Then and Now

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

Have you ever thought back to things about your childhood that are still true today? Times change, and technology changes, but despite the increased number of birthday candles on our cakes we’re still that little girl who God treasures. He created us and he knows the desires of our hearts. God patiently allows us to grow up in our faith and learn how to use our passions and gifts.

I've grown up a lot since I was in Kindergarten and first grade. That’s probably a good thing, since it was 48 years ago! Really?... I’m that old?! I don’t feel old and I certainly don’t usually act old. My oldest sister is having a milestone birthday today; the big 6-0. Now that’s old! (Love you Ann, Happy Birthday!)

Here are some facts about me that haven’t changed much in 40+ years...

·         Then: I was easily embarrassed- I vividly remember trying to hide my head in my desk when I was scolded by my 1^st grade teacher.

Now: When I screw up or am aware of mistakes I want to hide.

·         Then: In kindergarten I was on the teeter/totter and my “partner” on the other end wouldn’t let me down…I was SO scared! I also got trapped climbing a tree once and had to be rescued.

Now: I am SO afraid of heights and falling! No roller coasters or gondolas for me!

·         Then: I always tried to be a good girl and please my teachers. (If I didn’t, the word would get back to my Mom!)

Now: Still a recovering people-pleaser, but am now trying to remember my goal is to please God.

·         Then: I had an accident in 1^st grade requiring my Mom to deliver fresh panties, a change of clothes and a hug.

Now: Occasionally wish I was wearing Depends.  When I sneeze I usually cross my legs…

·         Then: In my childhood diary it states that pink and purple were my favorite colors.

Now: I still LOVE purple and like pink, but have added Aqua to the list of color favorites.

·         Then: My hair was always cut in a pixie by my neighbor who had a salon in her home.

Now: My hair hasn’t been short since my parents finally said I could grow it out in 4^th grade. I still get it styled by a friend in her home-salon.

·         Then: I loved books and imagining. (I learned with the Dick and Jane series of course!)

Now: I get to belong to a book club, read on my Kindle and imagine my dream house and vacation on Pinterest!

·         Then: I enjoyed playtime with friends.

Now: My friends are SO important! I meet friends for meals or girl’s night out, spend time praying and studying God’s word with them, and keep up with far-away friends on Facebook.

·         Then: I always played with dolls.

Now: I was blessed with four children to dress and love. God also knows my love of babies and the excitement of expectant Mommies. Not only do I get to hang out and encourage young mothers as a Mops Mentor at our church, but I get to “work” part-time at Charlie Barnes, a baby & kids boutique. (I can’t call it “work” since I’m having so much fun!)

Then…the disciples of Jesus watched in horror as he died on the cross.

Now…We know the story wasn't over and Easter morning is coming!

Our God never changes. This weekend we are given the opportunity to look back and look forward as we celebrate the gift of life given by the death and resurrection of his son Jesus, if we believe.

To all the other grown-up-little-girls: may you experience the joy of knowing and believing in the living God and have a very Happy Easter with your families.

In His Grip, jane

Wardrobe Malfunction

It was pajama day at work! I’d only been at my new “job” two days and we were having a fun casual day! NOT!!...

What actually happened on Wednesday was I needed a top to wear with my V-neck sweater and I grabbed a purple long-sleeved tee that was on my closet shelf. The problem?...I have a purple tee and a purple pajama top and somebody didn't put the laundry away correctly. Whoops! I didn't figure this out until I was almost to work. Considering I live at the END of the island, there was no going back. So much for trying to make a good impression...

This was not the first time I've had a wardrobe malfunction. I wrote about my adventure in Chicago when I “lost my top” in a former post.

http://learningjane.blogspot.com/2011/09/flash-of-orange.html 

Accidental pajama days actually run in my family. My oldest sister Ann told me the story of going to Jr. High in her pajama bottoms (little bloomers) and forgetting her panties. My sweet Daddy had to make the trip over with paper bag in hand so she wasn't feeling mortified all day. No one was home to rescue me and my dog can't drive-Sydney has trouble even riding in a vehicle without getting sick!

I wonder if my co-workers knew that I was having my own little comfy pajama day.  Awkward moments happen to all of us; I suppose it’s how we handle them that counts.

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1Th 5:18

Lessons Learned:

It might be time for me to invest in a couple nice tops/blouses and sometimes you just have to laugh at your mistakes and handle your circumstances with confidence. 

I say, "Hooray for Pajama Days!"

In His Grip, jane  

Picture source:http://thereflectionofhim.blogspot.com/2012/12/pajama-day.html

Outside The Zone

I try to never leave the house without my cell phone. It's a necessary habit. Sydney has a new accessory that we put on her before she goes out the door. The Petsafe collar has now become a habit here on the corner. 

We've been training our dog “Pavlovian Style” with the sensor collar that sounds a warning signal and then sends a 30 second shock to teach her where she can run free. The little flags are dotting the yard to signal us, Sydney and our neighbors that there is a zone and hopefully our doggie will stay inside it. At first I thought it sounded cruel, but she's so much happier being free to run, knowing her boundaries and not running into the dangerous street. It’s been about a month and she’s really doing well.

The first week was tough for all of us…I was walking Sydney around the side yard in my colorful P.J.’s and robe, (I’m the crazy lady fashionista on the corner) holding a blanket against the chill and my mug of coffee in the other hand, and Sydney busted through the zone when a dog and woman walked by. She quickly returned so I think she got the message. Later in the afternoon, the three of us left for our walk. It did not take long for us to realize her collar was still on and she was being led out of her zone with her training collar still on. Mr. C. got the opportunity to feel her pain as he quickly removed the buzzing collar. Poor girl! She had’t yelped, she just looked up at me with questioning eyes. I was reminded of Jesus remaining silent as he was wrongly accused and led to slaughter.

“Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.” Matthew 27:13-14

It’s amazing that God loves us SO much that his plan to rescue us included his son experiencing all the pain and anguish once and for all for our sins. 

Are you in the zone where you are staying near your loving master, or are you ignoring the warning signals because you’re fiercely independent and getting yourself into some painful situations? Or perhaps you're in the middle of being wrongly accused and wishing you could plead your case?

God is the ultimate judge and He is compassionate. 

Lessons Learned:

Sometimes we inflict pain on ourselves, sometimes we are innocent and yet wounded. Jesus has experienced our pain.

The one who puts the zapping collar on Sydney should remember to take it off.

I might have discovered a new diet technique for Hollywood stars; a couple shocks tend to cause a lack of appetite...

In His Grip, jane

Monday Moments From the Weekend

Photo source:http://www.crescent-news.com/editors%20pick/2013/03/11/holy-hoosiers-iu-wins-big-ten

This is my Monday weekend recap and even if I'm now a Northwest girl, since I was born and raised a Hoosier I must give a shout out to I.U. for winning the Big Ten Championship! I love March Madness!

We squeezed in a lot of activity here as empty nesters on the corner: This Mama needed a change of scenery so I joined Mr. C. on a business Trip to Portland. We saw good friends, and stayed at a downtown Hilton. It had a beautiful lobby and a yummy breakfast buffet.

          

                                              While Mike had hospital meetings, I explored the city. On the drive home we made a quick stop at Ikea to replace a rug that had endured a candle accident. (It was too big a stain to attempt the iron/paper bag trick.) We might be the only people I know that can get in and out of Ikea in less than 15 minutes.

One member of the family wasn't so happy about our road trip. Sydney spent 24 hours at Bed, Bark and Beyond and even though she had "friends" and 3 acres to run on, she still missed us! She keeps looking at me as if to say, “Why Mommy?”

Saturday was sunny and Tigger enjoyed every minute of soaking up the rays.

While Mr.C. golfed I cleaned, and attempted to make homemade moss balls. This did NOT go well. 

Lesson Learned: I should have Googled instructions. Or better yet it would have been worth the $10 to buy them at Target.

Champagne-in-a-can roasted chicken for dinner? Yes please. It was quite tasty.

Our sermon at church yesterday was about Jesus being our good shepherd and our Pastor had a real prop! “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father.” John 10:14

We participated in a 5K to help the refugees in Burma. Our church started the Run for Burma 10 years ago and now it's an international event. We did a combo of walking and “running” but combine that with hills and this old fluffy body of mine is wondering why I didn't train more...

Our weekend ended with good friends coming over for dinner. We served our famous enchiladas. Forgot to take a picture because we were too busy gobbling them up! 

What did you do on your first weekend of Daylight Savings Time?

In His Grip, Jane