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| Image from this article at Patman |
Faith grows in the midst of daily challenges.
Or more accurately: Faith has the opportunity to grow in the midst of this day and the challenges of this day. In the midst of our daily walk, here in the land of gravity and taxes and man's inhumanity-to-man and the power of the internet and cellulite and death and heaven's door and kindness and chronic pain and daisies and an incessant barking dog. Here where we are. Here. Where we rub elbows with Earth's boundaries we learn about our walk-with-faith. In the reality of our day's story, today, we learn about faith. Our faith. Our foundation.
Growth and change and faith and life and death and trash picking and Twitter trending and webinar practice and snail mail and custody battles and pumped up mascara and storms and a garage sale have much to teach me. People. At their glorious best, at their absolute worst, and at their 'not-so-much.' Faith where the rubber meets the road. Faith in the day-to-day, beyond the pews. That's where you learn about people. That's where you practice faith.
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| Grandma Alta at Noelle's wedding weekend, this is at the picnic rehearsal dinner fun |
This last week was full to the brim with emotion, reflection and reality. This past week was the moment in time when the grandmother of my daughters died. Unexpectedly. That Grandma-Nana-Alta had a long life of contribution and family and got to live to see and be surrounded by her great-grand-children's antics and developing personalities: that was a gift. A gift that was celebrated this week, amid much emotion.
Accidents and brain surgery and removing life support all in a few hours time, compound the level of emotion for all. Truly.
Focusing next on the stories and the happy memories are a fitting tribute in the midst of everything changing in an instant. The evenings of hilarity around the card table and the simple delight in an episode of Jeopardy. The small slivers of shared appreciation. The glimmers of a remembered picnic with deviled eggs. Dominoes. Hand crocheted baby hats. The arrival of a dozen red roses on my fortieth birthday. Alta's life is now written with an end date. What remains is legacy. Faith.
Focusing next on the stories and the happy memories are a fitting tribute in the midst of everything changing in an instant. The evenings of hilarity around the card table and the simple delight in an episode of Jeopardy. The small slivers of shared appreciation. The glimmers of a remembered picnic with deviled eggs. Dominoes. Hand crocheted baby hats. The arrival of a dozen red roses on my fortieth birthday. Alta's life is now written with an end date. What remains is legacy. Faith.
Alta's life here in our midst has ended. That she was able to be surrounded by those that loved her as she left Earth, only to be surrounded in an instant by those in Heaven who have always loved her.... offers our greatest consolation.
So this week I have had a lot to consider. Praise report. Death and heaven and trash picking oh. And Twitter trending.
Let's shift gears from the ultimate consideration of heaven to the most mundane detail of my daily living. I know that's abrupt to say the least. Last week started with such an amazing #GodThing nuance 'coincidence' that it deserves documentation. Here. To remind me always. If you've been reading along, you are up-to-date that we've quite unexpectedly sold our summer home-haven of the last ten years and are renting in very modest surroundings so that we can continue our season of sunsets on our adopted peninsula.
Our little rental digs came complete with a TV AND cable. Sounds great? Oui-oui? That said TV dates back to an earlier decade and is roughly the size of my computer screen is quite fitting of our spartan surroundings. I asked sweet hubby to please connect us to our streaming favorite shows. He explained that the TV is too old to connect via his normal sorcery to the BIG source of shows. Thud. We don't watch TV in real time. Adjustment. New evenings ahead. Hmmmm. Sorta like mosquitoes or poison ivy. Constant irritation. Adjustment. Read a book perhaps? Breathe. Accept.
Here's where the Praise Report comes in to play. After Allen's very specific explanation to me on why said TV could not produce our 'style' of television, the very next morning he went to deliver our collected recycle cast offs to the recycle bins. There sitting next to the recycle dumpster, was a 36" screen TV! "Ask and you will receive."
Now. In all honesty. The two of us did NOT sit here in our spartan setting and pray over our lack of TV technology. We merely acknowledged it together and accepted that life is different this summer. Then VOILA! Within 12 hours of that conversation, he is lugging this massive (by comparison) TV into our mini-meager living room/kitchen/life.
We're both laughing that it can't possibly work, right? Who would throw out a television that works? Of course you've already guessed the conclusion, I'm sure. Yes. Of course. It works! Not only does it work on every channel in MEGA glory, but it has the magic sorcery to connect to our streaming world.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7
Can it really be that simple? Ask and receive? I give you evidence of that unconditional truth. Moral to the story? You receive gifts when you recycle. It PAYS to recycle. We are a story of recycling in progress. Thank you kind folks who outgrew this TV. We will appreciate your kindness daily. Your timing was perfect. In every way possible.
What else.
Our #TeacherFriends Twitter chat 'trended' for the second time. That this grandmother knows what that means is even slightly more hilarious. This week we were second behind Pluto's hashtag, on Tuesday night, in real time. {The first time we trended we were behind the US Women's Soccer hashtag.} What does that mean in the grand scheme of things? Hashtags. Pluto. Heaven. Friends.
Life and death. Trash picking and Twitter Trending.
When I think about life and legacy and my own efforts.... when I bring myself to encapsulate my work to one word, yesterday the first word that came to me was: CONTRIBUTION. I stand before you today, aware that our efforts together on Twitter have contributed to teachers around the globe. When I had the meager idea of creating a safe hashtag landing area for teachers to "practice" chatting on Twitter, little did I ever realize in my wildest dreams that we would TREND right behind Pluto. Isn't it amazing what heaven can do with the smallest seed planted in faith.
Last week was also the final tech-walk-through for my webinar of THIS week. [It didn't go smoothly.] What's that stuff about dress rehearsal? SO THRILLING to envision it going well. I got an email on Friday from FrogStreet saying that 1,032 people have ALREADY pre-registered for "Making Monday Matter." Typically about 50% attend in real time, the rest attend at their leisure and watch the archive. IS THAT INCREDIBLE? You still have plenty of time to get registered. Just pop over here and bring a friend. It will be fascinating to see how it turns out, when I report next week. Send your tech prayers to my address.
That's not enough fun for one week. Not at all.
Yesterday was our "stuff" sale at the annual "Stuff-O-Rama." Participating in a flea market/garage sale with your accumulation of moving sale "stuff" is enlightening in and of itself. Trinkets and treasures from a life of our past, that do not belong in our projected life of the future. Meanwhile Alta's children and grands are going through her shelves and basement. The things we save. The things we gather. The stuff that surrounds us and in some way reflects us. How can we keep our stuff from defining us? How does the stuff that surrounds us insulate us from the world. Goodness sakes. Food for thought. On the upside, we did 'profit' over our expenditure for the space. YEAH GOD!
My most unexpected blessings 'out-of-the-clear-blue' of the week have come via our Post Office Box and the United States mail. The fact that our forwarded mail would catch up also fills me with happy gratitude. This week I was brought to tears by two different manila envelopes bearing my name.
It seems I have new evidence of making a "CONTRIBUTION."
The first package came from a sweet 'fan' {friend} that I haven't seen since 2005. She told me that fact on the phone, when she called to order three copies of "You're Wonderful." It suddenly occurred to her that my first picture book would be the perfect gift to take to Italy to share with her brand new Italian family by upcoming marriage. She then went on to send me a thank you gift for prioritizing getting my books to her before their international departure.
She sent me my very own 'rainbow-maker.' She told me that I have brought color to so many and she wanted to repay the favor. Yes. Those rainbows glimmer and bounce across the floor and wall. Cathy was completely and totally unaware of any of our recent extended family drama. She put our whole recent interaction down to the coincidence of a #GodWink. She even recommended the book to me that I have recommended here earlier. How grateful I am for her kindness and her prayers and the rainbows that will continue to fascinate me and remind me of God's promise.
"Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." Genesis 9:16
My song, "God Did" is a favorite. The arrangement is incredible. The message simple. It is probably the least familiar song, to even my avid fans. I am seldom at liberty to teach this meaningful song at conferences. Yet, in private conversations with participants I can direct individuals to it. Here's a glimpse at the kindness sent to me with stamps. Reinforcement that my contribution is genuine. In a week of reflection on legacy, the package forwarded arrived with Divine timing.
I have "God Did" in a digital file as an Mp3 for a FREE download at our site PreK and K Sharing site. Go to this link for your FREE copy. Download. Use it during Bible School. Teach it in Sunday School. Share it at your faith based preschool. I am so grateful that I can contribute to your program, to your family, to your center. I am so grateful to Michele for taking the time to communicate her site's use of my work. YEAH GOD!
Heaven. Trash Picking. Garage Sale. Snail Mail. Heaven.
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
The realities of the backdrop of our family's story have not changed an iota. If anything they have grown more stressed under this week's loss. We all appreciate your steadfast and continued prayers.
We have scriptural support and assurance. We carry on. We work hard NOT to grow weary in the face of doing good. When in doubt I also continue with my mantra, "Vengeance is mine says the Lord."
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This was ironically also the week that Younique released the much heralded newly improved mascara. There is MUCH fanfare and excitement about the improvements. Sarah's need for new hostess continues as always. Can you help? Would you be willing to host a cyber-party?
Thank you one and all for your support and encouragement.
I realize that this is not all a seamlessly smooth look at faith. It is just an overview. A slice. Faith in the reality.
We're both laughing that it can't possibly work, right? Who would throw out a television that works? Of course you've already guessed the conclusion, I'm sure. Yes. Of course. It works! Not only does it work on every channel in MEGA glory, but it has the magic sorcery to connect to our streaming world.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7
Can it really be that simple? Ask and receive? I give you evidence of that unconditional truth. Moral to the story? You receive gifts when you recycle. It PAYS to recycle. We are a story of recycling in progress. Thank you kind folks who outgrew this TV. We will appreciate your kindness daily. Your timing was perfect. In every way possible.
What else.
Our #TeacherFriends Twitter chat 'trended' for the second time. That this grandmother knows what that means is even slightly more hilarious. This week we were second behind Pluto's hashtag, on Tuesday night, in real time. {The first time we trended we were behind the US Women's Soccer hashtag.} What does that mean in the grand scheme of things? Hashtags. Pluto. Heaven. Friends.
Life and death. Trash picking and Twitter Trending.
When I think about life and legacy and my own efforts.... when I bring myself to encapsulate my work to one word, yesterday the first word that came to me was: CONTRIBUTION. I stand before you today, aware that our efforts together on Twitter have contributed to teachers around the globe. When I had the meager idea of creating a safe hashtag landing area for teachers to "practice" chatting on Twitter, little did I ever realize in my wildest dreams that we would TREND right behind Pluto. Isn't it amazing what heaven can do with the smallest seed planted in faith.
Last week was also the final tech-walk-through for my webinar of THIS week. [It didn't go smoothly.] What's that stuff about dress rehearsal? SO THRILLING to envision it going well. I got an email on Friday from FrogStreet saying that 1,032 people have ALREADY pre-registered for "Making Monday Matter." Typically about 50% attend in real time, the rest attend at their leisure and watch the archive. IS THAT INCREDIBLE? You still have plenty of time to get registered. Just pop over here and bring a friend. It will be fascinating to see how it turns out, when I report next week. Send your tech prayers to my address.
That's not enough fun for one week. Not at all.
Yesterday was our "stuff" sale at the annual "Stuff-O-Rama." Participating in a flea market/garage sale with your accumulation of moving sale "stuff" is enlightening in and of itself. Trinkets and treasures from a life of our past, that do not belong in our projected life of the future. Meanwhile Alta's children and grands are going through her shelves and basement. The things we save. The things we gather. The stuff that surrounds us and in some way reflects us. How can we keep our stuff from defining us? How does the stuff that surrounds us insulate us from the world. Goodness sakes. Food for thought. On the upside, we did 'profit' over our expenditure for the space. YEAH GOD!
My most unexpected blessings 'out-of-the-clear-blue' of the week have come via our Post Office Box and the United States mail. The fact that our forwarded mail would catch up also fills me with happy gratitude. This week I was brought to tears by two different manila envelopes bearing my name.
It seems I have new evidence of making a "CONTRIBUTION."
The first package came from a sweet 'fan' {friend} that I haven't seen since 2005. She told me that fact on the phone, when she called to order three copies of "You're Wonderful." It suddenly occurred to her that my first picture book would be the perfect gift to take to Italy to share with her brand new Italian family by upcoming marriage. She then went on to send me a thank you gift for prioritizing getting my books to her before their international departure.
"Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." Genesis 9:16
My song, "God Did" is a favorite. The arrangement is incredible. The message simple. It is probably the least familiar song, to even my avid fans. I am seldom at liberty to teach this meaningful song at conferences. Yet, in private conversations with participants I can direct individuals to it. Here's a glimpse at the kindness sent to me with stamps. Reinforcement that my contribution is genuine. In a week of reflection on legacy, the package forwarded arrived with Divine timing.
I have "God Did" in a digital file as an Mp3 for a FREE download at our site PreK and K Sharing site. Go to this link for your FREE copy. Download. Use it during Bible School. Teach it in Sunday School. Share it at your faith based preschool. I am so grateful that I can contribute to your program, to your family, to your center. I am so grateful to Michele for taking the time to communicate her site's use of my work. YEAH GOD!
Heaven. Trash Picking. Garage Sale. Snail Mail. Heaven.
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| Image Source |
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
The realities of the backdrop of our family's story have not changed an iota. If anything they have grown more stressed under this week's loss. We all appreciate your steadfast and continued prayers.
We have scriptural support and assurance. We carry on. We work hard NOT to grow weary in the face of doing good. When in doubt I also continue with my mantra, "Vengeance is mine says the Lord."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This was ironically also the week that Younique released the much heralded newly improved mascara. There is MUCH fanfare and excitement about the improvements. Sarah's need for new hostess continues as always. Can you help? Would you be willing to host a cyber-party?
I realize that this is not all a seamlessly smooth look at faith. It is just an overview. A slice. Faith in the reality.
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