The last two weeks have been hit and miss in the training arena. I have been overcome with guilt at times over the fact...but God has recently been reminding me of His grace...and it is sufficient in ALL things. Even excercise. Tomorrow, reality settles in again and I get back into the saddle. Friday or Saturday will be the LONG walk days. I pray for condusive weather.
I've been doing the hugely insighful, phenomenal, about-to-get-eschatological, study of Daniel. My namesake. LOVE him. I am discovering what it REALLY means to have "God as my Judge." From this man, every believer can glean how to live IN the world while not being OF it. He was a real moral, Ivy league man of his day...and He never compromised his belief in THE God. He was able to do this...even in Babylon...even while living in the king's court... even facing death. I can't wait to see what God shows me this week, as I place myself back in Daniel's day, in his shoes, in the den of a lion. Jesus, bring the revelations. Life continues...
This morning, I am sad to say, we missed attending church. I don't like to do that, especially when I'm the only one here who can get my son there. Bry is currently saving lives and fighting fires...and reclining after the Superbowl, no doubt! Anyhow... I had planned on going...like any other Sunday and I awoke this morning to the dogs barking frantically. They typically only do this at strangers or large vehicles, such as garbage and UPS trucks. I looked out the window and noticed a Fire truck across the street. (Thus, the barking alarm clock) Then I looked down the long, narrow driveway of my neighbor's only to see and AMR unit (That's an ambulance.) I wanted to run and call her...she is one of my most friendly neighbors and always watching out for us...but something told me to stay put. I prayed. And prayed. And then prayed some more. I watched my other neighbor pacing outside, wandering, worrying, concerned, I am sure. I left my bedroom and found Brydan and Melody (the fabulous French girl) watching from the front window of our kitchen. Over an hour went by with the firetruck leaving once and returning...AMR unit still in the drive...and then the arrival of the Pierce County Coroner and a police officer. Our hearts sunk. I watched as they wheeled out a body. Only two people lived in that house: A dear sweet woman and her aging Dad. I went across the street to my other pacing neighbor and he told me that Leslie, the dear sweet woman, had died... unexpectedly, in her sleep. She had shared with him that she hadn't been feeling well yesterday. Life stopped for a minute as I reflected on what the neighborhood would be like without her...what her Dad must be feeling at that moment...not wanting visitors...having no family to console him. None. My understanding is, he's ninety. He's a spitfire of a man... lived there long before I was even born and still in great shape. I'm sure he had always believed his daughter would find HIM peacefully gone one morning in his bed...not the other way around. So I stood there with my neighbor, who is originally from Poland and a new father of a two-month old, in disbelief. Sad at the loss. Sad at the future for this other father who had just lost his daughter. After some moments of quiet...he said three words that might sound heartless if you hadn't been there yourself. "Life goes on."
He's right, you know. I could no more bring Leslie back to earth in that moment, or rewind the clock to prevent it, than a bird could fly without feathers. I'd be going back across the street in a minute to be with Brydan and Melody and he'd be going back to his new wife and baby and parents visiting from Poland. We'd go about our day and truthfully, so would the prescious other neighbor whose daughter left the transparent bonds of earth this morning. Only, his day wouldn't look anything like last Sunday, or even twelve hours prior, for that matter. He'd do his day alone. And that's what he did...with no other cars entering his driveway. Brydan mentioned being sad at the passing of sweet Leslie and how it made him mad too. But because I was gently reminded that "life goes on," we were able to pray for that father who is NOT out of the grip of grace or the eye-shot of THE Father. Interesting to reflect on: One neighbor with new life in their home...one with just memories now. Pray for us this week, that we can be the family he needs, whatever that looks like for him...and be helpful as the days go on...and the dust settles...and life goes on...
On a MUCH lighter note...we are enjoying Melody from France immensely! She's the daughter (or little Sister) I never had! Another girl in the house to balance things out! God knows what we need for seasons. She doesn't speak in large groups much, but she can carry on a wonderful, insightful conversation with me over coffee or a meal. I have enjoyed getting to know her and she says she "very much enjoys it here" and thinks I am funny. She almost immediatly adopted the word "Peeps" and I find her using it in great context often. HAH! I praise the Lord for another Sister-in-Christ, especially one from 'across the pond."
As for my boys and the rest of the extended fam...not much to report. The new baby (Liz's little cutie pie; my great-neice) sneezed a whopper on my neck last night. She is TOO cute!!! I'll have to post a pic one of these days. She loves her Aunt Danni. I can tell. ;)
Brydan is still bowling and skiing, although the pass was closed this past Thursday. He had to fore go it and actually go to SCHOOL! The dreaded word of the day...SCHOOL! HAH! He lived. Amazing. He has decided to visit an elderly lady once a week to practice servant hood. The poor woman will have so many drawings of cars and brownies that he'll bake, she'll be sick! But I somehow think the two will become close pals and who knows...maybe he'll extend this to our ninety year old neighbor who will no doubt need a lawn mowed now and then...and who doesn't like a brownie? Smile. :) Ahhhh....life does indeed go on...apparently like this blog. I guess I need to update it more frequently. Have a wonderful week and thanks to the Froese family and Connie and Kris for your wonderful comments! HUGS to you ALL! Until next time...
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Random thoughts of the Week...
Well, it's been over a week since my last blog. Time for an update! I've been busting my tuckus (that's TOOK-US, as in derier, tush, rear-end) at the personal training center with the weights. The pounds I would like to lose are slow to fall off...but the trainer says that's the healthy way to do it. I've currently lost almost twelve lbs. since I began three months ago...but I also gained some lean muscle mass, which they tell me weighs more than fat...SO, I am doing good by their standards. Ces't la vie!
I began team training for the marathon with Shannon this week. I'm pretty sure we did at least two and a half miles by the feel of it, but we hadn't begun distance training yet...so we'll see as the days progress. I'm looking forward to each week, getting a little stronger and building speed. Who would have EVER thought??!! Now I just have to stay away from the brownies my son likes to bake and the M&Ms in the freezer...
The Lord is good. You know it? I begin a study on the book of Daniel starting the 18th. I'm really looking forward to this, as I love the prophetic books of the Bible and Daniel is my namesake! Our name literally means "God is my judge." Boy, if that isn't true! I can't wait to see what truths will be applied to my life and what scripture will decide to rock my world and draw me closer to Him. We can't be eagerly in the Word and not be transformed. After all, Jesus IS the Word, so every time I open it, I have made time to be in His presence. What a gift...to be able to READ!
As a family, we're preparing to have a young lady from France come to stay with us for a couple of months. I've had the privilege of meeting some wonderful friends from that country over the past two years and each time I'm with one of them, my heart grows bigger for their country. Pastor Art Collins and his fabulous wife, Peggy, are endeavoring on a new ministry called "Friends of France" and I've had the honor to meet some great peeps though that! The girl who'll be coming to stay is named Melody. I hope she likes dogs, music and loud people...and cars...because that's pretty much what goes on around here! I can't wait to see what the Lord will do!
Brydan is doing so well at his new school. God gave him an awesome teacher ( who also really enjoys cars!) and they'll all be going skiing every Thursday through the month of February starting soon. He's never been, so it should be a great experience! He's currently reading a book on concept cars and also the WaterHorse...and his Bible...which he always wants to read the scriptures about worry. Repetitive Bible reading... wish I would have picked up on that at his age!
I've also been reading two books. I just finished a book by a gentleman with the name of Jason Illian. It's called, "Undressed...the truth about love, sex and dating." Why, you ask...would I want to read that? Well, I saw him on the Joni Lamb show and the things he had to say were so relevant to today's culture and youth...and also true to the Word of God. He's 30 years old and still a virgin. He has chose this solely with the Lord Jesus Christ and it has been a day by day journey. I wanted to have this book in our library (and in my memory banks) for Brydan. This man has more insight than I ever would have been able to teach Brydan about women and dating. The time is far off still...Brydan is only 11...but now I feel a LITTLE more prepared. Amazing book. I can't recommend it enough. I'm also reading,"The Highly Sensitive Child." Brydan exhibits many of the neurological and inherited traits of 20% of the population who fall into this category. As a Mom, I'm learning to change my thinking about his sensitivity to things, such as textures, noises, team sports and injustices. He'd rather bowl at the alley than play soccer or basketball. He'd rather do Bible study with 90 year old women than go to Kids Quest (and that's exactly what he did!) While other kids are coloring or playing legos and War, he'd rather be crocheting and watching the weather. He'd chose his Grandpa and his dogs over most of his buddies and he'd rather talk cars than do almost anything else on the planet. He already knows what year he'll get married and his wife will "know Jesus and not just SAY she does, Mom." He still has to have the lines in his socks straight as an arrow and he cuts the tags out of all his shirts. Good thing I don't need washing instructions! In reading this book, I have learned that there are other young peeps who think and feel just along these lines and it doesn't mean they are doomed. On the contrary. The Holy Spirit has shown me a lot through this book and I've learned that being a parent isn't about what I want or what I think needs to be done all the time. Somewhere along the line...I made the grave mistake of forgetting that Brydan isn't even mine. He belongs to God, came from God and will one day return to Him...hopefully with his heart in tact and Jesus right in the center of it where He belongs!
So my post concludes...I'm out of thoughts for the evening. I covet your prayers as always and thank you for taking the time to have a peek inside my small world. Be blessed, be healthy and be ready...until the shout!
I began team training for the marathon with Shannon this week. I'm pretty sure we did at least two and a half miles by the feel of it, but we hadn't begun distance training yet...so we'll see as the days progress. I'm looking forward to each week, getting a little stronger and building speed. Who would have EVER thought??!! Now I just have to stay away from the brownies my son likes to bake and the M&Ms in the freezer...
The Lord is good. You know it? I begin a study on the book of Daniel starting the 18th. I'm really looking forward to this, as I love the prophetic books of the Bible and Daniel is my namesake! Our name literally means "God is my judge." Boy, if that isn't true! I can't wait to see what truths will be applied to my life and what scripture will decide to rock my world and draw me closer to Him. We can't be eagerly in the Word and not be transformed. After all, Jesus IS the Word, so every time I open it, I have made time to be in His presence. What a gift...to be able to READ!
As a family, we're preparing to have a young lady from France come to stay with us for a couple of months. I've had the privilege of meeting some wonderful friends from that country over the past two years and each time I'm with one of them, my heart grows bigger for their country. Pastor Art Collins and his fabulous wife, Peggy, are endeavoring on a new ministry called "Friends of France" and I've had the honor to meet some great peeps though that! The girl who'll be coming to stay is named Melody. I hope she likes dogs, music and loud people...and cars...because that's pretty much what goes on around here! I can't wait to see what the Lord will do!
Brydan is doing so well at his new school. God gave him an awesome teacher ( who also really enjoys cars!) and they'll all be going skiing every Thursday through the month of February starting soon. He's never been, so it should be a great experience! He's currently reading a book on concept cars and also the WaterHorse...and his Bible...which he always wants to read the scriptures about worry. Repetitive Bible reading... wish I would have picked up on that at his age!
I've also been reading two books. I just finished a book by a gentleman with the name of Jason Illian. It's called, "Undressed...the truth about love, sex and dating." Why, you ask...would I want to read that? Well, I saw him on the Joni Lamb show and the things he had to say were so relevant to today's culture and youth...and also true to the Word of God. He's 30 years old and still a virgin. He has chose this solely with the Lord Jesus Christ and it has been a day by day journey. I wanted to have this book in our library (and in my memory banks) for Brydan. This man has more insight than I ever would have been able to teach Brydan about women and dating. The time is far off still...Brydan is only 11...but now I feel a LITTLE more prepared. Amazing book. I can't recommend it enough. I'm also reading,"The Highly Sensitive Child." Brydan exhibits many of the neurological and inherited traits of 20% of the population who fall into this category. As a Mom, I'm learning to change my thinking about his sensitivity to things, such as textures, noises, team sports and injustices. He'd rather bowl at the alley than play soccer or basketball. He'd rather do Bible study with 90 year old women than go to Kids Quest (and that's exactly what he did!) While other kids are coloring or playing legos and War, he'd rather be crocheting and watching the weather. He'd chose his Grandpa and his dogs over most of his buddies and he'd rather talk cars than do almost anything else on the planet. He already knows what year he'll get married and his wife will "know Jesus and not just SAY she does, Mom." He still has to have the lines in his socks straight as an arrow and he cuts the tags out of all his shirts. Good thing I don't need washing instructions! In reading this book, I have learned that there are other young peeps who think and feel just along these lines and it doesn't mean they are doomed. On the contrary. The Holy Spirit has shown me a lot through this book and I've learned that being a parent isn't about what I want or what I think needs to be done all the time. Somewhere along the line...I made the grave mistake of forgetting that Brydan isn't even mine. He belongs to God, came from God and will one day return to Him...hopefully with his heart in tact and Jesus right in the center of it where He belongs!
So my post concludes...I'm out of thoughts for the evening. I covet your prayers as always and thank you for taking the time to have a peek inside my small world. Be blessed, be healthy and be ready...until the shout!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
The path to righteousness is narrow...the path to shin splints and victory is in a half marathon!!!
Well... this is my first blog and I might add that it was easier to set up than I thought it would be. The last portion of 2007 was interesting to say the least. God had me curb my spending habits by nearly 75%. (If you know me, then you know this is a considerable amount.) I've been able to stick to this by simply CHOOSING. I chose to stay away from the after- Christmas sales and I have chosen to give my credit card to my husband...who has some how learned to use his! Having said that...God also set me on a path to better health. On October 15th, I began working out with a personal trainer weekly and changing my diet. It's been a long process...especially since I ate most of my "cheat meals" daily through out the month of December. If I see another Christmas cookie or slice of white processed bread...I just might explode.
Here we are...January 2nd...and I'm shifting my training a bit in order to prepare for a half marathon. I've NEVER entered such a thing in my life...so God is either doing something just short of miraculous or I'm completely loosing my mind. I hope to be part of a team called "Living Water" for this marathon. We'll attempt to raise some money for children in Africa to have clean drinking water by having a well built in their area. My friend Shannon agreed to begin training with me and participate as well...and so we join Kris and Connie on an adventure of a life time! Who knows...maybe we'll all be at the Chicago marathon in October! The possibilities are endless.
I'm not one to make "New Year's Resolutions," but I do set goals and listen to the Lord in regard to them. The Word tells us that we can make all the plans we want...but if they don't line up with His Will...then they won't prosper. (Paraphrased by me) "There is a way that seems right to man...but in the end it leads to death." I want to choose LIFE. So here I come 2008...
2007 began with the loss of a beloved pet...followed by another getting hit by a car and costing us big bucks to have surgery done... followed by change in ministry and jobs... and new growth in the Lord. I made some new friends and kept some old. I continue to seek God's best in my parenting...though I am not perfect by any stretch of the imagination...and I try to be the wife I know I should, though I often fail miserably at that too. If 2008 can bring more growth and personal knowledge of Jesus Christ, then I enter it not only willingly, but with great expectation. Every new experience or challenge that comes is an opportunity to become more like the Savior and hopefully point my son in the direction of Him.
SO...I'll marathon onward and continue livin' the life and see what the new year brings. I hope you'll all keep in touch with me, even if by e-mail, MySpace, or a quick phone call. I'd love to hear what God is doing in your lives as well. Keep the faith.
Here we are...January 2nd...and I'm shifting my training a bit in order to prepare for a half marathon. I've NEVER entered such a thing in my life...so God is either doing something just short of miraculous or I'm completely loosing my mind. I hope to be part of a team called "Living Water" for this marathon. We'll attempt to raise some money for children in Africa to have clean drinking water by having a well built in their area. My friend Shannon agreed to begin training with me and participate as well...and so we join Kris and Connie on an adventure of a life time! Who knows...maybe we'll all be at the Chicago marathon in October! The possibilities are endless.
I'm not one to make "New Year's Resolutions," but I do set goals and listen to the Lord in regard to them. The Word tells us that we can make all the plans we want...but if they don't line up with His Will...then they won't prosper. (Paraphrased by me) "There is a way that seems right to man...but in the end it leads to death." I want to choose LIFE. So here I come 2008...
2007 began with the loss of a beloved pet...followed by another getting hit by a car and costing us big bucks to have surgery done... followed by change in ministry and jobs... and new growth in the Lord. I made some new friends and kept some old. I continue to seek God's best in my parenting...though I am not perfect by any stretch of the imagination...and I try to be the wife I know I should, though I often fail miserably at that too. If 2008 can bring more growth and personal knowledge of Jesus Christ, then I enter it not only willingly, but with great expectation. Every new experience or challenge that comes is an opportunity to become more like the Savior and hopefully point my son in the direction of Him.
SO...I'll marathon onward and continue livin' the life and see what the new year brings. I hope you'll all keep in touch with me, even if by e-mail, MySpace, or a quick phone call. I'd love to hear what God is doing in your lives as well. Keep the faith.
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