"And they shall become one" is a much deeper revelation than it would at first appear to be. Many have had their opinions on this statement, including me. My Scripture reading came from I Corinthians 11 this morning. A much misunderstood passage...in my opinion. I have heard so many (all different) definitions of what the Apostle Paul was speaking of in this letter to the Corinthians. And much can be imagined if we're too lazy to search out in it's entirety, the intent of this statement. As the years are quickly passing, I have become more of a scholar than in the years past and am thoroughly enjoy it. And yet I realize I may (and most likely will) miss something as I study; yet I can trust the Lords faithfulness to cover my mistakes. So this is, once again, an entry into the brain (and heart) functions of one M.J. Lewis.
It intrigues me to see a pattern of such an organized God! In the beginning, God created woman from man, for man. She was created from a part of him that was close to his heart...a rib. Some say it was one of his floating ribs and not from the cage area. Even that tells me women were never intended to be "caged in". But to be free of bondage by the man. And even though we women had our origins from a man, men come from women. Yes, I know...hold on man! You still have a very real part in the process! However my point is even a man cannot bring forth another man or woman without the woman! (Unless you've had a very unsuccessful sex change as that one she/he that was all over the news of being pregnant...and she/he was not really a man...duh!)
Are you beginning to see the importance of "the two shall become one" issue? From the beginning of time, we were charged with loving as one would love oneself! Once you see the unity God intended, you will also see how love goes much deeper than disagreements that seperate the two. Our "humanity" was not to over-ride our spirituality and cause division among us. "What God has put together, let not man dissolve." We fight against ourselves when we fight against each other. Oh my...this is so very deep, I'm just not sure I can put into words the depth of that statement as I see it. And feel it. Last Sunday afternoon God visited my heart like He's never done before now. I was overcome with a very real "touch" from the Lord I serve. I still am not a perfect individual and I haven't grown wings or a halo, but the Lord allowed me to experience a short time with Him. Too short. It probably was all I could handle. I wasn't "sitting in His presence". I wasn't "spending time with Him". I wasn't reading the Word or studying. I was watching a movie! A very unexpected clip in the movie popped up and took my breath away. No it wasn't a startling moment. It was a very sweet, loving moment that came from a Jewish song that was sang from someone most would call "wayward." It certainly pierced my heart.
I suppose it's all wrapped up as coming from a loving God that knows everything about us, because He is the one who created order! And it was He that set the course for us. It was He that unified us and caused us not to be able to do without the other. Male and female. Man is to protect (in every sense of the word) woman because she is part of him. Woman is to honor man because he not only is her protector, he causes her to be able to bring another male or female into this world. Yet he can not do this on his own! I know I'm not revealing some hidden secret, but if you will take the time to really think about this great design of God, it may bring a new understanding of love to you. All I can say this morning is, "Wow! What a great and marvelous God we serve." How I wish that eyes would open and see the great deception that has gone on for years and is blinding our youth as they transistion from child to adult. Oh well...
That's another story...
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Those Nagging Thoughts!
I really thought this blog idea was a good one...at first. And, I suppose it still is to a certain extent. I was planning on it being just the outlet I needed to voice my constant opinions. But, alas, I have determined it is not the medium I would like. Now, don't misunderstand me...I still enjoy voicing an opinion from time to time, but have found I truly cannot lay everything out here that I would like. I, like you, have "things" spinning around in my head about this or that. But some things just can't be shared with the world.
So...I STILL have to be careful. Now, isn't that just like our God. We truly are not our own. (But I want to none-the-less). It just doesn't behoove me, to let everything this tiny brain dictates to me, spill out of the mouth...or fingers. Whatever the case may be.
So, I am indeed a prisoner. But a prisoner by choice. Can one choose to be a prisoner? Well, absolutely! And it is a really good idea for one like me. You see, my mouth has gotten me into more trouble than I care to admit, over my lifetime. I keep thinking I'm going to get this mind controlled...but it seems to be pretty open to most people and I've never been one to keep things to myself. But I do continue to try. Last Sunday evening, a young man that goes to church with us, complimented me on NOT talking more than was necessary for the moment. I get on a roll, I suppose, and my thoughts just keep moving in and out of ideas and soon gets off the topic first initiated.
Well, you get the picture. So now, I have a choice. Don't you just love all those choices we get to decided on? I can do whatever I want to do, whenever I want to do it. I can say whatever I want to say, whenever I want to say it OR I can control my emotions, my desires, and my impulses and allow others to draw from a "pure well" instead of a polluted one where anything and everything is mixed up in it.
Enough said...for now. =}
So...I STILL have to be careful. Now, isn't that just like our God. We truly are not our own. (But I want to none-the-less). It just doesn't behoove me, to let everything this tiny brain dictates to me, spill out of the mouth...or fingers. Whatever the case may be.
So, I am indeed a prisoner. But a prisoner by choice. Can one choose to be a prisoner? Well, absolutely! And it is a really good idea for one like me. You see, my mouth has gotten me into more trouble than I care to admit, over my lifetime. I keep thinking I'm going to get this mind controlled...but it seems to be pretty open to most people and I've never been one to keep things to myself. But I do continue to try. Last Sunday evening, a young man that goes to church with us, complimented me on NOT talking more than was necessary for the moment. I get on a roll, I suppose, and my thoughts just keep moving in and out of ideas and soon gets off the topic first initiated.
Well, you get the picture. So now, I have a choice. Don't you just love all those choices we get to decided on? I can do whatever I want to do, whenever I want to do it. I can say whatever I want to say, whenever I want to say it OR I can control my emotions, my desires, and my impulses and allow others to draw from a "pure well" instead of a polluted one where anything and everything is mixed up in it.
Enough said...for now. =}
Monday, July 12, 2010
5 Goals to be Reached in the Next 5 years
I am a goal oriented person! Always have been and probably always will be. I have to have something to aim at, or I seem unfulfilled. Something to put my hands to for accomplishment sake. Something I can walk away from and say, "I did it!" And if I set my goals too high, I just take what I did not accomplish and put more effort into it as the days turn into weeks and the weeks into months and the months into years...if that's what it takes. Then on to my next assignment. And I do believe they are assignments. Assignments from God. Yes God. He is the one who directs my steps. I may do most of the planning, but it is He who directs.
The last couple of years I've had no clear direction. No goals that I could point to. It has been very distracting, very unsettling. I have felt as if I have no purpose. During those times, one must stay focused on the last thing God told them. He is always preparing us for what He has already prepared for us. He's waiting on us to arrive. And He ever so gently calls to us, patiently waiting until we can see past the pain of our loss. Yes, I do believe that during the times of "where am I to go, Lord", we are walking through grief of some kind. And during those times, it is difficult to focus enough to see direction, even though our hearts are crying out to hear His voice once again.
First, we lost our church of 25 years; a new work was started some 4-5 months later, just to have our friend and co-laborer diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, (she left us less than a year later), then before another month had gone by, my wonderful sister of whom I depended on for spiritual guidance, lost the battle of PSP and made her way home to the Father of all life. One of my brothers had passed away only 6 months prior and another sister 5 months before that, and another sister less than a year before her. Only by God's grace did I withstand all this. This I am sure of. It wasn't long after all these tragic happenings, the new church we had been given oversight of, began to dwindle away. Little by little, people left. We just didn't have enough servants for the group that had gathered. Maybe it was something else. I'm still not sure what happened. But...God gives beauty for ashes. And He has certainly done that. But not without my crying over it. My remorse. My grief. My choices to step back.
I had to have something to aim at. I needed goals!!! God knew, he understood...he is the one who designed me. He created me for purpose and for a set number of days. I needed something to put my hands to! Something I could stand before Him and say, "Here is what I've done with the days allotted me." Once I allowed myself to be quiet and sit in His presence, He handed me a set of goals. "This is a set of temporary goals to get you to the place I have prepared for you. Pay attention to them. They will get you where I need you to be and carry you through the rest of your days." You see, I have always placed importance on "doing" even though I knew "doing" did not translate "holy". For whatever reason, I've always enjoyed the spotlight. My sweet (mostly sweet =}) sister that passed from this life two years ago, let me know that I "needed to be seen." That really offended me at the time. But it was one of those defining moments in life. And it has found a cubby hole somewhere inside my brain and will pop out every now and then, and I will have to address it, put a check mark beside it, and slide it back into it's cubby hole. You know what I'm talking about. All those little notes you've made to yourself that gets lost in the clutter. But when you start cleaning away the unused "stuff" you find it once again! Yeah...that little note you stored away. That's the one.
As I faced this giant, I knew he must be destroyed. It's not about me. It's about the One who chose me. So, as I listened for something to put my hands to one wintry morning at the beginning of the year, God was faithful to hand me a list:
How I accomplished all that I did in the last 25 years, is beyond me. God must have stretched the time for me. As I think back, I really didn't like myself all that much. I was an angry, complaining individual. My need to be recognized did not satisfy. Oh, I loved what I did! All the things I put my hands to were good things...some even great things. Home education of our children, Homeschoolers United Group Support (HUGS), yearly Curriculum Fairs, yearly Science Fairs, yearly Talent Shows, Christmas productions, HSLDA involvement, Images of Grace Drama Team, Deaconess, Mary's Place, wife and mother demands....but I was missing something. I think I must have been wanting acceptance. So, I worked for it. My family would have accepted me without all that...so why did I need others approval? That's a really good question. A question I can't answer. However, God has used all that to bring me to what He has prepared for me.
So, here I am, list in hand, and ready to meet the next five years! Now I hope it doesn't get lost in the clutter of things. =} Grace upon grace! 5 for 5. Now that makes me smile! I will leave you with this question to ponder:
What would be your top 10 memories if you could store no more?
MJ
The last couple of years I've had no clear direction. No goals that I could point to. It has been very distracting, very unsettling. I have felt as if I have no purpose. During those times, one must stay focused on the last thing God told them. He is always preparing us for what He has already prepared for us. He's waiting on us to arrive. And He ever so gently calls to us, patiently waiting until we can see past the pain of our loss. Yes, I do believe that during the times of "where am I to go, Lord", we are walking through grief of some kind. And during those times, it is difficult to focus enough to see direction, even though our hearts are crying out to hear His voice once again.
First, we lost our church of 25 years; a new work was started some 4-5 months later, just to have our friend and co-laborer diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, (she left us less than a year later), then before another month had gone by, my wonderful sister of whom I depended on for spiritual guidance, lost the battle of PSP and made her way home to the Father of all life. One of my brothers had passed away only 6 months prior and another sister 5 months before that, and another sister less than a year before her. Only by God's grace did I withstand all this. This I am sure of. It wasn't long after all these tragic happenings, the new church we had been given oversight of, began to dwindle away. Little by little, people left. We just didn't have enough servants for the group that had gathered. Maybe it was something else. I'm still not sure what happened. But...God gives beauty for ashes. And He has certainly done that. But not without my crying over it. My remorse. My grief. My choices to step back.
I had to have something to aim at. I needed goals!!! God knew, he understood...he is the one who designed me. He created me for purpose and for a set number of days. I needed something to put my hands to! Something I could stand before Him and say, "Here is what I've done with the days allotted me." Once I allowed myself to be quiet and sit in His presence, He handed me a set of goals. "This is a set of temporary goals to get you to the place I have prepared for you. Pay attention to them. They will get you where I need you to be and carry you through the rest of your days." You see, I have always placed importance on "doing" even though I knew "doing" did not translate "holy". For whatever reason, I've always enjoyed the spotlight. My sweet (mostly sweet =}) sister that passed from this life two years ago, let me know that I "needed to be seen." That really offended me at the time. But it was one of those defining moments in life. And it has found a cubby hole somewhere inside my brain and will pop out every now and then, and I will have to address it, put a check mark beside it, and slide it back into it's cubby hole. You know what I'm talking about. All those little notes you've made to yourself that gets lost in the clutter. But when you start cleaning away the unused "stuff" you find it once again! Yeah...that little note you stored away. That's the one.
As I faced this giant, I knew he must be destroyed. It's not about me. It's about the One who chose me. So, as I listened for something to put my hands to one wintry morning at the beginning of the year, God was faithful to hand me a list:
- Do not take into account a wrong suffered.
- Make wonderful, lasting memories
- Be the very best you can be in any given situation. "Whatever your hands find to do, do with all your might, as if you were working for Me." (my translation) Because you are...
- No wasting time! Long hours in front of the TV, is wasted time. Time spent worrying over "what ifs", is time wasted.
- Become more sensitive to others emotional needs and become their example.
How I accomplished all that I did in the last 25 years, is beyond me. God must have stretched the time for me. As I think back, I really didn't like myself all that much. I was an angry, complaining individual. My need to be recognized did not satisfy. Oh, I loved what I did! All the things I put my hands to were good things...some even great things. Home education of our children, Homeschoolers United Group Support (HUGS), yearly Curriculum Fairs, yearly Science Fairs, yearly Talent Shows, Christmas productions, HSLDA involvement, Images of Grace Drama Team, Deaconess, Mary's Place, wife and mother demands....but I was missing something. I think I must have been wanting acceptance. So, I worked for it. My family would have accepted me without all that...so why did I need others approval? That's a really good question. A question I can't answer. However, God has used all that to bring me to what He has prepared for me.
So, here I am, list in hand, and ready to meet the next five years! Now I hope it doesn't get lost in the clutter of things. =} Grace upon grace! 5 for 5. Now that makes me smile! I will leave you with this question to ponder:
What would be your top 10 memories if you could store no more?
MJ
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The Symbolic Bamboo Wedding Arch
Ya know...planned weddings are pieces of art! If you really stop to think about all that goes into making dreams come true, you would find it takes work...lots of artistic work if you want it to be the best it can be.
Dennis and I came away from our firstborn's recent wedding feeling like we just went to enjoy the event. And enjoy it, we did! Very little did we put our hands to in the form of "work".We didn't need to. It was all planned out and carried out long before the actual event. Yes, there were still some things needing attention a couple days before the wedding. But everyone had a list of what needed done and who was to do it. How Dennis and I got off so easy, I'll never understand. We felt more like guests than parents. Thanks to Todd and Lindsey's organization skills.
However...there was one fellow that put his heart and soul into making a beautiful memory for our kids. He would say it was no big deal. But you could tell he had pride in his accomplishments. Not from boasting...just from his quiet, humble demeanor. His eyes were grateful for the talents he had been giving. He put his hands to the task and saw it through. It had begun long before the wedding week. Planning, thinking it through, purchasing needed material, hauling those materials 4-5 hours from home to the beach, and then waiting until the exact moments, in the early morning hours of the wedding day. And his task begins...
The Bamboo Arch seemed perfect as it stood strong against the edge of the sound. It had replaced a very frail, weak arch, that had been left by the previous wedding party. I suppose. Strong ropes had secured each cross point of this much larger arch, speaking majestic echos of another place, another time. Smaller bamboo sticks had accented, with support, the larger bamboo frame. Len worked tirelessly. Help was close by, should he need it, in the form of a very kind and, "here I am, use me," sort of fellow. Patrick. Patrick was always close by, just in case someone needed help. Patrick belongs to Todd's Aunt Belinda and Uncle Gary. They have two other equally awesome boys and one beautiful, quiet spirit, young lady. (Another story.) =}
Leonard Laughlin. The name itself speaks stability. Len is Todd's dad. He doesn't say much, but still waters run deep. These are the people I would love to sit and chat with. People that don't feel as if they have to talk all the time. I would love to be able to search out their thoughts and see the world, as they see. He never asked for help. Never. Dennis would have to look for him to see if there was something he might help Len with. By the time he came across him, Leonard would have the job virtually completed. We went with no list in hand and had no list handed us when we got there. I had previously asked Lindsey if I could take care of the poles that lined the wedding area...and that is all I did. She may have had someone else in mind for the job. I didn't ask and she didn't say. She just graciously allowed me that honor. And I enjoyed it.
The wedding being over, we began cleaning up the area the next day, preparing to leave this enchanted place. Working in the kitchen, Len and Cindy were discussing the Bamboo arch it had taken so long to produce. Cindy didn't want to take it home...no place to put it. I suggested offering it to the Hatterus Island Realty for future events....at a price of course. That's just the business woman in me. It went so well with the view and was a very durable silhouette, firmly braced and rooted in the sand. I wasn't considering the hours and heart that went into the making of such a thing. I was thinking they could profit from the time and effort. It would bring an easy $1000. Well...my sensitive side wasn't showing up. And the very thing I have lived by all these years, "money isn't everything", was hiding somewhere in the depths of my brain. I realized Len was attached to the bamboo archway. It wasn't because he loves what he does...it was because of WHO is was done for! It held many memories and was an offering to HIS firstborn and his choice of a wife! Once that sank in, I totally got it. I think Todd actually helped me with that. I could tell by what he was saying, that he too, wanted to preserve it. I am so glad they decided to take it home. When it is time for Todd and Lindsey to purchase their first home as a couple, hopefully they will have a place they can put it back together and display it...maybe amongst a beautiful flower bed or home-made rock garden fountain. I'm sure they will come up with something.
Thank you Leonard for the memories! The very artistic memories!
Oh yes...the symbolism of the bamboo? Separation from any other...to each other.
Dennis and I came away from our firstborn's recent wedding feeling like we just went to enjoy the event. And enjoy it, we did! Very little did we put our hands to in the form of "work".We didn't need to. It was all planned out and carried out long before the actual event. Yes, there were still some things needing attention a couple days before the wedding. But everyone had a list of what needed done and who was to do it. How Dennis and I got off so easy, I'll never understand. We felt more like guests than parents. Thanks to Todd and Lindsey's organization skills.
However...there was one fellow that put his heart and soul into making a beautiful memory for our kids. He would say it was no big deal. But you could tell he had pride in his accomplishments. Not from boasting...just from his quiet, humble demeanor. His eyes were grateful for the talents he had been giving. He put his hands to the task and saw it through. It had begun long before the wedding week. Planning, thinking it through, purchasing needed material, hauling those materials 4-5 hours from home to the beach, and then waiting until the exact moments, in the early morning hours of the wedding day. And his task begins...
Leonard Laughlin. The name itself speaks stability. Len is Todd's dad. He doesn't say much, but still waters run deep. These are the people I would love to sit and chat with. People that don't feel as if they have to talk all the time. I would love to be able to search out their thoughts and see the world, as they see. He never asked for help. Never. Dennis would have to look for him to see if there was something he might help Len with. By the time he came across him, Leonard would have the job virtually completed. We went with no list in hand and had no list handed us when we got there. I had previously asked Lindsey if I could take care of the poles that lined the wedding area...and that is all I did. She may have had someone else in mind for the job. I didn't ask and she didn't say. She just graciously allowed me that honor. And I enjoyed it.
The wedding being over, we began cleaning up the area the next day, preparing to leave this enchanted place. Working in the kitchen, Len and Cindy were discussing the Bamboo arch it had taken so long to produce. Cindy didn't want to take it home...no place to put it. I suggested offering it to the Hatterus Island Realty for future events....at a price of course. That's just the business woman in me. It went so well with the view and was a very durable silhouette, firmly braced and rooted in the sand. I wasn't considering the hours and heart that went into the making of such a thing. I was thinking they could profit from the time and effort. It would bring an easy $1000. Well...my sensitive side wasn't showing up. And the very thing I have lived by all these years, "money isn't everything", was hiding somewhere in the depths of my brain. I realized Len was attached to the bamboo archway. It wasn't because he loves what he does...it was because of WHO is was done for! It held many memories and was an offering to HIS firstborn and his choice of a wife! Once that sank in, I totally got it. I think Todd actually helped me with that. I could tell by what he was saying, that he too, wanted to preserve it. I am so glad they decided to take it home. When it is time for Todd and Lindsey to purchase their first home as a couple, hopefully they will have a place they can put it back together and display it...maybe amongst a beautiful flower bed or home-made rock garden fountain. I'm sure they will come up with something.
Thank you Leonard for the memories! The very artistic memories!
Oh yes...the symbolism of the bamboo? Separation from any other...to each other.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Dance
After our first lesson, I was hooked! What fun! Oh my gosh! If you are reading this and have never danced with your husband/wife...do something about it NOW! Taking dance lessons was the best decision we had made in a very long time. Three lessons later, we felt like we could command the dance floor with added moves other than what had been taught. Dennis had to be the leader, according to the instructor, and it was up to him to direct me as we danced. We were supposed to create cue's for every move, so I wouldn't get caught off guard. I don't think that ever happened. He just did his thing, and I better be sensing what that was going to be. He loved flipping me out and bringing me back into his arms...then flipping me out to the other side and back again. Then it was time to twirl me...out...in...out...in, three times. Not really sure why he loved those moves so much, except it kept him from having to remember the fox trot. Fast, fast, slow. Fast, fast, slow. Or maybe he didn't particularly like the New Yorker. I loved the New Yorker! And the Swing Dance. Right, left, right. Right, left, right. Left, right, left. Left, right, left. (Done with sway or swagger). And then, push, pull, push. (three times) There were many more moves to the Swing, all equally fun. I loved the Swing. We had so much fun...when we practiced. Which was very few times. He listened to the cd Linds had sent us of the play list she would be having at the wedding. He wore the threads off it as he drove to work and back. I got to take it with me only one time. :-/ It's no wonder he had some added moves! But I was excited! Because we had never danced together in all the years of our marriage. And I loved the feeling of being wrapped in his arms.
I waited in great anticipation of the time for dancing. It was hot the night of the wedding, but I still waited. Finally, it was time to dance! Bride and Groom first! Such romance in the offering. Then it was Daddy's turn to dance with his baby girl. What a beautiful dance as they danced to the music of "My Girl". They had practiced together for about 15 minutes the day before. Or was it the day of? I don't really remember. But Meg and I, along with Tony and Paige's youngest daughter, watched as Dennis explained what he wanted to do in the dance. Lindsey loved it, Meghan teared up and I swayed to the music by myself as I watched such a very special time between daddy and daughter. Next in line for dancing, before anyone else could occupy the floor, was Todd and his mom. Finally...it's time for us! Nothing. I'm wondering why he's not getting up to dance with me. Slowly, my feelings began to hurt. I had put way too much expectation into this time. I didn't give him room for his own anxious thoughts of being on the floor where everyone could see what was happening. But he had done so well with Lindsey! Maybe he was just nervous. Or maybe he was waiting on just the right song. The songs we had practiced to. That was it! Of course! Well, the DJ didn't know we were waiting on certain songs, so he played a variety, something for everyone. And it was fun to watch. But I really wanted to dance. Pretty soon Meg comes and gets us to come to the floor, with much resistance from her daddy. "We don't know this song," he said. But along he came as I talked him into participating. "Listen to the beat," I said. "You can do this!" He must have been so nervous, but I pressed, and he consented! Even if he only used a couple of the steps we had learned, I still got to dance with my husband. But when the song ended, so did the dancing. For us anyway. He just couldn't bring himself to try any other songs.
The dance floor filled up and I resolved to stand at the side and watch as the younger ones enjoyed themselves. And I enjoyed watching them. There was my Meg. She was dancing also! To see her so happy, was exciting in itself! At one point only the women were dancing. How cute they were! I think I must have missed out on a lot of fun in my young years. Yes, they were having a lot of fun...couldn't believe some of the moves I was seeing. And look at Lindsey! Whoa! She weaved in and out of the crowd with the rhythm of a pro! They were tireless, even in the heat. It had been a beautiful night, full of the celebration of two lives looking into the future together. We're always better together, you know. (Todd and Lindsey had given us a "Year One" album for Christmas last year. On the last page, there was a picture of him and one of her. Both had their first names identifying each pic, and then a picture of them together...with the inscription, "better together" just beneath it.) Yes, we're better together!
Until the next memory, I am respectfully yours...MJ
Monday, July 5, 2010
Another Story
So much happened in the week at Hatterus Island and my ego has been stroked just enough with the few comments on the "Wedding of the Century", that I have decided to log my memories of that most wonderful event. I am having a hard time deciding just where I should start. Makes me wish even more that I had been faithful in keeping my journal every evening before bed. I think I wrote twice in it! We were having such a good time, that many nights it became very late before our heads hit the pillows. Some later than others. ;-). I would look at the journal on my nightstand and say goodnight to it, but it never really asked me to go further than that! So...I didn't. =}
We left Cary, the town our girls live in, around 2 p.m. and arrived at the Love Boat at 6:45 p.m. Meghan had done a fabulous job of driving. So very respectful of her Momma being in the front seat, close to the air conditioning vents. :-) She has always called herself an "efficient" driver. Well...I've always said, "Meg, if you ever have a wreck, it's gonna be a bad one!" She drives like her mother used to drive when she was her age. But when you live in a large city, the traffic demands you be quick to slide in and out of tiny spots. So I understand, but would never tell her that. But this trip, she was so very careful of the distance between cars. I arrived in a peaceful state of mind. Meg, well, let's just say she arrived!
Getting into our "over-the-top" room, I began unpacking...putting things away for the week ahead of us. It was great having a large walk-in closet with shelving and a place to leave the luggage out of sight. I noticed all the nicety's of the room, including the glass sliding doors that exited onto a wrap around balcony that when standing (or sitting) on it, one could see the beautiful blue ocean and feel the ocean breezes as they caressed the face. After putting the luggage away, I noticed something was missing. Good grief! I left my bag with my bras and shoes needed for the wedding, at Todd's house, where we had stayed the night before! Four and a half hours away! I quickly came up with a solution. Todd's next door neighbor would be coming late Friday. Maybe she wouldn't mind bringing them. Problem solved, with one exception. I couldn't wear the clothes I had planned on wearing, because they needed different colored bras. I know...I know. It's just my fetish!
Day two, Linds and I went to the grocery store for a few items that I didn't think I could live without. Now, this is what I miss with our girls being so very far away! I would love to have one or the other of them...or both...call and say, "Mom, do you want to go shopping with me?" Or, "Hey Mom, we're all headed to the beach...wanna come?" Or, "Mom, I have a day off. Could I spend it with you?" Or, "Hey, would you and Dad like to come over for dinner?" Or, "Mom, Todd and I have decided we're going to eat at your place tonight. What time is dinner?" Or, "Mom, Meg says she's coming with us. Set another plate!" Well, I suppose it's all gonna be alright. Makes the times we get to be together really special. :-)
Gotta run for now. This is the day of the week my husband of 35 years, and I, go have a fun day together. So I must pretty myself up. He's so worth it!!! Later, my friends!
Getting into our "over-the-top" room, I began unpacking...putting things away for the week ahead of us. It was great having a large walk-in closet with shelving and a place to leave the luggage out of sight. I noticed all the nicety's of the room, including the glass sliding doors that exited onto a wrap around balcony that when standing (or sitting) on it, one could see the beautiful blue ocean and feel the ocean breezes as they caressed the face. After putting the luggage away, I noticed something was missing. Good grief! I left my bag with my bras and shoes needed for the wedding, at Todd's house, where we had stayed the night before! Four and a half hours away! I quickly came up with a solution. Todd's next door neighbor would be coming late Friday. Maybe she wouldn't mind bringing them. Problem solved, with one exception. I couldn't wear the clothes I had planned on wearing, because they needed different colored bras. I know...I know. It's just my fetish!
Day two, Linds and I went to the grocery store for a few items that I didn't think I could live without. Now, this is what I miss with our girls being so very far away! I would love to have one or the other of them...or both...call and say, "Mom, do you want to go shopping with me?" Or, "Hey Mom, we're all headed to the beach...wanna come?" Or, "Mom, I have a day off. Could I spend it with you?" Or, "Hey, would you and Dad like to come over for dinner?" Or, "Mom, Todd and I have decided we're going to eat at your place tonight. What time is dinner?" Or, "Mom, Meg says she's coming with us. Set another plate!" Well, I suppose it's all gonna be alright. Makes the times we get to be together really special. :-)
Gotta run for now. This is the day of the week my husband of 35 years, and I, go have a fun day together. So I must pretty myself up. He's so worth it!!! Later, my friends!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
"The Wedding of the Century"
There has been so very much irony that has surrounded this union. Allow me just a few reflections... Let's start with the grooms ring. They had decided not to engrave to keep costs down. When they picked the rings up, on the inside of the grooms ring was the word, "faith". Remember, they did not order any engravings. For the sake of time, they kept the ring as it was. The brides ring has 19 stones, the engagement 3. I am a very big number gal. I believe God has set this world in motion with perfection and numbers are very significant. Pacify me for a moment while I share a few irony's.
Todd and Lindsey had their first date on March 19th, 2009. That would be 3/19. (collective stones in brides rings...3 in the engagement, 19 in the wedding band). Pretty cool, huh? Spiritually speaking, the number 19 means "faith". (The word inscripted inside the grooms ring) Go figure! Ephesians 2:8 says, "For by grace are you saved through faith;" Five is the number for grace and 14 is the number for salvation. Faith puts us into grace, "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand," (Romans 5:2) At the same time that faith gives us access into grace, it also brings salvation. So when five, for grace, is added to 14, for salvation, the sum is 19, or faith. (The word inscripted on the grooms ring...without instruction from him!) Now, don't tell me God isn't behind all this. I don't believe in coincidences like this. Besides this is only one happening. There are many. Like Todd living on Granby Court. Lindsey's dad was raised in a little town called Granby, MO. Todd has only one sibling. A brother. Aaron Lee is his name. Lindsey's middle name is Erin. She has only one sibling. A sister. Meghan Leigh is her name. Just a little ironic that Todd's brother's name in Aaron Leigh...Both Todd and Aaron and Lindsey and Meg, are very close.
Well, the wedding week was such an awesome time together. Each family getting to know each other just a little better in the peacefulness of the ocean front; in one of the most beautiful settings in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Awww...the Love Boat! Six master bedrooms and one large bedroom with bunk beds for the young teens that came with the minister and his wife. Whose last name just happens to be "Lewis." From Raleigh, NC. Unbelievable!!! Ya see what I'm sayin'? God is at work in the smallest details of our lives. Not that it's important for the minister's name to be Lewis...it's just God showing me how very much He is on the scene! It's His way of confirming to me that He is indeed present in the affairs of my life and those I hold so close to my heart. And what a great family this minister has! Dennis and I went for breakfast one morning with them to The Gingerbread House. What lovely daughters Tony and Paige have! It is so very refreshing to see children that have been disciplined to respect others. Not only do they esteem their parents as treasures, but they also show respect for others. Rare indeed. They are proof that discipline is so very important. Parents don't seem to get it. Consistent discipline may be painful for the moment, but reaps great rewards! What a joy it was getting to know this fine family. I do hope it is the beginning of many years of friendship.
Then there was Grandad and Grandmom! What lovely people! Grandmom has the prettiest blue eyes, that when you look into them, they sparkle. She is mischievous to put it mildly, yet very lady-like. One day, she visited her grandsons, Todd's and Aaron's, bedroom while they were out. She thought it would be funny to short-sheet Todd's bed. We all got the biggest kick out of that one. Oh boy...her eyes danced when she saw him. And, the quiet, steady demeanor that identifies Todd, allowed the cutest half-smile to come across his face when he saw her. They seem to understand each other. =} Grandad is more talkative than you would expect an 82 (I think) year old to be. I love him! He has been oversees twice with the military and now holds a position choosing young men that might qualify for a training program in the military. Yes, he still works! Sharp as a tack! Just another reason I don't believe in retirement. He puts in 40 to 50 hours a week! Simply amazing! Pretty amazing people.
Our Lindsey and her Todd, are very organized people. Lindsey had this huge binder, attractively put together with all the information that would go into the making of one near perfect wedding. I say, "near" because the mother of the bride and as far as I know, the mother of the groom...both forgot to wear the absolutely beautiful wrist corsages prepared for them. They were in the ground floor fridge. I didn't even think about it until I was in the plane headed back to OK. How I wish I had that corsage! I would have pressed it between the pages of a book and kept the memory. But it didn't keep the bride from having the time of her life. I think her day was very fulfilling, even during "the walk" to her waiting entourage. As her daddy escourted her toward the sound, her emotions began to come to the surface, having been controlled just a little too long. "We need to talk about something funny," she told her Daddy. "Like what," says Dennis. "We could talk about Mom falling over the luggage in my bedroom." (Awww...sweet laughter).
These are only a very few of my memories...ones that God has brought back to my memory on this early fourth of July day. I fell asleep on the couch somewhere around 10, maybe it was 11. Dennis went on to bed at some point, but I didn't wake up until 2:22 this morning. Yup...the number thing is popping back up in my life. So, I had to search it out just a little. And after finding out a few things, which really gave me a sense of understanding why some things are like they are, I decided to reflect on the events of June 12-21. Wonderful, great, memories. Some were united for life...some were released from their own prision...some were refreshed...many were influenced!
But that's another story...
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