Bob lost a good friend today. Her name was Boni. A friend from his California days that he’d carried in his heart all these years. She was 11 years his senior but together, along with his buddy Pat, the three of them had a special quality that only friendships can bring.
Bob met Boni while working at the Caltech Library in Pasadena, California. She was a librarian in the archives department and loved books, spending days reading, studying, and researching whatever her job required. Bob loved working with her and from the time I met him, heard story after story of the friendship they shared, so when we got married, I wasn’t surprised that the first trip we took would be to Caltech so I could meet her and see the places matching the stories he told.
When I met Boni, I saw a person that personified love and zest for life like no one I’d ever met. She had a big smile and a warm embrace that matched her love for Jesus and she loved to talk about Him to whomever she met. Walking with a cane due to a severe hip abnormality, she walked slow and sometimes painfully, but I was amazed at her energy and optimism, treating every day as a gift because she could. Boni, for sure, was a treasure – I could see that myself – and from that day forward we kept in touch through Christmas letters for more than 30 years.
As each year passed, the Christmas cards would come – a one page typed letter telling of her work at Caltech, visits to Spain, and family news. Then she’d sign the bottom with simply, “Sunshine” and Christmas felt complete.
Then the letters stopped, but we didn’t know why. The last one we’d received was 2009 but we figured it was just due to busy schedules or maybe extended travel. 2010 went by, then 2011 and Bob decided to give her a call. Looking up her name and finding it disconnected, he went on the internet to find another number but instead of a connection – found a notice saying she’d gone to be with the Lord.
How do you deal with news like that? With the hole in your heart that aches for the loss? It’s hard, that’s for sure, and it reminds us how fragile life can really be. Earlier today, Bob and I passed our church on the way to the movies. A funeral was in session and we wondered who had passed. For a moment we drove in silence, then talked about Bob’s mom and the difference she made in our lives. Not everyone knew her, but those she touched, will always remember her for loving ways.
That would be Boni. A life who loved to live and lived to love.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Journaling God
I used to keep a journal called God-sightings. Every day I would write something down that helped me focus on thankfulness. Sometimes it would be big things, other times it would be something small, but at the end of the year I could look back and see that God was a part of my life in everything I did.
It takes work to keep a God journal. You have to make time to look around you. To see the small stuff. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve kept up my journal and I now wish I could recapture the lost miracles. But I’ve made up my mind that it’s too worth it to not make the time. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, it seems appropriate to begin my daily ritual again.
This week God blessed me in many ways ~ from getting me through a busy 5 days at work, to giving me an unexpected surprise with my published article in Reminisce. Even today, someone in the parking lot at church caught me unawares by telling me she’d read my article. I got two calls from Andrew over the weekend, enjoyed crisp sunny weather, spending the day getting the yard ready for winter. God helped me fix an incredible meal of ribs and winter squash and has helped me stretch my money in my wallet when our resources have been low.
This week, my boss gave us tickets to see his daughter’s high school performance, so Bob and I had the chance to spend an evening with he and his wife and meet his stepmom and father. When given the sad news that my other boss’s wife learned she has cancer, God helped me give him words of encouragement and the chance to pray.
Thanksgiving is everywhere if we take the time to look. I , for one, need to set my sights on Him and get ready to really give thanks.
Have you seen God lately? Try writing it down...
It takes work to keep a God journal. You have to make time to look around you. To see the small stuff. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve kept up my journal and I now wish I could recapture the lost miracles. But I’ve made up my mind that it’s too worth it to not make the time. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, it seems appropriate to begin my daily ritual again.
This week God blessed me in many ways ~ from getting me through a busy 5 days at work, to giving me an unexpected surprise with my published article in Reminisce. Even today, someone in the parking lot at church caught me unawares by telling me she’d read my article. I got two calls from Andrew over the weekend, enjoyed crisp sunny weather, spending the day getting the yard ready for winter. God helped me fix an incredible meal of ribs and winter squash and has helped me stretch my money in my wallet when our resources have been low.
This week, my boss gave us tickets to see his daughter’s high school performance, so Bob and I had the chance to spend an evening with he and his wife and meet his stepmom and father. When given the sad news that my other boss’s wife learned she has cancer, God helped me give him words of encouragement and the chance to pray.
Thanksgiving is everywhere if we take the time to look. I , for one, need to set my sights on Him and get ready to really give thanks.
Have you seen God lately? Try writing it down...
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Where are you on 9/11?
It was early morning in Phoenix, and I was getting ready for work. Bob had just turned on the TV in the bedroom and as we both stood there mesmerized by the news reporters words, we witnessed the worst crime committed to the United States in history. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen and felt my emotions rise within me as the smoke billowed from the twin tower. Then...while we watched the tragedy unfold, the other plane hit the second tower. Was it an accident, my mind asked, or was it really an act of terrorism? The plane ignited, sending flames of fire shooting into the sky. Within minutes, the first tower began its descent, crumbling within the ugly smoke, followed by the second tower. Then we learned there was another hijacked plane that had crashed in Pennsylvania, filled with innocent people, leaving America awash in ash and death.
I thought about people I didn't even know that had become a part of me, wanting to never forget who they were. For days I watched rerun after rerun of the nightmarish scenes, imagining demons forming in the smoke. Freedom was forever ripped from my mind as I tried to understand why Al Quaida hated us so much. Every time I heard the words Iraq, Muslim, or Isama bin Laden, it made my heart burn as hot as the twin tower flames. How could I ever trust again? Now, ten years later, the phrase "9/11" still brings instant images to my mind. I still feel a great loss and think about our soldiers dying every day to keep our country safe.
Do I still feel anger and fear? Do I wonder if every person that wears Muslim attire is bad and means to harm? Do I worry that America is just one step away from destruction and feel that I can never trust again?
If I am honest, I would say that sometimes those feelings surface in my mind, but the other part of me, the Christ-filled believer part of me says God is greater than anything America endures. He loves Muslims and Iraqis as much as He loves me and trust means knowing that no matter what happens this day or next, God's in control and provides peace inside and out.
Where are you on 9/11?
I thought about people I didn't even know that had become a part of me, wanting to never forget who they were. For days I watched rerun after rerun of the nightmarish scenes, imagining demons forming in the smoke. Freedom was forever ripped from my mind as I tried to understand why Al Quaida hated us so much. Every time I heard the words Iraq, Muslim, or Isama bin Laden, it made my heart burn as hot as the twin tower flames. How could I ever trust again? Now, ten years later, the phrase "9/11" still brings instant images to my mind. I still feel a great loss and think about our soldiers dying every day to keep our country safe.
Do I still feel anger and fear? Do I wonder if every person that wears Muslim attire is bad and means to harm? Do I worry that America is just one step away from destruction and feel that I can never trust again?
If I am honest, I would say that sometimes those feelings surface in my mind, but the other part of me, the Christ-filled believer part of me says God is greater than anything America endures. He loves Muslims and Iraqis as much as He loves me and trust means knowing that no matter what happens this day or next, God's in control and provides peace inside and out.
Where are you on 9/11?
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Good Deals
For an avid bargain hunter, there's nothin' better than getting a good deal at a local yard sale. Browsing through the myriad of treasures randomly displayed on foldable tables, it's like looking for gold in a African jungle cave. Never knowing what you'll find, the measure of intrigue is always there and the obsession takes over to seek sales from every corner.
My friend Julie and I decided today was a good day to track the perfect sales. So when we spotted a couple of signs, we quickly turned down the street, despite puzzled travelers behind our car, who'd had to brake fast to avoid hitting our car.
The first house we came to had some rooster decor but nothing that snagged my attention, so we went to the next block's sale to seek what we could find. It didn't take me long to see a beautiful, near-new, king size quilt, neatly folded and clearly marked at $15. Another lady was looking at it and I waited at the next table to bide some time, then circled back as soon as I saw she'd left. Its' red, white and blue design was clean and crisp and it even had two king shams and I knew it was a good deal even at the price it been given. But since bargaining for the best deal is part of the fun, I asked the owner to consider $10 and to my surprise she quickly agreed and I carted my new found treasure to the car.
The next house we came to had victorian dolls, kitchen items, and furniture for sale, but I couldn't find anything significant until I rounded the back table one more time. In front of the dolls sat a small little box with different jewelry items displayed at $1.00 each. I sifted through some rings and a pearl bracelet, when I discovered some Cold Water Creek genuine stone earrings on the original card and turned face down. The price on the card showed $24.00 and knowing this high priced store, I realized what a find it was, so I took them in my hand and...yes...asked the young woman managing the sale if she'd take $.50 cents. The humorous thing about it all is that the woman was about to say yes when her husband piped up and asked, "What were they marked at?" As if he knew their worth. Considering they were marked at a dollar, why would he even squabble at $.50 cents?? The lady smiled and told me yes, so again, I trotted down the driveway with treasure in hand.
My adrenaline was rushing and I was ready to do more but we headed home to get some lunch. Regardless of the time we spent, I came home with a sense of accomplishment, ready to conquer yet another good deal.
As Scarlett O'Hare said in "Gone with the Wind", "Tomorrow IS another day."
My friend Julie and I decided today was a good day to track the perfect sales. So when we spotted a couple of signs, we quickly turned down the street, despite puzzled travelers behind our car, who'd had to brake fast to avoid hitting our car.
The first house we came to had some rooster decor but nothing that snagged my attention, so we went to the next block's sale to seek what we could find. It didn't take me long to see a beautiful, near-new, king size quilt, neatly folded and clearly marked at $15. Another lady was looking at it and I waited at the next table to bide some time, then circled back as soon as I saw she'd left. Its' red, white and blue design was clean and crisp and it even had two king shams and I knew it was a good deal even at the price it been given. But since bargaining for the best deal is part of the fun, I asked the owner to consider $10 and to my surprise she quickly agreed and I carted my new found treasure to the car.
The next house we came to had victorian dolls, kitchen items, and furniture for sale, but I couldn't find anything significant until I rounded the back table one more time. In front of the dolls sat a small little box with different jewelry items displayed at $1.00 each. I sifted through some rings and a pearl bracelet, when I discovered some Cold Water Creek genuine stone earrings on the original card and turned face down. The price on the card showed $24.00 and knowing this high priced store, I realized what a find it was, so I took them in my hand and...yes...asked the young woman managing the sale if she'd take $.50 cents. The humorous thing about it all is that the woman was about to say yes when her husband piped up and asked, "What were they marked at?" As if he knew their worth. Considering they were marked at a dollar, why would he even squabble at $.50 cents?? The lady smiled and told me yes, so again, I trotted down the driveway with treasure in hand.
My adrenaline was rushing and I was ready to do more but we headed home to get some lunch. Regardless of the time we spent, I came home with a sense of accomplishment, ready to conquer yet another good deal.
As Scarlett O'Hare said in "Gone with the Wind", "Tomorrow IS another day."
Friday, July 29, 2011
Heaven between rain
In the book, "a big little life - the memoir of a joyful dog" by Dean Koontz, he writes:
"If we allow ourselves to be enchanted by the ordinary, we begin to see all things as extraordinary. If we allow ourselves to be humbled by what we do not and cannot know, in our humility we are exalted. If we allow ourselves to recognize the mystery and the wonder of existence, our fogged minds clear. Thinking clearly, we follow wonder to awe, and in a state of awe, we are as close to true wisdom as we will ever be."
For over six months, I worked, planned, and dreamed my boss's Finance conference into existence. Lists, negotiations, and registration took over my world and when I say I breathed, ate and slept the details, it is true. Every facet of every task was given to silent prayer and it became such a norm that when the time came, it was just a natural response for me to say, "Thank you, Lord" for even the minutest thing.
When the day arrived and my planning became real, I stood back in wonder as the miracles began to unfold and watched as God took over answering all the spoken and unspoken requests that had filled my heart.
Heaven started with a beautiful drive to Fontana, arriving safely at The Abbey to discover I had a harbor view suite. Getting settled was a breeze and I even got blessed with two colleagues staying up way past midnight to help me put together registration bags.
Then Sunday as the participants started to arrive despite torrential rains and flight delays, the group transportation maneuvered the flooded streets flawlessly, depositing everyone at the hotel to enjoy their first ever Wisconsin BBQ and bonfire.
Amazingly, the conference logistics were smooth and Monday evening's dinner and live music entertainment was like walking into an elegant royal event. Everyone who attended marveled at the surroundings and repeatedly told me they felt such a peaceful feeling, as if they were on a caribbean island. Just seeing their smiles gave me such a high, knowing that God was at work and had again blessed me in ways I had not even imagined.
For all my trepidation over the team medley planned, it too went smooth. The games were fun and my co-workers spent the day bonding, competing, and lastly relaying in the lake from the boats they'd built. The best part of all was keeping them guessing with the surprises I'd planned and then hearing their delight as each one unfolded. When they all boarded the Grand Belle cruise line, it was the last hurrah as we sailed into the sunset with calypso music playing and the gentle sway of the ship.
The day of departures brought torrential rains again even though the in between days were sunny and warm. I couldn't help but smile at how God had touched every detail, even down to the weather. It was like the floodgates of heaven showered blessing after blessing...from the public recognition my boss gave me and the gift of flowers and candy to finding out that my suite was free when I checked out on my last day there. Not one thing went wrong for the entire event and my boss was amazed at this, giving me accolades of praise whenever he spoke.
As I drove down the road towards Kalamazoo I couldn't help but smile remembering the week and how God had come through again. His awesome power and infinite love answered every prayer I prayed as a reward for my trust in Him.
A bit of heaven between the rain.
"If we allow ourselves to be enchanted by the ordinary, we begin to see all things as extraordinary. If we allow ourselves to be humbled by what we do not and cannot know, in our humility we are exalted. If we allow ourselves to recognize the mystery and the wonder of existence, our fogged minds clear. Thinking clearly, we follow wonder to awe, and in a state of awe, we are as close to true wisdom as we will ever be."
For over six months, I worked, planned, and dreamed my boss's Finance conference into existence. Lists, negotiations, and registration took over my world and when I say I breathed, ate and slept the details, it is true. Every facet of every task was given to silent prayer and it became such a norm that when the time came, it was just a natural response for me to say, "Thank you, Lord" for even the minutest thing.
When the day arrived and my planning became real, I stood back in wonder as the miracles began to unfold and watched as God took over answering all the spoken and unspoken requests that had filled my heart.
Heaven started with a beautiful drive to Fontana, arriving safely at The Abbey to discover I had a harbor view suite. Getting settled was a breeze and I even got blessed with two colleagues staying up way past midnight to help me put together registration bags.
Then Sunday as the participants started to arrive despite torrential rains and flight delays, the group transportation maneuvered the flooded streets flawlessly, depositing everyone at the hotel to enjoy their first ever Wisconsin BBQ and bonfire.
Amazingly, the conference logistics were smooth and Monday evening's dinner and live music entertainment was like walking into an elegant royal event. Everyone who attended marveled at the surroundings and repeatedly told me they felt such a peaceful feeling, as if they were on a caribbean island. Just seeing their smiles gave me such a high, knowing that God was at work and had again blessed me in ways I had not even imagined.
For all my trepidation over the team medley planned, it too went smooth. The games were fun and my co-workers spent the day bonding, competing, and lastly relaying in the lake from the boats they'd built. The best part of all was keeping them guessing with the surprises I'd planned and then hearing their delight as each one unfolded. When they all boarded the Grand Belle cruise line, it was the last hurrah as we sailed into the sunset with calypso music playing and the gentle sway of the ship.
The day of departures brought torrential rains again even though the in between days were sunny and warm. I couldn't help but smile at how God had touched every detail, even down to the weather. It was like the floodgates of heaven showered blessing after blessing...from the public recognition my boss gave me and the gift of flowers and candy to finding out that my suite was free when I checked out on my last day there. Not one thing went wrong for the entire event and my boss was amazed at this, giving me accolades of praise whenever he spoke.
As I drove down the road towards Kalamazoo I couldn't help but smile remembering the week and how God had come through again. His awesome power and infinite love answered every prayer I prayed as a reward for my trust in Him.
A bit of heaven between the rain.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
The Three L'S
The old adage, “Be careful what you ask for” is especially true when you pray to God. He has a profound way of answering your requests in the most unusual fashion. For me, I have learned to look for the unexpected, to be aware that my answer I seek can be in any form and then trust Him with the answer He’s chosen and allow myself to bask in His abundance.
This week was one of those weeks. I had been feeling spiritually dry, letting God sit on my dusty shelf, filling my days with work and fatigue and not really giving Him all that I could. Going to church was beginning to feel repetitious with no real purpose and I found myself longing for the days when my early days of fervency were foremost in my life.
So I prayed. “God, please bring renewal into my life and help me to live for you.” One sentence – easily forgotten – my days seemingly the same – until last Sunday.
Then walked in Loreta.
A young, college aged student who came into my church seeking housing for the summer. I just happened to be in the foyer and just happened to see her walking shyly into the door. Because I have a heart for newcomers, I went to introduce myself and learned she’d just arrived from Lithuania to sell children’s books and needed someplace to live. “Was she alone?” I asked. “No,” she said in her broken English. “I have two other roommates that are with me that need housing as well.” Listening to her story and not recognizing the company she was working for, I sensed her vulnerability and immediately wanted to help her. Was she here to really sell books or did the company bring her thousands of miles from home to exploit her and leave her used?
Before I had time to change my mind, I decided to put them into my life. Without regard for fear, risk, time, or other things that could present themselves, I said without hesitation, “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Loreta – today you are coming home with me. I’ll talk to my husband and we’ll find a way to help.” She followed me across the foyer, into the gym where our service was and I showed her a seat. Quickly talking to Bob, I explained her circumstance, told him what I had done, and proceeded to plead their case. My logical husband thought I was nuts, questioned my intentions and began to methodically search the internet to verify their company. He spent the church hour processing my proposition and in the end decided to follow his heart and mine and brought home two young girls from Lithuania.
We fixed a light lunch, held their hands around the table to bless the food and spent a delightful afternoon learning about Loreta and Lauryne’s families, country, summer job and getting them settled into their “new” home. We found out they are Catholic, had not been in church for awhile, but had good moral values, respected our household rules and planned to work very hard and that the third girl, Laime, would arrive on Friday.
I prayed for spiritual renewal two weeks ago and God answered my prayer. He decided to fill my home with laughter, young ladies that need Jesus, and a summer of opportunities to make a difference in their lives. It’s not a coincidence that the three L’s are in my life. God knew I needed them and the blessing of having them around.
Thank you, Lord, for answering my prayer far beyond my wildest imagination and for granting me the chance to show You to Loreta, Lauryne and Laime…
…my three L’s.
This week was one of those weeks. I had been feeling spiritually dry, letting God sit on my dusty shelf, filling my days with work and fatigue and not really giving Him all that I could. Going to church was beginning to feel repetitious with no real purpose and I found myself longing for the days when my early days of fervency were foremost in my life.
So I prayed. “God, please bring renewal into my life and help me to live for you.” One sentence – easily forgotten – my days seemingly the same – until last Sunday.
Then walked in Loreta.
A young, college aged student who came into my church seeking housing for the summer. I just happened to be in the foyer and just happened to see her walking shyly into the door. Because I have a heart for newcomers, I went to introduce myself and learned she’d just arrived from Lithuania to sell children’s books and needed someplace to live. “Was she alone?” I asked. “No,” she said in her broken English. “I have two other roommates that are with me that need housing as well.” Listening to her story and not recognizing the company she was working for, I sensed her vulnerability and immediately wanted to help her. Was she here to really sell books or did the company bring her thousands of miles from home to exploit her and leave her used?
Before I had time to change my mind, I decided to put them into my life. Without regard for fear, risk, time, or other things that could present themselves, I said without hesitation, “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Loreta – today you are coming home with me. I’ll talk to my husband and we’ll find a way to help.” She followed me across the foyer, into the gym where our service was and I showed her a seat. Quickly talking to Bob, I explained her circumstance, told him what I had done, and proceeded to plead their case. My logical husband thought I was nuts, questioned my intentions and began to methodically search the internet to verify their company. He spent the church hour processing my proposition and in the end decided to follow his heart and mine and brought home two young girls from Lithuania.
We fixed a light lunch, held their hands around the table to bless the food and spent a delightful afternoon learning about Loreta and Lauryne’s families, country, summer job and getting them settled into their “new” home. We found out they are Catholic, had not been in church for awhile, but had good moral values, respected our household rules and planned to work very hard and that the third girl, Laime, would arrive on Friday.
I prayed for spiritual renewal two weeks ago and God answered my prayer. He decided to fill my home with laughter, young ladies that need Jesus, and a summer of opportunities to make a difference in their lives. It’s not a coincidence that the three L’s are in my life. God knew I needed them and the blessing of having them around.
Thank you, Lord, for answering my prayer far beyond my wildest imagination and for granting me the chance to show You to Loreta, Lauryne and Laime…
…my three L’s.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Me and My Mom...
During the Mother's Day service at church today, the pastor asked two questions, "What is the one thing you are like your mother?" and "What is one thing you are like your mother that you wish you weren't?"
Immediately when I thought about my similarities with my mom, the first thing that popped into my head was her scatter brain ways. My mom was always losing things (her keys, pieces of jewelry, books, pieces of paper that were important to only her, and other odds and ends). When she'd lose something, she'd always say,"I prayed to Jesus...He'll help me find it." And He would. Then she'd call me and the excitement in her voice was that of a little kid. "I TOLD you He'd find it!" That's me.
The other way I'm like my mom is the way she could have fun if given the chance. My mom always said she was a little girl in a grown up body and that's the truth. In alot of ways she was childlike in her thinking, looking for the unexpected, cherishing the serendipities in her life, seizing every opportunity that gave her an ounce of fun and never looking back. If someone would say, "Diane, let's go shopping, or let's do some yard saling," my mom would drop her agenda and do the fun first. That's me.
When I look inside myself and really take time to reflect, I find that there are many ways I'm like my mom, even if there's things I don't like. She had a way of being selfish at times and could also make a snap judgment on someone without giving the benefit of the doubt. She sometimes allowed her past to dictate her future and lived in a shadow of fear and doubt that at times paralyzed her. It was only until she gave her heart to Jesus that changed these areas but she still struggled with them all her life. That's me.
BUT
Did she leave an impression on me? Yes
Was she an influence? Yes
What did she leave behind that made a difference? Herself.
I hope I can do the same.
Love you, Mom.
Immediately when I thought about my similarities with my mom, the first thing that popped into my head was her scatter brain ways. My mom was always losing things (her keys, pieces of jewelry, books, pieces of paper that were important to only her, and other odds and ends). When she'd lose something, she'd always say,"I prayed to Jesus...He'll help me find it." And He would. Then she'd call me and the excitement in her voice was that of a little kid. "I TOLD you He'd find it!" That's me.
The other way I'm like my mom is the way she could have fun if given the chance. My mom always said she was a little girl in a grown up body and that's the truth. In alot of ways she was childlike in her thinking, looking for the unexpected, cherishing the serendipities in her life, seizing every opportunity that gave her an ounce of fun and never looking back. If someone would say, "Diane, let's go shopping, or let's do some yard saling," my mom would drop her agenda and do the fun first. That's me.
When I look inside myself and really take time to reflect, I find that there are many ways I'm like my mom, even if there's things I don't like. She had a way of being selfish at times and could also make a snap judgment on someone without giving the benefit of the doubt. She sometimes allowed her past to dictate her future and lived in a shadow of fear and doubt that at times paralyzed her. It was only until she gave her heart to Jesus that changed these areas but she still struggled with them all her life. That's me.
BUT
Did she leave an impression on me? Yes
Was she an influence? Yes
What did she leave behind that made a difference? Herself.
I hope I can do the same.
Love you, Mom.
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