Brown Eyed Girl

Did you know we have a teenage daughter living in India? We've connected with Jaswanthi through a ministry called Care and Share and have been blessed to correspond and support for over a year now. Dear friends recently visited Jaswanthi and have brought with them reports of how beautiful and special she is. Smart, sensitive, intuitive, 'deep', and, like her "Mummy Vonda", has a beautiful nose worth writing home about. She wants to become a doctor. Oh - and her favorite color is green. Of course. ;-)

I get to go see pictures and video tonight...

A Healthy Choice

ME: Hi. I'd like your greasiest double quarter pounder with cheese, saltiest fries and a sugary, caffeine-filled beverage.

ME: Oh - and a hot fudge sundae.

DRIVE THRU ATTENDANT: Would you like nuts on your sundae?

ME: Yes please.

Welcome Home, Travelers!

Welcome home, groovygirls! We missed you and can't wait to hear all your amazing stories!

How to Lure Spring

Mom always wisely said, "Don't wish your life away; enjoy each moment, day by day." On the other hand, spring is 'pokey' come March, and there's no shame in deceiving our sense of time a bit when necessary. Cancun is one such method...

Here are some other ways to encourage spring to pick up its pace:

10. Switch out your winter/summer wardrobe a little early this year.
9. Go swimsuit shopping.
8. Dye your hair blond.
7. Brag about your snowy winter in an email to a Florida relative.
6. Wear flip flops to work or church.
5. Exercise secretly until someone notices.
4. Run once around your house with just your slippers on. Dare ya.
3. Pack a picnic of Cadbury's Eggs to enjoy at your favorite park.
2. Keep fresh tulips on the kitchen table until April 15th.
1. Join Jen Crim in her annual 'peep'-fest.

What's your solution?

Beauty Afoot...

A couple of 'barely-known' musicians and a friend with a camera put together a low-budget little film called 'Once'. If you haven't seen it yet, do.not.pass.go. on your way to the movie store. It's simple, far surpasses standard movie morality, and boosts courageous creativity.

In this film, they performed a beautiful 'homespun' song which actually won them each an Oscar last night. And, instead of conducting themselves like wide-eyed first-time recognition-mongers OR snooty 'I'm too good for all of you' individualists, they received their reward with humility and grace. In my opinion, they gave Hollywood, and all of us, a bit of 'the real thing'.

There's beauty afoot. Sometimes in unexpected places.

P.S.
Raise Day,
Hooray!
Time to
go play!

The Flaw in Perfectionism

Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D. says this about perfectionism:

"A perfectionist sees life as if it were one of those little pictures that used to appear in the newpapers over the caption "What's wrong with this picture?" If you looked at the picture carefully you would see that the table only had three legs or the house had no door. I remember the "Aha!" that these pictures evoked in me as a child. I wonder now why anyone would want to take such satisfaction in [dwelling on] what is missing, what is wrong, what is "broken."

The pursuit of perfection has become a major addiction of our time. Fortunately, perfectionism is learned. No one is born a perfectionist, which is why it is possible to recover. I am a recovering perfectionist. Before I began recovering, I experienced that I and everyone else was always falling short, that who we were and what we did was never quite good enough. I sat in judgment on life itself. Perfectionism is the belief that life is broken."

AI

'AI' stands for lots of things these days:

-American Idol
-Artificial Intelligence
-Amnesty International
-Arts Institute... etc.


But as of this afternoon, for me, it stands for ALL INCLUSIVE!! That's right, folks... The man and I will be doing some migratory nesting in Cancun in just a couple weeks.

I had never realized it before, but it's really the sunny late winter days that getcha. The cloudy, cold, overcast days, we just trudge on through. But when I felt the sun on my face yesterday, my senses re-awakened to the fact that, somewhere in the world, there is a sandy beach...

A little spontaneous for my character, but I'm glad we're doing it; it will likely be our last 'just-us' beach trip for many years. We've vowed to do nothing but read books on the beach, eat as much as we want, and watch movies with the balcony door open till all hours. Okay - maybe we'll add in a couple other things... the trip is 'AI' after all...
;-)

Friday Sun

Friday's sun glows warm,
orange-green behind closed eyelids.
Hope and waiting fuse.

You Know Your Car is Dirty When...

The car wash I unwisely bought in Woodbury last month is about to expire. Thanks to the recent cold snap (and impossible lines when it's warm enough), the filth and grime has accumulated to a depth I hadn't thought possible.

You know your car is dirty when...

10. You can't find it in a small parking lot.
9. You can't pay an obnoxious kid to write 'WASH ME' on it.
8. You're embarrassed to take it to church.
7. Cops pull you over for an obstructed license plate.
6. Cousin Jimmy asks if he can join you off-roading next time.
5. Your Huckabee sticker flies off when you hit a bump.
4. Even your dogs don't want to ride in it.
3. There's drag on your engine from lugging the extra dirt around.
2. Deer jump out as you drive, drawn to the mother of all salt-licks.
1. The fundraiser car wash turns you away.

Katie's Kudos

Thanks to Katie for her kudos in a recent post. Now that I've been tagged, I'm supposed to pass the honors on to 5 others who, I feel, blog with purpose. That's where I get stuck though; we all blog with some kind of purpose. Here are some of the many great 'reasons' I see amongst this blog community:

1. Because Grace transforms lives.
2. Because in loving 'the least of these', we're loving Him.
3. Because life offers moments to cherish.
4. Because there's so much to learn.
5. Because connecting with friends makes a difference.
6. Because breathing in and out the Gospel is a life-long pursuit.
7. Because true faith shines in questions, as well as knowing.
8. Because there's a link between Truth and right living.
9. Because joy spreads as families grow.
10. Because gratitude is limitless.
11. Because parenthood is not for wimps.
12. Because we grow as we grow our kids.
13. Because there is beauty in every moment.
14. Because the witty ones live happier.
15. Because a picture's worth a thousand laughs.
16. Because community transcends distance.
17. Because His daily gifts are worth celebrating.
18. Because kids do the darndest things!
19. Because good stories surround and support serving.
20. Because there's art in life - and love.
21. Because you're too cool to keep it all in your head.
22. Because laughter is the best medicine.
23. Because Proverbs 31 is worth living up to.
24. Because life is chock-full of intriguing mysteries.
25. Because each experience is part of the growing story.
26. Because it's good to stay in touch.
27. Because life is an adventure, meant to be shared.
28. Because, in loving nature, we learn to love God more deeply.
29. Because there's wild beauty in this song we sing together.
30. Because we're accountable for knowing and deciding.

Just realized that I read 30 blogs each day. Did you find your 'reason'? This is why you all are 'Inspiration'; not just a 'Blogroll'. Kudos to all of you for blogging with purpose; we all help each other remember 'why'...

Milestone

Turned 34 today... and still getting carded for way cheesy coffee drinks. Thanks, Applebees, you're the best! ;-)






Thanks, friends, for all the fun birthday wishes in yesterday's comments. Those who know me best know birthdays (at least in the AM) are traditionally a 'cave day' for me. Quiet, thoughtful, reflective, detached from life and social networks. Thanks for loving me through the stubborn call-screening; I'll re-enter reality tomorrow...

34. This is the age I was always meant to be.

Ready For Restoration

BEFORE CARE & SHARE
What moves you? What makes your insides say, almost audibly, "This just can't stay like this. God, please fix it! And please use me to help."





For a growing number of families all over the world, the needs of orphans in Andhra Pradesh, India, is an issue that requires movement. A program called 'Care and Share' offers authentic and effective opportunity to act.

Tomorrow, I have the pleasure of driving three of my closest friends to the airport, to begin their journey to visit these orphans living in Care and Share facilities. These dear sisters will go bearing suitcases bursting with gifts and medicines for children who are sponsored by the program. They will hold babies, hug teenagers, administer medicine, wash hair, meet childrens' needs for care: affection, attention, hope. Their visit will be remembered by these children, and will make a difference.

One of the gifts they bring with them is for our oldest daughter, adopted long-distance. Her name is Jaswanthi. Her mother died years ago; her remaining family is unable to support her. So she lives at Care and Share where she receives food, shelter and education. Jaswanthi still has family, but many children don't. Some are HIV-infected after having lost their parents to that disease. Some were abandoned by parents and extended family. At least one was pushed from a moving train and left. Kids come to these facilities faster than they can be sponsored... So much good has been done - yet, there is so much left to do!

One of my sister-friends, Lori, has started a blog where she will post about the trip, Care and Share's progress, and ongoing needs. You can find it, 'Be The Change' in the links to the right. If you haven't yet found something that 'moves' you, or have room for one more - and are interested in looking further into this, feel free to contact Lori anytime (or me if you need her info). Money goes further with Care and Share than with other sponsorship programs we're involved in - and contact with the children is personal and frequent. We can't all move in every available direction... but all of us can move. We CAN make a difference by sharing what we've so richly been given.

AFTER CARE & SHARE

Ed, 'The Brain'

There is general consensus amongst those who know him that Ed is unusually smart. He has one of those brains where stuff gets sucked in and never falls out. He's humble about it though, you know? Insists that everyone's smart in their own way, blah, blah, blah...

But no matter what he says, and though he doesn't act like a 'knowitall', it's still obvious to most of us that his IQ is way beyond average. He proved it the other day - took an online IQ test and scored 138. Average is 100! Only 3 wrong out of 30 questions.

Do you agree that Ed should pack his bags and head to 'Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?' If so - leave a comment; I'm starting a petition... ;-)

It's Official

Let it be known; the Aviom is my friend. Would be even better if the ear thingy would stay in, but that's a reconcilable difference. No bears. No adrenaline. No paralyzing fear.


Short post tonight. Think I'll step away now to stop bouncing off the wall... and simply step over it. Thank you, Lord!

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Aviom?

Anyone who sings with mics and monitors on a regular basis understands that there's a link between what goes in your ear and what comes out your mouth. Can't hear yourself well enough? You get 'pitchy'. Hear yourself too well? In my case, brain goes into adrenaline mode and body starts prepping to kill a bear (which, incidentally, is not conducive to trying to sing a song).

For that reason (and because I'm the opposite of a techie), I've been highly suspicious of the new Aviom monitoring system being adopted by FCC. Some had said it's more isolating (NOT good in my case). Others had said it offers more control of what you hear (again, I'm no techie, so control by me: not comforting).

With Aviom, you stick an ear-plug type thingy in your ear (see above), a battery-pack thingy on your fanny, and use this control panel to adjust what sounds go in your ear.

So last night was my first opportunity to test Aviom. Thankfully, it was presented to me as an option; not a requirement. And surprisingly, the control panel is quite intuitive (unless you end up sticking the wrong, muted, ear thingy in your ear for the first 1/2 hour of practice). This being my first exposure to the system, I reserve the right to change my mind and hate it later - so don't tell anyone I said this... But my first impression? I LIKE it. A lot.

Shhhh.

Happy V-Day

I used to wear black and drip with sarcasm on Valentine's Day. There are few things more painful than watching others celebrate romantic love when one is longing for it, but has lost, or never known it. I'm no longer in that place, but if I were, this puppy would at least make me crack a smile, I think. He's real, they say - born in Japan.

May TRUE love be with you this V-day, dear readers - whatever that looks like for you. If you're hurting, have grace on yourself for wearing black (or at least wanting to). Everyone else - let's be gentle, loving, and shower fun surprises on those we know would like to be hibernating.

Ed... there is nowhere else I'd rather be.

A Good Day

The Office: it's coming back to us. Whew!
It's a good day.

Burnin' Ring O' Fire

Dear friend, KJ, has done a beautiful post about our weekend at 'Wilderness' which expresses my sentiments exactly - so I won't recreate the wheel. I do, however, have further commentary on the injustices of a metal outhouse seat at temps of -40 windchill.

I can't take full credit; the long-standing joke was created by Amy Malhoit - and Johnny Cash supplied the tune. So sorry, Johnny...

RING OF FIRE

I sat down on the burnin' ring o' fire;
it burned, burned, burned as I added to the mire.

And it's cold, Cold, COLD with just your ankles well-attired.
Go only when it's dire - to the ring o' fire.

Wait On the Lord, Oh My Soul...

Today is the 4 month anniversary of when we were able to announce that Eva was cleared, and our daughter. It's also the mental milestone I had marked for myself, up to which I would not be concerned about completion of the next step (which was to take 2 to 3 months). As today has grown closer, I've found myself needing to pray for extended patience and peace.

Here is what my devotional had to say about it this morning, entry dated Feb. 8th:

On Me Alone

I am your Lord, your Supply. You must rely on Me. Trust to the last uttermost limit. Trust and be not afraid. You must depend on Divine Power only. I have not forgotten you. Your help is coming. You shall know and realize My Power.

Endurance is faith tried almost to the breaking point. You must wait, and trust, and hope, and joy in Me. You must not depend on man but on Me, on Me, your Strength, your Help, your Supply.

This is the great test. Am I your supply or not? Every great work for Me has had to have this great test-time.

Possess your souls in patience and rejoice. You must wait until I show the way. Heaven itself cannot contain more joy than that soul knows, when, after the waiting-test, I crown it victor. But no disciple of Mine can be victor, who does not wait until I give the order to start. You cannot be anxious if you know that I am your supply.

His Grace to me is so far above and beyond what I could ask for or imagine. Perhaps this message will reach some of you in places where you wait as well...

P.S. I'll be tobogganing (not toblogganing) this weekend... Have a great one! :-)

Quote For Today

"And what was said to the rose to make it unfold, was said to me here in my chest - so be quiet now, and rest."

-David Crowder, 'Here Is Our King'-

The Epitaph Enigma

Ever thought of what you'd want on your tombstone? C'mon - be honest. It's not really that morbid, right? I'm one of those who tends to think it's good and healthy to think about (not obsess over) our mortality, and be as ready as possible...



Problem is, there are so many things I want on my tombstone, I'd have to be buried in some kind of missile silo...

Just in case I ever go without making up my mind, here's one that's been at the top of my list for the past 5 years or so:

Around the corner there may wait
a new road, or a secret gate,
and though I oft have passed them by,
the day (has) come at last when I
shall walk the hidden paths that run
west of the moon, and east of the sun.

Pretty sure it's by Tolkien.

The picture I get in my mind whenever I think of this poem was just emailed to me by my Uncle Charles yesterday (unintentionally, I'm sure):

I guess, in this case, the epitaph should really say "ride"; not "walk". How about you? Have any thoughts about what words you'll leave behind?




P.S. I reserve the right to change my mind and choose cremation - but if I do, something's still getting engraved on something somewhere.

Anniversaries

Ever find yourself pondering a certain memory throughout the day, then return to reality suddenly to discover it was the anniversary of what you were thinking about? That happens to me a lot.

Today it was thoughts of packing to go to the Bahamas with dear friends last year. I realized that's just what I would have been doing this time last year. Then, I thought back further and realized how many times I've been on trips during this particular week through the years... a lot. Guess I'm kind of programmed.

Feels interesting (in a good way) to be in nesting mode during what would typically be migration season. I wonder if this means Spring will spring early for me... ;-) Did anyone hear what Punksatony Phil had to say about his shadow the other day?

Lessons From the Archives

At work, I am known as one who enjoys collecting, categorizing, labeling, filing and retrieving bits of information... but tends to get a little sassy-mouthed when wrangled into moving my precious archives toward destruction. A pack-rat librarian of sorts, you might say.

Nevertheless, in these days of increasing regulation of what can and can't be kept, (and how, how long, and for what reasons), it's getting tougher and tougher to be a pack-rat. Recently, I surrendered, sucked it up, held my breath, and... went through a box of old project folders.

I've been in project management for quite a few years now and have accumulated quite a stash of project notes and remnants. The existence of these old maps to current reality is comforting to me in the following ways:

1. They contain my original thought and decision-making processes. (I can remember why we did something).
2. They recall project participants, so I know who might remember some detail if I can't.
3. My email has to be archived much more vigorously; it's nice to know the paper trail is there just in case.
4. Proof that, yes, we actually have done a certain project three times already in the past decade. I'm not crazy.
5. Provision of mental or structural templates for similar projects going forward.
6. Proof that something has been changed, reinvented, or improved - restored - because I was there.

But about #6... know what I discovered? It hit me when all but 3 folders sprawled dead on the floor after going through the entire box... It's all temporary. In the grand scheme of life, most everything I touch is just a small stepping stone to pass over on the way to the next stone, making my way across the river. Does that stone have to stay there in order for others to cross behind me? No - they'll make their own way. Does it have to stay there in order for me to be safe moving forward? No - it only provides psychological security in looking back at where I've come from. Time blankets our past in layer upon layer of obscurity; even in unwrapping those layers, few things remain truly useful.

I have a plaque in my house that Grandma used to keep in hers: "Only one life; 't'will soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last." True, I think. We just can't get over-zealous about thinking we're in charge of determining what will end up lasting and what won't. I know there's eternal stuff that happens when I'm at at work; but most of it isn't stuff that will be found in a project box a few years from now.

I want what I do down here to matter. Don't we all want that? How will the "project boxes" of my life have meaning in eternity? How will they not stay buried under layer after layer of dusty time? Because what is done for Him, through Him, BY Him will last. If it rests in shadow, He will, one day, uncover it with great Joy and celebration.

What do I do that falls into that eternal category? That's my own private mental post for tonight. You too - think about it... what do you do? What will last? What good do you hope will be remembered? In whose strength is that thing accomplished? Then let it reach beyond ourselves... and let it be done in Love.

The Nest

You know when you pick out paint for a room, get it on the wall, and could swear it's a completely different color than what you picked? That is the opposite of what happened with painting Eva's room. The colors are perfect. PERFECT. The jury is most definitely in and green and orange DO work together! They coordinate perfectly with the comforter, and blend the rest of the room all together. LOVE it!!


Even Guffman and Duncan agree... Here's their take on the whole thing:

GUFF: Bunkie, bro - there's definitely something off here. I may be older than you, but my nose is still good, and I'm not liking what I'm sniffin' here...

DUNCAN: G, what'ryachewin', man; mom and pops are fixing up the guest bedroom just for us. Check out this massive doggie bed!














G: Dude, I don't think so; Mom's pulled you off there like 5 times already and she SO gave me the look when I did gender-check on the polar bear. Plus, they keep saying that 'Eva's coming' - whatever that means. There's something we're not getting here.











D: Fine, bud - you be all whiggy if that's what does it for you. But this plush rug? My very own chewy bear, and a canopy over my doggie bed?? THAT's what does it for me. Seeyabye. (To himself: I might even check out that dress while Mom's napping...)











G: I got the squirrel toy, I got the squirrel toy; betcha can't get me!

Actually - the orange looks a little brighter and yellower here than in real life, but you get the general idea. Decorative items still to get: curtains, beanbag, child's chair, orange lamp... still a bunch of stuff to hang too - but this is progress! Every new detail in place, she feels a little closer...

It's Not Too Late!

Not too late to show up for LATTE's 9 to 4 conference and spa at FCC in Hudson tomorrow! Kim Jeffries will talk about identity in Christ AND you get a massage - I ask you: how much better does it get? Doors open at 8:30 am - hope to see you there!