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Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Monday, May 16, 2016
We Need to Move It Move It
Watch one of my favorite clips from great movie and this fun song.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzSdPxlGGZc
There are so many ways to move these days. On days that I need a little encouragement to get moving I might play the song from the above clip. We of course can move by car, truck, bus, train, plane, etc. Thankfully in large airports there are moving sidewalks.
When I was a kid and would go into a large department store in a mall, there quite often was a second floor with an escalator to get there.
I figured this was a really classy store to have something so great as an escalator.
A fun way to move it might be to have a bicycle or segue.
Crawling into one of these "cars" is how you reach the top of the Arch in St. Louis MO. I am somewhat claustrophobic and pair that up with the tilt, screech, straighten, and repeat that pattern all the way up to the top. I felt relieved to step out and see for miles. Unfortunately had to re-enter to return to the bottom.
Yesterday we had the privilege of listening to Reggie McNeal in our worship service. He gave us 4 things that we need to remember as Christians while we are on this journey in our faith. It was great to be reminded and hear his sense of humor. The one that struck me the most was to Keep Walking with God. There is no finish line until our life here on earth is over. Therefore we need to keep moving. Perfection is not expected of us but we should keep the direction the same. We must remember where our focus needs to stay.
Sometimes we may be flying down a zipline, strolling on a segue or screeching roughly to the top. But our destiny does not change. Our purpose does not change, but our mode of transportation, our means of moving may. It may be something entirely new to us and that's o.k.
Nearly 10 months ago we literally moved across the country to an area we had never been to, had no job and no home. We moved because we felt God wanted us to. How He wants us to continue moving in our journey of faith here in Washington State is something we will continue to trust in Him for.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzSdPxlGGZc
There are so many ways to move these days. On days that I need a little encouragement to get moving I might play the song from the above clip. We of course can move by car, truck, bus, train, plane, etc. Thankfully in large airports there are moving sidewalks.
A fun way to move it might be to have a bicycle or segue.
I have a 1969 vintage bicycle that I love but have not had the pleasure of the segue.
Or how about a zipline?
This is on my bucket list and today found that there are several here in Washington State so maybe that will get checked off some day.
The scariest way of moving for me probably was riding in this:
Crawling into one of these "cars" is how you reach the top of the Arch in St. Louis MO. I am somewhat claustrophobic and pair that up with the tilt, screech, straighten, and repeat that pattern all the way up to the top. I felt relieved to step out and see for miles. Unfortunately had to re-enter to return to the bottom.
Yesterday we had the privilege of listening to Reggie McNeal in our worship service. He gave us 4 things that we need to remember as Christians while we are on this journey in our faith. It was great to be reminded and hear his sense of humor. The one that struck me the most was to Keep Walking with God. There is no finish line until our life here on earth is over. Therefore we need to keep moving. Perfection is not expected of us but we should keep the direction the same. We must remember where our focus needs to stay.
Sometimes we may be flying down a zipline, strolling on a segue or screeching roughly to the top. But our destiny does not change. Our purpose does not change, but our mode of transportation, our means of moving may. It may be something entirely new to us and that's o.k.
Nearly 10 months ago we literally moved across the country to an area we had never been to, had no job and no home. We moved because we felt God wanted us to. How He wants us to continue moving in our journey of faith here in Washington State is something we will continue to trust in Him for.
6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let
your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then
your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will
overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7 NLT
I really thought my roots were in Iowa soil for life. God showed me and encouraged me otherwise. Where ever it might be, how ever it might be - remember to "move it move it move it." :)
Friday, May 13, 2016
Being Educated on my Trip to Phoenix
Last weekend I traveled to Phoenix to honor a special man who has passed away. That would be my Uncle Verne (Vern, Bleek, Bleeker). A man with many names, but one reputation - that of being very special to all who knew him. I expected emotions, highs and lows - but not the education I would receive.
It all began when we arrived at the Pasco Airport and observed the sign directing you to Long Term Parking - first 10 minutes free. Whaaaat??? What is their definition of long term?
I did develop some questions that I don't have the answers for, therefore I guess I have yet to learn in these areas. First why do they have people board that sit in aisle seats before the people that have window seats? And why do you fly into a humongous airport, need to switch planes, and to go to the farthest terminal to board a plane with the same airline?
I arrived in Phoenix a little later than planned following a rough flight, took the shuttle to the rental car facility to pick up my car. Well, there I learned that even though you prebook your car, there are still many decisions to be made. I also learned to never book compact again. I did not know that the definition of compact is Tiny Toy Transportation. I swear the wheels looked like they were from a toy wagon.
Running late I traveled to my hotel and checked in. When I approached the desk, no one was present but there was a sign on the counter that they were away helping someone. If you needed help right away use the house phone and dial _ _ _ _ Okay, I was running late so I thought I would call. Hmmm - there was no house phone. And I also learned that what helping someone else meant was that he was in the bathroom next door.
I freshened up, changed from my traveling clothes and proceeded to my toy car. I got out my phone and punched in the address of where I was going to dinner to meet up with family. I sent them a text to let them know I was on my way. The lesson I learned here was that the traffic and roadways in Phoenix are multiplied to what I am used to in the Tri Cities. And for left turns - proceed past, go around a block and come back to make sure you have it.
I proceeded to make my way to the left to the two left turn lanes ( I thought) I suddenly found myself colliding with another vehicle. I got out, made sure everyone was o.k., called 911 and moved my vehicle out of the way of traffic. I kept apologizing, hugged the other driver and then cried. That's just the way my body works. I met two Chandler AZ police officers that were very kind and compassionate. I learned the steps to go through when you have an accident and with a rental car.
I did not make the dinner, it was late and didn't have the emotional stamina to walk in there. I went through a drive through for a sandwich and proceeded back to the hotel. A little while later, I get a phone call from the lobby that there is a man there claiming to be my cousin. Turns out it was my cousin and her husband coming to check on me. I learned of the love and compassion that my extended family has. Was amazing and they got me laughing.
There was great beauty in Arizona as it is Springtime in the desert and the cacti and plants were beautiful. I saw the majestic saguaro cacti blooming. I've always been fascinated by these plants and I learned that the blossoms open after sunset and close in the afternoon the following day. Cool.
I also learned that sometimes it is better to leave things as they are. Someone thought it would be a good idea to try to conceal the cell towers in the city. One I saw was supposed to look like a pine tree and another was to look like a palm tree. NOT. Looked worse than seeing the cell tower.
I also learned that hearses have multi purposes. I passed one that was pulling a U Haul Trailer. Hahahaha OK, just hope it was not a body in there.
Of course the main thing was that while family dynamics may change, the value of having family is priceless and a blessing. When I called my husband to inform him of the accident, he informed me that it was just that - an accident. He also told me there would be a big hug waiting when I got back home, he wasn't mad, didn't blame me and continues to love me. To have my cousin stop by the hotel that night was also priceless. And thoughts of my Uncle came to mind. He would have had a joke about the accident and then tell me he loved me followed by a hug. I will always miss his unconditional love.
8 But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers. 1 Tim 5:8 (NLT)
It all began when we arrived at the Pasco Airport and observed the sign directing you to Long Term Parking - first 10 minutes free. Whaaaat??? What is their definition of long term?
I did develop some questions that I don't have the answers for, therefore I guess I have yet to learn in these areas. First why do they have people board that sit in aisle seats before the people that have window seats? And why do you fly into a humongous airport, need to switch planes, and to go to the farthest terminal to board a plane with the same airline?
I arrived in Phoenix a little later than planned following a rough flight, took the shuttle to the rental car facility to pick up my car. Well, there I learned that even though you prebook your car, there are still many decisions to be made. I also learned to never book compact again. I did not know that the definition of compact is Tiny Toy Transportation. I swear the wheels looked like they were from a toy wagon.
Running late I traveled to my hotel and checked in. When I approached the desk, no one was present but there was a sign on the counter that they were away helping someone. If you needed help right away use the house phone and dial _ _ _ _ Okay, I was running late so I thought I would call. Hmmm - there was no house phone. And I also learned that what helping someone else meant was that he was in the bathroom next door.
I freshened up, changed from my traveling clothes and proceeded to my toy car. I got out my phone and punched in the address of where I was going to dinner to meet up with family. I sent them a text to let them know I was on my way. The lesson I learned here was that the traffic and roadways in Phoenix are multiplied to what I am used to in the Tri Cities. And for left turns - proceed past, go around a block and come back to make sure you have it.
I proceeded to make my way to the left to the two left turn lanes ( I thought) I suddenly found myself colliding with another vehicle. I got out, made sure everyone was o.k., called 911 and moved my vehicle out of the way of traffic. I kept apologizing, hugged the other driver and then cried. That's just the way my body works. I met two Chandler AZ police officers that were very kind and compassionate. I learned the steps to go through when you have an accident and with a rental car.
I did not make the dinner, it was late and didn't have the emotional stamina to walk in there. I went through a drive through for a sandwich and proceeded back to the hotel. A little while later, I get a phone call from the lobby that there is a man there claiming to be my cousin. Turns out it was my cousin and her husband coming to check on me. I learned of the love and compassion that my extended family has. Was amazing and they got me laughing.
There was great beauty in Arizona as it is Springtime in the desert and the cacti and plants were beautiful. I saw the majestic saguaro cacti blooming. I've always been fascinated by these plants and I learned that the blossoms open after sunset and close in the afternoon the following day. Cool.
I also learned that sometimes it is better to leave things as they are. Someone thought it would be a good idea to try to conceal the cell towers in the city. One I saw was supposed to look like a pine tree and another was to look like a palm tree. NOT. Looked worse than seeing the cell tower.
I also learned that hearses have multi purposes. I passed one that was pulling a U Haul Trailer. Hahahaha OK, just hope it was not a body in there.
Of course the main thing was that while family dynamics may change, the value of having family is priceless and a blessing. When I called my husband to inform him of the accident, he informed me that it was just that - an accident. He also told me there would be a big hug waiting when I got back home, he wasn't mad, didn't blame me and continues to love me. To have my cousin stop by the hotel that night was also priceless. And thoughts of my Uncle came to mind. He would have had a joke about the accident and then tell me he loved me followed by a hug. I will always miss his unconditional love.
8 But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers. 1 Tim 5:8 (NLT)
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Being A Momma!
Yep, mother's day is just around the corner. This is not an ad for purchasing anything or for those infamous card companies selling just the right message on their beautiful paper but a reflection of my mom, being a mom and the moms of the next generation.
Lately I have been thinking about my mom a lot. She was not always the easiest to get along with as her daughter but I loved her and respected her bunches. I also remember the way my dad respected her and loved her. Neither parent was open with their feelings, emotions, or affirmations but in his actions my dad taught me in the little ways that he loved mom a lot and how to show it.
I remember that every Mother's Day was the one day that Mom was guaranteed not to cook. I believe that all moms want this. We would go to a local smorgasbord restaurant that day with the six of us sitting around a round table and filling our bellies till they were ready to burst. I could load my plate with what I desired and I took advantage of it all. Loved the fresh meat carved right in front of me and gently placed on my plate. Mom usually had an orchid corsage to wear to church and dinner as well.
Another way that Dad taught us was at Christmas time he always purchased 3 gifts for mom. Many times they were store bought dresses which was a treat as mom usually constructed her clothing herself. As my sister and I would get older, we were given the honor of wrapping them and keeping the secret.
They worked side by side on the farm and weathered whatever came their way. I wish I could have seen them before they had children - the days that on weekends they would go dancing with friends. I did however have glimpses of this as people used to have anniversary celebrations that included dances. Dad loved to dance and Mom was his permanent partner.
When they finally retired from the farm and moved to a small town it wasn't long until they knew most people there. They took daily walks together, worked around the house together and traveled together. (And yes, at times maybe too much together if you ask mom ;) )
I'm sure they didn't see the end turning out the way it did with Dad developing Alzheimer's and spending the last 6 years of his life in a care facility. But God really does use all things to glorify Him. They would sit and hold hands and many times Dad would lay his head on mom's shoulder. It was as if a wall had crumbled and he was free to express His feelings.
I'm not glossing over the negative, the frustrations or the times that I wished I would have.....
But with Mom on my mind a lot lately, I do have regrets for the times I got so frustrated with her and avoided her or said some things I am not proud of. I know that the way my mom was raised was not easy and definitely had an affect on how she lived out life. With getting older myself I find that I think about this and realize I don't want my children to feel or act that way towards me. I fear being alone as I get older, I fear that others will see me useless as I age, I fear as I lose the ability to do things as I age.
Yes, I believe in God as my creator, Jesus as my Savior, and through Him all things are possible. I believe He is in control. But yes, I am also human, I have faults even as a Christian and those are my fears. I am asking God to guide me and help me.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let
your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for
nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:4-7
And now back to Mother's Day. It is an amazing gift to be a Mom. Of this I cannot express how thankful I am. I also have and have had some immeasurably awesome ladies in my life who did not have this gift but they were in many people's lives and used their mom skills daily.
I am overjoyed to see the mom's that my two daughters have become and know they will continue to do an awesome job. I have many nieces that are showing this example as well and celebrate that.
Yes, I am getting older and I ask God to bless each day and lead me each day as a mom and grandmom. Asking Him to help me to see that I am here for a purpose and I am loved. I am who I am through Him.
Now that I am old and gray,
do not abandon me, O God.
Let me proclaim your power to this new generation,
your mighty miracles to all who come after me. Psalm 71:18
Love your mom, create memories and experiences of which these are the best gifts ever.
Lately I have been thinking about my mom a lot. She was not always the easiest to get along with as her daughter but I loved her and respected her bunches. I also remember the way my dad respected her and loved her. Neither parent was open with their feelings, emotions, or affirmations but in his actions my dad taught me in the little ways that he loved mom a lot and how to show it.
I remember that every Mother's Day was the one day that Mom was guaranteed not to cook. I believe that all moms want this. We would go to a local smorgasbord restaurant that day with the six of us sitting around a round table and filling our bellies till they were ready to burst. I could load my plate with what I desired and I took advantage of it all. Loved the fresh meat carved right in front of me and gently placed on my plate. Mom usually had an orchid corsage to wear to church and dinner as well.
Another way that Dad taught us was at Christmas time he always purchased 3 gifts for mom. Many times they were store bought dresses which was a treat as mom usually constructed her clothing herself. As my sister and I would get older, we were given the honor of wrapping them and keeping the secret.
They worked side by side on the farm and weathered whatever came their way. I wish I could have seen them before they had children - the days that on weekends they would go dancing with friends. I did however have glimpses of this as people used to have anniversary celebrations that included dances. Dad loved to dance and Mom was his permanent partner.
When they finally retired from the farm and moved to a small town it wasn't long until they knew most people there. They took daily walks together, worked around the house together and traveled together. (And yes, at times maybe too much together if you ask mom ;) )
I'm sure they didn't see the end turning out the way it did with Dad developing Alzheimer's and spending the last 6 years of his life in a care facility. But God really does use all things to glorify Him. They would sit and hold hands and many times Dad would lay his head on mom's shoulder. It was as if a wall had crumbled and he was free to express His feelings.
I'm not glossing over the negative, the frustrations or the times that I wished I would have.....
But with Mom on my mind a lot lately, I do have regrets for the times I got so frustrated with her and avoided her or said some things I am not proud of. I know that the way my mom was raised was not easy and definitely had an affect on how she lived out life. With getting older myself I find that I think about this and realize I don't want my children to feel or act that way towards me. I fear being alone as I get older, I fear that others will see me useless as I age, I fear as I lose the ability to do things as I age.
Yes, I believe in God as my creator, Jesus as my Savior, and through Him all things are possible. I believe He is in control. But yes, I am also human, I have faults even as a Christian and those are my fears. I am asking God to guide me and help me.
Philippians 4:4-7
And now back to Mother's Day. It is an amazing gift to be a Mom. Of this I cannot express how thankful I am. I also have and have had some immeasurably awesome ladies in my life who did not have this gift but they were in many people's lives and used their mom skills daily.
I am overjoyed to see the mom's that my two daughters have become and know they will continue to do an awesome job. I have many nieces that are showing this example as well and celebrate that.
Yes, I am getting older and I ask God to bless each day and lead me each day as a mom and grandmom. Asking Him to help me to see that I am here for a purpose and I am loved. I am who I am through Him.
Now that I am old and gray,
do not abandon me, O God.
Let me proclaim your power to this new generation,
your mighty miracles to all who come after me. Psalm 71:18
Love your mom, create memories and experiences of which these are the best gifts ever.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
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