Scripture: Ps 47; Ephesians 1:15-23; Acts 1:1-11; Luke 24:44-53
Scripture standout: Ephesians 1: "18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe."
Morning thoughts: I am losing it, truly. I convinced myself that today would be a slow-starting, quiet morning here at the house until 1:30 p.m. when the interpreter arrives for our home visit. I had the afternoon orthopaedic visit in my noggin, too. The morning lab work was not — even though it was right there, on my calendar and everything. My brain must have limited capacity.
It wasn't the end of the world. Quodrat arrived safely, got a little sleep and we were off to Ashraf's doctor's appointment.
His Deed/The Day: I received today some perspective. Two very capable, but very young interpreters — 18 years old if you can believe it — accompanied the 15 children on the 50-hour journey from Kabul, Afghanistan to Jacksonville, FL. The trip involved staying in a hotel in the Dubai airport, it required lots of "mommying" and guidance and to be on-point to keep track of the paperwork, passports and physical needs of all those children. One of the interpreters shared with me today that she broke her tooth while eating dinner on the plane. She said she doesn't get enough calcium, and the darn thing just broke. It's a little tender, she said, but it's OK. And sure, she'd love to have a milkshake after the appointment. She also has trouble with her sciatica, and it acted up during the trip as well — she threw out casually as we waited for Ashraf's doctor to bring in the pin-screwing plan. And yes, she said, she had to carry some of the smaller children through the airport. Oh, and did I remind you that she didn't sleep for 50 hours, arrived in Jacksonville at 1:30 a.m., accompanied children to doctors' appointments today and is now just starting an interpreters' meeting? Did I mention tomorrow is a full day as well? And here's where I got perspective: she wasn't complaining.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Day 84
Scripture: Ps 119:97-120; Baruch 3:24-37; James 5:13-18; Luke 12:22-31
Scripture standout: P 119: "105 Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path."
Scripture standout: P 119: "105 Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path."
James 5: "13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise."
Luke 12: "25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life[a]? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin."
Morning thoughts: Marley decided to take on my challenge from our last Sunday School class last week: over the summer, students could either memorize all the books of the Bible or memorize five verses of scripture. And here's where I should have said, "....that are meaningful." I was thrilled to see Marley that night with the Bible in her lap thumbing through the chapters. I shared a few good ones with her, I told her they didn't have to be long — the short ones were powerful, too! Here was her favorite, from Luke I think. "Is he a Galilean?" asked Pilot"
I also like the simple directions of the second scripture above: if your friends are in trouble, pray with them. If they're happy, be praise happy with them.
The last one? Well, I'm going to take that as a sign — as a conclusion to a long lesson about worrying, and how pointless it is. Today, I am going to be like a wild flower — not laboring, or spinning, or freaking out inside.
His Deed/The Day: A loving group of Jacksonville families trucked their families to the airport last night to greet the Afghan children's 1:30 a.m. flight from Dulles. Quodrat had a hot shower, late dinner and was tucked in bed by 3 a.m. Safe travels were yesterday's huge provision.
Morning thoughts: Marley decided to take on my challenge from our last Sunday School class last week: over the summer, students could either memorize all the books of the Bible or memorize five verses of scripture. And here's where I should have said, "....that are meaningful." I was thrilled to see Marley that night with the Bible in her lap thumbing through the chapters. I shared a few good ones with her, I told her they didn't have to be long — the short ones were powerful, too! Here was her favorite, from Luke I think. "Is he a Galilean?" asked Pilot"
I also like the simple directions of the second scripture above: if your friends are in trouble, pray with them. If they're happy, be praise happy with them.
The last one? Well, I'm going to take that as a sign — as a conclusion to a long lesson about worrying, and how pointless it is. Today, I am going to be like a wild flower — not laboring, or spinning, or freaking out inside.
His Deed/The Day: A loving group of Jacksonville families trucked their families to the airport last night to greet the Afghan children's 1:30 a.m. flight from Dulles. Quodrat had a hot shower, late dinner and was tucked in bed by 3 a.m. Safe travels were yesterday's huge provision.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Day 83
Scripture: Ps 113; Samuel 2:1-10; Romans 12:9-16; Luke 1:39-57
Scripture Standout: Romans 12: "Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality."
Luke 1: "51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty."
Morning thoughts: Did I ever circle back and say how all that worrying I'd been doing was solved so beautifully? I'm still in awe.
These verses are so appropriate today as the 16 Afghan children make the long trip from Kabul to Jacksonville. They have a 10-hour layover in Dubai. And like last year, they'll arrive a little dirty, exhausted, hungry and scared — but excited for their future. It's awesome to know he will "fill the hungry with good things." What a blessing for these kids and their families.
His Deed/The Day: The kids leave for camp Saturday and there are a lot of little loose ends to tie up in that regard — pre-sent letters, clothes marking, ping-pong paddles, etc., etc., etc. The afternoon was spent packing each footlocker just right. And in the meantime, we came across a nice collection of boys' shorts that no longer fit my fast-growing American son — perfect for two slighter, less sprawling Afghan friends. Lastly, neighbors have been bringing over food items for Chuck. His case worker came and picked up a load for delivery this afternoon.
Scripture Standout: Romans 12: "Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality."
Luke 1: "51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty."
Morning thoughts: Did I ever circle back and say how all that worrying I'd been doing was solved so beautifully? I'm still in awe.
These verses are so appropriate today as the 16 Afghan children make the long trip from Kabul to Jacksonville. They have a 10-hour layover in Dubai. And like last year, they'll arrive a little dirty, exhausted, hungry and scared — but excited for their future. It's awesome to know he will "fill the hungry with good things." What a blessing for these kids and their families.
His Deed/The Day: The kids leave for camp Saturday and there are a lot of little loose ends to tie up in that regard — pre-sent letters, clothes marking, ping-pong paddles, etc., etc., etc. The afternoon was spent packing each footlocker just right. And in the meantime, we came across a nice collection of boys' shorts that no longer fit my fast-growing American son — perfect for two slighter, less sprawling Afghan friends. Lastly, neighbors have been bringing over food items for Chuck. His case worker came and picked up a load for delivery this afternoon.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Day 82
Scripture: Ps 80, 77, 79; Deuteronomy 8:1-10; James 1:1-15; Luke 9:18-27
Scripture standout: Deuteronomy 8: "2 Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. 3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. 4 Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. 5 Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you."
James 1: "2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Luke 9: "23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it."
Morning thoughts: Too busy worrying, I guess, to have thoughts.
His Deed/My Day: After all this talk about being humble, I'm going to change things up to the way they should have been from Day 1. As this experiment gets into its 80th-something day, I want to make it clear how aware I am that this is not about me — but about being more open to God's direction. And I'd hate if there was a perception or assumption that it's me who's doing the do-gooding. So I'm going to change the verbiage a little bit to reflect that very important, key point. It's His deeds, not mine.
OK, so yes — His deed today was more wounded foot cleaning.
Scripture standout: Deuteronomy 8: "2 Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. 3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. 4 Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. 5 Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you."
James 1: "2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Luke 9: "23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it."
Morning thoughts: Too busy worrying, I guess, to have thoughts.
His Deed/My Day: After all this talk about being humble, I'm going to change things up to the way they should have been from Day 1. As this experiment gets into its 80th-something day, I want to make it clear how aware I am that this is not about me — but about being more open to God's direction. And I'd hate if there was a perception or assumption that it's me who's doing the do-gooding. So I'm going to change the verbiage a little bit to reflect that very important, key point. It's His deeds, not mine.
OK, so yes — His deed today was more wounded foot cleaning.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Day 81
Scripture standout: 1 Peter 3: "13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "
Acts 17: "28‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’[a] As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’[b]
John 14: "But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[a] in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."
Morning thoughts: I'm worried about a lot of things — some much bigger than others. They range from the health of a friend to who's going to be looking after the boys while I take Ben and Marley to camp this weekend. I must have been sleep-worrying, which is the WORST, because I woke up at 4 a.m. with a monster, vice-squeezing headache. And no, I did not enjoy too much chardonnay last night for the record. Why is it so obvious and easy to understand that since God is in charge, I have not a thing to worry about — but so difficult to let go?
The Deed/The Day: I promised myself to just "let go!" and chill out on my worries. But it was soon broken by a flurry of emails I sent in a worried panic. I madly typed plans A, B and C for an upcoming event. I grew pimples. I chewed my finger nails. Knowing how stupid this behavior was, I penned another email telling someone I was just going to "Let go and let God." And would you know within 5 minutes — no kidding — I received an email of "don't worry, it's all handled." LOVE it, when I get real obvious-like hints.
Today's deed was getting a few necessary items for Quodrat, the other 13-year-old Afghan coming to stay with us for the summer. Some sweet Florida duds!
The last deed was to familiarize myself with a situation I had not contemplated before. Hottie Brian Williams' cronies aired a story tonight about how WWII veterans are dying away — and many have wishes to visit their military service past. A group of them went to DC this weekend and received a heroes welcome at the DC airport and WWII memorial. So touching! Watch this for a little pre-Memorial Day enlightenment:
Their trip was sponsored by this group Forever Young Senior Wish. There are plenty of needs noted — it's good to know where they are, and one way to meet them. Wondering where to find this group? Why, it's www.foreveryoungseniorwish.org of course!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Day 80
Scripture: Ps 75, 76, 23, 27; Romans 15:1-13; Luke 9:1-17
Scripture standout: Romans 15: "1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."
Morning thoughts: Hmmmmmm. Still half-asleep...
The Deed/The Day: You know, I'm going to say pin care again...but with a different perspective. I tried Maundy Thursday's foot-washing service this Easter. It was exhilarating. What physical way of humbling before others! I began to think of other fun Lenten "experiments" after doing that. Maybe I could wash 40 people's feet in 40 days! That was one thought. But after further pondering, I figured that might be really hard — not to mention embarrassing and double not to mention people might find me freakish or fetish-ed — so I abandoned the mission. Now, I am one week in to washing Ashraf's swollen, pin-ridden left foot twice daily. That means I'm 14 feet in!
Scripture standout: Romans 15: "1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."
Morning thoughts: Hmmmmmm. Still half-asleep...
The Deed/The Day: You know, I'm going to say pin care again...but with a different perspective. I tried Maundy Thursday's foot-washing service this Easter. It was exhilarating. What physical way of humbling before others! I began to think of other fun Lenten "experiments" after doing that. Maybe I could wash 40 people's feet in 40 days! That was one thought. But after further pondering, I figured that might be really hard — not to mention embarrassing and double not to mention people might find me freakish or fetish-ed — so I abandoned the mission. Now, I am one week in to washing Ashraf's swollen, pin-ridden left foot twice daily. That means I'm 14 feet in!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Day 79
Scripture standout: Romans 14: "13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister."
Luke 8: "“Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.”
53 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” 55 Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up."
Morning thoughts: School's out. That means the schedule is out. From September to May, I become so robotic I'm never sure how I will react to being yanked off my routine! This morning, for instance, I slept until 8:30 and read the paper before my run and quiet time. I have mild fears this change in course will send me spinning! I'd like to say change is good, so this neurotic near-40-something is keeping her fingers crossed that the wheels don't fall off the bus!
So when I was reading the paper this morning during a new time slot, I came across a great example of deeding. The story is about how a town is rallying around four orphaned girls. Their parents are gone in a murder-suicide, and all the girls are separated in different foster homes. The oldest, who is 18, wishes to take care of her sisters but needed to get her parent's home up to protective services standards. The community stepped in to make improvements to the house and help her cover mortgage payments, while the 18-year-old continues her job at a nursing home. How does the saying go, "many hands make for lighter loads?" Or maybe it's like the reading from Romans, do not put any obstacles in front of your neighbor?
The Deed/The Day: Today, Marley and I went to see Kung Fu Panda 2 with Abed and Ashraf. I was going to write off "pin care" as today's deed for the third day in a row, but was delighted when the ticket lady asked if I wanted to give $1 to the charity they were promoting. I shouted out an eager yes! She smiled with surprise and tacked on the extra buck. Easy. Then we saw Jack Black's masterpiece, skadooooooosh!!!!
Our plan for this evening was to pack a picnic dinner and head out to the beach for an outdoor symphony brass concert at Sawgrass. This required a little legwork, and with David (the picnic packer extraordinaire) out of town this fell into my realm. I had arranged a wheelchair for Ashraf and planned to pick up pizzas — and when I set out to load it all up in the car, the heavens unleashed and it began to pour. I think it really got going when I got out of the car and attempted to load the wheelchair into "the way back." I was soaked. And it got worse when I made stop #2 at Dominoes. Soaked. Drenched. I asked God why the heck I was pushing this, the concert would be canceled for sure!!!!
And it was. We ended up having an indoor picnic. The kids had friends over and they played all sorts of silly acting games with Abed — who interpreted for sweet Ashraf. Hearing their laughter and silliness was intoxicating. The boos of rainy weather were a distant memory. Contentment. Happiness. Love it.
One more thing. I don't like clowns. And I'm sure I would send my kids to Wavy Gravy's summer camp. Let's face it, the person who likes to judge others in me gets skeptical about clowns and kids and summer camp. Especially when the camp director looks like this...
HOWEVER, check out this clip from Hottie Brian Williams. I think Wavy Gravy hits an important part of samaratin-zing. It feels really good, it's a high — like a Grateful Dead, Woodstock kind of high. And it's just amazing to me that this guy, this clown, has paid for the cataract surgeries of more than 3 million people in the world. If a clown can do it...what am I waiting for? And why am I judging this toothless, semi-freakish clown? Who am I?
Thank you, Hottie Brian Williams, for once again shining the light on people who are doing the things we should all be doing — especially me.
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