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5.21.2016
10 Things I Needed Quiet Time to Remember
It's one of those "I'm so grateful" days. Nothing spectacular has occurred, I didn't win the lottery or anything. I simply had some quiet time this morning, and I noticed the many blessings in my life.
Do we need quiet time to recognize all that we've been given? Yes.
When life is frantic and I just run from thing to thing, my overall mode is "hurry up and finish this, there are ten more things I have to get to." That's a perfect recipe for becoming cranky and then resentful. When I can't really pay attention to the task I'm in, I'm certainly not going to appreciate what I'm doing and why it's important. Think of Road Runner's legs. Spinning and spinning, moving through everything instead of being fully present.
So, this morning, it was quiet and I read Jesus Calling (several days' worth, because I was behind.) And in the quiet, blessings bubbled up.
1. Today is our daughter's birthday. She's a blessing in so many ways, and also a feisty testament to life. As a toddler, she had a severe seizure that caused her to stop breathing. If not for one doctor, well...you can read about that HERE.
2. Grandson James. This sweet child gives me the opportunity to just stop and hold a baby. If he's fussy, or feeding, or sleeping, he has my full attention. He puts life in perspective.
3. Our older son and his wife visited recently. They drove to Florida from Virginia to meet James. We took lots of family pictures (because we're rarely all together) and I got lots of hugs. I have to say, there is nothing a mom loves more than having all her youngin's together. All the pieces of her heart reconnect. And if the youngin's don't gripe about getting numerous family photos, that's icing on the cake. Thank you, youngin's!
4. After four months of unemployment, our younger son has a job. This son is the father of James, and husband to our sweet DIL, so we all had anxious hearts about how this new little family would manage. But, our son is resilient and our DIL is supportive, so they are working it out. We're so proud of how they are growing through this challenge.
5. After a head injury this week, the hubs is fine. At work, a piece of equipment hit him in the head. He needed 6 staples in his scalp, but has no other damage. He doesn't even want me talking about it, so don't mention it.
6. Mom's treatment for lymphedema is working. Her legs looked like tree trunks, but after two weeks of special wrappings, she's on the mend. Once treatment is over, she'll have to wear compression stockings, which she's not looking forward to. Life at 95 is not as much fun as it used to be.
7. Dad is getting new glasses. After sitting on/rolling on his wire frames a thousand times, they were shot. Pliers and duct tape didn't work anymore. He's getting titanium frames. Seems fitting for his titanium spirit.
8. We're getting a new dishwasher. In comparison to loved ones and jobs, this is an insignificant thing. But once the current dishwasher starts depositing rust stains on the plates, it's time.
9. My Visa bill is at 0 again. This only happens about twice a year, so I like to highlight it when it occurs.
10. I'm eating dark-chocolate malt balls for breakfast. I really have to stop this, because my inflammation numbers are up a little, and I know sugar is the culprit for me. I'm my own worst enemy. The good news is that in heaven, I won't have to deal with any more of this nonsense.
What blessings have you missed recently because life is too hectic? Make quiet time a priority (that's the only way to do it), and you will be reminded of how much God loves you.
** Don't miss my newsletter NOTES FROM THE DUGOUT.
Get a copy of my essay "Who's the Boss?" (five things I need to remember about God.)
Do we need quiet time to recognize all that we've been given? Yes.
When life is frantic and I just run from thing to thing, my overall mode is "hurry up and finish this, there are ten more things I have to get to." That's a perfect recipe for becoming cranky and then resentful. When I can't really pay attention to the task I'm in, I'm certainly not going to appreciate what I'm doing and why it's important. Think of Road Runner's legs. Spinning and spinning, moving through everything instead of being fully present.
So, this morning, it was quiet and I read Jesus Calling (several days' worth, because I was behind.) And in the quiet, blessings bubbled up.
1. Today is our daughter's birthday. She's a blessing in so many ways, and also a feisty testament to life. As a toddler, she had a severe seizure that caused her to stop breathing. If not for one doctor, well...you can read about that HERE.
2. Grandson James. This sweet child gives me the opportunity to just stop and hold a baby. If he's fussy, or feeding, or sleeping, he has my full attention. He puts life in perspective.
3. Our older son and his wife visited recently. They drove to Florida from Virginia to meet James. We took lots of family pictures (because we're rarely all together) and I got lots of hugs. I have to say, there is nothing a mom loves more than having all her youngin's together. All the pieces of her heart reconnect. And if the youngin's don't gripe about getting numerous family photos, that's icing on the cake. Thank you, youngin's!
4. After four months of unemployment, our younger son has a job. This son is the father of James, and husband to our sweet DIL, so we all had anxious hearts about how this new little family would manage. But, our son is resilient and our DIL is supportive, so they are working it out. We're so proud of how they are growing through this challenge.
5. After a head injury this week, the hubs is fine. At work, a piece of equipment hit him in the head. He needed 6 staples in his scalp, but has no other damage. He doesn't even want me talking about it, so don't mention it.
6. Mom's treatment for lymphedema is working. Her legs looked like tree trunks, but after two weeks of special wrappings, she's on the mend. Once treatment is over, she'll have to wear compression stockings, which she's not looking forward to. Life at 95 is not as much fun as it used to be.
7. Dad is getting new glasses. After sitting on/rolling on his wire frames a thousand times, they were shot. Pliers and duct tape didn't work anymore. He's getting titanium frames. Seems fitting for his titanium spirit.
8. We're getting a new dishwasher. In comparison to loved ones and jobs, this is an insignificant thing. But once the current dishwasher starts depositing rust stains on the plates, it's time.
9. My Visa bill is at 0 again. This only happens about twice a year, so I like to highlight it when it occurs.
10. I'm eating dark-chocolate malt balls for breakfast. I really have to stop this, because my inflammation numbers are up a little, and I know sugar is the culprit for me. I'm my own worst enemy. The good news is that in heaven, I won't have to deal with any more of this nonsense.
What blessings have you missed recently because life is too hectic? Make quiet time a priority (that's the only way to do it), and you will be reminded of how much God loves you.
** Don't miss my newsletter NOTES FROM THE DUGOUT.
Get a copy of my essay "Who's the Boss?" (five things I need to remember about God.)
5.17.2016
MacGyver, Where Are You?
I took a three-hour nap a few days ago. My husband was watching reruns of MacGyver while I dozed. Every time I stirred, Mac was rescuing a hostage, racing through shrubbery, or stuffing potatoes into exhaust pipes. That guy was so cool.
We need to resurrect Angus MacGyver (yep, Angus was his first name.) He could help with so many things here in the Ballpark:
1. He could rig the dishwasher to load itself.
2. Ditto for the washer.
3. He could fashion a drive way track that would guide the trash cans down to the curb and back again.
4. He could make a safe grapefruit peeler out of a razor blade and a toothbrush. It takes a long time to peel a grapefruit like an orange, but that's how we like 'em.
5. He could make a lizard catcher. We're just too slow when it comes to getting them out of the house here in Florida.
6. He could create a hanging rope that would allow me to swing down to the first floor instead of risking tripping down our 14 steps, which I did recently. He'd probably need more than duct tape to accomplish this one.
7. He could wire the kitchen cabinet so when I'm tempted to steal a piece of dark chocolate, I get a shock. Drastic times; drastic measures.
I'm feeling overwhelmed these days. Writing is calling me, my adult children and their spouses have become fun adult friends to hang out with, baby James is around, allowing me smooches and snuggles, and my parents are becoming more fragile every month. And then there's all this stuff MacGyver could be helping with.
I love the people in my life, and I want to be available to them, so I'm thinking something has to change.
Therefore, I'm creating a newsletter.
HA! It sounds like lunacy, but I believe it will streamline my writing, which will free up some time to love on the people I love, peel grapefruits, and catch lizards. (Doesn't look like MacGyver is coming anytime soon.)
I'll keep blogging, but less frequently, and the newsletter will alert you as to when a new post is up. There are so many things I want to write about and touch on and research...my newsletter will have quick updates, inspirational morsels, links to projects/recipes/news items, my favorite books, and more. I hope you'll sign on, so we can stay in touch.
I promise it will take less time (because you probably have grapefruit/lizard issues too) to read my newsletter than to read a blog post. You may want to click on enclosed links, or not; I'll just make them available to you. My goal is to bring practical, grace-filled, substantial, and humorous treats into your life. You might be overwhelmed too, and just need an encouraging face in your inbox.
I value your input and would also like to know what topics bring you to the Ballpark - the caretaking issues, my faith journey, DIY projects, chasing wellness, or whatever (even the ex-clown.) If you want to hear my thoughts on something new, write that in the box. We'll take this journey together!
As always, thank you for sharing in my life.
I just did some research and discovered MacGyver (Richard Dean Anderson) is 66 years old now. He's probably tired of saving the world, so I guess I'll have to let him off the hook from helping me out around here.
I do think he could make a grapefruit peeler while he's plopped in his recliner though.
We need to resurrect Angus MacGyver (yep, Angus was his first name.) He could help with so many things here in the Ballpark:
1. He could rig the dishwasher to load itself.
2. Ditto for the washer.
3. He could fashion a drive way track that would guide the trash cans down to the curb and back again.
4. He could make a safe grapefruit peeler out of a razor blade and a toothbrush. It takes a long time to peel a grapefruit like an orange, but that's how we like 'em.
5. He could make a lizard catcher. We're just too slow when it comes to getting them out of the house here in Florida.
6. He could create a hanging rope that would allow me to swing down to the first floor instead of risking tripping down our 14 steps, which I did recently. He'd probably need more than duct tape to accomplish this one.
7. He could wire the kitchen cabinet so when I'm tempted to steal a piece of dark chocolate, I get a shock. Drastic times; drastic measures.
I'm feeling overwhelmed these days. Writing is calling me, my adult children and their spouses have become fun adult friends to hang out with, baby James is around, allowing me smooches and snuggles, and my parents are becoming more fragile every month. And then there's all this stuff MacGyver could be helping with.
I love the people in my life, and I want to be available to them, so I'm thinking something has to change.
Therefore, I'm creating a newsletter.
HA! It sounds like lunacy, but I believe it will streamline my writing, which will free up some time to love on the people I love, peel grapefruits, and catch lizards. (Doesn't look like MacGyver is coming anytime soon.)
I'll keep blogging, but less frequently, and the newsletter will alert you as to when a new post is up. There are so many things I want to write about and touch on and research...my newsletter will have quick updates, inspirational morsels, links to projects/recipes/news items, my favorite books, and more. I hope you'll sign on, so we can stay in touch.
I promise it will take less time (because you probably have grapefruit/lizard issues too) to read my newsletter than to read a blog post. You may want to click on enclosed links, or not; I'll just make them available to you. My goal is to bring practical, grace-filled, substantial, and humorous treats into your life. You might be overwhelmed too, and just need an encouraging face in your inbox.
I value your input and would also like to know what topics bring you to the Ballpark - the caretaking issues, my faith journey, DIY projects, chasing wellness, or whatever (even the ex-clown.) If you want to hear my thoughts on something new, write that in the box. We'll take this journey together!
As always, thank you for sharing in my life.
I just did some research and discovered MacGyver (Richard Dean Anderson) is 66 years old now. He's probably tired of saving the world, so I guess I'll have to let him off the hook from helping me out around here.
I do think he could make a grapefruit peeler while he's plopped in his recliner though.
5.07.2016
93 and Counting...
Dad is 93 years old today. I can't believe I just wrote that.
I've never really known anyone who was 93 years old. I can't fathom all those years. So much history, so many lives encountered. So much laughter, and heartache. Here he is in the Navy, a period of time he loved, with a buddy. Dad is on the right, with the big smile.
My dad has lived a full and energetic life. He has lived longer than his father did; he has outlived five of his siblings and one child. He has seen this country change in ways that make him disheartened.
He wants to be 25 again. He believes, somehow, some way, some doctor will make that possible. He is eternally optimistic about this. His doctors tell me that's why he is still with us: he has hope.
I have never met anyone with such unflagging faith that heart disease can be turned around and Parkinson's can be cured. It's just a matter of time. And he'll be here when those discoveries occur.
I'm a bit ashamed to admit I'm not that optimistic. About anything. I pretty much think life is one ridiculous stumbling block after another, and at some point I'm going to wear out and be ready to be done with all this foolishness. So much of what we do here on the planet isn't that important (how many movies can we watch on Netflix?), so I'm not that attached. I'm already tired.
Then, I spend time with Dad and feel a bit guilty I don't wholeheartedly embrace every day, every hour as an adventure. I don't know how he does it, gets up every day, looking for the next fun, exciting, miraculous thing. He fights the aging process, the fatigue, the disabilities. I have to think, as a child, he was probably a handful. I bet his mom was tired.
Today is an amazing day, because Dad will be embarking on his 94th year. There will be so many opportunities for more adventures. We are giving him a gift card to Home Depot, so he can buy some new plants (gardening is one of his loves) and tickets to choral concert (music is his other love.) We cancelled the big Hershey bar, because he was told by two separate doctors this week that he needs to give up sugar.
Dad told me recently he thought it would be great to make it to 100. I asked him why. He replied, "I'd sure get a lot of attention." Then, he grinned. Dad loves people, he's an extrovert to the core. Life is one big party that he does not want to end.
I'm so grateful God gave my Dad to me. He has always been a wonderful father, a man of conviction and great humor. It is very sad to see him decline, and I know someday the party will end. I pray daily that it will be quick, and that he will be in heaven before he realizes the door is closing on this gig.
Here's a picture of Dad on his 90th birthday. Can't you just see the five-year old in there?
I've never really known anyone who was 93 years old. I can't fathom all those years. So much history, so many lives encountered. So much laughter, and heartache. Here he is in the Navy, a period of time he loved, with a buddy. Dad is on the right, with the big smile.
My dad has lived a full and energetic life. He has lived longer than his father did; he has outlived five of his siblings and one child. He has seen this country change in ways that make him disheartened.
He wants to be 25 again. He believes, somehow, some way, some doctor will make that possible. He is eternally optimistic about this. His doctors tell me that's why he is still with us: he has hope.
I have never met anyone with such unflagging faith that heart disease can be turned around and Parkinson's can be cured. It's just a matter of time. And he'll be here when those discoveries occur.
 |
| Dad with my brother, who had a broken arm. |
I'm a bit ashamed to admit I'm not that optimistic. About anything. I pretty much think life is one ridiculous stumbling block after another, and at some point I'm going to wear out and be ready to be done with all this foolishness. So much of what we do here on the planet isn't that important (how many movies can we watch on Netflix?), so I'm not that attached. I'm already tired.
Then, I spend time with Dad and feel a bit guilty I don't wholeheartedly embrace every day, every hour as an adventure. I don't know how he does it, gets up every day, looking for the next fun, exciting, miraculous thing. He fights the aging process, the fatigue, the disabilities. I have to think, as a child, he was probably a handful. I bet his mom was tired.
 | ||
| Dad with our daughter, who is now a science teacher. They are very much alike. They have a weekly date. |
Today is an amazing day, because Dad will be embarking on his 94th year. There will be so many opportunities for more adventures. We are giving him a gift card to Home Depot, so he can buy some new plants (gardening is one of his loves) and tickets to choral concert (music is his other love.) We cancelled the big Hershey bar, because he was told by two separate doctors this week that he needs to give up sugar.
Dad told me recently he thought it would be great to make it to 100. I asked him why. He replied, "I'd sure get a lot of attention." Then, he grinned. Dad loves people, he's an extrovert to the core. Life is one big party that he does not want to end.
 |
| Dad with one of his 8 great grand children |
I'm so grateful God gave my Dad to me. He has always been a wonderful father, a man of conviction and great humor. It is very sad to see him decline, and I know someday the party will end. I pray daily that it will be quick, and that he will be in heaven before he realizes the door is closing on this gig.
Here's a picture of Dad on his 90th birthday. Can't you just see the five-year old in there?
5.01.2016
BOYS TO MEN
My two boys have birthdays every summer, about two weeks (and 9 years) apart.
We were all together recently (which is rare) and took this picture.
Our oldest, on the left, used to be bigger than our youngest, on the right. And the hubs (in the middle) used to be bigger than both of them. James, the baby here, is in the 100 percentile in height for others his 4-month age. Everybody's growing.
When did that happen?
Our oldest son used to look like this. He was three when lava lamps were cool.
Our younger son used to look like this.
He wore vests and bow ties and Redskins caps on Easter.
The older one is no longer blond. The younger one has not been seen in a bow tie since this picture. Both boys loved baseball, Legos and macaroni and cheese. Those things are still true.
Now that we have a grandson, I'm reminded of the days I changed diapers on and gave raspberries to my own sons. When I was home with my children, the hours seemed long at times, but looking back...they are but a wink of one eye.
Somewhere along the line...boys turn into men. They work through challenges, try to figure out women, change jobs, move, try to figure out women, make mistakes, mostly figure out women, and settle in to the game of life.
They begin to resemble their father, their grandfathers, their uncles. Not physically (although sometimes), but in action and habit and character.
It's supposed to happen, of course, that they grow up and onward, but it kind of happens when you're not looking. And then...one day...you just see it.
With my sons, it was choosing marriage that added a new depth to their lives. They both met women who sparked in them a willingness to be vulnerable, to sacrifice, and to commit. These are honorable - and sometimes rare - traits in a man.
It's heart-warming to see.
My sons are not little boys anymore, but strong, hairy adults who give me great bear hugs, which I love, love, love. My prayer for them is that they continue to grow in tender-heartedness, courage, and conviction.
Because life will continue to throw them curve balls now and then.
I want them to know we will always been in the bleachers rooting for them.
We were all together recently (which is rare) and took this picture.
When did that happen?
Our oldest son used to look like this. He was three when lava lamps were cool.
Our younger son used to look like this.
He wore vests and bow ties and Redskins caps on Easter.
The older one is no longer blond. The younger one has not been seen in a bow tie since this picture. Both boys loved baseball, Legos and macaroni and cheese. Those things are still true.
Now that we have a grandson, I'm reminded of the days I changed diapers on and gave raspberries to my own sons. When I was home with my children, the hours seemed long at times, but looking back...they are but a wink of one eye.
Somewhere along the line...boys turn into men. They work through challenges, try to figure out women, change jobs, move, try to figure out women, make mistakes, mostly figure out women, and settle in to the game of life.
They begin to resemble their father, their grandfathers, their uncles. Not physically (although sometimes), but in action and habit and character.
It's supposed to happen, of course, that they grow up and onward, but it kind of happens when you're not looking. And then...one day...you just see it.
With my sons, it was choosing marriage that added a new depth to their lives. They both met women who sparked in them a willingness to be vulnerable, to sacrifice, and to commit. These are honorable - and sometimes rare - traits in a man.
It's heart-warming to see.
My sons are not little boys anymore, but strong, hairy adults who give me great bear hugs, which I love, love, love. My prayer for them is that they continue to grow in tender-heartedness, courage, and conviction.
Because life will continue to throw them curve balls now and then.
I want them to know we will always been in the bleachers rooting for them.
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