I was born and raised in California. I didn't move away until the ripe old age of 46. I moved to the Midwest, which might as well have been outer Mongolia. The culture shock was truly that--a surprise. It took me years to adapt. However, now that I am nicely settled in, I'm doing pretty well. There are lots of things to love about the Midwest. Seasons, for example, I do love the change of seasons.
There are some things though that I truly miss about California--aside from my friends and family of course. I have decided to share a few of those things with you. Just because I want to--I'm in the mood. So here they are, not in any particular order--just random thoughts of things I miss.
Mexican food--that's probably the #1 thing I miss most and it's also the most perplexing, aggravating, easily fixable item on my list. Here in Chicagoland, we have tons of Mexicans. My question is this--why aren't you opening up restaurants? Yes, there are many Mexican restaurants here but I have yet to find one with that authentic California flair. That's just my opinion though.
The ocean--Lake Michigan is not the ocean. Enough said.
Mexican food
Lake Tahoe--I want feet of snow, not inches, and blue water, oh so blue
Mexican food
Chinese food--please refer to rant on Mexican food. Same thing.
Thai food--same as above
The PCH--if you don't know what this is, you are not from California
Mexican food
My favorite fast food joints--In & Out, Jimboys, Rubios
Pine trees--all types
Mexican food
Real people--by that I mean that you can't tell rich from poor by the way people dress
California casual--the best dress code anywhere bar none!
Mexican food
Year around flowers
Flip flops and hoodies--all the time
Mexican food
My swimming pool--floating, tanning, relaxing, daydreaming
San Francisco--especially Chinatown
Mexican food
Camping in the redwoods--shut up, I camped!
Sierra Nevada Mountain range
Driving Highway 1
Free highways--big pet peeve of mine, here we have tollways
I really do miss Mexican food
Beach towns and trinket shops
Camping on the ocean--yes, I said I used to camp!
Napa--I love driving through the vineyards, especially during the fall
Apple Hill--where you can get all things apple
Foothills--aka, the gold country, beautiful dogwoods
Orchards--mile after mile of trees and blossoms
Fruit stands--stopping and buying bags of whatever, super cheap!
Flea Markets and Thrift Shops
Ethnic Restaurants--every type you can imagine
Yes, there are so many things I miss about my home state of California. And while people here poke fun at her, I will always defend her. For she is beautiful, from the mountains to the valley, she will forever be my real home.
Now, I must go in search of Mexican food--I've made myself pretty hungry!
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Not Too Heavy
"I don't want to make this too heavy for you," she said as she packed up my groceries. I had one of those huge reusable bags that I brought from home. I went in thinking I'd just pick up a few things, but you know how that goes. I ended up with a cart full. And that's OK, I am now stocked up.
I really didn't think too much about what she said though until I got home. I opened up my trunk and began to lift the groceries out and that's when God softly spoke to my heart. "I don't want to make this too heavy for you," He said. I knew right then what He was talking about. Funny how that goes. I knew. As I carried in the rest of my goodies my mind was on what God had just said. He was taking care of me, of that I am sure. Not too heavy of a load--and I truly thank Him for that.
I hadn't planned on sharing the story of my load on my blog. In fact, I hadn't planned on sharing it with anyone. My husband knew of course, but no one else. It was (per my request) our secret. I really didn't think it was necessary to worry anyone when in my opinion there wasn't anything yet to worry about. I think that he, on the other hand, wanted to ask others to pray. I didn't. And I told him so. Please, I said. Tell no one.
For the past few weeks, I have been carrying a burden. It's unusual for me to be thinking about or praying for myself. I'm not saying that I don't, I'm just saying it isn't all that often. I like praying for other people. It's just more fun. However, these past few weeks were a little different for me. I had gone in for a routine doctor's visit and something showed up on a test. Which then turned into more tests. And more tests. I do have to say that all during this testing time, I felt a peace from God--that He would sustain me, no matter the outcome. There were times though when I would find myself drifting off into what if land. I hate what if land. It reminds me too much of I have no faith land. And that's a land that I will not dwell in, and so I prayed.
I felt all along that God would lift this heavy burden, and that I would be OK. And thank God, the word benign--was the word on my doctor's report. I was so relieved. I felt myself melt right into the very arms of God and thank Him for that simple little word. Benign. And life went on. Things resumed. Life went back to normal. Until this morning. He reminded me once again through the words of that cashier, that He, my father, my God, my healer, didn't want to make this load too heavy for me. Wow, what a mighty God I serve!
For that reason, I have decided to share this simple little story. You see, my life rests in His hands. His load is light. Even if I had seen a different word written on that medical report, I believe with my whole heart that He would have softly whispered that simple little phrase into my ear--I don't want to make this too heavy for you. And He never has, He's always been there, and He always will be. To carry me when I need carrying. To hold me when I need holding--He's my father.
I really didn't think too much about what she said though until I got home. I opened up my trunk and began to lift the groceries out and that's when God softly spoke to my heart. "I don't want to make this too heavy for you," He said. I knew right then what He was talking about. Funny how that goes. I knew. As I carried in the rest of my goodies my mind was on what God had just said. He was taking care of me, of that I am sure. Not too heavy of a load--and I truly thank Him for that.
I hadn't planned on sharing the story of my load on my blog. In fact, I hadn't planned on sharing it with anyone. My husband knew of course, but no one else. It was (per my request) our secret. I really didn't think it was necessary to worry anyone when in my opinion there wasn't anything yet to worry about. I think that he, on the other hand, wanted to ask others to pray. I didn't. And I told him so. Please, I said. Tell no one.
For the past few weeks, I have been carrying a burden. It's unusual for me to be thinking about or praying for myself. I'm not saying that I don't, I'm just saying it isn't all that often. I like praying for other people. It's just more fun. However, these past few weeks were a little different for me. I had gone in for a routine doctor's visit and something showed up on a test. Which then turned into more tests. And more tests. I do have to say that all during this testing time, I felt a peace from God--that He would sustain me, no matter the outcome. There were times though when I would find myself drifting off into what if land. I hate what if land. It reminds me too much of I have no faith land. And that's a land that I will not dwell in, and so I prayed.
I felt all along that God would lift this heavy burden, and that I would be OK. And thank God, the word benign--was the word on my doctor's report. I was so relieved. I felt myself melt right into the very arms of God and thank Him for that simple little word. Benign. And life went on. Things resumed. Life went back to normal. Until this morning. He reminded me once again through the words of that cashier, that He, my father, my God, my healer, didn't want to make this load too heavy for me. Wow, what a mighty God I serve!
For that reason, I have decided to share this simple little story. You see, my life rests in His hands. His load is light. Even if I had seen a different word written on that medical report, I believe with my whole heart that He would have softly whispered that simple little phrase into my ear--I don't want to make this too heavy for you. And He never has, He's always been there, and He always will be. To carry me when I need carrying. To hold me when I need holding--He's my father.
Monday, February 24, 2014
He Knows My Name
I keep hearing that song, over and over again in my head. I love the way it is sung by Mercy Me. It makes me cry. Just to think about the God of the universe knowing me that well, it just makes me want to fall on my knees before Him and worship. So I do.
I hadn't thought about that song in a very long time, but a friend brought it up the other night in our small group. And now--well now, it's running through my brain almost nonstop. He's always known me before I was born, and after I came into this world, and He knows me now. That brings such a peace to my heart. It's almost unexplainable. I need that peace right now. Knowing that He knows me, that He knows my name, that He knows my thoughts before I even think them. There is no hiding from Him. He knows everything. He is God.
We talked some that evening about the contrast between the God of the old Testament and the God of the new. They are one and the same and yet because of Christ--different. I had to spend some time grappling with this. Finally, after praying for a couple of weeks, I have drawn a conclusion. Hopefully, it will make as much sense to you as it does to me. Maybe (probably) God has simplified it for me, He's done that many times before. Thankfully.
I serve a just God--He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, that's what the Bible says, and I believe what the Bible says, I believe it to be absolute truth. I read about the God of the old testament and I see where there are instances of swift judgment. In many cases, they might appear to be unjust. And yet, I know that isn't true. One example shared the other night was one of God striking the man dead who went to reach for the arc of the covenant to keep it from falling. No one was to touch that arc. Plain and simple. Those were God's instructions. So justice had to be handed out. For He demands obedience.
Now let's look at the God of the new testament. He has now sent His son Jesus to save us from our sins. When God looks at us, He looks at Christ covering us. He sees Jesus. He is still a just God though because He does not change, He is the same God. He is a just God. I believe that He knew the condition of that man's heart--as he reached for the arc, he was unworthy and disobedient, so God took his life. He does not change, He is still a just God. However, once we accept Christ into our hearts--we change. Our desire--the desires of our hearts is to serve an almighty God. And that's what God sees as he looks at us. Deep down into our hearts--He sees that change. That longing to serve Him, worship Him, live for Him. I do not believe that He saw that in that particular man mentioned in the old testament.
Because of Christ giving up His life for mine--God now sees Jesus when He looks into my heart. Yes, He is a just God. He knows my name, He knows my heart. And that gives me comfort and at the same time challenges me. Why does this challenge me? Because I am so very human, so selfish, so fleshly. I want so badly to serve God with all my heart, and yet many times I fail Him. Why He forgives me each and every time, why He still loves me and teaches me through these times, why He has so much patience with me is a mystery. However, I have to remember--He knows my heart, He called me by name, He loves me and He always will.
Humble, thankful, grateful...I will always praise Him with my whole heart. For my God is a just God. And He knows my name.
I hadn't thought about that song in a very long time, but a friend brought it up the other night in our small group. And now--well now, it's running through my brain almost nonstop. He's always known me before I was born, and after I came into this world, and He knows me now. That brings such a peace to my heart. It's almost unexplainable. I need that peace right now. Knowing that He knows me, that He knows my name, that He knows my thoughts before I even think them. There is no hiding from Him. He knows everything. He is God.
We talked some that evening about the contrast between the God of the old Testament and the God of the new. They are one and the same and yet because of Christ--different. I had to spend some time grappling with this. Finally, after praying for a couple of weeks, I have drawn a conclusion. Hopefully, it will make as much sense to you as it does to me. Maybe (probably) God has simplified it for me, He's done that many times before. Thankfully.
I serve a just God--He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, that's what the Bible says, and I believe what the Bible says, I believe it to be absolute truth. I read about the God of the old testament and I see where there are instances of swift judgment. In many cases, they might appear to be unjust. And yet, I know that isn't true. One example shared the other night was one of God striking the man dead who went to reach for the arc of the covenant to keep it from falling. No one was to touch that arc. Plain and simple. Those were God's instructions. So justice had to be handed out. For He demands obedience.
Now let's look at the God of the new testament. He has now sent His son Jesus to save us from our sins. When God looks at us, He looks at Christ covering us. He sees Jesus. He is still a just God though because He does not change, He is the same God. He is a just God. I believe that He knew the condition of that man's heart--as he reached for the arc, he was unworthy and disobedient, so God took his life. He does not change, He is still a just God. However, once we accept Christ into our hearts--we change. Our desire--the desires of our hearts is to serve an almighty God. And that's what God sees as he looks at us. Deep down into our hearts--He sees that change. That longing to serve Him, worship Him, live for Him. I do not believe that He saw that in that particular man mentioned in the old testament.
Because of Christ giving up His life for mine--God now sees Jesus when He looks into my heart. Yes, He is a just God. He knows my name, He knows my heart. And that gives me comfort and at the same time challenges me. Why does this challenge me? Because I am so very human, so selfish, so fleshly. I want so badly to serve God with all my heart, and yet many times I fail Him. Why He forgives me each and every time, why He still loves me and teaches me through these times, why He has so much patience with me is a mystery. However, I have to remember--He knows my heart, He called me by name, He loves me and He always will.
Humble, thankful, grateful...I will always praise Him with my whole heart. For my God is a just God. And He knows my name.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Jar of Coins
This little jar of coins sitting on my counter has once again caught my eye. I keep looking at it and wondering--why? Funny that I feel the need, no maybe the desire to talk about this little jar. This jar is so insignificant, so simple, so not important, and yet each time I walk by it, I feel a pull. I've written other blogs about my experiences at Triennial. It was a woman's conference that I attended last summer in San Diego. A lot happened to me while there--emotionally and spiritually. I learned much about myself, about who God wants me to be and about what God wants me to do. Which brings me to another short little side story. It really isn't anything very notable yet, but maybe someday it will be--maybe someday.
I came home from that very special retreat with the funniest request from God. While in prayer I felt that He was asking me to start saving coins. So I immediately went out to a local discount store and bought myself a little coin counting jar. Altogether I think it will end up holding just about $100. Once full I plan on taking the jar of coins into my bank and exchanging the coins for paper money. I will then lay the crisp $100 bill at the bottom of my coin jar and start the process of coin collecting once again.
God does and always has laid different things on my heart--some big, some not so big, but I found this desire to become a coin collector very interesting. I wanted to know just why I was saving these coins. Was it for me? A friend? Someone, whom I've yet to meet? I do have the impression it's to go towards the next Triennial in 3 years. To pay the way for someone. Maybe even me, who knows. I don't know where I will be in 3 years. With my track record of moving about with my husband--I could end up anywhere! I might need the money from this little jar to get me to the next retreat. Or, I might be saving it for someone who needs a little extra help getting there. Whichever God chooses, it is important for me to be obedient--I just know that I need to save my coins--that's how strong this desire has become.
And so, I've been saving. Even my husband had gotten into the game. All spare change goes into my coin jar. I'm almost up to the $100 mark. And then I'm off to the bank. I can hardly wait. Every time I get some change--into the jar it goes. You know what's funny though? I find myself praying over that little jar. Who is this for Lord, who is this for? It's exciting. It's like God and I have a special little secret. And you know what's even funnier? I'm doing a Bible study about secrets! Sacred secrets. Ha! What are the odds? I just love how God works. I love how He teaches me through the simplest of lessons.
A very small task, a small jar of coins, simple obedience for a great big God.
I came home from that very special retreat with the funniest request from God. While in prayer I felt that He was asking me to start saving coins. So I immediately went out to a local discount store and bought myself a little coin counting jar. Altogether I think it will end up holding just about $100. Once full I plan on taking the jar of coins into my bank and exchanging the coins for paper money. I will then lay the crisp $100 bill at the bottom of my coin jar and start the process of coin collecting once again.
God does and always has laid different things on my heart--some big, some not so big, but I found this desire to become a coin collector very interesting. I wanted to know just why I was saving these coins. Was it for me? A friend? Someone, whom I've yet to meet? I do have the impression it's to go towards the next Triennial in 3 years. To pay the way for someone. Maybe even me, who knows. I don't know where I will be in 3 years. With my track record of moving about with my husband--I could end up anywhere! I might need the money from this little jar to get me to the next retreat. Or, I might be saving it for someone who needs a little extra help getting there. Whichever God chooses, it is important for me to be obedient--I just know that I need to save my coins--that's how strong this desire has become.
And so, I've been saving. Even my husband had gotten into the game. All spare change goes into my coin jar. I'm almost up to the $100 mark. And then I'm off to the bank. I can hardly wait. Every time I get some change--into the jar it goes. You know what's funny though? I find myself praying over that little jar. Who is this for Lord, who is this for? It's exciting. It's like God and I have a special little secret. And you know what's even funnier? I'm doing a Bible study about secrets! Sacred secrets. Ha! What are the odds? I just love how God works. I love how He teaches me through the simplest of lessons.
A very small task, a small jar of coins, simple obedience for a great big God.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
40 Years With You
You can love just one person your entire life. And for me that one person is you. It always has been from the moment I met you.
I've been thinking a lot about these past 40 years with you. And looking back, nothing in our lives has ever normal. Not us, not ever. I guess I shouldn't have expected it to be. Maybe I should think of us as a little abnormal. Because we are--in a sense. Abnormal. However, I like it that way--for the most part. Some portions I could have done without, but only some. Most have been an adventure. Most have our own stamp on them, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. Although sometimes I do want it to change, I really do. And then other times I think, nah, I like it this way. It's exciting. I change and grow and so do you. Fortunately, we've grown together rather than apart. I think we always will. I can say that now--after all, it's been 40 years. We've got a good track record. Don't you think?
The two of us, all those many years ago--we sure were in love. Everyone could see it, we were meant to be. Made for each other. We didn't fight a lot because we were friends. And out of that friendship grew a deep respect. We talked so much back then and still do. I love that about us--our ability to dissect just about any topic, anytime, anywhere. Face it, we still love to talk. And we are still very much in love.
Anyway, getting back to how different we were/are. Even our wedding was a little bit unlike any others we had attended. My father didn't walk me down the aisle--you did. I wasn't a thing or an object to be given away to anyone. We vowed to be mutually submissive to each other, always friends, always faithful, always in service to our God. Things weren't always easy though, and sometimes they still aren't, but I'm OK with that, are you? I believe that through those hard times, we've learned a lot about each other as well as learning about ourselves. And through that, we've grown. I like that. And I want to continue to grow and change with you.
When our first baby came I thought, hey, maybe we'll be normal now. We owned a home, had a baby and had settled in--but just for a very short time. But, then we were on the move again. It's crazy if you think about it--we've now owned 8 homes. How many more will we buy? Who knows? God. He knows. We trust Him. As He moves us around from city to city, state to state, church to church--we trust Him. Now we do. After many long trials. Now we do. That took time too. Learning to trust Him. Going through trials. Learning to lean on God and each other, helping each other, praying for each other and giving each other that extra grace now and then. And I'm OK with that, are you?
No, normal we are not. But, we are happy. 40 years. It's been fun, exciting, frustrating, scary, adventurous, maddening, exhilarating, and every other positive and/or negative adjective I can think of. I wouldn't change a thing. Even though many of my friends have led conventional lives--same house, city, church etc. I wouldn't change a thing. I have no regrets. I love our not so normal life--most of the time anyway. Don't you?
I look back over the last 40 years and think wow! We made it. We've raised 3 children, and have 6 grandchildren. We still love each other, we're still friends, we even like each other and want to be together. And I can't help but wonder--how many couples can say that? I hope that those who've known us these past 4 decades have seen the sacrifices made, the willingness to press on, the determination to serve others, and to give to each other and those around us. I hope and pray that our children have seen these attributes in our lives as well. I hope we've lived our lives in such a way that they want to emulate us. I truly want for them what we have--yes, it's been that awesome of a life. Normal? No. Fantastic? Yes.
Do you know what I want now? I want another 40 years. Seriously. I want that--40 more years of our kooky, weird, abnormal life. I'd go anywhere with you--you know that right?
So, here's to 40 more years! And thank you from the bottom of my heart for the last 40. No regrets. Just pure thankfulness. All those many years ago I asked God for a man like you--and I got the answer to my prayer--a husband who makes me feel like I'm the only girl in the room, a husband who makes my heart skip a beat, a husband who makes me laugh, a husband who I could never ever thank enough for loving me.
Happy 40th anniversary. I love you with my whole heart. And I always will.
I've been thinking a lot about these past 40 years with you. And looking back, nothing in our lives has ever normal. Not us, not ever. I guess I shouldn't have expected it to be. Maybe I should think of us as a little abnormal. Because we are--in a sense. Abnormal. However, I like it that way--for the most part. Some portions I could have done without, but only some. Most have been an adventure. Most have our own stamp on them, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. Although sometimes I do want it to change, I really do. And then other times I think, nah, I like it this way. It's exciting. I change and grow and so do you. Fortunately, we've grown together rather than apart. I think we always will. I can say that now--after all, it's been 40 years. We've got a good track record. Don't you think?
The two of us, all those many years ago--we sure were in love. Everyone could see it, we were meant to be. Made for each other. We didn't fight a lot because we were friends. And out of that friendship grew a deep respect. We talked so much back then and still do. I love that about us--our ability to dissect just about any topic, anytime, anywhere. Face it, we still love to talk. And we are still very much in love.
Anyway, getting back to how different we were/are. Even our wedding was a little bit unlike any others we had attended. My father didn't walk me down the aisle--you did. I wasn't a thing or an object to be given away to anyone. We vowed to be mutually submissive to each other, always friends, always faithful, always in service to our God. Things weren't always easy though, and sometimes they still aren't, but I'm OK with that, are you? I believe that through those hard times, we've learned a lot about each other as well as learning about ourselves. And through that, we've grown. I like that. And I want to continue to grow and change with you.
When our first baby came I thought, hey, maybe we'll be normal now. We owned a home, had a baby and had settled in--but just for a very short time. But, then we were on the move again. It's crazy if you think about it--we've now owned 8 homes. How many more will we buy? Who knows? God. He knows. We trust Him. As He moves us around from city to city, state to state, church to church--we trust Him. Now we do. After many long trials. Now we do. That took time too. Learning to trust Him. Going through trials. Learning to lean on God and each other, helping each other, praying for each other and giving each other that extra grace now and then. And I'm OK with that, are you?
No, normal we are not. But, we are happy. 40 years. It's been fun, exciting, frustrating, scary, adventurous, maddening, exhilarating, and every other positive and/or negative adjective I can think of. I wouldn't change a thing. Even though many of my friends have led conventional lives--same house, city, church etc. I wouldn't change a thing. I have no regrets. I love our not so normal life--most of the time anyway. Don't you?
I look back over the last 40 years and think wow! We made it. We've raised 3 children, and have 6 grandchildren. We still love each other, we're still friends, we even like each other and want to be together. And I can't help but wonder--how many couples can say that? I hope that those who've known us these past 4 decades have seen the sacrifices made, the willingness to press on, the determination to serve others, and to give to each other and those around us. I hope and pray that our children have seen these attributes in our lives as well. I hope we've lived our lives in such a way that they want to emulate us. I truly want for them what we have--yes, it's been that awesome of a life. Normal? No. Fantastic? Yes.
Do you know what I want now? I want another 40 years. Seriously. I want that--40 more years of our kooky, weird, abnormal life. I'd go anywhere with you--you know that right?
So, here's to 40 more years! And thank you from the bottom of my heart for the last 40. No regrets. Just pure thankfulness. All those many years ago I asked God for a man like you--and I got the answer to my prayer--a husband who makes me feel like I'm the only girl in the room, a husband who makes my heart skip a beat, a husband who makes me laugh, a husband who I could never ever thank enough for loving me.
Happy 40th anniversary. I love you with my whole heart. And I always will.
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