Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Make up your mind, Self!

Conflicted? Yes. I bought these books at the same time.

One would have told me about "the hidden benefits of disorder, how crammed closets, cluttered offices, and on-the-fly planning make the world a better place." I really wanted that to be true. Unfortunately, I never read the book--I couldn't find it because I couldn't remember whether it was in my crammed closet or cluttered office.

I bought them together and lost them together, but in the meantime I bought and am reading another copy of the one that tells me "It's all too much" and that I need "an easy plan for living a richer life with less stuff."

(Right there you have one of the reasons my husband's been giving me for years that clutter is not good: you lose things and waste money.)

Well, turns out these books were in the cluttered office, supposedly my work room. I've taken to calling it the walk-in junk drawer. But that's not going to last for long.

I unearthed the books in the midst of totally emptying the room so I can create a room I can love to be in. I'll put back into the room only the things that belong there and that I want there.

Now I've told the world. So I better follow through. I'll let you know.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

This is still birth


On Felicity's 1st birthday, Molly posted her photo and the poem that Felicity's Uncle Karsten wrote for her funeral service.

Felicity Margaret Piper

Today is Felicity's 2nd birthday, which means it is the 2nd anniversary since we lost her.

In the hospital room that night, her granddaddy laid his hand on her head and dedicated her to the Lord, with the same words that he's spoken over hundreds of babies.

Only one part was different. We don't have to pray "with the hope that she will belong wholly to God." She is wholly his.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Happy Anniversary!

Abraham and Molly,

Six years ago today, you had no idea where God would have brought you by this day. You have blessed me and given me reason to pray a lot as I have watched you wading, sometimes floundering, in deep waters. God has never let go of you. I see him pulling you, carrying you forward. Forward, yes.

May this 7th year of your marriage be one of love, trust, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

I love you both immensely.
Mom

The whole song


In the previous post I showed a video of Collin Raye's loving words about his granddaughter with an excerpt from his song for her, "She's With Me."

But an excerpt is not enough to hear the whole story of bittersweet love and hope. Here's the complete song, illustrated with photos from Joni and Friends Family Retreat at Missions Springs Christian Camp in Scotts Valley, California.

My thanks for this go to Pastor Roy Peacock, Raging River Community Church, in Preston, WA.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

"She's with me"


Country singer Collin Raye's
8-year-old granddaughter Hailey is dealing with a severe, regressive, incurable brain disorder.

One interviewer writes:

Hailey's illness is certainly a faith tester. They've taken her to see doctors all across the country, to no avail. "To make a very long and complicated story very short," [Raye] says, "our baby’s dying."

It's the most difficult thing he's ever faced, but he never doubts God. "I question His motives or wonder about what His plan is. But I never questioned His love and His existence, because I know Him."

Collin Raye expresses here his love for Hailey and sings part of the song he wrote about her, "She's With Me."


Tuesday, September 15, 2009

A tribute to Talitha in the midst of a big change

Today, Talitha came home for 8th grade this year. It was a hard decision, because there's so much we like about Hope Academy where she's been since 5th grade. But this seemed like the best thing for her and us this year.

She's satisfied about the change, but the other 8th grade girls at Hope didn't make it easy to leave. Mr. Ziegler, the HS principal gave the girls a chance to say goodbye. I heard the kinds of things that make a mother thank God:

  • "You're leaving right now? I love you. I don't want you to go. You're a good student. You teach me a lot."
  • "You're a role model for me. You always do your work on time."
  • "I'm going to miss you and B laughing together. I appreciate it when we're praying and you tell me to stop laughing."
  • "You laugh at what I say and do. You bring a smile to my face."
  • "You've always been there for me. I'm going to miss laughing with you and at you."

Mr. Ziegler blessed her with 2 Corinthians 7:4: "I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds." And he went on: "You're not one who cares what other people think. You're not ashamed to walk your Christian life in front of others."

I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of Hope Academy and these friends.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

More African Praise in the Park


More music from Afrizo last night at Stewart Park.

Don't miss them tonight and tomorrow at Bethlehem's north campus!

6:00 pm Saturday, 9/5
9 am & 11 am, Sunday 9:6

Friday, September 4, 2009

Afrizo in Stewart Park

A wonderful end-of-summer evening . . .

We packed our supper and walked a few blocks to Stewart Park to hear Afrizo, a choral group from Daystar University in Nairobi, Kenya.

Here's a taste to whet your appetite for other opportunities to hear them this weekend, both at Bethlehem's north campus:

6:00 pm Saturday, 9/5
9 am & 11 am, Sunday 9:6