With the kids (and grand kids)home from China in July, expectations were high for a summer filled with fun activities. Funny how the unexpected seems to happen. The week before they arrived, my summer changed.
In late June, the Doctors determined to try to let my foot heel on its own. After nearly 2 years of injuring my ankle, they suddenly put me in a walking cast for 4 weeks. July is not the most ideal time to wear a boot but 4 weeks is not that long of a time to attempt to avoid surgery. It became a real adventure trying to do things with grand daughters (3&5). I managed to survive the test period and even managed several weeks of swimming & games with the girls before the next phase of summer.
Not being successful in the ankle repairing of itself, surgery was recommended and approved by the insurance company. One minor 'little' hitch arose, a sliver. Pulling weeds, I got a sliver in my finger. The sliver became infected to the point of requiring surgery and daily anti-biotic infusions for almost 4 weeks. So I went from a boot on the foot to a club on the arm and a pic line in the other arm. Needless to say, the foot surgery was placed on hold till the infections were totally cleared up. There goes the month of August and part of September.
Finally, with the infections clear, surgery on the foot was scheduled. On October 10th, I had the peroneal tendons in the right foot repaired. The doctor said they (the tendons) were shredded. Recovery is expected to take 8-12 weeks. This, being only day 3, has the indication of extending the 'Fun' into the winter.
I know from Eccl 3:1 that "To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven". I know God has a reason for all thing, thus I will use this time to seek the reasons of God. Rather than dwell on these things and have an Eore attitude (Oh Bother, Why me????), I envision this season as a time of restoration (Body and Heart towards the things of God).
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Summer's End
The seasons here in Oregon seem to be out of sync at times. Spring pushed its way deep into the summer, just like winter had done to spring. Today is officially the first day of fall, yet it worked its way up to the low 90's again. Is this normal??? I would say it really is. Every year at this time, the days get warm but the evening sky drops a little faster each day. the longer nights allow the temps to drop - sometimes into the 30's or 40's.
The most wonderful aspect of this season is the changes we see around us;leaves on trees turn into a masterpiece of color, clouds come & go (sometimes giving us cleansing showers), kids return to school (with new enthusiasm & clothes), and the rush of trying to milk out the maximum enjoyment of summer is over. Unlike many parts of this country, we have the blessing of four distinct seasons and can enjoy each of them as they occur.
It is only fitting that the end of summer occurs with a time of festivities, similar to the beginning. We start the summer with Memorial Day and the 4th of July celebration. As summer draws to a close, we always spend time at the Oregon State Fair around Labor day, followed by indulging in the exquisite cuisine of the Oktoberfest just two weeks later. These events generally also welcome the first measurable rains of the new season (like magnets). It is therefore no surprise that only five days after the Oktoberfest(which is in September for some strange reason, a different topic) is the official dawning of AUTUMN.
I will now say 'good bye' to summer for another year. Will I not personally miss the hot days,but I will I miss the late hour sunsets or early sunrises. I will also enjoy being able to sleep in comfort, not soaked from the unbearable temperatures inside the house. So again, goodbye summer, see you next year.
The most wonderful aspect of this season is the changes we see around us;leaves on trees turn into a masterpiece of color, clouds come & go (sometimes giving us cleansing showers), kids return to school (with new enthusiasm & clothes), and the rush of trying to milk out the maximum enjoyment of summer is over. Unlike many parts of this country, we have the blessing of four distinct seasons and can enjoy each of them as they occur.
It is only fitting that the end of summer occurs with a time of festivities, similar to the beginning. We start the summer with Memorial Day and the 4th of July celebration. As summer draws to a close, we always spend time at the Oregon State Fair around Labor day, followed by indulging in the exquisite cuisine of the Oktoberfest just two weeks later. These events generally also welcome the first measurable rains of the new season (like magnets). It is therefore no surprise that only five days after the Oktoberfest(which is in September for some strange reason, a different topic) is the official dawning of AUTUMN.
I will now say 'good bye' to summer for another year. Will I not personally miss the hot days,but I will I miss the late hour sunsets or early sunrises. I will also enjoy being able to sleep in comfort, not soaked from the unbearable temperatures inside the house. So again, goodbye summer, see you next year.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Cheating
I was thinking about the concept of cheating this week. As children of God, we are called to be honest and trust worthy. Satan, on the other hand, is the deceiver we are told. Why then do we as humans teeter on that edge?
When we play games with friends, we play for fun yet the competitive nature looks for an advantage, even if not squarely in line with having fun. I remember how as a little girl, Heather 'always' beat Grammy at her games, but it wasn't Heather who cheated, it was Grammy (with good intentions). When playing solitaire, most people will cheat to win - because nobody is looking at or watching them.
How does this relate to every day life? To God's word? Many tend to look at life's issues as a game of solitaire, thinking it's o.k. to fudge a little if it appears that nobody is looking. Hidden snacks while dieting, questionable deductions on tax filings, borrowed quotes in school papers, and inflated personal deeds (as well as how big the fish that got away really was) are just a few examples.
The only real catch; is we are seen and will be held accountable for all of our actions. God sees and will judge us in everything we think and do. We in turn are called to be holy - like God is, even in our conversation and deeds(1 Peter 1:15-16).
Reflecting upon this, I know I have a ways to go if I want to be holy, and I really do. This is the constant struggle of mankind between good (Godly nature) and evil (human nature inflenced by Satan). I know where I want to be, it's the getting there that is difficult.
It is comforting to remember that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what He gives us the ability to resist and escape(1 Cor. 10:13). When I feel the pull to 'cheat', I know that it is my choice - not something the devil made me do. God is bigger than the Devil and myself combined. I need to learn to tap into His strength to be more like Him in all things.
In conclusion, "cheaters never prosper" seems appropriate. Just like in solitaire, cheating may give you a temporal victory, but for eternal rewards, we must be found to be blameless. Only God can bring that about in our lives.
When we play games with friends, we play for fun yet the competitive nature looks for an advantage, even if not squarely in line with having fun. I remember how as a little girl, Heather 'always' beat Grammy at her games, but it wasn't Heather who cheated, it was Grammy (with good intentions). When playing solitaire, most people will cheat to win - because nobody is looking at or watching them.
How does this relate to every day life? To God's word? Many tend to look at life's issues as a game of solitaire, thinking it's o.k. to fudge a little if it appears that nobody is looking. Hidden snacks while dieting, questionable deductions on tax filings, borrowed quotes in school papers, and inflated personal deeds (as well as how big the fish that got away really was) are just a few examples.
The only real catch; is we are seen and will be held accountable for all of our actions. God sees and will judge us in everything we think and do. We in turn are called to be holy - like God is, even in our conversation and deeds(1 Peter 1:15-16).
Reflecting upon this, I know I have a ways to go if I want to be holy, and I really do. This is the constant struggle of mankind between good (Godly nature) and evil (human nature inflenced by Satan). I know where I want to be, it's the getting there that is difficult.
It is comforting to remember that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what He gives us the ability to resist and escape(1 Cor. 10:13). When I feel the pull to 'cheat', I know that it is my choice - not something the devil made me do. God is bigger than the Devil and myself combined. I need to learn to tap into His strength to be more like Him in all things.
In conclusion, "cheaters never prosper" seems appropriate. Just like in solitaire, cheating may give you a temporal victory, but for eternal rewards, we must be found to be blameless. Only God can bring that about in our lives.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Car Rental
I've began to rethink loyalties to any particular Car Rental agency. I for years have been devoted to Enterprise, but they are not 'traveler' friendly. Little things seem to get in the way such as "no one way travel", "limited mileage", and "no crossing over State lines". As I prepare to cross the country with my Daughter to South Carolina, a short visit to see my sister in North Carolina just 4 hours away would be nice. Enterprise sent me a discount and a free upgrade for messing up my last rental so I called them. I was given the same excuses again (no one way and no crossing State lines). I guess my rental rate is jumping from $10.00/day to about $60.00/day.
Enterprise, you are great if I don't need to go anywhere or if I want to go where I am at already, but I will not waste anymore time calling you if I want to travel. I guess this only proves that the least expensive deals are not always the best.
I'm so glad that God doesn't offer us special 'deals' that we can't use. He only offers us eternal life and the cost never changes (though we may at times think the cost is too high for us).
Enterprise, you are great if I don't need to go anywhere or if I want to go where I am at already, but I will not waste anymore time calling you if I want to travel. I guess this only proves that the least expensive deals are not always the best.
I'm so glad that God doesn't offer us special 'deals' that we can't use. He only offers us eternal life and the cost never changes (though we may at times think the cost is too high for us).
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Papa
Several days ago, Ellenor asked me "can I call you Papa?" I answered that she already has a Papa and he is at his Army work. I told her that I was her Ponka (the name I somehow inherited) and could not be her Papa.
As I pondered upon this event, I began to think about the spiritual parallel. How often are we in situations where we find ourselves separated from our heavenly 'Papa'? In those times of alienation, do we look for a substitute, a surrogate 'Papa'? Are we willing to attach ourselves to another out of loneliness or fear?
Sweet Ellenor, what a trooper at the age of 2. Your papa loves you dearly. You will be with Papa in only 34 more days. Till then, you can share your hugs with me all you want. To everyone else, remember we already have a 'Papa" in God. He loves us unconditionally. When we find ourselves separated from Him, He is still there waiting for us to seek Him.
As I pondered upon this event, I began to think about the spiritual parallel. How often are we in situations where we find ourselves separated from our heavenly 'Papa'? In those times of alienation, do we look for a substitute, a surrogate 'Papa'? Are we willing to attach ourselves to another out of loneliness or fear?
Sweet Ellenor, what a trooper at the age of 2. Your papa loves you dearly. You will be with Papa in only 34 more days. Till then, you can share your hugs with me all you want. To everyone else, remember we already have a 'Papa" in God. He loves us unconditionally. When we find ourselves separated from Him, He is still there waiting for us to seek Him.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Conflict between Islam and Christianity
Islam and Christianity, both lay claim to similar roots through the seed of Abraham of the Jewish faith found in the Old Testament. With such a shared heritage, one would expect the two faiths to have much in common, particularly world views pertaining to God. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many of the basic viewpoints of Christianity are in absolute conflict with those of Islam. Having contrasting teaching and understanding of God’s word, it is inevitable that the key decision-making motivators of each would be in conflict. Following is a brief outline of some of the most prevalent discrepancies between the two.
Islamic teachings center on the worship of one God, Allah. Contrary to Christianity, Muslims do not accept the concept of the Triune nature of that one God. Jesus, whom Christians recognize as God (part of the Trinity), is accepted by Muslims as a ‘good’ prophet, like Mohammed. This denial of Jesus’ divinity by Islam creates the major discrepancy between the two faiths.
Christian (as well as Jewish) teaching tells the reader that Adam sinned against God and could only be restored to God through Atonement. Additionally, Christian doctrine concludes that God sent His son, in human flesh, to die upon the cross to accomplish this Atonement of sins, thereby offering man restoration as an unearned gift. Islam counters that Adam was faultless in his walk before God; Jesus was only a man who did not suffer death on the cross, thus no Atonement was achieved, and that salvation is earned through deeds, not free as a gift.
Another major conflict in beliefs is found in the methodology of an individual’s conversion to the faith. Christianity teaches that each person must enter the faith of their own volition, as a voluntary action. Islam teaches that conversion to the faith must be imposed by forced upon individuals and/or communities.
Based upon today’s world standards, Christianity (in a diluted state) has the appearance of being more ‘tolerant’ of their surroundings. Tolerance, as a human trait, is generally a compromise in application of God’s word. Islam (in the most part) teaches very little tolerance, especially in areas that violate their understanding of God’s word as they understand it. The unfortunate thing about this is that mainline Muslims are in many ways more in line with the scriptural teachings of God on topics such as Homosexuality, Adultery, and Prayer than most ‘mainline’ Christian Churches.
Can Christians and Muslims become more unified in their beliefs and teachings? Can commonality be found in their worldviews? This is most likely not possible due to the large chasm between the two. As long as the two can not agree on; the fall of man, the atonement of sin through God (Jesus), and salvation as a gift as opposed to works, the basis for absolute values as truth in a worldview can not be achieved.
Islamic teachings center on the worship of one God, Allah. Contrary to Christianity, Muslims do not accept the concept of the Triune nature of that one God. Jesus, whom Christians recognize as God (part of the Trinity), is accepted by Muslims as a ‘good’ prophet, like Mohammed. This denial of Jesus’ divinity by Islam creates the major discrepancy between the two faiths.
Christian (as well as Jewish) teaching tells the reader that Adam sinned against God and could only be restored to God through Atonement. Additionally, Christian doctrine concludes that God sent His son, in human flesh, to die upon the cross to accomplish this Atonement of sins, thereby offering man restoration as an unearned gift. Islam counters that Adam was faultless in his walk before God; Jesus was only a man who did not suffer death on the cross, thus no Atonement was achieved, and that salvation is earned through deeds, not free as a gift.
Another major conflict in beliefs is found in the methodology of an individual’s conversion to the faith. Christianity teaches that each person must enter the faith of their own volition, as a voluntary action. Islam teaches that conversion to the faith must be imposed by forced upon individuals and/or communities.
Based upon today’s world standards, Christianity (in a diluted state) has the appearance of being more ‘tolerant’ of their surroundings. Tolerance, as a human trait, is generally a compromise in application of God’s word. Islam (in the most part) teaches very little tolerance, especially in areas that violate their understanding of God’s word as they understand it. The unfortunate thing about this is that mainline Muslims are in many ways more in line with the scriptural teachings of God on topics such as Homosexuality, Adultery, and Prayer than most ‘mainline’ Christian Churches.
Can Christians and Muslims become more unified in their beliefs and teachings? Can commonality be found in their worldviews? This is most likely not possible due to the large chasm between the two. As long as the two can not agree on; the fall of man, the atonement of sin through God (Jesus), and salvation as a gift as opposed to works, the basis for absolute values as truth in a worldview can not be achieved.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Shrinking - Round 2
Now that the holiday season (Thanksgiving to National Championship) is over, it's time to come off the holding pattern and kick into the next gear. Through all the gaiety & oft dips into snacks, deserts, and extra meals, I managed to put on about 5 lbs. Starting anew, this should come off fairly quickly. All things considered, I am still 50-55 lbs less than one year ago.
The food packets are ordered and arriving in the next day or two. I must dedicate myself to strict adherence to the diet as I did last May. With this intent, My next goal is to lose another 30-40 lbs this year. This may sound like a new years resolution, but in reality, it is a new life resolution.
To keep myself honest, I invite those who care to challenge me in this venture. I pray that I continue in fulfilling God's plan for me to restore my health. Please pray for me as I strive to complete this task that God has required of me.
The food packets are ordered and arriving in the next day or two. I must dedicate myself to strict adherence to the diet as I did last May. With this intent, My next goal is to lose another 30-40 lbs this year. This may sound like a new years resolution, but in reality, it is a new life resolution.
To keep myself honest, I invite those who care to challenge me in this venture. I pray that I continue in fulfilling God's plan for me to restore my health. Please pray for me as I strive to complete this task that God has required of me.
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