My Fellow Americans

Counting the people has ended, as least in our area. I am out of work and I feel guilty for being so happy about that. I feel guilty for hating my job so much. I told my team leader one day that was I was very disappointed in my fellow Americans. I encountered such hostility! Such rudeness! Such distrust of government. But now that it's over, I think maybe this is not such a bad thing. Americans are tough and don't like to be pushed around. We are independent and private and don't like intruders asking nosy questions.

In just a few months I feel like I've seen it all--every kind of American. I've knocked on the doors of million dollar homes and run-down apartments. I've traveled through mobile home parks and retirement communities and even tattoo parlors. I've seen all colors of people. I've met people from all walks of life--housewives and bikers and businessmen and day laborers. I've found people in all kinds of circumstances. A single dad with a baby in diapers clinging to his leg, too busy to talk because he was trying to cook dinner. I met an elderly woman whose husband had recently been admitted to a nursing home. She was lonely and scared and wanted someone to listen. One man just buried his wife the day I was on his doorstep. I felt like the worst kind of intruder. I found a woman sitting in the sun on her front porch. She said, "I've been waiting for you." I enjoyed talking with her. I was invited inside homes for refreshments and shown family portraits. Now that I am writing this, I realize how many people I met who were not rude or hostile. Maybe many were guarded and wary, but kind and helpful. I liked all these people. They shared a glimpse of their lives with me. But then there was the other side of this job.

I've been threatened and yelled at and had the door slammed in my face. I've heard people ranting and raving about politics. If I could have removed this intimidation factor, I would have enjoyed meeting all the people who live in my community. But there was always the fear of what kind of person would answer the door. These people made the job miserable.

Now it's over. What an experience! I told my team leader today, "See you in ten years!" He said, "No way! Never again!" I know the feeling.

Good-bye, Hello Kitty

The girls wanted to get new clocks for their rooms. They don't like their cute Hello Kitty clocks with the built-in nightlights anymore. Instead, they are interested in decorating with the dorm room accessories that are sold everywhere this time of year.

This must be another milestone. It was sad for me to unplug their childhood clocks and replace them with square, fluorescent digital clocks with no nightlight, which means I can't see their sleeping faces when I check on them in the middle of the night. Maybe they don't need checking anymore.

Arielle is almost as tall as I am now. She rides in the front seat. Another milestone. Liana doesn't need her booster anymore. Where did my little girls go? My adorable, chubby babies with the colorful barrettes in their shiny black hair? Fred cleaned out the storage room and took the big plastic wagon out to the shed to be used now for gardening. As he rolled it out the backdoor, my heart broke. Fred knows we won't ever again be rattling down the boardwalk with the girls in the wagon, both of them giggling in the cool breeze of the evening after a day in the sun at the beach.

Maybe all this struck me this week because I have been going through old boxes, sorting through the memorabilia of my little boys' lives so long ago. I found soccer trophies and an old Pinewood derby car. More trophies for Raingutter Regatta winners, plaques and ribbons of every color for track meets and writing contests and orchestra events. I searched for the boys' names in old, yellow newspaper clippings. I found school report cards and standardized test results that seemed so important at the time, but now are meaningless. Who cares if you made an A or a B in high school biology? I laughed when I pulled out an old postcard that Dominic wrote when he spent a few weeks in North Carolina with his best friend when he was maybe 10 or 11. His postcard reads, "It is fun here. I almost got my ear chopped off, almost drowned in the ocean, and almost got killed by a tornado. " The next line, "Brad and I chewed 8 packs of gum." Dominic always loved the drama!

Arielle and Liana, who are always in trouble for bickering with each other, were delighted to discover Dominic's eyewitness account of a battle between his two younger brothers. Dominic meticulously recorded a word-for-word narrative of what I'm sure was a typical day in the life at home with my boys. The chaos! The noise! My rough and tumble boys! I miss them so much.

I found lots of creative writing assignments the boys wrote through the years. These are small windows into their minds as they grew up. Jon, full of ideas even back then, had words of praise written across the pages by teachers who appreciated his talent. Damien's stories were always short and to the point. He had better things to do than silly writing projects. Nick had quite the imagination. He won a short story contest in high school. It was supposed to be a true story, but I guess real life was too boring, so he made up a "true" account. Dominic's writings were more serious, essays on freedom and government.

Best of all I found volumes of funny, sweet cards the boys made for me through the years. Not just for birthdays, but for Valentine's Day and the Fourth of July, Easter and Christmas. Cards that were cleverly cut and glued and colored with pencils or crayons. Oh, what a fortunate mom I was to receive such gifts! And I am still so fortunate. Yes, I miss my little ones, but I have my grown-up sons and my growing up girls. Life is rich. My heart aches with each milestone passed, but each day brings new treasures, and years from now these things will be the precious memories.

Practice

I planted these black-eyed susans years ago and they were pitiful. Only a few bloomed each year. Then we had a huge maple removed from the yard due to ant infestation and now the flowers have multiplied and flourished. They just needed more sunlight. It was as simple as that.

Sometimes when God is trying to tell us something, we will hear a message over and over. This morning I got a devotional in my e-mail from a man at our church. He was an ER doctor and he wrote about going to school and gaining a lot of knowledge but the real test came in how he applied that knowledge. It didn't do him much good in the ER if he couldn't take what he'd learned and use it to help his patients.

It made me think about my walk with God. I have a lot of Bible knowledge. I know what God's word says. But what good is that if I don't apply it to life situations? If I don't have patience with my husband and children, if I complain about circumstances, if I lose hope at the first sign of a disturbance in my routine? I am like what James 1:22-25 describes--the person who looks in the mirror and then walks away and forgets what she looks like. This person hears the word of God in the morning, but then lets it slip from her mind for the rest of the day.

Fred left early to go to breakfast with his friend. I opened my Bible to where I left off in my reading. I was on I Timothy 4. At the end of the chapter, these words caught my attention. "Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Devote yourself to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have been given. PRACTICE these things, immerse yourself in them. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this..."

Now I am not a leader in the church like Timothy, but I have my own little sphere of influence, namely my family. What kind of example am I setting for my children? What do my actions teach them? That life is a difficult drudgery to be endured? When my words are harsh and my actions say nothing of my faith, my children are watching.

We've been given all the tools and resources we need. We have power from on high. Our Lord is there to cheer us and give us strength when we spend more time in the sunlight. I'm not one to promote endless introspection but maybe I need a little more honest evaluation on how I interact with my family. My husband and children are precious gifts from God and I love them more than anything else in my life. Today I will PRACTICE godliness in my speech and conduct and attitudes. Practice implies a good effort, not perfection. It might be hard work, but not impossible. Today I will not walk away and forget God's words. My family will be grateful.

Laughter and guacamole

Dominic and Stacia came for the weekend! We haven't seen them in awhile and it was a wonderful visit. Since they don't own a car, they rented one to drive here and haul back a lot of goods. So we got to go shopping with them, much to the delight of the girls.

We spent Saturday at Ikea and it was so much fun watching Dominic and Stacia buy furniture and plan for their lives together. Arielle and Liana loved exploring the store and imagining their own dream homes. After making sure we had seen every item in the entire store, we came home hungry and there was still dinner to prepare. Dominic had brought two ripe avocados from his house, so we searched my cupboards for something to use to make guacamole. Here is our improvised recipe: It was yummy and we wolfed it down immediately with a big bag of tortilla chips.

2 mashed avocados
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 tomato, chopped
hot pepper sauce
salt
2 T. lime juice

For two nights after dinner I enjoyed conversation with my soon-to-be daughter-in-law while Dominic and Liana cleaned the kitchen and did the dishes. (Liana never helps me like that.) What a treat! Years ago my mom and I always lingered at the dinner table after everyone ate. We picked at the leftovers and shared one-on-one time while the rest of the family took off to avoid having to help with clean-up. Back then the dishes awaited us. Not now! Dominic and Liana gave me a break. Stacia also gave Dominic and me an opportunity to talk by spending time with the girls as the three of them colored pictures.

It was Chrissy and Jon's first anniversary this weekend, so when I reminded the kids of that, Dominic set to work making a very silly card. I told the girls I have a big box of silly cards he's made for me through the years. He always brings such fun to our house.

On Sunday Dominic and Stacia packed the car and we said our good-byes in the street. I think of many other farewells when my heart would break not knowing when I would see my son again. But now he is not so far away and his future is full of promise. Stacia is a lovely woman and became part of our family the day we met her. I'll be glad when it's "official."

After all the drama of the last few weeks, Dominic and Stacia lifted us up from the gloom and doom and made us laugh.

More drama

For family following Fred's health, we have more drama. Last week he was having severe abdominal pain and went to our family doctor. A stat CT scan was ordered and he went to the hospital. Of course, no dental appliance could be seen. The best test for that would be an MRI, but our insurance won't pay for it. But the radiologist did see evidence of the appliance because Fred has an intestinal infection. The doctor ordered heavy duty antibiotics. What next? No one seems to be able to predict, or even guess, the outcome of this event. Fred presses on, working and doing all he has to do. He has lost a lot of weight and looks very thin.

As for me, I pray and trust. Fred is in God's hands. I went out to the garden with the earth radiating heat from our 103 degree day and spent a couple of hours picking beans. Life goes on.

The Guinea Pigs

Post by Arielle

The baby boy guinea pigs are now bigger. They fight for some of the vegetables and fruits we give them even though there is another one on the ground next to them. They like to jump on top of their box houses, and they are really fast. The two girls are totally opposite. They do not like to jump on top of things, and they don't really like to run fast. We trained the girls, and when we give one of them some lettuce, the other one does not try to steal it from the other. The other one waits her turn. I think it's funny how they do that. Here are more recent pictures of them and two little videos showing how the boys run fast and like to steal each other's food.

A video of Clover and Nutmeg running

Both boys fighting for an apple

The 4th

Post by Arielle

Yesterday was so much fun! Last night we went to our library park and watched fireworks outside on the grass. My mom's good friend and her two daughters, and my brother and his family went with us. It was nice seeing everyone. Here is a picture of one of the fireworks.

I also took a video of part of the show.

Holiday weekend

Holidays are family time. We started a little early this week when Marissa asked us to go biking with her. Fred and I had so much work to do that day. Why do we hesitate to take the time and have fun? So we are glad we dropped everything else and just enjoyed the day. It was a cool, beautiful morning with a light breeze and high puffy clouds in a perfect sky. We biked along the river with green surrounding us on every side. The drought has not yet taken its toll on the trees and plants, and we reveled in riding in and out of the lush shade. The river sparkled in the sunlight and we did something we rarely do--relax! Maybe Arielle and I were the ones doing most of the relaxing. We led the way while Fred and Marissa trailed behind to keep a watch on Liana.

Later in the day Nick came over with ALL of his children. We rarely see them all together, so this was a special event. Liana and Mattie immediately retreated in Liana's room to play fashion show, changing into many different outfits and occasionally modeling them for us. Arielle was torn between talking with Kelsey and Seth and playing with the babies. I was just glad to have everyone here, especially having time to talk with my oldest son.

Home alone

The girls went to their regional fashion show today. But it's not just a show. They also have classes on different topics, do a craft, and work on a community service project. Today they sewed bags with pockets to attach to wheelchairs or walkers so people that use those things can carry around their supplies.


I dropped the girls off at noon and then Fred and I did some errands. Then he went to work. I had a total of three and a half hours HOME ALONE! That just never happens for me. I am usually never apart from my girls, and even if I was, Fred would be home. I was kind of excited about this unexpected time.


So what did I do? First of all, I ate a bowl of ice cream and picked up the book I've been trying to find time to read. Pearl of China by Anchee Min. That was a very nice treat! Then I took advantage of the quiet to read the book of Titus and spend time in prayer. Convicting verses in that passage of scripture.


To catch up on housework, I decided I would try to do at least one project per day this summer. Homeschooling moms just never seem to find time for house cleaning. It's not just me with a messy house at the end of June. So I cleaned my room--dusting, mopping, getting rid of clutter. Then I scrubbed the tub in one of our bathrooms. Next, I made dinner for Fred to eat when he gets home. I folded laundry. The UPS guy delivered hay I had ordered for the guinea pigs. And then my time was up. It was a long drive to the fashion show, and I wanted to get there early for a good seat. It was a novelty to have time alone at home, but I missed my girls! Life would be so boring without them.


It was an exciting night. Girls from nine counties modeled their outfits. What amazing clothing they had created! It is unbelievable that children so young can sew so well. And the high school girls? Even more spectacular. They made prom gowns, coats, suits, and office attire like silk blouses and wool pencil skirts. Truly awesome outfits. My girls in their little cotton dresses didn't stand a chance.



First the winners of the juniors were called. Juniors are ages 8 to 12. It is Arielle's last year as a junior. Her name was announced! Immediately after, Liana's name was called! We were shocked. This is Arielle's fourth year at regionals and she never won before. Liana did not win last year either. I took home two happy girls. They are already dreaming of next year's outfits.

Here comes summer

Summer is here! It comes when the schedule clears and we enjoy time at home. Summer comes when the Rose of Sharon bloom. I can see these beautiful flowers from my kitchen window. Early this morning I ran across the lawn in my pjs to snap pictures as the sun rose and the blossoms opened to the light. Later in the morning after the girls dressed for church, I got another picture of with their beautiful shining faces.

Summer is here when we bring in the first cucumbers. We made our first batch of Sweet and Sour Cucumbers, my mother's recipe, and we ate them all in a day. Here is the recipe if you would like to try them. Just mix all this together:

3 cucumbers, sliced thin

1/2 cup white vinegar

1/3 cup olive oil

2 T. sugar

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/4 tsp. oregano

Summer is here when we get to read. Now that most events are over, the girls and I are going to try to have daily reading time. D-E-A-R. Drop everything and read! Dropping my compulsion to complete tasks is the hardest. But we did it--all three of us in the living room, silently reading as we snuggled on the couch. It was heavenly! We're also going to do some read-alouds together. I bought a book at the homeschool conference just for this purpose. It is the true story of Olive Oatman who was captured on the Santa Fe Trail by Yavapai Indians in 1850. But Arielle discovered the book and she is almost finished with it, so I guess I will just read it to Liana. I love when we all read one together though.

Summer is here when Lana spends the night! She had a great time playing with Liana and vice versa. Those two are lost in their imaginary world for hours at a time. At 10pm last night I had to gently tell them the toys would have to wait until morning because they had to get to bed. But their eyes weren't opened for 30 seconds the next day before they were back playing. Neither one said to the other, "Let's get up and play." They must just think alike because they both awoke and ran to the kitchen without a word. Jon is worried Lana plays with toys too much. I told him they are little girls for such a very short time. Let them play!

Summer is here when we have A DAY WITH NOTHING PLANNED! Hurray! That's tomorrow. I can't wait.

Camp and the Guinea Pigs

Posts by Arielle



We just finished a whole week of Camp Little Bear at our church. It was a fun time to be with the kids, but I am soooooooo tired!!! I was working with the young three year olds. Liana and my mom were working with the snack block. They served snacks to the campers and counselors. My little niece is going to sleepover tonight so she can go to church with me. I am going to help out with the little kid classes, so it works out perfectly. Usually I go to my own classroom for my grade, but tomorrow I will be helping.


All four guinea pigs are fine. The boys are getting bigger and bigger. We are still waiting for a bigger cage to come in for them. When Liana and I were at camp we pretended that the guinea pigs went to Camp Baby Pigs ( like Camp Little Bear). LOL. =) I will put some pictures and a video of them on the blog later.

Moving on

It bothered me that I haven't written in awhile when the last thing I wrote was titled "a defeated life." How depressing just to look at it. No, we are not defeated. We are moving on to other things.

School finally ended, the portfolio was completed and taken to the evaluator, books were labeled and packed for the used book sale at the homeschool conference, the girls finished their dresses for the 4-H Fashion Revue, Fred's medical problem is resolved for now, and CENSUS WORK ENDED! Thank you, Lord! I'm not complaining. God gave me the job just when we needed it and it got us through a tight spot. But the job was not fun and I am glad to see it end. Although it probably isn't really over. I was approved to go on to "Phase Two," whatever that is. I just hope there is no more door-to-door. Oh, the stories I could tell. But can't. The census is confidential!

This week we are going to church each morning for the preschool camp. Arielle is a junior counselor and Liana and I are working to serve all the kids snacks. We are mainly going for Arielle because she just loves working with the little children.

On Saturday the girls had the county fashion show. They modeled the dresses they have been working on for the past five months and won ribbons and qualified to go on to the regional show. Yes, the girls were excited about winning at the moment, but both of them were quiet and subdued on the way home as they thought about the girls who did not win. None of us liked seeing the sad faces on those girls. Arielle said she would be willing to give up her spot in the regional show so one of the runners-up can take her place. I don't know that her 4-H teacher would want her to do that though. We'll see what happens. Both the girls did a great job and worked very hard so I wanted to post their picture.

When is summer actually going to start? Those lazy, hazy days of summer...I don't want to miss it. I think I'm missing it already. It's almost the end of June!

A defeated life

I realized that all week I have been living in defeat. Fred has me very stressed out with all that is going on with him. I've been waiting for the next catastrophe. What else will happen to him? Besides the broken leg incident last October and the dental thing now, I didn't even write about his torn rib cartilage and our middle of the night escapade with that. We're all on edge. But is this the way to live?

Consider the plans of the evil one. If he can't get us to lose our faith, he will discourage us so we live in defeat--frustrated, joyless, tired, trudging through our day. Falling into bed at night, another day gone. Another day gone? We have limited days! We can't waste even one! And what are we teaching our kids? Scripture says, "Let no man steal your joy." In our case, we should let no circumstance steal our joy.

I need a reminder that God is in control! This is his battle, and it's a spiritual war. The enemy is without, but the enemy is also within--our negativity and our hopeless attitude. I've been reading a daily devotional from the words of Charles Spurgeon. He says, "The battle is the Lord's and he will deliver his enemies into our hands. With steadfast foot, strong hand, dauntless heart and flaming zeal, rush to the conflict and the hosts of evil shall fly like chaff before the gale."

Today I will look around at all the gifts I've been given. When trouble comes I will call upon the one who has already won the battle. He is the sword and shield of his people.

So here is what I did today: Fred called me on his way home from the hospital, concerned about the two rows of lima beans that never germinated. He said he planned to replant them when he got home. He can't do that! What is that crazy man thinking? But I know how he is when he gets an idea in his head. So the girls and I put on our gardening clothes and got out the hand tools. I don't know how to use the rototiller. I took an old-fashioned hoe--great tool--and set to work on that end of the garden. The sun was hot and the ground dry and hard. I beat it until my muscles ached. Bugs tormented me. But I conquered. I raked the plot smooth and planted new beans. I pulled the radishes and picked the spinach and arugula. Tasty gifts. I sat in the dirt and weeded the onions. I hilled up the potatoes. Life is back in order.

I read this today: "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep." Psalm 127: 1, 2.

Rest and sleep, beloved.

What could have been...

Do you ever stop and think about things that could have happened but didn't? You have a near-miss with another car on the road. A child takes a bad fall but doesn't get hurt. Someone has an illness that could have been fatal but wasn't. How many times God intervenes to spare us and give us more life! We have no idea how many close calls we've had in the course of a lifetime.

This morning was one of those times. In a most bizarre accident, Fred ended up once again in the emergency room. It was scary-- but it could have been much, much worse.

At 6 in the morning Fred was getting ready for one of his jobs and had a sneezing fit. He has allergies this time of year. As he inhaled sharply to sneeze, his dental appliance was forced into his throat. I awoke to him shouting, "I HAVE TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL RIGHT NOW!"

Yes, he was speaking. A good sign that his airway was not blocked. Of course, I didn't know what had happened but I jumped out of bed and into my clothes. Then he said he swallowed his "tooth." This tooth is attached to a plastic, sharp-edged plate about the size of a half dollar. Even if the plate wasn't in his trachea, it could not be good to have it in his esophagus. The girls woke up and we all headed to the hospital.

Thankfully, X-rays determined the plate was not anywhere in his throat or chest. So it had to be in his stomach. "It will pass," the doctor said. On the way home we kept thinking of what could have happened. If he had inhaled it, instead of swallowing it, he would have choked to death. That plastic would have sealed off his airway and prevented any breathing. God is merciful. We are grateful.

Answered prayer

Our continual prayer for the past six months has been for a job for Fred. We were shocked to discover that yes, the economy is very bad and it is very difficult to get a job, even if you are highly qualified. The opportunities for electricians are very limited and our bank account was emptying out quickly, mainly due to the high cost of health insurance. Soon we would be joining the ranks of Americans without insurance. Not a good idea at our ages. Fred needs a job. When, Lord, when?

Just as the situation became desperate, God intervened. He has never failed to provide for us. We have had many years of lean times in the past, but God can always be trusted. He is faithful! Why I worry so much, I don't know. It is not the way of God to give us instant answers and quick relief from our distress. He wants us to be patient and wait for his solution to our problems.

Fred did his part in searching for a job by applying to dozens of companies. A constant stream of opportunities were sent to him via e-mail from the job placement guy at his school. That man tried hard to get Fred a job. And Fred tried hard too. Nothing. The few interviews he was granted came to naught. I saw my husband sinking lower and lower.

My son Jon is a manager of a large company and pulled some strings to get Fred in. This job is extremely hard physically and pays very poorly. Still, it is work and Fred is grateful to have it. Jon's intervention prevented some serious financial trouble for us. Then Fred was also hired to do some maintenance work at our church two days a week. That might possibly lead into some electrical work, but for now, it is just plain difficult. Fred has been trying to juggle both and comes home exhausted. He is not just juggling two jobs, but mine too, as census work is still going on. Still, we are grateful to God for his provision.

Then, out of the blue, Fred got a call from an old acquaintance he hadn't spoken with in years. This man is having major surgery and needs someone to take over his business while he recuperates. Fred called me from the road to tell me about this opportunity. I heard the excitement in his voice and knew something big had happened. Fred started off by saying, "It's a miracle!" Fred will be going back into his old career, but not at the same level of intensity. Hopefully he can spare his body the ravages this kind of work has already done on him. Last week Fred spent a couple of days at this office and came home a new man. Revived! My husband is back! This is the work he is meant to do. God knew just what Fred needed and God provided. Not just money to pay bills. God restored the joy in Fred.

Stop worrying, whatever your fears, whatever your trial in this life. "People ought always to pray and not lose hope."Luke 18:1. Do your part by telling God what you need. He is near to the broken-hearted, the fearful, the desperate. "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" Psalm 27:14. The answer will come. "He who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23.

School's out

Post from Arielle:

Today is our last day of school for the summer, kind of. While my mom is doing the portfolios to show our evaluator, she is finding subjects in school that we have not covered well enough. That means we will have to read books on that subject, but besides that we are pretty much done with all the hard math and grammar stuff.

My mom wants Liana and me to do some math in the summer, but I don't know how far that will go. And, of course, we have to read books, but I don't mind reading. I love to read most any kind of book. If you have any suggestions for (a) book(s), please tell me. I am always looking for books to read :)

Confession

A friend stopped over last night to see our babies, but the best part for me was that we got to catch up on what is happening with our lives. We both lamented the fact that we don't have enough time to spend with people we care about. Maybe because of that fact, the time we do have together is a precious treasure. I am refreshed by my friends.

This friend is Catholic and she was telling me a little story about going to confession with her children. Although we don't practice confession in a formal way at our church, I realized maybe I have become too complacent about this important part of our faith. My friend reminded me to take more seriously what all Christians are supposed to do in prayer--confess our sins.

My prayers have become urgent requests scribbled to God, shoved into the barrel of pneumatic tube bottle and whooshed into celestial heights. Then I wait for a quick return of God's answer and I get impatient when he takes his time. My friend said that nowadays at her church most people have a face-to-face confession with the priest. I think I need a heart-to-heart with God in prayer, a conversation with him, not a drive-through bank transaction.

Confession shouldn't be a time to beat ourselves up and be depressed over all we haven't done right. Rather it should be a time to re-focus, find our way back, and let God know we are aware we've gotten off track. Then we ask for his forgiveness, and, of course, he always forgives and restores us. "If we say we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:8, 9.

My Catholic friend takes the commandment to keep the Sabbath a little more seriously than I sometimes do. This has bothered me for some time that I may be missing the mark. Surely God commanded the Sabbath for a reason and expects us to keep his word. We attend church on Sunday morning. But is there more to it than that? I think so.

Thank you, friend, for enlightening me.

Babies

Liana holding Nutmeg


The babies at one week old eating carrots and lettuce

A video of the babies doing their thing


photos and video by Arielle

Oh, my!

Early in the morning Fred ran up the stairs and said, "Something happened to the guinea pigs!" We all ran down to look. Two dark blobs huddled under Sunshine, Arielle's pig. Babies!

Yes, our little Sunshine is a mommy! It is a shock to us all. Her cage-mate is a girl. (We think.) I hurried to check the internet for the gestation period of guinea pigs. It's 60 to 70 days and we bought these pigs almost exactly two months ago. Hmmm. Did our Sunshine hook up with a Lancaster boy? I double-checked Poppy. She looks like a girl to me. But I think we will take her to the local pet store to confirm.

Arielle and Liana are thrilled with these two beautiful babies. Guinea pigs are precocial, meaning they are born able to run around and eat by themselves. Their eyes are open and they have lots of fur. They are just miniature guinea pigs, and quite adorable. They remind me of calico kittens--tan and black and white. Mommy Sunshine is frisky and acts like nothing happened out of the ordinary. Poppy is keeping her distance. She doesn't know what to make of these two strangers in her small world.

.

We can't keep these babies. Friends and family--who would like to have one?

Counting the people

I got a job with the census and spent four days in training last week. Talk about having my life turned upside down! I became a working mom for a very short time and I have to say, I don't know how you do it, ladies. Preparing breakfasts before I left the house, traveling through rush hour traffic, coming home tired to no dinner and then doing school work with the girls and collapsing into bed. I missed my girls! I am so grateful I am able to homeschool and spend so much time with them.

Training was for the most part very tedious with an emphasis on detail in paperwork. One day, though, we were partnered to go out on the streets and practice what we had learned. Our class had a wide assortment of people, many without cars, and people with cars were paired with those without. I admit there were several men I would not have wanted to be alone with, so I was praying for another woman. But my partner could not have been more different from me! She was young, brash, and tough. She had attitude and she did not at all look happy to be with me. So there we went.

We had a little bit of a drive to our area and we made small talk, but she was very closed, not at all liking the situation. We arrived, gathered our paperwork and boldly set forth. We met several friendly, kind people who opened their doors to us and in no time we were relaxed and laughing and learning to trust each other. Then we connected as only women can. We shared stories of our families. Maybe two women can always find common ground, if we give it a shot. By the end our time together, I felt I had made a new friend. My partner said several times, "It didn't think I would like this job, but I had such a good time."

Back at training, in her loud, forceful way, she petitioned the supervisor to allow partnerships on the field after the training was over. We had decided this was a much safer and effective way to gather census information. The two of us had covered a lot of ground and accomplished a lot. But, of course, efficiency is not the way of our government. I would find that out more as the days went on. Safety is not a concern either, even though it is stated as such, but later I found out differently.

Number three brother

Family time! What a treasured gift to see two of my brothers in such a short time. We often go years without being together. My number three brother Rene and his wife and teenage daughter flew in from Georgia and we had a wonderful couple of days together. We mostly spent our time around the dining room table just catching up. The three girls did their own share of talking, and Arielle and Liana were so thrilled to spend time with their very special cousin. I so wish we lived closer! Julie is such a good role model for my girls. She is such a joy to be around.

We took a train trip to the city as you might have read about in Liana's post. My brother and my husband are two crazy characters and when they are together, you never know what might happen. While we waited to see Independence Hall, Rene made a strange connection with one of the security guards, who you can see has Rene by the neck. We had some laughs over their shenanigans.

Later on, as we were hurrying to catch the train home, Fred walked on ahead of us and then hid in a doorway, planning to jump out and scare us. The building happened to be a federal detention center and he was sharply reprimanded by an employee who demanded to know what he was doing. Fred just said, "I'm with them." The woman went back inside when she saw our little crew.

Every time we spend time with my brother and his family, we are left with a warmth surrounding us, a comforting, secure feeling. It is reassuring to know you are loved and accepted and supported for who you are. No pretenses to maintain, no acting to do. Free to be who we are. Thank you, brother.

Devil's Den Revisited--Gettysburg Part 2

I had more to write on Gettysburg but the last few weeks have been extremely busy. I have four drafts waiting but no time to edit.

July 2, 1863. Union troops held Little Round Top and Confederate troops approached from a large outcropping of rocks known as Devil's Den. The two groups of men shot at each other until thousands of bodies lay in the valley along a creek, an area that became known as the Slaughter Pen. The first picture above is looking down from Little Round Top and the second is looking up from Devil's Den.

We stood in each of these areas on a beautiful spring morning, imagining the young men stumbling along the rocky ground, tripping over bodies, the air thick with smoke. We are told the landscape looks very much the same as it did in 1863.

Fred and I came here years ago with the boys. Back then we came to play, not study history. Scrambling over the rocks at Devil's Den led to an ultimate game of Hide-and-Seek. We were fearless as we jumped around the huge boulders, finding narrow crevices to stuff ourselves into so no one could find us. Today we are cautious, fearing broken legs or skulls, or maybe even finding snakes! After all, Devil's Den was a named for a large snake that slithered among the cool caverns long ago. I did not share the girls' thrill of climbing on the rocks because I worried they would fall. Oh, how twenty years changes your perspective!

I looked for one of the best hiding spots where Fred and I hid and Damien and Dominic never did find us. As I peered behind the massive rock blocking the entrance, I decided I would never attempt to crawl in there now. But Fred and the girls were more brave and climbed under the boulder and found the shelf where Fred and I sat so long ago, holding our breath as the boys searched for us. The girls loved the story about the fun we had that day. Now we make new memories and new stories.

My Trip to the Big City

Another post and photos from Liana.

I awoke early one morning to find my mother and father on the computer checking their e-mail. Then my mama asked me if I would like to have a meal now to hold me off until my aunt, uncle, and cousin came for breakfast. It was special that they would come since they lived in Georgia.

After breakfast we went to the train station and rode the train to the city. When we were there we walked over to the Visitor's Center and looked around. Then we went to have lunch. My mother and I got fried rice and the rest of them got hoagies.

After that we went to Independence Hall and got a free tour there which was very interesting. Then we went to a very old church. We actually got to sit in the spot where George Washington sat! I thought that they would not let you sit there and would have it roped off. The church had bodies buried in the walkway which was strange, odd, and creepy at the same time. And worse than that, the bodies were not buried in a coffin. They were just buried underneath the walkway.

We left the old church and went to Starbucks. I got a berry smoothie. My sister and my cousin got a chocolate chip frappuccino, my mother and my aunt each got a cup of tea, and last, but not least, my dad and my uncle each got a cup of coffee.

Then we walked through Chinatown to get to the train station and went home. It was such a nice trip! I can't wait to go again.

Reflections on Gettysburg

The girls and I spent the first semester of the school year studying the Civil War. Three times we scheduled a trip to Gettysburg and three times we had to cancel. It is one thing to read about an event in history, but quite another to actually see the place it happened. Finally, we arrived in Gettysburg on a gorgeous, sunny spring day.

Fred's desire for the trip was to buy a CD for the auto tour and drive around the park listening to the chronology of the three day battle. I was hoping to see the newly remodeled visitor's center and see what all the talk was about the Cyclorama--a 360 degree painting of Pickett's charge that will immerse you in the scene. The girls wanted to swim in the hotel pool and not have me make this trip into a school lesson (although, of course, it was). For each of us, Gettysburg did not disappoint!

Arriving in the town, you feel as if it was 1863 again. Of course, there is an outlet mall on the highway going in and fast food restaurants line up on either side of the main road on the outskirts. But the town has been preserved in many ways to reflect the time of the war. Our tour book tells us even the farmland surrounding the town is very much the same as it was over a hundred years ago. It is an idyllic setting, tranquil and lovely. Delicate, tender green shoots of early spring intermingled with the purple soft flowers of redbud trees. The rolling, peaceful countryside is a sharp contrast to the savage and bloody three days on these fields long ago. It is hard to imagine the booming of cannons and the smoke of the rifles when all we heard this day was the singing of birds. Even when other people were around, most spoke in hushed tones. The place commands a solemn reverence.

Part of this quote written by Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain in 1889 hangs on a wall as you exit the Civil War Museum. Many pause to read it: "In great deeds something abides. On great fields something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear, but spirits linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls. And reverent men and women from afar, and generations that know us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field, to ponder and dream, and lo! the shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision pass into their souls."

Abraham Lincoln says in his Gettysburg Address, "...that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain-that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom..." Did these men die in vain? What was it all about anyway? Visiting Gettysburg causes you ponder.

At the Eternal Light Peace Memorial is another quote by Lincoln. It says, "With firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right." Honorable men act on what they believe is right. There were honorable men on both sides of this great war.

What I Thought of Gettysburg

Liana is the guest writer today. She is writing about our recent trip to a famous battlefield of the Civil War. She also took the photographs.

We were in Gettysburg for two days. I thought that the tour was interesting. My two favorite stops on the tour were Devil's Den and the Pennsylvania Monument. Devil's Den is a big rock formation. It was fun to climb on the rocks and go through the cracks to find an opening. I liked going up the stairs in the monument and looking down on the battlefield. I thought the monument was very beautiful. We bought the tour CD at the Visitor's Center. The tour told us to drive to a certain spot and then turn the tape on and hear what happened there.

After the tour was over were went to Friendly's. I got macaroni and cheese, french fries, lemonade and a very yummy Oreo sundae. It was my first trip there and I didn't know what to expect. The drink and sundae came with the meal! After that we drove home. It was a wonderful trip. I can't wait to go next year.

Time

Spring has come again! I love the soft green of the trees. This is the view from my kitchen window. In the foreground is the pine that was our Christmas tree years ago. It was damaged in a winter storm and had to be staked. But it seems to have recovered well. I don't want to lose it. It marks time and our years together as a family. I have another tree, a flowering hawthorne, that was planted on my oldest son's birthday in March of 1996.

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Continuing with the theme of being still...I've discovered one reason "time flies" is because we are so busy. Every day is packed with schedules, tasks, errands, commitments, daily chores, events, interruptions, etc., etc.. It's a marathon to complete it all and a race to finish before nightfall, only to get up the next day and run again.

We need to SLOW DOWN! I wish someone would tell me how! Our daily Bible reading brought us to Psalm 90 today, a prayer of Moses. I remember studying this Psalm when I was in Women's Bible Study at church years ago. The class was on Using Time Wisely. Oh, yes, Time Management. I failed that lesson. I picture time as a wild stallion I daily try to lasso and tame.

What new insights did I find in Psalm 90 today? Our lives are compared to grass that flourishes in the morning and in the evening it fades and withers. Life is short! But we know that.

Verse 9: "We bring our years to an end like a sigh." The day will surely come.

Verse 10: "The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty..." If only I knew I had seventy years! Would I be satisfied? No, I would ask for eighty. Life is a precious gift.

Verse 12: "So teach us to number our days that we present to you a heart of wisdom." We need to learn how to live out our days wisely.

Verse 14: "Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." Time with our heavenly Father each day.

Verse 15: "Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil." Life is good if the good days outnumber the bad.

Verse 16: "Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children." Yes!

Verse 17: "Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands." This is our prayer too.

The notes in my Bible on this last verse give another interpretation: "Give permanence to the work of our hands." Isn't that what makes life worthwhile? That something we've done will be lasting? What in this world lasts forever? Only the souls of people. So our priorities should always be people.

I still haven't figured out how to get through my day without rushing and all the frustration that comes with that. But without an earnest prayer for God's help, I will accomplish nothing of lasting value. As we read through the Old Testament, I am thinking about the emphasis on the Sabbath day of rest. Is this where I'm missing the mark? Did God foresee our tendency to rush about and overlook the essence of life?

Number one brother

My brother was in town! Well, not exactly, but he was in our state for the first time in about 25 years! He had a business trip about an hour and a half from our home, so we drove out to see him today.

We have been to his state of North Carolina many times to visit him, but it was great to have him come up north. His hotel wasn't far from Hershey, so we decided to spend the afternoon there.

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As my brother Jim said, even though we hadn't seen each other for about three years, it was as if no time had passed. I guess that's how siblings are who grow up together and share so much. We caught up on family events, shared laughs over our crazy childhood, and just enjoyed being together. Jim and Fred get along so well and it was interesting to observe all they have in common.

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By the way, this Chocolate World in Hershey is not worth the drive unless you are also seeing the other attractions in that town. (Zoo America is great!) But it was fun to walk around and hang out with Jim. Later we had good Italian food at a little restaurant near his hotel. He will go back to North Carolina tomorrow.

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Next week my number three brother and his family are coming up from Georgia! We can't wait to see them.

Be still

A friend of mine asked why I haven't been writing much. I've been too busy! But it's not the writing that takes much time. I haven't had time to THINK! I've been stumbling along through my days, doing one task after another and not finding meaning or joy in anything I do.

This morning when the girls and I read our daily devotion, the scripture was Psalm 46:10. "Be still and know that I am God." Instead of proceeding with our work, I thought it would be a good time to talk about how important this is. Then we each went to our separate work areas and we took out our prayer journals and had five minutes of peace and listening for God. This post is what I learned in my five minutes of being still.

I started to write down what has been on my mind. I realized I've been stressed about many things and many people. A job for Fred. A job for me? The Census Bureau called again. Damien's house in the midst of negotiations. My friend Bridget in Peru. An old friend suffering with pancreatic cancer. My niece. After each entry on my page, I wrote a brief plea to God. Whispers of scripture came to my mind, bits and pieces that I later looked up and reflected upon.

"I do not involve myself in great matters, or in things too difficult for me. Surely I have composed and quieted my soul." Psalm 131.

"In quietness and trust is your strength." Isaiah 30:15.

"The Lord your God is in your midst, a might one who will save. He will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love." Zephaniah 3:17.

We all started our school day with a better attitude. Another translation of Psalm 46:10 says, "Cease striving, and know that I am God." I need to cease striving with everyone around me and not try to solve problems that are beyond my ability. I need to take five minutes to rest in God's presence and listen for his wisdom to guide my day. In stillness we find our bearings.

Easter gifts

The Gifts of Loved Ones!

The cross, the grave, the skies

"Christ the Lord is risen today! Alleluia!"

What would Easter be without singing that song in the congregation of the people? It never fails to stir me. What a gorgeous Easter morning! The warmest Easter I remember. The early spring flowers are blooming; it's sunny and bright. During the service we see Damien and Gretchen across the sea of people. Last night was supposed to be their BIG night! Damien was proposing! As we left the sanctuary we hurried over to the door they would soon exit. Damien gave me an affirmative sign that all went well and I got to hug my soon-to-be daughter-in-law. What a joyous morning!

While we sang the old hymn, one of the lines struck me. "Ours the cross, the grave, the skies..." It's the story of our lives, isn't it?

The cross: "For we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings." II Corinthians 1:5. "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." I Peter 4:12, 13. "We are heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." Romans 8:17.

The grave: "It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment." Hebrews 9:27. Death. The certainty of it hangs over every human being on this planet. Jesus knew his ministry would ultimately lead to his death. Death is not a "passing" or a "crossing over." It should not be glamorized. It is ugly and causes horrific suffering for people who lose a loved one. It was not God's original plan. Death is the enemy. But...

The skies: The glorious message of Easter is that Jesus conquered death! We suffer in this life, as did Jesus. We die, and so did Jesus. We are raised from the dead, as our Lord rose! That is the great news. That is our hope. That is how we can endure the suffering of this life. And when our death comes in this world, Jesus promised, "I go to prepare a place for you. I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:3.

"If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless...if we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are people most to be pitied." I Corinthians 15:17-19. If Christianity is just a nice idea to get us through this life, we are miserable and misled people. If Jesus was just a good teacher or one of many prophets, we are hopeless. But scripture says, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18. This is our hope! This is the promise we live and breathe. We do not grieve in our suffering as those who have no hope. We do not fear death as those who have no savior. We know one day God will wipe away every tear, and death shall be no more. There shall be no mourning, nor crying, nor pain, for the former things will have passed away.

In the meantime, even in the midst of carrying our crosses--whatever they may be, God's gifts abound. We see glimpses of his glory and know in the end, all the wrongs will be made right.

Happy Easter!

Ordinary days

What a glorious weekend! Spring came a few days early with temperatures in the 70's. I don't remember my son Nick ever having a birthday when it was warm outside, so this was a first for him. Friday night we met a local park in the evening and had a fun time eating pizza and playing with his two babies. We attempted a walk on the trails but too many little ones made that impossible. We all went home when the sun melted into the horizon.

I had forewarned the girls that on Saturday we would be cleaning the house--long overdue. They finally had a break from 4-H, our usual Saturday excursion, so clean we did! Then we headed outside to help Fred pick up sticks in the yard from the hurricane-like storm we had last weekend. He also needed help in the shed doing some cutting on his table saw. Deja vu! The last time he was in the wood shed, he slipped and broke his leg! I was very much aware of how a serene afternoon can turn ugly.

Then it was time to clean the guinea pig cage! The girls had been looking forward to this. Since it was warm, we planned to let the little critters graze in the fresh green grass while we sprayed down the bottom of the cage. Of course, we put the wire top over the guinea pigs while they were out in the yard since we always have hawks flying overhead who would just love a rodent dinner. The girls enjoyed watching their pets' excitement over the new scents and tastes outdoors. Anyone who thinks animals can't experience joy hasn't seen these little animals.

Sunday was Anthony's birthday. He came over with his wife and their new baby--a boxer. Everyone relaxed in the warm spring air by playing several games of bocce ball. As they came up on the deck for dinner, I took this picture. What an ordinary family doing such ordinary things. We sat outside drinking coffee until the light left the sky.

Spring is not really here, no matter what the calendar says. Today it is chilly and rainy and dreary. Normal for this time of year in the Northeast. We got a taste of spring though. A hint, a glimpse of what will soon be coming. The gift of ordinary days. Days of joy and hope.

Spring resolution

There probably comes a time in every older person's life when the doctor gives an ultimatum. Do this-- or this will happen. Stop smoking, start exercising, lose weight, etc. Well, it happened to Fred. He was told he is "fat and out-of-shape" and must start eating right and getting some exercise. Fred protested to the doctor, "But I had a broken leg for four months!" No excuse.

For the record, Fred does not look overweight at all and he is so strong and active. But the doctor must have given him a dire warning (that he did not share with me) because he has immediately changed his diet and we also got a treadmill and have been using it faithfully. I too need to do some weight-bearing exercise with my old bones. So we have a new resolution this spring to become healthier.

With the urging of my soon-to-be daughter-in-law, I have been reading about nutrition and a different way of looking at the food we buy. Stacia gave me Barbara Kingsolver's book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle about the author's year of exclusively living off the fruits, vegetables and animals she raised on her farm and what she bought from local farmers. It is a fascinating book and I have learned a lot. Adding to this knowledge, one of my sons recommended a DVD called Food, Inc., and it was very eye-opening about the way food is produced in this country. As I watched it, I made a list of companies we will boycott from now on.

Our environment is killing us. From the pollution in the air and the water, to our furniture and carpeting, to our food we put into our bodies every day. Some things we cannot control, but we do have a say in what we eat and we can make better choices.

Since my Christmas "angel" warned me about eating too much sugar more than a year ago, I have really cut back. (By the way, if anyone remembers that story, this woman with stage 4 ovarian cancer diagnosed two years ago is doing quite well.) But what else? I have been gluten-free for about three years now. Unfortunately I have only half-heartedly tried to make any other lifestyle changes. It's time!

Fred recently went to a wellness seminar and told me about some wacky ideas for diets. I don't go for the fads. Here is my food philosophy: God created many good foods on this planet for us to eat. If we stick with those--meaning God-created, not man-created--and eat those foods as close as possible to the natural form, we'll be doing well. Stacia also gave me a cookbook called The Art of Simple Food by Alice Waters. Simple food. That's key to me. I am simplifying our meals. So what are we eating?

1. Only organic milk and yogurt.
2. No more nutrition-less bread that is full of preservatives. Liana and Fred love store-bought potato bread. No more of that! I am making homemade, whole-grain bread every other day in my bread machine. Liana, who would never eat whole grain bread before, likes this! (Thank you, Dominic.)
3. Less meat because I am looking for organic, free-range meat and it is expensive.
4. More beans, more vegetables, more fruits. This spring we will find local farmers selling produce and buy from them. And of course, we are planning our own garden.
5. Whole grain pasta for Fred and the girls. Arielle and Liana protested at first, but now they eat it.
6. No more plain white Korean rice that we all love. I've been making brown.

Those are my small steps for now. We have a long ways to go but maybe it is not good to overwhelm my family all at once. And walk, walk, walk on that treadmill. I love it! Books on tape are my motivation. I'm happy to spend half an hour listening to a good story.

Here they are

Best vacation EVER

Arielle came up with the title for this post. We traveled to Lancaster to see another show at the Sight and Sound Theatre--Joseph this time. I highly recommend it! The best scene was when Joseph was reunited with his brothers. What a lesson in forgiveness we can learn from this.

After the show the girls swam in the hotel pool and we shopped at the outlet malls and then had a nice dinner. The next morning we saw the reproduction of the Tabernacle at the Mennonite Information Center. This was our third time to hear the presentation and we still learned a lot.

All this was fun for the girls, but none of these activities made it the "Best Vacation Ever." But on our way home we stopped at a huge pet store and they finally got their guinea pigs! This store had the youngest and most well-cared for guinea pigs that we have seen. The girls immediately saw the ones they wanted. They were both SO EXCITED!

Guinea pigs require time to adjust to a new environment, so they need to stay in their cage undisturbed for a couple of days, even though the girls can hardly stand to just let them be. Right now Arielle and Liana are sitting quietly in a half-darkened room hoping their little pets will come out of hiding. They really are very cute creatures. And gentle. Neither of the guinea pigs made any attempt to bite when they were handled. Arielle wanted me to tell the names. Hers is Sunshine, aka Sunny, and Liana's is Poppy.

Knowing this was a momentous occasion, I took the first picture before we even left the store. I know all you readers are anxiously awaiting more photos!

Called to shine

Once a year our church has a mission-focused week packed with speakers and activities and a major fund-raising project. Last year we raised $50,000 for a hospital in the Congo. This year we hope to raise $30,000 to build a community center, school, and home for a traveling missionary in northern Thailand.

We begin our week with a parade of flags from many nations, and once again Arielle was eager to participate. Last year she carried the China flag, but this time the flag of Honduras. That was meaningful to her since my niece recently took a trip to that country. After the flags, some people from a Burmese church in the city spoke and performed some songs. It was very emotional to see these former refugees sharing their faith and their hope, even though their lives right now are so difficult.

The theme for the week is "A Community Called to Shine." Our speaker Sunday was Dwight Robertson from Colorado. He's written a book called You are God's Plan A (and there is no plan b). He is a dynamic guy and he challenged us to join the laborers in the field, not in a foreign country, but in our own daily circumstances. We've heard that before, of course. But how exactly do we go about doing it?

Dwight made some interesting observations from Matthew 9, small words we could easily overlook by our familiarity with the verses. How did Jesus reach out to people? "Getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city." Note: his own city. And people came to him with their needs. "As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man..." He SAW a man. That man turned out to be Matthew, an unpopular character, but Jesus took notice of him. Look at the legacy Matthew left behind--the gospel of Matthew we're reading today, all because Jesus stopped to talk to him.

In the same chapter, Jesus is walking along and a woman who wanted very much to remain anonymous reached out to touch the fringe of his garment. She believed that to do so would heal her. "Jesus turned, and seeing her, he said..." Jesus SAW her, one of many faces in the crowd, but he stopped what he was doing for this woman. Later on we read, "And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him..." Jesus ministers to them also. Then, "As they were going away..." someone else with a need was brought to him.

Jesus was always on his way somewhere or leaving one place for another and this is where much of his ministry took place. What kind of people do we meet "on the way?" We're always on the go, aren't we? There is the sullen cashier in our local food store, the busy waiter at the restaurant, the silent librarian when we return our books, the bored young woman at the bank.

Dwight had us cover our eyes with our hands. (Yes, silly gestures but it helped us remember his message.) Often we go about our tasks with our eyes covered. I know I do. I want to get my errands done with the least amount of interaction with people. Dwight said to uncover our eyes and SEE people, notice people. He had us hold up our hands, palms out--STOP. Then we tapped our wrist. Give a little time. SEE-STOP-GIVE TIME. Jesus modeled The Plan for us.

So many people who cross our paths our invisible to us, and I admit sometime I feel invisible too. Nobody gives the time of day to older women. But we need to notice people, care about people, and give them a little time. That might be an encouraging word, or at the very least, a smile. We need to let them know they are not invisible. It's so simple, but sometimes so difficult. I'm going to make an effort to try this. When God sees we are willing to care for his people, we open the door for him to work. He will bring those with needs to intersect our lives.

The end of Matthew 9 says, "When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"

God's Plan A is us, his laborers. Dwight describes it this way: "Laborers are ordinary people who deeply love God and actively love others. They seek to live a life of love...every moment of every day."

Guinea pig dreams

We have ancient pets. Our outdoor cat of 18 years had some sort of accident a year ago and we had to bring him inside. He was crippled and appeared to be dying. Today he is thriving in his retirement home in the laundry room. Fred has some salt-water fish he transferred to a smaller tank, also in the laundry room, when he dismantled his big 50 gallon tank we had in the living room. Most of the fish had died but the survivors remain today. They have lived well beyond their life expectancy.

Now we don't wish harm on our old pets, but Fred and I were eager to be pet-less. No more responsibility of caring for animals. We can go away and not have to worry about who will feed them. No more cat litter on the floor. No more frozen brine shrimp unthawing on the kitchen countertop. Suddenly I find out Fred and the girls have been talking. He has agreed to guinea pigs! When I questioned him about this decision, he said it will be good for teaching the girls to be responsible. And that they need a pet to care for and love. He had pets growing up,he reasoned. (So did I--every kind imaginable.) I made it clear these will not be MY guinea pigs.

I think back on the gerbil and the rat that my boys brought home for the summer from their school. The gerbil ran on a squeaky wheel all night and kept us awake. The rat was very stinky. Then there was Marissa's pet rabbit that she begged for but quickly got bored with. I cleaned up rabbit pellets for years after she took it to her mother's house. So I'm thinking, guinea pigs? I know nothing about them.

The girls checked out books from the library to learn about their future pets. They discuss guinea pigs endlessly. They've written lists of possible names. They debate the best colors. Today in school Liana wrote a story about the day her guinea pig arrives home. We visited two pet stores and watched the guinea pigs for awhile. They are cute little creatures, I admit. The books say they are gentle and seldom ever bite. Last night the girls were fighting over who will buy the toys and such, and for example, if Liana bought a brush for her pet with her own money, would Arielle have to ask permission to use it on her pet? Important issues to settle. Fred was angry over their squabbling and told them he is re-thinking the whole idea. Liana sobbed at the dinner table at the thought she might not have her guinea pig after all.

The saga continues. Pictures will follow if our family expands.