Beauty is Hard to Capture in Photos

We have a beautiful snow falling today! I tried taking pictures but it just doesn't capture it! It reminds me of the view of Mount Hood visable driving down certain roads in our town. It is so beautiful that it takes my breath away every time I see it, yet it doesn't show up on my camera.

Some things need to be experienced, and cataloged in our memory banks rather than our digital photo albums. But I keep trying!

A friend of mine from Chicago once told me that the smaller the snow flakes, the bigger the accumulation. You would think it would be just the opposite! Chicago certainly gets their share of snow, and I have found her words to be true! Today's snow comes with small flakes, so the accumulation will probably be big. The snow from Sunday is still here as well, so this is looking like a winter wonderland!

The girl who lives next door knocked yesterday on our front door, asking if she could 'borrow' some snow from our front yard to build a fort with her friend. I told her sure, have fun. I was pleased that she was so polite.

I remember as a child, building forts with my brother and sisters. It was so much fun! We loved building snowmen, too. My boys and I have built some great forts and snowmen as well. It is so much fun! These days, however, when I come in from playing in the snow for hours and hours, I ask Tim to remind me next time that I am no longer 12! Nowadays, after a day of snowmen, snowball fights, forts, etc., I discover muscles I hadn't used in a while and feel it the next day! But the next time it snows, I'm just as eager to get right out there and play. Today I'm opting for warmth by the fire and yummy soup for lunch!

What are your favorite memories, recent or distant, of playing in the snow?

Every Education Has Its Price

I have used this quote many times since hearing it from a friend many years ago: every education has its price.

Some education experiences cost tuition and time to attend classes, do homework, etc. Other education experiences happen quite differently than that, and the cost varies as much as the experiences do, but has no less a cost.

What was my cost with my education this week? Splinters. Lots of them!

The lesson: put on gardening gloves before you start an outdoor project, not halfway through once your hands are scraped, bleeding and full of tiny splinters!

I realized a few years ago that I have no talent in the area of trimming bushes. I usually trim them so much that it takes years for them to look good as a result of my efforts!

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When I realized that the bushes at the entrance to our driveway had the potential of scraping my beautiful new Dodge Charger, I decided to try trimming again! It actually worked out fine for the bushes this time! They look great! I tried really hard not to scalp them. However, I didn't wear gardening gloves and, as I mentioned, suffered for it! Please keep in mind in the photo above that three of the bushes have lost their leaves (one is evergreen) so that may not look great right now!

When my son, Ben, got home from school that day, he helped me. Before he started helping, I immediately offered him gardening gloves! Why am I so automatically protective of my children but not always protective of myself? He declined (I wonder where he gets that inclination?!). I think it was simultaneous a few minutes later when we both made the decision we needed gloves, but it was a bit late! I have learned that even tiny splinters hurt a lot!

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Much of our education comes as the result of consequences experienced due to the decisions we make in life. Next time, I plan to grab the gloves before I start whacking. With our kids, we try to save them some of the consequences we've experienced by sharing the resulting wisdom. Like us, though, sometimes they listen and other times they have to get that education for themselves. And every education has its price.

What price have you paid for your education experiences in life? --and-- How can we avoid some of those 'splinters' in the future?

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Beauty in Unexpected Places

I looked out of our kitchen window into our backyard on Thanksgiving Day and saw this beautiful rose! Wow! Portland is known as The City of Roses. Apparently, the climate here is ideal for growing roses. We have 8 rose bushes in our backyard! It surprises me that they are still blooming in late November/early December! It will be interesting to experience our first winter in the Pacific Northwest!

This reminds me that, in life, we often find beauty in unexpected places! On our cross country drive when we moved here this fall, we found that to be true. Kansas takes a long time to get across, and is mainly boring scenery! However, even Kansas has a beauty all its own! The farmlands are beautiful. The scenic flinthills are unique. It reminds me that beauty is sometimes very easy to see and sometimes we have to look a bit harder to see it. This happens in people as well as places.

Think of a time in your life when you found unexpected beauty.

Heroes

I have had a sore throat and probable sinus infection this week. The only good part about being sick is, it does give a person more time to think, since all I had the strength to do was rest and take care of myself!

Combine with that, Tim is re-reading a book by one of our favorite authors as a part of sermon preparation. That brought to mind this author, Tim Hansel.

With extra time on my hands this week, I searched to try and find an update on this author. The update I found, sadly, shows him in ill health. The site encouraged, during this season of thanksgiving, those who have been inspired by his books to send him an email, which I did.

While navigating that site, I noticed a quote by Anastasia Hansel. It's probably safe to assume she's related to Tim Hansel, but I couldn't find out for sure. The site gave a thought provoking quote from her:

Each one of us who travels further than the obstacles will know a different kind of life.
- Anastasia Hansel

If you have read any of Tim Hansel's books, you know that many years ago, he had an accidental fall while mountain climbing with friends. He fell into a crevasse in the ice that resulted in the equivalent of a six-story fall. He somehow managed to pull himself out of there, but he suffered permanent injuries to his neck and back that resulted in intense chronic pain. When he talks about things like choosing joy in the midst of life's hurts, learning patience, looking for the little everyday miracles, etc., he brings a unique perspective honed by his own suffering.

The quote from Anastasia reflects the same kind of courage and determination: to overcome obstacles, regardless of how huge they appear, and to receive and grow from the lessons we learn in the process.

Tim Hansel went on to found the organization called Summit Expedition, a wilderness survival school for people of all ages who seek a deeper experience with themselves, others and God. I remember seeing pictures a few years ago of people confined to wheelchairs mountain climbing through this organization. How awesome!

This is such a great reminder for me in at least three ways:

1. Remember to see the potential and not the limitations in life and in people.
2. Learn from our obstacles and press on. Become a better person as a result.
3. Who are my heroes and have I taken the time to bless them by telling them so?

Who are your heroes? During this season of thanksgiving, I would invite you to let them know what they mean to you.

Whitehall Family Camp Meeting

This is a photo take at Whitehall Campground and Conference Center, looking down toward the lake. This is one of the most beautiful spots in Western PA!

We enjoyed Whitehall Family Camp Meeting, which ran from Saturday, August 2, through Sunday, August 10. During the week, I led a conference each day on the topic of Making Wise Decisions. This study was based on a DVD and workbook series by Andy Stanley called The Best Question Ever. I enjoyed our time together each day. The conference participants were a joy to get acquainted with. Each day, we watched a DVD segment, and then enjoyed great class discussions. Each of us took several thoughts and ideas with us to apply to our lives.

The services were inspiring, with meaningful worship and heartfelt teachings. The morning and afternoon conferences held a wide range of topics. The pastors and spouses connected through meetings and receptions.

One of the funnest parts of camp meeting is the fire rings, where every night folks sit around a campfire outside their RV or cabin and talk, tell jokes, laugh, roast hotdogs and either renew old friendships or make new ones. That was one of the best parts of the week. That fellowship is an essential part of what happens each year during family camp meeting. We saw lots of old friends and got better acquainted with some new friends.

Our son Ben is working on the summer staff with other youth from congregations throughout Western PA. His primary duty is serving as one of the four lifeguards on staff. When he isn't lifeguarding, he works with maintenance or cleaning, doing everything from splitting firewood to cleaning bathrooms.

Wednesday afternoon during Family Campmeeting, a four-year-old boy was at the lake with his grandfather. He had just gotten there and jumped right in. It only took a moment, when the grandfather looked away to find something he dropped, for the boy to almost drown. The lifeguards sprang into action. The boy had no pulse or respirations when he was pulled out of the lake. The staff worked great as a team, some initiating CPR and rescue breaths, others contacting local emergency responders, while other staff got everyone else out of the lake and created a perimeter to keep onlookers back, providing room for others to perform CPR. Still others drove up the hill from the lake to make sure the ambulance knew exactly where to go. At lakeside, the boy's heartbeat and breathing were restored. The ambulance rushed him to a nearby hospital.

The camp director and the lifeguard staff went together to the hospital right away. By the time they got to the boy's room, he was sitting there talking and playful. They were so happy to be part of the miracle that saved that boy's life. Although the outcome was great, the experience was emotionally draining for the entire staff. Ben came home and talked it over with us. Then, he decided the place he wanted to be was the barn, where the youth have a service each evening. After the adrenaline rush and crash, within a few hours Ben could appreciate how great everything turned out, and how valuable the extensive training was that they had at the beginning of the summer.

All in all, it was a week of spiritual growth, renewal, bonding with friends, shared meals and warm memories.

What are some great experiences you've had at a state or national camp meeting or conference?

MaMa's Quilt

We've had some wonderful, cool nights lately! I love that. In fact, it was so cool a couple of nights ago, that I was concerned if our son, Will, stayed warm enough. (Our son, Ben, is currently working as summer staff with our church campground and is housed with the other workers.)

I found Will, cosy on the couch, wrapped up in a quilt.

"This is the best quilt, Mom!" he said with a sleepy smile.

We have numerous blankets and comforters. What makes that quilt so special?

I have fond memories of all my grandparents (now deceased). MaMa Thomas was known for her quilts. It was one of the ways she showed love to people. I treasure all of the quilts she gave me over the years.

Will never got to meet MaMa. When MaMa got word that I was having pregnancy complications at seven months gestation, she started having chest pains and was hospitalized. Will was born a couple of days later, seven weeks early. He had no health problems from his premature arrival, but had to stay in neonatal ICU until he was big enough to come home. MaMa, along with the rest of our family and friends, was very happy. Having lost two babies of her own, her heart was aching for us, hoping and praying for the best. However, she did not recover and died a week after Will's birth.

I was recovering from the pregnancy complications, plus the emergency C-section, and my doctor wouldn't allow me to travel back home for her funeral.

Even though Will never met MaMa, I am certain he can feel her love when he wraps up in one of her quilts. That's what makes it especially cozy!

These cool nights and quilts have made me think about the gifts we give one another. There are certainly many wonderful things out there to choose from when selecting a gift. The displays at stores are gorgeous and well planned. Internet shopping is a breeze, from flowers to jewelry to pajamas. It isn't at all difficult to find something wonderful to give someone when the occasion arises.

However, as wonderful as these gifts are, I think the gifts that bless us the most are the gifts that cost the giver something more than money. The gifts that take our time, our effort, our creativity--those are the gifts that mean the very most--gifts that contain a part of the giver.

This also makes me think about our involvements. We hear of a need and it is so much easier to pull out our checkbook than it is to give of our time, our sweat, our efforts. Money is important, but what I remember most are the times I was willing to invest myself into helping meet a need.

Share how you have found this to be true in your life.

Tomatoes

My husband, Tim, has enjoyed teasing me over the years that I have a black thumb instead of a green thumb. I love plants, trees, shrubs and flowers. However, they do much better when I admire them from a distance!

I discovered long ago that shrubs look much better when Tim trims them instead of me. It took our shrubs about two years to look good again the last time I trimmed! I try really hard--probably too hard--and typically take off too much trying to even them up.

I've gone to silk flowers after killing several innocent, beautiful house plants. I end up fertilizing the ones that aren't to be fertilized and neglecting the ones that do need it!

So, I have been thrilled at my success this summer in growning tomatoes! Wow! I have three plants growing in a thing called an Earth Box, given to me by my mother-in-law, Ola, after she used it successfully in Florida for a few years. One plant is loaded with grape tomatoes and the other two are flourishing with regular tomatoes. The plants are gorgeous and healthy, with new growth each day!

Now, I have to admit that I did goof in the beginning. I misread the tomato plant food box and applied it every day for the first couple of weeks. I reread the directions and learned I should only apply that every 7 to 14 days! That could explain why my plants are all over six feet tall! After my initial error, now the care of my plants is going smoothly! Just this week, we saw the first sign of red on the vines!

I see my thumb turning greener every day!!!

There is something very rewarding about watching plants grow when I have had a hand in it. Maybe it's a bit like God feels as He watches His children grow, both spiritually and physically.

What Stuck?

It always amazes me when God gets my attention through secular books. It is not unexpected for God to speak to me through his Word and through spiritual books, but it's a pleasant surprise when I hear God's voice through a work of fiction. Maybe I was more receptive to this lesson because of another book I read recently, The Bait of Satan by John Bevere, which I recommend highly.

I am reading a book by Scott Turow, entitled The Laws of our Fathers. This courtroom drama is not intended to be religious, but one quote really caught my attention.

The main character, Sonny, sat down at the end of a long day. She had gotten her daughter to sleep and was enjoying a few minutes to unwind. Here is the quote that made me stop and think:

"Now after the parade of the day is over, I find out what has stuck, before it grows into something new in the hothouse of dreams." p. 387

I thought, what a great idea! At the end of each day, ask myself, "What stuck?" Was there a comment someone made at which I took offense? Was there a mean look, a driver who cut me off, or a person who was overheated and decided to take it out on me? Did my kids or my husband make an angry remark? Did a coworker take out their pressures on me? Or, did I do the same to someone else? What stuck?

This would be a great way to take inventory and leave any offenses (or frustrations) from each day in the hands of God, so that I don't inadvertantly store them up, letting them fester into something nasty. This brings to mind a verse from 1 Corinthians 13: [Love] keeps no record of wrongs.

This also relates to Christ's teaching on footwashing. We don't need to be rebaptized every day, but we do need to wash our feet - to get rid of the dirt we've picked up walking around in a fallen world. This can be accomplished through daily confession and repentance.

Asking, "What stuck?" I think I'll try it!

Great Weekend!

May 15-18, 2008, I was visiting Cleveland, OH, with the other 70 women who, along with me, comprise the Sweet Adelines chorus Sounds of Pittsburgh. We had such a great weekend!

I have been in this chorus for less than a year. Other members' tenure varies, but many have been involved for a long time. For the last several years, achieving a first place finish at this annual regional competition has eluded the chorus. We spent so much time and effort in preparation this year that we all arrived in Cleveland with high hopes, expecting this to be our year!

Our performance took place Saturday afternoon, 11th competitor out of 13 competing choruses from this region, which includes choruses from Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania. After the last competing chorus, they starting announcing the winning choruses. We sat there anxiously awaiting the decision of the four judges. We sat nervously as they progressed in their announcements from 5th place, to 4th, to 3rd, then to 2nd. When we did not get second place, our chorus exploded in cheers because we all but knew we had indeed come in first! There was so much cheering that we could barely hear it when they announced Sounds of Pittsburgh 1st place! The whole chorus was invited onto the stage to receive our champion medals, placed around each of our necks by last years champion chorus members from Cleveland. After many hugs, smiles and happy tears, we immediately performed our up-tune song again, this time with a feeling of triumph!

I was so glad Tim had the time to ride up for the day with another chorus member's husband and daughter. It was so great to hold his hand as I waited for the announcement, plus be surrounded by my fellow chorus members. What a moment! I will never forget it!

This qualifies our chorus to compete at the international level in the fall of 2009. The competition will be held in one of my favorite cities: Nashville, TN. We'll be ready!