Sometimes it's easy to be thankful. Sometimes it's hard. And sometimes it's both.
Today is one of those days when it's both easy and hard.
This afternoon G told me that he had skyped with M early this morning. He said that when he woke up at 5:00 a.m. (8:00 p.m. in Sydney) he had a text from M, asking him to call her on skype as soon as he could. So he did.
M was crying and upset and G was very concerned, especially since he had a hard time understanding what she was trying to tell him. At first he thought that M had been mugged or hurt somehow, but eventually he figured out what happened.
Wednesday night, M had gone to the Sydney Harbour waterfront for a light show, VIVID. She really enjoyed it so she was looking forward to going again last night (Thursday) with a large group of students from Purdue and other colleges. At some point early in the evening, the group was on a ferry in the harbour. M asked a woman if she would take a photo of her and some other students, and the woman agreed.
The woman slipped the camera's wrist strap around her wrist and took the photo. For some reason she didn't immediately hand the camera back to M. Maybe they were talking -- I don't know exactly what happened. But what happened was horrible, the kind of thing that happens in nightmares where you see a scene unfold but you're unable to move or do anything to stop the impending disaster.
M said the woman must have forgotten that the camera strap was still around her wrist. She lowered her arm to her side and the camera slipped off her wrist and into Sydney Harbour.
M's camera was gone -- the camera that she had just received as a Christmas gift 5 months ago.
Gone. Two weeks into her almost eight weeks in Sydney. Hundreds of pictures untaken. Gone.
When G told me, I thought I was going to be physically sick. As he started to relate what happened, I jumped to the same conclusion that he had -- M had been robbed or attacked. Thankfully that wasn't the case. M was upset, but she was physically unharmed. Her camera can be replaced, but her life can't.
So in spite of the sadness and anger and loss that I feel over what happened to M's camera, I am thankful that M is unharmed. I can only imagine how she must have felt last night. I hope that she is able to let go of the negative feelings, put the whole episode in the proper perspective, and move forward to enjoy the rest of her time in Australia.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
I shouldn't complain, but . . .
I'm cold!
It's the end of May, almost the start of meteorological summer. Just a few days ago the temperature was a blistering 97 degrees, but now it's a damp and chilly 52. That's a 45 degree swing. : /
I spent most of the afternoon chatting with a friend and drinking hot tea on her deck. As we talked, the sky grew grayer and dark clouds piled up overhead. The wind picked up and we both grew so chilled that we had to move indoors. As we watched the final inning of the Cubs game on television, we realized that just 35 miles to the east, the sun was shining brightly and the skies were a lovely robin's egg blue.
At least the sun was shining on the Cubs -- they won in the bottom of the ninth with a two-run homer. : )
It's the end of May, almost the start of meteorological summer. Just a few days ago the temperature was a blistering 97 degrees, but now it's a damp and chilly 52. That's a 45 degree swing. : /
I spent most of the afternoon chatting with a friend and drinking hot tea on her deck. As we talked, the sky grew grayer and dark clouds piled up overhead. The wind picked up and we both grew so chilled that we had to move indoors. As we watched the final inning of the Cubs game on television, we realized that just 35 miles to the east, the sun was shining brightly and the skies were a lovely robin's egg blue.
At least the sun was shining on the Cubs -- they won in the bottom of the ninth with a two-run homer. : )
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Vision and perspective
So tonight I watched a new show, Big Brooklyn Style, about a boutique that caters to plus-size women. Stacy London, one of the hosts of What Not to Wear, is the producer. It's a good show and I'll probably try to watch it each week, especially since I picked up some good style tips in the first two episodes.
One thing I noticed right away is how happy these plus-size women were when they tried on the clothes in Lisa's shop. They came out of the dressing room and mostly focused on the positives of their generous bodies. One woman, a new mom, wasn't thrilled with a skirt and top combo that she tried on, but she eagerly embraced the top, flyaway sweater, and leggings that she tried on next. For the record, I thought she looked great in both outfits.
Some of the women (in my opinion) didn't look fabulous, but they thought they looked fabulous and they looked like they felt fabulous and confident, and really, isn't that all that really matters? Well, that and making sure that all the intimate bits are adequately covered.
I had a really hard time imagining what my experience would be like as a customer in Lisa's store. Would I come out of the dressing room and genuinely like how I looked in one of her colorful print wrap dresses? Would I like the image in the mirror or would my eye be critically drawn to all of my flaws, both real and imagined?
One thing I noticed right away is how happy these plus-size women were when they tried on the clothes in Lisa's shop. They came out of the dressing room and mostly focused on the positives of their generous bodies. One woman, a new mom, wasn't thrilled with a skirt and top combo that she tried on, but she eagerly embraced the top, flyaway sweater, and leggings that she tried on next. For the record, I thought she looked great in both outfits.
Some of the women (in my opinion) didn't look fabulous, but they thought they looked fabulous and they looked like they felt fabulous and confident, and really, isn't that all that really matters? Well, that and making sure that all the intimate bits are adequately covered.
I had a really hard time imagining what my experience would be like as a customer in Lisa's store. Would I come out of the dressing room and genuinely like how I looked in one of her colorful print wrap dresses? Would I like the image in the mirror or would my eye be critically drawn to all of my flaws, both real and imagined?
Confused
What day is this? Tuesday? Wednesday?
For a moment I really thought that it was Wednesday. And it is . . . in Australia.
I guess my heart is too tied to M and what she's doing, where she's spending her day -- internship or classes at ACU -- to have my head on straight as to what day it is in my little corner of the world.
For a moment I really thought that it was Wednesday. And it is . . . in Australia.
I guess my heart is too tied to M and what she's doing, where she's spending her day -- internship or classes at ACU -- to have my head on straight as to what day it is in my little corner of the world.
Monday, May 28, 2012
A Memorial Music Monday
For Memorial Day it would probably be good to select a patriotic song, but I'm not. Instead I'm going with a song that is a great kick off to the official start of summer.
1969 and everything was cool . . . well except for all that Vietnam cr*p. : //
1969 and everything was cool . . . well except for all that Vietnam cr*p. : //
Sunday, May 27, 2012
ugh
It was 97 degrees today. A new record. (I feel like I've typed all of this before.)
I was able to spend part of the day in air conditioning, and that was very nice. But eventually I had to come home . . . to a very warm house. At least I didn't have to be outside. I'm sure the people who were in the grandstands and infield at the Indianapolis 500 were sweltering. Undoubtedly there were a number of ambulance calls for heat exhaustion and heat stroke for people who weren't prepared with adequate hydration or hats and umbrellas.
Tomorrow is supposed to be almost as hot, with thunderstorms in the evening into Monday morning. I really don't like thunderstorms, but if it helps to cool off this blast furnace air, it will be worth it.
Sydney has been cooler and rainy the past few days. I bet M would prefer it if it were warmer and drier, especially now that she has a bad head cold. I hope she starts to feel better soon. : /
I was able to spend part of the day in air conditioning, and that was very nice. But eventually I had to come home . . . to a very warm house. At least I didn't have to be outside. I'm sure the people who were in the grandstands and infield at the Indianapolis 500 were sweltering. Undoubtedly there were a number of ambulance calls for heat exhaustion and heat stroke for people who weren't prepared with adequate hydration or hats and umbrellas.
Tomorrow is supposed to be almost as hot, with thunderstorms in the evening into Monday morning. I really don't like thunderstorms, but if it helps to cool off this blast furnace air, it will be worth it.
Sydney has been cooler and rainy the past few days. I bet M would prefer it if it were warmer and drier, especially now that she has a bad head cold. I hope she starts to feel better soon. : /
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Friday, May 25, 2012
Failure
I should have seen it coming . . . and ran away as fast as I could in the opposite direction.
Fail. : /
Fail. : /
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Thankful Thursday
It's hard to believe that M has already been in Australia for more than a week. In some ways it seems like she just got on the plane for San Francisco and in others, it seems as if she's been gone for much longer.
I wonder how the passage of time feels to her.
This Thursday I'm thankful that M has adjusted so well to life and her class and internship routine in Sydney. M has mastered the website that helps her figure out what bus she needs to take to get to and from her internship and also to and from her class on Wednesdays at Australian Catholic University.
I'm also thankful that M seems to be off to a good start at Wairoa School. She's only been with the students two days, but her blog post was very upbeat.
M is becoming well-acquainted with the groceries near her apartment -- Coles and Aldi's. She is finding thrifty ways to fix her meals rather than defaulting to eating out all the time.
M seems like she is making an effort to make friends with the other students in the program instead of spending all of her free time on her laptop. I'm sure that she's skyped with J and probably has even talked with him on the phone, but she doesn't seem to be horribly homesick.
In just a few hours M will leave for a weekend surfing trip to a beach area north of Sydney. I'm thankful that M has this opportunity to learn how to surf and to see more of Australia than just the streets and neighborhoods of Sydney. I hope she has a great time and turns into a 21st century Gidget!
I wonder how the passage of time feels to her.
This Thursday I'm thankful that M has adjusted so well to life and her class and internship routine in Sydney. M has mastered the website that helps her figure out what bus she needs to take to get to and from her internship and also to and from her class on Wednesdays at Australian Catholic University.
I'm also thankful that M seems to be off to a good start at Wairoa School. She's only been with the students two days, but her blog post was very upbeat.
M is becoming well-acquainted with the groceries near her apartment -- Coles and Aldi's. She is finding thrifty ways to fix her meals rather than defaulting to eating out all the time.
M seems like she is making an effort to make friends with the other students in the program instead of spending all of her free time on her laptop. I'm sure that she's skyped with J and probably has even talked with him on the phone, but she doesn't seem to be horribly homesick.
In just a few hours M will leave for a weekend surfing trip to a beach area north of Sydney. I'm thankful that M has this opportunity to learn how to surf and to see more of Australia than just the streets and neighborhoods of Sydney. I hope she has a great time and turns into a 21st century Gidget!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
A special treat
A treat from childhood -- a Coke float with chocolate syrup. There's something about the Coke and chocolate mixed together that is so good, especially with creamy vanilla ice cream. The taste takes me back to summer evenings, staying overnight with my grandparents on their farm. It was a special occasion to get an ice cream float from Dairy Queen, but a homemade Coke float at Grandma and Granddaddy's was even better.
I wish I could go back in time and spend one more evening with them. Coke float or not, that would be the best treat.
I wish I could go back in time and spend one more evening with them. Coke float or not, that would be the best treat.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Home wrecker
I never thought I would be described as a home wrecker, but after Sunday, I guess that's what I am -- and G too.
When I was out on the porch, working on a project and sweating like a pig, I happened to glance toward the front door and I was shocked at what I saw. A bird's nest. I swear I hadn't noticed that bird's nest or even any sign that birds were beginning to build a nest.
A few years ago birds built a nest between the finial of our porch light and the siding of the house. Three baby robins hatched and it was fun to watch them grow bigger until they finally left the nest. In the intervening years a few more nests were built, but there were never any eggs.
I've always wondered why birds thought that the porch light perch was such a good spot for a nest. Yes, it is high enough to deter predators and fairly sheltered from wind and rain, but it is right by our front door. Every time we would go in or out of the house, the mother bird would get spooked and fly off the nest. I think some years the birds just abandoned the nest because of the stress.
It seems unlikely, but I really believe that this year's nest appeared overnight. I don't remember seeing it on Saturday, and on Sunday . . . there it was. G says he didn't notice any nest-building activity either.
I asked G to climb up on a ladder and see if there were any eggs in the nest. He did and there weren't, and this is where we became home wreckers. If there had been eggs, we would have left the nest alone, but an empty nest is fair game. So we took the nest down and relocated it to a sheltered spot in a bush by the porch, but away from the door.
I don't think the birds have found their new home and even if they have, I'm not sure if they would use the nest after G touched it to remove it. I've always heard that if a baby bird falls out of a nest and a human picks it up to put it back, the parents will ignore the bird and let it starve because of the human scent.
Hopefully our birds will be able to build a new nest, somewhere else, in time for their blessed event.
When I was out on the porch, working on a project and sweating like a pig, I happened to glance toward the front door and I was shocked at what I saw. A bird's nest. I swear I hadn't noticed that bird's nest or even any sign that birds were beginning to build a nest.
A few years ago birds built a nest between the finial of our porch light and the siding of the house. Three baby robins hatched and it was fun to watch them grow bigger until they finally left the nest. In the intervening years a few more nests were built, but there were never any eggs.
I've always wondered why birds thought that the porch light perch was such a good spot for a nest. Yes, it is high enough to deter predators and fairly sheltered from wind and rain, but it is right by our front door. Every time we would go in or out of the house, the mother bird would get spooked and fly off the nest. I think some years the birds just abandoned the nest because of the stress.
It seems unlikely, but I really believe that this year's nest appeared overnight. I don't remember seeing it on Saturday, and on Sunday . . . there it was. G says he didn't notice any nest-building activity either.
I asked G to climb up on a ladder and see if there were any eggs in the nest. He did and there weren't, and this is where we became home wreckers. If there had been eggs, we would have left the nest alone, but an empty nest is fair game. So we took the nest down and relocated it to a sheltered spot in a bush by the porch, but away from the door.
I don't think the birds have found their new home and even if they have, I'm not sure if they would use the nest after G touched it to remove it. I've always heard that if a baby bird falls out of a nest and a human picks it up to put it back, the parents will ignore the bird and let it starve because of the human scent.
Hopefully our birds will be able to build a new nest, somewhere else, in time for their blessed event.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Music Monday
Robin Gibb, one of the Bee Gees, died last week.
The Bee Gees were a big part of my college years. Disco was hot and no movie was hotter than Saturday Night Fever. The Bee Gees music is the most memorable part of the movie . . . well, that and John Travolta in his underwear in the opening scenes of the movie.
I like so many of the Bee Gees' songs, but I think this one might be my favorite.
The Bee Gees were a big part of my college years. Disco was hot and no movie was hotter than Saturday Night Fever. The Bee Gees music is the most memorable part of the movie . . . well, that and John Travolta in his underwear in the opening scenes of the movie.
I like so many of the Bee Gees' songs, but I think this one might be my favorite.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Earning my dinner
It was unbearably hot and humid today. Ugh.
So what did I do? Just something that my husband had been after me for weeks to do. I tackled some bags and boxes of cr*p that had been sitting on our porch for who knows how long. Some of the stuff needed to go to the resale shop and some of it needed to go in a box for the rummage sale at my mom and dad's and some of it (not enough of it) needed to go in the garbage.
If I was smart, I would have tackled this chore a few weeks ago when it was cooler. But no, I procrastinated until the temperature was 93 degrees and the humidity was 68%. When I finally finished up, I wasn't dripping wet, but it was close.
I think G felt just a tiny bit sorry for me because when I asked if we could go out to dinner (something we've been trying to cut back on so we can save money for M to spend in Australia) he didn't even hesitate before he said "yes."
Thank you G. I'd say I definitely earned my dinner at Panera this evening. : )
So what did I do? Just something that my husband had been after me for weeks to do. I tackled some bags and boxes of cr*p that had been sitting on our porch for who knows how long. Some of the stuff needed to go to the resale shop and some of it needed to go in a box for the rummage sale at my mom and dad's and some of it (not enough of it) needed to go in the garbage.
If I was smart, I would have tackled this chore a few weeks ago when it was cooler. But no, I procrastinated until the temperature was 93 degrees and the humidity was 68%. When I finally finished up, I wasn't dripping wet, but it was close.
I think G felt just a tiny bit sorry for me because when I asked if we could go out to dinner (something we've been trying to cut back on so we can save money for M to spend in Australia) he didn't even hesitate before he said "yes."
Thank you G. I'd say I definitely earned my dinner at Panera this evening. : )
Saturday, May 19, 2012
May or July?
May 19. Spring right? Not in Chicago. Today the temperature was 92 degrees, just two degrees shy of the all-time high for this date and twenty degrees over the normal high temperature for this time of year.
Global warming or just an unseasonably warm day to go along with the unseasonably warm weather we had back in March?
I don't know, but I do know it's too darn hot for May and too darn hot for me.
Global warming or just an unseasonably warm day to go along with the unseasonably warm weather we had back in March?
I don't know, but I do know it's too darn hot for May and too darn hot for me.
Friday, May 18, 2012
TGIF
I'm not sure why I say TGIF. The weekend isn't all that much different than the rest of the week since I don't work outside of the home -- don't work inside of it much either. Now that we don't have school-age kids living with us, the weekends aren't filled with sport practices, competitions or other activities and as G works almost as much on the weekend as he does Monday through Friday, one day is pretty much like the other aside from church on Sunday.
My blog does give a little definition to my week, what with Music Monday and Thankful Thursday, but this past week even that went astray.
M and I got back from Purdue late on Monday and there were still a lot of last minute details to take care of, so I didn't get around to doing a Music Monday post. : (
Better late than never, here's a song that's perfect for the weekend.
My blog does give a little definition to my week, what with Music Monday and Thankful Thursday, but this past week even that went astray.
M and I got back from Purdue late on Monday and there were still a lot of last minute details to take care of, so I didn't get around to doing a Music Monday post. : (
Better late than never, here's a song that's perfect for the weekend.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Thankful Thursday
Australia is a long way away, but with Twitter and blogger I feel like M is closer than the 9200 miles that separate Carol Stream and Sydney.
Today M began blogging. I'm hopeful that eventually lots of pictures will show up on her blog. For now I'm just happy to read about her initial impressions and experiences in Sydney. It sounds like she is adjusting well, but I know from my solo international travels when I was in high school and college, life abroad is fun, but it can also be stressful, frustrating, and challenging.
I'm thankful that M is happy with her apartment and is off to a good start with her roommate. I hope that all four of the girls are able to be respectful of one another and enjoy living together.
I'm also thankful that M seems comfortable and confident in her new environment. She is quickly becoming a regular at Crystal Cafe for coffee and internet access and she's already gone grocery shopping for staples for meals. Living in the apartment the past year at Purdue will help her to be able to prepare easy meals at home instead of having to go out to eat all the time.
While I miss M, I'm thankful that she has such a wonderful opportunity to live and learn in a world-class, multicultural city, even if it is almost half a world away.
Today M began blogging. I'm hopeful that eventually lots of pictures will show up on her blog. For now I'm just happy to read about her initial impressions and experiences in Sydney. It sounds like she is adjusting well, but I know from my solo international travels when I was in high school and college, life abroad is fun, but it can also be stressful, frustrating, and challenging.
I'm thankful that M is happy with her apartment and is off to a good start with her roommate. I hope that all four of the girls are able to be respectful of one another and enjoy living together.
I'm also thankful that M seems comfortable and confident in her new environment. She is quickly becoming a regular at Crystal Cafe for coffee and internet access and she's already gone grocery shopping for staples for meals. Living in the apartment the past year at Purdue will help her to be able to prepare easy meals at home instead of having to go out to eat all the time.
While I miss M, I'm thankful that she has such a wonderful opportunity to live and learn in a world-class, multicultural city, even if it is almost half a world away.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Day 1
M called today from Australia. It seems weird to think that I'm talking on the phone to her like I always do, but she's twenty hours away by plane, on a different continent, with the largest ocean on earth separating us.
Besides our phone conversation we also skyped for a little bit until either her laptop battery died or we lost the connection.
It sounds like she is off to a good start in Sydney. She was able to get from the airport to the place where she'll be living. I probably couldn't manage to do that, but M isn't afraid to ask questions if she doesn't know where to go or what to do.
Once she checked in with the CAPA people, she and another student went across the street from their housing and got breakfast at a cafe that has internet (that's where she was when we skyped).
I hope that the rest of the day went well for M. Once all of the students arrived they were going to go on a tour of Sydney. I'm sure other orientation activities were planned also. This evening probably was set aside for everyone to move into their apartments and unpack.
I don't know when I'll hear from M again, but with facebook, Twitter, and the blog she's planing to start, hopefully I'll know a little bit about her life in Australia. : )
Besides our phone conversation we also skyped for a little bit until either her laptop battery died or we lost the connection.
It sounds like she is off to a good start in Sydney. She was able to get from the airport to the place where she'll be living. I probably couldn't manage to do that, but M isn't afraid to ask questions if she doesn't know where to go or what to do.
Once she checked in with the CAPA people, she and another student went across the street from their housing and got breakfast at a cafe that has internet (that's where she was when we skyped).
I hope that the rest of the day went well for M. Once all of the students arrived they were going to go on a tour of Sydney. I'm sure other orientation activities were planned also. This evening probably was set aside for everyone to move into their apartments and unpack.
I don't know when I'll hear from M again, but with facebook, Twitter, and the blog she's planing to start, hopefully I'll know a little bit about her life in Australia. : )
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Good-bye
Elton John says that "sorry seems to be the hardest word." Today, I would disagree and say that "good-bye" is the hardest word.
This afternoon G and I said good-bye to M. Good-bye for almost eight weeks until she returns from Australia. I didn't cry, but I was teary, and I came the closest to crying that I ever have when I've said good-bye to any of my kids when they've embarked on their various travels and adventures.
I must be getting more emotional in my older age.
M was a little teary too. G was fine -- he tends to put a positive spin on good-byes.
Just a few moments ago M texted that she was in her seat on the plane that will take her from San Francisco to Sydney, a 14 hour flight. While I would love to visit Australia, I do not want to be in a plane for more than half a day, but M will be fine.
Good-bye M. Take lots of pictures. Have fun. Make new friends. Try different foods. Experience a new culture with an open mind. Give your class and your internship 100% effort and enthusiasm. Rely on the Lord. Always remember that I Love You!
Before I know it, July 7 will arrive and it will be time to give you a huge hug and say "welcome home!" : )
This afternoon G and I said good-bye to M. Good-bye for almost eight weeks until she returns from Australia. I didn't cry, but I was teary, and I came the closest to crying that I ever have when I've said good-bye to any of my kids when they've embarked on their various travels and adventures.
I must be getting more emotional in my older age.
M was a little teary too. G was fine -- he tends to put a positive spin on good-byes.
Just a few moments ago M texted that she was in her seat on the plane that will take her from San Francisco to Sydney, a 14 hour flight. While I would love to visit Australia, I do not want to be in a plane for more than half a day, but M will be fine.
Good-bye M. Take lots of pictures. Have fun. Make new friends. Try different foods. Experience a new culture with an open mind. Give your class and your internship 100% effort and enthusiasm. Rely on the Lord. Always remember that I Love You!
Before I know it, July 7 will arrive and it will be time to give you a huge hug and say "welcome home!" : )
Monday, May 14, 2012
I can't even
I can't even:
describe how tired I am -- physically and emotionally
believe what my husband did while I was gone this weekend
imagine how I will feel when I say good-bye to M tomorrow at the airport.
I just can't.
describe how tired I am -- physically and emotionally
believe what my husband did while I was gone this weekend
imagine how I will feel when I say good-bye to M tomorrow at the airport.
I just can't.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
Encouragement
While I was driving today I heard a little bit of Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah. One thing stood out to me and it was very encouraging.
Dr. Jeremiah was talking about the apostle Paul and the affliction that plagued him in the later years of his ministry. In his epistles, Paul refers to this affliction as a thorn in his flesh. Obviously he isn't speaking about an actual thorn -- if that were the case, he could have just pulled it out and ended his suffering. Many Biblical scholars have speculated that Paul's "thorn" was some sort of problem with his eyes, perhaps cataracts or some other condition that affected his vision. But the truth is no one knows for sure exactly what physical hardship Paul had to endure.
I had never considered the implications of the Scriptural ambiguity. I guess I was willing to go along with the eye theory and didn't really give other possibilities much thought. But Dr. Jeremiah had an interesting view as to why Paul didn't write about the specifics of his affliction.
According to Dr. Jeremiah, by intentionally omitting any details about what plagued him, Paul was enabling his readers, past, present, and future, to identify with his affliction and the resulting strength that the Lord supplied to him in his weakness.
If Paul had written that he was debilitated by arthritis, someone who is suffering from macular degeneration might think that Paul's struggles and perseverance couldn't apply to them. Or if Paul had described his hearing loss, readers who've experienced neuropathy or fibromyalgia might not see that Paul's message was applicable to them and their situation as well.
2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that "All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." The Word of God is complete, inerrant, totally true, without any unauthorized omissions or additions. The human authors of the Scriptures have written exactly what God purposed them to write.
If God had wanted Paul to reveal the nature of his affliction, then the Holy Spirit, the God-breathed co-author with Paul of his epistles, would have instructed him to write specifically about his trial. It is no mistake that Paul was silent concerning the specifics of the thorn in his flesh. God did not inspire -- breathe into him -- the necessity to include those details. Through God's wisdom, Paul's ambiguity allows each reader to see himself in Paul's struggle and, by identifying with him, also find hope and encouragement in his dependence and faith in the Lord.
Dr. Jeremiah was talking about the apostle Paul and the affliction that plagued him in the later years of his ministry. In his epistles, Paul refers to this affliction as a thorn in his flesh. Obviously he isn't speaking about an actual thorn -- if that were the case, he could have just pulled it out and ended his suffering. Many Biblical scholars have speculated that Paul's "thorn" was some sort of problem with his eyes, perhaps cataracts or some other condition that affected his vision. But the truth is no one knows for sure exactly what physical hardship Paul had to endure.
I had never considered the implications of the Scriptural ambiguity. I guess I was willing to go along with the eye theory and didn't really give other possibilities much thought. But Dr. Jeremiah had an interesting view as to why Paul didn't write about the specifics of his affliction.
According to Dr. Jeremiah, by intentionally omitting any details about what plagued him, Paul was enabling his readers, past, present, and future, to identify with his affliction and the resulting strength that the Lord supplied to him in his weakness.
If Paul had written that he was debilitated by arthritis, someone who is suffering from macular degeneration might think that Paul's struggles and perseverance couldn't apply to them. Or if Paul had described his hearing loss, readers who've experienced neuropathy or fibromyalgia might not see that Paul's message was applicable to them and their situation as well.
2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that "All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." The Word of God is complete, inerrant, totally true, without any unauthorized omissions or additions. The human authors of the Scriptures have written exactly what God purposed them to write.
If God had wanted Paul to reveal the nature of his affliction, then the Holy Spirit, the God-breathed co-author with Paul of his epistles, would have instructed him to write specifically about his trial. It is no mistake that Paul was silent concerning the specifics of the thorn in his flesh. God did not inspire -- breathe into him -- the necessity to include those details. Through God's wisdom, Paul's ambiguity allows each reader to see himself in Paul's struggle and, by identifying with him, also find hope and encouragement in his dependence and faith in the Lord.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Thankful Thursday
My dad had skin cancer surgery yesterday. He has had this surgery before, so he knows what to expect. But still there is the nervousness and apprehension each time he has to have another cancerous growth removed. Too many years working outdoors, as a pipefitter and a gardener, and playing golf have taken their toll. And always in the back of his mind (and ours) is the memory of his best friend, B, who died of malignant melanoma almost twenty-five years ago.
I am thankful that my father's surgery went well. My mom says that his incision is almost two inches long, but it looks as if it will heal nicely. I hope that the surgeon was able to remove all the cancer so that my dad will have "clean borders." At this point it seems likely that this won't be the last time my father will need to have a cancerous growth removed, but I'm thankful that his dermatologist and surgeon work well together and actively monitor his condition.
I am thankful that my father's surgery went well. My mom says that his incision is almost two inches long, but it looks as if it will heal nicely. I hope that the surgeon was able to remove all the cancer so that my dad will have "clean borders." At this point it seems likely that this won't be the last time my father will need to have a cancerous growth removed, but I'm thankful that his dermatologist and surgeon work well together and actively monitor his condition.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
A lovely dinner together
This evening I went to dinner at my small group leader's home. Most of the women from the group were able to attend, including the new moms and their precious baby boys. : )
Our hostess, J, prepared a delicious meal: chicken breasts in a sherry sauce, broccoli casserole, and rice with veggies. Before dinner we had baked brie and cold shrimp with cocktail sauce. Dessert was a smorgasbord of chocolate layer cake, Swedish apple cake, brownies, mini pumpkin mousse cakes and other assorted delights. Everything was beautifully prepared and presented.
As wonderful as the meal was, the fellowship around the table was even better. I have grown to love the women in my group and it was sad to think that tonight was the last time we would all be together as members of J and T's small group. Perhaps some of us will be together in the fall, maybe even in J and T's group again, but the chances are slim. At the very least we will see one another in the large group gathering and, for those who attend College Church, in worship on Sundays. While it was sad to say good-bye this evening, it will be a joy to say hello again in September.
Our hostess, J, prepared a delicious meal: chicken breasts in a sherry sauce, broccoli casserole, and rice with veggies. Before dinner we had baked brie and cold shrimp with cocktail sauce. Dessert was a smorgasbord of chocolate layer cake, Swedish apple cake, brownies, mini pumpkin mousse cakes and other assorted delights. Everything was beautifully prepared and presented.
As wonderful as the meal was, the fellowship around the table was even better. I have grown to love the women in my group and it was sad to think that tonight was the last time we would all be together as members of J and T's small group. Perhaps some of us will be together in the fall, maybe even in J and T's group again, but the chances are slim. At the very least we will see one another in the large group gathering and, for those who attend College Church, in worship on Sundays. While it was sad to say good-bye this evening, it will be a joy to say hello again in September.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
For once, it's not my fault
Usually when something goes wrong (happens a lot) it's my fault.
Seventy-five mile per hour straight line winds that took down two huge trees in our backyard and destroyed my husband's outdoor tent/office? My fault.
Easter dinner at my in-laws started two hours later than we were lead to believe it would? My fault.
E's pale skin, K's curvy girl figure, M's straight hair? My fault.
But today something happened that couldn't be blamed on me because it wasn't my fault.
G has misplaced a very important document. He needs said document for a meeting he has tomorrow. When was the last time he remembers seeing said document? A year ago. Does he remember where he possibly might have put this very important collection of papers? No, not a clue.
I've helped him search, but so far we've come up empty. I would love to find the missing papers, so before I go to bed, I plan to try again. Even though I'm not the goat this time, I doubt I'll get to be the hero either.
Seventy-five mile per hour straight line winds that took down two huge trees in our backyard and destroyed my husband's outdoor tent/office? My fault.
Easter dinner at my in-laws started two hours later than we were lead to believe it would? My fault.
E's pale skin, K's curvy girl figure, M's straight hair? My fault.
But today something happened that couldn't be blamed on me because it wasn't my fault.
G has misplaced a very important document. He needs said document for a meeting he has tomorrow. When was the last time he remembers seeing said document? A year ago. Does he remember where he possibly might have put this very important collection of papers? No, not a clue.
I've helped him search, but so far we've come up empty. I would love to find the missing papers, so before I go to bed, I plan to try again. Even though I'm not the goat this time, I doubt I'll get to be the hero either.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Music Monday
This is a FABULOUS dance song. It's a little bit disco, but without the super-heavy disco beat, a perfect song for lots of twirling and in-and-out moves. Probably the only people I would ever have danced to this song with would have been my brother and maybe that guy from New York whose name I can't remember. No one else (not my high school boyfriend or my husband) would have had the moves or the moxie to hit the dance floor when this song was playing.
The summer between my sophomore and junior year in college The O'Jays' Use Ta Be My Girl* was #1 for five weeks on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart and peaked at #4 on their Hot 100 chart.
The Limelight didn't check IDs, so in the summer of 1978 my brother and some of our friends (and that guy from New York, maybe his name started with a B?) would hangout, drink, and dance until it was time to race home before curfew.
Good times. : )
* There's a little difference of opinion if the title of the song is Use Ta Be My Girl or Use To Be My Girl or Used to Be My Girl. I go with "Use Ta" because I feel like that's what the O'Jays are actually singing. Still, I think we can all agree that it's a solid gold classic, no matter what you call it.
The summer between my sophomore and junior year in college The O'Jays' Use Ta Be My Girl* was #1 for five weeks on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart and peaked at #4 on their Hot 100 chart.
The Limelight didn't check IDs, so in the summer of 1978 my brother and some of our friends (and that guy from New York, maybe his name started with a B?) would hangout, drink, and dance until it was time to race home before curfew.
Good times. : )
* There's a little difference of opinion if the title of the song is Use Ta Be My Girl or Use To Be My Girl or Used to Be My Girl. I go with "Use Ta" because I feel like that's what the O'Jays are actually singing. Still, I think we can all agree that it's a solid gold classic, no matter what you call it.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Stormy
It has stormed at least three times today and there's more in store for overnight.
I don't even like rain, let alone storms. I think it must have something to do with being traumatized by severe storms and tornadoes as a child.
In grade school, I can remember jumping in the car and racing to my grandparents house when the tornado sirens went off. My grandparents had a basement, but they didn't exactly live a few blocks away. It seemed to me that it would be just as safe (if not safer) to huddle in our bathroom or attached garage instead of trying to outrun a tornado in a station wagon, but I didn't dare question my parents' actions.
When I was almost eleven I went to Camp Virginia Anderson for two weeks. During the second week of camp I was awakened in the middle of the night by one of my counselors yelling for me and my tent mates to put on our shoes and run as fast as we could to the craft hut. It was pitch black and pouring down rain as we stumbled along the gravel road, trying to avoid the puddles and potholes. When we finally reached the craft hut, we learned that a tornado had been spotted over the lake, headed towards the camp. Pretty scary.
Even before my horrible storm experience last July, I think I had some valid reasons for strongly disliking and even fearing thunderstorms. : /
I don't even like rain, let alone storms. I think it must have something to do with being traumatized by severe storms and tornadoes as a child.
In grade school, I can remember jumping in the car and racing to my grandparents house when the tornado sirens went off. My grandparents had a basement, but they didn't exactly live a few blocks away. It seemed to me that it would be just as safe (if not safer) to huddle in our bathroom or attached garage instead of trying to outrun a tornado in a station wagon, but I didn't dare question my parents' actions.
When I was almost eleven I went to Camp Virginia Anderson for two weeks. During the second week of camp I was awakened in the middle of the night by one of my counselors yelling for me and my tent mates to put on our shoes and run as fast as we could to the craft hut. It was pitch black and pouring down rain as we stumbled along the gravel road, trying to avoid the puddles and potholes. When we finally reached the craft hut, we learned that a tornado had been spotted over the lake, headed towards the camp. Pretty scary.
Even before my horrible storm experience last July, I think I had some valid reasons for strongly disliking and even fearing thunderstorms. : /
Saturday, May 5, 2012
13.1
Today was the 500 Festival Mini Marathon in Indianapolis.
K ran her first, and maybe her last, half marathon. E is a half marathon pro. She has run the Mini twice before (both times with G). Additionally she has run at least one half marathon in Chicago with G and another solo one in West Lafayette on a muddy path along the Wabash River.
It was good for K to have E as a running partner. She knows the course, so she could let K know what to expect and she was a good encourager, especially when K started to cramp.
While their time wasn't the fastest, they finished the race and they had fun. : )
K ran her first, and maybe her last, half marathon. E is a half marathon pro. She has run the Mini twice before (both times with G). Additionally she has run at least one half marathon in Chicago with G and another solo one in West Lafayette on a muddy path along the Wabash River.
It was good for K to have E as a running partner. She knows the course, so she could let K know what to expect and she was a good encourager, especially when K started to cramp.
While their time wasn't the fastest, they finished the race and they had fun. : )
Ready to race, after the requisite port-a-potty pit stop.
"Now put your hands up." Hanging out in corral Q. It would take 22 minutes to make it to the start line.
13.1 miles later -- all done and still smiling. : )
Check out the hardware!
I am so proud of my girls!
Friday, May 4, 2012
Traveling by means of food
While G has been to Greece, I will probably never be able to go there. But tonight I had a tiny peek into what a trip to Greece might be like.
We are in Indianapolis overnight to see E and K run the 500 Festival Mini Marathon tomorrow morning. For dinner G and I decided to eat at a restaurant I discovered by accident on the internet when I was searching for a bakery on the northside of Chicago.
We are in Indianapolis overnight to see E and K run the 500 Festival Mini Marathon tomorrow morning. For dinner G and I decided to eat at a restaurant I discovered by accident on the internet when I was searching for a bakery on the northside of Chicago.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Thankful Thursday
I ran a lot of errands today. Lately when I've been in the car I've been listening to Moody Radio. If I'm in the car in the afternoon I listen to Chris Fabry Live and In the Market with Janet Parshall. Today those programs were somewhat preempted for coverage of the National Day of Prayer from Washington, D.C.
I didn't catch the name of this particular speaker, but I was really struck by what he said. Concerning prayer, he stated that we tend to ask God to answer our prayers ASAP. We're praying for good things -- justice, fairness, liberty, unity, peace -- so why shouldn't the Lord want to grant our petitions quickly? But the speaker encouraged believers to adopt a different attitude regarding prayer and God's answer to prayer.
Instead of ASAP, this man said we should approach God in prayer with the perspective of ALAT -- As Long As it Takes.
Our human nature is selfish; we want our own way and, especially in the United States, we don't want to wait to get what we want. But God's timeline can be very different than ours. While we see a tiny part of the overall picture in any given situation, God sees the entire big picture. He is able to see not only the immediate consequences for today, but also the ramifications years ahead for future generations.
I am thankful for the counsel to trust God and willingly submit my concerns and desires to His perfect timeline. Instead of impatiently beseeching or, even worse, demanding that God answer my prayers ASAP, I am hoping that He will grant me the wisdom and grace to pray with an eternal perspective in accordance with His Word and His will.
I didn't catch the name of this particular speaker, but I was really struck by what he said. Concerning prayer, he stated that we tend to ask God to answer our prayers ASAP. We're praying for good things -- justice, fairness, liberty, unity, peace -- so why shouldn't the Lord want to grant our petitions quickly? But the speaker encouraged believers to adopt a different attitude regarding prayer and God's answer to prayer.
Instead of ASAP, this man said we should approach God in prayer with the perspective of ALAT -- As Long As it Takes.
Our human nature is selfish; we want our own way and, especially in the United States, we don't want to wait to get what we want. But God's timeline can be very different than ours. While we see a tiny part of the overall picture in any given situation, God sees the entire big picture. He is able to see not only the immediate consequences for today, but also the ramifications years ahead for future generations.
I am thankful for the counsel to trust God and willingly submit my concerns and desires to His perfect timeline. Instead of impatiently beseeching or, even worse, demanding that God answer my prayers ASAP, I am hoping that He will grant me the wisdom and grace to pray with an eternal perspective in accordance with His Word and His will.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
New neighbors
There's a new family in the neighborhood. So far I've only seen the mom and dad, but I know they have children; I just don't know how many.
This evening I needed to run to the post office and Target. As I was preparing to back down the driveway, I glanced toward the lilacs at the front of our house. I was surprised to see a Mallard drake sitting just off the grass, in the flower bed partially underneath a lilac bush. He seemed very settled. As I peered more closely, I could barely make out the hen, completely sheltered by the lilac. Her coloring blended in so seamlessly with the twigs and branches of the bush and the dirt of the flower bed, I could only be sure she was really there when I spied her dark beak as she moved her head from side to side.
These new neighbors are going to be a challenge -- maybe even more of a challenge than the family with six (SIX!!!) kids who live across the street.
Every day the mail carrier walks right past the lilacs on the way to our mailbox. Most of the time our carrier is a woman who talks on her cell phone while she makes her rounds. I really don't think she looks where she walks. She could easily step on a little duckling . . . or trip over one and then decide to sue us. : //
Lately we've had a decent amount of rain and our lawn is beginning to look very green and lush. But lush only lasts so long before it becomes long and raggedy. G will need to mow carefully to avoid upsetting the ducks and their nest. Maybe he can leave at least one mower width of long grass along the front of the lilacs until the ducklings hatch and make their way to their permanent home, probably down the street, closer to the creek.
In the meantime, we will be living in the midst of a real-life version of the beloved children's book -- Make Way for Ducklings!
This evening I needed to run to the post office and Target. As I was preparing to back down the driveway, I glanced toward the lilacs at the front of our house. I was surprised to see a Mallard drake sitting just off the grass, in the flower bed partially underneath a lilac bush. He seemed very settled. As I peered more closely, I could barely make out the hen, completely sheltered by the lilac. Her coloring blended in so seamlessly with the twigs and branches of the bush and the dirt of the flower bed, I could only be sure she was really there when I spied her dark beak as she moved her head from side to side.
These new neighbors are going to be a challenge -- maybe even more of a challenge than the family with six (SIX!!!) kids who live across the street.
Every day the mail carrier walks right past the lilacs on the way to our mailbox. Most of the time our carrier is a woman who talks on her cell phone while she makes her rounds. I really don't think she looks where she walks. She could easily step on a little duckling . . . or trip over one and then decide to sue us. : //
Lately we've had a decent amount of rain and our lawn is beginning to look very green and lush. But lush only lasts so long before it becomes long and raggedy. G will need to mow carefully to avoid upsetting the ducks and their nest. Maybe he can leave at least one mower width of long grass along the front of the lilacs until the ducklings hatch and make their way to their permanent home, probably down the street, closer to the creek.
In the meantime, we will be living in the midst of a real-life version of the beloved children's book -- Make Way for Ducklings!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
May Day
April seemed like a very long month, but now it's May.
When I was in grade school, we celebrated May Day by putting together small floral bouquets and delivering them "anonymously" to our grandmothers and aunts. My mom helped us (my brother and I) make paper cones lined with wax paper to hold the flowers. We attached handles to the cones so we could hang them over a door knob.
Before we went to school, my mom drove us to our relatives' houses. My brother and I would hop out of the car, run to the door to hang the flower cone, ring the doorbell, and then race back to the car. I'm pretty sure we envisioned our grandmas and aunts opening up their door and being so surprised to see no one on their doorstep. How puzzled they must have been as they wondered who could possibly have left them such beautiful spring flowers. : )
In reality, I'm sure my mom had called everyone the night before and reminded them that the next day was May Day -- wink, wink. Whether they knew or it was a pleasant surprise, our May Day flower tradition is one of my happy childhood memories.
When I was in grade school, we celebrated May Day by putting together small floral bouquets and delivering them "anonymously" to our grandmothers and aunts. My mom helped us (my brother and I) make paper cones lined with wax paper to hold the flowers. We attached handles to the cones so we could hang them over a door knob.
Before we went to school, my mom drove us to our relatives' houses. My brother and I would hop out of the car, run to the door to hang the flower cone, ring the doorbell, and then race back to the car. I'm pretty sure we envisioned our grandmas and aunts opening up their door and being so surprised to see no one on their doorstep. How puzzled they must have been as they wondered who could possibly have left them such beautiful spring flowers. : )
In reality, I'm sure my mom had called everyone the night before and reminded them that the next day was May Day -- wink, wink. Whether they knew or it was a pleasant surprise, our May Day flower tradition is one of my happy childhood memories.
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