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| The red was on purpose! |
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| Two Republican Nerds |
9/25/13
9/23/13
The Cliche Post
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| STORIES Photography via juleeannw on instagram |
More on that later, for now, a bucket list and a poem.
✓ Take a train trip
✓ See a play on Broadway
✓ Visit Washington DC
That is, as long as I don't kick the bucket before Thursday, this week.
Tucked away in our subconscious minds is an idyllic vision in which we see ourselves on a long journey that spans an entire continent. We’re traveling by train and, from the windows, we drink in the passing scenes of cars on nearby highways, of children waving at crossings, of cattle grazing in distant pastures, of smoke pouring from power plants, of row upon row upon row of cotton and corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of city skylines and village halls.
But uppermost in our conscious minds is our final destination–for at a certain hour and on a given day, our train will finally pull into the Station with bells ringing, flags waving, and bands playing. And once that day comes, so many wonderful dreams will come true. So restlessly, we pace the aisles and count the miles, peering ahead, waiting, waiting, waiting for the Station.
“Yes, when we reach the Station, that will be it!” we promise ourselves. “When we’re eighteen. . . win that promotion. . . put the last kid through college. . . buy that Mercedes-Benz. . . have a nest egg for retirement!”
From that day on we will all live happily ever after.
Sooner or later, however, we must realize there is no Station in this life, no one earthly place to arrive at once and for all. The journey is the joy. The Station is an illusion–it constantly outdistances us. Yesterday’s a memory, tomorrow’s a dream. Yesterday belongs to a history, tomorrow belongs to God. Yesterday’s a fading sunset, tomorrow’s a faint sunrise. Only today is there light enough to love and live.
So, gently close the door on yesterday and throw the key away. It isn’t the burdens of today that drive men mad, but rather regret over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who would rob us of today. ~ Robert J Hastings
9/6/13
Give1Save1
Breaking all the 5-minute Friday rules and posting my daughter's writing from Thursday! I hope you all don't mind, it's a great concept this giving and sharing on the internet. Feel free to pass this along and/or give them $1 (or more) to help them adopt from the Congo. God bless you all today and thank you.
I keep imagining what it will feel like when we hold our baby for the first time. It will be such a different experience than with our first. After a c-section, I couldn't feel (physically) much of anything when they handed Max to me. I could, however feel my heart exploding in my chest. I could feel the way his skin felt against my face. I could feel the weight of the responsibility that was now mine.
This time though, we will walk into an orphanage on the other side of the world, we will walk into a room, we will be handed our baby. How will THAT feel? Now, knowing what it's like to be a mother, I will probably be overwhelmed by this moment. I didn't cry when they handed Max to me, maybe because I didn't know how much I would love him, maybe because I was numb (literally), maybe because the labor was over and that just made me happy...who knows why. This time, I will cry. Because I know. I know what it's like to stay up nights with a sick baby. I know what it's like to have them wrap their little arms around my neck and say "wuv you mommy!" I know a mother's love. I will sob uncontrollably. I'm a little worried I will scare the baby. When Tony and I went to a documentary earlier this year on adoption...we watched a scene where a family had met their baby finally after three years of waiting. I was crying so hard I couldn't breathe. Tony had to ask me if I was gonna be ok. I am so moved by the bond of family. And those people were strangers.
About half of the people that have donated to our adoption, are also strangers. Not anymore. They have linked themselves to our family for all time. They are moved by the bond of family too...and they have made an impact on ours forever.
Our friends, family and strangers have blessed us with a total of 1,196 today! I thought the first few days would be really great and then the giving might taper off as people got sick of sharing our site :) But that is human thinking, and humans are clearly not running the show. The almighty God of the universe is. Thank God for that. And thank God for you.
Two more days team! Share us! You are making a huge difference. Huge.
1. Read their story here: http://give1save1africa.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-schmid-family.html
2. Give to their cause here: https://purecharity.com/tonyjenschmid-adoption
3. Paypal on blog sidebar here: http://beforeandafrica.blogspot.com
Linking today with:
I keep imagining what it will feel like when we hold our baby for the first time. It will be such a different experience than with our first. After a c-section, I couldn't feel (physically) much of anything when they handed Max to me. I could, however feel my heart exploding in my chest. I could feel the way his skin felt against my face. I could feel the weight of the responsibility that was now mine. This time though, we will walk into an orphanage on the other side of the world, we will walk into a room, we will be handed our baby. How will THAT feel? Now, knowing what it's like to be a mother, I will probably be overwhelmed by this moment. I didn't cry when they handed Max to me, maybe because I didn't know how much I would love him, maybe because I was numb (literally), maybe because the labor was over and that just made me happy...who knows why. This time, I will cry. Because I know. I know what it's like to stay up nights with a sick baby. I know what it's like to have them wrap their little arms around my neck and say "wuv you mommy!" I know a mother's love. I will sob uncontrollably. I'm a little worried I will scare the baby. When Tony and I went to a documentary earlier this year on adoption...we watched a scene where a family had met their baby finally after three years of waiting. I was crying so hard I couldn't breathe. Tony had to ask me if I was gonna be ok. I am so moved by the bond of family. And those people were strangers.
About half of the people that have donated to our adoption, are also strangers. Not anymore. They have linked themselves to our family for all time. They are moved by the bond of family too...and they have made an impact on ours forever.
Our friends, family and strangers have blessed us with a total of 1,196 today! I thought the first few days would be really great and then the giving might taper off as people got sick of sharing our site :) But that is human thinking, and humans are clearly not running the show. The almighty God of the universe is. Thank God for that. And thank God for you.
Two more days team! Share us! You are making a huge difference. Huge.
1. Read their story here: http://give1save1africa.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-schmid-family.html
2. Give to their cause here: https://purecharity.com/tonyjenschmid-adoption
3. Paypal on blog sidebar here: http://beforeandafrica.blogspot.com
Linking today with:
9/2/13
Family Farm Fun Post #1
Would you consider a $1 donation to help this family {my daughter, SIL, and grandson} adopt a baby from the Congo?
1. Donate here: https://www.purecharity.com/tonyjenschmid-adoption
2. Read their story here: http://beforeandafrica.blogspot.com
3. Share their story with this link: {Featured family Sept 2 - 7}
http://give1save1africa.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-schmid-family.html
4. Watch their video here:
It's been a long hard summer. I'm {somewhat} still recouperating from breast cancer surgery, and 15 days into my 5 years on Femura.
So I needed a big chill and who better than a house full of family. I even played the breast cancer card and made everyone sit still for a photo.
Let everything I do and every word I say point back to You!
I'm blessed and grateful.
Linking up today with:
1. Donate here: https://www.purecharity.com/tonyjenschmid-adoption
2. Read their story here: http://beforeandafrica.blogspot.com
3. Share their story with this link: {Featured family Sept 2 - 7}
http://give1save1africa.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-schmid-family.html
4. Watch their video here:
Our Adoption from Jennifer Schmid on Vimeo.
It's been a long hard summer. I'm {somewhat} still recouperating from breast cancer surgery, and 15 days into my 5 years on Femura.
So I needed a big chill and who better than a house full of family. I even played the breast cancer card and made everyone sit still for a photo.
Let everything I do and every word I say point back to You!
I'm blessed and grateful.
You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.
Isaiah 55:12
8/9/13
Living On A Farm
While the sun creeps up over pristine green beans, and casts a pink hue on the grey barns, I sit with my 85 year old dad. Mom left for the day and he seems lonely.
Why wouldn't he? They've been together since 1952. They have 5 children, 12 grand children and their 7 spouses, and 10 almost 14 great grandchildren.
The farmer and the farmer's wife.
We reminisce about reunions (happy birthday cousin Marcia) and life on the farm then and now. Today he'll mow the yard, vacuum the cottage for his bride, and think on the past, with bright hope for the future ever on his mind.
A full life even through the storms.
Me and my Mr. live in the big house right next door and every morning I see them, leaning over their bibles, trying to get closer to the light. They drink their coffee, pray and live content. Another day traveling together. On the farm.
Mom took an abundance of great grand kid's clothes to her friends' garage sale. One of her granddaughters is adopting a baby from the Congo and other grandchildren donated their arsenal of baby clothes to help raise funds for the adoption.
This unnamed baby along with great grand babies #11 (due any minute) #12 (due in November) and #13 (due in January) may meet great grandma and grandpa Lloyd and Thelma, on occasion.
We will tell them story upon story, so that, the farmer and his wife's legacy of faith, work, laughter, tears, life and love will be passed on throughout the generations.
Linking today with Lisa-Jo Baker and the gals over at 5-minute Friday
Why wouldn't he? They've been together since 1952. They have 5 children, 12 grand children and their 7 spouses, and 10 almost 14 great grandchildren.
The farmer and the farmer's wife.
We reminisce about reunions (happy birthday cousin Marcia) and life on the farm then and now. Today he'll mow the yard, vacuum the cottage for his bride, and think on the past, with bright hope for the future ever on his mind.
A full life even through the storms.
Me and my Mr. live in the big house right next door and every morning I see them, leaning over their bibles, trying to get closer to the light. They drink their coffee, pray and live content. Another day traveling together. On the farm.
Mom took an abundance of great grand kid's clothes to her friends' garage sale. One of her granddaughters is adopting a baby from the Congo and other grandchildren donated their arsenal of baby clothes to help raise funds for the adoption.
This unnamed baby along with great grand babies #11 (due any minute) #12 (due in November) and #13 (due in January) may meet great grandma and grandpa Lloyd and Thelma, on occasion.
We will tell them story upon story, so that, the farmer and his wife's legacy of faith, work, laughter, tears, life and love will be passed on throughout the generations.
Linking today with Lisa-Jo Baker and the gals over at 5-minute Friday
8/7/13
Markers And Advocates
Summer 2013.
God has given us the Holy Spirit to help, comfort, teach, and to pray to the Father when we have no words.
A marker in my life for sure!
We're in the middle of deciding if I will "do" a round of chemo and then the "5-year pill" Sorry, I don't do technical terms. Or if I will fore go the chemo and just opt for the hormone therapy pill.
So today I sit for practically a full day of testing to help make that determination. Just like surgery day there are lots of markers. A wrist band, right or left side,? what's your birthday?
Them determining who I am and then marking the vials, and the charts.
The technicians tell me, "Lay very still, take a deep breath and hold it, we'll only take a few more then you'll be outta here. We'll get the results to your doctor. Advocates.
Them determining who I am and then marking the vials, and the charts.
The technicians tell me, "Lay very still, take a deep breath and hold it, we'll only take a few more then you'll be outta here. We'll get the results to your doctor. Advocates.
Many other situations have come knocking this summer. The least of these is not the water situation we've been having at the farm.
Right after a brand new water purifier system, we received a new meter. It's a long story but basically it was determined there was a leak somewhere along the line. So we walked the road along the farm, with water dowsing sticks. We looked for soft spots, and bubbling brooks, we tweaked all the appliances, we racked our brains, we blamed the new water system, and we grew more and more frustrated.
At our wit's end, sandwiched between dr visits, and surgery, and moments before calling a water doctor from the big city who would come with stethoscopes, monitors, and a hefty invoice we called the local plumber, Carl.
Carl came up the drive and stated, "We'll find your problem ... today." Almost the best words of encouragement I've heard in the last month and 1/2. This simple statement gave me renewed hope. We would put our trust in Carl.
A couple times during his investigation, he would calmly state, "We're gonna get to the bottom of this ... today." I don't want to place blame, but the new meter read that we had consumed 1/2 of a water tower in one month. We either had a major leak or we were soon to disappear in a large sink hole.
We got out the witching sticks again, and red flagged the whole 2 acres ... where we thought the water pipes crisscrossed the lawn. More markers.
Carl found no leak, so we asked him to put that in writing. But he wasn't ready to leave us to fend for ourselves at a town hall meeting. He wanted to find the source of the problem. So with combinations too numerous to even count we started a meter, appliance, mechanical quest to get to the bottom of our problem.
Late in the day, with the dream team of "the town," the meter distributor, and Carl, it was determined the meter was reading in one's and it shoulda been reading in tenths! Our "float a battleship" bill would be in the $100 range not $1000.
Water Problem Solved. Why did it take us so long to call Carl? We knew he knew his business. We were out of ideas, and we needed fresh eyes. Carl was our advocate.
The Hebrew people in the Old Testament used stones to make alters to commemorate God's provision in their lives.
Markers.
Joshua 4: 5-7 "Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the 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.”
Markers.
Joshua 4: 5-7 "Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the 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.”
God has given us the Holy Spirit to help, comfort, teach, and to pray to the Father when we have no words.
Advocate.
John 14: 26-27 "All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 14: 26-27 "All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
I will go staight to the source, to get my answers. I will then mark the spot in my life when I saw God answer prayers. Summer 2013.
How is God moving in your life?
How is God moving in your life?
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