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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Mysteries to Solve


Unlike my Mom, I have never been a huge fan of the mystery genre’ in books or movies, so I’m not very good at solving them. Story problems/math problem solving questions were probably my least favorite thing in school. 

We’re in the midst of some puzzling medical mysteries here on the corner and I want some answers.

#1. Why isn't my fat cat Tigger eating? He loves food and has an aversion to dieting. He’s thrown up a few times including some hairballs (lovely) and hasn't eaten canned or kibble for two days.  Granted, he is a senior citizen; he’s  13 which is about 72 in human years, but I don’t want to think about failing health.  I think it’s time to call the vet…

#2. Why does my rescue dog Sydney have such a very sensitive tummy, and why did I give her a green dental bone when I left the house for the second time yesterday? Not to gross you all out but we’re talking major diarrhea on our walk. This morning she’s not even eating the rice I made her…

#3. Why do I wake up every day with a headache?  I am a bit of a puzzle for my doctor. Thankfully my physician is a  bit like “Dr. House” and thrives on a good medical mystery. She’s trying to determine if my on-going headaches are caused by sinus pressure or my stupid jaw/T.M.J.  I now have a plan to try (I won’t list it all but suffice it to say it’s looking like a pharmacy around here!)  After trying to solve the sinus thing we’ll move on to focusing on the tense jaw. I’m also supposed to keep a “headache journal”.  I’m not even good about keeping a journal for God unless this blog can count so wish me luck!

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and on earth.” Ephesians 1:7-10

Lessons Learned:
If plan A doesn't work than it’s on to plan B. I’ll be checking back in with my doctor next week. In the meantime, rather than spending any more energy trying to figure out my pets or my head, I think I’ll focus on the condition of my heart.

I also recommend not accepting an invitation to hang out with girlfriends across town on an evening when your doggy has lower intestinal issues-I came home to two accidents on our white area rug!!!
Do you have any mysteries to solve at your house?

In His Grip, Jane

source: scavenger hunt - public domain clip art image @ wpclipart.com



Thursday, February 21, 2013

It's Good and a Little Bit Bad


My morning and part of last week seemed like one big lesson in opposites. Good and Bad.

As I mentioned in my last post, I spent the three day weekend hunkered in due to a sore throat…that was bad. I used the time to organize all my paper files, my household notebook and my I-Pad/G mail folders...yay, that’s good!

I finally needed to call the doctor this morning after waking up during the night again with a sore throat and ears…I felt bad. I don’t have strep or an ear infection; just clogged Eustachian tubes and an irritated throat virus that four different over-the-counter meds should fix…that’s good?

My when-I’m-not-wearing-my-contacts-glasses got caught on my jammies and flew onto the floor popping out a lens…that’s bad. I was able to click it back in so I might not have to resort to the geek-tape look after all…that’s good.

I lathered up my shampoo twice in the shower and my hair felt really soft…that’s good.  Then I realized I had “washed” it with conditioner, not shampoo due to no contacts/glasses…that’s bad.

I treated myself to a badly needed pedicure (Shamrock Green!) and my toes look pretty…that’s good! My toes are not going to feel any warmth other than the fireplace for the unforeseen future…bad & sad.

My crafty sweet friend made my doggie a “collar-flower” that is adorable…so good! That accessorized doggie went under the deck in the dark and rain and got herself stuck…that was bad! I tugged for over ten minutes trying to untangle her, all the while thinking it would be a long, chilly evening for her until her Daddy arrives later…Sydney, why?!

So today wasn't all good, but I still have MUCH to be glad about! My week in review including lots of food:
Mr.C flew home from the East coast tonight.
Nordstrom fixed my watchband for free!
Found a pair of “skinny” jeans at Plato’s Closet in my price range-$12!
Our church had a Sweetheart dinner to culminate our marriage class and we enjoyed the food, the company and the comedians.

I got to hold a newborn baby at MOPS-ahhh.
Substitute taught in the Pre-K class and got to help make Valentine crafts. 
I have an amazing prayer group who came over for a Valentine’s Day lunch. Love these friends!
On Valentine’s night Mr. C and I stayed home and created a yummy Seafood Fettuccine  that tasted as good as Anthony’s and we opened the sparkling Rose’ we bought up in Vancouver B.C.
I got to have lunch in Seattle on a sunny Friday with my childhood next door neighbor, classmate, and friend while she was in town for a conference.

Friday we had dinner with a couple we've been hoping to hang out with and we had a great talk
There are tulips on my table.
And so it goes. My week; a bit of "bad" and a lot of good. How was yours?        

In His Grip, Jane        


Monday, February 18, 2013

Who Holds the Title?


The flag is flying on our corner in honor of President’s Day. A sore throat kept me home from church and curled up on the couch. The hi-light of my day was to finally enjoy our “Fat Tuesday” Jambalaya and a Hurricane followed by patriotic semi-homemade cherry pie 
Are there any Presidents in your immediate family? I actually have two; both for my “fan club”. Why, you ask, does this Mama have the privilege of a fan club and who are the members?

My hubby is an active member, but he doesn't have the title of Mr. President. The title goes to a 21 year old college student that happens to be my child number three. I can’t pinpoint the exact year that T.J. became the President, but I think I gave him the title (or his sisters did) when we realized he was consistently pleased with me as “The Mama”. His sisters and older brother might sometimes think I spoil the boy, but until he gets married I like being the most important "girl" in his life!

Here’s a small Bio of the man-cub: T.J. is dashingly handsome (with or without a mustache), ever the gentleman (he always opens my doors), a dapper dresser (perhaps he got that talent from me?) and tender-hearted (yep, he got that from me). We both do NOT enjoy roller coasters but DO enjoy friends, reading, the color purple, drinking good beer, red wine, or Caramel Macchiatos and we love Jesus. When he was a boy I always said he’d grow up to be a pastor due to his BIG heart. T.J. recently switched his major to Theology so there is a possibility that Seminary is in his future. He is a wonderful big brother and fun “little” brother. (At 6’3” he’s not exactly little!)

My Vice President is my dog Sydney. She LOVES her Mama. She goes ballistic when I return home even if I've only been gone a few minutes. She is my constant shadow; she follows me everywhere unless of course she’s running away to chase a deer or dog…(Attention Fox Island neighbors: we just bought a wireless containment system and we just started working with her. In the near future, maybe she'll stop bounding at you!)

Mr. C usually gets up first in the morning and if I’m still in my comfy bed after Sydney's breakfast and potty break, she’ll come back upstairs to sleep on the floor beside me until I rise. Could her loyalty  be because I give her treats, take her for walks, basically spoil her rotten and constantly tell her she’s “Mommy’s girl”?

In all honesty I do have a bigger fan than my fan club President and Vice President and I am quite amazed that He gives me unconditional love and encouragement even when I am unlovable. We Americans are quite blessed to have the freedom to know and worship Jesus openly. Thank you founding fathers!
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances". First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Some tips on how to get your own “fan club”; spend time together, acknowledge their title and importance, and love, love, love. 

I love you Timothy James (T.J./Teej/T-Bone) & Sydney and 
God Bless America.

In His Grip, Jane

Monday, February 11, 2013

The Daily Duel


"Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness." Ephesians 6:23

It doesn't always sound or feel peaceful out here on the island corner. There they go again! Without even looking I can hear the sound of Sydney’s toenails sliding on the wood floor as she chases Tigger the cat. This has really only been going on for the last month. Perhaps this is a sign that she feels secure and just wants to taunt and play with her "brother".

As my crazy dog goes round and round our kitchen island, I think of the children’s poem in my treasured Childcraft book. The Duel is a poem about the terrible spat between the gingham dog and the calico cat. In the book it’s kind of cute (but a bit gory) but in real life it’s not so cute; our rental house floors are getting SCRATCHED to smithereens. (Maybe the landlord won’t notice?) 

 “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

It’s been quite a few years since my four kids have chased and taunted each other. Despite some typical teasing, they have always been there for each other when it matters and their love and friendship is evident to all. Yep, I am a thankful Mama.

My dog and cat have yet to grasp the concept of helping each other in adversity, not creating it! They’re too busy having a duel!

Any duels going on at your house? 

In His Grip, Jane




Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Word Change, Its Not Fat Tuesday and other Random Things


Source: sccmag.blogspot.com
Tuesdays are always a favorite of mine because it's bible study morning at my church. No matter how my day began, after spending time with a roomful of women who all desire to learn more about Jesus, I leave with a little more joy and hope. We’re just beginning a study called When Wallflowers Dance by Angela Thomas.

Last month I wrote about my one word that I was claiming for the year, but I just don’t think it’s the best word for me to focus on this year. I want a word I can whisper over and over when I’m praying. I want a word that is used often in scripture verses. I don’t want to keep forgetting the word or getting it mixed up with similar words! (My sweet daughter warned me I shouldn't pick a word I couldn't remember…) I am changing my word diligent for trust. I think I’ll keep the word diligent as a spring-board for developing better habits in how I go about my daily tasks and relationships.

The most important relationship in my life is God and He is teaching me to TRUST. God is trustworthy.
 “In Him our hearts rejoice, for we are trusting in His holy name.” Psalm 33:21

Now if only my dog Sydney would trust and believe me when I tell her "I'll be back"...and that the white objects in our neighbor’s yard are garden markers, not sheep she needs to herd! She is always on “high alert” on our walks which doesn't exactly make them feel peaceful
  
Proudest accomplishment last week: emptying my “Inbox”.  EVERYTHING has been read, trashed or filed. Yay!!  I plan to snuggle up in front of the fireplace and enjoy the February issue of Matchbook magazine. (Check it out at: http://www.matchbookmag.com/ ) It brings me as much joy as "Downton Abbey"! 

Mr. C and I planned on having  Jambalaya and a Hurricane cocktail in honor of Mardi Gras tonight. WELL I THOUGHT IT WAS FAT TUESDAY BUT THEN I LOOKED AT THE CALENDAR AND COUNTED THE DAYS/WEEKS UNTIL EASTER. FAT TUESDAY IS ON JANUARY 12th THIS YEAR. Hmmm, not sure about the dinner menu after all! (I am having a bit of a "fat Tuesday" after all the Superbowl snacks I enjoyed.)

When I arrived home today I was greeted by all of Sydney’s doggie toys and some of her food strewn across the foyer. Is there a “dog whisperer” who can explain why she does that?
Sydney is peaceful when she is near, at my feet. 
Lesson Learned: I need to trust and stay at the feet of my master too.
“Trusting in God brings peace.” Isaiah 26:3

In His Grip, Jane

Friday, February 1, 2013

We All Have Two Sides

“For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.” 
Romans 7:19

When my kids were little and my days were semi-crazy, I created and sang the song "I need a vacation... somewhere nice and warm!"  This week I've started singing that song again. It's partly due to gray skies and rain, partly due to circumstances beyond my control and mostly due to my lack of patience where a certain furry member of our family is concerned…

My sweet lovable two-year old is a bully. At home she is good as gold. Whenever I take her in public she is horrible to whoever she meets. She lunges and barks like she’s going to tear them apart. (I am talking about my rescue puppy…)

I know Sydney’s trying to protect me in her own mixed-up way, but maybe it also has to do with insecurity. Rather than risk being the underdog, she’ll be aggressive and mean… (I will continue to try to give her opportunities to socialize so she can practice the skill of being nice around others.)

The other day when she barked at the sweet neighbor’s dog, Emma Watson, (don’t you love that name?), I SNAPPED. I yelled SO loud I scared the dogs! I was completely embarrassed that I acted that way in front of another pet parent. Have you ever "lost it" in public?

I have two sides; the patient Mama and the pulling her hair out-turning purple-yelling Mama. When I taught Kindergarten I was patient, but with my family lately, not so much...  Then again it’s been awhile since I've had a two year old  puppy and a college freshman at the same time.

The other day at bible study I didn't know my leader sheet had two sides. I was asking questions from the wrong side.

Lots of things have two sides, even dogs... A little naughty. A little nice. 

My Mom used to say, "look for the good in people." Basically she meant that everyone has moments when they might just be a bit “turned around” to the not-so-nice-side. People who are hurting often lash out more quickly.

Let's keep in mind that almost everyone has a back-story. People who aren't the easiest to be around might just be having a bad day (haven't we all?) or perhaps they're feeling insecure (my rescue puppy.)

"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."
Romans 5:8

The next time we encounter someone who falls under the category of E.G.R. (extra grace required,) what if we extended unearned grace, love and understanding?

In His Grip, Jane

Photo sources: istockphoto.com