Riezzee's Place

New Pics of my girl

2009-05-28T09:28:00.003-05:00

This is a picture of her extended trio taken by the Forest Lake Times photographer. She is the one in the front. You can read the entire local story here. They took 5th at state as a team. They had hoped to do better, but I am pleased with her progress.

In other news, school is almost over and I am dragging along like the kids. Eli is having fun playing outfield in baseball and he seems to get a hit almost every time at bat. I just wish that the weather would cooperate. We wore our winter jackets yesterday to watch him play - the temp was 50 with a 10mph north wind. He won so I guess it was worth it!

Thanks for reading! Blessings

Friday Fave Five # 36

2009-05-08T14:53:00.003-05:00

As always, I do not regularly post on Fave Fridays, so my list is not just for this week. I love reading the posts so here is my list. Thanks Susanne for hosting this.

1) Synchronized Swimming: I suppose I would not be such a fan if my daughter had not taken up the sport and excelled in it. I want to direct you to this post to see her duet from this year. I am just always amazed!

2) Planting flowers: I have never really been much of a gardener, but it has been such a joy planting my annuals and just digging in the dirt. The tomatos and peppers are in the garden and I finally made a path in my strawberry patch. I back hurt a little from leaning over, but it was all worth it.

3) New Candles: Yes, it is summer time and candles are usually a winter thing, but my friend had a candle party and I ordered the "mystery candle" box. It was kind of fun seeing what kind of scents came in the bargain box.

4) Good Health: My husband and I both teach and we are grateful that we are healthy. With this new flu virus going around, it seems like we are exposed to it all. The kids seem to be healthy as well. I can't wait to air the house out a little bit.

5) God's Provision: I know that this seems so general. I have really felt thankful for God giving me the talent to teach and work and raise my family. I know so many people are struggling financially and I am grateful to be working. It isn't what I have done, but God blessing me. I am praying that I may use the things He gave me to bless others.

I think that is all for now.

Blessings

Synchro 2009

2009-05-03T09:18:00.007-05:00

I will let the video speak for itself. My daughter is totally amazing! I am so incredibly proud of her. Sections is in two weeks and then onto state. Go Charity!

Rotary Dial Phone

2009-04-20T08:16:00.002-05:00

This was an interesting moment for me last week.

The payphone - I know, hard to come by as is - at our community pool is a rotary dial phone. My son was playing with it as I was waiting for his sister after a synchro meet last week. He asked me how it worked. I was astonished at the fact that he would not know how it worked - yet, when would my 9 year old have ever used one? I only had one as a kid and then had touch tone as a teen when I really used the phone. Remember those long curly cords that stretched for miles? You could never lose the phone - just follow the cord!

Anyway, I stopped and showed him how you put your finger into the hole with the number you want and then push it to the metal stop and let go. He heard the clicking on the phone as it spun back to it's original spot. The boy can send a text message but is baffled by a rotary phone. It was just one of those generation moments that I didn't think would happen until I was much older.

It was an aha moment that I needed to share with all of you!

Blessings

Time Flies

2009-04-08T10:46:00.002-05:00

I cannot believe that it has been almost a month since I last posted. Work and family have just overtaken my life. This has been the first week that I have actually been home to make dinner all week. We have been eating in shifts and often fast food - that has not helped my diet. My husband is down 15 pounds and I am just stuck at 10. It just isn't fair - besides the monthly cycle caused unusual urges for chocolate! Not fair at all!

List of things I have been doing

1) Work: creating a new unit for my classes has caused me to have less time for blogging

2) Daughter: Need I say more. Carting her from her to there for synchro practice and an occasional party. Volunteering to coordinate concessions for the big section meet in May. I must not have enough to do. Ha!

3) Birthday: I had my 40th birthday on March 28. Did some celebrating. My husband took me to a "romantic" dinner - (read alone without the kids). It was a great italian place with fancy glasses with no straws. He even had a coupon - my husband is so amazing that way.

4) Chores: the normal stuff that keeps us women busy, shopping, laundry, etc.

5) Husband: Keeping him busy - he had spring break last week. I will hire out the best window washer and odd jobs doer ever! He raked the whole yard and set up the trampoline. Our ideas of vacation definitely differ.

6) Playing the Wii with my son. We have this roller coaster game that he really likes. It has been fun spending time with him.

7) Reading: I have been re-reading the Little House on the Prairie Books and decided that I am just too lazy to have been a pioneer woman. My family would have starved. Life was more simple - but busy all the time.

That is all that I can think of for now. Must go plan my summer vacation - we are down to 41 days - but who is counting!

Blessings

"Spring" break in Minnesota

2009-03-13T22:15:00.003-05:00

Here are some pictures of our trip to Duluth this past weekend. We really had fun exploring the wonders of God in the winter/spring? This is Eli next to the ice shoved on the shore of Lake Superior.

This is Charity taking a picture for her "boyfriend". Notice the posing? I just couldn't help taking a picture of this moment.

Skiing in Duluth. I am not the best skier, but Eli loves it. It was a good workout for all of us. I hope that you all had a good week. I will try to post the waterpark pictures later. These are much more tropical.

Blessings

Fave Five #26

2009-02-27T07:56:00.003-06:00

I am finally back again. Two days in a row - amazing! Join Suzanne at Living to tell the Story for this fun reflection on your week.

1) Ash Wednesday Service at Church. It is a wonderful way to reflect and have communion together. I also just feed off of the wonderful worship music. My soul is fed and ready to celebrate the resurrection of our king.

2) Snow. It is a hassle to drive in, but I love the way my yard looks after a good snowfall.

3) Music capable phone. We just got new cellphones (along with another 2 year contract!) and I picked one that is music capable. I have an old i-pod that no longer holds a charge, but I can do about the same thing with my phone now. It is such a nice thing when I am grading papers at school.

4) Snowblowers. My husband got up early and dug us out of the plow stuff so that we could go to work this morning. I am so blessed to have him take care of me - and the snowblower helps!

5) Baking cookies. Our oven has been out of commission for about a month - not a great thing in the winter months. I have been using the crockpot a lot and the stovetop burners still worked. We got it fixed last week and the first thing we made was cookies. Nothing like a chewy warm chocolate chip cookie with a glass of milk to make life perfect.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the weekend.

Blessings

Obsessive

2009-02-25T09:43:00.002-06:00

Okay, when I first started blogging, I was totally obsessive about it. I would check my blog 3 or 4 times a day. Now, I am lucky if I check it once a week and make an entry. I wonder about that character flaw. Why do I latch onto something and obsess about it, then eventually I get bored and move on to something new? Strange - very strange.

I still follow a couple peoples blogs, but it did not have the connection power that I thought that it would. Maybe because I haven't kept mine up or but in the effort to connect with others. I guess that it is mostly an electronic journal for me. Does it really matter if anyone else reads it? It use to. I want it available for those that are involved in my life.

I have been obsessing with FaceBook lately. The novelty of that is also wearing off. I also can't get access to it at work - so less time to be obsessive. I am too busy at home to check it often - besides, dial-up kills me! Someday - maybe high speed... Facebook is a different medium and is easier to connect with past friends. The blog does not have that search engine capability - but is used for a more personal purpose.

So, what have I been doing? Here is a list

1) Volunteering at the coffee shop at church. Nothing like making mochas.

2) My job. I am grateful that I still have one. Cuts are happening everywhere in education and I am thankful for employment.

3) Working out at the YMCA. Haven't lost weight lately, but haven't gained either. Maybe this is my optimum weight.

4) Fulfilling my volunteer duties for the swimming booster club.

5) Watching NASCAR races. It has started once again. My Sunday afternoon alone time. It looks great on the new tv.

6) Housework/Bills/Grocery shopping/cooking/etc. All the "have tos" that moms do to keep the house in one piece.

7) Synchro starts Monday - that will be something new to add to the list.

8) Figuring how to text faster. That seems to be the only way that my daughter communicates.

9) Watching taped shows like Chuck, House and Knight Rider.

10) Watching High School Musical - all three. The songs are stuck in my head forever now.

That is all I can think of for now.

Blessings

Fave Five #23

2009-02-06T08:14:00.005-06:00

It has been a busy week. Here are some of my favorite things this week.

1) New Haircut: I got a new haircut last weekend. I am trying to update my look. Here is what it looks like now. What do you guys think?

2) Great church service last weekend. I so enjoy going to church. He talked about eternity and why God "sends people to hell". Ultimately, it is our choice isn't it? If we don't want anything to do with God an earth, why would we want to spend eternity with Him? Deep questions. He also told the story about dying early and how 1000 years is like a day in heaven - so ultimately our loved ones in heaven don't have a long time to wait for us - "see you in an hour" is our most recent phrase.

3) Talking with my son. My daughter has been busy in the evenings this week and it has given my 9 year old son a chance to talk. The girl can be so overwhelming that he won't compete for attention. It is amazing the kind of thoughts he has. Still waters run deep. He is a thinker.

4) SuperBowl Commercials. I am not a huge fan of commercials in general, but I love the ones that make me laugh. Here is a link to my favorite one. The angry eyes on Mrs. Potato head just crack me up.

5) Bread: Yes, very general, but this is one of the items that I miss. I have had to limit as I count points and lose 8 more pounds. I am down 7. Yippee!

Those are mine! Time to go see what you all liked this week.

Blessings

Facebook

2009-01-28T14:02:00.002-06:00

Okay, I have truly been rebelling against this whole network tool. It is for the "younger" generation, like my daughter and her friends.

Well, I am here to say that I am wrong. I signed up and have connected with some past high school friends that I lost track of but actually liked. I am a little particular on who I invite as friends or let see my facebook. It is a badge of honor to have tons of friends, but what is the point if you don't talk to most of them - or never did when you where in high school together in the first place?

I am enjoying the whole adventure. It is much different than blogging and much easier to find people that you might know. I am trying to not be too obsessive about it - it is such my personality to check it all the time. Luckily, we can not access it at school - I can only imagine what I would not get done.

My daughter has denied me as a friend - what does that tell you? She just does not want me snooping in her business. I will allow her the privacy for now and just enjoy discovering my friends from the past. Who needs those teenagers anyway?

Enjoy the week - I will be over at Facebook now.

Fave Five #21

2009-01-23T13:23:00.003-06:00

I so enjoy these when I get the time. I am just listing some highlights and favorites. Please join Suzanne and others for this fun activity.

1) Cut the Cheese: This was the topic of my 9 year old sons mid-week church group. Apparently, my son was not quite sure what it meant when the leader (yes, the leader) said that he did this. It is a group of 9 year old boys. You can imagine as well as I can the laughter that followed. I can't say that this is what I want him learning at church - but what do you do? They are bonding and somehow learning scripture at the same time - nothing wrong with that.

2) Non-scientific theory: I am conducting a non-scientific study - I guess that you could call it profiling - of my students. It seems that there is a correlation between a boys GPA and the height of his pants. I have found that many of my "low pant" students are under acheivers. Why is that? Is is a pre-requisite? Don't know, just an observation.

3) Unexpected school days off: We had last Thursday and Friday off from school for "COLD" not snow. The actual temperature in the morning was -23 degrees farenheit. This is very cold, but I was not expecting the phone call the canceled school for two days. We stayed warm by the fire and watched the Back to the Future Trilogy in one day. This week has been crazy at work because it was the last days of the semester, but it was worth it!

4) Weight Watcher Points: This is more a love/hate deal. We are making some food changes in our house. I don't know that I eat any less, but I am learning to eat differently. The things that I love have tons of points, so now I just save up for them (bread for example - one slice is two points - and I should only have about 20 points a day!) I am trying to be more healthy, not necessarily lose weight. I am down 5 lbs for now with 10 more to go.

5) Healed foot for Eli: Eli pulled the muscle in the arch of his foot last week after skiing. He took two days off school by Dr. order to rest it and let the strain heal. That means that he was in school 1 day last week! He is on the mend and he is walking almost normal now. We are going to hold off another week on skiing. Praise God for this.

I think that is all from my corner of the world. We are buckling down for another cold spell, I hope that I have some good books and movies in the house.

Blessings

Random stuff

2009-01-12T13:38:00.003-06:00

Okay, I moaned and whined about the washer...It turns out that we were unresponsible and purchased the 42 inch widescreen tv on sale anyway. The price was amazing and we just know the price would go up with the superbowl and the digital conversion around the corner. We got the last one at our local Wal-mart. Of coursee the kids have been playing video games on it a lot! I finally had to claim tv time for myself. The picture is so big and the movies are amazing. NBC replayed the opening ceremonies for the olympics - the colors were amazing! Who knew? It was almost like going form black and white tv to color (yes, I remember that!)

We have also jumped on the Weight Watchers point bandwagon. My husband and I only want (don't really need) to lose 10-15 lbs. I think that we mostly want to start eating better. This is a way that will help us see how much we eat. I need to be careful, because I can get so obsessive about eating. I want to eat healthy - more vegetables (zero points) and healthy snacks. I like to snack when I am grading papers - a habit I need to break. I am happy with my weight - mostly, just want to stay healthy.

We went skiing yesterday and Eli felt pain in his foot after he went from his ski boots to his shoes. No idea what he did - no specific injury. We thought by heating and taking ibuprofen would help - it was still painful this am. Roger is taking him to the Dr. this pm. I am praying for good news.

That is all from here.

Cyndee

You might live in Minnesota if...

2009-01-09T07:27:00.002-06:00

Just something fun for Friday

If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through 18inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by,
You might live in Minnesota

If you're proud that your state makes the national news 96 nights each year because International Falls is the coldest spot in the nation,
You might live in Minnesota

If you have ever refused to buy something because it's 'too spendy',
You might live in Minnesota

If your local Dairy Queen is closed from November through March,
You might live in Minnesota

If someone in a store offers you assistance -- and they don't work there,
You might live in Minnesota

If you have worn shorts and a parka at the same time,
You might live in Minnesota

If your town has an equal number of bars and churches,
You might live in Minnesota

If you know how to say, Wayzata, Mahtomedi, Cloquet, Edina and Shakopee,
You might live in Minnesota

If you think that ketchup is a little too spicy,
You might live in Minnesota

If vacation means going 'up north' for the weekend,
You might live in Minnesota

You measure distance in hours,
You might live in Minnesota

You know several people who have hit deer more than once,
You might live in Minnesota

You often switch from 'Heat' to 'A/C' in the same day and back again,
You might live in Minnesota

You can drive 65 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching,
You might live in Minnesota

You see people wearing hunting clothes at social events,
You might live in Minnesota

You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked,
You might live in Minnesota

You think of the major food groups as beer, fish, and venison,
You might live in Minnesota

You carry jumper cables in your car, and your girlfriend knows how to use them,
You might live in Minnesota

There are 7 empty cars running in the parking lot at Mill's Fleet Farm at any given time,
You might live in Minnesota

You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit,
You might live in Minnesota

Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow,
You might live in Minnesota

You know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and of course, road construction,
You might live in Minnesota

You can identify a southern or eastern accent,
You might live in Minnesota

Your idea of creative landscaping is a plastic deer next to your blue spruce,
You might live in Minnesota

If 'Down South' to you means Iowa ,
You might live in Minnesota

You know 'a brat' is something you eat,
You might live in Minnesota

You find -10 degrees 'a little chilly',
You might live in Minnesota

You actually understand these jokes, and you forward them to all yourMinnesota friends,
You DO live in Minnesota

Here is the beautiful new washer

2008-12-29T09:35:00.003-06:00

Here is the amazing washer. We literally did sit in front of it with a flashlight to watch the clothes spin. It uses such a small amount of water that my husband stopped the load to see if they were even wet. I am hoping that we are saving money by saving water? Here are the buttons on the top that I need to use my college degree for.

It really isn't that bad, just different. I have done several loads and it is great! Maybe it is better than a tv after all. We are going to put 1 dollar per load into savings and get the matching dryer when we have saved enough. After this weekend, we are up to $10. Yippee!

The only person in the family that doesn't like it is the cat. She won't step foot into the washroom. Not a good thing since her litter box is in there. I am hoping that she gets over it. Not sure why she doesn't like it besides being able to see inside of it. I only do wash once a week, so hopefully over the next couple of days she will acclimate. So, for now she is using the litter box in the garage...

Blessings and Happy New Year!

I don't want a new washing machine...

2008-12-22T08:08:00.002-06:00

Okay, I apologize for the whiny voice that you hear in your head right now. It isn't that I am not going to be grateful and even thrilled with a new front loading washing machine with all the bells and whistles. I will need to take lessons on what all the settings mean and my clothes will not fade in color (or so the manual says).

Here is the thing - we were saving for a new 42 inch digital tv for Christmas (my husband and kids were rooting for the 46 inch). My husband and I agreed to not spend money on each other and get a new tv for each other for Christmas. I was so looking forward to watching my favorite movies on the widescreen...Alas, the 11 year old, used when we got it, washing machine literally ceased up. Luckily it was on the last load of the day and the neighbors graciouslly allowed us to use theirs.

Oh, we had an indication that it might die when it started to squel like a pig during the spin cycle a couple of weeks ago. But, it was still working and the the noise went away. How bad could it be? Why replace something that is still working? Okay, it could go at any minute, but why rush things? I was all ready to be irresponsible and go buy that tv that I have been drooling over at Wal-Mart. After all, the washing machine was still working...

God knows my thoughts (like the washing machine broke because of God? Weirder things have happened). So, it wasn't until the darn thing stopped moving - no movement anywhere - the agitator stopped spinning, the water would not drain and I was stuck with a washer full of wet towels!

It was at that moment that I knew, I was getting a washing machine for Christmas instead of a new tv. I am not thrilled, really, not at all.

So, if anyone wants to bring their laundry over, we are going to sit in front of the new washing machine, with a red bow one it, and watch our laundry go around. Don't forget the popcorn!

Blessings

Happy Anniversary!

2008-12-17T08:10:00.003-06:00

Today is me and my hubby's 14th anniversary! In my heart and in the spirit we have been married and committed to each other longer than that. This day always reminds me of our humble and sinful beginning - yet, I am grateful for the journey. Let me share...

About sixteen years ago, I had to have the conversation with my boyfriend that no girl wants to have, "I am pregnant." We were without excuse, nobody's fault but ours. I flat out refused to have a second abortion, but also refused to be a single mom. We choose to select adoptive parents together and actually had a couple picked out to give this child to.

Life took a turn the moment Roger looked upon his tiny little daughter. He was enchanted by her - she was real for the first time. We had talked about names and what name I would give a girl. I would name her after my grandmother who loved me and Christ even more at the end of her life. He remembered and had the nurses put that on her birth certificate. So, she was Charity Elise from the beginning.

I signed the papers for foster parents to come and take her for the next 6 weeks - the waiting period for newborn adoptions. I left the hospital with Roger, but without our little girl. It was odd. I remember being exhausted both physically and emotionally. I just wanted to cry!

Roger wanted to "go for a walk". He had never done this before and I was curious. We walked. He said something that I will not forget, "What will happen if we decide to get married and don't have our daughter with us?". I stopped and looked at him. I wasn't quite sure what he was saying. He explained that God opened his eyes when Charity was born and he couldn't imagine his life without both of us in it. (Sometimes he might question it with a teenager in the house:) I kindly reminded him that he would be marrying me and be stuck with me long after this child leaves the house. Did he love me enough without the child?

I was difficult and wanted it all. I wanted a husband that loved me. I wanted a real wedding. I wanted to be engaged. He convinced me and that was the moment that I knew we were in this for "as long as we both shall live".

We called the adoption agency and said that we changed our mind. We had nothing. No diapers, bottles, clothes or bedding. Yet, the Lord in His wisdom brought us together to make a family. We were married when Charity was 16 months old on Dec. 17th 1994.

I am just so blessed today to have so much because of God's faithfulness.

Blessing today

Christmas Meme

2008-12-16T10:19:00.007-06:00

This was sent to me by a good friend and I thought I would share my answers with you.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I am not really into wrapping. I have been known to give gifts that were still in the store bag that it came in. Not so much for Christmas, but birthdays. Christmas - I find boxes and use paper.

2. Real tree or Artificial? We usually have a real tree - at least until the kids leave. We love the smell. This year we found one with pine cones on it. We will probably find an artificial tree when we get older - won't be able to carry it up the steps.

3. When do you put up the tree? Traditionally the Friday after Thanksgiving. Last year we waited a week because Thanksgiving was so early and the tree would have been really dead before Christmas.

4. When do you take the tree down? After the New Year, before school starts in January.

5. Do you like Egg Nog? Yes, but I am the only one in my house that does, so I only buy it once.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I vividly remember getting a gift certificate to get my ears pierced. I loved that gift. I can't do just one. I also loved the Pizzelle maker that my husband got me our first Christmas together.

7. Hardest person to buy for? Husband. He usually buys what he needs - I have to find something intangible (gift certificates, etc).

8. Easiest person to buy for? My son, Eli. Anything that moves fast, cars, trains, video games. He is always so grateful!

9. Do you have a nativity scene? I think that we have 3. We only set one up. Our house has limited space so we pick a different one every year. (plus the outside lawn ornament type)

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Neither. We send out Easter letters and photos. We have more time to get them sent out during that time of year.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Getting no gifts at all

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? It's a Wonderful Life

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Depends, usually October sometime

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes, I must admit that I have re-gifted.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Fudge and pizzelles (italian Christmas cookie)

16. Lights on the tree? yes

17. Favorite Christmas songs: Breathe of Heaven by Amy Grant

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? home

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Yes, what kind of mom would I be if I couldn't (just kidding to those mom's that can't :)

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? This year an angel

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Eve for Grandma, Morning for the immediate family

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Traffic and craziness of stores like Wal-mart/Target that I do my weekly shopping at.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Don't have one

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?We have BBQ ribs. Yum

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Quiet time with my family

If you feel like doing your own, let me know and I will come and visit you!

Blessings

Fave Friday #16

2008-12-05T09:56:00.003-06:00

I can only join in once in awhile, when life slows down a little. Who would have guessed that my life slows down around Christmas? Well, it is the break between the swim season and the synchro season. And the boy is too young to be in any skiing sport (yet). It is always so fun to see how blessed we all are. Thanks for hosting Susanne!

1) Swim Banquet: It is a time to celebrate all the good things that the girls accomplished. It is often boring for the parents (at least it is for me) but Charity has done so well. I can't help but be proud of her Varsity Letter and Distinguished Academic Award (3.6 GPA or higher).

2) Reading: I enjoy winter for the excuse it gives me to read. The sun goes down early and all I want to do is curl up by the fire with a good book. See this post for my most recent favorite read.

3) Day with the Hubby: A week or so ago my husband and I took the day off together and went Christmas shopping together. It was nice to browse and spend money together. We also got to go out for lunch and talk without the kids interrupting or fighting. What an amazing thing!

4) Christmas progams on tv: This might seem like a strange favorite, but I just love this time of year when healthy, family time specials are on tv. The classics like Charlie Brown, the Grinch and Rudolph.

5) Ship to Store: Many stores now have this now. You can save shipping costs, but also get what you want when you get to the store. Shipping is free, you can just pick it up at the store. I did this with Wal-mart (and since I go there anyway) and saved myself money and getting what I needed for gifts.

That is all that I have for now.

Blessings

Book Review - Riven by Jerry Jenkins

2008-12-04T07:41:00.003-06:00

I just devoured this book. I read a review on it in Today's Christian Women magazine and then actually found it on the shelf in the library last week. I liked the Left Behind series that he wrote with Tim LaHaye and wanted to give it a go.

The author's note indicated that this is a book that he has had in his mind and heart for decades and has finally put in on paper. For me, the book did not disappoint. Jenkins does a beautiful job of creating the two main characters, Brady Darby (juvenile delinquent) and Thomas Carey (pastor/Chaplain). By the time they meet in the book you are wanting both of them to see the power of God.

I did not want to put the book down and was captivated by the complexity of the human heart. Jenkins captured the struggles of the characters and allowed us to experience it with them. If you have ever wondered about forgiveness and the Grace of God, this book strikes a chord as to the power of that. Does God's Word have power? This "story/parable" doesn't allow you to sit without thinking about what God can and is willing to do for us.

I highly recommend this book if you get a chance. It is now one of the top ten books on my list.

Blessings

Oh, to be a Cat

2008-12-01T06:04:00.004-06:00

Princess hopped in the dryer when it was still warm.
Was she telling me something?

This is her relaxing after I got the hint and
started the wood stove to warm up the place.
Oh, to have the life of a fat cat.

Blessings today

Doing Better

2008-11-24T08:00:00.002-06:00

I am doing better. In a nutshell, my daughter does not like us to come to her away swim meets. She qualified for sections and we wanted to go. So, against her wishes we went and cheered her on. She was very angry, but did get over it sooner than I did.

I would have done anything for my mom to plan ahead and make time for me - come to my music concerts, plays, etc. I never knew if she would show up and if she did it was after a stop at the bar. The whole think with Charity just put me in a slump that I had to sort through. I just couldn't put this on her, but needed to understand why I felt the way I did. Thank you so much for any amount of prayer. The Lord is faithful and slowly heals my broken childhood.

I want to enjoy this part of my daughters life - it will go by so quickly. I don't want to be over controlling, but involved. I think that it is important that I know who she is friends with and hangs out with.

That is all for now.

Blessings

Bad day today

2008-11-14T08:33:00.002-06:00

I don't really want to share too much here, but I am struggling with some emotional issues. My relationship with my daughter has triggered some long lost feeling that I thought I was over. If you think about it, say a quick prayer that I will know what is from God and what I need to get rid of. Thanks.

Cyndee

MeMe

2008-11-11T08:16:00.003-06:00

Here is a Meme that I just did via email. Thought it was fun.

Welcome to the new 2008 edition of getting to know your family and friends.

1. What is your occupation right now? Chemistry Teacher

2. What color are your socks right now? white

3. What are you listening to right now? quiet classroom with murmurs of students in other classes

4. What was the last thing that you ate? banana bread for breakfast

5. Can you drive a stick shift? yes

6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Roger

7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes, Very Much

8. How old are you today? 39

9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? NASCAR

10. What is your favorite drink? non-alcoholic, pepsi, with alcohol, Bailey's on ice

11. Have you ever dyed your hair? yes

12. Favorite food? Mexican - bean burritos smothered in green chili sauce

13. What is the last movie you watched? High School Musical 3 (yes, I have a teenage girl in the house)

14. Favorite day of the year? Today

15. How do you vent anger? blog or yell

16. What was your favorite toy as a child? playing with a tea set

17. What is your favorite season? Spring

18. Cherries or Blueberries? cherries

19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Absolutely!

20. Who is the most likely to respond? Don't know

21. Who is least likely to respond? most

22. Living arrangements? in a house

23. When was the last time you cried? a couple months ago

24. What is on the floor of your closet? shoes, dirty clothes basket, stool to reach shelf, gym bags

25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? Monica and Tatiana

26. What did you do last night? Attended a swimming booster club meeting

27. What are you most afraid of?being abandoned

28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? cheese

29. Favorite dog breed? not really fond of dogs

30. Favorite day of the week? Sunday

31. How many states have you lived in? 2

32. Diamonds or pearls? diamonds

33. What is your favorite flower? lilacs

Blessings!

I t is official

2008-11-05T08:25:00.003-06:00

Barack Obama will be our next President for 4 years, with a democrat congress to back him up.

What will happen? Some people are hoping for amazing change - peace, freedom, prosperity - and Obama will be able to do it all?

My heart was saddened by the results. What is God trying to teach us? Is God letting us choose our own way? Has our country so turned from the truths of God to let us be led by such a man? Only God knows Obama'a heart and I may be spending eternity in heaven with him, but his actions and philosophies truly scare me. What is going to happen to the millions of women allowed and encouraged to get abortions? What will happen to our military personal so dedicated to the freedoms of our country?

Yet, I must trust that God allowed this and is control. He has seen the result of this election and knows the end of the story. Will the churches (us) step up and fill in the gaps and offer true hope beyond today? Is this the beginning of a revival for our country? Ultimately God will use whatever means possible to bring us back to Him.

Lord, help me to respect the authority of the new leadership and ultimately to bow down only to you. Help me to see your purpose in all this and to teach my children appropriately.

Blessings

Rejoice

2008-10-24T09:47:00.002-05:00

This is one of the verses in bible readings that our church is doing. I have actually been keeping up - no matter how tired I am, or how much I want to read the novel next to my bed.

There are a lot of great verses in Phil 4, but yesterday this one struck a cord. A couple of things that I thought about.

1) Rejoice always. Not sometimes. Not when I feel like it. ALWAYS!

2) I am not rejoicing over my circumstances. I am to rejoice IN the LORD. Not about myself! (amazing insight, huh?). I am rejoicing because he has saved me from an eternity separated from Him. I am rejoicing for all that He is. I am rejoicing because I am known by the great I AM. I am rejoicing because nothing can separate me from His love.

After the long month that I have had, this verse has made a difference to me today. I hope it blesses you too.

Fave Friday #10

2008-10-17T11:26:00.002-05:00

I have not done all 10 of these, but I pop in when I can. I so enjoy this, so here is goes.

1) Getting a couple days off for Teacher meetings. I am a loser and don't attend. My husband goes hunting for deer in N. Dakota and I shipped the boy off to Grandma's. So it has just been me and the girl. I haven't done much, which is the point sometimes.

2) Finishing a couple of books and updating my book review blog. Check it out here if you are looking for something new to read. I don't always have the best luck with books. I mostly just grab books from the library. Sometimes I reserve a particular book, but most of the time it is all chance.

3) Being able to actually watch Charity swim her 100 M Butterfly. I work the scoring table and usually miss it. I have a trainee for the position and left him alone to watch her swim. She is just amazing in the water. Maybe not Olympic quality for the rest of the world, but most definitely for me!

4) Still being on track for my Bible reading and enjoying it. I know this is a habit that I need to get back into.

5) Hearing my son tell me about his adventures with his grandparents. He went fishing yesterday and had a grand time. I am hoping that I am instilling in him a connection with them. I wish that I had more time with mine as a kid.

I think that is all I have for now! Blessings.

40 days of growth

2008-10-15T07:14:00.002-05:00

My last post was pretty raw and honest for me. What is strange is that I found an old journal entry from about this time of year from 3 years ago. It said about the same thing. I am praying and working on trying to figure out what triggers these feelings this time of year. Roger and I did meet together over pie (most things can be solved over dessert!). Our jobs/careers seem to have become our life - and working in education can be challenging - a blessing many times, but it does suck the life out of us. We have very little left for each other and the kids. We agree that our marriage is the most important relationship besides the one with Christ. We are going to try to have more alone time together and I need to share what is on my mind instead of bottling it all up. I am the type of person that needs goals and I feel lost without one. We are going to work on finding a common goal to work toward. Currently it is getting the children raised and out of the house. This is our season in life and I need to be okay with that.

So, this is the perfect time for what our church is doing at the moment - 40 days of spiritual growth. We are a large church (regular attendance of about 10,000 between our three campus') with a lot of new believers It is so exciting to see lives changed for eternity! That is our purpose as a christian church as a whole - planet wide - to share the good news of salvation. I once heard a christian comedian say that he had friends not want to say yes to Christ to just stay out of Hell. Well, isn't that the whole purpose of Christ coming to earth anyway? That is not a wrong motive to say yes to God's gift. I think that God will use whatever it takes to reach His children that He dearly loves.

I am off track already! The whole idea behind this 40 days of spiritual growth is to teach new believers (and remind those of us that have been believers for awhile) of the disciplines that will bring us into a closer relationship with God. We are encouraged to join in a bible reading plan which started Monday and I am still on track. Yea for me! The above link is for the blog where different pastors from the church share what they learned from the readings. This is a great series and if you don't live close by to attend, listen or watch online at www.eaglebrookchurch.com. I am re-learning and trying to apply to my current "crisis" as my husband calls them. I know that bible reading can't hurt.

I must go, but wanted to update the few and faithful readers. Thank you so much for the prayers!

Blessings

Not too happy

2008-10-06T07:49:00.002-05:00

I think that I have a happy marriage. Our household runs like a well oiled machine most days. We get up at the same time every morning, eat breakfast, pack lunches, go to work, come home, make dinner, maybe watch some tv or go to the Y and start all over the next day. On occasion we have a swim meet to attend or conferences. Otherwise, our life speaks of routine and stability. Two cars, two kids, a cat and a mortgage - the American Dream!

I truly should be happy with this. My life growing up was challenging. I did have a strange routine as a teenager. Come home to an empty house after my part time job. Mom was still at the bar. Brother was out getting high with friends. I came home and started my homework or headed over to make out with my sometimes boyfriend. Life had little predictability.

I don't know what is going on, but my life feels empty and dull. I want an amazing marriage. But instead, I feel like I have a great roommate. He is amazingly helpful and works hard to keep life orderly. The yard looks great, he fixes things that are broken and even takes care of the floors. But lately, I feel lonely and unknown. He doesn't even know as much about me as many of you do - or at least that is how it feels today.

We have never prayed together because it makes him feel weird. I am always the one praying at dinner or before bedtime for the kids. We have never done a bible study together - it is a private thing. I keep looking to him for some directions in this area - but he seems timid. We both serve at church, but not together. It seems like everything we do is separate or alone. And that is how I am feeling. And then I get comments from him about our not so good sexlife. It is so hard to want to be close physically when emotionally I feel like there is a chasm.

How can we see each other every day and not really know each other? There have been days when we say little more than hello and goodbye. Our lives look so good on the outside, but I am hurting on the inside. We really need some time without the kids to talk. I am just afraid that we will talk and nothing will change - it never does. He really doesn't seem to think there is a problem. But I don't know what he is feeling, because he doesn't share with me.

Please pray. It may take some professional help to work through this. I want to feel cherished and loved by my husband. Right now, I am just feeling like a housemate. I truly want this to change. I don't want to be stuck here forever! Thanks for praying.

Blessings

Gambling for kids

2008-09-29T09:52:00.002-05:00

Well, we took Eli and 3 of his friends to Chuck E. Cheese for his birthday on Sunday. It is sort of a pizza place, but mostly an arcade for little kids. I had some coupons for pizza and tokens. Amazingly enough, the boys did eat and not just play games. We spent a couple of hours there and finally decided that places like this are like gambling for kids.

Why? Here is my reasoning...

1) Definite overstimulation - sounds, lights, movement - very similiar to a casino.

2) The kids can keep playing with tokens and "win" tickets for great prizes (bouncy balls and plastic toys that break before you get home). It is this hope of winning the keeps them coming back to the table begging for more tokens!

3) My daughter just had to conquer this game called the flaming finger - she admitted that it was addicting as she just kept adding tokens until she won. And then she wanted to win again after she had felt that euphoric feeling.

Anyway, it doesn't matter. The kids had fun and were occupied for a couple of hours - and not dirtying my house.

So, Happy Birthday ELI!

Funny News Article-To Have and to Haul

2008-09-26T15:33:00.003-05:00

This was in our paper and we read it during lunch. It is a tradition in WI where the men carry their wives through this obstacle course to win prizes. Most of the prizes are award based on the wives weight. For instance you can win your wives weight in beer or bratwurst. I wonder if my husband would be willing to try this. Maybe if I lose those 10 pounds I have be trying to for so long...

Blessings

Ramblings

2008-09-26T07:54:00.002-05:00

I don't have much time, but feel like I have much to share. Life is good and busy, which I actually like within reason. It keeps me from worrying and making bad choices that lead me down not so good paths. So here is a list of things that have been occupying my time.

1) Work:) I know, imagine that! We have a new schedule this year and I am spending a lot more time planning than I have had to do in the past. I am also trying to be a better communicator with the parents, which takes time. I also had to make up some time for inservice. Kind of silly, but at least it is done.

2) Swimming:) and the daughter. I have maybe bitten off more than I can chew here. I help run the scoring table and I am the treasurer for the booster club. Too much data coming in to this older brain. She is doing well this year - adjusting to high school homework and 3 hours of practice every night.

3) Teaching the daughter to drive. She usually drives us to school in the morning unless we are running late. I am almost to the point where I can take my eyes off the road.

4) The sons birthday is this weekend. He will be nine. He is having a party at Chuck E. Cheese's. I don't have to plan a ton, but had to get the invitations out to his friends. Where does the time go? Top items on his list is an electric scooter and nerf lazer tag guns. He is a boy through and through.

5) I have also been sucked into a few tv shows and the premieres started this week. We watch "Big Bang Theory"(Monday), "Biggest Loser"(Tuesday), "New Knight Rider"(Wednesday) and "Chuck" will reappear next Monday. I will need to record "Big Bang" and watch later.

6) My husband has dragged me away from the tv a couple of nights for my 25 minutes of torture better known at the eliptical at the YMCA.

Thanks for reading - I want to go read some blogs myself.

Blessings

Shopping Trip

2008-09-06T12:35:00.002-05:00

As I was waiting in line at Wal-Mart, I was wondering what the cashiers (or anyone really) would be able to find out about me from the items I purchased. I think that it would be fascinating.

So, here is the list of items I purchased and then I will imagine what someone would be able to tell about me. See if you could figure anything out.

2 boxes of Cookie Crisp Cereal
IAMS bag of weight control cat food
Bottle of strawberry flavored water - Sam's Club brand
Sam's Club trail mix
12 rolls of double roll toliet paper
2 bottles of Purex laundry detergent
2 bottles of Sam's Club Bleach
Fish food
Half and Half
2 packages of Maxi pads
Cloth adhesive tape - for bandages/cuts
Band-aids - off brand
RV winterizing antifreeze
2 packages of flushable wipes
2 boxes of 100 ziploc sandwich bags
1 box of 50 quart size ziploc bags
Heavy duty self-adhesive velcro strips
cordless telephone
1 bottle of fabric softener

I would say that I definitely have children. Many things give that away- cookie crisp cereal, band-aids (which seem to be on my monthly list), and the flushable wipes.

Second, I have pets. Specifically fish and cats. That one was pretty simple to figure out.

I don't live alone. I am buying way too much toliet paper to be living by myself.

I may have just done laundry or need to do laundry with the amount of detergent I bought. (I actually need to do it and ran our of soap)

Someone likes to drink coffee. In a bunch of groceries half and half may not be a sign, but it seems to be a random food item that needed purchasing (yes, it is true, but it is for my husband).

Own a camper, again, the winterizing fluid is a dead giveaway.

Kids possibly take lunches to school - thus the sudden need for so many sandwich bags. (Actually it is for me and the husband - we take lunch and they eat at school usually)

That is all I have, just was an interesting thought!

Is there anything that you can find out about me from these purchases? Just chime in..

Blessings

Friday Fave Five

2008-09-05T08:04:00.003-05:00

Wow! Has it really been almost a month since I last entered a post? Life has been full, full, full. I am going to include some of my faves since the last time just to catch some of you up on what is going on here at Riezzee's Place. Join us at Living to Tell the Story and see what others are enjoying this week.

1) Charity passed her driver's ed class with 120%. I would say that she is an overachiever. Like her mother? Maybe. She then took the big permit test and only missed one. She is now able to drive with us - her lucky parents. We started in the parking lot and have moved to city/country streets around our house. I am fairly confident in her ability, but I still push down on that imaginary brake pedal in the car. Tell me this will get easier?

2) Successful start to school for mom, dad and kids. Charity is now at the high school with me, in fact I have her as a student in class. So far so good. Eli has his first male teacher and has had a good time. Roger has a full load of unmedicated ADHD kids. He will be going through lots of coffee this year to keep up.

3) Got a couple scrapbooks caught up. This is so therapeutic for me. Charity now has two books completed. Working on getting pictures ready for this summer's activities.

4) Joined the neighbors on Labor Day for Garbage Can Turkey. Sounds weird but tastes delicious! They basically dig a pit and covered a turkey with a metal garbage can. Put coals around and on the trash can. Cook for 2 hours. It is like an outdoor oven, perfect for the 90 degree weather we had. Perfect end of summer feast.

5) Enjoyed a great day at the Minnesota State Fair. We ate our way through the fair like we always do. They moved some of our favorite food items, so we just tried some new ones to replace them. It is an all day affair looking at animals, art and hearing music. What total fun!

I think that is all from here. Thanks Suzanne for hosting.

Cyndee

More Bathroom humor...

2008-08-17T13:54:00.002-05:00

Just got back from shopping at the mall. After my interesting finds at a gas station bathroom in Chicago, I just had to take notice of what was available in this bathroom.

So, in addition to the regular, tampons and feminine napkins ($1) you could purchase tic-tacs ($1) and a variety pack of fruit hard candy ($1).

Well, I guess that the clientele in the mall is a little different than the Holiday station in Wisconsin. . . I suppose that is a blessing !

Thanks for reading.

Summer over?

2008-08-17T12:39:00.005-05:00

Well, it truly must be close to the end - the shopping frenzy has started! Why is it that this always occurs before I go back to work? I don't get paid for another two weeks, but then school will have started. I always get a few things and then Charity saves her money to buy the stuff she really wants!

I am actually really proud of her shopping smarts. She has a limit of what she will buy and how much it should be - so out are the $50+ jeans. She works too hard for her money. Maybe I did something right here.

The boy did not even want to go shopping, but I made him come with me to get jeans. He just feels that it is a waste of time when he can be using these last hours of summer to play! To him shopping is just torture - trained up like any good male.

I return to teacher in-service days on Wed (big sigh). I always have mixed feelings about this - like I never really did everything I wanted to do. But, I must have done what God wanted me to do and that is the most important.

We still have a couple of "big" adventures ahead. We are going to the local amusement park on Tuesday with Roger's sister. That should be interesting. Let me just say that his sister is high maintenance and I am not. Roger said that we will just go and enjoy ourselves and not to worry about his sister. Amen to that!

The last hurrah every year is going to the State Fair. This is a big deal here - one of the best in the country it is told. Growing up in CO, we didn't ever go to the state fair. Maybe it is a midwest thing. Regardless, we go and eat our way through the fair and see pigs, cows and rabbits. What more fun could one have?

I guess that is all for now. Hope your back-to-school shopping is on track.

Blessings

Fave Five for Friday

2008-08-15T10:35:00.002-05:00

Suzanne at Living to Tell the Story started this and I thought I would play along since I have the time today. She asked us to list our 5 favorite things that happened this week. This might be a good way for me to be a little more thankful!

1. Watching the Olympics. I am dead tired from staying up too late and then getting up early to take the girl to swim practice. It just amazes me the dedication it takes to be that good in a sport. You almost have to live, eat and breathe your sport. It is also a fun family thing - we watch and cheer together.

2. A chance to go shopping by myself. I am not much of a shopper, but it was a chance to get away and look at my leisure. No real bargains, but good time alone.

3. Fresh string beans from the garden. My beans are growing and producing much fruit. I love the taste of fresh from the garden string beans.

4. Reading. I am going to miss my time to read. I have been able to just sit and read this summer. Once school starts I am crazy busy and don't have the time to read.

5. Laughter. We find odd things funny in our house. We were watching an old episode of Little House on the Prairie - one when the preacher falls in love with the widow and they get married. Mrs. Oleson meddles and calls the widow a "brazen hussy". We decided that that was the 1800's word for "Ho". So now we use "brazen hussy" instead. Such a great us of the English language!

I hope you stop by at Suzanne's and join us for the fun.

Blessings

Driver's Ed Impact Panel

2008-08-14T11:22:00.002-05:00

My lovely daughter was required to go to this impact panel last Saturday for driver's ed. I drew the short straw and went with her (she got extra credit for dragging a parent with her - is that all I am now, extra credit?). It was a panel of people that had been affected by poor driving decisions.

Okay, maybe I have just heard and seen too many of these as a high school teacher, but I just don't know that sitting in a huge auditorium with 100 other families is going to have a big impact on new drivers. I have a feeling that it is therapeutic for the people speaking to share and feel that what they say makes a difference. I just don’t know if it truly does change driver behavior.

My heart ached for them as they shared the stories of loved ones lost in car accidents. A couple were alcohol relates, a couple were not. They wanted to stress that driving was a privilege and a responsibility and not just fun and games.

I get it. What frustrated me the most was that these people sharing had no hope. They explained how they were taking anti-depressants and how their lives were never going to be the same. None of them expressed a hope in eternity. Where is God in all this? Life is such a precious gift and can change in an instant. Where was the “closure” for these people without the hope of Christ?

I must confess that my heart was hard and I just didn't know how to get over it - still don't. How do I share the Hope of Christ with people that feel so abandoned by Him?

I had mentioned to Charity - since she is critiquing my driving - that you can't control other driver's. You can do your best to stay out of their way and drive defensively, but your life is ultimately in God's hands. I told her that she should be prepared to die. I would be heart broken and miserable if she was killed driving, but I would have hope that she was in heaven. I would know for sure that she was in heaven! We would meet again at the banquet table set out be Jesus himself.

I just pray for those that have lost loved ones - sons, daughters, moms, dads, sisters and brothers. So many are affected when this happens. Yet, there is hope in Christ. How else could you get through it?

Blessings
Cyndee

Happy Birthday Charity!

2008-08-04T10:50:00.002-05:00

Today she turns 15 and starts driver's ed. Where has the time flown?

*My little girl that wore dresses everyday for 3 years -snow, rain or shine!
*Times when she would run and hug me.
*Reading together in bed.

Yet, some things have not changed all the much

*Independent. Not afraid to wave good-bye at daycare or church.
*Brave. Undeterred to jump in the water and swim.
*Beautiful. Growing more so everyday.

Lord, I am so blessed to have her in my life. I know that you have only loaned her to me. Please continue to help me be the mom that she needs - even among the yelling. Amen.

Trip to Chicago

2008-08-03T11:03:00.004-05:00

I have returned from a Chemistry adventure in the Chicago area.

I work with some great chemistry teachers. We (three of us) were invited to Flinn Scientific (a chemical supply company that caters to teachers) to watch the filming of chemistry demonstrations. This has been going on all summer long. We decided to make the trip last week.

It was truly amazing - that is if you are a chemistry teacher. We learned how to teach so many concepts better with demos or manipulatives. Anything that I can do to be a better teacher benefits all. The customer service was amazing with free breakfast and lunch, tour of the company, etc. The people working there strive to make you comfortable. We received gifts for attending - even though we learned so much.

On the way home, I was struck by something in the gas station bathroom. There was the common dispenser for feminine products. Not a surprise in a public bathroom. The first spot had 1 tampon for $1. Sounded a little expensive, but when you are in need it is worth it. The second spot had a lubricated condom for $.75. I couldn't quite understand why it was cheaper. I suppose it can be necessary? The last spot had a "surprise fantasy gift" for $.75. There was a chance of getting one of 6 "fantasy" items. What is that about? I was tempted to see what the items were. It just cracked me up!

Let's go boating . . or maybe not.

2008-07-27T15:58:00.002-05:00

We have a boat. I don't know that I ever really wanted the responsibility of a boat, but it seems to be a sign of success for me. I always thought that if I could ever afford a boat, I would have "made it". I question the silliness of it.

In MN, we have about 8 months of winter, or at least times that the water is too cold to water-ski in/on. Now, if we were fishermen, they do that all year long. Ice fishing is the rage here. I don't quite get that either - proof of not growing up in MN. The boy went on his first fishing expedition with his grandfather this summer and caught his first fish. That is a whole other post.

So, we finally had some time and the weather was cooperating. We like to go in the early morning or at about 6-7 pm when the water is calmer. We make it to the lake, get the boat in the water and the motor starts. Sometimes that is questionable on the first time out. I was sitting enjoying the breeze when we stop to see if weeds have gotten stuck on the propeller.

You guessed it, the motor would not go up. This is not a good sign. We could have played for awhile, but the sun was quickly going down and we had to get the boat out of the water and this is almost impossible without tearing off the propeller in the process.

Did we have any tools? No. If we did, would we know what to do? No. Did we have the manual with us? Of course, no. We attached the boat and tried to see how much clearance we had at the boat landing - not enough. Some great guys tried to help, but didn't know much since they fish in a canoe.

What happened? I stayed with the kids and the boat in the water by the dock. The husband ran home to get some tools and a different hitch that was lower and would hopefully raise the boat just enough. This did work, barely. The neighbors were great and let us park our boat in their flat driveway opposed to our steep one.

My husband read the manual and figured out how to manually raise the motor - this would have been nice to know earlier - and got the boat in our driveway. Turns out that a relay switch, no bigger than a square inch, had failed which only allowed us to move the engine down and not up.

$100 later we made it back out onto the lake. The cost of "success". Why do we have a boat anyway?

blessings

Sonshine and what I learned

2008-07-23T12:59:00.002-05:00

We just returned from Sonshine this weekend. It was an amazing time of music and worship. This is a great family adventure. We prepared for rain everyday and God blessed us with sunny skies and mild temperatures – mid 80’s compared to mid 90’s.

Charity invited a friend this year, mostly because the parents are “boring” to hang out with on such an occasion. Her friend seemed to have a good time also. We each got to see one of our favorite groups. Roger got to see Third Day, Charity got to see Hawk Nelson and Toby Mac, Eli waited until the last day to see his all time favorite, Newsboys. My favorite varies by day, but I enjoyed seeing Barlow Girl and the David Crowder Band. Crowder never disappoints!

We do a lot of sitting in lawn chairs as the bands do sound checks, etc. My behind got slightly sore, but luckily during my favorite bands I was up and waving my hands, praising God. I did my best to embarrass the daughter – not on purpose, just an interesting side effect of worshipping at Sonshine.

I brought my non-fiction book with me to read, When the Game is Over it All Goes Back in the Box by John Ortberg. I like his writing style. Many of these books teach the same thing with a different metaphor. Ortberg uses the monopoly game to represent this earthly life. You may have lots of hotels on your properties, but in the end all the money, properties and hotels go back in the box.

I am not done with the book, only on chapter 8 out of 21. Chapter 4 called “Master the Inner Game” has been rolling around in my head since Sonshine. Ortberg uses 2 Cor 4:16 as his springboard.

“We do not lose heart.
Though outwardly we are wasting away,
yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

I really enjoyed some of the quotes from this chapter so I will leave them with you and let you ponder them as I have.

*”Experts tell us that if you exercise regularly, you will add two years to your life. But the bad news is that you will spend those two years exercising.”

*”Be grateful for the outer you. . .But remember, it's wasting away. . .The inner you is capable of a glory that right now you cannot even imagine. Make your biggest investment in the you that will last."

And my favorite of the chapter

*"The hardest thing to bear as we get older is the feeling that we remain young inside"

This hit home, because as I get closer to the big 4-0, I don't feel any older in my heart, but my body keeps breaking on me and aching in places I never knew I had. It is hopeful to know that my "inner me" is being renewed.

This post is long enough. Blessings.

Passion Parties?

2008-07-22T12:56:00.000-05:00

I was invited to a “Passion Party” with the baseball moms.

I seriously did not know what to say. I really don’t know these women at all – I just see them at practice once a week. This kind of party seems rather intimate compared to a pampered chef party.

I graciously declined. I was not comfortable attending this kind of party – even with good friends. Did I miss out on an opportunity to be a light for Christ? Or by saying no did this mean something?

Roger suggested that I go, make some friends, because honestly I am lacking in that area. My whole world is my family. I just don’t know if this is how I want to start out.

I tried to explain to my husband what kind of products are sold at these kind of parties. The hostess gave me a catalog to look at in case I wanted to order something. Just glancing through the catalog felt like porn. Maybe porn for women. The promise of romance if you get this candle or these oils. Women are wired differently for sex then men. We want connection and intimacy and not always sexual satisfaction. If you are blessed, both might happen. Men have more of a physical desire – no romance needed.

I guess that I just needed to write a post about this. This seems to be accepted in “the world.” Where do I stand? I am not a prude, yet where is the line between what is a godly discussion about sex and what is a worldly discussion? I think that one that discusses the relationship between husband and wife is good, but just taking about being “satisfied” boarders on perversion.

Thoughts?

Summer Daze

2008-07-12T06:16:00.004-05:00

It is not convenient for me to blog much in the summer. We have dial-up and the girl is often online downloading music or using myspace. We do have wireless, but it isn't very useful with dial-up since only one person can really be using it at one time. Who needs to be on the computer anyway when we can finally be outside!

What have I been doing? I think that the answer is a lot and a little all at the same time. I am still on the mend from surgery the end of June. Progress is slow and sitting is still a challenge - that might be part of my reason for not blogging. It is a challenge to type laying down or propped up. I can walk and sleep okay. I am just hoping that over time it was the best choice.

Eli finished up his baseball games the beginning of July. He has a great community ed team and the coaches are wonderful. They challenge the kids to play their best as well as other skills like respect, etc. He had this same set of coaches last year and we are hoping that he can continue with this coach for 3rd grade. My son is not the best player on the team - but he does love the sport. His team was took first place with an undefeated record! Way to go Eli! We also took him to a Twins home game. I thought he might get bored, but he really did a good job and luckily they won the game. It is always great when the home team wins.

What else has been consuming our "summer off"? For teachers, this is the only time that we get anything done!

We are doing a minor (major?) remodeling project. Charity's closet is mighty small for a teenage girl - not that I want to encourage her, but it was the smallest closet in the house with the smallest bedroom. The kids closets are back to back - Eli has the original Master bedroom which had a larger closet. Soooo, we knocked down the wall between them - which was the "easy" part - and had to add a closet space to Eli's room. I think that it will be nice when it is all finished. The wall and sheetrock is done. Need to tape, mud, fix the carpet, move some electrical and put in closet doors. So, we might be half through.

We have also embarked on a new stage in the teens life - she is applying for her driving permit. There are quite a few hoops to jump through - 30 hours of classroom time, written test, behind the wheel. Finding the best driving school is a challenge - based on location, times of classes and cost - plus if her friends are doing it? She is growing up, this is a good thing so that by next year I will need to chauffeur less for her swimming.

Otherwise, just spending some time in the yard/garden - mowing, etc. We had a fun time at a friends for July 4th, so I will end with this picture of Eli. Blessings!

Survived

2008-06-27T09:54:00.002-05:00

I am at home and doing fine. I did get to come home on Wed - no overnight stay at the hospital. I was so thankful. I wasn't much help at home, but I was present. My poor husband has been bored out of his skull playing chaffeur for the kids.

I can't yet sit very well yet, due to the incision. Not that I am worried, but it is way below the "bikini" line. Here are a couple of things that I am learning..

*The pain medicine helps, but I now have no appetite and food has no taste. Can we say diet plan?

*I might have ADD. I am having a harder time just resting than I thought I would.

*General anesthesia is just strange. First you are in the operating room, the next thing you know you are in recovery. 1 1/2 hours of my life I don't remember. Strange.

*My kids can be helpful when they want to be. Even though they still bicker.

Thanks for your prayers. I am getting tired again. Blessings

Taking the dive

2008-06-23T22:01:00.002-05:00

This has nothing to do with swimming - amazing but true.

I have suffered with a broken tailbone for about 2 years now. I have used the "donut" shaped cushion, cortisone shots and less sitting in general. (It has taken a toll on my scrapbooking hobby). It still hurts. I have decided to schedule surgery. In fact it is occurring on Wed - today is Monday.

I had my last phone call from the admission office at the hospital. My surgeon said that the "procedure" (removal of the broken tailbone piece) is an outpatient procedure. It is scheduled for 7:30 am - I was hoping to be home by lunch time. The hospital seems to think that I am staying overnight for "pain control". I have had two children - how bad can it be? Besides, I will get more rest at home than in the hospital with the nurses always taking my vital signs and the uncomfortable beds. Please - send me home if possible!

I am extremely nervous about the whole thing. Very little can go wrong. The biggest possible complication is infection because of the location of the incision (duh?). So, just keep it clean? I have also never been under general anesthesia and have no idea how I will respond.

Please, say a quick prayer. After this is over, the rest of the summer will be a breeze. Thanks!

Blessings

River Vacation

2008-06-19T15:01:00.010-05:00

I am back and want to share my adventures with pictures today.

We have been on a journey to follow the Mississippi river from the headwaters in Itasca, MN (northern MN) to the Delta in New Orleans, LA. This summer brought us to St. Louis, MO. This is our fourth summer following the river, but it has been a great adventure learning about the history of all the places we stop and seeing the local sights - or as many as we can.

Charity and Eli sitting in the Mark Twain Caves. Naturally carved out of the limestone. Used as a source of inspiration for his writings.

This is us at one of the last Dams on the Mississippi. One of our main goals was accomplished on this trip - to see every Dam on the river. Their are 29 locks and dams on the river from Mpls/St. Paul to St. Louis and many more dams above that to the headwaters. And we can confidently say that we have seen them all! I have a Dam Scrapbook to prove it. Now all I need to do is add the final pictures of this trip.

Me, Eli and my hubby, Roger.

Several amazing pictures of the St. Louis Arch. The process and history of how and why this was build amazes the science teacher in me. It was built in the 1960's. What an engineering feat!!

This is a picture from the top of the arch and the shadow that it made at about 11 am. I thought is was a fun shot.

Eli had to have proof that he was at the top. We had to fight off an Amish couple for this shot. They had about 100 people in the space meant for about 50. You can stay at the top for as long as you want. But, who could stand being that crowded for very long. Roger did not join us. He is not one for heights.

We also did some fun and unusual things. We went to the international bowling museum. Okay, we sort of went for the laughs, but also got to bowl at the end of the tour. Not a bad deal!

We also had to take the tour of the Budweiser brewery and go to Six Flags in St. Louis. Eli had many firsts on this trip. He has reached that golden height requirement of 48 inches tall. He got the chance to ride on waterpark slides alone and ride the big roller coasters at Six Flags. He loved every minute of it! He fits right in since the rest of us can't get enough roller coasters.

Maybe that will be our next adventure - riding roller coasters.

Along the way, we prayed for those homes that we drove past that were full of water - sandbags and all. We have never seen the water so high. Roads were closed miles from the river. We were lucky to be safe. The pictures don't really do it justice when you just see the train tracks and roads just disappear into the water. Please pray for all those affected.

I think that this post is long enough. I will try to be more consistent.

Blessings

Cyndee

Lost in May

2008-05-31T14:05:00.002-05:00

I guess that the picture helps explain part of what has been taking up my time this May. I have really been trying to post, but mostly have been a lurker and reading my favorite blogs when I have a few minutes. I am just going to take some time to note some highlights.

*As a teacher, this is the month when I get to grade the huge individual lab project that I assign. I am grateful that I only have 50 to grade - but multiply by 20 minutes each and it can be overwhelming.

*We have also entered severe weather time - which comes with thunder storms and tornados. We were hunkered down in our basement last Sunday. We live close to the tornados that hit Hugo, MN. Many of those folks attend our church and Roger has even helped the family that lost their son. I teach many of the students and have just listened to the stories - grateful for their lives. Please pray for our church and community as we help rebuild.

*May is also the month of ceremonies.

*Charity is moving from 9th grade at the Jr. High to the High school next year. They had a 9th grade award ceremony. I am so proud of her excellence in academics and sports. She received an award for having a GPA above 3.8 for 3 years and was honored for the Science student of the year. She didn't really want this - she wanted the Math award. The ironic thing is that Charity helps the girl that won it. I guess that it isn't all about the award...

*We also had the synchro banquet where the girls are honored for their achievements at the Section and State tournaments. Charity placed 2nd in short figures out of 210 girls. Her other routines did good as well. 6th/14 in her duet, 7th/14 in her trio and 6th/10 in team. The team placed 4th overall out of 12 teams. They are shooting for 3rd next year!

*In the evening we have been trying to fit in time for mowing the lawn and attending Eli's baseball games. He has 3 next week to make up for two rained out games. Baseball is not fun in the rain.

It is just starting to feel like work is getting in the way of our life. So, it is good that school is almost out - this is the last week for us! We have several trips planned and lots of family time. The kids are growing up so fast - I want to enjoy every minute that I can! It is a blessing to have the summer off - even if it means a smaller paycheck.

I must go, thank for reading.

Blessings

Book Review - The Note by Angela Hunt

2008-05-30T15:58:00.000-05:00

I am just fascinated by the wide range of topics that Hunt writes about. Many authors find a niche and write about the same kind of thing. Kingsbury loves stories about families and forgiveness. Blackstock is more of a suspense author writing about murders. Hunt seems to explore the range of topics.

This book is one of those books that hit home for me. It was hard for me to start another book because I just knew that it might not be as good. It just fascinates me the way she allows the reader to know just enough and reveals the whole story in bits and pieces. The story is based on a newspaper reporters search for the recipient of a note that was found after an airplane crash. The note was simple, it said "T-I love you. All is forgiven. Love Dad".

Hunt explores all the emotions and reasons why someone would want to receive this message and then also why so many turn away from that message everyday. The bible message is just that. A message of forgiveness and love. Who wouldn't want that? It appears that even the reporter is affected by the simplicity of such a message.

Hunt ends the book beautifully - never in the way you think. I was crying at the end - mostly because of my desire for such a relationship with my father.

I would call this a must read. Blessings.

Opposites

2008-05-20T07:49:00.000-05:00

This weekend we were invited by our neighbors to attend a first communion service at 10am on a Saturday. I can't really say that I was excited about this, but attended because we are friends. I would rather have been in a stuffy pool watching synchro sections (the girl made it to the state level in all three of her routines!) then in a stuffy catholic church. But, the girl gets nervous when I am watching, so we attended the communion service instead.

It seemed to last forever even though it was only an hour long. I just don't understand it all. I have learned from scripture that communion is for believers. How is it that all kids at 8 years old have crossed the line of faith? We allowed Eli to have communion after he said Yes to Jesus and asked Him into his heart. Eli was confused as well. Again, I just don't understand how the church has complicated such a beautiful and meaningful remembrance.

Eli summed it up at the end on the way to the car, "I can't wait to go to Club K-Rock!" This is the name of our elementary Sunday school program. We so agreed! What a privilege it is to live in a country where we can worship in different ways!

Just for the record, I am not anti-catholic. I just don't enjoy that kind of worship and tradition. There are some amazing "living" and growing catholic churches in this country. I just don't happen to appreciate that style of worship - or that of an extremely charismatic church either. I fall in love with a church that has edgy music (something with a beat not requiring hymnals) and a great message that points the way to Christ. I want my church to be useful for sinners (people like me) and not just those that are "holy". I love that my church is outwardly focused - for our community and the world beyond our borders.

I tell my students that don't like Chemistry that it isn't a waste of time. They now know that Chemistry is not for them. It has eliminated one of many options. It isn't always about finding what you do like, but also finding out what you don't. That is what makes the world so interesting.

Blessings

Last Chapters of Mary and Martha

2008-05-11T13:24:00.002-05:00

Here is my synopsis of the final chapters of this book. I didn’t quite meet the time frame I had set forth, but I did finish the book. The last couple of chapters just summarize everything she has said.

Chapter 11 - Balancing Work and Worship

Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart”

I have been struggling for a long time with what she talked about in Chapter 11, finding balance between work and worship. I tend to be more comfortable on the Martha side, “doing”. So, that means that I need to work a little harder at worship. Yet, I tried to examine if that is entirely true. I have progressed a long way - very slowly - but usually forward. When I am worshipping in church, my heart is in that moment. I am getting better at just focusing on God instead of having my mind wander. When I am serving at church, I am in the moment doing the best that I can.

Weaver uses a teeter - totter as an example of our lives. Sometimes we are heavy on the serving side for a day or a season, but then our lives tip and bring us back to a time of worship and time with our God. Our lives need to be a combination of both - and finding a balance - as with everything- is the challenge.

I use to think that in order to serve God and be in “His Will” that I needed to be a missionary. That is when I heard the verse in Colossians for the first time. That whatever I do - do that for his glory. Serve him as I make dinner for my family, pray for my kids as I drop them off at school, have a listening ear for my students as I teach them. All these things can honor my Savior. He has given me skills to use for His glory. I continue to pray that I will reconnect with him in worship to follow His lead.

Chapter 12 - Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World

Jude 24
“To him who is able to keep you from falling
and to present you before his glorious presence
without fault and with great joy”

The last chapter was a window into the authors struggle to write this book and how she changed during the process. The best message through it was that we are all works in progress. God is renewing us from the inside out everyday.

As always, God uses His living word to speak to us. I had just heard a sermon on the following verse and then Weaver uses it as a key point in finding this balance.

James 1:2-4
“Consider it pure joy, by brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,
not lacking anything.”

This verse does not say “If” you face trials, it says “whenever”. That means that you will. How we respond to them is part of the learning process. We should respond with joy. I can’t say that is easy. Yet, by persevering, we become more like Christ which is our ultimate goal.

Pastor Stand at our church had a great message on this topic this weekend. You can watch the video or download a pod cast at www.eaglebrookchurch.com.

I am grateful that I took the time to finish this book.

Blessings

Synchro Show

2008-05-07T07:30:00.003-05:00

I have been swept away by a small cold and preparations for last weeks synchro show. I am going to try and post a video, and hopefully it works. I am just so darn proud of my girl. She is the one coming out of the water in the first lift. Blessings

Happy Prom?

2008-04-28T07:28:00.008-05:00

Well, when I woke up and saw this.

I just knew that I better pack a coat for my chaperoning of Prom.

I want to thank Susanne personally for sending her snowy weather from Alberta our way. The weather did not seem to keep the kids from dancing and having a great time. I will post a photo of the hubby and I when we get them back. Just so you don't feel too bad for me, this is what it looked like on Sunday.Blessings to you all this week!

Mary and Martha Book Study - Chapter 10

2008-04-25T09:04:00.000-05:00

Chapter 10 - Mary's Extravagant Love

John 12:3
"Then Mary...poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair.
And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume."

I know this bible story and have never connected the fact that this is the same Mary in the "Mary and Martha" passage. I have reread the passage in John and find that it can't really be a different Mary. The setting is in Bethany with Martha serving and the resurrected Lazarus is reclining at the table with Jesus and his disciples.

Weaver describes the significance of the jar of perfume. She explains that the bottle of perfume was probably (we don't know for sure, just traditional and historical references) her dowry - to be given to her husband in marriage. It was worth a years wages and would be estimated to be valued at around $30,000 in today's currency. The container that held the perfume was ordinary. Weaver writes on page 160

"What mattered most - what matters still today - is the treasure the container holds. And the treasure Mary poured out that day was more than an expensive perfume. She was pouring out her very life in love and sacrificial service."

We are those ordinary containers filled with the priceless spirit of Christ. Am I pouring it out is service to the one I love? Am I willing to share what is inside for the Kingdom?

Weaver goes on to compare two followers - Judas and Mary. Mary choose to be changed by Jesus and Judas was not. Here is what Weaver says on Page 163.

"Instead of just sitting passively and listening to the Savior, instead of being overwhelmed by grief (referring to Lazarus' death), this time Mary responded. She gave herself in worship to the One who had given so much to her and her family."

"Though Jesus knew the disciple's weaknesses, he had given Judas chance after chance in the three years they had traveled together...But Judas had remained unchanged. Imagine spending three years of your life with the Messiah, yet walking away more or less the same - or even worse than when you started. Judas did just that."

The best and most amazing thing about this passage is Jesus' response. Mary was vulnerable and extravagant, risking her reputation and chances for a husband. I can see Jesus gently looking at her with approval and tells those mocking her in Mark 14:6

"Leave her alone," said Jesus.
"Why are you bothering her?
She has done a beautiful thing to me."

To be praised and loved by my savior - what a prize!

Dear Jesus- You have laid down you live sacrifically, without complaint or regret. I am so thankful that you love me with a never-ending and extravagant kind of love. Lord, help me to worship you and be changed by you that my "perfume" will fill the air of the room. Amen

Mary and Matha Book Study - Chapter 9

2008-04-24T07:38:00.007-05:00

We are in the heart of synchro season and the beginning of summer baseball. I just don't know how those of you with more than 2 children can manage. Anyway, I am continuing to read and determined to finish this book. I only have two chapters left, but here is what I learned in chapter 9. I will do a second post for chapter 10

Chapter 9 - Martha's Teachable Heart

John 8:31-31
"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free"

It is interesting to see the kind of people Jesus choose as his followers - untrained, common men of the time. That is what most of us are. Weaver states that the disciples had the "potential for transformation". And I guess that is true for us also. This is what she says about transformation

"Unfortunately, though we all applaud the thought of transformation, most of us don't appreciate the process that gets us there. To be transformed means we have to change, and change too often hurts."(pg 138)

Martha reveals this transformation during her walk with Jesus to see a dead Lazarus.

"Jesus choose her open and teachable heart to reveal himself by saying 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies... Do you believe this?' Jesus asked Martha in John 11:25-26.

'Yes, Lord,' she replied, 'I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world'" (11:27)

...and this insightful proclamation came not from contemplative, sensitive Mary, but from organized, duty-bound - but teachable - Martha?" (Weaver page 143)

Weaver stresses that we must be teachable and to be teachable requires three things.

*being willing to listen (to God)
*acting on what we hear (sometimes the hard part for me)
*responding to discipline (as a result of not responding to the first two)

I like what weaver says on page 151

"My deepest fear has always been that I might wake up thirty years from now an realize I haven't changed...What a terrible thing that would be, But unless I have a teachable heart, such spiritual stagnation is my destiny...The purpose of Jesus' death on the cross wasn't to provide fire insurance or an all-expenses-paid trip to heaven. He died and rose again so we could be made new."

Dear Jesus-Thank you for loving me enough to not let me stay the same. Help me to hear your voice and respond to your living word. Thank you for your gentle and sometimes not so gentle nudgings to do the best thing instead of the easiest. You are so amazing. Amen.

In "Other" Words-Intimacy

2008-04-22T11:00:00.004-05:00

"To be intimate with others is to reveal our innermost selves to them,
including our emotions, thoughts and desires.
For such deep sharing of the soul and spirit to occur,
people must respect and trust each other. ...
In a world controlled by sin, however, to choose to be intimate is to choose to be hurt.
Yet Jesus calls us to this kind of intimacy with Him and with one another."

~ Kenneth A. Schmidt ~

I have been out of the loop on doing In "other" Words, I actually couldn't get the link to work. So I am traveling here to share in the fun. Join in if you like.

I am not sure if it was this quote or someone who said something similar, but I have heard it before and find that it is true. To really love someone and be loved, allows them the opportunity to hurt you deeply. They know how you operate and respond to certain triggers.

I grew up guarding certain information about my family. Maybe because I did not want to admit the truth about my alcoholic mother or because I did not want to be hurt by this shared information. Only my closest friends knew, or guessed about my homelife. It then became a power issue for me. I would only share with those that I felt "worthy" to share with. Now this did not protect me from getting hurt, but I think that it prevented me from having some really good friendships with.

In college, I had even more to hide. I could be anyone, sort of. People did not have to know about my family or my past. Believe is or not, this made my first year of college very lonely. I thought that not sharing would help, but like the quote suggests, intimacy in a relationship is impossible without "revealing" our innermost selves.

The Lord set me free. This sounds so "christian", but it is true. I got involved in a bible study and began reading scripture and applying that scripture to my life. I learned to trust in a healthy way. I first had to get right with God and admit my failings and manipulations of others. I still picked my friends very carefully and did not share everything. There are those kind of friendships that require a certain amount of restraint.

Matthew 7:6 (New Living Translation)

6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you."

So, as I grow closer to Jesus, I have more freedom to share because of the way Jesus accepts me unconditionally. Nobody can separate me from that. My reputation is safe with Him and I am loved beyond measure. Praise Him!

Blessings

Synchro picture

2008-04-18T07:38:00.002-05:00

Here is my girl swimming with her trio in competition for the first time. She is in the front and looks a little nervous. Now if I can just get her to smile when she takes a breath! (Who am I to talk - I am still afraid to put my face in the water....)

Blessings

Funeral and the unexpected.

2008-04-16T15:44:00.000-05:00

We attended Roger's grandmother's funeral on Friday. The weather was miserable with a winter weather advisory out. Nothing like a gray snowy day for a funeral.

Here is my thought on the weather:

Once grandma made it to heaven, she immediately asked for the person in charge of the weather. She would slam her fist down and demand to "stick" it to the relatives one more time!

She was just that way - demanding and bossy. Yet, she loved deeply. I always wondered if she ever liked me - I have kind of adopted Roger's family as my own. Apparently she did. We talked. I guess that she just didn't talk to people she didn't like.

After the funeral, we spent some time with the cousins - just reconnecting. Why does it take death to bring us together? Does it remind us of what is important and how short life really is? I hope that we can meet again under better circumstances.

Note of interest: The passage read at her mass was of Lazarus. Was this coincidence since I just read that part in the Mary and Martha book? I am spending some extra time examining this - maybe God is trying to direct me.

Lastly, because of grandma's death, we have been left some money. This was somewhat unexpected. She has been living in assisted care for about 5 years and didn't know how much was left. We actually didn't care - the money was hers to spend.

We are now praying about how to use this money to glorify God and not just buy "stuff". What can we do with the "talents" he has given us? Something to pray about.

Blessing to all!

Mary and Martha Book Study - Chapter 8

2008-04-15T07:46:00.004-05:00

Chapter 8 - Lessons from Lazarus

John 11:1,3
"Now a man named Lazarus was sick...
So the sisters sent word to Jesus,
"Lord, the one you love is sick."

I remember listening to a sermon by Andy Stanley (one of my all time favorite pastors - I would move to Atlanta for that!) and he spoke about this passage and it is very similar to how Weaver describes it. She quotes author Ray C. Stedman

"The hardest problem I have to handle as a Christian is what to do when God does not do what I have been taught to expect him to do; when God gets out of line and does not act the way I think he ought. What do I do about that?"

Isn't that the real problem? For some reason, we think that we know what is best for us and everyone else. Yet, God can see it all and knows the end of our story.

She lists four things that we can learn from this story:
1. God's will does not always proceed in a straight line
2. God's love sometimes tarries for our good and his glory
3. God's ways are not our ways, but his character is still dependable
4. God's plan is released when we believe and obey
5. The "end" is never the end;it is only the beginning

Weaver ends the chapter in this way on page 134 and 136:

" Even though Jesus knew Lazarus was about to be raised from the dead, he understood Mary and Martha's pain...Today we suffer. Today we don't understand. But someday, in that eternal Tomorrow, that same Savior who weeps with us will wipe every tear from our eyes"

And won't that be the best day ever! Amen

Martha and Mary Book Study - Chapter 7

2008-04-10T07:35:00.003-05:00

Chapter 7 - The Better Part

Luke 10:42
"There is need of only one thing.
Mary has chosen the better part,
which will not be taken away from her"

I didn't like this chapter. Not because the writing was bad or that it didn't relate to the topic, but because it is something that I struggle with - and really always have. I know in my mind how important it is to spend "quiet time" with God - to build that relationship with Him. I suppose that I need to keep hearing it over and over even though I am into this relationship for over 20 years now.

I ask myself these questions, "Am I just being rebellious because I don't wake up early and meet with Jesus? Can't I meet with God at other times of the day?" Maybe the answer to both is yes. But ultimately, do I meet with God on a regular basis at all? I guess that is where I keep slipping up...

Weaver describes our busy lives like trying to keep many hula hoops going at the same time - work, kids, sports activities, cooking, cleaning, etc. We can do it but we need to be centered and the center is our relationship with Christ. This quote on page 105 got my attention.

"Does it sound harsh to say that cooking or cleaning or taking care of children or doing your job might be sinful? But think about it. The very definition of sin is separation from God. So no matter how important the activity, no matter how good it seems, if I use it as an excuse to hold God at arm's length, it is sin. I need to confess and repent of it so that I can draw close to the Lord once more"

That is a pretty powerful statement! It seems that I need to spend some time remembering the joy of my salvation - go back and remember the grace - and seek His face more consistently.

Dear Jesus, Thank you for forgiving me in my sin every day. I ask for the courage and strength to meet with you more consistently and remember that without you, the rest of life can truly become unbalanced. Amen.

Sadness and Joy

2008-04-05T22:28:00.002-05:00

Roger's Grandmother died today. We have mixed feelings about it all. She has been doing very poorly for the past couple of years - living in a nursing home with alzheimers. She was almost 93 and more than ready for life here on earth to be over. It is a relief that she is free, but still sad for those of us still here.

Our only concern is that we don't know her relationship with Jesus. It really isn't our business, but we alway hope that she is now in Heaven with our Lord. Eli is happy that she is walking on streets of Gold. Won't that be amazing!

If you think about it, say a quick prayer as our family gathers and mourns. She was the center of so much and now she is gone.

Blessings

Martha and Mary Book Study - Day 6

2008-04-04T22:56:00.000-05:00

Chapter 6 – Kitchen Service

Ecclesiastes 9:10
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might”

I found this chapter to be the total opposite of the last chapter. This one reminds me that Jesus spent his entire ministry life helping people all the time. He loved people and showed compassion – even when He was tired. I know that I can’t say that I do that.

This is the balancing act that I struggle to follow and maybe this book will make it clearer. We are to find our strength and direction in the Living Room and still serve. Hmm?

I think that Weaver clears it up a little on page 85

“As we ‘abide’ in the intimate relationship with Christ. . . something incredible happens. We begin loving as we never loved before. . . We begin producing fruit. . . Fruit in our lives that tells the world who we are and what our God is like”

Ultimately, it seems that if we are connected to Christ and get to know Him in the way He wants us to, we won’t be able to keep from loving and serving people. Why? Because we will serve for the same reason He did, because we love them.

I am hoping that the next chapter will help to explain how we can find the balance between serving – even out of lover- and not staying connected to Him.

Dear Lord – so much to learn. Teach me to serve out of lover. That I will abide in you and produce fruit. Amen.

Almost done

2008-04-03T23:20:00.003-05:00

I almost have Chapter 6 in the Mary book done - just busy with life here at home during Spring Break.

We have basically done a mini makeover for the kids rooms - mostly for the girl (I should have taken before and after pictures - maybe I will post after tomorrow!). She is going to have to live with her choices until she leaves for college in 3 1/2 years. Wow! That seems much closer than I think. I spent all day Monday removing the wallpaper border from both rooms. That was tons of fun and I am not putting any back up! I really don't want to live through that again.

Anyway, her room was full of blue things - sort of an ocean themed room. She decided on changing it to a bright pink and yellow. Two walls pink and two walls yellow. It actually turned out quite nice. I also discovered that I am about the slowest painter ever. My husband actually paint houses in the summer for extra stuff - and has been painting for about 20 years - truly! He painted all of the boys room in the time it took me to paint two walls. I guess that I helped because it was two walls he did not have to paint later.

We have now done our best on a shoestring budget to have more pink accessories. We made a trip to IKEA and came a way with a couple lamps - pink for the girl and blue for the boy.

He decided on a bold dark blue color for his room. He has his car posters up. You can definately tell the difference between the rooms now!

We are considering expanding her tiny closet. That is going to include taking out sheetrock and adding some walls. I think that is more of a summer project!

It was project week in the neighborhood as well. The neighbor next door and across the street painted rooms and even redid some flooring in a bathroom. We kept taking breaks to see the progress being made. So, overall a successful week off. I still have Friday too relax and maybe get to play the Wii?

Blessings

Martha and Mary Book Study - Day 5

2008-04-02T21:52:00.001-05:00

Chapter 5 – Living Room Intimacy

Revelation 3:20

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,
I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”

The last chapter was the cure to our busyness was to have intimacy with God. Weaver describes many people that have lived extreme lives to prove their spiritual devotion to God. This is what Weaver says on page 65-66.

“All we really need is Jesus. . . . The Father actually wants us close and is willing to do whatever is necessary to make sure it happens….We can spend so much of our lives getting ready to know God or backing away out of fear of displeasing God that we never get around to enjoying the Living Room Intimacy Jesus came to provide. . . . The way has been made. The price has been paid. All we need to do is come.”

That is what Jesus is asking Martha to do. He wants us to spend time with him because that is how you build relationships. I am not so good at that in real life, but I continue to find the time to pray and read the bible. I got better and this in college and have wavered back and forth since kids. Something to keep working on – building that relationship with Christ.

I really liked what she says on page 73

“The place Mary found at Jesus’ feet is the same place available to you and me. It’s a place where we can be comfortable, where we can kick off our shoes and let down our hair. It’s a place of transparency and vulnerability; a place where we are completely known yet completely loved. It is truly a place called home.”

This thought has been a comfort to me, yet a little scary. That someone who knows me the best loves me the most. Only a loving God could do such an amazing thing.

Dear Lord. Thank you for always accepting me. That you desire my company and will produce fruit in me by my abiding in you. Amen

Blessings.

Martha and Mary Book Study, Day 4

2008-04-01T22:28:00.004-05:00

Chapter 4 – The Cure

Luke 10: 41-42

“You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed”

This chapter followed up the previous chapter in telling us the cure for my worry and distraction, which is ultimately finding that one thing that God wants you to do today and possible forever.

It reminded me of the movie “City Slickers” with Billy Crystal. The movie is about this guy that is in a rut in his job and family, nothing really excites him anymore. He ends up taking this western vacation with his guy friends – to “find his smile”. After some twists and turns in the movie, the rough cowboy says “ There is one thing that is important – what that is depends on you”. We each have to find our “one thing”. In the end he finds his smile and his desire to go on.

Weaver describes it like this on page 60.

“But service was never supposed to be our first priority. Work is not our first order of business – even working for the Lord. In fact, our own efforts are so far down the line when it comes to what God wants that they didn’t even register in Jesus’ conversation with Martha. . . . But regardless of our temperament , regardless of our emotional preference, we are all called to intimacy with God. The one thing Martha needed is the one thing that we need as well.”

So, this is like so many messages I have heard through church and listening to messages online. Even those serving in the church can lose focus and carry too much of a burden. God has called us to ultimately do one thing - sit at his feet and enjoy him. I can only do the "one thing" that God has gifted me with and called me to do. Sometimes I am not sure what that is, but I am learning to listen to that still small voice to here what today's "one thing" is.

Blessing today!

Martha and Mary Book Study, Day 3

2008-03-30T15:58:00.003-05:00

Chapter 3- The Diagnosis

Luke 10:41
"Martha, Martha, " The Lord answered,
"you are worried and upset about many things"

This chapter is mainly about worry. Maybe it is the life I grew up with, but so much was out of my control that the only way I could stay sane was to live by my life verse Matt 6:34.

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Jesus immediately sees past Martha's complaint and to the core of the problem. It wasn't really about her sister, but about her own worries above and beyond the dinner she was planning.

A couple of key points of the chapter on page 37 and 38

"When Jesus told us not to worry, he wasn't asking us to live in denial, a sugarcoated fairy tale. He wasn't telling us there's nothing to be concerned about. The truth is, we live surrounded by opportunities for fear, anxiety and worry.

Jesus knew this better than anybody.

So why did he tell us not to worry? Jesus knew that a life filled with fear has little room left for faith. And without faith, we can neither please God nor draw close to him for the comfort and guidance we need to face the cares and affairs of everyday life."

Weaver ends the chapter on page 46 with this challenge and statement.

"Come find love, Jesus invites us. Come find a love so perfect that it covers all your faults and pronounces you "not guilty." Come find a love that chases fear out the door! Come find everything you've ever longed for. Come find peace for your soul."

I say amen to this! Amen Jesus. Amen.

Blessings

Martha and Mary Book Study, Day 2

2008-03-29T14:37:00.002-05:00

Chapter 2: “Lord, Don’t You Care?”

Luke 10:40

Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.
She came to him and asked,
“Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?
Tell her to help me!”

Weaver describes what she calls the “Three Deadly Ds of Destruction”

*Distraction
*Discouragement
*Doubt

These are the tools that Satan uses in this world to keep us from our relationship with God. Martha was distracted which led to discouragement and then doubt.

Here are a couple of paragraphs that hit home for me from pg 25-26

“Doubting God’s love doesn’t require tragedy. It can creep into the everyday just as insidiously, just as dangerously. It happens when our will is crossed, when our needs are ignored, or when we, like Martha, are stuck doing the dirty work while everyone else is having fun.

Now, such doubt in itself is not a sin. It’s simply a thought or feeling that springs up almost involuntarily. But when we let it lodge in our heart long enough, wedged tightly like a poppy seed between our teeth, that little doubt can become a big problem. For doubt, left unchecked, can fester into unbelief. And unbelief, my friend, is not only sin – it’s deep trouble. When we no longer believe in God’s goodness, when we no longer trust in his care, we end up running away from the very Love we need to live. “

This whole chapter for me was remembering once again who is in control of my life. It ultimately isn’t me. God made me. I belong to Him. All I need to do is trust that what He is doing in and around me is because He cares about me. That can be a challenge when prayers seemingly go unanswered or not in the way I think they should be answered.

Weaver ends the chapter by saying this on page 28-29

“The fact is, until we stop doubting God’s goodness, we can’t experience God’s love.

Martha spoke her secret fear aloud, and we can too. But, like Martha, we must stick around long enough to hear the sweet reassurance of his answer.

Don’t expect any explanations or apologies. After all, God is God. If righteous Job couldn’t force God to give an account for his actions, then we shouldn’t expect to always understand his mysterious ways.

But rest assured, God will answer. He longs to reveal his love to you. But you won’t find it by shaking your fist in his face. You won’t find it by barging into his presence and demanding to be treated fairly. You’ll find it by sitting at his feet and remembering who he is. “

So, when I am distracted, discouraged and doubtful, the best thing for me to do is not what the world would have me do. What I need to do is sit and talk with my God. My God who has my ultimate good in mind. I need to hear his reply and learn from him.

Dear Jesus: Help me today to sit at your feet and learn what is “better” for me. Help me to stop doubting your plan so that I can experience your love. Amen.

Blessings

Martha and Mary Book Study, Day 1

2008-03-28T16:33:00.004-05:00

One of my goals over spring break is to finally read all of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha a World by Joanne Weaver. I am going to try and read a chapter a day. If I leave non-fiction for too long, I forget what I was reading about and have to start over. I have so many great books that would help me spiritually, but they are all half finished. So, I am going to give it a shot.

This is the introductory chapter that I have read at least twice if not more than that. I think the best thing for me to do is post the relevant verses and my favorite quote from the chapter and then just see what happens from there.

Chapter 1, The Tale of Two Sisters

Luke 10:38-42

38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

My favorite quote says this on page 9:

“Two completely different women undergo a transformation right before our eyes; a holy makeover. The bold one becomes meek, the mild one courageous. For it is impossible to be in the presence of Jesus and not be changed……The choice he offered to these two very different sisters – and the transformation they experienced – is exactly what he offers to each of us as well.”

It is exciting to think that Jesus is transforming us everyday. We are not the same as we were yesterday. Some days it is big chunks of clay that are being molded, but most days Jesus just whittles away at me. Removing my pride, teaching me to have more faith, learning to forgive for my sake, etc. The list is long and just when I think I have it figured out, my life gets busy like Martha and I start to whine.

Dear Jesus-Thank you for never giving up on me, meeting me where I am and transforming me daily.

Blessings

Happy 39th birthday for the first time!

2008-03-28T11:39:00.002-05:00

Just tooting my own horn! It is my blog afterall and I can pretty much do what I want. Spring break starts today after work is over and then we are going out to dinner as a family - my most favorite people of all! I am so grateful to be turning 39. Blessings to all today as you celebrate my birthday!

What will you choose today?

2008-03-27T11:26:00.000-05:00

My Husband forwarded this email to me. I read it just to say I did most of the time. I truly loved this story - true or not! It contains my life verse at the end Matt 6:34. Enjoy

READ THIS!
LET IT REALLY SINK IN - THEN CHOOSE.

John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, 'If I were any better, I would be twins!'

He was a natural motivator.

If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.

Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, 'I don't get it!

You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?'

He replied, 'Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or ... you can choose to be in a bad mood

I choose to be in a good mood.'

Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.

Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or... I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.

'Yeah, right, it's not that easy,' I protested.

'Yes, it is,' he said. 'Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood.

You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life.'

I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower.

After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.

I saw him about six months after the accident.

When I asked him how he was, he replied, 'If I were any better, I'd be twins...Wanna see my scars?'

I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place.

'The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter,' he replied. 'Then , as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or..I could choose to die. I chose to live.'

'Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?' I asked

He continued, '..the paramedics were great.

They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action.'

'What did you do?' I asked.

'Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me,' said John. 'She asked if I was allergic to anything 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity' .'

Over their laughter, I told them, 'I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead.'

He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude.. I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully.

Attitude, after all, is everything

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.' Matt 6:34

After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

Blessings

Spring Reading Thing 2008

2008-03-25T14:17:00.002-05:00

I am so incredibly late at joining this reading challenge held over at Callapidder Days. Here is my short list. All novels this time. I just can't seem to get the non-fiction completed! Argh!

*The Note by Angela Hunt

*The Elevator by Angela Hunt

*Private Justice and Shadow of Doubt. NewPointe 911 series by Terri Blackstock

With the daughter's synchro, end of year grading and activities, I will be lucky to get these 4 books read. I am going to go peruse some lists and add to my ever growing pile.

Happy Reading!

Clearance Racks

2008-03-25T14:02:00.003-05:00

I always wonder what causes older people to dress the way that they do. I think that I have found the answer - clearance racks.

Now, don't get me wrong, I live for clearance item clothes. But honestly, everything on the rack is not appealing. Sometimes there is a reason why the item hasn't sold in the first place. Maybe the item is just out of style or it is in a not so attractive color.

My mother in-laws love language is gift giving. She loves to buy me clothing for my birthday and Christmas from the afore mentioned clearance racks. I have grown accustomed to trying to make them stylish. She at least buys the correct size. When is it okay to say, "this is ugly and I can't make it work".

I love my mother-in-law. She loves me and remembers those days that my own mother doesn't seem to have time for. Yet, what am I going to do with a mustard yellow shirt and a flaired jean skirt....

Blessings
Cyndee

New Car Smell

2008-03-19T13:50:00.000-05:00

We are in the process of shopping for a new vehicle for the husband. He is very much into researching every vehicle. I just know what I like and buy it. He looks at all the safety information while I am concerned about storage and cupholders. It is a good thing that we have each other - as a balancing act. He has narrowed it down to about 4 truck/SUV type vehicles. We want to be "environmentally friendly", but the Hybrids are still about $5000 more than a traditional engine. We still have a few months to pay on my mom-mobile, so it isn't anything urgent. The boy has picked out what he wants.

I will be getting my mid-life crisis car (a red Mazda Miata) way before he get one of these. So, happy autoshow dreaming to all of you out there!

Blessings

Cyndee

Another Cartoon for Laughs

2008-03-18T10:35:00.001-05:00

I love this chocolate bunny cartoon

2008-03-14T15:52:00.003-05:00

A teacher's life

2008-03-14T15:11:00.003-05:00

There are ebbs and flows in a teachers life. This is the hardest part of the year for teacher's and students. We really haven't had a break since Christmas and the weather can be cloudy and gloomy here in the great North. After spring break, you can see the end. The energy of the staff and students picks up as Prom roles around and the Seniors prepare for the next stage of their lives. It is an exciting time of year - after spring break that is. We are waiting until March 28th before ours starts. Only a few more days....

This week many students were in panic mode because they realize how little time is left to pass classes. We have also had issues with the typical high school problems - fights, etc. We all have cabin fever and it wears on a person. I have also had a few tough conversations with parents about holding their child accountable for learning. I can only do so much - motivate, make the lessons interesting, and provide resources to learn. I am getting a little worn down, but my husband reminds me that I get this way every year. I get discouraged and wonder if this is where God wants me to be. I just want to throw in the towel. I am reminded to hold on until Spring Break. O Jesus help it to come quickly...

Hope the your week is great as you plan for the upcoming Easter celebration. I will try to remember to post a copy of our yearly Easter letter this week.

Blessings to all!

THANK YOU!

2008-03-07T07:30:00.002-06:00

I just wanted say thanks to you that read my measly blog and said a quick prayer for my daughter and her synchro tryouts. We found out yesterday all the details.

She is on the extended A team as a freshman! Yikes. Okay, in english. This is the highest ability synchro team that we have - only the best can swim on it. It is like being on the Varsity starting line-up in any other sport. I am soooooo proud of my daughter. She works so hard to be the best, practice and more practice. I am just praying now that she can live up to the coaches expectations. This is just the beginning. The nice thing is that her coach is a believer. I couldn't have her swimming for a better person!

Thanks again!

Blessings

Synchro begins

2008-03-05T07:45:00.003-06:00

My daughter swims on our high school synchronized swimming team. She is a devoted swimmer and will defend this sport to the bitter end. It is like running for 5 minutes without breathing - and unlike running, you could drowned. She is so excited for the summer olympics and the synchro competition.

This has been the first week of practice and she has been counting down the days since Feb. 1. Tryouts for the various teams are today. I know that she will do her best and work hard. I am like any mom and want to write a pleading letter to the coach to give her a chance, you won't be disappointed. Yet, I know that my daughter can be better and wants to work to do that. I also know that this coach picks her favorite swimmers - not always based on ability. Charity is a people pleaser and I just pray today that the coach will see Charity's heart and put her in the best possible position to succeed. My heart and mind is thinking of her today.

If you think about it. Say a quick prayer that Charity will swim her bast at tryouts and that the coaches will place her with the best team.

Thanks

God's Favorite Day

2008-03-03T07:57:00.002-06:00

Our family had some time after church Saturday night to watch a movie together. We watched Tuck Everlasting. Charity had seen it before in school because they read the book together. The movie follows the story of the Tuck family that found a spring that causes them to live forever and never die or age. They are in hiding in a forest - it is dangerous to live forever and even a curse. One of the boys falls in love with a "mortal" and tries to convince her to drink of the fountain and then they could live forever together.

The father Tuck has a conversation with her so that her choice would be her own. He says something profound - at least it was to me. "To live and get older is a part of life. Death is just a part of living. To live a life without death is to never change - to be stuck forever they way you are." My son and I cried at the end when the girl chooses the life with death at the end. It is a bittersweet ending.

The interesting part of this occurred Sunday morning when I was making breakfast and Eli was helping me. We had a conversation that went something like this...

Eli: Mom, Do you know what day will be God's favorite day?

Mom: (I was still half asleep) No, what day is that?

Eli: The day that we die and get to meet Him for the first time.

My eight year old son gets it! He watched a fictional movie and made the connection that death is a part of living and maybe even the best part! He is not afraid to live and then die, because heaven is just around the bend and that will be God's favorite day. I just hugged him. From the mouths of babes.

Blessings today

My favorite color

2008-02-29T12:55:00.002-06:00

I was inspired by this post by my friend Anne to write about my favorite color. I never quite thought about why I liked a color, but she inspired me to really think about it and justify my choice.

I am quite partial to the color purple. I think that I have liked it ever since I heard the poem about the old woman in purple (see below). I have always felt old - my childhood shortened by having to grow up and take care of my younger brother and often drunk mother.

Warning

When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I am tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other peoples' gardens
And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

Jenny Joseph 1932 -

But it is more than that. It suggests to me a desire to be genuine at all times. I want to be true to myself - to wear purple and red together if I want to. I always wanted to be the age where I could say what was on my mind and not worry about what people thought. Older people are like that. They reach a point in their lives when they share without holding back how they really see the world.

It is refreshing and yet so simple. Jesus never wasted words. He was transparent and always spoke the truth into people's lives. I strive to be more and more like that.

That is why I like the color purple.

Thanks for reading

Things that are great about my life

2008-02-22T07:49:00.001-06:00

I can become so internalized and so reading encouraging blogs helps put life in perspective. I went to read Especially Heather who is conquering brain cancer. Praise God! She suggested writing down thirty things that are great about your life. I thought this would change my whining to praise, so here is my list:

1. I have a Savior that loves me!

2. My husband and children love me.

3. I have a warm house to go to every night (very much a blessing in MN).

4. I have a job that I enjoy.

5. I get to serve at a dynamic growing church.

6. I have access to good health care when needed.

7. Blessed with an abundance and choice of foods.

8. I had the opportunity to get a college education.

9. I can vote.

10. Blessed with a hard-working husband.

11. Wonderful in-laws that make me feel like family.

12. Daily access to a Bible.

13. Laughter with my children.

14. TWO dirty bathrooms with running water.

15. Wisdom gained from growing up in a single parent home.

16. Generous husband that drives the beater car so that I can have a reliable one.

17. Hugs and kisses from Eli at bedtime

18. Sight - being able to see, even if I need contacts/glasses/corrective surgery.

19. Freedom to listen to worship music of all kinds on public radio.

20. Hope and peace of knowing that I have a place at the table in Heaven

21. Thrill of seeing my daughter achieve her goals in swimming and in school.

22. I can read and have access to free libraries.

23. Good friends

24. Reliable and wonderful daycare provider for Eli before and after school.

25. Change in seasons - the cycle of life before your very eyes.

26. Exercise and movement (sometimes)

27. Respected by my co-workers and family - shown in words and actions.

28. Quiet nights by the fire watching a movie together as a family.

29. Family vacations - need I say more?

30. Freedom to post a list like this.

It took me awhile. I wanted to list those intangible things - because "stuff" just breaks. I hope that you will take some time to think of your list. Let me know if you post anything and I will come and read it.

Blessings

Cool Science - Lunar Eclipse

2008-02-21T07:22:00.003-06:00

Okay, so I am a geeky science teacher and get excited about this kind of thing. I should have posted it yesterday, but alas, lately I am a little behind.

The total lunar eclipse occured last night around 9 pm CST. We were on our way home from Wednesday night kids programming at church as the shadow of the earth started to cover the moon. It is a slow process, but looks pretty amazing. My eight year old thought it was the coolest thing ever as the moon turned a red color in the shadow. (I could talk lots of physics here, but I will only bore my family with that useless knowledge).

Yet, my 14 year old looked out the window and said "Okay, I have seen it, I am going to bed".

For more "science" behind this, check out NASA's website which explains the whole process. It still confuses me a little with all the rotating and spinning going on.

Isn't God amazing! He showers us with His glory everyday! Take the time and thank Him for how it all work together.

Thanks for reading!

Update

2008-02-19T12:45:00.003-06:00

I now realize that I have not posted in a week. There is always that "to do" list, and much of it has been on there for a long time, so I have gotten quite a bit done lately.

Things that got done:
- Finally did a through cleaning of the bathroom sink and toliet. Charity does a great job on a weekly basis, but I am picky and need to do a deep cleaning every couple of months.

-Weekly chores like bills, laundry, grocery shopping, Wal-mart run, etc.

-Went skiing on Sunday morning. The weather was actually above zero which always makes it much more pleasant. Roger got his new skis and boots. We have been saving money to buy them. Every time we go skiing, we put $40 in saving - equal to ski rental. Now he has his own fancy new shaped skis. He says that they are so much better than the 20 year old skis he had. Now how to dispose of the old one....

- Laughed with my son while skiing. On the hill we ski on there is a dip before you get to the lodge at the bottom of the hill. On your last run, you just pick up speed so that you can make it over the dip and up the small hill. My son is tiny and can't quite get as much speed as his heavier mother can. So, as I went by him I held out my pole to give him a pull up. It would have worked if I had held onto my pole better. It was inertia in motion - I kept moving and Eli was stuck holding my pole. IT was much funnier than I am telling it. Almost cartoon like.

-Watched the SuperBowl of NASCAR on Sunday afternoon - the Daytona 500. Our favorites, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson fell out of the race toward the end. Good race - Ryan Newman won (at least Tony Stewart did not win..:)

-Went to the YMCA - we are trying to go three times a week. It is starting to show on the scale. I am down 8 lbs! I am now 10 lbs away from the weight I want to be. The last few is the hardest. I am actually happy with the 8 lbs - not really planned or expected - just a result of more exercise (even though it feels like I might die somedays...)

- Charity was gone for the long weekend with a friend at a water park in WI. She loved playing in the water (surprise, surprise :). It was quiet though. She only called to give me a hard time about the NASCAR race. At least she was thinking of me once.

I think that is enough. Thanks for reading.

Cyndee

Too much Wii

2008-02-11T09:01:00.000-06:00

Okay, I confess. We bought the Wii for the kids, but also for ourselves. It is innovative in the way you play games - some of them require movement - getting you up out of your chair. Yet, the most fun game has been the Mario game that we got our daughter. No movement required. I actually sat down and started my own file on the game. I am sure that my husband is thrilled with the amount of hours I spent playing that game this weekend. Truly not a very good use of time. It is addictive. I had to get my "chores" done first - at least the ones that I felt had to be done. IT is mindless. The girl will be gone over President's weekend, maybe I will get to play some more. I think that I am in trouble...

Thanks for reading

Still participating

2008-02-06T09:40:00.000-06:00

I am still trying to participate with the Small Things at Home Sanctuary. Here is the verse for this month. I will try to come back later and comment after I process and think on these words of wisdom.

Blessings.

Too much Principal contact

2008-01-31T10:03:00.000-06:00

Well, so begins the ride with the boy. He got his first in school "ticket" for pushing a boy in the bathroom. We are talking about 8 year old boys in the bathroom. It seems that he "pushed" this boy over and he fell in water/urine. Nobody saw it and it is my son's word against this other boy. What do you do as a teacher? You can't really do nothing. So, my son has grounded himself from the Wii for the next two days. You read correctly. He grounded himself. We did not institute any penalty. Not because we don't care, but because we are not sure that he did anything wrong.

Eli is about 6 inches shorter than the other kids in his grade and we held him until he was almost six before he started kindergarten. It seems that the boys in the bathroom were looking at something on the floor and Eli was trying to see over them, around them, and in the process bumped a kid. He lost his balance and fell over into whatever they were looking at - it seems that it was pee on the floor. What do you do? Boys are curious. I really don't think that Eli went up to this boy and shoved him on purpose. It just isn't in his nature. He is definitely a follower, but would not intentional push or shove anyone. It just seems like a waste of time for the teacher to fill out this form. I just wonder if she thinks that Eli really did this on purpose? Am I missing something? I truly don't think that he is an angel, but he is not aggressive. I would even say he is submissive and needs to assert himself more. Something to work on and pray about.

The girl was also in the principal's office yesterday. They had the drug dogs in to her school yesterday to sniff out drugs and other paraphenalia. Apparently, they called her down because she had ibuprofen in her backpack in her locker. This is considered contraband and is not allowed at school. Since when is an over the counter pain reliever a "drug". She can go to Target or Wal-mart and purchase a 500 pill container of this without showing an ID or anything. I know, all medicine should be taken appropriately. She is 14 years old - I think that she knows the appropriate dose and use. She has it because of muscle aches from swimming 3 hours a day for practice. Apparently, the principal just looked at her and sent her back to class. It seems that he knows her. I am truly hoping in a good way!

I am a teacher in this school district and I often wonder what is going on. How much time is wasted on this kind of thing? Thanks for listening to me vent and let me know what I am missing.

Blessings

Quandry

2008-01-30T07:47:00.000-06:00

I bump up against this often - the line between teacher and parent. I would agree with many of you that just being a parent is also being a teacher of so many things - manners, respect, scripture and so on. But now that my daughter will be attending the same school that I teach in, it adds a new dimension to this dilemma.

She is registering for her classes here at the high school. She seems to have a goal to be an accountant or a least someone that works with money and numbers. She wants to wear nice suits to work, commute and work in the city. I truly don't know where she got any of these ideas because it as different from me as possible (maybe that is why?). I think that every time we go downtown, she sees the women in heels all dressed up on their cells phones and finds that glamorous. I can see her point. But I also know the stress that these women have in their lives (?) trying to juggle work and home. I want her to find her niche. So, for now she is pursuing the business side of our offerings here at the high school. Who am I to say what her passions are?

So, I keep putting on and taking off the teacher hat as I advise my daughter and yet try to share my wisdom about taking "real" academic classes vs. something like "floral design" (which is a great class if you like that sort of thing). She is smart and capable and I want her to make the most of her education.

That is all for now. Blessings

Shoulder update

2008-01-24T15:53:00.000-06:00

Okay, so many of you know that I have been dealing with this lingering pain after I got a flu shot last November. It doesn't keep me from doing my job or anything, it is just more of an irritant. So, I went to the ER and they prescribed some Physical Therapy. It helped somewhat, but the pain was still there.

I hate going to the Dr - even though I really like her. She is great. I just tend to leave things alone and hope they go away. She sent me to get an MRI last week. Results are in. I have a torn tendon in my shoulder. How does that even happen? It obviously was not caused by the flu shot, but occurred around the same time. I have a appt with an orthopedic surgeon next week. Please pray for wisdom for my treatment. Thanks!

In other news, the girl is in her countdown mode for synchro - only 39 days before practice starts. She is already creating music mixes for a solo if she gets one. She is hilarious. The boy is enjoying Wed. night programing at church. He looks forward to it every week - what more could I ask for. The husband had been getting the car fixed. Apparently the tie rods were loose at the last oil change. These were covered under the warranty - luckily, but the alignment was not. Funny how that happens...

I think that is all for now.

Thanks for reading. Blessings.

2008-01-21T12:25:00.000-06:00

What Cyndee Means

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Fairly accurate, don't you think? Kind of scary.

I did it again, but typed in Cynthia instead. Not much different, but there are a few differences.

What Cynthia Means

You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily.
You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind.
A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable.

You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in.
You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising.
You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.
You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.
You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life.
You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home.
You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble.

You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out.
Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia.
Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.
You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.
You have the classic "Type A" personality.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Give it a try and see what it says!

Blessings

Book review and update

2008-01-15T14:21:00.000-06:00

For those of you that read my blog on a regular basis, you know that I do not blog everyday. I just don't have the time. I blog when I am processing or when I have the time. I admire those of you that have a word of wisdom everyday - it just isn't in me.

Anyway, I have been busy grading a huge individual lab project that we assign. It takes forever or seemingly forever to grade. And then I must field the many phonecalls from parents about the grade the student got. My teaching team has even created a rubic (grading scale) that addresses why they get the grade they do. It isn't enough that the student completes the project if the answers are not correct. How is it different from a test? Just because a student completes a test doesn't mean that he will get a good grade on it. But, now that is done and I am ready to start fresh with a whole new bunch next week.

In the midst of this, I have been reading (don't I always), going to the YMCA and helping out at church in our coffee shop. I am including a review here because of the impact this book had on me in relation to so many things!

I found this book for $.50 at the thrift store a couple of weeks ago when I was shopping for new jeans. Why is it a get "used" jeans and my daughter gets brand new? Sacrifices I tell you! Anyway, I couldn't pass up a Kingsbury book that I hadn't read yet.

I started reading it right away then had to set it aside. The unresolved conflict in this book was agonizing! The premise behind the book revolves around adoption. The main character Molly is living a blessed life - great husband, nice house, no financial worries and a great son Joey who is adopted. Her world is turned upside down when she gets a phonecall from the adoption agency saying that the adoption was fraudulent. Molly and her husband, Jack, will need to hand over custody to a couple a thousand miles away. How could God have this happen? If there was a God - Molly and Jack were not sure about that. Joey takes the step to trust God through it all and brings his parents along as they fight to be his parents forever.

Kingsbury does a great job of setting the stage of hopelesses on one end and the joy of the birth mom to get her son back. My heart was just torn. The thought of having to say good-bye to my son - I think that I would do everything that I could to keep him with me. The ending was a little abrupt, but possibly realistic. I was rooting for both mom's.

It made me think about how precious time is with your children. I would miss the big hugs that my son gives me everynight before bed. I would miss my daughter singing in the car to whatever song is on her ipod. I think of her especially because she was almost somebody else's. I would have missed so much!

To make all of these things in my life connect to God's plan, the sermon at church was about making choices that will affect you 20 years from now - play the movie forward. Our church is doing a series based on Henry Cloud's "9 things you simply must do" - and condensed it down to 7 things. They played the music video for "Don't Blink" by Kenny Chesney. Our pastor loves country so it is no wonder that he choose this. It made me tear up. Here are the lyrics to the chorus.

Don't blink, just like that you're six years old
And you're taking naps and you wake up and you're twenty-five
And your high school sweetheart becomes your wife
Don't blink, you just might miss your babies growing like mine did
Turning into moms and dads
Next thing you know your better half of fifty years is there in bed
And you're praying God takes you instead
Trust me friend a hundred years goes faster than you think
So don't blink

Hug your husband and kids - life moves quickly. Enjoy the noise of little kids, the arguing with teenagers and the middle of the night feeding with infants. Soon enough, they will be gone and the house will be quiet. Don't Blink...

Coming back to Psalm 90:17

2008-01-09T09:13:00.000-06:00

I like to look at other versions of verses when I am trying to absorb and memorize a verse. I found these at biblegateway.com.

New Living Translation

17 And may the Lord our God show us his approval
and make our efforts successful.
Yes, make our efforts successful!

New International Version

17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.

New American Standard Bible

17Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us;
And confirm for us the work of our hands;
Yes, confirm the work of our hands.

The Message

And let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us,
confirming the work that we do.
Oh, yes. Affirm the work that we do!

I love the language and different words used which have the same meaning. Sometimes changing a word brings the scripture alive to me. This verse shares the hope that the Lord is with us and giving us a work to do - to be successful at! What a joy that is to know and have sink into my soul.

Thanks for reading.

Sanctuary is in the Small Things

2008-01-02T13:48:00.000-06:00

I found this link through Jenny and just loved the idea and decided to play along. The whole premise is to spend 5 minutes to make our Home more peaceful, orderly and beautiful. I may not do them all, but plan on enjoying seeing what 5 minutes can do for my home and family.

The first task was to print and post this verse. It is the theme verse for January. I have done that and plan on it being on my bathroom mirror as a reminder (20 points for me).

If you are interested, join Rachel at Home Sanctuary, you might just enjoy yourself. And did I mention that she is giving away prizes? Fun for all!

Blessings

The Gift of the Magi (or the computer saga)

2008-01-01T10:12:00.000-06:00

Well, I can finally write about this since Christmas is over. The Story of the Magi is here if you have never read it, and this Christmas seems like that to me...

I had this grand plan - to get my husband an iPod for Christmas. The rest of the family has one and he sometimes feels left out because of this. So, I did my research, and we needed to update our OS (operating system) to run the new iPod. Not a problem, or so I thought. I went online and found some new software that I thought (hind sight is wonderful isn't it?) would work. It turns out that it didn't. The new software only came on DVD and we only had a CD drive. I was then pulling my hair out - having spent much money on stuff that would not even work!

This is where I call in my techie husband. I explain my problem (without sharing why I needed this update) and he takes it to work to the tech person to put in a DVD drive and update the OS. This seemed an easy fix until the power supply went out. eBay here we come. The power supply comes in and alas - the computer is officially dead. The motherboard is fried. It could be worse, at least I had backed up all my data files before sending in to be repaired - otherwise all you would hear would be sobs on this blog.

So, I am thinking that I now have a gift that won't work. Roger could not wait for me to open this surprise gift. Guess what it was? A new computer with our DVD in it. It turns out that the tech person at work had an extra computer on hand that we can use until it dies - with a DVD in it! It will be cheaper for us to use it than paying to get rid of it. I am so grateful! We can now save for the machine we want!

He was surprised by the gift - and it was even funnier once he knew why we had a big ordeal with the computer. We are still laughing and joyful about it! The joy of giving and receiving - that is what Christmas is all about!

Blessings and thanks for reading!

Pictures at Christmas

2007-12-27T22:48:00.000-06:00

Here are some photos from our Christmas. I hope that you all have a blessed Christmas and take time to praise our God for the gift of His son, Jesus!

The yearly family picture in front of the tree - with much arguing before and after.

I can't seem to get more pictures up - darn dial up. I will try to add more tomorrow!

Fall into Reading wrap up

2007-12-20T10:22:00.000-06:00

Well, these were the original book on my list, and I did not finish the non-fiction and have added to the fiction list. Surprise, Surprise!

9 things you simple must do by Henry Cloud: Finished

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by JoAnne Weaver: In Progress

Now Discover your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham: Husband finished. On my shelf

Holy Discontent by Bill Hybels: On my shelf

Now on to the fiction:

True Light by Terri Blockstock: On my shelf - distracted by other fiction listed below.

Sunrise and Summer by Karen Kingsbury: Finished

Kingdom Come by Tim LaHaye: Finished

Other books finished not on my list:

The Watchers by Mark Andrew Olsen: Finished.

The Kiss by Danielle Steele : In Progress

Violet Dawn by Brandilyn Collins: In Progress

The Fly in the Cathedral by Brian Cathcart: In Progress

I see a trend here. Lots of books in progress. I am skipping around a lot, depending on my mood. I am almost embarrassed to have a Danielle Steele book listed - I just sometimes need a romance fix and some of her books do have a plot. I am planning on doing some reading over the Christmas break and maybe finish some of these books - there's an idea. Maybe my spring list will be a little more manageable with less non-fiction (even though they still sit on my shelf!).

My favorite was the Kingbury books. I keep looking and trying out new authors. Not fond of The Watchers book, but willing to give this author another try. The spiritual warfare idea intrigues me. I am also spending time reading with my 2nd grader , The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary - this is a classic and he loves it so far.

I so enjoy the challenge and keeping track of my reading. Thanks for stopping by. You can read specific reviews here

Blessings

Ornament type

2007-12-19T10:00:00.000-06:00

You Are a Snowman

Friendly and fun, you enjoy bringing holiday cheer to everyone you know!

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

Purpose and Power

2007-12-18T07:43:00.000-06:00

Two sermon messages have come together in my life.

The first message I listened to was online last spring by Andy Stanley. He was talking about power and giving away the power that each of us has. Jesus had all the power in the world - He was the creator of the world and just by speaking He could wipe us off this planet. Yet, he submitted to being a finite being in a tiny world to save people that didn't even know they needed being saved - myself included. He used His power for those without power - mainly us.

The second message I heard was at our church this past week. It wasn't a new topic, but mostly God's timing. The message was about purpose and finding yours. It wasn't so much about finding God's Will - which always seems so ambiguous to me - but discovering what the Creator made you to do. Each item we use is designed for a specific purpose - the oven for baking, the dishwasher for washing dishes, etc. But isn't it odd when we hear these items used for something different? For example, I heard on the radio that you could use your dishwasher to cook lutefisk (like sardines - a Norwegian thing). Why would someone do that? Is that what we are doing with our lives? Trying to do things in our lives that God did not create us to do? Don't created things work best when they do what they were created/designed to do? I have been turning this idea over in my mind - hoping that teaching and being a good mom and wife is all in God's design for me.

I am grateful when I see what I believe is God speaking to me. This past week I had a student cheat on a test and the big cumulative project in my class. As a result, he would get a zero on both items and probably fail the class. This does not bring me any joy. It saddens me when I make that phonecall home and have to explain to the parents. The parents requested a meeting with the dean (principal). The meeting occurred last night. I wasn't sure what to do. I was fairly certain that this student did not do the work on the project - and I was positive about the test (student even admitted to copying part of the test).

This is where the past sermon messages and God's Word played a significant role. I had the power and even the support of the dean to give the student a zero. Yet, would that help this particular student? Sometimes the answer to this question would be yes. My original purpose for being a christian teacher in a public school was to be a role model. How could I do that in this situation? I want the young men in my classroom to leave with integrity and honesty. So, I am praying that I used my power to help and not enable this student. I offered him grace - the same grace that is offered me every day for my sins - to complete the project as if he never cheated. It was extremely humbling for me to step down and forgive, even though I had every "right" to punish. My heart is changed today by just glimpsing the power of that forgiveness. It helped me to see that I do have purpose in the classroom - it is in moments like this that can make all the difference. At least that is my prayer.

Thanks for reading

Size Fat

2007-12-17T09:07:00.000-06:00

Just a quick story today. But is needs some background first. I get to serve in our coffee shop at church a couple of Sat. nights a month. That means that the husband is in charge of getting the girl where she needs to and getting the boy ready for church and meeting me there. So, they dropped her off at a friends house for a birthday party and headed over to Gander Mtn for an hour before church started. I am not much of a shopper, but 1 hour in one store doesn't seem possible. He found some long underwear for me - mine are more ventilation then insulation anymore. He wasn't sure what size - and I told him to get size fat. We laughed and moved on.

Then, last night we went out to dinner for our 13th anniversary (yea! we made it!). On the way home we thought we would stop again at the Gander Mtn together and get me some legitimate long underwear (I have been talking a lot about underwear lately - is this a trend?). So, we looked for size fat (I am really not - but some days...). We then went to the men's section. And out of curiosity I compared the size chart on the back of the men's to the women's. Okay, men are naturally bigger, but why is a women's size large and extra-large equivalent to a men's medium. Two sizes fit into one size. What is that all about? I think that it is a conspiracy to make women feel fat.

Anywho, we went to pay for the size fat long underwear, and while waiting I looked closer at the size chart. The measurements skip the waist size of 32". It went from 31" to 33". What does a girl do if she is a 32"? Buy the smaller size or the bigger size? Quandry. So I mentioned it to the cashier as we were laughing together (bonding time for me and the hubby). We had the same first name and thought alike - she said that you could get a belt? And what about women that have no bust? The smallest bust size wasn't that small. She laughed with us instead of rolling her eyes at us - this is good customer service.

We laughed all the way home. So, have fun in your size fat and enjoy the holidays. Maybe I will fit into the size extra fat by New Year's....

Blessings

A broken time in our life...

2007-12-16T08:11:00.000-06:00

Have you ever had a time when it seems that all kinds of stuff is just broken? Our house was built 10 years ago and it seems that little things are starting to break all at the same time. As long as we own things, they are going to break. The only things that will last forever is people. But, knowing this, we still need to fix these "broken" things. Here is the short list:

*Leaking drain in upstairs bathroom (saving money to call plumber - my wonderful husband has tried to fix it, but it still leaks)

*The dimmer switch in the downstairs bathroom is going bad - flickering.

*The 15 year old truck is making an unidentified squealing noise. Cost unknown, but it is still better than a new car payment!

*The computer is going through some growing pains. We wanted to update the operating system on our Mac to 10.4. Turns out that it only comes on DVD - which our computer doesn't have. So, a superdrive was needed. Maybe it was nervous going in for updates and through a power supply. So, we now have a great working computer, but for much more than anticipated.

* I noticed last week that the gas stove was fluttering. The gas level would like pulse. Gas line problem. It hasn't been consistent enough to panic. We are thinking (hoping) it might be from outside our house with the high gas use this week with below zero temps already. We are hoping that January will be warmer...

In spite of this, we are grateful for all the things that do work and that our family is healthy. We just need to work through this broken time in our life... which led me to thinking about our spiritual brokenness.

We live in a broken world where sin has invaded our lives and causes us pain - either because of something we have done, or has been done to us. Our church has been having a series titled "It Would Take a Miracle", and the first Sunday was about It would take a miracle to heal this family. It seems that all of us have had struggles with someone in our family - parents, siblings, cousins, grandparents, etc. Most of the message was about forgiveness and this whole idea of letting go of the pain and forgiving. Our pastor stressed that this does not mean that you need to be in relationship with the person - put to let go of the wanting revenge so that our own hearts can heal. The Lord will deal with each person's sin accordingly - it is not our place to seek revenge.

Thank you Jesus for your birth and saving grace!

Blessings

To wear underwear or not...

2007-12-10T07:27:00.000-06:00

Okay, like I have mentioned in recent posts, my family and I have been going to the local Y to get some exercise. I will admit that I am the least willing participant - when what I would rather do on a cold day is curl up on the couch and read a book with a bag of chips/pop next to me. My goal is to not gain any weight over the hibernation period, better known as Winter. With my whole family holding me accountable, it might work out.

Anywho...the locker room at the Y is just like any other. A couple of bays of lockers, a few showers (with privacy curtains - not like the group things in high school), sinks, toliets, etc. Locker rooms do not really allow for dressing in private and I don't have a whole lot to hide at almost 40. If you haven't seen sagging everything, well then you are not almost 40.

I try to keep my eyes averted, respecting people's personal space. But to me it is odd to wear jeans with no underwear - it is odd to me to wear anything but a bathing suit without underwear. I had a friend in high school that did not wear underwear with pantyhose - thus the name panty in the name. Why do I mention this? Well, as I am trying to keep my eyes in my own personal space, I could not help but see a very tan (everywhere) young lady put her jeans on without underwear. Does this help with the panty line issue? I would think that the seams and such in the jeans would be irritating. Is this the price for beauty? I am not one to wear attractive undies (more the cotton brief type), but at least wear something!

Then I thought - what a great thing to blog about. What do you in blog land think about the underwear issue?

Thanks for reading

December arrives..

2007-12-05T14:23:00.000-06:00

with driveways and byways full of snow. The weather helps to make it feel like Christmas. I know that many of you that read are in the South where cold to you is 50 degrees - the high only got to 20 yesterday. That is why we are weathered Minnesotans - it is also why we put on about 10 pounds over the winter months - because of hibernating. There just isn't many people wearing bathing suits this time of year.

Just wanted to share a couple of praises for you today. I have been praying for a neighbor off and on to attend church with us. I am sure that she doesn't understand that being a christian is having a relationship with Jesus and not just going to church. I have been inviting her since last year. Well, she rode to church with us last Sat. night. It was great for me to see our church through her eyes. She honestly could not believe that this was church. I am glad that she had a good experience and I am praying that she will return. If you think of it, send up a prayer for her.

I am grateful for flu shots, but I will probably never get another one. I got my first flu shot this November. Because of where the shot was given in my arm I still have continued arm pain. The doctor is not convinced that it was the shot - but the pain started just after this and has gotten worse. It turns out after waiting over an hour in urgent care (my regular doctor was booked until next week) that I have a rotator cuff injury and need to attend physical therapy. I am not even 40 yet and the aging pains are already starting. It is such a minor thing compared to others struggles, yet God hears my whining and hopefully the pain will subside soon. The doctor said it could last up to 9 months - God, please give me courage.

I better post this now, or it will never get posted.

Blessings