leaking coffee cup, banana sandwich, and Tuesdays with Morrie

Today I worked.  Feels like my work schedule these past two weeks has been "feast or famine" as last week I worked alot and this week I just worked today.  BUT that is okay ... the "best of both worlds" being I have time off and I have work.  Anyhow today was a work day - I went out on a mobile.  So this morning, I left with my "lunch kit" in hand.  My lunch kit is like a black purse like thingy that actually carries more than just my lunch on most days!  That way, if I can stuff my book, my wallet, my keys, and my datebook along with my lunch - it is good! (especially if I am dragging the work computer bag along, which I was today).

I picked up a Starbucks coffee (with cream, which I only do if I get Starbucks) and drank it over the course of my shift.  I was able to pull my book out and read a few pages.  It is a great book.  I have had it for a while - but for some reason just never got it read.  But it is good.  It is called TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE (an old man, a young man, and life's greatest lesson).

Today something struck me.  It was the chapter on marriage.  Mitch (author) and Morrie are talking about marriage.  Morrie (who is dying from ALS) is married to his sweetheart Charlotte for forty-four years.  When Mitch and Morrie were talking the conversation went like this:

"I've learned this much about marriage," he said now.  "You get tested.  You find out who you are, who the other person is, and how you accommodate or don't."
Is there some kind of rule to know if a marriage is going to work"
Morrie smiled.  "things are not that simple, Mitch."
I know.
"Still," he said, "there are a few rules I know to be true about love and marriage:  If you don't respect the other person, you're gonna have a lot of trouble.  If you don't know how to compromise, you're gonna have a lot of trouble.  If you can't talk openly about what goes on between you, you're gonna have a lot of trouble.  And if you don't have a common set of values in life, you're gonna have a lot of trouble.  Your values must be alike."
"And the biggest one of those values, Mitch?"
"Yes?"
"Your belief in the importance of your marriage."
He sniffed, then closed his eyes for a moment.
"Personally," he sighed, his eyes still closed, "I think marriage is a very important thing to do, and you're missing a hell of a lot if you don't try it."
He ended the subject by quoting the poem he believed in like a prayer:  "Love each other or perish."

Tuesdays with Morrie, page 149

~ -- ~ -- ~

Marriage - there is not a day goes by that I am so thankful that at 16, (a long time ago!!) the Lord brought my sweet husband into my life.  He is a gift to me. Especially during this time of building, I see HOW MUCH of a gift he is!  Not a day goes by that we don't laugh together, and yes, we cry together too.  I can't imagine my life without him!  (we celebrate our 33rd anniversary this September)

Life - each day is a gift.  A blessing of many things!  I am so thankful.

Tuesdays with Morrie has been a book that I highly recommend to anyone.  Not only a good read, but full of life lesson's.  You see, Morrie is dying from ALS, and while his health declines, he meets with Mitch Albom and talks about the great lessons in life!

I would lend you my book, but it doesn't look so nice any more.  You see yesterday, my Starbucks coffee leaked a little into by lunch kit, and so my book looks a little used!  And, it likely smells like my peanut butter and banana sandwich too! So maybe you want to pick up your own copy!!  Enjoy the read!  I am.

things that made me smile today

Today I was wondering about a few things that happened.  First of all - I was driving to work at 7 am ... and came to an intersection where the streets are sort of rearranged because of construction.  I was almost going through when I thought perhaps the lights way to the right were for this intersection.  I stopped but then I went!!  WHY DID I DO THAT??  Not sure THAT will make me smile because it was actually a photo camera intersection.  :(

I was walking behind someone that had his white sports socks pulled right up to his knees and his shorts were long and so you couldn't see any of his leg.  So - I smiled, because I always think of what a dilemma it is for guys to wear socks.  First of all:  white socks or black ones?  Then, do you pull them up or leave them down?  Then, should you always wear runners or are other shoes okay?  And if they are shoes - should they ever be sandals?? (I worked with men who always wore berkenstocks and socks)
What a dilema you men have!!  Walking behind that guy and thinking about that made me smile.

On my way home today, as I was driving I saw an older man (about 80's) walking along sidewalk.  It had a railing as it was close to the river.  Some weeds had grown up, and I watched as he slowly bent down and pulled the weeds out by the roots.  Old habits die hard!  I was thinking that his man likely had a nice lawn when he was in a house.  As I drove I noticed that along the path that he had walked - it was devoid of weeds!!  That made me smile.

Today as I was working, people came in to donate blood.  They were happy and thankful for the beautiful day.  It is always nice when they go out feeling like they have truly given the gift of life to another!  I love it when people are friendly and you can chat with them!  Today, many of the people made me smile.

Keep Smiling ~ 

it makes people wonder what you've been up to!

author unknown

recalling verses

This scripture was "mine" when I was sick and in hospital in June 05, and then when I and went into hospital for a while in March 06 and experienced my  near-death experience in the hospital, as well as my "recovery" so that I was able to have a scheduled hysterectomy in May 06.  I was given this scripture from a dear friend named Bert - who recited it to me, prayed with me and also shared his story about healing with me.  It has become one of my favorite portions.  I also just remembered that when I was in Youth Group, we used to sing this psalm, and it was called BLESS THE LORD.  Maybe this will be the song on my mind as I head off to bed!  Lord you are so good!

Psalm 103  (New International Version)

Of David.

 ¹ Praise the LORD, my soul;
   all my inmost being, praise his holy name. ² Praise the LORD, my soul,
   and forget not all his benefits— ³ who forgives all your sins
   and heals all your diseases, ⁴ who redeems your life from the pit
   and crowns you with love and compassion, ⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things
   so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Look Up .... W-A-Y UP!

Today, as I was on my way home, I spoke with Leah to see how their day went - and of course - to check and see how our little sweetness is.  I was hoping perhaps that I could swing by on my way home!  Sure enough - they were just outside playing, and I loved to hear Leah say "stop by on your way home if you want to" ... that was ALL I needed to hear.  I figured that stopping by for a little playtime and a few hugs and kisses would be a great end to my full work day.

I spoke with Alvin (who was also on his way home from the land) and well, he figured he would stop by and play too.  He made it there before I did.

Alvin loves to play outside with Everett.  He has so much time and patience when it comes to Ev and taking him to check out the truck, the tractor (at the land) and letting him sit in the driver's seat of most of the vehicles that are in our yard.  When he is at Leah and Josh's house - he loves to play ball with Everett. Alvin said to me - "watch how excited Ev gets when I throw the ball up high."  So as I held Everett, Alvin threw up the ball - and well .... there is this tree!  And the ball lodged nicely into its boughs.

I had to laugh and grab my camera (which I take with me everywhere that I go as I do not want to miss any photo op!)  There was Everett - standing on the grass pointing and looking UP ... up, up, up
to the ball in the tree!  So then Alvin had to use another ball to dislodge the first ball, and yes, it did come down and Everett was so pleased.  I love the picture of him looking up!

look closely ... you can see the blue ball in the tree

The good news is that when we left about half hour later - all balls were on the ground and accounted for HOWEVER the birds that must have a nest somewhere in the boughs of this big tree - they were NOT happy, and there was alot of noise from them!  

show us your muscles!

When Josh was little - he used to do "big muscles" for us.  I will never forget seeing him - put both arms up and squeeze and make his muscles for us!  Of course we would laugh and cheer and think it was the cutest thing ever!!  Funny, he still does things that make us laugh and cheer and think he is cute - even though he is now a dad himself.  So.... when Everett started to "make big muscles" for us ~ it just took Alvin and I back to those days when Ev's daddy was the same age.  Where does time fly?

On the weekend, we were sitting around Ash and Mike's table, celebrating Father's Day on Saturday night since the guys were on shift Sunday.  And, Everett started to show us his muscles, and since I try to never go anywhere without my camera - I was able to catch some cute video of our little Sweetness!!

Everett ... show us your muscles!!  The face that he makes will make you laugh!  We did!

resonating

Today these verses have resonated in my thoughts and my heart:  they are verses that God has used over and over and over and OVER (did I say OVER) again to bring peace, strength and courage to me.  Feeling like a need a dose of that again.

first of all - my favourite verse:

"For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, 

"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, 

plans to give you hope and a future.  

Then you will call upon me 

and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  

You will seek me and find me 

when you seek me with all your heart, 

I will be found by you" declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 29: 11-14a  (NIV)

then the selected verses from Joshua 1: 5b, 6, 7, 9b, 18b

I will not fail you or abandon you.  

Be strong and courageous ...

Be strong and very courageous...

Be strong and courageous!  

Do not be afraid or discouraged.  

For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

So be strong and courageous.

the women prophets in my life

proph·et·ess (prf-ts)

n.

1. A woman who speaks by divine inspiration or as the interpreter through whom the will of a god is expressed.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.




I have been blessed in my life, through two friends who have spoken into my life, that which they received through visions.  Actually, I have had three friends who had this God-given gift, although one is in Heaven now.
 
At one time I would have "thought" that this could have happened in Bible times.  I believed it was a "gift" but had never had friends who spoke God's words into my life.  Thing is - at the time I was also fairly naive as to what power the Holy Spirit poured into the life of a Christ-follower.  I had not experienced the audible voice of God yet.  That however changed in the very early 90's. And, once I came into ministry as a pastor at McIvor Ave. M.B. Church, I had the joy of meeting these three women who in turn "shared" with me.  All three friends, who I believe are prophetesses (sp?) were not always comfortable with sharing what God gave them . It is rather unnerving at times to say the least - when one has such a gift, and also is given the responsibility to share it as God directs.  The other thing about these women - is that they pray! 
 
Years ago ~ June 2003 to be exact, the second Tuesday of the Month ... and then the following Thursday, 2 of these women (Betty and Ellie) separately shared something.  It is Betty D's vision that I wish to recall here again:  (you will also find this on the blog at www.womenrefreshed.wordpress.com)
 
(I wrote) Shortly after that, one of the women from our church Council took me aside. At the time I didn’t know Betty’s gifting was prophetic. She asked me if I had applied for the job. I told her yes, that I had, but I had not told anyone. Then she told me that she needed to share something with me. It was a recurring dream that she had been given and God wanted her to share it with me. I also asked her to write it down. Email from Betty, sent June 17, 2003 ~ Subject: Women at the Well dream


“I can’t even begin to tell you how honored I feel that my dream meant something to you. I will attempt to describe it for you: You were wearing a blue robe with long sleeves. It had a tie at the waist, but tied to the back like a dress. You didn’t speak, but your expression was calm and searching, and you were very focused on seeking need and meeting it.

You went to the well (which had a few other women around it too, but they didn’t interact with you) and dipped in your dipper. You then proceeded to seek out a woman who needed a drink and you went to her with your dipper. I wondered why you didn’t use a bucket, as this would be more efficient. It came to me that you were meeting people’s needs individually, and that what one person may require from the well is very different than what the next person would need. You were indeed honoring people by quenching their thirst on an individual basis rather than being efficient and thereby risking missing needs. This use of the dipper also ensured frequent trips to the well for yourself. It also seemed that the women you were ministering to couldn’t quite make it to the well themselves, and required you to intercede on their behalf. Perhaps that is why you didn’t interact with the women who were already at the well (actually, it was not that you didn’t wish to interact with them, but I had a sense that they were already engaged amongst themselves and it would have been an interruption if someone had approached them). You seemed focused on going where the need was, rather than where a need was already being met.


This dream struck me as quite significant, and I experienced an ongoing “nudging: that I needed to share it with you.”

The night that Betty told me in person, once she was done I asked Betty if she knew anything about my story, to which she said she did not. I told her what God had entrusted me with ~ His Vision for women! Women Refreshed at the Well! Her eyes filled up with tears, and I felt like the hair was standing up on my arm. To this day, as I recall that story, I still get that feeling!


For me, this vision that she shared with me - was so significant - and I knew God was at work.  However, it was not until today, when I bumped into these two women (Betty & Sara) that Betty told me that she "left something out" when she told me that night, 8 years ago.  (hard to believe it was so long ago).

You see, as I sat today, in my unexpected meeting at Mountain Bean (I walked in to get a coffee and there they were - complete with big hugs!).  So we sat and talked for about 45 minutes.  They had both been past the build... and Alvin had shown them around and as well - they had taken time to pray as they were there.  However, Betty felt that she would like to come again, and felt the need to pray even more throughout the house!  I was sharing with them what God was doing in my life.  I shared how he is making "beauty from ashes" and that I believed that it was when we lost our little Jay that God really began to say "Get the ball rolling" louder and louder.  I shared with them that I firmly believe that God is going to use our experience and journey in/amongst our incredible sorrow ~ to speak into the lives of other moms/grandmothers/aunties.  But I said, if someone had told me 10 years ago that there was going to be a branch off this ministry - to help women going through loss of children/grandchildren ... I would not have believed it fit together.  But God knew and knows it all.

It was at this point that Betty looked at me and said there was part of the vision that she did not share with me that day.  She said that she didn't share it "because it was not the right time" to share that part.  She said that in the vision, my face showed deep deep grief and sorrow.  I had this feeling run through me ... only God brings this all together to redeem our broken hearts. 

Deep grief and sorrow.  It is still there.  It will always be there.  Months and years will pass, and the journey will look different years from now, but it is OUR journey and has been incredibly hard but I can say that I do believe that God does and will make beauty from ashes.

I left Mountain Bean (only because I had to get to work) but promised to connect with these women soon.  They are so thrilled by the house - and by what they saw.  They are an integral part of this vision as well - and I see how God is using them and have a sense He is going to do something very special.

I also believe that there is a branch to this ministry that back in 2000-01, God had not revealed this part.  I believe that (and actually Sara had a vision she shared with me that also affirmed what I believe) that God is going to use the ministry to bring healing into the lives of those who have suffered deep loss/grief. 

One of the rooms, I have told Josh and Leah that they could "design" it because I want it to be a room in remembrance of our little Jay Benjamin.  I think this room will have its own unique ministry!  I am not sure what we will call this room - but I figure I need to get praying about that.

God is at work, knitting the pieces together.  Healing is happening.  The journey goes forward, and sometimes feels like I go a few steps back. None the less ... it is my journey.  It is "our" journey together as a family.  And God - is giving us the strength.  Sometimes I look backward and see how intricately it is all woven together.  Sometimes just that, makes me stand in awe.  God is at work.  He is bringing His vision for the women to pass.  How terribly exciting.  

And with that - dear ones - I am saying good-nite.  My husband, the worker bee, has been fast asleep and well - I need to hit the hay too!  Night.  Thanks for letting me share!