've done nothing.
Literally and figuratively.
I've come to realize that I've been mad at God.
(it's OK, I've told Him)
You see, it's easier to be mad at Him than mad at myself.
Let me explain. This beautiful woman died on Valentines day. She (and her doctor) thought she had a migraine. It was actually an aneurysm. Before anyone could diagnose it. it ruptured. She never regained consciousness. She underwent emergency surgery, but never recovered.
I first met Janet because she worked with my parents on a brilliant new idea for children's ministry. It was her brain-child. While I appreciated her amazing talent, I was not interested in children, OR children's ministry. She was a friend of my parents. There would be times over the years that she and I would both be at my parents house and she'd give me that look, - the one that says, "I know your sign says 'do not knock', but do you really mean it? Can't you come out and play?" I would choose not to answer. She would respect that.
Years passed. We both became mothers, we would see one another in passing, and be pleasant.
I respected her a lot for her talents and we worked together over the years on our church's passion play each spring. We wept at the foot of the cross together in costume. I admired the choices I saw her make regarding the adoption of her young nieces.
Fast forward to a few years ago. I can't remember exactly what year it was, but I remember it vividly. Our annual Ladies' retreat was in Roanoke, Va. Our speaker was phenomenal, but beyond that, the Holy Spirit moved on many of us that weekend. There were many stories of miracle babies, healing and restoration. Janet was one of those "banner" restorations. In a nutshell, she received a revelation of God's love for her. In a powerful way. Its outward expression was simply this... she would shout "JESUS IS IN THE HOUSE!!!"
And He was. He was powerfully in her "house". This multi-talented, but quiet, woman became outspoken, passionately expressive and filled with power from God himself.
They say you judge the health of a tree by its fruit, and absolutely no one could deny that her life was bearing fruit. This woman that I had little interest in knowing, now was exceptionally fascinating to me. (That's what the power of Jesus in your life can do..it will attract even stubborn people like me)
What was amazing was that, somehow, because I was one of the people with my hand on her shoulder and praying for her at the time she received this revelation of God's love, that somehow she felt closer to us. She would express this time and again, that she felt a real connection with those of us who were praying with her at the time. (I had absolutely nothing to do with it, I was only privileged to be a participant)
From that weekend on, our relationship grew. I loved her like a sister. We both home schooled and co-op'ed together. We would visit while feeding our children at the golden arches after co-op on Fridays. When she stopped homeschooling, we didn't see each other as much, but we were still friendly at church. I rejoiced with her at the marvelous provision of a baby girl (and she never complained, not once, about being at an advanced maternal age, as they put it now). In the fall she'd check with me about rooming together for the Ladies retreat again. We'd work something out. I remember one year in particular that she offered to drive to the retreat, but with one stipulation. We had to worship and pray the entire way. I was asked, somehow, because she thought I could handle it. It was on that trip that she turned me on to Mary Mary and some other artists.
+025-1.jpg)
But that was the new Janet. SOLD OUT.
She amazed me with her view of things, and how she would explain them to her children. She challenged me, without knowing it, to see things differently. He was HER JESUS. Discipline wasn't about right and wrong as much as it was about which way honored her Lord. It was as if she saw everything in a new light. I wanted to see things with that same light. I wanted what she had.
Then, last fall, we both were asked to attend a meeting to consider possibly mentoring new college students at our church. After hearing the "sales pitch" we both remarked "I want that for myself, too-- where do I get it?" She took it a step further. She asked me to disciple her. (WHAT??????) This woman whom I admired so deeply, and who was older than me, who I wanted to be more like in so many different ways, was asking me to mentor her. What to do? So I laughed her off, a few times. But she persisted. Deep within me was a huge feeling of unworthiness. Thoughts of insecurity flooded me like a river threatening its banks. Maybe she'll forget, I hoped. Nope. Did I mention that tenacity was one of her personality traits?
Once again, this fall, she asked if we could room together. Having room in our suite, I agreed.
One of my preferences was that I have my own bed. I had plenty of convincing reasons to justify why, and no one disagreed with me. Janet wondered what my problem was (although she never said it). That night she came over and laid down on top of the comforter beside me and we talked awhile. It was just like having a sister there to visit with. Very comfortable. I decided then, that I'd do things differently next year. I'd make room for Janet.
But there will be no next time. I assumed that Janet would always be there. She was healthy and in the prime of her life. I knew that no one is guaranteed tomorrow, but I think I get numbed by the seemingly endless succession of days. Until something like this happens. A headache. Aneurysm.
You see, it's easier to be mad at Him than mad at myself.
Let me explain. This beautiful woman died on Valentines day. She (and her doctor) thought she had a migraine. It was actually an aneurysm. Before anyone could diagnose it. it ruptured. She never regained consciousness. She underwent emergency surgery, but never recovered.
I first met Janet because she worked with my parents on a brilliant new idea for children's ministry. It was her brain-child. While I appreciated her amazing talent, I was not interested in children, OR children's ministry. She was a friend of my parents. There would be times over the years that she and I would both be at my parents house and she'd give me that look, - the one that says, "I know your sign says 'do not knock', but do you really mean it? Can't you come out and play?" I would choose not to answer. She would respect that.
Years passed. We both became mothers, we would see one another in passing, and be pleasant.
I respected her a lot for her talents and we worked together over the years on our church's passion play each spring. We wept at the foot of the cross together in costume. I admired the choices I saw her make regarding the adoption of her young nieces.
Fast forward to a few years ago. I can't remember exactly what year it was, but I remember it vividly. Our annual Ladies' retreat was in Roanoke, Va. Our speaker was phenomenal, but beyond that, the Holy Spirit moved on many of us that weekend. There were many stories of miracle babies, healing and restoration. Janet was one of those "banner" restorations. In a nutshell, she received a revelation of God's love for her. In a powerful way. Its outward expression was simply this... she would shout "JESUS IS IN THE HOUSE!!!"
And He was. He was powerfully in her "house". This multi-talented, but quiet, woman became outspoken, passionately expressive and filled with power from God himself.
They say you judge the health of a tree by its fruit, and absolutely no one could deny that her life was bearing fruit. This woman that I had little interest in knowing, now was exceptionally fascinating to me. (That's what the power of Jesus in your life can do..it will attract even stubborn people like me)
What was amazing was that, somehow, because I was one of the people with my hand on her shoulder and praying for her at the time she received this revelation of God's love, that somehow she felt closer to us. She would express this time and again, that she felt a real connection with those of us who were praying with her at the time. (I had absolutely nothing to do with it, I was only privileged to be a participant)
From that weekend on, our relationship grew. I loved her like a sister. We both home schooled and co-op'ed together. We would visit while feeding our children at the golden arches after co-op on Fridays. When she stopped homeschooling, we didn't see each other as much, but we were still friendly at church. I rejoiced with her at the marvelous provision of a baby girl (and she never complained, not once, about being at an advanced maternal age, as they put it now). In the fall she'd check with me about rooming together for the Ladies retreat again. We'd work something out. I remember one year in particular that she offered to drive to the retreat, but with one stipulation. We had to worship and pray the entire way. I was asked, somehow, because she thought I could handle it. It was on that trip that she turned me on to Mary Mary and some other artists.
+025-1.jpg)
But that was the new Janet. SOLD OUT.
She amazed me with her view of things, and how she would explain them to her children. She challenged me, without knowing it, to see things differently. He was HER JESUS. Discipline wasn't about right and wrong as much as it was about which way honored her Lord. It was as if she saw everything in a new light. I wanted to see things with that same light. I wanted what she had.
Then, last fall, we both were asked to attend a meeting to consider possibly mentoring new college students at our church. After hearing the "sales pitch" we both remarked "I want that for myself, too-- where do I get it?" She took it a step further. She asked me to disciple her. (WHAT??????) This woman whom I admired so deeply, and who was older than me, who I wanted to be more like in so many different ways, was asking me to mentor her. What to do? So I laughed her off, a few times. But she persisted. Deep within me was a huge feeling of unworthiness. Thoughts of insecurity flooded me like a river threatening its banks. Maybe she'll forget, I hoped. Nope. Did I mention that tenacity was one of her personality traits?
Once again, this fall, she asked if we could room together. Having room in our suite, I agreed.
One of my preferences was that I have my own bed. I had plenty of convincing reasons to justify why, and no one disagreed with me. Janet wondered what my problem was (although she never said it). That night she came over and laid down on top of the comforter beside me and we talked awhile. It was just like having a sister there to visit with. Very comfortable. I decided then, that I'd do things differently next year. I'd make room for Janet.
But there will be no next time. I assumed that Janet would always be there. She was healthy and in the prime of her life. I knew that no one is guaranteed tomorrow, but I think I get numbed by the seemingly endless succession of days. Until something like this happens. A headache. Aneurysm.
New decisions have to be made. New resolutions for the future, however long or short it may be.
So I was asked to write a brief note to be included in our church women's newsletter about Janet. While I would jump at the chance, and possibly be disappointed if not asked, it was a disturbing prospect when real. How could I write about someone that most of the readers would have known better, or even longer than I had? I won't digress further, but it was difficult, and cathartic. For now I can release my anger, some of the pain, but none of the tears...I think I'll keep them for awhile...+104+nJanet.jpg)
Here's what I submitted:
On Valentine's Day, a dear friend of ours received the best Valentine of her existence-eternal glory.
We were all shocked and saddened at our loss, and the greater loss known to her family. At the same time we rejoiced for her as she desperately wanted more of His presence- and the certainty she received her heart's desire.
Long before she had children of her own, Janet was passionate about capturing the hearts of little ones for Christ. She used her creativity to express His love to children. She "invented" the Praise Palace, wrote and starred as HopeWe WinSoles (a lost but very popular talk show host) and brought to life GCC's own version of the lovable "Grover". One Christmas she wrote new words to O Christmas Tree, for the little ones to sing praises to "O Tree of Life.. O Tree of Life."
Generosity and humility seemed to come easy for Janet. She was willing to give everything she had to bless those in need. She and Brian adopted her great-nieces when they needed a loving and stable home. She coordinated GCC's participation in the community soup kitchen downtown. Whenever she was asked, she served, even if it was in the shadows. She also served in unobserved ways, often coming to church during LOG week to clean where needed. When our church was in crisis, Janet was the one to call for, organize, and attend weeks of daily prayer at the church.
Janet had a strong connection with the Lord and passionately pursued Him. One year during Ladies Retreat she had a life altering experience with the presence of the Living God. She received a revelation of God's love that robbed her of any other description but this: JESUS IS IN THE HOUSE! This quiet, unobtrusive, woman became outspoken, gregarious and bold- about one thing. Jesus. The next retreat Janet insisted that those carpooling with her spend the trip worshipping rather than "chatting" all the way to Roanoke. She was sold out.
+025-2.jpg)
Janet loved the Lord so much that she laid her life down for many. And yet she lost nothing of herself in it. Her passion, amazing creativity and love for her Lord were contagious, wholehearted, and surely changed our world. The last time she left my house, her parting words were about the personal mountains she faced "I can't wait to see how Jesus is going to work this out" - I'm certain that she doesn't have to wait any longer. For today she's in Jesus' House.
PS. Mary Mary's "Shackles" was a song/artist that Janet turned me on to during that long trip to Roanoke --worshipping. They also played it at her funeral. Rock on girlfriend!!
The words to Shackles:
-
Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
I just wanna praise you
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise you
I'm gonna praise you
-
In the corners of my mind
I just can't seem to find
a reason to believe
That I can break free
Cause you see
I have been bound for so long
Felt like all hope is gone
But as I lift my hands, I understand
That I should praise you through my circumstance
-
Chorus:
Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
I just wanna praise you
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise you
I'm gonna praise you
-
-
Everything that could go wrong+024-1.jpg)
All went wrong at one time
So much pressure fell on me
I thought I was gonna lose my mind
But I know you wanna see
If I will hold on through these trials
But I need you to lift this load
Cause I can't take it no more
CHORUS
-
-
Been through the fire and the rain
Bound in every kind of way
But God has broken every chain
So let me go right now
-
Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
I just wanna praise you
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise you
So I was asked to write a brief note to be included in our church women's newsletter about Janet. While I would jump at the chance, and possibly be disappointed if not asked, it was a disturbing prospect when real. How could I write about someone that most of the readers would have known better, or even longer than I had? I won't digress further, but it was difficult, and cathartic. For now I can release my anger, some of the pain, but none of the tears...I think I'll keep them for awhile...
+104+nJanet.jpg)
Here's what I submitted:
On Valentine's Day, a dear friend of ours received the best Valentine of her existence-eternal glory.
We were all shocked and saddened at our loss, and the greater loss known to her family. At the same time we rejoiced for her as she desperately wanted more of His presence- and the certainty she received her heart's desire.
Long before she had children of her own, Janet was passionate about capturing the hearts of little ones for Christ. She used her creativity to express His love to children. She "invented" the Praise Palace, wrote and starred as HopeWe WinSoles (a lost but very popular talk show host) and brought to life GCC's own version of the lovable "Grover". One Christmas she wrote new words to O Christmas Tree, for the little ones to sing praises to "O Tree of Life.. O Tree of Life."
Generosity and humility seemed to come easy for Janet. She was willing to give everything she had to bless those in need. She and Brian adopted her great-nieces when they needed a loving and stable home. She coordinated GCC's participation in the community soup kitchen downtown. Whenever she was asked, she served, even if it was in the shadows. She also served in unobserved ways, often coming to church during LOG week to clean where needed. When our church was in crisis, Janet was the one to call for, organize, and attend weeks of daily prayer at the church.
Janet had a strong connection with the Lord and passionately pursued Him. One year during Ladies Retreat she had a life altering experience with the presence of the Living God. She received a revelation of God's love that robbed her of any other description but this: JESUS IS IN THE HOUSE!
This quiet, unobtrusive, woman became outspoken, gregarious and bold- about one thing. Jesus. The next retreat Janet insisted that those carpooling with her spend the trip worshipping rather than "chatting" all the way to Roanoke. She was sold out.+025-2.jpg)
Janet loved the Lord so much that she laid her life down for many. And yet she lost nothing of herself in it. Her passion, amazing creativity and love for her Lord were contagious, wholehearted, and surely changed our world. The last time she left my house, her parting words were about the personal mountains she faced "I can't wait to see how Jesus is going to work this out" - I'm certain that she doesn't have to wait any longer. For today she's in Jesus' House.
PS. Mary Mary's "Shackles" was a song/artist that Janet turned me on to during that long trip to Roanoke --worshipping. They also played it at her funeral. Rock on girlfriend!!
The words to Shackles:
-
Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
I just wanna praise you
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise you
I'm gonna praise you
-
In the corners of my mind
I just can't seem to find
a reason to believe
That I can break free
Cause you see
I have been bound for so long
Felt like all hope is gone
But as I lift my hands, I understand
That I should praise you through my circumstance
-
Chorus:
Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
I just wanna praise you
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise you
I'm gonna praise you
-
-
Everything that could go wrong
+024-1.jpg)
All went wrong at one time
So much pressure fell on me
I thought I was gonna lose my mind
But I know you wanna see
If I will hold on through these trials
But I need you to lift this load
Cause I can't take it no more
CHORUS
-
-
Been through the fire and the rain
Bound in every kind of way
But God has broken every chain
So let me go right now
-
Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
I just wanna praise you
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise you
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