Kirstan's Deaf Korner

Skipping down the Memory Lane...

2012-01-21T18:57:00.001-05:00

I’m having one of those days where I wish I could be a kid again.

I chatted with a friend this morning and shared how much I’d love to be a kid again, and toss aside all the grown up stuff, and just be free of all the grown-up cares of the world.

My friend said, we can still be kids, and still have a great time. Many people have become so busy in their grown-up lives, other things are more important than just stopping to smell the roses or lay in the grass and watch the clouds create themselves into a shape, or running down a sand dune, or see the stars at night, catching fire-flies. What about exploring beaches and collecting shells? A hike in places where there might be hidden waterfalls or rivers/creeks? Or exploring new places?

When I shared a couple of my childhood memories with my friend, it really got me lost into my trip down memory lane…how I’d go with my cousins to a river with rocks where water would cascade into a “swimming hole” … and the rocks were like … a water slide, but very rocky. Little waterfalls to stand under. The carefree days of summer time…and just having the time of our lives.

My son had his friend over, and they spent yesterday and today sledding. This morning was freezing cold, and the streets had been plowed. They piled up the snow from the parking lot (across the street from me) into one corner of the lot. The boys discovered that Snow Pile, and as I trudged outside to take them to the “Pit” for some serious sledding, they told me to go back inside. That parking lot Snow Pile is more fun (and fresh). It brought back memories of when I first moved to Michigan, as a young teenager, I’d build snow forts, igloos, go ice-skating, made snow angels and such. The Winter Kid Stuff we all do.

Now I'm in a place where I as a mom with 2 energetic kids work hard to give them a happy childhood, and with that, to create great memories. To keep the relationship, the bond between them and myself strong. Knowing that they can always come to me with anything. Maybe I don't have all the answers as a grown-up but I surely can give it all my best.

Now I think I'm gonna go lick the frosting off the cake I baked this morning...

The Pipe is falling!

2012-01-20T20:58:00.001-05:00

I’m in my pj’s, under my feather quilt and another quilt keeping warm, poking around on my laptop and watching random TV shows.

A perfect way to end a long week of craziness.

Where I work, it is a 4 story building library, with a sub-basement. Monday I wasn’t in at work as I was sick. But later in the morning (or around lunch-time), I checked my Facebook, and saw that the library was closed due to a water main break.

“Great!” I said to myself, then later in the afternoon I get the message from the Dean of the Library (where I work) saying the library will be closed until further notice.

Apparently a 14” pipe for return water (thankfully NOT waste-water!) somehow fell 6 feet, breaking free from its support, and tore a huge hole in one of the walls outside my department, and while it fell down, it hit one of the sprinklers, and of course it set it off. It went off in the hallway between my department and another department, on the ground floor—a.k.a. the basement (and we still have the sub-basement underneath that).

So, anyway, it’s really a long story, BUT, 1) we are very, no, we are extremely THANKFUL that nobody was in the hallway at that time when it happened. 2) everyone worked together to quickly take things off the floor (computers, anything electronic), and just make sure everyone got out safely. 3) We had quick emergency response to the situation.

We were closed on Tuesday. Then we came in Wednesday morning for meetings and worked together to plan for our temporary offices. Since my office and another office were affected by it (along with 2 other departments as well), we worked out a plan on the things we’d need to do, needed to bring up when allowed access to our office, etc. Of course, we could only use the elevator at set times, so most of us actually CARRIED down book carts down the stairs! (I know, crazy, right?!) We loaded up the stuff, and then set them by the elevator so it could make the trip up to our floor. After we settled comfortably in our temporary office (with windows!), the 4 of us in my department felt we can handle it for a month.

Yesterday involved some more physical work by helping move collections of books from the damaged offices to other rooms that were not affected by the pipes. Try maneuvering the book carts over thick electrical cords (for carpet fans, etc) and trying not to tip them over. Then shelving them on temporary shelves. Fun. And a good work out.

Today, I arrived at work, completely wiped out, and hoping I wouldn’t have to go down there again. Can one say I was little shell-shocked when I saw all the damage caused by that one huge pipe? You just had to be there to get the sense of what I’m experiencing.

Mentally exhausted, along with physically exhausted. But, extremely thankful that everyone is okay, nobody was harmed, and for the excellent teamwork the whole staff & library pulled off.

So, we’ll be “roughing it” for about a month while we have a great crew of construction workers, carpet cleaners, etc. as they repair, renovate, rebuild the whole area.

And I deserve every bit tonight to be warm and comfortable in my pj’s under my warm feather quilt and sharing this story with y’all tonight.

The new year....

2012-01-16T22:06:00.000-05:00

So, we’re off to a new start this year. So many things has happened last year. Looking back, I’d say, “whoa!” and move forward with 2012.

Why did I say that?

Well, first, 2011 was not all that bad. Yes, I’ve had many struggles in my personal life, and I still came out standing strong. There were many good things that have had happened.

So, let’s see…the good stuff:

· Got a promotion and an excellent supervisor to work for.

· The raise is nice, but that’s not why I went for the promotion.

· I went for the promotion to show that I can succeed as a deaf woman.

· The Deaf Ministry at my church has an excellent leadership team, and we have been striving very well so far.

· Growing in my relationship with all of my friends.

· Spending a lot of time with my sisters and their kids. My niece and nephews are all the biggest joy (yes, along with my own 2 kids)

· My children healthy and happy.

· Most of my bills are caught up.

The bad stuff? Meh, the bills that had taken a long time to catch up to pay off. Minor car woes. Dealing with a very personal family crisis. Dealing with my own personal issues.

2012 is here.

I’m still enjoying my job, and the great working relationship with my office mates and my supervisor. My deaf ministry is still standing strong, and I’m excited to see what plans God has for us.

Another exciting thing for me to look forward to is going on a mission trip to Nicaragua with my daughter and a group from my church. We’ll be going in June and it’ll be my first time experiencing an out of country mission trip! The team and I are doing fundraising to help fund our trip.

We also have made a decision as a family to move closer to my job, and of course to my baby sister and her family. J The commute is killing me, and while I love living here in Tecumseh, there is really no family left anymore. So it’s time for us to move on and be closer to my job, to our church, etc.

Personally, I’ve made some decisions regarding the things I, Kirstan, want to do. I want to go back to school. I want to complete college and get a degree in something. I want to set up a deaf women’s ministry or do something related to that. I want to do so much and I know I need to slow down a bit and start taking notes and putting them together. An excellent friend of mine has told me few times to just simply jot down my ideas and get it organized. THEN, take it from there.

Baby steps. And we’re heading into 2012….and I’m excited to see what it will bring.

What a year!

2011-12-09T21:43:00.001-05:00

What an evening. What a few weeks it's been! What a year!!!!

I look back over the year and think, "Wow!"

Then the recent blessings that has started to pour down on me.... "wow" again.

And I'm eternally thankful!

Since I got promoted for my job back in January this year, I have enjoyed working tremendously. My working relationship with my department and my supervisor has been really great. My annual review was like, if it was a report card, all A+'s with a couple A-'s. That is probably the best employee evaluation I've ever had in my 22 years of service with the University. I'm still in awe.

The paycheck is nice. But, for the longest time, we struggled with catching up on bills. In June, I had our cable & internet services cut off, just so we can get back on track and get our finances in order. I had a HUGE bill that I was still struggling to pay off. When that FINAL PAYMENT PAID IN FULL letter came, I rejoiced. I really, really, really did! Eternally thankful to the Almighty God. Oh yes.

I lost a beloved Great-Aunt Lomie ....she passed away peacefully last month. I am sad, though, that her son wasn't such a loving son, but she should have peace knowing she had many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly and gave her a wonderful memorial service.

Had to deal with a serious family crisis. With the intervention and help, we were able to get help for this person. I'm just thankful that God had guided me through this very trying time, and I had such a wonderful group of friends & family who were my prayer warriors. You know who you are!

Celebrated Thanksgiving with my baby sister and my middle sister at my baby sister's house this year. And the house full of kids was just wonderful. Holding the 2 youngest nephews was just a blessing. By the way, brother-in-law, where is that picture you took of us?!?! I want it!

Now, the holidays is upon us....and my schedule has gotten so busy, I am scrambling to make time for ME. For my family. And I remarked to my daughter that we will have a really good Christmas this year.

By the way, my daughter will be turning 16 next week! Whoa...time flies!

So many things happening, and God has been with me every step of the way. I have even made new friends, and I actually find myself enjoying and wanting to visit my church more---I honestly feel that it's happy now after years of many negativeness, struggles and issues. But, with those out of the way, and a new Senior Pastor, I felt the church has become..."happy".

I look forward to Christmas, to spend time with my family and friends. And just relaxing. I have a lot of bad but also good things to remember about 2011. I look forward to what 2012 will bring.

Busy...busy...

2011-11-21T07:47:00.001-05:00

I know it's been a long while since I've blogged. Been so busy and being a full-time working mom/wife ...well, it really keeps me on my toes!

Still involved with my ministries, but scaling back on one of them, and planning to "take a break" from that particular ministry for a while. The other one, I plan to stay with---my church's deaf ministry. At least we have an excellent team of servant hearts, so it's really nothing to sneeze at.

The past few weeks have been very trying on this person (me)---and my heart did ache a lot with grief, but, at the same time, I've been extremely thankful to God that He does hear prayers! It works! Seriously! The past week was the hardest on me, and the weekend....a happy ending. God is good....all the time.

I'd write more today but...oh, I have so much to do, and hopefully in time I can get back into the habit of writing again and keeping you all posted on events and such.

Thanksgiving will be spent at my baby sister's house with the families and just have a nice, relaxing weekend. Also hoping to make-over my teen daughter's room---

And I'd like to start decorating my house for Christmas. Need dig out the Christmas stuff soon!

Anyway, I'd like to end this post with a fun clip.

Still Alive!

2011-10-17T15:57:00.000-04:00

Don't worry, I'm still alive. Just been really extremely busy these days.

But I'm still alive.

His Eye is on the Sparrow

2011-08-28T15:22:00.000-04:00

I signed "His Eye is on the Sparrow" last weekend at our Annual MIBCD Deaf Retreat, and I fell in love with Selah's version. So I shared this song as an invitational song. I know there were few who enjoyed this song too.

Enjoy.

What if I Stumble? A mother's song...

2011-07-26T09:20:00.000-04:00

First Mission Trip....

2011-07-24T07:41:00.000-04:00

My daughter, Ashley, is going on her first mission trip. She's heading out with 7 others from the local church here in my small town.....today.

I've had a lot of thoughts running around in my head. I look at my 15 1/2 year old daughter---who is a very determined person. I love her spunk, and her eagerness. I love that she isn't afraid to step up and do what she wants to do.

We spent all afternoon & evening together just bonding, packing her bag, chatting, watching OLD VHS movies...yes, VHS!

We found her favoritest movie, Happily Ever After. It's sort of a spin-off from Disney's Snow White....but it's NOT a Disney movie though. Instead of the usual 7 dwarves, this movie had the 7 dwarfelles. They even had powers. But hers and mine favorite character is Thunderella! She was voiced by Tracey Ullmann (my favorite comedian actress).

Watching that movie last night, I was thinking, "how cheesy!" It was almost as if I was watching an old Scooby Doo show or something. But we had a wonderful trip down Memory Lane.

Soon, I must wake my missionary to prepare her for her first mission trip.

I have to admit, I'm really proud of her and I love her very much. I have never been more proud of her than I am today.

My prayer for her today: Father, I give you all the praise and the thanks for my daughter, Ashley. I ask that You keep Your hand on her and others as they travel to WV today. Be with them during the drive, be with them in their hearts and their minds, that You may use them as Your tool as they go forth. Let the people in WV be blessed with their presence and their time down there. Be with them during the week, and I ask that You protect them and keep them safe. And bring them home safely at the end of their week. May they bless others through their servant hearts, and be an example to others. Give Ashley all the guidance and the wisdom during the week. Let her see You at work, and what You can do for others. Let this be a wonderful learning experience for her, so that she grow in her relationship with you. Thank You for all You have done, and we thank You for Your son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus' precious name we pray, Amen.

Blessings, not Curses

2011-06-28T22:16:00.000-04:00

Usually when something good happens, one should expect something "bad" to happen.

See, there was this HUGE bill I had been paying off. When I realized that it's paid off, I jumped with joy! I thought, "Now my life can get back to normal. I can stop struggling to pay the bills, the rent, for food, etc."....then Betty (my car) started to get sick.

Ah!

It started out innocently. Just a quick flash of the Battery Light. I thought, "Oh, must've been when I went over the tracks too fast...it jiggled it a bit...." to the flashes becoming little more than usual. So, I took it to the local gas station with a garage. And since they had to close up, they'd look at it in the morning and call me. So, I left it there and walked 2 blocks home. (nice perk of living downtown Tecumseh!)

Wrote my boss to excuse me from work, and informed my co-workers I wouldn't be in...as I'm the first person to be in the office. If they came in and not see me, I didn't want them to be alarmed.

So, it was cleared with the boss, and I got to sleep in a wee bit. Til the phone call came in, and I walked over to find out the verdict. It is something they couldn't get to because of where it's located....the alternator!

*sigh*

So......I drove it home. Oh, it's drivable. Just gotta be careful with it. Until I can get it fixed.

Well, you see, I'm supposed to go on this great Camping Adventure to Copper Harbor, MI this weekend with my best camping buddy, Jen and her kid, "Mo". Well, what am I gonna do? So out of Jen's heart and kindness, "This trip is TOO SPECIAL, we'll make it happen!" and she rented a SUV and we'll take that SUV and HER car to drive that 11 hour trip up there. So there. Whoa. I'm so thrilled. I love her.

Then, I was trying figure out who will fix my car? Fortunately, I contacted my son's best friend's step dad, and he is willing to replace the alternator for me! So cool!

Oh and it gets better....someone was so generous enough to send my son to a summer camp at the end of July, and already paid for his trip! As a birthday/Christmas gift. And wants to treat my daughter for something of same amount paid for my son's camping trip. Whoa! My daughter will be going on a mission trip to VA so, a contribution towards that would be very nice.

All in all, day of blessings, and great friends that rallied around me today in prayers and encouragement....couldn't get any better than this.

Got lots to do, so little time.

Happy 4th of July to everyone, and be safe!

The Frogs and the Tower

2011-06-23T08:14:00.000-04:00

There once was a bunch of tiny frogs...

... who arranged a running competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower. A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants...

The race began...

Honestly, no one in the crowd really believed that the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower. You heard statements such as:

"Oh, WAY too difficult!!"

"They will NEVER make it to the top".

"Not a chance that they will succeed. The tower is too high!"

The tiny frogs began collapsing. One by one...

... Except for those who in a fresh tempo were climbing higher and higher...

The crowd continued to yell

"It is too difficult!!! No one will make it!"

More tiny frogs got tired and gave up...

...But ONE continued higher and higher and higher...

This one wouldn't give up!

At the end, everyone else had given up climbing the tower. Except for the one tiny frog who, after a big effort, was the only one who reached the top!

THEN all of the other tiny frogs naturally wanted to know how this one frog managed to do it?

A contestant asked the tiny frog how the one who succeeded had found the strength to reach the goal?

It turned out...

That the winner was deaf.

-----

The moral of the story is that, if we listen to other people who want to tear us down and discourage us, they will succeed and we won't. However, if we listen and follow God, we will succeed. Jesus said "With God, all things are possible." So keep your eyes and your heart on Him and you can do anything.

*Thank you, Brenda Bienlein, for sharing this. Love it!

Empty Arms...

2011-04-18T20:53:00.001-04:00

Last week a 2 year old boy died. I am not sure how it happened but I noticed that many of my friends on Facebook were deeply affected by the loss. And it just was so sad to hear about any loss of any child.

After spending a glorious afternoon yesterday with 5 nieces and 4 nephews, 2 of them being the newest nephews, Nathan (3 mos) and Jacob (5 weeks), I was informed of a 18 mo. old girl's passing from complications of her leukemia.

One thing we know is that she got to wake up in Jesus' arms.

BUT....the mother's arms are empty. The dad's arms are empty. Without that child to hold and hug and comfort.

Empty.

I know exactly how that feels. I may have all my nieces and nephews to hold and hug and comfort. I may have all my friends' children who comes to be held or hugged or comforted. I may have my children's friends come up to me be to be held, hugged or comforted.

But I am missing my Rachel.

It is really hard to describe the feeling....and my heart grieves for those who have lost their little ones.

After losing Rachel, I did not want to be hugged or touched. I did not want to be around children. Then one night a friend asked me if I could watch her girls. They were very close to Rachel. At first, I wasn't too sure about that, but she promised me they'd go to bed soon, and I wouldn't have to do much with them. Just need a grown-up in the house. So, when I got there, the little girl, Alisha, being 2 or 3 years old at that time, made me get down to her eye level and told me straight, "Rachel want you know it's okay" and she hugged me. I froze at first, but then I found my arms wrapping around her and hugging her back. (Thanks, Alisha, I love you.)

My arms are empty of Rachel, but not empty of my children and all the people I love and hold dear. And I can't wait to fill my arms with Rachel, my mother, and all those I love and hold dear again in Heaven.

Giving up Snow for Lent...

2011-03-11T17:34:00.000-05:00

Late this morning, I stepped into my former department, hoping to snag a mug of coffee. None has been brewed. Nobody made a pot. Of. Coffee.

One gave up Coffee for Lent.

Huh. Okay. So I brewed half a pot....and enjoyed that. For some reason, it felt really good to drink something hot and soothing my throat that somehow needed some soothing. No, I'm not sick nor do I have a sore throat. But just the same, coffee...good. Yum.

I had noticed the past few days, people were giving things up for Lent. One gave up Facebook for Lent. That, I'll be watching out for her and see if she is serious about it. So far, so good.

Some gave up sweets or food-related things. Some gave up tv programs or little pleasures.

I decided on....giving up Snow for Lent.

I've just had it with the weary, I mean, very weary Winter. I love snow and everything but to be constantly slammed with ice and snow all the time is just wearing me down. C'mon Spring, come on! You can do it! Come on out. Bring the sun with you.

Other exciting news...we have a Pastor nominee visiting us this weekend, and my church will have an open house this weekend. I'm looking forward to meeting him and see if this is the Pastor God wants him to be for our church.

AND....my middle sister, Hollie, is gonna have her 2nd baby either tonight or on Monday. By express delivery (c-section). I am looking forward to meeting my newest nephew soon. I wonder how big brother Andrew will handle it. He will be in for the shock of his life!

Other than that, really nothing earth-shattering events are happening in my life at the moment. Enjoying my new job, and having the time of my life. Kids are happy and healthy, if they're not killing each other first. Life is good, so far. And God is good. All the time.

The Knots Prayer

2011-03-03T20:14:00.000-05:00

Dear God,

Please untie the knots that are in my mind, my heart and my life.
Remove the have nots, the can nots and the do nots that I have in my mind.
Erase the will nots, may nots, might nots that may find a home in my heart.
Release me from the could nots, would nots, and should nots that obstruct my life.
And most of all, Dear God, I ask that you remove from my mind, my heart, and my life all of the "am nots" that I have allowed to hold me back, especially the thought that I am not good enough.

Amen

Author known to God

I've climbed the ladder....

2011-02-04T21:23:00.000-05:00

What a week!

Started my new job...or new position...wait, promotion. *scratch head*....whatever, you know what I mean!

I merely just moved across the hall from one department to the next. From the exciting world of Interlibrary Loan to Cataloging!

A big difference from my former position. And...I made it. To. Today. As. In. Friday!

Monday was where they were welcoming me, and going over the basics of what I'd be doing. There will be 3 stages of training...leading up to 90 days. And, the first stage is doing easy stuff, until I am comfortable in the saddle and going at a steady pace. Each day, my horse goes little faster, and I'm improving and remembering the stuff I used to do back in 2007. Giddyup!

Even though technology changes constantly, and newer, quicker, better, faster ways of making the work go faster, easier, smoother, etc (take your pick)....I find myself slipping into old habits from 2007...and sometimes sub-consciously, my hand or finger will reach a key that should not be touched, but out of habit.

Anyway, other than that, having a great week, and as one of my collegues in that department stated today to my supervisor, Captain Awesome, that I whip through the books so fast, it took her a while to realize that I am doing more than they expected me to be doing. So, that's progress, right? Having me onboard really relieved a lot of the stress and the workload on those 2.

We did have a snow day this week! From work! WOW! That's a rare treat, and I really do like our University's President...looking out for our best interest. Wednesday was a snow day, and I am glad, because that was my bad migraine, fall down the stairs kind of day.

In spite of all the drama of starting my new position/promotion/job and a Snow Day and migraine/fallingdownthestairs week, I have been truly, I mean TRULY blessed. This is where I want to reach up to God and give Him a big bear hug. Seriously. Lord, come on down. I want to hug You so badly!

Thank you, Lord, for all You've done for me this week. It has truly been a blessing, and a big honor to have the wonderful opportunity that has happened to me this week. Thank You for protecting me when I fell down the stairs, and giving me the comfort during my migraine bout. Also, I want to thank You for the financial blessings as well. And, of course, thank You for sending the angels who out of their servant heart, felt the need to share some groceries with us. We WILL pay forward....we will bless someone else in need.

Let Go

2011-01-09T21:23:00.000-05:00

Let Go

To let go means I can't do it for someone else.

To let go means I cannot control another.

To let go is to allow learning from natural consequences.

To let go is to admit powerlessness, the outcome is not in my hands.

To let go is not to try to change or blame another.

To let go is not to care for but to care about.

To let go is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being.

To let go is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes, but to allow others to affect their own identities.

To let go is not to be protective, it is to permit another to face reality.

To let go is not to nag, scold, or argue, but instead to search out my own shortcomings and correct them.

To let go is not to adjust everything to my desires, but to take each day as it comes and cherish myself in it.

To let go is not to criticize and regulate anybody, but to try to become what I dream I can do.

To let go is not to regret the past, but to grow and live for the future.

To let go is to fear less and love more.

Writer unknown.

First week of 2011

2011-01-08T08:04:00.000-05:00

The first week of 2011 came in fast, but ended slowly at work yesterday.

It was one of those moments where I wanted to hurry up the clocks up to 4:00 pm just so that some of us could leave.

And go home.

A couple of us were not feeling good all week. While we did have a great Christmas Break (mine was little wild...death of G'pa John and nephew Nathan's birth within a 24 hour frame), sometimes a bug will find ya.

Last night a deaf couple came over. The guy wanted some help in how to start up a web page or perhaps a blog site. While my husband isn't a blogger, I am. Towards the end of the evening, I took over, because, this blogger, me, knows almost everything about blogging. So I helped him set it up. I loved seeing the smile on his face when we opened a blog account for him. He smiled. He's not much of a smiler. A very serious person, and I made him smile.

He is going to be flying from New Jersey all the way to California sometime this summer, and wants to chronicle his adventures. And he's one of the few deaf pilots, so it'll be very interesting! I'm really happy for him. And has asked me to be his team member on his blog to update it whenever he can't. Sure, I'd love to!

(psst...as soon as he puts more stuff in it, and ready to share, I'll share the link with you guys)

That just made my evening. I sincerely hope that my husband and I will see more of them, and to grow in our new friendship.

Woke up this morning, I'm just feeling very ICKY. Like, my throat hurts, my body aches and I'm cold or not cold. I probably will just stay home and stay in bed. And sleep.

Have a wonderful weekend, and if anyone is sick, FEEL BETTER! If you have something exciting going on, HAVE FUN! And....if nothing going on, but just chillin' out, have a great weekend!

The end of 2010

2010-12-31T21:23:00.001-05:00

2010 is coming to an end.

So much has happened this year. But there are a couple people I want to share with you about.

First off, my grandfather John Fred Biegler, passed away last week, December 21st. What started out was as a "heart attack" only to find out there is a artoria dissection, meaning a tear in the artery. So, I guess he had a chance to say his good-byes and tell my grandmother he's had a good life. Quick. And in peace, I pray.

Within that 2 hour time frame of finding out he was in the ER, and the time of his passing, my youngest sister went into labor with her 3rd baby. I took her 2 kids with me...and stayed with them ....

Nathan Kekaiola was born on the 22nd. He has stolen my heart. Such a blessing in spite of the tragedy of losing our beloved grandfather.

Aunt Kirstan with Nathan....

Blessings!

2010-12-14T20:45:00.000-05:00

Well, I did it!

I had bid for a position that would be a promotion-type thing for me. In the Cataloging Department in the library where I work.

I applied. I got interviewed. And...

I got it!

Wahoo!

The best thing about this experience is that I was able to overcome so much self-negativeness and overcome putting myself down. I know I can do it. I am able.

I start January 31st. So, it's gonna be a great start for the new year. Can't wait.

A God Thing....

2010-12-10T10:03:00.000-05:00

My good friend Brenda shared a very heart-warming story that just inspired me to share with you all. I hope this inspires you to be someone's angel out there.

Brenda shares:

I have a wonderful eBay story to share! This is truly a "God Thing" and its so very cool to be used by Him to bless another person. Some background information first: I purchased a book called Kitty, My Rib (about Martin Luther's wife) at an estate sale. I rarely go to estate sales so it was a "God Thing" I went to that one. Here is the rest of the story....

Letter from the customer to Brenda:

Thank you so much for sending me Kitty My Rib. It arrived in great condition you did a great job packaging it. Here is the story....

My father was a Lutheran School teacher, Carl Streufert A music director to be specific. Thus his love for Luther - his history and his music. One of the books my dad had was Kitty My Rib. I even remember doing a book report on it when I was in grade school. After the death of my parents, my sisters and I divided up their things and of course one of the things I kept was that book. Years later as my children attend the same school where my father taught, I because involve in helping with the school library and decided that book would do more good on the school shelves then in our basement bookcase. So I donated it to the school library. Much to my disappointment, one summer the teacher in charge decided to clean out many of the books to make room for new ones and Kitty My Rib went out the door before I even knew what was happening. For years now I have looked for a copy of that book but was not successful.

I was so happy to see it on eBay last week. Knowing that it was the same print because our old one was also a red cloth bound book. It wasn't until I read your description that I nearly fell out of my chair. You see, my mother's name was Ruth. The signature was unmistakable. If you hadn't put in the picture of the inscription I would never have recognized it. Yes, the book that you sold me was in fact the very book that sat on our shelves for years and years. What a precious gift. I can't wait until I am together with my sister this Christmas to show them what I found. It is truly amazing that the book traveled originally from Wisconsin to St. Louis to who knows where and ended up in MI on your eBay page and is now home with us again.

Check out Brenda's store: Brenda's eBay Store

Auction item: Kitty My Rib

2007 - Mannheim Steamroller - Hallelujah

2010-12-02T19:49:00.000-05:00

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

2010-11-26T20:39:00.000-05:00

Surprise Answers

2010-11-19T14:27:00.000-05:00

My good friend, Vonnie Taylor, shared something with me and another friend, and I enjoyed it so much I asked if she'd let me share with you all.

Surprise Answers

A young woman that I have known since she was a child came to me and asked for some advice on her marriage about a month ago. I thought “Well, when I find the woman who has it all figured out, we can both ask her what to do.” However, that wasn’t going to help her with her questions at that moment. So I let her ask me what she wanted to know. Some of it was easy to answer, but other things I had to ask her to allow me the time to really dig deep into the Word of God and to seek wiser counsel than myself. What is to follow is what God led me to give to her. I am sharing it now because she told me ‘This is something I will need to read over and over again as years go by, just to be sure I am on course.” Maybe this is something some of you can use as well. Here is my letter to her.
Your big question was “What is a good wife?”. There could be a thousand answers to this, but it all boils down to one thing- “A Godly wife.” What are a few of her characteristics?

Love of God. She must love the Lord first and foremost and her husband must be second only to the Lord. She must be studying and growing in God’s Word and serving God to the best of her ability.
A woman of respect. If a woman cannot respect herself, she cannot respect her husband or anyone else. She cannot expect others to respect her either. She must like the person God is molding her into and be willing to respect the work He is doing. That will lead to self esteem and confidence that the Lord can use in her life. She must conduct herself in a way that her husband can respect her as well. She may be a hard worker but she needs to be an honest one. She may be smart , but is she using her mind for the Lord? She may be pretty, but is it only physical beauty?
Submission. Yes, we are told to submit to our husbands as we submit to the Lord and that has been taken out of context by many people. Submission is not servitude, but a loving willingness to allow the husband to lead in the role God has placed him in. A submissive wife doesn’t walk 2 steps behind her husband, but is standing beside him. She doesn’t try to show him up and take control. Instead she knows that all she does is a reflection on him and she wants him to grow strong in his role as leader of the family. She is the one God gave him to encourage and support. She puts him out front simply by stepping back and letting God lead him instead of her trying to lead.
A servant’s heart. Wives have to become skilled at multitasking. There are many demands on a woman today. By seeking to do whatever God wants her to do, serving her husband and others with a spirit of love, a woman can and will develop a servant’s heart without overburdening herself or being selfish. That doesn’t mean she shouldn’t have some time for herself. She must take care of her spiritual needs before she can serve.
She must love her husband. You may think ‘Duh, of course.” But what does loving him mean? Is it just the physical/ chemical reaction that takes place? Is it the feeling of love? No, it includes those things, but loving him is the choice that he is lovable because you chose to love him. Just as none of can earn or deserve God’s love, your husband can’t earn or deserve your love. You must be like God and give love unconditionally based on who you are. God loves us because that is HIS character. Make your character match His and you will be a Godly wife.

I got these 5 characteristics onto paper after a lot of prayer. Then I remembered a list of things that Randy and I had to make for each other as part of a retreat we went on a few years ago. We were asked to put down the things that make our spouse ‘perfect’ for us. Here are his answers. Some surprised me at that time. I saved it because it was a reminder that I need to always be aware of these things. I have tried to live up to all of them ever since. Maybe you can ask your husband to make his own list and then use that to help you know where you can focus in your marriage.
Randys list:

You listen. When I am talking to you, you listen and don’t often interrupt. When you do interrupt, it is to ask for me to explain something. It shows me you are interested in what I have to say.
You encourage me. When I am facing something that is discouraging, you always find the things to say and do to make me see the bigger picture. You show me God working in my life through the words you say and the things you do.
You help. You give up your time to help me when I need it. You don’t complain about taking on some of the load when I can’t carry it all. I don’t feel weak when that happens. I feel blessed that I have you beside me. I know we face things together as one.
You show interest in what I like. When we met you know nothing about cars or tools. You knew to buy gas and that made your car run. That was it. Over the years, you have been in the garage, under the car or on a ladder beside me as I explain how something works or why it is done this way. You learned because you wanted to please me. You are my ‘little apprentice.’
You don’t hold mistakes over my head. When I mess up, you don’t say you told me so even though, most of the time, if I had listened to you, I wouldn’t have made the mistake.
You don’t try to be what I should be. You aren’t afraid to give me counsel but once I make a decision, you submit to my leadership. You don’t go around telling me how I should have done it either.
You love me in spite of who I am. I can’t list all the ways you do this but I know it has its start in what God is doing in you.

Today is November 19, 2010. That list was made a number of years ago. If I had to remember the exact list I made for Randy way back then, I couldn’t tell you what was on it, but I can say that many of the things that make me “perfect” for him are the same things that make him ‘perfect’ for me. The above letter was mailed a couple weeks ago.

Oh Baby!

2010-11-13T15:09:00.002-05:00

My baby sister is expecting her 3rd baby anytime soon. Unfortunately, it's too early to be having the baby. She needs at least another week or two to safely deliver.

My soon-to-be-here-nephew seems impatient to join us. So, fortunately they were able to stop the contractions and labor.

I have been coming over a few times just to help out. Today, I'm hanging out helping her around the house, and caring for her 3 year old son. Her daughter is already at Opa's to spend the weekend with him.

Well, since my sister is on bed rest, I can sympathize with her how frustrating it is, but, we know it won't be long before the baby arrives. That itself I am so much looking forward to.

I really cannot wait to meet him.

And my other sister is expecting, too! In March. I cannot wait to meet her baby as well. This will be her 2nd baby...and it's a boy too! (She already has a 19 mo. old son)

I just adore all of them.

Dementia....

2010-11-03T20:05:00.000-04:00

Dementia has struck a family member of mine. I am not sure how rapidly it's becoming, but, it's scary to see how much it can rob of a person....

The other day I asked my baby sister, "HOW do you tell a person that he DID say this and that, only to have him argue with me that he NEVER said that, and not to make it sound like I'm calling him a liar?!" and "HOW do you tell him, 'No thanks, I got it' without getting him all upset?" and end up having to deal with his anger?

My sisters and I are dealing with a loved one who as of last year announced he has the beginnings of dementia, alongside with his Parkinson's. While I don't believe he has Parkinson's, I do believe he does have dementia.

Dementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior.

Well, he has the symptoms and it's really scary.

And very sad.

So I do pray for him daily. I do hate the fact that it affects other people. The outrageous statements he has made about me was just really a shocker, BUT, I am very thankful my other family members know it is not true. All they need to do is ask me about it. And I'm more than happy to set things straight.

I meet with him tomorrow evening. I know he has completely forgotten my birthday that was yesterday. But, that's okay. I had a good birthday anyway, and we went out tonight to celebrate. Tomorrow my husband and I are meeting this loved one for dinner and discuss something he offered to pay for, (when I insisted he should not, and won't listen to me) and will expect me to pay him back in payments.

*sigh*

Again, I ask...how do I tell him, thanks, but no thanks, and if you offered, why are you expecting us to pay back? I have told him repeatedly that I will take care of it after the holidays. Just not right now. Can't argue with someone like that w/o making him think we're calling him a liar.

Lord, help us.