tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90596770367487094982024-02-20T10:48:46.552-08:00THIS 'N THAT Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-64553929295450028092018-01-21T09:42:00.001-08:002018-01-21T18:03:29.289-08:00My Middle Finger <div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">My Middle
Finger <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">No, no…I’m
not giving it to anyone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">The middle
finger on my right hand is part of what makes me unique. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">When I was
very young, my parents, together with an aunt and uncle, owned a general
store. The kind of general store that you’d see on Little House on the Prairie
perhaps. Our home was attached to the back of the store. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">On the
yard, we had a power generator. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">I’ve always
been a curious person. I’ve always needed to try to figure things out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">It may not
have been the smartest thing to do but remember that I was young. I was at an age where I had no ability yet for cause and effect thinking. I
remember being taken to the doctor’s after but <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no actual memory of what I did. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">It
appears during the exploration of the generator <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stuck my fingers in the gears. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">The tip of
my middle finger partially detached and I lost the nail. The tip was reattached
but that finger is about a quarter of an inch longer than that same finger on
the other side. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">When the
nail grew back it was rough and it had split. Since then I have 2 nails
growing on it. The top nail usually stays attached about half way down and then
I have to cut it right back to the cuticle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">The way I
learned to tell right and left was by my middle fingers. Rough nail, right
side. Smooth nail, left side. To this day I subconsciously think of my middle
finger when I’m thinking of directions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Once for a
wedding that I was in I had an acrylic nail put on it. It was a little
disconcerting for me to not feel the ridges on that nail. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Why is that
finger and nail on my mind? What’s the reason for me telling you about all
this? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, for this first time in all
the years since this event happened (and the years are many) the upper nail has
not detached. It has almost reached the full length of the lower nail and
although I can see a small air pocket underneath one area it is still fully
attached. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">Small
detail to you perhaps….but there you have it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;">And now you know…one small part of my uniqueness.<br /><br />And you?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><br /></span></div>
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Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-69307800216410849872014-02-13T19:57:00.000-08:002014-02-13T22:41:58.317-08:00Paradigm Shifts: Uncomfortable! But Good! <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
Do you remember when you were writing term papers in
college? Remember doing all that research and then sitting there wondering how
all this information would become an actual paper that would get you a good
grade? You may remember sitting there feeling the discomfort and frustration,
not knowing what precisely would be your thesis or what your outline was.Then all of a sudden it would all fall into place…boom, boom,
boom! In the end, you’d have a great paper to hand in. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7dZfnd_4HnT-w2sLopAtm8Q_bc0o-oQcyvEZ1hTDwMZC3_TOOU_ga95jo8u4snHVtmZzdqPvTPDrqdlXGfTIreVDASxhIgIq-clkw_z0yLTbQUFnbQt4YxjNCe8VcdRTtsUTZBkubUo/s1600/paradigm-shift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7dZfnd_4HnT-w2sLopAtm8Q_bc0o-oQcyvEZ1hTDwMZC3_TOOU_ga95jo8u4snHVtmZzdqPvTPDrqdlXGfTIreVDASxhIgIq-clkw_z0yLTbQUFnbQt4YxjNCe8VcdRTtsUTZBkubUo/s1600/paradigm-shift.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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Changing paradigms, changing your irrational beliefs to more
rational ones, changing an outdated belief to a new one is the
same. It feels uncomfortable for awhile. For a period of time it feels like you
don’t know what direction you’re going in. You don’t know how it will all come together.
You may feel tempted to abandon it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But wait. Sit with the discomfort for just a little while.
It will all fall into place as you stay with it…as you try to absorb this new
knowledge. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s say, for example, that you’ve bought into the world
view that sex is harmless fun. You’ve always believed that as long as you enjoy it and the
other person enjoys it, it’s all good! No harm. No foul. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All of a sudden someone presents you with a different
worldview. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They tell you that sex is sacred.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As they explain what they believe,
and why they believe it, your thoughts begin to swirl. Something inside you
resonates with what they’ve said. But it feels uncomfortable. It goes against
what most of society tells you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You do some research. You study the Bible. You look at
Scriptures. You ask the opinion of a few people that your respect. You may hear about someone
who is attending <a href="http://www.careforcelifekeys.org/aus/index.php?Itemid=12&." target="_blank">the Valiant Man studies .</a>
You may look at books such as <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Risking-Intimacy-Overcoming-Fear-Finding/dp/080106158X" target="_blank">“Risking Intimacy.” </a>and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Marriage-20th-Anniversary-Edition/dp/1590523741" target="_blank">"The Mystery of Marriage"</a>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wow, your head is spinning!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is all new. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is not the way you’ve thought about sex for most of
your life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What to do! What to do? It feels uncomfortable. It feels like
this belief that goes against the current won’t come together in your mind, in
your heart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You stay with the discomfort for a little while. You let
this new information gel in your mind. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a paradigm change. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It feels confusing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then, BOOM! Similar to when you were doing a term paper, all
of a sudden it all falls into place. Your mind is opened to a new way of
thinking! You see it clearly and now you can’t see how you didn’t see it
before!! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s how it is with a paradigm shift. Be prepared to sit with the discomfort as the old belief is released and the new belief takes shape! </div>
Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-1133576576831882362014-02-09T10:38:00.000-08:002014-02-20T23:59:21.502-08:00Teapots and Broken Hearts <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdDix9g-iGx3AKaumqBd6K3hen_A-uGBztUpOuan3ScpW3oU1q4DXr18BgiMY21s55ZW8xuP-fh98918KEZdZG0RtxfPS6qW_nPJ4mt_PHz3r-A3btNocuo0Ps84Y00zz3RpqmwdO3aI/s1600/TEAPOT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEdDix9g-iGx3AKaumqBd6K3hen_A-uGBztUpOuan3ScpW3oU1q4DXr18BgiMY21s55ZW8xuP-fh98918KEZdZG0RtxfPS6qW_nPJ4mt_PHz3r-A3btNocuo0Ps84Y00zz3RpqmwdO3aI/s1600/TEAPOT.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(not my photo)</td></tr>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
She was in a meeting at a little white country church. It was
the kind of meeting where people stood up to speak out a ‘word’ that they felt
God was impressing on them for someone present. Usually someone in the group
would accept it as being for them. They may share what they feel God is saying
to them and why it relates to them. Or they may just receive it with thanks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At one point someone said they got a picture of a broken
heart. Considering the conversations that she’d been having with God as of late
she knew it was a word for her but her pride wouldn’t allow her to speak up. She
said nothing. And the group carried on. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She needed to know though why God had shown this person her
broken heart. So she emailed them. The return email said that not only had they
been given a picture of a jagged broken heart, they’d received another picture
along with it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This person had been shown a teapot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been broken a
couple of times before and put back together. But this time the teapot shattered so
badly that it couldn’t be put back together. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYa6qIGef-9W0HrOq1GGT9QJeCQq04kPkAFmZqUNbr8Bc74qbhCM3F80lgQ2msGntbTVuXp-3khl-wqeZQVrB5LdrQSDLDj-pJXVU8usXm6fJHkRWLhVjQ1UKE5nQmepKEmgMRobKC64c/s1600/TEAPOT+BROKEN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYa6qIGef-9W0HrOq1GGT9QJeCQq04kPkAFmZqUNbr8Bc74qbhCM3F80lgQ2msGntbTVuXp-3khl-wqeZQVrB5LdrQSDLDj-pJXVU8usXm6fJHkRWLhVjQ1UKE5nQmepKEmgMRobKC64c/s1600/TEAPOT+BROKEN.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(not my photo)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This picture resonated with her immediately because that’s
exactly how she felt. But she felt angry. ‘Why God?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did you show this person that for me? I
already know that! I know that this time I’m so shattered that I feel like I
can’t do much about it!! What kind of word is that for me? It tells me nothing!
I still don’t know what to do!” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was true. Situations in her past had caused brokenness before.
But she was outgoing, she was gregarious, she made friends easily, she was
gifted in ways that allowed her to easily reestablish herself. She could shake
it off pretty easily and start again elsewhere. She put herself and her life back
together. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But this time, this time she didn’t feel that she had
anything left. She just couldn’t do it anymore. She was too shattered. Empty. There
was nothing she could do... </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now she couldn’t shake the visual of the teapot. As she
battled with God about why He’d shown this person that picture for her with no
answer as to what she should do, she began to realize that this was exactly the
point. There was nothing SHE could do. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She had to surrender. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally she came to see that this was a good place to be,
this place of complete surrender. She had to rely completely on God to do the
work. It may be impossible for her but He could work miracles. Nothing was
impossible for Him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dWp0Y-Scd_wR-ICLf8anUphLI-aRhJMzKZtfHU8JkEkHT3G5cNP_jMCc-DbSdN_vgirkS_L0SANfkifkt3HOxD0tKIbsB6s2NHVr03lnUkX6Ulmzcwyik3HGrsMFfZfLg7JYrpFBOfE/s1600/Hands+LIfts.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dWp0Y-Scd_wR-ICLf8anUphLI-aRhJMzKZtfHU8JkEkHT3G5cNP_jMCc-DbSdN_vgirkS_L0SANfkifkt3HOxD0tKIbsB6s2NHVr03lnUkX6Ulmzcwyik3HGrsMFfZfLg7JYrpFBOfE/s1600/Hands+LIfts.jpg" height="165" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(not my photo)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Over the next few weeks, months, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
as the various shattered areas
of her life came to mind, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
she picked them up in her hands and </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
she held them up
to God. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She gave the pieces to Him. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dWp0Y-Scd_wR-ICLf8anUphLI-aRhJMzKZtfHU8JkEkHT3G5cNP_jMCc-DbSdN_vgirkS_L0SANfkifkt3HOxD0tKIbsB6s2NHVr03lnUkX6Ulmzcwyik3HGrsMFfZfLg7JYrpFBOfE/s1600/Hands+LIfts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She didn’t have a clue about how He was going to fix the teapot. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Was He going to restore it to its original state? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 10.8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Would He aggrandize the
broken and cracked areas? </span></h1>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h1 style="background: white; line-height: 10.8pt; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; font-weight: normal;"><b>“<i>When the
Japanese mend broken objects, they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks
with gold. They believe that when something's suffered damage and has a history
it becomes more beautiful.</i>” </b> Barbara Bloom</span></h1>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Or might He make a mosaic of the broken pieces
perhaps in the form of a stepping stone? </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She had no idea. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But she was beginning to feel her heart restored with each
piece that she lifted <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>up to Him…one by one…trusting
that He knew best what to do with them. She became willing to wait to see what He
would do. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She started to feel some excitement and curiosity. She began
to sing again. She began to feel alive. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today she still doesn’t know exactly what He will do with
those pieces but she knows that this is where they should have been all along. Had
they been in His hands the first few times of being broken they wouldn’t have
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It has taken a long time for her to get to this place but
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It’s in His hands. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
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glory. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Still in awe of how God used one visual of a teapot to bring all this about, she now can rest and wait as the pieces are restored </div>
Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-89943340756568900122014-02-04T19:47:00.000-08:002014-02-05T20:40:07.742-08:00Blogging Friendships <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2f4JAqshFfm64fnpDxajdaIcyPRcZwwSIlVfZ5-YTLpJC7bW7Zfo5OWW7YVv5i9SaIUsOqKiMzyYfKF8PhZjuT7gA2oPuXCZ6k7r2bnj273baPp-OWFoED-clXcaCjY2TAcETD9wcFY/s1600/NYC+2013+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2f4JAqshFfm64fnpDxajdaIcyPRcZwwSIlVfZ5-YTLpJC7bW7Zfo5OWW7YVv5i9SaIUsOqKiMzyYfKF8PhZjuT7gA2oPuXCZ6k7r2bnj273baPp-OWFoED-clXcaCjY2TAcETD9wcFY/s1600/NYC+2013+030.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
About ten years ago a friend of mine who met her husband via
a Christian dating site kept encouraging me to join one as well. Eventually I
joined a couple of Christian sites. Unlike her, I didn’t end up walking down the aisle. I did have some great experiences on one of the sites
though. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before I tell you about those good times, let me tell
you about a couple of the men I met.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One was a sociology professor with whom I had many things in
common. Although he didn't say it outright, in his follow up email after our date it became apparent that this
was all a sociological experiment for him. Ouch! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another had put on his profile that he was divorced but as
we were walking along the river trail I realize from something he said that he
was still married. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">When I called him on it h</span>is explanation was that spiritually he ‘feels’
divorced. Uh huh! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A third man I had a nice evening with when I went over
to Vancouver Island for a weekend to visit a friend. After a dinner that he cooked in his
home we went to a theatre production where he promptly fell asleep.. To his
credit he was raising his sons on his own so his schedule was full. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So the dating part of it didn’t work out for me the way it
did for my friend. But one of the sites that I joined had a free blog. This
blog and the people in it became my source of entertainment and support while I
was living in Mexico from 2005 to 2007. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had hilarious fun at points. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As anyone who has been on a dating site knows there are scammers
and bogus profiles. There are also those that post pictures of themselves that are
from younger years. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One day we arbitrarily decided that everyone needed to prove they were
real and current by posting a photo of themselves holding a banana and a
toothbrush. I didn’t have a banana on hand. Being in Mexico at the time I did
have a tortilla…and a toothbrush. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had virtual parties. One person would invite us to their
blog for perhaps a BBQ and the thread that followed would be filled with what
everyone was bringing, what we were going to do, and so on. Telling you about
it doesn’t sound nearly as fun as it actually was but believe me, hilarity
ensued. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really think we should
all have collaborated on a work of fiction because we did so well in helping
each other build on these stories. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of us also posted
our testimonies, sharing what God has done in our lives. We were there for each
other in prayer support. When others in my life were not so accessible my blog
friends were there daily when I needed them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was the usual conflict and some who wouldn’t play
nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But by and large it was a group of fun supportive people. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve met a number of my blogging friends in person. Some in Arizona, a few in
Michigan, a woman in Toronto, another person in Winnipeg. Then last year in New Jersey
when another blogging friend from Seattle and I went on a trip to NYC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In each case my online perception from
observing them in the blogging world was accurate. We truly felt like friends. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been a long time since I was at this blog. Most of the
people I knew there have moved on as well. But the connections made with many of them are
lasting. Without that
community I don't think I would have survived the loneliness of adjusting to a new
country. I will be forever grateful for those online friends. </div>
Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-73895382791097042014-02-03T20:48:00.001-08:002014-02-05T15:21:30.870-08:00It's Part of the Shaping and Re-Shaping.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLORh-VFbJcVWdXUBcKBTQPvIwSnxwzEatkJO97MLWS4xmuROlgsVq4bMLTrkDR-x1shqOnlNbsLhIMovlIsMmyk9dvznPjEmKb-c5jfnRwLQelgM24cYa7LFmZiTGuvbS1z40j82KweA/s1600/Potter+Wheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFTUJEmU2D4g1OBiVAu2BBDVTm_WB8gOTe-n40yOp1SPtxdITuwr5UJE_EQ6y6lnTQmJb6qKD1E-yq6w2UpKqQQ2N2er_SD6qp1pqtcevGlNPGH33L5oHaey8hj5fESKoQBDZneBYtxQ/s1600/By+the+river+with+Kim+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFTUJEmU2D4g1OBiVAu2BBDVTm_WB8gOTe-n40yOp1SPtxdITuwr5UJE_EQ6y6lnTQmJb6qKD1E-yq6w2UpKqQQ2N2er_SD6qp1pqtcevGlNPGH33L5oHaey8hj5fESKoQBDZneBYtxQ/s1600/By+the+river+with+Kim+003.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Maybe I’ve read one too many fairy tales. Or perhaps I’ve
seen too many chick flicks.<br />
<br />
I’ve always pushed to get to the happy
ending, to the sure thing. I dislike waiting for things in my life to resolve themselves.
I feel uncomfortable sitting in the messiness of it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes I can make a decision
too quickly because I hate sitting in the tension of the unknown.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During my late 20’s I first realized that I did this with
men. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At that time I was reading one of the <a href="http://www.marsvenus.com/" target="_blank">Venus and Mars books</a>. I presume it must have
been John Gray’s book on dating since it was about ‘the stages of dating’. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>The author says that because of our discomfort with this, we
often jump past this uncertain stage, this getting-to-know-if-you’re-the-right-one-for-me
stage. We quickly jump straight to the commitment stage, sometimes even into
the living together stage. Then we come face to face with the uncertainty that
we tried so hard to avoid but by this point it’s awkward to move backward. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yup, that rang true for me! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then a few years later, in a writing class, I noticed that I
would write about something deep in a powerful way, starting strong, but then I’d
rush to a neat and tidy ‘happily ever after’ ending. The instructor kindly
challenged me on this. The reality is that many stories aren’t tied up with a
neat little bow in the end. Even in my writing, I need to be able to stay in the uncertain stage for as long as it take. But I have to confess that while I’ve matured in
this I’ve not overcome it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still hate
sitting in the messy part. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I thought about this today as I was realizing that I’ve been
doing the exact same thing with an opportunity that’s come my way unexpectedly.
As I was speaking with friends this past week I pretty much convinced myself to stay
with the tried and true. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Done. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thankfully as a Christian I have the prodding of the Holy
Spirit and I have some good friends who are giving me feedback so I was not
getting internal peace about this decision AT All. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once I saw this I took a step back. Now I’m again sitting
with the tension. I’m choosing to wait out the process but this time I’m a
little more at peace with it. Still not really liking it, but more at peace,
knowing that this is what I need to do. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For awhile now I’ve been seeing the title of a book on this exact
topic: <a href="http://goinswriter.com/inbetween/" target="_blank">‘The In-Between’ authored by Jeff Goins, a writer </a>whose blog I’ve been following for a couple of years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He says: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Moments of
breakthrough are not where life’s greatest transformation happens; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the stuff that God uses to shape us often
lies in the in-between</b>. It’s the bus stops and layovers and DMV lines and
moments of unintentional pause that force us to become better people.<br />
<br />
That’s not to say there aren’t moments of epiphany. There are. It’s just that
most of us find ourselves living somewhere in the in-between.<br />
<br />
Learning to live in this tension, to be content in these moments of waiting,
may be our greatest struggle — and our greatest opportunity to grow. “</i></div>
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<br /></div>
</blockquote>
Whatever the outcome will be in this situation, <b>I’m being
shaped</b>!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLo6QHmsPV268LUqGtFgI29a0xOVx0x7eVT5ZRRJhFn98UuI7SltEFqQpzZvTgT9mK4ziiDxYv_jcmZSXGLvtHMp-mxXgdVTz5JH_mvTcfD910P0jNp8JukS5WKlh4UYr-ssa2BITtr78/s1600/Potter+Wheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLo6QHmsPV268LUqGtFgI29a0xOVx0x7eVT5ZRRJhFn98UuI7SltEFqQpzZvTgT9mK4ziiDxYv_jcmZSXGLvtHMp-mxXgdVTz5JH_mvTcfD910P0jNp8JukS5WKlh4UYr-ssa2BITtr78/s1600/Potter+Wheel.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
(not my photo)<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wow! I thought I had a neat and tidy ending to this writing
but <b>I just this moment realized that this ties in to something God has been
teaching me</b> and a writing that’s been in process for almost a year. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<b>
</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>THIS! RIGHT NOW!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is
part of the shaping and re-shaping. I’m <a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/64-8.htm" target="_blank">in the potters hand</a>. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No tidy ending…just continuing to learn…and continuing to surrender my agenda…to
Him...and to His agenda. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhra-E6ex-Ak3rcEtxPmSi3nFcLomhovYx_KskgbWoESNcNtAolQQeV3HrmmIVbgjdA3KqCXYunPrm8O66X6wELVLUQ4WocShAdMn1E6zkPofJMdKXlBikyPk61u1KTFIr7L_eUjaU7mPs/s1600/Pottery+Oven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhra-E6ex-Ak3rcEtxPmSi3nFcLomhovYx_KskgbWoESNcNtAolQQeV3HrmmIVbgjdA3KqCXYunPrm8O66X6wELVLUQ4WocShAdMn1E6zkPofJMdKXlBikyPk61u1KTFIr7L_eUjaU7mPs/s1600/Pottery+Oven.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(not my photo)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-64584626769687000412014-02-01T22:26:00.001-08:002014-02-01T23:18:41.843-08:00God and Jungle Book<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;">He walked into my
life shortly after I moved back </span>to British Columbia, Canada. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Two and a half
years prior</span>, when I was <span style="font-size: large;">giving away most of my things</span> in preparation for the
move down to northern Mexico, I kept<span style="font-size: large;"> singing </span>my paraphrased version of <b>The Jungle Book song: </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 11.5pt; margin: 4.8pt 0in 6pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>‘I’ve got the bare
necessities, the simple bare necessities, </b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 11.5pt; margin: 4.8pt 0in 6pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Forget about your worries and your strife…</b>” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 11.5pt; margin: 4.8pt 0in 6pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: -webkit-center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It comforted and encouraged me to sing this song at this point. <span style="font-size: large;">It
reminded me that my God has promised to supply all my needs. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 11.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.8pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now here I was back
in Canada because of unforeseen circumstances. <span style="font-size: large;">Each item that I’d given away I
needed to replace. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Almost miraculously
I was <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>presented with everything that I
needed </b>from others who were downsizing or buying new items so they had no need
of the old. The only thing that I purchased new at that point was my queen
sized bed.</span><i><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 11.5pt; margin: 4.8pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">“I’ve got the bare
necessities…”</span></b> I had the basics. I was settling in. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 11.5pt; margin: 4.8pt 0in 6pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 11.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then he appeared at
my doorstep.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;">He was big. He was
black. He was beautiful.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 11.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He’d been abandoned
by the previous resident of my new home. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 11.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.8pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 11.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.8pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He came to me at <span style="font-size: large;">22
pounds</span> with the name of <b>Bagheera</b>, which <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">is the name of the fictional black
panther character from <b>Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’. </b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw56Mj36vmykNDEb-KdJBQgL4JvjvFlWxSlNqI-Bxx7wFShIlRkkTlI0Ei8jTC-9Eb7OV-g6yHsq6RtOY9GFn7BkZilTc8dXzyD8OfntekWUL2yu6zeR-eQ_fiDqnima4Q1iIf4nCYaHU/s1600/Tablet+pics+066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw56Mj36vmykNDEb-KdJBQgL4JvjvFlWxSlNqI-Bxx7wFShIlRkkTlI0Ei8jTC-9Eb7OV-g6yHsq6RtOY9GFn7BkZilTc8dXzyD8OfntekWUL2yu6zeR-eQ_fiDqnima4Q1iIf4nCYaHU/s1600/Tablet+pics+066.jpg" height="320" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 11.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.8pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 11.5pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.8pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">The Jungle Book
theme revived. </span></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span>It felt like a message from God, <span style="font-size: large;">a symbol, <span style="font-size: small;">reminding me of how He had provided when I moved and that
</span>He would continue to provide.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span>
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">My Bagheera</span>, was huge and sleek like a panther, but he was a cat. I had been in the
process of looking for a dog and would never have chosen a black cat for
myself. But he was the perfect one for me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span>Because of the unforeseen circumstances in my life, I’d had <span style="font-size: large;">no income for just over a year</span>. This meant that I could not afford to take him for his shots or to have him neutered. His previous owner had not done this for him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">A wonderful woman from a
local Animal Haven <span style="font-size: large;">chose to do it all for me for naught</span>. She not only had him
neutered and shots given, she gave me a litter box, a whole bag of litter as well as food. Then she even came back for his follow up shots a few months later. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><b>“I’ve got the
bare necessities…” </b><span style="font-size: large;">I love how God provided even for my new roommate.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTucmFcxFFU8EHhvDKmEITxpfBYDnXwOghDCH29wpBX4qLrv9Y1uitq3RzanXZgCKOop11_Ltg3t1CwyHkSDcHSKtGfbxLwBowTdn_ZY2-DhuVFmaXsEsufR7B6RLdxjHUFXVauALIapw/s1600/dani+and+adam+bagheera+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTucmFcxFFU8EHhvDKmEITxpfBYDnXwOghDCH29wpBX4qLrv9Y1uitq3RzanXZgCKOop11_Ltg3t1CwyHkSDcHSKtGfbxLwBowTdn_ZY2-DhuVFmaXsEsufR7B6RLdxjHUFXVauALIapw/s1600/dani+and+adam+bagheera+016.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">A couple of my
friends lost their cats this past year at ages 16 and 17 so<span style="font-size: large;"> I thought I had many more
years</span> with him since he was only 8.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> Suddenly a month before Christmas I had to
make the choice to have him put down because he was going into kidney failure.
<span style="font-size: large;">It was a difficult choice to make </span>but it was the best one for him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Bagheera came to
me at just the right time when I was adjusting to being back in Canada.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was good company for me and he was often a comfort to my in home clients. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I miss his presence in my home. I miss his competing
with my laptop for my lap. I miss his <span style="font-size: large;">galloping down the hall</span> to make sure he
catches the open door as I leave. I miss his watching my every move. <span style="font-size: large;"> I miss him. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">But <b>“I’ve got the bare necessities…” </b><span style="font-size: large;">I’m thankful
</span>for the years that I did have him and for the constant reminder he was of God's provision. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqZCzKWDjd1uHvcadagu2QNoTA7JVjNZtLiWuVGNAh9mk_23ZTTbhQ-abctFT1KuXFhkIhZ119d3E31TUV__8l0hjQNWnb0b8RG7Uw8TV_R8kzc-fbSNHZncXrvGTYpi4OKuv1tbh1OA/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqZCzKWDjd1uHvcadagu2QNoTA7JVjNZtLiWuVGNAh9mk_23ZTTbhQ-abctFT1KuXFhkIhZ119d3E31TUV__8l0hjQNWnb0b8RG7Uw8TV_R8kzc-fbSNHZncXrvGTYpi4OKuv1tbh1OA/s1600/023.JPG" height="152" width="320" /></a></div>
Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-17073239208073143522014-01-25T18:52:00.001-08:002014-01-29T15:24:13.802-08:00MUG SHOTS AND MEMORIES<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><b><span style="font-size: large;">I dislike doing dishes.</span> </b>No matter how often I determine that
I’ll not let them pile up, they always do.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today as I was catching up on a week’s worth…<br />
<br />
(Hey, <a href="http://oasisofone.blogspot.ca/2014/01/keep-this-kitchen-clean-eat-out.html" target="_blank">I eat out a lot, remember</a>?? So there weren’t <i>THAT</i> many!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway… as I was catching up on my dishes today,
I realized that what I do find joy in when doing them is the memories it brings
to me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2lWMEVvQZRUPM6fYQjqYrgOnNgB6hVYUmeD0aRPcbxJo5FThPoETB1EHj-94ip0LJiloubeSmsUhdtAe-V58en9jhHh7Vb5z6OpfnzwaXpBGzmAcb0nmapdy_gGDUU3LTWc7FP-SRx8/s1600/Mug+Shots+013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You see, <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">a number of years ago I began</span><b> collecting coffee
mugs </b>from <b>places that I travel to</b></span>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> As I wash them</b> I’m reminded of the people and t<b>he stories
behind them</b>.</span><b> </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> I’d like to share just a couple of them with you. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfOThpK98KRId9FQfRjzGSTgDDn0FlI5WdqmldJf87rrO9-MMMnCMdCplJciNt_CFBkDw7MwPLbVDQ62vzKhfFlXySxqZkN4m6GBjXMCdIT-bxSbnpW4p4iqcVyg74CuY9EfvJ0HYNA8/s1600/Mug+Shots+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfOThpK98KRId9FQfRjzGSTgDDn0FlI5WdqmldJf87rrO9-MMMnCMdCplJciNt_CFBkDw7MwPLbVDQ62vzKhfFlXySxqZkN4m6GBjXMCdIT-bxSbnpW4p4iqcVyg74CuY9EfvJ0HYNA8/s1600/Mug+Shots+018.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Alaska’s state flower…the Forget-Me-Not. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the mid 1990s or there about I was a last minute add on to
a group trip with my mom and her friends as they came out to Vancouver from
Ontario for a <span style="font-size: large;">cruise to Alaska</span>. What a great seven days. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I were to do this
trip again with people my own age I’d do a longer hike on the Alpine Meadows in
Juneau.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I’d kayak. I’d check out the ice fields. But
this was <span style="font-size: large;">a Mom trip with wonderful memories of time spent with her. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuocGKi6Y0HcQ5TEaI_qJokK2kN0DzX-erle1BjKDqyKxPbHE1UK0CpUhln6Pgc5youEuUnL47Pr5JUZJvTIv4SUzk72Sx65Onag7k9b-cO6omWIitNoBoXUaJZDG99Yw0QPotNmwO08/s1600/Mug+Shots+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuocGKi6Y0HcQ5TEaI_qJokK2kN0DzX-erle1BjKDqyKxPbHE1UK0CpUhln6Pgc5youEuUnL47Pr5JUZJvTIv4SUzk72Sx65Onag7k9b-cO6omWIitNoBoXUaJZDG99Yw0QPotNmwO08/s1600/Mug+Shots+013.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 2004 I visited a friend and her husband in <span style="font-size: large;">southern California</span>.
They met on an online dating site, dated wisely, and are still happily married
today. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took my first <span style="font-size: large;">hot air balloon ride </span>that ended with
the traditional Champagne. We zipped down to <span style="font-size: large;">Tijuana </span>from San Diego. Then afterwards we visited the <span style="font-size: small;">San Diego Wild Animal Park.</span> Another day we visited the
<a href="http://www.missionsjc.com/" target="_blank">Mission in San Juan Capistrano </a>and stopped by the <a href="http://www.hoteldel.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Coronado</a>. I have beautiful photos of both. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After detailed mapping instructions from her husband, my
friend and I drove to <span style="font-size: large;">Hollywood </span>for a day. We were the typical tourist taking in all the usual stops.<br />
<br />
We’d also booked to see a <span style="font-size: large;">Dr. Phil show</span>. All our friends and family knew that we were going to be at the show so they of
course wanted to know the air date. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Dr. Phil came out he said, “<span style="font-size: large;">Today were going to talk
about the Big O.” <span style="font-size: small;">Uh huh, the topic of the day was Orgasms and Sexuality. A woman
behind us gasped and said, </span>“I told my gramma I was going to be on the show.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdU74irGLk9jH9Zh0QSRUmZ-5qflUpq3sAcp9v0TqegUK-W6yHUqkN4AV-iZJ18buhXTz6IHwDOWslBWgDxd2sYjxACIQEzHmYkUGHWtsQz8KdBNvTdnK1K-mbBn1Wz7S0QaZwQKrcILw/s1600/Mug+Shots+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdU74irGLk9jH9Zh0QSRUmZ-5qflUpq3sAcp9v0TqegUK-W6yHUqkN4AV-iZJ18buhXTz6IHwDOWslBWgDxd2sYjxACIQEzHmYkUGHWtsQz8KdBNvTdnK1K-mbBn1Wz7S0QaZwQKrcILw/s1600/Mug+Shots+005.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 2011 I took my mom’s <span style="font-size: large;">car on a road trip</span> from her place in Southwestern
Ontario. I went through Buffalo, New York then between two of the Finger Lakes down <span style="font-size: large;">to
Ithaca</span>. Here I met my cousin’s daughter and her husband. She was, and still is, studying and
teaching at <span style="font-size: large;">Cornell University</span> which has a beautiful campus to explore. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even though we’d
never met physically, only on Facebook, there was that instant
family connection. I love that! I was a little terrorized by one of their two black cats but
I was glad to be there. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are <span style="font-size: large;">an
interesting couple with many stories</span> to share. I enjoyed them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxbQ4c3hNkLygALpCUwvXxwmeebOpp0140BRwdbEB4_visZb5qthq4covyqjzZRANGzMXlnNv4m_ar7Z9YjYvcW1bNFTadl_LnoH-vdbhyphenhyphenCJcNGDLN2MMph3MMdZ9rzzDqJmihpJojGI/s1600/Mug+Shots+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxbQ4c3hNkLygALpCUwvXxwmeebOpp0140BRwdbEB4_visZb5qthq4covyqjzZRANGzMXlnNv4m_ar7Z9YjYvcW1bNFTadl_LnoH-vdbhyphenhyphenCJcNGDLN2MMph3MMdZ9rzzDqJmihpJojGI/s1600/Mug+Shots+011.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The next year,</span> I again took my mother’s car on <span style="font-size: large;">a road trip to
Ottawa and Montreal</span>. You’ll notice by now that I typically meet up with people
where ever I travel. This trip was no different. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I do work via a website and I phone or Skype my clients. I
have <span style="font-size: large;">clients worldwide</span>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On this trip I
had to <span style="font-size: large;">privilege of meeting face to face</span> with three of them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One I met up with in<span style="font-size: large;"> Kitchener </span>where I enjoyed<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>lodging with one of my nieces, her partner
and their three dachshunds. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another client showed me around parts of <span style="font-size: large;">Ottawa</span>, which is Canada’s
capital city. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stayed two nights with a
cousin whom I’d not see since we were children in Manitoba. We quickly got reacquainted and both enjoyed the renewed relationship. We are still in
touch today by email. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next I met up with a client in <span style="font-size: large;">Montreal</span> where I stayed at a
Bed and Breakfast for a couple of nights. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I walked around much of the downtown area of this great city with the
daughter of a friend who lives there. On another day I was toured around by a retired <a href="http://www.nfl.com/" target="_blank">NFL</a>/<a href="http://www.cfl.ca/" target="_blank">CFL</a> player whom I’d met
when he came to Mexico with <a href="http://athletesinaction.com/" target="_blank">Athletes In Action</a> while I lived
there. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wished I’d had more time in each city! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Vk3CJxOiLVRc3l6Lt9N9uh9X7M_3g5K3-8SBZezrGxuxjRZ13hf5pcflHT1hiTePxcFMjEPjK5s0nul258ndsC8kdVNH-5gvx0DAeJOyXVL-D_nLXTVQsbM9wN60moP-ylg5K_tb4xg/s1600/Mug+Shots+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Vk3CJxOiLVRc3l6Lt9N9uh9X7M_3g5K3-8SBZezrGxuxjRZ13hf5pcflHT1hiTePxcFMjEPjK5s0nul258ndsC8kdVNH-5gvx0DAeJOyXVL-D_nLXTVQsbM9wN60moP-ylg5K_tb4xg/s1600/Mug+Shots+006.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Early 2013 found me on an <span style="font-size: large;">impromptu trip to The Big Apple </span>when a friend
mentioned that she’d booked a trip with a great deal on flights and
an equally good deal for nights at <a href="http://www.sihnyc.org/newyork-guesthouse.php" target="_blank">an international guesthouse</a>. I joined her. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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We did all the typical things that a <span style="font-size: large;">first time NYC tourist</span>
would do: Brooklyn Bridge, Staten Island Ferry, Times Square at midnight,
Empire State building, and so on. One night as we were walking the streets looking for a Jazz
venue we accidentally happened on the season finale of <span style="font-size: large;">‘Celebrity Apprentice’</span>.
They were asking for <span style="font-size: large;">seat fillers </span>and we were happy to oblige. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One day my travel partner and I met up with a <span style="font-size: large;">friend from New Jersey</span>
whom we knew from a blogging experience. She and her partner wandered through
Central Park with us. We felt like we'd met each other before because of blog times we'd shared. It's amazing what the world wide web can do! </div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a <span style="font-size: large;">whirlwind
week of activity</span> and we still only scratched the surface. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m ready to return. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAK5ScaNnIPxc5K_uLGNpEKxEEYJDryuuwHAHNtosbODNd4bSfqrYk5RFpPC0KYXMpG99VouwH1-EcNRSb3FvCMck9TV_5ZOcaKAE_MUWQ_vgeIwAG1EQLhyphenhyphenoHU2c58bzQCBJA_4yDPEs/s1600/Mug+Shots+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAK5ScaNnIPxc5K_uLGNpEKxEEYJDryuuwHAHNtosbODNd4bSfqrYk5RFpPC0KYXMpG99VouwH1-EcNRSb3FvCMck9TV_5ZOcaKAE_MUWQ_vgeIwAG1EQLhyphenhyphenoHU2c58bzQCBJA_4yDPEs/s1600/Mug+Shots+021.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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My last Mug Shot is one that was brought to me from <span style="font-size: large;">Australia </span>by a young man who
came to Canada to woo my ‘daughter’ after they’d been chatting via Skype for
awhile. He did so successfully in the two months that he was here. She went with
him when he left.</div>
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The relationship didn’t last, but she has now settled down under.
Sometimes I want to break this one because he took her so far away and then
broke her heart. But I’m happy for her in her new life. <span style="font-size: large;">One day I’ll make the
trip to visit her there. . </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Australia mug always reminds me that my daughter <span style="font-size: large;">used to
do my stack of dishes</span> in exchange for meals that I’d cook. Sigh. Did I just say
I’m happy for her? Forget that…<span style="font-size: large;">She really needs to come back!! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the meantime, <span style="font-size: large;">the memories that all of my travel mugs
evoke</span> make my dish washing more bearable! </div>
Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-83811774163178282142014-01-20T10:16:00.000-08:002014-01-25T18:53:48.062-08:00 “Keep this kitchen clean - eat out”<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrMXlDyPPQIY9jalhBEyrdP3F_5lwt5-OKGAHPI8ViRFXxaMJT3zPOOiEVshrLI4iHkZa-f3z1KjstbEaFMeMxI0I8YAYijyAoaVJ5e108bAjYxLIRNMeXTshOvBOllogEqKeEThUOz0/s1600/Shrek+Teddy++keep+kitchen+clean+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrMXlDyPPQIY9jalhBEyrdP3F_5lwt5-OKGAHPI8ViRFXxaMJT3zPOOiEVshrLI4iHkZa-f3z1KjstbEaFMeMxI0I8YAYijyAoaVJ5e108bAjYxLIRNMeXTshOvBOllogEqKeEThUOz0/s1600/Shrek+Teddy++keep+kitchen+clean+005.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I did this cross stitch many years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The frame has changed to a black one from the original powder blue. But it's been my motto ever since…more and more
so as of late it seems. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These days, my excuse for eating out is the fact that I’m
an extrovert working from home. I need to get out of the house and to be among
people to maintain my sanity. That’s a good enough excuse, right? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fortunately for me I have a neighbour whose mother taught
her to never say no to an invitation which means I always have a lunch or
dinner partner if I want one. Other times I meet up with friends. I’m limited
in what I eat for optimum health so I’ve learned exactly which meal I can have
at each place I go to! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many times I just take a good book and go on my own. Perhaps
it will be my book club book of the month or a spiritual growth book that I’m
meditating on. I also take a notebook in which to scribble the things that
strike me as ‘aha’ moments or quotes I want to refer back to. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each restaurant or coffee place, I’m realizing, has its
regulars. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know where to go when I want to read uninterrupted and I
know where to go when I don’t mind people sitting down to talk. One particular coffee
place I used to go for reading became more of a place to chat with the
regulars. But in some places the regulars may just nod a hello in recognition
then leave you to your devices. So before I leave the house I need to decide
whether it is a day in which I want serious reading or if it’s a day where I’d
love to have people interrupt me to chat. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An older man whom I’ve only known when chatting at the
coffee shop has helped me to plan trips in Ontario, Canada because he was from
the area that I would be travelling in. He’s also directed me to where I can
get a good cell provider. I in turn helped him learn how to use his new cell. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Other relationships have been built because my reading material
has opened up interesting and deep conversations with both staff and patrons. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
two books I slowly digested in 2013 were <a href="http://www.blackaby.net/expgod/" target="_blank">“Experiencing God” by Henry T. Blackaby</a> and <a href="http://onethousandgifts.com/" target="_blank">“OneThousand Gifts” by Ann Voskamp</a>. Especially the former book had people talking to me about
God and spirituality upon seeing the title. Some shared their stories. This gave me permission to share my life and to share some of the insights that I
gained from the reading.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are some who stay on my heart when I return home and
who become part of my prayers as I think about things they’ve revealed to me.
Others cheer me up with the banter that happens between us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, yup, I eat out. I ‘coffee’ out. Some may think
otherwise, but I think it’s time well spent even though it ends up being a big
chunk of my monthly budget. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just wish it really
would keep my kitchen clean!! </div>
Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-18189884303860035242014-01-18T22:34:00.001-08:002014-01-18T23:56:03.277-08:00“Doh!” moments in the "Ya, buts" of Joy! <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSksi7M4-gvA51Uy1But4lSeJs7hO-rxLGYkokS083MuI9eKIzEfyBL5t8M3kZlepm3-7ZsPFyi-A2PeUhfU6xSX9AzD9xaWSSY7z7jvq2cRjNZSjFBAIXkqJb7YgNeUR-HyZrwEaFOk/s1600/Victoria+with+Carole+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSksi7M4-gvA51Uy1But4lSeJs7hO-rxLGYkokS083MuI9eKIzEfyBL5t8M3kZlepm3-7ZsPFyi-A2PeUhfU6xSX9AzD9xaWSSY7z7jvq2cRjNZSjFBAIXkqJb7YgNeUR-HyZrwEaFOk/s1600/Victoria+with+Carole+038.JPG" height="155" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">My mind wandered as I was sitting on my bed preparing to read my evening devotional. I thought
about how I’m not in touch with either of my ‘daughters’ very
regularly anymore. I miss them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Throughout my 20's I lived with someone but I’ve never married. And while
</span>I’ve not borne any
children there are <a href="http://oasisofone.blogspot.ca/2010/11/my-daughters.html" target="_blank">two great young women to whom I am Mother.</a> So last night I was about to let the sadness of this change with my daughters get me
down. I was hearing myself say, “<b>YA, BUT</b>
how can I be joyful when they’re both living so far away and communication has
become so irregular?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>In my mind I immediately heard, “My joy is not
in my circumstances; my joy is in Him.” Clear as a bell.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Doh! I know this!</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I’ve heard variations of this so many
times that it’s become cliché. But something about this time felt different. I
think it finally sunk in. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>I’ve known this but I didn’t KNOW
this! </b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">As you may remember, my <a href="http://oasisofone.blogspot.ca/2014/01/joy-its-not-pollyanna-thing.html">One Word for 2014 is JOY</a> ! I am asking the LORD to help me find joy in those areas where I have difficulty seeing Him. So, yes, I’ve known this
but this time it resonated! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">“In His presence there is fullness of joy.” (Psalm 16:11)</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>My joy is not in my circumstances; my joy is in Him.</b> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Right after I heard this statement in my mind, I was looking
up the Scriptures related to my devotional when my eyes landed on Isaiah 54:1: </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(253, 254, 255); color: #001320; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">"Sing, barren woman, you who never bore
a child;</span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></i><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(253, 254, 255); color: #001320; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">burst into song, <b>shout for joy</b>, you who were never in labor;</span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></i><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(253, 254, 255); color: #001320; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">because more are the children of the desolate
woman than of her who has a husband," </span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(253, 254, 255); color: #001320; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">says the LORD.</span></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">“Burst into song!! Shout for joy!!” He says. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">Further on this chapter in verse
4 it goes on to say: </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(253, 254, 255); color: #001320; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">"Do not be afraid; you will not be put
to shame.</span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></i><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(253, 254, 255); color: #001320; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Do not fear disgrace; you will not be
humiliated.</span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></i><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(253, 254, 255); color: #001320; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">You will forget the shame of your youth and
remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.</span></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">I’m not a widow obviously but I’m going to count being
unmarried here if I may. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I don’t particularly feel any shame about not being married.
Nor do I feel shame about not having borne children. I more so can tend to feel
shame about how I am pigeon holed by others because of this. I can sometimes feel
shame about being marginalized and pushed aside as a single woman. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">God’s word says I will not be put to shame. This is one part of what my
journey in learning joy is about this year. It’s about learning to see Him more fully in
this scenario. It's about learning to find joy in Him regardless of how others view me in my singleness.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Verse 5 says:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(253, 254, 255); color: #001320; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">For your Maker is your husband-- the LORD
Almighty is his name—</span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></i><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(253, 254, 255); color: #001320; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he
is called the God of all the earth.</span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b> My joy is not in circumstances; my joy is in my Husband</b>. <span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(253, 254, 255); color: #001320; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I still miss my daughters. And my circumstances will
continue to change for the rest of my life. If I base my joy on them I’ll be on a roller coaster ride. But if my joy is in the LORD then I will walk on a more level path. I’m
getting better at it. I’m catching myself more quickly when I go to the "ya, buts". </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>My joy is not in circumstances; my joy is in Him. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;">P.S. I don’t know how God speaks to you, but I have a
sneaking suspicion that that clear voice I heard in my mind that night was the
Holy Spirit giving me my catch phrase for 2014. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-80557618763247381812014-01-16T20:42:00.000-08:002014-01-17T09:44:35.184-08:00Life Stories are Hope Stories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32GFbK4U-ejTPeoZGd3oOjWl-42yGus7AcpjR3_1GvVjorcvdufq1h4fegD0vpEpUFztYm-jwB2TLXVaC0pqSqzdo-To-wVFWIA9kjtm8da0hnBLuGrYMfQjkq8WsXUhhOzwB7qs-Rv0/s1600/Magnolias+by+Starbucks+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32GFbK4U-ejTPeoZGd3oOjWl-42yGus7AcpjR3_1GvVjorcvdufq1h4fegD0vpEpUFztYm-jwB2TLXVaC0pqSqzdo-To-wVFWIA9kjtm8da0hnBLuGrYMfQjkq8WsXUhhOzwB7qs-Rv0/s320/Magnolias+by+Starbucks+010.jpg" /></a></div>
I was trying to decide how to present my writing about hope when I happened upon the TV show <a href="http://www.tribaltrails.org/">“Tribal Trails”</a>. A young woman, whose name I missed, was talking about how they take their life stories to the youth of reservations in Canada and the USA. She called them “Hope Stories.” <br />
<br />
“Hope Stories” Yes! Life stories are hope stories. <br />
<br />
When we share what we’ve gone through. When we share what we have learned. When we shared how we've survived. These are hope stories for another. <br />
<br />
Many times we hesitate to share them because we are afraid of what someone will think. More often than not people are encouraged when we share. Things in our story may resonate with them. They no longer feel so alone. They hear something that may help them to move forward. They are encouraged.<br />
<br />
I remember when I first went to a healing group here in my hometown. It was scary to walk in and to identify myself as one of them. But in the end it was liberating. It was freeing to hear others share their stories because I recognized myself in them. This lifted the feeling of isolation and shame. Others had been there. Others felt the same thing given the same situation. I was no longer alone. <br />
<br />
One of the life stories that gave me the greatest hope while I was healing was Jesus’. I held on to the verse that said, “<a href="http://biblehub.com/hebrews/12-2.htm">For the joy set before Him He endured the shame of the cross.”</a> He endured shame.<br />
<br />
There were stages of my healing that were incredibly messy. Extremely humbling…I’d probably even say humiliating. Times where there was much room to be misunderstood and I was misunderstood. I knew though that if I wanted to get well, emotionally and spiritually, I had to go ‘there’. I knew that <a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/30-5.htm">‘joy comes in the morning'</a>.’ It might be dark for awhile. It might get confusing. But I had to persevere. <br />
<br />
I held onto Jesus, my hope and my salvation. He endured the shame, a much greater shame than anything that I was experiencing, so I could too. <br />
<br />
I also gained hope from the written stories of others who had gone through similar things as I had. I’m very glad that they shared their stories so that in hearing them mine could be ‘normalized.’ It gave me understanding and knowledge that helped me believe that I could make it through. Their stories were hope stories. <br />
<br />
After awhile, once I was strong enough emotionally and spiritually, I began to share my story with others. To share about our deepest wounds too soon can be counterproductive so I was careful who I shared with initially. Then the audience became larger and larger. Today, the basics of my story are up on the world wide web. <br />
<br />
The basics are on the web because I currently contract my services to <a href="http://www.anxietycentre.com/">a website</a> where all of us working at this site share a bit of our story. The individuals who come to us for coaching/counselling feel hope when they see that we’ve been there. If we’ve come through it then there is the hope that they will as well. I confess that I felt quite vulnerable at the thought of having it there for all to see. But it is part of who I am. It is part of what makes me me. And if my story can give others hope then I am willing to share it where it is needed.<br />
<br />
Occasionally, someone who feels no hope comes to me. They don’t believe that they will ever get past whatever it is that is holding them back, or that they will never heal from the depression that currently has them in it’s grip. I ask them if I can lend them my hope until they find their own. If they say yes then I share this poem with them: <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>BORROWED HOPE</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lend me your hope for awhile.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I seem to have mislaid mine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lost and hopeless feelings accompany me daily.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pain and confusion are my companions.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know not where to turn.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looking ahead to the future times</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
does not bring forth images of</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
renewed hope.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I see mirthless times, pain</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
filled days,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and more tragedy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lend me your hope for awhile,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I seem to have mislaid mine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hold my hand and hug me;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
listen to all my ramblings.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I need to unleash the pain and let it tumble out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Recovery seems so far</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
distant;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the road to healing a long and lonely one.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stand by me; offer me your presence.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your ears and your love</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
acknowledge my pain. It is so real and ever present.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am overwhelmed with sad and conflicting thoughts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lend me your hope for awhile,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A time</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
will come when I will heal</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I will lend my renewed hope to others.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eloise Cole</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Life Stories are Hope Stories. I’m thankful for the stories that are shared in the Bible. I’m glad for those who shared their stories during my healing. Whenever appropriate and with appropriate detail I will share my Life Story to bring hope to those who are open to hearing. I hope you will too. You never know who needs to hear exactly what you have to share. <br />
<br />Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-42638753578852814082014-01-11T18:41:00.002-08:002014-01-11T22:30:34.616-08:00Stories last forever. Only if you write them down. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlHe_aM9tGY-yd0kby9IHUhrq2Ifugx4zHqfDrzEHxZIbIe9EU4SWq871dXfeKNhYLY6qt1APYwS2Wzg5csr4liexqGLPVoisIK4NgLjveGS2F4IWOrZpJdZzEa-V9SwDmm35xfolAKE/s1600/PNE+and+Huey+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlHe_aM9tGY-yd0kby9IHUhrq2Ifugx4zHqfDrzEHxZIbIe9EU4SWq871dXfeKNhYLY6qt1APYwS2Wzg5csr4liexqGLPVoisIK4NgLjveGS2F4IWOrZpJdZzEa-V9SwDmm35xfolAKE/s320/PNE+and+Huey+004.JPG" /></a></div>Mr. H, the father of a long time friend, prepared a delicious breakfast for us this morning. It’s a standing tradition that the adult children and grand children are welcome to come on Saturdays. Mr. H. was bringing out photo albums and telling us stories of the past. Some went to the living room after they’d gobbled down their food, while the rest of us stayed to converse with him. <br />
<br />
At one point, while Mr. H was talking about something that happened in the 30’s, his son came back into the room. When he heard the discussion he turned around and said, “Call me back in when you get to the 70’s”. Everyone laughed. Apparently Mr. H tells his stories often and repeatedly. My friend and I talked afterwards about how others who’ve lost their parents wish they were still there to repeat the story one…more…time. <br />
<br />
In the past couple of years I’ve made it my goal not only to be patient in hearing them but also to write them down for posterity. While my mom is still on this earth, I can talk to her to get every detail of the story written down as she recalls it. She has difficulty with her speech now and tires easily which means it’s slow going. A few things she’s written down for me.<br />
<br />
My dad died of a massive heart attack just at the point where I was ready to ask him about his childhood, about his growing up years. I had a list of questions ready. He was a man of few words so he may not have volunteered much information. But I will never know. <br />
<br />
Someone on Facebook just shared a post that said: “They say stories last forever. But that’s only if you write them down.” <br />
<br />
There are stories that my maternal grandfather told years ago when I was in my teens that I wish I would have written down. I wish I had asked him many more questions. He felt that we would not want to hear the stories of an old fool but I loved his reminiscences. He’s been gone many years now but I still vividly recall the day he sat at the end of the picnic table in the park sharing his memories. <br />
<br />
One of my mom’s brothers did a genealogy of both my grandfather and grandmother’s sides of the family going back to the generation that left Russia to come to Canada. These are thick volumes partially because the Mennonites had large families but also because many of those living today sent him a synopsis of themselves to put in print along with a photo. Thus we know the overview. But not the personal stories, the hardships and what was learned, the joys shared. <br />
<br />
So,yes,we hear our parents tell their stories over and over. Those of us that are baby boomers are much more tolerant of this these days since we ourselves are becoming more repetitive in our own stories. Let them tell their stories. Encourage them. Write them down. Your children may be young, showing no interest at this point. One day they will want to know. <br />
<br />
Stories last forever only if you write them down. I’m working on it! How about you? <br />
Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-34073844723179240662014-01-04T09:32:00.002-08:002014-01-05T09:39:22.299-08:003 Types of People in every group, Changing Focus... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxqBh3HTDcO2igql6awYpnfDh82tWR3l9q6cqHK1b0eOFuXd8PllR2sMfYQsjp5U5bLSDSItDSyrY5GK9Z62lrp2VisPtq3SX-7L2IuqS14qjKxceZJIxMvGEuIu_3jmF__q6yV_-YWo/s1600/NYC+2013+517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxqBh3HTDcO2igql6awYpnfDh82tWR3l9q6cqHK1b0eOFuXd8PllR2sMfYQsjp5U5bLSDSItDSyrY5GK9Z62lrp2VisPtq3SX-7L2IuqS14qjKxceZJIxMvGEuIu_3jmF__q6yV_-YWo/s200/NYC+2013+517.JPG" /></a></div>Just before I started blogging about my OneWord365, I wrote to a friend to tell her that I’d been somewhat blocked in my writing for awhile. She shared with me that she has been as well. We prayed for each other. I don’t know what is blocking her. I’m speaking here for myself. But it sure helps to share with a friend.<br />
<br />
Near the beginning of 2013 I read something that <a href="http://goinswriter.com/">writer Jeff Goin</a>s said about not writing for others, to not be concerned about who the reader is. He encouraged us to write for the joy of writing. Rather than encourage me, it had the complete opposite effect. I’d never really stopped to think about who was all reading. I was suddenly a little intimidated.<br />
<br />
Next thing I know I’m thinking of all the various and sundry people on my Facebook friends list. There are people from work situations over the years. There are fellow professionals. There are diverse cultural backgrounds. There are those that do not share the same theological views as myself. There are those that are of different faiths and beliefs. There are those that primarily only know me from my speaking and teaching gigs in years past. Some are conservative thinkers. Some more liberal. <br />
<br />
When I post a link to Facebook for one of my blogs I have no control over which friends see it. I seem to have the kind of blog where people talk to me about it privately rather than leave comments directly to the blog. And the people who talk to me are usually the ones who are blessed by it or have appreciated something I’ve written. I see by the stats that many come to see the blog but I have little idea what most think of when they read. <br />
<br />
I enjoy writing. I want to bless, inspire and entertain those that read. I want to write for the glory of God. I want to be true to myself in writing. When I’m so concerned about what people will think I’m not doing that. I begin to write with specific people in mind. I then write for the approval of man rather than for the pure enjoyment and fulfillment of it. I’m writing for the approval of man rather than God. <br />
<br />
In my work, I tell my clients that they will encounter 3 types of people in life: those that like them and their ideas, those that tolerate them and their ideas and those that dislike them and their ideas. We have to expect all three in any group of people whether that is at work, in the family or in a social grouping.<br />
<br />
It will be no different in writing. Some who read will love what they read. Others will be indifferent to it. Still others will criticize and dislike it. It’s easy to spend the majority of our time focusing on the latter group, trying to get them to like our ideas, rather than focusing on those that enjoy us and our ideas. In the process we can miss out on building mutually beneficial and encouraging relationships. <br />
<br />
A few days ago, I signed up with Jeff Goins to a 500 word a day writing challenge for the month of January. With his daily tips, and the motivation of the others who are part of the challenge, I’m beginning to get back in the habit of writing. <br />
<br />
You, my dear reader, may dislike what I write, you may be indifferent to it, or you may appreciate my writing. I invite you to read regardless. I also invite constructive criticism of anything that I write. I don't know why I let Jeff's comment of last year impact me the way I did but in 2014 my goal is to get back to writing from the heart regardless of who will be reading. <br />
Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-29431346859594624972014-01-02T18:48:00.000-08:002014-01-02T19:37:02.505-08:00JOY: It's not a Pollyanna thing. <p style="text-align: center;" mce_style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://oneword365.com" mce_href="http://oneword365.com" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7051" border="0" title="One_Word" src="http://oneword365.com/wp-content/uploads/ow_300x125_custom1.jpg" mce_src="http://oneword365.com/wp-content/uploads/ow_300x125_custom1.jpg" alt="" width="468" height="60" /></a></p><br />
My One Word for 2014 is JOY. <br />
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One of the first things I think of when I hear the word joy is a chipper childhood song: ‘I’ve got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart! Where? Down in my heart…” <br />
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Then I think of conjured-up-gritting-your-teeth smiles that say “I will be happy in the midst of everything”…a kind of forced joy where the insides don’t match the outsides. <br />
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I’m not talking about that kind of joy. No, this JOY thing I’m committing to for this year is not a Pollyanna type joy that refuses to acknowledge anything negative. <br />
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I’m talking about the ‘joy comes in the morning’ kind of joy that the Psalmist talks about in Psalm 30. It comes in the morning. What’s before the morning? Night. It’s dark out. It’s a struggle to see. Many times we want joy but we don’t want to have to go through the darkness to really find that true joy that comes in doing so. Many times we deny or attempt to rush through that darkness. Or we try to force light before The Light is turned on. <br />
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It’s about a Jacob-wrestling-God-through-the-night-for-the-blessing kind of joy.<br />
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Ann Voskamp says “...the secret to joy is to keep seeking God where we doubt He is.” <br />
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So when I’ve committed to JOY for the year I’m not talking about incessant smiling, I’m not talking about a happy-happy-joy-joy-clapping-the-hands kind of thing.<br />
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I’m expecting to do battle. I’m expecting to wrestle with God in a couple of key areas where I still have difficulty seeing Him. I’ve opened the doors for Him to take me to those places. <br />
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It’s a process. I’m so far from where I was a few years ago. For that I am truly thankful. But I still have a couple of ace-in-the-hole places that I’ve held on to; that I’ve not released. <br />
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God began showing me clearly this past year that I’m in my current situation because He is teaching me total surrender. He’s teaching me to come to a place of true humility…not humiliation, not shame…but humility. <br />
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The places where I’m still stuck are partly because of pride. They are also about me wanting control because I don’t fully believe or trust Him to take control in these areas. <br />
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I’m seeing that much of it is about surrendering; a letting go of my plan, my agenda and being open to hearing and accepting His. <br />
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JOY is what I want in these areas where I still hang on to the illusion of control.<br />
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JOY is what I want in those areas where I have given intellectual assent to believing but when push comes to shove I don’t really act as if He is in that place. <br />
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My loving heavenly Father has prepared me well to come to this place at this point in time. Over the past year He has shown me just the right Scriptures and books to meditate on. I’ve heard the exact sermons needed to be able to hear His heart for me in all of this. <br />
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I don’t know how this year will look. I don’t know how the battle will go. I do know my God. I am so thankful that He is gracious and that it is His kindness that draws me to repentance. (Romans 2:4)<br />
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J-O-Y...I can't wait to see what the morning brings! <br />
Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-24404917940096766442014-01-01T19:43:00.001-08:002014-01-01T19:44:53.704-08:00Discipline: One Word review for 2013 <br />
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<p style="text-align: center;" mce_style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://oneword365.com" mce_href="http://oneword365.com" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7051" border="0" title="One_Word" src="http://oneword365.com/wp-content/uploads/ow_250x250_custom.jpg" mce_src="http://oneword365.com/wp-content/uploads/ow_250x250_custom.jpg" alt="" width="468" height="60" /></a></p><br />
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One <a href="http://leadershipfreak.wordpress.com/2013/12/31/dont-make-a-resolution-find-a-word/">article I read</a> said to “…look up by asking God for your word and listening. Don’t stress about your word. Receive it from your maker.” In looking back over 2013 I realized that even after getting the word, I didn’t need to stress. My Maker knew exactly how to orchestrate events to bring about the growth I needed in my <a href="http://oneword365.com/">OneWord365</a> of <a href="http://oasisofone.blogspot.ca/2013/01/one-word-2013-discipline.html">DISCIPLINE</a>. Most of it happened in community, being inspired by or initiated by people in my life. <br />
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The first I wrote about in <a href="http://oasisofone.blogspot.ca/2013/02/ubiquitous-gratefulness.html">a previous blog </a> where a friend’s Facebook post inspired me to download a <a href="http://www.gratefulness.org/a/2012/grateful_app.htm">gratefulness app</a>. What a great discipline that’s been in beginning to retrain the neural networks of my brain. Partway through the year, I began to read and digest <a href="http://onethousandgifts.com/the-book">Ann VosKamp’s book ‘one thousand gifts’</a>. She says this discipline only comes with practice and that it is a practice of the eyes. The remedy for ingratitude is in the retina. We don’t have to change what we see. Only the way we see. So basically, she’s saying that while my situation may not change, the way I view it will change as I practice being grateful. It’s been fun at times to work at entering all that I’m grateful for into my app. At other times it’s been a struggle to see something to be grateful for in the midst of difficulties. But I love how my mind is beginning to note these things and get excited about remembering to enter it onto my daily list. <br />
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Secondly, in March a friend asked me if I would do a <a href="http://www.whole9life.com/start/ ">Whole30</a> clean eating time with her. Since being unwell from 2006 to 2008 my body had been letting me know that there were certain foods I could not handle well anymore. While I tried to stay away from those foods, this invitation from my friend was just what I needed to discipline myself in these areas. The mutual support and encouragement helped me stay on course. I chose to stay on the Paleo eating plan even after 30 days because I do so much better on it mentally, emotionally and physically. I see it as a way of life. (Since I do better emotionally on this plan it has also helped me in my gratefulness discipline.) For the past month I’ve gotten a little off plan but have gone back to strict clean eating as of the beginning of 2014! <br />
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I’ve also been disciplining myself to go more to God’s Word, the Bible. I’m thankful to be attending a church where the Pastor regularly directs us to it and where Bibles are provided for those that do not have one. If I’m reading a book or a daily devotional it’s easy to skip over the scripture references. I so appreciate good writers but going directly to those biblical references helps me to hear directly from God in the area that the author is writing about. <br />
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There are other areas but these are the key ones that have contributed my growth in Discipline this past year. <br />
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Now, on to my One Word for 2014... <br />
Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-54601879136224807942013-03-17T17:08:00.001-07:002013-03-17T23:07:51.258-07:00More Sunflowers and a little Vulnerability <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89D1csRG9owAqOoPzjgh6z-XaLsCf1r-_F6faoMBU46p5KVisV5gUaB2vLyzz5wa8if8I-LKNEOPxxU1axld1dhcSMaFaNSEODY6w-CIvZEnGNCb31u51PtIiZU2XzwguThLnTYzobho/s1600/sunflower...Rons+office+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89D1csRG9owAqOoPzjgh6z-XaLsCf1r-_F6faoMBU46p5KVisV5gUaB2vLyzz5wa8if8I-LKNEOPxxU1axld1dhcSMaFaNSEODY6w-CIvZEnGNCb31u51PtIiZU2XzwguThLnTYzobho/s320/sunflower...Rons+office+001.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://oasisofone.blogspot.ca/2013/02/ubiquitous-gratefulness.html">I wrote you</a> about how the sunflower icon on <a href="http://www.gratefulness.org/a/2012/grateful_app.htm">my gratitude app</a> inspired me to begin to be grateful every time I see one anywhere. You need to know that I’ve not been into sunflowers so I’ve never noticed how truly ubiquitous they are. My chiropractor has a painting of one in his office because he’s from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altona,_Manitoba">the Sunflower Capital of Canada</a>.(photo above) Last night I noticed that one of my friends has canisters with a sunflowers. A number of commercials have them. A couple of weeks ago I went to a conference and one of the speakers used a sunflower as her Powerpoint graphic. Sunflowers are everywhere! <br />
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At first it felt like pressure to have to think of something to be grateful for each time I saw one. If you know me at all then you probably know that I’m prone to seeing the negatives in a new situation, and that I begin to see the positives only when I’ve warmed up to said situation…a sort of self protective defense mechanism. With this new practice, I’m now getting to the point where I’m looking for things to be grateful for…with or without the presence of a sunflower. I’m also making quick notes about what I want to remember to put on the app when I have the time. I’m consciously looking for and thinking of things that I am thankful for. <br />
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Some of my basic beliefs may be different than hers but Brene Brown, in her book <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/The-Gifts-Imperfection-Supposed-Embrace/dp/159285849X">The Gifts of Imperfection</a>, has valuable insights to share resulting from her research on Wholehearted living. She says that gratitude without practice may be a little like faith without works--it’s not alive. For example, people may talk about having an ‘attitude of gratitude’ but that doesn’t necessarily translate into a behaviour or action. <br />
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Brene writes that joy and gratitude can be very vulnerable and intense experiences…many of us have very little tolerance for vulnerability. So we think to ourselves: “I’m not going to allow myself to feel this joy because it won’t last.” Or “Acknowledging how grateful I am is an invitation for disaster.” And yet again, “I’d rather not be joyful than have to wait for the other shoe to drop.” Most of us, she says, have experienced being on the edge of joy only to be overcome by vulnerability and thrown into fear. Until we can tolerate vulnerability and transform it into gratitude, intense feelings of love will often bring up fear of loss. <br />
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On the face of it, who would have thought that choosing gratitude would bring out vulnerabilities. But it resonates with me as I think of how I’ve chosen that aforementioned negative attitude so much of my life. At the risk of vulnerability, and fear creeping in, I’m gradually learning to acknowledge the fear and then consciously lean into the situation, choosing gratitude. It feels good to be building this new habit. <br />
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How about you? <br />
Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-68783613373552393802013-02-22T08:31:00.001-08:002013-02-22T08:34:46.670-08:00Ubiquitous Gratefulness...<br />
Who knew that there were so many of them…and everywhere!!<br />
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I didn’t start a Gratitude Jar on January 1 as planned. Part way through the month a friend posted about having a gratitude reminder on her cell. I thought she was talking about an ‘app’ so I searched for one. There were a couple but the one that I downloaded to my smart phone has a Sunflower as the ‘icon’. With each sunflower seed I plant I’m prompted to write what I’m grateful for. I decided that besides writing what I’m grateful for at this app I will also think of something that I’m grateful for each time I see a sunflower around me. <br />
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It just so happens that the last piece I painted at <a href="http://www.colourmemine.ca/">‘Color Me Mine’</a> is…you guessed it…a sunflower…which is now on my kitchen table. So each time I walk through my kitchen…I’ve got to think of something to be grateful for.<br />
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Then today, I noticed that the little photo above my password prompt on my startup screen is also a photo of a sunflower plant that my ‘daughter’ had me buy a couple of years ago. I chuckled when I noticed that today since this means that each time I go to log into my computer after having been away from it…I’ve got to think of something to be grateful for. <br />
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And is it just me, or does it seem like there are a lot of commercials with sunflowers in them? Now I’ve got to think of things I’m grateful for while watching commercials?! <br />
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Who knew that there were so many sunflowers…and everywhere! <br />
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If this keeps up I’m going to be grateful all the time soon!! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlJXBZimaBLiWUklTBbnKLa2YYFLF3jr7C6GxvLnnO6saujq8GPlJI5QMF9Akpp_yRARV8kHd5NVwaVsj3Wm5KB38R7_tTcbODVUFoMFPVyQC5hQ1XvNB5Q58l2L21utE5ozs4ZQ88Eg/s1600/yard+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlJXBZimaBLiWUklTBbnKLa2YYFLF3jr7C6GxvLnnO6saujq8GPlJI5QMF9Akpp_yRARV8kHd5NVwaVsj3Wm5KB38R7_tTcbODVUFoMFPVyQC5hQ1XvNB5Q58l2L21utE5ozs4ZQ88Eg/s320/yard+017.JPG" /></a><br />
Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-78122958277536344032013-02-10T09:55:00.001-08:002014-02-19T21:56:36.366-08:00"Saturday Work" in a Mennonite HomeFor those of you who have enjoyed my writings about what it was like growing up Mennonite, you will appreciate this post by one of the "Mennonite Girls Can Cook" ladies: <a href="http://www.mennonitegirlscancook.ca/2013/02/saturday-in-julies-kitchen.html?showComment=1360518621719#c7453030174295998715">Saturday in Julie's Kitchen.</a> We are from different parts of the country and even the world, but all related to this Saturday routine. Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-10789644030988751492013-01-19T13:07:00.001-08:002013-01-19T13:23:48.566-08:00I Fall Down, I Get Up... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eG6bgABGwb13rgx7z13XzrZSyfYeeUyA5E_p0nntuMjTBM-n5yNSyzUjMFZcFH3L1OhoE4SXJmP0jbna09tGv3Lx9kg8rkIEATjG57SpEHbJuRX0UxTiEFTibkw0XRCOYgyJSmq6C-o/s1600/Window+for+A+Deeper+Story+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eG6bgABGwb13rgx7z13XzrZSyfYeeUyA5E_p0nntuMjTBM-n5yNSyzUjMFZcFH3L1OhoE4SXJmP0jbna09tGv3Lx9kg8rkIEATjG57SpEHbJuRX0UxTiEFTibkw0XRCOYgyJSmq6C-o/s200/Window+for+A+Deeper+Story+blog.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I’ve been letting you in on the good parts of my Daniel Fast journey. Now I also want to confess the struggles. <br />
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All day yesterday and first thing this morning I was feeling weak in this fast thing…I felt like tossing it…I cheated on the eating…I was trying not to but I was giving in to the doubting thoughts which had crept into my mind. I didn’t know where those thoughts were coming from. <br />
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Driving to McD's to get breakfast early this morning (I told you I cheated…hehe) I was thinking about these thoughts of quitting…knowing I didn’t really want to…and all the while singing :<br />
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<a href=" http://www.hymnary.org/text/i_am_weak_but_thou_art_strong">I am weak, but Thou art strong;<br />
Jesus, keep me from all wrong...</a><br />
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As I prayed my confused prayers, as I sang…and yes, as I ate my McD’s breakfast (which didn’t taste nearly as good as I’d imagined) I started to realize a few things. <br />
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The Daniel Fast is about <a href="http://bible.cc/daniel/9-3.htm">petitioning God for specific things</a>. I’ve asked Him for something very specific that’s been an albatross since my youth. It hinders me at times not only in my personal life but in my ministry for Him. I’ve not been able to breakthrough on my own in the 50ish years that it has been there. It’s a biggie. <br />
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All of a sudden I realized that my niggling thoughts of quitting, of hopelessness, of not trusting that even God could break through, started when I saw the definition of a word which spoke directly to the petition that is before the LORD at this time. These thoughts were strengthened when, around the same time, I saw a photo on someone’s blog which triggered memories of where I first got stuck with this issue. Two triggers…that stayed in the shadows until I chose to acknowledge them for what they were this morning. I realize now that the timing of these triggers were from the LORD, that they are getting me to go to the root of this issue that I am asking His help for. <br />
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This morning, I put it all down in writing in my journal, I confessed my doubts, I acknowledged my fear, and I let Him <a href="http://oasisofone.blogspot.ca/2011/01/grab-my-hand.html">take my hand in His</a> once again. In the midst of it all, I was able to be gracious with myself in my slip. Instead of getting into ‘all or nothing’ thinking, instead of seeing my fast as a failure now, I saw it for what it was, forgave myself…and I’m back on track. <br />
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I don’t know how God will answer my petition. I can relate to Sarah of Old Testament fame. She waited for years for God to answer her plea for a child…she took things into her own hands at one point…and had pretty much given up on ever having one of her own. Lest you think that I’m pining for a child, let me be quick to assure you that my petition isn’t the same as hers. But the concept is the same. I don't know how He will answer...or when...but I am going to choose to trust Him, to trust that even though I’ve not been able to break through in all these years…He can and will…in His time…in His way. <br />
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<b>Psalm 27: 14 Wait for the LORD;<br />
Be strong and let your heart take courage;<br />
Yes, wait for the LORD.<b></b></b><br />
Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-27615744822364625452013-01-16T11:32:00.000-08:002013-01-16T15:43:25.775-08:00He Comes to Me Singing. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYU7LRuSogYTm_FZ_QVt-20n7M1W0HkKmdCQxhNoEZQtCfO9owMKRSkahea-DlQz81d9hcq4eIXrQotJ_FrNsMka_rkvrk8f0pRh7EMo6etx9ABEN9OAdsw8ROcB_oUNOrbpw8ah7CT4/s1600/harrison+festival+of+the+arts+2010+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYU7LRuSogYTm_FZ_QVt-20n7M1W0HkKmdCQxhNoEZQtCfO9owMKRSkahea-DlQz81d9hcq4eIXrQotJ_FrNsMka_rkvrk8f0pRh7EMo6etx9ABEN9OAdsw8ROcB_oUNOrbpw8ah7CT4/s200/harrison+festival+of+the+arts+2010+015.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Songs. He often speaks to me in songs. Ministers to me in songs. And I love it!! <br />
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I first remember getting exactly the right song at the right time with words that ministered to me when I was a teenager. My friend Jeanette and I were out in a field, perhaps picking strawberries as a summer job. She and I were having a serious discussion about something. When I went to the ‘john’ aka ‘outhouse’ the LORD gave me a song that spoke directly to what the issue was. I recall talking to her about this as soon as I got back to my row. I was excited that I had heard from Him in this way. <br />
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Sometimes the song is asking a question, like when I went on a silent retreat a number of years ago. He sang <a href="http://www.lyrics007.com/Anne%20Murray%20Lyrics/Could%20I%20Have%20This%20Dance%20Lyrics.html">Anne Murray’s, “Can I have this dance for the rest of my life, would you be my partner every night?”</a> I won’t go into the details of how that set the tone for my retreat but it did. <br />
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This past week I awoke at least three nights with a song in my heart that was speaking precisely to the questions/thoughts in my heart at that moment. One song I really couldn’t remember the words to, just the concept. It was one that I was surprised to have in my head. So I journaled all my thoughts and afterwards I looked up the lyrics. It choked me up a little when I saw that the first two lines were almost verbatim what I had just expressed in my journal. And the refrain reminded my spirit of a change in focus. <br />
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There is another song that came one morning which has remained with me on a daily, hourly basis. God is teaching me to ask continually for more grace. So the song I’m singing daily is: <br />
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<a href="http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/He_Giveth_More_Grace/">‘He giveth more grace…He giveth and giveth and giveth again…' </a> <br />
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Aside from His Word, the Bible, is there a special way in which He speaks to you? <br />
Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-91858093396682421392013-01-13T18:36:00.001-08:002013-01-13T18:40:31.622-08:00Becoming Like Him<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAhTf0pql9hS_48Wusj6dDSTwdElRGpayNxTq18oSkXivkUSAndEJHGlfuX9IL_J3D-QjM8McoN0JAsp8dQHHRAaenjG1R-sAZpYpgJrIYYScZ_1TZ7aHrr1pCbsB7DHkwvScLM1yeGY/s1600/Heron+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAhTf0pql9hS_48Wusj6dDSTwdElRGpayNxTq18oSkXivkUSAndEJHGlfuX9IL_J3D-QjM8McoN0JAsp8dQHHRAaenjG1R-sAZpYpgJrIYYScZ_1TZ7aHrr1pCbsB7DHkwvScLM1yeGY/s200/Heron+003.JPG" /></a></div>IN the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Calling-Enjoying-Peace-Presence/dp/1591451884">Jesus Calling Devotional</a> this morning the writer had me turn to <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+2%3A22-24&version=NIV">I Peter 2: 22-24</a>: <br />
<b>“He committed no sin,<br />
and no deceit was found in his mouth.”<br />
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”</b><br />
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Jesus didn't retaliate. He didn't make threats. He didn't blubber to friends about how wrongfully he'd been treated. He didn't take it into His own hands but He gave the responsibility over to God the Father who judges fairly. <br />
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As I read this today my mind went to specific places where I've been deeply hurt in the past 20 years. I also thought of the verse that for many years now has been one of my life verses <b><a href="http://bible.cc/philippians/3-10.htm">Philippians 3:10</a>: I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,</b><br />
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It's a slow learning process...a lifelong one to my way of thinking...this becoming like Him. I've suffered things at the hands of others who misunderstood, who gossiped, who never checked their perceptions with me. Much of my reaction in this suffering has not been like Christ's was. But I also see how the LORD honors my prayer when I ask Him to continue to teach me, to continue to change my heart in this area. Sometimes it's hard to pray that prayer because I KNOW that He will then set up a situation in which I learn in a deeper way what this life verse means. Sometimes it takes a long time for me to be willing to pray it...<br />
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But, even before seeing this verse today, I'd been praying for relational healing during <a href="http://oasisofone.blogspot.ca/2013/01/the-face-off-facebook-or-his-face.html">this Daniel Fast</a>...and He has set up a situation... <br />
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Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-4017099073166275312013-01-10T13:31:00.000-08:002013-01-10T20:46:44.605-08:00The Fog is Almost gone... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbJutxUkvjg9FHFKd5X14w_o4NuYYBdkN_-dK4YEWWTlUk3P6BWnEGdr-t7qYeswMxznluXmqYAFvE7Ki65Kgvidvy442o02C9jDohQhrR3poSyoAhjtzr22jf_qOEeDOnFdqD9DMusg/s1600/Manning+Edie+and+North+of+40+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbJutxUkvjg9FHFKd5X14w_o4NuYYBdkN_-dK4YEWWTlUk3P6BWnEGdr-t7qYeswMxznluXmqYAFvE7Ki65Kgvidvy442o02C9jDohQhrR3poSyoAhjtzr22jf_qOEeDOnFdqD9DMusg/s200/Manning+Edie+and+North+of+40+009.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It’s been an interesting first couple of days of <a href="http://www.ultimatedanielfast.com/">the Daniel fast</a>. The key focus of the first three days was withdrawal from sugar/gluten and withdrawal from Facebook. I’ve typically not been consuming much sugar or gluten. But I had fallen off the wagon after being in Ontario in June to visit family. My mother made her famous chocolate pie-by-the-yard, roll kuchen, and other items that I at first resisted and then downed with pleasure. Since then I’d not really climbed back on the wagon, so withdrawals on that score have been much worse this time than when I did the fast previously. <br />
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I was surprised to realize how often my mind went to Facebook and how much I missed checking in first thing in the morning as well as at night. <br />
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Today, I feel great! A little foggy and tired still from the sugar/gluten withdrawal but good otherwise. <br />
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One of my brothers forwarded me a devotional this morning. This section of the devotional in particular struck me: <a href="http://bible.cc/james/1-14.htm">James 1:14</a> says that sin “lures” and “entices” us into believing it provides life, gives pleasure, or fills needs.<br />
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As I said in <a href="http://oasisofone.blogspot.ca/2013/01/the-face-off-facebook-or-his-face.html ">my earlier post</a> , I don't think that there is anything wrong with Facebook per se but my focus and attitude were no longer right...I was seeing it too much as a 'source of life' rather than going to the true Source and/or connecting with people directly. Yesterday morning I was back on schedule in having my morning time with God as I used to. It had become too much of a habit to quickly check work emails and then scroll on FB for awhile. By that time it was usually too late to do my devotions or when I did it was a quick perusal of the reading for the day and minimal prayer. How good it felt to start the day properly with Him! How I have missed that! <br />
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I expect that I will still be on FB when I’m done the 21 day fast (unless I hear clear direction to do otherwise) but I plan to be more disciplined in my viewing habits...and I want to be more disciplined both in my time with God and in making personal contact one on one with people I care about rather than relying so much on the false ‘intimacy’ of FB.<br />
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I've also started back at the gym and have done the circuit a few times. I've always walked a lot but had not been doing anything else regularly for awhile. Feels so good. <br />
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It’s interesting how the fast and <a href="http://oasisofone.blogspot.ca/2013/01/one-word-2013-discipline.html">my One Word for 2013, ‘discipline’</a>, are much intertwined. <br />
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The fast continues… <br />
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Check out more One Word blogs by clicking on the photo below: <br />
<p style="text-align: center;" mce_style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oneword365.com" mce_href="http://www.oneword365.com" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7051" border="0" title="One_Word" src="http://oneword365.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/300_125.jpg" mce_src="http://oneword365.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/300_125.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="125" /></a></p><br />
Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-5942882454287905422013-01-08T09:39:00.001-08:002013-01-10T13:45:03.229-08:00Look and See <br />
Today my friend Cyndi posted a <a href="http://aragamuffinsheart.blogspot.ca/2013/01/im-not-rock.html">good blog</a> with the following Psalm in it that struck a chord for me during this time of the Daniel Fast (and, as stated in yesterday's post, fasting from Facebook as well.) Here is a portion of it: <br />
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Psalm 34<br />
1 I will thank the Lord at all times. <br />
My lips will always praise him.<br />
2 I will honor the Lord.<br />
Let those who are hurting hear and be joyful.<br />
3 Join me in giving glory to the Lord.<br />
Let us honor him together. <br />
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4 <b>I looked to the Lord, and he answered me</b>.<br />
He saved me from everything I was afraid of.<br />
5 <b>Those who look to him beam with joy.<br />
They are never put to shame.</b><br />
6 This poor man called out, and the Lord heard him.<br />
He saved him out of all of his troubles.<br />
7 The angel of the Lord stands guard<br />
around those who have respect for him.<br />
And he saves them.<br />
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8 <b>Taste and see that the Lord is good.<br />
Blessed is the man who goes to him for safety</b>.<br />
9 You people of God, have respect for the Lord.<br />
Those who respect him have everything they need.<br />
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry.<br />
But <b>those who look to the Lord have every good thing they need</b>.<br />
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17 Godly people cry out, and the Lord hears them.<br />
He saves them from all of their troubles.<br />
18 The Lord is close to those whose hearts have been broken.<br />
He saves those whose spirits have been crushed.<br />
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19 <b>Anyone who does what is right may have many troubles.<br />
But the Lord saves him from all of them</b>.<br />
20 The Lord watches over all of his bones.<br />
Not one of them will be broken.<br />
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22 The Lord sets those who serve him free.<br />
No one who goes to him for safety will be judged.<br />
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Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-85516347773774699042013-01-07T10:57:00.001-08:002013-01-13T18:39:33.991-08:00The Face Off: Facebook or His Face.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAW2Poq6nFXnHBewBjCJuYDFTxMrP3Hxo9K4aI6tVqldadg-OiMvsabGsi28sLOICLMzbNo_kZ7PSbR0-El2z25zsJ3YFNYAqu97hLw5m1q4aUjdwFovJ4NXIOekCKMa0jOLIGAGlvcug/s1600/Manning+Edie+and+North+of+40+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAW2Poq6nFXnHBewBjCJuYDFTxMrP3Hxo9K4aI6tVqldadg-OiMvsabGsi28sLOICLMzbNo_kZ7PSbR0-El2z25zsJ3YFNYAqu97hLw5m1q4aUjdwFovJ4NXIOekCKMa0jOLIGAGlvcug/s320/Manning+Edie+and+North+of+40+029.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I’m doing the <a href="http://www.ultimatedanielfast.com/p/what-is-daniel-fast.html">Daniel Fast</a> again this year. <br />
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Some of you may remember that I did it a couple of years ago. I did it for spiritual reasons that time which in itself was a tremendous blessing. But I also benefited in ways that I’d not expected. Namely, my badly sprained ankle was much better after those 21 days of clean eating. <br />
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A couple of weeks ago, as I was preparing for the fast I had the fleeting thought that I should perhaps go off Facebook during this time but then completely forgot about it. <br />
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Until last night. <br />
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Last night I was talking to God, telling Him that I really wanted to hear Him during this time. Immediately, I heard in my mind, ‘Then turn off Facebook.’ <br />
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Shoot!! Can you say: Ambivalence? <br />
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I DO want to hear him. <br />
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But as someone who is an extrovert living alone and working 100% from home I’ve often said that my friends and family on Facebook are my ‘water cooler chat’ people. It’s my out let, my connection to the world in between sessions with clients. I haven’t even turned it off yet but I’m already going through withdrawals…seriously. So, while there is nothing wrong with being on Facebook per se this tells me that I’ve made it a little too much of a source of life.<br />
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I do want to hear Him. With no “But…” I want Him to be my sole source of life. I am looking forward to how He will change my heart as I am obedient to Him in this time.<br />
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“Turn off Facebook and seek My Face.” <br />
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“Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.” <a href="http://bible.cc/psalms/105-4.htm">Psalm 105:4</a> <br />
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(I’m sure that I will be blogging during this time as God opens my heart and eyes to the things that He wants to teach me. But…I will not be sharing those blogs on Facebook during this time.)<br />
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Here goes... <br />
Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-87866476423807254232013-01-05T10:18:00.001-08:002013-01-10T13:17:15.927-08:00My One Word for 2013: Discipline <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyfjQfaiHm4oUfilzDafZfubOCBrn2xyu4zkXGIZnNbkSy6GA4feQ7asjFqdwJGDaXZu-6gyTyHskFy6D2NHF77grkGHWLa4bwPmG1MGE6eUYmjT1YyS561Y1ON6ZRtW_amc50tle9Cc/s1600/Christmas+Garden+Center+Mountains+Susans+087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyfjQfaiHm4oUfilzDafZfubOCBrn2xyu4zkXGIZnNbkSy6GA4feQ7asjFqdwJGDaXZu-6gyTyHskFy6D2NHF77grkGHWLa4bwPmG1MGE6eUYmjT1YyS561Y1ON6ZRtW_amc50tle9Cc/s320/Christmas+Garden+Center+Mountains+Susans+087.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Having grown up in a legalistic environment the word “discipline” has been somewhat of a tricky one for me. Intellectually I've grasped the concept. Historically it has been a word which connotes harsh punishment and strict obedience of rules. It’s a word which makes me feel like I am only loved if I do all the right things. It's a place where there is little room for loving, accepting relationship. As one who loves the LORD, and as one whose goal it has been to be pleasing to God, I used to work diligently to do it all perfectly. The consequences of this view of being disciplined was a burnout in my late 30’s. <br />
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Needless to say then, I feel slightly ambivalent as I’ve realized that my One Word for 2013 is indeed the word “Discipline”. It feels like a slippery slope back to strict adherence to rules at the expense of relationship and grace. But thankfully I have continued to grow in the grace of God. He has taught me so much about his unconditional love and his acceptance of me. I know my FATHER. So I also feel excited about the prospect of truly internalizing and appropriating this word in the context of his love for me as his daughter. (see: Hebrews 12:5-11)<br />
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Check out more One Word blogs by clicking on the photo: <br />
<p style="text-align: center;" mce_style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.oneword365.com" mce_href="http://www.oneword365.com" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7051" border="0" title="One_Word" src="http://oneword365.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/300_125.jpg" mce_src="http://oneword365.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/300_125.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="125" /></a></p>Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9059677036748709498.post-3923458851235738442012-06-03T09:45:00.000-07:002012-06-03T09:49:03.638-07:00A Special Man Remembered<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPPrnkx98UaC05R5LsrY_oJqEavAaZGHKR1cexO_ZuP0AxFi-YW1RQhZDtq3InjIXDgNy6EYHybWKVzyc42XSRIy6eZx0Y-wpvG2U7cJATdmYkVrCAmNCGL0QaqnZTNjf41FAVmTy26I/s1600/Rudy+and+I+in+VW+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="194" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPPrnkx98UaC05R5LsrY_oJqEavAaZGHKR1cexO_ZuP0AxFi-YW1RQhZDtq3InjIXDgNy6EYHybWKVzyc42XSRIy6eZx0Y-wpvG2U7cJATdmYkVrCAmNCGL0QaqnZTNjf41FAVmTy26I/s320/Rudy+and+I+in+VW+-+Copy.jpg" /></a></div>Twenty years ago today a very special man left this world. His name is Rudy and he entered my life when I had just left an unhealthy on again/off again relationship that I’d been in throughout my 20’s. <br />
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He had a gentle laid back unpretentious personality with an inquisitive nature. He would travel a great distance to churches that had pipe organs so that he could play them. He loved nature and he taught me to see beauty in so many things when we went on walks. He cooked me some wonderful meals (the way to a not-so-domestic girls heart. ;) ) <br />
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He knew all sides of me but cared about me anyway…and he met me when I was still pretty crusty. When others put me down or were hard on me he had such a way of picking me up and affirming me in the exact area where they’d hurt me. He had my back, he cheered me on.<br />
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From him, I received respect that I’d not had before from a man. When he was planning to leave his dental practice to pursue a different career he took me out for dinner at a fancy restaurant to tell me about it so that I wouldn’t hear it from someone else first. He was the first man that I told about my childhood sexual abuse and, while I feared it would alienate him, it made us closer instead. <br />
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Even after he died, he made me feel valued when I found out that he left money to me in his will. And his parents further made me feel so special when they mailed me what was left in his estate after everything was settled…feeling that he would want me to have it. Although I’d have much rather had him alive, this gift came while I was doing my degree and helped tremendously. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWS9lfdXTSRSK8IVKwdssDI04RE7yL086-OocIF0GITFv-LJQ7bbvjNlGCH0EQv3Lgl2q8T8VxbrA5N69QxF8U4Va09q5-2F9lINEF_I2PjPEmkM4ZgnFluahnJGTZTDrPVG3VMqmANZY/s1600/Rudy+and+I+Tacky+Tourist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="197" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWS9lfdXTSRSK8IVKwdssDI04RE7yL086-OocIF0GITFv-LJQ7bbvjNlGCH0EQv3Lgl2q8T8VxbrA5N69QxF8U4Va09q5-2F9lINEF_I2PjPEmkM4ZgnFluahnJGTZTDrPVG3VMqmANZY/s320/Rudy+and+I+Tacky+Tourist.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Lest you think I’ve totally idealized him, let me tell you that I’ve not forgotten about how human he was. He was a little anal about things…which would have made me nuts in the long run. For example, he had all of his CD’s arranged in alphabetical order, and labeled on the back with the place and price of purchase. If you asked where anything was when you were at his place he could tell you the precise positioning of the item. <br />
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(This picture was taken after a tacky tourist party we had. Rudy used this as his Christmas card photo that year.) <br />
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He also wasn’t very handy. One day he offered to come over to help me with the lawn mower…so nice of him to offer…but I knew more about it than he did. <br />
And he was clumsy…if anyone were to sit on the one chair in the room that was about to break and crumple to the floor, it would be him.Which reminds me…if either of us did something stupid in a group of people we could look at the other and see acceptance there…and that made it okay.<br />
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He was a special guy. And...especially on an anniversary date like today…I still miss him. <br />Hellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15972119912128990434noreply@blogger.com0