Our kids get an ITUNES card if/when...

...they each read this book : )

"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand."
--Randy Pausch

The Last Lecture
by Randy Pausch

"Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted."
Randy Pausch

I gave this book to my husband for Valentines Day after learning about it from farmgal over here . It was written by a college professor when he learned he had just a short time to live. It's about "really achieving your childhood dreams" & is based on his experience. My husband read it & I just finished it - tho' I may go back before I hand it off to the kids & do some underlining & notemaking. ie... "Pay attention here!" - or "Read this twice - then YOU decide! :)" - & - "Daddy told me that if I didn't read anything else in this book, to just read this part.....so be sure you do too!"

I agreed w/ about 95% of what this guy shared. On the 5% I disagree w/ I'd like to share my own thoughts w/ my kids in the margin.

Perhaps the thing I found most fascinating was the author didn't mention one thing he would go back and do differently. When he came close to it, he more or less wrapped a negative (a lesson learned the hard way) in a positive (the fact that he DID learn a lesson that he carried w/ him for the rest of his life).

"Each of us must decide: Am I a fun-loving Tigger or a sad-sack Eeyore?
Pick a camp."

Randy Pausch

Do you see what this blind man sees?

Click here to find out: http://henleythegreatdane.blogspot.com/2010/02/via.html

I think this concept of CBS' (that you'll see in the video too) is so cool - How adventurous is would be to spin the globe and decide to visit the place where your finger randomly touches to stop it! And then .... to pick a person to meet totally randomly out of the phonebook in order to get a glimpse of what living is like there! Hmmm - I may hafta add that to my bucket list. I wonder if I could get someone to do it w/ me?! Any volunteers?

A river runs thru' it (our window!)

Update: Hooray! Both the TV and the x-box still work! :) But the cable box is fried. We got lots more snow today ... but at this point snow is better than rain & no more water has come in so today's cleanup wasn't so bad. I will say this all has served as some motivation to clean the basement! The finished part it is in pretty good order at this point - in fact I'm going to sit by the fire down there shortly - but the storage room .... well - that's another story. I'm in the mood for spring cleaning now! I hope it lingers & I'm still in the mood when the time is right for it! In hindsight this all could have been so much worse. So thankful it wasn't.


When it rains it pours here (seriously we get some intense rain!) & after all my recent talk about Noah's Ark, last night something happened that has never happened as long as we've lived here. A big snowstorm the day before followed by tons of rain on its tail created a menagerie of ice dams & channels setting up "the perfect storm" to really wreak some havoc - which in our case meant we essentially had a river running through our basement window!! Thankfully our dog, Katie, made sure we knew about it right away - but evenso, with all hands on deck, we likely bailed &/or pumped near 100 gallons of water w/ shopvac, carpet cleaner, buckets & towels before my husband & son eventually managed to sandbag & divert the flow. To look outside our window at the time, you might have thought you were looking into an aquarium without any fish! What a mess we have to clean up after today. I think we may have lost an x-box 360 & possibly big screen tv too :( Trying to let them dry out before we attempt to turn them on.... & I gather more rain is on the way.

ugh.

Concealed & Revealed - re: Noah's Ark

The New Testament is in the Old Testament concealed;
and the Old Testament is in the New Testament revealed.
One book. One Message. It's all about Him.

A friend who knows I'm involved in presenting a play about Noah's Ark forwarded me some info she tho't I might find interesting...& did I ever! I don't know the source/author (If/when I learn it I'll post it here) ... but I'll cut & paste a few things that really struck me as interesting & thought provoking: For the most concise version...just read the blue text :)

Was The Ark Big Enough?

Many people are skeptical about a literal ark having saved all the animals, etc. They are doubtful that it could have been big enough. (They don't really know how big it was, or how many animals were involved, but still they remain skeptical.)

The ark was 300 cubits long, 50 cubits abeam, and 30 cubits high. The cubit was a measure intended to represent the distance between the elbow and the tip of the fingers, and is approximated by most scholars at about 18 inches. (Various cubits have been discovered ranging from 17 to 25 inches.)

Assuming an 18-inch cubit, the ark would contain 1.5 million cubic feet, and would displace approximately 24,000 tons. This space approximates over 500 railroad cars and could contain 125,000 sheep or their equivalent. Since it has been estimated that there were about 18,000 species, and most of those would be smaller than a sheep, the space doesn't seem to be a real problem.

(Some scholars suggest that a 25-inch cubit might have been involved, which would almost triple that capacity.)

***

Where Did It Rest?

There is a "Mount Ararat" in eastern Turkey, right near the Armenian border and this is regarded by many as the Biblical site. There are numerous stories of sightings, but these expeditions have proven problematical at best.

However, there are some textual problems to be considered. When Noah's descendants ultimately came to establish Babel (later Babylon) they came "from the east":

"And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there." -Genesis 11:1,2

From the Biblical text, it would seem that one should look for the ark east of Babylon - somewhere in Iran, not in Turkey which is slightly west of north of Babylon.

It has yet to be actually found. I personally suspect that God still has a purpose for the ark. Perhaps that's why Noah was instructed to "pitch it within and without." You don't need to cover the craft with pitch on both sides of the hull except to preserve it. I suspect that it will be found in God's timing to provide a testimony, once again, to an unbelieving world of a coming judgment.

***

When Did the New Beginning Start?

"And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat." - Genesis 8:4

Why did the Holy Spirit want us to know that the Flood ended on the 17th day of the 7th month? (If you are a normal, well-adjusted reader, when you come across a verse like this, you simply go on reading. However, if you have listened to my Bible studies, you are no longer a "normal, well-adjusted" reader! You remember that one of my premises is that every detail is here for our learning (Rom. 15:4) and that God always rewards the diligent!)

This one takes a little digging. We know that the seven feasts of Moses are not only commemorative, they are also prophetic (Col. 1:17). Passover is, of course, prophetic of our Passover, Jesus Christ; who, as the Lamb of God, was offered on the 14th of Nisan. The morning after the Sabbath after Passover is the Feast of First Fruits (Lev. 23:11,15). and that particular Sunday morning some women were discovering the empty tomb: His resurrection was, indeed, the ultimate "first fruits." Three days in the tomb would indicate that He rose on the 17th of Nisan.

When we examine the institution of Passover, God also instructed Moses to make that month, Nisan, the "beginning of months," (Exodus 12:2). Therefore, the Jews observe two calendars: the original (Genesis) one which begins at Rosh Hoshana, the 1st of Tishri, in the fall; and the religious one that begins on the 1st of Nisan, in the spring.

So when you examine the "new beginning" of the world under Noah, it was on the very "anniversary-in-advance" of our "new beginning" in Jesus Christ! The New Testament is in the Old Testament concealed; and the Old Testament is in the New Testament revealed. One book. One Message. It's all about Him.

This is another of the many inexhaustible evidences of an integrated, deliberate design that highlights that these 66 books we call the Bible, although penned by over 40 guys over almost 2000 years, are a single message - a message that features, on every page, the mission, the achievement, and the astonishing blessings of, by, and through our Lord Jesus Christ!

Storms always get worse before they're over

I'm in the midst of directing this kids musical at church - a story about Noah's Ark told creatively from the animals' perspective. For the most part it's been fun but after rehearsals like the one we had yesterday, where we really begin to pull it all together & nothing seems to go quite right, I begin to think perhaps that's because I really don't know what I'm doing(!) & I wonder why on earth I, of all people, am doing it(?!) when there are others who would likely be so much better at it....people who can actually run the sound system - or get certain kids to sing - or to move two steps to the right and back again together (key word here). Throw in a very simple (so I thought) prop (umbrellas) & you almost create more problems than it's worth. I'll be so relieved if all the kids still have two eyes when we're done!

The thought occurred to me tho' - that when one has learned something well enough to explain it to others in a way that they can understand - then is when you know that one really knows what they're talking about. Storms always get worse before they're over but if we trust & obey God, He will guide us thru' them - that's the moral of our story. And here is where it seems God is trying to teach me(!) that I have been well prepared to share this particular lesson w/ this group of kids....now, I just need to do my part well in order for them to do the same. God is not looking for perfection here - but He does expect for the job He has called us to do - to be well done - as in to the BEST of our ability. Sooo - after reminding the kids in a follow up email after rehearsal yesterday - to really practice this week, I promised them .... that I would too.

On a more positive note...I got a sneak peek at the ark our crew is "building" & it gave me goosebumps! - Was SO thrilled to see what a nice job they've already done - & they've only just begun! I've decided that I'm not going to let the kids see it until our dress rehearsal - & to surprise them w/ it then in hopes that it will be just the right ingredient to spark the measure of enthusiasm I'm really after just in time for our performance. - Just so grateful to have a team handling ALL of that - who know what they're doing & seem to enjoy it ... no lack of enthusiasm whatsoever there :)

¹ But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

² When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.

Is 41: 1-2a

Twelve "polished" stones

I went back into my post archives, found these stones & I polished them up a bit to display here today.

Joshua 4: 5b – 7 “ ….Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."

This passage compelled me to select 12 "stones" from my own faith/life journey to "set-up"(record) as a memorial (personal testimony) of God's faithfulness & provision:

#1 My family - not perfect by any stretch - but helped me understand early on that I needed Jesus. At 8 yrs I trusted Him to be my Savior. A decision I’ve never regretted, despite others I have.

#2 My church. I was 11 when my dad was diagnosed w/ cancer & 14 when he died. My mom was mentally &/or physically ill continually. Don't want to think about where I'd be now if my church family hadn't embraced me as they did.

#3 Despite many poor choices (mine & other's) growing up God spared me from many of the worst of possible consequences. I realize now that the circumstances that "hardened" me, God later transformed into something good - something He could use. For one, among many, I became much more compassionate to others w/ similar issues I'd been immersed in &/or running away from.

#4 Despite marrying smack out of high school, (not necessarily for all the right reasons) The LORD blessed me w/ a husband who is still my best friend – a “constant” amidst constant change. For a long time, I kinda hoped he'd change, that he'd be different - but - when I changed, at some point I realized that I admire him more than any other person on this earth & now I find myself wanting - even trying(!) - to be more like him.

He would tell you that he has changed too...& to a certain degree I'd agree. He is more like me - & I am more like Him. I guess that's what "relationship" does to those involved, & after 23 years of marriage perhaps it's only natural. But - nonetheless, the big thing that I wanted him to change hasn't changed all that much & yet it's now on the the long list of things I admire about him & on the short list of things I admire most about him.

#5 The LORD gave & took away Baby Jeremy & called on us to make incredibly difficult decisions, thereby giving us the opportunity to demonstrate indeed our faith was real - which in a strange way, was an answer to prayer.

#6 & 7 Within weeks of each other, my mom & little brother (w/ Downs Syndrome) passed away. Losing my mom exposed much I wish I'd done differently to try to better understand/be less frustrated by her frailty. Note: At her funeral, The LORD reconnected me w/ dear friends I'd lost touch with - from the church I grew up in. Who knew (God did!) that just a few short weeks later I would travel back there yet again. This time, to be w/ my little brother in the hospital & that I'd find myself staying w/ them(!), in their lovely Christian home - across the country from me - but just down the road from the hospital(!)...a shelter in the storm.

My brother's illness & circumstances required me to make decisions I felt only God should make & re-affirmed how much I need Him. The "aftermath" drove me back to a more right relationship w/ God in a passionate attempt to never not know what His will is in any given situation ever again - & to find the place where I'm not resting so comfortably that I'm taking advantage of His amazing grace nor trying to earn His unconditional love. I've lived both extremes. I’ll likely never know, this side of heaven, if I should've handled that most difficult decision differently but despite all I feel should've done better/differently, I sense God guided me thru' it.

#8 Looking back, I sense The LORD set me up(!) (specific time/place/circumstances) for "surgery" - removal of so much "YUCK!" - to make me more like Him (still have a long way to go!)...I have (emotional) scars to prove it - but I find them to be very reassuring. They're part of me now because part of me no longer exists ... & that's a good thing.

#9 "Recovery" When I admitted I needed & asked for help (key turning point!) God gave me a new & very dear friend ("A") for just "such a time as this" & bro't an old friend ("D") across the country on various occasions (for reasons totally unrelated to me)! Both ladies were/have been such an encouragement. In a sense they were my recovery nurses ... & our church here doubled as my recovery room.

#10 When the cry of my heart was finally "Please! Make Yourself real to me, LORD!" He did! ...in ways so personal & hard to explain yet I've tried at times - & I journaled furiously thru' it. To this day that is my favorite prayer to pray.

# 11 yet another big test... Playmaker was preliminarily diagnosed w/ JDMS...after the initial shock, lots of prayer & seeing many doctors at prestigious medical facilities & undergoing tons of tests, we were incredibly relieved to have a stockpile of info indicating that's not what she has (praise God!) nor was their any indication that she might have a number of other possibilities they tested for. "In the end" we had a lot more information but no real answers. "Ironically" "A" used to be a pediatrician! Here I gained a much greater appreciation for how incredibly timely this Christian, professional, personal & trustworthy relationship was (still is!).

Now - 4-5 years later Playmaker is still strong/healthy/athletic - tho' occasionally she still has some of the same annoying symptoms she had back then - but nothing has really changed or gotten any worse - & I finally resigned myself to the understanding that only God knows for sure what she has & if/when He wants us to know for sure, He'll make sure we do. At the advice of an amazing doctor (& how we connected w/ Him is a whole other "God story") we have scaled our efforts to find answers way back to having her monitored periodically for any changes. This has all been one of those ongoing situations where God has taught us so much in the absence of answers. For one, what you know is not nearly as important as Who You Know.

#12 The LORD gave & took yet another new friend - this friendship was with one whose body & mind embodied so much of what I sensed I'd failed miserably dealing with in the past. By the time we became friends many other friends of hers had - simply put - been "burnt-out". "S" needed a friend & I needed to exercise what I'd learned (compassion). When The LORD took "S", He left me w/ a sense of confidence & yet another confirmation that His strength is made perfect in (my!) weakness - & that He works all things together for good to those who love Him & are called according to His purpose.

I'm struck by how many of my "stones" are relationships (the consistent theme/pattern/design! in both God's Word & His creation). In history this all took place after the Israelites wandered aimlessly in the desert for 40yrs - & in my story I too collected these "stones" as I was pushing 40. At the time, the Israelites were heading/being prepared to enter the promised land - & so I'm encouraged(!) & can't help but wonder what God has prepared for me, at such a time as this, given the striking similarities in MyStory of History.

Just read...

I just read this. The book group I'm in began by reading the first book in this series. That book inspired the name of my blog. We begin each new year by reading the next book in the series (We're on #4). I look forward to this annual reunion w/ the characters ...feel like I'm touching base & catching up w/ good friends after letting much to much time (a whole year!) slip by since the last time we did that.

The ongoing story centers around a group of women (mostly strangers) that all attended the same Christian women's conference & were given the same number upon check-in & so were placed in the same prayer group. One woman received a "mom's worst nightmare" kinda phone call & these women bond so tightly as they get to know each other & lift this particular woman & her circumstances up in prayer. Their bond transcends the time limit imposed on it by the weekend retreat - & this new group takes on a life of it's own.

One of the things I love most about the story is that the women are all from varied walks of life. Different cultures, ages. economic & marital status & professions. In a nutshell, they are VeRy different - yet they overcome their obvious differences that normally present themselves as barriers to potential relationships & become very good friends...friends that are intimately involved in each others lives. They encourage each other thru' the hard times - Help each other in practical ways - Work thru' differences that creep in & threaten their friendships - & celebrate happy times together, etc.

Clip from the description of book #4 at Amazon.com

"The Yada Yadas got tight in the past year, but they're about to learn the real meaning of togetherness.

We'd done it: we'd taken a mismatched, diverse group of women and cobbled together a prayer group that really worked for all of us. Now that spring was here, we were celebrating our one-year anniversary--and a wedding, an early parole, and two baptisms in the lake! Everything was feeling pretty great.

But it's when we're in our comfort zone that we're most likely to let our guard down. Without warning, lots of little things seemed to become big problems......"