Star Crossed

Last night, our teaching pastor delivered a message entitled, "Stars." The focus scripture was Psalm 19:

"The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of His hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;

night after night they display knowledge." (verses 1 & 2)

If, he pointed out, "day after day they pour forth speech," what are the stars saying?

1. He is God. (verse 1)

2. That we are not. (Isaiah 40 :25-26)

3. We are loved. (Psalm 8: 3-4)

It was an excellent, excellent message (and very timely for us as we are studying astronomy!)

As I listened, I was reminded of a similar message I heard a few months ago by Louis Giglio at a Chris Tomlin concert. There was a certain photo he showed that absolutely took my breath away, so I stayed up late last night searching the internet for it. I found it at the Hubble Site:

This image of the core of the nearby Whirlpool Galaxy, was taken with the camera on NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. It shows a striking , dark "X" silhouetted across the galaxy's nucleus. The "X" is due to absorption by dust and marks the exact position of a black hole which may have a mass equivalent to one-million stars like the sun.

What this looks like to me, is a reminder that "we are loved." (NASA can call it an "X" if they want... the Greek letter "chi" is a common abbreviation for "Cristos" in some New Testament manuscripts.) I love that it's due to "absorption by dust" and marks a massive black hole. My punishment was absorbed on the cross, and my sin may as well have disappeared into a black hole. What a glorious thought!

Our pastor quoted from the book, The Privileged Planet , that "Earth is located in the prime place for life, but also observation." From that he highlighted the fact that "God gave us the best platform to observe and know Him." According to the NASA website, "the [Whirlpool] galaxy is spectacular because it is tilted nearly face-on to Earth, allowing for an unobstructed view of its bright core."

Face-on.

Unobstructed view.

The best platform to observe and know Him.


This morning I am reminded afresh that the cross of Christ is a "face-on, unobstructed view" of the Father's love for us. It is the "platform by which we may observe and know Him." The cross is there, for those who will find it. And it is there to be found.

Self- ish

Recently I was having a conversation with someone regarding another person that we both care deeply about. The person I was talking with said, "She just needs to get to know herself better." At the time, I agreed. I've been thinking about that for the past several weeks, though. The idea that we need to "get to know ourselves" is very popular. So, I'm probably going to sound like a big 'ole meanie when I say that, in my opinion, "getting to know oneself better" is not necessarily the best use of one's time. A few weeks ago, I googled the word "self" and jotted down the following "buzz" words:

self-actualization, self esteem, self-improvement, self-starting, self-help, self-realization, self-reliance, self-employed, self-efficacy, self-determination, self-knowledge, self-serving, self-defense, self-assessment

I've heard these words and have used many of them myself. The words and their meanings have worked their way not only into psychology and education classes, but into our vocabularies and thinking. There's even a "Self" magazine!

Anyway, what if people got to know themselves really, really well? What possible good would that do anyone (including that person, him/herself)? If I were sitting here at this moment, knowing every single thing there is to know about Cyndi, would that help you at all? In the time it would take to do all of that "research," other important things would go undone, like caring for my family, carrying out my ministries, schooling my kids, praying for others, laundry, etc. Can you imagine someone saying, "Wow, that Mother Teresa... she really knew herself." Or, "You know, Hitler should've really gotten to know himself better." How about, "Hmm. With all of this unrest in the Middle East as well as the war on terror, the President should spend some time at the ranch getting to know himself." Doesn't that sound ridiculous?

Stormie Omartian, in her book, Greater Health God's Way , says "It is very unhealthy to be thinking of ourselves all the time. Focusing inward too much leads to mental problems. Mental hospitals are full of people who do just that. Constantly looking at yourself and asking, 'How am I doing? How am I measuring up?' does not bring health. The 'me generation' came out with wonderful bodies and very disturbed minds and emotions."

Since worship is focus, it stands to reason that focusing on self would lead to worship of self. Yeah, that's someone you want to be around! On the other hand, no one wants to be around someone who leads a completely unexamined life, either. I don't mean that we shouldn't know our basic tastes or preferences like mango tea vs. raspberry tea, or "I-don't-look-good-in-orange." I'm also not saying that we shouldn't take the time to study our learning/leadership style or spiritual gifts( although I'm aware that some might take those inventories too seriously and limit themselves unnecessarily). Everyone has a "besetting sin" as my pastor calls it- a particular sin or area of struggle. No doubt we can each name a few! We must know ourselves as far at that's concerned, so we give ourselves the best opportunity to avoid stumbling. So, "knowing ourselves" in those terms is, of course, advantageous. As with everything else, it's the level of emphasis.

I was talking to a minister's wife this week who said something to me that has added to my perspective on this subject. We were actually discussing their very young son who feels he's ready to be baptized, but she's wondering if he's really "ready." She said her husband has always said that salvation is "giving all you know of yourself to all you know of God." That's it! A reason to "know yourself!" Giving it to Him! Throughout our lives we naturally know more about ourselves. If what we learn is positive, yield it to Him for His use. (All our gifts are from Him anyway!) If it's negative, invite Him and allow His power to remove it and replace it with a strength that you can then offer back to Him. It's neat how that works!

I've seen the word "ish" in the blogosphere used as a shortened form of the word "issues." I think it's kind of cute! Ish. I have so many ish, and I'm sure you do, too. (Unless denial is your main ish.) I have ish that I've been working on for years. If "self" is your "ish", then what do you have? "Selfish."

How well I know myself need not be my ish. The ish is how well God knows me. Psalm 139 says, "O LORD, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD." Whew! I don't have to "get to know myself" by making self a subject of study. He'll do that part for me, too. "Search me, O God and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Ps. 139: 1-4, 23,24) We could say, "Search me, O God, and know my ish..."

For those who feel they need to "get to know themselves better," I would suggest getting to know God better instead. To get to know God better, look at His Son. Know the Son, then you will know the Father. "I and the Father are One." (John 10:30) He knows all your ish anyway, and looks on you with love. That's Someone worth taking the time to know!

"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus, My Lord..." (Philippians 3:8)

Roadtrip Tally

Well, after a fun morning singing at the Senior Center, we headed home. Here's what we saw this afternoon:

Dead animals: 10
Shredded tires: 10
Grass fires: 2
Whirlwinds: 1
Buzzards: 28

Just thought I'd share.

Deep in the "Hot" of Texas

Growing up, I always spent at least a week or two every summer in west Texas at my grandparents house in the small town where my father grew up. My brother and I have lots of fun memories of eating the "monogrammed" pancakes my grandad would make, getting ice cream cones at Dairy Queen, riding our bikes to the park, singing along with Grandmother as she played her guitar ("How Much is that Doggie in the Window," "Red, Red, Robin" and "Chocolate Ice Cream Cone" were our favorites). And of course, sleeping late. My last few summers of high school, as well as the summers I was in college I was too friend-focused or summerschool-driven to make time to come, but since I've been married I've been able to spend a few days there in June or July.

This past Sunday morning the kids and I packed some bags, I pointed the van west, and we travelled the familiar path to Grandmother's house. I love the trip, because the towns get smaller, the ground gets flatter, the mesquite trees become more numerous... and time gets s-l-o-w-e-r. I'm not sure how many seconds are in a minute here, or how many minutes are in an hour, but it must be more than 60! According to my calculation, the time change must start pretty soon after we leave the Dallas metro area. Even as a child I thought it took forever to get here. We have enjoyed this week of laziness where time stands still. Even on Sunday mornings it seems like you've got hours to get ready for church. I love it!

The clock may move slowly, but the thermometer has moved quickly each morning. (When it gets really, really hot, Luke sometimes says, "It is Africa hot!" Well, someone in west Africa can officially say, "It is Texas hot!") Today I believe it reached 110 degrees. It was 109 yesterday, and the forecast for tomorrow is 112. Hot.

When it's this hot, I feel so lethargic. That must be the case for the animals we saw on the roads on the way that obviously hadn't moved quickly enough. It was unreal! I don't think I've seen that many before. I'm thinking that on the way home we could switch from playing the "license plate game" or the "alphabet game" and make up a new game called the "roadkill game." Extra points for buzzards!

This week during our visit we have played Skip-Bo and Boggle, eaten wonderful food, and laughed at funny stories. We have played the fiddle and guitar and have sung hymns together. We shopped at our favorite (and the only) "boutique" in town. We joined Grandmother in her volunteer work at the local nursing homes, which was a treat! Tomorrow morning we are going to join her and her 3 friends who play and sing at the local senior citizens center. (Bethany and I are going to make our singing debut! Kyle will work "media," meaning he'll video us...) Despite the heat, it's been a refreshing week so far.

Buttprints in the Sand

This afternoon I read the book The Purse-Driven Life by Anita Renfroe. (SO funny! Short, and perfect for a quick, summer-afternoon read, when it's too hot to think too deeply...) In it, she quotes this poem, written by an unknown author and an obvious take-off on the much loved "Footprints" poem. Although I hadn't see it yet, I Googled it and found it all over the internet!

Buttprints in the Sand

One night I had a wondrous dream

One set of footprints there was seen

The footprints of my precious Lord

But mine were not along the shore

But then some stranger prints appeared

And I asked the Lord, "What have we here?

Those prints are large and round and neat

But Lord, they are too big for feet."

"My child," He said in somber tones

"For miles I carried you alone

I challenged you to walk in faith

But you refused and made Me wait

"You disobeyed, you would not grow

The walk of faith you would not know

So I got tired and got fed up

And there I dropped you on your butt

"Because in life there comes a time

When one must fight and one must climb

When one must rise and take a stand

Or leave their buttprints in the sand."

Now, while it cracks me up (no pun intended- oh, who am I kidding, all my puns are intended) somehow it just doesn't sit well with me (ahem) . So I added to the end:

"As you sat upon the beach

You were never beyond My reach.

Your knee prints that I see beside

Remain untouched by the approaching tide

"They show you knew to call to Me

And I heard your heartfelt plea

Let Me help you to your feet

And your joy I'll make complete.

Remember, draw your strength from Me

As you battle the enemy.

You may leave buttprints in the sand

But no one can snatch you from My right hand."

"...at the proper time."

We have two dogs who have what is called, in canine terms, a "strong food drive." Strong. Food is IT to them. I can be taking the plastic off of a magazine that came in the mail, and they'll run into the room thinking I've got a snack. Even as I type this, Zacchaeus the weenie dog is barking at me because I've got an Oreo on the table next to me. (Well, now you know... I've got a "strong food drive" too. But this isn't about me.) Every evening after we have our evening meal, after the kitchen is cleaned up and we're all in the family room or elsewhere in the house doing our thing, it's FINALLY dinner time for the dogs. Every night, like clockwork, Luke gets the metal doggie bowls and goes into the garage. You can hear the now-familiar sound of dry dog food being poured into metal bowls, at which point Zac begins jumping at the back door and Haley begins running laps around the island in the kitchen. From the moment that Luke begins to walk toward the back door toward the garage at night, the dogs jump up and follow him. They know. They can't wait. "It's time! It's time!"

Those poor, starving dogs.

This morning Luke took the van to get the tires rotated. It was a lazy Saturday morning for the rest of us, dogs included. I was sitting on the couch reading and the dogs were both stretched out on the living room floor when Luke came in the back door from the garage. At that moment both dogs sprang up, realizing it was him and immediately switched into "it-must-be-food-time" mode. He put his keys down and a few moments later he walked toward the back door to go to the garage for, well, whatever guys go to the garage for on a Saturday. The dogs went NUTS. He commented, "I'm going to have to get these dogs a watch." They continued following him around. They watched him. They were so excited! They hopped and ran laps. They didn't take their eyes off of him. They dogged him. (Sorry, I just had to say that!) They continued looking at him so.... expectantly. And guess what he did? He fed them. (Did I mention it was morning?)

He fed them a bit of food because they asked. He'll feed them a little less this evening, of course, but they'll be satisfied just like they were this morning. They asked expectantly and believingly, and they received. A few times today they've run to the back door and they haven't gotten food. Nevertheless, they know that anytime he wants to he can go to through that door and emerge with food! (By the way, they never do this to me or the kids. Luke is The Food Provider.)

I remember learning in a Bible study a couple of years ago that believing God doesn't necessarily mean believing that He will, but absolutely believing that He CAN. We want His will for our lives because that is for our best. Just like I posted a few days ago, He sometimes refuses or delays our requests because they are from wrong motives, misplaced desires, or are the wrong timing. Sometimes things are not for our best now, but will be for our best another time. How I need to keep praying expectantly, though. Praying boldly. Trusting that God can do anything and will give me what I need at the proper time, and sometimes just because I was bold enough to ask. This was running through my mind today when I read this on JR's blog.

"The eyes of all look to You,

and You give them their food

at the proper time."

Psalm 145:15

Can't Argue With That!

I started reading this blog because of its name, "Coffee Swirls". But it's posts like this that keep me coming back. She makes a good point!

Birthdays

Ten years ago this summer, I had 2 month old baby boy. His sister was puzzled, because I had told her she would have a baby brother to play with and when she met him it was clear he couldn't play with anyone! A week ago today, that 10-years-and-almost-2-months-old boy ran all over a water park playing, celebrating his belated birthday (as well as his newfound love of water slides) with his buddies. His actual birthday was the weekend his sister left for China, so that week we had a family get-together that was a combination "Bon Voyage/ Happy Birthday" party. We don't do the birthday party thing every year, but he knew when he turned the big 1-0 he'd have a party, so he patiently waited the additional 7 weeks after his birthday for his sister to get home and his mom to get her head back on straight. (Actually, the former has happened, and we're still waiting on the latter!) Besides, we all know that Jesus wasn't actually born on December 25. It's okay to celebrate your birthday on another day! Thank you for your patience, my precious son, evidence of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in you.

Happy belated birthday!


Five years ago, this summer, we had a 7 year old little girl beginning her walk with the Lord. We lived in a tiny apartment while our current house was being built. I can still picture Luke and I sitting on that green and white striped couch with our little Bethany, talking and praying with her as her young mind was grappling with the issue of sin and the price Jesus paid for her on the cross. ("I'll never know... how much it cost... to see my sin... upon that cross...") That summer, I prayed that she would follow Jesus anywhere, everywhere, with total abandon. I asked Him to take her, set her apart, and to mold her into a young woman after His own heart. As I type this 5 years later, I'm looking across the room at a girl-turning-young-lady, quietly reading a book (who has no idea that her mother is staring at her and blogging about her!) I am reminded that she has followed Him to distant lands and has prayed with others that same prayer that her Daddy and I prayed with her. How she shares the Father's heart for the nations! Looking at her at this moment, her hair still wet from her shower, I am reminded of how precious she looked to me 5 years ago this very night, her hair wet from her baptism. What a special, God-given memory! When she was little, she asked me why her name was "Bethany." I told her I loved that name because Jesus went to the town of Bethany to spend time with some of His best friends. Bethany was a special place to Jesus. The first time I told her that, a big grin spread across her face! Oh, sweet girl, Jesus still loves to go to Bethany. And I pray that Bethany will always abide in Him.

Happy spiritual birthday!


Oh, Ancient of Days, thank You that ever since "there was morning and evening, the first day" You have ordained that each day would be distinct, and some would be special. During Your time here on earth You celebrated alongside others, entering into their joy. How we want You in the midst of our celebrations! May the special days on our calendars always point to You, Who makes each new day for our rejoicing and gladness, and for Your glory. Amen.

Dreamer

We went to movie camp again today. It's my favorite kind of "camp." It's free, and it's a movie~ therefore, it is air conditioned! (It also involves popcorn and Junior Mints. Bonus.) So far this summer we have seen "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "March of the Penguins," and today it was "Dreamer." We own "Charlie," but it's in Chinese. (We can make it play in English, but since I don't read Chinese it's hard to read the menu!) We'd not seen the penguin movie until last week, but we enjoyed it very much (except for the kids in who sat in front of Bethany and her friend and kept throwing popcorn on them...) It was a perfect movie for a hot Texas summer day. Today was our first time to see "Dreamer." What an excellent movie! I know we could've rented it, but then we would've missed out on being in a huge theater full of people cheering loudly and clapping during the final race. It was so exciting! Even those who had seen it were really into it. It makes me want to go to Lonestar Park and watch a horse race!

There is a Bethany Dillon song at the end of the movie which has great lyrics:

Imagine a beautiful castle
And a beautiful king
He left the comfort of his throne
To fight for victory.

I am a dreamer
Take me higher
Open the sky up
Start a fire
I believe
Even if it's just a dream.

Love woke me up this morning
And I ran to see
The king in the winners' circle
On the horse he won for me.

Only a king would do anything
To protect the kingdom.

Someday we are going to hear a horse's hooves. And it won't be a dream! We'll see a white horse, "whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns." (Rev. 19:11-12) The victories for which we have cheered loudly in this life are nothing compared to the victory we will witness that day! Moreover, the defeats we've witnessed and experienced on this earth will disappear into the dust those pounding hooves will kick up. I love thinking about it! (An interesting aside~ I noticed during the credits; the horse that played Dreamer in the movie was named "Sacrifice.")

Until we hear those hooves approaching,

"...since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,

let us throw off everything that hinders

and the sin that so easily entangles,

and let us run with perseverance

the race marked out for us.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..."

Hebrews 12:1-2

Softly and Tenderly (But Not Too Softly!)

The kids are with their cousins for the day, so I've enjoyed having the morning to myself, doing housework and listening to music. I missed the phone awhile ago because I had my headphones on. It was Luke. I called him back and told him how ironic it was that the hymn I was listening to (a bit too loudly, apparently) was "Softly and Tenderly, Jesus is Calling." He responded, "Well, He'd better not call too softly or you'll miss it!"

His Eye is On the Sparrow

This morning found me once again with my ipod, singing my hymns. I was listening to one of my favorites, "His Eye Is On the Sparrow" as I made my semiweekly trash day journey to the end of the driveway awhile ago. As I walked back up to come in through the garage, I noticed a tiny sparrow perched on the roof above the garage door. I stopped and stood there looking at her (I decided it was a girl!) and she sat with her head cocked to one side, looking at me. The song in my ears reminded me that at that very moment, while we were were watching each other in the cool of the morning, our Creator was holding both of us in His watchful gaze.

We both flitted off to continue feathering our nests and I thanked God for giving me moments like that. He is so faithful!

"I sing because I'm happy

I sing because I'm free,

His eye is on the sparrow...

and I know He watches me."

Sanctified Affliction

This was in my Valley of Vision prayer book this morning. Very powerful.

"I thank Thee that many of my prayers have been refused--
I have asked amiss and do not have,
I have prayed from lusts and been rejected,
I have longed for Egypt and been given a wilderness.
Go on with Thy patient work,
answering 'no' to my wrongful prayers, and fitting me to
accept it.
Purge me from every false desire, every base aspiration,
everything contrary to Thy rule.
I thank Thee for Thy wisdom and Thy love,
for all the acts of discipline to which I am subject,
for sometimes putting me into the furnace
to refine my gold and remove my dross.

No trial is so hard to bear as a sense of sin.
If Thou shouldst give me choice to live in pleasure and keep my sins,
or to have them burnt away with trial,
give me sanctified affliction.
Deliver me from every evil habit, every accretion of former sins,
everything that dims the brightness of Thy grace in me,
everything that prevents me taking delight in Thee.
Then I shall bless Thee, God of Jeshurun, for helping me to be upright."

In the "Daniel" study, Beth Moore discusses how God periodically allows fiery trials in order to "burn the fake out of us."
Lord, help me to see any trial, large or small, as "sanctified affliction," purging me of "every false desire, every base aspiration, and everything contrary to Your rule," from glory to glory, ever conforming me to the image of your Son. Amen.

Happy Birthday, America!

It's been a great day so far! Bethany's friend Hayden came over to join us as we cooked out hamburgers. Then, we all went to our club pool and visited with some friends. After a couple of hours of swimming, a nice storm blew in from across the lake, sending us all home where we lit the (not quite 230) candles on the birthday cake the kids had decorated. Hopefully the rain will clear so we can go watch fireworks later. If not, the welcomed sight of those big rain "splats" we saw on the pavement earlier will do!

An Interesting Study

This summer I am enjoying Beth Moore's new Bible study on Daniel. It has been a thought-provoking look not only at the life of Daniel, but an interesting comparison between the culture we are living in here in America and the ancient culture of Babylon. The quote that cracked me up today was, "In our own Babylon, some of us are wrapped up in such luxury, we think a chemical peel is a fiery trial."

There have been times in my life when I've been so caught up in the abundance that surrounds me and the luxuries that I enjoy, I have allowed myself to be cheated out of true prosperity. Oh, may that never be so for my children! A few weeks ago, I stopped praying that Bethany wouldn't get homesick. Not out of some selfish desire for her to miss us (for I know she did) but so that if she did, she would have the experience of letting Jesus fill that void for her. I remember when the thought first occurred to me as I was praying for her that day. It was a ground-breaking thought for me. It was as if I was setting God free to allow in her life whatever would draw her closer to Him. (As if He really needs my permission!) I really don't want anyone I love to have difficulties, fears, insecurities or illnesses. But it has been during those very moments in my own life that I have learned how to draw close to Jesus and have experienced an abundance of His presence in a way that an abundance of ease, health, courage and security would not have afforded. I wouldn't trade for those times! I want everyone that I love to experience the fullness of His presence. To feel the "strength God provides." (I Peter 4:11)

Another quote I read this morning has been on my mind all day. "You and I naturally want the best for our loved ones. We pray for them to excel, to win, to succeed, to prosper, to be kept from difficulty and certainly pain. Yet, if God answered our every prayer for their ease, could they handle it?" Can I?

Something to thing about.

Time for a Change

A couple of weeks ago a friend and I were discussing church. We were sharing honestly with each other that we were feeling "blah" about it lately, and wondering aloud what might be the cause of it. I was very glad for that discussion and for her wise insight, and went home and prayed about it. No, things aren't perfect. (At any church!) I decided that I couldn't change the things we disussed, however valid our observations may be. Moreover, I know without a doubt that we are called to worship and serve exactly where we are. God has affirmed to me over and over again that this is the church where He would have our family, and I am thankful in countless ways for that precious body of believers. So, I began working on the only thing I could change... my own attitude. I invited the only One Who can make true and lasting changes in my heart to begin to do so. For the past two weeks I have prayed before the services, asking God to prepare me for the pastor's message and open my heart to what His Word would say to me. (As Os Guiness would pray at our conference in May, "Lord, open Your Word to our hearts and our hearts to Your Word.") During worship I have not only sung about Him but to Him. I have even momentarily stopped singing (rare for me!) and bowed my head, silently praying the words to Him, because I felt it and meant it so deeply. I have taken copious notes in my newly-organized church notebook. I have reviewed the scripture references during my quiet times and have made changes in my life based on the principles they contained. You know what? These have been the best two weeks of church for me in a long time.

I think I see a connection...

The Importance of Being Ernie

Which muppet are you?

You Are Ernie

Playful and childlike, you are everyone's favorite friend - even if your goofy antics get annoying at times. You are usually feeling: Amused - you are very easily entertained You are famous for: Always making people smile. From your silly songs to your wild pranks, you keep things fun. How you life your life: With ease. Life is only difficult when your friends won't play with you!

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

I like Ernie! As a kid I always liked his shirt and his laugh. I liked how he annoyed Bert. If I had to pick a muppet character to be around all day, I guess it would be Ernie. (To be honest, I was expecting to be Oscar the Grouch! I'm a bit relieved...)

Of course, I'm not sure if it's entirely accurate, as I do have Bert-like tendencies and I definitely have a "Miss Piggy" side. The "easily entertained" descriptor is spot-on, though. The fact that I spent time taking this quiz and pondering its results is proof enough of that!

A Dog's Eye View

Zac Before...

"Oooooh, take me! Take me!!"












And after...

"Aaaaahh, you're home! ::::sniff, sniff::::: Did you bring me a treat?"

HOME!

My alarm went off at 3:00 AM. (I didn't care!) The coffee pot came on at 3:15. (Boy, was I glad!) We were out the door at 3:50. (I couldn't wait!) We found out the flight was slightly delayed, but at 5:45 I saw her through the glass and eagerly watched as she made her way through the revolving door. Finally!! It was a fun reunion with Grandma, cousin Maggie, Kyle, Luke and I, along with Nick and two faithful friends- Jonathan and Brett who had gotten up in the middle of the night to welcome their friends home.

We just returned from a fun breakfast, and now we are enjoying catching up and looking at the goodies she brought home. What a wonderful morning!

Maggie, the best cousin in the world, made her this sign which she brought to the airport. She had all the family sign the back. So sweet!

Breakfast at IHOP. Returning to the US from China and ordering French toast ..."international" indeed!

"Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen."

Ephesians 3:20

Those Three Little Words

"I packed today." Those are the words that thrilled my soul this morning. Yes, I know that technically the "three little words" everyone wants to hear most are "I love you," which our family always says to each other everytime we say good-bye (either in person, or on the phone). But, until today I hadn't known how badly I wanted to hear the those other three words until I heard Bethany say them a few moments ago from across the world. It's time to come home!

They're going to a fellowship tomorrow morning (which is their last full day there). They have international fellowship on Sunday morning, then at some point they will depart for the airport. She said she's ready to get back and see everyone, though not really ready to leave China. I completely understand.


Meanwhile, what has happened to Kyle while his sister has been gone? Why, he's really "gone to the dogs!"

One Day More... Then Three Days More!!

"One day more, Another day another destiny..." That is one of my favorite songs from the musical "Les Miserables" (and where I got the title for my blog), and we're going to see it tomorrow!! We have been absolutely taken with this musical since we saw it in the summer of 1990. We've driven to other cities to see it, and someday we'd like to see it in London ::::sigh::::: I was able to get *really* good seats for tomorrow's matinee performance and gave them to Luke back in April for his birthday. "Can you hear the people sing?..." We will tomorrow!

Well, last night was the end of the Mavericks season (sadly). Time to turn our attention to... SOCCER! Tomorrow the US plays Ghana. Choosing who to root for in the NBA finals was a no-brainer, but tommorow's game, which we've known was coming for awhile now, was a tougher call. But, I think along with Bethany, who several months ago stated, "Well, I know who I'm rooting for!" when we saw the divisions... we will be pulling for Ghana. We were there last summer when they won a qualifying game. People came out of their shops yelling, cars were honking, people in the streets were jumping and celebrating. It would be great to be there for tomorrow's game! We were with a Ghanaian gentleman last night, Dr. Sam Somuah, who is a special assistant to the president of Ghana (the equivalent to being on the "White House staff" here... I guess it would be "Castle Staff" over there since the president offices in a castle...) He is a wonderful Christian brother. It was a privilege to spend time with him and we look forward to future interactions with him as we work together to advance the gospel in Ghana and in West Africa.

The countdown in on! Five more days!! There is no possible way for Bethany to know how much she has been missed at home these past 4 1/2 weeks. I remember a quote I heard many years ago, "The only place you're irreplaceable is in the home." Boy, is that true.

Happy Father's Day!

A fun day fishing in North Carolina when the kids were little. This has always been one of my favorite "Daddy" pictures of Luke!

My dad and me a few years ago when we played a concert together at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. A fun memory!

Luke III with his dad (Luke Jr.) and his dad (Luke Sr.)

"As a father has compassion on his children,

so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him."

Psalm 103:13

Photo Shoot

Hair and make-up! She said it took her 30 minutes to get all of the make-up off.








Apparently after he did this to her hair, he pulled it back. So the end result doesn't look so "wild!"














They went and got "xitos" (where they wash your hair and massage your head) after the shoot. She said it took quite awhile to get all of the "product" out of their hair!









The "finished product." The final pictures will be in the fall catalog. We can't wait to see it!


In addition to the modeling "gig," they also got to be extras in a Chinese soap opera on Saturday! They were filming it at the university close-by, and they went over to watch them film. The crew noticed them (What? They didn't blend in with the crowd?) and asked them if they wanted to be in a scene.

It's fun to see them enjoying their "15 minutes of fame." They certainly won't stick out when they return to the Land of the Blonde and the Home of the Bleached in another week!

Model Tourists

Bethany and Stephen were hired for the modeling shoot! She called this evening to tell me that a couple of days ago the company sent over clothing for them to try on and someone came to take some "test shots" of them to see if they looked "natural" enough. Sure enough, they passed the test, and have each been hired for 800 Quai apiece (100 US dollars). They will have their "shoot" tomorrow afternoon. Stephen has described the clothes as "hideous" and Bethany said one of the pair of pants she is to wear say "Good Girl" down the side of each leg, but they are so excited to be paid, they would probably wear chicken suits if they had to! They will be featured in the fall catalog for the clothing company. SO-- you heard it here first! "Good Girl" pants will be all the rage this fall...

We are in the home stretch! Sunday begins their last week. I noticed yesterday that when I schedule upcoming activities on the family calendar, she will finally be here for them. I'm so glad!

Pictures!

Bethany and her best friend Hayden the night before she left for China and Hayden left for Senegal.

Out for a ride during a brief break from the rain

Peace in the East, man!

Be proficient with chopsticks or go hungry...

The world-renowned puppet team!

Saying Goodbye

We returned last night from San Antonio, where we have been with Luke's family for the past couple of days following the death of his sweet grandfather. It was a bittersweet time of fellowship, as most funeral gatherings are. We had a wonderful time reconnecting with his fun cousins and precious aunts, as well as relatives we hadn't seen since we got married. Grandpa became ill late in 2004 and has been lovingly cared for in the home of Luke's Aunt Sharon for the past 2 years. Grandma and Grandpa Janecek had 5 daughters, and of course, numerous grandchildren and grandchildren-in-law (like me!) and he always made each of us feel special. The past few years he would work out in his shop creating beautiful birdhouses and bird feeders. One Christmas he presented each of his grandkids and their spouses with a bird house or feeder that was unique. No two were alike. He said that he had designed each one of them according to what came to mind when he thought of the person for whom he was building it. Mine was a beautiful white church! I have treasured it so much, no bird has touched it yet! It was evident this weekend from those in attendance at the services just how much he meant to so many in his family and community. It was wonderful to see and be a part of.

The motel we stayed in was right next to a "Pig Stand" restaurant, which was a sweet reminder of where he and Grandma (who passed away in 1992) met. They first met at the Pig Stand on Gaston Ave. and East Grand in Dallas back in 1939. According to an essay Grandma wrote back in 1991, "...It was good to have a place to go to just talk and enjoy music..."Beer Barrel Polka" was the hit tune to dance to. Here we are 52 years later with 5 children, 18 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, and very much in love... and to think, it all started at the Pig Stand!"

Grandpa's Seasoning

Grandpa and his brother Jerry concocted a special seasoning blend that we use with every meal. He used to give it to us occasionally, and finally Luke and his brother got the recipe and began making it themselves. Whenever we've given it to people, they always ask for more! At our table, saying "Please pass the Grandpa's" is said more often than, "Please pass the salt." During the last couple of weeks as Luke's aunts sat together by Grandpa's bedside, they spent time writing a wonderful multi-paged booklet about Grandpa's life, which they gave each of us this weekend. One page had "Grandpa-isms" on it. When I first read them, I immediately thought of them as "Grandpa's Seasonings" that he would sprinkle into conversations! Here they are:

"Yup"

"Nope"

"Aw, that's alright, we don't need that piece..."

"Want to go to the cafe?"

Well, damn honey!"

"You can't get them to work, but they sure can suck back a Miller Lite."

"Okey-dokey, we better run Honey!"

(and my personal favorite) "You can tell them all you want, but you can't tell them much!"

Grandpa, you seasoned so many lives. You will be missed.

Puppet Workshop

I received an email report this morning from Jennifer about the puppet workshop:
"The kids did such a professional job today. There were about 25 in attendance from several cities. The kids did a great presentation, puppet show and instructing the attendees how to use the puppets. It was comical as always. We were able to borrow some Chinese music and the Chinese enjoyed being able to have the puppets sing in Chinese! "

Some of those in attendance traveled 5 hours each way in order to be there. There really seems to be an interest! I don't have any pictures from yesterday, but so that you can see their enthusiasm and interest, here are some pictures from the workshop they did last year (in April of '05).

Here are the American puppetry "experts," sharing their techniques. They look so young! (I'm sure I'll be saying the same thing next year about this year's pictures...)



Here, they were learning proper hand placement, practicing moving only the thumb. (Harder than one would think!)

Then they got their turn, which they LOVED.
They had a lot of fun with it. Here, they were performing the "Laughing Song," which, as you
can see, transcends any language barrier.



"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, 'The Lord has done great things for them.' " Psalm 126:2

Jin Qu Mavericks!!

Bethany called during halftime! She was watching Game 1 on a station broadcast out of the Philippines. Sure, it's first thing in the morning and the play-by-play is in Chinese, but it's exciting nonetheless. Woo-hoo!!! (Or should that be wu-hu?)

Well, shut my mouth!

I took this quiz and scored 74% Dixie. :::gasp::: I, for one, am SHOCKED.

http://www.alphadictionary.com/articles/yankeetest.html

My Jesus, I Love Thee

I just wanted to share the hymn I sang during my quiet time this morning, and that is playing in my head today as my "soundtrack" for the day so far...

"My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;

For Thee all the follies of sin I resign;

My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me,

And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree;

I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;

If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now."

That last line is what is lingering in my mind the most. I have sung that to Him both aloud and silently, at so many different times in the midst of so many different emotions. What an appropriate thing to say to Him at any time, whether we're celebrating, grieving, sick, healthy, surrounded by loved ones or loney. "If ever I loved Thee..." His grace, mercy and love speaks to every single situation in which I'll ever find myself.

"Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love Thee..." John 21:15

Still loving it!

I know some of you have been emailing with Bethany or checking in with her blog, but here's a quick update on what's been going on... They finished their second week there last weekend and the college team left to come home. I spoke with her before the team left. She told me that she was "SO glad" she wasn't coming home with the team, and that she just "didn't know what she would do" if it were already time to leave. I guess that's a great way to feel when there's still 3 weeks to go!

They've been enjoying making new friends, taking language and cooking lessons and absorbing the culture.
Here she is playing "Janga" with her new friend, "Shirley."
(Shirley is the
American name she's been given,
and that is what Bethany calls her.)
Shirley's dad taught them how to make dumplings last week.

They've had rain almost every day since they've been there, but apparently today (while we were sleeping here last night) it wasn't raining there because right before I went to bed I got an email from her that said she would have called, but they were about to leave to go hike in "some garden area." Judging from her last hike, I'm just glad this was apparently in the daytime! Jennifer told me that this weekend Bethany and Stephen are doing a puppet workshop for people from all over the province. Last year they gave an excellent puppet seminar. I was very surprised at how well-attended it was and how truly interested people are there in how to do puppet shows! And I was also impressed with how much the kids knew about puppets (I didn't know there were so many techniques and "tricks of the trade.") It's a great opportunity to share.
I received an email from John this week with a copy of this picture of them that was in 3 of the local newspapers. It's typhoon season, and right before they arrived a fairly large one hit the area. Monday was "Clean Up China" day (similar to our "Earth Day" I think) and they were invited to be VIP guests at a local 4 start hotel, not knowing why they were invited. They were fed a great meal (free) and then given these red gloves and invited to help clean up the beach with everyone. Several newspapers were on hand to take pictures of the "foreigners" who were pitching in to help clean up China! Stephen's mom, Nancy, is going over next week to stay and visit and fly home with the kids when they return. Bethany has asked me to please send some snacks and some more money. When I asked her how much money, she told me the amount in Quai. She's already thinking in Chinese!

She's going to call in the morning (her time) to find out the score of the Maverick's game while we're watching it here tonight. She said Dirk is in all of the papers there. There are tons of Maverick jersey knock-off's for sale, and they keep seeing people wearing them. She said when they see someone in a Dallas jersey they cheer! Morgan has been doing some modeling for a clothing company over there for the past couple of years. She's been in magazines and catalogs and on billboards. Blonde American kids are what they really want for some reason! Jennifer called the company to tell them that they had two friends visiting, in case they wanted to use them for any photo shoots. The woman told her, "I know! We have already found them!" Someone from their company had seen Bethany and Stephen around town and they were planning to call Jennifer. SO, if Stephen fits the clothes there will be a photo shoot soon (and they will make $$- Bethany likes that part!)

She calls every other day or so, and sometimes everyday. She's having the time of her life! We miss her terribly, but it really feels like she's where she's supposed to be. Thank you for your continued prayer for her and for us. She has stayed healthy and is having a wonderful (and I believe, life-changing) experience. A little less than three weeks to go!
I can do all things through Christ!

Mountains

SO... yesterday I posted about mountains, even praying that she'd have a "mountaintop experience" while she's there. This morning I didn't hear from her, so I assumed she'd already gone to bed. At around lunch time here I got the following email from her:

"Hey Mom, this is Bethany. Sorry I didn’t Skype you earlier. Its 1:20 am here and we just got home from climbing a mountain. Long story."

I can't wait to hear her "long story" later when she gets up!

Sounds like she's having fun! (And I just might cross the "mountaintop" thing off of my prayer list...)

"I love technology..."

Anyone who overheard me on my cell phone in the grocery store this morning probably thought I was crazy. I was standing in the frozen food section at 9:00 AM saying, "Have a good night sweetie! I love you. Call me in the morning if you can! Sleep well! Night-night!" The connection was crackly, and there was a 5 second delay, but there I stood, talking to China! Bethany sounds great. The three bags that didn't initially make it with the team made it yesterday, so now they have all of their supplies. It's been pouring rain there for the past 3 days, but apparently it was really needed so no one minds. I've talked to her 3 times so far, and each time she is bubbling with excitement over what they're doing and anxious to hear about the Mavs.

Kyle has spent the first part of his first sisterless week playing with friends, doing school, going to tennis, watching Mavericks games, going to the library, and watching "Batman Begins" with mom. He's making it. :)

We used to sing a song in church that said, "The prayers of a righteous one can move mountains, and I need a mountain moved." Mountains of fear and worry have been moved. A mountain of luggage made it to the right destination. There's a 5 week long mountain ahead for me, and by God's grace I'll climb that thing! Thank you to those of you who have prayed in the weeks leading up to this trip and are praying now. Today someone asked me how I felt, and I said... "Prayed for!" Oh, how I pray this will be a mountaintop experience for Bethany.

Well, she's getting up now. Time to make sure my speakers are turned up on my computers and my phones are at my side... just in case. :)

Have you seen this suitcase?

Well.... she made it to China, but one of her suitcases did not. Apparently she was able to see it from her window onboard as it sat on the luggage train and didn't get loaded onto the plane!

Despite having two phones strapped to me and the volume on my laptop all the way up (so I could hear the "You've got mail!" from anywhere in the house) I missed her skyping/instant messaging me this morning on our main computer in the study. I can't believe it! She was about to go to bed, so she said she'd call/ IM when she got up. Her IM said, "I know once you see I skyped you you're going to be sad you missed me!" She has no idea...

Hey-if you find a flip-flop suitcase somewhere in the DFW or Los Angeles area that contains puppets and Honey Nut Cheerios, send it to China!

Time Flies

This was Bethany's first airplane flight in 1997 when she had just turned 4. I swear, that's exactly what she looked like to me yesterday as we said goodbye at the airport for her to depart on her first journey without us. She called just after midnight last night to let us know they were in L.A., and as I write this she is somewhere over the Pacific. She is traveling with a good friend and with a wonderful team of college students, and when she arrives at her final destination in China sometime in the middle of the night tonight (our time) she will be greeted by our precious family friends in whose care she will be for the next 5 weeks. Most of all, she's in the care of her Heavenly Father who has given her a heart for the nations.

Please pray for her. Please pray for her team and the work they'll do in the weeks ahead. Please pray for her mother.

The Upward Call

My baby girl is leaving for China in a day and a half. She is SO excited! As sure as I am that she is definitely supposed to go, and as excited as I am for her... it's killing me! I heard this song today and bawled all the way home.

"Find Your Wings" by Mark Harris

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold

The plans that heaven has for you

Will all too soon unfold

So many different prayers I'll pray

For all that you might do

But most of all I'll want to know

You're walking in the truth

And If I never told you I want you to know

As I watch you grow

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams

And that faith gives you the courage

To dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings

So let my love give you roots

And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind

That leads you through your days

And may conviction keep you strong

Guide you on your way

May there be many moments

That make your life so sweet

Oh, but more than memories

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams

And that faith gives you the courage

To dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings

So let my love give you roots

And help you find your wings

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky

I'll have tears as you take off

But I'll cheer as you fly

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams

And that faith gives you the courage

To dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings

So let my love give you roots

And help you find your wings.

(She took these pictures out of the airplane window last year on our way to China.)

What's in a name?

C	Complicated
Y	Young
N	Normal
D	Dignified
I	Intelligent

Name / Username:

Name Acronym Generator
From Go-Quiz.com

I kept doing it until my "n" was "normal" instead of "nerdy!" (Is that normal?)

Refreshed and Renewed

We had a wonderful trip to Maryland last weekend. Osprey Point looked just like picture I posted before we left. We returned Tuesday night, and I've spent the week pondering the lofty issues we discussed: globalization, religion in the modern world, integration vs. fragmentation, exclusiveness vs. syncretism, and alternative modernities. When I get it all sorted out, of course, I'll post all of my conclusions. (Don't hold your breath!) There were 18 of us discussing these issues and hearing lectures by Dr. Os Guinness in a beautiful house on the Chesapeake Bay. It was fabulous! We met some wonderful people and feel like we've made some real connections with folks with whom we want to maintain contact. One couple that we've come to know and love during the past year even got engaged there last Sunday! It was a precious time.

Now that the rental car company has Fed Ex'd our camera back to us (thanks Thrifty!), I can post some pictures. :)The Four Amigos

Precious, Godly Women

Luke with the happy couple. He is sporting a Super Bowl ring worn by one of the other attendees!

Great discussions!

A wonderful barn with a basketball court in the loft!

The library (left) and the chapel (right)

We thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Dr. Guinness.

It was truly a set-apart time. It was a great combination of mental exercise and physical rest, something we needed more than we realized. God is faithful!

A Week "Away"

Here's where we'll be for the weekend:

http://www.ttf.org/index/academy/events-detail/academy-weekend-away-may-2006/

Here's an excerpt from the link:
"A Week Away . . . An opportunity to get away to a scenic resort on the Chesapeake Bay for stimulating learning and personal conversation with some of the top Christian thinkers in North America. A Week Away is designed to offer thoughtful people of faith a vacation with a purpose. Each program enables participants to get away from the pace and pressure of daily life and work without putting their minds—or their faith—on hold.
Each day offers times of vibrant worship, engaging talks and discussions, delicious meals, personal reflection, and plenty of rest and recreation. The number of participants each week is kept small to foster an intimate atmosphere at this getaway location and to guarantee the opportunity for interaction with the speakers. If you enjoy meaningful conversation, magnificent sunsets, and Maryland crabs, consider spending A Week Away at the Trinity Forum Academy."

Doesn't that sound great? It does to me. As I re-read the above, I am reminded of what I first thought a few months ago when Luke asked me if I'd like to go...

"You had me at 'away!' "