Yesterday was Husband's birthday. It was also the day that we received 12+ inches of snow. Husband gets up at 2 AM everyday in order to get to work by 4 AM. The roads were not great when he went to work, but while he worked for the next 10 hours, the snow continued to fall fast and furious! By the time he was off, all the state crews had been pulled off the roads; it was just too snowy and windy to do any good. Poor Husband had to weather the storm sitting at work all by himself on his birthday! He finally made it home between 5 and 6 PM. What made matters worse was that when he got home he had to shovel the back driveway. I had shoveled the front driveway so that he could get the car in the garage, but it took me two hours!! I was so exhausted that I couldn't shovel the back driveway too.
On the bright side, we had celebrated his birthday on Sunday. It was a lot of fun. We went to a Chinese buffet and he opened his presents. My mom made him his favorite pie--french silk. If nothing else, this was definitely a birthday he will never forget!! Happy Birthday, Honey!!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
I am a Trash Bag
I teach a high school Sunday School class in my church. We've been doing a study on Joyce Meyer's book, Battlefield of the Mind for Teens. This past Sunday, we were doing a lesson on how we blame others for our actions and how we fall into the trap of feeling sorry for ourselves so easily. As we were going through the lesson, God gave me this crazy illustration of how we are like garbage bags; namely GLAD Force Flex garbage bags. God definitely has a sense of humor!! It turns out that Sunday was just the tip of the iceberg. The more I thought about how we are like those trash bags, the more God showed me.
It’s such a tangible reminder of what God wants for us. The brand of Force Flex garbage bags is GLAD. Not only is GLAD the way that God desires for us to be able to live our lives, but GLAD is also an acronym for how he feels about us. God Loves, Adores, and Delights in us!! If you can remember nothing else, please, please, please remember how much your Father in Heaven loves you!!!!
The trash bags are white with “a unique diamond texture.” The Bible says that we have been washed whiter than snow. Isaiah 1:18b—Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Psalm 51:7—Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Rev. 3:4b-5—They will walk with Me dressed in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out her name from the Book of Life, but will acknowledge her name before My Father and His angels. Rev.7:13-17—Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
When we ask God for forgiveness, He forgives and forgets. He does not hold our sin over our heads. When He looks at us, He sees us as pure white because of Jesus’ blood covering over us. Just like the garbage bag, God clothes us in a white robe. Just like the “unique diamond texture” of the bag, our robes have also been adorned with jewels. Isaiah 61:10—I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Glad’s website describes the bags as being stronger because they stretch. God does the same thing with us. He stretches our faith and refines us through the trials in our lives. Even though we may not always realize it at the time, when God has brought us through a trial, we have been made stronger. James 1:2-4—Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Zechariah 13:9—This third I will bring into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My Name and I will answer them; I will say, “They are My people,” and they will say, “The Lord is our God.” II Corinthians 12:9-10—My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Finally, the bags are tied together with a red drawstring. This string is the barrier that keeps the contents inside the bag separated from all of the things on the outside. The drawstring is located at the top of the bag, and is the bag’s security, just like the Blood of Jesus is our covering. It’s because of the Blood of the Lamb that we have the security of salvation. Christ’s blood is the barrier that separates us from all the gunk and garbage of the world. It’s the Blood of Jesus that holds our white robes “adorned with diamonds” in place over us.
So every time you see a garbage bag, remember all the wonderful things God has done for you. Remember that God Loves Adores and Delights in you. Remember that Jesus died for you so His Blood could be your protective covering. Remember that when you feel like you are being stretched to your limits and you feel like your world is ripping apart, that you have a God in Heaven who is giving you grace. His strength is made perfect in your weakness. Just like the Force Flex that will not rip under pressure, God is giving you grace to uphold you and keep you from ripping under pressure too! God loves you SO MUCH!!!!
It’s such a tangible reminder of what God wants for us. The brand of Force Flex garbage bags is GLAD. Not only is GLAD the way that God desires for us to be able to live our lives, but GLAD is also an acronym for how he feels about us. God Loves, Adores, and Delights in us!! If you can remember nothing else, please, please, please remember how much your Father in Heaven loves you!!!!
The trash bags are white with “a unique diamond texture.” The Bible says that we have been washed whiter than snow. Isaiah 1:18b—Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Psalm 51:7—Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Rev. 3:4b-5—They will walk with Me dressed in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out her name from the Book of Life, but will acknowledge her name before My Father and His angels. Rev.7:13-17—Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
When we ask God for forgiveness, He forgives and forgets. He does not hold our sin over our heads. When He looks at us, He sees us as pure white because of Jesus’ blood covering over us. Just like the garbage bag, God clothes us in a white robe. Just like the “unique diamond texture” of the bag, our robes have also been adorned with jewels. Isaiah 61:10—I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Glad’s website describes the bags as being stronger because they stretch. God does the same thing with us. He stretches our faith and refines us through the trials in our lives. Even though we may not always realize it at the time, when God has brought us through a trial, we have been made stronger. James 1:2-4—Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Zechariah 13:9—This third I will bring into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My Name and I will answer them; I will say, “They are My people,” and they will say, “The Lord is our God.” II Corinthians 12:9-10—My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Finally, the bags are tied together with a red drawstring. This string is the barrier that keeps the contents inside the bag separated from all of the things on the outside. The drawstring is located at the top of the bag, and is the bag’s security, just like the Blood of Jesus is our covering. It’s because of the Blood of the Lamb that we have the security of salvation. Christ’s blood is the barrier that separates us from all the gunk and garbage of the world. It’s the Blood of Jesus that holds our white robes “adorned with diamonds” in place over us.
So every time you see a garbage bag, remember all the wonderful things God has done for you. Remember that God Loves Adores and Delights in you. Remember that Jesus died for you so His Blood could be your protective covering. Remember that when you feel like you are being stretched to your limits and you feel like your world is ripping apart, that you have a God in Heaven who is giving you grace. His strength is made perfect in your weakness. Just like the Force Flex that will not rip under pressure, God is giving you grace to uphold you and keep you from ripping under pressure too! God loves you SO MUCH!!!!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Refreshing Honesty
I have a little girl in my class who is always "in the know." She seems to make it her business to know everyone else's business. If ever I have a question of what's going on, she is always quick to fill me in. One day, we were all sitting up in front of the room on the carpet. My little "reporter" was turned around intently watching two boys behind her. When I asked her what she was doing, she replied quite honestly, "I am watching to see what they are doing so I can tell on them."
Beautiful Snow
Three days after Christmas we had the most beautiful snowfall! Husband's parents were supposed to come down for a visit that day, and it delayed them, but other than that, it was the perfect snowfall. It was the kind of snow that just made everything look like a Christmas card. It even packed nicely so the kids made a snowman. Husband shoveled, the kids played outside, and I took pictures (from inside where it was warm and dry!). 
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Glory
I went off the road this morning on the way to work. I hit a patch of ice on the Interstate, fish-tailed all over the road, and ended up about 35' down the ditch. The roads were terrible, every school around me was on a two hour late start (except, of course, the one I work at) and my daughter was home sick with strep throat. I should never have attempted to go to work. But I did. So, why the "Glory" title? I was really feeling horrible today, and rightly so. It was a horrible day! I still feel shaky and nauseous. But then I got to thinking.....am I going to be a victim or a victor? Am I going to give glory to the one who brought on the calamity, or am I going to give glory to the one who brought me through the calamity? And I made a choice. I will give glory to the One who brought me through the calamity.
I can certainly see how God was with me every step of the way. Why did He allow this to happen if He was right with me? I don't know. What I do know is that I was not harmed in any way. What I do know is that what Satan meant for bad, God can use for good. Romans 8:28 And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I am able to see God's hand protecting me. Don't get me wrong, I was SCARED! Like I said, I am still kind of shaky and it's been 13 hours since it happened. BUT, I will not wallow in self pity. I will celebrate the victory!
When I hit the ice, there were cars near me in front of me and behind me. I didn't hit any of them, and I was sliding all over the road. I went flying into the ditch, hit and took out one of those poles with the reflector on top, and yet didn't have so much as a bumped head or a scratch on me.
When I went off the road, I did not even need to call for help. There was a sheriff right behind me who saw the whole thing. He pulled over right behind me, and was out of his car before I was even out of mine. He was very nice, and never even questioned my speed or anything. (I wasn't going fast at all. I just hit a patch of ice and it sent me careening all over the road.) He had me get my things out of the car and drove me to a nearby Hardee's.
When I got into Hardee's and reached for my cell phone, I discovered that I must have left it in the car. I asked the lady at the counter if I could use their phone and she informed me that they did not have a public phone. This was the point that the tears almost came. I guess it was obvious by the look on my face that I was about to cry, so she asked, "What's wrong? Are you stranded or something?" When I said yes that my car was in the ditch about a mile up the road, she was like, "Oh, sorry. That's too bad." Helpful. Thanks. Anyway, I went to the back of the restaurant where the old guys were gathered drinking their coffee and asked if any of them had a phone I could borrow. One of them lent me his right away. Of course I was so flustered all of a sudden I couldn't remember if my work number was 319 or 391! The guy was so nice! He told me not to worry about it, just to dial 411 and let them dial it for me. I didn't have to do that, I finally remembered the right number, but just the fact that he was so kind really made me feel better. After I called work, let them know where I was, and had the arrangements made for my principal to come pick me up (yes, the principal drove 20 minutes to pick me up), the man offered to buy me some breakfast at Hardee's. I was too upset to eat, but again, the kindness this man showed me will always stick with me.
My principal was just glad to see that I wasn't hurt, and was very understanding. I work with a great bunch of people, and they were so nice to me all day. They gave me hugs, taught my class while I tried to get things in order, and let me borrow their cell phones to make calls to my husband, my mom (who was taking care of my daughter) and my insurance agent.
After school, I looked in the phone book for a towing company. There are literally two or three pages of towing companies. I wanted to call a few to get an idea of a price range, but I didn't have time to call 2 or 3 pages worth! I picked 4 and started calling. It seemed like it was going to cost me well over $100 just to get the car pulled up out of the ditch. More if I needed any other services. The fourth one I called said he's easily half the price of other towing companies. He charged $40 to come pull me out. A coincidence that his number was one of the four I wrote down? I don't think so! Unfortunately, my front passenger tire was flat, so he had to tow the car to a gas station. He only charged another $40 to tow it there. He took it to a place where he knew they wouldn't charge an arm and a leg to fix the tire if there was something wrong with it. The tire didn't have a hole in it, but it had been knocked off the rim a bit. The tire was fixed for $10.
While at the gas station, Husband and I searched the car for my missing cell phone. No cell phone. I felt sick as I thought that it must have fallen out into the snow when I got out of the car this morning. We took his truck back to the place where my car went in the ditch, and began to search. Husband thought we were crazy for even trying, but I told him, "I prayed we would find it." He called my phone, and we heard it ringing!! How it managed to stay in one piece while the car was towed out of the ditch, and still was working after being outside in the snow, in single digit temps all day long is nothing short of miraculous! My only explanation? Jesus loves me! :)
So on my way home, 12 hours after I left my house this morning, as I'm thinking what a horrible, rotten, no good, very bad day (just call me Alexander) I had today, I felt God speak to me and say, "But I was with you. I protected you. I gave you favor. Now what are going to choose? to give Me glory and be a victor, or overlook all of these things and be a victim?" It's kind of like the choice the Israelites had in Deuteronomy 30 I guess. Verses 19-20 say, "This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life, and He will give you many years in the land He swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."
My mom was doing her devotions this morning and felt like God wanted her to give me some verses. II Corinthians 4: 7-15. It pretty much sums up my day.
But we have the treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake so that His life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the One who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in His presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
And finally, verse 17
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
I can certainly see how God was with me every step of the way. Why did He allow this to happen if He was right with me? I don't know. What I do know is that I was not harmed in any way. What I do know is that what Satan meant for bad, God can use for good. Romans 8:28 And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I am able to see God's hand protecting me. Don't get me wrong, I was SCARED! Like I said, I am still kind of shaky and it's been 13 hours since it happened. BUT, I will not wallow in self pity. I will celebrate the victory!
When I hit the ice, there were cars near me in front of me and behind me. I didn't hit any of them, and I was sliding all over the road. I went flying into the ditch, hit and took out one of those poles with the reflector on top, and yet didn't have so much as a bumped head or a scratch on me.
When I went off the road, I did not even need to call for help. There was a sheriff right behind me who saw the whole thing. He pulled over right behind me, and was out of his car before I was even out of mine. He was very nice, and never even questioned my speed or anything. (I wasn't going fast at all. I just hit a patch of ice and it sent me careening all over the road.) He had me get my things out of the car and drove me to a nearby Hardee's.
When I got into Hardee's and reached for my cell phone, I discovered that I must have left it in the car. I asked the lady at the counter if I could use their phone and she informed me that they did not have a public phone. This was the point that the tears almost came. I guess it was obvious by the look on my face that I was about to cry, so she asked, "What's wrong? Are you stranded or something?" When I said yes that my car was in the ditch about a mile up the road, she was like, "Oh, sorry. That's too bad." Helpful. Thanks. Anyway, I went to the back of the restaurant where the old guys were gathered drinking their coffee and asked if any of them had a phone I could borrow. One of them lent me his right away. Of course I was so flustered all of a sudden I couldn't remember if my work number was 319 or 391! The guy was so nice! He told me not to worry about it, just to dial 411 and let them dial it for me. I didn't have to do that, I finally remembered the right number, but just the fact that he was so kind really made me feel better. After I called work, let them know where I was, and had the arrangements made for my principal to come pick me up (yes, the principal drove 20 minutes to pick me up), the man offered to buy me some breakfast at Hardee's. I was too upset to eat, but again, the kindness this man showed me will always stick with me.
My principal was just glad to see that I wasn't hurt, and was very understanding. I work with a great bunch of people, and they were so nice to me all day. They gave me hugs, taught my class while I tried to get things in order, and let me borrow their cell phones to make calls to my husband, my mom (who was taking care of my daughter) and my insurance agent.
After school, I looked in the phone book for a towing company. There are literally two or three pages of towing companies. I wanted to call a few to get an idea of a price range, but I didn't have time to call 2 or 3 pages worth! I picked 4 and started calling. It seemed like it was going to cost me well over $100 just to get the car pulled up out of the ditch. More if I needed any other services. The fourth one I called said he's easily half the price of other towing companies. He charged $40 to come pull me out. A coincidence that his number was one of the four I wrote down? I don't think so! Unfortunately, my front passenger tire was flat, so he had to tow the car to a gas station. He only charged another $40 to tow it there. He took it to a place where he knew they wouldn't charge an arm and a leg to fix the tire if there was something wrong with it. The tire didn't have a hole in it, but it had been knocked off the rim a bit. The tire was fixed for $10.
While at the gas station, Husband and I searched the car for my missing cell phone. No cell phone. I felt sick as I thought that it must have fallen out into the snow when I got out of the car this morning. We took his truck back to the place where my car went in the ditch, and began to search. Husband thought we were crazy for even trying, but I told him, "I prayed we would find it." He called my phone, and we heard it ringing!! How it managed to stay in one piece while the car was towed out of the ditch, and still was working after being outside in the snow, in single digit temps all day long is nothing short of miraculous! My only explanation? Jesus loves me! :)
So on my way home, 12 hours after I left my house this morning, as I'm thinking what a horrible, rotten, no good, very bad day (just call me Alexander) I had today, I felt God speak to me and say, "But I was with you. I protected you. I gave you favor. Now what are going to choose? to give Me glory and be a victor, or overlook all of these things and be a victim?" It's kind of like the choice the Israelites had in Deuteronomy 30 I guess. Verses 19-20 say, "This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life, and He will give you many years in the land He swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."
My mom was doing her devotions this morning and felt like God wanted her to give me some verses. II Corinthians 4: 7-15. It pretty much sums up my day.
But we have the treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake so that His life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the One who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in His presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
And finally, verse 17
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
My Kasey
One of my best friends has a little boy that is 2 1/2. He is SO adorable!! He and I are VERY good buds. I just LOVE him! I was over at his house briefly the other day, and he must not have realized that I had left. His mommy told me that some time later he went looking around the house and then said, "Where's my Kasey?!" Doesn't that just melt your heart?
Another day, his mommy and daddy were talking in one room while my buddy was playing in another room. My name entered the conversation, and he came running into the room asking, "Kasey?! Where Kasey?!"
Still another day, my little buddy was talking to another friend of his family. She asked him if he was her buddy. He answered, "No! I Kasey's buddy!" He's such a little cutie! Yes, he does have his Kasey wrapped around his little finger! But look at this face! How could I not be???
Another day, his mommy and daddy were talking in one room while my buddy was playing in another room. My name entered the conversation, and he came running into the room asking, "Kasey?! Where Kasey?!"
Still another day, my little buddy was talking to another friend of his family. She asked him if he was her buddy. He answered, "No! I Kasey's buddy!" He's such a little cutie! Yes, he does have his Kasey wrapped around his little finger! But look at this face! How could I not be???
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Cheap Entertainment
What do you get when you have 1 empty plastic bag, one glass with a few drips of milk left in the bottom, and two adorable kittens?
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
More on the Way
I am still trying to get things all updated before I go back to work & time is running short! AIY-YI-YI!!! We had a really nice Christmas, or three, or five, as we celebrate with our family, with both kids and without, and both sets of grandparents. It gets interesting on the years that The Boy is with his mom for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Two gifts that we got that are of particular interest to the blog are a digital camera and new computer! I have lots of pictures on the new camera that I'm excited to get downloaded on the computer so I can include them in the blog. The only problem is that our current computer can't handle downloading the pictures, and we can't hook up the new computer until we get a monitor to go with it. We can't get the new monitor until the gift card for a hundred dollars off comes in. Boy, it gets complicated, doesn't it?! I tried using our current monitor with the new computer, but it's too old and was not compatible. Hopefully by this weekend we'll be able to have the new one up and running. I can't wait!! Until then, I'm afraid I won't have many posts, as I have pictures I want to include with most of them. Anyway....until then, have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Friday, December 28, 2007
Tribute
About this time one year ago, I began a search on the Internet to try and get in touch with an old friend from college. We had been close the one year we were roommates, and had stayed in touch pretty well even when she moved out to Colorado. Most of our friendship was spent living at least two states away from one another. Jenn was there for me through all the major transitions in my life. She was a bridesmaid in my first wedding. She came to my daughter's dedication service. She was there for me when I went through my divorce. When my daughter was 18 months old, we flew out to Colorado to visit Jenn. When Jenn was married, I was able to be there. Then, when she and her husband moved to Austria, it became difficult to stay in touch. I had been emailing her, but my computer crashed and I lost her address. I searched the Internet and found her again, but not learning from the first time, still didn't write down her address. When my computer crashed a second time, and I lost her address again, I didn't do a very good job of getting in touch for a very long time. The last time I had emailed her, Jenn said that she was expecting. I remembered that she was due right around Christmas time. Thinking that her baby was already a year old, and I had not even been in touch with her to see if she had had a boy or a girl, I began my search for her once more. Jenn had always been computer savvy, so I was expecting to find a family blog or something along those lines. What I found instead was horrifying.
At first, I just found some church newsletters from a church in Austria. I remembered that Jenn's husband's father was a minister, but I just couldn't believe what the newsletters were saying. It was something about a tragedy in the family. Asking parishioners to pray for Dave (her husband) as he dealt with all the sorrow so shortly after the joy of the birth of their daughter, Lexi. As I read on, I found out that a mere 16 days after Lexi's birth, Jenn had passed away due to a sudden attack of Hodgkin's disease. I couldn't believe that this was true. I tried telling myself that this couldn't be my friend, Jenn. I continued to search for some more information; something that tell me I was mistaken. This was some other person named Jenn. It was just a coincidence. No such confirmation came. Instead, I found her obituary posted in a paper from her hometown in the States, complete with photograph. There was no mistaking that this was in fact, my old college roommate, my friend, Jenn.
So many emotions filled my heart and soul. I was in shock. I was angry. I was grieved. I felt guilt and shame for not even knowing that she was gone. Not only that, but it had not been one year since I had last talked to her, but two. I was only just finding out about her death, and she had been gone for two years. I had missed everything. Even though there was a memorial service for her in her hometown that I would have attended had I known, it was too late now. I had such tremendous guilt. If I had been a real friend, then I would've stayed in touch with Jenn even though she lived in Austria. I felt such huge sadness, and still do, but do I have a right to feel that way when it took me two years to realize that she had died?
A week or two afterwards I was finally able to cry. I cried and cried. I cried until it felt like there was nothing left, no more tears, no more strength. I asked God "Why?" It's so unfair. How could this happen? She had a 16-day-old baby. This was supposed to be one of the happiest times of her life. How could all of it just be taken away like this? How is her husband coping with losing his wife and needing to grieve, yet needing to keep going to care for his newborn? I still don't have the answers to these questions, and I suppose I won't get them until the day I get to heaven and get to see my friend once more, but I have gotten some healing.
You see, the obituary I found online has a guestbook link to it. It is still there all because of a wonderful, sweet friend of Jenn's. This friend has been anonymously maintaining the site all these years to help keep Jenn's memory alive. For a year, I have been going to that site, clicking on the guestbook, and beginning a message. For a year, I have deleted what I had written, and left the site to try it again another day. Another day finally came, and I was able to get a message posted. A few days later, I received an email from a friend of Jenn's from Austria. I emailed her back, and she was kind enough to keep up correspondence with me. She has answered so many of the questions I had surrounding what had happened. She sent me pictures of Lexi, and again, I cried and cried. She looks so much like her mommy! I found out that Jenn was able to enjoy her time with Lexi because she didn't know she was sick. I am so grateful for that. I am so thankful that Jenn had a friend who loved her so much & is helping to keep her memory alive for Lexi. She is compiling stories and pictures of Jenn to give to Lexi when she is older and wondering what her momma was like.
On Christmas Day, I received an email from Jenn's sister. I can't explain how much it meant to me. I was afraid Jenn's family would not like to see that I had left a message in her guestbook since I hadn't been in touch with her for so long. I will be eternally grateful to "Anonymous" for maintaining Jenn's site and allowing me to find healing there. Thank you, Julie, for your email. You'll never know how much it means to me!
As all of this has come to pass, I marvel at the grace of God. Even though I will never understand why, I know that God is Sovereign. I know His Love never fails. I know that He is with us. I know that Jenn is with Him. I wish that she could still be here with us. I wish she could be with Lexi, helping her grow, seeing each new thing she does and learns. Yet I know it was God's Grace that kept Lexi safe through Jenn's pregnancy. It was God's Grace that allowed Jenn to enjoy what little time she had with Lexi. It was God's Grace that made their first Christmas as a family of three a happy one. And it was God's Grace that allowed Jenn not to suffer.
Finally, it was by the Grace of God that I was able to learn some important lessons. Life is too short to lose touch with your friends. It is worth the effort. This past year I have gotten back in touch with some friends that I hadn't spoken to in quite a while. It's too easy to live life and get busy and not make the effort to be friends. It's good to remember that friendship is a reward worth the time. I also thank God that through all of this, I also made a new friend. Your emails have touched me deeply, Neva. God bless you!
Jenn,
It's been three years ago today you went to be with the Lord. We miss you so much! Our only comfort is that you are resting in the Saviour's everlasting arms. You are in heaven where there is no more suffering and no more tears. John 14:1-4 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.
Revelation 21:3-4 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning, or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Can't wait until we get to see you again, Jenn. We love you!
Can't wait until we get to see you again, Jenn. We love you!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
John Deere Tour
Husband was recently blessed with a new job welding on combines at John Deere. God has been SO good to us! He was actually trained to weld by John Deere! This is a HUGE deal because not only did it save us about $2500 on welding courses at a community college, but he was getting paid as he was learning. He is now a certified welder! This job has already been such a blessing to our family, and the benefits are just beginning!! We continue to praise God daily for this job!
On December first, we were able to tour the facility. This was a pretty big deal because there hasn't been a tour like this since the early 90's. It was so interesting to see combines in all stages of development. I couldn't do justice to it if I tried to explain it all, but I highly recommend touring a facility like this if you ever get the chance! It was mind-boggling! The only downer of the day was that we were having a pretty significant ice storm!! The hour drive wasn't much fun!! After we left, we had to buy a new scraper because as Husband was scraping the ice off the car when it was time to go, the scraper snapped in half!
This is a picture of a wall of windows inside the visitor's center. Along the bottom, you can see that the ice had accumulated on the glass. Theses huge sheets of ice slid down the length of these windows (about 3 stories) and it looked like an ice fountain. I wish I could've gotten a video of it. It was really spectacular!
Always thinking about fodder for the blog, I took this picture hoping to show the horrible weather conditions. You can't really see the freezing rain and ice falling from the sky, but this gives you an idea of how windy it was on top of everything else!
Despite the weather, we had a good time touring the plant!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Shopping Craziness
Husband and I thought it would be a good idea to get some shopping done the day after Thanksgiving. We were going to take advantage of eager-to-babysit grandparents, and enjoy the benefits of Minnesota's no tax on clothing, not to mention all the great day after Thanksgiving deals!!! Well, the outlet mall not to far from Husband's parents' house opened at 12:01 AM. Thinking it would be much easier to stay up and go shop than to get up at 3:30 AM, we ventured out at 11:15 PM and headed to the outlets. Little did we know we would literally shop till we dropped, and not return back home until 3:30 PM the next day. Yes, you're right, we shopped ALL NIGHT LONG AND A GOOD PORTION OF THE NEXT DAY!!!!!!!! Yes, you're right, we ARE certified CRAZY!!! We did get some good deals, but no, we didn't get all of our shopping done. We didn't end up going to bed until after 9:00 PM that night. We were up a record-setting 40 hours. I forgot to mention in the previous post that due to hazardous weather we weren't able to drive to MN Wednesday night. We had gotten up at 4:45 AM Thanksgiving day, and gotten on the road by 6:20 AM to arrive in time for Thanksgiving dinner! Believe it or not, we didn't even nap before our shopping extravaganza. I can't say that we'd do it again, but it was definitely a memory-making experience! Here we are past comatose. Lookin' good, huh?
Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving we headed up to MN to spend some time with Husband's family. It was SO MUCH fun! His entire family was able to get together, and there were 22 people at his parent's house. I have to admit, I did feel a bit overwhelmed, but it was a good kind of overwhelmed. :) A typical Thanksgiving on my side of the family consists of about half as many people. We had good food, great fellowship, and fun, fun, fun! Our nephew just turned one, and is such a little cutie! The Girl absolutely loves babies, and was in baby heaven since Husband's cousins were also there with their little guy who was one in Oct. We took advantage of having everyone in one place, and got some pictures of the three generations represented.
"The Originals"
"The Kids"
You can see by this picture that there were several "photographers." I don't think we were successful in getting everyone looking at the same camera at the same time! Ha Ha Ha!!!
"The Grandkids"
Playing Catch-Up
Since I have been absolutely HORRIBLE at updating lately, I thought I would go through month by month and give some highlights. I am a bit anal, and can't seem to move on to what's happening now without 'tying up loose ends' so to speak. Even though there are a few entries from September I think that's where I'll start with the updating. I don't typically make New Year's Resolutions because they are so hard to keep, then I just feel depressed that I didn't stick to them, but this year I think I'll make an exception and resolve to do a better job on my blog. :) OK, it's in writing now, so I'm a little more accountable, right?!
SEPTEMBER
Husband and I attended a Joyce Meyer conference in St. Paul, MN. It was WONDERFUL!! Husband made fun of me, calling me a Joyce Meyer groupie since I insisted on getting to each meeting at least an hour before the doors opened. It was well worth it, since we were able to get floor seats for each of the four sessions, and the farthest back we sat was 10 rows from the front!! The closest we sat was 5 rows from the front, and the first three rows are reserved. You see, the conference was free and there was no saving seats between sessions. If you ever get the chance to her, I HIGHLY recommend it. She is so practical and down to earth. She speaks in everyday language that's easy to understand. She's been through a lot of junk in her life, so she preaches about things that she's experienced herself. I just love her.
While we were in MN, we were able to squeeze in a little bit of time with family. On the way to St. Paul we stopped in to see Husband's aunt at her elementary school. It was fun for me to see her classroom, as we both teach first grade. We stayed with my cousin, who I haven't been able to spend much time with in recent years. We had a good time catching up, and enjoyed some of his "famous" french toast. We also went to Matt's on 35th and Cedar for a Juicy Lucy.....YUM!! If you ever get to the Minneapolis area, you've got to go have a Juicy Lucy! We were also able to have a short visit with husband's mom and dad. A little too short, but nice all the same. Mostly, husband and I were mostly able to have some much needed us time. In between sessions on Friday we walked around downtown St. Paul. It's a beautiful city and the weather was picture perfect.
OCTOBER
October was a busier month than it should have been! I teach in a school on a balanced calendar, which means that I start earlier and end later than traditional calendar schools, but I get a couple two-week breaks during the year. One of those breaks comes in October. Instead of taking both weeks off that were offered, I opted to teach an intersession class the first week. The pay was too good to pass up, but it sure did make break fly by! The weekend of the first week off, Husband and I went to visit some old friends at a church retreat a couple of hours from where we live. We saw some friends from when we were young and going to church camp! It was a lot of fun.
The second week of break I was off, but it seemed like every day was filled with things to do. Some were fun like going to Galena with my mom and celebrating my birthday with my family at my favorite restaurant. Others were not so fun like chiropractor appointments. Still others were things that we mom's just do like going to middle school basketball games to watch your daughter cheer. Before I knew it, October was gone and November had come.
SEPTEMBER
Husband and I attended a Joyce Meyer conference in St. Paul, MN. It was WONDERFUL!! Husband made fun of me, calling me a Joyce Meyer groupie since I insisted on getting to each meeting at least an hour before the doors opened. It was well worth it, since we were able to get floor seats for each of the four sessions, and the farthest back we sat was 10 rows from the front!! The closest we sat was 5 rows from the front, and the first three rows are reserved. You see, the conference was free and there was no saving seats between sessions. If you ever get the chance to her, I HIGHLY recommend it. She is so practical and down to earth. She speaks in everyday language that's easy to understand. She's been through a lot of junk in her life, so she preaches about things that she's experienced herself. I just love her.
While we were in MN, we were able to squeeze in a little bit of time with family. On the way to St. Paul we stopped in to see Husband's aunt at her elementary school. It was fun for me to see her classroom, as we both teach first grade. We stayed with my cousin, who I haven't been able to spend much time with in recent years. We had a good time catching up, and enjoyed some of his "famous" french toast. We also went to Matt's on 35th and Cedar for a Juicy Lucy.....YUM!! If you ever get to the Minneapolis area, you've got to go have a Juicy Lucy! We were also able to have a short visit with husband's mom and dad. A little too short, but nice all the same. Mostly, husband and I were mostly able to have some much needed us time. In between sessions on Friday we walked around downtown St. Paul. It's a beautiful city and the weather was picture perfect.
OCTOBER
October was a busier month than it should have been! I teach in a school on a balanced calendar, which means that I start earlier and end later than traditional calendar schools, but I get a couple two-week breaks during the year. One of those breaks comes in October. Instead of taking both weeks off that were offered, I opted to teach an intersession class the first week. The pay was too good to pass up, but it sure did make break fly by! The weekend of the first week off, Husband and I went to visit some old friends at a church retreat a couple of hours from where we live. We saw some friends from when we were young and going to church camp! It was a lot of fun.
The second week of break I was off, but it seemed like every day was filled with things to do. Some were fun like going to Galena with my mom and celebrating my birthday with my family at my favorite restaurant. Others were not so fun like chiropractor appointments. Still others were things that we mom's just do like going to middle school basketball games to watch your daughter cheer. Before I knew it, October was gone and November had come.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Happy Birthday, Dad!!
It's my dad's birthday today. He doesn't like big To-Do's made over him, so we just went to visit after church today. It was nice. He's such a good guy and does so much for me, I wish we could do more for him. Happy Birthday, Dad!! Have a wonderful year!!
Politically Incorrect
We had a snow day earlier this week. When we returned to school the next day, I asked the kids what they did on their day off. One little girl told me that she played at her friend's house all day. When I asked if she had lots of fun, she said, "Yeah, but he always calls me 'Donkey'." Seeing the confused look on my face, she explained, "It means I'm white."
I couldn't help myself, I laughed out loud! To this she said, "That's a funny story, isn't it, Teacher?"
"Yes, it is!" (and to myself....More than you know!)
I couldn't help myself, I laughed out loud! To this she said, "That's a funny story, isn't it, Teacher?"
"Yes, it is!" (and to myself....More than you know!)
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Almost Famous
A friend of ours, Coz, (rhymes with doze) is seriously pursuing his music career. He has put together a CD and is starting to film some videos. A few Saturdays ago, he invited us to take part in his very first one. The song is called, "Maple Lake." Here's the video. It's hard to spot me and Husband, and The Girl was at her dad's, but The Boy is in it about 4 times! Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
New Babies
Meet Leah and Sarah!! They are the newest members of The Cat Crew!! Sarah is the white kitty that has an orange tail, ears, and blue eyes. Leah is the little calico. They are so incredibly sweet! Sarah purrs quite loud whenever she is picked up. Leah also purrs a lot, but she is a little more quiet than Sarah. We met these little cuties out at The Girl's horseback riding lessons. After three or four weeks of debating, we decided they should, indeed, come home to live with us. We're all really happy that they're here. They have already provided us with endless entertainment! There's just nothing like kittens!!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Surprise Visit and Man Perfume
We were in the middle of a lesson yesterday when a short, chubby face appeared in the window next to my classroom door. Next, there was a tap, tap, tap. I went to the door to find an outgoing little kindergarten boy. I greeted him, noticed the yellow late slip/pass from the office, and asked if he needed something.
"Nope!" He replied. "I just stopped to say 'hi' to Kyle. He's my friend. HI KYLE!!"
And off he zoomed down the hall! If only all of life could be that simple!!
Hand sanitizer was a new item added to the supply list this year. Let me tell you, it's a BIG HIT in our room! The kids LOVE putting that stuff on. Each day before lunch they get to use it. After cleaning their hands yesterday, a couple of boys came running up to me as proud as could be. "Teacher, teacher! Smell my man perfume!"
"Nope!" He replied. "I just stopped to say 'hi' to Kyle. He's my friend. HI KYLE!!"
And off he zoomed down the hall! If only all of life could be that simple!!
Hand sanitizer was a new item added to the supply list this year. Let me tell you, it's a BIG HIT in our room! The kids LOVE putting that stuff on. Each day before lunch they get to use it. After cleaning their hands yesterday, a couple of boys came running up to me as proud as could be. "Teacher, teacher! Smell my man perfume!"
Thursday, September 13, 2007
We Have A Window!
I know it's a little overdue, but we FINALLY have our window back in place! We have had it back in since August 25. I took it in to be repaired at the end of June. We had a little incident with The Girl and a softball. I thought I had posted this story, but apparently I never did. Ooops! Here is the story:
The Girl really enjoyed playing softball this year. She has one game left and is planning on going out again next year. She would like to pitch, but she still needs more practice. Today, she decided to draw herself a strike zone and practice, practice, practice. They say pictures are worth a thousand words........
Thanks, Dad, for another job well done!
The Girl really enjoyed playing softball this year. She has one game left and is planning on going out again next year. She would like to pitch, but she still needs more practice. Today, she decided to draw herself a strike zone and practice, practice, practice. They say pictures are worth a thousand words........
The Strike Zone is drawn...........
Now Notice How Close the Strike Zone is to the WINDOWS!!!!!
Finally, NOTICE the WINDOW!!!!
After lots of "I'm Sorry!!! I didn't mean to!!!!" and Mom had calmed down considerably, what is The Girl's comment? "Except for the windows, it was a really good idea, don't you think?"
UUUUHHHHH........NO!!!!! I don't think!!
When I took the window in to be repaired, I found out the only man who repairs them had just had surgery on his hand and wasn't sure when he'd be able to work on it. He was in a cast, and I just didn't have the nerve to take my window elsewhere. After living with plastic over the window spot for two months I finally called to check on the progress of the window. "Oh, yeah, that's been done!" he said when I asked about my window. I was SO upset! I wanted to yell, "THEN WHY DIDN'T YOU CALL ME AND TELL ME IT WAS DONE??!!" Instead, I just calmly said, "Thank you. I'll be there Thursday." Two days later, my handy-man, Dad, came and put the window back in its place. Life is good again.
Notice the cat waiting for his chance to pounce out the window and into freedom! LOL!!
Thanks, Dad, for another job well done!
Monday, September 10, 2007
30 or 80....What's The Difference?
This weekend, Husband and I went on a little getaway out of state. On our way to our destination, we stopped in at Husband's Aunt's school to surprise her. (She and I both teach first grade and are planning to have our classes be pen pals this year. I thought it would be nice to see her room and meet her class, and to surprise her of course!) It was a fun surprise, as we caught her with her class in the hallway getting drinks after gym class. We went back to her classroom and the students all sat listening to her anxious to find out who the unexpected guests were. One sweet child raised his hand and asked, "Are they your MOM and DAD?"
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