120. Fall is coming (not for awhile. . . but surely coming)
121. Knowing that air conditioning does exist, and there are places you can go to experience it, even if it isn't my house (half-hearted swamp cooler), or at work (air conditioning under repairs)
122. Fallon temperatures in the low hundreds instead of the "teen" hundreds as it is in Phoenix and other places
123. ICE water
124. Fans
125. ICE COLD watermelon
(Do you get the idea that I'm hot??)
126. Parkside Bible Fellowship
127. Numa Elementary School
128. CCHS girl's soccer
129. CCHS / Community musical theater
130. Jobs and community opportunities that provide Woody and I with active/creative outlets that make us get out and among people - when otherwise we might just hole up and "hermitize"
131. Conversations with dear people that help give new and broader perspective
I think I have always had a tendency to be rather introspective and contemplative. . . but lately I feel like I have become even more so. Perhaps that is due to the seemingly constant need to keep sorting out my rollercoaster of emotions. Sometimes I think I can ease up my grip a little. . . . but then I round a curve and take another plunge. I suppose that is just the ride of this life. . . that we are all on. I find it hard to talk with anyone about the "ride". I end up thinking that is probably a "control issue". I want to be able to figure it out, to be able to "hold myself together". . . . or whatever you call it. And mostly, I just. . . . .can't.
And. . . I know it's because it isn't about me. . . it's about God, and what He has done and is doing. I was talking with some friends this last Sunday about the music from The Story, which caused me to look online and research that a little more. "The Story" is a collection of Bible stories. . . .but the emphasis is that the stories are not really about the people. . . . but the truth about WHO God is and what HE does in and through people. That in itself is a concept that I need to keep wrapping my brain around.
It has been another difficult week in Fallon, with another family losing their precious 18 year old son in a tragic accident, that also took the lives of 3 others. We can't see the rhyme or reason for these tragedies. . . and even if we could, they would still be hard to accept. Lifting up the families and all those hurting. . . .
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Monday, August 6, 2012
A few for the road. . . .
112. Listening to Sam play his guitar and lead worship - with Kimberly harmonizing next to me
113. The body of Christ - all over the world
114. Brett's monkey bread
115. The fact that Fred Meyer's DOES sell pumpkin pie in AUGUST (not that I'm a big fan of pumpkin pie - just sayin')
116. A two year old who really only wants to wear Nike brand clothes - Nike shorts, t-shirt, shoes, and hat - and the fact that he knows the difference - could get expensive later on
117. Ross Dress for Less (the whole name) - in reference to #116
118. A trip to the zoo
119. Air-conditioning. . . and how much more thankful we are for it when we DON'T have it!
113. The body of Christ - all over the world
114. Brett's monkey bread
115. The fact that Fred Meyer's DOES sell pumpkin pie in AUGUST (not that I'm a big fan of pumpkin pie - just sayin')
116. A two year old who really only wants to wear Nike brand clothes - Nike shorts, t-shirt, shoes, and hat - and the fact that he knows the difference - could get expensive later on
117. Ross Dress for Less (the whole name) - in reference to #116
118. A trip to the zoo
119. Air-conditioning. . . and how much more thankful we are for it when we DON'T have it!
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Seasonal Food????
Whoever knew that pumpkin pancakes are seasonal food???? My family assures me that the pancake restaurant is totally legitimate in only serving pumpkin pancakes from September through February, since pumpkin is a fall specialty. All morning, and on the way to the restaurant, I just smiled at all of them because I KNEW that I remembered seeing pumpkin pancakes PRINTED on the menu. What I hadn't remembered was the fine print underneath (available September - February). Oh well! I ended up sharing a strawberry waffle with Sam (along with a mushroom omelet), which was delicious. . . . especially because of the real, HOMEMADE whipped cream! But seriously. . . . I still maintain that since pumpkin is a CANNED food, there really is no excuse NOT to serve pumpkin pancakes ALL YEAR LONG!
On another note. . . . there are several books out there that claim a death and back to life experience. I can't remember the names of all of them that I have read. . . Heaven is For Real is one. The authors talk about their experience in heaven, seeing angels, and being with Jesus. Before Sara passed away, I basically ignored these books, assuming that the authors were just sensationalizing their experience. Since her death, I have been inexplicably drawn to these stories. I know she is happy and safe with Jesus. . . . but I would like so much to know the DETAILS.
The latest book I found is called To Heaven and Back by Mary C. Neal, who is an orthopaedic surgeon. This one touched me in a deeper way, as she talked not only about her drowning experience in a kayak accident, but also about the evidences of God's work throughout her life, and later on, the death of her oldest son. It was interesting and significant to me that she didn't write about her own experience until after her son died. What she expressed was that the overwhelming emotion for her and her husband during the first few years after his death was fear . . . fear of never emerging from the emotional fog, fear of never again being able to experience joy, fear of failing our remaining children, fear of forgetting. . . . I so relate to these fears. On the flip side, I also relate to her assurance and acknowledgement of the continuing and active presence of God in her life. . . never coincidences. . . . the work of a loving heavenly Father accomplishing my good for His glory.
On another note. . . . there are several books out there that claim a death and back to life experience. I can't remember the names of all of them that I have read. . . Heaven is For Real is one. The authors talk about their experience in heaven, seeing angels, and being with Jesus. Before Sara passed away, I basically ignored these books, assuming that the authors were just sensationalizing their experience. Since her death, I have been inexplicably drawn to these stories. I know she is happy and safe with Jesus. . . . but I would like so much to know the DETAILS.
The latest book I found is called To Heaven and Back by Mary C. Neal, who is an orthopaedic surgeon. This one touched me in a deeper way, as she talked not only about her drowning experience in a kayak accident, but also about the evidences of God's work throughout her life, and later on, the death of her oldest son. It was interesting and significant to me that she didn't write about her own experience until after her son died. What she expressed was that the overwhelming emotion for her and her husband during the first few years after his death was fear . . . fear of never emerging from the emotional fog, fear of never again being able to experience joy, fear of failing our remaining children, fear of forgetting. . . . I so relate to these fears. On the flip side, I also relate to her assurance and acknowledgement of the continuing and active presence of God in her life. . . never coincidences. . . . the work of a loving heavenly Father accomplishing my good for His glory.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Moments that take your breath away. . . .
101. 33 years with the love of my life - Happy Anniversary Woody!
102. The Original Pancake House in Salem, Oregon
103. Pumpkin pancakes with REAL whipped cream
104. The denseness and varied greens of Oregon vegetation - gorgeous!
105. Playing baseball, golf, lacrosse, and hockey all at the same time - with Wyatt
106. The different perspectives we gain from books. . . and conversation
107. Our children and spouses. . . and grandchild. . . priceless
108. Walks in old neighborhoods
109. Summer Olympics
110. A change of scenery
111. Moments that take your breath away
Sam and Kimberly moved out of their apartment and into an older little house in an older neigborhood in Salem. Last night we all took a walk and followed a dead end street up a hill where the houses and landscape got more and more charming with every step we took. At the end of the lane we stepped up to a break in the trees and this was the view (picture taken by Kimberly). Yes. . . . a moment that took our breath away. I do love Oregon!
I haven't blogged for awhile. My thoughts and comtemplations sometimes become stale, and I just sit staring at the blank screen. I am so thankful for a change of scenery and different perspectives. I read a book that surprised and helped me on our drive up to Oregon. . . . but I'll share that next time. Getting ready to go celebrate our anniversary with a family breakfast at the Original Pancake House (perhaps my favorite restaurant). Heidi and Brady we miss you and wish you were here!!!! If we could we'd all come to Phoenix for dinner at Oregano's ( my favorite Phoenix restaurant).
102. The Original Pancake House in Salem, Oregon
103. Pumpkin pancakes with REAL whipped cream
104. The denseness and varied greens of Oregon vegetation - gorgeous!
105. Playing baseball, golf, lacrosse, and hockey all at the same time - with Wyatt
106. The different perspectives we gain from books. . . and conversation
107. Our children and spouses. . . and grandchild. . . priceless
108. Walks in old neighborhoods
109. Summer Olympics
110. A change of scenery
111. Moments that take your breath away
Sam and Kimberly moved out of their apartment and into an older little house in an older neigborhood in Salem. Last night we all took a walk and followed a dead end street up a hill where the houses and landscape got more and more charming with every step we took. At the end of the lane we stepped up to a break in the trees and this was the view (picture taken by Kimberly). Yes. . . . a moment that took our breath away. I do love Oregon!
I haven't blogged for awhile. My thoughts and comtemplations sometimes become stale, and I just sit staring at the blank screen. I am so thankful for a change of scenery and different perspectives. I read a book that surprised and helped me on our drive up to Oregon. . . . but I'll share that next time. Getting ready to go celebrate our anniversary with a family breakfast at the Original Pancake House (perhaps my favorite restaurant). Heidi and Brady we miss you and wish you were here!!!! If we could we'd all come to Phoenix for dinner at Oregano's ( my favorite Phoenix restaurant).
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Proof of HIS love . . .
96. Days full of kids + music + fairy tales = a great summer musical!
97. An afternoon nap
98. So You Think You Can Dance (I do miss watching it with Sara)
99. Chicken with green beans, mushrooms & cashews
100. Songs on the radio that stick in your head
I heard a great song on the radio last week that keeps running through my head. I feel a little like God is using that to challenge my heart at this time in my life. One of the things I've struggled with this past year (plus) is the tendency to put up barriers and avoid people or things that require any depth of caring or emotion. I just don't feel like I have the strength for it. I'm not proud to admit it. . . but sometimes I find myself thinking. . . I just don't care. When I heard this song, I was convicted. I DO want my life to be proof of God's love. I DO want my life to reflect HIS love. . .no matter what. God's love embodies so many things. . . . grace, mercy, compassion, joy, caring, committment, sacrifice, selflessness, forgiveness. . . . . and so much more. I pray He continues to work on me to make these things true in my life. . . or rather, I should say, I pray He helps me surrender to His work in me.
Proof of Your Love - For King and Country
If I sing but don't have love,
I waste my breath with every song,
I bring an empty voice, a hollow noise.
If I speak with a silver tongue,
Convince a crowd but don't have love,
I leave a bitter taste with every word I say.
So let my life be the proof, the proof of Your love.
Let my love look like You, and what You're made of,
How You lived, how You died, love is sacrifice.
So let my life be the proof, the proof of Your love.
97. An afternoon nap
98. So You Think You Can Dance (I do miss watching it with Sara)
99. Chicken with green beans, mushrooms & cashews
100. Songs on the radio that stick in your head
I heard a great song on the radio last week that keeps running through my head. I feel a little like God is using that to challenge my heart at this time in my life. One of the things I've struggled with this past year (plus) is the tendency to put up barriers and avoid people or things that require any depth of caring or emotion. I just don't feel like I have the strength for it. I'm not proud to admit it. . . but sometimes I find myself thinking. . . I just don't care. When I heard this song, I was convicted. I DO want my life to be proof of God's love. I DO want my life to reflect HIS love. . .no matter what. God's love embodies so many things. . . . grace, mercy, compassion, joy, caring, committment, sacrifice, selflessness, forgiveness. . . . . and so much more. I pray He continues to work on me to make these things true in my life. . . or rather, I should say, I pray He helps me surrender to His work in me.
Proof of Your Love - For King and Country
If I sing but don't have love,
I waste my breath with every song,
I bring an empty voice, a hollow noise.
If I speak with a silver tongue,
Convince a crowd but don't have love,
I leave a bitter taste with every word I say.
So let my life be the proof, the proof of Your love.
Let my love look like You, and what You're made of,
How You lived, how You died, love is sacrifice.
So let my life be the proof, the proof of Your love.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Happy Birthday Sara
86. Scrabble on my Kindle. . . my new favorite thing
87. Gerber daisies
88. Polka dots. . . that remind you of Baskin Robbins
89. Cooking without a recipe
90. Dreams of loved ones ( I finally dreamed about Sara!)
91. The love of Sara's friends
92. The fact that we don't ever know exactly what the future holds
93. The realization that #92 is a huge blessing and gift from God. . . in HIS hands
94. Birthdays & birthday memories
95. Cinnamon & sugar tortilla ice cream bowls. . . .YES!
Today is Sara's birthday, a happy/sad day. It's a sad day because we miss her. . . but it's a blessing to remember and celebrate the 22 years that we had with her. I woke up sad. . . .but there are just so many good things to remember. . . . so today I will focus on those. Sara was very good at CHOOSING to be happy. . . . choosing to be thankful. . . choosing to focus on where God had her in the moment. Happy Birthday Sara.
87. Gerber daisies
88. Polka dots. . . that remind you of Baskin Robbins
89. Cooking without a recipe
90. Dreams of loved ones ( I finally dreamed about Sara!)
91. The love of Sara's friends
92. The fact that we don't ever know exactly what the future holds
93. The realization that #92 is a huge blessing and gift from God. . . in HIS hands
94. Birthdays & birthday memories
95. Cinnamon & sugar tortilla ice cream bowls. . . .YES!
Today is Sara's birthday, a happy/sad day. It's a sad day because we miss her. . . but it's a blessing to remember and celebrate the 22 years that we had with her. I woke up sad. . . .but there are just so many good things to remember. . . . so today I will focus on those. Sara was very good at CHOOSING to be happy. . . . choosing to be thankful. . . choosing to focus on where God had her in the moment. Happy Birthday Sara.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
??????
Sometimes there is an overwhelming desire for what I know I can't have. Daily choices to get up, go on, and be thankful. It seems no matter how hard I try, I always circle back around to feeling like life just isn't right. I know I have much to be thankful for. . . I know Sara is better off. . . I know others have struggles that are even more difficult. . . I know God is good . . .I know life is hard . . I know it could very likely get harder. It is hard to believe that Sara has been for gone over a year. I sometimes even wish for the times we were traveling to San Francisco for chemo. . . how selfish is that!! She would turn 24 next Tuesday. I still can't even bring myself to have her phone cancelled. So silly.
Staying busy seems to be the easiest. Socializing is not high on my list. . . although we have had great times with friends lately. Cleaning, yardwork, creative projects, reading, music. . . all good.
81. God's patience with my obstinance
82. Road trips
83. Sleeping in the car - while Woody's driving (what a great guy!)
84. Farmer's markets
85. The connection of smells with memories. . .good ones
Staying busy seems to be the easiest. Socializing is not high on my list. . . although we have had great times with friends lately. Cleaning, yardwork, creative projects, reading, music. . . all good.
81. God's patience with my obstinance
82. Road trips
83. Sleeping in the car - while Woody's driving (what a great guy!)
84. Farmer's markets
85. The connection of smells with memories. . .good ones
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