So. It is Nov 11th. At my favorite coffee shop today they were playing Christmas music and the boutique across the street had a tree in the window. TOO SOON! I don't know if the web site is up and running yet but It has been too long so I figured I should write something anyway.
In bible study and in my weekly discussion group about the book THE SHACK (good read by the way if you have not as yet) the subject of following God ,staying in close relationship with him, with all your heart keeps coming up. It always sound so good and I want that but.. How? I would love input from anyone on that topic. I chuckled today as I was listening to the soundtrack of Mama Mia and the song lyrics were "Don't go wasting your emotion, lay all your love on me. Don't go sharing your devotion ......"There it is. We are not to let the things of the world pull our love and devotion from God to themselves. Sounds easy. So how do YOU live that way?? I can do it for maybe five minutes at a time.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
BLOG or BLAAAHG?
An entire month? Really?
Silly me I expect September to be less busy with only one child home and she 17 and independent. HaH!! I have to confess that when I have sat down to update this my mind has been going blank..by then it is usually late and the synapses are not firing. Then I look over my shoulder and there is a line forming for the computer. My laptop is in pieces next to me..I am praying for a miraculous healing. I really need so input from ya'll to spring board some ideas and discussion here.
I have learned something new this fall. My car has been equipped for years with blankets,umbrellas,raingear,chairs and first aid kit. The stuff you need for fall soccer season. Switching to indoor swim meets is like packing for Alaska and getting routed to the Carribean. I need to keep flip flops, tank tops and cold beverages on hand. Going to a meet from work with long pants,sleeves,work shoes and socks is a way to melt. Whew! and THEN... hot flashes!!
I used to think menopause was a great idea (by the way it had better be Menostop not menopause) and I hope it will be eventually but really is it fair? We have had to deal with periods and birthcontrol and so on since our libido kicked in..now when we can finally play without those worries where does the libido go? OK.. I know.. TMI.
Any way I hope you all are having a great fall. I am going to take advantage of todays beautiful weather and go outside even if it is just to sit there and soak up some sun.
Silly me I expect September to be less busy with only one child home and she 17 and independent. HaH!! I have to confess that when I have sat down to update this my mind has been going blank..by then it is usually late and the synapses are not firing. Then I look over my shoulder and there is a line forming for the computer. My laptop is in pieces next to me..I am praying for a miraculous healing. I really need so input from ya'll to spring board some ideas and discussion here.
I have learned something new this fall. My car has been equipped for years with blankets,umbrellas,raingear,chairs and first aid kit. The stuff you need for fall soccer season. Switching to indoor swim meets is like packing for Alaska and getting routed to the Carribean. I need to keep flip flops, tank tops and cold beverages on hand. Going to a meet from work with long pants,sleeves,work shoes and socks is a way to melt. Whew! and THEN... hot flashes!!
I used to think menopause was a great idea (by the way it had better be Menostop not menopause) and I hope it will be eventually but really is it fair? We have had to deal with periods and birthcontrol and so on since our libido kicked in..now when we can finally play without those worries where does the libido go? OK.. I know.. TMI.
Any way I hope you all are having a great fall. I am going to take advantage of todays beautiful weather and go outside even if it is just to sit there and soak up some sun.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Time does fly. I am sitting on the bed of my oldest daughter watching her pack to return to college.Shouldn't this be getting easier? When you have small kids and they demand SO much of your self.....time, energy, physical space.. I thought I would never miss that exhausting time. I struggled so to give unselfishly of myself and truly accept the role of Mom. Other women would spout (sincerely I'm sure) that raising kids was such a privilege God gave us . Privilege???? I would think... This is one huge scary responsibility and I am NOT up to the task. They will be scarred for life!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wouldn't REALLY want to go back, but the days that seemed endless then now seem to have passed so quickly and I find I miss my "little"girls.Guess that is why grandkids are so special eh? I can wait to find that out but I am looking forward to it. Special thanks to those of you out there who helped me through, helped me grow..taught me how to be a parent(ie Jan,Kathie,Audry et al) .
I have a special place in my heart for Mom's of toddlers and preschoolers. God bless you and give you strength (and a day a t the spa).
Karen
I have a special place in my heart for Mom's of toddlers and preschoolers. God bless you and give you strength (and a day a t the spa).
Karen
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
So, just finished with that dreaded annual squish otherwise known as a mammogram. Always nice to get an OK in that department. A couple of years ago I had to see a surgeon to check a suspicious spot. After a serious faced careful examination of my breasts she stated she was "not impressed"!
I didn't know if I should be relieved or insulted. Anyway all this just to remind you all to keep up those monthly exams and put up with the minor discomfort of the mammo's. I work with a fair number of breast cancer patients and early detection really does make a difference.
I didn't know if I should be relieved or insulted. Anyway all this just to remind you all to keep up those monthly exams and put up with the minor discomfort of the mammo's. I work with a fair number of breast cancer patients and early detection really does make a difference.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
dandelions
It has been a busy couple of weeks- sorry for the lack of updates. Family vacation to Yellowstone with my half of the family. I love road trips. This country has some stunning scenery. God is an amazing landscaper. All the wild flowers were blooming in the park.They reminded me of the following thoughts written years ago by one of the women in my Wednesday AM bible study group and I decided to share them with you.
DANDELIONS
Somehow, the past week dandelions have been on my mind,yes those little yellow things that keep popping up all over God's creation. When some of my friends and I took a drive last week we remarked about the dogwood and other flowering shrub and bulbs, but deep inside of me a little voice said "but Oh the dandelions".Then on Easter Sunday churches came alive with the graceful Easter Lily,fragrant Hyacinth, the lovely cheerful daffodil,but not one dandelion in any sanctuary. I'm sure of that!!!
On Easter day driving to Mt. Rainier I was able to see acre upon acre covered with dandelions, quite a beautiful sight,and I thought-Lord this impression you're putting on me about dandelions must have some meaning. Now I think that everything God has created has a message for us in some way. That's how He does things. So I just asked Him-"God what are you telling me?" And my voice kept saying aloud Lord let me be a dandelion in your garden. Imagine that, one of those yellow things, they frustrate people. It would be nice to be a rose like Bernice or Pauline our bible study leaders, with their essence of sweet perfume everywhere they go. You don't forget them as you come in contact with their bouquet each week. We all take home their buds and they bloom with us long past Wednesdays. And surely I could never be a mum like Susan as she bubbles forth with her songs leading all of us like a cheerleader as she gets us all in sync rooting for the Lord- we just know that Bobbie Wright has the smiling face of a pansy, bringing cheer to everyone and making you want to smile back. There are so many flowers in God's garden- that's where Christians grow- so with all the flowers out there didI hear you right God when you say "Jo be a dandelion!"
I thought to myself, that's a weed. People dig them up- or at least they try- they even spray weed killer on them. They don't want them around- but God, you remind me that no matter how hard the world tries, dandelions keep comming back again and again and again.And then you said "Jo you've got to be like that, never give up on your faith, establish yourself, get rooted in that ground no matter what and try again tomorrow. Put on your best "yellow" dress and shine forrth. Tell the World, I'm here again. I'll keep on blooming no matter what you do."
That's what dandelions are about. They are a bright spot in the morning with color so intense and such a will to survive (and survive they do), then after the day is done a miracle happens, it's in those wonderful downey tufts that float away on the wings of the breeze to plant seeds again somewhere else. It's like God's word, it never goes void. He plants you where you are and whatever you say and whatever you do reaches out to someone else somewhere else. So, if that's what God wants fro me, let me be a dandelion. Let me be firm and strong, tried and true and Lord let me brust forth each day with life anew. Lord let me spread those seeds for you. But then I think- dandelions? and He said "In my garden the supply is endless, (you all know that's the truth). And then the thought came to me- when little children pick their first bouquet it's dandelions and Mother's treasure them. So he treasures me. So maybe it's not too bad if God wants me to be a dandelion. He plants me.Takes care of me. So when you see a field of dandelions, a lawn completely dressed in yellow or one lonely flower, just think how nice it would be if more Christians were just like those dandelions, hardy and strong.Determined. No matter what the world does we'd still be there growing each day, sending our seeds on the way. Establishing his garden. So maybe that's what the really wants me to know, that dandelions are special to Him as are all the flowers in His garden
Jo Syda
I don't know where Jo is these days but I think of her often as my husband is constantly fighting a losing battle with the dandelions in our lawn.The grass turns brown by July and all that is green is those yellow "pests". Their roots go deep and a little drought doesn't phase them. May we all be as dandelions.
DANDELIONS
Somehow, the past week dandelions have been on my mind,yes those little yellow things that keep popping up all over God's creation. When some of my friends and I took a drive last week we remarked about the dogwood and other flowering shrub and bulbs, but deep inside of me a little voice said "but Oh the dandelions".Then on Easter Sunday churches came alive with the graceful Easter Lily,fragrant Hyacinth, the lovely cheerful daffodil,but not one dandelion in any sanctuary. I'm sure of that!!!
On Easter day driving to Mt. Rainier I was able to see acre upon acre covered with dandelions, quite a beautiful sight,and I thought-Lord this impression you're putting on me about dandelions must have some meaning. Now I think that everything God has created has a message for us in some way. That's how He does things. So I just asked Him-"God what are you telling me?" And my voice kept saying aloud Lord let me be a dandelion in your garden. Imagine that, one of those yellow things, they frustrate people. It would be nice to be a rose like Bernice or Pauline our bible study leaders, with their essence of sweet perfume everywhere they go. You don't forget them as you come in contact with their bouquet each week. We all take home their buds and they bloom with us long past Wednesdays. And surely I could never be a mum like Susan as she bubbles forth with her songs leading all of us like a cheerleader as she gets us all in sync rooting for the Lord- we just know that Bobbie Wright has the smiling face of a pansy, bringing cheer to everyone and making you want to smile back. There are so many flowers in God's garden- that's where Christians grow- so with all the flowers out there didI hear you right God when you say "Jo be a dandelion!"
I thought to myself, that's a weed. People dig them up- or at least they try- they even spray weed killer on them. They don't want them around- but God, you remind me that no matter how hard the world tries, dandelions keep comming back again and again and again.And then you said "Jo you've got to be like that, never give up on your faith, establish yourself, get rooted in that ground no matter what and try again tomorrow. Put on your best "yellow" dress and shine forrth. Tell the World, I'm here again. I'll keep on blooming no matter what you do."
That's what dandelions are about. They are a bright spot in the morning with color so intense and such a will to survive (and survive they do), then after the day is done a miracle happens, it's in those wonderful downey tufts that float away on the wings of the breeze to plant seeds again somewhere else. It's like God's word, it never goes void. He plants you where you are and whatever you say and whatever you do reaches out to someone else somewhere else. So, if that's what God wants fro me, let me be a dandelion. Let me be firm and strong, tried and true and Lord let me brust forth each day with life anew. Lord let me spread those seeds for you. But then I think- dandelions? and He said "In my garden the supply is endless, (you all know that's the truth). And then the thought came to me- when little children pick their first bouquet it's dandelions and Mother's treasure them. So he treasures me. So maybe it's not too bad if God wants me to be a dandelion. He plants me.Takes care of me. So when you see a field of dandelions, a lawn completely dressed in yellow or one lonely flower, just think how nice it would be if more Christians were just like those dandelions, hardy and strong.Determined. No matter what the world does we'd still be there growing each day, sending our seeds on the way. Establishing his garden. So maybe that's what the really wants me to know, that dandelions are special to Him as are all the flowers in His garden
Jo Syda
I don't know where Jo is these days but I think of her often as my husband is constantly fighting a losing battle with the dandelions in our lawn.The grass turns brown by July and all that is green is those yellow "pests". Their roots go deep and a little drought doesn't phase them. May we all be as dandelions.
Monday, June 30, 2008
here come s the sun!
WHEW! Summer is here!!! Love the hot weather but mid nineties is too much. I do notice,however, a significant change in attitude and mood when the weather finally turned nice. My circumstances
are the same..work ,laundry,cooking,dishes .......but life seemed so good compared to so blah. Just the way my kitchen lights up on beautiful summer evenings makes it more enjoyable to work in. The sunshine changes my perspective. Just like knowing Christ changes our perspective on the mundane and the catastrophic events in our lives. Our circumstances don't change but we aren't alone in them and the future has hope. The light has come into the world and the darkness will not overcome it.
are the same..work ,laundry,cooking,dishes .......but life seemed so good compared to so blah. Just the way my kitchen lights up on beautiful summer evenings makes it more enjoyable to work in. The sunshine changes my perspective. Just like knowing Christ changes our perspective on the mundane and the catastrophic events in our lives. Our circumstances don't change but we aren't alone in them and the future has hope. The light has come into the world and the darkness will not overcome it.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Well...I post a note about changes and a big change rolls into Marine View. I mean of course the
imminent departure of the Trainer's. Congratulations to Niel! We will miss them, for who they are and for the contributions and spirit they bring to MVPC. It will be exciting to see what God has in His plans for us and for them. OK. Now that all the PC stuff is said (however sincere and true)can we whine and pout? I have had to say good bye to too many friends over the years. (There was a time I was getting a complex about it..D0n't be my friend you will have to move). God however is so gracious and sometimes brings them back. This past week I was able to get together with a friend I had seen only once in 11 years. It is amazing how some friends you can get together with after so long and it is like no time had passed.The core of the friendship is intact despite years of separate life experiences.Talk about change..she and her family have moved nine times in eleven years. This past school year was the first time her girls attended the same school twice...and we just happen to be taking vacations this summer in Yellowstone THE SAME WEEK! Well gotta go the teen taxi service is required. Please feel free to post your reactions to this latest change. God Bless
imminent departure of the Trainer's. Congratulations to Niel! We will miss them, for who they are and for the contributions and spirit they bring to MVPC. It will be exciting to see what God has in His plans for us and for them. OK. Now that all the PC stuff is said (however sincere and true)can we whine and pout? I have had to say good bye to too many friends over the years. (There was a time I was getting a complex about it..D0n't be my friend you will have to move). God however is so gracious and sometimes brings them back. This past week I was able to get together with a friend I had seen only once in 11 years. It is amazing how some friends you can get together with after so long and it is like no time had passed.The core of the friendship is intact despite years of separate life experiences.Talk about change..she and her family have moved nine times in eleven years. This past school year was the first time her girls attended the same school twice...and we just happen to be taking vacations this summer in Yellowstone THE SAME WEEK! Well gotta go the teen taxi service is required. Please feel free to post your reactions to this latest change. God Bless
Monday, June 9, 2008
Ch-Ch-Changes
"The only thing permanent is change" I read that quote recently but can't remember who said it.
In her comment Sandy mentioned two friends experiencing unwanted changes in their lives.We all face changes not of our choosing. How do we get past the fear ,anger,blame to the place we can allow God to work in the circumstances.
On Job's terrible, awful, really bad day how did he respond?
----Then Job stood up and tore his robe in grief and fell down upon the ground before GOD. "I came naked from my Mother's wound and I shall have nothing when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had and they were His to take away. Blessed be the name of the Lord" Job1:20-21
WOW! Given that Job was informed in a matter of minutes that all he owned and his children whom he loved were gone how did he have that response. Could I? I don't think so. I'd be ranting and raving and blaming the world and God and whatever. I don't react well when my plans and expectations are messed with.I know how i am supposed to react but........
What about you ? How have you learned and grown from changes you did not ask for or want?
In her comment Sandy mentioned two friends experiencing unwanted changes in their lives.We all face changes not of our choosing. How do we get past the fear ,anger,blame to the place we can allow God to work in the circumstances.
On Job's terrible, awful, really bad day how did he respond?
----Then Job stood up and tore his robe in grief and fell down upon the ground before GOD. "I came naked from my Mother's wound and I shall have nothing when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had and they were His to take away. Blessed be the name of the Lord" Job1:20-21
WOW! Given that Job was informed in a matter of minutes that all he owned and his children whom he loved were gone how did he have that response. Could I? I don't think so. I'd be ranting and raving and blaming the world and God and whatever. I don't react well when my plans and expectations are messed with.I know how i am supposed to react but........
What about you ? How have you learned and grown from changes you did not ask for or want?
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
A leap from the past
Psalm 37:4 says" Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" I like to think that, sometimes, He gives us those secret desires we hold close lest we be laughed at.
But, sometimes ,we have to take the risks required.
This reminds me of when I joined the Worship Music Team (WMT) ,I desperately wanted to join,but was afraid they would gently but firmly shoo me out the door once I began to sing. You see, back (way back) in the fifth grade it was a big deal to be chosen for the special choir that sang at the Christmas assembly( I said it was way back--when public schools still let Christmas be Christmas).On selection day our music teacher would go through the class row by row bent over our desks, head cocked, to listen as we sang. I did not get make the cut,therfore,in my mind my voice was unacceptable.Mind you I LOVE to sing. I let that one teachers choice on one given day put me in prison.
So,despite having summoned the nerve to be in the chancel choir for awhile I was still terrified to try and join the WMT. I don't know if I ever really would have if a friend hadn't found me hovering on the threshold and,quite literally, shoved me through the door. Guess what? No one looked askance or gave me the boot when I started to sing they just made me welcome. I don't get a lot ofcomments one way or the other about my voice but,many positive comments about my expression when I sing. I love the Lord and I love to sing. It is wonderful to do them both together.
I would love to hear stories of other leaps of yours.
Karen
But, sometimes ,we have to take the risks required.
This reminds me of when I joined the Worship Music Team (WMT) ,I desperately wanted to join,but was afraid they would gently but firmly shoo me out the door once I began to sing. You see, back (way back) in the fifth grade it was a big deal to be chosen for the special choir that sang at the Christmas assembly( I said it was way back--when public schools still let Christmas be Christmas).On selection day our music teacher would go through the class row by row bent over our desks, head cocked, to listen as we sang. I did not get make the cut,therfore,in my mind my voice was unacceptable.Mind you I LOVE to sing. I let that one teachers choice on one given day put me in prison.
So,despite having summoned the nerve to be in the chancel choir for awhile I was still terrified to try and join the WMT. I don't know if I ever really would have if a friend hadn't found me hovering on the threshold and,quite literally, shoved me through the door. Guess what? No one looked askance or gave me the boot when I started to sing they just made me welcome. I don't get a lot ofcomments one way or the other about my voice but,many positive comments about my expression when I sing. I love the Lord and I love to sing. It is wonderful to do them both together.
I would love to hear stories of other leaps of yours.
Karen
Saturday, April 19, 2008
take a leap
What in your life seems impossible that you would like to leap out in faith and try?
What is causing your doubt that God will meet you as you try new things?
Two questions posed by one of our retreat speakers.
Have you ever held back from doing something asking yourself; "Who am I to do that?"
Or perhaps more accurately due to fear that others will say "Who does she think she is to .......?"
Fear. Of rejection, or humiliation,or failure. Too common a theme in my life.Waiting to be invited in rather than having the confidence to jump into the fun without being fully sure of my welcome. I am basically a coward and leaps of faith require trust and risk. I teeter on the edge a long time screwing up the courage to take the plunge. I am there now.......can you see me?
For the past few years I have felt a desire to write. Felt God's nudges to use writing, somehow, to encourage and be encouraged by other women as we struggle to grow and learn on His path. BUT....Who am I? I have no credentials but His. No perfect Godly life to point to and say "Do it like me." HA! I am so far from that. What I do have are thoughts and lessons about being a woman in this world and the desire to share them. Lessons gleaned from my very imperfect walk with God. When I mentioned this to Kristi, our WIM Director, she suggested a blog. A what? Isn't that a computer thing? Me? I have to have my teenage daughter help me just to cut and paste.
Well, here I am jumping and hoping I don't go splat on the pavement (or internet I suppose). However this is not to be just my voice. My vision is to draw on the experiences and stories of all of you. We as women learn and grow so much from the times we can share and be real with each other. So what would God have you write? Think about it and join me for the jump.
What is causing your doubt that God will meet you as you try new things?
Two questions posed by one of our retreat speakers.
Have you ever held back from doing something asking yourself; "Who am I to do that?"
Or perhaps more accurately due to fear that others will say "Who does she think she is to .......?"
Fear. Of rejection, or humiliation,or failure. Too common a theme in my life.Waiting to be invited in rather than having the confidence to jump into the fun without being fully sure of my welcome. I am basically a coward and leaps of faith require trust and risk. I teeter on the edge a long time screwing up the courage to take the plunge. I am there now.......can you see me?
For the past few years I have felt a desire to write. Felt God's nudges to use writing, somehow, to encourage and be encouraged by other women as we struggle to grow and learn on His path. BUT....Who am I? I have no credentials but His. No perfect Godly life to point to and say "Do it like me." HA! I am so far from that. What I do have are thoughts and lessons about being a woman in this world and the desire to share them. Lessons gleaned from my very imperfect walk with God. When I mentioned this to Kristi, our WIM Director, she suggested a blog. A what? Isn't that a computer thing? Me? I have to have my teenage daughter help me just to cut and paste.
Well, here I am jumping and hoping I don't go splat on the pavement (or internet I suppose). However this is not to be just my voice. My vision is to draw on the experiences and stories of all of you. We as women learn and grow so much from the times we can share and be real with each other. So what would God have you write? Think about it and join me for the jump.
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