Just over two weeks ago, we moved from the "Settle Inn" to our own home. Yes, it is beginning to feel like home. Both cars were in the garage for the last two nights as the Wisconsin weather finally showed its snowy head. Our furniture is in place though no pictures are hung yet. They aren't many nail holes so I want to choose carefully before we start filling the walls. Our house is simple but elegant - has all of the essentials we need for a good long time as well as room to entertain. We may need a snow blower by next year but otherwise we are pretty well set.
We have been able to have a few friends over and hope to have many more - and maybe a small group or two. Having friends over always involves a whirlwind of straightening and cleaning as well as figuring out what to eat but almost always ends with peace and satisfaction. And the next few days we can relax and let the house go to pot:).
We each have one new doctor - actually the same one for RA treatment - and are getting our treatments and prescriptions. Green Bay and De Pere are becoming more familiar everyday as are our work situations. Challenges on the computers have probably been our biggest obstacles. We have found a church and are slowly getting acquainted with the people and getting comfortable with the style of preaching and worship. We know where to find the main pizza joints as well as the main department stores. A bonus has been living closer to friends and family we already know.
We plan to be here for a long time. We look forward to our kids visits: Katie for a little longer stay this summer since she heads to Colombia for 10 months in the fall; Daniel when the hectic tax season finally winds down. As we sit in front of our gas fireplace (hopefully we will get our wood stove set up downstairs by next winter), we are satisfied that we have made it through our moves and should be able to stay parked for a good long time. And with Daylight savings' time just around the corner, spring isn't all that far away..
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Landing on our Feet (Again)
Our lives haven't been exactly normal. I guess no body's really is.
The last five years have been somewhat of a whirlwind - living in Michigan, Pennsylvania, back to Wisconsin (in a couple/three locations in the last year and a half). Yes it has taken a toll on us.
This last episode of four months of unemployment for Tom (not unique to us in this economy but the longest in our marriage) was hard. Waiting for promised HR calls at the end of the week made some Fridays seem interminable. Calls and call backs - delays, evasiveness, letdowns. Tom was applying for jobs consistently. Right near the end, he did a short temporary job and started considering things out of his direct field(s) of training.
Even though it wasn't very hard to be supportive to someone who is diligent and I knew very well qualified, I will say that my faith got very small in regard to this. Now I think I understand how small of a grain of mustard seed is still acceptable.
In the midst of this, Tom was also experiencing some arthritis related issues and we worried that age was becoming a factor in the process. He has also been diagnosed with a form of RA and has gotten a lot of relief already with a helpful medication. He seems several years younger.
AND THEN HE GOT A JOB! Within a short period of time, we feel back in the game. We have found a wonderful twin home which we are looking forward to moving into and are back nearer to some of our longtime friends and longer time family members. Our hope is back up!
One thing I have noticed about myself is that I am somewhat of a "fickle friend" to the Lord. I experienced doubt and discouragement throughout this time. It is easier to be positive when circumstances seem to be going our way.
So for now, we're back on our feet and are very thankful about it and for it.
The last five years have been somewhat of a whirlwind - living in Michigan, Pennsylvania, back to Wisconsin (in a couple/three locations in the last year and a half). Yes it has taken a toll on us.
This last episode of four months of unemployment for Tom (not unique to us in this economy but the longest in our marriage) was hard. Waiting for promised HR calls at the end of the week made some Fridays seem interminable. Calls and call backs - delays, evasiveness, letdowns. Tom was applying for jobs consistently. Right near the end, he did a short temporary job and started considering things out of his direct field(s) of training.
Even though it wasn't very hard to be supportive to someone who is diligent and I knew very well qualified, I will say that my faith got very small in regard to this. Now I think I understand how small of a grain of mustard seed is still acceptable.
In the midst of this, Tom was also experiencing some arthritis related issues and we worried that age was becoming a factor in the process. He has also been diagnosed with a form of RA and has gotten a lot of relief already with a helpful medication. He seems several years younger.
AND THEN HE GOT A JOB! Within a short period of time, we feel back in the game. We have found a wonderful twin home which we are looking forward to moving into and are back nearer to some of our longtime friends and longer time family members. Our hope is back up!
One thing I have noticed about myself is that I am somewhat of a "fickle friend" to the Lord. I experienced doubt and discouragement throughout this time. It is easier to be positive when circumstances seem to be going our way.
So for now, we're back on our feet and are very thankful about it and for it.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Christmas: Surprised by Joy and Total Forgiveness
There was probably some initial fear (and in Zachariah's case a temporary case of muteness) when announcements were being made about the Messiah's entrance into our human world. Mary was dumbfounded but happy and joyful to be picked for the most precious child to be hers.Anna and Simeon prophesied and knew that their lives were complete when they heard the news. Joseph was probably baffled, and definitely questioning until an angel assured him that this was in fact a virgin birth. Mary also had the joy of being told that her cousin Elisabeth would also bear a child even in her old age. John would leap in her womb when the two ladies met. The wise men, angels rejoicing and shepherds being summoned to visit were all quite joyful occasions I'm sure.
We know they expected a king and not this little lamb of a baby laying in a manger, but it is doubtful they realized that this little one would give us the possibility of total forgiveness. In the Old Testament, animals were sacrificed to cover the sins and shame of the people. But it didn't last indefinitely.
Even though Mary knew she had an exceptional child - since she nudged Him to change the water into wine a little earlier in his life that expected - it's hard to know whether she had any full idea of what His death would mean for us. Did she know that we would never have to lift our heads in shame because He died completely and totally for our sin? We know she had real grief at the cross but how much did she understand? These are all speculations of course. We aren't told about all of the emotions and questions that these eyewitnesses were asking.
I do know that He said "It is finished". 40 some years ago as I was asking questions about His very existence and what that meant to me personally, He answered. He showed me that He loved me unconditionally and would come in to dwell with me if I asked Him. I still consider that the most important decision of my life. "Though my sins were as scarlet, I am now as white as snow". Because I am a good person - or maybe better than some? Absolutely not.
Because my Saviour and Messiah surprised me with joy and total forgiveness. I am still eternally grateful and thankful that He lifts my head every day.
We know they expected a king and not this little lamb of a baby laying in a manger, but it is doubtful they realized that this little one would give us the possibility of total forgiveness. In the Old Testament, animals were sacrificed to cover the sins and shame of the people. But it didn't last indefinitely.
Even though Mary knew she had an exceptional child - since she nudged Him to change the water into wine a little earlier in his life that expected - it's hard to know whether she had any full idea of what His death would mean for us. Did she know that we would never have to lift our heads in shame because He died completely and totally for our sin? We know she had real grief at the cross but how much did she understand? These are all speculations of course. We aren't told about all of the emotions and questions that these eyewitnesses were asking.
I do know that He said "It is finished". 40 some years ago as I was asking questions about His very existence and what that meant to me personally, He answered. He showed me that He loved me unconditionally and would come in to dwell with me if I asked Him. I still consider that the most important decision of my life. "Though my sins were as scarlet, I am now as white as snow". Because I am a good person - or maybe better than some? Absolutely not.
Because my Saviour and Messiah surprised me with joy and total forgiveness. I am still eternally grateful and thankful that He lifts my head every day.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Under Construction: Hectic at Times
When my sister and her husband offered to let us "camp out" at their 4 bedroom, 2 bath cottage on Silver Lake,she told us that it might get hectic at times. She was right.
Today and yesterday, members of the crew came upstairs to rearrange pipes, heating and to do some insulation. Yesterday, they arrived at 7;58 and needed to work in the closet in our room. Dragging as I do in the morning when I don't have to be anywhere, I was barely awake. I grabbed my clothes to escape to my sister's room, hoping to shower and dress quickly before the plumbers got back with the parts. Not to my complete amazement, a ladder was up against the window of Linda's and Mike's room and Chuck was walking back and forth on the roof doing something. I grabbed my things, headed to the downstairs bathroom (no windows) and locked it. Hammering was going on right above me (It also was where they happened to be working today when I showered in the other bathroom). I don't consider myself paranoid but the timing is a little strange. The need for privacy is going to the top of my psychological needs' list:).
They are getting a lot done and are an interesting crew. Chuck, an "older man" (close to our age that means) never stops for a break. He smokes constantly and coughs in between. He calls out in frustration- GRRR_-a lot as he works, though has cut down his swearing considerably since he found out Tom has been a pastor and chaplain. Even though he likes to appear gruff, Tom sees him walk out on the dock int the early mornings and take in the beauty of the lake.
Jed, the leader of the crew, is always polite. He is our son's age (28) and has a lot of skills and maturity for a young man. He shared venison stew with his crew the other day (from the 13 point buck he got when hunting). He saved a bowl to share with us. I heard him talking about Christmas the other day. He said the tree is up at his home, but that he hates Christmas, except maybe for Christmas Eve. Jed said the rest of the season was like "nailing post-it notes to your forehead". I thought it was a good analogy for a lot of people who get stressed with all of the busyness of the holiday.
So..it is kind of interesting seeing all that they accomplish and the amazing results. I have a lot more respect for the hard work and intelligence it takes to get the final product. We never know for sure when they will be coming or going or what they will be working on next. but we always look forward to 4:30 when peace and quiet reigns once more.
Today and yesterday, members of the crew came upstairs to rearrange pipes, heating and to do some insulation. Yesterday, they arrived at 7;58 and needed to work in the closet in our room. Dragging as I do in the morning when I don't have to be anywhere, I was barely awake. I grabbed my clothes to escape to my sister's room, hoping to shower and dress quickly before the plumbers got back with the parts. Not to my complete amazement, a ladder was up against the window of Linda's and Mike's room and Chuck was walking back and forth on the roof doing something. I grabbed my things, headed to the downstairs bathroom (no windows) and locked it. Hammering was going on right above me (It also was where they happened to be working today when I showered in the other bathroom). I don't consider myself paranoid but the timing is a little strange. The need for privacy is going to the top of my psychological needs' list:).
They are getting a lot done and are an interesting crew. Chuck, an "older man" (close to our age that means) never stops for a break. He smokes constantly and coughs in between. He calls out in frustration- GRRR_-a lot as he works, though has cut down his swearing considerably since he found out Tom has been a pastor and chaplain. Even though he likes to appear gruff, Tom sees him walk out on the dock int the early mornings and take in the beauty of the lake.
Jed, the leader of the crew, is always polite. He is our son's age (28) and has a lot of skills and maturity for a young man. He shared venison stew with his crew the other day (from the 13 point buck he got when hunting). He saved a bowl to share with us. I heard him talking about Christmas the other day. He said the tree is up at his home, but that he hates Christmas, except maybe for Christmas Eve. Jed said the rest of the season was like "nailing post-it notes to your forehead". I thought it was a good analogy for a lot of people who get stressed with all of the busyness of the holiday.
So..it is kind of interesting seeing all that they accomplish and the amazing results. I have a lot more respect for the hard work and intelligence it takes to get the final product. We never know for sure when they will be coming or going or what they will be working on next. but we always look forward to 4:30 when peace and quiet reigns once more.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Our Home for the Holiday and Other Gatherings
I know some families out there have seamless, flawless times with their families. Some just joke around; Others avoid any problems and skim over the top. We are not like that.
All four of us look forward to getting together - and are always glad that we did. We have priceless times together. Just this year, we went to a ball game, took a ride on the Mississippi, played scrabble, ate at a fun Italian restaurant...and enjoyed a great Thanksgiving dinner together (if I do say so myself).
But in our family, each of us four shows up with their issues and they usually surface somewhere along the way. We get irritated, controlling, a bit grumpy..and we are a family that gets a bit intense as well. We do deal with our momentary flare ups, take a little break if we need to, and once again come together for some good laughs and quality time together.
Sometimes I think we should be like other families..
And I often say that I am glad that we are not.
We were so thankful this year that Katie's biopsy was benign - and that Daniel grew a beard (turned out to be an afterthought of his Boundary Waters' trip with good friends). We aren't too happy that Tom is still working for work, but are thankful that Tom and I have weathered many joys and sorrows through the years - and will look forward to an uncertain future together. We know may people can't do that. We also have our fluffy little dog Sasha to keep us perked up and delighted.
So all in all, I will conclude as my new favorite author, Alexander McCall Smith, did (in the latest book I just finished):"But one had to be careful, (she) reminded herself: One should not ask for too many things in this life, especially when one already had so much."
All four of us look forward to getting together - and are always glad that we did. We have priceless times together. Just this year, we went to a ball game, took a ride on the Mississippi, played scrabble, ate at a fun Italian restaurant...and enjoyed a great Thanksgiving dinner together (if I do say so myself).
But in our family, each of us four shows up with their issues and they usually surface somewhere along the way. We get irritated, controlling, a bit grumpy..and we are a family that gets a bit intense as well. We do deal with our momentary flare ups, take a little break if we need to, and once again come together for some good laughs and quality time together.
Sometimes I think we should be like other families..
And I often say that I am glad that we are not.
We were so thankful this year that Katie's biopsy was benign - and that Daniel grew a beard (turned out to be an afterthought of his Boundary Waters' trip with good friends). We aren't too happy that Tom is still working for work, but are thankful that Tom and I have weathered many joys and sorrows through the years - and will look forward to an uncertain future together. We know may people can't do that. We also have our fluffy little dog Sasha to keep us perked up and delighted.
So all in all, I will conclude as my new favorite author, Alexander McCall Smith, did (in the latest book I just finished):"But one had to be careful, (she) reminded herself: One should not ask for too many things in this life, especially when one already had so much."
Saturday, April 16, 2011
What I Learned Through My Seminar
Recently, I led two seminars on "Discovering the Song Written in Your Heart" in Chilton, Wisconsin at the annual Ladies' Breakaway. Speaking there is always a highlight of the year for me. I try to do it on what is close to my heart that particular year.
The book, The Grand Weaver by Ravi Zacharias, given to me by my friend and mentor Kay Dickey, was pivotal in helping Tom and me and in inspiring this message. He is an outstanding communicator and clearly helps people see how God is weaving every intricate part of their lives into a beautiful tapestry. Accepting your DNA, circumstances, gifts abilities and even limitations and difficulties and yielding them to our awesome Creator is the starting and restarting point of developing into these special masterpieces. The book helped us see how Tom has special aptitudes, personality traits and gifting to do chaplaincy work. I felt he was a great shepherd/pastor too, but circumstances have seemed to direct us this way. I once again saw how my life is being spun in a special way (in more ways than one:)) and that I continue to love to teach and encourage.
Tapestry - picture one. Picture two: a daisy. All the gifting, talents, abilities, passions..can be used in many special ways to express ourselves and help others. They can be used directly and indirectly to "surround" Christ, who has given or bestowed us with them. When I moved here, I chose to find places to use what I believe mine are. Encouragement at the food pantry, sometimes prayer with the clients if they want it and and teaching at a little after school Bible club were my first opportunities. I had success using the Weight Watchers' program and eventually was retrained as a leader and receptionist. It helps with the bills and once again, I do the things I enjoy - helping others succeed as well and being up in front as a coach. I have also been able to meet with a couple of younger girls at my church a couple of times and we just formed a small ladies' Bible study group. Expressing myself through these blogs, thanks to the persistence of our daughter Katie, has also been a song in my heart that I can now voice.
Bouquet of Praise - picture 3. Corrie Ten Boom, known as a survivor of Nazi concentration camps where she witnessed her sister being killed, used to speak on forgiveness all around the world. She actually met the man who had murdered her sister. His life had changed and he was truly sorry and she was able to greet him. She would go home after her speeches, get on her knees and offer a bouquet of praise in thanks to the Lord. I do praise God for opportunities that are opened to me - even that I am trusted with a key to the Weight Watchers' meeting places:). In the Bible, we are called the "aroma of Christ" as well. That is what I want my life to be! I am stressed as I sometimes have to pull up by boot straps in new situations and find where I fit. When I choose to find those places, I am blessed.
The book, The Grand Weaver by Ravi Zacharias, given to me by my friend and mentor Kay Dickey, was pivotal in helping Tom and me and in inspiring this message. He is an outstanding communicator and clearly helps people see how God is weaving every intricate part of their lives into a beautiful tapestry. Accepting your DNA, circumstances, gifts abilities and even limitations and difficulties and yielding them to our awesome Creator is the starting and restarting point of developing into these special masterpieces. The book helped us see how Tom has special aptitudes, personality traits and gifting to do chaplaincy work. I felt he was a great shepherd/pastor too, but circumstances have seemed to direct us this way. I once again saw how my life is being spun in a special way (in more ways than one:)) and that I continue to love to teach and encourage.
Tapestry - picture one. Picture two: a daisy. All the gifting, talents, abilities, passions..can be used in many special ways to express ourselves and help others. They can be used directly and indirectly to "surround" Christ, who has given or bestowed us with them. When I moved here, I chose to find places to use what I believe mine are. Encouragement at the food pantry, sometimes prayer with the clients if they want it and and teaching at a little after school Bible club were my first opportunities. I had success using the Weight Watchers' program and eventually was retrained as a leader and receptionist. It helps with the bills and once again, I do the things I enjoy - helping others succeed as well and being up in front as a coach. I have also been able to meet with a couple of younger girls at my church a couple of times and we just formed a small ladies' Bible study group. Expressing myself through these blogs, thanks to the persistence of our daughter Katie, has also been a song in my heart that I can now voice.
Bouquet of Praise - picture 3. Corrie Ten Boom, known as a survivor of Nazi concentration camps where she witnessed her sister being killed, used to speak on forgiveness all around the world. She actually met the man who had murdered her sister. His life had changed and he was truly sorry and she was able to greet him. She would go home after her speeches, get on her knees and offer a bouquet of praise in thanks to the Lord. I do praise God for opportunities that are opened to me - even that I am trusted with a key to the Weight Watchers' meeting places:). In the Bible, we are called the "aroma of Christ" as well. That is what I want my life to be! I am stressed as I sometimes have to pull up by boot straps in new situations and find where I fit. When I choose to find those places, I am blessed.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Criticism: Take it with a Grain of Salt?
If you are able to take criticism with a grain of salt, you are definitely a more mature person than me.
Recently, I had some criticism directed at me and it was given anonymously, which I consider low and somewhat cowardly. Anyway, my first response was to be tearful, defensive and just basically upset. I wanted to give up on the venture though I am not a quitter by nature. I hardly even wanted to talk about it. People who know me know that things are serious when I am too quiet:). I also basically feel I am getting a little too old to be in training of any sort - or to spend my life trying to please everyone. I vented to Tom and a couple of people and asked for prayer.
The Bible says a wise person is willing to learn. A fool is not.
So...I sifted through the comments and realized there was some truth in parts of it. I didn't think it was characteristic of me for the most part but saw how it could be perceived that way based on the situation in which the person viewed me. So I resolved to do better. I purposely made some changes and think I am improving.
So I have not totally grown up yet. Who has?
It would be so much better if as a rule, people would come to each other once they calm down and say things in a helpful, loving way. I am not always capable of doing that either. So in the meantime: Take the criticism. Process. Learn and hopefully forgive and move on. Not quite a grain of salt but progress anyway.
Recently, I had some criticism directed at me and it was given anonymously, which I consider low and somewhat cowardly. Anyway, my first response was to be tearful, defensive and just basically upset. I wanted to give up on the venture though I am not a quitter by nature. I hardly even wanted to talk about it. People who know me know that things are serious when I am too quiet:). I also basically feel I am getting a little too old to be in training of any sort - or to spend my life trying to please everyone. I vented to Tom and a couple of people and asked for prayer.
The Bible says a wise person is willing to learn. A fool is not.
So...I sifted through the comments and realized there was some truth in parts of it. I didn't think it was characteristic of me for the most part but saw how it could be perceived that way based on the situation in which the person viewed me. So I resolved to do better. I purposely made some changes and think I am improving.
So I have not totally grown up yet. Who has?
It would be so much better if as a rule, people would come to each other once they calm down and say things in a helpful, loving way. I am not always capable of doing that either. So in the meantime: Take the criticism. Process. Learn and hopefully forgive and move on. Not quite a grain of salt but progress anyway.
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