My daughter's response to my post about texting is worth a post of her own.
How thankful am I to have a daughter with such great wisdom and insight! I could joke about how the apple doesn't fall far from the tree or how I did such a great job imparting my wisdom, but the truth is I have made my fair share of mistakes along the way, and I know many moms who have excelled at parenting only to see their child make poor choices or face many trials along the way. So I know that it is by the grace of God alone that I can be proud of my daughter's wisdom and accomplishments.
Here's her comment to yesterday's post:
When you text someone, its easy to read their text with expressions because you know exactly how they meant it. When people don't text as much, I feel like the texts are more on a factual basis. The same thing can be related to God. The more we text, or read the Bible, the easier it is to see the expression, and know what His will is. If we don't read as much, we can still say we are Christians, but its more of a factual basis instead of a relationship in which we delve into expressing ourselves with the love we have for our Lord and Savior.
In today's fast-paced society, we often hear that spending "quality time" with our kids is more important than "quantity time." But the truth is that there is no adequate substitute for spending ample amounts of time together when it comes to developing real relationships. Having 2 aunts that I equally adore, one here in NJ, the other in Arizona, taught me that it is easier to recognize the voice on the phone when speaking with my local aunt who I spent more time with. The more time we spend in communication the easier it is to recognize the unseen voice. The same with God. The more time spent in prayer and Bible reading, the easier it is to recognize His voice.
Let's all commit to spending both "quality time" and "quantity time" with the Lord and with our loved ones!! Thanks, Lauren, for the insight!!
Susan
The Trouble with Texting
Last night, my husband sent a text message to my daughter, "What movie are you going to see?" She sent a reply, but my husband wasn't quite sure of her response, so a little while later, he asked me to text her and ask her what movie she was seeing. When I sent her the same question, she replied i love u man. So I told him, "I Love You Man." He looked at me quizzically and said "Huh? She said the same thing to me." When I informed him that that was the name of the movie, we burst out laughing. He thought that instead of providing the name of the movie, she just told him she loved him, and he couldn't understand why she had called him "man."
And that's the trouble with texting. And not just texting, but with all written forms of communication. One person expresses something in writing, and the reader can "hear" something entirely different. Once Stephanie from my office sent me a text asking if I needed her to come in for morning hours, I responded it's okay. I was surprised when she didn't show up. I meant "It's okay, come in." She thought I meant, "It's okay. I can handle it alone."
I'm always amazed when my daughter will read me some of the text message conversations she's had. She'll read them aloud with such expression, as if the person had actually spoken the words to her, and I'll wonder how she knows what inflections the writer intended. The very same words can even mean different things depending upon how they are spoken.
I apply this same principle when I read the Bible. Sometimes it's easy for our eyes to gloss over the words on the page, especially if they are familiar to us. So I will take a passage and read it aloud putting emphasis on each different word. It's amazing how different the message can be with each new reading. Try it:
For GOD so loved the world, that He gave His only Son...
For God SO loved the world, that He gave His only Son...
For God so LOVED the world, that He gave His only Son...
For God so loved the WORLD, that He gave His only Son...
For God so loved the world, that HE gave His only Son...
For God so loved the world, that He GAVE His only Son...
For God so loved the world, that He gave His ONLY Son...
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only SON...
I left out the For, that and His, but you get the idea. You can see how the different emphasis conveys different shades of meaning. It's a great way to liven up your Bible reading.
Here's a few other verses to try.
"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." Jer. 29:11
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13
"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer." Ps. 18:2
I LOVE YOU MAN, oops GIRLS!!
Susan
Happy Birthday, James!
Today, I got the most wonderful phone call. James was a student in my Sunday School class when he was 5 years old. He called to remind me that it was his "spiritual birthday". Nine years ago today, he prayed with me to receive Jesus Christ as his Savior.
He remembers many details of that day, including where we where and even what he ate that day - chocolate chip pancakes! But more importantly, he remembers what that day signifies. At 5 years old, he was born into God's eternal kingdom. Each year, his parents honor that decision with a special gift. He is a godly young man, and the Lord has great plans for him, I'm sure.
At 24 years old, I made the same decision as James. My friends and I spent summer weekends at a beach house in the Hamptons. We slept on the beach by day and danced in the bars at night. One night, we met the members of a band. What we didn't know was that the band members had come to Christ a few weeks before we met them. Well, it wasn't long before we did know that! They freely shared the good news with us, and after several more meetings and reading the Bible, we also accepted Christ as our Savior. That was the beginning of a long, an unusual, but a glorious story of walking with my Lord.
Whether you have come to know Jesus as a child or as an adult, whether long ago or recently, the important thing is the coming to Him. We often lavishly celebrate our physical birthdays, but our earthly bodies will one day pass away. Our spiritual birthday marks the day we enter eternal life which will never pass away.
Today was a beautiful reminder to me of my spiritual birthday as well as James'. I am reminded of the best gift ever given. I am thankful to Tony A., Richie and the other band members for sharing Christ with me. I am thankful for the opportunites I've had to share Jesus with others, and to have had a part in James' spiritual birthday, as well as other students, friends and family. We are forever linked!
Having received Christ as Savior, we have a mandate to share Him with others. It is the greatest privilege to participate in another's salvation experience.
Do you have a story to tell? What is your testimony of coming to Christ? Have you had the opportunity to share in another's coming to Him? Would you leave me a comment or send me an email! I'd love to hear about it!
Susan
He remembers many details of that day, including where we where and even what he ate that day - chocolate chip pancakes! But more importantly, he remembers what that day signifies. At 5 years old, he was born into God's eternal kingdom. Each year, his parents honor that decision with a special gift. He is a godly young man, and the Lord has great plans for him, I'm sure.
At 24 years old, I made the same decision as James. My friends and I spent summer weekends at a beach house in the Hamptons. We slept on the beach by day and danced in the bars at night. One night, we met the members of a band. What we didn't know was that the band members had come to Christ a few weeks before we met them. Well, it wasn't long before we did know that! They freely shared the good news with us, and after several more meetings and reading the Bible, we also accepted Christ as our Savior. That was the beginning of a long, an unusual, but a glorious story of walking with my Lord.
Whether you have come to know Jesus as a child or as an adult, whether long ago or recently, the important thing is the coming to Him. We often lavishly celebrate our physical birthdays, but our earthly bodies will one day pass away. Our spiritual birthday marks the day we enter eternal life which will never pass away.
Today was a beautiful reminder to me of my spiritual birthday as well as James'. I am reminded of the best gift ever given. I am thankful to Tony A., Richie and the other band members for sharing Christ with me. I am thankful for the opportunites I've had to share Jesus with others, and to have had a part in James' spiritual birthday, as well as other students, friends and family. We are forever linked!
Having received Christ as Savior, we have a mandate to share Him with others. It is the greatest privilege to participate in another's salvation experience.
Do you have a story to tell? What is your testimony of coming to Christ? Have you had the opportunity to share in another's coming to Him? Would you leave me a comment or send me an email! I'd love to hear about it!
Susan
Red Envelope Day
A quiet and dignified protest of the way abortion is being handled in our country is being planned for March 31st. This is a simple way to let our new president know how we feel about the horror of abortion.
1- Purchase a red envelope and address it to:
2 - On the back of the envelope write this message ...
3- On March 31st, mail the envelope.
If you cannot find a red envelope, here's an idea (thanks, Pam!):
Use a red marker and color a white one, have your kids color theirs
Make your own with a sheet of red paper and this website:
50 million babies have been killed because of abortion. The goal of this event is simply to let our president know that many oppose this hidious act of legal violence against unborn babies. In this quiet way, our voices can be heard.
Susan
1- Purchase a red envelope and address it to:
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
2 - On the back of the envelope write this message ...
"This envelope represents a child who was killed by abortion.
The envelope is empty because the life that
was taken is now unable to be part of our world."
3- On March 31st, mail the envelope.
If you cannot find a red envelope, here's an idea (thanks, Pam!):
Use a red marker and color a white one, have your kids color theirs
Make your own with a sheet of red paper and this website:
50 million babies have been killed because of abortion. The goal of this event is simply to let our president know that many oppose this hidious act of legal violence against unborn babies. In this quiet way, our voices can be heard.
Susan
The Wisdom in Hot Chocolate
I received this email, and since we won't be having hot chocolate much longer, thought I'd better share it soon! Enjoy!
A group of graduates, well established in their careers, were discussing their lives at a class reunion. They decided to go visit their old university professor, now retired, who was always an inspiration to them.
During their visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stress in their work, lives and relationships.
Offering his guests hot chocolate, the professor went into the kitchen and returned with a large pot of hot chocolate and an assortment of cups. Some cups were porcelain, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite. He invited each to help themselves to the hot chocolate.
When they all had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor shared his thoughts.
“Notice that all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.
"The cup that you are drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hot chocolate. In most cases, it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink.
"What each of you really wanted was hot chocolate. You did not want the cup… but you consciously went for the best cups.
"And soon, you began to eye one another’s cups. Now friends, please consider this…
"Life is the hot chocolate … your job, money and position in society are the cups.
"They are just tools to hold and contain life.
"The cup you have does not define, nor does it change, the quality of life you are living.
"Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate God has provided us.”
Always, remember this ……..
God brews the hot chocolate, He does not choose the cup.
The happiest people don’t have the best of everything.
They just make the best of everything they have!
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God.
The richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who needs the least.
Susan
Green Tees
Here's a plug for a terrific product. Jody shared these wonderful embroidered bags as prizes on the retreat. Her new company makes custom bags, hats, t-shirts, etc. from organic cotton and recycled polyester. You can find all the info at http://www.greenteesembroidery.com/.
Green Tees Embroidery
Susan
Spring has sprung - or did it?
Aaaaah! The first day of spring!
Are the birds singing?
Are the trees budding?
Are the flowers blooming?
A glance out the window this morning reveals a shocking sight!
It's snowing!
There's snow covering the lawn, trees and shrubs!
So unexpected, so unwelcome!
And everyone coming into my office today is saying the same thing.
Oh, sure we loved the first snow back in December.
A winter wonderland!
The start of ski season!
Are the birds singing?
Are the trees budding?
Are the flowers blooming?
A glance out the window this morning reveals a shocking sight!
It's snowing!
There's snow covering the lawn, trees and shrubs!
So unexpected, so unwelcome!
And everyone coming into my office today is saying the same thing.
Oh, sure we loved the first snow back in December.
A winter wonderland!
The start of ski season!
March 20, 2009
So what's changed?
The snow is still snow.
It's just that we've had enough. We're tired of it.
What was once endearing and beautiful has become tiresome and annoying.
Yet, it's two sides of the same coin.
Reminds me of some relationships.
The snow is still snow.
It's just that we've had enough. We're tired of it.
What was once endearing and beautiful has become tiresome and annoying.
Yet, it's two sides of the same coin.
Reminds me of some relationships.
When we first start dating, for example, we value the strength we see in our new guy.
But after years of marriage, that same trait may make him seem bossy.
We loved the peaceful calm of our new beau.
That now may seem like laziness.
They say opposites attract, so we may be drawn to someone different that us - someone that's a strong tower or a calming influence. But the very same quality that attracted us can bother us after the honeymoon period is over.
As Jesus instructed the Ephesian church in Rev. 2:5, we need to remember our first love. When we drift away from that first love, we must repent and do the things we did at first. Of course, He's referring to our relationship with Himself, but the same principles apply to our other relationships.
Remember how you felt at the beginning of your relationship? We need to flip the coin back and begin to appreciate those qualities that had seemed so attractive that really are still there. We need to peel away the years of subtly built up annoyance.
When 4 year old Hailey came in today, her mom said that she was thrilled to see the snow. She just appreciated it for what it was. She wasn't bothered by it, tired of it or worried about it. In her childlike manner, it wasn't complicated. It was just snow.
Maybe that's why Jesus instructed us to "change and become like little children".
Quick! Build a snowman before the snow melts!
Susan
Cell Phones vs. Bible
Evelyn shared this in my small group on the retreat:
CELL PHONES VS. BIBLE...
Ever wondered what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phones?
What if we carried it around in our purse or pocket?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of an emergency?
This is something to make you go...hmm...where's my Bible?
And unlike our cell phone, we dont have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill!
Thanks, Evelyn!!
Susan
Get Smart-er!
While on the retreat, I shared my recent testimony - that I have nicknamed the year 2008 "Get Smart!" You may remember the program “Get Smart” from childhood days. The main character, Maxwell Smart, was a bumbling agent who worked for an organization named Control, fighting crime against the nemesis, Kaos. The opening credits pictured Maxwell Smart walking in a straight line, and as he walked, doors just opened for him one after another. Last year, as I was just walking with the Lord, doors began to open for me in unexpected ways, moving me in the direction of writing, maybe publishing, a book.
What I forgot to mention was that when this new journey began, I made a committment to myself and my family that whatever came my way, I would not get so caught up in my project that I neglected my responsibilities at home. In the past, my tendency to get so absorbed in what I'm doing had caused me to lose all track of time, and I'd be frantic trying to get my other tasks done. I knew this wasn't God's way, so I have resolved to keep my priorities in order. You might say - I'm moving from Kaos to Control!!
Anyway, back to my story - I had closed my testimony by saying that if 2008 was Get Smart, then 2009 will be Get Smarter! When I got home, the first thing I saw was this bag from my daughter's college bookstore on the kitchen table:
What I forgot to mention was that when this new journey began, I made a committment to myself and my family that whatever came my way, I would not get so caught up in my project that I neglected my responsibilities at home. In the past, my tendency to get so absorbed in what I'm doing had caused me to lose all track of time, and I'd be frantic trying to get my other tasks done. I knew this wasn't God's way, so I have resolved to keep my priorities in order. You might say - I'm moving from Kaos to Control!!
Anyway, back to my story - I had closed my testimony by saying that if 2008 was Get Smart, then 2009 will be Get Smarter! When I got home, the first thing I saw was this bag from my daughter's college bookstore on the kitchen table:
Yay!! Who can say life with God isn't fun?
Susan
W O W - What an Outrageous Weekend!
W O W - With Outstanding Women!
I'm so thankful for the wonderful time I spent with the women from the PVCA retreat this past weekend! They are a beautiful bunch, inside and out. And we were in a beautiful place, inside and out! Many thanks to Nancy, Pam and the committee who worked so hard all year long to put together such a blessed experience.
We strolled along the ocean.
And rested on the jetties.
We ate (mostly)
delicious meals.
And had lots of laughs.
(That's Heather!)
(That's Heather!)
Time was spent in small groups and large groups, dining, laughing, sharing, catching up with old friends and getting to know new ones. So many inspiring stories were shared with both humor and tears.
The small group leaders did a fabulous job helping me to present the message about who we are in Christ. They shared about what it means to be an ambassador, the bride, a servant, salt, a soldier, an heir, a sheep and a branch of the Vine, about what prevents us from living as we should and what can we do to get back on track.
On a side note - I noticed that many of the group leaders shared that fear was a factor, so I want to invite you to attend High Mountain Church's Ladies Tea (June 6th) where I was asked to speak on what subject -- fear! Fear is something that I have wrangled with all my life, and it seems that I'm not alone. Especially in these dark days, with the economy and spiritually, fear hits very close to home. But take heart - "perfect Love casts out fear!!" "God did not give us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and self-discipline."
Back to the retreat - One image that will stay with me was when little Alex (our very special male attendee) heard his aunt's voice and turned his head, looking up at her with eyes brimming with adoration and a smile to match. It reminded me that His sheep know His voice, and when we hear His voice, we must turn toward His direction with joy.
Aunt Nettie, Alex and mom Amanda
At the very end, the entire group turned toward the wall of windows facing the bay (and the mainland in the distance) and sang "Shout to The Lord." It was a holy moment, one which bridged the sacred to the secular.
As we leave the Spirit-filled weekend, may the lessons that God showed us strengthen us to know who we are because of who He is and to be His representatives back in our realities at home, work, church, school, wherever He's placed us.
Susan
Back to Reality!
On the way home from the retreat, I received a call from my son,
“When are you coming home?”
A half hour later, I received a call from my other blessing,
“When are you coming home? . . . Hello?? Aren’t you in the same house??
How do you get out a pollen stain?” Back to reality!
“By the way, I’m making dinner tonight, so you don’t have to after your long weekend.”
Ooooh, maybe it’s a new reality!!
Once home, I ask my son to tear himself away from the TV to fetch my other bags.
“Sure, Mom.”
5 minutes later, I ask my son to tear himself away from the TV to fetch my other bags.
“In a minute.”
10 minutes later, I ask my son to tear himself away from the TV to fetch my other bags.
“I will.”
15 minutes later, I grab the remote with fire in my eyes and ask my son to tear himself away from the TV to fetch my other bags.
“Why can’t Lauren do it? I’m so-o-o-o tired.” Maybe not a new reality!
Okay, in his defense, his school play was this weekend, and there was lots going on, and he was exhausted. He did get the bags, and he's now napping on the couch.
And Lauren is in the kitchen cutting up chicken for our dinner listening to Christian radio. Oh, joy!
And Tony surprised me while I was away by putting up the new curtain rod in the living room.
Aaaaah! Back to reality, new or not, it’s good to be home.
***********
ps-
I have so much to share with you about the wonderful weekend I had with the terrific ladies from the PVCA retreat. In the days to come, I will share some humorous, inspirational and poignant stories and photos. Stay tuned!!
Susan
“When are you coming home?”
A half hour later, I received a call from my other blessing,
“When are you coming home? . . . Hello?? Aren’t you in the same house??
How do you get out a pollen stain?” Back to reality!
“By the way, I’m making dinner tonight, so you don’t have to after your long weekend.”
Ooooh, maybe it’s a new reality!!
Once home, I ask my son to tear himself away from the TV to fetch my other bags.
“Sure, Mom.”
5 minutes later, I ask my son to tear himself away from the TV to fetch my other bags.
“In a minute.”
10 minutes later, I ask my son to tear himself away from the TV to fetch my other bags.
“I will.”
15 minutes later, I grab the remote with fire in my eyes and ask my son to tear himself away from the TV to fetch my other bags.
“Why can’t Lauren do it? I’m so-o-o-o tired.” Maybe not a new reality!
Okay, in his defense, his school play was this weekend, and there was lots going on, and he was exhausted. He did get the bags, and he's now napping on the couch.
And Lauren is in the kitchen cutting up chicken for our dinner listening to Christian radio. Oh, joy!
And Tony surprised me while I was away by putting up the new curtain rod in the living room.
Aaaaah! Back to reality, new or not, it’s good to be home.
***********
ps-
I have so much to share with you about the wonderful weekend I had with the terrific ladies from the PVCA retreat. In the days to come, I will share some humorous, inspirational and poignant stories and photos. Stay tuned!!
Susan
Check me out!
Well, thanks to my husband, I'm on the world wide web!
You can see my website at:
It's still a little rough, but you have to start somewhere!
Other news:
This weekend I will be the speaker at the PVCA's annual Ladies Retreat.
I appreciate your prayers regarding this event.
That God alone would be glorified.
That women's hearts would draw closer to Him.
That as we learn more about who we are in Christ,
the more empowered we will be to serve Him as He leads.
Thanks so much!
Next week, I'll let you know how it went.
Susan
The Lanyard
Yesterday, I went to see my son perform in his high school play, "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown." He plays Charlie Brown, a character so unlike AJ it's amazing that he pulled it off. AJ is unceasingly happy. Charlie Brown is chronically depressed. As I watched my son play his character, I saw him experience repeated calamities and catastrophes. He was teased by other characters. He failed at most everything he tried. As his mom, I felt myself getting so emotional at his distress that tears pricked my eyes. It was really his comical character's distress, but all I could see was my son, and I felt so sad for him, this cartoon character! Sometimes, being a mom is tough stuff!
Then last night, I opened an email from my dear friend Kim. She shared with me this beautiful poem that was read by her niece at the memorial service for her beloved sister-in-law, Marigrace.
If you are a mom or if you have a mom, you will relate:
"The Lanyard"
By Billy Collins
The other day as I was ricocheting slowly
off the pale blue walls of this room,
bouncing from typewriter to piano,
from bookshelf to an envelope lying on the floor,
I found myself in the L section of the dictionary
where my eyes fell upon the word lanyard.
No cookie nibbled by a French novelist
could send one more suddenly into the past --
a past where I sat at a workbench at a camp
by a deep Adirondack lake
learning how to braid thin plastic strips
into a lanyard, a gift for my mother.
I had never seen anyone use a lanyard
or wear one, if that’s what you did with them,
but that did not keep me from crossing
strand over strand again and again
until I had made a boxy
red and white lanyard for my mother.
She gave me life and milk from her breasts,
and I gave her a lanyard.
She nursed me in many a sickroom,
lifted teaspoons of medicine to my lips,
set cold face-cloths on my forehead,
and then led me out into the airy light
and taught me to walk and swim,
and I, in turn, presented her with a lanyard.
Here are thousands of meals, she said,
and here is clothing and a good education.
And here is your lanyard, I replied,
which I made with a little help from a counselor.
Here is a breathing body and a beating heart,
strong legs, bones and teeth,
and two clear eyes to read the world, she whispered,
and here, I said, is the lanyard I made at camp.
And here, I wish to say to her now,
is a smaller gift--not the archaic truth
that you can never repay your mother,
but the rueful admission that when she took
the two-tone lanyard from my hands,
I was as sure as a boy could be
that this useless, worthless thing I wove
out of boredom would be enough to make us even.
Then last night, I opened an email from my dear friend Kim. She shared with me this beautiful poem that was read by her niece at the memorial service for her beloved sister-in-law, Marigrace.
If you are a mom or if you have a mom, you will relate:
"The Lanyard"
By Billy Collins
The other day as I was ricocheting slowly
off the pale blue walls of this room,
bouncing from typewriter to piano,
from bookshelf to an envelope lying on the floor,
I found myself in the L section of the dictionary
where my eyes fell upon the word lanyard.
No cookie nibbled by a French novelist
could send one more suddenly into the past --
a past where I sat at a workbench at a camp
by a deep Adirondack lake
learning how to braid thin plastic strips
into a lanyard, a gift for my mother.
I had never seen anyone use a lanyard
or wear one, if that’s what you did with them,
but that did not keep me from crossing
strand over strand again and again
until I had made a boxy
red and white lanyard for my mother.
She gave me life and milk from her breasts,
and I gave her a lanyard.
She nursed me in many a sickroom,
lifted teaspoons of medicine to my lips,
set cold face-cloths on my forehead,
and then led me out into the airy light
and taught me to walk and swim,
and I, in turn, presented her with a lanyard.
Here are thousands of meals, she said,
and here is clothing and a good education.
And here is your lanyard, I replied,
which I made with a little help from a counselor.
Here is a breathing body and a beating heart,
strong legs, bones and teeth,
and two clear eyes to read the world, she whispered,
and here, I said, is the lanyard I made at camp.
And here, I wish to say to her now,
is a smaller gift--not the archaic truth
that you can never repay your mother,
but the rueful admission that when she took
the two-tone lanyard from my hands,
I was as sure as a boy could be
that this useless, worthless thing I wove
out of boredom would be enough to make us even.
Happy Mother's Day today and everyday to all you wonderful moms out there!
Susan
i am ... still Excited
Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement regarding today's speaking event. You are appreciated more than I can say!
As today approached, I was feeling somewhat less nervous than I expected, although my digestive track did get its usual workout ('nuf said about that!). And then this morning was a complete comedy of errors!
First of all, (ooooh, my vanity...) last night, I decided I really needed to wash my hair! I'm sure no one would have noticed, but I would have been focused on it, so I figured I'd get one distraction out of the way. Not too smart! My thick head of hair cannot be washed at night with any reasonable expectation of attractiveness the next day. Not what I wanted to see 1st thing in the morning!
I tried on four outfits until I settled on the one that hid most of the major flaws. Then, I decided to bring a smaller handbag. After all, I didn't need so much stuff for this event. When I transferred my wallet, I saw that I had way too much change making the small wallet fat and heavy. Taking my sister's advice to put the extra change in the car, I threw the heavy load of coins into my blazer pocket to carry to the car. When I got to the car, I noticed that the change was jingling down around the hem of the blazer! It seems that there was a small hole in the pocket - just right for coins to slip through, too small for my hand to retrieve them! With no time to deal with this, I got into the car and headed for the school.
As I pulled up, I saw a huge banner announcing that today was the Open House! So, now not only did I have to worry about speaking to the students and staff - there would also be visitors making decisions about where to send their children for high school. If I messed up, I could be adversely affecting their entire futures! (Do you also put ridiculously unreasonable and unnecessary pressures upon yourself?) Aaauugghh!
As I scurried to the auditorium for a microphone check, I fumbled around the pocket, enlarging the hole and trying to gather up jingling coins that were now circling the hem, slapping my jacket back and forth against my thighs!
To make matters worse, yesterday I had slightly sprained my left ankle and right wrist. I already have a bad right knee, and I was wearing higher heels than I'm used to. Can you picture me trying to gracefully go up and down stairs with no banister while holding my Bible and papers. All the while with huge hair and a slapping jingling jacket. Lord, have mercy!!
To further complicate things, I've had a cold for 2 days (it figures!), and my mouth has been as dry as dust. In my Tuesday night class, as I was speaking, I actually spit my cough drop right out of my mouth. So embarassing! Fortunately, I was among mature understanding women (who still went hysterical!) What if this happened in front of 400 highschoolers? So I put the cough drop in my mouth with plans to remove it when it was time to go up to speak. Good plan. Or so I thought until it came time to remove it, place it in a tissue, and now where to leave the tissue? Dangling out of my pocket? Oh yeah - that looks professional!!
And then, as I was waiting to go up to speak, Mr. Kim (the tech guy) replaced the microphone pack that Justin (the other tech guy) had given me. As I stood up to go to the podium, the mike pack fell to the floor pulling the lapel mike down with it. I clumsily picked up the snakelike contraption and held it up for Justin or Mr. Kim to come and save me. Hello??? Could use a little help here! Just a little technically challenged with this stuff! They stared (nicely) back at me, but I could read their minds - "Go ahead, lady, just clip it back on!" I somehow attached the lapel mike to my blazer, but I didn't put the pack in my pocket. I wasn't too inclinded to lift up the bottom of my shirt, and if it fell again while I was speaking, I'd be sunk. So now I carried my Bible, my papers, my tissue pack (couldn't let my nose run while speaking, now could I), and the mike pack and tried to fit them all on the tiny 1 inch ledge of the music stand I was using for a podium.
Finally, God brought me to my senses as I was waiting to speak. I thought - do I believe that God is who says who He is? That's a yes - so then do I believe that I am who He says I am? Well, I guess I believe that, too. After all, that is the very essence of the message that I was just about to share. How could I convey to these students who God says they are and hope that they will embrace it and live like as His child, His ambassador, His soldier... if I couldn't do it myself? So I asked God to be glorified and to use me as His instrument, to speak through me to reach one who needed to know how special he or she is in His eyes.
And God did not disappoint! The feedback I received both from students and faculty was so positive. I coincidentally (really?) ran into the woman who is in charge of the Ladies Tea that I am speaking at in April. Barbara was a guide for the Open House and shared with me that, during my message, one student in the family she was escorting started to feel ill. When Barbara asked the mom if they should leave, the mom said "no" - she wanted to hear the end of the message! That also served as a confirmation to Barbara that she had hired the right person!
One of my favorite reactions came from a student who told me that I kept the students attention which, she declared, is not easy to do! Other students' comments involved some statements I had made that had spilled out of my mouth which were not even in my notes. O... God is so good, is He not?
I'll keep you posted as this series progresses. The students have been developing some great ideas including terrific speakers, music, art and media to create some dynamic chapels for the weeks to come.
Thanks again for your prayers and your encouraging words!
Susan
As today approached, I was feeling somewhat less nervous than I expected, although my digestive track did get its usual workout ('nuf said about that!). And then this morning was a complete comedy of errors!
First of all, (ooooh, my vanity...) last night, I decided I really needed to wash my hair! I'm sure no one would have noticed, but I would have been focused on it, so I figured I'd get one distraction out of the way. Not too smart! My thick head of hair cannot be washed at night with any reasonable expectation of attractiveness the next day. Not what I wanted to see 1st thing in the morning!
I tried on four outfits until I settled on the one that hid most of the major flaws. Then, I decided to bring a smaller handbag. After all, I didn't need so much stuff for this event. When I transferred my wallet, I saw that I had way too much change making the small wallet fat and heavy. Taking my sister's advice to put the extra change in the car, I threw the heavy load of coins into my blazer pocket to carry to the car. When I got to the car, I noticed that the change was jingling down around the hem of the blazer! It seems that there was a small hole in the pocket - just right for coins to slip through, too small for my hand to retrieve them! With no time to deal with this, I got into the car and headed for the school.
As I pulled up, I saw a huge banner announcing that today was the Open House! So, now not only did I have to worry about speaking to the students and staff - there would also be visitors making decisions about where to send their children for high school. If I messed up, I could be adversely affecting their entire futures! (Do you also put ridiculously unreasonable and unnecessary pressures upon yourself?) Aaauugghh!
As I scurried to the auditorium for a microphone check, I fumbled around the pocket, enlarging the hole and trying to gather up jingling coins that were now circling the hem, slapping my jacket back and forth against my thighs!
To make matters worse, yesterday I had slightly sprained my left ankle and right wrist. I already have a bad right knee, and I was wearing higher heels than I'm used to. Can you picture me trying to gracefully go up and down stairs with no banister while holding my Bible and papers. All the while with huge hair and a slapping jingling jacket. Lord, have mercy!!
To further complicate things, I've had a cold for 2 days (it figures!), and my mouth has been as dry as dust. In my Tuesday night class, as I was speaking, I actually spit my cough drop right out of my mouth. So embarassing! Fortunately, I was among mature understanding women (who still went hysterical!) What if this happened in front of 400 highschoolers? So I put the cough drop in my mouth with plans to remove it when it was time to go up to speak. Good plan. Or so I thought until it came time to remove it, place it in a tissue, and now where to leave the tissue? Dangling out of my pocket? Oh yeah - that looks professional!!
And then, as I was waiting to go up to speak, Mr. Kim (the tech guy) replaced the microphone pack that Justin (the other tech guy) had given me. As I stood up to go to the podium, the mike pack fell to the floor pulling the lapel mike down with it. I clumsily picked up the snakelike contraption and held it up for Justin or Mr. Kim to come and save me. Hello??? Could use a little help here! Just a little technically challenged with this stuff! They stared (nicely) back at me, but I could read their minds - "Go ahead, lady, just clip it back on!" I somehow attached the lapel mike to my blazer, but I didn't put the pack in my pocket. I wasn't too inclinded to lift up the bottom of my shirt, and if it fell again while I was speaking, I'd be sunk. So now I carried my Bible, my papers, my tissue pack (couldn't let my nose run while speaking, now could I), and the mike pack and tried to fit them all on the tiny 1 inch ledge of the music stand I was using for a podium.
Finally, God brought me to my senses as I was waiting to speak. I thought - do I believe that God is who says who He is? That's a yes - so then do I believe that I am who He says I am? Well, I guess I believe that, too. After all, that is the very essence of the message that I was just about to share. How could I convey to these students who God says they are and hope that they will embrace it and live like as His child, His ambassador, His soldier... if I couldn't do it myself? So I asked God to be glorified and to use me as His instrument, to speak through me to reach one who needed to know how special he or she is in His eyes.
And God did not disappoint! The feedback I received both from students and faculty was so positive. I coincidentally (really?) ran into the woman who is in charge of the Ladies Tea that I am speaking at in April. Barbara was a guide for the Open House and shared with me that, during my message, one student in the family she was escorting started to feel ill. When Barbara asked the mom if they should leave, the mom said "no" - she wanted to hear the end of the message! That also served as a confirmation to Barbara that she had hired the right person!
One of my favorite reactions came from a student who told me that I kept the students attention which, she declared, is not easy to do! Other students' comments involved some statements I had made that had spilled out of my mouth which were not even in my notes. O... God is so good, is He not?
I'll keep you posted as this series progresses. The students have been developing some great ideas including terrific speakers, music, art and media to create some dynamic chapels for the weeks to come.
Thanks again for your prayers and your encouraging words!
Susan
i am ... Excited!
As many of you know, I have been writing a book that is tentatively titled,
"i know You are . . . but what am i?"
It's about what I call the "little i am's". God is the "Great I Am", so we are the "little i am's". Each chapter will explore the concept of who God says we are - for example, i am . . . an ambassador, an athlete, a soldier, the bride, salt, light, and so on.
*
After a whirlwind year last year, my progress on the book itself has been SLOW. I put it aside for a while to learn more about how to write and about the publishing industry. But now, I'm back! I had some outside influence to bring this front and center once again. My son!
*
In his Bible & Worship class at school, he and his classmates are assigned the task of putting together the chapels for the entire school. As they were brainstorming a theme, he suggested the "little i am's". The students chose it, and I am now "consulting" with the class to present this material to the entire school. It is a thrill for me that they expressed interest in this subject, and I am taking it as a confirmation that God wants me to continue with the vision I have for this book project.
*
I attended the class this morning, and they are such a great group! I offered some advice, but mostly I wanted to hear what their ideas were. A schedule was developed for which topics will be on which day, and they are lining up speakers for each presentation - 6 in all (an athlete, a soldier, etc.). My son, AJ, will be sharing the message about what it means to be clay in the hands of the Potter. (Can I say I'm more than a little proud?)
*
I will be sharing the introductory message this Thursday 3/5/09 at 9:40 am, and while I am so excited, I must be honest - I covet your prayers. I so want to be relevant to the student body (and staff). And while I love teaching and sharing in small group settings, being on stage is just never a comfortable spot for me.
*
And while I'm at it, can I be so bold as to also ask for prayers for the book I am writing? My sole desire is that discovering our true identity in Christ will be encouraging and empowering to the reader. Please pray that I will be focused on the task and that my writing skills improve to present a worthy product. I also am exploring publication in magazine articles. Thanks so much in advance!!
*
After a whirlwind year last year, my progress on the book itself has been SLOW. I put it aside for a while to learn more about how to write and about the publishing industry. But now, I'm back! I had some outside influence to bring this front and center once again. My son!
*
In his Bible & Worship class at school, he and his classmates are assigned the task of putting together the chapels for the entire school. As they were brainstorming a theme, he suggested the "little i am's". The students chose it, and I am now "consulting" with the class to present this material to the entire school. It is a thrill for me that they expressed interest in this subject, and I am taking it as a confirmation that God wants me to continue with the vision I have for this book project.
*
I attended the class this morning, and they are such a great group! I offered some advice, but mostly I wanted to hear what their ideas were. A schedule was developed for which topics will be on which day, and they are lining up speakers for each presentation - 6 in all (an athlete, a soldier, etc.). My son, AJ, will be sharing the message about what it means to be clay in the hands of the Potter. (Can I say I'm more than a little proud?)
*
I will be sharing the introductory message this Thursday 3/5/09 at 9:40 am, and while I am so excited, I must be honest - I covet your prayers. I so want to be relevant to the student body (and staff). And while I love teaching and sharing in small group settings, being on stage is just never a comfortable spot for me.
*
And while I'm at it, can I be so bold as to also ask for prayers for the book I am writing? My sole desire is that discovering our true identity in Christ will be encouraging and empowering to the reader. Please pray that I will be focused on the task and that my writing skills improve to present a worthy product. I also am exploring publication in magazine articles. Thanks so much in advance!!
Isaiah 62:2 “The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.”
Isaiah 43:1, “But now, O Israel, the Lord who created you says: ‘Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.’”
Isaiah 43:1, “But now, O Israel, the Lord who created you says: ‘Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.’”
Susan
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