Military Ministry

Another resource to think about as many of our military men and women are serving away from home this Christmas. Please pray for the soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines of the US military who are serving around the globe.

www.milmin.com

 

As a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, Military Ministry is helping send Rapid Deployment Kits (Each RDK includes a small camouflage New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs, an Our Daily Bread devotional guide, and a copy of Would You Like to Know God Personally? packaged in a waterproof bag designed to slip into a uniform pocket.)

 

 

God bring Peace and stillness to the planet.

Skyline

Driving into work this morning, I had a beautiful view of the Minneapolis Skyline.

(This is not my picture...I can't photograph and drive at the same time.)

I was thinking about how the skyline of my life has changed, yet I'm still the same person. New York City's skyline changed dramatically on Sept 11, 2001...yet it's still the same city, sort of.

I've added marriage, children and career to my skyline. The smaller buildings don't get seen from a distance, but the large ones in my life are visible to anyone who takes a look. I'm still the same creature that God created me to be...but I'm not fully there yet. Still under construction, I suppose. That's good, I wouldn't want to think that I'm finished learning yet. So much of the world I just don't understand. My city seems to be sprawling as I grow older, adding friends and loved ones, and watching my children grow.

But, it's interesting to see how a change in the angle, the direction, how the same skyline at the same time of day can look completely different, from a different perspective. I suppose my life looks different to others who don't know me than to those that do. Do I look the same from any angle?

As we move towards the end of 2006, I'm reflecting on what this past year has brought, and how much road construction I see ahead for 2007. What will God bring this year? Will I have joy, sorrow, questions, answers, loneliness, prosperity, peace, love, patience, anger, hesitancy, resentment, humility?

Romans 8:17-25
17And we know we are going to get what's coming to us - an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him! 18 That's why I don't think there's any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. 19 The created world itself can hardly wait for what's coming next. 20 Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in 21 until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens.

What do you bring me, oh Lord? What will the skyline look like from 2007?
I do anticipate good times ahead...but one never knows the path you have for us in this life, in this city. I'm thankful for the blessings You've delivered, and anticipating the things this life has yet to show me.

Bring it on! I'm ready.

Cat's Cradle and other games

My daughter is intriqued by learning to play cat's cradle. So much so, that we've been searching for string/yarn all over the place. My guess is that other girls at her summer school program are playing it, and haven't taught her to play yet. Such a strange and sweet time for her to be totally interested in Barbies, riding her bike, riding her scooter, swimming, singing Disney song lyrics, and learning finger string figures. I don't remember the circumstances, but somehow I remember playing this game with my sister.

Since my daughter doesn't have a sister, her 'best friend' (for now) came to our apartment for their first sleep-over a couple of weeks ago. They both behaved very well, and aside from this friend leaving her swimsuit, a pair of shoes, a pair of shorts, and some hair ties...they played Barbies and watched a mermaid movie. It was some days after this sleep-over that she became interested in the string thing.

So, since I, too, struggled to remember how to play...we kept going around to the same loops again and again...I decided "Let's check the internet."
Here's what I found. So much fun...we may have to check out origami, too.

www.momsminivan.com
www.ifyoulovetoread.com
www.whimsical-workshop.mb.ca/index.html
www.darsie.net/string

What I did on my summer vacation...

Do you remember writing about summer vacation on the first day of school? Reflecting back on riding our bikes, climbing trees, shopping at the mall, lots of swimming, time with family, local festivals and parades... just where did the time go?

One fond memory from teen years (forgive me, I don't remember which year, possibly early 1980's) is watching Saturday Night Live (NBC), as they opened a fall season of comedy. I may have dreamed this, but I could have sworn this really happened. My memory is fading fast, so this is how I remember it. If any of you are SNL 1975-1985 fans, clue me in. Anyhow...That episode the "not ready for prime time players" showed a little video clip (as a skit) of what they did on their summer vacation. That's the summer that Dan Akroyd & John Belushi filmed "The Blues Brothers." Still one of my favorite movies.
"We're on a mission from God."

Anyhow...this summer has been so absolutely crazy, I'm sure any of you checking this blog are amazed to see anything new here. I was one of those prodding commenters who commented on some inactive blogs just to see if they'd post something new. Eventually they did, and I don't think these "friends" of mine actually read my blog...so I can write this. Ha.
But, it took my blogging friend, Erin, to show me that I had been very neglectful of this site. Thanks for reminding me that I AM a blogger. After all, that's one way we came to know about each other...by following the blogs of a group of people at our church (also my place of work.)
I may not comment as often, since I haven't been blogging myself...but I'll be trying to catch up on the summer posts, and you may see the occasional comment from a long-ago post. I apologize for my tardiness in reading your stuff. But, know that I still take interest.

I digress...
Summer vacation...not really a vacation, but it's been a weird break from blogging. So many things are in my head, that would make really great blog posts, I just haven't put them into writing yet. Hopefully, many of them will stay with me, and the creative juices will begin to flow as the temp drops and the leaves turn golden brown. It's shopping time, looking for athletic shoes, new jeans, notebooks, crayons, and glue sticks. It's funny that the school list also asks for things like post-it notes and dry-erase markers. Where will it end? At least I don't have to provide her with a lap-top computer for entering the second grade. Although, that may be a possiblity as my baby boy enters kindergarten in the fall of 2010. Who knows. I never would have thought 5 yrs ago that the price of gas would be where it is today.

So...after being completely wrapped up in work, family, extended family, the cost of living, getting back to health, finding a new daycare, etc. I have to say it has been somewhat memorable. I'll clue you into some of it later. For now, I'll say "Goodnight" and get back to rocking my little ones to sleep. Summer isn't over yet. I'm going to get back to enjoying it.
If you see another post here anytime soon, I'm having trouble sleeping. Otherwise, see you in a few weeks.

Can you sleep when the wind blows?

I don't know who wrote this, but it's one of those email stories that I got from my old college roommate. She's now living in Utah, and I'm still here in MN. Email can be a good way to keep in touch, or a way to send interesting stories...I thought I'd add it here, instead of pressing the inevitable "forward."

Enjoy...

Years ago, a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops. As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals. Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. "Are you a good farm hand?" the farmer asked him."Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man. Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, hired him.

The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work. Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand's sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, "Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!"The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows." Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm.

To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down. Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew. When you're prepared, spiritually, mentally, and physically, you have nothing to fear. Can you sleep when the wind blows through your life?

The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm. We secure ourselves against the storms of life by grounding ourselves in the Word of God. We don't need to understand, we just need to hold His hand to have peace in the middle of storms.

I hope you enjoy your day and you sleep well.

She did it

After several refusals to remove the training wheels, she finally let me do it.
And...after she screamed and yelled at me up and down the street in front of Grandma's house in frustration and fear, she finally did it.
"Mom, you've got to help me! No, don't hang on...just help me. Let go! Let go! No!!!! Help me, I said!!!NO, don't hang on! I said help me!"

Finally she did it. My little girl learned to balance, hold her arms strong on the handle bars, and pedal her little legs out. Yes, she can finally ride a bike on her own, without it being a "four-wheeler."

I'm so proud of her.

Where have you been?

Hmmm…
Mother’s Day
Father’s Day
3 funerals in 4 weeks (2 work related, one work related, but also personal)
Sick baby (cold, then ear infection)
Sick me (cold, then sinus infection)
Daughter’s baseball schedule
Mother’s health – not good, but now improving
Interviewing new daycare – current provider sold her house.

I haven’t even had lunch with Julie in a couple of weeks. Today was the first in a long time.

Sorry, new posts will be coming soon. Thanks for checking on me every so often. You blog friends are the best.

Chuckling Chihuahua

"Mom, what's a Chihuahua?"

That's the question that comes from my 7-yr-old's lips from around the corner of her room.

"It's a dog, honey."

"A dog? A Chihuahua is a dog?"

"Yes, a Chihuahua is a dog. Why?"

"It's such a funny word......Chihuahua....Chihuahua....Chihuahua.....ha, ha, ha, ha, HA!
It's so funny...ha, ha, ha.
You know another funny word, mom?
"What honey?"

"Oklahoma!" "He, he, he, he, he, ha, ha, ha, ha......"

The last chuckles were from me. I just couldn't stop.
We went around saying "Chiuauah from Oklahoma" and laughing all afternoon."
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.....


Are you laughing yet?
:)

Two months

So...if there really is anyone still checking in...yes, I'm still here.

Let's see...so many blog posts have been in my head, and I just haven't gotten back to the computer to jot them down, so I may have a few coming full force in the near future...or not.
My daughter's baseball season is in high gear, with two games a week plus practices, and my husband is managing the team. They are both having a lot of fun, so we're busy cheering them on and manning the concession stand, or umpiring the other teams' games. So...if blog posts come or go, I'm still here.

Thanks for checking in and not giving up hope on me. I'm ready to re-engage in blogworld. Hope you're up for it.

What a bracket...

I did it. I caved into the fun of picking the NCAA men's college basketball finals, and posted them on CBS sportsline.com. I signed up with WCCO's evening team, so we'll see how I fare against Mark Rosen, Paul Douglas, Amelia Santaniello, and Don Shelby. It should be interesting.

I used the same picks for the office pool. First year for picking teams in the bracket. I'll keep you posted how I'm doing. For a gal who knows very little about these teams...we'll see how I do.

First round picks...Duke, UNC-Wilmington, Texas A&M, LSU, Southern Illinois, Iowa, NC State, Texas, Memphis, Bucknell, Pittburgh, Kansas, San Diego State, Gonzaga, Marquette, UCLA, Connecticut, Kentucky, Utah State, Air Force, George Mason, Murray State, Seton Hall, Winthrop, Villanova, Wisconsin, Nevada, Boston College, UW- Milwaukee, South Alabama, Georgetown, Ohio State.

More to come...

Sadness in the news

Such sad news these days with the passing of legendary Twins center-fielder Kirby Puckett and singer/actress Dana Reeve (wife of actor Christopher Reeve) yesterday. I am sad for their families, and I had even known Kirby's ex-wife, Tonya, from high school. She was a couple years older than I, but we performed in a 3-act play together in 1983. Kirby was such a role model for many, and his time here on earth was indeed full of life. Dana, too, will be missed as she joins her loving husband in paradise. I remember how sad I was after Christopher died, and how that family has definitely turned tragedy to triumph many times.

I work on the Care team at church, and part of my job is to handle funeral and memorial service planning with families, and coordinate details around the day. Now, the strange thing about working in the care department of a mega-church is that you would think we have funerals often. However, we have only had one small (40 person) memorial service in the past year. I returned back to work after maternity leave last year, and they had 3 funerals in the month of March last year. This year, we have heard of one attender who died this week, and another who slipped into a coma as she has been fighting lukemia for years. I'm certain we'd be able to handle anything that God brings, as He has a plan in all of this...but I find it interesting that He chooses the busiest season of Lent to bring us closer to touching the curtains of heaven like no other time in the year.

In talking about funerals with my mom, recently, she noted that she was going to add to her will that we not have a funeral. I was shocked! Mom, how can you think that? The funeral is never about the person who has died...it's all about the memories and mostly about the surviving family. It's about remembering the love and life that was lived. So you mean to tell me that you don't think any of my friends would want to be there for me if you die? So, don't you think your friends would want to be there for you if I died?
She paused, but really didn't get it. I think she was just really uncomfortable with the whole death thing, because she's not a believer in Christ, and because she's not had a lot of experience with death (neither have I.)
It really made me think deeper about what I know to be true about death, and eternal life in Heaven. It made me wonder how to explain that to her, and how my assurance of that is how I can live the way I do.

I'm sad to know that Rio, the MN Zoo's oldest dolphin just died today as well. For any of you that know me well, you know that I love dolphins, and have a zoo membership just to see the lovely Rio, DJ, Ayla, Semo, and Chinook. I was also heartbroken to hear that her baby, Harley, died just in January when he leaped out of the water and cracked his skull on the concrete slab.

Sadness, yes. But peace flows like a river.

Friendly e-mail banter

From: julie
Sent: Wednesday, March 01, 2006 1:55 PM
Subject: serviceu.
thanks for putting the registration in the same reservation as the room for the baptism prep class.

Reply from lalimama:
I usually try to. It's easier for me.

Reply from Julie:
exactly. i just wanted to be on the positive side of things with it since so few actually do it like they’re supposed to. so thanks!

Lalimama:
Okay, then. You're welcome.
What is this? Everybody's being so nice to me today. Another co-worker from across the building just sent me a kudos, too. Not that I'm complaining, it just seems a bit unusual to hear the positive. I should pass it forward, I suppose. Great way to start Lent.

Julie:
well, you deserve it everyday. sorry we’ve failed you.

Lalimama:
Sounds like a new blog post...huh?

Julie:
for you or me?

Lalimama:
me, of course.

Julie:
well, i thought it could be an apology blog. you know, i’ve failed, i’ve failed. oh, woe is me, i’ve failed. you know, all about me ;)

Lalimama:
Oh, you are so funny.

Julie:
thanks. :=) (that’s my big toothed grin… it just looks like a crooked nose.)

Lalimama:

There's just something very wrong with this...

As I was searching for some crucifix images for Lent, I came across the following ads...

"Is your mobile phone a testimony to the wondrousness of His grace? Well it should be. Let the world (or at least your train compartment) see Jesus, in all his flashing, multicoloured glory, with the crucifix phone cover."

The bobblehead Jesus banner ran across the top of this ad. C'mon I know you really want one...the bobblehead or the phone cover? Yea...me too...but I just couldn't bring myself to getting one, I was laughing way too hard. No, I'm not going to link it, you'll have to Google it yourself.

In response to the atheist

"They" talk about this line of thinking in that atheist site...but it still makes you wonder, doesn't it? Heard this one on Christian radio, and I just had to remember the cross. Thank you, Nichole, for making your lyrics available on your website to members.

What If (Nichole Nordeman)
For a friend who thinks this Jesus stuff is nuts.

What if you’re right?
And he was just another nice guy
What if you’re right?
What if it’s true?
They say the cross will only make a fool of you
And what if it’s true?

What if he takes his place in history
With all the prophets and the kings
Who taught us love and came in peace
But then the story ends
What then?

But what if you’re wrong?
What if there’s more?
What if there’s hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He’s more than enough?
What if it’s love?

What if you dig
Way down deeper than your simple-minded friends
What if you dig?
What if you find
A thousand more unanswered questions down inside
That’s all you find?

What if you pick apart the logic
And begin to poke the holes
What if the crown of thorns is no more
Than folklore that must be told and retold?

You’ve been running as fast as you can
You’ve been looking for a place you can land for so long
But what if you’re wrong?
©2005 Birdwing Music / Birdboy Songs (ASCAP), admin. by EMI CMG Publishing

Sharing some U2

Tonya posted this link over a week ago. I had to carry it over here for those that don't travel on my sidebar. If you're into Bono, the Edge and Eugene Peterson...check this out. Great interview.

Anticipation

Because the week started off with President's Day and Tuesday was a staff planning day in my daughter's school district, she spent two days and nights with my mom. What a lovely gift to have a little peace in our home, but I missed her terribly.

On Tuesday after work, baby boy and I waited for my husband to bring big sister home from grandma's house. When she arrived, she buzzed the security intercom of the apartment to be let in, and my little 13 month old and I waited patiently at the door of our apartment in anticipation of her return. This little boy was so patient, and stood very quietly watching the door to the stairs very carefully for what seemed like 2-3 minutes...in great anticipation of someone coming up the stairs. I would say "Who's coming to see us? Who could it be?" He looked at me with such wonder, such curiosity.

It was when she arrived through that door, and he burst into disappointed tears that I realized he wasn't waiting so patiently for her...but he was in great hopes that Grandma was going to appear and bring his sister home. He wasn't so excited to see his sister, but was really looking forward to seeing the one who always makes him smile, gives him big enthusiastic hugs, and feeds him yummy treats. You see, so many times when Grandma has come to visit in the past, she would buzz the intercom, and we would wait for her at the door to come up those same steps. I would say "Who's coming to see us? Who could it be?"

Eventually he got over it, and the two of them played well that evening. Sometimes it's nice to be wanted.

I shared the story with my mom tonight on the phone, and she laughed and wished she could have been there to see his face at that moment. Oh, the never ending wonder of my children's thoughts. It's amazing that he understands so much at this age.

Old photos

Gloria had a sweet post last week, and I just had to bring this one out. My brother found this picture in a box, and had scanned in some photos from childhood about two years ago. I thought I had lost most of my baby pictures, because Dad loved to get his photos printed into slides (as that was the way to go in the seventies.) So, we found a few, that are just too good to miss.

I'm the tall one. Yup, first born. Mom made all our clothes. Gotta love it.

New blog friend

My dear friend Lisa has joined the many here at OD who are blogging. Welcome, friend.

Why do I believe?

I found myself signing out of my blog this evening, and clicking on the Blogspot home page where it chooses a random blog...and voila...I found myself propelled into the world of an atheist.
So, here I am in the middle of the night, typing away at what I think may be the beginning of a bigger and deeper study of why I believe what I believe.

How can anyone simply either not believe in or believe that God (or any god for that matter) is non-existent? To me, it takes a whole lot more faith to believe that science and random electronic brain charges brought me to his blog in the first place, rather than the simple explanation that God is trying to tell me something...and I should pay attention. Now, I know it's not as simple as that, and there are many people out there who really don't care. This blog had me interested, but I haven't had time to read through all of what they have to say, and pull it apart for myself. My Christian world view seems to be diametrically opposed to their Secular Humanistic view of life on this planet, and I don't know enough about their viewpoint to comment intelligently, much less my own.

So, as I ponder why this man (and my extended family) is so resistant to the idea that God as Jesus is real, alive, and living within each of us...here's a little something to think about. Help me to see if I have guts enough to face the devil in his place here on earth.

Lord, give me the strength to go deeper with you, and to reach beyond Your Kingdom into the world of the unbelievers. I don't expect to argue philosophically with this person (I most likely won't even comment on his blog) but to take the website info and put it into perspective in my own life. Care to check it out? I'm curious about what you, my blogging friends have to say about it. The only way I can conquer this fear is to face it straight on...so onward I go. God help me. Philippians 4:13.

The smell of cake

Baby boy turned one this week...and we scrubbed and tidied up the apartment for the relatives to come over on Sunday. I guess I should find him another nickname for blog posting instead of "baby boy". Maybe little man, or??? suggestions?

He's taking a few steps, but tends to drop to the ground after 2-3 and crawls the rest of the way, but at least he's trying. And my favorite words that come from him are "duckityduke, dahdah, gutigik, and nainainai (no real meanings for any of these that we can decipher...but the last one I'm pretty sure comes from lots of No-no's he hears on a daily basis.) He's been climbing up onto the couch, the coffee table, and even INTO his large toy-box in a corner of the living room. It was quite a reality check for my husband when he saw this little one do it. Then, he sat in the toy box for about 15 minutes and just played with the things around him, so content. (My boy, not my husband.) Amazing!

Grandma B., Grandma C., Papa, aunties, uncles, and cousins alike trotted into our place for a couple of hours just to enjoy the musings of this one-year-old and see what he's doing. We opened a couple of gifts, we ate some treats, and the birthday boy got a face full of chocolate cake for the first time ever. At first, he was much more interested in the yellow flame on the candle atop the cake, but as he reached to grab it, came away with four fingers full of frosting. So interesting...it didn't go right into the mouth...but he looked at it, squished it with both hands, and then finally set it against his lips...only to smile gleefully and look for more.

The progression of the photos is darling, from sweet smile, to "Oh my! You really like that cake, don't you?" It was after I got him all washed up, changed his shirt, and was holding him as we said goodbye to everyone who came, that I kissed his cheek, and YES!!! it was there...the sweet smell of chocolate on his skin. Most likely it got into the hair, and I must have missed a spot...but I'm convinced someone should market a chocolate scented baby lotion...because it was so delicious, I'll remember that one for a while. Makes all the labor and sleepless nights this past year completely worthwhile.

Happy First Birthday, sweet boy. I love you.

Snowy sledding fun

The day was so perfect, and with sleds in tow, we trekked down the street to the neighborhood park...a low hill, and deep powder was all it took to see these darlings enjoying what being a kid is all about. But, a bit too much fresh air did-in the little one. He fell asleep on the walk home. Oh, to be able to enjoy the nature of life so much you pass out! Sounds like heaven to me.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Yesterday was my mom's birthday...and in recent years she has gotten smart about how we celebrate. For so many years, she hasn't wanted to celebrate in any way that cost a lot of money, or causes any of her three kids to go out of their way for her.

But, in the past couple of years, she has changed her mind. Each year, the two kids (my brother and myself) who are geographically closest to her, ask if we can take her out for dinner/lunch with the grandkids. We used to do this all as one large group. But, she's figured out that if we each take her out separately, she gets two meals and more social time out of the deal. Not bad.

 

Mom does so much for us. She makes a meal for me at least once per week...usually in the form of ..."Oh honey, I made some soup, and I was going to put it in the freezer, but as long as you're here, why don't you take it home."

She helps us out with laundry...because we live in an apartment, have a baby and my full-time working schedule...her help is immeasurable in this manner.

She picks up my daughter from school twice a week, and saves me lots of money in daycare when she watches her all day when there is no school...like MLK Jr. Day.  Not to mention the wonderful one-on-one time those girls get with each other.

 

So, yesterday my husband and I took her out for some good sushi, and a stroll around the mall with our kids. Not the usual birthday lunch, but something we all really enjoyed. There were no arguments, no temper tantrums, no sour faces...and the kids behaved well, too. After a round at the mall, we stopped for ice cream and then went home. It was really very nice to just be together. It was such a treat for all of us to celebrate her with love, food, and togetherness.

 

I love my mom...but I know sometimes it's hard to break through the mother-daughter judgmental stuff. I'm glad we can talk about things, but know that I take her words for what I can...and then I have to do things my own way. I live my life, in a very different way than she would have it...but I'm happy, and my life is very different than hers.

 

After leaving her country, her family, her home for the man she loved...she came to the USA with different expectations than she lives with today. Now divorced for 18 years, a US citizen, and retired from being self-employed, she is a different woman today. Her mantra is "Only you can make yourself happy." While I admire her strength of character and positive attitude...I have to admit I would change it just a bit. Although you decide your attitude, and choose to be happy, through a rich life and relationship with a loving God, you can feel a deeper sense of purpose on the planet, and have a meaningful life.

 

I pray for you on your birthday, Mom. That your happy life be touched by the maker of your soul. Happy birthday.