Giving thanks - Thanksgiving, an American tradition celebrated by feasting on turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, and a variety of other dishes favored by individual families. But the attitude of giving thanks is quickly deteriorating into an attitude of greed with shopping now becoming the focus. When I was a girl, all stores were closed on Thanksgiving. There was no such thing as Black Friday, and stores were not decorated for Christmas until after Thanksgiving. There was no madness to get the best deals; there was no Cyber Monday, no on-line shopping. Instead, there was anticipation in the search and joy in the finding of the right gift for each person on your list. Giving was from the heart, not from the television ads that provoked desire for the newest gadgets and latest version of some electronic device that someone thinks they must have.
But I digress! My husband and I celebrated a traditional Thanksgiving with people we had never met until they walked in the door - 3 students from China, now attending Duke University, and the mother of one of the young ladies. Because our children were scattered to other states and other sides of the family, we were left to celebrate the day alone but decided instead to host internationals through a program in our church, iMix. One of the young ladies attends our Chinese church, and she brought her mother and 2 friends.
Opening our home to strangers is biblical, and it was a most interesting event. Foods which I prepare with no forethought became the subject of photo after photo, question after question, and multiple comments upon consumption. Things ordinary to us were first events to our Chinese guests. Language wasn't a problem as they, except the mother, spoke very good English.
After our guests left and I finished cleaning all the pots and pans, I was exhausted but filled with a sense of joy that we were able to provide an opportunity to 4 Chinese people to experience an American Thanksgiving. Yet I often wonder what they think of the madness they see on television to purchase gifts that can't be given for more than a month. Black Friday has now spilled over into Thanksgiving Day, and within a few years I'm certain the sales will start the day before Thanksgiving and will run right through Thanksgiving. Black Friday will be a thing of the past.
I make it a point NOT to shop on Friday. I had to pick up my new eye glasses on Saturday and did that late in the afternoon and then picked up a few things at a chain retail store, and I found it amazingly quiet in the store. Apparently all the madness and crazy shoppers had done their thing, and now the rest of us can shop in peace and quiet, not swallowed up by the insanity that has kicked off the Christmas shopping season. And yes, it is Christmas, not holiday season. God gave his greatest gift to the world, and that's why we have Christmas. The truth will never change even though man's interpretation of it does. God gave, we received. Let's try to keep that in mind as we maneuver through the store aisles during the coming weeks.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
Creation
Being a woman, my mind is always going in a dozen different directions at once. Thoughts flash through my mind, often escaping my grasp as I move on to the next one! The brain is an incredible -- thing? Instrument? I mean, what should I call it? Thinking about all the brain does is mind-boggling! Right now I'm using a computer, typing on a keyboard and spelling words that your brain intreprets to mean something; my thoughts are organized by my brain, as are my ideas. The brain interprets light that enters through our eyes so we can move about safely; the brain interprets language, creates ideas, processes thoughts, sends messages to different parts of our body for movement, interprets the fragrances and odors we smell, gives us the incredible sense of touch - basically all body functions are processed through the brain, and just thinking about the superb design and function of the brain humbles me.
How can anyone possibly think that something as intricate and amazing as our brains came into existence by mere chance? How? How could chance - or millions of years - produce the brain? Add to that the complexity of human emotions and you've multiplied the equation countless times. How can chance create love, hate, rebellion, desire, sadness, grief, joy, fear, dread, anxiety, disappointment, hope, hopelessness, peace, patience, tenderness, goodness, kindness, exhiliration, revenge, laughter, sexuality, competition, envy, jealousy, and more? Only God can create things that one cannot touch or see but which are as real as the nose on my face.
The next time someone presents to you the preposterous idea that we came into existence by chance, think about these things. In fact, think about them now so you'll know how to respond to those who choose the path of disbelief. God is the creator of all things seen and unseen, both on earth and in the life hereafter. I'm in awe of His creativity.
How can anyone possibly think that something as intricate and amazing as our brains came into existence by mere chance? How? How could chance - or millions of years - produce the brain? Add to that the complexity of human emotions and you've multiplied the equation countless times. How can chance create love, hate, rebellion, desire, sadness, grief, joy, fear, dread, anxiety, disappointment, hope, hopelessness, peace, patience, tenderness, goodness, kindness, exhiliration, revenge, laughter, sexuality, competition, envy, jealousy, and more? Only God can create things that one cannot touch or see but which are as real as the nose on my face.
The next time someone presents to you the preposterous idea that we came into existence by chance, think about these things. In fact, think about them now so you'll know how to respond to those who choose the path of disbelief. God is the creator of all things seen and unseen, both on earth and in the life hereafter. I'm in awe of His creativity.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Technology Overload
Some days, I'm inclined to toss the computer out the window and throw the cell phone in the ditch! Since when do we NEED everything that's out there to HAVE? Advances in technology have added costs to life, and I often wonder if all of them are needed. When I was a girl, TV was in its infancy; telephones were wired, had cords and a rotary dial. We didn't have microwaves, internet, or cable television. Life was simple. We played games, conversed, visited each other, and played outside winter and summer. Things are so different now. We must have cable or satellite television, computers, internet access, and cell phones, all creating a financial nightmare for those who think they must keep up with the Joneses.
Often, as I wait for a traffic signal to turn, I'll observe the people in the cars turning in the intersection. More often than not, more than half of them are talking on a cell phone as they drive. Office workers text on their phones while working at their desks; people walk in malls and on sidewalks and text or talk on their phones. Even in church, people are consumed by the little gadgets that we can hold in the palms of our hands. Television is another story. Three channels weren't enough, so one can now have a cable package that offers them hundreds of choices. How much television can one person watch? And how much of it is really worth our time? How much are we accomplishing for God's kingdom when we sit and allow images, often evil images, to flood our minds? Violence is now commonplace on television, as are homosexual lifestyles, and yet we sit on our comfortable sofas with remotes in hand and laugh at what break's God's heart. And we call it entertainment. Really? I wonder if God is entertained.
I see the fabric of our society eroding into a pit of sin, and we Christians seemingly have lost our voice. We sit idly by and often participate in and/or agree with the very things that God clearly calls sin.
Technology is a good thing, but Satan takes every good thing and uses it for his purposes. Technology is robbing us of fellowship, friendship, community, communication, relationship, and holiness. It brings pornography and all sorts of sexual sin into our homes at the click of the mouse. It steals our kids' innocence, and yes, even ours, and offers temptations which often can't be refused.
Maybe I should challenge everyone to put aside techie gadgets for one day a week -- no TV, no internet, no phone calls, no electronic notebooks or iPods -- and instead focus on family and friends. I think I know what the world would be like if we did that. I just don't know if anyone would be willing to take the challenge.
Often, as I wait for a traffic signal to turn, I'll observe the people in the cars turning in the intersection. More often than not, more than half of them are talking on a cell phone as they drive. Office workers text on their phones while working at their desks; people walk in malls and on sidewalks and text or talk on their phones. Even in church, people are consumed by the little gadgets that we can hold in the palms of our hands. Television is another story. Three channels weren't enough, so one can now have a cable package that offers them hundreds of choices. How much television can one person watch? And how much of it is really worth our time? How much are we accomplishing for God's kingdom when we sit and allow images, often evil images, to flood our minds? Violence is now commonplace on television, as are homosexual lifestyles, and yet we sit on our comfortable sofas with remotes in hand and laugh at what break's God's heart. And we call it entertainment. Really? I wonder if God is entertained.
I see the fabric of our society eroding into a pit of sin, and we Christians seemingly have lost our voice. We sit idly by and often participate in and/or agree with the very things that God clearly calls sin.
Technology is a good thing, but Satan takes every good thing and uses it for his purposes. Technology is robbing us of fellowship, friendship, community, communication, relationship, and holiness. It brings pornography and all sorts of sexual sin into our homes at the click of the mouse. It steals our kids' innocence, and yes, even ours, and offers temptations which often can't be refused.
Maybe I should challenge everyone to put aside techie gadgets for one day a week -- no TV, no internet, no phone calls, no electronic notebooks or iPods -- and instead focus on family and friends. I think I know what the world would be like if we did that. I just don't know if anyone would be willing to take the challenge.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Reumion
Yesterday evening at 5:35 p.m. my sister from Florida arrived at our house, which was an hour and a half earlier than I expected her. It was so good to see her! It has been around 12 years since we've seen each other and we don't look the same, but our heart are still young.
Winnie left for Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, this morning when I left for work, and she arrived safely mid-afternoon. Now I'm in the process of preparing for our drive tomorrow. After an appointment with my eye doctor (I need new glasses), we'll follow my sister's path to our brother's home in Harper's Ferry. I can't wait for our reunion.
Family is a funny thing. When you're kids, you fight with your siblings like cats and dogs, but when you're grown up, you're best friends. I know that's true in my life, and it's true in my kids' lives. So for you parents out there praying that your kids won't kill each other, be assured that will pass. They'll actually like each other in the coming years and will long for time spent together.
God has been so good to my brother, sparing his house from damange and loss of power in Superstorm Sandy. We're so excited about going to see him and his wife tomorrow. I just hope I can sleep tonight!
Winnie left for Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, this morning when I left for work, and she arrived safely mid-afternoon. Now I'm in the process of preparing for our drive tomorrow. After an appointment with my eye doctor (I need new glasses), we'll follow my sister's path to our brother's home in Harper's Ferry. I can't wait for our reunion.
Family is a funny thing. When you're kids, you fight with your siblings like cats and dogs, but when you're grown up, you're best friends. I know that's true in my life, and it's true in my kids' lives. So for you parents out there praying that your kids won't kill each other, be assured that will pass. They'll actually like each other in the coming years and will long for time spent together.
God has been so good to my brother, sparing his house from damange and loss of power in Superstorm Sandy. We're so excited about going to see him and his wife tomorrow. I just hope I can sleep tonight!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
The Storm
Epic storms come infrequently, often no more than once in a lifetime. We've experienced such a storm these past few days here in the United States. Superstorm Sandy, which began as a tropical depression that dumped rain in the islands south of Florida, has left its mark on the landscape, destroyed homes, stolen lives, and forever altered the thinking that a storm of that proportion could never happen.
My husband Bob and I were in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, from last Friday through Sunday, October 26 -28, for Bob to compete with his chorus in the Carolinas District Barbershop Contest. We stayed at the house of some friends and had a 25-minute drive to the hotel where the contest was being held. When we drove from Durham to Myrtle Beach on Friday, hazy sunshine allowed the temperatures to climb near 80 degrees, but on our trip home from the contest late Friday evening, very light rain began to fall. Saturday brought breezy conditions and rain, but nothing that was exceptional. As we returned to the final session of the contest, the rain abated, but the breezy conditions remained.
We had thought that we'd have to drive home in heavy rain, but the storm held off the coast of North Carolina and kept the rain on its shores, pounding and tearing at the beaches and Outer Banks. Expected rain at our house did not materialize. As we watched the news and weather at home, the storm grew in intensity and crawled up the East coast, rearranging dunes and pushing water where it didn't belong. Monday evening the storm, which had hurricane status, made landfall in New Jersey. The damage done by wind and water won't be fully documented for months. New York City and Connecticut also received heavy damage, especially from the storm surge.
As the storm pounded the country, I wondered how my brother in West Virginia was faring. Sonny and Steph had moved to Harper's Ferry last summer from Alaska. We'd planned a family gathering of sorts for this coming weekend, and it was in jeopardy if they were to lose power. During the past few days, I spoke with them several times, and God spared them the storm's brutality. They didn't even lose power, so our visit to their home this weekend is still on the calendar. My sister in Florida is joining us. Her long drive tomorrow will result in an overnight stay with us before she continues to Harper's Ferry on Thursday. We will travel there on Friday and return on Monday. My sister is retired and can stay longer than we can. I have only 1047 days until retirement, but who's counting!
So our trip hasn't been cancelled due to the storm. We are praying for all those affected by this superstorm, as it is being called, for those who have lost loved ones, and for those who've lost their homes. Events like this remind us of our own blessings and make us even more grateful for a roof over our heads and food on the table. Everyone who is so fortunate should do the same.
My husband Bob and I were in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, from last Friday through Sunday, October 26 -28, for Bob to compete with his chorus in the Carolinas District Barbershop Contest. We stayed at the house of some friends and had a 25-minute drive to the hotel where the contest was being held. When we drove from Durham to Myrtle Beach on Friday, hazy sunshine allowed the temperatures to climb near 80 degrees, but on our trip home from the contest late Friday evening, very light rain began to fall. Saturday brought breezy conditions and rain, but nothing that was exceptional. As we returned to the final session of the contest, the rain abated, but the breezy conditions remained.
We had thought that we'd have to drive home in heavy rain, but the storm held off the coast of North Carolina and kept the rain on its shores, pounding and tearing at the beaches and Outer Banks. Expected rain at our house did not materialize. As we watched the news and weather at home, the storm grew in intensity and crawled up the East coast, rearranging dunes and pushing water where it didn't belong. Monday evening the storm, which had hurricane status, made landfall in New Jersey. The damage done by wind and water won't be fully documented for months. New York City and Connecticut also received heavy damage, especially from the storm surge.
As the storm pounded the country, I wondered how my brother in West Virginia was faring. Sonny and Steph had moved to Harper's Ferry last summer from Alaska. We'd planned a family gathering of sorts for this coming weekend, and it was in jeopardy if they were to lose power. During the past few days, I spoke with them several times, and God spared them the storm's brutality. They didn't even lose power, so our visit to their home this weekend is still on the calendar. My sister in Florida is joining us. Her long drive tomorrow will result in an overnight stay with us before she continues to Harper's Ferry on Thursday. We will travel there on Friday and return on Monday. My sister is retired and can stay longer than we can. I have only 1047 days until retirement, but who's counting!
So our trip hasn't been cancelled due to the storm. We are praying for all those affected by this superstorm, as it is being called, for those who have lost loved ones, and for those who've lost their homes. Events like this remind us of our own blessings and make us even more grateful for a roof over our heads and food on the table. Everyone who is so fortunate should do the same.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Overdue!
Okay, I know I've not posted for about 2 weeks and I'm way overdue to catch up on things. That seems to be the norm nowadays - trying to catch up! It seems as if I'm one step behind everything that needs to be done. It's frustrating!
Not this past weekend but the weekend before, we had two of our grandsons, Niland (5) and Benny (3) stay overnight Saturday night. It was so much fun to have the 2 boys; they are bundles of energy that are difficult to contain! There was a glitch in their stay when Benny's arm started hurting while he was in the tub, and Niland said, "He's had his sore arm before, Nana." Well, that little boy wouldn't move that arm for anything, not even to eat a snack! He cried some, but not a lot, and went to sleep with his arm under his pajama top, held tight against his tummy. So I called my son, his dad, and discovered that Benny's elbow had come out of the socket. This has happened about 2 dozen times before. Now it was up to me to get it back in the socket.
After getting instructions from my son, I went in to a sleeping Benny, lifted his shirt, straightened his arm (at which point he started to whimper), turned his palm up, and bent his arm as if he were doing a bicep curl. I felt the elbow pop back in; maybe I heard it too, but there was no question that it had gone back in the socket. Benny stopped his soft cries and continued sleeping. I called my son and told him all was well, and in the morning, Benny triumphantly held his arm straight up in the air. I was so relieved.
This last Friday my 2 children and all of theirs came over after work, and we celebrated my oldest grandson Luke's 14th birthday. Already standing at almost 5'11", Luke looks a lot older than he is. He's a great cousin to my son's boys, who are 9+ years younger than him. On October 18 my mother-in-law turned 90 years old, and we gathered again on Saturday at the assisted living place where she lives to celebrate that milestone. I realized that if I live to be 90, Luke will be 41, my daughter will be 70, and my son will be 67. My mother-in-law is doing well both physically and mentally, although she no longer drives or lives by herself. We're grateful for the many years God has granted her.
This coming weekend my husband and I will be heading to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, so he can participate in District Competition with his Barbershop Harmony Society group from Raleigh. I just heard the weather forecast, and the possibility of a tropical system touching the coast by Saturday is a possibility. Not a good thing. And the following weekend we will be heading north to Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, for a visit with my brother and his wife who have moved there from Alaska. It's so nice to have them so close now and in the same time zone!
So life is forever busy! Book ideas are spinning in my head, but I don't have enough time to outline any or to sit and write at this point in my life. However, I am counting the days until I can retire - 1054 days (give or take a day or two)! Some people may not look forward to retirement, but I certainly am! I'll have plenty to keep me busy. I just pray that God grants me enough years to enjoy it, to spend time with my children and grandchildren, and to write a sequel to "Amanda's Hope." Seems like there's a story to tell about Delilah.
Not this past weekend but the weekend before, we had two of our grandsons, Niland (5) and Benny (3) stay overnight Saturday night. It was so much fun to have the 2 boys; they are bundles of energy that are difficult to contain! There was a glitch in their stay when Benny's arm started hurting while he was in the tub, and Niland said, "He's had his sore arm before, Nana." Well, that little boy wouldn't move that arm for anything, not even to eat a snack! He cried some, but not a lot, and went to sleep with his arm under his pajama top, held tight against his tummy. So I called my son, his dad, and discovered that Benny's elbow had come out of the socket. This has happened about 2 dozen times before. Now it was up to me to get it back in the socket.
After getting instructions from my son, I went in to a sleeping Benny, lifted his shirt, straightened his arm (at which point he started to whimper), turned his palm up, and bent his arm as if he were doing a bicep curl. I felt the elbow pop back in; maybe I heard it too, but there was no question that it had gone back in the socket. Benny stopped his soft cries and continued sleeping. I called my son and told him all was well, and in the morning, Benny triumphantly held his arm straight up in the air. I was so relieved.
This last Friday my 2 children and all of theirs came over after work, and we celebrated my oldest grandson Luke's 14th birthday. Already standing at almost 5'11", Luke looks a lot older than he is. He's a great cousin to my son's boys, who are 9+ years younger than him. On October 18 my mother-in-law turned 90 years old, and we gathered again on Saturday at the assisted living place where she lives to celebrate that milestone. I realized that if I live to be 90, Luke will be 41, my daughter will be 70, and my son will be 67. My mother-in-law is doing well both physically and mentally, although she no longer drives or lives by herself. We're grateful for the many years God has granted her.
This coming weekend my husband and I will be heading to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, so he can participate in District Competition with his Barbershop Harmony Society group from Raleigh. I just heard the weather forecast, and the possibility of a tropical system touching the coast by Saturday is a possibility. Not a good thing. And the following weekend we will be heading north to Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, for a visit with my brother and his wife who have moved there from Alaska. It's so nice to have them so close now and in the same time zone!
So life is forever busy! Book ideas are spinning in my head, but I don't have enough time to outline any or to sit and write at this point in my life. However, I am counting the days until I can retire - 1054 days (give or take a day or two)! Some people may not look forward to retirement, but I certainly am! I'll have plenty to keep me busy. I just pray that God grants me enough years to enjoy it, to spend time with my children and grandchildren, and to write a sequel to "Amanda's Hope." Seems like there's a story to tell about Delilah.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Success at Last
Our rainy Saturday sent us home from our campsite, where we napped, rested, and hung around our dry house until evening. Then we went to a movie, which we don't often do because there's never much worth paying money to see. After the movie, we got Chinese and then went to bed in our dry beds. If the campsite had been a great distance from our home, we would have toughed out the rainy day and been fine, but since we were so close to home, we opted to go home for the day.
Sunday morning dawned with the sun breaking through the clouds. By the time breakfast was over, the skies were blue with hardly a cloud in sight. We headed back to the campsite and found our tent surrounded on one end with water. A few very small puddles had formed inside the tent. We turned on a space heater and fan inside the tent to start the drying out process. Now that the rain had actually ended, things would be able to dry before we had to pack them away. Bob and I left the campsite and headed toward the lake and took a short hike close to the water. We spotted a great blue heron, which landed on a dead tree limb close to the water's edge, and were able to get some good photos. Wild mushrooms abounded, some looking like sponges in the ocean. Mosses carpeted the forest floor. Rays of sun filtered through the trees, shafts of light illuminating the leaves, twigs and pine needles on the ground. Waterfalls trickled over rocks, tumbling to join the waters of the lake. The hike was a feast for our senses.
After sitting on the water's edge for a time, we returned to the campsite and prepared lunch. Our son and his family soon arrived, and the two little boys were so excited. We did some fishing, but only as much as 3-year-old Benny could handle. He just didn't understand that you don't reel in your line as soon as you throw it out!
Returning to the campsite, we made pie iron pizzas and grilled cheese sandwiches, and we toasted marshmallows. The smoke in our eyes didn't even bother us. We were camping! And it wasn't raining!
When it came time to break camp, the boys pitched in and helped by pulling out stakes and putting them in bags and assisted us with taking down the fiberglass tent poles. They carried things to the truck. They were so excited to help Nana and Papa Bob take down their tent, but now they really, really want to go camping overnight! God redeemed our rainy Saturday with His gorgeous Sunday!
Our next camping trip will not be preplanned but will be a spur-of-the-moment, let's-go-camping-now decision. If that doesn't happen this year, we'll do it next spring. In the meantime, the firepit on the backyard will have to suffice for toasting marshmallows and getting smoke in our eyes.
Sunday morning dawned with the sun breaking through the clouds. By the time breakfast was over, the skies were blue with hardly a cloud in sight. We headed back to the campsite and found our tent surrounded on one end with water. A few very small puddles had formed inside the tent. We turned on a space heater and fan inside the tent to start the drying out process. Now that the rain had actually ended, things would be able to dry before we had to pack them away. Bob and I left the campsite and headed toward the lake and took a short hike close to the water. We spotted a great blue heron, which landed on a dead tree limb close to the water's edge, and were able to get some good photos. Wild mushrooms abounded, some looking like sponges in the ocean. Mosses carpeted the forest floor. Rays of sun filtered through the trees, shafts of light illuminating the leaves, twigs and pine needles on the ground. Waterfalls trickled over rocks, tumbling to join the waters of the lake. The hike was a feast for our senses.
After sitting on the water's edge for a time, we returned to the campsite and prepared lunch. Our son and his family soon arrived, and the two little boys were so excited. We did some fishing, but only as much as 3-year-old Benny could handle. He just didn't understand that you don't reel in your line as soon as you throw it out!
Returning to the campsite, we made pie iron pizzas and grilled cheese sandwiches, and we toasted marshmallows. The smoke in our eyes didn't even bother us. We were camping! And it wasn't raining!
When it came time to break camp, the boys pitched in and helped by pulling out stakes and putting them in bags and assisted us with taking down the fiberglass tent poles. They carried things to the truck. They were so excited to help Nana and Papa Bob take down their tent, but now they really, really want to go camping overnight! God redeemed our rainy Saturday with His gorgeous Sunday!
Our next camping trip will not be preplanned but will be a spur-of-the-moment, let's-go-camping-now decision. If that doesn't happen this year, we'll do it next spring. In the meantime, the firepit on the backyard will have to suffice for toasting marshmallows and getting smoke in our eyes.
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