A Little Corner of My World

Out My Kitchen Window

2008-08-19T10:42:00.005-05:00

Three flowering hydrangea trees line the side of my barn. Over the years they've displayed differing tendencies. The middle guy is large and healthy, standing upright, full of blooms, round and robust. Almost a perfect specimen.

To the left of him is the runt, his growth stunted by hazardous North Country winters. Falling ice crushed him one February. That spring I gently pruned and staked him to regain stature. For two summers he worked to catch up, but as would often be the case he was again subjected to winter's cruelty. Ice from the roof above fell once again, leaving his trunk broken completely off. For three summers I have left him untouched, watching numerous shoots grow up, pinching here and there but not knowing how to help. This year, with encouragement from an experienced gardener, I severely pruned, bound the small remaining branch to a sturdy stake and waited. Two months later he is small (maybe 1/8 the size of his neighbor) but proud, boasting several large cream tinged with pink clumps of blossoms. He shows great promise. I am expectant and excited!

At the end of the row is my wayward friend, full grown and laden with blooms but insisting on tilting in an unfashionable angle. Late in the spring I found a large stake. Driving it into the ground I struggled to force him into an upright position. Tying him to the stake I could feel his pull against his new confinement. Now, with branches drooping from the weight of innumerable blooms, he is bowing over, almost touching the ground. It is clear; I will need a much bigger stick with heavy, thorough binding if I hope to get him in line. And I do still hope to get him in line. His blooms are beautiful; once he is upright and in proper position his presence will lend a perfect completion to my little line-up.

How like my little hydrangea trees we all are.

How faithful is He in knowing and doing that which is right for each one of us.

Lord, I want to bloom fully, produce beauty, and stand proudly and uprightly as You desire. I know I need the touch of your hand, the care of the Master in my life. Whatever it takes, Lord. Whatever it takes.

blue, blue grey, blue

2008-08-15T20:28:00.005-05:00

A little heavy of heart these days. Is it the weather? I think not. Is it the realization that life is ephemeral? I think not, although that is challenging. Is it some other foolish thing that really doesn't matter in the face of eternity? I think it may be.

Silly, foolish me.

The joy of His salvation is my strength. It's time to look at eternity once again, time to let go one more time. This place is not my real home. The troubles of this world are not worthy of my concern. How sad to be troubled by nonsense, to let such trivial things steal what is mine in Him.

Oh, the sweet, sweet love of Jesus. Oh, the deep, deep joy of knowing that eternity will be spent in His presence.

Let me lift my eyes. Let me take good counsel.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

Me? Looking For Something New?

2008-08-14T06:30:00.004-05:00

We are contemplating some new theatrical adventures for yours truly. Looking and praying for wisdom in use of this most precious of commodities -- time. And a second most precious commodity -- creative energy.

I've entered a different season of life, one I've never quite experienced before. But not entirely. Although I am older with many adult children, I still have three school children at home in need of investment of both time and creative energy. They are the primary recipients of such treasure and rightfully so. It is bar far my greatest joy to give myself for them. I know now not only by faith but from experience that investing in my children provides a guaranteed return. They will benefit, I will benefit, the kingdom of heaven benefits, and God benefits. It is the wisest of all investment choices for one blessed with the stewardship of young lives.

But this new adventure would not overlook that investment -- it would simply accommodate it in a different way. That is part of the weighing -- will the balances remain even in the long run or will too much have been given away, too much that belongs to husband, home, and family. After all, that is my primary calling -- always.

So as I dream and as we pray, as we consider how to best steward time and creative energy, I am confident of His hand to help guide. And however He leads there will be ample adventure.

Because, after all, you know me and so does He -- always looking for a new adventure!

A Favorite Verse

2008-08-02T09:17:00.003-05:00

Jeremiah 15:16
Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.

Jeremiah is warning the children of Israel of impending judgment. He is facing derision, hatred, and scorn. And now, after obedience to the Word of God, he is realizing destruction is imminent -- and he is in the midst of an unGodly people. He cries out to God for protection and God promises him deliverance.

But in the midst of his plea for mercy, he acknowledges his love for God's words. He reminds God that he himself has suffered rebuke, that he did not sit with the mockers and partake of their sin.

I have always loved verse 16. Surely His word has been my source of great rejoicing in all situations. When life would have left me undone, His word was my strength. As sorrows overwhelming swirl around, His word has been an anchor. Darkness floods my pathway, but His word brings light, hope, and peace.

I love His Word.

"Oh, Lord, may I ever cling to the goodness of Your Word of truth. In this sin-darkened world full of brokenness and despair, deception and self-centered ways, hopelessness and foolish living, may Your Word bring light, joy, peace passing understanding, and truth. May I be bold enough to share the goodness of Your Word in a place where Your goodness is not cherished, in a world where the enemy has blinded eyes, in situations flooded with selfish notions of what is true. May I shine Your grace and mercy in all places where You send me. Let me be a faithful and bold servant of Your love, mercy, and truth. Amen."

Jeremiah 15:16
Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.

It's Magic (Hopefully!)

2008-07-31T13:26:00.006-05:00

Night number three of My Fair Lady.

Yes, we are having fun. And yes, it does become work. One doesn't always experience chills and thrills upon entering the dressing room, or donning the costume, or warming up those vocal chords. At some point along the way the charm wears off, the exhilaration of opening night jitters is gone, there are no more notes from the director pushing you forward into finer accomplishment (you are now on your own...) and sheer discipline is required.

So you dutifully brush on the rouge, stretch the muscles, lay out the costumes. You check for that letter taken on in scene 5, making sure it is in place on the prop table. The hair is sprayed one last time, a hat secured on top.

"Places. Five minutes!" is called. You move to your position to wait.

Then the first chord is played. Transformation begins. You become a cockney woman, cold and tired, trying her best to make the most of her meager existence, enjoying the companionship of an old friend, watching the passerby, meddling with neighbors. The show is running once again and you become swept away with the energy, the magic, the joy of story telling in its most intricate form.

A mere cog in this much-larger-than-you piece of story telling machinery, you feel the weight of dependence upon you. It may seem small or insignificant, but those involved all know and appreciate everyone's contribution. The magic won't happen without the successful completion of each duty, each role, each line, each flute ornamentation, each moved set piece, each lighting cue called and obeyed.

Oh, it's a complicated machine, this contraption known as musical theater. But when the wheel starts turning and every cog and gear respond in timely fashion, a magical thing happens. Make believe comes to life. Worlds only existing in thought now take form.

If we're on our game, the audience is swept away with us, off to faraway places and times, meeting new and interesting characters. They will learn to love them, hate them, or simply put up with them. Hopefully when all is said and done, they will have been magically entertained.

The curtain falls one last time. Farewell to Mrs. Pearce and her household.

Hang up the dresses, wash off the wrinkles, and put away the shoes. Stow those t-straps safely in the corner, ready for tomorrow's arrival - when you draw again from sheer discipline. Scales will be sung, makeup sponged one, necklaces arranged. You'll hear the call, "Places. Five minutes!" You take your place and wait once again for the magic to begin.

That is theater.

Contemplations

2008-07-28T10:40:00.003-05:00

Life is pleasant -- I am having fun. Currently.
The bittersweet realization that today will be gone when I next awaken resides deep within my heart. And I remember once again:

Passing through. Just passing through.

Relationships may seem so important, but they are either gifts of joy from Him, yielding encouragement, fun, and good times of deep fellowship which will continue forever in a better place, or opportunities for ministry of encouragement, sharing the hope of the gospel, or imparting truth.

Occupations and undertakings bring momentary satisfaction. What is important today is often insignificant tomorrow. A finished project will fade, tarnish. Enjoy it now, for it will not yield the same joy tomorrow.

Hold everything loosely, save Him and the glorious hope of salvation.

Heaven is the true goal, the final destiny, the resting place. I am building now for eternity, not for an abode here. This is broken and finite; that is perfection unending.

I'll remember, I'm only passing through.

Big Rocks First

2008-07-22T15:21:00.004-05:00

Song is busy cooking Korean potato pizza, and it is being consumed as quickly as it comes out of the pan. Food doesn't last long around here, and I hope this isn't too overwhelming for her. She was just telling me that she was once withdrawn when meeting new people, but since living here she has learned how to interact in a positive way. She is happy about that.

Over the weekend I learned from another one of our 1942 add-ons (that's what we've taken to calling our extra kids these days) that he comes from what is known as a "broken home" and since being around our home he has discovered more of what family life is all about; he told about enjoying the simple but regular morning greeting he was met with each day. Just an ordinary but heartfelt "Good morning -- how are you today?" has meant the world to him.

We are now preparing for the arrival of a new friend who will join us from Germany. Friday is the beginning of his two month American adventure -- and we get to be a part of it. Even as I write, the papa of the house is talking with the big boys of the house to see what arrangements need to be made to best accommodate his stay here. We want him -- and everyone else -- to be as comfortable as possible. But we all know that with so many in one home there will be sacrifice and opportunities for tolerance aplenty. But, oh, how good those lessons are!

As I was washing dishes earlier and Song was cooking I mentioned that I hoped our somewhat motley crew and haphazard approach wouldn't be too undoing for Johannes, explaining that German culture was known for being orderly and disciplined. We haven't exactly attained 5 stars in that area yet this summer. She smiled and said, "But we are still pretty orderly compared to many homes." I felt her pride at sharing our home with someone new. She was thinking of the love shared and the care given to each one. And I felt a measure of success, in spite of our often times of disarray. She felt happy here, was learning to love here, and was experiencing joy here. He has moved in our midst.

I guess even if we have some things to learn that's a pretty good start.

Catch-up Photos From our Fourth of July!

2008-07-18T08:08:00.004-05:00

A bit of patriotic porch decor...

Two oldest sisters, and a sweet babe, enjoying the garden they helped create years ago! The fruit of labor seen in time...

An uncle and two nephews have some fun in the pool!

The whole original clan in their red, white, and blue regalia -- a tradition established when they were all little!

What a great time we all had. Thanks for taking a peek into my world!

Reunions

2008-07-08T12:56:00.005-05:00

Within one month on two different occasions, I have been reintroduced to fellow classmates of SUNY Potsdam's Class of 1977. After 30+ years, what is happening?

Last month I was at a rehearsal for a local talent show when the trumpet player, a music teacher at Hermon DeKalb, turned to me and announced, "We were in school together." To make a long story short, he was right! He recognized me when I walked in the room (I could boast here and say that I haven't changed a bit but we all know better. I think the bigness of the smile probably gave it away!) Keith Shult hung around with me and a fellow trumpet player, Mark Giroux, those first few days when we were all trying to figure out what this college thing was all about. Haven't seen him since then. Amazing.

Last night at CPS rehearsal we were running the opening scene. The gentleman who plays my husband in that scene whispered to me, "I heard you say that you know Lisa Vroman -- that you graduated just a couple of years before her. I think we may have been in school together." (Lisa is a professional stage performer. I'm going to see her at the Glimmerglass Opera Theater in Kiss Me Kate later this month!)

What? Another one? After quoting to him my graduation year, he agreed that his class was also the Class of '77. I couldn't resist asking the question, "Did you know Mark Giroux, my friend the trumpet player?" "Know him -- of course I knew him!" "How about my husband, Rick Sinclair?" "Yeah! The bass man!" Amazing.

So I'm having my own private class reunion these days and it's fun, I must admit! It's good to get out a bit now and then -- you just never know who you might meet -- or meet again!

A Love Story

2008-07-03T23:00:00.003-05:00

Tonight someone very special was proposed to... and she said, "Yes!"

The evening was one of romance and celebration. Carina's fiance' requested a candlelight dinner served privately on our side porch. Much strategizing was needed to pull this off. After all, this is a busy household. Everyone was on board to make it as special as possible.

Starting at mid-afternoon, all hands got busy with cleaning, ironing, and setting up. In no time we had transformed an ordinary side porch to a romantic niche full of flowers and candlelight (although the relatively early dinner hour -- 6:00 pm -- certainly did not allow for the full ambiance which they would have otherwise provided.)

The plan was to feed our large crew and clear the kitchen/dining area by 5:30 or so. Danica prepared egg noodles with cheese and they quickly set to consuming the casserole full of food. Soon, with precision and great command, she announced that they had three minutes left to finish, clear the table, and evacuate the area. They were banished to the family room for a viewing of Mr. Deeds. (Glad it wasn't me -- I don't like that movie at all...)

Carina and Rick were ushered into their private dining spot, Dad began grilling and Mom began serving. Salad, sparkling grape juice, marinated steak, grilled asparagus spears, marinated green beans and red peppers, and ginger-garlic rice comprised the evening's menu. It was delightful to be such a special part of their night.

At 7:30 pm they emerged, smiling and happy; he asked, she said yes. Perfect!

Within minutes a sister from down the street piled through the front door with her little family. Rick's family and friends arrived shortly after, bearing tubs of strawberries and platters of shortcakes. In short, they brought dessert. We set up the table and celebrated with this happy couple, because we were almost as happy as they! How wonderful to be sharing such a significant event, celebrating their joy, and supporting their decision. We were all blessed!

For a photo journal of tonight's Love Story, head over here! (Because it is late and I am working on this alone, it seems to be out of order on the link. Start at the bottom and work up if you want to make chronological sense of it! Sorry!)

Play Dates For the Aged

2008-07-02T07:08:00.004-05:00

Play times have begun -- literally.

Rehearsals are underway for the CPS production of My Fair Lady. My daughter, Louissa, and I are joining in the fun. The times of choreography and choral practice have been both fun and frustrating, full of compliments and criticism, laced with good-will and grumpiness. The directors provide the latter, everyone takes turns sharing the second items on my list, and I take responsibility for the first. Got that?

The fun is obvious (if you know me, that is.) I love song and dance and acting and make-believe. In fact, I attend all of Louissa's rehearsals as well as my own just because I want to learn the dances. The frustration comes from the sure revelation that I do not learn this stuff as quickly as I once did, the realization that my voice is not as strong anymore, and experiencing first hand that this body just isn't moving as well these days. Huh. Really frustrating at times. Downright discouraging actually. But...

... my attendance at all those extra rehearsals of Louissa's paid off last night when they needed a replacement for an ensemble. Guess who was ready and knew all the staging! You got it! So now I am not only Mrs. Pearce, the stuffy old housekeeper, but I will also play an uppity-high society type as well in the Ascot Opening Race scene. This scene is fun with no frustration at all. It is slow moving and easy for even this ol' girl to keep up with!

So pardon me while I busy myself with a hobby that is an absolute favorite -- well, maybe absolute, because there are always gardening, shopping, decorating, and travel; I may be a bit absent here for days on end as the NY director arrives next week and staging rehearsals for Mrs. Pearce keep me hopping. They will run all day as well as evenings for a good long time. I will try to develop a good thought or two to share with you every now and then just to assure you that I have not been raptured (leaving all of you behind?) or died prematurely (at least prematurely in my humble estimation), nor have I run off to some distant land (are you kidding? and miss these fabulous rehearsals?!!)

I'm just inordinately busy playing these days.

Glorious Days

2008-06-27T07:31:00.003-05:00

I am pleasantly situated in the early morning hour on my side porch. It rained throughout the night and the dampness hangs like a sheer curtain in the air, softening songs, sounds, and sensations. I breathe in the heavy air sweetened by blooms all around. This will surely be a part of heaven. (Said, of course, in my very human, very limited understanding.)

Ah! I revel in the simple, yet complex beauty of sound, sight, and fragrance. Perfection.

Suddenly there is a shift. The raucous "caw caws" of a large black bird breaks the tranquility, a reminder that perfection is not true here, in this place, in this time. The birds' songs still, the mood becomes somber in recognition of danger. The heavy air takes on an even heavier aura. Sin has touched even their simple world.

Someday we will live in perfect peace. He will reign in every place. The lion will lie down with the lamb. And even the raucous call of large black birds will bring no sense of impending danger.

O, what a glorious day that will be!

Red Roof Inn? It's Better, I Promise!

2008-06-23T10:19:00.005-05:00

Hubby had son create a group e-mail called "1942". Who? What? Why?

"1942" is for residents, semi-residents, and fairly regular 0vernight guests. It has been created for the purpose of communicating events, meal plans, schedules, housekeeping requests, chores and projects, etc. to all who call this place home either permanently, temporarily, part-time, or now and then. How many are on the list? Sixteen at the moment. But we need to add Tanda. (Jamie, don't forget to do that.) And that doesn't include my mom and dad or my littlest guy, or Danica. (She just requested that she be added, too...)

If you want to get your name on the list, just show up here once a week with your pillow (that includes you, Lisa C., and Danica and I will handle labor...) Then you'll get your name on the group hub, too.

I think I am enjoying this season of ministry! Who would have thought that 2008 would look like this?

A Morning's Ponderings

2008-06-21T05:51:00.004-05:00

Danica and Jameson have been hit hard with the tummy bug. Oh, well. At least we're here to help out if we can. Still, I didn't realize she had a hard night until I found them on the couch this morning with the bedroom mattress stripped bare. Must be during the night little man was sick again. This can't last much longer, since this will be day 4 for him, day 3 for her.

Against the white backdrop of the front fence, the soft blue headed delphinium, my favorite, (you will find that I reference many flowers as "my favorite" so there is an obvious misuse of the term on my part) tower above the strawberry spires of foxglove, also my favorite (see, I told you so.) Happy golden stella d'ora lilies punctuate the front, blending with the blue heads looking over the fence from behind. Oceans of lemon yellow primrose flood the back garden, with peppermint pink dianthus floating alongside. The gentler pink rose nods beyond the yellow. Purple stalks of sage, my beloved pure white Siberian iris, dusty pink blooms of dwarf bleeding heart... In case you didn't know, I enjoy my garden. Just ask my kids how many times a day I exult over the beauty of these blooms. "I love my garden!" It is a regular declaration around here, just to be sure they realize how special the garden is to me. (And maybe to make sure they learn to love it, too.)

A friend recently posted about her favorite room. I, too, have favorite spots -- places I migrate to each morning with coffee in hand, books to one side, and computer waiting on the floor before me. But these days, I may or may not find my "spot" free. Today the family room, my place when the weather is chilly, was occupied by above mentioned daughter and grandson. The floor of the side porch, my spot of choice on summer morns, was hosting a young man who spent the night. Someone else was sleeping in the loft which is open to the kitchen, so I did not opt to use the table there. Fortunately, there were still other options. I landed here, in my dining room, seated in a comfortable chair next to a window overlooking the front side garden. Life this morning is still comfortable here at my home. So I will be glad for that.

But comfortable or not, I will choose to rejoice in His purpose for me today. The work He has provided, the people I will serve, the situations which will come my way -- all these things are in His hand, to be used for His glory in my life. This is my true comfort, my constant peace, my strength and joy. No one can take that from me. How good to know and be known by such a faithful God.

7. Completes the List

2008-06-17T21:27:00.005-05:00

1. Looked at one of the older houses in Madrid. (If you check out the link, it is the third house down, the A. Chandler home.) It is on the market and I was privileged to view it top to bottom. Loved its charm and history!

2. Ate some fun Korean food for lunch. Song Yi Lee cooks quite regularly around here since she loves to cook and I'm happy to have her do so! Yummy!

3. Started rehearsals for My Fair Lady tonight. I'm singing first soprano alone in a septet -- hoping I manage to keep my voice throughout the season and still hit those high Bflats!

4. Watched a movie with my daughters and houseguests or boarders or whatever you call them. Cannot say that I can recommend the film without reservations. We had to skip a scene or two and filter out plenty of innuendos. I'm not sure I liked it well enough for all that nonsense. There are some good moments, love that lasts, and all those kinds of nice things, but too much other stuff, too. Why do they have to do that anyway?

5. Jameson has a bit of a tummy bug. Poor little guy. I hope Danica doesn't get it -- or anyone else, for that matter!

6. Jesus is the love of my life. Life is wonderful, but so very broken, too. What a crummy world, what a beautiful creation. His love started it all, but sin entered. Yuck. Yuck. Yuck. Eternity is His love minus the sin. What a wonder that will be. Really. It's a deal no one should miss out on. Please get saved if you're not!

7. Good night to all.

Enough Reminders Already!

2008-06-11T22:12:00.001-05:00

Last night I joined some friends for a game of bowling. A game, mind you. One game.

It has been a decade or so since I last bowled. That is not reflective of my enjoyment of the game. I love it!

I grew up in the bowling alley. Mom and Dad always played in leagues. My brothers and I often watched them for the evenings. And Grandpa Follette was league champion for more years than I can count. Sunday afternoons were regularly spent in the Newark bowling alley with him generously doling out lessons and tips for improvement. I knew the game pretty well.

But my hubby is not such a fan. He actually has a disdain for the activity. Needless to say, I have not bowled much in these past 30 years (I could count on my fingers the number of times.) So an invite to join friends sounded like fun to this Mama!

However, one game and one morning later, my wrist hurts. Just from bowling. Just from one game.

Reminder: 52 is not 20 or 30 or even 40.

But it was still fun. And I hope I get to do it again sometime. But maybe I won't wait another decade this time. And maybe I'll try a lighter ball...

A Tribute to My Dad

2008-06-09T20:28:00.004-05:00

My dad will be 80 years old this September 15. Yesterday we discovered that his heart was failing pretty severely, beating at 25-35 beats per minute. That is dangerously low; the numbers were alarming to everyone who read his monitor. The solution? Today they surgically implanted a dual pace maker. The little electrical shocks trigger his heart into regulated beats that are a normal 65 per minute. Within minutes after returning from the recovery room his color was better, his feet felt a bit warmer, and his light-headed feeling was diminishing. We left him finishing up a meal of fried chicken and mashed potatoes topped off with sugar free chocolates from Russel Stover.

Was it a bit unsettling? You sure could say so! My dad has been very healthy. His last hospital stay was in 1973 for gall bladder surgery. He has mild diabetes controlled with minimal medical intervention. Other than that, he has known excellent health. He plays golf a few times each week and sings in choruses and plays trombone in bands. He is a brilliant man who loves music, trivia, sports, history, and reading. He chomps through volumes voraciously -- our Madrid librarian knows him well by now!

In spite of a frightening situation, Daddy bantered with nurses and doctors. I rarely see him interacting outside of the home, and it was delightful to recall his good humor toward strangers. He is quick-witted and friendly -- a quite likable man, I must say.

I am grateful beyond words to know that soon he will be playing golf again, singing his heart out, and tooting that trombone. May he have many more years with us, and may the knowledge of the love of Christ become his joy and strength for the future years. Amen.

Again

2008-05-29T06:53:00.004-05:00

Last night was Julia's final CFA class dinner. It was Liana's first.

Simple words to write, but as they take form in black and white my heart swells and tightens, full of sorrow, ready to break. The release comes in the form of tears.

I've been here five times before -- this senior year thing, this leaving childhood officially behind thing, this moving ahead business. I thought by now I would be used to it.

Guess some things are never quite adjusted to.

Something Borrowed

2008-05-27T17:03:00.004-05:00

Browsing the web a bit this afternoon I virtually visited a family's home via this questionnaire. A pretty fun way to invite you to our house for a visit, no matter where you may be, and I thought I would paint the scene for you through these questions!

If you came to our house--

You would see:
Piles of stuff waiting to be sorted and rearranged; people on computers; piano and guitar and cello and recorders and drum sticks, etc.; a little man dressed as his most recent hero (subject to change depending on the last movie viewed); eclectic collection of nice furnishings; people

We'd probably feed you:
quesadillas, apples, chocolate brownies OR leftovers OR tuna on homemade bread

And offer you this to drink:
diluted juice, tea or coffee, filtered water

We'd undoubtedly ask if you'd read:
Horatio Hornblower naval series, Dickens, Robert Frost, The Shoe series, Ann Rinaldi's books

We'd want to play this music for you:
the family playing our favorites: Julia Sinclair music, Dixie Chicks, Patsy Cline tunes, Chopin and Bach on piano by Camilla, Mazurka on violin by Liana
Or if we needed background music we'd pull out Diana Krall or Jamie Cullum CDs, or Roberto Moron's classical guitar CD

We'd want to tell you the latest about:
Family news: An expected baby being born in CA, Julia's recent music adventures, Carina's business, Aubrey's good health, CPS theater summer productions

Church news: Future expansion to nearby communities, the blossoming ministry to adjacent college campuses, home-school news from Spain

We'd probably suggest a game of:
Imaginiff, Apples to Apples

We might show off:
Family pictures, Julia's Hallmark TV CD, family videos

We might get on the computer and show you:
more family pics, Julia's video (what can I say...), our momandus.com site

If you are being entertained by Merrick he would show you the Transformers trailer

If it was a long enough visit, we might watch:
You've Got Mail, While You Were Sleeping, Glory, or That Thing You Do

Or if you love, love, love theater I would show you my Barbara Cook In Mostly Sondheim

___________________________________________

What would a visit to your house be like? Let me know!

Busy Watching

2008-05-26T07:22:00.002-05:00

Is it just me, or is that statement something of an oxymoron? I think it is.

And yet it is true these days in my life. There are several people that will call Main Street, Madrid, their "home away from home" this summer. Josh and Nate will continue to be at home here. Added will be Song, a Korean piano student; Kirsten, an art major from NY; Johannes, a young man from Germany who wants to spend some time stateside to practice his English; and Tanda, a Zimbabwean who will live on campus but will retreat to this family home regularly for r&r (we've adopted her since family is far away!) And lately I just sit back and watch their comings and goings and settlings and rearrangings and say, "Whew! What a busy day this has been!"

Aside from the "added" few I have my own seven children still living here and a daughter's sweet little family down the street and another daughter's dear family in sunny CA. Keeping up with their activities can leave my head spinning. At times I feel a bit breathless even though I am in spectator mode most of the time.

So, for the past week I have been busy watching. Once I catch on to this newest rhythm I will hopefully join in a bit. Meanwhile I am still adjusting to my new position; I once was the pace setter, but now I just run alongside.

I look at it this way: at least I'll still be running! That should be one step better than "busy watching". Won't it?

2008-05-18T04:39:00.003-05:00

Revival happening in Lakeland, Florida!!

46 days now

30,000 in attendance on weekends

10,000 in attendance on weeknights

8 resurrections from the dead recorded

countless healings

and innumerable salvations!

People coming from all over the world receiving a touch from the Lord of Hosts.

People such as the woman who touched the hem of His garment.

"Oh, for a touch from You, Lord. Oh, may we be hungry for all You have.

May we be hungry for You.

Lord, pour this out upon our nation. Send it forth to the nations of this world.

Let Your name be glorified throughout the earth!

And even so, Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

Amen and amen!"

Two Birthdays, Three Churches, Four Nights, Five Brass Players, #6 Train, Seven Sweet Potatoes, and Eight People in a Mini-Van

2008-05-14T05:34:00.003-05:00

Our "small" family (Mom, Dad, and the three school-type kids) planned a quick trip to the LI area for a weekend of observation (Dad wanted to take notes on a church planting strategy being used by Redeemer Presbyterian Church on Manhattan), sight-seeing (we've been studying immigration so Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty were on our list), and best of all, visiting Aunt Judy and Uncle Huck.

Somewhat last minute-ish, Daniel, Brietta, and princess Aubrey joined us, making our mini-van cozy and chock-full! We laughed and sang, heard about "transformers" and discussed reformers, stopped for coffee and violins, ate egg sandwiches and pizza, debated trinity and monotheism, slept and tried not to complain when the legs couldn't stretch quite far enough. It was the best!

Additional fun was found in sharing church and NY pizza with our dear friends the Hulls, who just happened to have a NYC day planned as well. They trucked on out to Northport and shared a couple of nights at Aunt Judy's, who loves having company at most any time!

Upon our arrival home we celebrated two sons' birthdays with friends and remaining family. Today will be the usual "landing" -- unpacking, regrouping, wondering what to do first, and the like. But first, my overdue post must be written. Off I go!

Some People Never Grow Up

2008-05-02T03:36:00.004-05:00

My friend and I stood before the beautiful circa 1820 Georgian stone house. Immense in stature, grand and gracious in beauty and design, it stood as a testament to an era gone by.

Our mouths were gaping, I am sure. We were oohing and ahhing and carrying on like school girls who just had seen their current rock star idol.

"Look at the solid paneled shutters still on the windows!" she exclaimed. We circled the house, reaching the far side yard.

"Look at those water pitchers up there!" I pointed to the second floor window. "This place is full of stuff," I added, as we climbed around the property, peeking into windows. (Don't worry, no one lives there. It's a vacant house in spite of all the antiques almost bulging out of the doors.)

At last we found ourselves before the grand entrance once again. As we stood there our imaginations took us back into the past. How can you help but wonder at the history of such a place. Who walked through these doors? What conversations were shared on this side porch? Were these rooms full of children's laughter and games? If so, what games? What children?

We stepped back and I gushed, "Oh, I wish I could put on a full gown and..."

"And what? Go back there?" She laughed. "You are a dreamer, Darlene."

Well, I've got news -- she's no different!

A couple of grown-up girls went out to play yesterday. And in many ways, it was still a make-believe world for a minute or two!

A Brief Review -- That's All I've Got Here!

2008-05-01T05:56:00.005-05:00

May 1.

April is gone -- caput -- finis!

C'est le vie! Guess it's time to plan a new month, get with it, move on! Ready or not, here it comes, and all that jazz.

Yup - you guessed it. I'm behind again. Well, not really. I'm actually doing okay. But still, I don't quite remember turning the calendar page to April and now I'm leaving it behind. Whew. If I think about it too hard, I get dizzy. So... I won't think about it!

But on the other hand, let's see. April included:

1. a trip to CA for a full week of visiting a wonderful young family
2. celebrating hubby's birthday
2. fabulously special meetings at our home church involving dear people receiving prophetic words of love and encouragement and hope and great futures (how much better can it get!)
3. college meetings at 57 Market
4. a young house guest here for several days -- an eight year old boy to befriend my little man for a week -- what fun they had together
5. homeschooling my lovelies -- my favorite thing!
6. greeting my parents who made their annual trek north and will be here for the summer months
7. attending several performances by the Julia Marie band (juliamarieband.com)
8. hosting a Sunday afternoon barbecue for our church's college students (approximately 100 in attendance)
9. day trips for shopping with daughters, picking up hubby from airports, etc.
10. preparing some songs for a local theater audition -- I love, love, love theater and singing.

So much for April -- here's to May, 2008! Off we go!

Holy Ghost Times

2008-04-21T06:07:00.007-05:00

"I just want more of God." Her wide eyes searched my own for response, acknowledgement, compassion. She is a young Chinese woman, recently touched with deep emotional healing by the Lord, and now she is hungry for more.

"Have you been baptized in the Holy Spirit?" I queried. If not, I knew there was an essential next step. Her quizzical look led to another question. "Do you speak in tongues?"

"No."

"Oh, you need to. We need to pray for you to be baptized and to speak in tongues. Tonight we will have some people gather and pray. This afternoon, you need to be praying and seeking God. Come ready!"

Her friend heard and made her request known. "I don't speak in tongues either."

"Well, you come prepared as well then!"

They came expectant, we prayed believing, and indeed, just as the scriptures promise, He gave abundantly. There were tears, shouts, laughter, praise, and tongues -- all freely given by our Father in Heaven who knows how to give good gifts to His children.**

"Go home, pray in tongues regularly. It will build up your inner man.*** Just let it flow!" My husband admonished them to use the gift that God so generously bestowed.

Their joy was unashamed and full. And we all boldly rejoiced with them.

We need more of the Holy Spirit's free movement in our midst; we always need more of Him. I suppose that's why the Bible exhorts us to earnestly desire* spiritual gifts. Making time to wait and hear, learning to trust that small voice, and stepping out in bold faith are all necessary components.

It does not require deep intellectualism (I could not be a participant were that the case) so that all might partake and enjoy. He is not exclusive save for this: you must be born again through child-like faith. All Christians start there. But we sometimes leave such simpleness of heart and soul behind, heading for the safer harbor of profundity and lofty theology, spelling out the forms and rules and how to's. The Father still looks for those who will leave all that behind to venture out on the high seas of the Spirit-led life.

And I say, "Let's go!"

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** Luke 11:11-13

If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?
Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

***Jude 1:20

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.

*1Co 12:31
But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
1Co 14:39
Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.