Tonight was the last session of my Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport class. I was a bit late and snuck in the back. I had missed last week's class as I was in Dallas. I have enjoyed this series and this book is one I have truly loved and will recommend to others.
A Charles Spurgeon quote was in the required reading and also noted in class tonight. It is fast becoming one of my favorites.
" We win hearts for Jesus by love, by sympathy with their sorrows, by anxiety lest they should perish, by pleading with God for them with all our hearts that they would not be left to die unsaved, by pleading with them for God, that, for their own sake, they would seek mercy and find grace."
This touches on what has become a center point of my life. An Iraqi friend's family has made me welcome in their midst. This has been a great opportunity to reach out to some in Islam. Volunteering with an AIDS group gave me the chance to reach out to many homosexuals. In both cases it has been a blessing to me to be able to share God's love. For some it was the first time a "christian" ever approached them with anything other that condemnation. (christian is in lower case not as a slight to Christ but because I do not believe that a true follower of Christ could be so harsh) As a firm believer in "relational evangelism" I am grateful to have this experience.
I think the thing I value most from this series is the reassurance that I am only where I am right now thanks to the grace of God. He has led me here. This is comforting because where I am in my life path is uncertain and would be frightening without sure knowledge that God is with me. Drop me a line if you find yourself in a similar situation. I'll be glad to share how He has hepled me.
02 February 2005
Not the easy way...
Karol Josef Wojtyla knows what it means to take the more difficult path through life. He was living in Nazi occupied Poland when he felt the need to study to be a man of the cloth. At the time he made that decision he knew he would have to accomplish this objective in secret. While almost everyone is aware of the horrific price paid by Jews in concentration camps, fewer know how many Polish Christians were rounded up to die as well. To even contemplate his plan was risky. The fact that he was able to carry it out was nothing short of miraculous.
This gives us a small glimpse into the perseverance he still shows today. He has been instrumental in calling the faithful back into fellowship during the most tumultuous time the Catholic church has faced. His being willing to take the hard line and not follow political correctness has served the church well.
He has been plagued with chronic health problems but has not allowed them to sway him from what he feels he needs to do. Whether you agree with him or not, you can't help admiring the steadfast determination he exhibits in everything he does.
While I am not Catholic myself, I respect the witness this man's life has been in his devotion to Christ. A friend of mine who is a priest says he uses the example of this man to spur him on when he feels his own faith is flagging.
That is perhaps the best thing anyone can say of a Christian. How wonderful it is to be someone who can inspire others just by the way you live. I think we should all hope to be such a person.
Today I will be saying a few prayers for healing for Karol and thanks for all he has been able to do as Pope John Paul II.
This gives us a small glimpse into the perseverance he still shows today. He has been instrumental in calling the faithful back into fellowship during the most tumultuous time the Catholic church has faced. His being willing to take the hard line and not follow political correctness has served the church well.
He has been plagued with chronic health problems but has not allowed them to sway him from what he feels he needs to do. Whether you agree with him or not, you can't help admiring the steadfast determination he exhibits in everything he does.
While I am not Catholic myself, I respect the witness this man's life has been in his devotion to Christ. A friend of mine who is a priest says he uses the example of this man to spur him on when he feels his own faith is flagging.
That is perhaps the best thing anyone can say of a Christian. How wonderful it is to be someone who can inspire others just by the way you live. I think we should all hope to be such a person.
Today I will be saying a few prayers for healing for Karol and thanks for all he has been able to do as Pope John Paul II.
01 February 2005
Me, as I am now
“In my music, I’m trying to play the truth of what I am. The reason it’s difficult is because I’m changing all the time.” Charles Mingus
I like this quote. For those of you who have somehow missed out on what should be required education, Mr. Mingus was a legend in jazz. Equally gifted on the bass or piano, he was even better as a composer.
In this quote he perhaps caught one of life's best lessons. We are not static beings. If you are the same person today that you were a year ago, you are not doing something right. This reassures me that I must doing well.
I know I am a more patient person now than I ever hoped to be. I find it easier to love more now. I like to think I am wiser than I thought would be possible. I trust time will show this to be true. The reason all of these things have come to pass is a simple one.
As I have journeyed through life, many things have happened. I decided the best thing was to see what lessons I could learn along the way and how they could make me, a better me. (The original model had lots of room for improvement) This gives me much anticipation for the future. I look forward to the next chance to learn something new, or refine a skill.
I have known a few people who seemed to make their travel through life an enjoyable trip. My grandfather was one such man. He always seemed to be learning new things to keep up with the times. He radiated joy wherever he went and was always great fun to be with. I remember the grand times we had when he came to England to visit us. He was at an age when many slow down and lose their sense of adventure. Even now, when he has been gone for many years, I think of him and he seems as near as my heart. I hope I grow up to be just like him.
I like this quote. For those of you who have somehow missed out on what should be required education, Mr. Mingus was a legend in jazz. Equally gifted on the bass or piano, he was even better as a composer.
In this quote he perhaps caught one of life's best lessons. We are not static beings. If you are the same person today that you were a year ago, you are not doing something right. This reassures me that I must doing well.
I know I am a more patient person now than I ever hoped to be. I find it easier to love more now. I like to think I am wiser than I thought would be possible. I trust time will show this to be true. The reason all of these things have come to pass is a simple one.
As I have journeyed through life, many things have happened. I decided the best thing was to see what lessons I could learn along the way and how they could make me, a better me. (The original model had lots of room for improvement) This gives me much anticipation for the future. I look forward to the next chance to learn something new, or refine a skill.
I have known a few people who seemed to make their travel through life an enjoyable trip. My grandfather was one such man. He always seemed to be learning new things to keep up with the times. He radiated joy wherever he went and was always great fun to be with. I remember the grand times we had when he came to England to visit us. He was at an age when many slow down and lose their sense of adventure. Even now, when he has been gone for many years, I think of him and he seems as near as my heart. I hope I grow up to be just like him.
31 January 2005
Too good to be true
I was working with a customer the other day and I think I sprained his brain. He had been in earlier and had a space designed. He liked it so much he had come back to do another. He mentioned that with what he now knew he wished he had gotten some deeper shelves. I told him we would be happy to replace his shelves with new ones. He said he didn't think he could bring them back because they had been cut to fit. I explained that he could still bring them back and we would cut him deeper shelves to fit.
It took me several minutes to get him to believe that we were more concerned with him being happy with his space than the cost of a few shelves. Nobody expects a company to put customer satisfaction first any more. Convincing my customers that we do is probably the most challenging part of my job. They all assume that it is too good to be true. Truth be told, I love this job for that very reason. I really like seeing that dazed look on their faces as they try to wrap their brain around how we do business.
This made me think of how often I am gifted with many things that sprain my brain. I have family who love me and let me know it. I have friends who support and comfort me when life seems rough. I have a God who cares for me and gave me the family and friends. This seems to good to be true. Thankfully it is not. Like my customer, I should just relax and be glad it is so.
It took me several minutes to get him to believe that we were more concerned with him being happy with his space than the cost of a few shelves. Nobody expects a company to put customer satisfaction first any more. Convincing my customers that we do is probably the most challenging part of my job. They all assume that it is too good to be true. Truth be told, I love this job for that very reason. I really like seeing that dazed look on their faces as they try to wrap their brain around how we do business.
This made me think of how often I am gifted with many things that sprain my brain. I have family who love me and let me know it. I have friends who support and comfort me when life seems rough. I have a God who cares for me and gave me the family and friends. This seems to good to be true. Thankfully it is not. Like my customer, I should just relax and be glad it is so.
23 January 2005
The latest
Illness has finally retreated from my life and I am just left with the everyday aches and pains. Life becomes normal again. At least it would if I had a normal life to begin with. I'm not sure there is such a thing. Maybe this constant state of flux is to be considered normal.
I have been enjoying the current class offering at church on Wednesday nights. It is titled Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport after a book of the same title by Richard J. Mouw. The book has been very enlightening. I think however that the class is even more so because of the teacher. Spend just a little time in one of Clay's classes and you realize that he is uniquely gifted for teaching. He creates an aura of excitement in the class and has you longing to learn more.
The class has been the highlight of my week. It helps to have something enjoyable to do after having spent my day off in search of another job. Full time work has now eluded me for a year. While I have enjoyed the freedom of a part time schedule and temp. work, the freedom of a fuller paycheck would be most welcome indeed.
I hope to make it to Dallas this week to meet my newest nephew and see the rest of his family. I haven't seen them for over a year and a half. That's the longest stretch of time I have ever gone without seeing someone in my family. I hope to get oodles of photos to tide me over until I can see them again. To some of my friends it is a blessing not to have to see their families. For me it is a hardship. My family is where my best friends are. It is great to have sisters, better still when they can be your friend too.
I'm very blessed and pray the you will be as well.
I have been enjoying the current class offering at church on Wednesday nights. It is titled Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport after a book of the same title by Richard J. Mouw. The book has been very enlightening. I think however that the class is even more so because of the teacher. Spend just a little time in one of Clay's classes and you realize that he is uniquely gifted for teaching. He creates an aura of excitement in the class and has you longing to learn more.
The class has been the highlight of my week. It helps to have something enjoyable to do after having spent my day off in search of another job. Full time work has now eluded me for a year. While I have enjoyed the freedom of a part time schedule and temp. work, the freedom of a fuller paycheck would be most welcome indeed.
I hope to make it to Dallas this week to meet my newest nephew and see the rest of his family. I haven't seen them for over a year and a half. That's the longest stretch of time I have ever gone without seeing someone in my family. I hope to get oodles of photos to tide me over until I can see them again. To some of my friends it is a blessing not to have to see their families. For me it is a hardship. My family is where my best friends are. It is great to have sisters, better still when they can be your friend too.
I'm very blessed and pray the you will be as well.
22 January 2005
Tiny Hopes
The Sanctity of Human Life week is ending and little has changed this past year. It saddens me immensely that the country I live in does so little to protect those freshest from the Hand of God.
If you did not know of this week dedicated to remembering these tiny ones in peril, perhaps you can make note of it now. Ask yourself what you can do to effect change. If you are not part of the solution, you are by your very inactivity part of the problem. There are many ways you can be proactive in this cause. Find one that interests you and do it.
If you did not know of this week dedicated to remembering these tiny ones in peril, perhaps you can make note of it now. Ask yourself what you can do to effect change. If you are not part of the solution, you are by your very inactivity part of the problem. There are many ways you can be proactive in this cause. Find one that interests you and do it.
11 January 2005
I don't like being sick
The last few days have not been any I will want to remember. Finally caught the cold that has been going around work. Can't breathe and tried to cough up a lung. Got that under control and my ears filled. Actually burst an eardrum this morning. Having done so in the past at least I knew what had happened and what to do.
Made a stop by my favorite doctor today to start some antibiotics to hopefully keep the other ear safe. Unfortunately I am limited in what I can take to get better. Can't take decongestants as they get me wired and I don't sleep for days. Have been sucking down lots of fluids, taking half doses of Liquibid, using aromatherapy and heat packs. Still you just have to sweat it out. With the fever I have been keeping that has definitely been happening.
It's been weird, I have never missed two days in a row at work except for when I had surgery 15 years ago. Still, I am glad my parents are in town for a while. The best thing you can have when you're sick is a mother to kiss you and tell you it will all get better. There is powerful magic medicine in a mother's touch, no matter how old you are.
Hope all of you are well and don't get this.
Made a stop by my favorite doctor today to start some antibiotics to hopefully keep the other ear safe. Unfortunately I am limited in what I can take to get better. Can't take decongestants as they get me wired and I don't sleep for days. Have been sucking down lots of fluids, taking half doses of Liquibid, using aromatherapy and heat packs. Still you just have to sweat it out. With the fever I have been keeping that has definitely been happening.
It's been weird, I have never missed two days in a row at work except for when I had surgery 15 years ago. Still, I am glad my parents are in town for a while. The best thing you can have when you're sick is a mother to kiss you and tell you it will all get better. There is powerful magic medicine in a mother's touch, no matter how old you are.
Hope all of you are well and don't get this.
01 January 2005
Reflections on a year gone by.....
It was an exciting journey from start to finish with many side trips along the way. I began the year with no job and no car. Anything was going to be an improvement.
While I don’t recommend it, job searching can be done by making use of public transportation. Thankfully a kind and generous person made the purchase of a car a possibility in late January. After eight months afoot this was fantastic. It significantly impacted the search. I did quite a lot of temp work while waiting for one of my many interviews to yield a positive result.
I spent the Spring doing an odd dance all around town picking up whatever work I could find. Some enjoyable, and some not. It all helped to pay the bills. If you are creative in robbing Peter to pay Paul you can almost make ends meet. Progress on the job search was made with a part-time position at The Container Store in July. It is great and the people I work with are incredibly helpful. I leave the job always tired but happy. The only downside to the whole situation is that I am unable to live on a part-time salary.
Before you assume that all of this indicates I had a bad year, let me tell you how just how great it has been. I now know in a real and personal way just how much God loves me. He has been so faithful in meeting my needs and filling me with His Peace. The entire year has been a one blessing after another.
Because I was not on a fixed schedule, I had time to participate in many activities I usually never get to do. I made it to a number of programs at church. I taught Vacation Bible School. I worked for Harris County Republicans at several events. I was also able to spend quite a bit of time getting out the vote to get my Brother-in-love reelected. Congratulations Victor, the Railroad Commission will never be the same!
So while I sit at the laptop and ponder the moments which made up this year, I am pleased and content with how they all turned out. Snow on Christmas Eve was the ultimate end. What I had thought would be a rough year has been the best one of my life!
May you find all the blessings God has in store for you this coming year.
With much love,
me
While I don’t recommend it, job searching can be done by making use of public transportation. Thankfully a kind and generous person made the purchase of a car a possibility in late January. After eight months afoot this was fantastic. It significantly impacted the search. I did quite a lot of temp work while waiting for one of my many interviews to yield a positive result.
I spent the Spring doing an odd dance all around town picking up whatever work I could find. Some enjoyable, and some not. It all helped to pay the bills. If you are creative in robbing Peter to pay Paul you can almost make ends meet. Progress on the job search was made with a part-time position at The Container Store in July. It is great and the people I work with are incredibly helpful. I leave the job always tired but happy. The only downside to the whole situation is that I am unable to live on a part-time salary.
Before you assume that all of this indicates I had a bad year, let me tell you how just how great it has been. I now know in a real and personal way just how much God loves me. He has been so faithful in meeting my needs and filling me with His Peace. The entire year has been a one blessing after another.
Because I was not on a fixed schedule, I had time to participate in many activities I usually never get to do. I made it to a number of programs at church. I taught Vacation Bible School. I worked for Harris County Republicans at several events. I was also able to spend quite a bit of time getting out the vote to get my Brother-in-love reelected. Congratulations Victor, the Railroad Commission will never be the same!
So while I sit at the laptop and ponder the moments which made up this year, I am pleased and content with how they all turned out. Snow on Christmas Eve was the ultimate end. What I had thought would be a rough year has been the best one of my life!
May you find all the blessings God has in store for you this coming year.
With much love,
me
31 December 2004
29 December 2004
Little Dancers
Found some time this month to see my favorite ballerina
She's having fun in the class
Now her little sisters can hardly wait for their turn
O.k. I know it has been ages since I sat down to chart on my progress through this life. Those of you sending e-mails requesting funeral information may stop doing so. While there isn't much evidence to support it, I am indeed alive and mostly well.
I just survived my first holiday season in retail. Those who know the dangers already feel my pain, and the rest of you I will spare the horrors. Fortunately most of our clientele are super. Not much to complain about other than being phenomenally tired.
We are now in the middle of our busiest time. Only once a year does our best selling product go on sale. This means that contrary to every other retailer, January is our biggest month. I expect to be tired for a while yet.
I will try to post a year in review on Saturday. Check back then.
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