Saturday, March 31, 2012

Lenten Experiment (Day 34) - Hosanna

AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS: We interrupt this blog to provide the readers with a bit of levity today—a relief from the sadness this week that seemed to overwhelm our writer. This is being done not to avoid the melancholy, but to prepare you to embrace this most holiest of seasons - Holy Week which begins tomorrow with Palm Sunday.

It all began a few weeks ago when, much to my horror, I agreed to sing in the newly formed church choir for Easter services. I haven't been a choir participant of any kind since my Catholic school days. Yikes! What was I thinking? Maybe I was encouraged by my youngest daughter, Brinna, who always signs up to sing in just about every children's musical at church. She DOES love to sing. I do, too, but only in the privacy of my truck on the way to work. It's not something I usually do publicly and certainly not for others to hear.

Maybe it was my inclination to please others. I just can't describe the feeling that came over me from somewhere down deep when my friend Wesa asked me to participate. I just couldn't say "No."

So began my foray into the mysterious world of choir singing. The group was small at first, but as we have moved closer to Easter, our numbers have swelled. Last Wednesday's practice was great - we were about 30 strong and "our song" is sounding terrific. I have to admit, though, it is one of my favorite Newsboys songs and I really delight in singing it to God.

Believe it or not - I'm actually excited about singing in public now. I'll probably be sick to my stomach all Easter morning and may even throw up around 8 a.m., but somehow I'll get through three services! Not by my strength, but through His. That's my mantra for next Sunday.

Hosanna in the highest! Hooray for salvation! Salvation has come!

Friday, March 30, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 33 (Saying Goodbye)

Today was sadness--separation--suffering.

For those of you who know me well, I'm not normally a negative person and I don't want this day's meditation to turn into negativity, however, it was a very difficult day as our family said "goodbye" to one of our own for the last 14 years. Our dear little brother, Crackers, was buried at dusk under a redbud tree here on the prairie. His grave was lovingly adorned with fragrant lilacs by Brinna who also covered him in lilacs as he was laid to rest. Our whole family pitched in to dig his grave, to make it "just right" for him.

Our dear old friend succumbed to a monstrous cancerous tumor that consumed him in just the space of a few short weeks. I'm so glad he can be laid to rest among the beautiful trees and on the land he loved to roam. His brother, Chubby, is already missing him, I can tell. Tonight he wanders outside, searching for his brother/his best friend.

Tears were shed in mourning as we all felt the loss of a faithful friend. While I know many do not believe animals have an after life, our family can't imagine a heaven created by a loving Creator where animals do not walk side by side with us. We know animals do not have an eternal soul as we do, however, their spirits are so pure as they live out their short lives with us. Sometimes I believe I can learn more from them than most humans. Their loyalty, their unconditional love, their endurance in the face of trials, their long-suffering and patience, their joy--all point to a sacred purpose here on this earth.

Dear Firecrackers, we all miss you! Thank you for all you taught us about love. Rest in peace (May 30, 1998 - March 29, 2012)

photo: - Chubby (on the left); Firecrackers (on the right) taken at our farm in Missouri, c. 2000

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 32 (Frequent Companions)

Life and death are frequent companions.

This week I've seen them once again vying for my attention, silently sitting at my doorstep, patiently watching and waiting. They have stories to tell. Sadness and joy; struggle and pain; beauty and hope.

In the midst of the birth pangs of Spring, tiny reminders of the shortness and sacredness of life surrounded us. From the flattened toad on the driveway to the gnawed-on rabbit I found in our yard yesterday, life cycles are an imminent part of this life. Even the turn of seasons reminds us of this fact - it is ever before us.

It's also evident in the illness that has afflicted one of our 13-year-old male dogs. Watching his deterioration the past couple of weeks has been disheartening. Both he and his littermate, Chubby, have been hardy souls. Just last week, he was following me up to the barn to feed horses, as has always been his habit. Then, this week, with each passing day, he showed increasingly more distress.

Crackers himself has survived being hit by a car and Parvovirus and then last summer he was stepped on by one of our horses. Life in the country can be a challenge and we've seen that in these many circumstances, and in the struggles we currently face. He's a survivor though. He's proved it over and over again.

Tonight when I got home from work he was more alert and even ate some meat I hand-fed him. He showed signs of feeling better and I was encouraged. He's drinking water better and I'm ever hopeful that "this too shall pass."

When I started this blog yesterday I honestly thought that it was the end for our sweet dog, but as I've found in every situation--there is ALWAYS hope.

Whether it's the hope of new life in the colors of Spring or the hope of a peaceful passing to a new future, there is ALWAYS hope.

My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him. (Ps. 62:5 NASB)

Monday, March 26, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 31 (So, Who's Old?)

As an adult, what do you do when a small child says something "bad" about you? This weekend, I was confronted by this when a little girl Brinna's age turned to me and told me another little girl said something "bad" about me. My mind quickly wondered "what on earth did I do?"

Anyway, I did ask my daughter if she knew what was said and, of course, she did. As I discovered, it all revolved around the fact that I'm OLD! Yep, that's all it was. I mean isn't everyone old? Is it "bad" to be old? My eldest daughter is 23 years OLD, my middle daughter is 19 years OLD, my youngest daughter is 9 years OLD. I'm 51 years OLD. We, each of us, is some type of OLD, are't we? It is just a number, though, at its core. So what's the big deal?

Poor Brinna, though, was made to feel like an outcast because her Mom is old enough to be a grandmother. And, I can sympathize because I lived through the exact same thing having an older Mom and a Dad who was 50 years older than me. No, I'm not her grandmother, as some kids might think when they see my gray hair and wrinkles. aah . . .

And, just for the record - I don't think being 51 years OLD is bad - nope. Actually, Brinna and I had a good talk about the whole situation and, with that wonderful resilience of youth, she bounced back quickly. Her joy and acceptance, as always is an encouragement to me. We'll face these challenges together. We're family no matter how OLD we are.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 30 (Two Tons of Fun!)

Some call me "hardy." It's my thinking that I'm one part hardy, nine parts fool. At least some of the time. And, today I proved myself right . . . again.

While most of the people I know are probably spending their Saturdays out enjoying the warm Spring weather or relaxing, I spent my afternoon retrieving two thousand pound bales of hay for my horses. Through the fall and winter, I've made the 30-something mile trip to Clay Center to get hay. It's been an unusual arrangement because one of my co-workers offered me the hay "FREE." The only catch was the hay was a bit old. What a blessing it has been, despite the journey and the hard work required on my part.

So today around 3 p.m. I started my exercising. Yes, you guessed it - unloading two tons of hay by hand, sheer will and muscle. It took me about four hours, but I made it. May never walk again, but I GOT THAT HAY OFF THE TRUCK!

Now, you're probably saying, "What was she thinking?" "When will she ever learn?" "You really should ask for help sometimes." Maybe . . . but then I wouldn't get some needed stretching and exercise for this flabby 50-something body. hahahaha

It's just one more thing I'm constantly learning - hard work is good for the soul, especially when it's two tons of fun.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 29 (Our Little Drop of Water)

Nine years ago today, a very special person entered this world. She is the smallest, youngest of three sisters. Created for this time, this place, this little girl is my daughter, Brinna. Her name is a derivative of Brenna or Brianna which is from old Gaelic. It literally means "little drop of water" or "noble, high, exalted."

And, she has indeed provided refreshment to our family's soul - our little drop of water. From early on, she showed us her noble character, her generous spirit, her love of others. As her mother, I couldn't be more proud of her. It's not easy having a child at 42, but God had plans to enlarge and enhance our family and his plans are always true.

Brinna was born on a Sunday morning - right in the middle of church services. Ha - she knew her place right from the very beginning I think. The old Mother Goose rhyme says, "But the child born on the Sabbath day is fair and wise and good and gay." That indeed says it all.

This little sprite has given us all much to ponder, much to appreciate, and much to learn. The most important lesson, though, I've learned from Brinna is joy.

Thank you, Daughter #3. I'm so very glad God shared your special spirit with us!

Lenten Experiment - Day 28

I just couldn't let the week go by without recognizing the passing of winter into spring. This usually occurs each March around the 20th or 21st - the Vernal or Spring Equinox. So, we have just passed that milestone - Welcome home, Mr. Spring! And it's been a momentous week from that Springtime perspective - I mean come on I think Noah might have just ramped up his building efforts if he had been around this week. The deluge cometh . . . and it came and it still comes.

I'd really love to know just how much rain we've had this week. To satisfy my insatiable curiosity, I've searched on-line and come up a blank, but my dear husband just volunteered to go out and check the rain gauge - so I'll report back in a moment with those results. Ta-Da! The results are in - just under 4". Not sure how accurate our little plastic rain container is, but that's the verdict at least out here on the prairie.

In the meantime, let's talk about the rain a bit. Here in central Kansas, we've just journeyed through one of the driest winters I can ever remember. Snowfall was practically non-existant, thus contributing to the deep crevices throughout lawns, fields and pastures. Most people reveled in this respite from frigidity and snowy driving conditions, only to wake up the 80 degree temperatures earlier in March. Another anomaly of weather conditions. But, I'm sure you're not really interested in my weather analysis - I mean I didn't go to school to be a meteorologist.

However, there's all kinds of truths I could glean from this soggy Spring Break week here in Manhattan, Kansas. But you probably don't want to hear that either. You . . . just . . . want . . . it . . . to . . . STOP. . . raining. Sorry, I have no control over that. Only the one who made the heavens and the earth can water the earth; can give or take away blessings. "His going forth is as certain as the dawn; and He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain watering the earth." (Hosea 6:3b NASB)

What a promise. And, right now, after living through last summer's excessive heat and the winter's barrenness, I'm viewing this week as a blessing. It's the only option; it's the best option; the most perfect option. There is no other.

Oh, and need I state the obvious, right now at this very moment - it is raining.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 27 (The Usurper)

Usurper - one who wrongfully or illegally seizes and holds the position of another. Yep that about sums up the stand-off underway here in the homestead between our two tabby kitties. Maybe it's just too much estrogen trying to share the litterbox. Who knows? Put simply - they do NOT like each other.

Is that a face or what? I can't quite figure out if she's roaring, yawning, or laughing. Probably the latter given the circumstances.

To truly understand the whole drama between our two cats and perhaps the meaning behind these two photos, I have to go back to the very beginning of their lives within our household.

Howler, a sweet little girl, appeared on our front porch about four years ago. She was a tiny tabby--probably only four or five months old. Her caterwauling out on the front porch that first night is what earned her the name "Howler." She's been Momma to two babies--the older one, Ruckus, moved to California with our oldest daughter Meghan. Her favored human pet is my husband and she slept on our bed, content and comfy until . . .

Tabby #2 came along. This ring-tailed kitty came to us last fall as full-grown and totally affectionate. Daughter Brinna named her Racoon-Tail for her distinctive tail. She's bigger than Howler and that may be part of the problem. However, she has become the usurper. Howler hides under bedroom dressers and chairs; seeking sanctuary in the adjoining forest whenever she gets a chance. It only takes a look from Racoon and Howler is hissing, spitting, and the cat fight is on!

Last night the girls found themselves sharing our bedroom. I awoke to find Racoon-Tail nestled into our wooly blanket at the foot of the bed. Look where Howler spent her night.

Now we know for sure what that crazy laugh is all about! Onery little girl causin' trouble. If I take it to heart, I could learn something as well. Let's see, #1: Don't antagonize others. #2: Share the space. #3: Work out your differences!

Somehow, I don't think they're going to listen to my advice. Howler? Racoon-tail? Hello?

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 26 (Campin' on the Porch of Indecision)

On the way home tonight from work as I manhandled the big diesel Dodge Ram through blinding rain and my daily dose of whirlwinds, I had plenty of time to formulate today's blog entry. A few random thoughts even fluttered around during my work day--teasing me. It was supposed to be about discernment, hearing God's voice or not hearing it as the case may be.

I had big plans to research that word "discernment" and then somehow make sense of it in my daily prayer life. You see, for some time, wisdom and discernment have been at the center of my prayers for each of my family members. I've made a point of saying those words over and over again, every day. And, I felt it was about time to analyze on some level this idea of discernment and what it all meant for me and for them. I even did some on-line research, finding lots of good words on the idea of discernment, perception, wisdom, etc.

Then, I turned up the radio and heard one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite artists. Why is it that songs seem to speak such truth? It kind of reminds me of the movie August Rush --only it wasn't words that made the difference, it was the music he heard in traffic, in all the sounds around him, in virtually everything--he found meaning. The sounds marched into music which, in turn, evolved into his way to connect with others. And, isn't that really the discerning part of life? Now, stay with me here.

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Look at some of the words from To Know You. "I'm awake with questions that won't wait for daylight, separating fact from my imaginary fiction." "I need to find a place where you and I come face to face." "I really want to know You." "I want to make each day a different way that I can show You how." "I really want to love You." "I'm just tryin' to figure out Your will." "No more campin' on the porch of indecision." "No more sleepin' under stars of apathy." "Dreamin's not for me." "And I really want to know You still."

"To Know You" by Nichole Nordeman--Its haunting melody and lyrics speak to a desire, a yearning, a struggle--to know more, to love more, to overcome doubts, to "get on with life." Am I really ready for that? I surely, surely hope so. And, I'll faithfully keep praying my family is too!

Monday, March 19, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 25 (Vision Possible)

Yesterday's church service was definitely a joy. The focus this Lent has been "Light." Each week, the light pierces the darkness bringing more clarity; more vision.

Darkness - dismal, gloomy, unenlightened - associated with death and obscurity

Light - something that makes vision possible; explodes in the darkness

Shining my light every day, all day, in every circumstance is indeed costly. Much like the cost of electricity that seems to skyrocket out of control, so is the energy it takes to switch on my light of encouragement, my light of love, my light of positivity when I don't feel happy. And, not just to "click" the switch, but to keep it burning brighter and brighter amidst the gloom of this world.

The Skit Guys talk about colored lights all year round for all occasions. I'm a bit embarrassed to tell you that I still have my Southwest Christmas tree up with its bright chili pepper lights - maybe I'll keep it lit this year despite attitudes around me to the contrary.

Are you going to join me? Let's let our little light shine - whether it's chili pepper lights or a little encouragement and joy - arm yourself with the light.

It is a "Vision Possible."

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 24 (Recycling, Pistachio Donuts and The Color Green)

Despite the fact that I've mentioned St. Patrick's Day in many of my posts, I can't let the grand day go by without more thoughts on the day, shamrocks, a bit of the blarney, and, of course, the color green.

But here it is now Sunday, March 18th and I missed my opportunity to expound on St. Patrick on his "real" day. gggrrr - so how did I fritter my day away yesterday, you ask?

Well, I drove into town with my dear daughter Brinna, but only after Brinna made sure we were outfitted in style - green sparkle bead necklaces, green felt hats, and of course our green eyes! First we made a stop at the wonderful recycling place to leave all our treasures (that's green, right?). Then we stopped at Varsity Donuts for a Pistachio donut (those were definitely green). We watched as hundreds of people in green flooded the 'Ville for the 34th annual St. Patrick's Day parade and 10K road race to benefit Special Olympics. Not being a huge fan of crowds, we high-tailed it out of there with our green donuts. Besides I had other parade plans this day.

A stop at Hastings (which by the way has a green sign) to see if they had Darby O'Gill and the Little People - a classic Irish movie with Sean Connery - which would have had much green within it. Alas, they failed me.

Next stop was to the grocery store for a bit more greenery - asparagus, lovely salad mixings, a green spiked pineapple, some faintly green bananas chosen by Brinna, some petite zucchini, and a host of other things to fill the cupboards. I had to laugh at the check-out stand, when the cashier picked up my organic blue corn chips and asked, "I wonder why they can't make green chips for St. Patrick's Day?" Ha, my feelings exactly. My retort was, "I'm not sure if I've ever seen green corn."

A speedy drive home through lovely green hills was my mission so Brinna and I could watch the home town Kansas City parade over the Internet. Despite the slow streaming over satellite, overall it was much better than I anticipated and we had a grand time watching, from the comfort of our prairie perch 150 miles away, all the families, trolleys, tractors, bands, horses, revelry and inflatable green shamrocks. Ah, memories of my lovely hometown and all the Irish-ness. Saw the O'Connor clan - hhmm, wonder if they are related? No, O'Gleason's though. Sad - we're fading away, I guess. Maybe some day I'll journey to the parade and ask if I can walk with the O'Connors. I'll probably have to show them my "green" card or something of that sort to be admitted.

The green day just wouldn't be complete without one of my favorite songs that came to mind yesterday. I'm gonna post it here for you . . . I hope you enjoy the scenes from Ireland and the lovely Celtic beat. So sorry for the video quality - someone uploaded it to YouTube from the original video and it's not too grand. However, it's Rich Mullins - an Irishman, a gentleman and a poet - we all miss him.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 23 (Remembering Mom)

Today's post is not going to be pleasant. I've known from the very beginning of Lent (Ash Wednesday) that March 16th would come.

And, while I don't normally, annually lament over this date, having to write about it is a totally different matter. For when we put down onto paper or computer screen our most intimate thoughts, then they tend to live with us longer and more deeply. And, I also wondered how those few of you who do read some of posts would react to my random thoughts on this issue.

So, I'm sure you're beginning to wonder what all the drama is about March 16. Actually I've been thinking off and on about the entire week leading up to it as well. It's been merely a few thoughts circulating in the chamber, not intense feelings. Anyway, here it is. Let's get on with it.

March 16, 1998 was the day I became an orphan. While many people might not traumatize over it, I mean I was 37 after all and a mother myself with two little girls. However, there's nothing quite like living through an illness with your parents and then watching for a week while life wanes away, watching their bodies give up. And, frankly, most people enjoy their parents well into their 60s or even 70s. My parents were 42 and 50 when I was born so I knew early on I would have to let go much sooner.

Within the space of 10 short days, I walked with my Mother through an upper respiratory infection, pneumonia, cardiac arrest, and then death. I camped out at Research Hospital in the waiting room for several nights while my husband watched over our girls with all faithfulness. His support and understanding will forever be appreciated for he understood on many levels and had walked the same path only as a very small child.

My oldest daughter, Meghan, messaged me today remembering her Grandma, missing her and sending me a hug. {{hugs}} are so special. And, I'm so glad that my daughter is remembering her grandmother after all this time. My children had only two grandparents and for such a short time - it does grieve me sometimes.

Maybe that's part of why I write. Given they don't have a face-to-face history, maybe I can provide a bit of oral and written history that will be treasured into the future. And, what would more history be without photographs? I ran across this one the other day and just had to share it here because it so speaks to the "lady" my Mom was.

Well, dear reader, thanks for allowing me to share my memories. I just hope my daughters some day will remember me with affection and grace. It's been a Happy March 16th once again. Happy Re-Birthday Mom! Heaven rejoices in your presence, I just know it!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 22 (Yellow is the Color of Spring)

What's been goin' on with the weather this winter? I still can't get over the 80 degrees every day this week in Kansas. Really? I know it's lifted spirits and helped many of us think of an early summer. Even the trees and the flowers are confused. They are blooming in droves. Yellow is the color of Spring, I think.

Yellow daffodils and forsythia spindles sprout up from the brown winter barrenness. Bright sunshine sparkles through the branches ushering in warmth and promise of new life. Spring surprises abound tucked away in every corner of God's 80 acres.

"And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these. But if God arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:28-30, 34)

So with all the said, it truly is amazing to view the intricacies of a simple daffodil, watching its delicate petals flutter in the breezes. It only blooms where it is planted - it's at its very best when still rooted and grounded. Much like I need to be.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 21 (Potatoes Forever and Amen)

Potatoes served at breakfast, at dinner served again; potatoes served at supper. Forever and Amen. --Pennsylvania prayer

Growing up, St. Patrick's week was always very special in our house. And, not just because my Mom was a red-haired, second generation Irish lass. No, my German/Scots/British Dad believed there was no better day to plant his potatoes than St. Patrick's Day. He saw it as a serious tradition and nothing could deter his commitment to do at least some planting that day whether he started earlier or finished days later. He loved growing potatoes. Many times over the years, I've wished I'd thought to ask him why he loved potatoes so much. I mean the man fried them up for breakfast nearly every day and he'd even cut into a raw one, sprinkle some salt on it and call it "lunch." But when you look at the goofy grin on his face, it really doesn't matter much. It made him happy.

I still wonder though,"Was it the wide range of varieties available? The Memorial Day thrill of digging for the first elusive spuds deep in their musty mountains? Or, the continuous challenge & hard work so indigenous to potato growing? I guess I will never know for sure. However, year after year he tackled it despite all the odds. You see, potatoes don't savor heat--they relish the cool breezes of Idaho and Maine over sweltering summers in Missouri.

I'm so glad my Dad thought to chronicle his potato farm--cutting seed potatoes, planting, digging, harvesting and bagging. I have a treasure trove of photos mostly from the 1940s and 1950s to relive the joy of his farming life--long before I was ever on the scene.

In our modern world, potatoes are forever associated with the Irish and I'm guessing it relates to the Potato Famine of 1845 when more than 1 million people died of starvation in Ireland. Another million and a half emigrated from Ireland within the span of five years, decreasing the country's population by half. Who knows? Maybe that's why Dad HAD to plant on St. Patrick's Day--it was to honor his Irish brothers of old.

If beef's the king of meats, the potato's the queen of the garden world. --Irish saying Addendum: Found this great article from the Kansas City Star with my Dad when he was 65 (1975), talking about the St. Patrick's Day tradition. Fun stuff - so I've added it here.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 20

One of my favorite things is fog. It conjures up visions of 1930s Sherlock Holmes' movies on a fuzzy 1960s black & white TV. Earlier mornings with that certain "bite" in the air brings a shiver of wonder down my back that is almost indescribable.

It's not tangible, yet its palatable. Right now I hear my dogs howling, faced toward the smokiness that seems to have crossed the road and is heading up our field toward the house. It wasn't there 30 minutes ago when I snapped these photos. It's on the move, much like the handiwork of God--always in motion, always alive. And, what has created that movement? The sun, of course.

The mystery and intrique of a foggy morning is a delight for it speaks of a God moving down to earth to perform His wonders.

"Bow Thy heavens, O Lord, and come down; touch the mountains, that they may smoke." (Ps. 144:5 NASB)

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 19 (Preparing for Leprechauns)

Children have such imaginations and my little Brinna is no exception.

As St. Patrick's Day nears, visions of leprechauns are dancing in her head. It must be the double strain of Irish ancestors that populate our family or . . . could it be those silly stories I've filled her head with about leaping leprechauns lose in the nearby woods.

Anyway, whatever it is, yesterday's beautiful weather led her outside on a scavenger hunt for greenery, wood planks, bark and all matter of woody materials to create an abode for the elusive "little people." She spent a good part of the afternoon creating her masterpiece.

On the way to church this morning, we talked about the little house and I found it interesting that it showed a good deal of preparation on her part & expectation that the home would be habitable and "someone" would find his or her way to live within its cozy timbers. Even found a verse from Proverbs that mirrored her efforts: "Prepare your work outside, and make it ready for yourself in the field; afterwards, then, build your house." (Prov. 24:27 NASB)

As if that wasn't enough inspiration, it seemed like a good lesson for me as well. Do I prepare my place for God's coming? Just as His Son went before me to prepare a place for me in heaven, so I should be ready when He comes back for me.

One little eight-year-old is anticipating big things in a tiny dwelling place next week . . . and so should I.

In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:2,3 NASB)

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 18 (Thoughts on Springing Forward)

What would Spring time be without a reminder of longer, sun-filled days, green shoots and buds-a-blooming?

Tonight when we go to sleep and try to slumber, our internal chronometers will hardly realize what's happening. Then suddenly we will wake up tomorrow and 8 a.m. will reallly be 9 a.m. "Spring Forward" it's called. Or for the scientists among us, it is Daylight Savings Time.

What are we really saving though? Daylight? Time? Electricity? Personally I don't look forward to losing an hour's sleep right now. I much prefer the extra rest that comes in the Fall as we move our clocks backward.

But Spring is nearly here--there's no stopping it, despite the fact that it isn't truly official until March 21. However, this year Spring has been with us most of the Winter as well. This week's forecast here in Kansas calls for highs in the 80s. Unbelievable for mid-March. I can remember many a March when snow still covered the ground and icy winds blew across the prairie hills. Craziness!

But, then I enjoy a little craziness now and then - it keeps life interesting. So, with that said I guess I had better quit being crazy and get to bed now that it's really 1:23 a.m., not 12:23 a.m. like my computer's clock is trying to tell me.

Oh, and I almost forgot - enjoy the extra light tomorrow - it should raise your spirits. I know it will mine.

Lenten Experiment - Day 17 (The Refreshment of Friends)

This week, I tortured myself once again with several late night and one all-nighter in the continuous pursuit of 1) sticking with my Lenten commitment to write each day and 2) fortifying my eBay store with new treasures to sell.

Thankfully I truly enjoy both these pursuits so don't feel sorry for me. :-)

So, with all that said, it's why I'm lagging behind in my writing because last night I just couldn't keep my sleepy eyes open long enough to write. I'm really not at my best when I'm overly tired. I went to bed at 9:30pm and slept until 8:00am this morning. Guess I needed some refreshment.

Even more refreshment came in the form of friendship last night as well. And I'm so very grateful for our dear friends Donna and Craig. We have walked beside them since our college days and while we rarely see them only upon occasion because they live two hours away, they are always there with us in our thoughts, our hearts and our prayers.

That's who true friends are - they are very precious and many times words simply cannot describe how deeply they touch our lives. "A friend loves at all times . . ." (Proverbs 17:17)

As we were sitting at Olive Garden last night talking, I realized how quickly time passes. Dinner was over in just a couple of hours and those moments can never be recaptured. While we relive the joyful times we spend with friends and they give us comfort later, it's so important to reach out and continually seek new opportunities to love. For a friend loves at all times . . . through the joy and the tears, through times of sorrow and across the miles that separate us.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 16 (Reaffirm Your Love)

Our couples' Bible study is currently studying the second letter to the Corinthians from Paul. Tonight was the second session--we missed the first night.

What a refreshing evening of engaging conversation, encouragement, and challenge. I'm so thankful to learn from a group of humble, experienced believers. Several of us share commonalities of where we came from spiritually and that brings thoughtfulness and understanding to the mix.

The chapter heading of 2 Corinthians chapter 2 is "Reaffirm Your Love." It begins with Paul sharing his determination to refrain from causing sorrow to his fellow believers, instead praying that they would know his special love for them. He further acknowledges that sorrow can affect a whole body of believers - how I've seen that in action in my past life. Sorrow can tear us apart.

Instead put on love--the perfect bond of unity.

"And we have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." (1 John 4:16)

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 15 (An Irrisistible Glow)

Night before last when I got home from work I went through my nightly ritual of letting the three dachshund girls outside to roam a bit and "take care of business." On those days when they endure a full day locked in their "jail," they are full of energy and an unstoppable need for adventure.

Unfortunately for me, at the end of my work day when I'm wanting to wind down they are ready to wind up. All the more reason to open that outer door to freedom for them. And, all three welcome that freedom with full abandon, running as fast as those four-inch long legs can carry them. I've always been amazed at how fast they bound across the fields.

And, this most recent night as darkness settled onto the prairie, I began to worry about their whereabouts. The youngest one, mischief-maker Suubi, for some reason never ventures off with the older two. Strange, she is always the one to stay close to the homestead and this night was no exception. I had already let her back in at the kitchen door.

The other two seem to know they have 80 acres of wilderness in which to frolic. So, dinner was put on the back burner--literally--and I changed into some sweats to begin my search.

These dusk excursions have become commonplace with my two half-sister hooligans--Cocoa & D.K. Each time it occurs again I'm reminded of one search that ended very badly for little D.K. just two years ago. You see she was attacked by a coyote near dusk and lay at the bottom of a boggy stream in freezing temperatures. Poor little one - God saw fit to save her life that night and it has always reminded me how God loves even 10-pound long-haired black & tan dachshunds who stray too far from home.

As I set off with my flashlight, calling their names, it struck me how the Father must feel when I wander from His loving arms. He carries the Light of His Word and diligently calls my name, all the while hoping I will give up my wayward ways and follow Him home. That Light--the Light of the World--beckons and reaches across the darkness with an irresistible glow.

My little four-legged girls were safe that night. They finally responded to my calls but it took effort on my part to seek them out, just as the Father pursues us with His powerful light of truth. It's up to me to be obedient, to respond and to follow, just like Cocoa and D.K.

Lenten Experiment - Day 14

Every morning on my way to work I drive cross-country through the Kansas Flint Hills, rounding checkerboard fields ripe for Spring planting, past limestone homesteads, and following the meandering Kansas River for a short time. Cattle ranches linger and chickens peck peck peck in the dirt. Abandoned rusty cars litter the landscape contrasting with newer hill-top homes which strain to reach the sky. I see many of the same familiar cars passing me each day on their way into Manhattan, as I leave it for my job 30 minutes west.

It's a dichotomy drive--old & new; dilapidated and fresh buildings; tender green grasses fighting out of the deadness of winter; rolling hills surrounding deep scarred valleys.

And, if you know me well, you know that my eye tends to capture the rustic, the old and hold them in my imagination. I guess that's what brought me face-to-face with the old house pictured here that seemed to have collapsed in upon itself. Textures and colors and lines askew create a web of intrique amidst wooden sentries guarding a windswept prairie home.

Behind the house a ramshackle barn mirrors its partner. What manner of disaster had fallen upon this home, this farm, this family? A tornado? Old age, perhaps? What story does it whisper to its passersby? So many each day speed by without even a glance through the grove to the turquoise roof standing end on end.

What do they miss in their hurry? What do any of us miss in our haste each day? Opportunities to learn, to explore, to see beyond our harried world?

What will it take to slow down?

Monday, March 5, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 13 (Blooms Eternal)

Well, to the outside reader, today's entry might appear a bit strange, maybe even intrusive into my daughter's life. However, it was her idea and since I was once again struggling with what to write, I'm going to take her idea and run with it. Let's all just hope she doesn't regret her suggestion later. . .

July 1 is her birthday and last summer she turned 19. For months before her birthday she made comments about all the potted orchids we saw at the local grocery store. They came in a a variety of pretty colors - white with purple spots, mauves, yellows. Their delicate blooms teetered on splindly green branches and she was entranced with their beauty and simplicity. I determined that one of those graceful beauties would brighten her birthday celebration.

Who would have thunk that her young man would also have the same thought. Like minds think alike (ssshhh, and our minds do run in parallel universes, strangely enough).

So just a few days before her birthday my youngest daughter, Brinna, & I surveyed the selection and picked a lovely white flower (Phalaenopsis) with mauve accents.

The night before her birthday her young man drove in from Kansas City long after she had gone to bed so he could surprise her the next morning for her birthday. Yes, you guessed it - he toted a large pot carrying another Phalaenopsis orchid in bright pink with dark pink spots. I snapped a photo of it outside her door--patiently awaiting her discovery.

The two plants bloomed for about a month, then shed their colorful ornaments. The last several months, these two orchids have adorned our kitchen counter--dormant spiky stems sticking hither and yon. We trimmed them back as instructed and kept up our regimented ice cube watering but month and after tortuous month, the stems still taunted us with their barrenness. Everything we read said the flowers would be dormant for three months, but after six months my poor daughter was becoming distraught.

Then, all of a sudden a couple of weeks ago, tiny buds began to form on one of the top stems. We watched in wonder each day hoping for the blooms to open, but the bulbs only got bigger. Then last week, my lovely daughter faced several challenges that threatened her very soul. By week's end, she was worn out, only to greet a lovely pink bloom that grew and expanded as Friday matured.

And, sweetly enough, it all coincided with another visit from her young man - just as it did 8 months ago.

Guess I'm just a sappy old romantic, but I can't help thinking about the joy that bloom brought to my daughter. It continues to be a symbol of patience, love eternal, and hope.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 12 (Brinna's Water Story)

On the way home from church today, I asked my 8-year-old daughter Brinna how her Lenten project was coming. She's been so faithful to work at her commitment to only drink water for the 40 days of Lent. Today is day 8 for her because a couple of days went by before she heard about Blood: Water Mission through K-Love's morning show. This organization, founded by the band Jars of Clay, is working across Africa to bring clean water to those in need. It's unbelievable, but $1 will provide a year's worth of water to someone in Africa. Such a simple task for us, yet in Uganda 30% of their total population of 32 million souls do not have access to clean drinking water.

Nearly immediately upon hearing of the project, she wanted to get involved and try to drink water every day. The first couple of days she had juice or milk a couple of times before she realized she had promised to drink only water. I told her, "That's okay. Just do your best." And, it was then I decided to challenge her to stay true to her commitment by promising to donate $1 to Blood:Water Mission for every day she drinks only water. My proposal is a bit different than the original intent to donate the money saved buying coffee, juice, milk, soda and donate that, but I thought it would be easier for her to understand $1/day.

If you want to read more about it check out the website at http://40days.bloodwatermission.com/how-to-take-part/

Follow Brinna on her journey this Lent - I'm so proud of her. I'll keep you posted on her progress.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 11 (A False Sense of Peace)

Friday & Saturday have been an adventure in patience and perseverence--the larger than life "P's." While I'm not reticent to reveal all the details of the past 48 hours, suffice it to say that life's always full of fun & interesting challenges. And, life can be very messy and crumbly.

And, I'm sooooo glad that God places people in our lives who show us joy and love despite ourselves. Isn't it grand how God does that?

He even places 10-pound, spotted dachshunds in our lives to humble us, to bring us a good laugh every now and then, and to teach us that there's more to life than a spotless house, a well-ordered day and, well, just about anything else I can think of that spells "the perfect life." As you can imagine, that little phrase doesn't fit my life very well and I'm sure it doesn't fit most any of our lives too well if we're really honest with ourselves.

There they are - my three little angels (or three little musketeers)begging to be let in at the back door. I LOVE dachshunds - from their independent spirits to their loyalty and cuddly natures, I have been hooked since I received my first dachshund when I was six years old.

They are comics through and through. And, when they are sleeping their angelic ways can lull you into a false sense of peace--believing them incapable of any infractions.

However, their mischief-makin' ways are legendary and the last three years our family has discovered that our youngest little piebald short-hair named Suubi is definitely full of shenanigans. If meat or any delectable treat is on the kitchen counter, I've seen her jump as high as any NBA star - at least proportional to her 10" off the ground. Her vertical leap many times exceeds the 36" counter height. While she has never had success with stealing a bite from the counter, she has come close - it's like she has springs for legs. She tends to find more success with food left on the dining room table or somewhere nearer her field of scent. Dachshunds are scent hounds and let me tell you this girl can smell - I've never seen anything like it.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 10 (My Drivel Needed a Little Sharpening)

Today, Friday, March 2nd I have struggled all day with the focus of my blog entry. Is it because I lack the creativity to day-after-day churn out meaningful drivel? Or have I tapped the minutia of data in my brain already? It's probably a combination of both. LOL

So, at the suggestion of someone close to me (you know who you are) and without further ado, I will begin today's entry rambling along without much purpose or direction. You, the reader, will probably lose interest quite quickly when you become frustrated with my meanderings. Or, you might just become curious and follow along because you have nothing else better to do on a lazy Saturday morning. I promise I'll keep it short.

I was discussing my blog entry this evening with this same dear friend and he suggested simply that this day's blog entry could actually evolve into a purposeful meditation on the lack of purpose or some such thought as this. I'm probably not getting his complete thought quite right because I doubt at this late hour if I am thinking in the same dimension. However, he has a wondrous gift for deep thinking that many times challenges and encourages me to think deeper myself. So, here goes nothing . . . and we're already on the third paragraph. phew . . .

The writer of Proverbs reminds me that "Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." And, that is what a good friend does - he or she sharpens us - making us think beyond ourselves, stretching our faith, challenging us to go deeper in thought and relationships.

Uh oh, as crazy as this sounds, it looks like Nick was right - the blog and my ramblings actually turned into something meaningful. And, above all it demonstrated to me once again that most times to see results we have to just jump in there and "do it." Persevere, have a little trust, don't give in, look beyond yourself. Another Lenten life lesson learned.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Lenten Experiment - Day 9

Today, March 1, one of my Facebook friends posted a beautiful photo from outer space that inspired my imagination. I couldn't help thinking about it all day and marveling at its beauty. The diversity of colors, imagery and patterns were awe-inspiring. I encourage you to discover the beauty and wonder that is depicted at www.space.com. This website isn't just about images from space, but it educates on science, astronomy, technology, space flight, the search for life outside our galaxy, and even robots.

Credit: ESO/T. Preibisch

As I gaze into these magnificent photos I feel really inadequate and not quite up to the challenge of day-to-day living. I see how very, very small I am in the scheme of things--in comparison to the vastness of our universe. It gives me an appreciation for who I am and who created me and this world in which I live. The technology capable of discovering these areas so far away from Earth overwhelms me. Visualizing the intricacies of a nebula will take your breath away.

Credit: Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope/Coelum

Space truly is the beginning of wonder - awe of the unknown, awe of creation, awe of something so much larger than ourselves. Sit back and be amazed!