A lost pearl - Bebe Moore Campbell

My Ace and I were just talking with the husbands and others about authors we've enjoyed - can't remember how we got on the topic (oh yeah now I do laughing to myself as I recall, but I realize - that is neither here nor there) - but we started with Toni Morrison discussing Beloved and so many of her other books, Alice Walker in particular The Color Purple and Possessing the Secret of Joy, and the authors James Baldwin, and J. California Cooper, and Terry McMillan, actually a subset of those mentioned in my profile. One we didn't mention, regretfully for she is so deserving to be amongst these, has left us today: Author Bebe Moore Campbell Dies at 56 in Los Angeles. I don't get to enjoy reading like I used to; but, of the books Bebe wrote, I read and have in my library (meaning I just can't part with) are Your Blues Ain't Like Mine and Brothers and Sisters. The world of literature will sorely miss Bebe, a pearl among authors. Bebe, thanks for sharing!

Right before the devastation, I had a good day

holi-day blessings

It's the most wonderful time of the year....Don't you just love it!

It is important to me to not get caught up in the hustle and bustle of gift-buying and socialzing; but to treasure the reason for the season and, in this knowledge, enjoy family and friends. You might think that one shouldn't get caught up in the religiousity of these days either - but I feel like one of the three wise men with a secret. When the whole story is revealed as to what is behind this season, my joy is joy unspeakable! From heritage, i.e. the Hebrews who lived in expectation of the Messiah to those who walked with Jesus and before through the early and evolving church to believers today, we can grow in how Christ has revealed Himself to us and, without any other gift, be the richer for it. So my advise is choose what you get caught up in - world, no; eternal life, yes! Let's take a look at the celebration ahead!

Advent Season (Dec 3 - Dec 24, 2006)
Hanukkah (begins December 15, 2006)
Christmas Time - Twelve Days of Christmas (Dec 25, 2006 - Jan 5, 2007)
Kwanzaa (December 26 to Jan 1)
Epiphany - and Ordinary Time until Lent) (Jan 6 - Feb 20, 2007)

Capsulization from these sites:

Practically tipped off by the season of Thanksgiving we have Advent - (from Latin adventus, “coming”), a period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and also of preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. It begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30.

There is the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah (aka Chanukah or Hanukah), celebrated on eight successive days to honor the restoration of divine worship in the Temple after it had been defiled by heathens. The return of their religious liberty was to them as life from the dead and, in remembrance of it, they kept an annual holiday on the twenty-fifth day of Kislev. Kislev is the third month of the Jewish calendar corresponding, approximately, to early December in the Gregorian calendar. Jesus kept this festival. The principal source for the story is found in the Talmud.

Christmas or Christmas Day commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Theologically, Christmas is the celebration of the incarnation of God in Jesus the Christ, the self-revelation of God to the world in human form for the reconciliation of humanity to Himself. All the details of the various accounts concerning Jesus’ birth revolve around that central truth. Eastern Orthodox Churches celebrate it on January 7, which corresponds to December 25 of the Julian calendar.

The origin of the Twelve Days is complicated, and is related to differences in calendars, church traditions, and ways to observe this holy day in various cultures. In the Western church, Epiphany is usually celebrated as the time the Wise Men or Magi arrived to present gifts to the young Jesus (Matt. 2:1-12). Traditionally there were three Magi, probably from the fact of three gifts, even though the biblical narrative never says how many Magi came. In some cultures, especially Hispanic and Latin American culture, January 6th is observed as Three Kings Day, or simply the Day of the Kings (Span: la Fiesta de Reyes, el Dia de los Tres Reyes, or el Dia de los Reyes Magos; Dutch: Driekoningendag). Even though December 25th is celebrated as Christmas in these cultures, January 6th is often the day for giving gifts. In some places it is traditional to give Christmas gifts for each of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Since Eastern Orthodox traditions use a different religious calendar, they celebrate Christmas on January 7th and observe Epiphany or Theophany on January 19th.

Kwanzaa (or Kwaanza) is a secular observance honoring African-American heritage and values, almost exclusively by African-Americans in the United States of America. Note, however, in the cited site the seven-branch candle holder, the "Kinara," was not used in African traditions, and suggested a symbol of Judaism, the Menorah, was borrowed to match the seven principles of Kwanzaa. There is, however, a history of blacks in Judaism, going back to at least the time of Sheba. Also, historically for African-Americans, the Exodus, the "going forth" of the Children of Israel, has served as a metaphor for their struggle as a people.

Epiphany is a Christian feast celebrating the 'shining forth' or revelation of God to mankind in human form, in the person of Jesus Christ. The observance had its origins in the eastern Christian churches, and included the birth of Jesus Christ; the visit of the three Magi (Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar) who arrived in Bethlehem; and all of Jesus' childhood events, up to his baptism in the Jordan by John the Baptist. The feast was initially based on (and viewed as a fulfillment of) the Jewish Feast of Lights. This was fixed on January 6.

This is a season rich in all that Christ means to us and the values we should uphold not just seasonally but in our daily lives. However, this season, I encourage you to delve into a devotional communion with Him and let Him speak to your heart. Holi-day Blessings to you, every one!

Related Links:


• Biblical Holidays - returning to a Biblical Foundation


• Christian Holidays, Festivals and Holy Days


• The Reason for the Season


• The Seasons of the Church Year - wonderful holiday devotionals here

proverbial man

We all know what the most important verse is in Proverbs 31; right?

Her husband is known in the gates, when
he sits among the elders of the land. [v23]

That isn't the one that came to your mind? Well, me personally I am shy significant points in the ultimate proverbial woman area; but I know what drives her to be so. And believe you me, something would have to drive someone to be all that!

When you know that your husband is all that and comes with a bag of chips too - that he is off the caliber of the Gate men (you know - E.F. Hutton 'people listen'), a man you can respect as well as love, in fact your love glows in light of your respect for him - that is quite a keep the motor runnin' motivation. It is our little contribution to who he is and more importantly to who he is to us.

Now maybe you think the gates are the world, country, city, community - but it can be the church, the home, your heart. And sometimes it may be that no one realizes he is known but yourself; but that is what really matters. He will know no greater love than to sit in the gates of your heart.

And get this; when in Jeremiah the Lord says I will be your husband" woa! Isn't your response all the much greater? Look who is in my corner? What I wouldn't do for him. Interesting how God uses marriage to remind us of our relationship with Him? Anyway you look at it, both relationships improve. Gotta love the Creator and His Plan - that is what gave me that man - the husband (chips included)!

Giving Thanks!

another Thanksgiving under the belt! The husband and I made an agreement when we married - I only have to cook on the holidays AND since he likes to BBQ that only really applies to the winter - Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and Resurrection Day! What a deal!

But then feeding the clan sometimes seems daunting and wrests with my spirit during the day. The eldest used to help me in the kitchen. But face it, she's in Texas - this being the second Thanksgiving and they just bought a home. So what a blessing when bright an early the Giant lends his assistance throughout the day. He tore up bread for dressing, made rice pilaf, and moved dishes between the various ovens so we would have the Turkey, ham, green beans, sweet potatoes, pumpkin bread, dinner rolls, fried corn ready to go with the husband's delicious tea and the salad at 4 pm. Afterward, the girl's knocked out the remaining dishes - I like to wash as I go to minimize the mess, and so the kitchen looks quite decent right now. The daughter getting her teacher's credentials was able to be with us again for yet another holiday.

We went around the table as usual and talked about the things we are thankful for this year. The Giant made my day in such a little way. And I have such a wonderful husband. We have a blended family that actually blended - what a blessing! Being a stepmother has been no more wicked than being a mommy dearest ;-)! God has been so good to us.

Two of the kids were at their mom's - I hope they had a blessed time as well; they were missed. The new homeowner's called - they are also missed. My brother called too and it was good to hear from him. I was remiss in making calls today - too busy splashing sauce myself - powdering my face with flour, not finding things I was sure I bought and all the other essentials of bringing this meal together.

Now - yes at this very hour - the husband is waiting outside a store for it to open Black Friday, - the day after thanksgiving shopping. I pray for his safety and easy going. He's the one who takes care of these kinds of things; I abhor crowd mentality. The Lord bless him; he is a rare and wonderful guy. Well he just called and wants a heavier coat and maybe a sleepingbag - gotta go! Thanksgiving Blessings!

ruminant rants and raves rummaging

capsulization

No one ever told me told me how to take a capsule of medicine. So when as a teen I was first required to, I looked at the little plastic tubing and took it apart, pouring the contents in a glass of water which I quickly drank. This may typify my very nature to make a forest of trees. Now you tell me what I just said?

fallen from Grace

I have never liked CNN's Nancy Grace show - her last name is an irony. I can't see making a living being a hard-nose, but apparently there is a market for it. It is not so much her opinions but her attack approach - dis'Graceful ranting and raving - that repels me. While I don't understand the point of such TV programming, someone losing their life behind it is even harder to comprehend. This would be a hard one to sleep on.

jumped judgements

Although I am judgemental at times (surely proven in my posts), I recently saw a movie - the sisterhood of the traveling pants (definitely tissue material) - that causes me to check myself. (The Giant (eldest son) was walking around the house with manly disputations regarding it while I watched). While I loved the other story lines going on as well, especially with the distant girl making a new friend despite herself, it was the self-adsorbed 'all that' girl (really? am I that judgemental?) that made a homerun on my thoughts. It's not that we are always wrong with what we percieve about someone, but often jump the gun because we don't have a clue as to why so which would balance our personal assessment. When I found out why so with her, my heart was softened. Lord give me the wisdom of Solomon so that I would not be so misjudging or too hard-hearted. Note: I didn't see the movie from the very beginning and have yet to do so (and you know I will), but I suspect that is no excuse.

a Bush-gois nightmare? - abuse of force

Yesterday on KNX1070 I heard Chief of Police Bratton speak to the issue of the three recently recorded incidents of police use of force that has alarmed the metropolitan community. He defended the uniform with 'what a rotten world it is today'. We have a friend who is an officer and a gentlemen; out there doing an outstanding job - and we know others wearing the uniform of like kind. But we also know that all are not as upright and dedicated. Maybe Bratton doesn't know that. His rotten world defense was accompanied with a need to protect the public - certainly true. Too, it almost seemed he defined non-lethal use of force as be glad you're alive. Somehow, though, I missed any mention of the need to preserve the rights of the apprehended. Am I wrong? - they do have some! Maybe we moved to a guilty until proven innocent referendum.

I checked the definition for inalienable again just to make sure I had that right (I must be missing something) - get this:

incapable of being alienated, surrendered, or transferred {inalienable rights}

Not to be separated, given away, or taken away; inalienable.

Now there are criminals out there, shady, unscrupulous folks to be sure. But I don't want to have a Bush-gois - or the film The Siege - world where what worries me when I see brutality in videos or real life is who really is the tyrant? and when officers play good cop/bad cop, do they wear identification? There may be facts we are unaware of in these incidents, but from the outside looking in I am concerned. But, by the grace of God it could be I. Bratton, I just hope the system is designed to the best ability to protect the rights of all. One son is seeking to be an officer of the law and I know he'll be excellent. Yet as a civilian and for the entire public they pledge to protect, I want to be assured protection from abuse of the badge. Meanwhile, a heartfelt cheers to law enforcers of integrity everywhere! Multiply and be fruitful and may the Lord keep thee!

Parabolic Pearlz

One child explained to his friends about how it was with his father. He tells him, he says, "I am your child so give me all that I am entitled to. After all I didn't ask to be here, you know. This is your house, so you keep it clean. I am simply here because of your love--you brought me here and so you have to care and do what's best for me. You are unable to do otherwise. It is against your very nature isn't it? "

Then he says to them "Now I am heading back to my 'ol man's house. Dinner will be waiting and I want to get the best of it. Not reheated stuff. Cya! " The others looked after him in awe. But his brother who he had left behind, amongst them, got up to go also.

He says to them while waving "I need to get home also so I can get the table set. Dad always has such delicious treats for us. So l am going to get the dishes tonight and straighten up the kitchen before I get to some work he wanted me to do. It is the least I can do. He never leaves me wanting for anything. I can't even imagine what it would be like if he hadn't adopted me. I'll see you all tomorrow".
_{parabolic pearlz from suge's shelz ©2006}

Which are you? Some children of God are only too aware of a sense of entitlement to the kingdom of Heaven and demand "pay up ". While others never forget it is the grace of God and live to show their appreciation. Road rage, abortion, war are caused by entitlement. The disciples argued over who would sit next to Jesus -- whew, who earned/deserved that?

David used entitlement with Bathsheba but not when as God's anointed he served king Saul and let him live. It was not entitlement that served Laban seven years more for the right to marry Rachel which had already been earned. Paul left the service of entitlement to serve the lord-left what he saw in the world as right to serve what was right in God's sight. Jesus left at a manger all that was his right to die upon a cross for our sins. What entitlement have l earned; do I deserve? And yet, we are told... Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. Less is more. Only empty can one be fully filled--Ever drink all your cup contains so as to make room for the maximum replenishment? It is at the feet of Jesus that one can look up and see fully into His face and all that He is.

Only what's done for Christ will last.

They're Homeowners Texas Style

Praise Report - Rosie, our eldest, and her husband Jon - yeah the artiste under guise of mild mannered business man, - are homeowners. It's been a trial through which they have come valiantly (pay no attention - is that - no - gray hairs - they're so young yet)! God is good and ever prevails! Click those ruby slippers Rosie!

We just got the word. Party time! We have offspring that won't be moving back LOL!

Thank you Lord for you mercies never cease despite our humanity; they are new every day! Great is thy faithfulness!

Tyler's fresh at it again!

My girlfriend in Florida just alerted me to this newflash for Tyler Perry fans everywhere - Daddy's Little Girls comes in February from Lionsgate films (which also brought you Akeelah and the Bee (highly recommended by my friend Nicole, - Keke Palmer, the star, of which you’ve seen in another Tyler Perry film). Just this teaser glimpse of the film let's you know it'll be one of Tyler's finest works.

The cast is awesome; Tyler has a way of getting a calibre of artist that really brings reality to his films. Gabrielle Union you may remember from Bad Boys II or Deliver Us from Eva; her work also includes Something the Lord Made, Love & Basketball and has a holiday movie coming out next year Perfect Christmas. Idris Elba I first encountered in The Gospel as a dislikeable husband/minister he makes you understand through his excellent performance. There is the esteemable Lou Gossett Jr., who has a host of films coming out in 2007, and had a presidential role in Left Behind III: World at War among his litany of performances. Tracee Ellis Ross is from my all time favorite, A Fare to Remember.

Don't this just look like a high kleenex rating? Now all I can do is wait with baited breath!

a new thing in me

At praise team practice on Friday, my Ace asks me if I would sing with her on Saturday. Now, I am just a minor background voice that gives some quantitative body to our small singing group. Singing is not my gift, but it is a joy. On the other hand, my Ace has a God-given voice to envy some angels I am sure. She had been asked by a friend of hers to sing at their Church's Veteran's day prayer breakfast, to which she readily agreed. She hoped though to get someone to sing with her.

Never in my saved life did I ever imagine just me and someone else in a public singing performance. But the willingness to say 'yes Lord' I've discovered is a mysterious key to wings of eagles adventures to unsuspected places - collecting frequent flyer mileage is highly recommended!

In the movie, the Matrix, there's a Judas character who says he wished he had taken the other pill, made the other choice. But I have never regretted chosing Jesus. I often send people who have gotten a new position and show promising potential in it a congratulatory message quote from the movie, "I got to tell you, I'm fairly excited to see what you are capable of. I mean if Morpheus is right and all. We're not supposed to talk about any of that but if you are, well then this is an exciting time." God has never disappointed me.

Knowing that all glory is God's, I realize our previous worship leader was used of Him when he welcomed me to sing with the group, letting me overcome my nervousness to become comfortable with my voice and using it in front of people. Thank you Rodney.

Thank you Lynn for believing in me. It was wonderful to be used of God simply because I was asked, to support my friend and her lovely voice, and to be complimented for allowing God to be glorified through something only He could do in Me. How weird to stand there and sing praise confidently with my friend among people I didn't know, but who were family in God.

Time and time again He does a new thing in me and I, a work in progress, am always the better for it. To go along for the ride, I simply need to say yes Lord!

So that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new! And all things are from God, the One having reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and having given to us the ministry of reconciliation, as, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not charging their deviations to them, and having put the Word of reconciliation in us. Then on behalf of Christ, we are ambassadors, as God is exhorting through us, we beseech on behalf of Christ, Be reconciled to God. For He made the One who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Cor. 5:17-21

Truce?

My father served in the Army during the Korean War. That period of time was key to the shaping of the man I knew as daddy. He told me many stories from those days when I grew up. I remember he played the bugle; he subsequently played many instruments - piano, organ, flute, trumphet, clarinet, saxophone - a pleasure he shared with all of us essentially making our family a one-fam band. Me - besides piano, I played the alto sax.

In November of 1919, President Woodrow Wilson issued his Armistice Day proclamation. The last paragraph set the tone for future observances:To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nation.
In 1927 Congress issued a resolution requesting President Calvin Coolidge to issue a proclamation calling upon officials to display the Flag of the United States on all government buildings on November 11, and inviting the people to observe the day in schools and churches...But it was not until 1938 that Congress passed a bill that each November 11 "shall be dedicated to the cause of world peace and ...hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day."

That same year President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill making the day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia. For sixteen years the United States formally observed Armistice Day, with impressive ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the Chief Executive or his representative placed a wreath. In many other communities, the American Legion was in charge of the observance, which included parades and religious services. At 11 A.M. all traffic stopped, in tribute to the dead, then volleys were fired and taps sounded.

The word, "armistice," means simply a truce; therefore as years passed, the significance of the name of this holiday changed. Leaders of Veterans' groups decided to try to correct this and make November 11 the time to honor all who had fought in various American wars, not just in World War I.

In Emporia, Kansas, on November 11, 1953, instead of an Armistice Day program, there was a Veterans' Day observance. Ed Rees, of Emporia, was so impressed that he introduced a bill into the House to change the name to Veterans' Day. After this passed, Mr. Rees wrote to all state governors and asked for their approval and cooperation in observing the changed holiday. The name was changed to Veterans' Day by Act of Congress on May 24, 1954. In October of that year, President Eisenhower called on all citizens to observe the day by remembering the sacrifices of all those who fought so gallantly, and through rededication to the task of promoting an enduring peace. The President referred to the change of name to Veterans' Day in honor of the servicemen of all America's wars.

Excerpts from All About American Holidays by Mayme R. Krythe.

Remember our soldiers this weekend - the brothers and sisters who have fallen and those having served and yet serving!

Stand Up and Be Counted

or Sit Down and Shut Up! Ultimately, if you don't vote - you are choosing not to have a say! The thing is voting is important. More importantly informed voting is key! One should take the time to understand the candidates and issues, know what the proponents and opponents are saying and what they're motivations are. One should understand the politics and the integrity (or lack of) involved. Dig through the shady/slanted campaign rhetoric and find the meat and potatoes - what really matters, the crux of the issues. Of course, we can only do this to the best of our ability, but every effort should be made. Don't just be a party follower/supporter, but a follower/supporter of what is right. This year there are energy (or so-called) issues, transportation, local, gubenatorial, etc. issues to deal with.

Most importantly, people have died to gain and ensure that everyone - women, minorities of which I am familiar with the african-american experience, have the right to vote; rights that are often threatened every election. In so considering, it is a moral obligation and privilege to do so, that should not be taken lightly. We should have an understanding what has gone on before us and pass this understanding on to our children by our example and conversation. You can let things happen to you or do your share to make them happen.

Praying you'll be out there voting your conscious this Tuesday, Nov. 7th!

The Nativity Story

This recommendation just in from 3Leonards -

The Nativity Story

The picture is so striking, I'm using it as a screensaver (see the site). Hey there is even a blog site. The screenwriter Mike Rich, who among his credits has Finding Forrester,

describes himself as a devout Christian, felt a spiritual responsibility while writing the script and working with director Catherine Hardwicke to bring the story to life. "I wanted to make sure we were faithful to the tone and spirit of the Gospels," he says. "If you don't feel that pressure writing this type of story, you're not approaching it the right way." ... writing Nativity was different from adapting other true stories because he wasn't going to have to face the person he was writing about. Then, after a pause he added, "Well, at least not in this life."....

The idea for The Nativity Story came to Rich during the Christmas of 2004, when Newsweek and Time both ran Nativity cover stories. After seeing the covers, the thought hit Rich that "a lot of people are interested in this story, but it has always been told as event-based and not character-based." He wanted to explore the story from a different perspective. "Mary has become iconic. But before this remarkable girl became the Mother of our Lord, she was just a child. And like any young person in trying circumstances, she probably had a lot of fears, questions, even doubts."

Thanks Nicole - this certainly appears to be a must see!

The Very First Noel

as my dear friend at 3Leonards says, the advent season is a wonderful time of year. One of the things I love to do is curl up and watch Christmas movies. So, getting an email from familylife.com on this I wanted to share it with you ...

Introducing The Very First Noel, the story of Christmas from the perspective of the three wise men. Featuring the voice of Andy Griffith, this beautifully animated holiday special presents the Christmas story in a fresh, creative way the whole family will enjoy. FamilyLife is proud to partner with Exclaim Entertainment as they introduce their latest DVD, The Very First Noel.

Get the rest of the goods from the movie site here. Hope you get a chance to enjoy. This looks like a must have library add to me!

Look at the time

"Look at the time " – I love that I gotta go phrase.

Where did it all go? I seem to have lost one-half month of my life even though, on the whimsical

daylight savings time,

I re-gained a whole hour stolen from me 6 months ago. A don't know who it actually helps; but I hope they don't take the hour back, if I say I dont like it.

Let me ramble in an attempt to account for where some of the time went. If I don't count the all-consuming 3 adult and one non-adult children living in the house and the usual demands of church ministry and a full-time job commute, what do I have left?

Parent teacher conferences

the little man having finished a quarter was reviewed by his teacher with us his parents. It seems he is quite easily distracted with his own preferred interests and just generally fails at being neat or constructing legible, intelligible writing. Some call this laziness or lack of focus or prioritization. I was um disappointed but Dad was really not happy! So while the little man is off-track he has assignments guaranteed to cure what ails him - can't be worse than castor oil!

Medical appointments

there have been various and sundry check-ups. I’ve found that while my blood pressure is better my cholesterol has crashed off the charts. Does health every really just improve?

Chloe's nightmare

a beagle

It's a fact - Dogs like to dig and the closer they are to being a terrier, the more they love it. In fact, just about all breeds of dogs who were developed to hunt are infamous diggers. So you think Fido's habits are the "pits" and you've tried to ban him from the area and scolding is a waste of breath?

crossed with American-staffordshire is a guaranteed recipe for an escape artist.

Many Staffords also like to dig, therefore these dogs may need a more secure environment than some other breeds. An "L" of chicken wire attached to the bottom of the fence can prevent persistent escape artists from successful getaways. Other Staffords are excellent climbers. To prevent vertical exits from the yard, you can top the fence with a horizontal overhang or choose an unusually tall fence.

Our Chloe took another mad dash around the square block but didn’t complete the trip this time. This time she encountered some sort of kill-joy beast that left her with gashes on her hip and a gnarled foot with a hairline fracture. While part of me was screaming ‘see what you get!’ I was so distraught at her condition. I sat beside her hand feeding her water and food (when she wore the ever-offensive cone around her head), dressed her wounds, took her to the vet while he set her leg and provided antibiotics (hidden in pieces of sausage), and cleaned up behind her little accidents in the house because of her inability to be outside as much. She is recovering quite nicely now and being coveted by the other dogs for all the attention she’s getting.

Hostel'ities

I don’t know if we are running a boarding place for ungrown children in the midst of finding themselves – but the food disappears (where is my microwave popcorn?) along with toilet paper and other valuable commodities, the washing machine has died-vacuum cleaner doesn't work anymore, stuff is borrowed and never find its way back, no one wants to do anything because so-and-so should do or doesn't it either, and when dishes and stuff get broken – its all a mystery (maybe we have a haunt

?). Whatever happened to grateful to have a roof over my head?

Adult School anyone?

the husband is pursuing higher education – so he's immersed midway through the Evangelism Training Program (an accelerated ministerial education) of the Christian Reformed Church - a quite intensive 3-year course requiring a lot of reading and resulting work assignments. Even though he is very smart and adept, on top of his already brimming plate, this additional involvement requires understanding and patience on my part, sometimes amounting to having a lot less of his company and requiring a lot more tolerance. At this point or any time soon I, myself, can't even imagine going back to school *sigh* - and time aint on my side!

Major appliance decisions

having to replace the washer and dryer – the husband and I have been scouring the world of Maytag, Whirlpool, Fridigaire, front loaders, top loaders to replace the slow assisted death of our own.

We also entered the spa world of CalSpa, HotSprings, Caldera, Sundance (which we really like the product and the salesperson), even Walmart/Sam's and Costco along with others (many seen at the fair) and learned everything you'd want to know when purchasing one (you can even at some places arrange to try them out), encountering the good and the crafty sellers - to add a conducive relaxation element to our premises. Hey but we didn't have the electrical just right - sooo, getting that taken care of and then it's soak city!

The Dish on Direct - While we had Dish Satellite TV with HD which was conveniently through ATT (formerly SBC/PacBell), the customer service was horrible especially after they moved to the overseas system. Over and over we pondered switching to Direct TV – would it be worth the hassle? Wel,l it absolutely has been - a nicolishly ginormous improvement! The programming, extras, and picture quality (HD and non-), accommodation, are beyond compare. Customer Response is not only generally responsive (guess one can’t assume a correlation between those two words) but also generally quick.

Cingularly Sprinting - We also a little further back made the move from Cingular (also connected to ATT--formerly SBC/PacBell and thus the convenience) to fewer dropped calls on Sprint – yes, on Sprint! Again a great improvement in customer service - like night and day!

Fellowship

I really enjoy the women’s and couple's studies, praise team practice, and the monthly fellowships – they consume their own amount of time but are a profoundly great means of stress release and getting back in Christmindedness. Getting together with friends that are really family and seem to have a home away from home is the best medicine ever too - they know who they are!

Remembering to chil' lax

I of course take time when possible to watch movies, and take measure to de-stress my day, to stop and smell the roses, and just count my blessings and give God the glory in all things.

God's time

is His; not mine – no matter what clock I look at. He makes all things beautiful in His time.

Sometimes the time gets away from me, but I have to remember to live each day as unto the Lord for tomorrow is not promised. If I go to be will him tomorrow, I want to accomplish what today was due including sitting at and washing the feet of Jesus!

For I was hungry, and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty, and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in; I was naked, and you did not clothe Me; I was sick, and in prison, and you did not visit me. Then they will also answer Him, saying, Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to You? Then He shall answer them, saying, Truly I say to you, Inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me. Mat 25:42-45

“But one thing is needful, and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her”. Luk 10:42

O - look at the time!
Let's call this an October wrap. Until next time ...