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Thursday, April 28, 2011

Messing With His MOJO


I’ve only been out west and away from my home, husband and pets for a little over three months, but Mike has developed his own style of housekeeping. Being the nester that I am, it didn’t take me long to swoop in and make changes.

First I put away the Valentine decorations.Hearts were still on the front door. I had asked him repeatedly if he’d switched them out for St. Patrick’s day or Spring but it didn’t seem to be a priority to him. I found our Easter décor and began de-cluttering. The first evening he noticed things weren’t where he expected them to be and he commented, “You’re messing with my Mojo.”

MOJO means “to find the magic in what you do.” Was it really magical to have antlers growing out of the potato bag in the pantry? Mike claimed that when it became a science experiment he thought I’d enjoy seeing it. Not so much. The song from Beauty and the Beast about Gaston was ringing in my head- “he has antlers in all of his decorating”…

I know he’s been keeping house while I’ve been gone but our standards are different. I ended up hiring a cleaning gal to come help me with bathrooms and the wood floors. It was worth it to me to know that I got my whole place cleaned before I had my bible study sisters over for brunch.

Last night my man Mike said, “You know I’m just going to change it back after you leave.” My less than mature response? “Well, I’m going to fix it again when I return in July.” How about you? Do you and your spouse agree on cleaning and decorating? Do you have different expectations?

Marriage is about compromise. I understand that but I also have been away from my home and have imagined puttering when I got here. Re-entry is hard though. It was hard for the Space Shuttle to return, for soldiers to get back into the family routine and for me to switch to being the “live wife” vs. the "Skype wife".

I think long-distance marriage is hard, but in a way easier. If your beloved gives you an edge or says something you don’t agree with you can just sign off.We miss each other so we focus on the love, not the details. In real day-to-day, face-to-face marriage I must compromise.

“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other-each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other.”
Romans 15:5

Tomorrow morning I’ll be setting my alarm to get up and watch the Royal wedding. I watched Diana & Charles exchange vows back in 1981 before I’d even met my husband. I love weddings! What is important though is the marriage. I doubt that Kate and William will have to decide who cleans, how to decorate the castle, and where to stack the royal mail, but I do hope they learn to compromise.

In His Grip, Jane

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The Simple Woman's Daybook



FOR TODAY, April 26, 2011


Outside my window... rain, mild temps, pretty yellow Forsythia, daffodils-I’m back in Illinois and it’s typical spring weather.

I am thinking...my cat Tigger is hilarious. He’s hissing at the water bowl and playing in it. (Now I know why the floor has been wet.)

I am thankful for...flying "home" and driving to Indiana in the new convertible to spend Easter weekend with my Mom and Sisters.

From the learning rooms.
..nothing-it’s Sarah’s spring break and she’s “taking a break”!

From the kitchen..
.I made angel hair pasta with Vodka sauce & Italian sausage last night. I don’t have a clue what I’m making for dinner. Reservations?? I actually think I'm making our famous enchiladas with a fried egg on top...

I am wearing
...khaki cropped pants, a bright green hoodie sweater and mustard wedges.(I'm digging deep into what I've got here in the Illinois house.)

I am creating...a springtime looking house. Mike still had Valentine’s decorations up!

I am going...to get my hair hi-lighted and my bangs trimmed.

I am reading...Laura Bush’s memoirs.

I am hoping.
..Sarah’s ear infection feels better before she flies home Friday.

I am hearing...The ice maker and my cat meowing. (And the train all through the night- not used to that.)

Around the house...lots of cleaning needs to take place.I actually hired someone to help me with the bathrooms, kitchen and main floor. Remember- I've been gone four months.

One of my favorite things.
..watching my husband & daughter play Banana-grams.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
errands, get a pedi, hosting the bible study brunch, possibly going to the Chicago Art Museum,taking my daughter to the mall, hanging with my pets & family, watching the Royal wedding, packing, flying to Rome!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...


My very first ride in my husband's new Audi convertible. Fun!!

To join the fun, visit Peggy at:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

In His Grip, Jane

Friday, April 22, 2011

At the Car Wash


I was surrounded-a car in front, a car behind. I was waved forward yet I wasn’t feeling it was my time yet. I felt forced. I felt too close to the car in front of me (a very nice, new Camry). I put my foot on the brake and heard the car wash attendant yell “foot off the brake”! I was suddenly blinded by the bubbles covering my front windshield and side windows and I just had to hope the machine conveyor tracks would keep my now-in-neutral car from smashing into the car in front of me.

I was over in Tacoma last week running errands and they have a gas station with a car wash attached. It’s only $5 to get a wash and blow dry. It’s twice as expensive in my town across the bridge. They certainly herd the cars through quickly at the cheap place. No car length distances between at their joint-move ‘em in, move ‘em out…

So about the foot off the brake… I think that Carrie Underwood visited this car wash to get the inspiration for her hit song, “Jesus Take the Wheel”. Besides careening on black ice, when you’re in a car wash with your foot off the brake and you are not allowed to steer, it certainly feels like somebody else is in control.

Lately I’ve figuratively thrown my hands in the air and asked God to show me His plan even though it’s as unclear as a car coated in soap bubbles. Questions like, where are Sarah and I going to live next fall, where will Sarah spend her summer when she’s not at Young Life Camp, who will T.J. live with in Spokane for 3 months while he’s working, will Mitch & Amy get jobs in Chicago next fall and can we ever move back to the Northwest permanently? The list is growing.

Then, even though I can’t see I remember. I remember last spring and all the crazy circumstances that had to be worked out. I look back in amazement at how God orchestrated it all.

Since He promised us in the bible that He is in control of our destinies it doesn’t make much sense for me to try to do it MY way. I could disrupt the course of events.

"If we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."
Romans 8:25

Today is Good Friday, and Easter is Sunday. I know that the God who died and rose again for ME (and you) can orchestrate all the details for the Carver Family. I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

Back at the car wash the lights at the end blinked; ready, and then GO. I knew the dryer was finished, I knew I could switch from neutral to drive, take the wheel and be on my merry way. God has a way of letting us know we’re ready for the next adventure or event in our life to take place even if we aren’t convinced. Then He says GO and we’re off!

Off to do His will. Off to experience new things. Off to testify to His faithfulness in our family.

Is your foot off the brake?

Blessings to you and your families this Easter!

I’ll be in Chicago and ROME for the next two weeks so my blogging might take a “backseat” to family time.

P.S. About the broken car…it has to be towed 300 miles across the state. Any volunteers?

In His Grip, Jane

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Another Opportunity to Make Lemonade


They wanted to surprise their Daddy last Thursday. That’s why T.J. and Allie were driving from Spokane to Gig Harbor. Mike had flown in Wednesday night so he could watch our youngest, Sarah, play tennis. It was the only time this season he could come to watch her play. Of course it was a rain-out on Thursday because we are in the Northwest and that’s what happens in the spring. It rains. A LOT!

We got a call from our oldest son that his brother and sister were headed to the Harbor to surprise us but were currently on the side of the highway with a “smoking’” car. We were surprised all right. We didn’t know they were coming, and the car was purchased just 3 months ago. It had already been in the shop and cost us $$! What now? With the help of a tow truck company that came and evaluated the problem, we had three options; spend over $450 and have it towed back to the shop that worked on it before, have the kids spend the night in Moses Lake (where?) and get it looked at in the morning, or take a chance, keep the fluids filled, pray, and head over the mountain. My husband wasn’t voting for the third option but that’s what the kids chose. They really wanted some family time.

They finally arrived at 1:30 in the morning and the repair shop here spent the day trying to diagnose the problem. After a fun weekend of hanging out, watching Sarah play in a tennis tournament (it didn’t rain on Saturday!) and going to church together, it was time for the kids to head back and for me to take my husband to the airport to fly back to Chicago.

I got the call right after I dropped off Mike. They were pulled off the highway with steam rising and fluids bubbling. What does the Mom do? Well, since my husband’s cell phone was turned off I just headed toward my kids. Isn’t that my job? Mom’s immediate love response is search and rescue.

“It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1Corinthians 13:7

It took a while to find them because they didn’t know their exact location. Mike finally called us and it was determined that I would switch cars with them. And so… they’ve got my dependable, cute red Kia Sorento with my Good- to- Go bridge pass and I have their “needs repair” car that doesn’t have a bridge pass and has their campus parking sticker.

"Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged." Corinthians 13:5

If you read my blog on January 27th called, “We’re under a Car Curse” you’re probably shaking your head. Yep, here we go again. Another possible lemon of a car and the thought of “making lemonade” does NOT sound good at the moment.

I thought it timely that the sermon I just heard focused on “It’s not all about me!” Even though I already miss my car and worry about how much the car repairs will be, right now it’s about my daughter Allie who will be graduating from college in a month. She has a lot going on in the next few weeks and to be without a car would have been quite hard. Sarah and I can share. We only have three more days until we’re leaving town for spring break. I have learned over the past 25 years of parenting that I will do whatever is necessary for the welfare of my children.

God, sacrificed his one and only son for our welfare. Have you been contemplating what Jesus did for us as Easter weekend approaches?

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

I made it back to the Harbor without the car overheating and pulled into the grocery store parking lot where I was given another unexpected lesson. Next to me was a van with a man sitting at the wheel. I did a double take when I saw the amount of stuff and trash piled almost to the ceiling in his vehicle. My first reaction was of disapproval, and then I realized that this man was most likely living in his van. He was spending the day in the parking lot because he had nowhere else to go. Where does he park at night? How does he afford gas and food? Does he have a family?

I have a home in Illinois, a place to live in Gig Harbor, food in my refrigerator, a debit card to buy expensive gas, and our family has four cars (one which is a bit sick at the moment…)

Thank you God for reminding me how blessed I am, take care of the man in the van, and making lemonade sounds pretty good right now.

In His Grip, Jane

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

The Simple Woman's Daybook


FOR TODAY, April 19, 2011

Outside my window...
it is sunny! There is mist over the water and in the pine trees, the tide is coming in, it's in the high 30's right now and expected to reach about 52.

I am thinking...about having to rescue my college kids Sunday afternoon. Their “new” car over-heated on highway 18. They now have MY car for the month and I have the one with “issues”…(I'll tell the whole story in my blog tomorrow.)

I am thankful for..
.having my husband and two college kids visit here over the weekend.

From the learning rooms.
..Sarah took a great SAT writing prep. class on Sunday.

From the kitchen...I am going to try out one of the new Philly crèam cheese pasta sauces and add chicken and grape tomatoes.

I am wearing...my fuzzy red robe of course! After I shower I plan on wearing my Tides Tennis sweatshirt that says Sarah's Mom on the back (home match today), blue & white jeans and my plum converse sneakers.

I am creating...lists-for leaving town on Friday!

I am going...back to Chicago on Friday night and Indy on Saturday for Easter weekend, then on to Rome on April 30th!

I am reading..
.Being Polite to Hitler by Robb Forman Dew. (It’s about an Ohio family in the early 1950’s.)

I am hoping..
.the Subaru’s repairs won’t be super expensive.

I am hearing...
my daughter just hurried off to school, slamming the door, now it's quiet except the clicking of my coffee pot.

Around the house...I'm noticing the tulips in my vase are fading and I need to mail my college son the cell phone charger he left on the counter.

One of my favorite things..
.going out to lunch with my BFF’s at PaneraBread.The Thai salad & Napa chicken salad sandwich were my "you pick two" yummy choices.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
finishing the Breaking Free Beth Moore bible study tomorrow, two tennis matches, buying snacks for the team, small group, packing for spring break and Rome, hopefully attending our church’s Thursday night service, flying to Chicago Friday night, hugging my cat & dog, and riding in Mike's convertible to Indianapolis on Saturday to see my family for Easter.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...


Mike & I at the tennis invitational Saturday (Sarah is in the background.)
Our school won!

To join the fun, visit Peggy at:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

I wish everyone a very Happy Easter. He is Risen!
In His Grip, Jane

Thursday, April 14, 2011

I've Been Searched


I unzipped, opened and started unpacking my suitcase when I discovered it. The tag board notice said, “Your bag was searched”. I wonder why they chose me? It’s not the first time.Was it because my suitcase just made it under the weight restriction? (I am not a light packer.) Did they like my “I love not camping” luggage tag and want to discover more about me?

It feels a bit like I’ve been violated. Sort of like being patted down by security. Granted, I want to be safe when I travel so I know I have to put up with long security lines, but it makes me curious. What showed up on the x-ray machine that forced them to take a closer look? Was my green suitcase, bought at T.J. Maxx really selected at random?

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.”
Psalm 139:23

God is never random. He knows every thought I have, every move I’m going to make. Knowing that brings me comfort and anxiety. When will he choose to search my heart? I’m guessing all the time. Will he be pleased with what he finds? Hmmm, not always. Sometimes when I sin I even surprise myself. Like, really? Why did I do that, say that, etc.? My sin never surprises God though. Thankfully I can repent and start fresh each day.

“If you confess your sins, God will forgive you.”
1John 1:9

Do you act a certain way when you know others are watching, and then let down your guard when you’re alone? Blake Shelton has a new country song out, “Who Are You When I’m not looking?”

One of my Illinois girlfriends gave me one of my all-time favorite compliments. She said I always acted the same no matter who I was with. (Hopefully I’m acting appropriately.) I think the point is I don’t put on an act because I know God sees all and wants me to be “Jane” no matter who I'm with.

Are you transparent before the Lord? Do you know He can see right through all the “bull” to the real you? God is the ultimate scanner. He sees all and knows how we truly feel. Are you ready to be searched?

I wonder if I’ll get searched again when I fly “home” for Spring Break?

In His Grip, Jane

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

The Simple Woman's Daybook for April 12, 2011


Outside my window... It is a clear day, mostly sunny (whoo hoo!) and low 50's.

I am thinking... about one of the leaders of our church's mission trip to the Middle East that severely injured his ankle and has to be flown home.

I am thankful for.
..a special young husband & father who is flying over to join the mission team on short notice.

From the learning rooms...I screwed up and registered my daughter for the SAT the weekend of tennis playoffs. Now I have to pay a "change fee"!

From the kitchen...cheese Quesadillas tonight, baking cupcakes tomorrow.

I am wearing...
an Aerie blue & white striped long-sleeved tee, pink scarf, gap super straight dark jeans, and my silver Payless flats (I've gotten a lot of mileage out of them!)

I am creating...blog entries. I've been writing more than I've been knitting.

I am going...
to go for a walk outside, instead of going to the gym!

I am reading...I just finished Water for Elephants and need to put King's Cross on my I-pad since I need to read two chapters before couples bible study tomorrow night.

I am hoping...we can figure out where our two youngest kiddos are living this summer. It's complicated...

I am hearing...the dryer and the bigger dog sigh.

Around the house...
I need to vacuum and shine surfaces.

One of my favorite things...is the crab bisque soup I had for lunch at Nordstrom.

A few plans for the rest of the week:My Man Mike is coming tomorrow night! We'll get to go out to dinner twice, watch Sarah play in several matches and a tournament (if it doesn't rain), hang out with our friends and go to church together.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...


Sarah concentrating at a match last week. So far she's undefeated and the TIDES are doing great!

To join the fun, visit Peggy at:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

In His Grip, Jane

Monday, April 11, 2011

On the Fence


Our pastor gave a fantastic sermon based on 1Kings. The theme of it centered on the Prophet Elijah asking the people who they believed in- God or Baal (their fertility “god”/idol).

“Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How long are you going to waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God then follow him! But the people were completely silent.”
1Kings 18:20,21

They were being indecisive. Sitting on the fence is playing it safe. Staying silent about an important issue is also playing it safe. People are scared to really “pick a side” whether it has to do with religion, politics, free choice vs. abortion and other tricky subjects. Many men and women don’t want to risk being seen as in-tolerant so they basically tolerate everything.I hope people find me compassionate, but standing for truth.

If state climates were people I would have to say Washington is sitting on the fence and Illinois has made a decision. The weather in Illinois is one of extremes and usually what you see is what you get. The winters are HARD and COLD. The summers are HOT and STICKY. If you move to Illinois, you need to have clothes for all four seasons. The good news is that you only need one outfit per day. When the weatherman announces the day’s forecast you know that if it’s a warm day it will stay warm and if it’s a cold day it’ll stay cold. Fronts blow storms in, but usually there is fair warning. This past weekend the weather where my husband lives in Glen Ellyn (a suburb west of Chicago) was glorious; sunny and 70’s-80. He could finally open up the windows and air out the house, go golfing, and drive around in his convertible.
Yes I was jealous!

The weather in the Northwest sort of stays the same 9 months out of the year yet changes hour by hour. It is often WET and chilly. Everyone looks forward to July-September when we might get sunshine and low 70’s. I think the weather here is just afraid to “make a stand”. Each season blends in to the next and sometimes the only way we know what month we're in, is to look at a calendar or see what plants are for sale at the grocery. I LOVE the beauty around Puget Sound, and I know in my brain that the weather systems are produced by the location to the water and mountains, but it’s still occasionally frustrating. We might start the day with sunshine thinking, “Yea, we can have a tennis match!” but an hour later it’s raining, windy and chilly. I shoot up lots of prayers that a gray cloud will keep moving! We wear lots of layers here because we just don’t know what we’re going to get.Lightweight sweaters and Northface jackets are a staple around here.

Are you someone who is easily swayed by those around you? Does what everyone else thinks or believes make you change your mind? Are you always politically correct, even outside the office? Let’s not “sit on the fence” about our faith, but act boldly. Be more like a mid-west blizzard or tornado. Be intense for the Lord!

I am indecisive when it comes to choosing off a menu...The sampler was created with me in mind.

In His Grip, Jane

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Sisters, Sisters



I am a “Story Girl”. There are three of us and even if I’m over 50 I am the baby of the family. Apparently I’m still “spoiled" too. (Just ask my sisters!) I know my parents were secretly hoping #3 would turn out to be a boy (there were no ultrasounds back in ’59), but they were destined to be handed another pink blanket. Their friends weren’t very tactful at the time. A few years ago my mom gave me the baby cards she received when I was born. She might not have if she had re-read them. Many of them said, “Sorry you didn’t get your boy”… Thankfully, my parents always made me feel loved and accepted. I’ve been thinking about the importance of sisters and that I actually have more than two in my life.

The Story sisters:
Ann is my oldest sister. She’s the redhead, very musically talented, and an amazing educator of the vision impaired. She is one of the busiest, yet most thoughtful people I know. Ann raised three girls and has four sweet grandchildren. When she came to visit me at my new home this summer I looked out the window and there she was, out playing with my dog in the backyard while I was just waking up and in my pajamas.

Jill is in the middle. Despite the fact that she used to slam me against the wall with her back brace when she was in Jr. High, we’ve always been great friends too. (I've forgiven her.) She was the cheerleader, is a fantastic P.E. teacher and department “head”, has coached and raised two great boys.She has a huge heart. When Jill came to visit me in my Illinois home I looked out the window and there she was out front with my husband doing yard work. Do you see a theme here? They are early risers and I am not (although I could blame that one hour time change…)

Ann and Jill both have kind husbands and I learned how to be a good baby momma from them.They also swing by our Mom's house whenever they can. Unfortunately I haven’t lived near them in over 18 years so we keep in touch by phone and I see them once or twice a year in Indiana.

I love my sisters and hope they see that my desire for them to know Christ is because I love them. "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." Mark 5:19

The Carver sisters
: My daughters Allie and Sarah are best friends. They both have their daddy’s beautiful brown eyes and though they are five years apart and have very different interests, they both love God and each other. I am so glad they get to experience the joy of having a sister in addition to their two wonderful brothers.

Sister-in-laws:
My husband has a younger sister named Chris, and Kelly is married to Mike’s younger brother. They are so fun to be with when we head to Omaha!I wish I could spend more time with them.

Sisters in Christ: I’m grateful God has given me tons of “sisters” in Washington State that I am in relationship with. They support me, challenge me, teach me, and it's nice to know they're all over town at many different churches. I love them all and dread having to leave them again in a year.

Hoosier sisters: When we were a young couple living in Indiana we had a small group at our church that helped us grow spiritually. We spent many Saturday evenings and retreats with them.We try to see them whenever we head to Indy.

Prayer sisters:
For the last 6+ years I have met twice a month with a small group of special friends who are my go-to group. We have prayed over our children, husbands, community, weddings, births,illnesses, moves-you name it! Everyone should have a group like this.

M.I.T. sisters:
I joined a Moms in Touch group this past fall and met moms who are passionate about praying for their high school children and the schools they attend. I’ll rejoin the group in the future and we’ll pray for our kids in college.

Parkview sisters: I met some great women at our new church in Illinois. They even took me to Beth Moore Live as their guest when they hardly knew me.

Esther sisters: In the fall back in Glen Ellyn, God led me to a Beth Moore bible study. I was quickly embraced by the group and we had a wonderful season of study and fellowship. Knowing I can rejoin their group when I move back to Illinois after Sarah graduates is a good thing. I'm having them over for brunch when I visit Glen Ellyn on Spring Break.

Chi Omega sisters:
Yep, I was a Chi Omega at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. My sorority was filled with smart, pretty, driven young women and oh did we have fun! I am in touch with a few of my BFF’s and have also reconnected with some at a reunion and on Facebook. Some of the nicest women I run into are Chi Omegas. Just sayin’…

How about you? Were you given biological sisters? Do you have sisters in Christ? Have you stopped to think about how important all these women are in your life?

The picture at the top is from the 1954 classic movie, White Christmas. Have you heard the song Sisters,Sisters? "Those that have seen us, know that not a thing could come between us."

Sisters are a gift.

In His Grip, Jane













































































Thursday, April 7, 2011

One Size Fits All


I love new clothes. I try to find good deals on trendy clothes at stores like T.J. Maxx and Target, but I also appreciate quality classics that last. If only my clothing budget matched my taste!I do have to remember that what is important is how I am on the inside....

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 1Peter 3:3

As I hunt around in discount stores, am I the only one who notices sizing tags that say “one size fits all”? Sorry, but I can't "buy" into that. What is up with the idea that a clothing manufacturer can produce a piece of clothing that will fit everyone?

God made people come in different shapes and sizes, so the idea that we can all buy the same size dresses, sweatshirts, pajamas, etc. doesn't make much sense.My clothing “size” number has been changing a lot in the last several years; partly because my weight has gone up and down, and partly because the standard has altered. Don’t get me wrong, I’m pretty happy that the size I buy now would have been a bigger number a decade ago. Waistlines have expanded in people and in clothes, and designers realize that a smaller number is good for the self-esteem. (Do you remember how tiny the blond dancer's waist was in White Christmas?!Does anyone have that tiny of a waist now unless they're anorexic?)

Perhaps “one size fits most” would be more appropriate. Then again, if someone tried an outfit on with that tag and it didn’t fit I can imagine hurt feelings. Perhaps if every manufacturer world-wide used the same guidelines to put a size number on clothes it would be easier to shop without trying on! How about you? Can you bring something home without trying it on, or order items online?

God is really the only “One Size Fits All”. He’s SO BIG He can’t be measured, and He's already paid the price since his only son died on the cross for us. He doesn’t want us to try Him on and see if He fits. He fits every person he created perfectly! All he requires is that we ask Him into our hearts and He’ll begin the amazing alteration of our souls. He needs us to participate and reflect His image to those around us.

Garments are only temporary, but God fits us for an eternity. I don’t have a small or medium God. I have a BIG, BIG God who can “fit” all!Pretty good deal, huh?

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail
.Isaiah 51:6

In His Grip, Jane

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Bubbling Up


It caught me off guard. I’d been having a really good morning. Twice a month I volunteer in the baby room during Mops because I heard they were looking for some extra “hands” rocking the babies. After a couple times I moved to the next room that has mobile babies. They’re so cute!! Most can walk and my favorite time of the morning is when we sprinkle cheerios on a stationary walker with a tray and all the babies toddler over to snack at the “trough”.

Lately I’ve been in situations where I just do as I’m told. It takes a bit of humbleness to allow others to take the lead. Once again, I must yield. Since I’m a “newbie” volunteer I still don’t know all the systems. When the babies were happily playing, I began to pick up the toys scattered around and put them away in the bins and baskets. The person in charge of the nursery noticed and kindly explained to me that all the toys needed to be brought to the sink to be sanitized. At that exact moment, someone I used to work for walked in the room. I had spent several years teaching at our church preschool before I left to teach kindergarten. I had been a part of a challenging conversation and my feelings were hurt-badly. I have repeatedly worked hard to forgive and “move on”.

The toy incident was not a big deal, yet I felt like a mini-failure. I’ve tried hard to not let my pride or insecurities rise up. I thought about asking for the new Beth Moore book, So Long, Insecurities, for Christmas but thought I didn’t need it. I guess I was wrong.

I am over 50 and I STILL worry about how I am perceived. What’s up with that?

The unworthy feelings bubbled up to the surface just like someone turned on the switch of a hot tub. I know in my brain that I was having a good day, that I was being helpful, and that it was no big deal. It is really important to me that I do a good job and am well-liked. Obviously I’m a people pleaser.

Why can’t I be like Paul, when he wrote, “If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ’s servant.” Galatians 1:10

I loved "running" my own classrooms, especially when I was encouraged and complimented. I had a great relationship with the children, their parents and my co-workers (except maybe a couple-hey, I’m honest!) The few times I was criticized or given constructive criticism by a Principal or Director I was crushed.

I come from a family of teachers. My Mom and sisters were/are excellent teachers. I always put a lot of pressure on myself to be excellent too-I had a reputation to maintain!

The enemy loves to use my self-doubt and past against me.


Apparently I have just stuffed my feelings of failure, instead of breaking free. (How convenient that I’m currently doing the Breaking Free bible study. Silly me thinking I didn’t have much I needed to break free from. ) HELLO!

Thankfully, the bubbling stopped. I remembered-I really only have an audience of one. THE ONE. The one who created me, has a purpose for me, who loves me unconditionally, and is FOR me. Also, it’s not always all about me so I don’t need to dwell on how I’m perceived. It’s not about getting everyone’s approval as I work or serve, but knowing I’ve done my best to bring glory to God.

“Take care! Don’t do your deeds publicly, to be admired, because then you will lose the reward from your Father in Heaven.”
Matthew 6:1

Colossians 3:23 “Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, just as though you were working for the Lord.”

Our God loves us insecurities and all, but remember, when in doubt, always wash baby toys.

In His Grip, Jane

Monday, April 4, 2011

The Simple Woman's Daybook For Today, April 4th, 2011



Outside my window... Bummer-another gray, rainy day in the low 40’s and the forecast is not looking good all week.
(The sun did shine on Saturday, so I know it’s there beyond the clouds!)

I am thinking...about the high school boy who committed suicide. The sad event has rocked our town.

I am thankful for...my amazing children.
My 22 year old daughter is currently down in Tijuana, Mexico on a mission trip and I pray it’s a great week for her.

From the learning rooms..
.my college son is trying to figure out what classes to take next fall.

From the kitchen..
.I made my Mexican layered chip dip to eat while watching basketball.

I am wearing...
my black Nike workout pants, a white t-shirt and my new gray sweatshirt/cardigan I found at TJ Maxx. I had planned to hop on the elliptical after my shift but my sore throat hurts so I came home to snuggle & drink green tea.

I am creating...an organized Rolodex and files of all the paperwork I brought with me to Washington. (See “around the house”-I’m hunting for something…)

I am going...to have to drag the big recycling bin and trash can up the long driveway later in the rain.

I am reading...
I'm going to start Water for Elephants today so I’ll be “ready” for the movie.

I am hoping..
.the Butler Bulldogs win the NCAA national championship game tonight!

I am hearing...the hum of my computer and a dog snoring.

Around the house...
I have GOT to find the SAT user-name & password so I can register my daughter for the May test!

One of my favorite things...
fries, clam chowder and beer at the Tides Tavern. I got to meet my oldest son and his wife Friday night when they drove here from Spokane. I was out past my bedtime!

A few plans for the rest of the week:
my part-time job, watching the b-ball game tonight, couples’ bible study, helping with babies at Mops, cheering at two tennis matches if the rain ever stops, a jewelry & purse open house, and going to see either Soul Surfer or Jane Eyre with a group of Moms & daughters. Busy week!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...


My son Mitch and daughter-in-law Amy. Aren't they a cute couple?!

To join the fun, visit Peggy at:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

In His Grip, Jane

Friday, April 1, 2011

Let's Walk Together


Yesterday’s "lesson" came in an unexpected way. The rain had stopped and I decided that the dogs I am caring for deserved a walk. I have never tried to walk two dogs at the same time. I used to have trouble walking my black lab Duke beside Mitch in the stroller. (Note-Mitch is almost 25, they’ve probably improved strollers and leashes by now…)

I put Acadia and JC in their under-the-tummy harnesses and hooked on the “take two” leash extension. We gingerly headed out the garage. I took my cell phone with me (in case they dragged me and I needed to call 911!)

As they pulled me up the steep driveway I thought how much easier it was with their help, but wondered what the trip back downhill would be like.Yikes!

We were having a brief sunbreak here in the Northwest and being out in the fresh air was a treat for all three of us. It only took a few minutes to get into a rhythm. Cadie is younger, thinner, and FULL of energy. JC is older, slower, and quite a big boy. He reminds me a bit of Aslan the lion in the Chronicles of Narnia, with his golden fur, gentle manner and purposeful gait.

I was fascinated watching the dogs stay together, side by side. If one needed to stop for a potty break, the other one waited patiently-and usually decided to take one too…

The “take two” leash extension reminded me of a yoke for oxen. We’ve been learning about the yoke of liberty in our bible study. How Jesus is the ONLY one we share a yoke with and it fits us perfectly. He walks beside us at our pace and sometimes He encourages us to speed up a bit to join Him even if we’re tired or feel “too old” to keep up.


JC was doing his best to keep up the pace. Sometimes I feel too weary to do what Christ calls me to do, yet He’s right there with me,always encouraging me. I am not alone. I so appreciate the steady way He moves me forward even if I get turned around or a bit tangled in my circumstances (like the eager dog did a few times). The dogs and I walked to the bridge on our island, and then continued on our journey back home.

Jesus is helping me on MY journey and gently leading me home.

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

I looked up the name of the dog harness on the Petco website. It’s called the Premier Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness for dogs. Fitting name, don’t you think?

Are you walking together with Jesus?

In His Grip, Jane