Tonite I put together a new desk chair for my home office. This may seem very simple to most of you, but for me it is a HUGE accomplishment. I HATE reading instructions; I have trouble completing things in sequence (which is VERY important if you are going to sit on a chair with several parts!); and I'm mechanically challenged...I now know what an Allen wrench (but I think it's neat this piece of equipment has a nice 1st name) is, and I think I even used it correctly: does that give you any indication?
Last week I painted and stenciled a chair...another big risk for me. I'm completely inept at "artistic" types of pursuits. I can't paint, draw, sew, needlepoint or do crafts in general. When God was handing out artistic craftiness, He passed by me by in a big way. Basically, I cannot seem to grasp how to put things/items together to get a result that is attractive: or even recognizable!
I have a few things I feel confident in doing, but many more things that seem to push every "I AM SO DUMB" button. I hope I'm not the only one that feels that way. Actually, I avoid buying anything I have to assemble, or trying anything that requires artistic expression because I'm so lame at both things. HOWEVER, I have a friend who really encourages me to go out of my comfort zone. It's not because of any speech she's given me, it's because I watch her do it a lot. She's up for trying anything: painting, sewing, sawing, assembling, etc. It doesn't seem to really bother her if she makes a mistake: in fact, she seems to find great humor in those "funky failures"...Her husband does too! I love that about her, and about their relationship. It sure has given me the courage to try to do things I previously avoided altogether.
Lessons learned?
1. You just never know who is watching you...even if they don't consciously mean to be watching: it's more like being an absorbent sponge! How we handle new things; successes and failures can really be a "make or break it" for those around us. If we can handle our own weaknesses and "treks" into new territories with joy and humor, then maybe those around us will be encouraged to do the same!
2. Sometimes getting a little success in a small thing can help you move on to the next BIG thing. I don't know what that means yet, but I'm pretty sure it involves hardware!
:-)
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
MIA...
Ever missed the old relationship you had with someone? Maybe something isn't so wrong, or so bad...it's just different? I'm in that weird world right now. Someone I have grown very close to and really love is changing: or at least changing how they relate to me. It's nothing horrible, but it is different and takes some adjusting to!
Two lessons I think I need to really get down:
1) I need to be gracious as others change, as I would want others to be gracious with me!
2) You know what? I think it's OK to miss someone that way. It is a reminder too, that my heavenly Father never, ever changes. He always stays the same, and I can count on His unchanging, unwavering consistency. That's pretty cool!
I really like change...in most things: work, living arrangements, travel, styles, etc. But I LOVE those buddies who "fit like an old shoe"! I'm just having to adjust right now to an old shoe that has some new treads! :-)
Two lessons I think I need to really get down:
1) I need to be gracious as others change, as I would want others to be gracious with me!
2) You know what? I think it's OK to miss someone that way. It is a reminder too, that my heavenly Father never, ever changes. He always stays the same, and I can count on His unchanging, unwavering consistency. That's pretty cool!
I really like change...in most things: work, living arrangements, travel, styles, etc. But I LOVE those buddies who "fit like an old shoe"! I'm just having to adjust right now to an old shoe that has some new treads! :-)
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Living the Life of ... Charley
Today I got to do my favorite thing when I 'm town on a summer Saturday...get up, walk to the Broad Ripple Farmer's market with my lab Charley. I get an iced-tea from the Hubbard & Craven's booth ( too hot for coffee!) and a pastry from Rene's for breakfast. Charely gets a "Woofie" (vanilla dog cookie) from the Three Dog Bakery and a big awesome slurp from the communal doggie watering hole. We talk to a few neighbors, have our breakfast and amble back home...aaaagggghhhh, the life.
I believe the Charley is cooling off on the kitchen tile right now...and eyeing the extra dog cookies on the kitchen counter. He's not dumb...
Yesterday Charley went to work with me. He likes to take occasional jaunts to the mail room, and other's offices, and then snooze at my feet between all the work: HA!
Last week Charley stayed with my parents when I traveled out East. He got to nap with mom and dad, take walks in the orchard, run after thrown sticks, chase birds and eat homemade cornbread (mom says it's his favorite).
Charley lives a pretty good life. He knows how to make the most of every moment and "seize the day"...I think he figures he's owed. I adopted him from CILRA (Central Indiana Lab Rescue Association), and he didn't have a very good start in life. He's making up for lost time.
Talking a walk with Charley is a simple reminder of a few key things:
1. Your past doesn't have to define you
2. There are good things in life to be savored if you just let yourself
3. Why not sniff around til you find the good stuff...it's always worth the wait
4. There's nothing like hanging out with the people you love
5. It's good that humans greet each other with eye contact or a handshake; the butt sniffing just would be too, too embarrassing!
Charley says BYE for the moment...time for a Woofie and a snooze!
I believe the Charley is cooling off on the kitchen tile right now...and eyeing the extra dog cookies on the kitchen counter. He's not dumb...
Yesterday Charley went to work with me. He likes to take occasional jaunts to the mail room, and other's offices, and then snooze at my feet between all the work: HA!
Last week Charley stayed with my parents when I traveled out East. He got to nap with mom and dad, take walks in the orchard, run after thrown sticks, chase birds and eat homemade cornbread (mom says it's his favorite).
Charley lives a pretty good life. He knows how to make the most of every moment and "seize the day"...I think he figures he's owed. I adopted him from CILRA (Central Indiana Lab Rescue Association), and he didn't have a very good start in life. He's making up for lost time.
Talking a walk with Charley is a simple reminder of a few key things:
1. Your past doesn't have to define you
2. There are good things in life to be savored if you just let yourself
3. Why not sniff around til you find the good stuff...it's always worth the wait
4. There's nothing like hanging out with the people you love
5. It's good that humans greet each other with eye contact or a handshake; the butt sniffing just would be too, too embarrassing!
Charley says BYE for the moment...time for a Woofie and a snooze!
Monday, June 11, 2007
Curves in the road...
Sometimes the trips you end up on, aren't the ones you planned...anyone? Two thirds of the way into my journey to Lancaster, I received "one of those calls": you know the one that "stops time" so to speak. Eric (husband of April, who I was traveling to see) called and told me that April had had an accident and was in the hospital. She was having tests done and he would call me back with an update. I continue on toward my original destination, praying and thinking about driving on to meet her in the emergency room.
As it turns out, she was released and sent home. Through a series of phone calls (can you say "THANK GOD FOR CELL PHONES"?), we determined that it was best for her to return to Maine and rest and recover. SO, we didn't get to hang out, catch up and be together as planned. None of that matters, what matters is that crushed-car-and-all, April wasn't hurt. Boy, we were both bummed we didn't get to see each other, but that is SO NOTHING compared to her being OK, the real priority.
I spent a day in Lancaster county by myself before returning home. I had a great B & B and the innkeepers were angels. The country was beautiful, however it just wasn't the same without my buddy. I'm sure you know what I mean. However, here are some of the things I found interesting:
1. INTERCOURSE, PA really is a town...and you can snicker, I did: A LOT!
2. I have always detested smorgasbords and buffets...this is the land of the smorgasbords! And yet, in the middle of the county I found an Italian restaurant with real Italians cooking and serving (it was more than a little exciting!)
3. You can't beat driving the Pennsylvania Turnpike with the top down, the Dixie Chicks blaring and a diet coke in hand...
4. Cabela's is really amazing: I stopped at one in Wheeling, W VA, and spent an hour. Where else can you buy a canoe, shop for a couch, try out the latest flavor of fudge and see a wood carving all at the same time?
5. Arriving home after driving 1400 miles: PRICELESS
The best laid plans...are just that, laid out but not set in stone, and never all that predictable.
:-)
As it turns out, she was released and sent home. Through a series of phone calls (can you say "THANK GOD FOR CELL PHONES"?), we determined that it was best for her to return to Maine and rest and recover. SO, we didn't get to hang out, catch up and be together as planned. None of that matters, what matters is that crushed-car-and-all, April wasn't hurt. Boy, we were both bummed we didn't get to see each other, but that is SO NOTHING compared to her being OK, the real priority.
I spent a day in Lancaster county by myself before returning home. I had a great B & B and the innkeepers were angels. The country was beautiful, however it just wasn't the same without my buddy. I'm sure you know what I mean. However, here are some of the things I found interesting:
1. INTERCOURSE, PA really is a town...and you can snicker, I did: A LOT!
2. I have always detested smorgasbords and buffets...this is the land of the smorgasbords! And yet, in the middle of the county I found an Italian restaurant with real Italians cooking and serving (it was more than a little exciting!)
3. You can't beat driving the Pennsylvania Turnpike with the top down, the Dixie Chicks blaring and a diet coke in hand...
4. Cabela's is really amazing: I stopped at one in Wheeling, W VA, and spent an hour. Where else can you buy a canoe, shop for a couch, try out the latest flavor of fudge and see a wood carving all at the same time?
5. Arriving home after driving 1400 miles: PRICELESS
The best laid plans...are just that, laid out but not set in stone, and never all that predictable.
:-)
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Preparing for a journey...
I was talking with a friend at work today about how much I was looking forward to my trip out east. I am so excited. I am meeting up with an old college buddy to catch up and have some quality "hang time"..
As excited as I am about seeing April, and being in a beautiful part of the country, I have been even more thrilled with just "getting ready". The preparation and anticipation has provided so much fun and joy. We've giggled over emails, voice-mails and snail-mail (well, mostly me with the snail mail)...There's just something about preparing for a journey and being on the journey that's indescribable.
It seems to me that this is so like our journey with the Father. I can't wait to see Him, to be in His presence and to be finally and completely free. However, until then, I am excited to be on this journey, preparing to meet Him and to live free in eternity. Sometimes that means trusting in the unknown; being aware that "this" is not my total reality (i.e. life here on earth); sensing that there's always something more around the corner, the list could go on. It's sort of invigorating!
Ultimately though, it means that when things aren't so great, those challenges are still part of the journey. They don't/won't last forever; they are necessary (and even fruitful!); and are joy markers for when they are over: helping us to love and bask in the times when we aren't so challenged!
So, I start my drive tomorrow: the car's clean, tire's checked, water and graham crackers at the ready, and the book on tape there for the listening. It's going to be great! However, I'm not forgetting that I need my spiritual journey preparation too: heart clean? soul checked? thoughts of things that are lovely, kind, encouraging at the ready? spiritual ears and eyes ready to hear and listen to the Holy Spirit?
HAPPY TRAVELING!
As excited as I am about seeing April, and being in a beautiful part of the country, I have been even more thrilled with just "getting ready". The preparation and anticipation has provided so much fun and joy. We've giggled over emails, voice-mails and snail-mail (well, mostly me with the snail mail)...There's just something about preparing for a journey and being on the journey that's indescribable.
It seems to me that this is so like our journey with the Father. I can't wait to see Him, to be in His presence and to be finally and completely free. However, until then, I am excited to be on this journey, preparing to meet Him and to live free in eternity. Sometimes that means trusting in the unknown; being aware that "this" is not my total reality (i.e. life here on earth); sensing that there's always something more around the corner, the list could go on. It's sort of invigorating!
Ultimately though, it means that when things aren't so great, those challenges are still part of the journey. They don't/won't last forever; they are necessary (and even fruitful!); and are joy markers for when they are over: helping us to love and bask in the times when we aren't so challenged!
So, I start my drive tomorrow: the car's clean, tire's checked, water and graham crackers at the ready, and the book on tape there for the listening. It's going to be great! However, I'm not forgetting that I need my spiritual journey preparation too: heart clean? soul checked? thoughts of things that are lovely, kind, encouraging at the ready? spiritual ears and eyes ready to hear and listen to the Holy Spirit?
HAPPY TRAVELING!
Friday, June 1, 2007
A "shove from above"...
Sometimes I think that is exactly what God does. When we cannot make moves or changes on our own, He will sometimes make those moves on our behalf. That happened to me this year with a relationship. Some changes needed to be made, but I didn't want to see that and so I tried to "manage it on my own" (such a smart move...NOT!). I believe God eventually said, "You know what...if you can't take yourself out of this, or make the appropriate changes, then I will"...and you know what? He did. And it was PAINFUL!
I am hoping that the next time, I will be more aware, listen more closely, be willing to act on HIS leading...I am sure that that course would be the better one, and such a less painful one!
I talked to a dear friend today about a situation she is struggling with: LOVES her job, but it has become increasingly dysfunctional to the point of affecting her health, her family and her friends...her JOY. I know it's hard to give up on something you love (and we're not always called to!), but sometimes if we can't set limits for ourselves I believe we have a loving Father who will do it for us.
SO...this if for you CS. I am praying for enough rest, refreshment and peace that you can
"come apart" and think and make some decisions: to put in some God-ordered, God-ordained boundaries. I know God will bless it if you do...and if you don't, he will help you, as well as let you learn the lessen. Trust me, while "a great growth opportunity"...so NOT fun! You are loved and in my prayers!
S
I am hoping that the next time, I will be more aware, listen more closely, be willing to act on HIS leading...I am sure that that course would be the better one, and such a less painful one!
I talked to a dear friend today about a situation she is struggling with: LOVES her job, but it has become increasingly dysfunctional to the point of affecting her health, her family and her friends...her JOY. I know it's hard to give up on something you love (and we're not always called to!), but sometimes if we can't set limits for ourselves I believe we have a loving Father who will do it for us.
SO...this if for you CS. I am praying for enough rest, refreshment and peace that you can
"come apart" and think and make some decisions: to put in some God-ordered, God-ordained boundaries. I know God will bless it if you do...and if you don't, he will help you, as well as let you learn the lessen. Trust me, while "a great growth opportunity"...so NOT fun! You are loved and in my prayers!
S
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)