Scripture: Ps 131, 132, 134, 135; 1 Samuel 13:5-18; Acts 8:26-40; Luke 23:13-25
Scripture standout: Ps 135: "5 I know that the LORD is great,
that our Lord is greater than all gods.
6 The LORD does whatever pleases him,
in the heavens and on the earth,
in the seas and all their depths.
7 He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth;
he sends lightning with the rain
and brings out the wind from his storehouses."
Morning thoughts: Yesterday I loaded up the troops in Beast Master for a late afternoon trip to the pool. It was starting to get grey and overcast. But we pressed on. By the time we reached the pool, a distant sound of thunder prompted the lifeguard to vacate the pools. Even though it wasn't raining yet, and there was even a bit of sun peaking through the clouds, thunder = no pool. Them's the rules.
Qodrat did not, could not, and would not understand this rule. He doesn't appreciate — or follow on many occasions — some of our U.S. rules. Not being able to swim in a perfectly good pool on a perfectly good and not rainy yet afternoon, falls into that category. It's the same section of misunderstanding that bike helmets and having to wear life jackets during Solace pool events fall. Qodrat huffed. He huffed at me. He huffed at the pool chairs. He sighed. He shook his head. "I want to go in the pool," he muttered angrily. When the rains came and we had to leave the pool altogether, he was POd. And he stayed that way the rest of the evening. "I'm not hungry," was his retort when we got home and prepared for dinner. Pout. Pout. Pout.
I love parenting situations like this one where you can completely remove yourself from the guilt. I didn't make the rule. And I can't put a hold on the rain and thunder. It's in somebody else's hands. I wish all challenges were that easy to pawn off — maybe they are?
His Deed/The Day: Today, I embraced the roll of bus driver for a number of pre-teens and two interpreters. Let me underscore again, that I am not a moving parts person — I am a logistics dropout. But just as soon as I let go of the planning, it all came together just right.
Qudrat has been playing with our home phone, which is actually a cell phone. He texted me a message while I napped during my post bus driver duties: "Mom, I miss you, I love you. Bey." That's worth all the fare change I could have gotten today and then some.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Day 112
Scripture: Ps 87; Ezekiel 34:11-16; 2 Timothy 4:1-8; John 21:15-19
Scripture standout: Ezekiel 34: "11 “‘For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness."
Morning thoughts: I have decided I do very well looking after my own two sheep — that is, I can get them where they need to go relatively on time, and without a panic in my stomach. Add one more, I start to get freaky. Add another, I start shaking — and throw in multiple other individuals' schedules and needs and I need to grab a pack of cigarettes and a box of chardonnay! Yet, I still say yes and still welcome more layers all the while. What the heck, am I a crazy shepherd? I prefer to think I might be a test shepherd — like a crash test dummy. When I welcome additional sheep, and things automatically get a little harrier, guess what happens? I shut down and just let the mayhem unfold in all its perfect beauty. I let someone else take the wheel. I focus less on my hair. I ignore the fact that my toes are gnarled and I need a pedi, badly. I grab jeans from the dirty clothes hamper. I don't stroll longingly by the natural cheese puff display because there's just not time for all that. I let go of the me's. And guess what? The end of the day comes and no one is hurt — too badly. I'm still alive, and my toes didn't snag much. And maybe by saying yes, more people are helped in some way and it's all — just fine.
His Deed/The Day: Oh yes. Today, I hit pay dirt. To be honest, I'd been feeling like I was running a little dry in the obvious and remarkable deed department. I had not experienced any major nudges in a while, that is — until I went to Chick Filet today with the boys.
I was behind a very tall teenager in the order line. He was taking a long time ordering. I wasn't annoyed just yet, but had begun to wonder what the heck could be taking a spring chicken so long to order — chicken.
Then he just turned and slinked away. He didn't have a tray. He left the lipstick-smeared cashier looking bewildered. We both watched the teenager slide into a booth with all his friends. Cashier lady looked back at her register and then at the tray of food that had arrived from the kitchen. She looked, perplexed.
Chick Fil A drama, I thought to myself! Yay! I leaned in for a wassup? The cashier explained that the young man's credit card didn't work, and she tried it four times. How much is it for, I asked? $7. Without hesitation I said I'd pay for it, and to include it with my order. She looked befuddled and excited. But not more befuddled than the willowy teenager in the booth when I slid the tray his way. Did he say thank you like a polite little teenager? Hell no! But it felt good to me...
Scripture standout: Ezekiel 34: "11 “‘For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness."
Morning thoughts: I have decided I do very well looking after my own two sheep — that is, I can get them where they need to go relatively on time, and without a panic in my stomach. Add one more, I start to get freaky. Add another, I start shaking — and throw in multiple other individuals' schedules and needs and I need to grab a pack of cigarettes and a box of chardonnay! Yet, I still say yes and still welcome more layers all the while. What the heck, am I a crazy shepherd? I prefer to think I might be a test shepherd — like a crash test dummy. When I welcome additional sheep, and things automatically get a little harrier, guess what happens? I shut down and just let the mayhem unfold in all its perfect beauty. I let someone else take the wheel. I focus less on my hair. I ignore the fact that my toes are gnarled and I need a pedi, badly. I grab jeans from the dirty clothes hamper. I don't stroll longingly by the natural cheese puff display because there's just not time for all that. I let go of the me's. And guess what? The end of the day comes and no one is hurt — too badly. I'm still alive, and my toes didn't snag much. And maybe by saying yes, more people are helped in some way and it's all — just fine.
His Deed/The Day: Oh yes. Today, I hit pay dirt. To be honest, I'd been feeling like I was running a little dry in the obvious and remarkable deed department. I had not experienced any major nudges in a while, that is — until I went to Chick Filet today with the boys.
I was behind a very tall teenager in the order line. He was taking a long time ordering. I wasn't annoyed just yet, but had begun to wonder what the heck could be taking a spring chicken so long to order — chicken.
Then he just turned and slinked away. He didn't have a tray. He left the lipstick-smeared cashier looking bewildered. We both watched the teenager slide into a booth with all his friends. Cashier lady looked back at her register and then at the tray of food that had arrived from the kitchen. She looked, perplexed.
Chick Fil A drama, I thought to myself! Yay! I leaned in for a wassup? The cashier explained that the young man's credit card didn't work, and she tried it four times. How much is it for, I asked? $7. Without hesitation I said I'd pay for it, and to include it with my order. She looked befuddled and excited. But not more befuddled than the willowy teenager in the booth when I slid the tray his way. Did he say thank you like a polite little teenager? Hell no! But it felt good to me...
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Day 111
Scripture: Ps 121, 122, 123,124, 125, 126; 1 Samuel 11:1-15; Acts 8:1-13; Luke 22:63-71
Scripture standout:
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Morning thoughts: When today ends, deadlines will be over, extraneous guests and children will be returned to their homes, doctors appointments will be something for next week and entertaining will be in the rear view mirror. On the front end, sometimes it seems like I don't have the capacity to handle multiple projects and major events at once. Then I find myself in the middle of it all — like one of those crazy storm chasers who get stuck in tornadoes. Then it's over. And it wasn't that bad. I think God knows our capacity, and knows we can weather whatever storms come our way. Sometimes I wonder what would happen if I said no to the multiple challenges and just kept to myself? Would the blessing feel just as amazing? Morning thoughts from the kitchen...
His Deed/The Day: I hate meetings. I meeting details. And more than any kind of meeting, I hate the meeting that includes budget review or projections. I had one of those diddies tonight at the church. Instead of appearing too pained or feeling frustrated that I was sitting in a meeting instead of at the dining room table, I decided to think about other things. Instead of looking around the table willing everyone to just keep it short and sweet so we could all leave, I decided to pray for each person seated there. What a fun deed for a meeting! It is actually something I"ll do again and again. It helped me forget about my pain and wonder about the things others were going through, and lifting them up.
Scripture standout:
Psalm 121
A song of ascents. 1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Morning thoughts: When today ends, deadlines will be over, extraneous guests and children will be returned to their homes, doctors appointments will be something for next week and entertaining will be in the rear view mirror. On the front end, sometimes it seems like I don't have the capacity to handle multiple projects and major events at once. Then I find myself in the middle of it all — like one of those crazy storm chasers who get stuck in tornadoes. Then it's over. And it wasn't that bad. I think God knows our capacity, and knows we can weather whatever storms come our way. Sometimes I wonder what would happen if I said no to the multiple challenges and just kept to myself? Would the blessing feel just as amazing? Morning thoughts from the kitchen...
His Deed/The Day: I hate meetings. I meeting details. And more than any kind of meeting, I hate the meeting that includes budget review or projections. I had one of those diddies tonight at the church. Instead of appearing too pained or feeling frustrated that I was sitting in a meeting instead of at the dining room table, I decided to think about other things. Instead of looking around the table willing everyone to just keep it short and sweet so we could all leave, I decided to pray for each person seated there. What a fun deed for a meeting! It is actually something I"ll do again and again. It helped me forget about my pain and wonder about the things others were going through, and lifting them up.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Day 110
Scripture: Ps 106:1-48; 1 Samuel 10:17-27; Acts 7:44-8:1; Luke 22:52-62
Scripture standout: Ps 106: "24 Then they despised the pleasant land;
they did not believe his promise.
25 They grumbled in their tents...
Morning thoughts: I like to grumble in my tent when I'm trying to work through something! Grumbling is fun! But never productive, I don't think. Off right now to grumble to myself on the streets of Granada.
His Deed/The Day: Day 2 of Hallal chicken hunting. It was successful! Then, the realization that it was actually Hallal beef that I needed for the Mantu recipe. Oh no. More Halall searching. So much worry, so silly. At the end of the day, what a joy to have someone in the kitchen making delicious smells and a tummy warming dish. Thanks, Aria! Before that, there was an opportunity to write a thank you note to a healthcare provider at Nemours. Thank you, Dr. Loveless! Love little ideas like that that give people chances to share their appreciation! Last deed, seven kiddos tucked in bed for sleepovers.
Scripture standout: Ps 106: "24 Then they despised the pleasant land;
they did not believe his promise.
25 They grumbled in their tents...
Morning thoughts: I like to grumble in my tent when I'm trying to work through something! Grumbling is fun! But never productive, I don't think. Off right now to grumble to myself on the streets of Granada.
His Deed/The Day: Day 2 of Hallal chicken hunting. It was successful! Then, the realization that it was actually Hallal beef that I needed for the Mantu recipe. Oh no. More Halall searching. So much worry, so silly. At the end of the day, what a joy to have someone in the kitchen making delicious smells and a tummy warming dish. Thanks, Aria! Before that, there was an opportunity to write a thank you note to a healthcare provider at Nemours. Thank you, Dr. Loveless! Love little ideas like that that give people chances to share their appreciation! Last deed, seven kiddos tucked in bed for sleepovers.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Day 109
Scripture: Ps 13; Genesis 22:1-14; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42.
Scripture standout: Genesis 22: "1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”
Morning thoughts: Today's Forward Day by Day devotional is right up the alley of all Solace hosts and supporters:
His Deed/The Day: Went in search of Hallal chicken today.
Scripture standout: Genesis 22: "1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied.
Morning thoughts: Today's Forward Day by Day devotional is right up the alley of all Solace hosts and supporters:
Matthew 10:40-42. Whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous.
As true as these words are, we can extend them further: whoever receives from a righteous person should give righteously. As I write this, my wife and I are caring for a pair of rambunctious and spirited twin girls. Their mother was unexpectedly hospitalized and their father had very few options for childcare. In great need, he asked us to help. We agreed readily.
Our sons, still young as well, are feeling a little displaced. Their home has been invaded by the girls, and they are struggling to adapt. Our youngest was complaining to my wife and asked why we had to help the twins. My wife, with great wisdom said, “The night you were born, when we had to rush to the hospital, I was sick and you were sick and Daddy needed all the help he could get. Lots of people stepped forward and helped us. Now its our turn to help someone.”
God provides, usually through the hands and feet of his people. We will receive as we give. Our challenge is whether we will give as we have received.
His Deed/The Day: Went in search of Hallal chicken today.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Day 108
Scripture: Ps 107:33-43, 108:1-6(7-13) * 33; 1 Samuel 9:15—10:1; Acts 7:30-43; Luke 22:39-51
Scripture standout: "42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.[a]"
Morning thoughts: I have thought a lot about capacity for the past couple of months. I've thought a lot about how full my cup has gotten, and my fears about not being able to hold it. More on that later...
His Deed/The Day: A lot of door holding and way-making at the Georgia Aquarium today. And all an afternoon to support a beautiful niece who plays a mean game of volleyball. When I have two seconds, I want to explore capacity big time. No time yet...going to bed!
Scripture standout: "42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.[a]"
Morning thoughts: I have thought a lot about capacity for the past couple of months. I've thought a lot about how full my cup has gotten, and my fears about not being able to hold it. More on that later...
His Deed/The Day: A lot of door holding and way-making at the Georgia Aquarium today. And all an afternoon to support a beautiful niece who plays a mean game of volleyball. When I have two seconds, I want to explore capacity big time. No time yet...going to bed!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Day 107
Scripture: Ps 85; Isaiah 40:1-11; Acts 13:14-26; Luke 1:57-80
Scripture standout: Isaiah 40: "3 A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the LORD[a];
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.[b]
4 Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
Morning thoughts: Today we definitely experienced the wilderness...between rain, hail and wind during a noon rafting trip down the Chatooga, we were definitely in rugged places. But how great to have Ben and Marley home from camp. We have missed them, and loved having everybody crammed into David's station wagon once again.
The Deed/The Day: Paid a compliment to a nice older lady with gnarly toenails coming from a rehearsal dinner tonight at the hotel. They were blue. I love blue toenails. While she needed a commercial grade pedi, I told her how nice hers looked.
Scripture standout: Isaiah 40: "3 A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the LORD[a];
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.[b]
4 Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
Morning thoughts: Today we definitely experienced the wilderness...between rain, hail and wind during a noon rafting trip down the Chatooga, we were definitely in rugged places. But how great to have Ben and Marley home from camp. We have missed them, and loved having everybody crammed into David's station wagon once again.
The Deed/The Day: Paid a compliment to a nice older lady with gnarly toenails coming from a rehearsal dinner tonight at the hotel. They were blue. I love blue toenails. While she needed a commercial grade pedi, I told her how nice hers looked.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Day 106
Scripture: Ps 105:1-22-45; 1 Samuel 8:1-22; Acts 6:15—7:16; Luke 22:24-30
Scripture standout: This was not on the daily reading, but it spoke loudly to me this morning, just what I needed to hear:
“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Luke 22: "Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves."
Morning thoughts: I reluctantly had to take a break yesterday. We came up to North Carolina Tuesday to celebrate 15 years of wedded bliss and to pick up the kids from camp Friday. We are staying at a gorgeous mountain inn, Westglow, in Blowing Rock. We had a five-star dining experience Tuesday night, we went on a beautiful mountain hike yesterday morning — then, in the middle of a pilates class, I felt sicker than I've felt in a long time. And that's the way it's been ever since. Sigh. What the heck?
This is going to be a new challenge resuming deeding now that my Afghan friends are not around. It's so easy to help these precious kids who need so much. Now, I'm here in the middle of luxury and beauty — right now even watching The View with Justin Bieber as guest star at 11 a.m. — and being a help doesn't come as obviously. The only thing obvious I see at the moment is 1) the beautiful cloudy mountains out my window 2) a fearful look on my face that the cramping stomach pain will return 2) Justin Beiber crooning to the View ladies. He looks very much like I did in the sixth grade. And what kind of accent does he have? It's like Florida gangsta. It doesn't fit. Sigh. Cramp. Sigh.
Sigh. I'm going to kick this bug. Maybe a focus on others will be the answer, the healing elixir, once again. Let's see.
His Deed/The Day:
Scripture standout: This was not on the daily reading, but it spoke loudly to me this morning, just what I needed to hear:
“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Luke 22: "Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves."
Morning thoughts: I reluctantly had to take a break yesterday. We came up to North Carolina Tuesday to celebrate 15 years of wedded bliss and to pick up the kids from camp Friday. We are staying at a gorgeous mountain inn, Westglow, in Blowing Rock. We had a five-star dining experience Tuesday night, we went on a beautiful mountain hike yesterday morning — then, in the middle of a pilates class, I felt sicker than I've felt in a long time. And that's the way it's been ever since. Sigh. What the heck?
This is going to be a new challenge resuming deeding now that my Afghan friends are not around. It's so easy to help these precious kids who need so much. Now, I'm here in the middle of luxury and beauty — right now even watching The View with Justin Bieber as guest star at 11 a.m. — and being a help doesn't come as obviously. The only thing obvious I see at the moment is 1) the beautiful cloudy mountains out my window 2) a fearful look on my face that the cramping stomach pain will return 2) Justin Beiber crooning to the View ladies. He looks very much like I did in the sixth grade. And what kind of accent does he have? It's like Florida gangsta. It doesn't fit. Sigh. Cramp. Sigh.
Sigh. I'm going to kick this bug. Maybe a focus on others will be the answer, the healing elixir, once again. Let's see.
His Deed/The Day:
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Day 104
Scripture: Ps 97, 99, 94; 1 Samuel 6:1-16; Acts 5:27-42; Luke 21:37—22:13
Scripture standout: Acts 5: "38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Psalm 97: "5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all peoples see his glory."
Morning thoughts: Today, David and I are leaving for the mountains for a little 15th Anniversary R&R and to pick the kids up from camp. Wouldn't you know, as soon as I let go of my little "to-do" list and morning anxieties, all got done in a timely and worry-free manner. Marley was released from the infirmary at camp, Ashraf had a great doctor's visit and Qodrat's not mad at me anymore for whatever it was he was mad about. He even gave me a hug last night and said he was going to miss me. Sniff.
I can't wait to see the mountains again, and I love the semi-frightening idea of God being so powerful he could melt them. Now, if I could only melt away my mountain-driving carsickness.
His Deed/The Day:
Scripture standout: Acts 5: "38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
Psalm 97: "5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all peoples see his glory."
Morning thoughts: Today, David and I are leaving for the mountains for a little 15th Anniversary R&R and to pick the kids up from camp. Wouldn't you know, as soon as I let go of my little "to-do" list and morning anxieties, all got done in a timely and worry-free manner. Marley was released from the infirmary at camp, Ashraf had a great doctor's visit and Qodrat's not mad at me anymore for whatever it was he was mad about. He even gave me a hug last night and said he was going to miss me. Sniff.
I can't wait to see the mountains again, and I love the semi-frightening idea of God being so powerful he could melt them. Now, if I could only melt away my mountain-driving carsickness.
His Deed/The Day:
Monday, June 20, 2011
Day 103
Scripture: Ps 89:1-52; 1 Samuel 5:1-12; Acts 5:12-26; Luke 21:29-36
Scripture standout: Luke 21: 34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
Morning thoughts: It's amazing what anxieties creep into my brain when I'm deliberating whether I should get up and get going or sleep longer. Sleeping longer, unless on vacation, is never the right call. And how interesting that today's verse from Luke references the "anxieties of life." In that half-sleep-half-awake morning state, life does feel like it's about to close like a trap. And just as soon as I put two feet on the floor, brush my teeth and re-evaluate — I have long escaped it.
His Deed/The Day: Two spray bottles of Axe "Music" spray cologne for the boys. And that's all she wrote.
Scripture standout: Luke 21: 34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
Morning thoughts: It's amazing what anxieties creep into my brain when I'm deliberating whether I should get up and get going or sleep longer. Sleeping longer, unless on vacation, is never the right call. And how interesting that today's verse from Luke references the "anxieties of life." In that half-sleep-half-awake morning state, life does feel like it's about to close like a trap. And just as soon as I put two feet on the floor, brush my teeth and re-evaluate — I have long escaped it.
His Deed/The Day: Two spray bottles of Axe "Music" spray cologne for the boys. And that's all she wrote.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Day 102
Scripture: Ps 8; Genesis 1:1—2:4; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; Matthew 28:16-20
Scripture standout: Matthew 28:"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Morning thoughts: Happy Father's Day!
His Deed/The Day: I have so much to do for work I don't even know where to start. And did I tell you we're leaving for a few days on Tuesday? Meanwhile, all I could do when I had a few moments at the computer was to write little acronyms for all the dads in my world. Maybe they're called something else, and by golly I can't remember what it's called when you write a quality beside each letter of a name or word. Whatever. So instead of working I worked on this silly form of poetry. Gave the dads some mad props.
Scripture standout: Matthew 28:"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Morning thoughts: Happy Father's Day!
His Deed/The Day: I have so much to do for work I don't even know where to start. And did I tell you we're leaving for a few days on Tuesday? Meanwhile, all I could do when I had a few moments at the computer was to write little acronyms for all the dads in my world. Maybe they're called something else, and by golly I can't remember what it's called when you write a quality beside each letter of a name or word. Whatever. So instead of working I worked on this silly form of poetry. Gave the dads some mad props.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Day 101
Scripture: Ps 87, 90, 136; 1 Samuel 4:1b-11; Acts 4:32—5:11; Luke 2:20-28
Scripture standout: Acts 4 "No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had."
Morning thoughts: What would the world look like if we all did things this way?
His Deed/The Day: So the bus, formerly known as Beast Master, made another trip to the mosque today. We watched Edris play some mad basketball in the Islamic Center BBall Tournament. That was so much fun, we decided to keep things rolling and truck on out to the beach. With Ke$ha making my bus' sides shudder, we headed east and south. We surprised my mother-in-law with an impromptu visit from six smiling Afghan boys ready for some sand and waves. I believe two of the boys wore her shorts because we had not brought bathing suits.
Something that struck me today. It was how gracious and thankful these boys were to Gigi. After lunch, each one came into the house to thank her for the meal and for having them out there. With each show of gratitude, she beamed. I was reminded how important it is to be humbly thankful — and what an impact it makes on others. And maybe it does come back around to sharing everything you have. Gigi literally shared everything she had in her fridge — she cooked the boys up amazing homemade pizza, grapes and orange. And look what grace came back to her ten-fold! Six grinning boys, saying "thank you, Gigi!"
Tonight, Edris came over to play the piano. I don't have much to share with Edris, but he asked me to share my rudimentary piano skills with him. Like some of the other boys, he is killing himself to learn Fur Elise. Can I tell you how many nights we've been hearing E, D#, E, D#, E... I quit taking piano lessons when I was a freshman, so my piano is pretty limited. But I could share some note names and dang if I didn't play Fur Elise! I could share what I had...And he is very thankful. He wants to come back every day to practice. Again, I shake my head in comparison to how my kids react to practicing piano.
One last thing that made my day. Qodrat ran a race today at UNF. He won first place! Now he is chatty all night...just like any kid, sharing the smallest of details about the race and how things went down. As I write, he is still sharing details and has now moved on to descriptions of his orphanage. As I was collecting his dirty clothes moments ago he said, "Mom...Man tora dost doram." I love you. Thanks goes a long way, but those words go even further.
Scripture standout: Acts 4 "No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had."
Morning thoughts: What would the world look like if we all did things this way?
His Deed/The Day: So the bus, formerly known as Beast Master, made another trip to the mosque today. We watched Edris play some mad basketball in the Islamic Center BBall Tournament. That was so much fun, we decided to keep things rolling and truck on out to the beach. With Ke$ha making my bus' sides shudder, we headed east and south. We surprised my mother-in-law with an impromptu visit from six smiling Afghan boys ready for some sand and waves. I believe two of the boys wore her shorts because we had not brought bathing suits.
Something that struck me today. It was how gracious and thankful these boys were to Gigi. After lunch, each one came into the house to thank her for the meal and for having them out there. With each show of gratitude, she beamed. I was reminded how important it is to be humbly thankful — and what an impact it makes on others. And maybe it does come back around to sharing everything you have. Gigi literally shared everything she had in her fridge — she cooked the boys up amazing homemade pizza, grapes and orange. And look what grace came back to her ten-fold! Six grinning boys, saying "thank you, Gigi!"
Tonight, Edris came over to play the piano. I don't have much to share with Edris, but he asked me to share my rudimentary piano skills with him. Like some of the other boys, he is killing himself to learn Fur Elise. Can I tell you how many nights we've been hearing E, D#, E, D#, E... I quit taking piano lessons when I was a freshman, so my piano is pretty limited. But I could share some note names and dang if I didn't play Fur Elise! I could share what I had...And he is very thankful. He wants to come back every day to practice. Again, I shake my head in comparison to how my kids react to practicing piano.
One last thing that made my day. Qodrat ran a race today at UNF. He won first place! Now he is chatty all night...just like any kid, sharing the smallest of details about the race and how things went down. As I write, he is still sharing details and has now moved on to descriptions of his orphanage. As I was collecting his dirty clothes moments ago he said, "Mom...Man tora dost doram." I love you. Thanks goes a long way, but those words go even further.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Day 100!
Scripture: Ps 88, 91, 92; 1 Samuel 3:1-21; Acts 2:37-47; Luke 21:5-19
Scripture standout: Luke 21: "19 Stand firm, and you will win life."
Morning thoughts: Gotta get goin'!"
His Deed/The Day: With this being Day 100 and all, you'd think I'd have reached some kind of epiphany! But I'm dry. Must be because I'm dog tired. I'm even too tired to finish my chardonnay and join the boys for that show about the two guys who survive in the wild.
Today's deed was helping Qodrat through a wrenching, no pun intended, two-hour tooth extraction. We held hands I prayed from the bottom of my toes that the dentist would yank, and yank fast. Hikmat joined in on the fun today, too. I meant to get her a few boxes of Nutty Bars today, but that deed went by undone, unfortunately. Dang, Hikmat loves Nutty Bars! I thought that would be something she could eat gently. But I got too caught up in the schedule and forgot to stop.
As soon as everyone's teeth were yanked we headed out to the mosque to try and make 2 p.m. prayers. Let me just mention here that when the boys and interpreters were asked earlier in the week if they wanted to go to mosque, the was a resounding and joyful "YES!!!" as if they had been invited to go to Harry Potter World or Disney or something. I can tell you without hesitation that my kids would NEVER, I repeat NEVER, be that excited about church. I take that back. If one of them could dress up like the pancake, there may be a different reaction. But on a normal Sunday, it's like trying to start a dead engine.
We were late to the mosque — we missed prayers. But we got a tour. I wore a scarf, fit right in. The rest of the day was spent driving the Afghan Shuttle to Pump it Up. The afternoon ended in the addition of two more Afghans to the fun for a two-night stay. This bus driver is hitting the hay. Toot-Toot!
P.S. (One last thought...the tooth fairy is visiting Qodrat for the first time tonight. A tooth with roots three inches long that took two hours to wrench out deserves a big, phat visit. 12-year-olds are usually so "over it" with things like Santa and the TF, but Qodrat is excited. It makes me feel the same way.)
Scripture standout: Luke 21: "19 Stand firm, and you will win life."
Morning thoughts: Gotta get goin'!"
His Deed/The Day: With this being Day 100 and all, you'd think I'd have reached some kind of epiphany! But I'm dry. Must be because I'm dog tired. I'm even too tired to finish my chardonnay and join the boys for that show about the two guys who survive in the wild.
Today's deed was helping Qodrat through a wrenching, no pun intended, two-hour tooth extraction. We held hands I prayed from the bottom of my toes that the dentist would yank, and yank fast. Hikmat joined in on the fun today, too. I meant to get her a few boxes of Nutty Bars today, but that deed went by undone, unfortunately. Dang, Hikmat loves Nutty Bars! I thought that would be something she could eat gently. But I got too caught up in the schedule and forgot to stop.
As soon as everyone's teeth were yanked we headed out to the mosque to try and make 2 p.m. prayers. Let me just mention here that when the boys and interpreters were asked earlier in the week if they wanted to go to mosque, the was a resounding and joyful "YES!!!" as if they had been invited to go to Harry Potter World or Disney or something. I can tell you without hesitation that my kids would NEVER, I repeat NEVER, be that excited about church. I take that back. If one of them could dress up like the pancake, there may be a different reaction. But on a normal Sunday, it's like trying to start a dead engine.
We were late to the mosque — we missed prayers. But we got a tour. I wore a scarf, fit right in. The rest of the day was spent driving the Afghan Shuttle to Pump it Up. The afternoon ended in the addition of two more Afghans to the fun for a two-night stay. This bus driver is hitting the hay. Toot-Toot!
P.S. (One last thought...the tooth fairy is visiting Qodrat for the first time tonight. A tooth with roots three inches long that took two hours to wrench out deserves a big, phat visit. 12-year-olds are usually so "over it" with things like Santa and the TF, but Qodrat is excited. It makes me feel the same way.)
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Day 99
Scripture: Ps 34, 85, 86; 1 Samuel 2:27-36; Acts 2:22-36; Luke 20:41—21:4
Scripture standout: Ps 86: "11 Teach me your way, LORD,
that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name."
Morning thoughts: And God, while you're at it, could you give me an undivided mind? This is a big weekend — I'm on deadline and still have about a million things to write, we'll have extra company at the house and so on and so on and so on. It's one of those times when there is so much to do, that it seems nearly impossible to do any of it. I decided yesterday that I was just going to lean into God and let him carry me through this...kind of like those crazy Swiffer commercials. Have you seen them? The ones where "Dust" and "Dirt" get swept off their feet by the amazing mop that has forgotten them in the past?
It's hard when your mind is racing in different direction and your heart wants to focus on each one, carefully and productively. That's me today. But I am going to make every attempt to be like that Dirt until the weekend is over.
His Deed/The Day: It's so funny how things work in kid-land. We've removed Ben and Marley from the equation here at the house. We've inserted two sweet, respectful Afghan boys to the mix. And still the same scenarios play out here at 3964 Barcelona Avenue. This afternoon, I was talking to a friend at the stove and Quodrat slides into the kitchen, all sweaty and smiling, with Amelia and Oliver our neighbor friends from across the street. As if it's scripted, they all approach the "kid cup cabinet," grab three glasses, punch them into the fridge ice dispense and slam their cups into the water spout. Slug. Slug. Slug. Wipe brows. Laugh. Leave. Kids are kids — whether they've lived here 11 years or 3 weeks.
Today's deed to help a friend make dinner for another friend who is gravely ill. There's nothing more I can say about that, other than it makes me sad to know what her family is facing.
Meanwhile, I hear shrieks of laughter and hoots from outside. Life is precious.
Scripture standout: Ps 86: "11 Teach me your way, LORD,
that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name."
Morning thoughts: And God, while you're at it, could you give me an undivided mind? This is a big weekend — I'm on deadline and still have about a million things to write, we'll have extra company at the house and so on and so on and so on. It's one of those times when there is so much to do, that it seems nearly impossible to do any of it. I decided yesterday that I was just going to lean into God and let him carry me through this...kind of like those crazy Swiffer commercials. Have you seen them? The ones where "Dust" and "Dirt" get swept off their feet by the amazing mop that has forgotten them in the past?
It's hard when your mind is racing in different direction and your heart wants to focus on each one, carefully and productively. That's me today. But I am going to make every attempt to be like that Dirt until the weekend is over.
His Deed/The Day: It's so funny how things work in kid-land. We've removed Ben and Marley from the equation here at the house. We've inserted two sweet, respectful Afghan boys to the mix. And still the same scenarios play out here at 3964 Barcelona Avenue. This afternoon, I was talking to a friend at the stove and Quodrat slides into the kitchen, all sweaty and smiling, with Amelia and Oliver our neighbor friends from across the street. As if it's scripted, they all approach the "kid cup cabinet," grab three glasses, punch them into the fridge ice dispense and slam their cups into the water spout. Slug. Slug. Slug. Wipe brows. Laugh. Leave. Kids are kids — whether they've lived here 11 years or 3 weeks.
Today's deed to help a friend make dinner for another friend who is gravely ill. There's nothing more I can say about that, other than it makes me sad to know what her family is facing.
Meanwhile, I hear shrieks of laughter and hoots from outside. Life is precious.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Day 98
Scripture: Ps 119:97-120, Ps 81, 82; 1 Samuel 2:12-26; Acts 2:1-21; Luke 20:27-40
Scripture standout: Ps 119 "05 Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path."
Scripture standout: Ps 119 "05 Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path."
Acts 2: "17 “‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.’[c]
Morning thoughts: I am not into ominous, end of the world texts but I like this because it reminds me of something a good friend shared with me once. A conversation I had with some other friends distressed me deeply in recent years. We were talking about who's going to heaven and who ain't. My personal hope and feeling is that everyone has a shot. And there are many faiths proclaiming essentially the same message: love your neighbors, love God. I don't want to get too deep on this point because I know it's a big sticking point for many people. But I definitely fall on the side of there being many ways to heaven. Anyway, I asked a friend who knows much more than I do on all things spiritual. She said we don't know what happens to people when they're about to leave this earth. We'll never know what kind of conversation or experience God offers us. She said who knows if God sits at the end of your bed and whispers sweet, affirming, undeniable truths to everyone before they pass. Who are we to judge?
His Deed/The Day: So, today I was all set to let a great deed commence. One of the male interpreters indicated last night that of all the things he wanted to do in America, going to the June 23 Britney Spears concert was it. That's all. Just one Britney Spears concert. I was dying! I told him what a naughty, naughty girl Britney is! I told him, motioned with all my might, how she was so crazy she shaved her head.
I explained she was a bad mother —
and she even went into the bathroom without shoes!
(She kissed Madonna!!!!! I shouted to myself...)
But he insisted. He said he liked her music, he enjoyed...the words. He would not be told otherwise.
OK, and to be honest and having been to Britney Spears' "Toxic" concert 8 years ago in Jacksonville (because I too was curious about the big deal was all about), I found it to be absolutely hysterical that a nice, respectful and very tall Afghan teenager would have any remote interest in someone so — Cover-of-People-magazine. So we figured it would be nice to get him a couple of nosebleed tickets — so he could witness Britney in all her sleazy glory. Alas, and rightly so, the concert was not to be. Smarter minds considered the totality of the potential scenario. There were too many things in the "negatives" column to let it happen, so the resounding decision was a "toxic" (get it?), no. So no Britney Spears deeding today.
Perhaps today's deed was protecting a very nice Afghan teenager from the debauchery that is Britney Spears.
Yes. That's it.
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.’[c]
Morning thoughts: I am not into ominous, end of the world texts but I like this because it reminds me of something a good friend shared with me once. A conversation I had with some other friends distressed me deeply in recent years. We were talking about who's going to heaven and who ain't. My personal hope and feeling is that everyone has a shot. And there are many faiths proclaiming essentially the same message: love your neighbors, love God. I don't want to get too deep on this point because I know it's a big sticking point for many people. But I definitely fall on the side of there being many ways to heaven. Anyway, I asked a friend who knows much more than I do on all things spiritual. She said we don't know what happens to people when they're about to leave this earth. We'll never know what kind of conversation or experience God offers us. She said who knows if God sits at the end of your bed and whispers sweet, affirming, undeniable truths to everyone before they pass. Who are we to judge?
His Deed/The Day: So, today I was all set to let a great deed commence. One of the male interpreters indicated last night that of all the things he wanted to do in America, going to the June 23 Britney Spears concert was it. That's all. Just one Britney Spears concert. I was dying! I told him what a naughty, naughty girl Britney is! I told him, motioned with all my might, how she was so crazy she shaved her head.
I explained she was a bad mother —
and she even went into the bathroom without shoes!
(She kissed Madonna!!!!! I shouted to myself...)
But he insisted. He said he liked her music, he enjoyed...the words. He would not be told otherwise.
OK, and to be honest and having been to Britney Spears' "Toxic" concert 8 years ago in Jacksonville (because I too was curious about the big deal was all about), I found it to be absolutely hysterical that a nice, respectful and very tall Afghan teenager would have any remote interest in someone so — Cover-of-People-magazine. So we figured it would be nice to get him a couple of nosebleed tickets — so he could witness Britney in all her sleazy glory. Alas, and rightly so, the concert was not to be. Smarter minds considered the totality of the potential scenario. There were too many things in the "negatives" column to let it happen, so the resounding decision was a "toxic" (get it?), no. So no Britney Spears deeding today.
Perhaps today's deed was protecting a very nice Afghan teenager from the debauchery that is Britney Spears.
Yes. That's it.
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