Good Bye Goldie! April 22, 2008

Yesterday morning we decided that after Church we would go and buy a goldfish.  It was an exciting day and we could hardly wait to get to the pet store to make our purchase.  

When we arrived at the store, the sales rep showed us many different kinds of fish, however, Tae had his little heart set on a goldfish.  We made our purchase and proudly brought him home and put him in his tank.

This morning as we left for school, we checked in to see how Goldie was doing.  ”Bloop Bloop” said Goldie. “See ya after school friend” said Tae.

We arrived home and of course had to check in to see how Goldie’s day went.  Tae called from his room – “Mom, I think Goldie might be dead.”  In disbelief, I came to check.  Sure enough there was Goldie floating on his side.  Poor thing! It seemed we barely had a chance to get to know him, and we didn’t even have time to introduce him to our friends.

There were many tears, and then we decided to give Goldie a proper burial.  ”Mommy,” Tae said, “will I see Goldie in heaven?”   “I’m not sure,” I replied.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked God the same question. I cannot bear the thought of not meeting everyone I love in heaven.

We never know how long we have; don’t delay, introduce your friends to Jesus today!  You’ll be glad you did!

~ dl

Just a Mom? April 21, 2008

I drove through the drive-through at Starbucks.  The same sweet girl that waited on me today has waited on me several times before.   (If you’re thinking I drink too much coffee, you could be right!) We seem to have developed a bit of a connection.

This morning while waiting for my order, she seemed to want to chat.  She started by asking me, “Do you have the day off?”  I nodded and smiled, and directed a few questions back at her.  Then somehow we ended up back where we started.  She asked, “Do you work Monday to Friday?”  I don’t know why, but I explained that my work was “at home”  rather than just stating, “I’m JUST a stay-at-home Mom.”  

With my first two boys I was a career Mom.  Now I stay home with my third and last son.  So I know both sides, and do not judge either.  I have never questioned the value in my choice to be at home with my last child.  I believe whatever the sacrifices, it will be worth it.  I love and savor every minute and wouldn’t trade it for the world.  

Regardless of the conviction that I have that my role is to be at home for now, I still struggle with how to tell people what it is I do.  I somehow feel like I have to defend my choice.  This past week in two separate conversations with two other Moms who have chosen full time child-rearing as their primary vocation,  I learned that I’m not alone. 

Though there is a natural assumption in our society that most women are “working” women, most of my friends are stay-at-home moms. I don’t feel alone, nor do  I feel judged for what I have chosen to do with my life.  

So what IS my problem?  

~ dl

 

Under a bucket? April 19, 2008

If you listened to our April 16th Message-To-Go, you might recall near the end of the message that I referenced a friend who is a missionary in Africa. Although she has seen much suffering and has had her share of trials while in Africa, she had encountered some tough situations before even leaving seminary. One evening, while coming home from a babysitting job, she was abducted from in front of her house by a man with ill intentions. The details of her story and the emotional journey of healing that followed forced her to reconcile her belief in a God who is good.  She had to decide if she could trust and believe that God is a good and loving God, despite the fact that bad things happen.

It was not a quick and easy process.  She wrestled with God for months.  And she came out with a very personal and tender word from God that assured her that yes, she could trust Him.  Yes, He is good.  No, He isn’t pleased with the sin in our world and He weeps over us when we are hurting.

What strikes me as so special in her is the willingness and open heart with which she shares this very painful, hurtful story for the benefit of others.  2 Corinthians 1:3-7 teaches us that God comforts us in our pain so that we in turn can be a comfort to others.  This is indeed one of the ways God can bring a blessing out of something that Satan would intend for only evil.  

When God reveals something special to us, let us be challenged not to let His light hide under a bucket, but hold it high for all to see!

~kp

Blessing and Love April 13, 2008

Today was filled with sunshine and warm air in our part of the world. Not too hot, but nice and warm. Since the days are getting longer, I was able to go for my run tonight at 7 PM. As it stands right now we have every window open and a wonderful fresh breeze blowing through. As I take a big sigh of thankfulness, all feels right with the world.

My sons have bunk beds. I put my Bennie to bed tonight in his top bunk spot and stood on the bottom bunk so I could stroke his hair until he fell asleep. With the window open, I felt the breeze and could hear the sounds of the traffic outside. I was swept back in my memory to a busy little neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. For a time after I graduated University, I lived with my Gramma. Her house was tiny, and I slept in the living room on a pull-out couch bed. There was no air conditioning, and in the hot Chicago summers the windows would be open. I loved listening to the busy street activity outside. I could hear conversations, cars zipping past, kids running home (probably late for curfew). If it was a weekend night, I could count on hearing police patrol and sirens at some point in the evening. The sound of street activity will always bring to mind my Gramma’s house, the old neighborhood, and a sore back from a lumpy couch bed (ha ha!)

My Gramma died 3 years ago. I have saved a good number of the letters she had written to me over the years. She always signed her letters to me in the same way:

“Take care of yourself, Kim. God Bless You. Love You Always, Gramma.”

My Gramma was deaf, and so writing was our form of communication when I lived in other cities. Her letters would send me off with a command, a blessing, and her expression of her love for me. And when I think of my Gramma, those send-offs come to mind. That is part of the legacy she has left with me. Blessing and love.

So as I stroked my Bennie’s hair, listening to traffic and thinking of Gramma, I am encouraged to be mindful of the “send-off” that I give. Whether it is to my children, or my husband, or a group of friends, or a stranger. What am I leaving behind after a time spent together? What message do I leave with people? I pray it can be one of blessing and love.
~kp

Meet Andrew, Meet John – Meet JESUS! April 12, 2008

I am so excited!

After years of using an old relic of a computer, I just bought myself a new MacBook, and I’m lovin’ it (thanks to my friend Kim, who has been teaching me how to use it).  Seriously though, when I went to purchase the new computer, I was standing outside the store, (waiting for Kim – I needed her wisdom and support for this purchase) I was as nervous as could be; but with a growing anticipation and excitement.  It dawned on me; I was more excited about my new computer than I was about the purchase of our long overdue, and much needed, new (new to us) vehicle.

What you need to understand, is that my poor ol’ desktop had to be re-booted every 5 minutes in order to finish even a simple email.

I am currently a student in a 4 year Distance Learning program at Bible College, and with a new Ministry  (for the sake of One) just starting, and my church ministry, I’m sure you’ll agree, this was an absolute necessity.  

Well, my dear friend, spiritual mother, and mentor, had a brilliant idea.  She suggested that I name my computer “Andrew.” 

As I shared this with Kim, I could see that we now had a need to name her new laptop, we named hers “John.”

Why Andrew?  Andrew was the one who brought his brother to meet Jesus.

Why John (John, the Beloved)?  When John spoke; “people turned and followed Jesus”.

We would like you to meet Andrew and John (if you haven’t already). The experience – could be life changing!  If you have already met them – could you be the next “Andrew” or a “John”?  Perhaps, someone in your life might need to meet Jesus.

~ dl

 

 

90 Years, She’s still a Princess. April 8, 2008

For several weeks now we have been celebrating one woman’s birthday. The parties have continued on and on.  Rightfully so; The guest of honor (her name is Betty MacKenzie) turned 90 on March 18/2008. 

This is no typical 90 year old woman (though I’m not sure what a typical 90 year old is like).  She continues to touch my heart and amaze me in ways too many to try to tell you about here.  I will share this story with you though in the hopes that she will also touch your heart.

Kim and I lead a women’s bible study at our church.  As long as I have been coming (over 5 years now)  Betty has also been a regular attendee at our Thursday morning gathering. 

Now, this is not just some social gathering place (although the conversation and coffee adds a beautiful dimension).  We “study” God’s word through the teachings of Beth Moore, Heidi McLaughlin, Kay Arthur, and many other wonderful women’s bible teachers.  Our studies usually include 5 days of homework, an hour long DVD teaching, and some conversations to process what we have learned over the past week. 

Betty sits at a table beside her sister, but also with several young Moms who are struggling through the sleepless years, trying to hang on dearly to their faith.  Hmmm, reminds me of Titus 2.

Betty also cares for her sister, who is just a couple of years younger and is visually impaired. Not only does she make sure her sister has a perfect weekly attendance record at our Bible Study, but she willingly will drive out of her way to make sure other women have a lift (in more ways than one).

At the end of our fall semester we had a “Princess Party” (we are all daughters of the King).  Would you believe there was our Betty, beaming and beautiful. Both she and her sister were sporting tiaras. I’m not sure, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Princess more stunning as she basked in the love of her doting King.

My prayer; that you and I can be a “Betty” today!  (never mind waiting until we are 90).

Happy Birthday Betty!  We love you.

~dl

Freeze Tag April 6, 2008

Earlier today my 3 year old asked if I would go outside and play freeze tag.  As I was about to say “No, there are lots of kids outside, go ask someone to play with you” the words I read on my friend Candace’s blog (titled “Come On!”) rang in my ears, encouraging me to go and play.

So we ran.  And ran.  And ran.  I got to be “it” and chase my 2 boys and a neighbor boy all around the yard.  We have a retaining wall that was “home base” for our game.  The boys would race to climb on it where they were “safe.”  I stood facing the wall, waiting for them to leave its safety and run where I could tag them.  They didn’t stay on the wall for long.  One after another would dart away and try for a lap around the grass before I caught them.  The belly laughing and real fun happened once the safety of the wall was left behind.  We’d laugh and squeal as we chased around, then breathe and rest back at home base.  I could tell the boys were nervous about venturing off the wall – who knew what would happen?  Would I catch them?  Would they succeed?  Their nerves didn’t stop them from getting into the game.

Sometimes we must venture outside of our comfort zones for the real fun to happen.  With God as a safe and secure “home base,” we can go boldly into a new adventure, belly laughing with anticipation and excitement.  Is there an area you are feeling you need to get off the wall?  Go for it.  I double-dog dare you!

~kp

Cheesecake! April 4, 2008

There are many things in this world that are simply meant to be enjoyed.  I truly believe dessert is one of those things.  Our own hang-ups, insecurities, compulsions, etc, have turned our enjoyment of dessert into a calorie counting, guilt ridden, no-thanks-I’ll-pass disappointment.  But the original spirit of having dessert is one of enjoyment.

Last summer I was blessed to meet an incredibly talented musical artist, Lisa Adrianne.  Lisa is a 22-year old woman with a powerfully beautiful voice.  She has been nominated for awards and is gifted (with a captial “G”) as a songwriter and singer.  This month marks the 2-year anniversary date that she lost her mom to cancer.

 As if the ministry of recording and performing the heart-touching songs that she has written isn’t enough, Lisa and her friend, Debbie Fortnum have begun a ministry to help families who battle cancer.  Their ministry involves…Cheesecake!  They offer families the opportunity to hold fundraising events in the form of a Cheesecake Concert.   Cheesecake Concerts involve music, hope and inspiration, and cheesecake.

Lisa’s website www.lisaadrianne.com has more information about this “sweet” ministry.  Her music is truly wonderful.  My baby daughter Kacey went through a period where she fell asleep every night listening to Lisa’s album, “Carry On.”  If you know of someone looking to host a unique fundraising event to help a family with cancer, please consider Lisa and Debbie.  And keep them in prayer this weekend as they hold their first Cheesecake Concert.  There is no calorie counting allowed during this dessert!
~ kp